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Profound philosophy of Buddhism on democratic governance and present day context application

Monday, 15 September 2014 00:00 -     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Today is International Day of Democracy 2014 – 15 September The history of governance dates back to period even before the Lord Buddha. There are evidence from ancient Indian sub continent (present Pakistan) and Egypt, formerly known as Mesopotamia on the existence of highly-sophisticated civilisations. These two systems of civilisations were known as Indus valley (Mohenjo-Daro Harappa) civilisation and Nile Valley Civilisations respectively. Archaeologists have confirmed that there had been well organised network of social and economic infrastructure, developed culture and a people friendly system of governance in these areas. The two civilisations tell us that the concept of good governance is not a new concept discovered by the Western world. It was practiced in the Eastern world in very ancient times. In the Agganna sutra, the Buddha illustrates how the concept of king/ruler came into existence. In the beginning of human existence, the world was inhabited by beings came from divine worlds. They were peaceful, beautiful and did not perform any evil act. When time passes on people started developing evil thinking and acts like greed, anger, lying, theft, etc. The majority among them were not happy about arising of these evil practices. As a remedy for this undesirable behaviour, they all agreed and selected a capable person to guide community and punish evil doers. He was called ‘Maha Sammatha,’ meaning people’s choice. This was later developed into the concept of king, monarch or a ruler. During the period of Lord Buddha, there were two prominent types of ruling kingdoms in India. Kingdoms of Magadha and Kosala had the Monarch system in which the king had the sole authority, power and decision making rights. State kings such as Lichchavies and Vajjies had a humanitarian system of ruling with democratic principles. The Lichchavees, according to Buddhist literature, had 7,777 regional kings; they assembled, discussed and departed in harmony and did not fight each other. Lord Buddha appreciated and commented in favour of humanitarian democratic principles of Lichchavies and Vajjies. The definition: There are diverse interpretations that we come across of the term of good governance in development literature. Donors, development practitioners, human rights organisations and social scientists define good governance in different ways highlighting their specific concerns and themes. The summarised essence of these ideas simply means ensuring social wellbeing and social justice without discrimination and maintaining transparency in carrying out government affairs. Objectives and elements of good governance Good governance broadly aims at:
  • Improving the quality of life of community through equitable distribution of development benefits
  • Ensure social protection, security and individuals rights
  • Enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of administrative network in service delivery
  • Ensuring easy access to information for the citizens on government affairs
  • Maintaining transparency and accountability on decision making and public affairs
In order to ensure the above objectives, a government should act ensuring several key qualities. One important element is maintaining transparency in the operation of government affairs. Government deals with resources belong to public. The Government cannot use them arbitrarily just because it has the authority. They should be utilised in a transparent manner. Access must be provided for public to get information on resource utilisation. Another significant characteristic of a people-friendly government is proper adoption of rules, regulations and laid down procedures when public affairs are carried out. Avoiding any biases towards selected social groups in decision making and service delivery is another important element of good governance. Equal treatment for members of the society is expected. Availability of an administrative network which is capable and dedicated to deliver goods effectively and efficiently to satisfy the public is also a necessary requirement in a democratic government. Protection of people’s security and human rights is highly honoured by the concept of good governance. These are considered to be the basic elements of good governance. Buddhist interpretations on governance The purpose of this article is to review the teachings of Lord Buddha on the concept of governance and their applicability for the present context with special focus to Sri Lanka. Buddhist interpretations of governance are very much in conformity with the modern concept of good governance. The Lord Buddha’s perceptions on governance appear in various places in the Thripitaka and Jathaka stories. Among them, references have been made on many occasions on the concept of Dasaraaja Dhamma – 10-fold basic principles. A people-friendly ruler should perform according to these 10 moral principles when ruling a country. First is, the king should be prepared to sacrifice his wealth for the benefit of public (generosity). Secondly king should have a moral character, practicing physical, verbal and mental virtues. Thirdly, the ruler should refrain from selfishness and able to sacrifice his pleasure (Parithyaga). Honesty and integrity is the fourth principle which means performing duties sincerely. Fifthly, the king needs to become kind and gentle for citizens. He must lead a simple life (Maddawa). The seventh virtue is to free from hatred (Akkodha). Practicing Ahimsa is the eighth virtue (non-violence). Further, king should be a person with patience (Khsanthi). Finally the king must be able to listen and respect for public opinions (Avirodha). Lord Buddha has announced another four mental qualities that should be cultivated by a dedicated ruler. These are called Sathara Brahma vihara – four sublime mental status that performed by Brahma. They refer to Metta – loving kindness, Karuna – compassion, helping those who suffer, Muditha – sympathetic joy, being happy in others’ wealth and development, Upeksha – equanimity, ability to take others as they are. If a king has these four sublime mental qualities extending to his citizens, he gains recognition and popularity of people enabling him to establish social harmony and restoration of peace in his country. The Buddha has advised that a ruler has four ways of treating his community. They are named Sathara Sangraha Wasthu. Dana – giving/generosity; Priya vachana – speaking gentle and soft words; Artha Charya – working for the benefit of the public and Samanathmatha – treat everyone equally. Other significant teaching is the notion about ‘Satara Agathi’. The Pali word Agathi refers to bias, favouration or partiality. Those who are having power and authority need to take decisions impartially since his decisions can