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| Monday, 25 November 2002 |
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Letters | |
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I was extremely sad to read recent news reports on the murder of a student at the Sri Jayewardenepura University and brutal assaults carried out on many other students who attempted to prevent ragging of the new coming students. Ragging of freshers is nothing new in Sri Lankan tertiary education. As a fresher at the Hardy Institute of Technical Training Ampara, at the University of Colombo and finally at the University of Peradeniya I had to undergo ragging thrice. Fortunately the form of ragging I underwent was not violent. The worst ragging I witnessed was at the Hardy Institute where several senior students asked one student to dig a hole neck deep, forced him to stand inside the hole and threw several shovels of dirt at him. We were helpless and there was no staff around to see what was going on. When I was in my final year at the Peradeniya University, the pro-JVP Students Union of the campus, Samajavadee Sishya Sangamaya, took the initiative of openly opposing all forms of extreme ragging. I still recollect when I prevented some senior students of the Faculty of Arts from ragging freshers, they tried to assault me. In defence I was shouting at them, when, irrespective of political opinion, many of my batch-mates provided me protection and brought me back to my hall of residence. It was particularly saddening and shocking to hear the reports that now it is the pro-JVP students who have involved in violent forms of ragging. What a strange and tragic turn of events! If those who carried out such brutal and outrageous acts of violence are pro-JVP students, then without trying to evade responsibility, the JVP leadership should urgently and publicly take steps to expel those students from their ranks and stop such horrific events from taking place. As all of us are aware, at the end of the 1980s, killing of Mr. Daya Pathirana of the Colombo University and the JVP-ers led to the vicious cycle of violence of the 1980s. Such violence cannot be condoned or justified even under the conditions of terror at the end of the 1980s. However, currently in Sri Lanka, such conditions of terror do not exist. In such an environment these criminal incidents should not be tolerated at all. The statement of the JVP that an impartial Police investigation should be held may be useful. But it is the responsibility and duty of the JVP leadership to learn from the negative experiences of the insurrections of 1971 and 1988-89 and immediately arrest the imminent start of another cycle of vicious violence. If those who have taken to the path of socialism for upholding social justice, fairness and humanity have become the perpetrators of social injustice, discrimination and inhumanity then I believe no one would be in need of that type of socialism any more! As a former university student I would like to convey my deepest heart-felt condolences to the family of the deceased university student. I also sincerely wish the students who suffered injuries a speedy recovery. LIONEL BOPAGE - via-e-mail
In the wake of government's plan to develop our Metropolis the Hon. Minister John Amaratunga's direction to round up and rehabilitate all the beggars roaming the city is laudable. Colombo will be a genuine cosmopolitan city if the Hon. Minister could get rid of all the stray dogs as well. H. RIDLEY S. JAYASINGHE - Moratuwa.
Several letters to the Editor have appeared from time to time complaining about the delay in settling the depositors dues. There are over 3,000 depositors and it is impossible, given the constraints, to write to each individually. As Liquidators it is our special concern to recover the assets to pay the outstanding debts due to the thousands who had deposited their meagre savings particularly the EPF and ETF awards received at the end of their career, with the desire of obtaining some additional income for their day to day expenses, medical needs etc, in old age. Factually some of these depositors appear to be so ignorant as to demand that, whatever the circumstances be, the Liquidators are bound to pay their dues. They do not seem to understand that the liquidators could help them only when HPT assets are collected and converted to cash and that too in the manner prescribed by the Companies Act taking into account all the creditors. As at present the only hope is recovery of compensation due to HPT Ltd, on account of several lands and portions of land taken over by the state for development purposes, road widening etc, and those vested with the LRC under the LRC Law No. 1 of 1972. By far the most valuable property is the block of land called Kolamunnekumbura (over two acres) situated along the Nugegoda-Pepiliyana High Road which could fetch well over Rs. 100 million. If this land is released or compensation paid it will be possible to pay at least part of the deposit balances. In view of the substantial amount due to the bank the repayment will however be negligible. The other properties will yield low compensation and will not give sufficient to offset even the expenses which have accrued to over 1 million and borne by our firm and the preferential payments to staff etc. The Liquidators are doing their best to trace these assets in the absence of records and to collect these monies, but are hampered by Government Red Tape and the severe financial constraints faced by the Government at present. Indeed for the sake of the HPT creditors we hope that the Government will provide sufficient funds to the agencies concerned to pay compensation due to HPT Ltd, and direct the authorities responsible to pay the compensation already awarded and also release the valuable property above mentioned to enable us to pay some part of the depositors dues. We hope this letter will explain the constraints we are faced with. P. SATHASIVAM, S. RAJANATHAN - Joint Liquidators, House and Property Trades Ltd., Colombo 2.
