Friday, 16 July 2004  
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Armed forces' positive input to peace

When a comprehensive history of Lanka's peace process comes to be written, there is no doubt that special commendatory mention would be made of the refreshingly positive role the armed forces and police are currently playing in sustaining the ceasefire with the LTTE; numerous provocations to have them scuttle it, notwithstanding.

A special thanks should therefore go out to these law and order institutions for leading from the front in keeping the peace.

Meanwhile, more heart could be taken from a joint pronouncement of the Commanders of the Sri Lanka Army and Navy, to continue to uphold the Ceasefire Agreement. What should redouble hope and inspiration is a follow-up comment that they would be doing their utmost to have the LTTE at the negotiating table.

These principled positions on the peace process should help project the armed forces in a highly positive light.

While the armed forces had been continually stereotyped in some sections as stubbornly opposed to the principle of bringing peace by peaceful means, these pronouncements by the armed forces chiefs should remind them of how wrong they have been.

The simple truth is that besides being committed to upholding the ceasefire, the armed forces are also more than willing to bring the Tigers to the negotiating table. If proof is needed of the peaceful intentions of the armed forces, here it is.

A prime duty of the armed forces and the police is the maintenance of the territorial integrity and security of Sri Lanka, and this aim they would achieve, come what may.

But it doesn't follow from this premise that the armed forces are fighting a "communal war", with them casting their lot with racial extremists, against the country's minority communities.

This they would never do, but they will remain committed to combating terror and doing everything possible to bring the Tigers to the conference table.

Lt. General Shantha Kottegoda and Vice Admiral Daya Sandagiri, therefore, could be said to have underscored a very important function of the country's defence forces.

They exist to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country but not to get embroiled in Sri Lanka's ethnic politics, which is a speciality of opportunistic politicians. Accordingly, all races of this country are treated as one by our defence forces.

This position of the armed forces could be considered a positive input to the peace process. It would help defuse any residual strains in the relations between the security forces and Tigers. Rather than be seen as a perennial enemy of the LTTE, the armed forces would come to be seen as an agent of a just peace.

Three wheeler mayhem

They are everywhere on our roads, not only in Colombo but also in the remotest areas. They are loved and loathed in equal measure. Compact and easy to handle, they are ideal for our traffic-clogged streets. But their antics have driven fear into other road users.

The ubiquitous three wheelers carry more than a million passengers daily throughout Sri Lanka. Whether they do that according to the law is another matter.

Although only three passengers can be accommodated comfortably in a trishaw, we frequently come across three-wheeled contraptions carrying six to seven. They weave in and out of traffic at dizzying speeds and engage in moves that seem to defy the laws of physics.

The tiniest corner of the road is often enough to sneak in ahead of another vehicle. And forget brake lights and reverse lights - they rarely work. No wonder, then, that other motorists shudder at the very sight of a three wheeler.

They are frequently involved in accidents and along with private buses, share the dubious distinction of causing many of them as well.

It is no secret that most three wheeler drivers are unlicensed, with barely any knowledge of even basic road rules such as proper lane use. Three wheelers are also often used in crimes as getaway vehicles.

This is why attempts are being to regulate the three wheeler industry at least in the Western Province, where most of them are in service.

The Western Provincial Council must go ahead with its plans in this regard despite the objections of a section of three wheeler drivers. It must ensure that all three wheeler drivers are licensed and competent. The display of a driver ID must be made compulsory. Last but not least, fare meters should be fitted.

Fare meters have become essential since passengers are being ripped off even on short trips. Three wheelers risk losing their status as a 'poor man's vehicle' as some fares quoted by three wheeler drivers nearly match those of air-conditioned cab services.

Contrary to fears of some trishaw operators, fitting meters will be beneficial as more passengers will opt to ride if they can be sure of a reasonable, accurate fare.

The authorities should also consider the damage caused to the environment by two-stroke three wheelers. Now that four-stroke three wheelers are widely available, the authorities should explore the possibility of restricting or banning the import of two-stroke models. Besides, four-stroke engines deliver better fuel consumption and there is no need to mix lubricants with petrol.

With around 3,500 new three wheelers entering the roads everyday, the time has come to take some tough decisions on this burgeoning industry.

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