Monday, 2 August 2004  
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Dengue - mission impossible

Much effort and relevant ideas to eradicate the Dengue epidemic is seen and heard over the different media almost daily, which is indeed commendable. However, the focus is clearly on one solitary factor, visible to the eye and that implies the collection of water in thrownaway containers, tyres, king coconuts etc. where there is a conducive breeding ground for the mosquito larvae. It is imperative to recall here, the numerous other optimum situations available readily for the rapid multiplication of the larvae.

Most of the households in Sri Lanka up to an elevation of about 4,500 feet have banana plants in their homegardens. The large leaves emanating from the trunk create a ready made pocket for the collection of clean rain water at their origin which is an optimum breeding location for the mosquito larvae. What control measures are even considered for such an alarming situation....? Nothing.

Pineapple is widely grown in Sri Lanka as a valuable foreign exchange earner. The rosette of leaves at the crown forms an ideal container for the collection of rainwater or dew which again provides the mosquito larvae optimum conditions for unhampered breeding, against which no control measures have ever been thought of.

The dry zone of Sri Lanka grows large extents of Maize or Corn. Here again the long, linear leaf blades arising from the stems create a natural pocket for the collection of dew and rain water, providing just the facility needed for the multiplication of the larvae. This indeed is a significant factor for the widespread Malaria disease prevalent in this part of the country. Here again planning for this hazard is unknown.

Finally, the roof gutters of most homes are clogged with leaves and debris from the surrounding trees, which facilitate the collection of rain water in abundance for the breeding of mosquito larvae, for which no one even bothers.

Finally, I have read in an Agricultural magazine that in an East African country which was plagued by Malaria, it was discovered that the main breeding ground for the mosquito larvae was the plant of their staple diet, namely Corn or Maize.

The Government took a very bold decision to destroy large extents of this staple food crop over a period of years and to import the Corn instead. Low and behold, Malaria was almost wiped out.

My deep appreciation and best wishes to all those involved in this Dengue eradication program.

C R - Colombo 5

Unwarranted inordinate delay in payment of pension salary anomalies

According to a news item that appeared in DN Feb. 27 on page 16, it was stated in the caption 'Government rectifies pension anomalies'. But sad to say almost six long months, have dragged by since this long awaited, much desired tidings of great joy was made that really warmed the hearts of all pensioners, especially the ailing and the aged, not to mention those neglected by their own kith and kin and yet others who are regarded as counterfeit coins by the affluent, and superfluous in society.

It was also further stated in the same news report that Government has allocated Rs. 2.5 million to pay arrears which the pensioners will receive from January 31, 2004 and that a circular No. 06/2004 issued by the Pension's Department with the concurrence of the Public Administration, Management and Reforms and the Ministry of Finance has also been sent to District Divisional Secretaries. These were the observations made by Minister Vajira Abeywardene to the Daily News.

It was furthermore stated in the same news item that 250,000 public servants who retired from service before December 31, 1996 have been brought on par with pensions received by public servants who retired on December 31, 1996.

Again sad to say all these butter and jam promises have fallen flat like some half-baked pan cake. Are promises made only to be broken?

However a silver lining seem to appear in the dark cloud of uncertainty, since the amiable Finance Minister Sarath Amunugama announced in Parliament that the salaries of the government employees will be increased from the inaugural budget of the Freedom Alliance as reported in DN July 22.

While this tidings of great joy will be welcomed by the present Government servants, which will help them to tide over the ever increasing cost of living can the aged pensioners in particular live in high hope that their long awaited pension anomalies, legitimately due to them, will also receive the same consideration, which will enable to tighten their burden and lesson their misery, as some of them have one foot already in the grave. Often neglected by their kith and kin, should the government consider them as counterfeit coins too.

Finally it is strongly felt that the President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, who has a soft corner in her heart for the deserving distressed will prompt her Minister of Finance to expedite the pension anomalies of the 25,000 odd pensioners who will be eternally grateful to her.

BEN COREA - Wattala

Salary anomalies for pensioners

On the recommendations of the Salaries Anomalies Commission Report, several pensioners are to receive arrears due to them for many months.

We have been informed that arrears due have already been paid to pensioners in the Galle district, along with their April pension payments. May I appeal to the authorities responsible, for the payment of all arrears, to ensure that our arrears are paid without any further delay.

C. P. - Colombo 5

Pensioners and bungling bureaucrats

Currently there is a rumour spreading among retired teachers regarding a form that has to be filled up and handed over, so that the powers that be can pay the enhanced pension promised. This form has to be collected at the Pensions Branch of the Secretariat. What is interesting is that at no stage were we informed officially about this. Since this talk was widespread, I checked up at the Pensions Branch in Kandy and indeed there was such a form.

Do we have to depend on rumours? The administration is supposed to be centralised and we are supposed to get an efficient service at the grass roots level but what do we get? We have more and more elected representatives at all levels and more and more bureaucrats caring only about themselves and messing it up for those whom they are supposed to serve. Too many cooks, is it? Why not give us the instructions in our pension vouchers like the way they give us good wishes at Christmas and New Year time?

