THERE is a valuable resource in the large number of patriotic Sri
Lankans living abroad who are generally well educated and economically
able, and deeply concerned about the situation facing the country.
Many of them are contributing in different ways making
representations to Governments, countering misinformation by the LTTE
sympathisers nationally and internationally, and lending support mostly
for voluntary organisations in Sri Lanka dealing with related problems.
Yet, in spite of their considerable potential and willingness to help
it remains very much an untapped resource.
There have been many problems in the past which have dissuaded
expatriates from contributing directly to the Government’s efforts. The
variety of funds that were established by the Government in the past was
seen more as black holes or slush funds, and with some justification
too.
It was very hard to know how the money has been used or even getting
a receipt for the contributions. This is why those who still wanted to
contribute went to volunteer bodies that were more receptive and often
showed accountability. Others just did nothing.
The recent bond issue was a good example of the Rajapaksa government
trying to change that situation. But that covered only one segment of
the market. More such devices will be helpful to attract investors to
contribute hard currency.
There are also other forms ranging from interest bearing instruments
to voluntary contributions for specific causes.
In case of the latter, the Government needs to assure contributors
that the money will be used for a specified purpose and provide regular
updates on the work done (if possible direct to contributors) and the
financial position of such funds and of course issue receipts for
contributions received. This will involve extra effort but will be
rewarding.
It will be a difficult act to dispel the fears (as well as myths)
surrounding past government schemes. But in the current situation when
the country has to confront the LTTE’s so called ‘final war’ expatriates
will be more receptive to a fresh approach to muster their support. The
relevant government agencies need to do some innovative thinking.
DON WIJEWARDANA - USA - via email
THE recent news that a hand-grenade was found in a vehicle belonging
to an NGO is very much disturbing to our freedom and National Security.
Now, it is clear that not only the LTTE terrorists kill people but also
NGOs.
Our country need no harassment from foreign elements disguised in the
name of peace and engaged in business with the terrorists.
The amazing thing is why these foreign Governments flame terrorism
and ask us to be quiet when we are attacked by both terrorists and NGO
agents.
In a number of letters, I have mentioned about the dangers and
threats to our national security by foreign NGOs. They make
contributions to terrorism directly or indirectly using the cover of
peace.
Our country has the potential to be developed; a good culture that is
coming to surface after President Rajapaksa came to be the best leader
ever.
It is common to see how ten-year-old boys kill elderly homeless
people in Western countries. We do not have that kind of culture. We
still have a culture that respects elders, teachers and religious
leaders.
For whatever reasons, now some foreign elements are trying to take
the country into dark ages through political games allowing its agents
to engage in terrorist activities. Both the LTTE and the UNP are the
victims of foreign influence.
Some of these people file fabricated complaints of human rights
violations, such as abductions virtually created by hiding themselves
and later abducted persons would get released by themselves after a
short period.
All these things are done to discredit the Government and put the
country into a state of cultural annihilation.
Now what can the NGOs and those foreign Governments tell us? Keep
quiet in the face of a grenade attack by an NGO on our people? I would
not be surprised if they say so!
JAY DESHABANDU - via email
REPORTS coming from West Indies Cricket venues, a despicable stunt
has been planted by the so called Amnesty International (AI) to
humiliate Sri Lanka and the Sri Lankan cricket team.
It was reported that AI was attempting to obtain signatures of the
spectators to sign on a soft ball with a phrase titled ‘Play by the
rules Sri Lanka’. It was also reported that no one wanted to support
AI’s stunt and was completely bowled out by the spectators.
This mean, arrogant, disgraceful and prejudicial stunt by Amnesty
International should not go unchallenged, uncriticised by any country or
any group of the civilized world.
AI should be mindful not to mix up sports with dirty politics of
their kind of double standards of their judgements varying from wealthy
countries to the poor countries.
Sri Lankan community has completely loss faith in AI and there is
agitation by the Sri Lankans to ignore the statement by AI on Sri Lankan
affairs hitherto. AI’s noble crusade (if anything left) has been
tarnished by this naive act.
MALIN ABEYATUNGE - via email
NUWARA ELIYA is a ‘Gift of Nature’. It’s our duty to protect this
gift of nature. Eventhough a lot of damage is done to nature, we should
understand that it’s our duty to preserve this for our future
generations. What happens today? You can see waste paper, bags of
various sizes in all parts of this divine city and surroundings.
Who does this? We and our fellow human beings - not animals, birds or
anything else.
All are welcome to Nuwara Eliya. The Mayor and all members of the
Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council are doing their best, always particularly
for the April season to keep everything and every place clean and
beautiful.
A lot of hard work has been done to keep every place in order and
attractive. It is the duty of every visitor both foreign and local to
maintain this beautiful place to preserve nature.
Some people who come here write their school names on the walls of
buildings in Nuwara Eliya. Please safeguard the names of your schools
and any other organisation or any other names.
There is a beautiful tea estate with an attractive factory, which
produces one of the best teas in Sri Lanka, which is mostly exported to
foreign countries.
So do not miss this opportunity to visit the Pedro Tea Estate
Factory. This factory is situated within the municipal limits around
seven kilometers from the Nuwara Eliya town.
A. S. P. AROCKIAM - Nuwara Eliya
I fully agree with the comments made by Mr. Jayasekere of Nugegoda
regarding high telecommunications charges (DN April 3).
I have read many a time in the local papers of the SLT boasting of
its profits earned in billions of rupees.
The SLT provides a service industry and in such a industry to earn
supernormal profits, it has to exploit the consumer.
This is exactly what is happening with the SLT. Besides its high
internet charges, the monthly rental collected by it on telephone lines
is the highest in Sri Lanka.
We do hope the Minister concerned would intervene in reducing charges
to give relief to the telephone and internet users.
NIMAL DELWELA – Kotte
THIS is excellent. Finally, parents can breathe a sigh of relief.
(Reference DN April 2). When I lived in Sri Lanka, I would cringe seeing
those innocent school students doing their duty on the roads near their
schools, where most of our drivers would drive like maniacs.
One has to admit that we have no road rules in Sri Lanka, specially
in Colombo. This is the best ever action that the Police unit has done
for schoolchildren. The safety and welfare of Sri Lankan children come
first.
FRANCES ARMSTRONG – Canada - via email |