Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court Holds Former Leaders Accountable for Economic Mismanagement
The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka issued a historic verdict on Tuesday, holding several high-profile former officials, including ex-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, accountable for their roles in the country’s recent economic collapse. The landmark ruling declared that these individuals violated the public trust and the constitution during their tenure, contributing to a national crisis.
The decision, which came with a majority of 4-1, pinpointed the management of the nation’s economy between 2019 and 2022 as a direct cause of the economic and social breakdown. Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) highlighted the court’s finding that the actions of the respondents were instrumental in driving the country into chaos.
The judgment is a result of a Fundamental Rights Petition filed by TISL and others in June 2022, and it underscores the gravity of the economic turmoil that has engulfed Sri Lanka. The respondents’ defense, attributing their actions to policy decisions, was rejected by the court, which stressed that they failed to prevent foreseeable economic devastation.
Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, peaking in 2019, was the culmination of years of fiscal mismanagement marked by high spending, a shrinking tax base, and ballooning debt. The situation was aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic and global events that severely impacted food and fuel prices.
The court’s ruling has far-reaching implications, not just for the individuals involved, but also for the standards of governance in Sri Lanka. It sets a precedent for the accountability of public officials and upholds the constitution’s mandate for public trust.
As the country continues to grapple with the consequences of the crisis, including shortages, inflation, and power cuts, this judgment is a clarion call for robust reforms and responsible governance. The quest for an IMF bailout and the challenges of governance, reforms, and debt resolution remain at the forefront of the nation’s recovery efforts.
With the mass exodus of skilled workers due to economic hardships, Sri Lanka faces a daunting path to recovery. The Supreme Court’s decision is a pivotal step in acknowledging the failures of past leadership and the urgent need for a transparent and accountable government.
