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| Wednesday, 17 April 2002 |
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Letters | |
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Please forward your letters to [email protected] in plain text format within the e-mail message, since as a policy we do not open any attachments. "Good Governance - is it achievable?" The above was the subject discussed at a recent seminar. It certainly is - on one condition though. And that is that the business of governance must be in the hands of good men. Only good men can ensure good governance. That is as self evident as saying that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. A country can have a carefully crafted constitution, the most progressive legislation, constitutional councils, numerous Commissions, established under them and whatever other institutions "clever" men can think of, but without "good" men manning them, there can and never will be good governance. That is this country's tragedy. The question then arises, who is a "good" man? Put differently, who is he who is not a good man? In the context of what we see obtaining in this country, I venture to think that the individual who seeks power, in whatever form, can never be a good man. For, he is selfishness personified. But the pursuit of power is not the monopoly of politicians only, however much many of us like to think it to be so. The pursuit of power is a cancer that has spread to all sections of our society. It afflicts even the breed to which this writer belongs, namely, retired public servants into which category will fall Army and Police Officers, and Professionals who have reached the age when they must call it a day and make room for younger, and, more competent men. But, God, how they are prepared to sell their souls for a mess of pottage! Some of them can hardly stand on their feet, but yet they will beseechingly hold out their palms to politicians to gather a few crumbs in the form of public office with its attendant perks, privileges and power. Naturally, they will be the first to proclaim that good governance is not achievable. There is so much of work to be done in the country in the form of relieving the sufferings of the disadvantaged, the disabled, and the poor; but our power-seekers will not spare a thought for them. Rather, they would fly out of the country at every conceivable opportunity, on foreign funded trips, and feel important that they are doing all that for the sake of the people. The fact of the matter, I feel, is that a large section of the elite of the country in whose hands governance lies is mentally deranged. They have to be awakened to the importance of being Nobody. They will then be "good" men and, hopefully, there will be good governance. Stanley Jayaweera , Registered post letter takes 13 days In this age where communication to any part of the globe is possible within a matter of minutes, the Postal Department has set a record for the Guinness Book by taking 13 days to deliver a letter sent by Registered Post from Moratuwa to Thimbirigasyaya! On March 7 2002, I forwarded some important documents by Registered Post (No. 2844), to a Company in Colombo 5. Since I did not hear from them after 7 days, I phoned up and found out that it had not reached them. After another 3 days, again I phoned but still they had not received. Finally on March 20 they phoned to inform that the letter has just been delivered. Time and again several complaints have been made regarding pilfering of foreign mail and undelivered letters/cards being thrown into somebody's garden etc. Recently, there was the case of a Registered Post letter sent from the Electricity Board being thrown on to the verandah of the addressee's neighbour. Isn't this a serious laps? L. DE SILVA, The Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs has said as reported in DN of 2nd instant "We are a Government committed to the people. Well, that is what the broad mass of people expect and anticipate from a good government. But for the majority of middle class this 'commitment' does not seem to have reflections in the budget proposals. I am a retired employee after having invested the gratuity, EPF, ETF and other savings of a lifetime in a state bank and getting a monthly income of around Rs. 10,000 by way of interest I am not an income tax payer now, having paid tax during employment, since there is no outside income. Now I am made to pay a 10 per cent tax on the income (interest) earned on my lifetime saving which means that I will be poorer more than 10 per cent with the added increasing cost of living. Imposing a tax on the interest of a person with no taxable income is most unfair and unjustified, there is some sense if it was on the interest earned by a tax payer. Interest earned is exempt from assessable income and tax slab is raised from 144,000 to 240,000 but under the new tax anyone getting more than 6,000 by way of interest has to forgo 10 per cent of it. Earlier anyone with a total earning of 144,000 