Over the Skies of Kandy

I read with interest the article by Dr. Sudath Gunasekara published in the Daily News on August 21, 2010. Air travel between locations within a country as well as internationally is becoming even more easier in this era of globalization, mass movement, enhanced tourism , trade and migration. A country like Bangladesh is having at least three international airports.

It is a fact that in many countries major cities have access to international airports. For example, Sweden has an international airport in Gothenberg which is not its capital. In Malaysia also there are regional airports -some of which have been built in recent years.

While the construction of a new international airport in the Hambantota district by the Government is to be highly commended, serious attention has to be given to the construction of a third international airport in Kandy district as suggested by Dr Gunasekera.

It is not only required due to very important historical, cultural, and religious factors involved with Kandy. It is a contemporary need of the people in the Up country districts as well as there is high potential for further commercial and tourist growth as a result.

One may argue that the Government seeks to build a highway between Colombo and Kandy. Therefore the time taken to travel between the two cities will be reduced significantly. If this is the case, there is at least a case for building a domestic airport inKandy to facilitate air travel.

I hope the leaders of the Government with the support of private sector will take a keen interest in at least conducting a feasibility study to establish a domestic or an international airport in Kandy district as a matter of priority! Having an airport in this district will rectify a significant imbalance in the Sri Lankan aviation sector.

Dr. Siri Gamage

Senior Lecturer, Contextual Studies in Education

University of New England, Australia

Heavy fines on drunk drivers News- August 30

The penalty that was imposed was nothing for the drunk drivers who were arrested. Instead of Rs 7,000 fine and two month suspension of their licence, it should be Rs 50,000 and six months suspension.

The second time if they get caught they will have to serve a jail term and one year suspension of license.

-Gamini

CMC on cleaning spree Page 1- August 30

Well overdue. But who will ‘police’ the police? Time will tell if the operation is a success, or, if only the smaller hotels/restaurants will be penalized and those who can afford to pay will get away with the unhygenic practices when caught.

-Errol C Foenander