Letters to the Editor
View(s):Politicians have no solutions for the burning issues
While increasing the price of all commodities, the price of school items such as exercise books, and other stationery items is also skyrocketing today. This situation is unbearable for poor parents who mostly depend on their daily earnings.
Though free education is an asset to Sri Lankans, most beneficiaries are vulnerable to these difficulties. They do not have sufficient income to buy these items for their children and some are dropping out of school due to this.
The rulers never discuss a way to find solutions to these issues. Instead they argue over unnecessary things in Parliament such as Buddhist preaching. They have no proper plan to decrease the price of school items. They should have remedies for these burning issues. Otherwise they will not be able to suppress the people’s aragala any more.
C.D.J. Weerasena Boralesgamuwa
All mum about bringing down the number of MPs
Everyone in Parliament and outside shouts about bringing down the country’s wasteful expenditure. But no one from any of the political parties – SJB, SLFP, JVP or TNA thinks about bringing down the number of MPs.
Those who talk about the curse of 74 years, conveniently ignore that the 225 Parliamentarians are the main cause of that curse. Bar owners, illegal sand miners, forest loggers, even non-citizens and all sorts of riff-raff have got the opportunity to become law-makers of the country due to the system change that increased the number of MPs from 160 to 225.
Who dares broach this subject to bring down the number of MPs to an affordable and productive figure?
B. Perera Via email
Disgusting behaviour calls for action by higher authority
I am horrified, disgusted and ashamed to call myself a Sri Lankan after watching the local news which showed an Opposition MP making a rude gesture to a female Minister in Parliament.
If he is not aware that putting his tongue out at a woman is a vulgar act, he shouldn’t be a Member of Parliament. This type of behaviour is witnessed by schoolkids. Why are Parliamentarians tarnishing Sri Lanka as a barbarian society?
I appeal to a high authority to take some action against this MP.
Shocked Sri Lankan Via email
A system change that only showed up destruction and corruption
The much publicised system change that the Sri Lankan public expected never materialised. Instead it destroyed valuable state and private property to the tune of millions of Rupees to burden the country more during this economic crisis.
The architects of this destruction including the political elements, some sections of the media and legal fraternity are now blaming others while trying to bale out some culprits suspected of this mayhem. It is now clear that our society is so corrupt and is not prepared for any system change while some are bent on achieving their political ambitions while disrupting all activities of the country.
Godfrey Lakshman Kaduwela
Poor eating habits of Sri Lankans are costing the state dear
If you enter any ward in any hospital in Sri Lanka, you will find it full of insulin-resistant patients. They eat carbohydrates and sweet foods and then expect help to recuperate back to some kind of health.
It is a kind of see-saw to the cost of the state.
Businessmen sell rice, sweets, cake etc, for a profit to people and then the state has to pay.
Hospitals are expensive places to run, with doctors, nurses and medicines. The health service methods of educating the public seem not sufficient or even, clearly not working.
The poor eating habits of Sri Lankans are costing the state dear. People need to be pressured to eat better quality foods.
Finally, the human body comes without any operating instructions.
Researchers in the USA are uncovering the truth of our body systems and its requirements: Uric Acid, Nitric Oxide, Metabolic Syndrome, micro-biome, etc.
Why is this new knowledge not more widely known??
Roger O Smith Via email
The magic of Christmas of a time gone by
The season of Christmas has begun and the shops are full of sales, and beautiful Yuletide décor. The magic that fills the Christmas season is something that I enjoy.
As a child my fondest memories of the season are in Sri Lanka, and the days leading up to Christmas. My father would take out the frame of the crib that was tucked away each year after the season, and stored somewhere in the shed behind our home. He would get my older brothers, or the driver William to paint the frame of the crib, and paste black cartridge paper around its frame. A silver painting of the nativity scene was glued at the back of the crib frame that has been fixed in place.
I loved the tinsel star that my father placed on top of the crib. It was well reinforced with wire to stay firm throughout the Christmas season. I’d think about my favourite part of the nativity story. The star of Bethlehem burning bright in the East, and guiding the wise men to the Christ child. As a child I would wish for a star that could guide me, but every time I looked at the night sky, all the stars looked pretty much the same. I believe there was a celestial sign that led men across the desert to witness this miracle.
My younger brother and I were very close. We would delight in lighting the sparklers we got from uncles and aunts during our “Christmas visits”, a tradition when we were growing up in the Fifties and Sixties, and the boxes of assorted candies. It was a time of the past that we were privileged to experience. Things have changed so much now.
