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| Sunday, 17 February 2002 |
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Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Taking the aerial route by FACTOTUM That was pretty smart. Imagine the chagrin of those who shuffled into the august presence of the boss to obtain his clearance to double the power cut hours when he sized up the inevitable gloom if he had given the okay on the eve of another poll and very prudently and correctly put his foot down on anymore dark hours. In fact it has been reported he almost blew a fuse but went on to wield the big stick to activate the high powered team to get cracking on measures to lift the dark (karuwala) hours completely, come the monsoon in May. The people friendly decision not to penalise them jacking up electricity rates to recover losses due to mismanagement and other shortcomings of the power providers in the CEB saved him from a possible pitfall and faux pas. Having dispelled impending darkness and on the eve of the great event of the partial opening of the road - the A9 - which will surely ease the appalling conditions under which people in the Wanni have been living and putting up with the trip to that city-state in the South East is sure going to be a welcome respite. The very prospect of unrestricted travel to and fro those parts in the North has brightened the hopes of all those who mean to lead normal lives. There are signs that the much awaited economic activity will get under way. The two way process of trade in agricultural products and industrial goods will surely go along way to restore normalcy when Capital from within and without is invested in a region that has long suffered the privations of war. It is inconceivable that designing persons would harbour thoughts of throwing a spanner in the works at this juncture. The world community, especially donor countries would not take kindly to a situation that would stall their endeavours to come in to ameliorate conditions that have been aggravated by confrontationist positions. Already the near two month cease-fire has brought in benefits. Tourists have ventured into the distant East and the good news that hotel bookings have increased is a pointer to the salutary conditions that are quietly emerging in areas that have been taboo for most hitherto. The business community that had let matters be were galvanised into holding hands when the insurgents visited our airport and sprayed bullets all round in July last year. The follow up was witnessed on Thursday when some young lovers took to the streets and others patronised what was on offer at hotels. This gives an inkling into the remedied situation overcoming concerns expressed by money makers. The relaxed security situation-no body searches, no check points in the big city - was sufficient bait for the rupees to live through their dream moments. So, there is something for everybody under the new dispensation. These minor diversions may draw the young away from dark thoughts, the gospels of evil and hatred that seem to have reigned and penetrated deep in this blessed isle for decades now. An aerial survey would have revealed happy prospects for the future. There's sure going to be a bonanza for all when the boss returns having skirted those oceans. |
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