I was impressed when the supermarket from which I buy my things, on
my way home, launched a campaign to curtail the use of sili sili bags.
They promoted a green jute bag to replace the sili sili bag to carry the
bought items.
Actually I learnt about this promotion not because any sales people
spoke to me about it, but because I found a leaflet regarding this on
the floor of the supermarket. Anyway I bought one; we are supposed to
take it to the supermarket every time we go there and a sticker will be
put on and after ten such stickers they will refund the price of the
bag.
I was amused when I took it the second time, the girl at the sales
counter stuck the sticker and then started stuffing my purchased items
into the sili sili bags.
I asked what's the point in the bag then? She sheepishly replied,
that she forgot since this is a new practice.
Practically everyday I visit this supermarket, and I am yet to see
anyone else carrying this bag. I do not see anyone promoting this at the
sales counter either.
This was a marvellous idea to reduce the use of sili sili bag and its
evil consequences, but then the decision makers seem to have made a half
hearted attempt to sell the idea to the customers. Is it the lack of
leadership at the top, the lethargy of the staff or the persuasion of
the sili sili bag manufacturers, I do not know. A good idea dead on
delivery. What a pity!
DR. MAREENA THAHA REFFAI, Dehiwela
According to the media the aftermath of the above match where Trinity
beat Kingswood has been a sad reality.
Past students have been involved. It is alleged that the 'Sri Lanka
team's captain' has been involved in this incident. The referee has been
assaulted. This is reminiscent of football matches in Europe.
Rugger has ceased to be the sport in which we as schoolboys were
involved in. Now the past students are too involved, it is time to get
back to the real purpose of playing inter-school games. It was to bind
the schools together to have good relations.
Hence the need to punish the perpetrators of this crime. I think if
it is proved that the Sri Lanka Captain was involved, he should be
sacked as Captain. Recently Andrew Flintoff was removed as the Vice
Captain of the English team for drinking.
I see no reason why the Sri Lankan Captain cannot be removed. We need
to restore the meaning/purpose of our school games.
SYDNEY KNIGHT, Rajagiriya
It is true that the Buddha allowed monks to deviate from 'minor'
rules of discipline but his personal attendant Venerable Ananda failed
to inquire what they were, for which he was admonished by the Venerable
Maha Kassappa at the Council summoned by him to confirm the Dhamma and
the Vinaya after the passing away of the Buddha.
It was then unanimously decided to adhere to all rules, as recited by
the Venerable Upali.
The Buddha taught not to hold to anything in the world, emphasising
and illustrating with the simile of the raft, that even the teaching is
to be abandoned. Discussing this is to get into deep water.
These days, storing food for eating after the noon meal is the least
of Vinaya rules that are broken - and rationalised!
KINGSLEY HEENDENIYA, Nugegoda
If more than 40,000 teachers go on leave on any given day. I would
frankly and gleefully say "hip hip hooray congratulations teachers for
enjoying all the legitimate leave you are entitled to".
How do you like it? In Charles Dicken's words, they work like the
down trodden operatives of Cocktown and are always at the receiving end.
At present, the teachers have to take seven days compulsory leave.
That means around twenty thousand (20,000) teachers go on leave
compulsorily on any given day.
If you reduce compulsory leave, 20,000 teachers from the so-called
40,000, only 20,000 teachers go on leave on their own accord on any
given day. Facts speak when it matters.
They are entitled to casual, medical, duty, study, short and no pay
leave and for female teachers maternity leave. But they enjoy only 1/6th
of their privileged leave. You commend them appreciate them, ask for a
pardon.
A. R. P., Kegalle |