Lapses in information sharing illustrate the devastating consequences of a closed state

Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) called on all stakeholders including the public to focus attention on resolving systemic deficiencies which allowed for the Easter Sunday attacks to be carried out.

TISL Executive Director Asoka Obeyesekere said, “the revelation that certain tiers of the country’s security apparatus were aware of intelligence reports regarding an impending attack, raise many questions regarding the information sharing protocols of state agencies and the manner in which such information is acted on by the political leadership”.

It has been TISL’s long standing position that there is a need for greater information sharing across all state agencies. Obeyesekere added, “the current culture of secrecy which has been reinforced by legislative provisions and the establishment code, continues to foster an environment where public institutions are operating within their own silos, with limited common purpose. Through experience we have seen this resulting in examples of two competing agencies investigating the same issues, with a reluctance to share information, thereby clearly working against the public interest”.

TISL also highlighted the role that corruption can play in eroding national security, particularly on issues of procurement. On several occasions in the past, Sri Lanka’s national security has been exposed as a result of allegedly fraudulent procurement and tender practices in addition to allegations of serious conflicts of interest.

“The recent lapses in information sharing, illustrate the devastating consequences of a closed state. Striving for a more open state, which communicates internally and with a shared purpose is essential. This requires reforming civil service procedures to bring them in line with 21st century practices. If lessons are to be learnt from these tragic events, the political and bureaucratic leadership must drive these much needed reforms,” Obeyesekere said.