I read with interest an interview in your newspaper on the findings of two scientists of the Kelaniya University regarding the presence of arsenic in agrochemicals. Prof. Nalin de Silva is quoted as saying that tests in the laboratory have proved that arsenic is present in dangerous levels in imported agrochemicals used in Sri Lanka. Then he goes on to throw in a little mercury and cyanide that makes soil and water more toxic.
He emphasizes that samples (without being specific) were collected from the North Central Province areas such as Padaviya where farmers have been affected with kidney disease, a major issue.
This is not something that has been recently discovered, the cause of which has been researched with no conclusive findings. Prof. de Silva links the kidney disease with the usage of pesticides, ignoring the very pertinent fact that pesticides are used all over the country and that kidney disease is a problem in a particular locality. Perhaps being a mathematician he could enlighten readers how a problem which affected less than 5% of agricultural land users using low volumes of pesticides could be linked to a product that is used all over the country with no such repercussions.
His co-researcher has enlightened us on the deductive processes used. Confusion is further exacerbated as there seems to be an interest in promoting traditional knowledge in the cultivation of crops. The co-researcher and the Professor seem to be living in a world of their own with no idea of modern agriculture, food problems and the current debate as to how the world is going to feed the increasing population.
An article in the Daily Mirror of July 1 by concerned members of the academic staff of the Department of Chemistry of the Kelaniya University raised concerns that the conclusions of the research have not been subjected to the traditional peer review.
It seems that the researchers from the Medical Faculty of Rajarata have been acting in concert with the Kelaniya University in conducting this inter-university research programme, a good example of inter-university interaction and sharing of research work by different disciplines. The initiative is to be commended if not for the fact that they seem to have come up with unsubstantiated conclusions laced with personal prejudices which will definitely destabilize farmers and their livelihoods countrywide.
The Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science has also voiced their concern and gone on to say that the leader of this group despite holding a responsible position professes a disdain for ‘western’ science’ while he has publicly claimed supernatural revelations as the course of his group’s information ad even methods. The Registrar of Pesticides has been a voice in the wilderness trying to bring some sanity which has led to him being called a ‘traitor’.
The Industrial Technology Institute (ITI) has claimed that its laboratory is accredited to carry out the tests and 9 out of 31 pesticides had traces of arsenic. The Director goes on to say that arsenic could be present in toxic form and non-toxic form. Who can test this? The question is whether the traces present are of the toxic or non-toxic kind. The most important question is, however, to what extent are traces permitted without unnecessary exaggeration? What are the short-term answers and what should be the long-term goal? It is an exercise in futility to say it would affect our agricultural exports without looking at global standards and then implementing our own standards which can easily be measured, so that imports and exports that do not conform to standards can be rejected.
I am told that pesticides imported to the country have been held up in the port due to this irresponsible behaviour which has forced the Customs to act in this manner lest they too be called ‘traitors’. I feel the expanded list of traitors will soon include all those responsible for damaging our food security and a number of exporters earning a living on the surplus created by farmers. The Department of Agriculture has failed miserably. The government should re-evaluate the expenditure and expectations of both the Ministry and the much-touted Agriculture Department.
I would request scientists and politicians to be more responsible, accountable and act with caution by actively looking at the options and repercussions of the steps they take.
Francis Fernandopulle,
Katana
City banks chronically short-staffed
Some leading private banks in Colombo have between four to eight counters, but not enough staff to man them and serve customers. Only two are in operation during busy hours.
When customers complain to the cash counter manager, the answer is that the bank is “short of staff”. As a result, customers have to wait in long queues.
I suggest that all regional managers of private banks pay a surprise visit to their city branches during peak banking hours – between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., and 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
A. K. Gnanakanthan,
Colombo 6
This is the calibre of principals that schools need
I believe a person should be eulogised in life, not in epitaphs. Hence I have chosen to do just that to a person for whom I have the highest regard.
I had the privilege of working with Ms. Hemamala Bibile when she was Principal of Bishop’s College and I was a fledgling teacher.
My first impression of her was of a stern personage, but this was soon dispelled to reveal the warm and caring human being she was beneath. Many are the times I have seen teachers, in the confines of her office, pouring their hearts out to her. But outside her office, she was always smilingly but uncompromisingly firm and fair in her dealings with students and teachers alike.
I admired her mostly for her manner of dealing with crises. At a personal level, I was beset with problems concerning the sudden ill health of my husband and a very sick mother. Something made me (usually an undemonstrative person) to tearfully confide in Ms. Bibile. She did not offer me the proverbial “shoulder to cry on”. Instead, she told me to “pull myself together”. Her strength became my strength when she said she thought I had it in me to handle my problems, without going to pieces. And so I did.
This is a rare quality that I have seen only a few display – the ability to make people find strength within themselves, without making them helpless and dependent.
I am sure all those who came within her purview found this to be her greatest asset. It is easy to sympathise with someone in need, but it is only through empathy that one can truly help a person “get back on his/her feet”.
I thank you, Ms. Bibile, for taking me under your wing and making me feel welcome; for showing me how best to work with young and impressionable minds, so that I realized how education (from the Latin “edu care”) is a lamp to be lit, not a pot to be filled!.
May you carry on the good work for the children, wherever you go.
Priyanthi de Silva,
Himbutana
Market activity gets in the way of worship at Pettah church
St. Philip Neri’s in the Pettah is one of Colombo’s oldest churches. It is 150 years old, and is known as the workers’ church and the travellers’ church. The church doors are kept open all day for people to come in and pray or meditate or attend services.
On Sundays, Roman Catholics living in Colombo and the suburbs come to St. Philip Neri’s in large numbers to attend Holy Mass and other services.
In the past, the Police allowed devotees to park their vehicles in front of the church, on Olcott Mawatha, and behind the church, on Maliban Street. But lately, church-goers face great inconvenience because they cannot find a place to park their vehicles. Those who park their cars between three-wheelers, vans and lorries are taken to task by the Police.
This is a busy commercial neighbourhood. Lorries, vans and other vehicles carrying produce and goods are parked near the church where goods are unloaded. This causes great inconvenience to the congregation of St. Philip Neri’s.
Freedom of worship is enshrined in the Constitution. It is the government’s duty to protect this freedom.
Quintus Rodrigo,
Wattala
Retired career diplomats have a lot to offer
Your paper carried a news item (Sunday Times, May 8) about the appointment of a retired career diplomat as our new envoy to Kuala Lumpur. This is an admirabl e decision.
There are many retired career diplomats who have served well as our envoys, and a few have also served as Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, some during very difficult times in the past. These highly experienced retired diplomats are in the country and are still available.
There are also retired legal advisers, one being a former ambassador to Sweden. These persons have advised the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on international law, among other things.
It would good for the country if these able and experienced retired diplomats and legal experts are offered specialised posts so they can continue to serve the country.
Vivian Fernando,
Panadura |
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