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| Thursday, 31 January 2002 |
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Letters | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Sports Obituaries
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I read with great interest the front page news (DN, Jan 17) under the heading "Cancer deaths on the rise" and accounts for 11.5 per cent of deaths according to Health Ministry statistics. I believe the percentage is based on total deaths. It was only a day prior to this news report, at an orientation seminar for a group of medical undergraduates of the University of Sri Jayawardanapura on elders issues held at the HelpAge auditorium it was pointed out that although the incidence of cancer was increasing in Sri Lanka, cancer is not listed as one of the leading causes of deaths among the elderly. The Ministry of Health statistics (Annual Health Bulletin 1998) lists the five leading causes of death in the age group of 50 years and over, as follows - ill-defined causes (top of the list) followed by diseases of the pulmonary circulation and other forms of heart diseases, diseases of the nervous system, diseases of the respiratory system, and ischaemic heart disease. In USA, in comparison, cancer is listed as the second main cause of deaths among the elderly (those 65 years and over) accounting for 21 per cent of deaths among the older people. In fact, in USA, cancer is overwhelmingly a disease of the elderly (those 65 years and over) with half of all cancers occurring in people over 65 years. Now that the new law for the Rights of the Elders has been passed in this country, wherein the threshold chronological age to be considered old is fixed as 60 years, it is important that the Ministry of Health clearly classifies the mortality and mobility data for the elderly group (60 years and over), Furthermore, one of the main objectives of the National Council for Elders that is to be appointed under the new law, is to set up a National Policy on Ageing, and formulate a National Plan of Action. In order to accomplish this task meaningfully, reliable official data on the elderly, including mortality and morbidity data will be required. DR. TERENCE PERERA- Colombo 5.
Feature articles by Asoka Weerasingha and Dr. Jayantha Seneviratne in 18/01/02 DN are wonderful and reveal the truth in the present context. We need more and more articles We need peace at any cost. All the politicians had brought this beautiful country to the present state. God bless Sri Lanka and its people of all communities. K. S. SIVANANDAN - New York
This has reference to the article on the above caption (DN - Jan. 17) by Cleatus Jayawardene. In the first instance, the writer should be commended for having brought this incident of a huge commercial folly, a story of the rise and fall of an energy giant in the US, to the knowledge of the general public of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka too is not devoid of similar over-ambitious conglomerates who have attempted to diversify into a multitude of commercial and industrial fields to fast and have their fingers. Some have ended up with huge unrecoverable bank loans. In this context, it would be quite advisable, as has been quite rightly stated by Mr. Jayawardene, for our Central Bank authorities to take a cue from this American mishap and take appropriate action to prevent the occurrence of such commercial calamities in this country. PREMADASA PERIYAPPERUMA- Maharagama.
Why did People's Alliance fail? Because during their election campaign they spoke on public platforms, on TV discussions and at newspaper interviews only all about the corruptions and criminal activities of the UNP government from A to Z during their reign of 17 year period. The popular talk amongst them were the sacking of strikers by President Jayewardene, giving of arms and ammunition to the LTTE by President Premadasa and of privatising or selling State Institutions. Having informed all about them to the whole nation they won the 1994 election. The people voted for the PA not to go round and talk of such things forever but to get down to work and develop the country and raise the living standards of the people. The ordinary people suffered a lot specially because of the negligence, improper planning and corruption of the Ministry of Power and Energy under which came the essentials of the people. One of the promises of ending the war too was not successful. Then came the year 2000 general election and the government pleaded the voters to give them another opportunity to fulfil all the promises made. During this election, riggings were done, President's and Ministers' Security Division were acting in a harmful manner as ordered by their top officers. Journalists were attacked and press freedom was interfered. A few powerful ministers did whatever they want in a way for the people to hate the government. The President could not oppose such ministers due to various reasons. Specially because of some were relations and some were sincere friends. Despite the difficulties faced by the people, specially due to rising cost of living and the postponing of the salary increase according to the Salary Commission, but with the intention of seeing peace and stern actions taken against corruptions and thuggerisms of a few VIPs in their government, the masses voted PA to power. But the atrocities of the PA politicians continued with no regards to the day to day problems of the poor and middle class people. They also published their vision and pledged of doing so many things including finding a lasting solution to the northern war. But they were not up to their words. They too displayed their might. Thereby, they were forced to face another election in December, 2001. During this