Recognising fighters against corruption

Way back in 2002, a Superintendent in the Auditor-General’s Department had a traumatic experience in Kandy. He faced an acid attack for trying to do an honest job. Two years later he was awarded the National Integrity Award in recognition of his fearless service in attempting to curb corruption in Sri Lanka. Ten years after the attack, seven accused in the case were sentenced by the Kandy High Court from 10 to 20 years hard labour after they were found guilty of throwing acid and conspiracy to kill.

The victim, Audit Superintendent Lalith Ambanwela, described the judgement as “a victory gained by Government servants on behalf of good governance” rather than a personal victory.

I recalled the story after reading a notice on the website of Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) calling for applications for the National Integrity Award (NIA) for 2015. The presentation of the award is held to coincide with the UN Anti-Corruption Day which falls on 9 December. Doing a stint with TISL, I was closely involved with the planning and execution of its flagship event for several years.

Ambanwela fittingly became the winner in the year TISL launched the prestigious award as part of its effort to curb bribery and corruption, and promote integrity and good governance. Along with him, investigative journalist Poddala Jayantha was a co-winner for bravely exposing instances of bribery and corruption in the public service. A few years later he had to pay the penalty for his bravery when he was mercilessly assaulted by a gang. Narrowly escaping death, he fled the country and sought refuge in America to save his life. He was also recognised for his forthrightness at a global level when Transparency International selected him as winner of the Global Integrity Award.

Transparency International, the global coalition against corruption, created the Integrity Award in 2000 to recognise the courage and determination of the many individuals and organisations fighting corruption. The national chapters send in names of their nominees for the selection of the winner(s). Nominated by TISL, former Editor Lasantha Wickrematunge was a winner in the inaugural year. 

Past NIA winners include courageous and fearless public officials, brave investigative journalists and forthright trade unionists. Among the early winners was the respected Auditor General, barefooted S.C. Mayadunne. The award has been presented posthumously too in a couple of instances. Outstation journalists, trade unionists and community organisations have won the award.

Nominations have to be made by a third party (individual or organisation) with the approval of the nominee. Self-nominations are not accepted. Individuals and organisations that have undertaken action(s) that are likely to significantly combat, or have a significant impact on reducing or eliminating corruption in Sri Lanka are eligible candidates for the award.

An independent panel of judges is appointed every year by TISL to select the winners.

Applications for this year’s NIA closed on 5 October.