By Nalinda Indatissa PC
As Sri Lanka struggles to rebuild homes, livelihoods and public infrastructure after the devastating cyclone, another equally urgent task lies before us: rebuilding the economy. Physical reconstruction and economic recovery must proceed together. One without the other would leave the nation vulnerable to repeated cycles of crisis.
At the heart of economic recovery lies one essential element—trust. Whether between citizens, institutions or international investors, trust is the foundation of all business relationships. Corruption destroys this foundation. When decisions are driven not by merit but by hidden payments, approvals become unpredictable, costs are inflated, and competition is distorted. That is why individuals, companies and public bodies must never accept or offer bribes, including facilitation payments.
Global investors are acutely aware of corruption risk. They study governance standards, delays in approvals, and the hidden costs of doing business. When they observe inflated fees, opaque decisions and a system dependent on “connections,” they label the country high-risk and look elsewhere. Sri Lanka’s situation is no exception.
To restore confidence, Sri Lanka must reform its business environment boldly and urgently. Efficiency, transparency and predictability must guide every approval and every investment pathway. The country must revisit its grossly inflated BOI company incorporation charges, which deter investors long before they begin operations. Our long delays in obtaining approvals—whether for construction, investment, or trade—are crippling. A modern economy cannot function when even basic permissions require months of waiting and multiple personal interventions.
The solution lies in strong digitisation. One-stop shops for approvals, digital workflows, and online case-tracking will eliminate unnecessary human contact and vastly reduce opportunities for corruption. A comprehensive digital payment system for government transactions is also essential. Once payments are traceable, corrupt politicians and officials will find it far more difficult to move or conceal ill-gotten black money. Digitisation protects not just the investor, but the integrity of the entire public service.
Our professionals also bear responsibility. Accountants, attorneys-at-law, bankers, real estate agents and company secretaries act as gatekeepers of the financial system. They must demonstrate integrity, refuse complicity, and report suspicious transactions. When professionals turn a blind eye, the entire nation pays the price.
Government institutions, too, must lead by example. Strengthening the Bribery Commission and restoring its independence was an important first step. But institutions alone cannot cleanse a country. The baton must now pass to public sector officials, private businesses, and the general public. Every citizen must recognise that corruption is not a victimless crime—it steals from our future, our children, and our ability to rebuild after disaster.
The younger generation must be taught to reject corruption entirely. Schools should integrate ethics, civic duty and real-world lessons on the costs of corruption into their curriculum. Children must grow up understanding that the shortcuts of today become the national suffering of tomorrow.
Sri Lanka must regularly and honestly evaluate its corruption landscape. Using global indices, investor feedback, audit findings and enforcement data, the nation must measure progress—and be prepared to confront uncomfortable truths. Transparency is essential for real reform.
Today, Sri Lanka stands at a defining moment. The cyclone forced us to rebuild our physical world. Now, the challenge is to rebuild our economic and moral foundations. Our choice is clear: continue with the old path of inefficiency, inflated costs and corruption, or embrace a future grounded in integrity, efficiency and fairness.
If we choose the latter—and commit to it wholeheartedly—Sri Lanka can rise stronger, cleaner and more resilient than ever before.
The post Rebuilding Sri Lanka: Integrity Must Lead Our Recovery appeared first on LNW Lanka News Web.
