Principles of Good Governance
A brief Introduction
Dr. Chandrarathne Bandara - LLB
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Principles of Good Governance - A brief Introduction
01
Introduction
1.
Principles of Good Governance represent a unique characteristic of civilization built by man from
pre historic era, from ancient times unknown to us. Origins of all religions and philosophies are
tied together with these old principles.
2.
Principles of good governance find a very important place in all the religions and philosophies in
the world. Also principles of good governance are clearly visible in indigenous folk beliefs which
have not been developed as religions or philosophies.
3.
One will realize the importance of the principles of good governance only when one is affected by
a problem. Till then one will not face any problem regarding the orderly existence of the society.
4.
Good governance in the society is threatened due to human weaknesses, such as; bribery,
corruption, violence, waste and inefficiency. Only strategy practiced by the worldly society to
control these human weaknesses is to make more and more new laws.
5.
But good governance cannot be enforced only by laws. The following requirements should be
fulfilled for this purpose.
(I.)
Spiritual and religious Environment
Beliefs such as, merit and sin, hell and heaven, effects of actions, life after death, rebirth etc. According to Buddhist philosophy a very scientific and right methodology of
decision making can be found through deviating from four mental weaknesses that every
person has, namely; liking or favoritism, hatred or animosity, fear and ignorance.
( II.)
Cultural Environment
Helping each other, collective activities rituals, misdeeds such as bribery and corruption.
( III.) Legal Environment
Existence of adequate laws for good governance, the belief that every one, either higher or
lower should work under the law and according to law, protect the law and respect the law
and existence of institutions and mechanisms operated for enforcing such beliefs.
6.
Most important factor for promoting good governance is spiritual background. In a society where
there are no civilized manners there will be no good governance.
7.
Therefore attention will be focused on the principles of good governance on which all the other
factors are essentially based.
8.
It is not sufficient to study the contents by heart. They should be analyzed and grasped.
Dr. Chandrarathne Bandara - LLB
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Principles of Good Governance - A brief Introduction
9.
Therefore it is requested to read books and research in the internet about the subject.
10. Most important thing is to understand the contents well and first promoting them within oneself
and simultaneously promoting such ideas in the society. It will really be a religious mission
irrespective of races, classes and religions.
02. Principles of good governance surfaced in indigenous beliefs,
religions and philosophies.
01. Indigenous traditions
(I.)
True happiness consists in making others happy. ( Indian Proverb )
(II.)
Vision without action is a day dream. Action without vision is nightmare. ( Japanese
Proverb )
(III.)
Better lean and good, than fat and evil. ( Chinese Proverb )
(IV.)
If you always give you will always have ( Chinese Proverb )
(V.)
Neither flowers no fortunes last forever ( Chinese Proverb )
(VI.)
Life – a candle in the wind, frost on the leaves ( Chinese Proverb )
(VII.)
Laws control a lesser person, right conduct controls a greater one. ( Chinese Proverb )
(VIII.) Teachers open the door. You enter by yourself. ( Chinese Proverb )
(IX.)
Your body is the temple of knowledge. ( Egyptian Proverb )
(X.)
Altruism is the mark of superior being. ( Egyptian Proverb )
(XI.)
Think before you leap. ( Sri Lankan Proverb )
(XII.)
The clean sky and the green fruitful earth are good, but peace among men is better. (Native
American – Omaha Proverb )
(XIII.) Misfortune happens even to the wisest and best men. (Native American – Omaha Proverb )
(XIV.)
One’s hand for one’s head. ( Sri Lankan Proverb )
(XV.)
Treat all men alike. Give them all the same law. (Native American Saying )
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Principles of Good Governance - A brief Introduction
02.
Hinduism ( 2000 BC .)
No founder. Accepted as eternal law existing everywhere in the world forever.
I.
Whenever righteousness declines and unrighteousness becomes powerful then I myself
come to birth. For the protection of the good for the destruction of evil doers, for the sake
of firmly establishing righteousness I am born from age to age. ( Lord Krishna Bhagawad Geetha )
II.
Hinduism is the mother religion of all religions. ( Swami Vivekananda )
III.
By the study of different religions we find that in essence they are one. ( Swami
Vivekananda )
IV.
To devote your life to the good of all and to the happiness of all is religion. Whatever you
do for your own sake is not religion. ( Swami Vivekananda )
V.
If money helps a man to do good to others it is of some value, but if not, it’s simply a mass
of evil and the sooner it is got rid of the better. ( Swami Vivekananda )
VI.
Education is to teach a person how to stand on his own legs. ( Swami Vivekananda )
VII.
