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| Sunday, 19 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.
In your issue of 28.4.02 reader Padma Edirisinghe writing on 'ge' names (pg 26) says "It is almost quaintly pathetic to observe how those of the south try to trace their roots to Mahanuvara via Ge names, and it reflects the extent to which this area is regarded as the real heart of the country." Rohan Jayatileke writing in the Daily News of 3.4.02 on Mahagama, the first settlement of the Aryans, says "By the third century BC practically the whole of Sri Lanka, with the exception of the central hilly region and the eastern coastal areas appears to have been populated, with the population explosion as such and depending solely on sustainable agriculture... On this strength Henry Parker argues in favour of Mahagama and its environs as the first Aryan settlement with Kirinda as the landing place..." History is history, and there cannot be two interpretations. History was not my forte, and I gave it up at the first opportunity, but I cannot reconcile these two statements by two knowledgable readers. Incidentally they both fall back on J. Dias Abeysinghe of a bygone era. Will some reader enlighten us please. Dr. Chandra Weeraratne , Praise serves right where it deserves I was in ward No. 6 of the Base Hospital Nawalapitiya as a patient for a minor operation for a few days in March. As a mark of gratitude for the careful attention and treatment I received before and after the operation I felt it is incumbent on my part to convey my thanks and appreciation through this forum to the team of doctors and nursing staff who were genuinely involved in the discharge of their duties in ward No. 6 of this hospital. From my experience I can say that the surgical wards which are very clean and uptodate provide a place of solace for the suffering and convalescing patients. Chief Surgeon Ranjith Perera and his team of doctors performed their duties with much care and dedication. Even boisterous patients were handled with much care and attention during the whole process of diagnosis and treatment. I would say that the Nawalapitiya Base Hospital is one of the good Government hospitals where patients can obtain a better service. S. M. Razeek , Congratulations! - Minister Karu Jayasuriya The Minister of Power and Energy Karu Jayasuriya deserves our congratulations for taking positive follow-up action to solve the Power crisis within a given deadline. It was made known to the general public this week, that the Power crisis had been solved by 98%. We all are aware that the Hon. Minister of Power went to the extent of stating that he would resign his Portfolio, if he failed to solve this crisis before the end of June. I presume that it was due to the sheer effort made by the Minister, by his follow up action by visiting the Hydro Power projects and the Thermal power projects under repairs, and instructing the relevant officials to do the needful without delay. They in their turn fell in line with the Minister's request and gave their best in the interest of the country. Our thanks are due to them too. As Senior citizens, we have heard that when the Rulers of a country are governing the country in a just manner, that the Gods favour the country, with rain at the proper time. L.L. Leanage, The reasons attributed to a proposed increase on mobile phone rates by a CEO of a leading operator is ludicrous to say the least. While operators in the rest of the world are attempting to increase market share by increasing their customer base and reducing prices (using simple economics of supply and demand) ours in Sri Lanka, are going in the opposite direction and as is the usual pattern, rests its inefficiency on the tolerant consumer. Only recently there was mention of a proposal to make incoming calls free as in some countries. Here in Sri Lanka, the consumer is always burdened with the corruption and inefficiency of both Government and even the private sector. This phenomenon appears to be a regular practice wherein companies here when faced with marketing problems, rush to Government to bail them out without turning their searchlight inwards and taking drastic steps like shedding excess fat off their companies. In competitive trade environments, brands and companies which are unable to survive, shut down their operations. Such is the principle of free markets. If an operator cannot successfully operate, they should hold their management responsible and fire them and find ways and means of operating satisfactorily without burdening the consumer. If not, if they can't take the heat, they should get out of the kitchen. The increase of rates based on the reasons attributed, constitutes fraud and a violation of the rights of consumers who are stuck with these operators. If the TRC approves any further increases, they too should be held responsible by the consumers. Sri Lanka Railways on the decline Future performance of the SLR appears to be more gloomier than what could expect it to be going by the proposals contained in the Budgetary allocations presented in Parliament. The only cause being the steeply declining allocations by the Treasure continuously during the last decade. Being led by a noose around the neck, with reins controlled by lending agencies these treasury officials appear not to see the factual positions of decline of assets - the infrastructure - failure of which leads to catastrophic conditions. The total failures seen recently in the form of two major derailments, confirms the failure of assets, reliability wise and the quality of services on offer. If new investments on Rolling Stock (no investment for the last 12 years), Locomotives (10 No imported recently - a failure), Track and signal enhancement is not forthcoming (tyers - tablet system, CTC installed in 1960, over hauling of track formation and re-ballasting), the service would be falling/failing with declining assets, and would be far from satisfaction. At least technological inputs needed for the rehabilitation of existing over-aged assets should