Coalition against Corruption to be launched tomorrow

Tuesday, 30 October 2012 00:25 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A Coalition will be formed on Wednesday, 31 October, to fight against corruption in the country.

For the first time in history, representatives of trade unions, civil society organisations, academics, media personnel, artistes, and the public will meet at the New Town Hall, Colombo 7, to form the Coalition against Corruption.

All major trade union federations and civil society organisations have pledged their support.

The organisers of the Coalition invite the public to attend the launch event.

The formation of the Coalition has been facilitated by Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) at the request of several trade unions.

It was revealed that although trade unions and other organisations have been active in relation to governance issues and revealing corrupt activities, the impact has not been felt since there had hardly been a collective voice. The activists have been threatened and sometimes even manhandled, resulting in creating a sense of fear among trade union leaders.

TISL is confident that such a coalition will help to strengthen the hand of trade unions. The necessary knowledge and tools will be given by TISL, which will enable the trade unions to plan more effective action to combat corruption. Persons with expert knowledge on integrity, governance, and accountability will be invited to help in this task.

After the initial discussion with officials of around 20 organisations, an Action Committee was formed to do the spadework in forming the Coalition.