Step beyond what is human. Elect for the divine word. And establish your leadership.
(Atharva veda )
03.
Judaism – 1500 BC
Founders : From Moses
1.
Ten Commandments. ( Ten commandments provide an important foundation for Judaism
as well as for Christianity and Islam )
I.
II.
I am the Lord your God.
You shall have no other God before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol.
III.
Do not take the name of the God in vain.
IV.
Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.
V.
VI.
VII.
Honour your father and mother.
You shall not kill / murder
You shall not commit adultery.
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Principles of Good Governance - A brief Introduction
VIII.
IX.
X.
You shall not steal.
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. You shall not covet anything that belongs to
your neighbor.
II.
When you reap the harvest of your land you shall not reap all the way to the edge of your
field or gather the gleanings of your harvest, but you shall leave them for the poor and the
stranger, I the eternal am your God. ( Jewish Quote - Leviticus. )
04
Zoroastrianism ( 628 – 527 BC )
( Founder - Zoroaster )
Every Crime makes the guilty man liable to two penalties, one here below, another in the next
world.
05
Jainism ( 599 BC )
( Founder - Wardamana Mahaweera )
I.
One should cultivate right faith ( Samyak Darshana, ) right knowledge ( Samyake Gnana )
and right conduct ( Samyak Charitha ) for one’s liberation.
II.
The following components should be present for right conduct.
A. Non – Violence ( Ahimsa ). Not to cause harm to any living being.
B. Truthfulness
C. Non stealing
D. Chastity
E. Non possession / non attachment, complete detachment form everything.
III.
Whatever you wish for yourself, wish the same for others.
IV. Live and let live. Love all. Serve all.
V.
Where there is love there is life. Violence is suicide.
VI.
Nonviolence is the highest religion.
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Principles of Good Governance - A brief Introduction
06
Taoism – 580 BC.
( Founder – Lao Tzu )
I.
A leader is best when people barely know he exists.
When his work is done and his aim is fulfilled,
People will say, “ We did it ourselves ”
II.
Be the chief but never the lord.
III.
Because of great love one is courageous.
IV.
Great acts are made up of small deeds.
V.
Governing a great nation is like cooking a small fish. Too much handling will spoil it.
VI.
Do the difficult things while they are easy and do the great things while they are small. A
journey of 1000 miles must begin with a single step.
VII.
He who conquers others is strong. He who conquers himself is mighty.
VIII. He who controls others may be powerful but he who mastered himself is mightier still.
07.
Buddhism – 563 BC,
( Founder - Siddhartha Gauthama Buddha. )
I
It can be said that the Buddhism is a treasure of the principles of Good Governance. A lot of
principles which can be utilized within the family, in the society and at state level are
contained in it. Through sermons such as Maha Mangala Sutthraya, Wasala Sutthraya,
Wyagga Pajja Sutthraya, and Singalowada Sutthraya ethics which should be maintained
within the family and in the society have been discussed intensively. Special attention has
been focused on circumstances relating to state administration in sermons such as, Agganna
Sutthraya, Chakkawatthi Sihanada Sutthraya, Kutadantha Sutthraya, Maha Suddassana
Sutthraya, Maha Parinibbana Sutthraya, Dhammika Sutthraya and Rajja Sutthraya.
II. Subjects such as merit and sin concept, consequences of one’s acts, and re – birth are
emphasized and awareness is created in the society on important ethics. It will be important
here to consider the meaning of first two stanzas in the Dhamma Pada.
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Principles of Good Governance - A brief Introduction
Good begets good
Evil begets evil
Man reaps what he has sown in the past or in the present. What be sows now he reaps
in the present or in the future at the opportune moment. Man himself is mainly
responsible for his own happiness and misery. He creates his own hell and heaven. He
is the architect of his own fate. What he makes he can unmake.
( The Dhamma Pada : Narada Thero – 1963 )
III. According to Buddhism no one should be worried about the eight fold law of the world.
(profit – loss, insult – praise , fame – ill fame, comfort – pain ) Salleka Patipada, ( simple
living ) is recommended for a peaceful life. That means one should lead a clean, simple life
abstaining from various sins although rest of the people in the society are engaged in such
misdeeds.
IV. Chathurarya Satthya ( Four Fold Noble Truth ) and Arya Ashtangika Margaya ( Eight Fold
Noble Path ) show a clean way of living compelling all the people for leading righteous life
patterns.
(A)
Four Fold Noble Truth
1.
Suffering ( Dukka Satthyaya )
Understanding that life is full of suffering, it’s empty and impermanent.
2.
Cause of Suffering ( Samudaya Satthyaya )
Understanding that course of suffering is craving
3.
