On 24 January 2024, the Sri Lanka Institute of National Security Studies (INSS) published NESA Center alumna Charani Patabendige's paper, "Defending National Security: Uniting Against Corruption and Bribery with Whistleblower Empowerment," in the INSS Defence Review 2023 Volume VI.

Abstract:

Bribery and corruption are constantly happening irrespective of all measures taken by the governments all over the world. This has become a major concern since bribery and corruption escalates day by day and people use sophisticated ways to commit. In light of this, the research problem is to find why bribery and corruption occurs irrespective of all efforts. Research questions are to inquire why people engage in bribery and corruption, impacts of them, challenges to combat and how to use whistleblowing as a strategy. The researcher has used qualitative methodology, both primary and secondary sources. Primary data were gathered by way of an online questionnaire of fifty random individuals and secondary data from available literature. Findings of researcher are that there are a range of challenges in preventing bribery and corruption, including legal barriers and matters such as conflict of interests, link to national security. The researcher has further identified whistleblowing as an effective strategy to combat bribery and corruption. In conclusion researcher has provided recommendations that whistleblowing can be utilized as a prudent strategy to counter bribery and corruption.

Read the full paper

About the Author

Charani Patabendige is a Research Assistant and an Acting Research Analyst at the Institute of National Security Studies (INSS), the premier think tank on National Security established under the Ministry of Defence. The opinion expressed is her own and not necessarily reflective of the institute, the Ministry of Defence, or the NESA Center.

About the Publisher

Institute of National Security Studies (INSS) is the premier think tank on national security of Sri Lanka established under the Ministry of Defence.

The views presented in this article are those of the speaker or author and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its components.