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| Sunday, 5 May 2002 |
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Letters |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Please forward your letters to [email protected] in plain text format within the e-mail message, since as a policy we do not open any attachments.
ETF management and accountability It was very interesting to read that the present management of ETF had negotiated for a rental income of Rs. 350,000/- per month on one of its property, on which only Rs. 8,000/- per month was earned previously. An increase of 4275% if I got my calculations correct. A great job right? wrong. This information is probably revealed to the press because the tenant was backed by the wrong person. This is a clear example of how, responsible officials abuse the authority within their power for their personal gains. As stakeholders of ETF what assurance do we have that there will be no room for deals of this nature in the future. This cannot be the only transaction which had contributed to the continuous reduction of the interest paid to ETF members. Historically the interest on ETF savings was always higher than the EPF savings until this trend changed a few years back. ETF is trying to hoodwink the members by offering medical benefits that are not extended by EPF. Sadly to date the ETF management had not given an explanation for the low interest paid to its members. What is necessary is for the ETF to circulate to its members a set of annual accounts which should be adopted at a members meeting. This will give the opportunity for the members to get 1st hand information regarding how their savings are invested. Is this too much to ask? Hopefully there will be atleast one member in the committee appointed by the Prime Minister, who knows the true meaning of accountability. Now that we have an honest Finance Minister it is left to be seen whether he will give some serious thought to this suggestion. Or will he too adopt the policy that too much transparency will deprive the Government in power the freedom to misuse the ETF funds, but of course for the common benefit of the country at large. For instance to invest in worthless shares to create a vibrant stock market. CITIZEN PERERA. Colombo-Kandy Intercity Service The so-called Intercity buses travelling from Colombo to Kandy and visa versa stop at every halt and load passengers. It becomes intercity between bus halts. The passengers in spite of the inconvenience have to pay the full intercity charges. The buses halt at some odd joint for a tea break. The bus crew get special treatment with the complements of the management. There are no toilet facilities in these so-called hotels. At Getambe the buses turn onto Goppallawa Mawatha. The passengers are requested to get off at the Hospital OPD entrance of the Kandy Hospital. Thereafter the bus proceeds non stop to the Goods Shed bus halt. Those passengers who go through the town passing the clock tower junction have to get off at the Goods Shed bus halt and find there way to the clock tower bus stand, with their luggage, with children the old and the infirm. These buses without turning to Goods Shed bus halt near the railway station could easily be driven to the clock tower bus stand and after the passengers alight come back to the Goods Shed bus stand. The three wheel drivers parked near the OPD gate charge/demand, Rs. 50/= to transport bus passengers to the clock tower bus stand. All this confusion and inconvenience could be avoided, if the bus goes direct to the clock tower bus stand turns at the roundabout and comes back to the Goods Shed bus stand for final parking. I trust the Depot Managers in charge of the buses will take note and take suitable remedial action. JAMES COOMARASAMY, Delgahawatte road - Talapathpitiya This is Delgahawatte Road, connecting the Sri Jayawardenepura Hospital Road, to Talawatugoda Road in Talapathpitiya, Nugegoda. This road is used by a large number of schoolchildren attending Siddhartha Maha Vidyalaya in the vicinity and also those going to work. This was a tarred road over three years ago but has been transformed into an 'obstacle course' due to the blockage of a culvert by the erection of an unauthorised building by one resident. After very heavy rains, the road becomes a lake and pedestrians are forced to wade in ankle-deep muddy water carrying their shoes in their hands. Countless petitions signed by all the residents of this area and addressed to the Maharagama Pradeshiya Sabha authorities, meetings of the villagers, visits by the Chairman and Civil Engineers of the Pradeshiya Saba have borne no fruit. None of the officials dealing with this subject has been able to remove the stumbling block to the re-construction of this road in the interests of this densely populated village except do lip-service all these years. We are still waiting for the newly-elected powers-that-be to wake up and give effect to their solemn promises made during their election campaigns. R. NORTON, There are several problems one has to confront in obtaining above monies. If each member is given a Pass Book by Central Bank there is no need to have a separate EPF and ETF Department. As every member is not aware of this situation there are several members who have not been able to get back their monies. I am sure the present Minister of Labour would do something for the benefit of the members early. D. Devasurendra, Re-introduce Sri Lankan history Lorna Devaraja's thought provoking and timely article, 'Debunking Sri Lanka's History' (Daily News 17th April) should draw the immediate attention of all