have positive or negative impact over certain sections of society. In the mundane world, people tend to make biased decisions due to four biases mentioned below. (a) Chandha agathi – bias due to liking, (b) Dosa agathi – bias due to disliking or anger, (c) Moha agathi – bias due to ignorance and (d) Bhaya agathi – bias due to fear. If a leader in a country takes biased decisions towards some groups in the society due to influence of one of the above biases, it affects social wellbeing and leads to deprivation developing jealousies and rivalries among social groups. In Diga Nikaya Buddha mentioned duties of an authentic universal king. They are protecting his people upholding justice, not letting the immorality to spoil the country and approaching Brahmins (educated clergy) to seek advice and develop moral practices. Buddhism teaches that the ruler should refrain from corruption. He must set a concrete example for being honest and sincere in all his affairs. Buddhism beautifully explains the steps of corruption from decision making level to community level in the Chakkawatti Sihanada Sutta. When the Head of the State is corrupted ministers do the same. Once ministers become dishonest, the administrative network turns into corruption. The community who follow the steps of leaders perform accordingly. When the leader proceeds along the wrong path the entire nation falls into a miserable situation. Concepts elaborated by the Buddha are far deeper than the principles and characteristics of modern concept of “good governance.” Governing process of Sri Lanka The governing process of Sri Lanka consists of the following elements:
  • Head of the State and Cabinet of Ministers
  • The Parliament consisting of elected members who make policies and laws
  • Judiciary system
  • Network of officials and the administrative system
  • Decision making process
  • Public affairs/activities/projects and programs
  • Procedures/laws and regulations
  • Community served by the process of governance
The President as the Head of State has Executive power. Under the President, there are Cabinet Ministers having Executive powers concerning their respective portfolios. The Parliament is the law-making authority. The Judiciary, which is independent from the above two bodies, is responsible for administration of justice. Principles of good governance and Government operations Provisions have been made in the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to maintain the wellbeing of community and preserve social security. The ‘Mahinda Chinthana – Forward Vision,’ the Government Manifesto, is consisted of proposals aiming at attaining the very objectives of good governance. The process of governing in Sri Lanka is guided by the provisions made by these two basic documents. In this context, it is more convincing to review and discuss the achievements of present government in terms of people’s points of view, rather than examining the application of basic principles of good governance. The Government of Sri Lanka has been a welfare state since independence contributing a significant percentage of GDP in the fields of health, education and social protection. Over the years the percentage of welfare expenditure has remarkably increased. As a result the country has gained impressive achievements in social indicators. With strong financial constraints current government continues with providing universal free education up to degree level and free health services to all citizens in the country. Despite the external global economic shock and the internal war, Sri Lanka gained remarkable achievements during the last seven years. The first and the foremost priority of the government was security of people. Internal war dragged over three decades ended creating peaceful environment across Sri Lanka for community to live without fear and threat. The second priority of the Government was to reduce the incidence of poverty and improve living standards. Development of economic infrastructure; harbours, roads, bridges, power plants and urban development essential for production and service sectors to grow have been taking place at a rapid pace at national and regional levels. Regional development programs were separately designed for economically backward regions to overcome disparities. Gama Neguma, Maga Neguma and Pura Neguma programs aiming at poverty reduction and equity objectives commence operations to reduce differences in development at grass root levels spending colossal amounts of public funds. These efforts of the Government show the inclusion of all members of community in development. These post-war interventions elevated the country into the middle income category with enhanced per capita income and higher rate of growth performance. Per capita income increased from $ 1,000 to $ 3,400 and the growth rate from around 5% in the 1990s to 7.7% during 2006/07. The incidence of poverty has reduced quite significantly. The number of people living in poverty has fallen to 9% in 2009 from 23% in 2002. The unemployment rate is 4%, which is well below the global rate. Enhanced growth, increased per capita income and fulfilling MDG goals are inspiring achievements which are results of current Government interventions. Sri Lanka is an ideal example that blends national security and development together with successful achievements. The ultimate beneficiaries who enjoy these fruits of development are the citizens of the country. Although incidence of poverty has reduced to a significant level, there are still poverty groups and geographic poverty pockets including the estate sector. There are programs carried out specially aimed at those who live below the poverty line. Samurdhi is the largest poverty alleviation program of the Government to protect such economically-vulnerable communities. These are concrete examples showing the indiscriminative behaviour of Government. A solid example for equal treatment of all social groups is the speedy development that has taken place in the north and east of Sri Lanka immediately after ending the war. The North and East Provinces where a majority of Tamil and Muslim population live were severely damaged and destroyed by the war. With the end of war, the utmost priority and total strength of the Government was placed for development of war-torn areas. Demining was hurriedly but carefully done in settlement areas and internally-displaced people were resettled in their original places within a period of three years. Damaged shelters and infrastructure were newly-built or renovated. Initiatives were taken to provide resettled communities with livelihoods. Food for work projects started to get families who do not have income source to work for food until they are provided with livelihoods. A large number of economic and social development interventions initiated with local and donor funds to bring the areas back to normal. Despite strong financial constraints the current Government was able to extend the social protection program Samurdhi