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I as a Tamil wrote to the papers sometimes back saying that
Prabhakaran and the LTTE brought more misery to the Tamil people than
the Sinhalese people.
The LTTE continues to harass Tamil people by abduction, using them as
human shields, plundering food and medicine meant for the civilians and
using to feed the LTTE cadre etc.
TRO’s and the other LTTE fronts in the Western world were crying to
the respective Governments saying that the Tamil people are starving to
death and dying due to lack of medicine and they believe it as gospel
truth.
It is no surprise that when food, basic needs and medicine are
transported to the North and the East, they are being robbed by the
LTTE. But yet the Government continues to transport basic needs as they
are also citizens of Sri Lanka.
The most recent incident being while the essential goods from the
chartered ship ‘City of Liverpool’ was unloading in the Point Pedro
harbour, the LTTE attacked the ship to deprive the people of their basic
needs.
It was also reported that when the Vakarai Hospital, which was manned
by the LTTE, was captured, they found loads of medicines, medical
equipment that was meant for the public but hoarded to use on the
injured the LTTE cadres.
The forces have also uncovered plenty of food items that were
plundered from the innocent Tamils. I for one who sympathized with the
LTTE at the beginning now deeply regret for having sympathized so. The
LTTE continues to bring misery to our Tamil people.
Already many claymore mine deaths of innocent civilians are reported
in the North. The LTTE has become desperate after the humiliation defeat
in the East and now they are taking vengeance from the innocent Tamils.
I beg for all Tamils to rally together and cooperate with the
Government Forces to completely wipe out this cancerous LTTE, so that
all Tamils be they in the North, East or South can live peacefully.
RAJU SELVA
Australia via email
Is there a word to describe this person ‘Olar Clinton’? her passport
should be impounded and she should be put behind bars for helping a
terrorist organisation like the LTTE. Is there any person bold enough to
bring this woman to justice? (Reference DN Jan. 24).
The UN being an organisation for protecting human rights is gagging
Mohan for coming out with the truth. Is this Justice?
This woman should not be tolerated in Sri Lanka.
DINESHA
via email
According to Government sources the issue of tickets in private buses
is to be strictly enforced after nearly two decades. We all know that
successive Governments made several attempts to enforce this basic rule
but had to give in too unscrupulous private bus crews who openly
violated this condition and also harass the passengers.
In this background, passengers were happy and relieved by the
decision to enforce the issue of tickets in private buses from the
beginning of this year.
But it is disappointing to note that within two weeks of operation,
some conductors have already decided to sabotage this process and are
refusing to issue a ticket even on demand. Some have chosen to issue
tickets only to long distance passengers.
Though it is obligatory for the passengers also to request a ticket
for the money paid, many are reluctant to demand a ticket as they are
afraid of reprisal by the conductor, who in most instances is a
hooligan.
Another ruse adopted by these conductors is the issue of a ticket
which is totally irrelevant to the amount tendered by the passenger. (Eg.
A ticket for the amount paid as per fare fixed by the Transport
Authority is not issued.)
While, several conductors in route no. 176 and several other routes
have commenced this disruptive action, specially during the evening
trips, it is very likely that others too will follow very soon.
Hence, it is extremely important that the authorities take early
action to halt this trend and ensure continuity of this vital
requirement - issue of tickets in private buses.
K. A. LAKSHMAN
Colombo 13
At a time when we are concerned about negatives than positives, I
reckon it to be of more value if I write positively about my personal
experience in the safe hands of the medical staff of Ward no. 43 of the
National Hospital, Colombo.
I am attached to the Sri Lanka Embassy in Jakarta and I had to fly to
Colombo on an emergency call from my son in Ratmalana since another son
was admitted to Ward No. 43 in a serious condition. He was admitted to
the ward on January 13, 2007 and I landed in Colombo airport in the wee
hours of Sunday 14.
I rushed to the hospital from the airport to see my son at the ward.
My first point of contact was the security guard at the entrance of the
ward who was very kind enough to admit me into the ward though the time
was not within the visiting hours.
I spoke to the doctors, nurses regarding the state of my son’s
sickness. Doctors and nurses gave everything to save his life. From
Sunday 14th till Monday 22nd I was staying with my son.
I was able to closely watch how the doctors, nurses and the
supporting staff care for the patients who are from different classes of
the society. In my lifetime. I have not experienced such a touching care
extended by medical personnel in our country.
They took utmost attention in the care of the patients and for them
ethnicity, religion, social status never mattered. The nursing staff in
the true tradition of Nightingale cared for the patients and their
timely attention of the patients was exemplary.
The supporting staff who are the lowest paid in the public service
were very courteous and helpful. I am failing in my effort if I don’t
mention anything about the management of the ward.
As a public servant who has spent more than 30 years in Government
Sector I could vouch for the efficient and effective management which is
responsible for the exemplary adminstration of this ward. My son is now
quickly recovering owing to the efforts of this staff. My family owes a
great gratitude to them.
A. THARMAKULASINGHAM
Ratmalana
I read your news item (DN Jan. 18) on new traffic scheme in Kandy,
with much interest. History of the city transportation and the surveys
done in contemporary times give some interesting facts regarding this
aspect.
It is an embarrassment, that a city which has produced, very senior
powerful political figures of all sorts, as well as prominent
intellectuals and clergy have not taken enough steps in the past to push
the authorities to come up with plans and implement them to solve the
city’s terrible traffic crisis.
No doubt it would have caused lot of harm to the environment already.
Unfortunately in the past too, many similar remarkable schemes were
discussed and brought to the notice of the public but nothing
materialized due to many reasons, like political interferences,
opposition from the business community etc.
Definitely any new scheme may hurt some but the overall advantage of
the programme must taken into account.
Political command and drive is essential in this respect and I hope
the present incumbents will have that mantle to see the new scheme is
completed successfully.
This is not a very easy task and Kandy police should be commended for
managing 21st century motor fleets, rolling on 1824 vintage roads, meant
for horse carriages. Probably it must be, something close to a world
record!
DR. JANAK B. ABAYAKOON
I think it is time for the Tamil people to expose all the LTTE
international links and diaspora, so that they can live in peace with
all Sri Lankans as one. (Reference DN Jan. 6)
And all countries misled or sympathisers should be fully aware of
their responsibilities in supporting these terrorists and torturers of
mankind. No to terrorism. Peace to the world.
EDDY
via email
Permanent structures are being constructed on the pavements, in front
of Central bus stand (in Olcott Mw.) one of the high security areas in
the city. Authorities should be well aware of them, but no action is
being taken to stop them. It is obvious that some of the politicians are
behind this situation.
Can we allow our increasing pedestrians to be killed on road
accidents due to blocking of busy pavements. These pavement hawkers are
not poor people looking for quick buck for their daily expenses.
They are well to do businessmen with links to underground world and
politicians. Sometimes these illegal constructions in the high
commercial areas are sold for millions of rupees by advertising in the
newspapers without any hesitations. It is noted that with the increase
of businesses, these illegal units encroach the whole pavements.
Why arrangements could not be done to allocate empty shops in the
Central bus stand/world market to these selfish traders if they wish,
without ongoing daily harassments to the public.
Authorities should stop these illegal constructions immediately for
the safety of innocent public, using Pettah/Fort as their main centre of
all commercial purposes in the island.
K. M. PERIS
Maharagama |