is exempt whether it is by way of salary, income from property or interest. Now a person earning 100,000 as interest and 140,000 other income will still have a 10% tax on interest earned which is 10,000. This in effect a nullification of the increase in tax slab as well the 'reward' offered to savers in the budget speech. This tax applies to only genuine people who save their lifelong accumulation in a bank and live with it. In no way it applies to the black money lenders (polimudalalis) who earn interest at the rate of 3 to 5 per cent per month by lending on mortgage of property. What appears is that, specially the middle class, have been axed by the budget of a 'Government committed to the people'. PS , The recent budget has introduced a 10% tax on interests earned on Fixed Deposits. The majority of those who deposit money in Fixed Deposits are not rich people. They do so out of their hard earned money in the form of EPF and ETF having been worked for 25-30 years during their productive period and now spending the evening of life. People cannot draw their EPF and ETF or their gratuity while they work. It is the State that utilizes these monies for development projects by paying a meagre interest on them. When people retire from their jobs at 55 or 60 years their earnings cease and it is the interest that they get by depositing their EPF and ETF for their survival. The interest rates that are paid nowadays are very low and to add to that burden now the Government is motivated to drag that meagre amount out of the poor man's pocket. It is during this time that people need more money, as they are weak and helpless both physically and mentally. It is in old age that people have to spend more on their medicine as old age is always linked with a series of diseases and disabilities. In developed countries people in old age are paid a dole by the government. Instead of such relief, in our country old people are not allowed to enjoy at least what they had earned. Is this treatment fair by the unfortunate old people living in this country? JEEWAKA MAITHRI , No we do not agree.For the sins of few bureaucrats the entire nation cannot be held responsible. If tariff increase is imposed at least after lifting the power cut there is some semblance of justice. We spend 5 hours without power and authorities raises the tariffs. We do not agree and consumers should not pay the increased tariffs SARATH KARUNAWARDENA , Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to have begged the nation's pardon for extending the power cut to 5 1/2 hours a day and Minister Karu Jayasuriya's acceptance that the majority of the election violence were perpetrated by the UNF supporters, reflects the quality of humility in statesmanship which all the people love to respect. Similarly PAFFREL has pointed out that the largest number of election violence was reported from Hanguranketha. There were no PA polling agents in any of the 63 polling booths and the JVP was present only in 3 polling booths. And the very high level of fear and intimidation in the area prevented their monitors from visiting not more than 6 booths in the division. The Government should investigate into this further and if proved correct, it must ask all the elected members to resign and call for fresh elections at which even more UNPers may be elected. No candidate is bigger than the elections. If this could be done, it would be a lesson for all and the Government will earn greater respect nationally and internationally. The UNF Government has a point to prove that when it comes to free and fair elections, it is different from all other previous governments. It has already proved it in the peace process. E. M. G. EDIRISINGHE , 'Do not sow the seed of hatred' The untiring efforts made by the PM to achieve peace from the very commencement is commendable. Accordingly, the manner in which he is steering the way in this regard is also appreciated, causing no disputes with the party to the conflict up to now. Majority of the people have endorsed the policy adopted by him in this regard which is an added strength to him to proceed in achieving same, which should not be allowed to stagnate or collapse. His intentions are genuine. This has resulted in building the lost confidence and the removal of suspicion prevalent up to now, which would be the major contributory factor if he is successful in this meritorious act, which I am certain he would achieve during his period. He believes that all Sri Lankans should be treated alike, harnessing everyones efforts for the development and protection of our dear motherland for maintaining one Sri Lanka in its true sense. The need of the hour is peace. Who achieves it is immaterial as long as we achieve same for the good of everyone including the country. Let those who oppose peace realise, that even their survival depends on peace. TOMMY WANIGESINGHE , The state of affairs in the government service 1. At the Nugegoda Post Office I went to Post Office to send at the request of our Foreign Office, by EMS Courier, the certificates of a friend accredited as the Honorary Consul for Sri Lanka in Trinidad & Tobago. I completed the forms and a senior officer charged me 750 rupees. One week later the postmaster urgently summoned me. He said there is no EMS Courier to WI. The senior clerk had thought West Indies was in India! So I had to pay another 132 rupees to re-send the certificates by registered express airmail. This was when the West Indians were playing here! I have not got the refund though I have complained to top management. 