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I read articles in the Daily News about comments made by Ajay Jadeja
and Navjot Siddhu about AI’s planned campaign to demoralise our
cricketers on their way to the World Cup.
This is a plan set in motion by the white cricket playing nations to
defeat and humiliate the only Asian team likely to give them a fight at
the finals. When Pakistan and India fell by the wayside, these nations
were jubilant, and they saw only one big impediment to their keeping the
glory of the World Cup in white hands.
That was Sri Lanka! So what better way to mount a international
vilifying campaign against Sri Lanka.
So they bought over AI, (Perhaps it did not take too much persuasion,
knowing that AI are in any case a white organisation, with a snooty,
holier-than-thou attitude) and got a plan started which would not be
traced back to them.
In fact after Lasith Malinga took the world record four successive
wickets in four successive balls, I expected the Australian media, and a
few of their past, disgruntled, so-called Test experts, to start their
usual media hype about Lasith’s illegal bowling action, make reports to
the ICC, get some of their pet umpires to make adverse observations etc.
These might still come, before our team goes into the Semi-final
stage. I think only you can nip such a thing in the bud, by giving it
the publicity that it needs. In the interests of our national Team, I
hope you will take necessary action.
A.C.L.
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This is with reference to letter by the Secretary General, Sri Lanka
Banks’ Association (DN Feb. 12) in response to a letter by Dr. L. A. W.
Sirisena of Colombo under the above caption (DN Feb. 3)
It is correct that Bank employees come under the purview of the Shop
and office Employees Act and they are entitled to an additional
holiday/half holiday when such a day falls on Saturday/Sunday.
Nevertheless bank employees get the same number of holidays as
applicable to public servants.
However in the case of public servants they do not get an additional
holiday even when any specified public holiday e.g. Independence Day,
May Day falls on a weekly holiday.
As Bank employees they get an additional day/half day when a
statutory holiday falls during a weekend and it is thus evident that
they enjoy more holidays in certain years than public servants.
Also there are Public Corporations/Boards who have to fall in line
with Government holidays with no additional holiday being declared when
a statutory holiday falls during a weekend.
In the interest of the economy of the country it is very important
that all banks are opened for public business on all days Government
Offices are functioning.
Therefore it is hoped that the government will make suitable
arrangements in consultation with the Banks’ Association and ensure that
the banks are kept opened accordingly.
H. W. GOONESEKERA –
Panadura
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I refer to the above titled article in the Daily News of March 20 and
his invention of the first hand tractor.
In spite of the above position, which was news to me up to now, it is
pathetic to know that those responsible has failed to recognise same,
thereby compelling him to go beyond our shores depriving this
opportunity for him and the country.
Accordingly, as stated by Jesus, this position confirms that prophets
are not recognised in their own countries. I understand that he owns a
vehicle run with power generated from gliricedia wood, which I must say
is unique as well.
Let us make full use of the talent we have. What is necessary is to
recognise same and to compliment such persons encouraging them to be an
asset to the country, irrespective who he is and to which political
party he belongs. In this instance, it has taken almost 50 years to do
so.
However, the action taken by the CCB to felicitate him even at this
late stage should be admired giving him due recognition for his
invention.
Apart from the above, he is a personality who has many other
achievements, hence should be considered an asset to the country.
TOMMY WANIGASINGHE –
Kurunegala
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Most of March 27 afternoon Internet users connected to SLT and their
allied services were unable to access the Internet.
Clearly there has been a breakdown at their side. Worse, they have
hardly a support arm/s worth its name to ensure service to customers is
restored quickly.
On earlier occasions when we needed their support on ADSL and other
matters, after many calls to different numbers in their telephone
system, I was asked to keep in touch with Tel. No.2466028 or their email
isdnmail@sltnet.lk - but it is a waste of time trying to get both.
As a user I am very disappointed with this callous service of SLT.
From March 27 noon my entire In and Out Internet traffic is paralysed
and I have no one to complain to with some form of re-assurance of
prompt relief. I am aware several other users are also in the same
plight.
V. SATHANANDAN -
Colombo 3
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There is evidence to show that intelligence is associated with health
and survival (BMJ 2001, 322, pages 1-5: BMJ, 332, page 580-4).
In a study involving 8,000 British men and women, it has been shown
that intelligence in childhood is associated with a vegetarian diet in
mid-adulthood, and this was independent of educational and social class
(BMJ, 2007, vol. 334).
According to a randomised trial it has been found that higher intakes
of vegetables, legumes, fruits and bread (as well as more fish and
chicken instead of red meat) were associated with reduced total
mortality, death from heart disease and cancer in men who had survived
myocardial infarction (heart attack) (Arch, Intern. Med., 1998, 158,
1181-7).
An analysis of five prospective studies found that vegetarians had a
mortality rate 76 per cent lower than that of non-vegetarians after
adjusting for age, sex and smoking (Public Health Nutr. 1998, 1, 33-41).
Gale and colleagues found that intelligence is associated with food
choice independently of educational attainment (BMJ Feb. 3, 2007).
If diet does mediate the effect of intelligence on other health
outcomes such as cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart attacks and
strokes), colorectal cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease, then
people should be encouraged to eat healthy diet including more
vegetables and fruits and avoid red meat and large fish such as tuna
(which contains mercury).
This type of approach should begin with parents encouraging children
to eat healthily.
Parents and schoolteachers should make an important contribution to
the development of healthy food choices, so that the children, when they
grow up will have lower risk of high blood cholesterol, lower risk of
heart attacks, cancer, hypertension, obesity, diabetes and avoidance of
smoking (Fu C H et al, Am. J. Cardiology, 2006, 386, Key T.G. et al, Am.
J. Clin. Nutr. 1997, 70, 516-24, Key T G et al Pro. Nutr. Soc, 2006 65,
35-41) Vegetarianism may be viewed by those of higher intelligence as a
healthier option than eating meat.
Higher scores for I.Q in childhood are associated with an increased
likelihood of vegetarianism in adulthood.
D.P. ATUKORALE -
Colombo 7 |
