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Sunday Dec 22, 2024
Monday, 22 October 2018 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has revealed the five idols selected by the panel of judges for Integrity Idol 2018, a first of its kind endeavour in Sri Lanka, which seeks to ‘Name and Fame’ those in the public service who go above and beyond the call of duty to serve the nation with integrity.
The public will be able to vote for their Integrity Idol by SMS from Friday, 19 October to 12 noon on Thursday, 1 November. Videos of each Integrity Idol are available on www.integrityidol.lk.
Nominations for Integrity Idol were accepted between 12 June and 31 July 2018, following a press, electronic and social media campaign. As at the deadline, TISL had received over 300 nominations nominating 207 individuals from across nearly all 25 districts in the country.
A unique feature of Integrity Idol, which has been successfully concluded in several countries including Nepal, Pakistan, South Africa and Nigeria is public engagement, whereby, after the judges select the five idols, the public are provided an opportunity to vote for their Integrity Idol.
The title of ‘Winner of Integrity Idol 2018’ will be conferred on the Idol with the most votes from the public at the grand finalé. The finalé will be held on 3 November 2018 at Stein Studios in Ratmalana, under the auspices of the Chief Guest, Deshamanya Dr. Radhika Coomaraswamy.
The panel of judges comprised retired Deputy Auditor General M.D.A. Harold, retired Supreme Court Justice and former Chairman of CIABOC Ameer Ismail, retired Deputy Auditor General and National Integrity Award winner Lalith Ambanwala, Investigative Journalist Thusitha Pitigala and Civil Activist Maithreyi Rajasingam.
Following a rigorous shortlisting process and in-person interviews, the judges have selected the following five serving public officials as the Integrity Idols for 2018:
1. Inoka Kulathunga – Administrative Officer (Land Registration), Kandy Municipal Council
A public administrator with a proven track record, Kulathunga has achieved many awards and accolades for herself and the divisions she has served throughout her career. As an auditor, she has been responsible for strengthening accountability and flagging corruption within the Kandy Municipal Council and the Central Province, at times at detriment to the advancement of her career. However, she remains steadfast in upholding her values. SMS – IDOL
2. Kamani Asoka De Silva – Senior Nurse, Kandy Teaching Hospital
De Silva is no stranger to the values of self-sacrifice, integrity, honesty and hard work. Over her many years of service, De Silva has distinguished herself with the highlight being the establishment of the Cancer ‘Suwa Sahana’ fund for underprivileged patients. From thinking outside the box to ensure better levels of care for her patients to raising awareness among the public on the impact of cancer, De Silva is a role model for those in the health sector. SMS – IDOL
3. P. Karunarathna Bandara – Divisional Education Director, Thambuttegama Division
An education administrator with integrity, Bandara stood up against the highest political authority in his province when he was asked to carry out an activity that violated department regulations. He was subsequently transferred but uncompromising on his principles, Bandara took the matter to the Supreme Court where the court ruled in his favour. A glimpse at his career as a school principal too reflects his dedication to public service. SMS – IDOL
4. Upul Indrajith - Assistant Director (Western Province), Department of Wildlife Conservation
Committed to protecting the fauna of our country, Indrajith has achieved many accomplishments over his career. From establishing a wildlife office in Mirissa for the protection of marine mammals to standing against racketeering in the trading of elephants, Indrajith has proved himself a force for good within the department despite the pressures faced as a result of his integrity. SMS – IDOL
5. Dr. Wasantha Dissanayake – Director (Private Health Development Sector), Ministry of Health
A professional who is dedicated to his work, Dr. Dissanayake has been an asset to the health sector in the country over his career. While serving at the Maharagama Cancer Hospital, Dr. Dissanayake was responsible for tackling negligent practices in the treatment of patients. In 27 years of service, Dr. Dissanayake has never engaged in a strike action, believing that his primary duty is to his patients. SMS – IDOL
