Sri Lanka ranked 89th in 2018 Corruption Perceptions Index

Jan 30, 2019 (LBO) - Sri Lanka is ranked 89th in the world and 3rd in South Asia, behind Bhutan (25th) and India (78th) with a score of 38 on the CPI 2018 retaining the same score from 2017.

The 2018 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) released Tuesday by Transparency International reveals that the continued failure of most countries to significantly control corruption is contributing to a crisis of democracy around the world.



The index is computed using 13 surveys and expert assessments to measure public sector corruption in 180 countries and territories.



Denmark and New Zealand are ranked 1st and 2nd respectively with scores of 88 and 87, with Somalia coming in last at 180th with a score of 10. Cross analysis with global democracy data reveals a link between corruption and the health of democracies. Full democracies score an average of 75 on the CPI; flawed democracies score an average of 49; hybrid regimes – which show elements of autocratic tendencies – score 35; autocratic regimes perform worst, with an average score of just 30 on the CPI.



With a score of 71, the United States lost four points since last year, dropping out of the top 20 countries on the CPI for the first time since 2011.

The low score comes at a time when the US is experiencing threats to its system of checks and balances as well as an erosion of ethical norms at the highest levels of power.

To make real progress against corruption and strengthen democracy around the world, Transparency International calls on all governments to:

• strengthen the institutions responsible for maintaining checks and balances over political power, and ensure their ability to operate without intimidation;
• close the implementation gap between anti-corruption legislation, practice and enforcement;
• support civil society organisations which enhance political engagement and public oversight over government spending, particularly at the local level;
• support a free and independent media, and ensure the safety of journalists and their ability to work without intimidation or harassment.