During a meeting between President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Sri Lankan authorities and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) yesterday (11 Jan.), the IMF congratulated the country on completing the first review under its program.
The IMF highlighted the positive start of the program, recognizing the challenging reforms undertaken by Sri Lanka and their significant impact on the domestic population. Directors at the executive board meeting applauded Sri Lanka’s courage in publishing the governance diagnostic, a pioneering effort in Asia.
Senior Mission Chief for Sri Lanka, Peter Breuer noted that encouraging signs were noted regarding the program’s impact on stabilizing the economy, particularly in policy-oriented variables and fiscal areas.
A recent meeting revealed promising revenue collection, indicating the effectiveness of implemented policies since reaching a staff level agreement in the second half of 2022.
The IMF emphasized the positive surprise in these developments, boosting confidence with the international community, official creditors and private creditors.
Mr. Peter Breuer told President Wickremesinghe, “With respect to revenue collection, in fact, we had a meeting that showed very encouraging numbers that basically highlight that the policies you implemented beginning from after we reached the staff level agreement in the second half of 2022.
The board meeting recognized Sri Lanka’s success in reducing inflation significantly, attributing it to the government’s efforts in monetary policy and scaling back monetary financing. Positive outcomes, such as an increase in reserves, were also observed.
The ongoing governance reforms were acknowledged as positive indicators, contributing to tentative economic growth in the third quarter, particularly in capital formation and machinery.
As the IMF plans its upcoming formal review and Article 4 consultation, key areas of focus include the new public financial management law, potential conflicts with the public-private partnership law, electricity tariffs and urgent preparations for property taxation.
The IMF stressed the importance of perseverance with ongoing reforms, addressing fiscal issues and advancing governance agendas.
The meeting also highlighted the urgency of addressing fiscal matters, including passing amendments to the Banking Act and recapitalizing the banking sector.
On the governance front, operationalizing the Anti-Corruption Commission, publishing action plans and meeting with the Constitutional Council for insights into commissioner selection processes were discussed.
The IMF commended Sri Lanka’s partnership on capacity development, emphasizing the importance of enhancing the skills of the civil service for the success of ongoing reforms. The program aims to build capacity in the civil service, crucial for the implementation of reforms.
The authorities expressed approval for the program and discussions on its rollout and impact will continue in the coming weeks.
As the two-week mission unfolds, further discussions between Sri Lankan authorities and the IMF are expected to delve deeper into these key areas, providing a comprehensive overview of the progress and challenges in Sri Lanka’s economic reform journey.
January 13, Colombo (LNW):Both government and opposition MPS seemed to be crossing swords with the Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe over his declaration of preemptive debt defaulton the first day of his appointment April 12th and his recent remarks on IMF .
This was evident when one Minister told Parliament that the latter had made a startling remark on finances while a prominent member in the opposition declared that they do not trust Mr. Weerasinghe.
Minister Bandula Gunawardena said the recent remark made by the Central Bank Governor is grave.
The Governor has said that future governments as well as the incumbent government are bound to carry out the IMF recommended programme. This is a grave statement.
It is the legislature which has power over finances. It is Parliament which should decide on the economy. Therefore we want a three day debate on the remarks made by the Central Bank Governor, “the Minister said.
Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana who responded said the party leaders must decide on the debate.
Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella said his party does not trust the current Central Bank Governor.
“Central Bank Governor failed to inform Parliament on the country’s bankruptcy. We questioned him on the country’s foreign reserves in 2022 during a meeting.
He responded by saying SL only had $ 20 million as reserves in 2022. It was only then we got to know that the country had gone bankrupt. We cannot trust him because of this conduct on his part,” he said.
Ina previousSelect Committee meeting in Parliament, MP Wajira Abeywardana stated that when the Central Bank declared financial bankruptcy, an entire country failed.
The Member of Parliament stated the above when the Select Committee of Parliament to Investigate Causes for Financial Bankruptcy declared by the Government and to Report to Parliament and Submit its Proposals and Recommendations in this regard met recently Chaired by MP Sagara Kariyawasam in Parliament.
Wajira Abeywardana and the former Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal were called before the Committee.