those who are aware of the many academic and cultural benefits of studying history as an individual subject. The writer has rightly pointed out that even in countries such as the United States, which has only about 200 years of history, the study of American history both in the schools and in other seats of learning has been given an important place. As the Indian Prime Minister has clearly pointed out: "The present and the future invariably grow out of the past and bears its stamp and to forget this is to cut off the roots of national growth. Today in Sri Lanka particularly the younger generation is thoroughly unaware of the history of their motherland, leave alone the history of the world. This is mainly because for many years in the recent past history was not taught as a separate subject in our schools. If one is unaware of the history of one's motherland he will cease to be a patriotic citizen and will attach no value at all to his country's culture, traditions and heritage. As Lorna Devaraja has pointed out in the United Kingdom and the United States today history has regained its importance in the society and in the United States even medical students have to study American history. This is due to the fact that the knowledge of the history of one's motherland forms the base of the culture of that land. Thus it is high time that Sri Lankan history be re-introduced as an individual subject to all school students at least till the GCE (O/L) examination. Andrew Scott, Pet Vet - the homely animal clinic The Pet Vet Animal Clinic appears to be situated in a somewhat interior place but in close proximity to the catholic church in Torrington Place. But my first impression was that it is ideally located for its kind, with provisions for parking a few vehicles. I happened to, first, set foot on pet vet on 18.02.2002 to seek treatment to our pet doggy, Micky. In fact we were directed there in time by one Veterinary Surgeon who is a real animal lover, who had worked in this place earlier. At the time, my two daughters and I were desperately struggling to save the life of our pet. By then, this one had had a couple of doses of anti-cancerous drug in consequence of which it developed vomiting and loss of appetite. As Micky completely refused any liquid or solid intakes, and developed severe vomiting, its condition was rather unequally posed between this world and that. However, the methodical examinations and apt treatments by the medical staff at the pet vet brought about an immediate relief to the dog. Subsequently on very close examination, the keen pet vet surgeons correctly attributed the food refusals to the unusually enlarged goitre on Micky's neck, which nearly blocked the food passage and to a considerable degree, the breathing passage. Accordingly, the pet vet staff wasted no time and contacted the Professor of veterinary Science at the faculty of Peradeniya campus to fix and appointment for the surgery for the removal of Micky's goitre. Here the medical staff more than amply demonstrated their commitment to the duty and devotion for the love of animals. It was very nice of the staff at Peradeniya headed by the Professor, that they promptly attended on Micky exactly to schedule. The Professor herself performed the operation. In less than fifteen anxious minutes all was over. We managed to bring Micky back home with happy feelings. Later that evening Micky had a light meal, a cup of yogurt, for the first time in ten days. A couple of days hence, Micky developed a serious condition of veezing during midnight on 26.02.2002. We were helpless. It was a pathetic sight that Micky had a sleepless night. We had to follow suit to comfort the struggling animal for its breathing. It continued to be on its feet, the whole night, while we took turns to hold him up right to support its shivering legs until morning. Early morning we rushed to pet vet, ofcourse, without appointment. The vet surgeons at pet vet hurriedly attended on Micky regardless, and brought its condition to a manageable level. After a couple of days of Ivv and other drugs Micky sounded out of danger. Now that it is back to normal with the sutures removed, the wound on the neck healed and the after care completed and Micky enjoying the old glory peacefully at home, we breath a comfortable sigh of relief. I thought to pen this few words in appreciation of the invaluable service done at the pet vet clinic. The staff at Peradeniya headed by Professor Niranjala deserves our thanks. The vet surgeon at Templers road vet clinic attended on Micky coming down to our residence when his services was warranted by us in a hopeless moment in between. We salute them all, in admiration. A somewhat thin, but happier and livelier Micky must be feeling forever grateful to the relief granted to it by its saviours at pet vet, whom this one used to thank with kisses in subsequent visits during after care. Isn't Pet-Vet a homely animal clinic? S. S. J. Fernando, An insurance company who seems to be concerned over the safety of children's lives nowadays advises drivers in this country to refrain from drinking alcohol while driving vehicles as they might kill innocent children. They should request people to be away from alcohol not only while they drive, but also throughout their lifetimes. Then it will help not only to save children's lives, but also to protect the entire society including the individual, the family and the rest of the people. I would like to request this insurance company to add a further message in their entreaty "please refrain from smoking at least while you drive, as it is a nuisance and also it harms those