THE INFLUENCE OF
GOVERNANCE IN MANAGEMENT OF DEVELOPMENT EFFECTS: SRI LANKAN PERSPECTIVE
Mohamed Ibrahim
Mohamed Irfan,1
1 Lecturer,
Faculty of Islamic Studies and Arabic Language, South Eastern University of Sri
Lanka Email: irfanibrahim86@gmail.com
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ABSTRACT |
Keywords: Governance;
Management; Development; Citizens; Sri Lanka; |
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This study
examines the role of governance and effective management of development to
ensure that fruits of development reach all citizens, specifically Sri Lankan
perspective. Major objective of this study is to provide evidence of the link
between governance and management of development and to analyze how citizens’
utilizes development through different aspects, modes and features of
governance. Governance has increasingly become a major instrument for the
successful growth performance and development purposes in the world.
Achieving sustainable results in international development depends on
efficient, effective and inclusive governance systems that reflect the will
of the all citizens. This study is a qualitative research and data were
collected mainly from secondary sources such as books, journals, newspapers,
internet articles and relevant research articles. Accordingly, this paper is
organized as follows: the role of governance to ensure development;
governance and development policies; good governance and development;
e-Governance and development; finally, poor governance and challenges for
management of development and conclusion are provided. Publisher All rights reserved. |
INTRODUCTION
Governance: The World
Bank defines governance as “the manner in which power is exercised in the
management of a country’s economic and social resources for development” (World
Bank 1992). Governance has increasingly become a major instrument for the
successful growth performance and development purposes in the
world. Governance is the deliberate and conscious management of regime
structures for enhancing the public realm (UK Essay 2015) it can be viewed from
social, political and economic perspectives. Indeed, good governance is pivotal
to the development process. Development linked governance has been an issue
much debated in the contemporary world (UK Essays 2013). There are many
definitions and interpretations of governance. The broad definition of
governance makes it difficult to measure; however, some scholars and
researchers use some indicators to measuring governance. Therefore, According
to Kaufmann (2005) there are six major indicators that capture the quality of
governance including:
1
Voice and Accountability: which
refers to the participation of the civil society in monitoring and measuring
political decisions on civil and human rights;
2
Political Instability: it
examines the vulnerability of government to changes through violent threats or
unconstitutional means;
3
Government Effectiveness: it
measures the quality and the competence of civil servants in service deliver
including their credibility as well as the effectiveness of the bureaucratic
process;
4
Regulatory Quality: it measures whether the
policies are friendly to the business environment;
5
Rule of Law: it measures whether the quality
of law enforcement including: the police, the courts, as well as property
rights are not vulnerable to crime or violence; and
6
Control of Corruption: it measures
the exercise of public power for private gain, including both bribery and
extortion (Kaufmann et al., 2005).
Management of Development: Over the
years, these concepts have been instrumental in defining development in terms
of economic growth, human development and sustainability. Development has
varied definitions depending on the context in which it is being used.
Development for one country might not be the same in another jurisdiction as
distinctive features such as culture, social orientation and goals differs
across regions. Development has gone through a series of redefining which has
garnered widespread appreciation. After World War II, development was
envisioned through the eyes of "advanced Western states" in
which countries progressed through several stages modernization, synonymous
with industrialization. Based on the shifts in ideologies over the decades, the
notion of development has moved from "technological inclined
institutions" to "citizen focus" all in an attempt to
achieve economic progress (Turner and Hulme, 1997:4). Organizations such as the
World Bank and the World Trade Organization have formulated definitions of
development which speaks to good governance and specific references made to
human development.
There are
three discernable definitions of development: Development as a long term
process of structural societal transformation; Development as a short-to medium
term outcome of desirable targets; and Development as dominant discourse of western
modernity (Sumner 2008). Similarly, Development defined as the competency of
individuals, public-sector institutions, private-sector entities, civil-society
organisations, and local communities to engage in activities in a sustainable
manner that permit the achievement of beneficial goals such as poverty
reduction, efficient service delivery, good governance, economic growth,
effectively facing the challenges of globalisation, and deriving the greatest
possible benefits from such trends as rapid changes in information technologies
and science (Hope 2006; Browne 2002). From whichever point of view development
is being defined it simply means progressing or moving from one stage to the
next.
