|
The musicians of today stoop to a very low calibre, as they are very
good at pirating original songs for their benefit.
This has become the latest virus as this is the shortest cut in
climbing the ladder to achieve cheap popularity and to fill their
wallets.
The sale of copy-cat CDs have been banned as the law has been very
strictly enforced, but I am dismayed to hear many private radio stations
play copy-cat songs when the original singers are left in the dark.
I would bring to your notice that the Living Nightingale of the
Sinhala music arena Anglene Goonetileke’s songs are being dubbed and
pirated wholesale and played by private music stations. The law should
be enforced as if the pirating and dubbed CDs are not allowed to be
sold, why do we allow private music stations to play them. The law
should be strictly enforced or else there is no meaning and purpose of
enforcing the law half hearted?
I wish to mention the songs which are dubbed and pirated belonging to
Angelene Goonetileka being played by a private music station.
They are ‘Ma Prarthana’, ‘Kekulu Malaka’, ‘Hithi Kari’, ‘Nihandai
Gammanaya’, ‘Wasse Langai’, ‘Suhudaralla’, ‘Atha Dilisena’, ‘1-2-3 Baby
Hye’, ‘Hye Hye’, ‘Adarai Venvela’, ‘Kuruluni Me Raja Kumariyo’, ‘Kiyyan
Kathawak’, ‘Wasanthe Mai’, ‘Sanda-Modu-Vela’, ‘Jeevithaya Kantharai’, ‘Kumaraya’,
‘Nupurudu Hangumak’, ‘Pata-Podak’, ‘Nelum Male Pethi Kadala’ (sung at 13
years), ‘Pulun Wagey Sudu Ravula Digai’ (sung at 14 year s), ‘Ma-Mohana’,
‘Diney Lanka’, ‘Randum Hira Dara’ and ‘Udarata Menike’. We should give
due credit to the individual who deserves it, and not to those copy-cats
who sneak like cats and rats who are good at invading to other people’s
territory on the sly.
Let us teach them manners and values so that they will not destroy
those who have taken great commitment and hard work to harness their
inborn talent?
LI KUANG SHU Kandy
We all think eating fruits means simply buying fruit, cutting it and
just popping it into our mouths. We will benefit much more if we know
how and when to eat.
Fruits should be taken on an empty stomach not as dessert after the
meal as is often done. If we eat fruit like that, it will also serve a
major role to detoxify our systems, supplying us with a great deal of
energy for weight loss and other life activities.
Let’s say we eat two slices of bread and then a slice of fruit. As
fruit digests faster than bread, the slice of fruit digests quickly and
is ready to go straight through the stomach into the intestines, but its
passage is blocked by the bread which takes longer time to digest. In
the meantime, the whole meal ferments and turns to acid consequently,
when the fruit comes into contact with the food in the stomach and
digestive juices, the entire mass of food begins to spoil. So, it is
better to eat our fruits in an empty stomach or before our meals.
We have heard people complaining, every time I eat water-melon, I
burp, when I eat durian my stomach bloats up, when I eat banana I feel
like running to the toilet, etc.
Actually all this will not arise if we eat fruits on an empty
stomach. The fruit mixes with the putrefying other food and produces gas
and hence we will bloat.
Graying hair, balding, nervous outburst, dark circles under the eyes;
all these will not happen if we take fruits on an empty stomach. it is
incorrectly presumed that some fruits like orange and lemon are acidic
and will enhance acidity in the stomach. Researchers however showed that
all fruits become alkaline in our body.
Eating the pulp or whole fruit is far better than drinking the juice
as the fibre is good for us. If we should drink the juice, drink it
mouthful by mouthful slowly, because we must allowed to mix with our
saliva before swallowing it.
A three day fruit fast is a very simple and effective way to cleanse
and detoxify our body. Just eat fruits and drink fruit juice throughout
three days and you will be surprised when your friends tell you how
radiant you look.
During the fruit fast, we can eat different fruits at different
times, although occasionally mixed fruit salad would also be permissible
and more interesting.
If we have mastered the correct way of eating fruits, we have the
secret of beauty, longevity, health, energy, happiness and normal
weight.
K. PRASANNATH Chenkalady
All supermarkets have taken a decision to stop issuing polythene bags
along with the goods that the consumers buy from them. This is in
accordance with their agreement with the Environment Protection
Authority. The objective of this initiation is said to be to prevent
environment pollution.
When consumers purchase goods now the sales people at super markets
do not issue bags, instead they ask the consumers whether they wish to
purchase bags. If the objective of this initiation is ‘to stop
environment pollution’, is purchase of same bags and use is favourable
or meaningful? Is it permitted by the Environment Authority?