be given immediate attention. The rail system appears to be feeling the strain, particularly in the high density traffic corridors that flow into the city. Railways in many a country takes "The Pride of Place" in the Transport sector. It is the vital factor in achieving a high economic growth, being comparatively energy efficient to all other modes of transport, its environmental friendliness, efficiency in land use, cheaper for medium and long range transport of passengers and freight, and is significantly superior from the stand point of safety. But in reality, market shares of railway has had a comparative decline, which is an undesirable trend to the economy and social health of a nation. Railway has had no significant investment for the last 3-4 decades. Could any Govt, boast of parallel investment like for Mahaweli, Defence, Port, Electricity or Highways in the Railway. No new rail lines has been laid linking vital economic centres, we have failed to electrify, install Mass Rapid Transit MRT or Light Rapid Transit LRT system, underground railways, circular railways, attempted track deviations even from Polgahawela to Colombo to rid of unwanted speed checks. We have failed to replace old fashioned Tyers Tablets Apparatus. CTC system installed in 1960, where as such improvements had been adopted in our neighbouring countries - India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Hong-Kong and Singapore. The only notable investment being for 10 Nos French locomotives surrounded by controversy, with Chairman of Cabinet Appointed Tender Board, Mr. B. C. Perera, exhibiting his nobleness, resigned from Government Service in disagreement and disgust with the hierarchy of the then Government. This locomotives had turned out to be a "White Elephant" in the Railway, with the inability to negotiate curves in the upcountry, failures en-route for various reasons, auto-coupler failures with staff refusals to work in unventilated "Dingy Cabs", exorbitant prices of spares, are supposed to be a burden today to the Engineers of the Locomotive Department. Driver Engineers Union is vehemently protesting to work in these locomotives, unless attended, they say. Within the Transport Sector, those lobbying for the highway sector has been more vociferous than for the railways, with politicos backing to the hilt for personal gains. Inherent limitations, introduced during the last two decades by successive governments are applicable today in the industry. Department cannot Increase passenger fares Effect a transfer according to regulations Effect a promotion according to promotional schemes. Maintain discipline; Mete out punishment departmentally, all of which and many more has led to the downfall, for which "Political Interference" is in existence and is the cause. This tendency has to be stopped and reversed from the national point of view, if we are to achieve another Rampala Era. It appears that the Departmental Heads are unable to cope up with the demand, not forgetting the fact that a few stragglers - vampires within are chasing behind easy money. Statesman, a few national minded politicians (with a clean sheet) and adept leaders in the industry past and present who has mastered the art, should resolve to rally round to revitalise and ameliorate the rail industry. It is not impossible to paddle upstream together. More you get closer to the issues, more it would clean up. Four lakhs of daily travellers to the city will not grudge against an affordable increase in fares. As long as the passengers are low income monthly wage earners commuting daily to and from the railway has a social obligatory function, and thus provide subsidized services. The sector which patronises the Inter-City Express, who prefer to travel in comfort, relies on rail safety, reliability, punctuality and cleanliness will not hesitate to pay a higher fare. Mass scale transport of food, petroleum products, tourist traffic etc, could also be considered along with ICE services as profitable and commercial ventures. Hence railway catering has to be two fold in Sri Lanka and the Railways' Management has to be given complete freedom in decision making and fixing price tariffs so as to meet operational costs to a reasonable extent. Track doubling with the sole intention of popularizing the Railways, increase in inter model aspects of transport, introduction of regulations minimizing use of road transport as in the past, maximum utilization of locos, rolling stock, train crew and track capacity, introduction of additional passenger carriages through public and private sector participation, refurbishment of carriages, re-engining etc, and many more should be considered. Spreading of financial resources very thinly like in the past on endless number of projects, leads to cost overruns and affects financial viability. Meaningful rail projects when viewed from socio-economic and commercial angles, could turn out to pay dividends but requires longer periods to be viable. Direct rail to Kataragama to Kandy, Badulla, Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Kankasanturai in luxury standards will be a viable proposal. Hence massive investments are needed for re-vivification of the rail industry in order to achieve progress of the Nation. Expertise on rail engineering, as offered lately by a temporary resident permit holder, a retired German chemist, living in the coastal belt and enjoying the Sri Lankan hospitality is not needed and unwelcome, as we have in our midst, former General Manager's of the railway in Messrs Amarasuriya, Weerasuriya, Silva, Chief Engineers Wijewardene, Mudalige, Silva, Wijeratne and a host of other engineers and technical officers from various grades to offer advise in uplift of the railway. Glancing through the Budgetary allocation approved in Parliament recently, for any calamitous situation caused in the near future, World Bank, International Monitory Fund and the Asian Development Bank along with the Treasury Officials should be taken to task and help responsible for deficit budgetary spending or zero budgetary systems