The
Overall, development define that enhancement of the competency of the range of social
actors enumerated above to engage in activities in a sustainable manner for
positive development impacts such as poverty reduction, improvements in
governance quality or meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
This study
examines the role of governance and effective management of development to
ensure that fruits of development reach all citizens. In this case, I identify
and discuss link between governance and management of development and analyze
how citizens’ utilizes development through different aspects, modes and
features of governance: good governance, e-Governance, development policies,
participation etc. The aspects and features will require separate management of
development efforts. Accordingly, this paper is organized as follows: the role
of governance to ensure development; governance and development policies; good
and poor governance and development; e- governance and development; finally,
way forward and conclusion are provided.
THE ROLE OF GOVERNANCE TO ENSURE
DEVELOPMENT
Governance is generally defined by
economist as “the manner in which power is exercised in the management of a
country’s economic and social resources for development” (Qureshi 1999).
Governance include two specific aspects: (1) the process by which authority is exercised
in the management of a country’s economic and social resources (integrity efficient
management), and (2) the capacity of a government to design, formulate, and
implement policies and discharge its functions (Qureshi 1999). The issue of
governance is now an overriding aspect of a country to both economic growth and
social development (Roy 2005). The poor state of governance distorts the
potential for economic grow now conventional wisdom (Qureshi 1999).
Achieving sustainable
results in international development depends on efficient, effective and
inclusive governance systems that reflect the will of the citizen. By improving
governance mechanisms, processes and institutions that make governments
accountable to citizens, and by supporting the ability of individuals and other
members of civil society to participate in the governance and development of
their own societies, there is an opportunity to increase the impact of other
development initiatives, resolve conflicts peacefully and without violence, and
advance democracy and respect for universal human rights (Strengthening
Governance 2016). Governance will play a crucial role in shaping the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the post-2015 development agenda. The
SDGs provide an opportunity to go beyond the MDGs, which did not include
significant governance aspects. The centrality of governance in sustainable
development has been emphasized repeatedly (Biermann, et al., 2015). For
example, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 2014, report argued
that “the quality of governance plays a defining role in supporting the
(economic, social, and environmental) pillars” of the SDGs (UNDP 2014). UNDP
observes again and again the importance of such governance for achieving
development results. Three reasons could be postulated for that:
First, active
governance, which anticipates and responds to the needs of its citizen
and evolving development challenges, with deliberate, targeted, and pro-active
planning and delivery, is essential to getting the business of development
done. Active and effective governance requires governing institutions which are
capable of delivering reliable and quality services where and when they are
needed. For example, from Singapore’s history, active and effective governance
has made a substantial contribution to this country’s development success. And
also, Singapore one of the highest levels of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per
capita in the world (Clark 2012). As
well, in 2014, Singapore ranked a (Very High Human Development [HD]) 11
out of 187 countries (Human Development Report 2015). Similarly, compared to
South Asian countries, Sri Lanka had the good improve in Human Development
Index (HDI) rank followed by Maldives, India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal,
Pakistan and Afghanistan. Human Development Report in 2014, Sri Lanka has
ranked 73th (High HD) out of 187 countries. Maldives 104th
(High HD), India 130th (Medium HD), Bhutan 132th
(Medium HD), Bangladesh 142th (Medium HD), Nepal 145th
(Low HD), Pakistan 147th (Low HD), and Afghanistan 171th
(Low HD).UNDP’s Human Development Index – which is a composite index of
education, health and income measures (Human Development Report 2015).
Second, effective
governance is a prerequisite for putting in place the integrated
policy making capacity which is needed to drive sustainable development (Clark
2012). And also it focused on the capacity of institutions to resolve problems
of public policy and
implement effective rules.
Third, fair
governance matters for sustainable development because it holds
the key to building stable and secure societies and to drive inclusive growth
within the finite boundaries of the planet over the long term. Fair, reliable,
and accountable governing institutions build trust between people and
government (Clark 2012).
However,
if governance was addressed as a stand-alone SDG, then this would offer the
best opportunity to comprehensively incorporate all type aspects of governance
into a post-2015 development agenda. However, because of existing indicators of
governance and actor coalitions organized around specific issues, the risk
remains that good governance might be privileged over effective governance.
DEVELOPMENT POLICIES
AND
GOVERNANCE
In the analysis of economic development, metaphors
obscure the crucial relation between development policy and political
governance (Macli 1997). Political governance is determined by perception
indicators such as corruption, quality of the civil service, accountability,
law and order situation, as well as social and ethnic tensions (Qureshi 1999).