Addressing the Committee. Wajira Abeywardana pointed out that according to the Constitution, the power of financial control vests with the Parliament and because of following a wrong process, the Central Bank declared the country’s financial bankruptcy on 12.04.2022.
The Parliamentarian pointed out that as a result of this, the whole country fell into trouble.
Wajira Abeywardana pointed out that in the first quarter of 2022, $3.9 billion was to be paid and by April 8th, 2022, $3.2 billion had been paid. He pointed out that by April 12th, about 70 million dollars had to be paid to China and in that context, the Central Bank declared financial bankruptcy on April 12th effortlessly.
The Parliamentarian pointed out that this is a wrong process and this should not have happened and there was potential to get support from the private sector and pay this amount.
As a result, he pointed out that a large number of officials of the Central Bank are responsible for the situation in the country and certain individuals were not standing by Sri Lanka at that point in time.
Addressing the Committee, the former Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal pointed out that the declaration of financial bankruptcy was the result of a long-term effort by several groups.
The new Central Bank Governor declared financial bankruptcy on the first day of his appointment, i.e. April 12th, he said. He also pointed out that this is a declaration of debt default made without any national or institutional level discussion.
The former Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal pointed out 3 main points in particular and accordingly, indicated that the announcement of financial bankruptcy on April 12th, 2022, how the bankruptcy took place and the fall in the value of the rupee will be discussed here. He explained at length how the declaration of financial bankruptcy was made on April 12th, 2022, and stated that he would elaborate on the other two points on a future date due to time constraints
January 13, Colombo (LNW):Sri Lanka’s software industry dates back to the early 1980s and has become a significant player in the global market, attracting both local and international companies.
Sri Lanka’s tech ecosystem thrives on a blend of talented professionals, somewhat supportive of governmental policies, and a burgeoning start-up culture.
These may not be sufficient, but are the necessary conditions at the starting point of a vibrant AI industry. IT experts claimed.
According to Export Development Board (EDB) The Sri Lankan ICT sector serves a number of industry verticals with over 500 companies at present. T
These include communication, apparel and textiles, banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI), healthcare, manufacturing, media, retailing, transportation, travel and leisure and many more.
Sri Lanka’s success in ICT exports are chartered through an impressive upward trend in annual figures.
The export revenue of this sector grew from $ 166 million in 2006 to reach $ 1.2 billion in 2021 with a workforce of over 120,000.
With over 90% value addition and high paying jobs, it has made a significant impact on the growth of the Sri Lankan economy.
Sri Lankan ICT companies export software products and services to regions such as North America, EU, Australia, East Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Nordic region.
It says further, h their core competencies covers automated application testing, infrastructure outsourcing, high-end R & D, enterprise resource planning (ERP), cloud technology, mobile applications and many other business solutions.
Sri Lanka also acts as an offshore development centre for several fortune 500 companies from the USA, Ireland, UK, Australasia, Sweden and joint venture development companies from Sweden, Norway, USA, Japan, etc.
One of Sri Lanka’s key opportunities is its proximity to India. Whether we like it or not, in the near future, India is projected to emerge as a leading developer and consumer of AI.
Establishing and maintaining robust trade connections with India would prove invaluable.
Notably, Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo is a mere one-hour flight from Bangalore, India’s prominent ICT hub.
This proximity surpasses the distances to India’s other major metropolitan areas, such as New Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. It would be remiss not to recognise and earnestly consider the potential of this opportunity.
Every wedding is special for participants and ordinary for the rest of the world. The wedding between Devoushi Cooray and Jacob Stone was special to me for the lovely bride was my niece. But the wedding would have been special to me even without that connection because of where it was held: a place of unparalleled natural beauty.
‘The Villa,’ in Bentota (town on the southwestern coast of the island about an hour’s drive from capital, Colombo) was originally a grand colonial house. Known as the Mohotti Walauwwa, it was remodelled by renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa in the 1970s.
The Villa is a place of wide vistas, extensive gardens and beachfront dining facilities. The sea is a short walk away down a sandy, palm-fringed path. Inside, the pastel hued walls are adorned with paintings by local artists.
