Romancing the phone

The invention of mobile phones is a remarkable achievement and plays an important part in one's daily life. Its many aspects are priceless sometimes making the mobile phone the pocket bank in many countries. All in all, mobile phones add to a rosy picture, and there is no downside in its usage; but is it really so?

Suraj A. Bandara

According to psychologist at the University of Peradeniya and Lecturer Ven. Kumbukkandana Revatha Thera, special attention should be made on its usage especially among the youth and even probably the teenagers who are prone to get abused by such phones. This happens due to several factors. Among them, is this device being considered an amazing equipment in the poor countries. They experience only certain elements of technical innovations which were found by some other countries. They take as "all in one" for their lives.

The conveniences of using such phones are many. In addition to communication between people to people we get through to people from any place - in the vehicle, on to street or in a meeting - to send messages for less than the price of a call. The world can be accessed through Internet and facilities such as taking photographs and videos. There are efforts to utilize its advantage to bring a wide variety of benefits aided by satellite communication to users.

At the same time, parents can control their children and it is essential for emergencies. Business deals can be clinched with a single call outside the office - from a park or shopping centre.

There are commonly accepted grounds for users to be wary of in such overuse of phones. The radiation emanating from mobile phones may be dangerous to health with symptoms such as headache, earache and blurring vision. These invisible hygienic radiations destroy the cells located in ear and head. Its use in inappropriate places causes disturbance sometimes, such as when driving and in classrooms, lectures etc.

In addition mobile phones with camera are causing privacy problems when used as a hidden camera to take pictures or making videos. Cameras loaded on most mobile phones can be used to take pictures of adults and unsuspecting children. These photos are then generally morphed, manipulated and circulated on the Internet. Texting can also be used to abuse or stalk people.

By putting some precautionary measures in place, we can get more use from a cell phone. There are a few theories that are yet to be confirmed regarding health hazards caused by cell phones. However almost all mobile phone manufacturers caution its customers against improper use of phones.

When the battery is running out it's unsafe to make a call, because at this stage the cell phone contains very destructive radiations which may cause severe problems to the brain. Secondly, it's not advisable to use cell phones during study hours to avoid disturbance problems. Thirdly, when a cell phone is on vibration mode, do not put it in a front pocket. Because it may damage the heart beat system due to which it may cause heart attack.

In many countries this device is used only for the day to day requirements, whereas countries like Sri Lanka use this for a multitude of purposes.

The misuse of mobile phones can be expected from the low social layer since the only more sophisticated device they have in their possession is the mobile phone. Therefore, they do consider it as their pocket bank and get maximum use it. Usually most elders in their home cannot understand how to operate this tiny device since most of the elders have very poor technical-know how. Therefore, they let them do anything through the phones.

The attention should be focused on how to safeguard the children from the mobile phone abusers. According to the child's bureau there is a potential danger to victimize children by this mobile usage. Most mobile subscribers offer many free outgoing calls competitively. Due to competition between service companies the phone rates gradually plummet making it cheaper for users.

This may entice idling phone users to use it for unethical purposes. Some parents do check the call lists of their children frequently to make sure their usage is fair. According to the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka, the mobile usage has jumped after the country's North and East was liberated. Now there are reportedly over 14 million mobile subscribers and many have three or more mobile network subscriptions. So, Sri Lanka is ready to be the mobile hub in the Asia.

At present the mobile phone has become the most important necessary equipment in our country and it should be used only for the right things and not for any other.

Tourism on wheels

The first-ever high-tech cycle tour of Sri Lanka with 17 professional Russian cyclists took off the ground in February giving a new dimension to Sri Lanka's tourism.

The cyclists toured through the country peddling across Sri Lankan cities and visiting the cultural sites on their latest high-performance bikes namely Ferrari, BMW, Colnago, GT, Pinarello and Look. Averagely valued at around Rs.2.5Million, these bikes were fully composite, electronic geared, 30 speed, weighing around 4-5Kg's.

The tourists were seen in action on Sri Lankan roads at an average speed of 40kmph and the tour was completed in 10 days clocking over 1000km. The idea was to give tourists an opportunity to get a close view and experience the scenic beauty of Sri Lanka.

Tourism on wheels is the brainchild of "Sri Lanka Express," a trademark of Hornbill Holidays which is the latest addition to the Destination Management Companies in Sri Lanka.

The company is focused to do new things for Sri Lanka Tourism in the future adding value that nobody could match.