The Award of Excellence created by TISL this year recognizes persons for their lifetime of commitment to the promotion of integrity, being eminent persons in their chosen fields of work, who are true role models.
It was posthumously awarded to the highly respected member of the judiciary, Justice Mark Fernando at the NIA 2011 presentation.
Explaining the significance of the Award, TISL Executive Director, Dr Wijaya Jayatilaka said:
“The NIA is in its 8th year.
“Last year the winner of the NIA was Mr. Sujith Prasanna Perera. His work at the Customs Department was extremely courageous and inspiring, but was brought to the limelight 10 years after his brutal murder. He did pay with his life for the work he did, fighting corruption within his own institution. We did have an award of appreciation last year of the work undertaken by Maulavi Hathiathulla of Kinniya, Trincomalee where he used his position to promote anticorruption vigilantly and very courageously.
“In a parched political, social and economic landscape thirsty for integrity, fair play and justice, we do see bold persons who have dedicated their lives for no fame or favor to the just cause that we are assembled here.
“The Board of Directors, the governing body of Transparency International Sri Lanka, proposed the establishment of an award to recognize persons for their lifetime of commitment to the promotion of integrity, being eminent persons in their chosen fields of work, who are true role models.
“TISL reviewed the situation and agreed to the concept of recognizing persons of impeccable integrity, who inspire others as role models and have stretched the narrow confines of their professional boundaries imaginatively and creatively to promote the cause of integrity and anti-corruption. Such persons invariably will not seek recognition or awards. Yet, silently outside the limelight continue to stay engaged and work for the cause.
“Great social change agents the world over have stayed away from the populist focus. Often they are irksome due to their zero tolerance for corruption or any shortfalls in professionalism.
“It is my honour and privilege to announce that TISL makes a special award of excellence for a lifetime of commitment to promote integrity and creatively strengthening professional engagement in his chosen field of work and being a role model to numerous others.”