When the people who contribute their labour for the sake of the
country get sick, the Sri Lanka National Hospital is one of the main
institutions where they are relieved. If the services provided by such a
vital place breaks down even for one day, what would be the plight of
the needy?
We as doctors and also as citizens of this country, experienced such
a horrific feeling when some divisions in the entire health sector kept
away from work a few days ago.
In keeping with the economic fluctuations when the brotherhood of our
service lined up to win their rights, a strategic approach was the need
of the hour, in balancing the situation without depriving the rights of
the workers and also in meteing justice to the innocent patients.
It is our firm belief that we would not have been able to manage this
institution without interrupting the services, if not for the correct
measures taken well in advance to face the challenges in a disastrous
situation.
Under the guidance of the present Director of the Hospital, the staff
in almost all service categories, has already had the opportunity to
undergo several training programmes which has transformed attitudes and
practices to produce a committed work force within the institution.
All the specialists and other medical officer, officers in the
nursing and administrative departments, clerical services, overseers and
health care assistants and all those who teamed up with the Director of
the hospital should be commended for the yeoman service provided during
the difficult times which will definitely be an example to other
hospitals in the country.
We were taken by surprise when we saw that there was no interruption
of the provision of meals to the large number of patients two were
hospitalized at the time.
We witnessed special grade nursing officers, sisters and staff nurses
displaying their commitment to the hospital by volunteering to
distribute food to the patients, and maintaining a sub store of surgical
and medical items brought anew to the institution to be used in wards
and theatres.
The Army, Aavy Air force and the Police showed their gratitude to
this premier institution by assisting the staff at this difficult
moment. It was an indication that they have not forgotten the services
rendered to them by the national hospital staff during the war period.It
would be a great mistake and also a cover up of the truth if we do not
mention here about the courteous and well disciplined leadership of the
present Director of this institution, who is the force behind its
ability to stand as a solid tower in the face of an island wide trade
union action.
Dr Mahinda Wickramarachchi
It was reported that when a student from Vavuniya asked the question,
how to become a responsible citizen from Dr. Abdul Kalam, the renowned
scientist and former President of India on his recent visit to Sri
Lanka, his spontaneous reply was:
“Where there is righteousness in the heart, there is beauty in the
character
When there is beauty in the character there is harmony in the home
When there is harmony in the home, there is order in the nation
When there is order in the nation there is peace in the world”.
It is timely that we pay special attention to these wise words which
should really be thought about seriously and digested by all Sri Lankans
both young and old irrespective of any differences in caste, creed or
religion.
It would be very rewarding for all of us if these inspiring ideas are
exposed to us daily and followed faithfully throughout our lives. Such
action would surely be a great impetus for the future prosperity of Sri
Lanka.
Andrew Scott
Kandy
The Peliyagoda fish market has been a boon to the fish industry and
the common man from the day it was inaugurated. I frequent it twice a
week in the early hours of the morning for my family needs.
Although the market premises is well maintained, the one km access
road to the market from the Colombo-Negombo road is full of potholes.
Even worse, there are two long stretches of the road that become
small basins of stagnant water more than nine inches deep after rainfall
making access using cars hazardous, and risking water entering vehicles
and ruining the carpets.
These collections of water continue to persist for a day or two until
they evaporate. Even on a non-rainy day, the potholes are by themselves
a driving hazard.
I suggest that the authority in charge of maintenance visit the road
a few hours or even half a day after a heavy rainfall and see for
themselves the difficulties faced.
I write this letter in good faith and hope that the authorities will
rectify the matter without delay.
MCS (email)
The Nagoda public library in Kalutara maintained by the Kalutara U.C.
is closed down due to unknown reasons, for quite some time now. The
library benefited juvenile and adult readers alike immensely in the
Nagoda area while it was in operation but the building has now been
abandoned and is in a dilapidated state. Further, this unexpected
closure has left the public patrons in the lurch.
The readers request the responsible authorities to reopen the library
as soon as possible.
C.M. Kamburawala
The Department of Pensions has published a notice in the 'Daily News'
on 6.2.2012 which states that in order to reimburse the money deducted
from the pensions in February, 2009 those concerned should make a
request by registered post before 15.3.2012. This is very ridiculous.
To register a letter one has to pay Rs. 30 and for other matters he
will have to spend about another five or ten rupees. So the pensioner
will be getting back only Rs. 10 or 15 out of the already paid Rs. 50.
If the postage also is reimbursed by the Department, it may be in order.
It is my opinion that the total money deducted should be credited to
the Defence Fund. If not, pay it back to all pensioners along with their
April pensions.
Somasiri P. Liyanage
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