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| Monday, 23 August 2004 |
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Letters | |
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I think that if a public servant is arrested by the Police for any reason and remanded he is to be interdicted at once by the Departmental Head. Further, he is deemed to be out of bounds to his office until the Court acquits him of the charges. But where our Parliamentarians are concerned, we find that this rule is more honoured in the breach than in its observance. We find that an erring MP while in remand custody is freely permitted to attend the House and take part in its deliberations. It is ironical that one minister referred to this House recently as 'august assembly' O'tempora! O'mores! C.R. - Wattala In the recent past, the Sinhala Cinema lovers were once again be able to view a very few incredible films with which the uncertainty many had in their minds had faded that they would not be able to enjoy again with meaningful and fantastic Sinhala films that a few leading and enthusiastic film directors of this country rewarded in abundance during yesteryear. Though this new trend seems to be encouraging, when one considers the lack of facilities and less assistance that are available for them to continue or new entrants to think of entering to this very valuable film industry, the doubt remains that there could be in an inferior position once more in the not too distant future. The other unevenness factor of this scenario was allowing many worthwhile resources of Sinhala Cinema, like Gamini Fonseka and Malini Fonseka who should still not be permitted to be inactive in this profession as they could contribute in plenty, were allowed to be idle without encouraging them to get involved further with their born talents. It is an absolute fact and I am sure that any keen Sinhala film lover would not disagree with me, if I remind how these two-film idols kept the entire process awake whole daylong in the good old days. Consequently, I fervently presume that this would be an eye-opener on those responsible, that the above and others in similar capacity who are hitherto for a long period allowed to be ineffective, be brought back to the industry at any cost and allowing their invaluable talents to be exhibited once more which undoubtedly would be an amazing investment on the film industry. H. H. Shantha de Silva - Dehiwala Over 10,000 members of the PSMPA would be relieved that they have at last come to own a dwelling of their own after 120 years of its long existence. This magnificent 3-storeyed building counting over nearly 10,000 sq. feet of floor-space standing on a 30 perch block of prime land, opposite Castle Street women's hospital, adjacent to Parliament road, has eventually fulfilled a long felt dearth of having a abode of its own, a must specially for a reputed financial institution, which had selflessly helped thousands of its members to put up their own shelters but had sadly eluded its own. The State, perhaps has taken a leaf from PSMPA after Independence in helping the home-needy which the Association has been affording for decades before. The complex consists of a 3-storeyed house now converted to a decent lodging with AC, as sufficient accommodation for four persons to be availed of by members visiting the city from outstations to stay overnight on a moderate levy. Seeing is believing! Members are welcome to visit their newly acquired premises and make their own impressions and log their candid views. They are assured that the realty that eluded them for 120 years in the next 20 years or even earlier, would double its market value. Imagine if this propitious purchase was made a century ago, would it not exceed the Association's current liquid assets by many folds? W. Samaranayaka - Member/PSMPA I deeply appreciate the comments made by Percy Wickremasekera in an article recently. Whilst agreeing with all the views expressed I thought that the time is very opportune to insert an individual simple character of Dr. N.M. Perera, observed by me. When Dr. N.M. Perera was functioning as the Minister of Finance he came to the People's Bank, Union Place Branch one afternoon to transact some business. On this day, I was officially acting as the Manager of the branch on the instructions of the General Manager W.H. Solomons. When I came out of the cubicle occupied by me to observe the branch activities, to my utter surprise I saw Dr. Perera in the queue along with the other customers awaiting the issue of a cheque book. I walked up to him and requested him to come to my cubicle, so that I could attend to him without any delay. He refused and said that he was not being fair by the others in the queue who were ahead of him. But as he was a very busy individual I obtained permission from the others in the queue and immediately issued the cheque book to him. Thereafter he thanked me, the staff and those in the queue and walked up to his private vehicle which was driven by him and went away. There is no doubt that this action of his revealed a disciplined simple quality though he was a Minister of State. I believe that this sort of behaviour will be a guide to all concerned. SARATH HEWAGAMA - Colombo 5 In bygone eras of pre- 1980s Sri Lanka did have a very good system of administration where only the most qualified Civil Servants or SLAS officers took pride in the