Policy reforms played an important role in accelerating growth by exploiting
the opportunities offered by technological breakthroughs in developing
countries. By combining progressive policies with innovative institutions, for
example, Bangladesh has shown impressive achievements in the area of social
development, and Bangladesh has been successful in increasing life expectancy,
reducing infant mortality, decreasing birth rate, spreading immunisation,
improving child nutrition, and increasing girls’ education with overall
increases in primary and secondary enrolments (Ahluwalia and Hussain 2004).
DEVELOPMENT POLICIES
AND GOVERNANCE
IN SRI LANKA
Western Region Megalopolis Plan
(WRMPP): This Megapolis Development Plan formulated for entire megapolis
development in the island including Western Province was presented to President
Maithripala Sirisena. The aim of this plan is to beautification of the towns as
well as boosting the living standards of the citizen will be done through this
development plan and to make the Western Province more sustainable and ensure
economic growth, social equity, proper governance, proper land use, spatial
configuration and a sustainable environment by 2030 (Ministry of Megapolis and
Western Development, n.d.).
Mahinda Chintana - Towards a New Sri Lanka: during the former president
Mahinda Rajapakcha period (2005- 2015) he developed very good national policy
under the title of ‘Mahida Chinthana – Vision for the Future’. This policy
objective and goals are self-evident and easily measurable and identify the
performance (in positive development in Sri Lanka). The objective of our next massive leap
forward is to transform Sri Lanka into a strategically important economic
centre of the world (Mahida Chinthana 2010). Sri Lanka has achieved many
positive developments during the period 2010 to 2015 with the policies
implemented under the goals and objective of Mahinda Chintana - Towards a New
Sri Lanka. It has also created a strong base to achieve a high and sustainable
economic growth in the years to come. This process is envisaged to continue at
a renewed pace with the policies and measures to be implemented during the six
years (2010 to 2016) under the Mahinda Chintana – Vision for the Future. This
policy envisaged to resolve the prolonged conflict, implement large
infrastructure development initiatives consisting of electricity generation,
ports, airports, water supply and irrigation, roads and transport, revitalize
agriculture and domestic enterprises, strengthen public services and state
owned enterprises, promote private sector (Mahida Chinthana 2010).
Consequently, this policy has help to macro and micro level development in Sri
Lanka and it ensure that fruits of development reach for all citizens
(especially grass-root level citizens) in Sri Lanka.
Reawakening of the East and North
(Nagenahira Navodaya and Uturu Vasantaya Programme): This policies
initiated under the ‘Nagenahira Navodaya Programme’ (Reawakening of the East)
‘Uturu Vasantaya’ (Reawakening of the North) are being fully implemented
bringing benefits to the communities living in the Provinces. After the
eviction of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) from the Northern and
Eastern Province, the government commenced the Nagenahira, Uturu Vasantaya
Navodaya Programme in the Province. The immediate areas of focus include
agriculture & irrigation, roads, power & energy, livelihood support,
fisheries and livestock development, education, civil administration, health
& sanitation etc. This policy is an integral part of the National
Development Plan, including mega infrastructure projects which are aimed mainly
at improving connectivity with other regions. These policies are expected to
create new opportunities in the region boosting economic activities,
particularly the promotion of private sector investment. In this policy types
are major change and high consensus because under this policy Eastern and
Northern provinces has achieved many positive developments such as envisaged to resolve the
prolonged conflict, implement large infrastructure development initiatives, and
so on.
However, Failure and changing the
public policies is a main challengeable reason to management of development in
Sri Lanka. One time government introduces a policy and orders to implement, but
before the complete implementation, government orders again to stop the policy
and introduce another policy. It not only disturbs the bureaucratic but also
citizens are affected by these changes. For instance, in Sri Lanka,
successive post-independent governments tried to eradicate poverty through
introducing policies and specific development plans. But, that policies and
plans were failed due to wide variety of reasons including the decline in institutional integrity and capacity,
aggravated by arbitrary actions further compromised by a conflict of interests,
lack of efficient bureaucratic structure led to the policy failure of
above development plans, Top-Down implementation process and politicization of
bureaucracy, weakened institutional capacity and
control becomes a hotbed of bureaucratic corruption, the lack of effective
mechanisms for formulation of policies is often linked to budgetary
constraints, and the weak enforcement of the rule of law contributes to a high
degree of arbitrariness in government actions.
Policy implementing agencies and sectors neglect the socio-cultural,
political and economic aspect surrounding the public policies and decisions. It
led to continuous failure of public policy. Meanwhile, most of the policies
reflect political agenda of successive governments. For instance, Sri Lankan
government took neo-liberal economic policy in 1977 and it was
expected that it will contribute to the rapid development of the country. This
policy was included economic liberation and reforms in the public sector,
financial sector, labour market, anti-poverty programmes, and gender relations
(ed. Sarvananthan 2005). Unfortunately, it created multifaceted socio-economic
and political crisis due to the incompatibly of particular policy to the
socio-cultural, political and economic setting of the country. As a result,
some of development projects were also abandoned in Sri Lanka.
PARTICIPATION
AND DEVELOPMENT
Participation is the process
through which stakeholders’ influence and share control over priority setting,
policy-making, resource allocations and access to public goods and services.
That means that all civil groups involved in the development process have to be
included. Participation can play any role in the development process in
existing socio-cultural. For instance, in USA, citizen’ participation in public
affairs ‘seems to hold a sacrosanct role in U.S. political culture’ (Day 1997).
Participation is both a right, and a means to more sustainable development.
When communities are actively engaged in their own development processes,
project outcomes will be better targeted to local needs and results will be
more sustainable. According to United Nation Public Administration Glossary
define that citizens participation is “…implies the involvement of citizens in
a wide range of policy making activities, including the determination of levels
of service, budget priorities, and the acceptability of physical construction projects in order to
orient government programs toward community needs, build public support, and
encourage a sense of cohesiveness within neighborhoods (UN World Public Sector
Report 2008). In addition, for example, participatory
budgeting in Brazilian municipalities between 1990-2004 led to greater spending
on health and sanitation and reduced infant mortality rates (Discussion Paper
2014). One of the major findings of various national and thematic consultations
on the post-2015 development agenda is the need for strong participatory monitoring
mechanisms by non-state actors (e.g. communities, youth and women’s networks,
civil society networks, etc.) to hold government accountable (Discussion Paper
2014).
Political
participation, freedom of association, freedom of speech and freedom of the
press, are also fundamental human rights and are widely seen as development
objectives. Strengthening the rule of law (formal and informal) and the justice
sector is key to ensuring that women’s indivisible human rights are protected
and that they have access to justice. National parliaments and assemblies have played
critical roles in many countries in support of the MDGs (Discussion Paper
2014).
Similarly,
e-Participation facilities reflects its political openness and extent of
corruption, GDP per capita, urbanization, and the Transparency International
rating on corruption, these are modern resources of e-Governance (Rose 2005).
e-Participation is major feature of e- Governance; e-Participation, online
consultation and deliberation is expanding all over the world. It can help to
developed people’s participation and participatory decision making in
administrative level. It can contribute to the improve service delivery in
public sector and combat the corruption. e-Participation is done through open
data, online consultations, multiple Information and
communication technology (ICT)-related channels and social media, for example,
European countries, and now a day’s many developing countries making good
process as well, especially lower middle income countries, for example in South
Asia, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bhutan. In contrast, low income countries
need to be supported in addressing such
challenges, for example, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Nepal (United
Nations E-Government Survey 2016) although corruption exists in all countries
it is more widespread in low income countries (Myint 2000). Overall,
improved e-Participation can support the consciousness of the combat the
corruption, increasing human development index and delivering effective service
in administrative level.
In context of South
Asia, from the table 1 (see below), it is focused on the e-Participation Rank
(EPR), Human Development Index (HDI) Rank, Corruption Perception Index (CPI)
Rank and level of income. In addition to that, higher level of EPR, higher
level of income, higher HDI and higher values of CPI rank indicate lower
corruption, for example: India had the good improve in EPR and CPI rank
followed by Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan and Pakistan. On other
hand, lower middle level income countries making good process in
e-Participation and better improvement in HDI as well. Therefore, I expect to
observe a positive relationship if income increase as higher level of higher
EPI rank increases. This positive relationship is depicted in the table 1.
Thus, EPR may affect change in level of income and human development.
