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On April 2 around 3.30 p.m. an overhead power line on Hampden Lane
snapped and fell on the pavement. The live wire posed a threat to
passers by and neighbours promptly phoned the CEB's Emergency No. which
promptly promised to send the repair gang.
Minutes became hours and there was no sign of the CEB's so called
'Emergency gang'.
In desperation, neighbours kept flower pots on the pavement and also
stood by to warn pedestrians especially small children who may
accidently come in contact with the live wire.
Finally around 7 p.m. the CEB's so called emergency van arrived. What
they did was to only cut off the power which left about a dozen houses
in the dark.
The next day they returned at around 9.30 a.m. and started replacing
the broken wire. When they finally left, they connected the street light
direct to the power supply sans the switch, and now for the past five
days the street light burns day and night.
So much so for the CEB which wants consumers to conserve power.
TILAK FERNANDO, Colombo 6
In the nineties, the Sri Lanka Association of Professional Social
Workers (SLAPSW) were at their peak with four decades of experience. The
President, the late Sir Dudley Dissanayake a member of the Ex-co of the
International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) in Stockholm made a
bold bid to hold a biannual World Social Workers' Conference for the
first time in Asia and in Colombo.
He made several trips to Stockholm and even invited the Ex-co to
Colombo to allay their fears on the prevailing security situation.
Eventually, the IFSW agreed to hosting the World Conference 1994 in
Colombo leaving only a few months lead time for preparation and inviting
a sufficiently large number of Western participants.
Dr. Dudley decided to invite Dr. Arthur C. Clarke, then in the
country as a key note speaker and approached him. Dr. Clarke's reply was
a modest disarming comment "What do I know of social work?" Dr. Dudley's
reply was painstaking, emphatic and convincing.
Dr. Clarke was by his own contribution a renowned social worker in
the broadest sense. His communication revolution had brought the world
and people together, the spread of rapid knowledge had promoted
awareness and policies for reducing ignorance, ill health, disease,
poverty, a greater sense of social justice, caring and sharing of wealth
and raising of living standards every where.
After a patient hearing Dr. Clarke consented but with a chuckle added
that his presentation would be very costly as he would specify the
required equipment, technicians and arrangements.
At the Conference in July 1994, Dr. Clarke was one of the keynote
speakers and held a full audience spell bound. The main BMICH stage had
been converted to a giant screen with side amplifiers and a host of
gadgetry.
Dr. Clarke introduced the theme of 'Communication' from primitive
society, in forms of script, drawing, sound and speech progressively to
conveying thoughts in religion and culture through sculpture,
architecture, temples and monuments showing a wide range - from the
Sigiriya frescoes to temple art and architecture of Sri Lanka. He went
on to a wide sweep of information, revolution and finally space
technology of the current times.
It was indeed a masterly and memorable presentation; many of the
delegates moved to meet him personally and exchanged greetings. The
SLPSW was privileged in having given them an opportunity to meet a
celebrity of our times with such versatility, humanity and humility.
J.V. THAMBAR, Past President, SLAPSW
Reference Citizens Mail - Police Report for lost ID by Dr. Mareena
Reffai (DN April 2) - the hassle she underwent at the Dehiwala Police
Station.
I state below the experience I had in obtaining a police report from
the Modera Police Station.
I was devastated having realised that I have lost my ID. Knowing the
harrowing procedures and stagnating delays, I put off since other forms
of Identities are there. I am a professional, senior citizen, residing
close to the Mutwal police station, with residence elsewhere in the
suburbs.
I didn't know anyone in the Modera Police Station. I spoke to a top
Police officer known to me and told him to tell someone in the Modera
Police Station to give the police report at least 3 to 4 days prior to
my visit to the police station to make a complaint.
At one time police reports were only given on Thursdays. One morning
after my walk I went to the Police Station. A man in civvies asked me
about my problem. I told him. He led me to the OIC's room and sat on the
main chair. He politely told me to sit down.
He immediately called a PC and told him to record my statement. The
job was done in 15 minutes. I asked the OIC, about the delay to get a
copy. He said there is no delay, you can have it now. I was both shocked
and surprised. Instant tea, instant coffee we all know. Now it is
instant police reports, while you wait. Unbelievable, but it's true.
Should we call the Guiness Book?
I told the OIC that since I did not know anyone in the station I
asked a top Police officer to speed up the matter. He asked why I did
so? "Hereafter you don't go to anyone, come direct to me. I have a
bounden duty to help, assist people under my station", he said.
The PC has finished typing my complaint. Just then my top police
friend phoned the OIC, who in turn said that the matter will be attended
to.
The bottom line is the OIC of Modera decided to solve my matter on
his own without any influence. All residents should read this act
accordingly, as he speaks of his bounden duty to help all. I salute you
sir with other peace loving citizens to continue your good work.
The IGP should take note to retain the good officers in problem
infected areas to rid the menace once and for all. Dr. Reffai says that
there is only one complaint book in the police station. That is also not
the case at this police station.
SENIOR CITIZEN, Modera
There are many pharmacies at Moratuwa. But a particular pharmacy
considers the health of the patients first who come for purchase of
drugs and medicines.
For every purchase, it gives a 5 per cent discount and the drugs are
cheaper by Rs. 1 to 3 than when purchased at other places.
Sometimes the doctors' prescribe a course of medicines for one to
three months. Those who cannot buy all the prescribed drugs can purchase
them in installments from the said pharmacy. A lot of conveniences and
benefits are allowed for the health and well-being of the sick.
This is a very praiseworthy and magnanimous gesture on the part of
the pharmacy and its staff.
May this pharmacy prosper and be a shining example to others as noble
and benevolent deeds are hard to come these days.
J. E. Vethanayagam, Moratuwa
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