Grade 9 Life skills : Social Security

Hi Everyone! The vacation is upon us and while you are relaxing at home, we thought it would be a good time to focus on learning. So let us have a glimpse at the first lesson; Social Security and learn how it is established in our society.
Social security is important as it plays a significant role in enhancing development on a personal, social and national scale in a society.
We shall now have a look at the relationship between the individual and the society.

 

Individual and Society

It should be noted that family is the basic unit that lays foundation of the society where a collection of families form a society. In a society, people who reside in a particular geographical region work together with the pursuit of achieving their needs where several institutes, societies and organizations are built. Thus, a society can be eventually called a collection of individuals and organizations. Inter-relationships among individuals, unique customs, ethics, rules, regulations, and traditions are some common attributes of a society. As the societies have become more complex in nature today, it is crucial that enthusiastic and strong relationships are built among individuals to fulfill the necessities of people and this will help to promote peace and harmony to a greater extent. Therefore, there lies a strong mutual link between the aspects; the individual and the society.

What is Social Security?

Social Security is enhanced when the society safeguards the right of every individual to a life without fear and suspicion. This plays a major role in social development and when the individuals obey and respect the norms and standards in any society, social security will be ensured. Moreover, it is important that people and institutions are arranged accordingly to enhance this aspect and it exists when social protection and co-existence are enhanced at the highest level.

 Institutions such as family, school, religious institutions and social institutions play a significant role in establishing social security.

Role of Family in Establishing Social Security

Family, the basic unit of the society lays cornerstones in building the values and attitudes of an individual. It directs the individual towards socialization and molds him/her to a responsible citizen by providing shared values, attitudes, beliefs, traditions and discipline. It creates a well-balanced individual inculcated with confidence with the aid of love, kindness, compassion, protection and role models provided from the family.

 

Here, the individuals are made to be flexible to the cultural attributes and adapt to a simple way of life. Individuals become inherent in several qualities like active listening, respect, mutual cooperation, and flexibility to the cultural attributes, self-control, and optimistic thinking. Family plays a main role in the prevention of crimes and misdeeds that threaten the wellbeing of the society and convinces the individuals to obey the law and be responsible.

 

Role of School in Establishing Social Security

School is a significant institution that helps to ensure social security and it equips the individuals with sound discipline, knowledge, skills, attitudes, education, and competencies, religious and ethical values that support them to be responsible citizens. Socialization, equity and fairness too are inculcated among the individuals and their personalities are being molded to be well balanced. Moreover, schools make the individuals aware of the significance of safeguarding the cultural norms, prevention of alcohol, drugs, anti-social misconduct and protection from them, collective and peaceful work and working for the betterment of the society and fulfilling one’s duties while enjoying one’s rights. Schools ensure that every child is important and maintains equality.

Role of Religious Institutions in Establishing Social Security.

All religions aim at instilling the significance of living with peace, harmony, mutual cooperation and unity among people and enhance moral values. These institutions help to reinforce sound attitudes, discipline, spiritual development and education among individuals. They help to liberate individuals from liquor and drugs while making them aware of the damages caused by the anti-social misdeeds and crimes. The individuals are given sound insights on optimistic perspectives on life and encourage mutual co-existence. Protection of traditions of society is also done by these institutions while supporting the reinforcement of national harmony equipped with sustainable peace. All in all the religious institutions help to mold virtuous and disciplined individuals in the process of ensuring social security.

Role of Social Institutions and Organizations in Establishing Social Security.
People collaborate with social institutions and organizations to fulfill their necessities. They aim at social welfare which results in collaborative work while engaging in promoting unity and sound relationships among members, practicing to respect and accept the opinions of others, fulfilling duties, respecting leaders, abiding by the law, social welfare services, instilling optimistic thoughts about individuals and society, supporting the economic stability, maintenance of health services, awareness programs, reinforcement of national unity and harmony, supporting individuals and families during hardships, prevention of misdeeds and crimes and prevention of epidemics.

 

Did you know that it is a social responsibility of every citizen to avoid anti- social misdeeds and the usage of liquor and drugs?