Elimination the Cause ( Nirodha Satthyaya )
Understanding that craving has to be eliminated.
4.
Way for liberation ( Marga Satthyaya )
Accepting that Eight Fold Noble way is the way for elimination of suffering and leading
one’s life accordingly.
(B)
Eight Fold Noble Path
1.
Right Vision ( Samma Ditti )
2.
Right Thinking ( Samma Sankappa )
3.
Right Words ( Samma Wacha ) – Abstain from falsehood, empty and harsh words
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Principles of Good Governance - A brief Introduction
V.
1.
4.
Right Action ( Samma Kammantha ) – living for the benefit of others abstaining from
killing, stealing and adultery
5.
Right Living ( Samma Aajeewa ) – Honest, clean living
6.
Right Effort ( Samma Wayama ) – Effort for improving and cultivating merits.
7.
Right mind ( Samma Sathi ) Concentrating on right aims
8.
Right meditation ( Samma Samadhi )
We can see seven principles which are directly affecting private life, social life and state
administration.
Pancha Seelaya - Fivefold code of conduct.
1. Protect lives of others. Respect human rights. Respect bio - diversity.
2. Do not steal property belonging to others. Avoid bribery and corruption.
3. Avoid immoral behavior. Do not commit adultery.
4. Do not lie. Do not give false evidence or false promises.
5.
2
Avoid alcohol and drugs.
Dasa Raja Dharmaya (Ten Principles of Good Governance)
i.
Danaya (Alms, Giving) Liking for giving people instead of taking from them for one's
own benefit.
ii.
Seelaya ( Morality or Discipline ) lawful, disciplined, exemplary behavior or conduct.
iii. Parithyagaya ( Generosity ) Helping the needy and poor people instead of leading
luxurious lives.
iv. Irju Bhavaya ( Straight Forwardness ) Doing justice without fear or favour.
v.
Murdu Bhavaya ( Softness ) Being kind and soft hearted towards poor and innocent
people.
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Principles of Good Governance - A brief Introduction
vi. Indriya Damanaya ( Sensual Control ) Controlling tendency to satisfy five senses; eye,
ear, tongue, nose and body
vii. Maithriya ( Compassion towards living beings )
viii. Ahinsawa ( Nonviolence ) Doing no harm to others
ix. Iwaseema ( Patience ) Listening to views of others
x.
3.
4.
Avirodeethawaya ( Not Opposing ) Promoting freedom of expression without repression
or suppression.
Sakvithi Wath Sathara - Four Practices of the Greatest King, Chakrawarthi
I.
Ruling the country through righteous and peaceful means.
II.
Ensuring security of life
III.
Ensuring economic stability
IV.
Taking advice from the learned, experts and the men of wisdom when necessary.
Saptha Aparihaneeya Dharma - Seven Practices of Good Governance
I.
Meet regularly
II.
Meet in harmony, work in harmony and disperse in harmony
III. Respect old traditions, do not make new laws unnecessarily, and abide by the existing
laws.
IV. Listen to elders, respect them.
V. Do not harass women married or unmarried, do not have relations with them by force.
VI. Respect places of worship, support to maintain religious institutions
VIII Provide facilities for the clergy invite and treat them. Respect clergy irrespective of
religious belief.
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Principles of Good Governance - A brief Introduction
5.
Sathara Agathiya - Four malpractices that a ruler should strictly avoid
I. Chanda - liking, favoritism
II. Dosa - hatred, animosity
III. Bhaya - fear, fear of consequences
IV. Moha - Ignorance, being unaware of reality
6.
Sathara Sangraha Wasthu ( Four ways of treating others )
I.
Danaya - Giving
II. Priya wachanaya - Polite words
III. Arthacharyawa - Serving for the benefit of others
IV. Samanathmathawaya - Equality
7.
Sathara Brahma Viharanaya ( Four - fold noble conduct )
I.
Maithree - Compassion
II.
Karuna - Kindness
III. Muditha-Sympathetic joy, being happy about wealth of others received through lawful
and righteous means
IV. Upeksha - Equanimity - balanced mind, thinking of universal truth
08.
Confucianism – 551 BC
( Founder : Confucius )
I.
An oppressive government is more to be feared than a tiger.
II. Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire. What you do not want done to
yourself do not do to others.
III. Faced with what is right, to leave it undone shows a lack of courage. To see the right and
not to do it is cowardice.
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Principles of Good Governance - A brief Introduction
IV. If you think in terms of a year plant a seed, if in terms of 10 years plant trees, if in terms of
1000 years teach the people
V. In a country well governed poverty is something to be ashamed of. In a country badly
governed wealth is something to be ashamed of.
