A Coalition will be launched next week to fight against corruption in Sri Lanka. Representatives of Trade Unions, Civil Society Organizations, Academics, Media personnel, Artistes and the Public will meet at the New Town Hall, Colombo 07 on Wednesday, 31 October to formally launch the Coalition against Corruption.
“Corruption in Sri Lanka is widespread and rampant. Corruption has affected both public and private sectors. We need a single organization raising a single voice to fight against corruption,” a spokesman for the Coalition’s Action Committee said.
All the major trade union federations and civil society organizations have pledged their support, he added.
At the initial discussions held about forming a coalition, it was revealed that although trade unions and other organizations have been active in relation to governance issues and revealing corrupt activities, the impact has not been felt since there had hardly been a collective voice. The activists have been threatened and sometimes even manhandled resulting in creating a sense of fear among trade union leaders.
It was felt that such a coalition will help to strengthen the hand of trade unions and that it will enable the trade unions to plan more effective action to combat corruption. Persons with expert knowledge on integrity, governance and accountability will be invited to help in this task.
After the initial discussion with officials of around twenty organizations, an Action Committee was formed to do the spadework in forming a Coalition.
For Further details please call Saman Rathnapriya 0777268850, Thilak Kariyawasam 0773273651, Muditha Karunamuni 0712287497