FINANCIAL CHRONICLE — Sri Lanka has officially designated July 27 to 31 as National Integrity Week, aiming to combat corruption within the public sector and promote transparent governance practices.
This initiative was initially planned to coincide with Anti-Corruption Day in 2025 but was postponed in March due to logistical challenges and fuel shortages. It will now be led by the Ministry of Public Administration in collaboration with the Presidential Secretariat and the Clean Sri Lanka initiative.
During a press conference, S. Alokabandara, the Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils, and Local Government, elaborated on the campaign’s goals. He stated, “Our aim is not only to enforce existing anti-corruption laws but also to cultivate a robust culture of integrity among public servants and in their interactions with the public.”
Alokabandara pointed out that public service functions within a comprehensive framework that includes establishment codes, financial regulations, and departmental guidelines. Despite this, allegations of corruption persist, highlighting the need for a broader cultural transformation that transcends mere disciplinary actions.
Although the government’s Clean Sri Lanka campaign seeks to address corruption, it has faced significant backlash following a multi-billion-rupee coal procurement scandal. A special audit report from the National Audit Office identified critical procedural deficiencies and poor-quality coal imports for the Lakvijaya Power Plant, resulting in the resignation of Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody and underscoring ongoing weaknesses in state procurement processes, even as officials advocate for integrity in the public sector.
During National Integrity Week, internal affairs units will be set up within various ministries, while district and divisional secretariats will carry out localized action plans. Additionally, amendments will be made to specific sections of the Establishment Code that impact public officials to facilitate these reforms.
Emphasizing the civic duty outlined in the Directive Principles of State Policy within the Constitution, Alokabandara remarked that the responsibility of preventing waste and safeguarding public assets rests with every citizen. “To showcase our commitment to fostering an integrity-oriented administrative framework, 25 awareness marches are scheduled across all 25 districts on July 28th,” he added.
The principal march in the Colombo district will commence from Independence Square at 8:00 a.m. All public institutions have been directed to develop short, medium, and long-term action plans to close procedural loopholes that enable corruption during this week.
