Letters to the Editor
View(s):Ravi’s resignation not a favour, but something that was long overdue
I refer to your Opinion page story in the Sunday Times of August 13 relating to the resignation of Ravi Karunanayake as the Minister of Finance. Reading Mr. Karunanayake’s statement in Parliament, it would appear that he thinks that he has done the people of this nation a great favour by submitting his resignation. Indeed we are glad that he has done so, but it was long overdue.
His resignation was due long before even the Presidential Commission to investigate the bond scam was established. The moment he discovered that his wife and daughter had decided to move into an apartment rented out by the son-in-law of the former governor of the Central Bank for their occupation, and who is a key figure connected with the ‘bond scam’ , he should have resigned.
People like the former Minister of Finance, holding such authority in the government, cannot accept favours and gifts from those doing business with the government. They are obliged to inform and educate their wives /husbands and children and even their siblings that accepting favours and gifts is just not acceptable as long they hold positions of authority in the government. This applies not only to senior ministers, but to all such elected persons and even public servants. They must educate their immediate families about these matters.
The people of this country voted for a change because they were fed up with the corruption of the former regime. Many people feel badly let down. We expected much higher standards. I cannot conclude this letter without making a reference to the huge lease rental that was being paid for this apartment. Rs. 1.4 Mn plus!
However great the family wealth of politicians, which they acquired doing business or by inheritance (and not after coming into politics), we expect them to lead simple lives. How can anyone with a conscience justify such expenses in a nation where many still do not have a square meal. Let me not talk about the brand new luxury vehicles that these newly elected Parliamentarians wanted, when there are so many vehicles available. We appreciate the conduct of a very small minority of those elected, who opted to manage with what was available.
Can they not live simpler lives?
Eksith Fernando
Dehiwela
Question on happiness
This refers to the article by Mr Abeygunasekera on “Happiness formula based on Buddhism” published in the Letters to the Editor column on July 30.
Is it possible to be happy and enjoy life without knowing what sadness is? Isn’t your statement “Enjoy the present moment” valid only with reference to a previous moment i.e. only in comparison? For instance, if I get Rs. 100, I will be happy (enjoy) only if I normally get say Rs. 10. But if I normally get Rs. 200, I will be sad when I get Rs. 100. Isn’t it so?
If this analysis is right, what you are proposing is a life fluctuating between disappointments and enjoyments. Is that correct? Is this the life to be followed as advocated in Buddhism?
Of course, the million dollar question is, is it possible to lead a life of joy (this has no opposite) without having to go through suffering, mental or physical. If the answer is “Yes”, this question of happiness with its inevitable counterpart sadness becomes redundant.
Dr Asoka Thenuwara
Via email
Mount Lavinia Post Office stamped with neglect
Pix by Reka Tharangani
The Divisional Secretariat in Dehiwela has running neon lights during the daytime with letters saying “Welcome”. There has to be some logic to how you spend state money. Mount Lavinia generates money as a tourist destination but its post office counters are dirty with rusted grills through which one has to deal with staff. Inside, the office-staff works in a dungeon-like atmosphere in this 21st century.
Speaking of the Mount Lavinia post office; centuries from now if archaeologists were to do a carbon dating on the building they will be able to write volumes. The building has collected layers of dirt, dust and soot over the years preserving vital data for the future. It looks as if there has been no maintenance or even simple wiping of the walls for many years. Inside it is probably the way it would have been when the colonial masters left with brown wooden tables and structures all discoloured with accumulated dirt.
Coal-driven steam engines of old emit soot that covers railway station walls. But the Mount Lavinia post office interior looks like that in spite of no trains.
I spoke to a higher up in the Postal Department asking why this post office has not been cleaned and painted. He shared his concern saying his budget allocation covers all post offices in the country hence he is short of funds. Following that an e mail was sent to the head office with no reply.
Shortly after that, strangely all the residents received from the department a questionnaire (it would have cost dear money) asking for comments on the postal services. Don’t the authorities know how to spend budget allocations?
Do we take it that the Mount Lavinia post office does not need cleaning? Does not have any allocation at all for maintenance? In my view a hat collection from the people patronising this post office will be enough to at least paint it once a year, forget the need for cleaning daily.
L. Fernando
Mount Lavinia