‘Human development indices vital to measure development’

Sarath MALALASEKERA

COLOMBO: The slogan “Elimination of Poverty” selected by the United Nations Organization to mark the Human Rights Day 2006, continues up to date, said M. A. N. Chandrasiri, Research Officer attached to the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HUMCSL).

Addressing the Human Rights day celebration held at Tangalle Division Secretariat recently, he pointed out that prior to 1970s Gross Domestic Product was used as the sole development index.

In 1970s the countries use Physical quality-of-life index as a criterion to measure development targets. Human Development Index was introduced after 1990 to measure development process in countries.

Life span of a person, death rates and still births, education, labour, gender equality are taken into account as development indexes after 1990,he said.

The Research Officer explaining the objectives said that Sri Lanka is going towards some goals and the service rendered by the State officials is of vital importance in this regard.

It was also said that some officers especially the Police think that they cannot discharge their duties because of the concept of human rights. This is a misconception and all officers should understand that the importance of protection of human rights.

According to the Human Rights Commission Act, the Commission was given many powers related for protection of human rights.

According to the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Act No. 21 of 1996, the Commission has powers to inquire into and investigate, complaints regarding procedures, with a view to ensuring compliance with the provisions of Constitution relating to Fundamental Rights.

Samurdhi Assistant Commissioner Jagath Rohitha was the guest speaker. HRCSL Additional Secretary (Legal) Nimal Punchihewa also addressed the conference.