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| Monday, 24 September 2001 |
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Letters | |
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There is an unofficial queue formed by the residents of Colpetty close to the UK embassy, to get a fast buck. Each prospective visa applicant has to pay a ransom of Rs. 1,000 to secure a place in the queue and the worst suffering is that a bona-fide applicant has to get into the queue by 10.00 p.m., the previous evening to get an early placement. Even then the position he could get is behind the last number issued by the local unofficial organizers who collect their fees. These applicants have to stay in the queue in rain and sun, without food or any other refreshments, for if they vacate the queue even for a call of nature, they get pushed to the far end of the queue. This is an unfortunate sad story. Why cannot the authorities concerned, call for the visa applications from the prospective applicants well ahead of time; process them and call only the bona-fide applicants in an acceptable order and return the other applications. C.S.L. - Nugegoda
The A/L Physics 2001 question paper is one of the toughest papers ever to set for the last 20 years or so. The general opinion is, it is a very different paper and majority of the students had found it very tough and most of them had not even made an attempt to answer some questions, as that section of the subject had not been taught to them either in the school or tuition class. This year, unfortunately the A/L students had to study against heavy odds, not of their own making; but with frequent power cuts, day and night cricket matches; especially those science students had a really difficult time, having to sit for four question papers on consecutive days. We hope when the time tables are rescheduled next; plight of the science students will be considered sympathetically. It is hoped, even at this late stage saner counsel will prevail and the education authorities will view the predicament of the science students leniently. U.N. NANAYAKKARA -Borella.
Time and time again we have brought to the attention of the CMC that the pedestrian lights at the W. A. de Silva Mawatha - Galle Road Junction, a very busy junction, where in addition there is continuous flow of pedestrians on the pavement in both directions, the lights are not synchronised for over two years. The pedestrian light on the southern side indicates red all the time and the light on northern side does not function at all. Pedestrians therefore ignore the lights and are in great danger of being knocked down as the vehicles start moving irregularly as the lights for vehicular traffic are functioning normally. This is a serious hazard to life and it also holds up the smooth and fast movement of traffic. I hope this will catch the eyes of the authorities at least on this occasion and some remedial action will be taken. It is also surprising that the Police who regulate traffic at this junction during rush hours have not brought this to your notice. A.R. -Colombo 6.
Accidents are a very common feature occurring and seen on our main roads almost daily, causing loss of life and limb of pedestrians as well as those of passengers travelling in vehicles. At least two to three accidents/collisions are noticed when travelling between Colombo and Galle, and for that matter elsewhere. This is a result of errant drivers of buses eager to overtake other vehicles. These drivers do not care for the valued lives of the passengers and users of roads, their primary concern is to overtake other vehicles and take in passengers. One clear incident was noticed on the recently where a Colombo bound bus from Galle had knocked down a motor cyclist with a pillion rider at Madampagama passing Ambalangoda towards, Galle, resulting in two persons injured and hospitalised. It was heard that the bus driver responsible had taken to his heals after the accident but had been caught up by the people of the area and given good hammering. However, it had been fortunately stopped by some sensible persons intervening. The bus in question, as seen, was almost on the edge of the right-hand side of the road. This was a clear instance of reckless driving and overtaking of other vehicles. The Police are there on alert and take action against the drivers of over-speeding vehicles and buses. However, their efforts are hindered by the drivers of on-coming vehicles who give a timely warning by switching on their lights thereby indicating that the Police are close by at their job. This is a disadvantage in checking of over speeding vehicles and no doubt hinders the checks being done by the Police, a worthy cause, thereby reducing accidents which could be avoided to a certain extent. Instead, the Police should be given a backing by the Public and specially law abiding drivers of vehicles. E. EKARATNA DE SILVA-Piliyandala.
Have read with considerable interest the recent letters you have received re. the "harm" caused by many toxic pesticides & coils now being used - this same effect was of concern to my family & also the fact that I could not inhale "sickly" fumes anymore nor ignore the fact revealed by the EPA of America regards the harm done by "toxic" repellents! I have thankfully "saved" my family from this & have used certain "natural & non toxic ingredients" to formulate a "safe" insect repellent & have been using this for the past month or so after an extensive period of research & have succeeded in making my home 90% "free" of all pests! Incidentally no product from Malathion to DEET or Permethryn is 100% effective! For your readers' benefit my suggestion is they try out natural repellents like "citronella oil" or "lemon grass" & many similar effective natural insect repellents! KIRAN MODY -Colombo . |
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