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| Sunday, 22 June 2003 |
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Letters |  |
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Callous attitude of government officials Two electrical lamp posts that were originally on the other side (or the right side) of the far end of Weera Mawatha, Sri Subuthipura had been arbitrarily shifted by the CEB alongside the parapet wall of my residence some years ago at the instance of a person who bought a building block and built a house as one lamp post was a hindrance for him to take his vehicle into his premises. The CEB without any forewarning or even not having the courtesy of inquiring if there were objections from us, whilst my wife and I were both at work, had gone onto shift the two lamp posts and drawn the overhead three-phase wires along parapet wall of the residences of our houses causing a danger to the lives of the inmates of three houses, when there was ample space on the same side to re-locate these posts. All my appeals and protests for re-location of the posts had fallen on deaf ears, until one day in early 2002 a good Samaritan in the B'mulla CEB office told me that I had gone to the wrong place and directed me to the CEB office, Etul-Kotte and I promptly made a written appeal requesting the engineer to re-locate these posts and the overhead wires. After several reminders, the CEB, Etul-Kotte took necessary action and towards end of August, 2002 requested me to pay a sum of Rs. 14,624.40, the estimated cost of shifting three lamp posts and overhead wires to the other side of the road where there are no obstructions of any sorts nor any danger to lives of people. I promptly paid the money to the CEB account in the People's Bank and submitted the original receipt to the Engineer, CEB, Etul-Kotte. After nearly one and a half months when the CEB workers, sans any responsible official called over for the re-location, some of my neighbours on the far side of the road had objected and the CEB abandoned the work and left the place. The CEB, Etul-Kotte had then written a letter with a copy to me to the people who objected for shifting of posts to, if they have any valid ground for their protest to inform so in writing within 14 days there from. The time lapsed and after several reminders I was informed by the AGA's office Kaduwela that there had been no objections and requesting the CEB to carry on with the work. Again when, the CEB workers, this time too sans any responsible officer, came to attend to the shifting the same neighbours had caused a row objecting and the CEB workers had gone back. Apparently the CEB workers who came to do the job had been entertained for tea etc. by one neighbour and she had immediately prepared a petition on the advice of the CEB workmen, got some other people too to sign and given over to the CEB office, Etul-Kotte, after over one month had elapsed from the last date for objections. Though I was informed that the Divisional Secretary, Kaduwela had refused to entertain the belated petition, the CEB, Etul-Kotte had accepted same and a similar letter calling for written objections had again been sent to seven parties who were signatories to the belated petition yet giving 14 days time to do so. Though it was very clear to anybody that the other side is quite open without any physical obstructions and that the three-phase wires pose a clear danger to the property and inmates of our residences, the Divisional Secretary appeared prejudiced against us and also partisan to the main petitioner whose objections we rightly nullified by me, told me that since there was no responsible officer from the CEB present at the Inquiry (that was the time when some trade unions of the CEB had resorted to strike action), he will have to hold another inquiry which I thought was indeed fair by all and agreed to. After over one and a half months the Divisional Secretary, Kaduwela ignoring and going back on his promise to me, had taken a unilateral decision and requested the CEB that the lamp posts and overhead wires need not be shifted, as it may upset the drainage system and telephone lines (which is totally another question that can be easily sorted out without any difficulty) but if they pose any danger to my people to take action to cover them which is most unfair and unjust. If this is how government officials who are committed with the responsibility of ensuring the safety and welfare of the general public act, well God help Sri Lanka! Firstly the double standard of the CEB in not informing us when they shifted the posts to our side ten years ago, but now heeding to objections from others. Secondly the CEB workers befriending a widow and getting her to petition against this shifting. Are these not deplorable action by state officials. Over to you Minister of Power and Energy, Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Bodies and Chairman of Kaduwela Pradeshiya Sabha. Ranjith c.dissanayake, In April, I accompanied my child to the Holy Family Convent Bambalapitiya which was the centre for his written examination conducted by the Institute of Western Music and Speech situated at Kotelawala Gardens, Colombo 4. The duration of the paper was given as 1 1/2 hours and as I had no time to go home and come again, I decided to wait. I was surprised to see that no arrangement was made by the Institute for the parents to wait comfortably until the exam was over. So I together with many other parents suffered in the scorching heat along Retreat Road for more than an hour. At 2.30 I was glad when the gates were opened for the children to come out. But let alone reaching the gates, I couldn't even see my child. One of the females presumably attached to the Institute was shouting herself hoarse by calling the names of the children for the respective parents to come forward to collect them. It was such an unprofessional way of handing the children to their parents. It was utter chaos as with the noise and some children could be heard crying for the fear of being left behind by their parents. After more than half an hour of waiting to collect their children, the parents who were nearest the gates swarmed into the school premises while the other parents followed. It's surprising that even after a similar incident took place on the day of the last year's exam as well, no action was taken to prevent such an incident occurring this time too. Seating arrangements, at Kotelawala Gardens too (where the Spoken English Examinations