The Second People’s Platform and the ‘Voice Corruption’- Integrity Exhibition, which was a joint effort by ‘Transparency International Sri Lanka’ and ‘Clean Hands’, was held at the Anuradhapura Youth Centre on 5th and 6th November, 2007. The concept of the People’s Platforms and Integrity Exhibitions still being new to Sri Lankans, the responses received from the general public and the government officials at both events conducted so far were very encouraging. The aim of a people’s platform is to create a forum on governance issues with the participation of both public and government officials in a single setting, whilst, by conducting exhibitions, TISL hopes to foster anti-corruption awareness in the civic society. People’s Platform is not meant for blaming any party, but instead, is to create a productive dialogue amongst the participants on the duties and responsibilities of each of the parties present in order to reach the optimum solution.
Mr. J.C. Weliamuna, Executive Director, TISL, Mr. A. Thalahakotunage, Chief Secretary, North Central Province, Ms. M.A. Anula Indrani, Additional District Secretary, Anuradhapura, Mr. L. Kannangara, Assistant Director (Legal) of the Commission to Investigate Allegations against Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), officials from the Foreign Employment Bureau(FEB) and the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) and the respected clergy of major religions of the area were present at the people’s platform along with the TISL steering committee members for answering the issues raised by the public who were present. The exhibition was made a success with the help of the Commission to Investigate Allegations against Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), Legal Aid Commission, Government Information Centre, National Child Protection Authority(NCPA), Social Protection Board (SPB), Sri Lanka Anti-corruption programme (ARD), People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL), Asian Human Rights Commission(AHRC), Jana Sansadaya, Janawabodhaya, Lawyers for Human Rights and Development (LHRD), Women in Need, Center for Policy Alternatives (CPA) and TISL, with their informative and attractive stalls.
The enthusiastic response received by the participants proved a timely need of such an event for the country; thus, TISL hopes to continue with a series of such events island-wide in collaboration with Clean Hands.