|
Every citizen of the country who had experienced the traumas of LTTE
terrorism is sure to breathe a sigh of relief, seeing the unfolding
scenario of the LTTE’s crushing defeat in their last stronghold in
Puthukudirippu.
“Even the ranks of Tuscany could scarce forbear to cheer” the
glorious military success of the Sri Lankan Forces against the most
ruthless terrorist outfit in the world.
It is singularly significant to note, that no less than four leaders
of this country directed military operations against Prabakaran but
could not fight it to a finish, until it was left to President Mahinda
Rajapaksa to pick up the gauntlet to deal the deadly coup de grace on
Prabakaran and his savage gang.
In the recorded history of Sri Lanka the war against Prabakaran has
been the most protracted and a sanguinary one and during the last phase
of the war, it has been fought with remarkable courage, determination
and exact military precision, under the able leadership of President
Mahinda Rajapaksa.
When future historians delineate these facts and the humanitarian
precursor of this war in the annals of history, they will undoubtedly
evoke sentiments of profound admirations, in the minds of posterity for
all those who valiantly fought to bequeath a united Sri Lanka for them.
B. H. S. Jayasekera - Bibile
I read with amazement an advertisement in a newspaper of April 3,
where the bank is paying interest on current accounts. I called the Bank
and was told that it was not interest but a bonus payment for current
and savings account balances.
Didn’t it sound typical of foreign banks who try to skirt the law and
regulations find ways in which to do things they desire to do where
commercial and profit considerations override all else?
Even if the Bank has found a legal work around to pay interest on
current accounts, it does not make it ethical. When Banks do such
things, other Banks are compelled to follow to compete. Other market
players (regulated and unregulated) will soon be coming up with even
more sleek and shady schemes.
Hasn’t the time now come for the public to hold banks, particularly
those so-called international reputed banks to higher regulatory and
ethical standards?
The regulator to step in and penalize those who violate regulatory
and ethical norms in letter and spirit. Let’s protect our banking system
even if others fail.
K.S. Perera - Wattala
The order issued by Wood to our sovereign government that we should
permit the LTTE to surrender to a third party appears so stupid that
even a child would want to know how his brain box is working. He would
like to take it apart and see the way how it operates.
Our sovereign government has firmly rejected the order by Wood. So
what will be your next step? Fly a kite? Order sanctions? Or as a last
resort invade and rescue Prabhakaran? So you have many options.
I think the wisest option for Woods and Blake would be the first
option to fly a big kite together but Blake may not agree because he is
now on very firm ground with his immediate boss in complete agreement
with him.
I understand that Blake is nominated to be the Assistant Secretary of
State for South Asia where in addition to the many responsibilities he
has in such a big promotion we find it very interesting that he will
also deal with Pakistan and Afghanistan, Kazakhastan, Kyrgyztan and Sri
Lanka and put them in their proper places. He has not been able to put
Sri Lanka in its proper place but he has shown us the true face of
America.
It is obvious that Hillary Clinton has the fullest confidence in
Blake. So such a team should definitely work not for Sri Lanka or any of
the subject nations listed above but for America. Let the world see the
results.
L. Jayasooriya
There may be a minority of investors who deposited money at the
Golden Key un-registered financial institution who were innocent. Some
invested to get a better return to pay for their groceries and medical
bills.
But I feel that the majority invested for reasons listed below:
1. Greed.
2. To evade income tax.
3. To evade from Inland Revenue how money was earned.
4. Knowingly investing in a un-registered financial institution.
These depositors also should be investigated as they have deprived
our country of tax revenue.
Dr. Herath - Colombo 3
There are two more projects that could be set up, using the waste
heat from the power plants. If power generation is done close enough to
the sea shore, desalination of sea water can be done. The waste brine
from desalination, could be used to make quality sea salt and other
chemicals. Pure potable water is something that is very much needed in
this harsh land area of the country, I am sure.
Why not think of developing small-scale solar energy farms as well,
around these industries, that could be connected to the National Grid in
time to come. Engineers of the Institution of Engineers of Sri Lanka can
of course play an important part in these additional projects,if they so
desire.
