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An excellent agreementTHE two great leaders of Sri Lanka at the moment have come to an honourable agreement to work together casting aside divisive politics. Both of them being honourable gentlemen, almost of the same age, have thought it fit and proper to get-together in the larger interest of Sri Lanka. In fact, the areas, the two parties are proposing to co-operate are, nation building, good governance, economic development, education, peace building and the electoral system. At the last Presidential election they were in two camps vying for the post of Executive President. Now nearly after one year, the winner and the vanquished have become good friends in the larger interest of Sri Lanka, and their sincere followers are naturally delighted. It is the dispassionate view of peace loving citizens of Sri Lanka that this combination is a timely requirement. Hence both of them should work vigorously to achieve the desired results. There is no doubt that the decision of these enlightened leaders would be viewed with dismay by the disgruntled destructive elements in this country. Never mind, unity is strength. The majority who think constructively applaud and appreciate the getting together of these two leaders as a sign of peace, calmness, tranquillity and prosperity which are much needed in Sri Lanka today. It is the bounden duty of the rank and file to bury the petty differences and back the two leaders to the hilt and not behave like rabble rousers. May this newly formed comradeship between our two most loved and respected leaders President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Leader of the Opposition Ranil Wickremesinghe - grow from strength to strength by the grace of our noble Triple Gem and the blessings of all the Devas for the common good of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka! D. W. NANDISENA - ------------ Appalling statement by German MinisterI fully endorse the views expressed by Malin Abeytunge (DN Oct. 19), as it was only a few weeks ago that President Rajapaksa disclosed at the UN and at Non-align Nations Conference, the Sri Lankan Government's commitment to seek a political settlement through negotiations and also its determination to fight terrorism. But the LTTE's propaganda machinery in the West is still successful in influencing most of these Governments and their Ministers. Malin also highlighted this when he wrote previously on the subject of International Non Governmental Organisations and how the LTTE manipulates them. What this proves is that Sri Lankan Embassies in the West have somewhat failed in their duties to give publicity to the Sri Lankan Government's defence policy and also the important views recently expressed by Sri Lanka's Head of State at the above mentioned international forums. I therefore suggest that these Embassies become more pro-active in this area than in matters related to say Trade and/or Tourism. NIHAL INDRAJITH DE SILVA - --------- Domestic tourism promotionsTHIS refers to the letter written by Cedric Thiele (DN Oct. 18) on the above subject. I totally agree with him and applause for the services rendered during his tenure to the hotel industry. Now a domicile of New Zealand and still paves a soft corner for the tourist industry in his motherland. It's very rare that most of the hoteliers who have left the country for greener pastures or immigrated to a foreign land, has ever thought of the downfall of the industry. "United we stand divided we fall", all leaders and hierarchies of the tourist industry must strive to robust the domestic tourism in Sri Lanka which blossomed in the 80's and 90's and today drastically hit the bottom line. For many neighbouring countries like India, Malaysia, Thailand and Maldives, the sky is the limit for the industry and short of beds due to the high demand. Many resorts in the Maldives cater for the domestic tourists by introduction of package tours, which is in high demand during the low season, which hardly exist. It's a pathetic sight to note that many local companies are investing in the Maldives Islands. As lamented by CT there are personalities like LK, with similar backgrounds who are helpful tools in conveying a universal message, in educating and motivating the hoteliers to advocate the domestic tourism and hospitality industry in the country. CYRUS MATHIASZ - --------- Disgusting Maha Nuge Road PeliyagodaPEOPLE in this country may exhibit and tolerate a certain degree of complacency over the ever increasing pot-holes and disintegrating road surfaces on a daily basis which do enormous damage to their vehicles. But an industrial road used by seven giant business houses in Peliyagoda is in a disgraceful, shocking and a disgusting state of affairs for months, and probably years! This is evident from what one observes from the piles of metal, once delivered long time ago for repairs, are seemingly getting flattened on to the earth and plants beginning to shoot out of them! Maha Nuge Road, connecting Dutugamunu Mawatha and 4th Cross Street in Peliyagoda are living examples of 'Hell on earth'! Constant use of heavy goods vehicles carrying 20 ft, 30ft and 40 ft long container loads weighing over 35 tonnes and giant cement carriers have caused and are bringing about destruction to these roads every minute at present. One has only to look at Maha Nuge Road to realise how it portrays as a war zone with gargantuan craters in the middle, converted into slimy muddy puddles during rain thus making its use impossible either on foot or by car. Ironically these two roads are serviced on an hour to hour basis daily by industrial giants such as DCL (Distillers Warehouse), Sathosa Motors Workshop, Van Rees Tea Factory, N.M.K Warehouses (Sugar), Gest Container Yard, AMW Motor Workshop and N.L.T. Cement Factory while the ordinary poor people in the area have to bear the full brunt of the damage caused by heavy goods vehicles. It is amazing even the directors who visit their warehouses, yards and workshops in their luxury limousines fail to notice the wretched condition of these roads they travel constantly! Is it because of the highly effective hydraulic suspension systems in their luxury motors lull them to sleep while their drivers take care in turning and gliding the vehicles over the craters, pot-holes and mud patches. It's food for thought! There is a limit for endurance for anything in life, be it a road surface or the human patience. In that context, it is high time whether it is the Local Council, RDA or the Companies who use this road as their prime mode of transport, coming together and take collective responsibility over the deteriorating condition of Maha Nuge Road and see that its conservation is done on a regular basis. Dr. TILAK S. FERNANDO - ------ Dual nationality feesI appreciate and confirm the facts raised in the article (DN Oct. 11) about dual nationality and the fees incurred to obtain same. Hope the present government will take steps to correct this mistake that will enable many true Sri Lankans living abroad to contribute their share to the Motherland. NANDA PERERA - --------- Code of ethics for motorcyclists and motoristsTHERE is no doubt the licence to ride a motorbike or to drive a vehicle is issued on the results of a written test and a practical test in riding\driving. I am sure they are being subjected to a medical test as well to be assured that riders/drivers are physically and mentally fit. However, not all, but some are little eccentric type in overtaking and following other vehicles. Under the prevailing ethics and code of conduct, overtaking of any vehicle is from right hand side and not from left. Any driver will come to his left to give room for the overtaking driver. Many drivers and riders now have a habit of overtaking from both sides. In such instances, the law abiding drivers have a problem in giving room for overtaking. As required by law, they give room from the right in bringing their vehicles to the left. Presently, this cannot easily be done as specially the riders and the three-wheeler drivers, very often, overtake from the left. The motor traffic officers and other relevant authorities should enforce the motor traffic law for the safety of law-abiding riders and motorists and also the pedestrians who patronise the edge of the road. P. P. B. MUDAGAMMANA - |
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