to the north and east. Uthuru Wasanthaya and Nagenahira Navodaya regional development programs were specifically designed and implemented to reduce disparities created by war in these two regions. The Government extended humanitarian attitudes towards ex-combatants. They were properly rehabilitated and released to society, enabling them to lead a normal life. The Government arranged provincial council elections providing the opportunity for people to use their democratic rights. A separate ministry was established with the portfolio for identifying and carrying out programs for social harmony among ethnic groups. It is usual that development taking place at macro level does not trickle down to grass root levels. There are income inequalities among different social groups and development differences within and among regions, districts and divisions. For example, Nuwara Eliya and Moneragala Districts still have high incidence of poverty, which is double the national figure. Local level programs for backward regions and vulnerable sections of the society have been implementing, minimising the disparities and inequalities. Citizen charters elaborating duties and functions of all Government ministries and departments have been prepared and displayed in respective offices for public to gain knowledge about the roles and responsibilities of respective ministries. Name-boards carrying financial and physical information on Government projects which commenced operation are placed in project sites for public awareness. The independent Auditor General is reviewing and auditing the affairs of the State. Auditing takes place regularly throughout the year from central to local level. A Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and Corporate Accounts Committee (COPE) are established in Parliament to investigate into malpractices and frauds in public affairs. These are the steps to avoid undesirable practices, ensuring proper use of public funds. Concluding remarks Sri Lanka is a motherland for Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities. The Government has already set examples in achieving objectives of good governance and through its indiscriminative performance. Achievements Sri Lanka gained during the last eight years show the community-friendly nature of the Government as preached by the lord Buddha. The Government still has to face some of the remaining challenges. It should initiate actions to implement the remaining recommendations made by LLRC. Community-centred projects and programs carried out at grass root level need to be correctly focused for needy communities. There is a necessity to streamline awareness raising and community empowerment programs already in operation. This will enable the community to monitor the affairs of the State, observing gaps and lapses, and report to the authorities concerned. Local authorities more frequently and closely deal with community. There is a necessity to educate local authorities and ask them to practice the basic principles of good governance in their daily performance. Continuous allegations of inefficiency, ineffectiveness and lack of sensitivity towards community aspirations are levelled against the Government administrative machinery. Action needs to be taken to streamline the public sector performance and service delivery, making the public officials sensitive and attentive to the interests and aspirations of the community. The Judiciary in Sri Lanka performs independently to fulfil just and fair play, but lengthy delays experienced in hearing cases cost money. The masses are unable to afford such costs. Good governance in a country cannot be achieved by the Government alone. The corporate sector has to play a dominating role in social justice and social welfare. The Government is keen and has initiated several steps to promote the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector to expedite economic growth. The corporate sector has high potential in developing SME projects. SME sector development can enhance economic growth and reduce unemployment. Government can only provide an enabling environment. The community is not only service recipients of Government but also clients of the private sector. Therefore, the private sector has a role in social wellbeing. Private sector service providers should not deceive people. Their performance must be based on the principles of good governance. There is no government in the world where principles of good governance are applied fully. It is always the powerful countries that violate such principles. In Sri Lanka no one can find a person who goes to bed starving. (The writer is Deputy Minister of Education and Monitoring MP of Ministry of Youth Affairs and Skills Development. He can be reached via email [email protected].)

 UN Chief’s Message on International Day of Democracy

Special message by United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to mark International Day of Democracy, which falls today As we observe this year’s International Day of Democracy, the world seems more turbulent than ever. In many regions and in many ways, the values of the United Nations, including some of the most fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in the UN Charter, are being tested and challenged. Recent outbreaks of violence reinforce a truth we have seen time and again: that where societies are not inclusive, and where governments are not responsive and accountable, peace, equality and shared prosperity cannot take hold. We need to do more to empower individuals, focusing on the billions of people who are underprivileged, marginalised, jobless, hopeless and understandably frustrated. We need to ensure they are heard and can take an active part in their future. That is why my message today goes out to those who will be at the forefront of the world beyond 2015, and who by nature are at a turning point in their own lives: young people. One person out of five today is between the ages of 15 and 24. Never before has the transition from youth to adulthood been so weighed by challenges, yet so blessed by opportunities. You have powers to network that would have been unimaginable when the United Nations was founded nearly 70 years ago. You are connecting about issues that matter. Injustice. Discrimination. Human rights abuses. The discourse of hate. The need for human solidarity. I call on members of the largest generation of youth in history to confront challenges and consider what you can do to resolve them. To take control of your destiny and translate your dreams into a better future for all. To contribute to building stronger and better democratic societies. To work together, to use your creative thinking, to become architects of a future that leaves no one behind. To help set our world on course for a better future. On this International Day of Democracy, I call on young people everywhere to lead a major push for inclusive democracy around the world.
 

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