Professor Hewavitharana's second point is on the effects of devolution on good governance. Good governance is also likely to be affected in another way. The state system has an inherent tendency which opens up possibilities for politicians and public officials for rent-seeking and corruption. The state has the monopoly of coercion. However, to my knowledge, there is no evidence to suggest that the federal form of government is more vulnerable than the unitary form of government to the abuse of power.
Good governance depends on many factors.
First, there should be restrictions in-built in the constitutions and laws restraining the actions of politicians and public officials. Secondly, there should be an independent judiciary to defend the rule of law and the rights of the people. Thirdly, the people's right to information has to be guaranteed. Finally, the political culture of the country should be conducive to democratic and good governance. Here again anti-devolutionists have failed to prove why the devolution of power should lead to 'bad' governance.