Give heed to people's wish
With reference to the article "It's time for cleaning up" (The Sunday Times,
December 30, 2001), Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe should give serious
attention to the points raised, which are of paramount importance for good
governance.
The people's wish for an end to this futile war and the lowering of
food prices led to the United National Front coming into power.
If these wishes are met, I am sure the government cannot be shaken for
many years to come.There was unparalleled corruption such as embezzlement
from government institutions which caused much suffering to the people.
O.G.D.W. Jayasinha
Nugegoda
Job for new Justice Minister
In October 1999, Colombo High Court Judge Mahanama Thilakaratne was arrested
at his Homagama residence, detained overnight, questioned, statement recorded,
produced in a Magistrate's Court in Colombo and then released.
It came to light at that time that there was a conspiracy behind this
drama.
Mr. Thilakaratne was also transferred from Colombo to the Balapitiya
High Court and subsequently sent on early retirement. Although the then
Judiciary and Bar Association objected, no action was taken.
The new Minister of Justice should recall the inquiry file and appoint
a committee to look into the injustice done to Mr. Thilakaratne.
R. Rajapakse
Kelaniya
Passing the buck on bread and prices
'Bread prices up: bakers have no pity';
'Rupees 2 in some areas'; '1.50 in Colombo city'
So said the front pages of the Sunday papers
Making housewives have the vapours!
Prima first increased flour to 20 rupees a kilo.
Then scores of small kades sold paan increasing their mila.
The Prime Minister then told his cabinet that he had no control.
Over the Prima companies, and of what their outlets sold.
But promised, when stocks of flour came from Brother India,
In February the government would, revise the price of flour.
When the Minister of Consumer Affairs and Commerce
Was asked for an explanation, he replied in a manner rather terse,
That the problem, alas, "did not come within his purview".
"Ask the Minister of Economic Reforms - he'll explain them to you"
But that Minister, ever soft-spoken - ever prim
said, "Wait for G.L. Peiris - There'll be a statement from him."
That day the poor journalist, was very much out of luck
For the politicians were playing the game of passing the buck.
This reminds me of that saying that's heard both near and far,
"Ballate' Kiyana Kota, balla nagutate kiyanawa".
Janine
Nugegoda |
