Very often I go to the Pettah bus stand to catch a bus to Moratuwa.
It is rarely that I find a bus at the stand and invariably have to wait
for some time till it arrives. Most commuters have to wait for their
buses, but are not in a position to keep standing unless they keep
holding their noses due to the unbearable stench emanating from the
public toilets nearby. I wonder when the beautification of the Pettah
bus stand will start.
I wonder whether the Transport Minister ever goes to the Pettah bus
stand to check its status. Beautification of Colombo is the talk of the
town. What about the Pettah bus stand I ask? We want action not words.
Praneetha Perera
The Housing Minister deserves our thanks for the enormous renovation
work carried out at the Maligawatta Housing Scheme. Workmen engaged in
the task encountered difficulties due to unauthorised constructions that
have sprung up all over. Residents who have violated the condominium
laws in this respect are mainly ground floor occupants. By resorting to
this practice they have usurped the common property belonging to all the
residents much to their dislike. As can be seen the illegal
constructions apart from interfering with the water supply lines and the
sewage system, have considerably weakened the very foundation.
Law-abiding residents are unable to take the wrong-doers to courts
because of the enormous cost of litigation.
We now hear that notices in writing have been given to break-up the
illegal constructions. We welcome this move and trust that the
authorities would pursue the matter relentlessly and ensure justice to
the law-abiding residents of the Maligawatta housing scheme.
AR
What one does in public, really shows true character. That way it is
sad to note that we Sri Lankans are probably at the rock bottom when it
comes to road manners, except of course a very few. The other day I was
driving towards a round-about when a van with a smart driver, probably
well educated, cut across my vehicle though driving from the right I had
the right of way. This is of course no surprise nowadays. The more
expensive the car, the more educated one looks you can almost expect the
more aggressive behaviour, as if to say " Who do you think you are to
overtake me?" But what followed was the surprise. Just behind him was a
three wheeler and I hesitated that he will follow suit taking advantage
of my hesitation.
But, though he looked humble, simple, probably not much educated, he
stopped and gestured me to drive on.
Now where does the education come in? Is it a bigger car, better
dress or even certificates of qualifications? Not really.
It is your behavior, your respect for the laws of the country and
your manners.
We have become bad mannered people especially on the road. We
overtake on the wrong side, we cut across rudely, we honk if someone
irritate us, we stay put on the wrong lane etc. etc. We keep blaming the
politicians for all our faults, including this trend, but what have we
done to change this sad situation? It is said "If you want to see a
change in the world the change must happen in you first." Blaming
politicians will not change the situation and we must realize that the
politicians of this country ceased to be the models long long ago.
We must make an effort to bring about a change in the society by
changing our attitude.
If we set our hearts at it, We can.
Dr. Mareena Thaha Reffai
Switch off a bulb and help save power, urges the minister. Every
household today is doing its best to reduce its consumption and
consequently the electricity bill. The biggest culprits however are
those who do not switch-off the road lights which continue to burn even
throughout day and in some areas even on holidays for over 24 hours. We
kindly request the Minister to see to it that the road lights are
switched off everyday by 5.30 a.m.
Zulkifli Nazim e-mail
I write to praise the dedication and commitment of the staff, ward
and ICU doctors, nurses, attendants, Dr. Anees and most importantly Dr.
H. Kularathna, Consultant Neuro Surgeon of the Colombo National
Hospital.
My father in law was admitted to the ICU of the hospital on March 20.
Twenty days and two surgeries later, this 82 year old patient, despite
being old and weak had been well tended to and looked after in a way
that deeply touched our hearts. The quality of care displayed by the
selfless medical staff at ICU 5 and ward 81, is inexplicable and
exemplary.
Besides professionalism, what we truly witnessed was their spirit of
undying humanity to save a life at any cost. Needless to say it is at
the government hospitals where the poor and rich alike seek medical
attention at any hour of need. The medical staff at NHSL the
consultants, doctors, nurses, attendants, and the rest are doing a
yeoman service for the citizens of our country and have our deepest
gratitude and appreciation.
A.M.M. Muzammil
Your journal recently reported that the water supply in the
Talawakele area is contaminated.
It is a pity that reporting of incidents take place in a rampant way,
and that when a situation is reported, the officials concerned take a
negative and defensive stand without resorting to solving the problem.
The water fed by the National Water Supply & Drainage Board may leave
plants after chlorination fit for human consumption but during
transmission, may get contaminated. When a water supply line breaks
down, the Board does not have a procedure for expelling the collected
contaminated water from the pit, but merely joins the ends and resumes
supply. This happens not only in Talawakele, but also in Kadawatha and
Colombo.
In Kadawatha, consumers of water from the mains supply complain that
the water received is brown and muddy in colour. When inquiries are made
from the Water Supply Board, the answer always is that a breakdown
repair has taken place.
I suggest that all officials in responsible positions think of
improving quality and productivity in their respective areas, and help
the consumers to receive a better service. After all you are paid from
their taxes.
Tilak Dissanayake, e-mail.
After an appeal to the authorities in April 2011, 'Drag racing' on
Elvitigala Mawatha at midnight was stopped. However of late it has
started once again.
Are the officers attached to the Borella police station hard of
hearing or is it that the 'drag racers' are the spoilt brats of some
influential persons, that they do nothing about this menace? Can the
city traffic police please take notice that this drag racing is taking
place on a primary highway in the center of the Colombo city and
constitutes a grave danger to life and limb of other road users?
The Central Environmental Authority is taking steps to prosecute
people who modify engine silencers and disturb the peace and quiet of
the city. But nothing seems to be done about these brats who are
disturbing the public peace between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. in the morning.
Elvitigala Mawatha is lined with residential flats.
There are expatriates and foreign visitors residing in the 'Trilium'
apartments. What do you think their impression of the 'Miracle of Asia'
is going to be, if this is allowed to continue?
authorities, please do something to stop this menace and ensure the
right of all citizens to a peaceful night's rest.
M.C. De Silva
|
