Leaders of the Rural Development Societies (RDS) in Batticaloa requested Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) to conduct awareness programmes at local level on anti-corruption and corruption mitigation mechanisms to educate public to fight against corruption in a more meaningful manner.
This request was made when TISL’s Shelter for Integrity (ALAC) Batticaloa Centre conducted an anti-corruption and complaint mechanism training programme for RDS leaders – both men and women who are working as volunteers in the District Secretariats. More than 70 members representing 14 Divisional Secretariat divisions participated in the programme which was held on 21 July. There were more women participants and their active contribution was a positive and encouraging sign.
These leaders are directly connected with rural development projects and the objective of the programme was to strengthen them with anti-corruption mechanisms to act against corruption in the area to minimize corruption and malpractices.
Participants requested ALAC to organise People’s Platforms in Kattankuddy and Aryampathy areas and conduct mobile legal clinics with the DS offices to serve the public. Development of an anti-corruption action plan and a commitment to follow it to fight against corruption was one of the major outcomes of the programme. ALAC Batticaloa Centre will be constantly providing guidance and support for these efforts.
Attorney at Law, and Legal Consultant – F.X.Vijayakumar, Consultant & Facilitator of Human Resource Development Institute – Robin Anpalagan, Attorney at Law S.Neranchan and Project Officer ALAC – Sivalingam Kausihan were the resource persons at the programme.