The rapid rise in anti-social behavior, drug dealing, and usage of liquor / narcotics and criminal activity can be cited as a critical issue in the modern society. It is a social responsibility of every individual to avoid the above behaviors as they impose a huge threat to the well- being and the social values of the society. Thus, it is crucial that we should be responsible enough to support the institutions to combat anti-social behaviors and fulfill our prime duty of assisting the task of ensuring social security. Several organizations like National Board of Dangerous Drug Control, Department of Probation and Child Care Services, Sri Lanka Police, National Child Protection Authority, Liquor and Drug Information Centre, Sumithrayo, Healthy Lanka, and Mithuru Mithurio engage in the prevention of these misdeeds.

Law as an essential aspect in enhancing

Social Security Law can be cited as a set of regulations that are imposed by a particular state in the pursuit of maintaining peace and social security. Law should be abided by every single individual in the society and it aims at eradicating the damages to the society. It controls human activity and behavior. It is mandatory that a society should be ruled as per the law of the state and the crucial responsibility of safeguarding it lies in the hands of the government. Law should be clearly and correctly showcased and it is supreme. Upon the violation of law, punishments are given in the form of a fine or a penalty. Law typically aims at social well-being and it is strongly bound with social needs. Law will certainly enforce justice, peace and social security, when protected. Fairness and equality can be cited as some major attributes of Law. It stands above everyone showcasing the sovereignty of law.
Law is based on many sources.

 

 

 

Law can be elucidated under two main divisions under which it is practiced.
    1. Domestic Law
    2. International Law

Domestic law – Law that exists and governs activity within the territorial boundary of a nation. This only applies in the country where it had been written. Domestic Law varies from country to country. Domestic Law covers the following.

             o Constitutional law – The law that is developed from a constitution and it exercises the power of the State. This showcases the powers, responsibilities and rights of many areas. Constitutional law sets out the fundamental principles that are followed when the state is being governed and illustrates the relationship between the branches of the government of the state.

            o Criminal Law – This is the body of laws that applies to crimes and deals with the legal punishment of the offense. A crime can be termed as an offence executed against the society by an individual or a group of individuals. Magistrates Court and High Court hear cases in relation to crimes. Examples - Robbery, Drug trafficking, Murder, Child Abuse etc.

            o Civil Law – Law that applies to the disputes among individuals, organizations, or between an individual and an organization. If a civil law right is breached, it usually leads the victim to receive a compensation. This also deals with issues in relation to property.
Examples – Family matters, Ownership claims, Compensations, Agreements etc.

 

International law – International law is created through international negotiations and they include voluntary agreements that govern the conduct of nations. It deals with domestic law, international treaties and customs. The treaties are created from agreements between countries. Customs can be cited as normal traditions in a country. This is exercised when a country deals with another country or many countries.
Examples – International trade law, International human rights law, International maritime law, Immigration and Emigration law, and International Investment law.

 

Institutions which are set to empower the law

 

The court

The court is entrusted with jurisdiction; the authority given to a court to hear a case and the role of safeguarding the freedom and rights of people in a democratic country. The independence of the court plays a role of paramount significance in order to build confidence among the citizens. It creates a platform to resolve conflicts and enforce laws rationally.

 

 

o Supreme Court – This is the final judicial instance of record. It consists of the Chief Justice and 6 – 10 other judges. It has jurisdiction in relation to aspects such as constitutional affairs, election petitions, breach of parliamentary privileges and fundamental rights

 

o Court of Appeal – The appeal court is the next highest court in the legal system of Sri Lanka and it consists of the president of the court of appeal and 6- 11 judges. . This hears cases on appeal from any court of first instance. The court of appeal has the power to declare, reverse, rectify or change any judgment, order or a sentence given by a lower court.

 

o Provincial High Court - Provincial High Court takes account of cases on appeal and revises jurisdiction in relation to orders and judgments of the lower courts like Magistrates Court, Primary Courts, and Labor Tribunals.

 

o High Court - Both criminal and civil jurisdiction are exercised by the High Court. It conducts trials on original criminal jurisdiction. High courts are able to conduct a trial by jury or trial at bar. Any penalty or a sentence as permitted by law can be imposed by the high court.

