Over the last few months every now and then we saw in the TV the so
called President of the Private Bus Owners’ Association appearing and
making threatening statements regarding bus fares and their own
grievances.
But fortunately or unfortunately, last few months, no such statements
given to the public. I wonder whether they are satisfied with the
present bus fares and the ‘yeoman’ service given to the commuters.
Ministers Dulles Alahapperuma and Lasantha Alagiyawanna always stress
the needs of the poor commuters and they strengthed the fleet of the CTB
buses and railway compartments to compete with the private transport
system.
Presently you find Reddish colour CTB buses at least every half an
hour on the Galle Road and Highlevel Road as well as outstation routes.
This must be the very reason they realised and unable to harass poor
commuters hereafter. So much so we emphasise and wish both Ministers to
continue the good work.
Railway and buses are the most convenient transport system for the
rural masses.
Again and again try to improve the quality of the public transport
system for the benefit of the whole country.
When you are stronger than private bus owners you never fail with
unwanted threats and intimidations.
The so-call Private Bus Owners’ Association now realised the real
strength of the public transport and I believe that’s why they are
silent for the time being.
PADMA GUNAWARDHANA – Ratmalana
The Kolonnawa Urban Council has so far failed to provide a storm
water drainage system at Pirivena Road, Kolonnawa.
Whenever there is a heavy downpour, storm water overflows the road,
and many houses go under water, and the road too is damaged.
As I see it, it is due to the failure of the technical officers of
the U.C. to provide a mechanism to arrest the copious flow of earth from
the hillock beyond into the large drain running alongside the Kolonnawa
Vocational Training Centre, Kolonnawa.
From the College up to the Lanka Loka Pirivena, the public drain
alongside is always filled with earth and water overflows.
In addition, the drain opposite is shallow and should be deepened a
length of about 100 feet.
Will the Kolonnawa Urban Council give attention to this matter and
take appropriate action?
DOUGLAS EDIRISINGHE – Kolonnawa
The Minister of Coconut Development should be commended for taking
action to prevent the fragmentation of coconut lands and plantations,
which as we all know has created the presence situation of high prices
for this produce.
This position could have been easily averted, if this action was not
delayed by the previous administrations thereby closing the stable gate
before the horse bolted.
Accordingly, the above action taken by the Minister would definitely
prevent a more serious situation being created in the ensuing years,
which is appreciated.
In addition to the above, opening new plantations for coconut by the
Ministry would also enhance the above effort, where the results could be
expected after five years, provided they are properly managed.
However, I trust the laws would not leave any loopholes and would
also be applicable to everyone with or without political pull.
This, I mention because most prevalent laws are not strong enough to
sustain such activities, thereby allowing the mighty to care less, not
giving the desired results.
TOMMY WANIGESINGHE - Kurunegala
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