“It is no easy task for any civil society organization to continue with an event of this nature in an environment of suppression of civil liberties – particularly, when media freedom and free engagement of civil society is threatened,” said TISL Executive Director, J C Weliamuna in his welcome address at the presentation of trhe National Integrity Award 2009.
“We as an organisation that stands firmly for integrity has always been optimistic that one day – sooner than later – there will be sufficient democratic space for individuals and organisations with integrity to make Sri Lanka a truly working democracy,” he added.
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Welcome address by Executive Director, TISL – J C Weliamuna
Your Excellencies, Judges, Venerable Sirs, our Chief Guest Arvind Kejriwal, Members of Parliament, Special Invitees, university students, ladies and gentlemen.
It is no easy task for any civil society organization to continue with an event of this nature in an environment of suppression of civil liberties – particularly, when media freedom and free engagement of civil society is threatened. We as an organisation that stands firmly for integrity has always been optimistic that one day – sooner than later – there will be sufficient democratic space for individuals and organisations with integrity to make Sri Lanka a truly working democracy.
The first ever international Integrity Award Winner Lasantha Wickramatunga, was brutally murdered in broad daylight on 7th January this year. Another Integrity Award winner, Poddala Jayantha, was forced to live in exile due to real threats on his life. Let us hope that there will be at least fair, transparent and independent investigations by law enforcement authorities – at least now. We know that the only crime they committed is to expose corruption at high levels. This leaves the question whether this country at this juncture is serious about fighting against corruption. Our constitution and other legal instruments guarantee all the possible liberties.
This reminds me of the great economist, Amathya Sen, Nobel Laureate who says: “Democracy does not serve as an automatic remedy of ailments as quinine works to remedy malaria. The opportunity it opens up has to be positively grabbed in order to achieve the desired effect. This is of course a basic feature of freedom in general – much depends on how freedoms are actually exercised.”
UN Anti Corruption day is celebrated in Sri Lanka at a time warranting serious commitments from Leadership to eradicate corruption. What is required is not mere lip service or futile promises by politicians, who have failed so far to lead this country free of corruption. Our international obligations under the UNCAC, our constitutional obligations to establish good governance and our moral obligations to establish integrity within and around us are all interwoven.
Today, it is fitting to remind ourselves of a few common features of a serious and successful anti-corruption agendas put in place in other countries – I shall give five basics of those countries:
1. Transparency in public affairs including policy making and implementation (including its public finance sector) 2. Effective investigations and rigorous prosecution of any corrupt individuals and rejecting impunity – be it politicians, their families, cronies, powerful individuals, businessmen, clergy, or members of any organ of the country – if they are corrupt
3. Encourage a free and fair political environment (in terms of electoral systems and elections) while ensuring accountability of political party finance
4. Reforming to make administration simple and understandable while creating a credible civil service
5. Encouraging individuals, civil society and media to challenge corruption and be engaged in governance work
We, the adults of have not moulded our country for the youth and for the next generation to live in an environment of integrity. Fortunately we have committed, uncorrupt youth from all parts of the country who are willing at any time to challenge corruption and commit themselves to build a nation of integrity. I urge you all, inside and outside this hall not to corrupt our youth and to learn from them to get rid of corruption from our society.
Finally, I welcome all of you to join with the family of Transparency International Sri Lanka to celebrate UN anti-corruption day. Particular thanks to our Chief Guest Mr.Arvind Kejiriwal, Justice Ameer Ismail, the Integrity Award panel of judges, Judges of the Anti-corruption Assignment Competition and other distinguished guests.
Thank you for your presence and enjoy the rest of programme.