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Renting vehicles in Sri Lanka is a problem for tourists or Sri
Lankans living abroad, when it comes to self-drive hire. Such persons
holding a national (country of residence) and an international driving
licence, after arriving in Sri Lanka has to have a special endorsement -
another document from the Automobile Association of Sri Lanka (AA)
permitting the vehicle hirer to drive in Sri Lanka.
This means, one has to find a working day to arrive and find the way
to AA to get the endorsement. This also prevents one having to drive out
directly from the airport. Although, getting one’s endorsement at AA is
simple, fast and cheap, nevertheless, why waste time in Colombo?
Is this a by-law? Or is it a regulation proposed and adhered to by
car rental firms of repute and such other? In Europe an international
driving licence is valid and in the US, the hirer need to carry both,
the national and international licence.
On the other hand, Europe and US permits a Sri Lankan licence holder
to drive on that licence for one year, without having to hold an
international licence, if documented as a resident, in the particular
country.
I have had this problem every time when in Sri Lanka. I have had
various answers; the practice is not plausible enough to make it
inconvenient for the hirer as all details about the hirer is on record,
and documented at the car rental firm.
Rental firms do insist on advance payments of rental and deposit in
full at the time of booking. This is also OK.
Many car hire firms do state the ‘endorsement’ practice, in their
websites as well.
This form of advertising could dissuade hirers from looking twice at
Sri Lanka on subject matter.
On the other hand, with master plans for road building and paving
ongoing in Sri Lanka isn’t it time for some explanation for this
irrelevant administrative practice? Even a complete abolition?
LAL KEERTHIE FERNANDO
DENMARK
I admit that at present in Sri Lanka, we enjoy too many holidays.
It may be argued by the Government employees that in accordance to
the remuneration they receive, these types of holidays are inevitable.
I have seen several articles in the newspapers explaining the
necessity for reduction of holidays. However, I wish to state that to
implement a reduction of holidays both Government and Opposition should
co-operate, which is not possible.
No party will ever take a risk of raising this issue knowing very
well the other side will exploit the situation. Unless both parties
agree I feel these types of reports and letters appearing in the media
are a waste.
S. R. BALACHANDRAN
The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka
This letter is to all citizens of Sri Lanka, my brothers and sisters,
upon whom this noble flag has been thrust. There is a profound meaning
in every line, item, symbol and colour.
But, we are now a suffering Nation and the Pearl of the Indian Ocean
has become a literal Teardrop, and it is time we lay down all arms and
ammunition and sought true peace. May the swords be transformed into
peace-doves.
Let us give up our foolish pride and warring spirit and transform
ourselves. Blessed will we be as peacemakers for evermore: One of the
important steps to take is to replace the sword from our National flag.
R. P. JAYASURIYA
Colombo 7
I would like to raise my concern in this regard, and we as Sri
Lankans living overseas. We have a great country and I am proud to say
that I am a Sri Lankan. Wake up and smell the roses and let’s work to
devolop the country instead dragging the country to a great disaster.
Why on earth are the other devoloping countries are progressing well
comparing to ours? Because they do care....
Forget about religion, ethnic race and all the packages which comes
with hatred and racism, it’s no point singing lova sama’ in different
languages to make the people think that we are united.
It’s clearly shows that each ethnic groups will eat each others flesh
and blood if and when oppurtunity arise.
We are in 21st century not in those days where people lived like
animals.
We should use our resources to get the right people for the right
job. We as a little island harbour talent all across the world.
Why can’t we utilise this for our own country? I did not mean to hurt
any one’s feelings by this little note, and it will not even be taken in
consideration as much as a pinch of salt but I am just frustrated to see
our country’s economy and political status.
RICKY SAHABDEEN
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