These supermarkets who generally sell goods at exorbitant prices have
included the cost of bags too into these prices. If they do not issue
polythene bags, then they should put the purchased items into paper bags
as in olden days.
If not how come the consumers carry them - should they bring a lorry
into the supermarket?
When we purchase goods, even a loaf of bread or a pound of fish from
a small boutique, they put them into a bag and offer us at a much lower
price than at these supermarkets.
The new law has benefited only the supermarkets by enabling them to
increase their profit margin. Nothing else.
MANJARI PEIRIS Maharagama
It is very common for us to frequently read and hear about ‘Western
bashing’ of the European countries and USA in particular.
Though I myself, am not particularly enamoured of the US, one has to
admit and admire (albeit reluctantly) USA for allowing a black candidate
to be appointed as the Democratic nominee for the forthcoming
Presidential election.
Can we ever envisage such a situation in our country even in the near
future where a person of a minority race or religion can aspire to the
highest office of the land? There would be howls of protest.
The US has indeed come a long way from the days when the Negroes
arrived in chains as slaves and their long struggle for emancipation and
equality.
The segregation policies were very similiar to the apartheid system
in South Africa and was a terrribler blotch on the American democratic
system, despite its profession of liberal values.
However, it is to the credit of the American people that Barack Obama
triumphed against a white woman who had all the qualifications necessary
to win (Wife of a former President, great wealth etc.), despite all the
odds being stacked heavily against him and it only proves that they have
moved on from their racist past.
Those of us in Sri Lanka can learn a great deal from this. Despite
sixty years of independence,we still do not have a concept of a national
identity.
In fact, the plight of the minorities have steadily worsened over the
years.
Why don’t we, even at this late stage take a cue from India and its
secularism and which has avoided the pitfalls of being linked with a
very narrow identity.
A.J. PEREIRA Colombo 5
The American Institute for Cancer Research and World Cancer Research
fund released the most comprehensive review ever compiled on nutrition
and cancer risk in 2007. According to World Cancer Research Fund, there
is a strong link between processed meats like hot dogs, bacon and
colorectal cancer. No amount of processed meat is considered safe.
Processed meats should be avoided completely.
The term processed meats means those that are typically prepared or
preserved by smoking, curing or salting or by the addition of
preservatives. This includes ham, bacon, pastrami and salami as well as
hot dogs and sausages to which nitrites or nitrates have been added.
Hamburgers and minced meats may be included as well, depending on
processing.
The reports conclusion was based on 44 case control studies (in which
diets of individuals with cancer were compared with those of individuals
who did not have cancer but who were similar in other respects) and 14
cohort studies (in which diets of individuals were assessed before
cancer onset and the individuals were followed over time to track diet
patterns and cancer risk).
The risk of colorectal cancer increases on average by 21 per cent for
every 50 grams of processed meat consumed daily. A 50 gram serving is
about the size of a typical hot dog. Some studies have also linked
processed meat to cancer of oesophagus, lung, stomach and prostate, but
evidence is more limited than for colorectal cancer.
Why do processed meats cause cancer?
From a scientific standpoint, the situation is very much like tobacco
and lung cancer. There are hundreds of chemicals in tobacco smoke, but
we still don’t know which chemicals cause the lung cancer.
Processed meats contain fat, especially saturated fat as well as
plenty of cholesterol and slat. The nitrites that are often used as
preservatives or as a colouring or as a flavouring agent can produce N-nitroso
compounds, which are suspected carcinogens. In addition, meats cooked at
high temperatures may contain carcinogens, including heterocyclic amines
and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Heme iron is also plentiful in red
and processed meats. Heme promotes the production of carcinogens and its
iron content also leads to production of free radicals.
Despite the scientific consensus that these foods should never be
eaten, let alone fed to children, they are still widely consumed. On
average, americans consume about 32 pounds of processed pork products
each year. Bacon is routine breakfast fare for many Americans and
British and processed meats grace the top of prizzas everywhere.
The National Cancer Institute predicts that in 2008, 108,070
individuals will develop colon cancer, 40, 740 will develop rectal
cancer and 49,960 will die from these conditions in 2008. Colo rectal
cancer is the fourth most common cancer in USA.
In most of the developed countries in the world vegetarian options
are abundant. More than 16 per cent of American and adolescents are
overweight. Lifetime cancer risk USA is now one in three for women and
one in two for men. According to journal of National Cancer Institute
August 2006, one ounce of processed meat per day raises the risk of
stomach cancer by 15 to 38 per cent.
Who invented the Hot Dog?
