TISL urges an assessment of tsunami reconstruction process

THE Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) an organisation against corruption has urged for an assessment of the tsunami reconstruction process and identification of constraints and vulnerabilities of it.

The Transparency International Sri Lanka in a press release states as follows:

Tsunami disaster occurred at a time when Sri Lanka was facing critical governance issues, including poor parliamentary oversight of public finance, a defunct Bribery Commission, the absence of Right to Information Act, lack of interest by the Government in creating a support network with civil society organisations, and poor capacity to utilise the annual foreign aid pledged.

Though there are marginal improvements, such as the reactivation of the Bribery Commission, since the tsunami disaster, the Government is yet to show a clear commitment to ensure transparent and accountable culture. Political agendas dominated the post tsunami period rather than rebuilding the nation.

With the objective of enhancing accountability and transparency in the process, TISL initiated several large scale projects: "Tsunami Response' to mobilise civil society and assess community feedback on the progress of rehabilitation work and value for Money Appraisal in Post-Tsunami Reconstruction.

Further, the Media Analysis of Post-Tsunami Reportage and an Idea Competition for generating anti-corruption tragedies in the post-tsunami process from the public of Sri Lanka dealt with issues relating to post-tsunami rehabilitation and reconstruction process.

Through some of our activities work we observed a general lack of interest upon co-operation amongst most organisations and individuals in issues of transparency and accountability in relation to their work.

At the first anniversary of the disaster we commenced the Auditor General's Department of issuing the Interim Report on the Losses and Damages caused to Sri Lanka by the Tsunami Disaster on June 30. The report highlights several key loopholes and obstacles faced in the tsunami related auditing process.

For example the Auditor General had to rely on media reports on the total receipt of funds by the Government also the Central Bank did not respond to his request seeking information.

At this stage, TISL reiterates the fact that prerequisite for minimising corruption should be a participatory and transparent approach.