The case of former Member of Parliament (MP) and State Minister Diana Gamage points out how weak and vulnerable to exploitation our political and governing system is. It also shows how clueless we are as citizens, and how porous our national democratic institutions are. In this context, there are lessons to be learnt.
One can argue that cases like Gamage’s are rare. It is true, we do not hear that type of cases every day. However, the fact that it happened, and that she was able to hold high office, vote on our national policies and enforce state decisions as a minister in charge of tourism is deeply troubling. The fact that she got away with it, despite court proceedings for years, with law enforcement and relevant regulatory bodies idling by, without taking action, is a clear indication of corruption and influence impacting our governance mechanisms. With allegations being levelled that there are more MPs who cannot legally serve as MPs because of the same reasons, i.e. not being a Sri Lankan citizen or being a dual-citizen, Sri Lanka should take measures to not face similar situations in the future. As an island nation in an increasingly geopolitically contested Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka cannot afford any erosion of the pursuit of our national interest.
While Gamage’s integrity was questioned in this context because she was extremely hesitant when it came to providing the necessary information to prove her citizenship status, political parties’ vetting processes applicable to election candidates are also being discussed. Many on social media platforms ask why the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) did not investigate her citizenship status before giving her nominations, many also question whether the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) conducted a similar investigation before appointing her the State Minister of Tourism. The SJB has responded that Gamage provided them with documents that proved that she is a Sri Lankan citizen. However, this is a matter that goes beyond the SJB, because there are Constitutional provisions that concern the citizenship of MPs. Therefore, while encouraging rigorous scrutiny at the party level, there should be a standard vetting system at the national level to prevent MPs and political parties from lying to the country.
Like in many other democratic countries, our lawmakers should be under greater scrutiny before they are elected to office. However, we should understand the reality that it is not only MPs who lie to get to a position of power. There are public officials too, especially high-ranking ones, that are in positions for which they may not be suitable. Taking Gamage’s incident as an example or an opportunity to rectify loopholes, the authorities should impose laws, regulations, and policies to ensure a similar vetting system for high-ranking officials.
What should we look at in addition to citizenship-related matters? We should pay attention to their assets and liabilities, and make it mandatory to publicise the declarations of the same by those who run for legislative office and apply for senior state sector positions. While it has been argued that such information should remain confidential, it is time to face the reality that MPs and high-ranking public officials are often accused of being one of the most corrupt groups in the country, and there are ample examples to suggest that many of them have abused their powers to gain undue advantages. Therefore, the public should have a right to know what their assets and connections are, and how they make and made, their wealth, before and after becoming a Member of Parliament, or a high-ranking public official. The people deserve to know that information about those who handle their tax money and the country’s future.
In addition, the track record of MPs and high-ranking public officials should be checked. One disgraceful reality in Sri Lanka’s political arena is the presence of individuals against whom there are serious allegations of corruption, among other crimes. If there was a proper vetting system that prevents such individuals from entering the Parliament or public institutions, public trust in the governing system and in the public sector would be restored to a great extent. There should also be periodic ‘integrity checks’ which will ensure lawmakers and senior bureaucrats remain untainted by corruption or are susceptible to ‘influence’ by domestic or foreign parties.
At the end of the day, the country should understand the seriousness relating to choosing politicians and high-ranking officials. Even the lowest jobs in the public sector such as clerk jobs require some form of a background check regardless of all other qualifications and skills. In that context, choosing politicians and high-ranking officials, on whose shoulders the majority of the country’s affairs depend, should receive more attention.
In a context where the country is struggling to get out of an economic crisis and has promised the international community and allies to create a corruption-free, efficient governance system, Gamage’s incident should not be forgotten after the court verdict.