In an ongoing effort to combat bribery and corruption, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Briberies and Corruption, since mid-2023, has spearheaded an initiative aimed at fostering public engagement in reporting such incidents. The campaign strategically placed specially designed stickers in prominent locations frequented by the general public, starting with Galle, Kandy, and Anuradhapura, and concluding with Jaffna in December, specifically targeting the railway station and various towns.

The recently concluded sticker distribution campaign in Jaffna witnessed overwhelming success, thanks to the active participation and support of the local citizenry. Stickers were prominently displayed inside buses, on the back covers of three-wheelers, and in bustling areas such as vegetable and fish markets, garnering widespread admiration.

Early morning efforts covered individuals disembarking from the Yal Devi train, progressing through the Jaffna bus stop to taxi driving areas. The campaign extended to key locations such as the Tirunelveli Vegetable Market, Guru Nagar Fish Market, and the surrounding areas of the Nallur Hindu Shrine, all met with positive reception. The evening session focused on the northernmost point of Sri Lanka, Point Pedro, ensuring stickers were distributed in areas easily accessible to the general public.

The Commission reported a substantial increase in complaints over the last three months, indicating a tangible impact from these awareness initiatives. In October, 383 complaints were received, followed by 238 in November, and a notable surge to 427 in December, bringing the year-end total to 3,431. This marks a 26% increase compared to the 2,512 complaints recorded in 2022.

Corruption Prevention Officers, Mr. Shilamega Welithotage and Mr. Sampath Arachchige, along with the assistance of the Corruption Prevention Unit, played a pivotal role in coordinating awareness activities in critical areas such as Galle, Kandy, Anuradhapura, and Jaffna. Their collaborative efforts have significantly contributed to the success of the campaign and the subsequent rise in reported incidents, reflecting a growing public consciousness against corruption.

The Railway Stations Awareness Campaign Series, sponsored by the JURE (Support to Justice Sector) project in partnership with UNDP and the European Union.