Letters to the Editor
View(s):Capital punishment will not in any way resolve the drug crisis in country
Dear Mr. President,
There is no doubt that the spread of drugs within the country has assumed serious proportions. It is evident that this has resulted in a serious breakdown of society apart from the shattering impact on individuals, in particular the younger generation, who have become addicted to drugs. However the remedy that you propose will not in any way resolve the drug crisis.
The basic question which you should ascertain for yourself is how is it that being within the confines of four walls of a closely guarded prison, particular persons are in a position to control the drug trade. Does this not reveal a total breakdown of the administration of the prison services amongst every other institution under your government? Do you not believe that prior to imposing Capital Punishment that a full enquiry must be carried out as to who or what agencies control these particular individuals to impose their will on the outside drug trade. Your proposed solution is only attacking the symptoms and not the root cause of the problem. You are attacking the minnows while the whales are freely swimming outside. Do you not think that you should give closer attention and consideration to your proposed solution before implementation?
Further, by re-introducing Capital Punishment you are in breach of a fundamental right of humanity, namely Right of Life. Capital Punishment is an irrevocable punishment that is abhorrent to civilized norms of society.
Finally, are you aware that no country in the world has up to date succeeded in controlling the drug trade with the imposition of Capital Punishment.
Thoughtful consideration must be given by you before you impose such a cruel punishment and whatever legacy you intend leaving behind will by this act be tarnished forever.
As this is an issue which has raised many troubling questions with the public I propose to release copies of this letter to the media as well.
Sriyantha Senaratna Colombo 5
Flooding of Colombo city: Mega projects not the answer
This refers to a recent letter by Eng. Anton Nanayakkara on ‘Colombo: A ruined city’. I am in total agreement with sentiments expressed by him as an Irrigation Department officer who has handled the Colombo city drainage canals prior to the taking over of this subject by the LLRDC in late 1970s and presently by SLLRDC.
During the time when these canals were handled by the Irrigation Department it was supervised by qualified competent staff who had the necessary knowledge and experience on the subject unlike the present. It is clearly seen by their reference to the present situation as a flood problem when it is clearly a drainage problem. Flooding of the city of Colombo can only occur if the Kelani River overflows its banks. This situation has been adequately controlled by the Irrigation Department in the past and present as I had been involved in this project for a long time prior to my retirement.
I can definitely say that the proposed mega pumping stations will not solve the problem. These mega proposals cost mega bucks and produce mega commissions. It is strange that all this is happening under a Minister who is supposed to be an engineer and a secretary who also happens to be an engineer. Paper qualifications are not sufficient.
We live in a country where the Health Minister does not trust the service he provides and Transport Minister also the same. The list just goes on. No wonder we depend on some outsiders to show us how to handle simple things like drainage problems.
Nihal Ratnayake Kelaniya
Wasting public money when the economy is down
I was stunned when I read the Page 4 article in the Sunday Times regarding the annoying step taken by the Government pertaining to the purchase of new aircraft running into billions of rupees when the poor masses are struggling to eke out a living and manage their expenses under dire circumstances. Is it a must to purchase these aircraft under the Yahapalanaya administration when there is no war in the country?
When one considers the drastic deterioration of the economy, one is at a loss to fathom the prudence of wasting such a colossal sum of public funds. People really feel frustrated about this unbridled expenditure.
The latest fiasco is the appointment of seven more additional State Ministers. These were nothing but to pacify such individuals who were ostensibly crying for perks. What I am unable to fathom is if these new appointments are necessary during the final stages of this administration when other dire necessities of people need to be met and measures taken to elevate their living standards.
The writer being a septuagenarian having seen a number of gentleman politicians during the late 1950s and ’60s feels rather ashamed of the present-day politicians whose sole intention is to clamour for power by hook or by crook just to enjoy the perks and privileges extended to parliamentarians. I am unable to visualise the emergence of gentleman politicians in this country in the near future.
May saner counsel prevail upon those who are sitting in judgment when taking vital decisions.
Lionel Caldera Battaramulla