are conducted) was only limited for parents to sit till examinations were over. Please take necessary action to avoid recurrence of such incidents. A concerned parent Telecasting of Parliamentary proceedings Nowadays people have instant access by TV to see their favourite international cricket matches, and also to listen to simultaneous expert comments ball by ball, but it is an irony of fate that the mass of the people have been denied viewing and giving ear to the transmission of performances and acts of their representatives in the House of Parliament. Although some political highups did propose to get across to the people the facility of telecasting proceedings in the House, the inalienable democratic right of the mass of the people in this regard has not yet been realised. Like justice, the cause of democracy would be adequately served not only when it is ventilated by the representatives in the august assembly, but also is seen by the mass of the people to be done so. In fact, it would go a long way for the exercise of supervision and control by virtue of the sovereignty of the people if uncensored transmission of proceedings of the House is made available over the air: there is an already established network of TVs and radios covering the entire Island. The adoption of the course of action to disseminate the necessary information would avert tendencies to filibuster or speak and act in otherwise untoward manner, which would devalue the image of any representative or party before the public. In addition it would lead to saving of much money and effort of the nation by preventing the rather frequently occurring adjournment of the sittings of the House for the purpose of maintaining the disciplinary control. In the circumstances, there is no doubt whatsoever that the fervent hope of many even at this rather late stage is that those in authority concerned would ensure the implementation of live telecasts of uncensored proceedings of Parliament. D. Kuruneru, Film in the name of the Buddha The film "In the Name of the Buddha" is reported to be blasphemous of Buddhism. It is not easy to hurt the feelings of a Buddhist because he is not 'blind'. Two instances could be cited just to show what buddhism is as a religion as well as a way of life. Once a wealthy follower of a particular spiritual leader came before the Buddha and said "Venerable Sir, the leader whom I have been following has nothing more to offer me. From now onwards I want to follow you." The Buddha replied, "Don't be in a hurry. Think more whether you understood my teachings. If you are satisfied, you can follow me. But, continue to offer your previous teacher whatever worldly comforts as you have been giving him in the past. Otherwise, he will begin to hate you." That was the Buddha. Emperor Asoka, when he was at war of conquest of land (digvijaya) and as he was marching from victory to victory killing thousands of men, depressed by the massacre, embraced Buddhism, stopped the war and commenced taking the message of the Buddha (dhammavijaya) to all parts of the world. That is the Buddha Dhamma. Buddhism does not offer incentives in the form of a place in heaven or comfort of dozens of heavenly virgins to those who kill other human beings in defence or in promotion of religion. Most of the carnage in the world today are due to religious conflicts or motivated by religious feelings. That is why both Bush and Saddam pray to God for success. One other way that peace could be brought, is for all those who resort to war should refrain from appealing to God as He is for peace and hates those who resort to war. E.M.G. Edirisinghe, Ban mobile phones at filling stations! A news item appeared in the Daily News of May, 9 where motorists were warned about the use of cell phones at petrol filling stations by an oil company as dangerous. Motorists using cell phones at filling stations could endanger their lives by engulfing themselves in flames. It was stated that mobile phones can ignite fuel and fumes. It was also mentioned that mobile phones that light up when switched on or when they ring, release enough energy to provide a spark. Three instances were also quoted where mobile phones (cell phones) ignited fumes during fuelling operations. The first case was where a car was destroyed along with the gasoline pump. In the second instance, an individual had suffered severe burns to his face, whilst answering a call while refuelling the car. The other case was where an individual had suffered burns to the thighs and groin as fumes ignited when the phone which was in the pocket had rung, whilst refuelling their car. As it is, mobile phones can ignite fuel or fumes. I think the Petroleum Corporation authorities should take early action to make the motorists aware of this danger, by putting up suitable 'warning' boards at fuelling stations in the Island, and also take necessary action to educate the public through the print and the electronic media on this matter. Lionel Leanage, All religions teach us that trust is the best form of bond but unfortunately today we lack this even among the kith and kin leave alone communities and nations. There may be many reasons for this but I want to specify one reason and try to open a dialogue for our own benefit. Sri Lanka has been a democratic country for a long time and we have really enjoyed the freedom of speech and expression. However some persons and organisations use the public media to make baseless and false allegations against other religious and ethnic communities and organisations. If someone has violated the law of the land it is the right and the duty of every citizen to immediately report such incidents and the culprits to the relevant authorities. the majority of Sri Lankans irrespective of their religious and ethnic differences are law abiding people and all of them will support such a move. All of us want to build a better world for our children. In this matter we must have the trust of each other and let's build it together. We can't afford any more troubles and tragedies in this beautiful country. Abdul Salam, Are children deprived their rights? It is extremely sad to say that our children are deprived their rights to live freely in our society. We parents are shocked and dumb-founded to hear the heart-rending rape cases in every nook and corner in Sri Lanka. The most unpleasant thing is that the people become 'sex beasts' and they don't let the flowers bloom. Further it is very unpleasant to say that not only the beast but