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| Wednesday, 15 September 2004 |
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Letters | |
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Please forward your letters to editor@dailynews.lk in plain text format within the e-mail message, since as a policy we do not open any attachments.
There were a number of letters to the press recently on the above subject. All these writers seem to be ignorant of the history of providing level crossings. In terms of the Railway ordinance when the Railway was constructed, level crossings were provided where there were road inter sections. Important level crossings were provided with farm gates with signals. Gate men were appointed with uniforms. Gate men are classified as semi-skilled and appointed after a trade test as they should have a knowledge of safety rules. These procedures were thrown to the winds with the order from the highest in the Government to provide bamboo barriers to all level crossings. The Divisional Secretaries to provide six men for each gate. This was a political gimmick to enhance the vote base on the eve of an election. The Railway officers had no say over them. After some time, of the two men for eight hours, one kept off as time passed on there were none. This was worse than an unprotected level crossings. As road users seeing the barriers in the raised positions without any hesitation crossed the rail track, resulting more accidents. The Railway has the right of way and vehicles approaching the level crossing should stop at least five meters away, should observe both sides and move if no train is sighted. It is the responsibility of the Railway staff to maintain the approaches to have a clear vision. Every level crossing is an impediment for the smooth movement of trains. Public expect faster trains without delays. Recently I had the occasion to meet a General Manager of the North Indian Railways who was on a feasibility study of relaying of Vavunia, Kankasanthurai, Thaleimannar Railway lines. He made me understand that the Central Government of India by legislation banned the provision of level crossings. If absolutely necessary it should be a subway or a fly over or else the Provincial Government or party requiring the level crossings should deposit that amount of money in the Bank, the interest accrued should be sufficient to meet the expenses of the staff engaged. On an average Sri Lanka Railways spend about Rs. 25000 a month as wages for each level crossing. Railway which is running with a subsidy from the Central Government should not be burdened financially any more. If parallel roads are constructed by the Provincial Governments, level crossings can be avoided. B. B. PERERA, I am a pensioner who is much interested about pension arrears, but I did not know that the Moratuwa Secretariat Pension Branch needs more and more details to rectify my pension anomalies. When I met a very good friend of mine on the highway I was informed about a form of which is available at Moratuwa DS and advised me to collect and respond soon. On June 28, I forwarded my form and still awaiting the long outstanding payment. I would like to mention that it is the duty of the Moratuwa Divisional Secretariat to send the related forms along with the pension receipts to all pensioners enabling them to respond as quickly as possible. They should also understand that keeping forms with the subject clerk will not fulfil the expectation of the pensioners. MAHINDA NIHAL PERERA, |
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