Wide ranging complaints to TISL’s ‘Shelter for Integrity’

Complaints ranging from fraud, bribery and blackmail to corruption and malpractice in the workplace have been made to the ‘Shelter for Integrity’, Transparency International Sri Lanka’s (TISL) advocacy and legal advice centre, regularly.

The centre has received over 500 complaints in the past few months. While many of them are currently being pursued, more than 40% of them have been successfully resolved.

A large number of these complaints stem from concerns regarding mismanagement of land deeds, non-issuance of permits, illegal sale of State land, and unlawful occupation of land. In these instances, clients are advised of appropriate avenues to rectify irregularities and seek redress.

The Shelter for Integrity has received positive feedback from Government agencies which is appreciated and supports its work. Moreover, following referral by TISL, state bodies, including the Human Rights Commission, Child Protection Authority and Railway department, have initiated investigations regarding corruption-related complaints.

The centre provides the public with the opportunity to seek legal advice free of charge when they have experienced corruption while obtaining a service from a State institution.

Information on available mechanisms to pursue complaints is made known to the complainants and the centre also mediates between State institutions and complainants in order to find lasting solutions to grievances.

The Shelter for Integrity was launched in April 2012 in Colombo and following its success, a branch office was opened in Batticaloa in October 2012. The second branch was opened recently. Each office offers face-to-face free legal advice and a hotline is operated to give advice on call.