Interference of Transparency International is a challenge of Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and freedom

Transparency International’s report on Sri Lanka has come up for severe criticism, for the partiality it has displayed in its latest report on Sri Lanka.

It has been criticized that the organization has failed to apply the principles of Natural Justice and fairness when evaluating the current election campaign.

Also many eyebrows were raised regarding the timing of the report when Sri Lanka is facing a presidential election.

It is alleged that through the report, Transparency International is trying to take sides and mislead the voters, in an election campaign held to allow the Sri Lankans exercise their democratic rights, which was denied earlier to the majority of the Tamils living in the North and Eastern Provinces by the ruthless terrorist organization - Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) which has been wiped out of the country at last in May, 2009.

“ Our opinion that it is unfair for President Mahinda Rajapaksha for criticizing his governments and its activities by professional organization like yours without taking in to consideration the non-conformance of his opponents in the same election campaign, “ pointed out Sumane Liyanaarachchi a Sri Lankan expatriate living in Sydney, Australia.

Given below the full text of the open letter by Sumane Liyanaarachchi of Sydney, Australia, addressed to Transparency International Sri Lanka:

Mr. J C Weliamuna
Executive Director
Transparency International Sri Lanka
No:28/1 Bullers Lane
Colombo 7 Sri Lanka

Dear Mr Weliamuna

I refer to your report-1 on 31 December 2009 regarding recent Presidential Election campaign in Sri Lanka. You have produced this report towards evaluating the integrity of the Presidential Election 2010 in the light of the misuse of public resources/property and non compliance with the directions/guidelines introduced by the Elections Commissioner in that regard.

In this report you have indicated that the objectives of these guidelines/ directions/notices aimed at a free and fair election it is unfortunate to note these were observed in breach than conformity. You have also highlighted in your report specific abuses that you identified as non-conformities.

As members of the international community we are very keen to see Sri Lanka as a fast developing nation which empowers her citizens to face with global challenges. As such current government which is led by President Mahinda Rajapaksha has many challenges including safeguarding vast scatted areas in the country including democracy, public affairs, development and international engagements. Many world organizations, governments and well-wishers know that Sri Lankan Government plays active role in many areas including establishing democracy through conducting elections.

Although you are appreciated for raising some matters in relation to government activities as non-conformities, our opinion that you should apply the same criteria to other candidates to ascertain how their contribution to such non-conformance. It is known factor that General Sarath Fonseka uses government resources including motor vehicles and personals such as security officers in his political affairs. According to the election commissioners rules, regulations and notes General Sarath Fonseka must stop using governments motor vehicles, security officers for any political engagements which will benefit for his election campaign. His expenses for using such public resources must be met by his political parties.

As an independent organization with firm objectives you must apply principles of Natural Justice and fairness when you evaluate the current election campaign and publish any independent reports. Our opinion that it is unfair for President Mahinda Rajapaksha for criticizing his governments and its activities by professional organization like yours without taking in to consideration the non-conformance of his opponents in the same election campaign.

Considering above facts and others we conclude that your report is unprofessional, bias and unethical.

- Asian Tribune -