Letters to the Editor
View(s):Sense and statesmanship: Sri Lanka’s path to independence
Further to your editorial Feb 4: A day to honour patriots of the past (The Sunday Times, Jan. 30), it is interesting to compare Sri Lanka’s and India’s paths to independence. The Sri Lankan independence leaders (Ponnambalam Arunachalam, W.A. de Silva, D.B. Jayatilaka and D.S. Senanayake) are not as well known internationally as their counterparts in India (Gandhi, Nehru and Jinnah). And yet, by co-operating with and encouraging British moves towards transfer of power from the 1920s onwards, Sri Lanka gained independence harmoniously without any protest marches, strikes or violence. Sri Lanka had universal adult franchise from 1931 which India never did before independence. The Indian Congress Party’s policy of non-cooperation resulted in chaos, carnage and partition of the country.
Sri Lankans should be proud of the moderation, good sense and statesmanship shown by our independence leaders and recognise that these qualities are as relevant today as in the past.
Dr R. P. Fernando Via email
Recovering WHT directly from the interest payments
My compliments to Nihal Kodituwakku for his timely and courageous views in the ‘Letters to the Editor’ column of the Sunday Times on January 30, on re-introducing WHT on interest, as a once and for all tax payment.
I agree with his comments and so will thousands of others especially senior citizens who are facing issues of declaring and paying tax.
However, instead of requiring those with a total income below the taxable threshold to go through the process of applying for a direction, I would propose that if the authorities decide to introduce WHT, to give the option to deposit holders to authorize banks or finance companies, to recover the tax directly from the interest payments.
Jean de Alwis Via email
Churchgoing is an absolute necessity
I wish to respond to Dr. Asoka Thenuwara’s letter ‘An impending, certain disaster’ published two weeks ago.
The learned Doctor has suggested that the only avenue left to prevent this kind of tragedy is to remove the cause of this action. With due respect, may I ask if he is aware of the cause of this action. Obviously not.
To answer his other question – is going to church an absolute necessity?
The Holy Bible clearly says: “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now the day of His return is drawing near.”(Hebrews 10:25)
The Bible does not definitively state that not attending Church is a sin.
Yes, one can have a deep relationship with God without ever entering a church, synagogue or mosque. Yet, the advantage of being part of a faith community is that you have people to support you on the journey………..
And yes again, Biblically speaking, a Christian can be saved without going to Church.
Nevertheless, going to Church is a sign that the person is saved. The Church is a community of the saved.
Besides, the Church is both human and divine. Divine because it is filled with the presence of God; Human through the community and the institutional, visible aspect of the people, sacraments etc. It has the human element of community.
Therefore, to answer the learned Doctor, YES, going to Church is an absolute necessity.
Bryan Nicholas Via email
“Jay parking” that poses threat not just to drivers but pedestrians too
Having read the interesting article “Impatient drivers risk death in imported junk vehicles” by Dina Mendis, on page 15 of the Sunday Times of January 23, I thought of adding something to this timely article.
The paragraph that said “drivers overlooking no parking rules is one of the main areas contributing to this”, ends with “the message can be passed through strict enforcement of the law and fines” which is very true.
While I can understand parking alongside schools for one to one and half hours on school days, nobody would agree to condone “jay parking” between two prominent “no parking” boards put up by either the CMC or the RDA, on CWW Kannangara Mawatha (formerly Alexandra Place) opposite two restaurants. At least six vehicles are parked throughout the day at this place completely blocking the pavement and their rear on the road.
Adding insult to injury, Colombo’s mayoress can see this patch of the road from her window! In addition, the very busy colour light at F.R. Senanayake Junction, as one would see, is between Eye Hospital Roundabout and Horton Place roundabout.
For that matter, the stretch of road of not more than 300 metres between Eye Hospital roundabout and Horton Place roundabout, is studded with six eating houses, most of them operating without licence and three other commercial establishments.
Parking or no parking, not only the drivers but also pedestrians are risking death on this road!
Lalith Hettiarachchi Via email
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