Describing the second year after the end of the war, 2010 as a challenging one, TISL Executive Director, Dr Wijaya Jayatilaka identified it as “a year of uneasy peace, a year of strong consolidation of state power and inroads into public life, a year of elections and a created hostile environment for civil society organizations and activists envisioning a more accountable and transparent governance system.”
Addressing the annual Members’ Day, he said that in this backdrop, TISL team worked with dedication under the able leadership of the former Executive Director, J.C. Weliamuna and the direction of a committed Board of Directors.
“The struggle was fraught with the excitement of dealing with the constraints imposed by a state mechanism more tensed and hyper active to further consolidate its power and influence. The team found it very difficult to work given the fire fighting that had to be done due to the security situation. This was at the cost of having to reschedule programs and outputs.” he added.
Held at the office premises, the Members’ Day followed the Annual General Meeting which was presided over by Chairman M.D.A.Harold.
At the AGM, after the adoption of the Directors’ Report and the Audited Accounts for the financial year ended 31st December 2010, Chairman Harold was re-elected unanimously as the Chairman for another two years. Tassie Seneviratne was also re-elected to the Board. Anushya Coomaraswamy, S.K.Liyanage, V.K.Nanayakkara, Nelum Gamage and Chandra Jayaratne are the other Board members.
Auditors Ernest and Young were re-appointed as the auditors.
Elaborating on the work done in the last year, Dr Jayatilaka said that last year saw the completion of work designed under the strategic plan where plans were made under the strategic focus – Research, Education, Advocacy, Monitoring and Institutional Development and much was accomplished.
While appreciating the commitment and encouragement of all TISL members throughout the year, he thanked them for the ideas shared when developing specific programs, contributing as resource persons, and also when developing the Strategic Plan for 2011-2016. “We hope to strengthen your support and make it more systematic for the coming year,” he concluded.
Project Director Sulakshana de Mel reviewed last year’s progress and Dr Jayatilaka presented the highlights of new Strategic Plan.
Chairman Harold appealed the members to introduce their friends and colleagues who are willing to join TISL in its journey to make Sri Lanka a country free of corruption. He also pointed out that the strong and committed support given by the members during the last year was encouraging.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Project Director T.Kalaimagal acknowledged and appreciated the contribution made by everyone who tirelessly supported and shared their knowledge and experience in the journey of integrity.