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| Monday, 13 January 2003 |
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With reference to the recent massacre of Colombo crows by commercial hotel interests, may I recall a historical event in the reign of Parakramabahu I (1153-1186). "Yet another miracle never before seen or heard was manifest in him who was rich in the virtue of pity rightly exercised. To that (medical) hall there came, tortured by great pain, a crow suffering from an ulcer that had formed in her cheek. As if chained by the strong hands of his pity she sat as if with clipped wings, motionless outside the hall, moaning piteously. The physicians who rightly recognised her condition, caught her and cured her at the Great King's command. Her disease cured, the King set her upon an elephant and having made her walk round the town, her right side towards it, he set her free. Where, when and by whom was ere such exceeding great mercy even to animals seen or heard?" (Culawamsa) V. BASNAYAKE-Colombo 4.
History repeating itself in this beloved land of ours we fought like brutes for nineteen years. Now we have sat down at one table to talk peace, without a single bullet being fired thereafter. We have displayed to the world that we Sri Lankans have behind us a culture dating back to over 2500 years. The international communities have taken note of it and are literally applauding this performance. Let us all hope and pray that we will eventually derive peace. It will not be a surprise if Ranil and Prabha are jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in the year 2003. G. P. DHANATUNGA,-Kolonnawa.
An article in a weekend newspaper reveals that Rs. 5 billion is earned per annum by Customs officials as "Speed Money". Even if this is distributed equally among 1,000 Customs officials, on the average an official earns Rs. 5 million. This money has to be invested at least in a relative's name. Income of an individual exceeding Rs. 240,000 per annum is subject to income tax. Based on information from Land Registry and the Registrar of Motor Vehicles, QQ Forms are sent by the Inland Revenue Department to individuals with the hope of netting in new tax payers. However, Income Tax officials have had little success in opening new tax files. Why can't the Inland Revenue officials obtain a list of all Customs officials and send QQ Forms to all these officials. Isn't this an effortless means of bringing some new tax payers to the tax net. Investigations should reveal quite easily the assets acquired by these officials and assessments can be raised as appropriate. The Director General Customs is helpless regarding the corruption at Customs. But he will definitely co-operate in taxing those who are responsible for earning "Speed Money". The newspaper reporter responsible for the article should be paid a reward by the Commissioner General in accordance with the provisions of the Inland Revenue Act. As stated in this report if any person visits Sri Lanka Customs, it can easily be seen how these Customs officials boldly display their earnings. The currency notes accepted are crumpled and put into drawers, which are kept open for everyone to see. Even minor employees wear gold chains and bracelets. It is surprising that none of the officials from the Bribery Commissioner's Department wants to visit Sri Lanka Customs to observe for themselves what's going on. It appears that it is accepted by everyone that the Customs officials have the right to earn "Speed Money". C.P.-Nugegoda
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