Civil society’s role in the anti-corruption movement

• Attorney-at-Law Arittha Wickramanayake was the Guest of Honour at the presentation of the National Integrity Award 2012 organised by TISL last week. Following is the full text of his speech:
  
   

Let me begin by thanking all those at TISL for having invited me here as the Guest of Honour to this event: the National Integrity Awards, which is a key function in the Anti Corruption Program of TI.

Frankly, when the invitation was extended to me, my initial reaction was to laugh it off, since I certainly do not consider myself to be worthy of being a Guest of Honour, my contribution towards this organisation being miniscule, in comparison to that of many others present here. However, since my refusal was not accepted, I am here truly humbled by the confidence placed in me and also especially proud of being in the company of our Chief Guest, Deshamanaya Bradman Weerakoon.

I would like to use this opportunity been given to me, to at least briefly compliment TISL for the remarkable progress that it has made as an organisation over the years.

When we first took steps to set this organisation up nearly 15 years or so ago we were never certain whether it would ever be able to hold its own with its counterparts in the global TI movement. Apart from the fact that many of them, especially in South Asia and Latin America, had been established long before us; were much better funded; and had far more resources at hand, attracting grass roots support for anti corruption activity in Sri Lanka was not easy at the time because of the war that was bleeding us, and offering a convenient excuse for any and all wrong-doings that occurred.

However, TISL has been more than fortunate to have attracted a remarkable group of people with the commitment and dedication to its cause, who have worked passionately to further the objectives of the organisation, men and women who have not cared for their personal safety; or for political favours or swayed by personal attacks on them from various quarters.

Consequently, when one looks back on TISL’s progress, one can state with a genuine sense of pride and satisfaction that TISL has far exceeded expectations and has built up a reputation for itself as a pillar of Sri Lanka’s civil society framework the vanguard of its anti corruption movement, in spite of daunting odds.

It is appropriate, therefore, that we spend a moment acknowledging the remarkable contributions that have been made to make this organisation what it is: the men and women who served on the board, the secretariat, and the numerous partners who have worked with the organisation on its programs.

Obviously there are too many to identify by name, but symbolised by people like Weliamuna (who perhaps was the main driver of this organisation for many years) working tirelessly to transform this organisation, and others like Chandra Jayaratne, who I note has left the board, but continues to doggedly fight for what he believes in, ‘walking the talk’ as they say, and has earned our genuine admiration. As I said, they symbolise all those who have made this organisation, and success would not have come without the combined effort of all those who work at, and support the activities of TISL.

It is also only appropriate that we use opportunities such as this to reflect on the importance of what we do and get a bearing on our objectives. In this context, I don’t think anyone can ever understate the need for TISL and organisations of its kind in Sri Lanka, particularly at this time.

We would have to be blind if we fail to recognise that we, as a nation, have reached a cross road in our history. For many years we have seen cascading levels of corruption in this country, no matter which colour the party in power has cloaked itself in. Corruption, nepotism, and political aggrandisement are fast becoming an accepted way of life. Though everyone, from those seemingly close to the fountainheads of power, to the labourer on the street, bitterly grumble about it, few dare openly challenge it, either opting to turn a blind eye to it for the fear of consequences in opposing it; or convincing themselves that it has no effect on them.

What is perhaps more dangerous is that there seems to be an increasing number who are accepting these standards as the new morality and adopting such practices as their own way of life, to merely exist, survive or get ahead. Sadly, once that ethos sets in, it will become almost impossible to roll it back very much like the situation where we once were, ever willing to overlook any and every act of wrong-doing in the name of the war. History has demonstrated that mindsets cannot be easily changed by individuals. It requires a considerable degree of collective public opinion that dares to openly challenge it; demand action; and threaten consequences, if left unaddressed. Such public opinion can only be mobilised and channelled through civil society organisations, speaking in a collective voice.

And such a collective voice can only be harnessed by civil society organisations that can command public confidence that they possess knowledge and resources, maturity, are non-partisan, are transparent, and most importantly that they have the commitment and will to pursue their mandates, at any cost.

They must also demonstrate that they have the ability to conduct constructive engagement with government and policy makers in introducing change. I sincerely believe that TISL has built up a capacity and reputation for being such an organisation through the years. And so, I hope for our sake, that it will grow from strength to strength.

I would like to conclude by very briefly acknowledging the significance of this particular event that we are at today; the National Integrity Awards, which honours and recognises the inspirational efforts of the unsung hero who works silently and diligently towards eradicating corruption and establishing good governance in their spheres of influence.

I would like to congratulate those selected for the awards, and say with all sincerity that I am honoured to be in your presence since it is your dedication, commitment and bravery that offers a beacon of hope, to us, and in particular the generation that will succeed us, that there is at least some possibility of stemming the tide that threatens to engulf us.