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Accountability must target individuals, not institutions, says Lalkantha

A senior figure has called for judicial proceedings to focus on individual culpability rather than institutional responsibility, arguing that punitive measures should not extend to broader organizations or their symbolic authority.

LSN Sri Lanka · 15 October 2026

In comments addressing concerns over accountability and institutional integrity, the speaker emphasized that legal consequences should be directed at specific individuals found culpable of wrongdoing, rather than used as a mechanism to undermine broader institutions or their representative symbols.

The statement reflects ongoing debates within Sri Lanka regarding how to balance accountability measures with respect for institutional frameworks. The speaker's position suggests that while individual misconduct must be addressed through appropriate legal channels, such actions should not be used to collectively punish or delegitimize larger organizations.

This perspective comes as Sri Lanka continues to grapple with various accountability issues across both public and private sectors. Proponents of this approach argue that distinguishing between personal responsibility and institutional representation helps maintain public confidence in systems while ensuring that wrongdoers face appropriate consequences.

The distinction between personal accountability and institutional responsibility has become increasingly relevant in contemporary governance discussions across the region, with stakeholders emphasizing the need for targeted, proportionate responses to misconduct.