VI. It is easy to hate and it is difficult to love. This is how the whole system of things works.
Good things are difficult to achieve and bad things are very easy to get.
VII. There are three moral qualities universally accepted.
A. Wisdom
B. Compassion
C. Courage
VIII.
I hear and I forget - I hear I know
I see and I remember - I see I remember
I do and I understand - I do I understand
09
Shintoism – 1 BC
( No Founder )
Common Prayer
Our eyes may see some uncleanliness, but let not our minds see things that are not clean.
Our ears may hear some uncleanliness, but let not our minds hear things that are not clean.
10
Christianity ( Year – 1 )
Founder - Jesus Christ
A lot of principles which can be utilized for promoting good governance are contained in the
Bible and the Holy Scriptures.
I.
Sermon on the Mount
A. Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
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Principles of Good Governance - A brief Introduction
B. Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted.
C. Blessed are the meek,
For they shall inherit the earth.
D. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.
E. Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain mercy.
F. Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God.
G. Blessed are the peace makers,
For they shall be called sons of God.
H. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
I. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil
against you falsely for my sake.
J. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they
persecuted the prophets who were before you.
II
It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the
kingdom of God.
III
Work hard and become a leader, be lazy and never succeed.
IV
Above all love each other deeply because love covers a multitude of sins. Offer
hospitality to one another without grumbling.
V
Be patient and you will finally win, for a soft tongue can break hard bones.
VI
A faithful friend is the medicine of life.
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Principles of Good Governance - A brief Introduction
11
VII
It is more blessed to give than to receive.
VII
You have heard that it has been said; an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth, but I say
unto you that you resist not evil but whosoever smite thee on the right cheek turn to
him the other also.
IX
Ask and it shall be given to you, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened
unto you. For everyone that asketh receiveth, and he that seekth findth, and to him that
knocks it shall be opened.
X
Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that
is taught in the law and by the prophets.
Islam ( Year 600 )
( Founder : Prophet Muhammad. )
A lot of principles and models that can be utilized for promoting good governance are
contained in Holy Quran and other religious scriptures.
1
Prayer carries us halfway to God, fasting brings us to the door of His palace, and alms
giving procures us admission.
2
Adhere to truth for truth leads to good deeds and good deeds lead him who does them to
paradise. Falsehood is wickedness and wickedness leads to hell.
3
A man’s true wealth hereafter is the good he does in this world to his fellowmen.
4
There are three signs of a hypocrite.
I.
When he speaks he speaks lies
II.
When he makes a promise he breaks it and
III.
When he is trusted he betrays his trust.
5
Action will be judged according to intentions.
6
No man is a true believer unless he desires for his brother that which he desires for
himself.
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Principles of Good Governance - A brief Introduction
12. Sikhism ( 1469 )
Founder : Guru Nanak
1
To accept a bribe and commit perjury is to strangulate oneself with the rope of dishonor.
Guru 1, Maru Rag
2
Why withhold what is due to others. Get peace by giving them their due
Guru III Sarang Rag
13. Baha’i Faith ( 1817 )
Founder : Baha’u’llah
Let your vision be world embracing
Baha’u’llah
Baha’i s believe that
I. All humanity is one family
II. Woman and men are equal
III. All prejudice – racial, religious, national or economic - is destructive and must be overcome.
IV. We must investigate truth for ourselves, without pre conceptions.
V. Science and religion are in harmony.
VI. Our economic problems are linked to spiritual problems.
VII. The family and its unity are very important.
VIII. There is one God.
IX. All major religions come from one God.
X. World peace is the crying need of our time.
14.
Ideas from ancient philosophers
1.
Aesop – 620 – 564 BC
I.
Persuasion is often more effectual than force.
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Principles of Good Governance - A brief Introduction
II.
United we stand divided we fall.
III.
We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones in public office.
IV. Self-conceit may lead to self-destruction.
V.
Slow and steady wins the race.
VI. No act of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted.
2.
Socrates ( 469 BC – 399 BC )
It is not living that matters, but living rightly
3.
Plato ( 427 BC - 347 BC )
1.
Any man easily does harm, but not every man can do good to others.
2.
For a man to conquer himself is the first and the noblest of all victories.
3.
Human behavior flows from 3 main sources
1.
4.
Desire
2. Emotion and
3. Knowledge
Aristotle ( 384 BC – 322 BC )
I.
A friend to all is a friend to no one.
II. It is not once or twice but times without number that the same ideas make their appearance
in the world.
III. The roots of education are bitter but the fruit is sweet.
5.