Many hot dog historians credit (or blame) German immigrants pushing
food carts in New York City Bowery during the 1860s. One German butcher
looking for a simple way to make hot sandwiches in a confined space,
came up with the idea of placing a sausage in a roll and he went on to
open the first Coney Island hot dog stand. According to German
Chancellor Otto van Bismark, “there are two things you don’t want to see
being made: sausage and legislation”.
Reference:- Good Medicine;
Summer 2008, Volume xvii, No. 3, pages 6-8
D.P. ATUKORALE Colombo 7
A paddy-field at Urubokke in the Matara District, is being developed
for the proposed bus-stand of Urubokke.
It is very regretful to see that, that site is being dumped with
various kinds of garbage inclusive of dirty soil and mud.
Thus, it has been converted into a dumping ground now.
We wonder, why the relevant Local Government bodies tolerate such
unlawful and harmful activities.
Therefore, for the common good, we kindly request the higher
authorities concerned to take prompt action to stop the illegal dumping
of waste matter to the site of the proposed bus stand.
S.S. HEMANTHA Beralapanatara
At a time, the Cost of Living has increased, I appeal to the
authorities to be reasonable when drafting the budget to consider
appraising the taxable income and fixed deposit interest from
individuals to more than Rs. 50,000 at least per month to cope up with
the situation.
It is only the private sector employees who pay this instance and it
will be a great relief to them.
L.D. Moratuwa
The International Year for the Elders falls on October 1 every year.
Let us give a little thought on this day, remembering our aged parents
and elders who are suffering in silence in our country.
When we are young and healthy, we never for a moment gave serious
thought that we will one day grow old and feeble and that we would need
the assistance of someone to look after us in the autumn of our life.
In Sri Lanka prior to World War II, children were very attached and
loved their parents and although they were married and had family
responsibilities and settled down in life, they never neglected to look
after their parents in their old age, whether they had wealth in
abundance or otherwise.
With times, there have been changes in Sri Lanka. Children feel that
it is a burden to look after their parents in their old age, when they
are sick and feeble, perhaps due to financial strains and with the
escalating Cost of Living. In these circumstances some would prefer that
their parents die early.
I know many children who have neglected their parents and do not wish
to keep their parents even for a day, although as grandparents they
always love to spend their last days with their grandchildren.
In Sri Lanka, a few years ago, I met an old couple near the Pettah
bus-stand(exposed to the elements) which is now their home, far away
from home. They appear to be in their early 80s and partially blind.
The old man related a very pathetic story to me. He was an educated
person, spoke fluent English and had lived his life in Kandy. He had
eight children and had sufficient wealth, which he divided amongst the
eight children equally.
He gave them in marriage and expected they would look after them in
their old age. As time went on, the children had taken up the position
among themselves as to why the other brother or sister could not take
the responsibility of looking after their parents in their old age.
Everyone evaded the real issue of taking responsibility of looking after
their parents and nothing was done to make the parents happy.
One day, a son who could not bear the parents being neglected and
suffering any further decided to bring the parents to Colombo from Kandy
with the idea of entering them to an Elders’ Home in the city.
Having failed in his mission, he just left the parents at the Pettah
bus-stand and disappeared. Never was the son seen again. What this son
did was really shocking. The aged couple had to beg for their
livelihood.
In another case concerning the parents of a boy and a girl whom were
given in marriage, the parents had to look after their grandchildren.
However, when they became old and feeble the two children refused to
keep their parents and started to ill-treat them. The children although
affluent and educated in leading schools in Colombo, tried to get them
into an Elders Home, but failed.
Meanwhile, the mother died. It was a great relief to them. The father
lived with the daughter. But after a week’s stay she put the old man
into a three-wheeler (having pre-paid the fare) and sent him to her
brother’s house. Again, after a week or so the son sent the old man back
in a three-wheeler (having pre-paid the fare) to his sister’s house. The
old man was suffering. Since he could not bare this anymore, he went to
a relative’s place with his problems.
They refused to keep him or put him in an Elders’ Home, because the
children could well afford to put him into a fee-paying Elders’ Home.
These are a few isolated cases, but many old people are suffering in
silence today.
Is this not a ‘cruel world’? that we are living in today to desert
our parents at a time they really need the children’s assistance.
In developed countries like Australia, children leave their parents
at an early age of 16 years and live by themselves. When it comes to old
age the State looks after them and provides them with social security
and free public transport passes to senior citizens and concession cards
to enable the elders to purchase pharmaceutical items, etc., at a
discounted price.
Several religious organisations in our country, with limited
financial resources and donations have provided for the old and feeble.