election too they started the same old story of the UNP and their 17-year rule. But this time with another couple of items added like Dr. Jayalath's secret conversation with the LTTE and Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe's agreement with LTTE to divide the country. Audio cassettes relevant to both the serious and sensitive talks were shown on TV by a senior and responsible minister of the PA government to rouse the feelings and to deceive the people and receive their votes. The majority of the people were wise enough to realise the ploy of the government but some people assumed it to be a truth and supported PA. And by such support only they got a few seats. The politicians may exchange any amount of lies inside the Parliament. But should not try to lie to the masses. All masses are not asses to believe all cases that will be put forward by the politicians. the UNP/UNF Government has a lot to learn from the poor PA administration. As we see, the Prime Minister has taken a lot of good measures to keep all his Ministers and the MPs under control in all aspects. Because surely he has realised that fooling the masses cannot be continued anymore in this millennium. Anything could be solved if everything is treated fairly and equally and in all cases according to the law. One thing is important for the UNP/UNF rulers to bear in mind. Consumer items must be in fair prices for people to eat and live. Such fair prices should not be available only in CWE but islandwide. People preferred UNP in the past because of the availability of food items. At the time of writing this letter the price of rice and coconut is somewhat beyond the reach of the poor and middle class people. NAZLY CASSIM - Colombo. 1.
The previous government did not ponder of the old-aged people who survived on the bank interest for their livelihood. Wherever I trudged to the state sponsored bank, I would see how the elderly people flock to the bank to draw their monthly interest. What a state of stepmotherly treatment is this? I can recollect when I possessed Rs. 20,000 during the UNP regime I was given 20 per cent interest amounting to Rs. 600. I hope our sincere Hon. Prime Minister, Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe will instruct the present Finance Minister, Hon. K. N. Choksy to increase the interest rate on a monthly basis and bring solace for old people drawing their monthly interest. D. F. Kern - Moratuwa.
Classified under the term Endangered Species are numerous plants and animals which for various reasons are threatened to be wiped off the face of the earth. However, it is thought unlikely that presently the human species, due to its teeming numbers may not qualify for itemization under this heading for so many of them live and propagate the earth. Yet there are two varieties of the homo-erectus that have been for a long time not seen in their usual habitats in this part of the globe nor heard of and has seemingly disappeared. Those referred to are Price-control Inspectors and Public Health Inspectors. These two specimens were once often seen in the market area of all towns in the city and urban districts. The P.H.I. or Sanitary Inspector, as then known was a common sight. Dressed in immaculate white, coats embellished with epaulets and badges and shinning buttons running down the chests, bedecked with cap and John White shoes they often visited houses with a band of worker-species armed with appropriate gear. They destroyed all types of containers that could be a breeding base for mosquitoes and flies, used kingcoconut husks and coconut-shells, discarded tires etc. Drains and gardens were also cleaned up and refuse burnt. The other type too, the Price-control inspector, was once seen in public places in their khaki outfits. They strode about with authority frightening the lesser type of crooked traders and rogues. Alas! they too are seen no more. TERENCE AMARASEKARA- Mahabage.
Blaring horns is now a habit among bus and van drivers and new rich motorists. Not a moment passes at any point on any road in Colombo without a dozen horns blaring out in various tones and breves, demanding right of way. The bigger the vehicle, the bigger the noise. Try releasing the clutch pedal when red changes to amber at traffic lights to beat the line of motorists behind you blaring their horns urging you to move on before the colour changes to green. Nine times out of ten, a dozen horns will pierce your eardrums before your reflexes permit you to engage the clutch and race away. In contrast, compare the orderly flow of traffic in Singapore or London where a motorist would, but rarely, tap a horn button, albeit with some embarrassment to avoid an accident. The indiscriminate use of vehicle horns, adding more decibels to sound pollution in Colombo, has remained unchecked for so long that blaring of horns has now become a way of life. Add to this the indiscipline on our roads with buses, vans and three-wheelers weaving in and out of traffic at break-neck speed continuously blaring their horns, jay walkers crossing the roads wherever they please deliberately avoiding pedestrian crossings, traffic police seemingly unaware of the fact that u-turns across highways are prohibited, which makes driving in Colombo akin to walking in a snake pit. The UNF government has clearly expressed its intention of instilling discipline in the country. Why not start by banning the use of horns in Colombo and pressurizing the traffic police into ensuring that basic road rules are adhered to at all times. If offending vehicles, especially buses and vans are retained for three days at a police yard for 'fitness checking' rather than warning or fining the drivers, discipline would no doubt be restored within a matter of weeks. ROSHARN AMARASINGHE - Colombo 5.
