dailynews
 ONLINE


OTHER PUBLICATIONS


OTHER LINKS

Marriage Proposals
Classified
Government Gazette

Let not the State's tax arm be withered

IT IS with an overpowering sense of outrage that the Lankan public is likely to react to the news that corruption scandals are now rocking no less a State institution than the Inland Revenue Department. As reported by us yesterday, a Value added Tax fraud to the tune of Rs. 357 million, involving a former official of the Inland Revenue Department and a businessman, is currently being probed by the authorities with the CID playing a lead role in the investigations.

Thus is the leading tax institution of the State in a dark cloud of ignominy. We are likely to hear the rejoinder that the case has to be proved beyond all reasonable doubt in court, but the fact that even a shadow of doubt could be cast on some personnel in so vital a State body, is a sad commentary on the state of our purportedly accountable institutions.

For, in times past the Inland Revenue Department was considered a citadel of unimpeachable ethical conduct. Its personnel were looked upon as the standard bearers of scrupulousness and honesty-matching in ethical stature institutions such as the judiciary of the land.

However, it is difficult to ignore the truth which is staring us in the face so overpoweringly that far too many accountable State institutions, which play a crucial role in the up-keep of the country and the people, are now falling victim to the withering blight of corruption. It is a matter of immense regret that far too many highly-placed public officials are coming under the mournful cloud of financial misdoings. This alone is a national tragedy which is crying out to be addressed.

The corruption phenomenon is a highly complex one and it needs to be conceded that simple answers cannot be found to it. However, we believe that if such cases are expeditiously and rigorously dealt with in our courts, a considerable dent could be made in the nagging weight which is corruption.

We believe those found guilty of corrupt practices should be required to pay an exceedingly high price for their dark deeds, if we are to make some progress in the fight against corruption. Everyone accused of corruption should be quickly brought to justice but it must be ensured that the "due process of law" does not take an inordinately long period of time.

It is with increasing bewilderment that we also note the continuing in office of some top public officials facing corruption charges. This amounts to perverting the spirit of accountability. True, everyone accused of wrong-doings should be presumed innocent until proved guilty, but public office and life is seriously devalued when such persons are allowed to continue in their positions while facing corruption charges.

We believe such persons should be called on to renounce public office until the conclusion of the due process of law. If this condition is not met, the State could be accused of winking at wrong-doing and corruption. We are certain that this is not the light in which the State would want to be regarded.

So, it is our plea that no quarter be given to corruption. Let us not be complacent on this score. The State needs to be proactively involved in curbing corruption. For instance, the Corruption and Bribery Commission needs to be in the forefront of this campaign.

It should be the responsibility of the State to ensure that the Commission is sufficiently strengthened for this purpose. The same goes for the Police and other relevant agencies of the State.

As for the Inland Revenue Department, it needs to seriously consider weeding out the weeds and chaff in its fold. Its personnel should be famous once again for their unimpeachable integrity.

EMAIL |   PRINTABLE VIEW | FEEDBACK

www.lassanaflora.com
www.peaceinsrilanka.org
www.helpheroes.lk/

| News | Editorial | Financial | Features | Political | Security | Sport | World | Letters | Obituaries | News Feed |

Produced by Lake House Copyright � 2006 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.

Comments and suggestions to : Web Editor