TISL honours exemplary public servants with Integrity Icon awards

From left: Transparency International Sri Lanka Chairperson Pulasthi Hewamanna, with Award winners – Elpitiya Base Hospital Nursing Officer Prathibani Sri Wijayanthi Molligoda, Valikamam East Kopay Divisional Secretariat Divisional Secretary Subagini Mathiyalagan, Valikamam South West Sandilipay Divisional Secretariat Divisional Secretary Yasotha Uthayakumar, District Base Hospital Rikillagaskada and District Director of Health Services Nuwara Eliya Medical Superintendent Wijewardane Abeywickrama Nishshanka, Ambalangoda MOH Office Additional Medical Officer of Health Nalin Prasanna Wijesekara, Chief Guest Finance Commission Chairman Sumith Abeysinghe and Transparency International Sri Lanka Executive Director Nadishani Perera at the Transparency International Sri Lanka Integrity Icons 2022/23 Awards – Pic by Ruwan Walpola

Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) yesterday hosted the grand finale of Integrity Icon Sri Lanka (IISL) 2022/23 honouring exemplary public servants.

The event served as a platform to acknowledge and applaud civil servants who demonstrate exceptional integrity, unwavering dedication, and strong moral values in their professional undertakings. 

In collaboration with Accountability Lab, the fifth consecutive instalment of IISL was organised, felicitating honest public officials who make service to the people their foremost priority. 

Originated in Nepal in 2014, the Integrity Icon initiative has now been adopted in 12 countries, including Sri Lanka. 

Five outstanding public officials who were conferred the prestigious ‘Integrity Icon’ title were: 1. Subagini Mathiyalagan, Divisional Secretary, Divisional Secretariat, Valikamam East, Kopay; 2. Wijewardane Abeywickrama Nishshanka, Medical Superintendent, District Base Hospital Rikillagaskada, and District Director of Health Services, Nuwara Eliya; 3. Yasotha Uthayakumar, Divisional Secretary, Divisional Secretariat, Valikamam South West, Sandilipay; 4. Prathibani Sri Wijayanthi Molligoda, Nursing Officer, Base Hospital, Elpitiya and 5. Nalin Prasanna Wijesekara, Additional Medical Officer of Health, MOH Office, Ambalangoda. 

These exceptional individuals were honoured with commemorative mementos, and they inspired the gathering by sharing their own stories. The top 12 finalists were recognised with certificates for their dedication and social contribution. 

TISL said the meticulous seven-month process involved in-person and virtual interviews, conducted by a distinguished five-judge panel comprising: Retired Senior Civil Servant Austin Fernando, Retired Senior Civil Servant S. Thillai Nadaraja, Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement and Sri Lanka Medical Association President Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne, Peace and Women’s Rights Activist Shreen Saroor, and The Asia Foundation, Sri Lanka Justice and Gender Programs Director Dr. Ramani Jayasundere,. 

Nominees were assessed for their positive impact, accomplishments, and sacrifices while overcoming multifaceted challenges. Their ability to navigate personal, professional, and social hurdles to effect positive change, and their initiatives for societal well-being, were evaluated during the selection process. 

Public servants with a proven track record of at least five years of service, and have at least five years remaining until retirement, were eligible to participate in IISL 2022/23. The program welcomed third-party nominations as well as self-nominations. 

Sumith Abeysinghe, a distinguished senior public official currently serving as the Finance Commission Chairman, graced the event as the Chief Guest. In his address to the audience, he said: “Integrity remains the cornerstone of effective governance, and events like Integrity Icon underscore the vital role it plays in shaping our nation’s progress. It is heartening to witness these exemplary public servants, who stand as beacons of moral leadership. Their commitment to transparency and service serves as an inspiration to all of us.” 

Reflecting on the significance of the occasion TISL Executive Director Nadishani Perera said: “Integrity Icons stand as a testament to the power of ethical leadership in transforming our society. These dedicated public officials demonstrate that genuine service goes hand in hand with integrity. As we celebrate their achievements, let us remember that their impact extends far beyond this event – they pave the way for a brighter future free of corruption.” 

IISL 2022/23, a transformative endeavour by TISL, seeks to encourage public officials committed to integrity, resisting corruption, and upholding their duty with unwavering honesty. By fostering a national conversation about the changes required in the public service, the initiative aims to contribute to a more transparent and efficient governance system in Sri Lanka. The recognition and promotion of the winners as role models seek to inspire a conscientious future leadership for Sri Lanka.