When the announcement was made that an express highway to Galle from
Kottawa was to be constructed very soon, I was one who thought why?
Although we finished the 30 year old war and development processes were
on the cards, I thought why should we spend unnecessarily when there
were much more burning issues such as the C.O.L. unemployment, and
housing problems untouched.
The day the highway was opened by the President I was not one of the
people who was watching the scenario. When we decided to travel to
Kataragama to fulfill a vow, my wife wanted to travel along the express
highway. With much hesitation I agreed to the demand, just to see the
sights and the highway. Travelling from Bellanwila to Kottawa was
hazardous, taking about 45 to 75 minutes to reach the commencement of
the highway. The road workers who were engaged in expanding the highway
up to Kottawa did not know how to direct vehicles, and it took us about
half an hour to reach the toll office. A traffic cop could have done a
better job, although people curse them.
It was quite amazing when we started our journey along the highway,
and the beautiful view of the hills and the paddyfields alongside was
breathtaking. It was a smooth ride and our vehicle was going at a speed
of 100 k.m.h.
We passed several exit points, and the road signs were very clear and
sound. It took us about 65 minutes to reach Pinnaduwa, the exit point to
Galle. I agree that a country cannot be developed without proper
infrastructure.
This is a great example. Even the roads leading up to Kataragama are
carpeted and are very good.
I would like to mention that I am an ardent UNPer, but credit should
be given when someone deserves it irrespective of politics. After all as
the President says, “My country comes first”.
We know how officials misled past prime ministers and presidents, and
why they became unpopular. I sincerely hope that the President will not
fall to such prey. Hope he will have the strength and courage to develop
the whole country.
I wish to whole heartedly thank the President, for trying to give us
courage to hold our heads high.
Thusith Gunaratna
Bellanwila
I am certain the majority of Muslims would have been shocked by
statements made by one Mathany, in the Muslim Service programme on
Sunday, February 19th morning.
His speech reeked with hate and ridicule at one of the Islamic sects.
At a time when one Muslim state after another is being attacked and
destroyed by the American-European-Zionist anti-Muslim axis of evil,
this individual with a high title went ahead shaking the foundations of
Muslim unity calling Shiahs and other Islamic groups not with the Saudi
Wahhabis as Kafirs, Mushriqs, etc.
This radio Muslim service is dependent on sponsorship by Muslim
companies, reportedly earning millions every month.
However, there seems to be no control over the contents of the
programme, giving free licence to groups and individuals to attack
Muslim sects or groups that do no agree with them.
It is so serious a matter that it is time authorities of this radio
station, which I believe is a government one, to stop this hate campaign
by members of an individual sect against other sects. There should be
closer supervision of the contents of the programmes.
Shake Mufthy Nazeer
Dharga Town
There have been several accounts of the stray dog menace in the
country. A few weeks back we read a newspaper notice which informed the
public that stray dogs should be brought to the nearest government
veterinary clinic for sterilization.
Who would take the trouble to catch stray dogs and march them for
sterilization? In any event, will sterilization eliminate the stray dog
menace ?
D. D. Nimal Pathirage
Mawanella
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