Launch of crusade against corruption
A coalition against corruption was launched last Wednesday bringing together many civil society organisations, as well as trade unions, with several prominent personalities spearheading the anti-corruption drive.
Former Auditor General S.C. Mayadunne, Ceylon Teachers' Association President Joseph Stalin, Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha and Colombo University Lecturer Lalithasiri Gunaruwan were among the key speakers at the event.
Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera said that corruption has become a social norm and has spread to all sectors of the government in recent years. He cited as examples, the import of low quality crude oil, medicine and cement, all of which were done in a corrupt manner.
Coalition CoSecretary Saman Ratnapriya said the objective of the Coalition is to expose corruption wherever and whenever possible.
"The organisations and departments functioning to monitor and prohibit corruption, such as the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption or the Parliamentary Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) do not have the power to do their duties," Mr. Ratnapriya told the Sunday Times.
Bribery and corruption go unpunished. We are hoping to put an end to that by working against corruption. We also hope to protect those who expose corruption.” Coalition Co-Secretary
Saman Ratnapriya
Over 40 organisations have pledged their alliance to the Coalition. Among them were the Health Services Trade Union Alliance, Free Trade Zone and Common Amenities Employees' Association, Association of Bank of Ceylon Employees, Ceylon Teachers' Association, Sri Lanka Trade Union Congress, Post and Telecommunication Officers' Association, Federation of Media Workers' Trade Unions, Ceylon Workers Congress and National Workers' Association.
"Bribery and corruption go unpunished. We are hoping to put an end to that by working against corruption. We also hope to protect those who expose corruption," added Mr. Ratnapriya.
Mr. Ratnapriya said that the rally which was organised for November 1, has been postponed to November 7, due to the prevailing inclement weather.
He further added that the Coalition has sent a proposal to the President regarding corruption.