William Shakespeare ( 1564 – 1616 )
Every one ought to bear patiently the results of his own conduct.
6.
Karl Marx
I.
( 1818 – 1883 )
From each according to his abilities,
To each according to his needs,
II. Necessity is blind until it becomes conscious. Freedom is the consciousness of necessity.
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Principles of Good Governance - A brief Introduction
15.
Ideas from modern intellectuals
1.
Professor Andrew Wilson,
Editor, Insights from the World Scripture : A comparative Anthropology of sacred
Texts. - Born 1950
Among the requisite qualities of a leader is righteousness. Righteousness is defined as
dedication to the public welfare, regardless of the cost to one’s self.
A righteous leader has integrity. He does not seek to profit from his office and he never
uses public resources for his own benefit.
2.
Jena Malone ( American Actress ) Born 1984
A lot of powerful religious leaders from Jesus to Buddha, to Tibetans monks, they are
really talking about the same thing; love and acceptability, the value of friendship, and
respecting yourself so you can respect others.
Josept Muscat ( Leader of the Maltese Labour Party – Born 1974
3
Transparency is the key to good governance.
Abraham Lincoln 16th President, USA, 1809 – 1865
4.
I.
Democracy is a government of the people, by the people and for the people.
II.
You can fool some of the people all the time and all the people some of the time. But
you cannot fool all the people all the time.
5. Emile Lahud ( Lebanese Statesman )
Democracy, good governance and modernity cannot be imported or imposed from outside a
country.
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Principles of Good Governance - A brief Introduction
16.
International Organizations
1.
United Nations Organization
The United Nations Organization focuses on eight characteristics known as governance
standards.
I. Consensus Oriented
II. Participatory
III. Following the Rule of Law
IV. Effective and Efficient
V. Accountable
VI. Transparent
VII. Responsive
VIII.
2.
Equitable and Inclusive
International Monetary Fund.
The International Monetary Fund focuses on three aspects. It investigates into these aspects
and decides whether it should grant credit to particular countries.
I.
Ensuring the rule of law
II. Improving the efficiency and accountability of the public sector,
III. Tackling corruption.
3.
Transparency International
Transparency International focuses its attention on corruption prevailing in three sectors.
I. Political Sector
II. Government contracts
III. Private sector
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Principles of Good Governance - A brief Introduction
4.
World Bank
The World Bank declared in its worldwide governance indicators as follows.
The traditions and institutions by which authority in a country is exercised.
5.
Wikipedia
I
Wikipedia has defined Fair Governance as follows.
“ A fair governance implies that mechanisms function in a way that allows the executives
( the agents ) to respect the rights and interests of the stakeholders ( the principals ) in a
spirit of democracy. ”
II. Wikipedia points out that three institutions should be reformed in order to promote good
governance.
1. State
Dr. Chandrarathne Bandara - LLB
II. Private Sector
III. Civil Society
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Principles of Good Governance - A brief Introduction
03. Major Religions in the world, eras, geographical areas, numbers of present
adherents, percentages compared to world population.
No Era
1
1000 BC
2
600 B C
3.
100
4.
600
5.
1500
6.
1900
Near East
Judaism
Founder : Moses
1500 - 1350 B C
14 Millions ( 0.22 % )
Zoroastrianism
Founder : Zoroaster
628 – 527 BC
2.6 millions
India
Hinduism
No Founder:
2000 B C
900 Millions ( 14 % )
Jainism
Founder : Wardamana
Mahaweera
599 – 527 BC
4.2 millions
------------------------Buddhism
Founder : Siddhartha
Gauthama Buddha
563 – 483 B. C.
376 millions ( 6%)
-
Christianity
Founder : Jesus Christ
2.1 Billions (33%)
Islam
Founder
:
Prophet
Muhammad
570 – 632
1.5 Billions ( 21%)
Sikhism
Founder : Guru Nanak
1469 – 1538
23 millions (0 .36 % )
Baha’i Faith
Founder : Baha’u’llah
1817 – 1829
7 millions
China / Japan
-
Taoism
Founder : LaoTse
580 – 500 BC
Confucianism
Founder :
Confucius
Adherents to both
religions
394 millions ( 6 % )
Shintoism
100
4 millions
-
-
-
Notes :
1
All religions seem to take their origins from pre – historic customs, usages and beliefs.
2.
Presenting same ideas in different styles many more religions and philosophies have come into
existence. Some are still emerging.
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Principles of Good Governance - A brief Introduction
04
1.
In search of Truth
Background
I am writing this letter on the 63rd Independence Day of Sri Lanka. 1 ½ years have passed after the military
victory in the north. Although arrangements had been made to proudly conduct the Independence Day
Celebrations there is sorrow and suffering in the country.
