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Good governance through inter party cooperation

by J. Gunadasa Jayawickrema Galewela Group Correspondent

'Voice Of Youth' a non-governmental organization conducting social development programmes with the participation of the youth conducted a workshop for young representatives of Local Government bodies in Anuradhapura District on propagation of good governance through inter party cooperation and collaboration.

Dambulla Kandalama Culture Club was the venue of this residential workshop which was sponsored by Konrad Adenauer Stiftung. Sri Lanka representative of this international agency based in Germany, Mrs. Marlies Salazar was present at the inauguration and delivered the inaugural speech.

'Voice Of Youth' programme director Senaka Dambawinne, DIG Elections and IT Sri Lanka Police Gamini Navaratne, editor of 'Ravaya' newspaper Victor Ivan, Consultant Sri Lanka Institute of Local Governance Dilan Fernandopulle and several eminent resource persons made deliberations on the relevant themes.

Mrs. Marlies Salazar spoke on the theme 'Importance of Sustainable Development with Focus on Globalization' and told that the most important challenge in achieving development for the present generation is to not to take any measures endangering the future of the ones to be born.

When we make use of the natural resources we have to consider its impact on the environment as well as the society.

Speaking further the speaker pointed-out the norms of sustainable development: 1. Conservation of sociological base the working of man has to be limited to conserve the nature. 2. The relationship between the developed and developing nations, 3. Free economy. Post-war Germany was able to achieve fast economic growth with the help of the free economic policies.

Respecting human rights is an essential element in the market economic system. It has to face many criticisms and challenges. Certain anti-globalization forces are working all over the world including in Sri Lanka. Some people can lose their jobs. There could be negative impact on the culture and the society. Most of the people with no access to the new technology oppose the concept of globalisation. This kind of forces operate even in Germany. Globalisation is not a challenge, but is a chance to develop. Competitions open new vistas for development.

The concepts of sustainable development and globalization has brought about advancement in many fields. The knowledge in international languages specially the English is very essential to reach the new technology. It is a sad situation that yet many people in Sri Lanka do not have sufficient knowledge of English. The authorities in the Education Department have to take suitable measures to overcome this backlog.

The speaker also added: Every country needs at the least 25% of forest cover. There was 56% forest cover in Sri Lanka in the year 1956. This has been reduced to 18% by now. This has resulted in the lower water table in the ground resulting in the drop in the irrigation facilities and crop failures.

Poverty will increase as a result. The German representative invited the local government representatives to pay attention to the development programmes carried out in their respective areas. They should check whether the forest cover and the water resources are conserved. They must influence to select the appropriate technology to the area. East Asian countries have achieved considerable progress in the recent years by correctly tackling those problems. The business community and the local government bodies have to maintain a good rapport and cooperation.

Concluding the speech the speaker expressed her confidence that Sri Lanka would be able to find solutions to her problems and to achieve a balanced socio-economic development.

"Voice of Youth" Director Senaka Dambawinne spoke on the 'Social Values and the Politicians' and said that it is an important thing for any society marching on the path of progress to safeguard its social values.

He gave the simple example that in our country some parents teach their children to tell lies in order to get them admitted to a prestigious school. Many people in high positions do not adhere to the rules and regulations.

'Ravaya' Editor Victor Ivan spoke on 'Good Governance and Peoples Aspirations' and first gave a brief background on the evolution of our society.

The Western countries were first ruled by dictators and the people and to carry-out long struggles backed by the new ideological thinking. Gradually they were able to evolve democratic structures and the wish of the people is well reflected in their systems. The advent of the democratic system in Sri Lanka is different.

Our country also was ruled by benevolent rulers who got their power by birth. The Western powers ruled our country for nearly five centuries and presented the parliamentary system at the time of leaving our country.

Although our rulers are elected by the people they also think as kings and try use all the powers above the people. The speaker stressed the responsibility of the Auditor General to maintain the financial administration without leaving any room for misuse and corruption. Transparency should be in every deal. The final judgement should be from the people.

The speaker traced many examples to prove that the judiciary as well as the auditing system in our country has not been functioning properly.

He appealed to the young politicians to improve their knowledge and experience and not to be conditioned by the system, but to make every effort to modify the system to build a democratic just society suitable for living and promising the benefit of all the citizens.

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