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| Sunday, 12 September 2004 |
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The right column As Sri Lankans we are ahead of time and behind time at the same time. How come? You would question me. As our memory is short, most of you may not notice that we are still half an hour ahead of the standard time or the astronomical clock. God only knows why we are not reverting to the standard time. Perhaps it is to give an allowance to those of us who are habitual latecomers. The clock was advanced to save power amidst a power crisis. The cause for the time shift had been non-existent for a long time. Even an expert committee had recommended a return to the standard time. But the authorities happily continue with the advanced time. Perhaps there is a new cause. Not a power crisis but a crisis of power. I have explained how we are ahead of time. What about being behind time? Need I say what everyone knows about we being behind time in all spheres and that even those neighbours who were behind us have now overtaken us? *** Power corrupts, everyone agrees. Of all powers, it is political power that corrupts most. The most recent example is provided by a group of trade unionists in the transport sector. A so-called mafia type gang is preventing the legally constituted Boards of Directors of cluster bus companies from functioning. What is most important in their minds is not service to commuters or their own union members but how to get into positions and get paid more while working less. The story also goes that many bus crews who supported the Alliance have promoted themselves to clerical positions, following in the footsteps of their green variety two years ago and crippled transport operations of these companies. Of course, these self-promotions are not confined to the cluster bus companies. It is a common malaise in most of the state sector institutions. The only qualification is a blue card and no proficiency, academic, vocational or otherwise is required. Rata perata (Country forward). *** The President has asked her ministers not to comment on the peace process as it would jeopardize her efforts to re-start the negotiations with the LTTE. In fact, she should have said so long ago. It is no secret that individual ministers have been in the habit of commenting on questions of war and peace purely on personal, emotional or sectarian grounds. What concerns us as citizens is not the display of their ignorance or lack of diplomacy but the real damage it could have on the peace process. It is a pity that they cannot understand that it is the people of this country that would be called upon to pay for their idiotic pronouncements. No fool should be allowed to somersault on the ground that angels fear to tread. - the Sceptic |
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