L. de Silva
Recently there were news items in the local press and also in the
foreign media that the Vatican and the Church of England had pardoned
Galileo who was persecuted for expounding the theory that the earth
revolved around the sun and not the other way about as preached by the
Church.
Then comes the theory of evolution by Charles Darwin, whose theory
that man evolved from ape, which the Vatican accepts but does not
apologise.
However, the Church of England, Rev. Dr. Malcolm Brown, the Church’s
Director of Mission and Public Affairs says in his apology - “Christians
in their response to Darwin’s theory of natural selection, repeated the
mistake they made in doubting Galileo’s astronomy in 17th Century.
Charles Darwin 200 years from your birth, the Church of England owes you
an apology for misunderstanding you and but getting our first reaction
wrong”.
Now is also the opportune time, to consider pardoning that 1552,
Spanish physician Miguel Serveto who was burned at the stake for writing
on the circulation of blood in his book ‘Restitutio Christianisnu’.
Later in 1628, William Harvey confirmed this discovery. Therefore, does
not Miguel Serveto deserve a posthumous apology, more worthy than
Galileo and Charles Darwin as this discovery enhances the medical
knowledge to diagnose ailments in humans.
G.A.D. Sirimal Boralesgamuwa
Malabe campus
The Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT), Malabe
campus is situated by the side of the Malabe-Kaduwela main road.
As motor vehicles drive very fast, the students have to face severe
difficulties when crossing the road. Several years ago, a similar
situation was observed near the University of Colombo, where students
had to cross Thurstan Road the Reid Avenue unsafely.
The authorities took steps to install a colour light system only
after the death of a student while crossing the Reid Avenue. A similar
incident happened at the Kelaniya university.
In cases like these, university student behaviour which is linked
with young age also has to be taken into consideration. The environment
of the university premises and surroundings are to be safer, road
crossings are to be protected.
Installation of a colour lights system at the road crossing is the
best solution, the authorities have to proceed.
S. Wijesiri Pannipitiya
Whilst we see the war ending, thanks to our Forces who now are
capable, experienced and determined, let’s plan what happens after
victory?
We as a nation, and not as people of various ethnic and religious
backgrounds, should work together for peace and harmony to achieve
prosperity.
Let all leaders lead by example, be honest and keep the country at
heart.
Let all religious leaders see to the spiritual aspects of their
flocks and leave the running of the country to the political leaders
elected by the people.
There is a generation of young Sri Lankans, who know nothing but war
and hatred. They will have to have counselling and experience a gentle
immersion of the various cultures on the island.
I am excited for the new era is dawning, in my lifetime.
Rohan de Silva Jayasundera via email
All Sri Lankans were shocked to hear and see that our cricketers were
brutally attacked by well-armed terrorists in Pakistan.
The aim of the terrorists was to assassinate our renowned cricketers
who were playing for ethnic harmony and international friendship. Now it
has been revealed that the LTTE terrorists are behind this brutal
attack.
The LTTE terrorists will now do their utmost to take revenge from Sri
Lankans and the Government since they are breathing their last. What we
should understand from this brutal attack on our cricketers is that
peace-loving citizens of this country and the Security Forces, including
President Mahinda Rajapaksa should take every possible measure to
protect themselves.
It is no secret that there are enemies among us and they pretend to
be friends or patriots while helping terrorists to ruin this country and
its people.
Their evil thoughts and hatred are unlimited. We have heard that even
The Buddha, too had enemies who did everything to assassinate and
disgrace Him. As Buddha says, “This world is full of ingrates and only a
very few can be seen as gratefuls”.
So, we all should be on alert about our enemies at all times. As the
Buddha has pointed out, those who commit sins will have to reap the
results of those misdeeds. It is the law of nature. Let’s have faith in
The Buddha forever.
All traitors will have to pay for their sins one day. Sometimes they
may face evil repercussions of their misdeeds during the present life or
in the next birth.
S.M. Wijayaratne Kurunegala
|
