An Initiative to Combat Public Sector Waste Corruption Develop Efficiency in Service Delivery. Towards Transparent and accountable Governance A Sri Lankan experience By; Jinasiri Dadallage Director-Public Service Training Institute Ministry of Public Administration & Home Affairs Sri Lanka dpsti@pubad.gov.lk
Introduction Sri Lanka has taken important steps in the struggle against corruption that has been a major barrier to achieve its development goals and efficient service delivery To list only few; Sri Lanka has enacted a bribery and corruption law. Established a commission to investigate allegation of bribery or corruption Enacted an assets and liabilities declaration law Enacted a law to control money laundering and Signed the UN convention against corruption.
But it is generally recognized that such actions, while essential and laudatory are merely a step in the right direction. Therefore it is obvious that new strategies are required to meet demands for corruption free society.
Significant obstacle to curb Corruption and Better Service Delivery Several Forums in Sri Lanka have emphasized following obstacles in terms of curbing waste and corruption. Weak Political will Lack of information and awareness of the causes and consequences of corruption. Passivity and apathy of citizens and public officers. Ineffectiveness or disregard of existing laws and mechanisms. Lack of Transparency and accountability in state institutions and d governance at all levels and Lack of independent and effective media and civil society as well l as lack of adequately protected space to undertake vigorous debate and discussion of corruption issues.
Value of Laws and Regulations? The Secretary to His Excellency President of Sri Lanka emphasized at the inauguration of "Clean Hand" initiate that only Law enforcement is not sufficient to tackle waste and corruption in the Society. "We have rules and regulation to deter bribery and corruption. But all these have been circumvented by some unscrupulous elements in the Public Service who made a fast buck using their power authority and position. All the laws on earth may not be sufficient to eradicate bribery and corruption
National Anti Corruption Action Plan in Sri Lanka prominently point out that anti corruption efforts must be augmented by other strategic c and coordinated efforts that include; Developing a consensus across all sectors of society Seeking political commitment and support Fostering fundamental ethical and moral values Promoting a culture of integrity transparency and accountability. Active engaging the Public and Civil Society Creating greater public awareness Implementing existing laws and improving operations of institutional mechanism Pursuing a dual strategy of preventing corruption Allocating humans and financial
Responsibility of Public Officers In the above argument it is clear that commitments, participation of responsible citizens and public officials are vital in the fight against waste and corruption in order to develop customer frinedly service deliveries.
What is "Clean Hands" It is a pioneer voluntary alliance in Sri Lankan Public Sector officers against corruption in order to meet above mentioned prominent requirement of the society, as emphasized in the leading forums like Sri Lanka Anti Corruption movement.
Vision Corruption free Public Sector committed to good governance and the development of the motherland. Mission Ensure and preserve a Sri Lanka Public Sector that is corruption free, accountable and transparent in its conduct. Objectives The alliance" will take all actions necessary to achieve the following objectives.
i. Promote among public sector officers a culture of zero tolerance of corruption in service delivery. ii. Exert peer pressure or any public sector officers suspected of deviating from the culture of zero tolerance for corruption. iii. Support public sector officers for fighting corruption in their t organization or else where. iv. Bring to the attention of appropriate authorities suspected acts of corruptions in any public sector entity. v. Recognize and reward the display of outstanding integrity by any public sector officer.
vi. Recognize and reward the display of outstanding integrity by any public sector officer. vii. Eliminate administrative procedures and practices which provide opportunities for corruption. Viii Provide a forum for the discussion of corruption and good governance issue. Ix Collaborate with other like minded local or Foreign organizations in the fight against corruption.
Strategy Develop guidelines, Toolkits etc Develop/Promote Self Discipline Develop Confidentiality Aware Public Officers -To prevent -To wipeout -To correct procurement "Clean Hands" has given prominent attention to change the existing situations through its peer group empowering strategies that include; Empower members Motivate To continue with Clean Hands Improve peer networking Promote adhere With Code of ethics
Other initiatives interlinked Introduce citizen-client client charters for the government institution network of public administration Establish activist movement to promote wide range of support mechanism for anti corruption measures and better service delivery Introduce activity based performance measurement system Promote cooperation with citizen evaluation committees
Thanks you for your attention If Your Hands Are Clean, You are Always People/Customer Friendly For Better Service Delivery