I endorse Wirdh's view relating to the above published in DN of 21.01.2002. JVP got 9.1% in December 2001 elections, thanks to PA's foolish probationary govt concept. This position will be seen by everybody at forth-coming local polls where JVP will secure around 5%. Thus JVP should not be complacent that they are the only respected opposition. K. U. PUSHPAKUMARA - Kotte
It is with a deep feeling of gratitude that I extend my best wishes to the ceremony organised by the Institute of Personnel Management (Inc.) under the auspices of Dr.Karunasena Kodithuwakku, Minister for Education, on January 22 to felicitate the 50 years of service to Sri Lankan Management rendered by Dr. D. S. Bandarage. It will also be the launch of Dr. Bandarage's latest Book - Case Methods in Administration. Being a student of Management at the Sri Jayawardenapura University (MBA Program) in the mid 1970s, I had the good fortune of studying under Sri Lanka's Management 'Guru', Dr. Bandarage. His teaching methods were quite unique and advanced. The learned doctor was very sympathetic towards students from backward, non-English speaking backgrounds. He held special classes for such students so that they could get accustomed with the intricate English Management terminology. The writer and undoubtedly similar folks from rural backgrounds are very grateful to Dr. Bandarage for the guidance and advice that he has rendered to them so freely so many times. Thanks to the good Doctor a number of rural folks were able to climb the ladders in Sri Lanka's Administrative Service and the mercantile sector. It is refreshing to note that Sri Lanka's premier Management Institute, the Institute of Personnel Management, is now felicitating Dr. Bandarage for his services rendered over a period of more than 50 years. We wish Dr. Bandarage long-life and look forward to read many more of his publications. JAYAWEERA M. KUMARASINGHE
Should the LTTE ban be lifted? There was a report that Wickramabahu, the left wing leader, has suggested that the LTTE ban be lifted. While I am not sure under what conditions Mr. Wickramabahu says it should be lifted, but definitely LTTE should disarm themselves in order to be considered as a legal organization. If not, other organizations of any kind should be able to bear arms based on equality before the law. It is time for the Government to ask something from the LTTE if the ban be lifted. There is nothing wrong for anyone to form an organization if that organization respect the laws of the land in which it operates and seeks assistance. JAYASri DESHABANDU-USA
Local bodies for power solution I remember in 60s there was a power house run by Nawalapitiya Urban Council to supply power to the people in and around town. This concept can now be introduced by all MCC, UCC, TCC and PSS as a short term and long term strategy for the power crisis. Local bodies can invest in modern & medium size power plants/houses with a view to supply electricity to their rate-payers during power cut in the short run. To be economical these plants can generate power for the national grid in the long run as well local bodies with surplus capital can start this initially and others can follow to solve a national problem. Who is there to take the challenge? K. U. PUSHPAKUMARA- Pita Kotte
Reference is made to the article in the Sunday Observer of Dec. 16, 2001, about the Mayor's ambitious project to install a modern abattoir in the city of Colombo for cattle slaughter. The need of the hour is not an abattoir but positive and result-oriented projects for the following burning problems that the city of Colombo is faced with currently. A few important areas are: i) To rectify the continued flooding of city roads and residential premises in many areas during heavy rains, which remains unsolved. This is so especially along Siri Dhamma Mawatha, Colombo 10 where I live. ii) Regular and efficient maintenance of drainways within the city to minimize the curse of regular floods. iii) Effective disposal and treatment of the garbage of the city of Colombo. iv) Improvement of conditions under which the majority of slum dwellers of the city continue to live. It is suggested that the aid from Netherlands be directed towards the above areas (to name a few) and not on an abattoir. It appears that the Mayor has mixed up his priorities. So please stall this idea of an abattoir. M.I. GUNEWARDENA - Colombo 10.
