Eradicating corruption important when looking for solutions to crisis

In finding solutions to the economic and financial crisis confronting our country today, eradicating corruption in the state sector plays an important role.

As regards Government tenders (both central and provincial) for supplies and construction, the tendency is to resort to corrupt practices. As a remedy, an independent authority should be set up under a competent retired judge who will carry out his duties strictly according to tender procedures. All matters regarding tenders called for by ministries, departments and provincial councils should be entrusted to this authority which should be subject to periodic audit by the Auditor General and ultimately be answerable to Parliament. Today what is needed is a system where the role of the politician is confined to a bare minimum in the day-to-day administration of the country.

K.S. Ekanayake Jaela