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Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has welcomed the move by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to introduce a code of ethics for members of the UNP while also acknowledging the suspension of four errant local government politicians from party activities.

Transparency International says it is concerned with the serious allegations of misconduct often made against politicians , especially with some of the cabinet and non-cabinet Ministers whose serious misbehaviour has been reported in the media over the past few months.

TISL also notes with regret the serious nature of allegations made against some of the Ministers such as bribery, corruption, nepotism, favouritism and obstructing the public administrators in the performance of their duties. In addition, there has been deep public concern as to the deplorable state of certain parliamentarians' behaviour within Parliament itself. As an organisation, raising systemic issues of corruption rather than individual cases, we do not wish to name and shame those who are allegedly responsible for this situation.

Politicians specially the Ministers, being part of two organs of the government, namely the executive and the legislature, are expected to set an example to society and to other political actors by maintaining the dignity and the decorum of their respective positions.

Allegations against ministers and silence to investigate such allegations in a transparent manner tarnish the credibility of any government.

The ethical values of these highly political positions need to be protected if democracy in Sri Lanka is to be sustained. This goal cannot become reality under the present legal framework, unless the political parties themselves discipline their members. according to the statement signed by TISL Executive Director J.C. Weliamuna.

However, TISL noted with sense of relief an attempt made by the Prime Minister in the recent past to introduce a code of ethics for the members of his political party. We also acknowledge that the Prime Minister's party has suspended four errant politicians at local government level.

However, TISL strongly believes that the mere commitment of political leadership or dealing with politicians of local government level will not suffice, in the absence of demonstrable strong actions being taken against such misbehaving Ministers, the statement adds.

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