Letters to the Editor
View(s):Elections: Kudos for COVID-19 preparations, but what about the old and handicapped?
The painstaking efforts being made by the Election Commission to ensure that the general election is held despite the prevailing COVID- 19 pandemic is much appreciated. I would like to make one further request to the Commission, namely, to direct that the polling stations provide some relief to the aged and handicapped persons who come to vote.
Owing to the protective measures that would be taken to prevent the spread of the virus, the queues (for men and women) are bound to be long and slow moving, and the voters would have to spend perhaps hours waiting for their turn to enter the polling station. It would therefore be most helpful if the old and physically handicapped voters are allowed to form a separate queue so as to enable them to cast their votes without much delay.
L.Wijesinghe Dehiwala
Celebrating Haj in the true spirit of the festival
Muslims around the globe are celebrating a second festival during the COVID-19 pandemic. The first was Ramadan and the second is the Haj Festival. Festivals are for celebrations and merriment for any community but this festival is going to be different because the entire world has been suffering from the effects of the deadly Coronavirus that has vastly impacted human life across the world.
Muslims celebrate this festival to remember the sacrifices of Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismael. Prophet Ibrahim had a strong faith in his Creator and was ever ready to sacrifice anything and everything to obtain the absolute and utmost satisfaction of His God Almighty Allah. He had to surmount all trials and tribulations which the Almighty gave him as a test but conquered all tests with much sacrifice and patience.
His life and sacrifices teach present society how to face hardships and difficulties with courage and determination.
At first God decreed Prophet Ibrahim leave his beloved wife Hajar and infant son Ismael in the desert placing faith in the Almighty. Allah safeguarded them. The second trial was to sacrifice his son Ismael but God saved his son by giving him a lamb to sacrifice.
Today all the rituals of Haj undertaken by devotees who annually travel to Mecca and Medina from every nook and corner of the world revolve around these great sacrifices made by prophet Ibrahim and his family.
The Haj pilgrimage is the one of the five pillars of Islam which should be performed by wealthy and healthy Muslims but the unexpected outbreak of COVID-19 has led the Saudi Government to ban devotees from other countries performing Haj in the holy city of Mecca.
Muslims in Sri Lanka have a huge responsibility to accomplish all the rituals during the Haj festival as per the health guidelines given by the Health Ministry and authorities. It is mandatory that every citizen of Sri Lanka wears a face mask, maintains social distance and washes his hands when going out to protect themselves and others around them from the coronavirus. People should be vigilant and be aware of the situation in the country and the world. The World Health Organisation has warned countries about a second wave of COVID-19.
It would be better if people avoid visiting their relatives and friends during this Haj festival and completely avoid shaking hands and hugging friends and relatives in the mosques and homes. Basically the concept of Haj festival teaches us patience, tolerance and brotherhood. Hence, to honour the concept of Haj, sacrifice grand celebrations and family gatherings so as to save people and stop the spread of COVID-19.
Eid Mubarak to all!
M.Jalaldeen Isfan Via email
No redress for the likes of us
On December 28 last year my husband and I met with an accident travelling in a trishaw. The driver was speeding and hit a motorcyclist on Galle Road, Ratmalana. He was remanded at the Mount Lavinia Police Station and a Police report was filed.
Thanks to the onlookers and a very efficient 1990 ambulance service we were picked up from the pavement and rushed to the Accident Ward of the Kalubowila Hospital. My 84-year-old husband suffered fractured fingers on his right hand and deep lacerated wounds that required suturing and a five-day stay at the Surgical Ward No 25. After his discharge I had to take him several times to the clinic.
Sadly my husband expired in March 2020. Although he did not die of his injuries, the accident deteriorated his mental and physical health.
I was given a form for insurance by a leading insurance company but after seeing the diagnosis card they told me I’m not entitled to compensation because he was treated in a Government hospital. I told them after a road accident the first thing we think of is a Government hospital.
So for victims like us there is no redress unless we are warded privately, even though the accident was caused by a careless driver of a large company.
Victimized
Living amidst Coronavirus
Global health crisis
A battle of pandemic
Rapidly spreading Coronavirus
In the world scenario
Catastrophic COVID-19 pandemic
Mutation of virulent RNA virus
A threat to human beings
Spreads through droplet infection
Panic is pandemic
Fear, anxiety and panic
Strategy to fight corona- virus
Medical emergency management
Swift and drastic measures
Symptomatic and supportive treatment
Prophylaxis measures
Demarcation of hot spots
Contact tracing and quarantine
Social distancing and isolation
Epidemiological survey
Disease surveillance programmes
Wash hands with soap
Wearing face mask
Restriction of public gatherings
Immune booster herbs
Controlled breathing
Yoga and meditation
Enhances immunity
Stand for each other
Dr.Vettivel Sakthivel Tellippalai