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| Thursday, 25 September 2003 |
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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.
Lately there have been a marked escalation of violence and obscenity on TV presentations. These in the minds of the young give credence to the belief that such presentations have the moral sanctions of our society at large. Such notions in tender minds of an impressionable age sink keep into their subconscious only to surface when the slightest opportunity affords itself, to act.Also, there is rampant violence in films shown on TV. Violence of the most gruesome kind are shown, not to mention love scenes of the most passionate kinds. What are those in the hierarchy cocooned in their plush offices doing, when national interest, the morality of our youth, is at stake. Let us condone no more such violence and immorality on TV. Surely at a time when we are striving hard to regain Sri Lanka, inter alia to build a society free of violence and moral turpitude the electronic medium, the TV is playing fast and loose.All these are morally indefensible. Are we adults and elders in society morally justified in exposing young minds to such unbridled slots replete with violence and obscenity. Authorities please take note, all these in a land that holds life sacred and venerates womanhood. Haven't our children the right to a healthy and conducive environment in which to grow up to be useful citizens of tomorrow? Are we to hold them ransom to the pecuniary gains of a few media and advertising fraternity? Therefore, it is time the powers that be, act promptly to keep a tight rein on those errant officials of the Censor Board so as to curb the gross abuses of the TV. The old adage 'fire is a good servant but a bad master' is no less true, in the case of the TV too. PERAMBALM SIVALINGARAJAH, Colombo 04. The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has requested the public by a press notice to bring to their notice of any item that is being sold by unfair price increase and other harmful methods including a host of other matters that need the attention of the CAA. We as the public are grateful to the CAA for venturing to protect us from the cruel cultches of the manufacturers and traders of different business fields. If not for the state who else can protect us! As a middle class man owning a bicycle and having seen lower income earners, apart from farmers, fishermen and other villagers, using bicycles, it caused great concern to me when I read the suggestion of a few who are in the bicycle industry indirectly calling the Government to increase the taxes in regard to all 'imports' pertaining to it. No Government has been able to provide an efficient transport service to the masses, surprisingly and sadly even to the city of Colombo, for after 9 p.m. there are no buses. Yet, most of the people having reached their destination, specially those from the suburbs and other far areas, use their bicycles for various travelling requirements. So when bicycles appear to be very important for the common man, it does not sound good to increase its price simply because of some selfish suggestions were made. After all, what a shame it will be if most of the Sri Lankans cannot own a bicycle in this fast developing modern world? Why increase the price and deprive of an ordinary man's wish of owning a bicycle? I believe that the authorities concerned will think twice before taking steps to increase the price of it based on the suggestion appeared in the newspaper (not of Lake House group). NAZLY CASSIM, Colombo 13. "Can we make roads safe for schoolchildren?" I support K. W. S. Somaratne of Ja-Ela wholeheartedly on the above titled letter (29th August). Big companies that promote milk foods, vitamins, breakfast cereals, etc specially for the school-going child, could hand out for free distribution at school, a hand fan made out of stiff board in the shape and size of a table tennis racquet. One side of this fan to be in bright yellow with the word stop printed in the centre, and on the other side, their product. The schoolchildren could use these hand fans whenever they cross the road, and even on the yellow lines. Often sun shades or sun visors are provided for free by these same companies which serve a purpose only for one occasion, like at a sports meet or school walk, after which, they are thrown away. RR, via email I wonder how many realize that there is a threat of religious strife as seen from the many recent attacks on the Christian community in Sri Lanka. The first few instances were observed in 1988 and the Intelligence Services appraised the Government of this potential danger. A special desk was opened at the Police Headquarters to monitor the activity, but other than documenting the various incidents very little positive action was taken to discourage this trend, or make a proper evaluation of the situation. One can hardly blame the local Police Station for treating such incidents as routine offences, as most do not see the larger picture emerging or understand the ramifications of such activity. It is important that serious note be taken of this trend before it snowballs. It is incumbent on the authorities to safeguard and ensure the rights of a citizen as enshrined in the Constitution. All citizens enjoy the freedom of worship and the choice of their religion, and these rights should not be interfered with. What is required is to investigate and analyze these incidents to understand why they occur. In most instances those who oppose the Christians, do so because they feel their status or influence is threatened, or criminal elements find that their nefarious activities are affected by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which is preached. The Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is based on the love of God and the love of one another and I can't see how anyone can find such a teaching objectionable. Some conveniently try to justify anti-Christian activity, leveling accusations that unethical conversions take place. There is no denying that history records that persons, for selfish personal gain did resort to the use of force and coercion to have people embrace Christianity. This is a thing of the past and I would consider it an insult to the intelligence of our people to claim that they are incapable of making an independent decision when it comes to their religious beliefs and the choice of their religion. No religion interferes with the way of life of a people. It is the responsibility of political and religious leaders, teachers and parents to ensure that unscrupulous elements are not permitted to exploit situations and create unrest that would be detrimental to the country. ZERNEY WIJESURIYA, Former Director, National Intelligence Bureau It is reported that a Sri Lankan accountant had been involved in a massive fraud in Jeddah. However, due to his political connections he had managed to come home with his family without facing the consequences. There are crooks in any profession. But when caught they should be punished. The involvement of the officials of the Sri Lankan consulate in protecting a crook will deprive employment opportunities to accountants not only in Jeddah but in other Middle East countries as well. The authorities concerned should investigate the matter and take appropriate action against the officials involved. It was also reported recently that Port Authority accounts had been falsified by billions of rupees. The local professional accountancy bodies do not take action against their dishonest members unless a written complaint is lodged. The governing bodies are only too happy not to receive complaints, as they don't have to get involved in an inquiry. These inquiries are not easy to conduct. Unless there is a change in attitude of accountancy bodies the accountancy profession will very soon deteriorate. Therefore whenever there is a reported case of an accountant being fraudulent the governing bodies should inquire to ascertain whether the accountant concerned is a member of their body. If so an inquiry should be initiated. The accountancy bodies can set an example to other professional bodies at a time when white-collar crimes involving every profession are on the increase. K.T. LIYANAGE, Colombo 6. |
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