Table 1: e-Participation Rank 2016, Human
Development Index Rank 2014, Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) Rank 2015 &
Income Level of South Asian Countries
South Asian Countries |
e-Participation Rank 2016 |
Corruption Perceptions Index
(CPI) Rank 2015 |
Human Development Index Rank
(HDI) 2014 |
Income Level |
India |
27 |
76 |
130 |
Low Middle |
Sri Lanka |
50 |
83 |
73 |
Low Middle |
Bangladesh |
84 |
139 |
142 |
Low |
Nepal |
89 |
130 |
145 |
Low |
Afghanistan |
104 |
166 |
171 |
Low |
Pakistan |
114 |
117 |
147 |
Low Middle |
Bhutan |
118 |
27 |
132 |
Low Middle |
Maldives |
146 |
- |
104 |
Upper Middle |
Source: United Nations E-Government Survey
2016
Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index 2015
Human Development Index 2015
Similarly, Ombudsman offices and
national audit agencies could further contribute to sound governance and
administrative accountability systems (Discussion Paper 2014). In context of
Sri Lanka, Ombudsman (Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration) was created in
1978 by the Second Republic Constitution. He was created by the constitution to
investigate and report (Corporation, Local or Central government institutions)
on allegations of infringement of fundamental rights and other injustices by
public officers. However, with an amendment to the law in 1994, this fetter was
removed and enabled the Ombudsman to receive complaints direct (The Parliamentary
Commissioner for Administration 2015). Consequently, there was a flood of
complaints which inundated the Ombudsman’s office which was ill equipped to
meet such as exigency. Moreover, many reasons are impact the ineffectiveness
Ombudsman such as: the Ombudsman has no branch offices, consequently persons
from faraway places have to travel to Colombo to attend inquiries, their
expenses for such trips are not reimbursed by the Ombudsman, and he could only
inquire into about very few complaints a week and at present has a backlog more
than 1000 complaints to be inquired into. All these factors have made the
Ombudsman merely as ornament among the administrative institutions in Sri Lanka
rather than being a guardian of fundamental rights of state officers.
GOOD
GOVERNANCE AND DEVELOPMENT
The World Bank defines good governance as: "..the
one epitomized by predictable, open, and enlightened policy-making, a
bureaucracy imbued with a professional ethos acting in furtherance of the
public good, the rule of law, transparent processes, and a strong civil society
participating in public affairs (World Bank 1992). Good
governance is synonymous with sound development management and also it is
central to creating and sustaining an environment which fosters strong and
equitable development, and it is an essential complement to sound economic policies
(World Bank 1992), importance of high-performing public institutions and good
governance is accomplishing development (UK Essays 2015). Good governance is
essential for sustaining economic transformation in developing countries.
However, many developing countries currently lack the capacity, as opposed to
the will, to achieve and then sustain a climate of good governance (Hope 2009).
Good governance is essential for good growth performance (Khan 2006) which will
lead a country to achieve greater national competitiveness to maintain high
economic growth, productivity with sustained employment and to achieve higher
levels of income for the citizens (Roy 2005). Good governance encapsulates values such as enhanced
participation, transparency, accountability, and public
access to information. It also helps to
combat and secure both
basic human rights and the rule of law. Such values are often associated
with Western liberal democratic political institutions, but are now
increasingly sought within existing national institutions in diverse political
contexts (Overseas Development Institute 2013).
In 1990s, ‘good governance’
catchphrase has entered into the centre of the area of development, with the
policy shift from “getting the prices right” to “getting the institutions
right” (World Bank 1997, 2002). It is salient that good governance agenda was
significant process of policy making in the context of 1990s, notwithstanding
good governance paradigm in the Post-Washington Consensus is not feasible in
enhancing growth of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) (UK Essays 2013). Good
governance has become a controversial term because of its usage in the realm of
international development assistance (Best and Jacqueline 2014). Developing
countries are concerned about the use of good governance targets and indicators
as a form of aid conditionality. With the development of the SDGs, there is now
an opportunity to creatively construct targets and indicators that take such concerns
into account (Biermann at al., 2015). In recent years,
capacity development has become recognised as underpinning a number of critical
fundamentals for sustaining development in the developing countries. High on
the list of those prerequisites is good governance, without which the quest for
development is a fruitless goal. Consequently, capacity development has taken
on added importance, both within the international development community and in
developing countries themselves, as a vital aspect of policy change for growth
and development. Indeed, the international development community and developing
countries frequently tend to invoke capacity problems to explain why policies
fail to deliver results, or why development assistance is not leading to
positive sustainable outcomes.
Good
governance capacity is essential for sustaining economic transformation in
developing countries (Hope 2009). The lessons of experience from international
development and technical co-operation have shown, for example, that local,
institutional, and human-resource capacities are crucial in order to achieve
sustainable development and poverty reduction (Hope 2006). Consequently, the
focus on good governance has enhanced the emphasis on capacity development
(Saldanha 2006). It is now recognised in the development literature that good
governance can be achieved and sustained only in environments of developed
human and institutional capacities. For example, Singapore has
demonstrated from the earliest days of its independence that good governance
matters a great deal in getting development results. Strong vision and
leadership at the political level, backed by a high quality public service
contributing to the design and execution of policy, has transformed Singapore
into the modern, entrepreneurial nation we know it as today (Clark 2012).
