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The Army Detachment at Thallady in Mannar displayed an array of
illuminated Vesak pandals and other work of curative art for the public
to view and enjoy with a difference this time.
The 543 Division invited the people to also participate in a buffet
type feast on May 5 and 6. This invitation drew large numbers of people
from all walks of life to witness the event that turned out to be a big
draw. People who visited the specially built enclosure to partake of the
food were very impressed by the way the Army treated them. Soldiers in
civil clothes warmly welcomed the people and served them food with
smiling faces. The hospitality shown by the army at this event is highly
commendable.
Some high ranking officers were seen moving around conversing with
the people. Many people expressed their thanks with smiles to the
soldiers who served them.
Those who could converse in Sinhala and English talked with the
officers and expressed their thanks. This Vesak celebration is seen as a
gesture of goodwill by the army stationed in Mannar. We wish that this
would pave the way for better cordial relationship between the security
forces and the people in Mannar and elsewhere in the years to come.
S.A. Croos
Although Opposition parties alleged that the LLRC (Lessons Learnt and
Reconciliation Commission) was a camouflage, the United Nations’ Human
Rights Commission Sessions in Geneva emphasized that Sri Lanka should
implement the recommendations made in the LLRC report. This UNHRC
acceptance, while proving that the allegations were false, reflects the
sincerity and commitment President Mahinda Rajapaksa has in solving the
issues.
What unfortunately had been forgotten by everybody concerned is that
with the report becoming a public document after being tabled in
Parliament in December 2011, the President as early January this year
set in motion the process of obtaining the consensus of political
parties in Parliament to implement the recommendations.
This had to be done taking into account the diversity of the issues
in the report and also since the aspirations of all people including
those of the minority had to be met. The one draw back clearly was the
lack of time after tabling the report in Parliament, as after the budget
debate, the House was adjourned and not that the government was adopting
delaying tactics.
In the event the LLRC report is to be implemented, it would be
prudent to carefully consider as to whether certain recommendations made
by the commission are in conformity with the constitution of Sri Lanka.
Harshi Nadie Perera
We read with interest a news item in your popular journal on April 9,
that the Power and Energy Ministry has commenced a programme to provide
CFL bulbs free of charge to religious worship places throughout the
country, in a drive to conserve energy.
It is indeed a laudable programme that will help religious places
immensely. It would be prudent and desirable if the less affluent and
needy places are given priority, since there are many religious places
which cannot even replace an ordinary bulb when fused.
Conserving energy should be a must as otherwise we can end up in a
crisis situation if people do not genuinely observe it. Very often we
read and hear appeals through print and electronic media to switch off
unnecessary lights. In spite of these repeated requests we still see
many places where attention is not paid towards this need.
A lot of electricity is wasted in local authority areas which provide
street lights. It is the bounden duty of all citizens to extend their
fullest support which in the long run would certainly benefit everybody.
It would also be ideal and praiseworthy if the Power and Energy Ministry
helps all electricity consumers in the country by making available CFL
bulbs at affordable prices. This will not be a liability to the Ministry
but a good investment on the long run as the enormous amount of very
expensive energy could be saved if all are made to use CFL bulbs. Today
how many can afford to buy CFL bulbs for their homes at great cost? Very
sincerely and in good faith I appeal to the authorities concerned to
consider this request, which if granted, would certainly be beneficial
not only to the consumer but also to the Ministry and the country at
large.
R.a. de silva
I list below some observations which need clarification from the
relevant authorities.
The government declared May 7 (Monday) a Public and Bank Holiday in
lieu of the day following Vesak, a statutory holiday, falling on Sunday,
May 6. No lieu leave needs to be granted to government employees who
enjoy statutory and non statutory holidays (in addition to Poya days and
weekends). Only mercantile sector employees are entitled to this
holiday, as they do not enjoy non-statutory holiday facilities. However,
bank employees enjoy all holidays.
Some companies in the mercantile sector without closing their
establishments, arrange for their employees to take the additional
holiday on a day of their choice. Banks also could follow this practice.
It was announced that EPF and ETF benefits will be available to
private bus employees. The private bus service re-commenced operations
in 1978 (closed in 1957) and EPF benefits should have been given to
employees from the inception. From March 1, 1981 and April 1, 1983 ETF
and the Gratuity Payment respectively should also accrue. Surprisingly,
the Labour Department has failed to observe this. It is hoped that
corrective action would be taken to cover all employees since inception.
S.R. Balachandran
People dispose their solid waste improperly with no regret or
conviction. The most commonly seen product that is strewn on the streets
is polythene. Though there may be other products that are improperly
disposed of the most noticeable is polythene, due to its colour,
tendency to be blown in the wind and the type of waste that is wrapped
by it.
Polythene has become inseparable from the everyday activities of
humans. Yet due to its toxic effect on the environment the world has had
to explore alternatives. These alternatives though effective in reducing
the negative impacts of waste to the environment, cannot replicate the
practical use of polythene. It is now established that there can never
be an alternative that can replace polythene. Since the use of polythene
cannot be stopped, it can be controlled.
There is a ban on the production of all plastic bags below the
thickness of 20 microns for distribution in Sri Lanka. This is to ensure
that all polythene disposed, can be recycled. This can happen only if
there is an effective means of separating polythene at the point of
collection.
On the total waste collected at garbage dumps in Sri Lanka, polythene
and plastics account for 5.91% of all garbage and is on par with paper
(6%) and garment waste (6%). Though, when taking a glimpse of a garbage
dump the most attractive element is polythene and plastics, the majority
of all garbage is bio-degradable waste which accounts for 57% of all
garbage. Polythene and plastic is not collected separately but is found
mixed with all the other types of garbage.
By enforcing that all polythene produced is above the thickness of 20
microns, the advantages of it is negated by the inefficient method in
which it is collected. In most instances when a polythene bag is thrown
it is to dispose of food waste.
This food waste is picked by crows, rats and other vermin. Once eaten
the polythene bag in which the food was wrapped in is free to float
around in the streets creating clutter and spreading germs. Therefore,
is it the product itself that is harmful to the environment or is it the
use of it?
What if polythene is banned in Sri Lanka? What would be the
alternative? Would this solve the problem of litter in the country?
P. P. Perera
I have just finished reading a book I purchased titled “Medicine in
the Elderly” (Volume 1) edited by Professor Colvin Goonaratna and
Consultant Physician Dr. Achala Balasuriya. Actually the book attracted
my notice at first by its lovely cover. But in fact it is a treasure
trove of information about diseases of elderly people. The Foreword,
Preface and the first three Chapters alone (of a total of 15) are worth
the price of this marvellous book.
Each chapter is edited by expert specialist doctors. They do write
concisely and stylishly. The pages are uncluttered by theories and
hypotheses. The type is large and readable. Every chapter is a gem. I am
so glad I read it from cover to cover. It is a book for every home,
certainly for everyone over 60 years of age.
Yamuna Tillakaratne
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