Question

Thus speaks King Devanampiya Piyadassi: In the past, there were no arrangements for disposing affairs, nor for receiving regular reports. But I have made the following (arrangement). Pativedakas should report to me about the affairs of the people at all times, anywhere, whether I am eating, in the inner apartment, in the bedroom, in the cow pen, being carried (possibly in a palanquin), or in the garden. And I will dispose of the affairs of the people everywhere.

Epigraphists have translated the term pativedaka as reporter. In what ways would the functions of the pativedaka have been different from those we generally associate with reporters today?

Answer 1

The pativedaka differed from modern reporters in the following ways:

1. Purpose and Audience
   1. Pativedaka: Formed part of an exclusive state intelligence network reporting directly and solely to the king for administrative governance.
   2. Modern Reporter: Disseminates information publicly to inform the masses, hold authority accountable, and generate public awareness through media houses.
2. Level of Access
   1. Pativedaka: Held extraordinary, unrestricted personal access to the ruler. As noted in the inscription, they could approach the king even when he was eating, in his bedroom, in the cow pen, or being carried in a palanquin.
   2. Modern Reporter: Must follow strict protocols, seek official press appointments, and are rarely allowed into the private residences or personal quarters of prime ministers or presidents.
3. Nature of Information
   1. Pativedaka: Reported specific “affairs of the people” to help the king make immediate executive decisions and maintain social order.
   2. Modern Reporter: Focuses on a broad spectrum of information, including political critique, investigation, entertainment, weather, and breaking global news.