But this is a far cry compared to the real needs of the neglected elders
in Sri Lanka.
I was pleased to hear recently that the Old Girls’ Association of
Good Shepherd Convent, Kotahena have opened an Elders’ Home at Mabole,
Wattala for the aged past pupils of Good Shepherd Convent who have
become destitute. This is a worthy project. Perhaps, past pupils of
other schools and colleges should start similar projects and will gain
‘merits’ if they help aged past pupils who are sick and feeble and are
unable to look after themselves in the autumn of their lives.
Our politicians have debated many matters in Parliament, but never
for a moment have given serious thought to the matter of opening more
Elders’ Homes throughout the country.
Perhaps when the time comes, they can count on their pensions after
five years in Parliament, and fall back on their financial resources.
But what about the thousands of helpless old people who continue to
suffer in silence? Politicians should give serious thought to the
elderly people who have now become deadwood and whom society has also
neglected.
The Government may not have the money to finance the building of
Elders’ Homes in the country for those who have been discarded in the
autumn of their lives by their loved ones due to the prevailing war in
the North/East of the country.
Perhaps the Department of Social Services should undertake to launch
a fortnightly lottery to find the money for the maintenance and upkeep
of these Elders’ Homes. People will no doubt support a worthy cause
since they may also one day seek admission to these Elders’ Homes.
I have visited several Sri Lankan homes in Australia and have seen
for myself that much food is wasted and throwing into the bin, while our
countrymen are suffering in silence. Nearly 50 per cent of the
population is living below the poverty line. I would appeal to our dear
Sri Lankans living in this great country, Australia, where all ethnic
groups live in peace to think for a movement of our elders who are
presently neglected in Sri Lanka.
I know of a Sri Lankan who is a banker, living in California, who had
built an Elders’ Home and a Children’s Homes in Negombo and also helps
to maintain these Homes. Perhaps there may be several Sri Lankan
philanthropists who could build Elders’ Homes in memory of their parents
in Sri Lanka.
There are several Elders’ Homes in Sri Lanka that depend solely on
voluntary contributions to maintain these Homes. It is a very sad fact,
but the reality is that many of these Homes do not know how or where to
find their next meal.
The first Mother Teresa Elders’ Home was built in Sri Lanka in 1965
at the former Mission House, St. Anthony’s Church, Madampitiya, Colombo
14. It is presently known as the ‘Home of Compassion’ and presently
managed by the apostolic carmelite sisters.
There are many Elders’ Homes run by several religious organisations
in Sri Lanka. The list of these Homes may be obtained from the
Department of Social Services, situated at No. 76/1/1, Duminda Building,
Galle Road, Colombo 4. Any financial assistance and items of clothing
may be given to these Elders’ Homes direct. By doing so, you will gain
‘merits’.
Let us leave this world better than it was found and let our parents
feel that they have not been neglected by their loved ones in the
loneliness and also by the society to which they once contributed their
‘mite’.
F.A. RODRIGO SATHIANATHAN Melbourn, Australia
Reference the above letter by S.R. Balanchandran of the National
Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka may I know whether Gold Coins are at
present minted by the Central Bank and if so where is it possible to
procure them? As for Treasury Bonds purchasing is possible only in
Colombo and I suppose in some principal towns.
The other problem is that depositors would have ten per cent deducted
at the source as in the case of lottery winnings. What if one is
entitled to an exemption from the tax, how is one to prove it? I hope
Mr. Balanchandran would enlighten the readers on this subject. I could
remember that once he had advised readers to instruct banks to deduct
withholding tax from bank accounts even if one is entitled to refrain
from doing so. We would be grateful, if he continues to write more
articles on these subject. The ordinary layman needs such advice.
G.H.I. DE ZOYSA Gampola
I was shocked to read the above news item (DN August 27) and thought
of writing a comment about such a nasty practise among Government
employees and labourers. First of all, I express my sincere appreciation
of the Police action against such violators of the rules and regulation
after signing in for duties.
Then, I appreciate the immediate step taken by Nimal Siripala de
Silva, Health Care and Nutrition Minister who ordered an inquiry into
the incident.
What a shame for these Health workers who were gambling in Kandy town
while on duty.
If this sort of practice goes on in the Government departments, what
will happen to the great service expected of the Government servants.
After these health workers signed in, why did the head of the
Department not assign the day’s duties to them? Why did these health
workers go out of the office without permission of their Director or
supervisor? Who is to be blamed for this shirking of pubic duties for
which the Government pays from the income taxes of the people? May I
appeal to the Minister of Health to look into malpractices of the
Government Departments.
M. Y. M. MEEADH Kandy
|
