Will increased fines help manage humans thus preventing conflicts?

The Sri Lankan government proposed to increase traffic fines. It is being debated, some are conducting opinion polls & a petition is signed in social media to promote same. If the proposals are implemented it will; increase government revenue & road safety. Countries such as Singapore & Saudi Arabia impose physical punishments in addition to cash fines (such as lashes & beheading) on those who break the rules.  A disciplined society will develop efficiency & productivity. Physical punishment to manage humans is not new to Sri Lankans. Below is a list of the 32 methods of punishment popularly known as ‘dethis wadha’. (Source: 1951 ‘Sankya Shabda Kosha’ by Ven Baddegama Vimalavansa).

First is Lashes & last is beheading with a sword (ref below list pg 279 - 280).

·         Will a combination of fines & punishments increase discipline among Sri Lankans?

·         What is our goal? Safe environment & or to increase revenue?

·         What can we learn from countries such as Singapore & Saudi Arabia?

·         What do they do to control humans? Is it violation of human rights?

·         Have we implemented similar practices centuries back? Were we brutal?

·         If so why is it in practice in the modern world?

©Dr. Samitha Hettige, December 2016