The pensioners spread throughout the island are surprised that no reference was made about the rectification of the anomalies in the pensions of the state pensioners in the Budget speech made on the 6th instant. It has been customary for the Finance Minister to make a reference to the state officers salaries and living allowances, etc. in his Budget speech, and also about the payment of pensions to the Government pensioners for the ensuing year. Although the Salaries Review Committee and the Pension Anomalies Committee which were appointed in 2000 by the President, have submitted their reports long time ago, to the authorities for necessary action, no mention regarding the implementation of these long awaited reports were made by the Finance Minister during his speech. The public officers and the pensioners are in dire straits due to the steep rise in the COL during the past few years. The state pensioners who have retired prior to 1997 are having a big anomaly in their pensions, and we understand (unofficially) that a firm recommendation has been made in the "Senaratne Committee Report" on this matter, including other recommendations affecting the pensioners. Due to the sincere efforts made by our Hon. Prime Minister, the civil war has come to a halt since the 22nd of February, and signs of peace are clear in the horizon for 2003. Therefore, the pensioners who are suffering due to the present cost of living would be pleased if the Minister of Public Administration would make an announcement regarding this matter during the Committee Stage of the Budget, so that the pensioners may be assured of what is in store for them in the coming year. L. LEKAMWASAM LEANAGE - Ambalangoda.
We were horrified to see the article titled "Cabinet approval sought for private zoos" in the front page of "Daily News" of 8 Nov. 2002. According to the article, there is no doubt that the main motive for setting up these zoos is to attract tourists. The prime motive therefore of those who have shown an interest in setting up these zoos would be to make money, which may lead to abuse of animals, the monitoring of which may not be easy. Not even the "best zoos" (if indeed there are any) in the world can provide satisfactorily for animals and it applies to the Dehiwala Zoo too. Much as we try, human beings fail to provide that ideal environment, which only nature can supply, to captive animals. So why create more zoos, and private ones at that, the primary motivation of which would be to make money? The illegal private zoo at Ahungalla, which was closed by the authorities owing to extensive abuse of its animals after much public pressure was applied, is a clear example of what may happen at private zoos. Instead of creating more zoos, all effort should be made to develop the national zoo to an "ideal best" to provide a more conducive environment to the animals there. At a time when the trend in the world is not have any more zoos than necessary, close down circuses and entertainment parks using captive animals, why are we in Sri Lanka gearing up to open more zoos? The existing animal sanctuaries can provide what the tourists may need without causing suffering to animals. Sri Lanka has enough of natural attractions, which include animals in the wild, to lure tourists to the country. Up until now Sri Lanka could boast that in our country most of the atrocities perpetrated against animals in other Asian countries, such as animal abuse in animal entertainment parks in Thailand, dog meat eating in Korea and several other Asian countries, bear bile industry in China, use of animal parts for medicinal purposes in many Asian countries, were not present. The private zoos will open up the flood gates for all kinds of animal abuse in this Buddhist country. It is sad indeed if this approval is given for setting up private zoos by the Cabinet, at a time when in other Asian countries much is being done to address the above issues and to stop such abuse. If private zoos are established in Sri Lanka, these animal welfare groups will do their best to educate the potential tourists from their countries to avoid visiting these places, and even perhaps Sri Lanka. Hence, this concept may be detrimental to our healthy tourist industry. Sri Lanka too will earn a name as a country perpetrating cruelty to animals, which may be detrimental to the image of the country as a leading Buddhist country of the world. We earnestly appeal to the authorities not to approve the setting up of the private zoos as it may lead to a new situation of animal abuse hitherto not found in Sri Lanka. CHAMPA FERNANDO - KACPAW (Kandy Association for Community Protection through Animal Welfare)
