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The need for exemplary conduct

Nomination lists for the April 2 general election are already trickling in and an air of expectancy is beginning to grip the country. Very soon, the election campaign would get into top gear with all its attendant tensions and anxieties - foremost among which is the possibility of armed clashes among political rivals degenerating into a series of bloody encounters.

We hope political leaders are continuously mindful of these grave possibilities. Election-related violence, besides snuffing out precious lives, could plunge the country into mayhem, making everyone a loser. In view of the fact that the upcoming poll would prove a keenly contested one, special precautions should be taken to guard against emergence of violence. We hope party and political leaders would do what is needed in this respect and ensure a peaceful poll.

Accordingly, Elections Commissioner, Dayananda Dissanayake's admonition that parties and candidates conduct themselves responsibly, should be paid heed to. Besides might and abuse of power proving counterproductive, they could have the effect of marring the poll substantially and raising queries on its validity. In which event the Elections Commissioner would be obliged to declare the polls results in the areas in question, null and void, in terms of the powers vested in him. This would necessitate fresh polling in the affected areas, causing the taxpayer another pretty penny and straining to the extreme State resources. Also prolonged would be public anxiety and worry. Would this scenario be to any sane section's liking?

So, the attitude on the part of all law-abiding sections should be to ensure a safe and violence-free poll. We hope political and party leaders in particular would take it into their heads to discipline all sections of their parties and lead from the front in terms of discipline and good conduct. A special effort needs to be made to generate a climate of accommodation and tolerance in the country, lest the body politic collapses into a state of total lawlessness and barbarism.

We hope all relevant parties would remember the perennial lessons relating to elections and the credibility and legitimacy of a government. A flawed election invariably raises the question of the legitimacy of the government which takes office. This leads to friction among the rulers and the ruled. A regime which is seen as illegitimate sparks civil unrest leading to even civil war and internal chaos.

Thus it is in the interest of everyone to have a fair election. Let this wish of the people be fulfilled, is our plea.

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Food for thought

You are what you eat, goes the popular saying. Some of us are content to simply fill our stomach with simple food. Others like to titillate their taste buds with gastronomic delights. Such habits may lead to gluttony and obesity.

Obesity has become a major social problem in both developed and the more affluent developing nations, as increasingly busy lifestyles compel us to consume 'junk food' - fatty, calorie-filled offerings that hasten our journey to the grave. No wonder they call it 'fast' food.

The fast food industry believes in 'catching them young', giving away toys to children to make them lifelong addicts. Eating foods such as burgers from a young age could not only lead to obesity but also to many other complications and diseases.

At least one country, Britain, is contemplating a "fatty food tax" to deter the excessive consumption of junk food. The British government is considering a levy on foodstuffs with poor nutritional value.

Other measures being considered include standardised labelling of fat and sugar contents in processed foods.

Authorities in Sri Lanka should consider similar measures, although the junk food phenomenon is mostly confined to the major cities. An awareness campaign on the adverse effects of consuming fatty foods would be more appropriate. Television advertisements propel even poor families to buy expensive but unhealthy foods for their children. The same medium can be used to extol the virtues of readily-available, cheaper healthy foods. Parents have a major role to play in veering their children away from unhealthy foods.

In the end, it is up to the individual to decide what kind of foods should be eaten. Doctors however recommend a balanced diet, with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Non-vegetarians may add moderate quantities of fish and meat. Being primarily an agricultural nation, we have no problem in getting fresh foods. Buying fresh local produce also boosts our farmers' income and saves foreign exchange.

That does not mean that we should not occasionally enjoy the delectable pleasures of a candy bar, but making healthy foods a regular part of our daily life will help us live it to the full.

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