Good
governance is defined as the existence within states of political
accountability, bureaucratic transparency, the exercise of legitimate power,
freedom of association and participation, freedom of information and
expression, sound fiscal management and public financial accountability,
respect for the rule of law, a predictable legal framework encompassing an
interdependent and credible justice system, respect for human rights, an active
legislature, enhanced opportunities for the development of pluralistic forces
including civil society, and capacity development (Hope 2009). Good governance
plays an important role in the creation of capable states that have the
capacity to spearhead development efforts. In capable states, good governance
would ideally exist within both the national and local politics.
Good
economic outcomes are derived from good economic governance. Good economic governance
is defined as the existence of institutions of government that have the
capacity to manage resources efficiently; can formulate, implement, and enforce
sound policies and regulations; can be monitored and be held accountable;
exhibit respect for the rules and norms of economic interaction; and in which
economic activity is unimpeded by corruption and other activities inconsistent
with the public trust. The key elements contributing to an environment of good
economic governance are transparency, accountability, an enabling environment
for private-sector development and growth, and institutional development and
effectiveness (Hope 2006). Good economic governance is necessary in order to
enhance the capacity of the state to deliver on its economic-development
mandate.
Sustainable
growth and development in developing countries cannot be achieved in the
absence of good governance (Hope 2009). Among other things, good governance
ensures the most efficient use of already scarce resources in the promotion of
development; enhances participation, responsibility, and accountability; and
has the potential to emancipate people from poverty as state legitimacy is
recognised and entrenched. Indeed, any effort to reduce poverty and sustain
development must be built upon a foundation of good governance. If good
governance were to prevail, honest government could result in the adoption of
policies that will eliminate the capacity constraints that currently hinder
sustained socio-economic development (Hope 2009).
Good
governance, in all its aspects, has been demonstrated to be positively
correlated with the achievement of better development performance, and
particularly through the building of institutions in support of transparency,
accountability, and better public financial management. Recent empirical
analysis suggests a positive correlation between democratic governance and the
levels of income, investment, human capital, economic liberalisation, and
distributive income growth in society (Hope 2006). In particular, a political
system characterised by freedom and stability is best suited to promoting a
growth-oriented economic agenda for sustainable development. Consequently, they
have significant dampening effects on a nation's economic development. The
effect of democracy on growth is therefore positive (Feng 2003). Several other
analysts and policy makers have also drawn the link between good governance and
sustainable development and have demonstrated that the link between development
and the rise of democracy is robust. Those analyses have clearly shown that
where there is a failure of governance, the economy is sure to fail, and often
to fail badly. Moreover, the evidence indicates that strengthened governance
and institutional change are essential to scaling up for longer-lasting
development progress (Bhagwati 2004; Hope 2006). There is, therefore, a growing
consensus in the literature that development is impossible in the absence of
democracy, respect for human rights, and generally good governance.
E- GOVERNANCE AND
DEVELOPMENT
Citizens in developed and
developing countries alike have favorably embraced ICTs in reflecting their
voices on policy issues and participating in decision-making processes. Though,
ICTs have been helpful in promoting rule of law, it is much less leveraged in
ensuring equity as a principle of governance in the sector. Information
technology has thoughtful impact in the global world. “e-Governance comprises
the use of ICTs to support public services, government administration, democratic
processes, and relationships among citizens, civil society, the private sector,
and the state” (Dawes 2008:S86). e-Government projects are biased towards
participation and voice as enabler of good governance and also e-governance
processes is tantamount to equating technological processes with governance
outcomes in around the world (UK Essays 2015). e-Governance develops in a
country is a function of the collective national and local capital supplying IT
services and of informal social and human capital creating
a demand for e-Governance (Rose, 2005) which services are categorized as
Government to Citizen (G2C), Government to Business (G2B), Government to
Employees (G2E) and Government to Government (G2G) Services (Akman et al.,
2005). Overall, e-Governance definition focuses on the use of ICT to assist in
the administration or management of government. ICTs have been changing every
aspect of human life and nation such as public service, religion, culture,
education, poverty, global security, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Gross
National Income (GNI), income, level of corruption etc.
Function of
e-Governance can make effective, transparency, accountability of
administration; it can help effective management, economic growth, sustainable
development, better health and education, save time and money (Rahman 2016).
