I disagree with Paul Kokosk's views concerning Al Gore's stances on
climate changes and global warming (Oct. 22).
All Abrahamic religions originated in the desert-like conditions of
the Middle East. Desert conditions lack the profusion of wild-life and
ecology unlike most areas of the populated world. They lack the
awareness towards the preservation of these earth entities as compared
to the understandings of the pagan religions which centre around nature
and its forces.
The Abrahamic religions (mostly Christianity and Islam) took over
most of world thinking because the pagan religions of the time were not
structurally adept - the Abrahamic religions came from a world of which
was at that time superior in culture and civilization and therefore had
a better organisation of religious thought - ideas which took most parts
of the world with shock and awe.
However, Buddhism, from ancient times, has always been a good source
of reference for world biological structures because it advocates the
world as a living green planet and gives sound reasoning and proof
towards ecological preservation. Buddhism also has the religious, moral
and ethical standards which make it a religion which pertains very well
to modern form.
Most of science (or even religious thought) can never show true
exactness till a final and absolute result is proved beyond reasonable
doubt. It by rational discernment of the unobvious can scientists, world
leaders, religious persons and any others concerned with the future of
the earth, decide on its future.
Al Gore is looking beyond the confines of religion and presenting
facts according to what could be a good possibility of. In dealing with
anti-life legislation that includes birth control and abortion, here
again
Al-Gore has gone beyond the confines of certain rigid religious
thought, and has presented his views in a more humanistic form - a form
which exemplifies quality of life over quantity of life, with the view
of creating a healthy association between these two ideals.
I congratulate Al-Gore on his forward thinking approach, and hope he
will use his Nobel Peace prize award to usher sensibilities into a world
closed by the confines of certain bits of religious irrationalities.
Ramona T. Fernando,
U.S.A.
These days it is seen many politicians are criticising budgets and
analysing them. In doing so, they do not contribute anything to the
country.
They just throw arguments at each other, with a view to score votes,
but not to help the voters. During the time when Dr. N.M. Perera was the
Minister of Finance, I was working in a semi-Government organisation. I
remember that at that time, at his request, all the Heads of Departments
had to make suggestions and reduce unnecessary expenditure in order to
present a workable budget.
I do not know whether even today such data are collected and prepare
the budget or just the reverse is happening. That is money is allocated
and asked to spend. I know it is a very involved process, but the idea
behind should be that those who want money should present a plan how
they are going to spend.
If funds are made available in just blocks of money to politicians to
spend, that will be the root cause for all misappropriation.
In any project there could be certain misuse of funds or not used
according to the plan or over expenditure. I have heard those days when
I was in Gal Oya, that certain politicians have been criticising the
expenditure occurred on the Inginiyagala Dam. May be it was a huge sum
those days, but see the benefits today. It could apply to accelerated
Mahaweli project too.
Therefore mega projects should be viewed with the corresponding
benefits and the time involved in completing them.
All the politicians know that the man is a social animal. So they try
to appease them with social affairs rather than economics of the country
as a whole. This attitude will never take us to a developed country.
D.P.Y.ABEYWARDHANA,
Nawala
To many of us who were present at the grand opening of the Sri
Sumangala College, it was nothing other than a vision to reality. The
horrendous tsunami which caused untold misery, havoc and devastation,
gave the vibrant Old Boys' Association of the College, together with the
principal and parents cause to find a lasting solution for the benefit
of the present and future generations of sons of Panadura.
Here we see the new colossal Giant standing steadfastly facing the
Panadura - Horana Road with great dignity. The bright beautiful morning
sun with its soft breeze kept the flags fluttering as the school band
played soft music for the mammoth crowd present. To me the College flag
brought back memories of its glorious past.
The Japanese flag indicated the generosity of their Government and of
course our national flag silently conveyed the concept of 'Peace for all
nationalities'. Watching the day's proceedings, I was struck by the fact
of how cleverly the organisers had amalgamated the past with the present
with a pointer to the future.
The dedication and precision with which the teachers and parents
carried out their duties was laudable. A very prominent feature at the
function was the networking which involved the participation of all
temples, schools, past teachers, students and well-wishers.
The public of Panadura should say a big thank you to the JICA for
giving such a magnanimous gift, which undoubtedly will be a globally
recognised school, nuturting good educationist, sportsmen and more
importantly good civic minded citizens.
The children would be the recipients of this bountiful gift. The Old
Girls' Association of your sister school salute you for your grand
effort. Your strength will be ours too.
Swarnamali Rodrigo,
Panadura
Refers to the article about the advantages of bio-fuel. There are
severe disadvantages such as particle emission from burning in engines
is more.
One other thing is engine efficiency reduces appreciably and do we
have enough land to cultivate plants needed for bio-fuel. What is more
important is food for people not fuelling other things. Please consider
before going towards bio-fuel economy as the rate of planting is not
equal to rate of usage similar to dondra power.
Wiji Senadeera
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