In a letter addressed to all secretaries of Government ministries, Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) requested that adequate arrangements were made for the safe custody and preservation of public resources belonging to the Government during the presidential election.
The TISL drew the secretaries’ attention to the regulations stated in FR 128(1)(e), which states that it is the duty of the secretary and chief accounting officer of the ministry to ensure that proper arrangements are made to safeguarding public property during an election.
Following is the full text of the letter:
As the local chapter of the global movement against corruption committed to the promotion of good governance, Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) will engage in election monitoring activities leading up to the forthcoming presidential election to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
TISL will specifically monitor and investigate the misuse and abuse of public property by political parties, candidates, public officials and public institutions for electioneering purposes while providing free legal assistance to citizens who report election violations and/or are victimised because of it, as well as public officials who may be victimised for carrying out election duties legitimately.
TISL has been engaged in election monitoring activities during the general elections of 2001, 2004 and 2010 and the presidential elections in 2005 and 2010. Apart from national level elections TISL also monitored the provincial elections held in 2013. Our interventions exposed blatant violations of election laws and the large scale misuse of public property and funds which resulted in massive losses to the general public.
We wish to draw your attention to the regulations stated in FR 128(1)(e), as the Secretary and Chief Accounting Officer of the Ministry it is your responsibility to ensure that adequate and proper arrangements are made for the safe custody and preservation of resources belonging to the government. We kindly request you to extend your highest cooperation in this regard.
Please note that TISL is ready to provide you and the officials attached to the ministry with free legal assistance if they are victimised for carrying out election related duties. Please feel free to visit our website www.tisrilanka.org or call us on 0114369781 for more information.
– FT