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The Cricket World Cup 2007 is proceeding full steam with many
highlighted incidents such as the death (murder?) of Bob Woolmer, the
distribution of soft balls carrying the slogan ‘Sri Lanka play by the
rules’ and the Sri Lankan decision not to play Muralitharan and Vaas in
the match against Australia.
The decision not to play the two frontline Sri Lankan bowlers has
provoked many to ridicule Sri Lanka cricket.
Ian Chappell has called it “ridiculous and disgraceful and the ICC
has got to ask what happened.”
May I remind Mr. Chappell, it is not his business or even the ICC’s
to interfere with the Sri Lankan decision on team selection.
Even the match referee Mike Proctor has said that he is fine with the
decision and will not take action against Sri Lanka.
If it is Sri Lankan management’s considered decision, it could rest
even the captain for a particular match. Ian Chappell went on to say
that “the decision to rest Vaas and Muralitharan also robbed the
prospect of an exciting match in an otherwise dull tournament.”
Come on Mr. Chappell, you should know that matches cannot be played
merely to cater to the interest of spectators at all times.
Have you forgotten the fact that Australia did leave out a number of
frontline players for the recent New Zealand tour?
Andrew Symonds has remarked “we don’t play our cricket like that.”
Mr. Symonds do not seems to remember that in the 1999 World Cup cricket,
Australia attempted to keep New Zealand out by playing an unusually slow
innings.
Sri Lanka has never tried to hurt or weaken another team through poor
play unlike Australia. Sri Lanka cricket has every right to reserve its
‘trump cards’.
Michael Holding claims “what it does is allowed people who know what
is happening to get a head start if they are gambling.” If the Sri
Lankan decision could have led to gambling, it’s not Sri Lanka’s fault
or business.
Of course, Mr. Holding has to give vent to his frustrations on
account of the West Indian debacle during the World Cup series, but the
statements of the Australian spokesmen were issued through desperation
and fear of Australia having to face Sri Lankan in the cup finals. Even
during the 1996 World Series, Sri Lanka had to go through many
obstacles.
Sri Lanka has always played cricket, not only according to the rules
but also in the true spirit of the game not resorting to bowling ‘under
arm’ to deprive its opponents of a potential victory, or deliberately
slowing the pace of the game as the Aussies did under Steve Waugh to
block the Kiwis, or by influencing Australian umpires to noball
Muralitharan as he was their biggest threat in World Cricket.
DILENDRA FERNANDO – Dehiwala
The Sri Lanka Railway is a great asset of the State. Ever since
December 27, 1864 when the Governor and Railway hosted the Crown Prince
Duke Brabant, heir to the Throne of Belgium, in the first run from
Colombo Fort to Ambepussa, it has been the chief mode of public
transport.
Kings, princes and members of Royalty of foreign countries who have
visited Sri Lanka have used the railway for official and goodwill
missions especially to Kandy.
Members of our Legislative Council, State Council and
Parliamentarians from distant electorates such as Point Pedro,
Trincomalee, Mannar, Batticaloa, Matara, Badulla and Kandy have
patronised the railway or their official travel to Colombo.
Most of the daily commuters to Colombo for their work from distant
stations use the railway it being the most reliable and dependable
public transport to reach Colombo in time for their work.
The yeoman service of the railway night-patrol men inspecting the
railway track between stations in the upcountry armed with a lighted
lamp and an umbrella enduring rains, winds and darkness is highly
commendable.
In view of the great service by the Railway personnel, Way and Works
Staff, it is suggested that the daily commuters of stations mentioned
above should render some reciprocal voluntary service to the Railway
Department as a moral obligation.
Daily commuters spend nearly four to five hours in the train to reach
the working places. Although good and regular services were performed by
the railway staff, there is much indifference among some of the
commuters in the use of the railway service.
Introducing shramadana service will cause to dispel the feeling of
indifference and instill in them the feeling that the railway service is
for the commuters and goods; they are ‘partners and co-owners’ of the
State service.
The railway yards in prominent stations need cleaning and removing
the creepers and plants that have grown in the discarded wagons. Some of
the railway platforms planted with flower plants need daily cleaning and
together with the railway premises. People’s participation is vital.
It is suggested that the shramadana work be performed at least once a
month or once in two months with the Station Master as head of the
shramadana campaigns to direct the nature of the work to be done subject
to all the regulations of the railway.
It is hoped that the Minister of Railways and General Manager of
Railways will give thought to this matter.
CECIL JAYASINGHE – Kandy
From the many reports appearing in the print and electronic media, we
understand that these majestic animals are being killed on a regular
basis, decreasing their numbers rapidly, which is extremely pathetic.
Early action should be taken to protect these animals, a pride to our
country, before they are completely eliminated making Sri Lanka naked
without them.
I am certain that everyone would agree that a perahera without them
would not be a perahera, because they make it so beautiful and colourful
as well.
Accordingly, this subject needs the immediate attention of those
responsible ensuring their survival is effectively safeguarded for the
benefit of the country.
As for me I could watch these majestic animals for hours without
getting bored, and I am certain this can be applied to most others as
well.
TOMMY WANIGESINGHE – Kurunegala
Congratulations to Mahela and the team for getting Sri Lanka into the
World Cup finals. Each and every Sri Lankan should be proud of them.
Let us show that all of us are with the team by hoisting the National
flag on houses/offices and wherever possible from today(27) onwards. The
current team is a very good example of how being together will bring
success. Become a part of Sri Lanka’s pride by hoisting the National
flag.
IQBAL MOOSA – Dehiwela
The benefits granted by the Government sometimes fail to reach the
beneficiaries due to the slothful attitude of the bureaucracy.
A case in point is the disregard to repeated requests by a
92-years-old widow made to the Divisional Secretary, Thimbirigasyaya and
his accountant to get her W & O.P. grant (W 70149) revised.
For the past fourteen months, she tried her utmost to draw the
attention of the authorities by writing several letters at reasonable
intervals, but in vain. She did not receive even the courtesy of a reply
to her requests even though the letters were sent by registered mail to
ensure delivery.
This widow in her feeble condition could not even hold a pen and
therefore, she had to seek the help of others to draft her letters. I am
aware that her appeal to the Director General of Pensions could not
bring any results.
She died at the end of last month, most unfortunately, without
receiving her entitlements due to bureaucratic indolence.
There are many pensioners who in their senility are helpless and
dependent. Delayed action is a denial of justice. Public servants who
fail to implement Government policies promptly, particularly in relation
to social benefits, mar the good image of the Government.
U. D. J. JINADASA - Colombo 6 |
