TISL Regrets non-commitment of leading candidates to fight corruption

Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) by open letter dated 20th Sept 2005 requested the two leading candidates (Prime Minister and Opposition Leader) to declare their positions on five important issues affecting the country and to commit themselves to ensure credible governance with integrity.

The five main points are Introducing a merit based appointment system to Statutory Corporations, Boards and other key high posts, devoid of political patronage Commitment to introduce a National Anti-Corruption Agenda.

Commitment to make parliamentary oversight effective. Minimizing waste and extravaganza in public expenditure. Trimming down of jumbo Cabinet.

TISL regrets to note that the two leading candidates have not yet explained their positions on any of these issues, a TISL news release said.

We urge both candidates contending to lead the country, to be fair by the voters and respond to the public call on these issues. Silence on these issues would only mean they have no concern for integrity in governance, setting a dangerous example to the people they intend to lead.

In public interest we demand a response to the issues raised by TISL. TISL is pleased to note that the UNP Manifesto promises to eradicate corruption.

But going on the contents therein, the party does not seem to have understood corruption in the true form as prevailing in this country. As for the UPFA Manifesto, it has not disclosed any measures at all to curb corruption in Sri Lanka.

Therefore, even at this 11th hour, we urge both candidates to the fair by the voters and respond to the five pints set out above, as they are of high interest to the public in the quest of establishing a country with integrity.