will not only cause additional delays to supply of spare materials etc, which are mostly import oriented, but also cause further decline in Assets. A perusal of expenditure incurred in the railway industry for the last 10 years will clearly indicate that 85% of the expenditure is for foreign exchange components. It is high time that the sectors responsible engage themselves in a proper study, without leaving room for mass scale murder of innocent commuters. Pro bo no publico Our country is famous for seeking advice of fortune-tellers. It is pathetic to note that right from the President down to the peasants, everyone depends on these people's unwarranted claim of knowing the future, which has been repeatedly proved wrong. We could be much better if we depended on our effort and trusting that "Any time is good time" provided we do our best. There's only one question, which needs to be answered to overcome this insane belief in fortune-tellers. Our lottery system practically everyday declares that the prize is over millions; How come we never, never ever read a news item, "The fortune-teller wins the jackpot?" Why don't they use their knowledge to improve their economic status? Dr. Mareena Thaha Reffai , The Sunday Essay 'A Short history of Velupillai Prabhakaran, by Mr. Ajith Samaranayake in the Sunday Observer of 21.4.2002 was absorbingly interesting and needs comment. He has mentioned that Mr. Velupillai Prabhakaran was two years old when the Sinhala Only Bill was passed and when he was four years old the first attack on the Tamils erupted in 1958. He further tells us that the Poosari who was burnt to death in Panadura though not the grandfather of Prabhakaran, no doubt had a powerful impact on the youthful Prabhakaran in later years. The LTTE was formed with just a few youth for the liberation of the Tamils. Their first victim was the Jaffna Mayor Alfred Duraiyappah and their last victim was the erudite scholar Neelan Thiruchelvam who was killed by a suicide bomber. Four months have passed since the war ended. No major incidents have so far been reported. According to the newspapers life in Jaffna is almost normal. Reconstruction and rehabilitation work is going on apace. Fortunately for the UNF there are no Buddhist priests to fast unto death, no demonstrators to burn the Norwegian flag. Even the JVP organised protests meetings against the MoU signed by the Government and the LTTE have had no effect. The PA may have its reservations on certain aspects of the MoU but generally they are supportive of the peace process. As the leader of the LTTE Velupillai Prabhakaran has come out from his secluded place and held a press conference for all the world to see, with the LTTE theoretician Anton Balasingham to help him together with Mr. Thamil Chelvam and made an impassioned plea to forget the past and forge ahead on the path of peace the UNF should not delay the process of peace. Now that most of the road blocks have been taken off and that the LTTE have opened up their offices in many areas as per the MoU the UNF should de-proscribe the LTTE and permit them to set up an 'Interim Council'. This would go a long way for peace talks to be held in Thailand. As far as the UNF is concerned, there is absolutely no point for them to wait in anticipation for any sort of controversy to corp up regarding the MoU they signed with the LTTE. The country gave the UNF a mandate of 109 seats to stop the war and usher in peace and that is exactly what they have done. J.T. Mirando , I wish to focus your attention regarding on the Accident Ward of General Hospital Colombo. We happened to enter our aunt who had fractured her leg recently. There were no beds hence we had to keep her on a stretcher. No body is allowed to keep a special attendant or a relative of ours to look after the patient. My aunt wanted to go to the toilet. So we asked the nurses what we could do about it. We were told by the nurses to ask the patient to control the urine till the attendant came to the ward. How can my poor aunt who is 86 years-old control her natures call god only knows! So fortunately we were allowed to bring the bed pan to help her with greatest difficulty. The question is how long can the poor patient in pain control a nature's call? Can't the nurses handle a situation like this sympathetically. We were lucky to enter our patient to a private hospital. But can a poor person afford it? I sympathise with the patients who cannot afford high medical bills at private hospitals. I sincerely hope that this incident is taken into consideration and given due thought by the authorities concerned. J. Vijayapala, Seeing stars through starscope The Sunday Observer Magazine under starscope carries a full page of astrological forecasts for the week calculated to the very minute. These are based on the 12 Lagnas or the Zodiac signs - Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgin, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces. These signs indicate the 12 divisions of the space round the sun starting from Aries. The earth rotating round the sun passes through these 12 signs or spaces in 365 1/4 days taking average one month for each zodiac sign. Accordingly the lagna to which one belongs is clearly and correctly determinable with the calendar only, by anyone. But in starscope it never appears to agree with that calculation, as the horoscopes indicate that the births under all the 12 zodiac signs take place within every 24 hours or one day. For example two births on the same day at two different hours indicate Aries in one horoscope and Pisces in the other. It has created a real confusion among those who believe in horoscopes, under science and research in modern times where everything is subject to scientific scrutiny including religious truths. Under such research now, Buddhism has been proved to be a natural science. (Vide contribution in Silumina 14.4.2002 by Denagama Siriwardana). An early clarification appears necessary by astrologers in the interest of posterity. A. C. Perera , |
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