Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has expressed deep concern over the rampant misuse of public resources reported during the ‘PresidentialContinue Reading

Transparency International Sri Lanka, has raised serious concerns about the misuse of public resources during the current election period. Speaking at a recent press conference, Attorney at Law Nadishani Perera, Executive Director of TISL revealed that the organization has received over 500 complaints regarding the abuse of public resources, with action already taken on approximately 300 of these cases.Perera emphasized the public's frustration with the misuse of resources, noting that many people are eager to see accountability for those who exploit public assets for political gain. "We see public places being used to promote candidates, such as grounds or buildings being dedicated to one candidate. These are the resources of the people," she stated.She also highlighted the government's recent announcements of various relief measures and benefits targeting specific voter groups, such as debt write-offs for farmers, subsidies for fishermen, salary increases for estate workers, and support for public officials. While acknowledging the necessity of these benefits, Perera criticized the timing of these announcements, suggesting they are being used to indirectly promote certain candidates."We are not against people receiving any form of benefit from the state. Of course, we would welcome that, and people are in dire need. But using this time, right now, to announce this, is you abusing that power you have, because by that you are indirectly promoting a candidate. And that is wrong, that is an abuse, and you are influencing the voter," Perera asserted.

Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has highlighted that the Government’s recent pre-poll announcements on providing various subsidies and salary incrementsContinue Reading

Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has issued a stern warning against the misuse of public resources during the upcoming presidential election. Nadeeshani Perera, Executive Director of TISL, emphasized the critical role of public officials as stewards and trustees of public resources, which belong to all citizens."Public officials are entrusted with power over resources that belong to all citizens. Our resources in Sri Lanka, from public finance to natural resources to all state properties, belong to us and to our children," Perera stated. She highlighted that public representatives delegate the task of protecting these resources to public officials, who have a sacred duty to uphold public trust.Perera reiterated that state resources must not be used for personal enrichment and should only serve the people. She stressed that candidates, even those currently in power, cannot use state resources for their political campaigns. "That is a crime, a violation, a breach of trust punishable by the Constitution with imprisonment and a fine," she warned.She also called on citizens to demand a free and fair election environment, where they have equal access to information and resources by all the candidates. "We do not want our own money, our resources, to be used by certain candidates for their campaigns," she asserted.Addressing public officials directly, Perera urged them to resist political pressure to misuse state resources. "You might be getting pressurized by politicians, but at the end of the day, you will be held responsible. You might have to face court, you might end up in prison. Do not let any politician influence you but uphold your sacred duty as the guardian of public resources," she advised.

Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) filed a fundamental rights petition in the Supreme Court on Tuesday (July 30) calling forContinue Reading

Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has challenged the government’s Public Finance Management Bill in the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka,Continue Reading