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Last Sunday (October 5) papers carried an article that the recent
railway strike was a success because only a few trains ran on that day.
The success of a strike is in achieving the intended results. If the
strikers got what they wanted then they can claim the strike to be a
success. Mere numbers - whether the people who attended the strike or
the number of the trains that ran or the damage that was caused do not
constitute a success.
They can claim they flexed their muscles effectively, but whether
they achieved what they wanted remains to be seen. Those who strike for
any reason must remember this. Otherwise, as it often happens nowadays
it is a matter of paying money and booze and getting more people to
participate, even though the participants do not have anything to do
with the cause of the strike, and causing inconvenience to the common
man who had nothing to do with the problem in the first place.
If the people realise this, we will have less of unnecessary noisy
Pelapaliyas and strikes and more of discussion and results.
DR. MAREENA THAHA REFFAI
Dehiwela
It was reported in the media recently that moves are under way to
rename Centre Road in Mattakkuliya after a former Deputy Mayor of the
Colombo Municipal Council (CMC).
As a resident in the area for over forty years I fervently appeal to
the concerned authorities to desist from doing so. If this so-called
former Deputy Mayor had done anything worthwhile, he could be rewarded
in so many other ways - a trophy, cash donation etc.
In foreign countries street names are never changed. In Sri Lanka, it
is done at the drop of a hat. Is changing street names done to boost the
ego of anybody and everybody?
The Colombo Municipal Council which is notorious for inefficiency and
shortcomings has apparently got its priorities mixed up again.
On behalf of the residents I call upon the higher-ups in the CMC to
check the mosquito menace, repair broken roads, drains and offer a
better service to the ratepayers.
Claude PERERA
Colombo 15
Although a recent article mentions that the late Hector Kobbekaduwa’s
Land Reform was a good move. It has proved to be a disaster.
The landscape around Sri Lanka has changed, beautiful plantations
have turned into commercial and housing estates. Landowners who face
numerous problems are selling. Soon Sri Lanka will have to import
coconuts. One cannot change the landscape again.
The Government should take action in the following areas:.
(1) Labour Laws: Cannot get rid of corrupt and undisciplined labour
and field officers.
(2) Thieving in and around plantations.
(3) High cost of fertiliser even organic.
(4) Very poor price and returns to owners.
If the above are not addressed, the balance estates will be sold and
our country side will be ruined for ever.
Dr. Herath
Colombo 5
It is a common sight to see those involved in the installation of
‘Nala Ling’ - tube wells adopt a cost free advertising by putting up
miniature boards with mobile numbers boldly displayed nailed to the tree
trunks in prominent places. There BTL (Below The Line) advertising
technique not only deprives the Municipality of their entitled dues such
as taxes and rentals but also is an eyesore.
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This trend of ‘abusing’ the tree is being followed by private
tutories to promote tuition classes, by people who want to dispose of
bare lands, sell or lease houses, etc. One can also see that even the
bus stops, lamp posts, pylons are not spared. The advertising messages
are sometimes printed on wooden boards and at times to be economical,
lazerprint- outs laminated or sheathed in polythene covers are used.
I hope the Municipalities will take suitable steps to eradicate this
trend, which deprives them of the much-needed revenue and make the city
free of advertising boards being put up at places not suitable.
MOHAMED ZAHRAN
Colombo 3
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