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Ill-timed criticism of Lanka"We live in a make-believe world that Sri Lanka is a democracy," said S. T. Hettige, Professor and Chair of Sociology at the University of Colombo. "It is a mirage created by the fact that we publish many newspapers, operate many television channels and radio stations, publish numerous books, run many universities, hold seminars and discussions......."But people live in their microcosms...." (Sunday Island, Sept.17, 2006). Professor Hettige's criticism of Sri Lankan democracy probably may be the result of some personal exasperation with the system, but that it should have come at a time when so much impinges on recognition by the international community of Sri Lanka as one of the oldest democracies in the region, that deserves full support by the world's democratic nations against the fascism of the LTTE, is a cause for concern. The timing of Professor Hettige's criticism is puzzling, and is yet another example of Sri Lankans working at cross purposes when it comes to the nation's interests. The absence of a lock-step operation is in fact a mark of a healthy democracy; the very democracy he says Sri Lanka lacks! Sri Lanka's long established democracy is a prime argument on which the nation can claim support from the International Community for dealing with the terror tactics of the LTTE. The LTTE and its supporters are attempting to build up a case for UN intervention in Sri Lanka, basically on humanitarian grounds. With the nation at crossroads, and the sword of Damocles of UN intervention hanging over it, this is hardly the time for a responsible citizen, unless it is intentionally meant to throw another spanner in the works, by questioning the very existence of Democracy in Sri Lanka. Prof. Hettige has gone on to say: "There must be open space for people to express their views, to contribute to public discussion so that all shades of opinion emerge and create space for comparison and contrast." "If open public discussion is controlled, as it is in Sri Lanka, you prevent people from forming a balanced view." It is incorrect to say that open public discussion is controlled in Sri Lanka. In my own experience, the problem is more that there are plenty of forums and opportunities for public debate, but people do not participate enough, and many seem content to be armchair critics and grumblers. A long drawn out conflict may contribute to the apathy, so people prefer to tune out and look to diversions like TV entertainment rather than be engaged in debating the issues of the day. This situation of apathy is however, no different to those existing in other democratic nations, even in countries where Prof. Hettige may assert that democracy flourishes. Whatever drawbacks and faults there may be in the system, to label democracy in Sri Lanka as only a 'mirage' is a clear misrepresentation. It is disappointing that these statements come from a respected University Professor. Perhaps he could come out of his own 'microcosm', and work constructively at developing the 'open space' he thinks is necessary for a better functioning democracy. Prof. Hettige has some valid grounds to grouse about corruption in Sri Lanka (but then, what democratic country in the world is without this scourge?). However, this is hardly the time to start up that discussion. The nation should be converging its efforts at this critical time on formulating a JUST solution to the national question, and in building consensus. It is essential that intellectuals like Prof. Hettige contribute constructively to this effort. Dr. Mahes Ladduwahetty, USA, --- President at UNMr. President you have been blessed with a great opportunity to lead our motherland. May you avail this chance to steer Sri Lanka through the rough seas. May the blessings of almighty god bless you and your family forever. viva el presdente, viva Sri Lanka. bravo capo. MOHAMED ROSHAN RAZAK, ---- Traffic offences and punishmentsThere are umpteenth numbers of traffic offences in Sri Lanka from the basic offence of not obeying the colour lights up to the killing of the pedestrians on the yellow line. Out of these offences only a small number is directed to the Courts while the balance are settled on the basis of 'on the spot fines' depending on the nature of the offence while the others are settled 'out of the spot' between the offender and the traffic cop. These on the spot fines have not been a deterrent to the offenders as they pay the fine and take the licence back and repeat the same offence over and over again. It has become too trivial and simple for the errant motorists. This 'on the spot' fine system was introduced in good faith of avoiding the offenders going to courts and wasting their money and time and to rid the Courts of a voluminous bulk of cases. But, this system has been taken too lenient defeating the very purpose for which it was introduced. Any motorist who commits a highway offence whatever the nature of the offence (except killings and causing grievous hurt due to negligent driving) should be given three chances and from the fourth offence should be referred to courts. Some years back there was a practice of issuing a endorsement card along with the driving licence to register the offences committed. This practice has now been shelved. Even on the spot fines should be entered in the endorsement card and if the offender has a incorrigible nature, such cases should be referred to courts for suspension of licence. These deterrent types of punishments will definitely have a welcome effect on the behaviour of the motorists thus reducing the highway accidents and saving the life and limbs of others. J. N., ---- Girls and decencyCongratulations to Richard Fernando (RF) for his wonderful response to Olga Mendis (OM) (DN Aug. 30). I was so excited reading RF's letter as I too sent a similar response to OM, though it was unfortunately not published. It is high time the people of the country got used to thinking the same way as RF does. It is quite practical in my opinion. I'm sure one would think that I'm a young lass who dresses up in all kinds of stylish attires, as I greatly commend RF's response to OM. Well, I'm a 40 year old mother with one daughter and we live in Jakarta. These stylish outfits are worn by many Muslims in Indonesia, but none of the men would dare to make any nasty comments or look in any kind of awkward way. I was in Colombo a month ago on vacation. One day I decided to travel by public transport as I usually do. When I was at a bus halt digging into my handbag to get some money to pay for the bus, a man came from the behind and squeezed my butt. I was very sad to note that none of the men at the halt did take any notice of what I experienced. Now, I would also like to mention that I was very decently dressed up in a denim trouser and a long, high neck t-shirt, when I faced this horrible situation. Once again, I greatly appreciate this kind of thinking of a young man of 22 years. It's high time that you guys try to put some sense into these prehistoric citizens of Sri Lanka and also to these perverts. KAMALIKA WADOOD, IITuan Riza Rassool, 22 years - yes it is too young to judge - but he is right all the same - in Sri Lanka, you could be wearing a saree, covered from head to toe, and you still get the vultures who cannot keep their comments or their hands to themselves. I know of a mother who used to take her children to school everyday, trying every method of dressing but it never helped her because this is what and how it is in this country - most men do not respect women, do not consider that women are someone's daughter, sister or mother - this probably rounds up everything you talk about! MARISKA SHAKIRA, ----- Trinco development!This is a fantastic news for all of us. Of course, it should have been done long time ago! Any way its never too late. I will be one of the many who will be investing in a block of land to build a residential facility for me and for my friends from Australia. I need to know more about the proposed project and I hope they will be made available pretty soon, so that we could make up our own plans to be there and help the country at large to become the best livable state in the Indian Ocean! This of course is my own big vision for Sri Lanka. Given its various endowments, size, sea around, hills, vallies, climate, rain and the crops and the ever smiling people/faces it has to be the most livable/lovable country in the whole world, for that matter. We need vision driven politicians and the other leaders to do this job. Of course I wish to join the party if there is an opportunity to do so would arise in light of my own credentials. SIRI GAMLATH, Australia, via email ---- Bus faresOn my recent visit to Sri Lanka I had the opportunity of using the private bus service. It was reasonable. But one thing I realised they are lacking discipline. Rudeness is very high on the agenda. But can you blame them? It has started from the top. See the way our Parlimentarians behave in Parliament, the way some law enforcing officers talk to the civilians. We have a lot of work to do in this. It all starts from home, to schools, then at employment. In Sri Lanka, the basic three words are not known. That is please, thank you and sorry. Let's educate all. First of all those who are holding the office. LAL FERNANDO, |
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