The disappointment exercised by the OPA on
numerous occasions over the luke warm attitude shown by both the
government and the opposition parties audits attempts to discuss
ways and means to minimize Bribery and Corruption has almost
fallen on deaf ears.
None of the main parties appear to be
meaningfully interested in this subject, unless to make
political capital by exchanging allegations and counter
allegations. Parties while in the opposition shows a great deal
of interest and concern over such important matters and vow to
expose and take corrective measures when they assume office, but
they come out with the same protection to corrupt men, once they
are in power for political reasons.They tread the same path of
corruption once installed in power. This is not limited to
corruption alone, but followed in other important National
issues as well.
All of us are aware that as a result of the
rampant corruption prevailing in the country, a multitude of ill
effects has been brought about to the society, such as the
rising cost of living, poverty, built up taxation to off-set
money squandered away from acts such as the VAT SCAM, money is
played out as shown in the COPE report etc. For example 387,000
thousand million has been swindled by the employees of Inland
Revenue Department in connivance with some Treasury officials.
Obviously this money has to be replenished by
other means such as direct and indirect taxation of the people,
while the culprits enjoy exemption of tax from the government
making the burden shift to the people.
It has been persistently pointed out by
concerned groups and discerning citizens of this country that B
& C besides been a moral wrong, contributes to social problems
such as poverty. This is also identified as another contemptible
form of terrorism as damaging as political terrorism. The fact
that the perpetrators of this crime has no human feelings is
clear by the way they prey upon funds allocated even for
granting relief to those rendered destitute by natural or man
made disasters. Mavil Aru farmer victims are clear examples of
the heartless conduct of these marauders. As to how politicians,
state officer, contractors and other corrupt elements have
mercilessly lined their pockets with funds received from various
organizations here and abroad are indeed a reflection of the
moral decay of these people.
Due to the enormity of the public funds involved
in the VAT SCAM and due to the political reluctance to bring the
culprits before the law, we as a professional group should act
in a manner to condemn, such large scale playing out of public
funds and propose ways and means to eradicate and minimize such
acts of misdeeds.
We therefore, wish to suggest amendments to the
existing law to the parliament of Sri Lanka even by a private
members bill, expecting that no elected representative will be
in position to oppose such legislation. They are ;
* Defrauding of public funds or property up to
a value of five million rupees to be punished with five years
rigorous imprisonment.
* Over five million and up to 10 million, 10
years RI.
* Over 10 million life imprisonment or even
death penalty.
* All politicians, MPs, members of local
bodies and officials to mandatorily to furnish to the
department of inland Revenue, a return similar to what the tax
payers are supposed to furnish, irrespective of position and
status or whether they are liable to be taxed or not.
* In regard to the VAT SCAM investigations
should be conducted by an independent apolitical counsel of
immeasurable stature or perhaps even by Scotland Yard.
* Confiscation of property for those found
guilty.
- OPA Bribery & Corruption Monitoring
Committee Chairman Gerry A. Hidelaratchi
