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| Sunday, 24 July 2005 |
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Editor, Sunday Observer. E-mail: [email protected] Snail mail : Sunday Observer, 35, D.R.Wijewardana Mawatha, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Telephone : 94 11 2429239 / 2331181 Fax : 94 11 2429230 Remembering Black July As we commemorate Black July today we wonder whether we have learnt any lessons from that colossal blunder that still remains a blot on the nation's conscience. We are compelled to ask so in view of the attempts by certain quarters to incite communal hatred and even add religious discord to it. We would also like to record that Black July was not spontaneous mob action but an orchestrated pogrom led by the ruling party of the day. It is tragic that the leaders of that party have so far failed to even utter a word of remorse whereas the President as the Head of State tendered an apology to the Tamils even though neither she nor her party was involved in that pogrom. We hope every Sri Lankan would want to ensure that no repetition of that unfortunate horror would ever occur. The best way to do so would be to ensure that the stalled peace process is revived and a solution is sought through dialogue and negotiations. The struggle for peace is not easy. It is a colossal challenge. We have to overcome not only the emotions arising from present experience but also the unpleasant memories of the past that have left deep imprints in our consciousness. There should be a spirit of give and take and there is no winner takes all solution. To do so would entail defeating or giving up intransigence on both sides of the divide. We must also remember reference to anachronistic parallels from history or hypothetical constructions on unrealistic premises could offer us no solution to the problem. Neither should we forget the international and regional geopolitical realities or abandon our national interests to be in line with international friends. Prioritise passenger safety It was a few weeks ago that the affable Transport Minister with his photogenic smile announced over the electronic media that nearly 1000 speed limits have been imposed on the up country railway line due to weak spots in the track. Last week we carried a report of an interview with the General Manager of Railways who confirmed that he had informed the Secretary, Ministry of Transport that train services on Bandarawela - Badulla, Kandy - Matale and Negombo - Puttalam lines should be stopped unless immediate steps are taken to renovate the highly dilapidated tracks. Dilapidated tracks are not the sole problem the rail authorities face. They have to replace the worn out rail stock and engines and update the old signal system and solve many management bottlenecks. The all important question is whether such urgent action would be taken. The authorities have cited lack of funding as an excuse for their inability to maintain reinforced tracks. It is an oft-repeated excuse of bureaucrats and politicians. The need is to avert disaster, human tragedy before it strikes. Instead of addressing these urgent tasks we are promised express railway lines to Matara, electrified railways etc. etc. The reality is that we have been still unable even to provide protected level crossings at points where roads and rail tracks cross. There again the excuse is the lack of funds. Taking into account the amount of wastage of public funds we wonder whether it is a question of funds or a question of mixed priorities. Passenger safety should take first priority. To neglect it would be a criminal folly. Reinforcing the existing tracks and installing a modern signal system should surely get priority over new express lines or electrification of railways. Then there is the need to extend the Northern line which now terminates at Vavuniya. Even after three years of relative peace no suggestions have come up for extending this line. A similar situation is found in road transport too. Almost every week we hear of fatal accidents involving both state and private omnibus transport. Errant bus drivers use the roads as racing tracks in their greed to get a few additional rupees and cents. They also resort to wildcat strikes and inconvenience the public if police try to perform their duty and impose punitive fines. In the face of the growing terror tactics of private bus operators provincial and central transport authorities have proved themselves impotent to instill discipline in the bus crews. Leave alone instilling discipline they have failed even to ensure that a passenger is given a ticket for the journey, thus violating his or her right to any claims on account of accident or maltreatment. If there is a will there is a way. It is the will that is lacking in the authorities. |
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