Transparency International  Sri Lanka reiterated yesterday it would carry out monitoring duties regarding the usage of state resources during the upcoming parliamentary election campaign, despite opposition it may face from government as stated in a report by the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC).

 Speaking to the Daily Mirror, spokesperson for Transparency International, Shan Wijayatunga said it would continue its work during the forthcoming elections, as it had done at the presidential election. 

Commenting on a report on the AHRC website which stated government was campaigning against the organization and was planning an arrest of its Executive Director J C Weliamuna, the spokesperson said they had not been directly approached as yet, and they had become aware of the threat only after reading the report themselves.

The report said the attack on Transparency International was due to reports it had issued during the presidential election campaigning period, which cited the violation of election laws, in regard to candidates using public resources for campaign purposes.

“We are concerned by this and its clear government is carrying out a witch hunt Mr. Wijayatunga said.

“We hope government does not proceed with this. The organization has nothing to hide and the financial accounts and projects we have carried out are clearly stated on our website”, he added.

He said the organization had carried out its duties with integrity and it had nothing to hide.

Regarding the alleged plan to arrest its Executive Director, Mr. Wijeyatunga said no formal approach had been made.

Mr. Weliamuna declined to make a comment on the issue, due to the sensitivity of the matter.