Register Direct Sales Marketing companies

Currently in Sri Lanka, there are so many critics about Direct Sales Marketing and Network Marketing. Because of this, there are conflicts between people.

Are these marketing companies genuine? Can we believe and travel in this field? Anyway, the people who are already involved have started to think they have been misguided. These types of companies exist in India, and the situation is similar.

Direct selling marketing is not regularised in India unlike other developing countries and this has been a challenge for these companies as well as the consumers, and often these companies have come under the scrutiny of Chit fund and Money circulation Act. But these Direct Sales Marketing Companies are not bound under any of the guidelines and algorithms of the government. So the customers do not have any chance to re-appeal for their shortcoming. To avoid these problems, the Indian government has taken some action. Although the Indian government has given the guidelines to these companies, they will be going to join hands with the State governments in future. Already the Direct Market Retail companies are engaging in e-commerce. These guidelines are helping them to regulate it correctly. The Indian Consumer Affairs Authority has already sent advices to the State governments.

In developed countries, these business structures are legalised so the people enjoy more benefits. Recently, Secretary of the Indian Consumer Affairs Authority, Hem Pande, said that he is going to discuss and find the solution with the people from the respective industry to restrict and regulate Direct Sales Marketing companies whereby they can also develop the industry.

If Sri Lankan government or the Consumer Affairs Authority consider and take necessary action to register the genuine companies, they too could protect people from fake companies and build trust among the people about the industry.

K. Sivam,
Colombo 14

Digital display cum announcement for safety

It is obvious that the passengers in the Intercity Trains cannot open the shutters to verify the next station. The fast moving doors would push the passenger to fatal fallout if he peeps. Despite the assurance for remedial action sent to me from the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, the situation remains the same.

I have travelled in many Western countries and observed that there are Digital Displays in each compartment of trains with automatic announcement of the forthcoming/next railway station. At least the Engine Driver could announce the next station for the convenience of the passengers to get down without tension.

S.A. Masilamany,
Colombo 6.

How to avoid NCDs

Non communicable diseases (NCDs) have been increasing rapidly in Sri Lanka and most lives have become endangered.

The number of victims is high and could double in the future. The health authorities have revealed the causes for this, such as, consuming junk food, fizzy drinks, stress and inadequate physical activity. Especially, the younger generation is more vulnerable to these diseases. The recent survey conducted in the western province shows that a large number of students are suffering from diabetes and obesity. Since, both, parents and children lead busy lives, they tend to resort to take-away food from the many outlets that are found throughout the country.

Non-working mothers too fill children’s lunch boxes with a sausage bun or pastries. To some people it is a symbol of prestige. Ultimately, the innocent children become victims of disease at a tender age. I would like to make some suggestions in this regard:

The food flavours should be banned with immediate effect.

Awareness programs should be telecast on TV channels either at cartoon time or at the popular teledrama time. Children absorb more by visuals rather than by reading. Random inspections should be done at school canteens and food outlets by PHIs.

The Principals and teachers of schools can pay more attention to the breakfast of the students.

Let’s save ourselves and the future generation from non-communicable diseases.

Jazeema Jaldeen,
Raddolugama.