Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has issued a stern warning against the misuse of public resources during the upcoming presidential election.
Nadeeshani Perera, Executive Director of TISL, emphasized the critical role of public officials as stewards and trustees of public resources, which belong to all citizens.
“Public officials are entrusted with power over resources that belong to all citizens. Our resources in Sri Lanka, from public finance to natural resources to all state properties, belong to us and to our children,” Perera stated. She highlighted that public representatives delegate the task of protecting these resources to public officials, who have a sacred duty to uphold public trust.
Perera reiterated that state resources must not be used for personal enrichment and should only serve the people. She stressed that candidates, even those currently in power, cannot use state resources for their political campaigns. “That is a crime, a violation, a breach of trust punishable by the Constitution with imprisonment and a fine,” she warned.
She also called on citizens to demand a free and fair election environment, where they have equal access to information and resources by all the candidates. “We do not want our own money, our resources, to be used by certain candidates for their campaigns,” she asserted.
Addressing public officials directly, Perera urged them to resist political pressure to misuse state resources. “You might be getting pressurized by politicians, but at the end of the day, you will be held responsible. You might have to face court, you might end up in prison. Do not let any politician influence you but uphold your sacred duty as the guardian of public resources,” she advised.
