Letters to the Editor
View(s):It is the obligation of the Govt. to facilitate local private medical education
One of the realities in our local scenario , is where the results of the A’level remains the veritable “Sword of Damocles” as to what happens to those from the major cities whose results are just below the cut off Z score mark in the Bio stream, to enter a popular course, as is Medicine. It is an incontrovertible fact that many students of this stream who have good marks, even ‘two A’S and a B’ , of whom there are many, will not be able to secure a placement in such a course. Even though the Higher Education Minister and the UGC reassures that two more medical schools are in the pipeline, they too would accept that this is a gnawing reality.
Having had the experience of teaching medical students for almost five decades I feel it my bounden duty to lay before the public some ground realities that are pertinent to our country. The quality of medical education in Sri Lanka far supersedes that in most countries where presently parents are induced to send their loved ones. I for one, feel it is the obligation of the Government to facilitate local private medical education. That it needs a hospital with a large turnover of both routine and emergency admissions for effective exposure is an non effacable truth. Such facilities are only available at government hospitals at present. A need exists for the Health Ministry to release such a hospital which requires a “change of gears” from its present stance.
A private- public partnership (PPP) would be obviously the way to go. Any objection to creating such institutions to benefit our own children would be a paucity of thought. The hospital and the consultant teachers in them would necessarily have to be compensated. That such institutions need to be reasonable as to the financial commitments would be expected.
The fear that there would be a shortcoming as far as teaching staff in the early years, I feel will not be an issue as, especially in the main cities like Colombo and Kandy there are many with adequate knowledge and teaching skills in the subjects that matter. A proviso to balance the claim that “ money can buy you a medical degree” in Sri Lanka must be countered or else “all well laid plans will come to nought”. I suggest that the UGC is the best body to vet private applicants and each year select those they feel on merit, for a placement. Those candidates unable to afford but of good educational standing ‘ vis a vis ‘ their marks, should be given scholarships . An intake of foreign students may act as a resource on this score.
No parent would not like to fulfil their child’s wish to do Medicine if they have got good scores at the A’ level. No parent would like to send their loved ones to foreign climes away from their immediate reach. Parents would like to give them the best education possible. A decision must come “pronto” for there are many with good marks , vacillating as to whether to sit again or not. The Govt. must be bold and not prevaricate.
Dr. Channa Ratnatunga Via email
Floating some ideas about sinking 25 VIP vehicles
There was a report that as many as 25 vehicles used by previous VIPs are to be sunk in the sea to prevent them being bought by underworld characters at a public auction. It is not clear who suggested this wonderful but idiotic measure. Who is going to handle the sinking and where? Can these facts be hidden from the underworld maestros who have connections at the top in all parties?
I wish to suggest a better solution. The engines of these vehicles are built to last. They can be taken out and fitted to water pumps. What the fuel is, is immaterial. If they are petrol engines the operational cost will be higher as petrol is taxed heavily. But the real cost to the country will be the same as if they were Diesel engines. All that is needed is to find suitable centrifugal water pumps and make the mountings locally. As we will have to live with the drought this will be a good way to supply ground water in needy areas.
The next question is what is to be done with the body? As they are armored sheets they should be cut up using gas welding and then crushed and melted. I hope the three ton Steel Furnace at the Ceylon Steel Corporation is still usable. If not the steel has to be cut up and melted with cast iron. The glass must not be left alone, it can be cut and given to the Army or the Navy with proper documentation for every square inch. Else it should be crushed. The wheels and gear box and suspension can be used for some purpose as they are in all probability standard components. A solution is to give them to the Engineering Universities and Technical College. It is worthwhile that our youth learn about these advanced vehicles as the knowledge can be used for the betterment and not for underworld activities. We know that there was an engineer who was also found guilty of some criminal activity. But these are rare cases.
Lastly the comfortable seats; just fix them in the Railway stations with prominence. Even a pay and sit system might earn some revenue to the Railway.
I hope that this suggestion will be taken up by the Minister of Science and Technology.
Prof. P.A.de Silva Via email
The bus routes to hell
As a regular commuter on the two bus routes 154 and 135, I would like to bring to the attention of the Transport Minister the hardships passengers have to endure.
- The buses are fully packed any time of the day and the bus crew keep shouting at the passengers to make way for more passengers and find some space that doesn’t even exist.
- The passengers are not given the correct change money nor are tickets issued.
- Music blares at an unbearable volume.
- Fully loaded buses stop and wait at selected bus halts for an extended period.
- Drivers are on their mobile phones most of the time.
Please give priority to address these issues and make our ride a hassle free one as far as possible.
Ravindra Perera Via email
Living next door to garbage
I am a resident of Talawathugoda which comes under the purview of Kaduwela Pradeshiya Sabha (Kaduwela Municipal Council).
I wish to bring to the notice of the authorities the sad state of affairs regarding the question of garbage clearance. More often than not garbage is not picked up on the scheduled days, thus leaving the residents to live with the big stink. Furthermore nothing moves fast without the customary ‘palm oil’.
Ms Kamalawathie Sameer
Talawathugoda