Governance Report 2011 - Transparency International Sri Lanka

Foreword
Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) retains a vision to build a
nation that upholds integrity by supporting the collective effort to enhance
integrity and eradicate corruption. It is our belief that this could only be
done by engaging all stakeholders in constructive dialogue to come up with
joint strategies for the eradication of corruption and the promotion of good
governance. Constructive criticism and scrutiny are essential to ensure
continuous improvement. While appreciating positive accomplishments,
the efforts captured here are an attempt to diagnose whether the regulatory
mechanism is functioning at optimum level.
As in preceding years, the Governance Report 2011 aims to stimulate
debate on governance issues that have occurred in nine sectors. Interesting
alterations were observed in the different sectors of the state system and
the Governance Report examines the impact of the regulatory mechanism
on service delivery in nine key sectors that were deemed to be of public
interest at the beginning of the year. These nine sectors were continuously
highlighted in the media in the first quarter of the year.
While the report may not be extensive, it comprises multiple chapters
that provide an overview of each of the sectors, in relation to the changes
observed in the regulatory framework within that sector. Unlike reports of the
previous years, the 2011 Report dwells on sectors that are in the discourse
of an average citizen, with special emphasis on the regulatory framework in
these sectors that the community may feel disengaged with.
The presence of an excellent regulatory structure will not only protect
consumers but also serve investors by levelling the playing field. Therefore,
it is mandatory that the above subject is introduced to the public discourse.
The report is specially designed to initiate dialogue, encourage specialists to
conduct further research and advocate for policy change. The synthesized
knowledge in the report will be the basis for future advocacy and training
by TISL.
The chapters have been compiled by internal authors, with the guidance of
experts in the nine fields discussed. They have been reviewed by an internal
editorial panel as well as external subject experts to ensure a high standard.
I wish to thank all the authors and reviewers for the compilation of excellent
texts. I also commend the coordinating efforts of Ms. Nathasha Jayawardene
and the TISL research team for working with great diligence to ensure that
the Governance Report 2011 was compiled in time for International Anti-
Corruption Day.
Wijaya Jayatilaka
Executive Director
Governance Report 2011 | 3