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I had the opportunity of reading an article in the Daily News
recently, relating to office-bearers of the Ex-Civil Servants’
Association. This article prompted me to write on the above caption,
which refreshes memories of my younger days.
Those who held the most prestigious post of Civil Servant in the then
Ceylon Civil Service executed an honourable service to the public while
holding most top posts in the Government Departments and Ministries.
Though the Ceylon Civil Service was continued from the colonial days,
the Civil Servant has always been “I am Sir, your obedient servant”, to
every citizen in this country.
However, after abolishing the Ceylon Civil Service, the
administrative service was changed as Ceylon Administrative Service and
later as Sri Lanka Administrative Service. But, it appears that the then
used term of “I am Sir, your obedient servant” is not being used.
As it is very interesting to note a change in the present
administration from colonial days, I wish if somebody could elaborate on
this change considering the facts such as obedience, punctuality,
responsibility and several other important aspects which are very much
needed in the present society.
Ananda Wijetillake
Athurugiriya
It is indeed good to hear the opinion of the veteran politicians
remarks with regard to the present Sri Lankan politics. But the sadest
part is, it is coming from none other than our former President
Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga.
In fact, the Bandaranaiake family dominated the Sri Lankan politics
for decades and taken our nation to the depths of poverty and political
turmoil.
As per the artical appearing in The Hindu, she seems very much
concerned with regard to the present system. But her remarks might be
appealing for some but not for the educated masses of our nation.
We still remember the history and what Chandrika and Ranil together
has achieved during past decade, the darkest era of our nation.
Corruption? Yes why not! War yes why not! Poverty yes, why not?
Her family is the root cause of the present situation in our nation
and she still assumes that we have forgotton our past.
Please bear in mind your promises are yet to be fulfilled.
You had your chance and don’t meddle again. It is our future and
furture of our children. I am not part of any political party or any
organisation, but I am a proud Sri Lankan who can still recall each and
every detail of the past.
NISHANTHA PARANAMANA
Today I visited the Intensive Care Unit of a private hospital in
Colombo and I was asked only to remove my shoes. I was not asked to do
any of the following, all of which is standard practice in the United
Kingdom in order to prevent infection:
1. Wash my hands
2. Wear protective gloves
3. Wear a polythene apron
4. Apply disinfectant gel to my hands
Neither did I see any of these facilities available had I wished to
do so. I was asked only to remove my shoes.
As I am sure doctors are aware, numerous papers in peer-reviewed
medical journals have proved that the above four steps have a
significant impact on reducing infection, and could indeed save
patients’ lives.
If this practice continues, hospitals are permitting people who may
be carrying potentially dangerous bacteria on their hands - such as a
cleaner, fisherman or even a person who goes to the toilet and does not
wash his hands properly afterwards to come into the Intensive/Critical
Care Unit and pass these bacteria on to patients who are already
critically ill.
Coming with naked feet does not necessarily prevent infection being
passed to the patient, as a person who does not use footwear is allowed
to walk in, but he may be carrying filth and dirt.
Not applying protective measures is a double-edged sword; if patients
die quickly hospitals may lose their income, they benefit only if the
patient is strong enough to carry multiple infections and thereby the
illness is prolonged.
M. BAKIR MARIKKAR
Colombo 6
Peace will not come on its own. Someone has to bring in PEACE. So a
solution must be on the table that would induce the parties concerned to
go through it and submit their comments.
From the point comments start coming in, action may be taken to
narrow down the differences. After the differences have narrowed down
then negotiations can start to sort out the few remaining issues.
I have such a proposal on which negotiations/comments could start. I
am prepared to send it to anyone who is interested in ending the present
turmoil in this country.(eskayvavuniya@yahoo.co.uk)
SIE KATHIERAVELU
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