2. Nugegoda Agency Post Office I sent through a labourer, to send by registered parcel post, a book as I have done several times earlier. Instead of the regular 17 rupees, I was charged 34.50 and when I protested, the Agency man challenged me to complain. I have asked the PMG to hold an inquiry because there is a high turnover of uneducated poor girls employed by the Agency man, fleecing not only the public but also the staff. Perhaps the girls are not paid EPF. 3. Public Trustee Office. I opened a Trust Fund about a year ago to collect money to foster the reading of English, Sinhala and Tamil books by young persons. Donations are coming in but no receipts are sent, in bold violation of basic financial regulations. The boss is a former magistrate who seems not to know the basics of supervision. On the advice of senior colleagues, I have decided to cancel this trust fund and open one in my own bank. The gross inefficiency at the office of the Public Trustee tells me, from experience, that there should also be corruption and I have suggested to the Auditor-General to do a test internal audit. 4. Bank of Ceylon I went to the head office where I am a customer for over 35 years to open an alternate Trust Fund as above - and wasted half an hour because none of the senior officers consulted by the customer service division had a clue about it. The worst was when the chief legal officer asked me to go to a lawyer! In desperation I telephoned the General Manager. His secretary listened carefully to me, instantly understood what I wanted done and sent me to the right man. I have congratulated the GM on the selection of this young girl and said, shame on the others! 5. National Savings Bank I asked the (former) chairman - an old friend - to be the first to support the purchase and distribution of a book I have published and distribute it to school libraries because of the current financial position of the Government. He agreed to buy 50 books (for measly 12,500 rupees). And instead of giving a direct order, as I would have done if he had asked, effectively humiliated me by getting me to contact the marketing manager, who thereafter ignored the several attempts I made to speak to him, even telephoning twice to his house. I have complained to the new chairman and refused to sell the books to the NSB unless I am assured the marketing man may not do something to the books to bring me to disrepute. Dr. Kingsley Heendeniya, , Suicide bombers are again in the world news. What really prompts these human bombers to act in this manner should be revealed. Can we attribute these acts to a solitary factor of bravery, an exhibition of heroism, or/ to insanity, frustration, vengeance and mere retaliation? They appear to believe such acts would focus the attention of others to their economic, political, racial problems backed by religious motives. In Latin "Sacer" means holy and "facere" mean to make. The word "Sacrifice" as a verb and a noun connotes destruction, giving up, offer, but a tinge of holiness and nobleness is also intrinsically attached to its meaning. In general usage "Sacrifice" means some sort of an offer or a loss to the person who makes it. The supreme sacrifice (suicide) is that one makes with his own life, but the motive can differ from individual to individual and also depends on the circumstances. A soldier is said to sacrifice his dear life in defence of his country and its inhabitants. However, suicide is certainly not a "supreme sacrifice" in Buddhist analysis, in which even taking your own life amounts to the "killing" of a being. Buddhism encourages seeing things in their reality and this includes the causes that build up the impulse to commit suicide and for the Buddhists that connotation of holiness of sacrifice is not relevant. But under inviolable circumstance one may have to sacrifice one's life to safeguard one country. Such a sacrifice may be done voluntarily or under compulsion. Some make life-sacrifices for multifarious purposes and gains. Even the suicide bombers make sacrifices for a cause, but with vengeance, to the misery of those directly affected. It may be to the joy of others who instigate, condone or sympathise with such acts of violence. Whatever the circumstances or motives behind those acts they could be described, from the point of view of the suicide bombers as sacrifices, despite the immense harm, misery and anger brought to bear on others. In this context it is not wrong to state that innocent passengers in those planes that crashed into