|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Wednesday, 1 December 2004 |
 |
|
 |
Letters | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Sports Obituaries
|
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.
How lawlessness in the country began The day-to-day upsurge of lawlessness in this beautiful country Sri Lanka, I should say started from the start of J. R. Jayewardene regime in 1977. He pardoned criminals, gave a free hand to the undesirable elements of the society to roost the day victimising his opponents that the Police had to look the other way even when Supreme Court Judges' houses were stoned when judgements not to government's liking were pronounced. We, the silent majority of the country is thankful that the President has taken the bold step of implementing the death penalty even belately. The death penalty and hanging of murderers, drug dealers and so on should be done swiftly and expeditiously and not dilly dally and postpone again till another prominent victim is killed. The public is aware how criminals are harboured by politicians and how top criminals control and instigate their brothers to murder by giving instructions from their prison cells. This should stop. We have heard that Prison Commissioner has found mobile phones, liquor etc. in prison cells of notorious criminals. How did they get in there? Surely not by the visitors since they are well screened prior to entrance. These things arguably get inside through government paid prison employees who could walk in and out without any hindrance. We have not heard any employee been found guilty. We are awaiting the good news when the first criminal is hanged. Let justice take its course. We will light crackers and rejoice because that day will be the beginning of the end of callous disregard to law and order in this country. WIMAL DEVASIRIRATNE, The proposed fuel subsidy for three-wheeler operators to be implemented, must employ a workable fair system, on a specified rate/km. Most operators and customers agree trishaw meters will avoid over-charging and encourage trishaw travel. The subsidy can be based on meter readings, fixed at X-Rupees/km travelled over a specified period with subsidy claimed on a coupon system. If meters are not fixed, operating permits should be withheld. People travel by three-wheeler, as though cheaper bus travel is overcrowded and unsafe. Private Bus operators ignore regulations; notably the maximum number of standing passengers. Passengers insist on boarding grossly overcrowded buses, on the point of breakdown - both buses and passengers. Tickets are seldom issued; change money forgotten. Schedules are abandoned and buses race for passengers on congested roads. Heaven help patients rushing to hospital, and fire-crews rushing to burning buildings. Transport Board buses are better, but rarely seen. Tiny city by-lanes now carry major rush-hour traffic; cars travel mostly with only the driver; vans block roads. Appalling congestion results on badly-maintained roads. Surely we have capabilities to remedy this? The proposed flyovers will solve some problems, but the 'Garden City' may be gone forever. FAITH RATNAYAKE, The best and the finest budget ever presented within recent years. Commercial establishments and companies are all in favour of the UPFA budget. A bouquet to the President and Minister of Finance. The poor have not been ignored. Pensioners and public servants have been well looked after to cushion the sky-high escalated cost of living. The vested interests and those who have an axe to grind grumble about the implementation. Do not worry, your concerns are due to malice, hatred and jealousy. The public plaudits go to the Government. CARL NANAYAKKARA, Accidents at unprotected level crossings Accidents at unprotected level crossings can be prevented by the driver of the vehicle, if he follows the correct procedure. He should stop the vehicle before he comes to the crossing and look to the right and the left to spot an oncoming train. Unprotected level crossings are found in areas where the flow of traffic is light. We cannot expect gates at such places. Nor are they necessary, if the driver takes precautions. It is regrettable to note that even where gates exist some drivers try to circumvent them, sometimes with fatal results. In one instance, a bus that I was travelling in stopped before a level crossing. The conductor shouted the Sinhalese equivalent of this side ok the bus proceeded thereafter. I came to know later that a bus-train collision had occurred at that level crossing a few days before. Memories however, last only a short while and the procedure is not followed now. But this is the very procedure that has to be followed. However, it may be sufficient for the driver to reduce speed to an extent sufficient to spot an oncoming train, before he reaches the railway track. In one instance the driver did stop the vehicle and looked both ways but he was in the middle of the track when he did so. To the reasons for accidents caused by fault of the driver - drunkenness, sleeplessness, carelessness and impatience - must be added stupidity. C. MAHINDA, We are happy to hear that President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga has decided to re-introduce the death penalty for murder, rape and narcotic dealings. But I am sad to say that human rights associations are against it. As far as I can see that the human rights associations have done nothing to bring down the increasing rate of crime. The innocent people are not safe day or night. We all know what happened to Harmer family at Frazer Avenue, Dehiwala etc. Why was Harmer's son and daughter murdered? What has human rights associations got to say about this. The human rights associations just release press statements but nothing in action. There is no one to speak in favour of victims. They have only to suffer and shed tears after losing their beloved ones for no reasons. I will be happy if the human rights associations speak in favour of the victims too. But they are mum. To be fair enough the human rights associations should suggest something in favour of victims too. Likewise, before the sentence is passed, the judge should address the victim's family and say according to the evidence the accused is guilty of murder 'Do you wanted him/her to sentence to death or life imprisonment. If the victims or family member say that he/she should be sentenced to death, then the death sentence should be carried out, even though President can give him pardon or sentence to life imprisonment. This is fair enough for both sides. I hope at least now the human rights associations will open their eyes and be fairs so that both sides have equal chances, or go out into the field and see that the increasing rate of crime is brought down without releasing press statements and holding public meetings. We want action. M. S. PERERA, While commending Finance Minister's decision to extend the working hours from 8 to 9 hrs. would it not be wise to appoint a committee to carry out random checks to see that the stipulated work hours are fully utilised in an honest job of work for the good of the country. Having had the occasion to visit many a Government institution on various matters of importance, it was appalling to observe the lethargic attitude of some of the officers. Very rarely they are at their desks on time although we make it a point to get to them early in order to get our matters attended to. A break for partaking the breakfast packet packed by the spouse, time to scan the daily newspaper, discuss, criticise the major topics, admire the attire of the counterpart, show off the latest acquisition of jewellery, a visit to the Sathosa, visit the latest 'sale' joint during lunch break, all come within the framework of the working 8 hours. Being married to a head of a private organisation for whom even 12 hrs. a day working all 7 days is inadequate, it is shocking to see the government institutions, most of the time over-staffed taking life so 'cool'. On one occasion while waiting for an officer to attend to me, I got talking to one officer who regrettably said to me that there are days when he does not have to touch a pen to paper other than signing attendance and departure time. Of course there are exceptions to the rule which I never fail to mention and thank for prompt attention to the matter I sought assistance if all institutions devoted the full 8 hrs. to an honest job of work the extended one hour may not be necessary and I am sure the country at large would benefit. S. WIJESINGHE, |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
Produced by Lake House |