The major objective of e-Governance is to provide a friendly, affordable, and
efficient interface G2C; it is ensuring effective and high quality public
service (Hossain and Saba n.d.). Government is to encourage professionalism and
ethics in its activities, limited interference from politicians in decision
making, extensive monitoring of governance activities and systematic and good
coordination of all government function these are key pillars for administrative
efficiency (Basheka, Tumutegyereize, and Sabiit 2012). Essentially e-Government
as a part of e-Governance refers to increase efficiency and effectiveness of
service delivery by the G2C of different portions of society and administrative
activities through ICT (Rahman 2016; Alam 2012). Therefore, it can help the
government to go green by effective management of natural resources aiding
sustainability to environment. e-Governance stimulates economic growth and
promotes social inclusion of disabled and vulnerable sections of society.
e-Governance can provide benefits in the form of new employment, better health,
better education, knowledge sharing, skills developments and capacity building
for sustainable development (Rahman 2016).
Similarly, in context
of South Asia, in India, e-Governance has the potential to undertake corruption
effectively and usher in societal harmony (Pathak,Prasad 2005) it has been
successfully implement many e-Governance in several places such as
Lokvani-enabling citizens to report problems and resolve complaints online
Sitapur (Uttar Pradesh, India); Bhoomi land record is computerized (Karnataka,
India); Interstate Computerized Check posts in Gujarat; CARD- Computer-aided
Administration of Registration Department (Andhra Pradesh, India) and Chief
Vigilance Commission (CVC) Web site (Kaur 2015) and also, Public Distribution
System in Akola district, EDI Systems (Software package) for Export and
imports, E-Choupal, Gujrat State Wide Area Network (GSWAN), Warana Wired
village program, SMART Governance in Andhra Pradesh (Barthwal 2003). The
considers e-Governance as an important instrument for economic and social
developments in various sectors in Nepal, such as education, health,
agriculture, tourism, and trade, among others, have been using information
technology (Jamil and Dhakal, 2013). Nepal Telecom Company (NTC), Global System
Mobile (GSM), C-phone, sky data, internet, very small aperture terminal (V-SAT)
and Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) facilities has been enhanced
delivering public services to the citizens (Sharma, Bao and Qian 2012).
Similarly, e-Billing, automations of custom house at Chittagong sea port,
government form online, electronic birth registration system (this is probably
the best local level e-Governance service), Hajj web site, automation of
international processes, using Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) camera etc. these are best example of
Bangladesh e-Governance practice (Hasan 2012).
E-GOVERNANCE AND
DEVELOPMENT
IN SRI LANKA
Majority of the e-Governance services in Sri
Lanka come under this category such as online delivery of vehicle licensing
services, online issue of births, marriages and death certificates, online
checking of balances in provident fund accounts, online booking of train tickets
etc. (Chandraguptha 2012). Sri Lanka had successful e-Government practices such
as the Department of Immigration and Emigration has adopted ICT tool to
improve efficiency and effectiveness in the issue of passports to citizens.
This service is good practice for effective
management of development to ensure that fruits of development reach all
citizens in Sri Lanka. It has been computerized, making Sri Lanka one of
5 countries in the world where a passport could be processed in a day
(Dissanayake 2011). This e-Government program has contributed to mitigate the
time and cost and it has making the process of going overseas for employment a
lot faster and easier and this service ensure sustainable development for
general citizens. Consequently, the role of e-Governance is best way to
ensuring administrative efficiency and good governance in Sri Lanka. Moreover,
Sri Lanka has been significant efforts to develop e-Governance online
e-services such as 108 for citizens, 51 for businesses, 10 non-residence related
e-Services, also mobile and SMS service have also been extremely expanded
(Rahman 2016).
A number of
e-Government programs and project aims is to enhance the efficiency and
effectiveness of government services (Karunasena, 2012) e-Sri Lanka project initiative in 2002, which project carries many
important services such as quality public services, minimized time and costs,
active citizen’s participation in government (Karunasena et al., 2011;
Akman et al., 2005). For instance, 73.9% of the respondents
reported their satisfaction on (Trusts, low cost service, easy access,
security, responsiveness, time saving) existing e-Service delivery by
government agencies in Sri Lanka. But 26.1% of respondents still do not agree
and dissatisfaction on existing e-service, they had identified and grading
negative factors for e-service delivery, according to their grading 34.8%
transaction delay, 26.1% high bureaucracy, 13% lack of efficiency, 12% lack of
privacy, 8.9% low security, and high cost 5.2% (Senadheera 2013). In addition
to that, delay service, strong hierarchy, top down approach in organization,
lack of competence, high cost of service are exist challenges of the exploit of
e-Governance and enhancing effective development in Sri Lanka. However,
e-Government Policy in order to transform the public sector to become more G2C
oriented and IT driven such enhanced living standards of citizens, convenient
and speedy access to government services and information, high transparency in
public service and decision making and less room for corruption.