The necessity for increasing tax-free allowance is required because the said allowance of Rs. 144,000.00 (Rs. 12,000.00 per month) has not been revised in the recent past. Under the high cost of living, paying several taxes like P.A.Y.E., GST, and NSL is difficult to some employees working in the private and public sector establishments. As par as the Government concern, taxes are the Government revenue sources and very essential expenditure such as education, health, security, is done to the nations continuously by collecting taxes from the public. But as a relief to both public and private sector employees a reasonable increase of tax-free allowance is suggested. YASAPALA PONNAMPERUMA - Panadura.
Minister of Public Administration has recently said that the retirement age would be raised to 60 for the Govt. Servants. I wonder whether this is applicable to the Govt. Corporations and State Bank employees. In some Corporations and Banks, the employees have to retire at the age of 55, 58 and 60. Therefore it would be better if there is a uniformity in those public sectors as well. Since some of them have to retire early, the above mentioned institutions are unable to retain some of the experienced and knowledgeable staff. Therefore we hope the Minister would extend the retirement age of the Public Sector, Corporations and State Banks as well, and issue a Public Administration circular early so that it would not be unfair to those who have to retire in the month of January, specially those in the Corporations and Banks mentioned above. M.W.F.- Mt. Lavinia.
Reporting of CNN News - May I suggest that CNN news on Rupavahini and Swarnawahini be broadcast with the English sound-track intact. There are many people in Sri Lanka who understand English, many more who would like to listen to good English. A short summary of what is happening could be given in Sinhalese without determinedly and continually drowning the English commentary. CHITRA FERNANDO - Kandy.
Rate payers of Matara were in for a rude shock when they went to pay their rates for the year 2002 at the U.C. office. They were told that the rates have been revised upward by more than 400% effective January 2000 and further, that the arrears for years 2000 and 2001 should be first paid in a single instalment before the council could accept payments for 2002. This is a very strange procedure to have been adopted. Normally a fresh notice of assessment should have been served and the rate payers given an opportunity to express their views. Residents are aware that the Urban Council undertook a revision of its rates and taxes on properties/premises within its area, somewhere in 1999. One doesn't want to dispute that the rates should be revised periodically because additions and other changes to existing buildings and dwelling houses take place almost daily as are their uses. It is a common sight that many dwelling houses are being used for commercial purposes in this fast developing town. Besides, there is no reason why rates only should remain static when everything else had gone up or is going up. What one cannot understand/however, is the unusual procedure adopted in this instance. Why such a steep increase, also with retrospective effect? Residents have already paid up their dues for the years 2000 and 2001. It is unfair to call upon them now, to pay a further amount - a substantial amount at that -as arrears. At that time not even an inkling was given that further charges would be levied in respect of these years. The U.C. should have made its new rates applicable as from January 2002. One cannot also help wondering whether a serious reassessment has been done in this instance. It looks as though the old rates had been merely quadrupled without any objective assessment; a mere arithmetical exercise. One hopes that the residents would be given a chance to express their views on these revisions. The council had slept on this matter for two years since 1999 and is now telling the residents without any prior notice, to pay up or be hanged. P.G.A. HENRY - Matara.
I have bought a 5.5 acre land for a small tea plantation in the upcountry near Beragala area in last August. Still I have not heard from the authorities as to when I get my title back. Why should there be a long delay? I intend to buy more acres but now I am reluctant to buy any more, I have spent considerable amount of money just for developing the land and for tea plants. There are over 10 workers employed on a daily basis. If I stop developing this land, I would have to terminate all these estate workers. Providing the title for a timely manner can improve the agricultural industry and also welfare of estate workers and land owners. Unnecessary delays of issuing of titles land registry can put the land owner in financial difficulty in obtaining agricultural loans. If the Land Ministry can establish a reasonable waiting period for issuing titles, it will greatly assists farmers and planters. There are even rumours that some officials at the Land Registry purposely delay title registrations so they can continue to ask bribes from the public. I wish that the newly appointed Government authorities can do something about it. JAYASIRI DESHABANDU - USA |
 
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