Electors, public officials also responsible for Sri Lanka’s economic downfall – Gajanayaka

Text and picture by PRIYAN DE SILVA 

Executive Director of the Institute for Democratic Reforms and Electoral Studies  (IRES),  Manjula Gajanayaka said that the people who elected crooks, rogues and embezzlers to govern the country, and top public officials  who looked on while these unscrupulous lawmakers plundered public wealth were responsible for the current economic crisis.

Gajanayaka pointed out that the very same people who elected the present regime to power had taken to the streets today, seeking the ouster of the government. He said the Sri Lankan voters were carried away by false promises to reelect undesirables to Parliament. He stressed that voters should be cautious when they voted at future elections.

He reiterated that no politician in power could embezzle public funds without the knowledge and consent of executive/staff officers in public service. Therefore, there was no doubt that public servants were well aware of what took place in institutions under their purview.  “It is a pity that the Sri Lanka Administrative Service Association (SASA) has never intervened to discontinue this culture.

Gajanayaka suggested that it should be made mandatory for people’s representatives and public officials to declare their assets and liabilities.