 

o District Court - The district courts are vested with the power of original civil jurisdiction and it attends to matters in relation to commercial matters, family matters, insolvency, trust and etc. The courts are headed by the district judge.

 

o Magistrate court - The courts deal with basic criminal summary jurisdiction and jurisdiction to enquire into all offenses committed. The courts are headed by a Magistrate. These courts are vested with the power to impose penalties or imprison as permitted by law.

 

What is the role of an individual in the society towards the Judiciary of Sri Lanka?

 

Judiciary; a mechanism that plays a significant role in establishing social security , interprets and applies the law in the pursuit of meting out justice. The individuals of the society are entrusted with some duties and responsibilities in relation to this. They must give due respect to the court and the judges. They should avoid actions that belittle the court and build confidence in the judiciary. Attempts to mislead the court should be avoided. As we have already discussed about the constitutional law, we shall now take a look at the duties that should be fulfilled by us as individuals in relation to the constitution.

 

What is the role of an individual in the society towards the Constitution of Sri Lanka?

We are entrusted with the responsibility of abiding by and acting according to the constitution. We must follow and obey other rules and regulations set out by this supreme law and it will help the administration of the country to be efficient and organized. Moreover, it will also safeguard the rights of citizens. We must be aware about the constitution and the relevant regulations while encouraging the others to be aware of the same.

The role of Sri Lanka Police

Police is vested with the major role of enhancing social security by maintaining law and order in the country. It engages in a series of roles such as settling disputes, preventing conflicts and terrorist activities, combatting anti-social activities in relation to drugs, narcotics, liquor, while taking the necessary action to maintain law and order , protecting children and women in the society via a separate unit located in every police station, conducting traffic warden training and traffic control. Police does a tremendous job in ensuring the safety within the society by actively taking the criminals in to custody in a short lapse of time while inculcating confidence among the people. The Kennels and the 119 service showcase commendable efficiency throughout. In the event that support in enhancing social security is required, it can get the support of the International Police as well.

What can we do as responsible citizens to help the Police to ensure social security?

o Obey the law and help the police to maintain peace and protection.
o Inform the police when the peace is violated.
o Assist the police to capture the criminals and conduct criminal investigation.
o Safeguard the public property.
o Support the police to curtail the anti-social activities and the usage of liquor and drugs that threaten the peace and wellbeing of the society.
o Provide accurate and true information when required and this will help them to trace the information that are crucial in conducting the investigation.
o Obey the traffic rules.

 

Attorney General’s Department

This institution is entrusted with the role of providing legal assistance to the central government and government institutions where it conducts prosecutions and appearances in cases as a representative of the government. This department is headed by the Attorney General who is appointed by the President upon the receipt of recommendation of the constitution.

 Provide required legal advice in the cases linked to the Government.
 Compile legal activities to the Government or against the Government.
 Appear and represent the Government in the cases linked to the Government / State.
 Provide necessary legal advice to the Acts that are to be submitted to the Parliament.
 Participate as a partner in the cases prosecuted by the Supreme Courts.
 Provide required recommendations to the President of the Country in the process of execution of death penalty that is imposed on a culprit.

Government Analyst’s Department

This institution can be cited as the Central Government laboratory that provides analytical and specialist advisory services in relation to its two major divisions; forensic science and food science. Here, food science basically focuses on public health while the forensic sciences focus on the provision of services to law enforcement authorities that deal with crime investigation. It contributes greatly to jurisdiction to be carried out efficiently and in a way it metes out justice. This department is equipped with trained specialists who examine and analyze the samples produced by several institutions. In the pursuit of establishing social security, several institutions such as the Department of Criminal Investigation, Labor Tribunals, Department of Customs, Excise Department, Court of Law, The Police Department and many more work in collaboration with the Government Analyst’s Department.

 

Department of Prison

What is the role of the Department of Prison in ensuring Social Security?

o Ensure effective execution and administration of the sentences and orders that have been imposed by the courts.
o Rehabilitation of the convicted criminal offenders via the delivery of suitable programs.
o Help the offenders to be responsible citizens who are inculcated with much compassionate values.
o Transport the prisoners across the country while abiding by the required regulations and standards with the support of the Police department.

