Progress is being made to stop corruption: Survey

The latest monthly poll conducted by research firm Kantar TNS, for business magazine LMD, reveals that 50% of the people say progress is being made to stop corruption.

Respondents back up this claim by stating that officials are being assigned to act to identify corruption and take necessary action, alongside the establishment of the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) and moves to strengthen institutes working to protect the law.

However, 45% oppose this view, while the rest (5%) are unsure.

The islandwide survey finds that less than four-in-10 respondents believe that wrongdoers are being taken to task speedily. Conversely, as much as 56% of those consulted by the pollsters claim that the process of nabbing the corrupt needs to gather pace.

An overwhelming majority (80%) say that allegedly corrupt officials should be suspended, although 14% disagree with this view and a 6% are ‘unsure.’

Meanwhile, 58% of those surveyed are of the view that the anti-corruption campaign is not impartial. They say that the Government takes decisions based on hierarchy and the individuals concerned.

Citizens point out that the must-haves for ensuring a corruption-free society include the appointment of independent watchdogs, ensuring judicial independence, handing more powers to investigators, appointing qualified public officials, minimum standards for politicians and imposing tougher penalties on the guilty.

LMD’s publisher, Media Services, says the February edition of the pioneering business magazine has been released to leading supermarkets and bookstores in Colombo and the outstations.

Its Cover Story features an exclusive interview with JKH’s Krishan Balendra and Gihan Cooray, who deliberate on the state of business and key concerns of the next generation of corporate leaders in Sri Lanka (for the full story, log onto www.LMD.lk).