There were over 120 colleagues and friends who had come from overseas. For most of them, this was the first visit to Sri Lanka. They had come all the way from Australia , UK, US, France, Sweden, Spain, Germany, Bulgaria, the Netherlands, Hungary and Brazil. They had come because they wanted to share the special moment of someone they loved, but all of them, without exception, were overawed by the location. Not only did they feel it was a perfect place for a wedding, they were appreciative of the Sri Lankans they met.
Despite a war for 30 long years, a devastating tsunami, two insurrections and an unprecedented financial crisis, the beauty of Sri Lanka still remains intact. Sri Lanka is the oldest democracy in Asia and is the only country in the world where people physically fight each other to pay bills when they go out with friends. Despite the financial crisis this custom still continues. This kind of generosity is extremely rare in the world today. The guests got to see a slice of it during their brief stay and that’s what I felt when talking to Jacob’s father Brad and his uncle, Greg.
Nothing could dampen their spirits, not even the rain which inauspiciously came down just when the bride’s father, Priyantha was delivering his speech out in the garden where the ceremony was being held. He was able to continue, emotions notwithstanding, because a friend rushed in with an umbrella and held it for him until he was done. One could put it all down to the temper of the moment, the festivities of a wedding and so on, but I like to think that location had something to do with it. It was all about friendship, love, happiness, loyalty and the extraordinary and unique beauty of Sri Lanka.
I returned to Kuala Lumpur the following day. Reflecting on the wedding, the beautiful architecture and the exquisite landscaping, not to mention the innumerable bits and pieces of magic afforded by the lovely beach in Bentota, it occurred to me that what Sri Lanka needs is to develop basic infrastructure to turn all its many scenic locations into iconic stay-in destinations for tourists of all kinds. Sri Lanka, in short, is a place you would visit to attend a wedding, for example, but will compel you to consider a repeat visit of a longer duration. It is a land that will absorb all sorrows because it is made of smiles that are inevitably infectious. Even in the worst weather conditions.
Indeed, Sri Lanka is an ideal wedding-location. Just imagine a wedding by the sea, a river, a lagoon or a splendid reservoir built hundreds and even thousands of years ago. You could have it up in the mountains overlooking rolling acres of tea, in the middle of a jungle, somewhere steeped in history evidenced by rich archaeological treasures or even in the middle of a cluster of humble villages peopled by those whose dignity derives from a long association with life lessons embedded in Buddhist philosophy. You could time it to coincide with the spectacle of a cultural pageant. Many options. All open-ended. I know that the happy couple would take away memories they would cherish all their lives.
January 13, Colombo (LNW): Japan’s Finance Minister, Suzuki Shunichi, concluded a two-day official visit (11-12) to Sri Lanka, aiming to deepen economic relations amid the economic challenges faced by the country. The visit is particularly significant as Sri Lanka implements comprehensive reform measures focused on macro stability and debt sustainability.
During the visit, Minister Shunichi expressed strong admiration for President Ranil Wickremesinghe, acknowledging significant improvements in Sri Lanka’s economy. Positive trends in GDP and inflation indicators were specifically attributed to the President’s strong leadership. The Japanese Finance Minister conveyed deep respect for President Wickremesinghe’s demonstrated leadership in achieving these economic improvements.
The talks between the two leaders covered future collaborations, emphasizing areas such as information-technological cooperation, maritime-security collaboration, resumption of stalled projects, long-term bilateral cooperation, finalization of debt restructuring agreements, and pipeline projects.
Both leaders expressed mutual appreciation for the ongoing support and cooperation between Japan and Sri Lanka. President Wickremesinghe conveyed his gratitude for Japan’s crucial role in addressing Sri Lanka’s debt issues, expressing confidence in the deepening ties between the two nations.
President Wickremesinghe emphasized the need for further collaboration in a competitive green economy and a digital economy. He stressed the importance of focusing on exports to enhance the trade balance and expressed optimism for the realization of a new economic model in Sri Lanka.
The discussions also touched upon the potential resumption of yen loans, which were suspended due to a debt crisis. Minister Shunichi outlined the possibility pending the conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Official Creditor Committee (OCC) and continued debt sustainability monitored by the IMF.
