• Cultural show 'great'

• Illicit vehicle parks at Mt. Lavinia

• A bouquet for Panadura Hospital staff

Cultural show 'great'

The cultural show organised by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs as a part of Independence celebrations of the 58th Anniversary at Sri Jayawardenapura Parliamentary grounds was a great one with items covering the cherished history of Sri Lanka.

It was a showcase for the cultural activities of the various institutions spread throughout the island.

The development of the country is not only based on high rise buildings, superhighways, rail tracks and other infrastructure development. The youth must be disciplined directing them to appreciate aesthetic values.

Facilities to get engaged in sports, music and drama must be provided to build up a cultured society. The Ministry of Cultural Affairs had taken great pains in organising this show.

I wish the Ministry of Cultural Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs make arrangements to give publicity to this show in foreign countries through diplomatic circles which will erase the misconceptions created by interested parties to tarnish the good image of Sri Lanka especially when eyes of the whole world are drawn towards the peace moves in Geneva.

The traditional dancers of the various ethnic groups displayed the unity prevailing among the majority of Sri Lankans and it is only a microscopic minority who are creating the ethnic problem. Viewing this show my memories went back to the grand show.

B.B. PERERA - Katubedda.

Illicit vehicle parks at Mt. Lavinia

THE pavements meant for the pedestrians on either side of Galle Road in Mt. Lavinia have become the parking area for private buses at night.

This is mostly noticeable along the stretch of Galle Road from Mt. Lavinia Junction upto the CTB Depot at Ratmalana. This practice had continued unabated over a long period of time despite much resentment from the public.

The buses so parked occupy almost the entirety of the pavement causing severe inconvenience to the pedestrians at night and in the early hours of the morning.

In consequences the pedestrians including schoolchildren are compelled to use the main road for their passage subjecting themselves to unwarranted risk.

Although this is a serious violation of the parking rules for vehicles along main roads, the traffic police at Mt. Lavinia appears to have turned a blind eye to these misdoings.

As such, the bus crews consider this unauthorised parking a self-imposed right of theirs which has eventually robbed the pedestrian of his due right of the use of the pavement.

Under the circumstances this letter is an eye-opener to the authorities concerned to take prompt action to curb this errant practice with a view to ensure the safety of the pedestrians.

C.C.C. - Mt. Lavinia.

A bouquet for Panadura Hospital staff

AS a resident of Panadura I have a sense of pride to state that the present position with regard to the administration, management and monitoring of activities in the process of maintaining the healthcare of the people in and around Panadura, is extremely praiseworthy.

I must add that few years back the position was on the reverse and the reason for this vast change is the cooperation extended by the Western Provincial Council in maintaining the hospital.

I am able to establish this fact through the personal experience gained by me as a patient in Ward 2 of this hospital from January 27 to February 1, 2006.

The Medical Officers, Nursing Staff as well as all members of the support staff were extremely dedicated in rendering services with utmost attention to all patients irrespective of their social status and thereby maintaining equity for all.

During night shifts they were found to be extremely vigilant on the patients especially on those who were in very serious conditions.

As a result I found Medical Staff was successful in saving the lives of several patients who would have died, otherwise.

As an Administrative Officer with 55 years service in several Ministries and Departments including the health sector, I am proud to mention that a staff of this caliber is found very seldom in the modern era in Public Service.

U.G. RODRIGO - Panadura.