Assistant Superintendent of Customs late Sujith Prasanna Perera was given award for the work he carried out in investigating frauds at Sri Lanka Customs before his death in 2001, a statement said.

His wife, Angela Perera, received the award from Nepali writer and activist and founding editor of Himal magazine Kanak Mani Dixit, Thursday.

The National Integrity Award was created seven years ago by the Sri Lanka branch of Transparency International to "recognize the courage and determination of the many individuals and organizations fighting corruption."

Perera, who joined the Customs in 1989 after a stint in the field of finance, was gunned in March 2001 in Kelaniya, north of Colombo, as a result of a conspiracy by two Customs officers whose corrupt activities were exposed by him, the statement said.

Nalaka Gunawardene, member of the award committee for 2010, said they hope the award will inspire more people to stand up against corruption - in government, corporate, and civil society.

"We also hope that it will strengthen the resolve of all good people to be more vocal in demanding transparency and accountability in all spheres of public life – such as politics, business, culture, media and sports," he said in a speech at the awards ceremony.

"We are impressed by the passion and commitment shown by many nominees in their respective spheres of professional work or social influence," Gunawardene said.

"At the same time, we were disappointed that the award did not attract more eligible nominations. And the identity of this year’s winner probably explains why."

Gunawardene said more work needs to done to enhance the public understanding of corruption.

"No act is too small or too insignificant. And silently looking away is not an option."

He said the various legal, regulatory and other structural arrangements are all necessary – but not sufficient – to combat corruption.

"Corruption is deep rooted in human greed. The temptations and opportunities for corruption are greater today than ever before. Faced with these stark realities, we must find the bulwark of resistance in our individual and collective values."