The meetings between the Japanese Finance Minister and President Wickremesinghe aim to fortify ties and lay the groundwork for a more robust and cooperative economic relationship between Japan and Sri Lanka.
President’s Media Division says the IMF has praised SL for successfully completing the 1st review, due to the positive start & commitment to reforms that have a substantial impact on the domestic population: also says the IMF has commended the SL Govt for its courage in publishing the Governance Diagnostic, considered a pioneering effort in Asia.
IMF Communications Director Julie Kozack says the goal of IMF’s current mission to SL is to follow up on program targets & commitments while SL is restructuring its debt after the country defaulted: however, Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardene has recently insisted at the Parliamentary Select Committee on Bankruptcy that he and CB Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe had not announced a “default’.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe leaves for Davos, Switzerland to participate at the World Economic Forum.
Billionaire businessman Dhammika Perera who has recently announced that he would be the Presidential Candidate from the SLPP, marks the establishment of the first “DP Silicon Valley IT Office” at the Uddhakandara Rajamaha Vihara, Tissamaharama.
SL Navy enlists its first batch of women’s cadets with 3 women officer cadets joining the executive branch of the SL Navy for the first time in its history.
One of the World’s largest Travel sites – Tripadvisor ranks Colombo as the world’s 7th best cultural destination for tourism: the ranking is based on readers’ votes received over a 12-month period in 2022.
Commissioner General of Rehabilitation says 24 inmates of the Kandakadu Rehabilitation Centre were hospitalised while 90 inmates escaped, following a clash at the facility: 62 escapees however apprehended by Police while 28 inmates are still at large.
Transport Minister Bandula Gunaardena says the Transport Board will introduce a “QR code enabled payment system” for state-run buses to mitigate losses of upto Rs.10mn per day: also says some bus drivers & conductors do not return the day’s total earnings to their respective depots, daily.
New Secretary to the Ministry of Technology Dr Dharmasri Kumaratunge also appointed as Chairman of the Telecom Regulatory Commission.
SL Under-19 Cricket team led by Sineth Jayawardena leaves for South Africa to take part in the ICC U-19 World Cup: Head coach Jehan Mubarak says the players have good potential & skills, but must develop a good “mind-set” for the World Cup.
January 13, Colombo (LNW): Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, the Princess Royal of the United Kingdom, wrapped up her three-day official visit to Sri Lanka and departed the island on Saturday (13) morning. The Princess left aboard the UL-505 aircraft of SriLankan Airlines after a series of engagements and meetings during her stay.
During her visit, Princess Anne had the honor of meeting President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the President’s House in Colombo, where discussions likely centered around the enduring relationship between the United Kingdom and Sri Lanka. Notably, the visit coincided with the 75th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two nations.
The Princess Royal’s presence in Sri Lanka underscored the importance of diplomatic ties and cultural exchange between the United Kingdom and Sri Lanka, as well as highlighting the collaborative efforts and historical connections that have strengthened over the past seven and a half decades. The visit likely contributed to fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between the two countries.
Myanmar: Documentary filmmaker sentenced to life imprisonment, symbol of the junta’s unbridled repression of the right to information
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) calls for the release of former journalist and documentary filmmaker Shin Daewe, who was recently sentenced to life in prison, the harshest term given to a journalist in Myanmar since the military junta regained by force its power almost three years ago.
On 10 January 2024, Shin Daewe, a Myanmar former reporter and award-winning documentary film director, was sentenced to life imprisonment by a military court held inside the notorious Insein prison located near Yangon, the former capital located in central Myanmar. She was handed the maximum sentence under section 50(j) of the Counter-Terrorism Law for allegedly “abetting” terrorism. It is to date, the severeness term handed down to a journalist since the junta returned to power in February 2021.
Shin Daewe, 50, was arrested and searched by soldiers on 15 October in a bus station in Yangon, while picking up a video drone she had ordered online to use in filming a documentary. During her detention, she was interrogated and allegedly subjected to torture, according to her husband, who noticed evidence of beating such as “stitches on her head and welts on her arms” during his two visits to the prison.