Christmas is a season of hope, peace and joy that defines families, evokes memories, and a time of community. It’s a time of sharing who we are with others, and the joy of giving, than receiving. There lies the true fulfilment, the purpose and significance of Christmas.
Charmaine Candappa Via email
Same milk powder, but two prices?
I have found that a 400 gm packet of locally manufactured milk powder (Pelwatte) is being sold at their sales outlet at Rs. 975. This very same pack of milk powder is being marketed at Rs. 1,150 at leading supermarkets. How is the same product sold at two different prices? Over to the Consumers Affairs Authority of Sri Lanka or the local producer of this milk powder for a response please.
Mohamed Zahran Colombo
The true significance of the Lotus Tower
Criticised as a waste of government funds, the much talked about ‘Lotus Tower’ was built at a cost of US dollars 113 million, (approximately 16 billion rupees) on a loan and constructed by a Chinese construction company. It is 350 metres in height and considered the highest in South Asia.
Those who criticise do not seem to know what this imposing tower signifies and the intention of the then President.
Viewing this tower in full bloom, as it was illuminated, from my roof-top garden at Boralesgamuwa, 12 km away, a thought arose in my mind as to why Mahinda Rajapaksa erected this tower. It dawned on me, it was to signify our nation as ‘Lotus Eaters’.
Figuratively a ‘lotus eater’ denotes a person who spends his time indulging in pleasure and luxury rather than dealing with practical concerns. Doesn’t that definition signify our true nature?
Let those who criticise, realize the hidden purpose and intention of our former President for he has portrayed our inherent feature to the world.
G.A.D.Sirimal Boralesgamuwa
Are sound technicians deaf to ear-splitting music at events?
Yesterday, I was at an evening of Christmas music entertainment at a hotel in Colombo. The recorded music playing while waiting for the invitees, was intended to be relaxing and in the background, (or was it??). This ear-splitting noise, emphasising loud drumming, drowned whatever ‘music’ we were supposed to enjoy!
Our table consisted of four adults, aged 50 to 77, and three young people aged 12 to 16, all into music in a big way. I asked them about the volume coming from the sound system and all thought it painful and made no sense at all. I explained to the technician in charge of sound and he lowered the volume to a comfortable level. Our enjoyment was short-lived however, as when the designated artistes got on stage to sing, the sound went back to its original, ear-splitting level.
I am aware that the level of sound at functions, even weddings and celebrations calling for decorum and soft background music, is much too loud. For instance, at an annual PPA (Past Pupils Association) Christmas gathering, isn’t disco music out of place? Even at two of the popular supermarkets, the loud, disco-type music disturbs my purpose in going there. Why are we doing something that is so painful, meaningless and dysfunctional? Why are the participants/invitees at functions reluctant to tell the sound technicians that they cannot even talk to the next person? Yesterday I saw many people sitting expressionless or looking at their phones.
Let’s hope we can create some awareness of this problem.
Anonymous Via email
A cheerless Christmas and time for the good to show its face
Sadly our country is likely to face a grave situation with regard to shortages of various essentials and also the exorbitant prices of these items. The lower income earner, the daily wage earner, the unemployed and the majority of people who have no income at all will soon find it an extremely difficult task to even exist. In addition, the increase in electricity tariffs, water bills, transport costs and many other essentials are definitely moving the country towards a disaster-ridden one.
What is difficult to understand is that there has not been an increase in incomes all round. In short the people are in dire straits. I wonder whether our rulers realize how people are struggling to cope with the present situation. While all this is happening, our sincerely concerned ruling clan is having a gala time in posh hotels and fabulous entertainment establishments. Let the people tighten their belts a little more!
Once a proud nation is today reduced to a wretched one. Those who are responsible for this miserable situation are making amends to come back to continue their activities. But, there are still some who will kiss the floor they tread on!
Retribution may be slow, but assuredly it will, sooner or later come, in some form or other. Evil cannot last long; it is time now for the good to show its face. I strongly believe the time is ripe!
With the grave difficulties the people are facing, it is difficult to hope for a “Merry Christmas” Nevertheless, there will be some celebrations all round. I recall with some happiness, quite a long time ago, the merry feeling during Christmas time and the many activities to prepare for celebrations. Alas! They are only sweet memories. I remember, my uncle, Geo. P. Solomons, who used to write to the “Daily News” one Christmas ended a letter with this little verse:
Christmas bells are ringing
Good old Santa Claus is coming
I am so happy and wishing
Santa will not forget to
Drop a pint of arrack in my stocking!
Wishing all a Blessed Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!
Brian Hingert Makola
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.