Here is another example of bungling. At the end of last year we were informed officially that from January 2004 pension vouchers will not be posted instead of which we were asked to fill them ourselves and submit them each month. Blank voucher forms were available at the Pensions Branch. Those who went there first were given 12 each, sufficient for the whole year. Late callers were told that the latest instructions they had was to give 3 each. Later that too was stopped and it is back to the old system! In the meantime where is the enhanced pension we were promised? It is like dangling a carrot to a donkey to get our votes now that there are so many elections.

Is this how the nation treats its elders? Oh my country what has become of thee!

P A J - Kandy

Why not have a pet?

Most pets are responsible for keeping their masters healthy and happy. They are excellent companions for those who love and care for them. Some indeed serve many requirements of their masters, which humans cannot be trusted with.

For those who are feeble and lonely they will keep them company with their innocent amusements keeping their masters free of worries and pain. To know the value of this exercise, make a pet out of any animal, and you will agree with me.

The only ingredient you require for same is love and care, which they will repay you in abundance without any conditions, where the pedigree is not a qualification in choosing one.

TOMMY WANIGESINGHE - Kurunegala

Doctor victim of motor accident

It was really pathetic to read the inquiry report of Dr. A.N. Ponraja ENT specialist attached to Badulla General Hospital appearing in DN July 13 front page.

According to that inquiry report Dr. Ponraja has succumbed to his injuries since there had not been a Surgeon/Consultant to provide immediate treatment on admission to National Hospital, Colombo. Imagine being a specialist doctor to embrace death in such a manner! If it would have been just an ordinary person he would have embraced death thousand times and sometimes no publicity given in the press. Accident Service doctors should be on duty round the clock for emergency operations etc. to save precious human lives. In this case when the patient was admitted where have the Surgeons/Consultants been? A life worth millions of rupees has been lost to the country due to the irresponsibility of the doctors on duty! Some doctors have no feeling for humanity, they have forgotten the prime responsibility of serving the humanity?

Today under open economy everybody is trying to become rich by overnight - and also looking for cheap publicity and high positions in society forgetting their duties and responsibilities to the society where human lives are involved!

D. E. ABEYWEERA - Kelaniya

Dogs on the beach

We have just returned from your lovely country again and have seen an improvement on the dog situation on the beaches. It is so easy to get this problem resolved by letting everyone know that they must do their part such as hotels, restaurants, etc. It is nice to hear that the new road is being built and that the airport in the south is going to be opened.

These little things will help open tourist avenues up.

SUSAN AND BRYANT

Railway facility to Dambulla

An article in DN Junr16 on the Dambulla Economic Centre outlines the significance that it has acquired - remarkably within a short span of time - as 'the main trading hub for vegetables and fruits in Sri Lanka'. Phoenix-like it has risen from the plains of the dry zone to reach commanding heights in a segment of our economy.

However, transport appears to be an obvious area where improvements to its further development could be affected. A noteworthy point that the writer makes regarding this, is the need to provide a railway facility to Dambulla. Accordingly, a suggestion has been made to extend the existing track from Kekirawa - I presume, to Dambulla as its terminus. Many appeals, according to the writer, have been made in this regard. But, apparently, no response has been forthcoming from the authorities to whom they may have been addressed.

It must be emphasised that it is a matter that deserves serious consideration by the State, particularly in view of the interest that it is currently showing in the direction of providing infrastructure facilities in rural areas.

In this connection, I venture to suggest that they might as well consider a more ambitious project, of course, on a long-term basis: that of extending the line that presently terminates at Matale to Dambulla and beyond to meet the line north of it at some convenient point. Such a line traversing mainly through a predominantly agricultural area would contribute immensely to develop the region further. Moreover, it would link closely this vegetable and fruit bowl of Dambulla to yet another major trading centre, Kandy, in the Central Province. Additionally, it would also contribute to relieve the pressures that are presently being experienced on the prevailing road transport system in the region, in relation to both passenger and goods transport.

In this connection I venture to suggest that they might as well consider a more ambitious project, of course, on a long-term basis: that of extending the line that presently terminates at Matale to Dambulla and beyond, to meet the line north of it at some convenient point. Such a line traversing mainly through a predominantly agricultural area would certainly contribute immensely to develop the region further. Moreover, it would link closely this fruit and vegetable bowl of Dambulla to yet another major trading centre, Kandy, in the Central Province. Additionally, it would also contribute to relieve the pressures that are presently being experienced on the prevailing transport system in the region, in relation to both passenger and goods transport.

In conclusion, it would not be irrelevant to note here that the existing network of railways in our country is an inheritance from our British colonial past. It is indeed a sad commentary on those who steered affairs of state here subsequent to their departure that no noteworthy extension, nor for that matter even improvements have been made to this valuable asset in our country. The suggestions made above are expected to be viewed especially in this light by the relevant authorities - mainly The Ministry of Transport and the Dept. Of Railways.

H. S. Rajapakse - Kandy

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