Does accountability apply in Sri Lanka?
It is heartening to note today that the arms of the law are seen to be reaching out for high profile people who have used undue influence, whoever was in power, to escape being hauled up before the courts despite clear cases of non-accountability. Let me point out a few glaring instances. In one case […]
Recent events in Sri Lanka have highlighted the importance of accountability for those in positions of power. Despite clear cases of non-accountability, high-profile individuals have managed to evade legal consequences. One instance involved an NGO account opened by an NGO using a false National Identity Card (NIC) at a state bank, likely due to the false NIC being presented on behalf of a high-profile political figure.
The bank officer who authorized the account should have rejected the false NIC, demonstrating their accountability in this situation.
Furthermore, funds solicited from a state bank and deposited in the NGO account were meant to supply a scanning machine to the Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital. However, the hospital had actually obtained the machine through a Chinese Credit Line or Project. Publicly announcing a "presentation ceremony" for the machine, which was gifted on the birthday of a member of the then first family, raised questions about accountability from the LRH authorities.
The issue of presidential pardons has also come under scrutiny. A former president pardoned a convicted murderer and a Buddhist clergy member convicted on contempt of court, actions that were subsequently annulled by the Supreme Court. The president also kept the then prime minister and IGP out of meetings of the National Security Council during the Easter bombings, with their responsibility remaining unaddressed.
While a former Chief Justice apologized post-retirement for a judgment related to the misuse of tsunami funds, no action was taken. High-ranking officials continue to receive pension benefits despite severe misdemeanors. Many government officers lack urgency in fulfilling their duties, prioritizing personal activities over work.
In addition to these issues, the general population in Sri Lanka is not accustomed to taking accountability seriously. Many government officers exhibit a lack of urgency when attending to their responsibilities, often engaging in unproductive behavior such as chatting and having tea before fulfilling their duties. Overtime abuse and non-accountability within the public sector is another significant concern, particularly as the country is undergoing a 'civilisational turn' under the current administration.
To address these problems, it is crucial to instill the importance of accountability from a young age. Countries like Japan already teach children valuable lessons in accountability, honesty, discipline, and commitment to work from the earliest grades. Implementing this approach within the Sri Lankan school curriculum, without incurring additional costs, could yield significant benefits for the future workforce and help create a more accountable society.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
