Accountability Begins with Us: A Call for National Renewal and Global Gratitude

By: Nalinda Indatissa (President Counsel)

My dear fellow Sri Lankans,

A tragedy is not only something we endure—it is something we learn from. As a nation and as individuals, this moment calls us to ask ourselves: What must we do differently? How can we grow from this experience?

As a nation, we must accept that preparedness, honesty, and responsibility are not optional—they are essential. We must rebuild institutions that are transparent and strong. We must ensure that disaster management, relief distribution, and long-term recovery are guided by science, professionalism, and compassion.

As individuals, each of us must look inward.
Are we acting responsibly?
Are we avoiding waste, corruption, and negligence?
Are we supporting our neighbours?
Are we treating public resources as sacred and not as something to be misused?

Accountability begins with the citizen. It grows through the community. And finally, it becomes a national character.

As citizens, our conduct matters. We must be honest when we receive aid—take only what we need, avoid hoarding, avoid exploiting the system. We must respect public officers, volunteer where we can, and raise our voices peacefully when we see wrongdoing. Accountability is not only the duty of the government; it is the duty of the people.

As a government, our accountability must be to the world. Nations have helped us out of trust and kindness. It is our responsibility to show them that their trust is not misplaced. Every rupee, every donation, every box of supplies must be recorded, published, audited, and tracked. Let the world see that Sri Lanka is not only asking for help, but honouring it with integrity.

This global support is not something we take for granted. It is a blessing. And a blessing must be respected.

How do we say thank you?
Not merely through words, but through actions.

We must show gratitude through clean administration, through responsible leadership, through maintaining strong diplomatic relationships. We must tell the world that Sri Lanka remembers every ship, every aircraft, every doctor, every dollar, every act of compassion.

And beyond that, we must open our doors.
We must invite the citizens of these nations to visit our beautiful island, not just as tourists, but as partners. Let them come and see the relief programmes their generosity has made possible. Let them witness with their own eyes the houses rebuilt, the schools repaired, the lives restored. This openness is the greatest form of respect we can offer.

When people see transparency, they build trust.
When trust is built, friendships grow.
When friendships grow, nations rise together.

This is how we learn.
This is how we change.
This is how we honour those who stood with us.

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