fact that their credibility and efficiency was of utmost importance for smooth operations of their departments. The sound education and character building they received in school, could be the reason for this. Furthermore, in the process of their expediting their duties, they were independent of political interference and allowed to carry on their duties. Their promotions did not depend on whether they supported red, blue or green but on their seniority, qualifications and capabilities - this is the major difference between then and now! To the detriment and utter shame of this nation, today politicians have politicized every operation of administration in Government institutions, no sooner they come into power they appoint their own henchmen to take charge of departments that come under their purview and this is not done after due consideration of their qualifications but on whether they were red, blue or green! Incompetent and unqualified personnel are appointed over and above the qualified senior officials to suit the politician in power. From there on it is a case of I scratch your back, you scratch mine attitude. Corruption sets in from here onwards. Any negotiation whether it be a tender or any other, will succeed on how much commission the supplier is willing to offer the negotiator (+ politician) and all procedures are by-passed. Soon you can own property in a foreign country! As long as politicians are allowed to interfere in Government administration, no amount of recommendations will work to make this country Corrupt Free. First and foremost, the politicians must become law-abiding citizens of this country-they are definitely not above the laws of this land. Just like Simeon or Siribiris (with no perks) on the streets who are eternally penalized, the politician must face the penalties for the crimes they commit. We have witnessed on innumerable occasions, how shamelessly politicians have banded together to obstruct the judiciary and police from carrying out orders. DARMITHA - Kotte Susanthika Jayasinghe is reported to have stated, "Even if George Bush asks me I am not in a position to take part." The Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapakse has only requested her to consider her non-participation in her assigned events as mentioned by her to the media. Our PM was naturally disappointed as his request was to her to bring honour by taking part. Winning or losing is not the question. It is taking part that matters. It is stated that she is leading the contingent as captain with a chaperon costing the country a tidy sum. Another could have easily taken part and another could have easily captained. She may think that she has spoken great. I think she has to be punished by way of depriving her allowance, as she has cheated by going there when she was not fit. No one is indispensable and that has to be made clear to her. V. K. B. RAMANAYAKE - Maharagama Matugama Road Central junction Nagoda The road leading to Matugama, Dodangoda, Heenatiyangala at central junction gets completely flooded at heavy torrential showers. The road is completely inundated. Its due to narrow earth drains and very small culverts. The tiny drains of ancient times cannot bear the torrential rush of flood water. It is high time to deepen the drains and concretise. Accidents are likely due to flooded roads and are a grave hazard to pedestrians and motorists. Please take action to alleviate the sufferings of voters. CARL NANAYAKKARA - Kalutara Arrears - immediate interim payment possible There is a long delay in paying the arrears to pensioners as relevant offices are taking a long time to prepare their documents. Many pensioners feel they would be in the other world when the officials were ready to pay. If the computations are taking a long time, cannot the Pensions Department decide on a figure which would be common for everybody and add that amount to the present pension and immediately start paying the enhanced amount and the corresponding arrears. When the computations are over the balance amount can be paid. This will be a big consolation to the majority who strive to sustain. DESHAPRIYA RAJAPAKSHA - Colombo 6 Colombo-Tuticorin ferry service It is a matter for much regret that the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu has not sanctioned the inauguration of the much awaited ferry service between Colombo and Tuticorin citing security reasons. Now that there is so much goodwill and co-operation between our two countries the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu must reconsider her decision and allow the ferry service. It will boost her image in the international arena, and strengthen the bonds of friendship between the people of Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu that has existed for centuries. NEVIS FERNANDO - Nattandiya Yes humps and humps and bump and bump you suddenly go, 'cos there is no indication at all where they are - no warning of an on-coming road hump until you suddenly go bump. How is the motorist expected to know that there is a hump ahead. At least if they are coloured in yellow boldly one would know as it will then be noticed. It is utterly unsatisfactory, so pay heed to this letter and act accordingly. Let there be some indication of a hump ahead so that the motorist could change gears and slow down. YVONNE F. KEERTHISINGHA - Rajagiriya |
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