Letters to the editor

The current security situation in the country has necessitated and compelled the Police to carry out intensified checking of vehicles, especially on main roads.

Whilst this action is absolutely necessary in the security interests of all law-abiding citizens and the security of the State as well, I wish to make a suggestion to the concerned authorities .

At present, several groups of Police personnel, are positioned at the identical locations daily, and at the identical times, on some of the main roads throughout Colombo. Would it not be in the interest of security to vary the positioning of these personnel, rather than position them at the same locations day in and day out? Also, whilst positioning groups on main roads, should not small numbers be located to cover possible detours and minor routes in the vicinity, which may be utilized to by-pass the checkpoints?

As people who want to violate the laws of the land, by avoiding being checked, are unlikely to attempt to transport any illegal goods or persons without carrying out reconnaissances to ensure safe passage, it is essential that the Police bear in mind the crucial principle of surprise in carrying out this most important task.

I trust this will catch the eye of the authorities concerned.

Thousands of sports lovers and the general public thronged the Sugathadasa Stadium to witness the grand finale of the 10th South Asian Games on August 28 which concluded with a spectacular show of songs, dances and music presented by the security forces, and leading Oriental and occidental dance exponents.

School children too contributed outstanding musical performances followed by a musical extravaganza by our popular singers and musicians.

The Government of the People’s Republic of China and its friendly people deserve a big bouquet for the wonderful display of fireworks which was indeed a rare treat to watch. It was a breath-taking sight. The little kids especially were enthralled and excited by the kaleidoscope of myriad multi-colours that brightened the night skies.

The organizers could certainly rest on their laurels for a job well done despite the stringent security measures prevalent.

Jak became a protected tree by law, the reasoning being that it was a producer of food.

This was an important factor in the 1970’s under the Sirima Bandaranaike Government.

That situation is no more. Jak is rotting under the trees. After any “pola” you see discarded Jak fruit abandoned by vendors on the road side.

Jak is a versatile timber, durable, time tested, used in this country for centuries for furniture and house building. It has excellent strength, beauty and workability and lasts for centuries resisting insects and moisture.

But who plants Jak now? No one! It is considered an useless obstacle and burden on any land and threatened with extinction due to blind and foolish counter-productive policies which need immediate revision.

An excellent and valued timber has disappeared from the market and our hard earned foreign exchange is squandered on import of inferior timbers from abroad.

Regularly you see advertisements in the media calling for investors to plant Teak, Mahogany etc. Have you ever seen any advertisement inviting investment in planting Jak?

What is needed is a provision of immediate incentives and land for planting Jak. No one will ever cut a Jak tree till it matures enough to produce good, serviceable, marketable, money spinning timber.

Meanwhile, the trees will produce fruit for many years.

Viable processes for manufacturing products for the local and export markets must be developed to profitably utilize the output of fruit from such plantations to provide a regular income to the planter in the interim period till the trees mature.

Properly handled Jak planting will outdo all other re-forestation projects as it could be a continuous earner after the first few years, an advantage none of the other forest plantations have.