We need an Anna Hazare in Sri Lanka (part 2)
After 2005 there have been a number of allegations of corruption pointed at those in higher political stations as well as those at lower political stations such as Members of the Pradeshiya Sabha. Further there are corruption charges levelled against those who are political appointments to the heads of government departments.
The results of the investigation into the VAT scam are yet to be revealed and those involved are enjoying pension benefits with the blessings of the government. Recently one of the ministers faced a very embarrassing situation when he failed to reveal his assets amounting to Rs. 45 million, and on the day of inquiry he entered the hospital saying he was stung by a serpent. However there was no action being taken against him.
Media intuitions, Members of Parliament, COPE Committee, Public Accounts Committee, Organizations like web sites established for awareness of corruption and Corruption Watch have repeatedly drawn attention to the transactions and loans taken by the government. These transactions have come into place by rendering the public as future debtors. The Hedging transaction, importing low quality petrol, fraudulent transactions during the construction of the Hambantota Port, Colombo South Express Highway, World Cricket Cup stadiums carried out by the Lanka Cricket Board and the expenses of World Cricket Cup, Corruptive transactions at Telecom, Corruptive transactions in the E-Sri Lanka Project, Corruptive transactions at the Petroleum Corporation, Corruptive transactions in the Maga Neguma at Ministry of Highways, Kerawalapitiya Power Station, Norochcolai Thermal Power Project and Moragahakanda Project, etc.
The attitude of the people regarding the corruption is seen in India through thier struggle under the nonviolent leader Anna Hazare. He is capable of staging protests against corruption as he has no involvement in corruption. He is committed to sacrificing his life for the sake of this campaign. No such leader can be expected from Government or the opposition in this country
People should come forward and struggle against the corruption that is taking place in the country today and should force the establishment of a stronger and more effective Bribery or Corruption Commission. During my recent visit to the Bribery commission with some parliamentarians we learnt that About 30 complaints are received daily at the Commission. This number is about 1000 for a month and nearly 12,000 annually. How many individuals have been punished for these allegations? Apart from ordinary citizens who are the politicians punished for corruption?
This ineffectiveness of the Bribery commission is due to its insufficient authority to deal with such situations, Sri Lanka is rated 92nd out of 180 countries in the world in the field of corruption. Therefore the need of the time is a stronger Bribery or Corruption Commission and the formation of a people’s force. As a preliminary we will have to achieve the right to information we should organize ourselves to get the laws framed for this purpose. Democracy and Human rights could be established only in countries where corruption is minimized. Mere change of regimes is not sufficient for this achievement. Hence I invite you all to unite and proceed to achieve this end.
By Dayasiri Jayasekara: DailyMirror: Opinion