Security Forces in Sri Lanka

In the process of ensuring social security, the security forces play a role of paramount significance and these tri forces of Sri Lanka are established and administered under the Ministry of Defense. Sri Lanka Army, the oldest security force in the country protects the country from local and international military aspects from land. Sri Lanka Navy that is considered as the most essential security force in the country, safeguards the country from military threats that hail from land and sea while Sri Lanka Air force protects the country from both local and international threats . Apart from the tri forces, the Civil Security Force also renders a significant national service to establish social security by assisting the security forces of Sri Lanka.

What role do the security forces of Sri Lanka play in ensuring Social Security?

The security forces play an impressive role in protecting the unitary and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka, while putting their own lives at risk. They protect the land, sea and the sky with the aim of enhancing social security and the role they have played up to date in eradicating terrorism and handling global crisis situations is impressive. The security forces also support the prevention of illegal trading, liquor, narcotics and drug usage. The role played by Sri Lanka Navy in preventing these issues along the sea routes is commendable. The tri forces carry out humanitarian operations during unexpected crisis situations where relief services are being provided to the affected. They also support the government and police to control and overcome conflicts and revolutions.
 

What is the role of individuals in a society towards the security forces?

The security forces play an immense role in safeguarding our nation and the sacrifices they have made in the name of this country deserve mentioning. Thus it is our duty to appraise the tremendous service rendered by them and give the due respect to the dead or disabled war heroes of the country. We must inform the security forces about situations in relation to activities that threaten national defense. We should never disturb the steps taken by them to control the situations, instead we must support them by adhering to the given regulations. As responsible individuals we should support the relief services rendered by them.
 

The Conciliation Board

The Conciliation Board had been set up to solve trivial issues and sort disputes among the public without the need to go to the court. It aims at reducing the accumulation of cases in the courts. The Conciliation Board Commission appoints the panel for Conciliation board where the respected and educated individuals in the society are being appointed. A case can be filed in a Conciliation Board through the court, police or the case could be filed privately. As responsible citizens, we must ensure that we are aware of the correct process of filing a case at the Conciliation Board and give due respect to the Conciliators. We should also protect the conciliators and obey their decisions when the disputes are settled. It should be noted that building a healthy rapport with the conciliators is necessary to ensure social security. Thus, we should act as per the agreements that have been built through the Conciliation Board.

 

National Child Protection Authority

Nelson Mandela once said, “The true character of a society is revealed in how it treats its children”. Children; the minors of the country needs to be protected and taken care of. Violence against children and child abuse are crucial aspects that need to be prevented today and the National Child Protection Authority is vested with the responsibility of enhancing a safe environment for children and to make sure that they live a life free of abuse. Several services such as the tsunami foster – parent programme, legal intervention in cases related to child abuse, educational exhibitions and awareness programmes, psychological and social services to the victims of child abuse can be cited as examples that support their role in ensuring social security. The individuals in the society are vested with the role of supporting the activities of the National Child Protection Authority while adhering to all rules and regulations in relation to the protection of children and their rights. It is significant that we as responsible citizens should make ourselves knowledgeable on child protection protocols and children’s rights. Whenever the children’s rights are breached, the individuals should inform the authority promptly and valid information must be provided.

 

Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka and its role in establishing Social security.

We are entitled to rights as human beings despite our differences. We can enjoy our rights without facing any bias or discrimination. The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka is responsible for safeguarding human rights in Sri Lanka. It also ensures the compliance of the international standards in relation to the fundamental human rights by our country. The commission monitors the human rights of people and ensures that social security is established. As responsible individuals, it is important that we comply and obey the human rights and the required standards set out by the commission. It is our crucial duty to report any breaches of human rights to the commission and provide information as required. We should not only enjoy our rights but we must ensure that we fulfill the expected duties as responsible citizens. Making ourselves aware of human rights will make it easier for the commission to practice their activities.

 

Thus, the enhancement of social security is of paramount significance in Sri Lanka’s venture towards achieving national development and building sustainable peace. It is quintessential that efficient mechanisms are in place and the individuals fulfill the expected obligations while working cooperatively with institutions that have been set up to establish social security.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

by Mekhala Egodawele
Photo Source: Internet