‘Rule Of Law’ Or ‘Rule Of Men’: What Will Usher Prosperity And Development?

May 29, 2012

By W.A. Wijewardena -

Dr. W.A. Wijewardena

Palihakkara: Rule of law is important

The veteran diplomat and former foreign secretary H.M.G.S. Palihakkara, chairing the late H.L.de Silva Memorial Events in Colombo recently, has asked an important question pertaining to the current state of social development in Sri Lanka: Is it ‘Rule of Law’ or ‘Rule of Men’ that contributes to a society’s wellbeing? Drawing on the ideals of the late H.L.de Silva who had firmly believed that respecting the rule of law a must for an orderly society, the veteran diplomat has gone on to answering his question with a detailed explanation.

Palihakkara has said that “Diminishing respect for the Rule of Law diminishes us all. Such erosion will allow impunity to raise its ugly head. Usually, impunity signals the onset of decay. Neither those who govern nor those of us who are the governed will be spared. It impairs civilized life and democracy. And it undermines the investment climate. Conversely, the upholding of the Rule of Law manifestly strengthens sovereignty, pre-empts external calls for intrusive accountability, deters threats to the territorial integrity of the nation and facilitates the enjoyment of fruits of citizenship and democracy by all”.

Based on his reasoning, he has concluded that when Sri Lanka nurtures a rich culture of the rule of law, and not the rule of men, at home, “the image abroad becomes richer even if the country remains poor in economic terms”. Hence it is the duty of all to say yes to ‘force of rule’ (discipline made in a society by the introduction of socially accepted set of rules) and no to ‘rule of force’ (administering a country by using coercive powers) (available at: http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=52289).

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