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I just purchased a copy of the latest Annual Report of the Central
Bank.
As I normally do, I went through the report briefly and found it as
usual “ Very Educational, Informative, Full of Substance and a
“Storehouse of Knowledge”, which indeed is entirely due to the efforts
of the officials of the Bank and its Team.
Another item that struck me, which is very imperative, is the price
at which it is sold to the public, a nominal price of Rs. 300/-. I am
fully aware of the fact that it is heavily subsidised by the Government,
which I personally think is a very correct and noble act by the Bank,
especially with the runaway inflation, in the country and the high cost
of living, as it would be affordable not only to institutions and
libraries, but also to the average student and average individual to
enhance ones knowledge, and educate oneself, in “every field of
learning”, be it banking, economics, political or social.
This book is definitely the “Ultimate Source of Knowledge” on Sri
Lanka.
It is my earnest hope, and desire, that the Central Bank, continues
to publish the Annual Report and other publications at the subsidised
price so that it is within the reach of “All and Sundry”, as the Team of
the Central Bank have been doing so, for so many years.
The “Central Bank Annual Report” would be a “shinning example” to the
other publishers, booksellers, and other institutional publishers who
demand blood money for their so called “Great Publications”, and do not
care for the average person to enhance ones knowledge, and inculcate the
noble reading habit. They are only interested in “Profiteering” and
“Increasing Sales”.
I salute the Central Bank and its Officials for this remarkable and
noble achievement.
Once again, it is my earnest hope, and prayer that the Central Bank
Officials continue this noble and humanitarian service of publishing the
Annual Report, which is a “Bible of Knowledge” at this concessionary
rate and the other publishers and booksellers, would some day, follow
the example, set by the Central Bank.
Amyn Chatoor -
Colombo 5
Some opponents of the Government may give vent to the view that SAARC
Summit is unwanted headache to the taxpayers of the country. Since it
costs millions of rupees for its elaborate arrangement.
But I feel that it is a negative view held by some pessimists in the
country. The Summit is an ideal opportunity for the President to give a
real picture of the conflict torn country.
In the meantime, all the members of the SAARC will realise the
practicability of the Government’s defensive and offensive war with the
LTTE.
M.Y.M. MEEADH
- Kandy
This incident refers to one of the leading Buddhist Boy’s Colleges in
Kandy. A set of most ill-behaved students who are in Grade nine classes
spend their lunch interval throwing stones at the monkeys and the
security guards who are employed to look after the students.
Recently they have thrown a stone at a car parked at the school
premises by one of the staff members. It is a brand new Nissan super
saloon motor car bought by his wife for a permit very recently.
The windscreen of the car (back one) which costs 88 thousand rupees
in Sri Lankan currency went into smashes when the teacher opened the
door.
As the average Government servants, they have bought the car with
great difficulty spending every cent they have earned out of hard work.
In addition they have taken a loan too to recover in instalments. The
emotional stress these ruffians have given to the owners cannot be
measured by money alone.
These students have come down to the level of hooligans to commit
such a nasty deed.
The tragedy lies not only there but in the way the school
administration responded to this. It is sad to say that the relevant
sectional head and the class teachers did not make any genuine attempt
to get hold of the culprits and to show the gravity of what they have
done; get them to pay the loss.
This is juvenile delinquency if they have done it intentionally. The
relevant authorities should look at this incident not in personal
grounds but collectively to safeguard the dignity of the institution.
If not the students will have the upper hand and very soon the tail
will wag the dog.
Education does not mean imparting knowledge only. The recent trend in
education in developed countries put more weight on attitude development
rather than giving knowledge. If the younger generation is let loose to
have their own way by the educational institution, it will be a wastage
of education and will bring worse damage to the entire society in the
years to come.
C.C. -
Polgolla
It is now almost a one year since work on the Orugodawatte flyover
bridge commenced and there seems to be no signs of when it will be
completed either by way of press notice or notices indicating the date
of completion or the contractors who are responsible on the job and
accordingly work seems to be going on at a slow pace. It is also
possible that the public too is not made aware of this gigantic project.
