Financial Times

Tips on ethics and conduct for leaders
The President recently celebrated 10 years in office by recalling in TV interviews numerous significant achievements. She claimed that some missed the target only because the big tiger from the north and the opposing lions of the south were dancing out of step. She also admitted to a few errors of judgment on her part.

Civil society, however, laments that the lack of a committed and enforced code of conduct for political leadership and good governance is yet the main reason since independence leading to the current state of affairs in the nation.

Amidst references to cabbages and kings, she talked of a few corrupt, inefficient and ineffective politicians, judges, law enforcement officers and top public servants in her administration and many more in the 17-year rule before and during the two year break when she gave vent to her artistic skills in painting and embroidery. The president cited examples of how she took stern action even against the son of a defense minister when he flouted the law.

She purported that the opposing lion not only promoted all the police officers sidelined for corruption and inefficiency but even capped them with DIG designations. She strongly defended the Chief Justice and the other justices (with the exception of one Judge) as ideal role models for high positions. She claimed that she never read the 'dirty rags' owned by the opposing ones mother and cronies as confessions to carry a scoop on "Expose" are obtained through bribery and blackmail. The opinions of the editors of these newspapers about the supreme ones appear to have not caught her eye.

She may wish a decade more of governance achieved by more ways than one Alas! May be she believes the end justifies the means. Some in the private sector too may accept a sacrifice of judicial principles so long as their network interests are served. In January 2005 she steps into the last two years of her present term based on a secret swearing in (irrespective of the protests from the opposing lion and former protagonist now charged with bribery). Civil society urges her to gather her flock at the hall of independence on the first of January 2005, (including all political leaders, key judicial, law enforcement and public officials) and to take a public oath committing to a code of ethics and governance. She should then challenge civil society and the 'dirty rags' to expose any misdoings and also commit to face any public critique in the best traditions of the governance.

She can in addition promise to punish miscreants with justice similar to that meted by King Elara who even punished his own son with death for killing a calf by recklessly driving a chariot. Flying through the web the wise old owl found some useful tips for a code of ethics and conduct. The president with her family and school background moulded values and traditions and the steps traversed through seats of higher learning and above all the experience through the university of life, will find it a "Cadgak" to improve these beyond recognition to fit Sri Lanka and its governance king pins. For what it is worth, the recommendations are detailed below:

A) Behaving with responsibility and integrity in professional and personal life,

B) Acting in a courteous, honest and fair manner towards any one whom we deal with.

C) Being trustworthy and never putting personal or the interests of others above the legitimate interests of the people we deal with, Sri Lanka and its people

D) Complying with all relevant laws to the letter and in spirit and meeting the requirements of applicable regulatory authorities,

E) Demonstrating a high degree of professional competence and due care and discharging responsibilities of office

F) Adhering to professional standards and best governance practices in dealing with the public.

G) Respecting the confidentiality and source of information received in the course of official duty

H) Applying objectivity in making professional judgments and in giving opinions and statements, not allowing prejudice or bias or the influence of others to override objectivity

I) Respecting the traditions, values and beliefs of persons of other religious or ethnic origin

J) Not to accept money, gifts, entertainment, loans or any other benefit or preferential treatment from any person with whom we deal with

K) Seek to advance the reputation of the public service through our conduct

L) Operate in a way that respects environmental concern and issues

M) Strive to be trusted individuals and fulfill responsibilities in a socially responsible manner within the country and society in which we operate.If this suggestion becomes a reality civil society will cry out aloud- long live the Queen!

(The writer could be reached at - wo_owl@yahoo.co.uk).

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