Friday, 4 January 2002 |
Letter |
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Burning money It is the practice in Sri Lanka to burn heaps of crackers worth thousands and thousands of rupees to receive politicians and others at Election campaign meetings and to receive the winners after the Elections. How futile and absurd this is. There are thousands of people not having a daily meal. Poor school children do not have proper clothing and shoes. I for one, is a retired Chief Station Master Railways presently drawing a monthly Pension of Rs. 5368 inclusive of the recent increase of Rs. 750. As a pre-1988 Pensioner, I am leading a pathetic life. My pension is not enough to meet my food-bill; not to mention of clothing and shelter. An ordinary rice and curry meal is Rs. 35 which I cannot afford. I have now reverted to those meals from Jaffna Hotels which is very much cheaper. I have no proper clothing. Last time, I enjoyed a rice meal was for Vesak this year. The CTB staff, Gampola distributed free meal packets. I am not ashamed to say that I took two packets and enjoyed the day. Why cannot the organisers of these thamashas offer free meals to the needy. This is a more meritorious act than burning money on crackers. JINADASA P. WICKREMASURIYA , |
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