who are around the smoker." But smoking is harmful not only to the smoker, but also to those who inhale the side stream smoke which is called "Secondhand smoking or Passive smoking". The smoke that is released by the smoker carries 4,000 varieties of chemicals, which are injuries to human beings. Many people in this country do not know of this harm caused by the smokers, especially at public places. They just endure this health hazard due to ignorance and owing to the negligence of the environmental protection authorities concerned in this country. It is a shame and an injustice meted out by the non-smokers, who is the majority living in this country. Some smokers say that it is their right to smoke. The tobacco industry says that, as it is a legal product and that they have a right to sell cigarettes. Then what is the right of non-smokers in this country?. Jeewaka Maithri , Dr. W. D. Amaradeva hailed from the famous town of Moratuwa. He achieved greatness in the musical field and was the recipient of the Magsaysay Award from the Philippines and the Padmashri Award from India. Recently, he was awarded some funds by our President and the Parliamentarians invited him to the National Assembly to be feted by the Prime Minister and other dignitaries. But what has Moratuwa town done so far to felicitate him? There is in existence a Moratuwa Art Circle, which takes pride in presenting Songs of yester year. This Art Circle I believe, has failed to recognise his talents and make him even an honorary member. It is not late for this Art Circle to invite him for a specially arranged Musical fiesta as its Chief Guest and make him its Patron. The Moratuwa Municipality has also failed to invite this brilliant son. It was only Hon. Tyronne Fernando, who congratulated him in public on behalf of Moratuwa residents. I think even belatedly the Mayor of Moratuwa should welcome him to his hometown and hand him the 'keys to Moratuwa', in recognition of his achievements. Let Moratuwites be proud of this famous son, who achieved greatness the world over but ignored by his own people; thereby proving the old adage that 'No prophet is accepted in his own hometown'. (Luke 4.24). So better late than never to welcome this Musical Maestro to his own hometown. P. Lucian Fernando , The Incorporated Council of Legal Education The Constitution of the Incorporated Council of Legal Education Sec 12A Law No. 6 of 1974 empowers the council as follows: "(c) for prescribing the course of studies and examinations to be observed by such law students and the payments to be made therefor; (d) for the appointment of lecturers and examiners, and fixing the salary or fees to be paid to such lecturers and examiners respectively; (e) for fixing the minimum number of marks to be earned by candidates at the several examinations". The Admission Examination for the admission of Attorneys-at-Law to the Sri Lanka Law College was earlier conducted by the Department of Examinations but has now been taken over by the Principal and Staff of the Ceylon Law College. There does not appear to be a Board appointed for the purpose and obviously it has been conducted by the Principal and his staff. It will be interesting to note how many applied for admission and how many persons were involved in correcting the Answer Scripts and what particular qualification they had for the purpose. The legal profession is entitled to know this specially in view of alleged discrepancies. The Legal Profession is one of the noblest and learned professions. The Council of Legal Education consists of persons from the highest echelons of the Judiciary, the Official Bar and the Unofficial Bar. Today when almost every institution is in a turmoil the Council of Legal Education owes a duty to the public to put the record straight by publishing the procedure adopted to select persons for admission to the Ceylon Law College. DEREK J.P. FERNANDO , This National Festival which was celebrated on the thirteenth and fourteenth of April is now appropriately referred to as "Sinhala and Tamil New Year". In earlier days this festival was referred to as "Sinhala and Hindu New Year". The present name I believe is the correct name for this ancient festival of Rituals which was celebrated in then Ceylon even from the days of the Sinhala and the Nayakkar Kings. The people of ancient Ceylon prior to the arrival of the Moors, the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British were mostly Sinhalese and Tamils and by religions must have been Buddhists and Hindus, hence the New Year which marks the transition of the Sun from the constellation Meena to that of Mesha is the beginning of a New Year according to astrological calculations and these two communities who shared a common ideology celebrated this New Year Festival together. After the arrival of the Portuguese and the Dutch large numbers of Sinhalese and Tamils living along the coastal belts from North to South and East to West were converted and began to embrace the Christian Faith, baptized given Christian, Portuguese and Dutch names. The American missionaries who came here during the time of the British did likewise in the North and East and large numbers were converted. These so-called converted Sinhalese and Tamils in no time began to earnestly follow the traditions, customs and enjoy the festivals of their new found faith and gradually ceased celebrating the April New Year and began to recognize January first as the New Year which is universal, as according to the present day calendar January first is the start of a New Year. Noel Joseph, |
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