People's expectations for New Year

by Ananda Kannangara

Medical practitioner, Dr. Dayan Kulasekara of Polgahawela said that the Defence Ministry should go ahead with the ongoing security operations in the North and the East and asked the Government to look into the pathetic living conditions of the families of soldiers who are currently engaging in the war.

"As we are aware, the majority soldiers have no houses of their own; therefore it is the duty of the Government to look after their families and construct houses for them".

A graduate of the Colombo University, Shiromi Wasantharaja said that university education system has deteriorated.

She therefore, requested the higher officials to introduce more and more computer related and English studies for university students from this year.

"Although our students have the paper qualifications for English Language, most of them lack speaking abilities.

"Therefore, I urge the authorities to conduct two hour daily spoken English programs at universities to enable the students to improve their speaking abilities and it will also help them to find jobs in the private sector".

A father of two and schoolteacher, Ratnasiri Ihalagedara requested the Government not to increase the prices of essential items by imposing heavy taxes.

"I think the Government's expenditure side is very high, that's why the finance Ministry have imposed various new tax schemes such as the garbage tax".

Businessman, Raja Wijesinghe of Padukka said "I would like to tell the authorities to stop recruiting graduates to Government departments during the next few months as all of them are overstaffed at present".

SLCTB Depot Manager, Gunasiri Paranagama said 'I urge the authorities to grant a subsidy and bring down the COL for the sake of large percentage of the downtrodden people".

Art Director, in the State Film Corporation, Premasiri Munasinghe urged the Government to go ahead with the war.

"If the Government could stop the war, that colossal sum of money could be diverted for development activities,".

He also asked everybody, especially Parliamentarians to stop foreign trips and other unnecessary spending, so that the money can be diverted for the war.

Manageress in a mercantile firm, Manorani Sellahewa of Kosgama said "There are still many roads in my area which are in dilapidated conditions, but when I brought the details of them to the notice of higher officials in the Divisional Secretariat they had paid only a scant attention".

A foreign national and an executive of a non-governmental organisation, Dr. Hansei Wordsworth wanted the Government to develop the tourism industry by launching a broad propaganda campaign in foreign countries.

He also blamed our diplomats in foreign countries for their negative approach in this connection.

He further asked the Tourist Board to take immediate steps to renovate all tsunami affected hotels.

A television presenter Gamunu Weerakkodi of Maharagama said a large number of villages still lack infrastructure facilities.

"In our area many uncultivated lands are still idling".

Nisansala Gamage of Maharagama urged the authorities to impose a law on private bus operators to run services after 9 pm".

A mercantile employee Chaminda Fernando wanted the Government to popularise rice flour.

He said the Government must encourage people to eat rice related food items, rather than wheat flour related food items.

"Why can't the Government ban selling wheat flour food items at canteens in Government Departments.

D. Damayanthi of Maharagama wanted the Transport Ministry to deploy adequate train on public holidays, especially on Saturdays from this year.

"Due to the lack of trains on Saturdays and Poya days, mercantile sector workers face immense difficulties,".

A private sector worker Yamuna Mahanama asked the Police to reintroduce the old traffic system in the city.

"Due to the present system, sometimes we have to walk long distances to offices and vehicle owners spend much on petrol".

Susila Gunasekara of Maththegoda said "Our younger generation need better knowledge in IT and English for their future prospects,".

"Therefore, I suggest the Education Minister to conduct free IT and English classes for children, especially in rural areas.

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