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Cracking the whip on irregularities

Getting a 'cut' or exacting commissions and kickbacks in financial deals is so common in some sections in this country that corruption has come to be viewed by many as a way of life in Sri Lanka. We could be glad that President Mahinda Rajapaksa is facing-up squarely to this reality. A couple of days back he told senior public servants that failure on their part to crack the whip on corruption and other irregularities in the state sector is helping to foster the notion among some that Sri Lanka is a 'failed state.'

This is plain-speaking and we hope it would have the desired effect. The idea of Sri Lanka being a 'failed state' is a highly sensitive issue and a controversial one but it has no solid foundation in reality because this country is on a strong revival track and it could by no means be relegated to the dark realms of those Third World states which are appalling failures in every conceivable respect. Nevertheless, if no remedial action is taken swiftly against the cancer of corruption and financial mismanagement, this country could substantiate the claim that it too is a 'failed state' and it is this possibility that the President is underscoring with his remarks on the need for accountability in the public sector.

Corruption has been with us from 'time immemorial' and could be seen, to some extent, as endemic, but this could not be made an excuse to condone it and to do nothing about it. Corruption or financial sleaze must be stopped in its tracks and this could be done best by Heads of institutions. Besides, they must not be besmirched by the blight of corruption and financial irregularities. They must prove to be above the damning malaise. Personal examples of living 'clean' could have a restraining impact on the larger society.

Moreover, the systems and structures need to be in place to check financial corruption and other iniquities that tend to debilitate state and other institutions. 'Department Heads' should take it on themselves to forge these systems and ensure that they are effective and result-oriented. The positive examples and the initiatives to put things right must come from 'the top.'

The virtual watchdog bodies in this context, COPE and PAC, do a considerable amount of good work on putting things right in the state sector, but their recommendations and prescriptions need to be closely followed by the institutions concerned.

The mechanisms on enforcing the directives of these watchdog bodies must be greatly strengthened, if this has not been done already.

The sad truth is that this country is yet to make any notable headway in the direction of curbing corruption. The institutional set-up is in place to address the question, but except for some personnel, none of the other possibly culpable persons seem to be subjected to the accountability procedures. Those members of the public who cry 'foul' need to go the whole hog, as it were, and submit the necessary evidence to enable the relevant authorities to deal with the blight of financial embezzlement and other blights. Some bold moves in this direction seem to be needed. But these petitioners need to enjoy substantial legal and other forms of protection too.

However, to the extent possible, the accountability procedures need to be introduced and enforced. 'Clean' and elegant living must be the guiding norms of the country, whatever the challenges to living up to these ideals may be. We need to consider that economic globalization and market economics, although practised universally, have opened the flood-gates to corruption in its numerous forms. Obviously, this economic ethos needs to be scrutinized closely, subjected to a constructive critique, and subjected to some rational controls, which would facilitate ethical living while ensuring the necessary economic freedoms.

This country is heir to a culture that attaches top priority to cooperative living and social solidarity. These values need to be continually reinforced because corruption and sleaze are sure indicators that society is increasingly gravitating towards selfish and self-centred living. It is time to revisit our traditional values. These need to be made the enduring foundations of our existence.

Commitment as a key to national success - Part II:

The morale factor in national rejuvenation

One of the critical success factors in any undertaking involves the optimism, self-belief and confidence that people bring to it. The power of positive thinking is such that it can make even impossible tasks seem achievable. When coupled with a clear vision of what needs to be done, positive thinking can accomplish almost anything,

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The Human Dimension

Our elderly - they are not a burden but a blessing...

I read in the newspaper the other day that a family of well-employed brothers and sisters had been warned of legal action by the state for the neglect of their mother, now aged and hapless. It was not the kind of news I liked to have during breakfast.

Full Story

International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance for Mine Action today:

Mine Action - Sri Lanka’s success story

As per ‘The National Strategy for Mine Action in Sri Lanka 2010’ by the Economic Development Ministry mentioned, it could take another 10 years to clear the mine-contaminated land in the North and East of Sri Lanka, although it could be completed well before 2020 at the current progress being made since 2002.

Full Story

 

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