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Can anybody tell this country whether there is any country in the
world where university graduates have to be given jobs by the Government
of that respective country?
My most respected teacher Prof. A.W. Mylwaganam told us in the first
year of the University of Ceylon, that a university degree means
absolutely nothing on the book of knowledge.
It is just a dot on the cover page. My Ph.D is another dot on the
cover page of this book of knowledge. What we do in the university is to
guide you to become good citizens and put a foundation to go to the
world to seek knowledge.
It is tragic that we do not have people of that class as university
lecturers to guide the undergraduates. See the status of our education -
doctors are striking, engineers are striking, nurses are striking and
the labourers of the State sector and the private sector are striking.
Is there any difference in their intellectual levels? It was John F
Kennedy who said give your country your best and not ask for the best
from your country.
Let us find out from these unemployed graduates whether they are
starving and whether any one had died of starvation.
I knew an undergraduate who does labour work on an estate in his home
town - Kuliyapitiya during weekends to assist his parents who were
labourers in the same estate.
ENG. COLWIN ZOYSA - Colombo 8
There were newspaper reports that, postal unions would commence an
agitational campaign, demanding immediate action against the corrupt top
brass, responsible for massive frauds, swindling public funds in the
Postal Department. The Unions also seek redress for unresolved problems
in postal services.
On October 7 a Sinhala newspaper reported of an internal audit report
in the Postal Department that had revealed of shady deals when
purchasing bicycles for postmen, computers, printers etc. last year.
Earlier too, there were reports of purchasing sub-standard fax machines
that had caused a huge loss of revenue to the department.
During the former regime, the acting Postmaster General (earlier DPMG
Operations) together with the former PMG spearheaded the campaign to
privatise the postal services, presenting it as the only way out to
improve services.
The Postal Corporation Bill, presented in Parliament in February
1999, was aborted by a rights petition filed in the Supreme Court, that
determined, ‘The aim of the proposed Bill, viz., to make the postal
services a profit making venture, violates the fundamental rights of the
people’.
At stake were billions of rupees worth of real estate properties
belonging to the Postal Department, numerous postal buildings and land
that could be, ‘given on lease or hire, mortgaged, sold or otherwise
disposed of’ (Sri Lanka Postal Corporation Bill - 1999 page 4 para 6f),
if the proposed Bill were adopted.
With the change of Government the PMG was transferred to the
administrative pool, DPMG (operations) being appointed in that place,
which was akin to ‘changing pillows for a headache’.
It is a pity that the Postal services, that provided an efficient and
prompt service in the past, is in a mire of degeneration, seething in
unabated corruption. It is incumbent that the Minister of Posts should
take prompt action to avert a looming crisis that might paralise this
essential service to the public.
STANLEY WEERASINGHE – Pannipitiya
With the recently concluded above programme which was enjoyed by one
and all, I have read many articles on same in your column, on blocking
voting channels of certain contestants and wish to pen my observations.
Whenever I voted for a contestant soon as voting commenced, I have
received acknowledgements immediately.
Having taken great pains in organising Season I and II by Sirasa,
they have no doubt created history in bringing out hidden talented youth
of this country, but it is a great pity that there were no
representatives of the Ministry of Home Affairs are generally present at
many competition draws.
Thus, Sirasa has left room for the viewers to think otherwise about
their preferences. Hence, I suggest that beginning from Season III,
Sirasa will make available a representative from the Ministry and also
allow a representative each for the final contestants (preferably
computer wizards) to be present while voting is in progress, to allay
the doubts of viewers.
Please note that this is written with due respect to the reigning
Super Star Season II Pradeep Rangana and the runner-up Surendra Perera
both of whom shone alike, if not for the last moment blocking jamming of
votes as mentioned by many. Over to the 'Sirasa officials' to take note
that suitable measures be taken in the future to protect their good
image for a job well done.
R. MENDIS – Moratuwa
I was pleased when a lady compiler from the Daily News asked me
whether they could include my poem Agony of an 'Amma' in their intended
anthology and I consented to it joyfully. After a few weeks I received
the invitation card which read, to be present on 11/10/2007 at Galle
Face Hotel which was the day of the launching of the 'Poetry Book'.
It has been aptly named as 'The Colour Of My Dreams' which had a
collection of poems published in the Daily News every week selected from
over 500 poems within the period January to July, 2007.
The tsunami, in terms of lives, destroyed several thousands and among
them were mostly poor people along the coastal areas. The idea of my
poem emerged in me as I have heard some people saying that the victims
were sinners hence they were punished by God. Based on that, it was
composed with imagination.
Actually, it gives a great satisfaction and enthusiasm when one find
that one's writing have been published. This encourages a person to get
involved in developing one's writing skills with new thoughts and ideas
growing within oneself. Not all the poems of a person will get
published, yet one should continue to develop in that particular field
and achieve success.
Guest speaker Prof. Carlo Fonseka's speech was at first humorous the
audience enjoyed it followed by an interesting talk that was attentively
listened to. He said having read the book he chose five poems and made a
brief comment on them. I was delighted to hear my poem 'Agony of an
'Amma' was amongst them. The judges had been very careful in making the
selection and then recommending for compilation.
Last but not the least, refreshments was served to all participants
and, in brief, this event provided the necessities to our eyes - the
beautiful arrangements, to our ears - interesting speeches, to our
brains - some interesting thoughts, to our tongues - the tastiest food
items and finally to our minds - a great satisfaction.
'The Colour Of My Dreams'- a team effort of ANCL staff was colourful.
I have no doubt that all the participants would anxiously await to
participate in this annual event which the ANCL intends to make it and
wish all the best for the future participants.
NAZLY CASSIM - Colombo 13
I write to express my most grateful thanks and to convey my
appreciation on forming the ‘Ceylinco Sarana Cattle Protection Centre’
on the initiative of Sicille Kotelawala.
Words cannot express the joy and relief I felt on the accomplishment
of such a meritorious and merciful deed. Dr. Lalith Kotelawala has
stood, as a shining example to the rest of us including the business
community in particular and set standards to emulate in the future. You
stand as a colossus in this country by your exemplary and noble act
personified by the formation of this organisation.
As a animal lover words are insufficient to thank you and your wife
for this singularly glorious act.
ANIL WEERSINGHE - Colombo 7
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