This stretch of road (Low Level Road) which serves as the road to
numerous bus commuters travelling to Ratnapura, Awissawella, Ampara,
Trincomalee, Hanwella, Kaduwela etc., is extremely busy, with around 10
buses going to and fro every 10 minutes.
Trains also ply every 15 minutes as a result of which the Railway
Gates are closed for traffic resulting in further delays. Naturally this
stretch of road from the Orugodawatte junction to Wellampitiya is in
utter chaos with mountains and mountains of earth and garbage piled on
either side.
The giant pot holes and craters along this road adds to the problem
of the motorist/bus travellers making the journey uncomfortable and
slow. On a rainy day one could imagine the sufferings the people have to
undergo, who travel along this road.
At any point of time you could only see the few Korean workers doing
their best on this gigantic project.
To make matters worse there are also two security points stationed
along this stretch of the road when approaching Colombo causing the
tired passengers coming all the way from Embilipitiya, Ampara etc., to
stand in the hot sunny dusty condition till the bus is checked naturally
delaying further the journey to Colombo.
It is therefore kindly requested from all those concerned such as the
R.D.A., Ministry of Highways, etc., to take immediate steps to expedite
this project within the next six months or so by increasing the local
labour force etc. and inform the public when this is expected to be
completed.
Incidentally we all know how the Kelaniya Bridge was completed within
60 days and hence it is relevant to find out why this project is not
given that priority, or is it because this is mainly used by low middle
class ordinary citizens and therefore does not need any urgency.
DULEEP SINGH -
Colombo
While the long overdue widening of Thimbirigasyaya Road has finally
commenced, Torrington Avenue, one of its major link roads with Bullers
Road is in contrast, shrinking.
This is due to the illegal and unauthorised constructions that
abound, especially towards the middle, which jut out on to the road
obliterating all street lines and causing a severe bottleneck.
Although Torrington Avenue is considerably wide at the two ends where
it joins up with Thimbirigasyaya Road on one end and Bullers Road at the
other, an increased flow of traffic from a widened Thimbirigasyaya Road
would invariably be brought to a standstill, unless the ceaseless
construction activity going on unabated is immediately checked.
These obstructions, some of which are illegal and unauthorised
religious structures and other roadside contraptions extending on to the
road to park or store various items, should be removed forthwith leaving
the street lines open and unencumbered for the free flow of traffic.
CMC, UDA, RDA, please take action.
C.C.
May I have some clarification regarding traffic lights governing
Right Turning traffic.
There are two sets of lights at most major junctions; one set for
traffic proceeding straight - henceforth called the ‘Straight Lights’
and a set of lights governing traffic turning right - ‘Right Turning
Lights’.
The ‘Right Turning Lights’ are of two kinds -
1. Those with Red, Amber and Green lights.
2. Those with only a Green Arrow.
My understanding of the two, based on my driving experience in
Australia for 25 years is as follows.
In the first case, aLL right turing traffic must wait until the Red
and Amber lights are off and the Green light comes on before turning.
In the second instance, if the ‘Straight Light’ is Green, then Right
Turning Traffic may turn without waiting for the single Green Arrow - If
there is no on-coming traffic and it is safe to proceed.
However, there is a misconception among Sri Lankan motorists and some
policemen, that one has to wait for the Green Arrow before turning. If
this is the case, then what is the difference between the two sets of
Right Turning Lights?
If the Australian practice is observed, then motorists and police
need education.
If there is no difference governing the action on the two kinds of
lights, then why do we need lights with Red and Amber - we would only
need a Green Arrow and save money and confusion.
A.J.B. Anghie -
Colombo
The simplest way in saving energy is to make all C.F.L. bulbs duty
free.
The Government can thereby impose a controlled price, and once these
bulbs are made cheap and freely available, it will be affordable to all
consumers.
The present prices of C.F.L. bulbs are very high, and thereby only a
few privileged lot could afford these bulbs.
If duty free cars could be given to the privileged lot of this
country, why not give this concession to all electricity consumers and
thereby save energy for the entire nation?
LI KUNG SHU -
Kandy
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