Decision to prohibit parking on alternate days October's greater presence of traffic police on the Galle Road near the Dehiwala junction area is accompanied by a unilateral decision by Police to prohibit parking on alternate days on alternate sides of the Galle Road.Parking on the Galle Road is prohibited all day on: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday on the west side (seaside) Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday on the east side (land side) Consequently three wheelers, cars and vans are forced to park on the narrow side streets much to the consternation of residents (traffic congestion and fumes on their little streets) and three-wheel drivers (positioned away from the pathway of their potential passengers). Police advise 'alternate day no parking pilot measure; is to ease Galle Road traffic congestion whilst keeping the shop owners lining the Galle Road happy. But surely does this no parking restriction need to apply for the whole day? Would it not be adequate to stringently enforce the no parking restriction during the weekday peak hours of traffic? That is no parking between 7.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. on the west side (traffic direction towards Colombo) and 4.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. on the east side (traffic moving away from Colombo) of the Galle Road. Given the heavy stream of vehicles on the Galle Road it is time for the Dehiwala-Mt. Lavinia Municipal Council to consult with the police and RDA to demarcate more parking areas. Clearly more parking bays with specific painted allotments are required for three wheelers who hover around the very busy vicinity of the Dehiwala junction and for the parked buses that have taken over Station Street. A good example to follow is the Council's excellent parking allocation on Hill Street, Dehiwala. A.P.O - Dehiwala
A Wijeyaratne (DN October 28, 2002) has displayed poor judgement in suggesting that alcohol is acceptable as long as it is not adulterated. He writes that adulterated alcohol can make you sick, and therefore he concludes that unadulterated alcohol is a better choice, should be marketed by reputable dealers, and will help reduce the health budget. Mr. Wijeyaratne's assertions are not plausible. All intoxicants (including banned substance), irrespective of the makeup of itŸ?(tm)s contents, are detrimental to the well being of a society. University of California conducted a study and found out that alcohol contributes to about 100,000 deaths annually in U.S alone, and that 41% of all traffic fatalities are alcohol related. Alcohol consumption per cap in Sri Lanka is reportedly higher than in the U. S. A. Therefore, deaths and fatalities caused by alcoholism are proportionately higher than in United States. Coupled with alcohol-induced crimes and health issues, alcoholism is the single most devastating contributor to the grim statistics in health and crime. If we can put an economic value to all the accidents, crime, health, crime prevention, etc., caused by alcoholism, it will surely run to billions of rupees. The only sensible way to cut health budget is total abstinence. Wouldn't it be nice to live in a society where there is less crime, smaller law enforcement (police, jails, judges, lawyers, etc), fewer hospitals, healthier population, less social problems, and less taxes. All these dividends are achievable, if the people and the government have the courage to take the country in the right direction. Drinking alcohol has no benefits, it stifles a society into total dependency and contribute towards social decay. Alcoholism creates negative economic value and the hardworking taxpayers have to foot the bill. I agree with Mr. Wijeyaratne that alcohol cannot be completely eliminated. But, every little effort to help total abstinence to get rid of this vain habit should be encouraged. His ill-advised article is short sighted and an affront to all alcohol-induced victims of crime. TUAN RIZA RASSOOL - USA.
I am a depositor of Pramuka Bank. The sudden suspension of its operations by Central Bank (CB) has left me shocked. I believe all the other depositors as well as the general public at large must be feeling the same. A question has arisen as to whether we should be dealing with banks in this country? Mind you all are approved and are under the supervision of the Central Bank. But with sudden moves of this nature by CB and also implementing its draconian laws, I feel that my hard earned money is much safer under my pillow. Not that I don't blame the Management of Pramuka Bank also for this debacle, but what was CB doing all this time. Insolvency cannot have arisen overnight. If Pramuka Bank opens, there will certainly be a run on the bank and if it is to be liquidated either way CB has a duty to give a firm assurance to each and every depositor that their monies will be refunded. I. GUNASEKARA - Dehiwala.
