Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has called for uncompromising financial transparency as the Government rolls out billions of rupees in emergency assistance following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
The organisation warned that Sri Lanka’s history of disaster-response failures marked by weak oversight, slow delivery, and opaque spending must not be repeated as the country embarks on one of its largest rapid-relief operations in years.
In a detailed statement issued yesterday, TISL emphasised that public funds released in the aftermath of a national calamity often pass through fast-tracked procurement channels, creating heightened risks of misuse. With significant sums now being deployed within days, TISL stressed that “vigorous oversight is essential to prevent new injustice or inequality.”
The appeal comes after President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced a Rs. 30 billion reserve for immediate relief and reconstruction.
The Government has also increased District Secretariats’ expenditure authority to Rs. 50 million and removed restrictive circulars that previously slowed emergency responses. In addition, a special reconstruction fund has been established, with agencies instructed to commence fundraising to restore damaged infrastructure.
While acknowledging that public officials are working under immense pressure, TISL underscored that emergency conditions must not weaken principles of responsible financial management. It urged ministries and district offices to prioritise transparency and efficiency, arguing that public confidence in state institutions depends on clean and accountable use of relief allocations.
The organisation welcomed the appointment of the Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund’s Management Committee but cautioned that the fund’s legitimacy depends on broad representation.
TISL insisted that gender diversity and civil society participation are essential, noting that women experience the effects of disasters differently and that community-level organisations bring vital perspectives and independent oversight.
It also demanded complete disclosure of all committee members’ beneficial ownership interests and independent audits to prevent corruption or conflicts of interest.
Concerns raised by civil society groups were brought directly to the President on 29 November during a special consultation.
Representatives highlighted the need for clear instructions enabling district and divisional authorities to collaborate with CSOs, gaps in Tamil-language communication, and the importance of maintaining dignity in relief distribution drawing lessons from the COVID-19 response.
They also stressed smoother facilitation of inbound aid and expressed unease over potential risks linked to the current emergency declaration.
The President agreed to appoint focal points within the Presidential Secretariat or relevant ministries to ensure continuous coordination with civil society. TISL noted that effective implementation of these commitments will be vital for a fair and accountable recovery process.
As Sri Lanka moves into a complex reconstruction phase, TISL urged both officials and citizens to act responsibly and provide accurate information to prevent misallocation of relief.
Reaffirming its long-standing role in public accountability, the organisation said it stands ready to support all recovery efforts that ensure integrity in the use of public funds and enable affected communities to rebuild with dignity and trust.
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