Over to you Minister of Environment and Natural Resources and animal rights activists

I happened to visit the Esala Mal Dekma on the 7th and whilst viewing the plants on show I was attracted to the sound of puppies whimpering in desperation. As this was unusual, upon investigation I came across a stall, where 4 Rotweillers and 4 Alsatian puppies were confined in two small cages about 2' x 1 1/2' x 2' in the blazing sun. The time was 1.30 p.m.

The roof of the cage being made of galvanised metal was burning hot. There was no food or water for these poor creatures and they were puffing and panting and yelling their little hearts out probably due to thirst and the heat.

A few feet away also in the burning noonday sun were birds for sale in tiny cages. When this was brought to the notice of the organisers, a lean bearded man with a mean hungry look sarcastically asked me to mind my own business.

I argued back and said that making money should not be earned at the expense of innocent animals who cannot fight for their rights. Confining animals without adequate shade, food and water is cruelty and there are laws to prevent this type of thing happening in this country.

I then decided to call the Police and phoned 119 and half way through making a complaint the person at the other end disconnected the line. It is a crying shame that in a Buddhist country like Sri Lanka such things happen under the very noses of thousands of visitors who do not raise their voice in protest.

I hope the authorities take note of this incident and prevent such inhuman acts in the future.

Chandrini de Silva, Pannipitiya

Over to you Chairman CEB and Colombo MC

The street lights on the Sports Ministry side of Independence Square are not working for several months now.

I have called the CEB and the CMC but nothing has happened. Who is responsible for repairing this. And why is it not being done?

By the way congratulations on taking the trouble to highlight these issues. It is really appreciated.

KHIZER AMANULLA, Colombo 3