Sugath Kulatunga

In the past we had Civics as an important subject in the school curriculum. Later this subject was hidden in a broad collection called social studies. When one observes the palpable ignorance of the general population and even many politicians, on the Constitution of the country it behooves that the subject of CIVICS be reintroduced as a compulsory subject for all students. It is ridiculous that a campaign with a battle cry of ‘Gotago’ is underway without knowing that a President is deprived of his post only with his resignation, his death, a vote of no confidence in Parliament and not by street demonstrations or shouting slogans in Parliament. There are some learned persons claiming that sovereignty of the people allows them to sack a President or change a government. Fortunately, it is not open-ended. The Constitution is clear on how the sovereignty can be exercised.

The Sovereignty of the People shall be exercised in the following manner

 (a)the legislative power by Parliament and by the People at a Referendum.

(b) the executive power by the President of the Republic elected by the People;

(c) the judicial power by Parliament through courts, tribunals and institutions created and established, or recognized, by the Constitution.

This reveals the level of the knowledge of the Constitution of the country by most Parliamentarians and even some professionals who think that the Constitution is made of rubber.

SL is one of the first among developing countries to enjoy universal adult franchise, which was introduced in 1932. However even with the long history of democratic institutions and high levels of literacy, we cannot be proud of our level of civic consciousness and awareness of basic instruments of government. In recent decades, increasing numbers of Sri Lankans have disengaged from civic and electoral activities, voluntary associations, community-based organizations, and lost interest in balanced and dispassionate information on public issues.

But now the present crisis in the economy, its total mismanagement and the resultant unprecedented burdens on the citizens have created a protest campaign which has brought a new awakening in citizens’ rights. But it is only a lopsided Civic consciousness which must start with a clear appreciation of the rights and duties of the citizen. In the Constitution of Sri Lanka sovereignty of the people is enshrined in the constitution. To fully enjoy the sovereignty endowed with the people, they should become fully aware of their powers, and rights. 

There are also the Directive principles in the Constitution, which call for affording all possible opportunities to the People to participate at every level in national life and in government.

The exercise and enjoyment of rights and freedoms is inseparable from the performance of duties and obligations, and accordingly it is the duty of every person in Sri Lanka inter alia –

(a)    to uphold and defend the Constitution and the law;

(a)(b) to further the national interest and to foster national unity and

(a) c) to respect the rights and freedoms of others.”

(b)   Unless the people are fully aware of their rights and duties the high principles and expectations in the Constitution cannot be realized.

Good governance is a primary duty of any government, and the maximum participation of the people is a main plank of good governance. People cannot meaningfully participate in governance if they are not equipped with the knowledge and skills of proficient citizenship and there is a lack of communication between the government and the governed. The main cause of the present crisis is the abysmal lack of communication between the executive and the legislature and even within the Cabinet. Of course it cannot be accepted as a convenient excuse.

Today we live in a culture where the absence of the rule of law is most conspicuous. Rule of law means that the dominant or mainstream culture, ethos, and thought in a society are sympathetic to the rule of law. In a society governed by the rule of law, people can participate in the making and implementation of laws that bind together all the people and institutions in society, including the government itself. Under the rule of law, everyone, irrespective of race, creed, color, gender, family background, or economic, social, and political circumstances, is to be treated uniformly. Rule of law can flourish only where there is a well-informed, enlightened, and responsible citizenry.

Civic consciousness is not something that can be imposed on people or can be brought about by sermonizing or exhortation. It includes imparting of knowledge, developing skills and most importantly instilling attitudes such as fairness and tolerance. The making of a civic minded citizen must start with the young who should be equipped with the needed values and social attributes that enhance their acceptance, integration, and participation in the society.
It can be achieved only by exposing the youth to appropriate learning experiences and activities that help to raise their civic consciousness and develop appropriate social values and attributes for effective relationships in the society. This is best achieved in the schools where they are exposed to a microcosm of the society. For several reasons, school-based education is the most promising way to advance and foster the requisite qualities. By changing the attitudes and knowledge of the next generation, students can become a key constituency in effecting long-term change.

Fundamentals of Civic Education

At the core of Civic Education are the values and principles of transparency, participation,

responsiveness, accountability, empowerment and equity.

Civic Education is a critical and effective empowerment tool for promoting citizen participation in democratic and development processes. It empowers citizens, both as individuals and as part of collective groupings. Citizen participation is built by protecting individual and collective rights and ensuring appreciation of each citizen’s obligations to the society of which s/he is a part.

Fundamentals of civic education as are defined as:

1) learning for effective participation in democratic and development processes at both local and national levels,

2) essential for transforming people’s lives and therefore a core part of the democratic governance,

3) a key enabler for exercising civil, political, economic and social rights and for bringing about greater transparency and accountability,

4) a prerequisite for stimulating, enhancing and deepening civic engagement,

5) an area that needs to be understood in its own right and not simply equated with civic participation.

In the current context of Sri Lanka, civic education should accord the highest priority to imbibe in the young the importance of the fundamental duties of a citizen i.e. to further the national interest and to foster national unity and to respect the rights and freedoms of others.

Devolution of power and any institutional arrangements for empowerment of the people will bear no fruit unless the capacity of the people for civic engagement is enhanced through civic education starting from the impressionable young age.

Campaigns like at Galle Face would be more meaningful if all the participants are driven through a civic consciousness devoid of partisan politics.