also the father himself seduces his own blood. Can we call him a father? When a father treats his own children like this, what about the people around him? Actually they are not suitable for 'fatherhood' even to be called fathers as they spoil the noble name of 'fatherhood'. When we look into this the reason is the lack of moral values. The moral values have declined a great deal in todays society. "The morality is the lack of opportunity is the old saying. It says the lack of opportunity helps to protect the morality in people but what has happened today? People do not heed the morality instead they've become vulgar and ill-bred. They are the people who bring ill-fame to the holy name of 'Dharmadveepa', the ancient people called Sri Lanka. The other reason for this is the leniency of law in Sri Lanka. The leniency of law deprived the rights of our children and spoils their lives. I believe that the government already is lenient with the child abuses. The one accused for a crime gets a very short period of imprisonment. After sometime he lives freely as if he hasn't done anything. This is the main cause for increase of rape cases day by day. If the person gets a severe punishment like in 'Saudi Arabia' our children would not have lost their lives. Migration of parents in search of jobs may affect greatly our children. When the elders leave them they don't get love and protection. If they are deprived of the main requirements in life, they'll try to achieve them in many ways good or bad. They also become victims of sexual harassment. As parents and elders can we afford to be blind or dumb further? It's time to protect our children's civil rights. Ultimately, on behalf of all the parents in Sri Lanka, I plead from the present government to get a necessary and an urgent step to alleviate this threatening menace from Sri Lanka for a safe future for our children. Mrs. J. A. P. Dabarera, This is no place to discuss the Islamic philosophy about life after death in detail but let it suffice here to mention that, according to Islam, the way we lead our lives here on earth influences our souls in a manner as sometimes, certain diseases of a pregnant mother influence her child in the embryonic stage. The child may be so congenitally handicapped that it may prove to be a hell for it to live with its disabilities among healthy children in a state of utter helplessness. The torment would become more bitter and profound with the maturity of its consciousness. This, in a nutshell, according to Islam, is how we shape our own heaven or hell. In this context, it should have become clear that any social order which promotes irresponsible, disorderly and evil behaviour, no matter how attractive or enticing it may seem to the casual observer must be rejected. It is all right for the believers to say things and make such claims as are other worldly in nature. After all, who has returned from the so-called other world to testify such claims or stand witness against them ? Why not be content with a bird in hand than to barter it for two in the bush ? This is the materialistic answer to the Islamic philosophy regarding how society should be shaped and on what principles it should be based. The Islamic philosophy encompasses the life here on earth and the life hereafter as a continuous flow broken momentarily on death, which, infact, is only a transformational stage of one life to another. The individual is answerable to society only as long as he lives and only for that aspect of life which is visible and detectable; that which is hidden in the form of his thoughts, intentions, plans, conspiracies and evil crimes subtly perpetrated, goes undetected and unquestioned. Again, the crimes against society are only adjudged as crimes when it is established beyond a reasonable shadow of doubt that a crime had been committed. There is the possibility of the miscarriage of justice. In such a social order, the dispensation of justice is not only superficial and limited but also becomes conducive to offences against society. It promotes the pursuit of vested interests and encourages extreme selfishness on the part of the individual. It is very difficult indeed to find a definition of crime which is fully supported in a sound moral philosophy. It is very difficult to conceive that members of godless society will be truly convinced of the wrong they commit when they break a law. After all, what is law ? Is it the word of a despot or an absolute ruler, the decision of totalitarian regimes, or the dictate of a democratic majority ? To a common man, which of the above should appear to be a just legislation based on sound moral philosophy ? What moral philosophy indeed ? If he does not owe his existence to any being. or if he has no fear of being questioned regarding his conduct during his earthly life in the life to come, since, according to him, there is no life. Hereafter, then the answers to the questions raised above, from his vantage point, could be very different from the requirements of a responsible society. He has only this short life to live. He needs society only for his own benefit. He submits to the superior authority of the society only out of necessity. If he can run away with some self-appropriated benefit and snatch a few moment of pleasure here and there while remaining clever enough to escape detection, why not ? What so-called 'moral' inhibition could stop his hand? This psychological attitude towards crime begins to develop and become stronger with the passage of time in godless and materialistic societies. This exactly mentioned in the Holy Quran as the essence of the materialistic society. The disbelievers declare; "There is no life other than the present life; we shall die here and it is only here that we shall live and we shall not be raised again". i.e. we reject the concept of life after death or life elsewhere (Holy Quran: 23;38). Then, again, the disbelievers mockingly address earlier Prophets by asking them: "They say, 'when we shall have become bones and turned to dust, shall we really be raised again into a new form of creation ?" (Holy Quran: 17,50) Again it says: "They say, 'Do you really mean to assert that when we are dead and have become mere dust and bones, shall we indeed be raised again ?" (23,83). This, according to the Holy Quran, is central to all evils of a materialistic society. That is why so much stress is laid on the life to come and on a Day of Reckoning. A. Abdul Aziz, |
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