Sri Lanka has failed to show significant improvement in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2017, released by Transparency International, the global movement against corruption. The index ranks 180 countries and territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption. Sri Lanka has moved up 4 places from 95th to 91st, far more importantly its CPI score has only risen by two points from 36 to 38, representing the slow rate of progress.
Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL), the local chapter of the global movement, is concerned by the fact that Sri Lanka’s current CPI score of 38 is the same score that prevailed in 2014. Speaking on the country’s performance in CPI 2017, TISL Executive Director Asoka Obeyesekere said, “A close analysis of Sri Lanka’s positioning in the CPI from 2012 to 2017 shows that despite the institutional strengthening of anti-corruption agencies following the 19th amendment, consistent failure in implementation has led to very limited progress”.
Sri Lanka has failed to show any significant progress in its CPI score year on year for the past 5 years – an increase or decrease of 6 points or more represents a significant change. Obeyesekere added, “it would seem that the anti-corruption drive has limited momentum. Citizens still face corruption when trying to avail of essential public services, ranging from waste collection to school enrollment. Therefore, the limited change in the perception of public sector corruption (CPI) reflects the limited change experienced by people in their everyday encounters with the state.”
Progressive legal reforms such as giving citizens the right to freely access asset declarations of public representatives and the passage of the essential National Audit Bill have also been stalled in Cabinet, which is indicative of a lack of bureaucratic and political will.
Globally, New Zealand and Denmark have been ranked first and second, with CPI scores of 89 and 88 respectively. The index uses a points scale of zero to 100, where zero is highly corrupt and 100 is very clean. This year, the index found that more than two-thirds of countries score below 50, with an average score of 43. Sri Lanka’s CPI score of 38 is well below the average score of 44 for the Asia-Pacific region. Among the SAARC member states Bhutan leads with a score of 67, followed by India (40), Sri Lanka (38), Maldives (33), Pakistan (32), Nepal (31), Bangladesh (28) and Afghanistan (15).
In its global press release on the launch of CPI 2017, Transparency International noted that an analysis of the results highlighted the relationship between corruption levels, the protection of journalistic freedoms and engagement of civil society. It found that almost all journalists killed since 2012 were killed in countries with high levels of perceived corruption. The analysis shows that in the last six years, more than 9 out of 10 journalists were killed in countries that score 45 or less on the Corruption Perceptions Index. This means that, on average, every week at least one journalist is killed in a country that is highly corrupt. In addition, one in five journalists that died were covering a story about corruption. Sadly, justice was never served in the majority of these cases. (Transparency International)
Burt / February 22, 2018
Sri Lanka has not moved much because My3 brought all the crooks of the last govt into the Yahapalana govt.
2014 – 38
2015 – 37
2016 – 40
2017 – 38
These numbers are only based on the Public Service and known factors. Otherwise it would be worse.
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Mama Sinhalam / February 22, 2018
We don’t need an index to tell us this. We must recover the money that crooks of both parties have stolen from the people. Why not ask them to disclose assets and give information as to their and their families’ foreign accounts. Wealth accumulated quickly must be accounted for. There must be an independent commission not subject to any control by a fool who is president or a moron who is prime minister or the monkeys who are ministers. We are supposed to have a Council of a sort to oversee administration which is apolitical but it has been packed with politicians. We have to return to honesty. Instead of campaigning for Buddhism as state religion let us have an administration according to Buddhist principles which eschew greed and violence.
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Jim softy / February 22, 2018
Transparency International Itself is a corrupt organization. Even Srilankan organization proved that they are secret with respect to their expenses and income etc., they are funded earlier by the west. Now they are supposed to earn their income by they themselves. TI should show what parameters they used in order to calculate their index. Because I think, this is cooked up to show Sri lanka is better. Even IMF said Sri lanka is doing financially well even though Sri lanka had a MAjor bond scam which involed state banks and employee funds. IT is Stragne enough, IMF had said they comment on the financial conditions based on the political environment of the country. Looks bizzare. I heard during this time to this govt, IMF haven’t given any mioney to Sri lanka even though the allocate fund installments and they pay those funds to some companies where they are located. John amaratunga also gave $ 650,000 or more payment to CNN for tourist advertisements which is a wastage. Because their favorite destination is MExico, Cuba, LAtin america and Europe. It is just wasted money, most probably John amaratunga got a big discount. that is their way of doing business. they always refund some to those who bring business to them.
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Rajash / February 22, 2018
There is a TV Quiz show called pointless. The couple who score the least are the winners.
I am sure Sri Lnakan politicians and corrupt businesses will rejoice!
Sri Lanka score is 38. Afghan 15. I am sure Sri Lanka will oust Afghan soon.
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Govinda / February 22, 2018
Oh another great worldwide achievement for SL through Gava Palanaya. MY3 please fire unwanted Ministers and MPs to move your palce down from the list.
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Jim softy / February 22, 2018
So far, Ranil’s School had taught how to gain Money, Power and women. Here after they will change their policy and teach them FIVE PRECEPTS too.
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Sarrij / February 22, 2018
Surprise? Surprise?
Nothing new.
People are aware of this; the sad part; they are unable to do anything about it.
V. sad situation for the country.
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