“By sentencing a documentary film director to life in prison under the pretext of terrorism, the military junta shows the extent of its arbitrariness and ruthlessness. We urge the international community to intensify its pressure on the Myanmar regime for her release, as well as on behalf of the 64 other journalists and press freedom defenders detained in the country.”
Cédric Alviani RSF Asia-Pacific Bureau Director
A renowned media professional, Shin Daewe covered the political and social issues affecting her country. In the past, she worked as a video journalist for Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB) before embarking on a career as a documentary filmmaker. Several of her documentaries have won international awards, including the 2013 short film Now I Am 13, which tells the story of an uneducated teenage girl in central Myanmar.
Shortly after the military coup on 1 February 2021, the junta launched a policy of terror against journalism, rapidly publishing a blacklist of banned media. Since then, four journalists have been killed by the army: the founder of the Khonumthung news agency Pu Tuidim; the editor of the Federal News JournalSai Win Aung; and the two freelance photojournalists Soe Naing and Aye Kaw.
Myanmar, ranked 173th out of 180 countries in RSF’s 2023 World Press Freedom Index, is one of the world’s biggest jailers of journalists with 64 detained, second only to China. — REPORTERS SANS FRONTIÈRES / REPORTERS WITHOUT BORDERS (RSF) Aleksandra Bielakowska Chargée de plaidoyer du Bureau Asie-Pacifique / Advocacy officer, Asia-Pacific Bureau CS 90247 75083 Paris Cedex 02
The ICJ considers the government’s proposed bill to establish a Commission for Truth, Unity and Reconciliation unlikely to advance accountability for perpetrators and justice for victims and survivors of the 26-year-long armed conflict that ended in 2009 and involved widespread atrocities.
The ICJ is concerned that the lack of consultation with victim communities and the continued neglect of their demands deprive the Bill of legitimacy.
A draft Bill on Commission for Truth, Unity and Reconciliation was gazetted on 1 January 2024, to establish the Commission, amidst a climate of impunity for past human rights violations and abuses and intimidation of victim communities in the North and East of the country.
“Considering the repressive political climate in Sri Lanka, and the absence of the conditions that are necessary to ensure the success of the proposed Commission for Truth, Unity and Reconciliation, the Bill appears to be more of a legislative manoeuvre aimed at deflecting the attention of the Human Rights Council and removing Sri Lanka from further scrutiny rather than a genuine accountability measure.” said Melissa Upreti, ICJ’s Asia Director.
The Bill suffers from a lack of transparency regarding the consultation process and non-acceptance by victim communities.
If adopted, it would empower the Attorney-General to prosecute cases where the Commission makes a finding of responsibility for an offence. The ICJ is concerned that in the past the Attorney-General’s office has assumed potentially conflicting dual roles of legal advisor for the State and prosecutor of offences allegedly committed by State officials. The ICJ has previously noted how the Department had mishandled cases relating to serious human rights violations and abuses which has contributed to a climate of mistrust. The ICJ recalls that the years since the end of the conflict have been marked by near total impunity for conflict era crimes, owing to the failure of the Attorney-General’s Department to act to hold to account those responsible for serious crimes under international law.
The Bill provides that appointments to the Commission will be made by the President upon the recommendation of the Constitutional Council. The ICJ has previously noted that the governing party holds a majority in the Constitutional Council and that a majority of members are parliamentarians with only three members appointed from outside. Further, a representative of the smaller political parties (including parliamentarians representing the North and East) is yet to be appointed to the Council. The ICJ is concerned that these arrangements are conducive to creating a Commission that lacks independence and may be subjected to political pressures and considerations in carrying out its work. The situation is exacerbated by the Constitutional Council approving the appointment of the current Acting Inspector General of Police who had in December 2023 been held directly responsible for torture by the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka.
The Bill would further authorize the proposed Commission to seek the assistance of the police to conduct investigations and liaise with the National Authority for the Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses, which in turn depends on the police to provide support for the protection of victims and witnesses. However, a number of police officials have allegedly been responsible for recent cases of torture and ill-treatment and extra judicial killings. The government’s failure to initiate thorough and impartial investigations into these cases and to bring perpetrators to justice has deepened the public’s mistrust of the police and prosecuting agencies.
