Private interests undermine good governance in developing economies

World Bank official

Channa Kasturisinghe

GOOD GOVERNANCE: The media in developing economies such as Sri Lanka have a greater role to play to strengthen civil society efforts to ensure good governance by highlighting public and private sector corruption, Director, Global Programmes and Governance, World Bank Institute Daniel Kaufmann said in Colombo.

Addressing a roundtable discussion at the World Bank office on Tuesday Kaufmann said Sri Lanka should look at emerging economies such as Chile where good governance has led to higher economic growth.

?It is a myth that factors such as media freedom and good governance are luxuries that only rich countries can afford. It is misleading to suggest that corruption is due to low incomes.

Countries like Chile have shown that it is possible to reach high standards of governance although it is not ranked a wealthy nation. Free and independent media plays a key role in achieving such high standards of governance,? he said.

Kaufmann visited Sri Lanka to deliver a key-note presentation on Media, Governance and Development at the International Press Freedom Day Conference held at the BMICH from May 1 to 3.

He said that research shows that countries that defend civil liberties and protect freedom of the press are better equipped to tackle corruption thereby ensuring good governance.

?However, there are several challenges faced by media in these countries. There is no adequate protection of free speech and some times there is excessive state involvement. At the same time the media industry is often controlled by a few.

Therefore it is essential to formulate a broad governance and media development framework,? Kaufmann said. He also said that there are several myths about governance and corruption and media can play a vital role in creating the true picture.

?For example, there is the notion that the culprit is the public sector in developing countries. The reality is much more complex. Powerful private interests often exert undue influence in shaping public policy, institutions and state legislation.

We also find that many multinational corporations are engaged in bribery undermining public governance in emerging economies,? he said.

Kaufmann also said that initiatives such as anti-corruption campaigns, creation of commissions, and drafting of new laws seem to have very little impact on curbing corruption.

?Such initiatives are often attempts of politicians of reacting to pressure to do something about corruption,? he said.