|
Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) notes with grave concern the attempt by the Government to rush through the 18th Amendment to the Constitution by presenting it as an urgent Bill in Parliament. By doing so the people have been deprived of the opportunity to discuss and debate a matter of vital importance.
Immigration and Emigration Department, one of the Sri Lanka’s best government institutions has taken a further step towards efficiency by issuing a passport within a hour after the office opens. The Department opens at 8.30 a.m. And the first passport used to be issued after one hour.
“The countries which succeeded in minimizing corruption achieved it not only by imposing heavy fines and regulations but by relaxing rigid procedures and adopting simpler formats. These simple steps will pay rich dividends in the fight against corruption”, says TISL Executive Director J.C.Weliamuna.
“Persons who get caught taking bribes are not only penalised under the law but the society too rejects them. Public officials should not only refrain from taking bribes or indulge in other corrupt practices but also act with responsibility towards minimizing bribery and corruption.
Business Leaders, Professionals, and Academics commended TISL’s private Sector Integrity Coalition to promote transparency and good governance in the Private Sector and urged more stakeholders in to the coalition.
Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) is implementing its newest project funded by European Union (EU) to enhance the demand for accountability in Local Governance in three districts – Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Ampara.
“Education is not only a human right and constitutional requirement but also a vehicle for poverty reduction. We must encourage our children to attend schools without fail.”This was stressed at a parents gathering organized by Transparency International Sri Lanka in Agarathanne, Passara.
A successful two-day workshop on improving the quality of Education in the Plantation Schools in the Passara Zone’ was held on 12th and 13th July 2010 by Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL at the Pelgahatenna Management Training Centre.
“Though security threats, anti-NGO sentiments and media attacks loomed large over for the past several months, we managed to overcome these obstacles and continue our efforts to promote accountability, good governance and integrity in the country,” said TISL Executive Director J.C.Weliamuna addressing the TISL Members’ Day held at Global Towers on 30th June 2010.
TISL recently initiated a programme to educate the media and the Public on the Right to Information (RTI) on the importance of RTI in upholding democratic rule.