Successive UN Human Rights Council Resolutions on Sri Lanka have called for the establishment of transitional justice mechanisms with the active participation of all stakeholders, including women who have been at the forefront in leading victim demands for accountability, particularly for cases of enforced disappearance. Yet, protesting mothers and female family members of the disappeared are routinely detained, intimidated or put under surveillance and their voices suppressed.
The Bill lacks also provisions that are gender responsive and makes the establishment of mechanisms and procedures to address women’s concerns discretionary.
Existing transitional justice institutions such as the Office of Missing Persons (OMP) and the Office for Reparations have been ineffective. As underscored by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the OMP has failed to earn the trust of victims and their representatives. As recently observed by the High Commissioner, there has been little to no development regarding cases of past human rights violations and abuses.
“The victims of Sri Lanka’s 26-year armed conflict, replete with atrocities, have been forced to wait too long to learn the truth about their loved ones and to be granted justice. When the UN Human Rights Council considers a new resolution on Sri Lanka later this year, it must avoid blind acceptance of Sri Lanka’s flawed transitional justice process and institutions and adopt an approach that genuinely puts the interests of victims and survivors first,” added Upreti.
Background
The draft Bill provides for the establishment of the Commission with a Head Office based in Colombo and Regional Offices as necessary (clause 2). The Commission will have between seven to twenty-one members, who are to be appointed by the President upon recommendation by the Constitutional Council (clause 3). The term of the Commissioners is five years (unless removed earlier) and the President can extend their term on an yearly basis for an additional two years (clause 9). The Commission may conduct public or closed sittings as necessary (clause 7).
The stated objectives of the Commission are to investigate, inquire and make recommendations in respect of complaints or allegations or reports relating to damage or harm caused to persons or property, loss of life or alleged violation of human rights which occurred during the conflict in the Northern and Eastern Provinces between 1983 to 2009 or connected to such period or its aftermath and has a mandate to promote truth telling and make recommendations for reparations, and non – recurrence (clause 12). If it appears to the Commission that an offence under any Sri Lankan law has been committed it may refer the matter to the relevant law enforcement or prosecuting authorities for further investigation and necessary action (clause 13 (zd)). The Commission does not have the mandate to determine civil or criminal liability of any person (Clause 16 (1)) and instead the onus is on the Attorney-General to institute criminal proceedings regarding an offence in Court based on material collected by the Commission (clause 16 (2)).
The Bill also provides for the establishment of a Victim and Witness Protection Division (clause 28) and a Data Management Division (clause 29). The Commission may also appoint any mechanisms and procedure to address requirements related to women, children, persons with disabilities and disadvantaged groups and advisors relating to specific issues (clause 30).
The Bill also provides for the appointment of an advisory panel to advise the Commission on matters referred to the Panel (clause 32). This panel is to consist of a minimum of ten members appointed by the President on the Commission’s recommendation. Clause 39 of the Bill states that within one month of the interim report of the Commission being published the President shall appoint a monitoring committee to implement the findings of the report. Clause 40 states that such Committee be comprised of 11 members, of which six members are to be recommended by the Constitutional Council while the others are members ex-officio. Ex-officio members include the Secretaries of the Ministries of Defence, Justice, Law & Order, Finance, Public Administration & Women, Child Affairs and Social Empowerment or their nominees. The Committee is expected so submit bi-annual plans evaluating the implementation of recommendations of the TUR Commission and other previous Commissions of Inquiry.
Clause 49 of the Bill states that the Commission can defer its investigation regarding any disappearance of a person/s if requested to do so by the OMP until such time it can be resumed without compromising inquiries conducted by the OMP.
In September 2023, the ICJ joined eight other international human rights organizations in expressing their grave reservations about the proposed Truth, Unity and Reconciliation Commission and setting out prerequisites to be addressed before appointing any new Commission. The concerns relate to Sri Lanka’s legacy of failed commissions, lack of a conducive environment and confidence building efforts, lack of meaningful consultations with victim communities, the failure of domestic transitional justice institutions, and the blocking of prosecutions. None of these concerns have been addressed to date, which bring into question the newly proposed Commission’s likelihood of serving as an effective mechanism for accountability.
