Letters to the Editor
View(s):Not the time to appease public with counter-productive rhetoric
I am not directly involved in politics but have an interest in the subject as any citizen of Sri Lanka should. Of course I am in the group referred to as “Senior Citizens”. Having watched the electronic and print media regularly, it is distressing to view opinions of educated and less educated persons being expressed by politicos of all hues on public platforms. Their aim obviously is to mislead the public on issues that are grossly exaggerated with a lot of rhetoric.
Some of these issues are as follows:
Trincomalee Oil Farm
This is located in China Bay. Constructed by the British prior to World War II, on our gaining Independence they obviously became the property of Ceylon and later Sri Lanka. There were 99 serviceable petroleum storage tanks most of which were not used. Shrubs and undergrowth were virtually engulfing these empty tanks. For whatever reason our governments either did not consider them of any use or a waste of funds to rehabilitate. As they were located adjacent to the SLAF premises and could be exploited as cover by any terrorist organisation, surveillance was carried out by the Air Force.
In recent times, both the United States and India evinced an interest in leasing out these storage tanks from our government. Certain political elements commenced a campaign that these be sold to the Indians. Leasing out property by any stretch of imagination is not a sale. Surely, the Indians are not contemplating uplifting these tanks and installing them in any part of India.
Property in Colombo
A hue and cry is made that buildings some of which are crumbling are contemplated to be leased to another country. If these properties are beyond our ability to be demolished/rehabilitated and used for state or even private sector utilisation, what is the objection?
Why is it that no one speaks about properties in the United Kingdom being sold to non-British persons. Surely, some of our politicos inclusive of trade union leaders ought to be aware that these prime properties in London such as Mayfair and Park Lane are owned by foreign citizens. One of the most prestigious properties in London – Harrods at Knightsbridge was owned by an Arab, Mohamed Al-Fayed who purchased it in 1985. Consequent to his son Dodi’s death along with Princess Diana in 1997, he attempted to obtain British citizenship but did not succeed. He sold Harrods to Qatar Holdings. Fayed also owned the Ritz in Paris. Further facts on foreigners purchasing property in the UK, USA, France and Australia can be accessed on the internet.
Is it not amazing that some Sri Lankans similar to the proverbial “frogs in wells” are raising issues which are non-issues in the developed world.
Militarisation
Some elements are making a hue and cry that Sri Lanka is being militarised. This is a figment of imagination. Some Officers of the Army and Navy who had retired have been employed by the government in some key areas. I concede there may be a couple who are still in uniform, such as General Shavendra Silva. A moot point is that retired officers do not carry lethal weapons and do not command any troops. Thus the phobia of militarisation is a canard.
Consider General Dwight Eisenhower the Supreme Allied Commander Europe in the Second World War who served as 34th President of the USA from 1953 to 1961. General Charles de Gaulle who led the French Forces in WW II was President of France from 1958 to 1969. General Park Chung hee of South Korea, who led the country from 1961 to 1979, was credited with the rise of this “Asian Tiger” from the ruins of the Korean war. In more recent times Vladimir Putin was the head of the KGB prior to being elected President of Russia.
In some circles it is said that military officers are not suited for civilian administration. In mid-1987 our country virtually went up in flames owing to the anarchy caused by the JVP. The Government declared an Emergency and gazetted senior service officers to coordinate the 25 districts as the administration had virtually collapsed. Within a period of around 18 months total normalcy was restored and the administration handed back to the civilian authorities. I am fully aware of this situation because I was appointed the Co-ordinating Officer of the Hambantota district.
I am not “towing any line” of a political party. There are massive problems such as the looming food shortage, the rocketing cost of living, the interrupted electricity supply, the lack of essential medication and the imminent crash of our currency. Obviously these major problems must and have to be solved if Sri Lanka is to ensure a far better lifestyle for all its citizens. The opposition and those contemplating to get on the band wagon must be honest and not bring red herrings to appease the desperate populace as it is counter -productive.
Air Vice Marshal (retired) A. B. Sosa Via email
Injustice done to professional families going for overseas training
Overseas training is an essential part of professional training. In addition to acquiring knowledge and skills in a developed country, those who do so bring foreign exchange to the country as most of them work during that period.
Earlier, the spouse of someone going on such training was also able to go with the family on no pay leave. Unfortunately, amendments to Section 16:1:10 of the Establishment Code by Administrative Circular 02 /2019 on 2019.02.22 have prevented the accompanying spouse if he or she has already had study leave for overseas training and is in the compulsory period of service. This has led to families of such professionals leaving the country as they have no other option. It also has prevented them earning and bringing foreign money to the country. Already some professional families have left the country due to these circular changes in 2018. Those spouses who have already had training have many connections and opportunities to work in such countries. They could easily be allowed to do so while extending the compulsory period as they are not close to retirement. But, leave up to five years is allowed if they are going for a higher qualification.
The previous government made these changes to prevent professionals leaving the country. But actually, it has compelled those who are willing to stay and serve to leave.
I am requesting the Ministers of Public Service and Finance to reconsider this circular and allow professionals who already had study leave to accompany their spouse and family on no pay leave when their spouse is going for such training.
Dr D.P.D. Wjesinghe Via email
Searching for an ideal partner? Find your soul mate on Hitad.lk, Sri Lanka's favourite marriage proposals page. With Hitad.lk matrimonial advertisements you have access to thousands of ads from potential suitors who are looking for someone just like you.