SL long way to go in reducing corruption

International Anti-Corruption Day which is celebrated each year on 9 December falls today. 2023 marks the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), a statement of the global community’s determination to fight corruption in all of its forms, everywhere. Sri Lanka is a signatory of the Convention, having signed and ratified it in March 2004. Though globally there has been significant strides toward eliminating corruption with elevation and addressing of corruption and illicit financial flows to integral parts of global, regional, and national development plans and processes, Sri Lanka continues to be plagued by rampant corruption with apathy by both State and private sectors in addressing with very serious issues making the situation worse.

Sri Lanka’s ranking in Transparency International’s 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index stands at 101 out of 180 countries and has remained at a low score for over a decade.

The International Monetary Fund in a corruption diagnostic report on Sri Lanka released in August this year highlighted the widespread nature of corruption, despite which there is little or no punishment for those involved.

“While corruption vulnerabilities appear to permeate Sri Lankan revenue administration, there appears to be little, if any, accountability, or consequence for such actions,” the IMF reports said. It added that there is virtually no culture of integrity observed, with corruption allegedly found at every level – including top management. “In fact, promotions are almost exclusively based on seniority with no regard to merit, skill, or leadership ability, or whether the person has compromised integrity in any way,” the report added.

These findings are damning and enough for any citizen of this country to hang their heads in shame. Such findings are why Government authorities need to do a great deal more if anyone is to believe they are serious about putting a full stop to corruption.

In July, Parliament passed the Anti-Corruption Act. It is a positive development and has been welcomed both locally and internationally, but most people are sceptical over its implementation.

There has never been a dearth of laws in the country to deal with corruption but what has always been lacking are sincere efforts to implement such laws. Public trust in both politicians and police is at a dismal level in the country. 

The so-called free services that are on offer to the public, including health and education, have become two sectors where corruption is rife. From hefty donations demanded from parents to admit a child to a Government school as well as collection of other forms of donations throughout the school years, education is far from free for many students. The health sector is even worse with many patients complaining over having to offer “something” at various levels to expedite access to the medical services. Departments such as the Registration of Motor Vehicles, Customs, etc. too are often in the news for all the wrong reasons. 

The public often point the finger at politicians, but they alone are not to blame for this situation. Public officials are equally complicit as well as those in the private sectors who do little to discourage corruption with some using their positions to profit from systemic weaknesses.

The malady of corruption in the country is spread to all parts of the country that it seems almost incurable. Whatever laws Parliament passes, they will not suffice to eliminate or even drastically reduce corruption in the country. This can only be done if there is commitment from all sectors of society in addressing this issue which is hindering the development of the country and leading to the philphering of millions that should rightfully be invested in the country.