Archives

Lanka's new Prime Minister

Sri Lanka's new Prime Minister, Mahinda Rajapakse, is a true son of the soil who toiled doggedly and courageously along the uproad to political success and prominence. An SLFP stalwart who stuck by his party through thick and thin, Rajapakse could be described as a man of the masses who understood the latters aspirations and needs inside out.

A son of the late D. A. Rajapakse who helped the legendary S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike to form the SLFP way back in the early Fifties, Mahinda Rajapakse's ascent to one of the highest seats of political eminence in the land, although not always strewn with roses, is highly inspiring and encouraging.

In 1970, he was the youngest MP in Parliament at the age of 24 years. Drinking deep of the ennobling example of his father, who gave his all for country and party, Mahinda Rajapakse not only represented his father's Southern electorate of Beliatte, but immersed himself headily in the struggles of the people for the realisation of their rights.

Many a time a Minister of State, Rajapakse identified himself very closely with the people of Sri Lanka and steered clear of sectarian politics, whose divisive impact is now felt very grievously in Lanka's body - politic. Over the past few years, Rajapakse emerged as a politician with broad sympathies and a wider vision for Sri Lanka, eschewing parochial interests and communalism.

One could still recall with admiration, the 'Pada Yatra' organised by Mahinda Rajapakse in the mid-nineties, from Colombo to Kataragama to protest the "Reign of Terror" which had enveloped Sri Lanka while a UNP administration held sway and State terror had reached a chilling nadir.

The aim of the March was to - among other things - highlight the gross human rights violations which were an everyday reality in the land, those days. In fact the protest march acted as a catalyst in a change process which subsequently swept Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga to power.

A live-wire in Lanka's human rights movement, Rajapakse set himself the task of documenting human rights violations during the Southern uprising of 1989-'90. Since then he has been actively involved in local bodies involved in the championing and promotion of human rights. His broader political sympathies are evinced in his pivotal involvement in the Sri Lanka Committee of the Palestine Solidarity Movement.

Sri Lanka is in dire need of dynamic leaders of the stature of Mahinda Rajapakse. May he be a healing influence in Lanka's divided polity.

Road safety

Road Safety is No Accident. This is the theme of this year's World Health Day, which falls today. This is the first time that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has selected road safety as the theme for a Health Day.

One may wonder whether there is any connection between road safety and health. But statistics tell a different story. Over 1.2 million people are killed every year in traffic accidents around the world.

Between 20 to 50 million more people are seriously injured in accidents every year, often resulting in disability. These deaths and injuries are a serious health issue that costs millions of dollars to governments, but most people do not look at an accident from a health perspective. Road traffic injuries cost these nations as much as two pr cent of their GNP.

Around 90 per cent of accidents worldwide happen in developing countries. More than half of all victims are aged between 15 and 44. Sri Lanka too has a very high accident rate. Thousands of motorists and pedestrians are killed every year in motor accidents on our congested roads. Our health facilities are taxed to the limit by the heavy accident burden.

As the WHO theme implies, road safety does not happen by chance. Many accidents can be prevented by following simple safety procedures such wearing seat belts and helmets. Speeding, alcohol, poor road design, poor enforcement of road safety regulations and inadequate emergency healthcare facilities also contribute to the increasing road death toll.

Apart from the first two factors outlined above, the rest apply mostly to the developing world where road discipline is unheard of. Most drivers are not competent to handle their vehicles, most of which in turn are not roadworthy. Poorly maintained roads compound these woes.

This is why the WHO advocates a "systems approach" to road safety which takes the road users, vehicles and infrastructure into consideration. Educating road users, both motorists and pedestrians, on road rules and manners is essential.

Police should also heighten their vigilance and take stern action against those who violate traffic rules. Unroadworthy 'bangers' must be taken out of the roads. The road network must be developed to cope with the rising flow of traffic. Post-accident treatment facilities must also be improved.

Road accidents can never really be eliminated completely, but preventive measures and strictly-enforced regulations can help save precious lives.

www.ceylincoproperties.com

www.ppilk.com

www.crescat.com

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries

Produced by Lake House
Copyright © 2003 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager