“The lack of proper and good governance in a country leads to social and economic problems. Law and order fail and human rights are violated. Social injustice prevails.” So said the acting District Secretary – Galle, Bandula Harischandra at the launch of TISL publication ‘Handbook of Local Governance’ at the Yakkalamulla Pradesheeya Sabha PS) on 12 January 2012.
He added that bribery and corruption should be minimised and the right to information should be made meaningful.
The launch ceremony was attended by the author of the Handbook & Resource person, Piyasena Ranasinghe – former Chief Secretary, Sabaragamuwa Provincial Secretary, Southern Provincial Council member- Sisira Kumara, Ambalangoda Urban Council Chairman – Aruna Pradeeep, Yakkalamulla PS Chairman – Chandima Liyanage, PS members, public officials and the general public.
The Handbook was presented to the acting District Secretary and other distinguished guests by TISL Senior Manager Shan Wijethunga and Integrity Promoting Officer Dilshan Weerasinghe.
Speaking further, Mr Harischandrta said that an individual does not depend entirely on corrupt practices to earn his living. Neither is bribery his only source of income. He stressed that there are ways and means of leading them on the right path.
Pointing out that an ideal state with integrity would be the Kethumati kingdom, he said that even though some may say it’s only a dream-land, there are countries where bribery and corruption is at minimal levels. He referred to the Corruption Index released by Transparency International annually and described Finland, Denmark and New Zealand, the top-ranking countries as such dream-lands.
“Recently I read a news item in a newspaper about a minister who had returned from a foreign tour and returned all the money he took since he had been staying with friends and relations and there was no need to spend State funds. He has set a fine example. The minister concerned is Hon. Vasudeva Nanayakkara. However, the news item was published in an inside page of the newspaper,” he said.
Emphasising that such actions by persons who act with responsibility should be given due prominence, he said that such information helps a great deal in promoting good governance.
Southern Provincial Council member, Sisira Kumara pledged his fullest cooperation in promoting good governance in the provincial administration.
Endorsing Mr Kumara’s statement, Yakkalamulla PS Chairman Chaminda Liyanage said that the TISL mission in promoting good governance will be supported fully.