Addressing Lankan democracy deficit, graft as important as economy

Sri Lanka's economic crisis is directly linked to its governance crisis, and unless accountability issues, including corruption and democracy deficit, are addressed, the island may not be in a position to overcome its current challenges, subject experts say.

- DILRUKSHI HANDUNNETTI

As Sri Lanka goes to polls on September 21, poor governance remains a key concern.

To restore public trust and to change the country's trajectory, a few measures must be taken in the first 100 days of a new presidency, including the abolition of executive presidency, steps to return to a parliamentary system and create the post of independent public prosecution, says Dr Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, internationally renowned rights advocate, Executive Director of the Colombo-based Centre for Policy Alternatives and Co-Convenor of the Center for Monitoring Election Violence.