On November 18-19, 2024, the University of Colombo, in collaboration with ZPMC Lanka Company (Pvt) Ltd, hosted the First International Conference on Business Sustainability. It was an honour to attend this event and witness insightful discussions on sustainability in business practices. Miss Charani Patabendige, Acting Research Analyst and Research Assistant at the Institute of National Security Studies, won the Best Paper Presentation award on the second day of the conference. Her paper, titled "Whistleblowing: A Tool of Social Sustainability Against Bribery and Corruption in Sri Lanka," sheds light on how corruption continues to cripple Sri Lankan society, despite existing laws and policies. Charani's research emphasizes the role of whistleblowing as a tool for social sustainability, promoting a culture of accountability, transparency, and civic engagement. She explores how the fear of retaliation prevents many from reporting bribery and corruption, highlighting the need to foster a safe environment for whistleblowers. Her findings are crucial for driving change in Sri Lanka’s fight against corruption and promoting equitable, democratic societal values.
