|
I wish to mention the following risks taken by the authorities
concerned in a very volatile situation in the country where economic
installations are the main targets of the ruthless LTTE.
1. Incoming vehicles to Colombo are being checked on the Kelani
bridge itself without thinking of a possible blast of a vehicle in the
process of checking. If such a blast occurs, the bridge will suffer
extensive damage making the bridge impossible for vehicular traffic.
The checking of vehicles could be done before they enter the bridge
through Negombo and Peliyagoda on the highway. Security personnel could
be posted along the bridge to prevent any suspicious or unwanted
stoppages on the bridge.
2. The porters at the Bandaranaike International Airport used to wear
a shirt with luminous orange colour stripes with an identification
number and the charge per piece for handling of luggage.
I happened to go to the airport on June 14 and found that the uniform
has been changed to grey and they did not wear any badge for name or
number for identification or indication of charges.
There are hundreds of porters in the arrival and exit gates and it
will be a security risk to allow them in without any identification. The
security personnel at the entrances will not know each and every porter.
They may allow anyone in similar attire to enter the airport with his
trolley.
Judging by the crimes the LTTE has committed so far, there may be a
possibility that one of their killers will push a trolley laden with
explosives into the airport itself.
Checking of the passengers coming to the airport will be of little
significance, if security lapses in the heart of the airport are not
properly addressed to.
I am not a security expert but I am making these observations in a
layman point of view for the love of the country.
J. N. – Nugegoda
We see many mothers who come to leave or collect children around
schools and tuition classes, wasting valuable time while waiting,
standing on the road, twiddling their thumbs, subjected to the assault
of weather - hot sun and pouring rain.
Why not organise some worthwhile classes for these mothers in schools
or tutorials such as spoken English, hand work or even home maintenance.
Instead of paying for the teachers/ classes they can even teach each
other some hand work like - crochet, knitting, patchwork etc. or even
get together and plan some Social Services.
Libraries for them also can be built up slowly.
Of course, this has to be arranged by some parents in consultation
with the school/institution authorities.
Almuslimaath, a voluntary organisation of women and girls, conducts
free classes on cookery and sewing at Station Road Dehiwela. One may get
the details by calling 2736577.
I only hope that following this article - some pea-brain doesn’t come
up with the idea of putting up an idiot box - otherwise known as the
television - in a room for all mothers to sit and watch, to make them
waste their time away in comfort.
DR. MAREENA THAHA REFFAI – Dehiwela
May the Government show its sincerity of purpose by initially testing
and if necessary, removing those vehicles visible and obviously causing
pollution by the black or white exhaust smoke they emit.
The others could follow with diesel vehicles first, then petrol
vehicles and finally L.P gas driven ones. The age of the vehicles, the
average running per month/year might fairly be considered.
Furthermore, those regularly entering Colombo Municipal Limits should
have a lower level of pollutants.
This sequence would help coping with the large number of vehicles and
also be a deterrent to corruption which could be expected from
Fleet-owners.
KENNETH SAM - U.K.
The CPC undoubtedly has taken a misjudged decision in fixing prices.
In general especially in business circles the thinking is that the
competition will look after the price stability.
In other words when one increases, the rest will follow and vise
versa. But the Indian Oil Company has looked into the profitability of
the company and has fixed the prices. No one can blame them.
In a situation like this where the CPC is under obligation to give
concessions, they should have discussed this with the IOC and should
have taken a viable decision, where they could survive.
One could flex the muscles only if they are strong.
D. P. Y. ABEYWARDHANA - Nawala
|
