The presidency of Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) arrives at a critical juncture in Sri Lanka’s history, burdened with both hope and immense scrutiny. A cornerstone of his campaign was the pledge to combat corruption—a promise that resonated deeply with the public, weary from decades of systemic exploitation and mismanagement. However, the stakes are high. If AKD falters in delivering on this promise, his presidency risks collapsing under the weight of public disillusionment, leaving the nation adrift and emboldening those who yearn for his failure.
Wide Spread Corruption:
According to Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2022, Sri Lanka ranked 101st out of 180 countries, with a score of 36/100, indicating a perception of widespread corruption in public administration. This places the country well below the global average and signals significant challenges in governance and institutional integrity.
A 2021 World Bank report estimated that corruption costs Sri Lanka approximately 2% of its GDP annually, translating to billions of dollars lost to inefficiency, bribery, and mismanagement.
Public perception reflects the systemic nature of corruption. A 2019 survey by Transparency International Sri Lanka found that 70% of respondents believed corruption was increasing, while 80% felt public officials frequently abused their positions for personal gain.
War on Corruption: A Bold Vision or a Hollow Promise?”
The opposition, fuelled by resentment from electoral defeat, is poised to exploit any missteps are already making some sounds. Many within this bloc thrive in a culture of impunity and would welcome the government’s failure to implement meaningful reforms.
Historically, lofty promises of reform have often faltered under the pressure of realpolitik and institutional inertia. The consequences could be severe: social unrest, political instability, and a tarnished reputation that diminishes Sri Lanka’s credibility on the global stage.
Trust of the People
In this battle against corruption, AKD’s greatest weapon is the trust of the people. Squandering it would not only derail his presidency but also squander a rare opportunity for national renewal. Failure, as history teaches, is not an option. President AKD’s promise to eradicate corruption is not just an idealistic goal—it is an existential necessity for the nation’s progress and stability
Here are some notable cases for AKD and his team to look and be inspired:
1. Singapore
The government, led by Lee Kuan Yew, implemented a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, backed by strong legal and institutional reforms. One of the most notable steps was the creation of the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB), which has significant investigative powers and independence.
2. Botswana
Transformation: Botswana, a country in Southern Africa, is often lauded as one of the least corrupt countries in Africa despite its history as a resource-rich nation. In the 1990s, Botswana focused on strengthening governance systems, promoting transparency in both public and private sectors, and holding government officials accountable. The country established an Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), which was tasked with investigating and prosecuting corruption cases.
3. Hong Kong (Pre-1997)
Transformation: Before it became a Special Administrative Region of China in 1997, Hong Kong experienced widespread corruption in its public sector. In the 1970s, the government established the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), which became a model of anti-corruption enforcement. The ICAC’s mandate was clear: to investigate, prevent, and educate against corruption. Over time, the commission gained the trust of the people, making Hong Kong one of the least corrupt jurisdictions in Asia.
4. Georgia
Transformation: Georgia, a former Soviet republic, had widespread corruption following its independence in the 1990s. However, after the Rose Revolution of 2003, which led to the rise of President Mikheil Saakashvili, the country embarked on a sweeping anti-corruption campaign. This included cleaning up the police force, simplifying bureaucratic procedures, and implementing a range of reforms aimed at transparency. The government also created the State Security Service, which focused on tackling corruption in public offices.
5. Chile
Transformation: Chile faced high levels of corruption in the late 20th century, particularly during the military dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet. The Chilean Transparency Council (Consejo de Transparencia) was established in 2008 to promote transparency and combat corruption in public administration.