Around one million people in 14 districts had been affected by floods and landslides in January. On the 4th of
February there were heavy rains and around 300000 people were affected by floods. There are children, elders
and pregnant mothers among the victims. Thousands of people are living without proper places for shelter,
shivering in cold weather, waiting with uncertain hopes for some meals from someone.
Most of the highways on which milk rice was proudly cooked 1 ½ years back at the event of the military victory
in the north when thousands of people had been subjected to loss of life and rendered homeless are today
covered with floods. This situation is very much appropriate for us to re -think whether the way we enjoyed was
correct when others were in a miserable condition.
Looking at the prevailing circumstances we can see it’s not that strange the rest of the people in the country are
not sensitive to the people of the north. Thousands of people are waiting at this moment with open eyes being
destitute and helpless. But festivals and carnivals are conducted in many parts of the country. What do the flood
victims think looking at these beautiful dances on the television? Is it only a feeling of worry about themselves?
Or is it a feeling of hatred about the advantaged few that enjoy in festivities neglecting them.
Some people may celebrate independence during the day and enjoy a couple of drinks in the evening utilizing
someone else’s money.
This is not a big issue in a society where eating from others is accepted as a good quality!
Decrease in sensitivity is not a phenomenon that emerged today or yesterday. When more than 100 innocent
people were killed at Sri Maha Bodhiya, Anuradhapura there were various festivities taking place scattered
around the country. They were not canceled.
We have to realize that it is a sin if we don’t get worried looking at the suffering of others. We also have to
realize that nature imposes various punishments on the human kind as consequences of the sin. Not only we in
Sri Lanka, but also people in the United States of America, Europe, China, India, Middle East and many other
countries face similar miserable situations. These disasters also cannot be considered as mere natural
calamities. We have to realize that these disasters take place as consequences of sins including slaughtering of
men and innocent animals which has taken place in the past and taking place in the present.
In the circumstances at this difficult situation, let’s start this dialogue in search of Truth re –thinking about
ourselves, our neighbors and the environment around us with a view to make our lives better and create a
positive impact on the whole society.
Dr. Chandrarathne Bandara - LLB
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Principles of Good Governance - A brief Introduction
2.
The crisis
World is facing a serious crisis which no one can solve. Floods, landslides, volcanoes, droughts and
wild fires are causing so much of disaster killing people and destroying natural resources as well as
man-made properties. The whole environment seems to have got enraged against the mankind for
inhuman killing of people, slaughtering of innocent animals, destruction of countries and communities,
cheating corruption and exploitation. We can clearly see that the man goes against nature and the
nature in response imposes punishments on the man.
All the great teachers in the world have revealed this truth, “ Every good action has a good reaction
and every bad action has a bad reaction ”. In Buddhism this is known as cause and effect theory
and the entire life circle of a person; birth, death, rebirth etc. is governed by the doctrine.
In this belief we have to re think about our past and retry our systems. Foundation for this thinking
should be based on feeling of love, kindness, compassion, co-operation and brotherhood.
Negative
Positive
Dr. Chandrarathne Bandara - LLB
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Principles of Good Governance - A brief Introduction
3
Major Principles that can be emphasized in all important functions and religious rituals
I.
God is everywhere. Either visible or not divine powers are supreme and inevitable.
II.
God in any form, any name, any time, any place, any religion represent the positive, serene and
spiritual aspect of humankind.
III.
There is also a negative, wicked and disastrous aspect of human kind known as Satan, devil or
Mara.
IV.
Respect your parents, love your neighbors, help your fellowmen.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
Regard all religions, nations, cultures and differences among various communities.
The concept of Merit and Sin governs the whole universe.
Living for the sake of others is the best living of a human being.
Bribery, corruption and misuse of public funds are social crimes as well as grave social sins.
We believe in
merit and sin.
You will harvest
tasty fruits when
you plant
good seeds.
On the other
hand
when you do
wrong things you
will receive
only curse,
sickness
and death
in return.
Dr. Chandrarathne Bandara - LLB
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Principles of Good Governance - A brief Introduction
05
Let’s learn Good Governance from A to Z
A
Action speaks louder than words
B
Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed
C
Cut off undue influences as Corruption Conveys Curse
D
Do as you would be done
E
Every man is his own worst enemy
F
Forbidden fruit is the sweetest
G
God helps those who help themselves
H
Honesty is the best policy
I
It is more blessed to give than to receive
J
Justice before all
K
Keep good relations with like-minded people
L
Love for money is the root of all evil.
