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I have been promoting Sri Lanka to my foreign friends and at my
request a couple who used to work with me in the UK visited Sri Lanka.
They came on several occasions and their final stop was at a hotel in
Beruwala.
They wanted to see me in Mount Lavinia where I live and I advised
them that it is less than 100 kilometres and that they should hire a van
for maximum Rs 4,500. When they asked at the reception they were
directed just outside the premises of the hotel and the drivers asked
them to pay Rs 7,500, which was more than Rs 75 per km. This was just
for a basic vehicle.
They telephoned me, I hired a van from Mount Lavinia for Rs 2,300 to
pick them up. When I was returning from the hotel with them, a number of
people stopped our vehicle and tried to intimidate me for bringing a
vehicle. I of course told them that this is a democratic country and I
do not need their permission to pick anyone up and if they had been
reasonable, I need not have come all the way to pick these people. I
hope the Tourist Board together with the Police will prevent these types
of unscrupulous people, hanging around the area. Hotels should have a
list of registered people who charge reasonable rates to prevent the
country getting a bad name.
These tourists spend around $2,000 to go on tours and stay in hotels
and we really should not exploit them.
R C Wanigatunga, Mt Lavinia
According to a survey, conducted by the Rehabilitation and Prisons
Reforms Ministry, over 80 percent of those interviewed, wanted capital
punishment to be implemented to fight criminal issues.
Criminal offences are at large, from child abuse to murders, and
other forms of criminal activities. Criminals are familiar with our
punishments, and after a few months in prison they come out in some way.
So, they repeat their crimes, without any fear. The countries without
capital punishment system has a large number of criminal activities
recorded. Criminals deserve capital punishment.
The doing away with capital punishment from 1976 has increased the
number of criminal activities by several folds and the convicts who had
been sentenced to death are still in the chambers of Welikada and
Bogambara living in peace, which is a good example for the other
criminals to move with confidence to escape from capital punishment.
Without religious or caste differences people have agreed for capital
punishment to be implemented again. This shows us the mentality of our
people who live in fear of these criminals and criminal activities in
Sri Lanka.
M.N. Kaiyoom
I refer to the article "New Mayor to sell luxury vehicle" in the
Daily News. Thanks for bringing this valuable news to public.
Being a political septuagenarian, I seldom or never indulge in
praises, hosannas for politicians. In this instance I am compelled to do
so.
Matara's new mayor has decided to sell the luxury official vehicle
used by the former mayor. This is news for the commoners. I certainly do
agree that politicians must live in comfort but certainly not in clover.
The heads of other municipal councils must follow suit and earn respect
from the public likewise.
Heartiest congratulations, Matara mayor!
Nanda Nanayakkara, Matara
According to a news item, 37 ailing companies belong to the public
will be taken over by the government. May I know the stand taken by the
government on private companies which have cheated employees of their
terminal benefits (EPF/ETF), gratuity, compensation as well as
non-payment of dues to suppliers of materials to the companies? Can
officers in labour office say the address of company is not known, file
is missing and so on? Why can't the State take over the assets of
directors and pay the dues as well as punish the Labour Department
officials?
S Sripadmanaban, Narahenpita.
The Dummala modern bridge in Maggona is on the verge of
deterioration. The concrete slabs on both sides of the pedestrian way
are broken and senior citizens who walk along the Galle Road during the
rainy season face difficulties and are in danger due to disjointed slabs
on the bridge.
C M Kamburawala
When I was on my way to the British Council I saw a hoarding with a
picture of a female model by a leading company which markets lingerie. I
personally feel that this type of indecent hoardings should be removed
for the sake of children and also shift the window display from public
view as many students visit this library.
Mohamed Zahran Colombo 3
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