Consequent to the performance of politicians and their cronies at the
local government elections held on 30.3.2006, it is understood that
leaders of political parties will be issuing a code of conduct to be
adhered to by their members not only in the local body councils but also
in the Parliament and the Provincial Councils.
This step is most welcome since it has for too long been a crying
shame on our country that some of our representatives have gone off the
rails of decency, decorum and discipline both in and out of our August
assemblies.
In this regard it is kindly requested that the leadership should keep
in mind that all tendencies on the part of any member to make hay while
the sun shines, particularly by direct or devious means, resort to
bribery and corruption, should not only be deprecated but also be nipped
in the bud.
In the formulation of the code of conduct, emphasis should be laid
on, inter alia, the necessity to sing the national anthem by all members
at least once a day at every proceedings of the Parliament, Provincial
Councils and the Local Authority Councils. This may perhaps take place
at the very beginning of business of each day.
There is no doubt whatsoever that the national anthem has to inspire
our legislators who are drawn from the various communities to continue
to be patriotic.
The writer cannot let pass this occasion without a confession of a
salient flaw observed over the years: The national anthem is sung in the
Sinhala language only, which should not be so, as the reasonable use of
the Tamil language has to be given its due place in accordance with the
standing policy of the State.
Accordingly, those who do not have a sufficient knowledge of Sinhala
or no knowledge of it, will be properly inspired by singing a suitably
revised national anthem. Perhaps a few lines incorporated in the Tamil
language can be adopted in the present national anthem.
It is therefore submitted that our President should be pleased to
appoint a committee consisting of a few experts drawn from the Sinhalese
and Tamils to consider and recommend a revised or a new national anthem.
Some may advance an argument that no other country has a national
anthem in more than one language: But we need not blindly follow other
countries in this regard since it is open to us to treat the matter
independently as a sovereign State and since it will also not affect
adversely our foreign relations.
By D.Kuruneru, Moratuwa.
A present diabetes is considered as the second largest killer disease
next to heart attack. I feel that the general public is not fully aware
of the dangers and precautions to be taken with regard to this disease.
Carbohydrates consumed by us is converted into glucose after
digestion and transformed into energy in the blood. When the body is
properly exercised, the glucose is easily transformed into energy.
However, if the exercise is inadequate, the unspent glucose will
increase the blood sugar level resulting in diabetes.
The main reasons for diabetes are as follows:
Hereditary - this is an unfortunate situation. Lifestyle - high
consumption of starch and fatty foods, lack of exercise, etc. Continued
mental depression - this fact has to be understood clearly. Mental
depression can cause not only high blood pressure, heart attacks etc.,
but diabetes as well.
Symptoms of Diabetes can be frequent urination and hunger, dizziness,
dry tongue, increased heart beat, unusual perspiration, diminishing eye
sight, etc.
And one or more of these signs should not be ignored. Even without
any of these symptoms diabetes could be diagnosed by the following
medical tests :Urine test, fasting blood sugar, Random blood sugar. Your
doctor will prescribe the best test for you.
Diabetes if not diagnosed and properly controlled could lead to
:heart ailments, vision problems, eye pressure, kidney failure, reduced
body resistance, amputation of limbs due to gangrene caused by neglected
wounds, and stiffness in the feet and limbs.
By taking the following precautionary measures you could avoid/reduce
the above complications to some extent: Early detection is the best.
Therefore, after the age of 35 it is advisable to have regular medical
check-ups. If you have diabetes in the family it would be better to
start medical examinations at an even younger age. Take proper
exercises. Walking for at least half an hour every day is good.
Balanced and regular meals are a must. Consult your physician or a
dietician on the proper meal for you. Avoid liquor, cigarettes, drugs,
artificial soft drinks etc. It is better to drink butter-milk. Watch
your weight. Never take any medication without consulting a doctor.
Don't fall prey to advertisements.
I have seen press advertisements suggesting various means of curing
diabetes. Remember that diabetes like high blood pressure, heart
ailments, etc. can only be controlled and not cured completed. Consult
your family doctor before consenting to any major medical treatment. If
you are consulting any other doctor, don't forget to inform him/her of
your health condition and the drugs consumed by you.
For e.g.: even if it is a tooth extraction, you have to inform the
Dentist about your health condition. Try to keep your mind calm at all
times without building up unnecessary tension. Proper exercise and
meditation will help to relax you both physically and mentally.
By S. R. Balachandran, Council Member, The
National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka
Now that the dust of the storm of local government elections has
settled, we appeal to the newly elected 'City Fathers' to dedicate
themselves to serve the voters in their respective administrative areas.
May I be permitted to submit a few proposals for their kind
attention, which I state below.
Declaration of Assets and liabilities- All councillors including
mayors and chairmen should voluntarily, declare their assets and
liabilities at the inaugural meeting of the Council. This would
certainly enhance their image and secure the confidence of the
constituents. Citizen Committees- Establishment of citizen committees
would certainly help the political authority to discharge their duties
to the satisfaction of the ratepayers.
Proposed citizen committees should consist of religious dignitaries,
professionals and representatives of the voluntary organisations in the
area. This would enable the City Fathers to easily identify the problems
in the area and also appreciate solutions offered by civil society.
Citizen Committees would serve as alarm bells to awaken lethargic and
inactive members and push them into action. Mobile Service Unit- Rather
than having a particular day or two in the conference room in the
Council it would be desirable to meet the people on a given date, time
and venue on a regular basis and this would certainly strengthen ties
between the 'City Fathers' and the people.
By A. Godwind de Alwis, President, Pragna
Study Circle - Dehiwala. |