M
More haste, less speed
N
Noble birth imposes the obligation of noble action
O
One lie makes many
P
Prevention is better than cure
Q
Question when and where necessary without fear
R
Resist bribery, corruption and all malpractices
S
Settle disputes, Solve problems, Save time, energy and other resources
T
There is a sin of omission as well as of commission.
U
Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown
V
Virtue is its own reward
W
Where there is a will there is a way
X
xplore ( explore ) all possibilities to be right and righteous
Y
Yeoman services for the sake of others
Z
Zoom to greater heights of self-satisfaction
Dr. Chandrarathne Bandara - LLB
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Principles of Good Governance - A brief Introduction
06. Way Forward
You may now feel confident after reading this small booklet that the role played by religions and
philosophies is not second to anything in making the world in which we are living a secured place, our
civilization a great one of integrity and finally in promoting peace, social justice and good governance.
If we summarize the whole body of moral law preached by all the religions and philosophies we can come
to the following conclusion.
“ If you engage yourself in a good action you will receive good results and if you do a bad thing you will
have to face a painful experience in consequence to your action.”
The best tool that can be utilized for promoting good governance is nothing else but this eternal law
(Sanathana Dharma )
Although we can take many examples from humanities and social sciences for confirming these ideas
capacity to utilize them for promoting good governance is limited.
Recent history shows that though political ideologies such as Marxism have been developed in order to
achieve splendid objectives they can be misused by men when they are handled by the human hands.
Therefore, capacity to use materialism for promoting good governance is very much limited
Since my young days I had the opportunity of getting associated with leaders of various political parties,
trade unions and peoples organizations. What is to be humbly accepted is that many people are of a
backward nature in relation to the governance issue. Bribery, corruption, stealing and cheating are very
popular in this society.
When this issue was worrying my mind I found answers to it getting associated with religions and
philosophies.
Those who have merits in their previous lives are born in suitable places where they can further cultivate
their merits. They engage themselves in suitable occupations. Those who have committed sins in their
previous lives are born in environments which compel them to further commit sins. In order to commit sins
they can also utilize their professions.
Not only government service but also the social service sector and the religious life are for some fields of
merits. For some they may be doors to hell.
Therefore, the first thing that one who commits to promote good governance should do is to dedicate
oneself for the purpose. Secondly, one can cascade the moral law that is honored and the experience to the
rest of the community.
It’s not a mere social service or a help to others. It is of course a service to oneself and a help to oneself.
Dr. Chandrarathne Bandara - LLB
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Principles of Good Governance - A brief Introduction
Most powerful Truth Binding Oath
( English Version ) http://www.samadeepa.lk/Truth%20Binding%20Oath.html
Sabba papassa akaranam
Kusalassa upasampada
Sachittha pariyo dapanam
Etham Buddhanu sasanam
As so said in the names and spirits of the blessed ones enlightened in all four corners of the world.
God Easwara to have His eye on the head, Goddess Umayangana to have Her eye on the forehead,
God Vishnu to have His eye on the two eyes, God Maha Brahma to have His eye on the mouth,
Goddess Saraswathie to have Her eye on the tongue, Goddess Walli Amma and Goddess Thewwani
Amma to have their eyes on the two ears, Goddess Sathpatthini Amma to have Her eye on the chest,
God Skanda to have His eye on the two shoulders, God Ganeshawara to have His eye on the two
hands, God Dedimunda to have His eye on the navel, God Siddha Suniyam to have His eye on the two
thighs, God Kalukumara to have His eye on the two knees, God Kadawara and God Bhairawa to have
their eyes on the two legs ~
Worshiping with respect, appeal to create circumstances not to do injustice but justice not to be foul
but fair not to speak falsehood but truth by all who are present here today ~
To declare that foods of those who do false, unjust, unfair and evil things, misusing public property
with malicious thoughts will become serious poison in their own plates, to affirm that families of such
wrong doers will be disgraced, generations will be eroded and ancestral names will disappear and
wealth and prosperity will be ruined ~
To be mandated to reveal that good hearted civic minded people protecting truth, justice and fairness
will move from glory to glory shining like sun, moon, stars and heavenly bodies ~
Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Amen Jesus, Alleluia Alleluia Alleluia Hare Rama, Hare
Kirshna, Om Shanthi, Namo Buddhaya, Swasthi Siddham, Siddhi rasthu, Jayatu Jayatu Mangalam ~
Abstain from all sins.
It's appropriate to chant this stanza by all
present after chanting the Manthra by a
spiritually developed person.
Cultivate merits.
Purify one's mind.
This is the teaching of all blessed ones.
