Letters to the Editor
View(s):The brain drain that will lead to yet another disastrous situation for the country
The ongoing massive rush to obtain passports at the Department of Immigration and Emigration reported recently indicates the exodus of our citizens overseas for employment.
No wonder. The present parlous and worsening economic, social and political crises as never experienced before, have compelled a vast number of Sri Lankans to consider foreign employment as the only option to tide over the numerous difficulties that they are forced to undergo to sustain lives and livelihoods.
To top it all, the constant claims and warnings by various experts not only of further deterioration of the economy but also of impending threats of a food crisis, loss of employment – already many are either out of their jobs or under employed – have added to the worries and woes of so many frustrated and desperate youth. They have now decided that enough is enough and are seeking greener pastures in foreign lands triggering a huge rush for passports, as reported.
In addition to our already and seriously ailing economy, we are now faced with an inevitable brain drain, so to speak, leading to an unprecedented and unestimated loss of valuable human resources which would lead to yet another disastrous situation in the short, medium and long-term for the country. It is considered globally that human capital of a country is sine qua non for its development.
There are already shortages of skilled professionals in many disciplines such as health, engineering, manufacturing, IT and so on, mainly due to permanent/ temporary migration which itself is unfortunately making our country very much poorer even where its human capital is concerned. Our loss is their gain indeed.
Moreover, the skilled job seekers – the likes of electricians, plumbers, technicians, drivers, carpenters, masons etc. are all in high demand not only in West Asia but also in many European countries, creating ample job opportunities for Sri Lankans as well.
On one hand, the loss of precious manpower at all levels as it is, may appear unimportant to the majority of our short-sighted politicians who are only interested in getting more and more foreign remittances through migrant workers and selling whatever assets of our country, come what may! On the other hand, we already have scores of foreign professionals in various fields in both state and corporate sectors draining out the much-needed foreign exchange!
M.R.Pathirage Kolonnawa
Thank you for giving us something to smile about!
Let us give the Australian cricket team a ticker tape parade as a farewell gesture by driving them through the streets of Colombo (near Galle Face Green) once this popular tour is over.
This is exactly what the Australians did in Melbourne on February 20, 1961 when they bid goodbye to the West Indian cricket team led by Frank Worrell. Australia beat West Indies 3 to 2 in a close contest which went down to the wire.
In a time of misery let us thank the Aussies for bringing smiles on to faces of our fellow Sri Lankans in more ways than one.
Cricket always brings people together. This Australian tour has really caught the spirit and imagination of the cricket-loving Sri Lankan public. It has helped to drown our sorrows and anxieties.
Senaka Weeraratna Via email
MPs must not make democracy the scapegoat to win their demands
Members of Parliament crossing over from one party to another is a common practice here. While some are motivated by honest convictions, others lack sincere reasons for doing so and are driven by lucrative offers of money. These irresponsible individuals rock the balance of power in a government causing instability in the administration.
To argue that in any democracy any person who has the right to decide for himself is reasonable but MPs must not make democracy the scapegoat to win their demands.
This deplorable trend must cease forthwith.
Any Member of Parliament who crosses over from one party to another for any reason must be disqualified and prohibited from contesting any future election. The 21st Amendment offers an ideal opportunity to make it a legal requirement irrespective of any opposition brought against it as in the past that crossovers are prohibited! Honest and right minded individuals, I believe, will definitely vote in favour of this proposal. It is a must to insist that a Member of Parliament does not desert his or her party.
I am sure this will to agreat extent, exterminate the corrupt practices of MPs and ensure they uphold the trust placed in them by the voters of their respective constituencies.
Brian Hingert Makola
Biggest culprit still staying on
The whole world knows that Sri Lanka is in peril and the main culprit who caused this condition, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa himself is aware of it, but is adamant on staying in power. Is it to make it more difficult for his successor – whoever it be to run the country and make the latter too, become unpopular with the people in no time?
Or is there another matter he is worrying about – his future when he loses his presidential immunity – locally and internationally?
B. Perera Via email
Whose interests are looked after by NR and why
MP Namal Rajapaksa’s (NR) name was recently mentioned in two instances where his official presence was not required. The most recent was when he appeared with Minister of Power and Energy, Kanchana Wijesekera when the Minister addressed the press about the fuel crisis.
The earlier instance was when Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani was in Sri Lanka in October to meet the President and Prime Minister. Although NR – a minister at that time – had no connection with the subjects the Adani Group is involved in, he had attended their meetings and was involved in other aspects of the Adani visit.
Whose interests are looked after by NR and why?
S.K. Muthukumara Via email
These are not My Favourite Things!
The day breaks with queues for milk powder and diesel,
Never ending queues for kerosene, gas and petrol,
No milk in my tea, no sugar in sight!
These are not My Favourite Things!
Roads lined with three wheelers, limousines and bikes,
People are standing three days and three nights,
The rain pours, the sun burns, some faint one by one!
These are not My Favourite Things!
No parties! Can’t dine out!
No trips to the faraway hills!
I simply remember those Favourite Things,
And then I don’t feel so bad!
Blueberry cheesecake and hot chocolate treats,
Scrambled egg and buttered toast for breakfast to eat
Walks early morning on the Galle Face Green!
These were a few of My Favourite Things!
Noodles and pizzas with food Thai and Chinese,
Closed are their doors since they’re short of some pennies,
Can’t make do with hoppers … “no flour” it seems!
These were a few of My Favourite Things!
Let’s walk now, or cycle,
Even to Kandy and back!
I simply remember the picnics we had,
And then I don’t feel so bad!
No power in the country for two hours or three,
Can’t light my cooker or kettle for tea,
My fridge does not cool, the microwave won’t heat!
These were a few of My Favourite Things!
Shipments are sent back “no dollars to pay”,
Price hikes each midnight, for cash I am tight!
No Panadol when sick, but “Kasayas” to drink!
But then, I must not feel so bad!
Children have no school, but classes online,
They’ll forget their Hist’ry and Maths for awhile,
No minis and bikinis – (it’s Grandmother’s Time!)
These may not be their Favourite Things!
Be calm now! Be wise now!
There’s no need to be so afraid!
Just simply remember the good times we’ve had,
And then we won’t feel so bad!
Trains are not moving at most of the stations,
Buses are crowded with men without patience,
Barricades and roadblocks are seen on the screen,
These were never My Favourite Things!
The firewood keeps crackling!
A jog in a cart will be fun!
I’ll drive through the Park in an old bullock cart!
And then I won’t feel so bad!
I’m happy! I am carefree!
Since all this is off of my chest!
With apologies to Dame Julie Andrews and the rest
And now I won’t feel so bad!
(Lyrics changed to suit the present situation)
Savitri Jayatileka Via email
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