Despite so many financial crises, Govt. spends considerable amount of valuable money in purchasing good quality uniform materials and issue to drivers, watchers, peons etc. annually. But 90% of the recipients do not wear the uniform when they are on duty. Uniforms are specially given to identify the person. The funniest part is that as soon as they get the uniform materials they submit the voucher for tailoring charges (stitching the uniform) and get the money. Ministry Public Administration must enforce that the drivers, watchers and peons must wear the uniform when they are on duty. Otherwise they must get rid of the issue uniforms in order to save the public money. The purpose is not served if the issued uniforms are not worn when they are on duty. V. SAKTHIVEL - Vavuniya.
Professional negligence seems to be very common phenomena that occur in many fields in Sri Lanka mainly due to the lack of dedication applied to each individual case, rationalized by the increased demand that has exceeded the supply. Very few are reported but yet, a handful that reported in the newspapers often describe nightmares, be it the public or the government sector supposed to offer services to the public. If the authorities are unable to assure the quality levels of the services offered by their professionals, I believe they have an obligation at least to disclose their performances to the public: successes, failures as well as negligence. Often the loss and the risks in the medical sphere carry the greatest severity and seldom when they are reported the public, rarely gets an opportunity to know of the accused. Buildings and departments do not err, it is the people that err and therefore, it is the right of the public to know who the accused are even if it is not possible to prove each case of negligence as the local systems are setup for professional 'cover up'. If there was a patient admitted to a hospital, it is a very straight forward conclusion as the records could speak for itself and the buck will have to stop somewhere within the hospital premises even if there is denial, shifting of blame or even omission of evidence needed in a court of law. Why shouldn't the next patient (victim) know the failure or negligence record of a hospital, nursing staff or the respective doctor before they tender their lives in blind faith. While the Medical Professional Association is eager to fight for the rights of the public, I hope they take a lead in these instances to voluntarily disclose such records to the public domain at least in the interest of the majority of professionals who takes care humanly and professionally. I also hope authorities consider this as the initial warning, specially the medical authorities, to offer performance information to the public, else the public would demand through a court order to safeguard the lives of many and the damages aimed not at the institution but individuals in charge. It is about time the driver pays for negligence than the owner of a vehicle. It is also common to notice the lack of concern by those manning ICUs even in many private hospitals who often lack consciousness of the progress of a patient but pretend as if they do care when raised a question of the status by trying to read medical records even upside down searching to offer an uncommitted answer. This is not evilness limited to our hospitals but this I believe is a symptom of a dying breed of people I presume who has reached the state not even to care for thy neighbour. A. DE SILVA - Rajagiriya.
It was highlighted in the papers that a decision is going to be taken to import coconuts to curtail the escalating coconut prices in the market. The reason attributed for higher prices indicates was due to drought conditions and also due to some virus, which has affected thousands of acres of coconut lands in the coconut growing areas resulting drop in yields. As an agricultural country since independence we have been resorting in importing some of the agricultural products including rice our staple food. Due to this it was unfortunate that we were not been able to be self-sufficient in our food crops. We, as an agricultural country all priorities should be taken to be self-sufficient in food crop as well as livestock. In the coconut sector there is the Coconut Development Board, Coconut Development Authority and Coconut Research Institute. In this sector there is smallholders, estates comprising small, medium, and large-scale holdings. In addition we have home gardens growing few coconut trees in the individual home gardens. In the present situation now we are facing a shortage due to various factors and we should be able to think ahead by the authorities concerned what action they should take to face a situation like this. Easiest solution is to import coconuts, which are available at a very cheaper price. By doing that we are not only discouraging the coconut growers but also taking a very great risk of bringing in various diseases affecting the coconut plantations and who is going to take the responsibility. I think now the time has come for both the policy makers and also the authorities who are responsible for coconut development to take appropriate action to organise in such a way to face any disastrous situation without affecting the production so the consumers as well as the coconut growers to be protected. Then how should we face a situation like at present. I think the immediate target should be the smallholders and home gardens. It is noted that most of these holdings has never been fertilised for a long time and upgrading programme can bring in marked difference if the government can provide fertiliser on subsidised rate and the technical advice to these sectors, tremendous increase of production could be achieved during a very short period. ASOKA NAWARATNE - Kandy
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