the Twin Towers and elsewhere on 11th September 2001 in the U.S.A., were also helpless, unwilling partners to a supreme sacrifice made by a suicide squad who brought shock and rekindled the fear of death in the minds of all people. The slaying of the American Wall Street journalist Daniel Pearl also can be construed as an unsanctimonious act of "sacrifice" made both from the point of view of the victim and the Islamic fundamentalist who seems to have revived the practice of human sacrifices. All the major religions enjoin, "not to kill". But some religious practices require killing (of course by force), of innocent animals unwilling to die, as sacrifices. It is not too late for the people to realise that until and unless they learn to value and preserve all forms of life of sentient beings unwilling to die, the ills prevailing in the world over cannot be cured. Compare imaging yourself in such a trembling situation in order to give up killing and adhere to the holy commandment "thou shall not kill", making this world a better place for all. P.S.A. MUTUCUMARANA , Unique retirement and reduced pension When the Ministry requires a public officer for release to a Corporation, to serve on seconded basis, is such officer 'permanently released' or 'retired' right from the date of such release? The State Industrial Corporations Act is quoted the authority do so. The said Act, however requires 'Consent' of officer for release though not taken. Standard administrative procedure prescribes that 'Consent' of an officer for permanent release, is obtained on apprizing the implications that ensues. To obtain approval and make the mandatory intimations to Treasury, etc., for permanent release, it is 'Consent' that is required, even vouching that 'Consent' was obtained in the prescribed manner. After one year's seconded service, the corporation required the officer, to sign a prescribed pre-worded declaration, stating categorically, as was requirement to 'Protect Pension Rights. That declaration served also as 'Option', given to the corporation, of willingness to join its permanent services. Given to understand that 'showing continuity of service' was a necessity to preserve pension rights was therefore, antedated for the purpose, yet, the declaration correctly dated; surrendering even the right to revert to substantive post, from date of declaration: not from the antedate. Had the department decided to release the officer permanently, it was obliged to seek officer's 'Consent', as aforementioned; obtaining even approval of Treasury/Ministry for the officer's permanent release/retirement, against duly taken 'Consent'; NOT 'Option'. The department, (Forest Department) released almost a dozen to the corporation (State Timber Corporation). Besides those released with prior consent, others urgently released at the instance of the Ministry/Corporation were retired/permanently released almost one year or more after the initial release. Why then discriminate the undersigned, to reduce the pension, denying both, pension service on seconded basis and also the increment that was earnable in just 26 days, when Ministry had me released? For 10 years, without success, I am seeking redress to this gross administrative injustice. I plead for help from any relevant authority through the courtesy of your columns. E.D.W. JAYAMANNE It was a welcome move after several years to witness the time tables displayed, depicting the departure of buses at the city bus halts in Kandy. But what for, it is only on paper, when compared to other city routes, one glaring example are the buses to Dodanwela, which are not regular and thereby the commuters are experiencing great hardships due to the attitude of the Mahanuwara South Transport bus depot. The commuters expect a regular service and this is essential to the working public, and schoolchildren. Let us hope for a speedy solution. EBERT PERERA , The Daily News of March 14 carried a letter about the cruelty of a teacher to a child for not sneaking about his classmates. The punishment was severe and illegal. The teacher was a sadist. The Principal was no better. On another page there was a warm tribute to a student called Ran Banda Seneviratne, attorney-at-law by his teacher Lalitha K. Withanachchi. As a student he endured many hardships and I think it was the understanding and efforts of this teacher that enabled him to reach great heights. When one considers the cruel treatment meted out to students by teachers and the brash orders of some principals who order the parents to remove their children if they should complain, it is clear that all teachers and principals should be compelled to study child Psychology. Sadists who give blows to students should know that a few days ago in England a law was passed banning even parents from striking their own children below the age of three. Is it the inhuman treatment of some teachers towards their students, and certain principals that breed violence among our youth today? A. P. , |
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