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Corruption has been one of the most, if not the most, significant causes and reasons for the country’s economic underperformance. Large-scale bribery involving foreign contractors for infrastructure projects was one of the reasons for the recent economic crisis.

Furthermore, bribery at all levels of administration has vitiated the implementation of economic projects and the administration of many economic and social policies. Education and health have suffered much.

The widespread corruption is too well known and accepted as a way of life in the country.

Even the reduction of corruption would spur the economy to a higher trajectory of growth. The success in eradicating corruption would be a pivotal factor in propelling economic growth.

Change and corruption

The two issues that mattered in electing Anura Kumara Dissanayake as president were his promise to change the country’s political culture and eradicate corruption. If President Dissanayake can minimise corruption, it would be a big boost to economic development.

Difficult

Reducing or even minimising bribery and corruption is no easy task, as bribery benefits the giver and the receiver.

Leading by example

The campaign to combat bribery and corruption must begin with the President and the cabinet. There is much expectation that the new government would not resort to acts of bribery, yet the road to cleaning the stables is strewn with many obstacles.

Elections

The next step must be taken by the people by electing to the legislature members who are known to be honest. In the last Parliament, a member making a speech said, “Api okkoma horu” (We are all rogues). This no doubt is an exaggeration, for there are honourable MPs, yet it reflects the corrupt culture of our politicians. After all, our last cabinet had politicians who were known to be corrupt and even convicted.

Beyond expectations

Although it appeared to be too much to expect them to not contest the next election, a large number of old politicians have given up contesting as they must have sensed that they would be eliminated by the people at the parliamentary polls.

Complex

The complexity of the problem lies in bribery and corruption being a part of our culture. As far back as 1931, the Donoughmore Commissioners observed that corruption was like a cancer that had permeated every part of the body politic. Early Sri Lankan political scientists described this as “pork barrel politics.”

Next election

At the parliamentary elections next month, will the voters elect people of integrity to parliament? Have parties nominated candidates with integrity? Will power corrupt those with power? Is it too much to expect the elimination or reduction of bribery and corruption?

These are questions that will be answered in the fullness of time. People’s expectations are high.

Concluding reflection

Are we on the eve of a political and social transformation that would enable economic growth and social development?

People’s expectations are high for a political transformation that would usher in an economy capable of eliminating poverty and providing an adequate income for all. Much of that expectation rests on the confidence people have in President Dissanayake’s sincerity, simplicity, modesty, moderation, and pragmatism. The success of his mission is very much dependent on the elimination of corruption.

Will he be the David that brings down the mighty giant of corruption?