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Accidents at level crossings are a widely discussed subject these
days. The Englishmen who constructed the railroads in the 18th century
installed gates at level crossings in areas which they observed
extremely necessary, taking into account the flow of traffic and
movement of the people. Remote areas were left out because there were
few or no people living and motor vehicles were not in use.
The increase in population and vehicles subsequently created the need
for gates in remote areas also. During President Ranasinghe Premadasa's
time, bamboo gates were introduced as a preliminary step. Bamboo gates
and their operators were however discontinued gradually and the Railway
Department must take the full responsibility of shirking, in this
connection.
When vehicles crossing rail tracks are knocked down by moving trains,
the non-availability of gates is stated to be the common cause. Railway
authorities too have admitted this and arrangements are now being made
to install rail gates in all unguarded places to remedy the situation.
Accidents are also attributed to the recklessness and
irresponsibility of motor vehicle drivers. The incident at Angulana on
June 24, as a result of a lorry big parked close to the railway track,
is one clear instance of violation of road rules.
A certificate of competence is issued by the Department of Motor
Vehicles to certify the ability of an individual to drive vehicles
following road rules, irrespective of the fact whether there are rail
gates or not. As rail-tracks are laid across roads, rail-gates are a
requirement, yet there are rules to be followed in places where there
are no rail gates, which all motorists ought to know.
Although indiscipline of drivers is a matter overlooked today, we
have modest motorists who know the highway rules and ensure the safety
of pedestrians and property alongside.
The breaking of the law by a minority at times provokes members of
the public to put across a word or two at least, because the number of
accidents occurring daily, is a grave threat to the lives of pedestrians
and drivers themselves due to lack of proper training.
In the bygone era, motor vehicles were driven with meticulous care
and respect to all and with strict observance of road rules. Motor
accidents were unexpected events and rarely heard of. However today,
accidents have become a regular feature on highways all over the country
and could be expected at any moment because of the incompetence of the
majority of vehicle drivers.
There had been a plan some time back, to establish a Driver Training
Institute in collaboration with the Japanese government, however the
implementation of this plan seems to have been shelved. The country
needs an educated class of drivers who should also be equipped with
qualities of patience, caution and responsibility.
L.A.W. LIYANA ARACHCHI
KADAWATA
The media and the general public always blame the authorities, but
never comment on the behaviour of the drivers and the general public. In
Sri Lanka, safety is not considered seriously in any sphere of
activities. If the general behaviour of vehicle drivers is examined, it
would be a surprise that the number of accidents are so less.
The way pedestrians cross the road is an indication of the general
mentality of the public at large. I do not for a moment try to defend
authorities. Do we need fencing to control the behaviour of pedestrians
like that of animals? There are places even where the fences are broken
and people creep through to take short cuts. Road rules are virtually
non-existent. I have seen instances where cyclists bypass closed rail
gates. If individuals put their lives at risk on their own accord,
whatever the warnings, fences or gates be will not help.
Proper behaviour should be inculcated from the very young age. I was
watching the other day in London how a small girl of about 4 years
behaved, when using a pedestrian crossing. Her father was accompanying
her, but unassisted by her father she behaved excellently.
The little child on her own, pressed the button and waited till the
lights changed and crossed the road by looking and ensuring that both
sides were clear. In Sri Lanka it is common to see parents take the
safer side of the pavement while the child is nearer the traffic line.
This is a clear example of indifference to safety.
I think the Traffic Police should police the behaviour of drivers and
pedestrians rather than controlling traffic at traffic lights. Also on
the part of authorities, there is a need for better arrangement for road
crossings. Pedestrian crossings should not be placed right at junctions
but away from them, with independent lights controlling the crossing.
Only then would drivers get enough visibility and warning. A typical
example is at the Nugegoda junction where the traffic lights and the
crossing lights are not helpful to both drivers and pedestrians.
D.P.Y. ABEYWARDHANA
LONDON
The Australian Labour Party Prime Minister Julia Gillard was not
popular among the country's voters and it was obvious that the Labour
Party under her leadership would lose heavily at the upcoming hustings.
Hence, with a view to avoiding a humiliating defeat at the elections,
the Labour Party removed her from the party leadership and appointed
Kevin Rudd as replacement.
Should not the UNP follow the Australian Labour Party example and
replace its leader to overcome the debacle the party is facing? Perhaps
the UNP may decide to do so after the forthcoming Provincial Council
election results are announced in September or will the Party opt to
steadily wither away to political oblivion?
UPALI JAYASEKERA
RAJAGIRIYA
Political parties do not exercise adequate care when selecting
persons to contest elections as their Party candidates. Evidently there
seems to have been very little assessment made on the suitability of
candidates. Leaders of political parties should place more importance on
the integrity and honesty of the individuals concerned when fielding
candidates for elections, because if a dishonest and insincere person
happens to be chosen to represent the people, voters would see no virtue
in them as such persons invariably resort to corrupt practices.
Therefore, the general public support the retention of a correct
procedure when deciding on the applicants. In the circumstances, there
is visible consensus that it is about time that people are insulated
from corrupt self-serving politicians.
NANDARATNA RAJAPAKSHA
AMBALANGODA
Most of the roads in the Pettah, especially Main Street, Maliban
Street, Fourth and Fifth Cross Streets need repairs by way of carpeting
and constructing pavements. Patch work has been the practice all these
years, leading to stagnation of water and causing difficulties not only
to pedestrians but also to business establishments.
The latter's door steps become virtually muddy fields on rainy days.
In what bad road conditions after a rain, do people walk in the Pettah
area - jumping here and there to avoid pools of muddy water. If the
authorities visit the Pettah after a rain, they would be able to see for
themselves how people tread the muddy water everywhere and how disgusted
they are.
The Defence Secretary is developing the city to make it beautiful and
convenient for the people. The Pettah should also be included for
development on a priority basis. So many thousands of people visit the
Pettah daily for various purposes.
They should be able to walk on the Pettah roads that are worst in the
places mentioned earlier. They should be able to see the changes and
developments taking place in the entire City of Colombo. No doubt the
fish market area will get a facelift as it is being refurbished by the
UDA. The Fort Railway Station and Bastian Mawatha should also be given a
facelift.
Why is the CMC officials neglectful and not providing good and safe
roads in the Pettah area? Whom does the Pettah belong to? New pavements
and carpeting would make the Pettah area look better and more
convenient. It would be better if the City is taken over by the UDA from
the CMC.
PRIYA PERERA
COLOMBO 9
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