POOR
GOVERNANCE AND CHALLENGES
FOR
MANAGEMENT OF DEVELOPMENT
Governance has increasingly
become a major instrument for the successful growth performance and development
purposes in the world. However, in global, poor governance has led to poor
economic growth and it is manifested through corruption, political instability,
ineffective rule of laws and institutions (UK Essays 2015). Poor governance is characterized by
arbitrary policy making, unaccountable bureaucracies, un-enforced or unjust
legal systems, the abuse of executive power, a civil society unengaged in
public life and widespread corruption" (World Bank 2002). According
to Qureshi (1999), the decline in institutional integrity and capacity,
weakened institutional capacity is the politicisation of public sector
management, the weakened institutional capacity and control becomes a hotbed of
bureaucratic corruption, the lack of effective mechanisms for formulation of
policies is often linked to budgetary constraints; and the weak enforcement of
the rule of law contributes to a high degree of arbitrariness in government
actions and widespread corruption is one of the most obvious signs of poor
governance (Qureshi 1999). Overall, there are many causes of poor governance in
developing countries, including: incompetence, ignorance and lack of capacity
from the leadership as well as inadequate infrastructures, corruption, poor
institutions etc. but, corruption is strongly correlated to poor public
governance, however, the causality difficult to recognize (Siebert 2006).
Especially, developing countries went through governance failures and
corruption at some point in time but their governance capacity made them recover
and ensure the maintenance of rapid growth performance through constant demands
to improve government and reduce corruption. In particular, corruption is a
major hindrance to sustainable development, with a disproportionate impact on
the poor and marginaized populations. Corruption is bad for health and
education outcomes, equity, rule of law, and foreign investment. It is also an
international problem.
For instance, corrupt
governance the ultimate destiny of South Asian countries; according to
Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) in 2015,
Sri Lanka was ranked 83th out of 167 countries; Compared to South Asian
countries, Afghanistan (166th), Bangladesh (139th), Nepal (130th), Pakistan
(117th), India (76th), and Bhutan (27th) (Corruption Perceptions Index 2015).
In addition, the least corrupt country is ranked as No1 and the most corrupt country comes at
the end of the list. Sri Lanka is
the third least corruption rank in the whole of South Asia.
Corruption and inefficiency are endemic in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, with nexus between politico-bureaucratic-business elites, busting patron-client relationship and leading to bribery and unethical activities (Peters & Pierre 2012). The Provincial Councils of Sri Lanka, there had been more complaints about corruption. The unsolicited project plans that have been on the increase in recent times led the politicians and officials to be criticized for abuse and corruption (Fernando 2013) local government bodies in Sri Lanka, particularly delivering the ineffective services to the grass-root level citizens due to lack of transparency, accountability and corruption (Ramesh, Ijhas and Dickwella 2013). Sri Lanka was scored in 6 out of 10 in red tapism which means that Sri Lanka more red tapism country (Jabes
2005). As viewed above Sri Lanka is a one of the unbiased corrupt country. Consequently, it suggest that quality of bureaucracy and management of development is moderately and infant stage in Sri Lanka. Similarly, According to Global Corruption Barometer survey (2013), percentage of respondents who felt following institutions were corrupt/extremely in Sri Lanka. 64% Police, 51% political parties, 39% Parliament/legislature, 33% Public officials and civil servants, 33% Educational system, 23% Business, 23% NGO’s, 21% Judiciary, 21% Medical and health service, 20% Media, 13% Military, 10% Religious bodies were corrupt/extremely corrupt (Global Corruption Barometer 2013).Barthwal, C.P., 2003, ‘E-Governance for Good Governance’, Indian
Political Science Association.
Corruption
Perceptions Index, 2015, Transparency International.
Human Development Report, (2015), Work for Human Development, UNDP.
Kaur, S.,
2015, ‘E-Governance- Combating Corruption Strategy’, Vol. 6, Issue 3,
IJCST.
National
Policy on Disability for Sri Lanka, (2003). Ministry of
Social Welfare, Sri Lanka.
Peters,
G., & Pierre, J., 2012, The SAGE Handbook of Public Administration,
SAGE publication.