Dr. Chandrarathne Bandara - LLB
Page 24
Principles of Good Governance - A brief Introduction
Marvelous results can be achieved chanting the most powerful Sathya Raja Bandhanaya which has
been composed of moral strengths preached by ancient prophets thousands of years ago. You can
make your home, business, institution a paradise on the earth. There will be harmony in the family.
You will be respected by the superior people. You will be popular. Your wealth, harvest and produce
will be increased. Education of the children will advance. Parents will not receive mentally or
physically handicapped children. Instead they will receive meritorious lucky ones. Health will be fine.
Diseases will be healed. Threats of enemies will disappear. Threats from evil spirits will be stopped.
Those who learn this by heart and live accordingly will have great comforts in this world and the next.
Lives of those who listen to this also will have great luck. It's appropriate to chant this Manthra in the
presence of more than three people after cleaning the place properly, remembering God(s) according
to one's religion lighting candles and burning sandal sticks.
Especially important at meetings and functions. Life will shine like sun rising in the morning. You will
receive great riches and fortunes. Results experienced, confirmed and assured.
Sathya Raja Bhandanaya has been chanted in more than 100 places including most prominent places
of worship in Sri Lanka. Please contact us if you want to conduct this ritual in your house, workplace,
business, office, institution, meeting or function.
wka
; ¾wd. ñl i du i xi a
l D; s
l uOHi a
: dkh sRv smy sm̀q`x kl `Ss`r mQñy| q`x M
Centre for Inter - Religious Peace Culture
u  s s


m
s k
w wdi d


i

A ff ilia t ed t o th e W o r ld A s s o c ia tio n o f N o n G ov e rn m en ta l O r g a n iza t io n s &
Samadeepa Building Complex, Jayanthi Mawatha, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.
T e l / F ax : 0094 25 2235140
E m a il : cm c ban dar a@ sltne t.lk
W eb site : w w w.s am ad ee pa.lk
Dr. Chandrarathne Bandara - LLB
Page 25
Principles of Good Governance - A brief Introduction
Voluntary Pledge
On my honour I pledge and promise
To dedicate for peace and non-violence
02
To stand by national and religious unity
03
To sacrifice for the less fortunate and to live for the sake of others.
04
To stand against bribery and corruption and to refrain from such misdeeds.
05
To dedicate for a total social purification.
06
To be neutral to political and religious issues as a representative, an officer or an activist of the
Civil Society and
07
To fulfill whatever the task entrusted to me honestly, assiduously, efficiently and to the best of
my ability.
s
L
ka
an
pl
e
P e o p le s A s s e m b ly o f S r i L a n k a
m b ly o f
i
r
Peo
se
S
A
s
01
( A ff iliate d t o t he W orld A sso ciat ion of N on G o ver nm ent al O rga nizat io ns )
Samadeepa Building Complex, Jayanthi Mawatha, Anuradhapura
http://www.samadeepa.lk/PASL.html
Tel : 025 22 35140 E mail : cmcbandara@sltnet.lk
http://www.samadeepa.lk/PASL.html
Dr. Chandrarathne Bandara - LLB
Page 26
Principles of Good Governance - A brief Introduction
To : All seeking services of South Asian Academy for Good governance .
Rev. Sir, Dear Sir, Madam,
We really appreciate the interest you have taken in acquiring a valued qualification from South Asian
Academy for Good Governance.
Wide range of subjects.
We present before you a wide range of subjects in different fields at different levels. Our policy is to
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Thus our services are available to those who seek qualifications such as certificates and diplomas
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We hope each of our clients will Progress and develop his / her professional career successful through
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Something for everyone
You may think of starting a new professional career. Or you may hope to develop your existing
profession. Otherwise, you may feel that you should simply add an extra value to your life. Whatever
you hope may be, we believe you will have something for you in SAAGG.
Personal Attention
Every programme of ours is participant centered and implemented with personal attention. All our
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You can even select you own resource person. As a result training you receive is definite, concise and
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decide to start you will receive the active support and due guidance from our resource persons.
Dr. Chandrarathne Bandara - LLB
Page 27
Principles of Good Governance - A brief Introduction
You can succeed easily
Your resource person will be in touch with you throughout your course duration by phone, email, or
post. He is dedicated to your service. When you complete all the requirements being at home leisurely
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There is one thing we have understood in 30 decades of experience in our mother organization,
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Remember, now you are with the SAAGG family. It’s a family with a heart culture and a global
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Therefore, we earnestly request you to join with SAAGG and take the first step for a better life
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application form, duly sign it and forward wish necessary information to us.
Dr. Chandrarathne Bandara - LLB
Page 28