Letters to the Editor
View(s):Are senior citizens being given a fair deal?
Having read K.K.S. Perera’s piece in the Sunday Times (ST) Plus of October 1, I concur with the sentiments expressed.
I would like also to point out another aspect of the tax policy that is in operation, that I object to. Most of us, senior citizens, survive our dotage on the fixed deposits we have earned in our salad days. When the personal allowance for drugs, hospital admissions and such like deductions are not possible from one’s personal income tax for the tax year ’23-24, life is a nightmare reality.
Many or most of us have served this country we love through thick and thin, with dedication. With illness, at our door, escalating and uncontrolled drug prices despite the dollar stability, make it untenable.
The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) having only variously stated that there are only 31000- 239,000 personal tax files, despite RAMIS allegedly being in operation, is a laugh. If one considers the number of corporates, retailers, professionals, tuition masters and gem merchants who abound on this island nation of ours, just see those who can afford to advertise on electronic media on cricket match days!
The Sunday Times states that there are 15,000 corporates and only 10% pay tax! Thus it is ludicrous to flog the honest tax-paying senior citizen.
I am sure I speak for most senior citizens, that personal drug and health allowance, should be brought back in the future, pronto, if we as a group are to survive our last few years on planet Earth with dignity, that I think should be our just desserts.
Dr. Channa Ratnatunga Via email
Golden beaches or a sea of pollutants
Sri Lanka has been famous for its golden beaches and sparkling seas from time immemorial.
Has it remained so, is the question that we citizens should ask ourselves.
As the photos show (worth a thousand words)- it is pollution unlimited in the beaches close to the Wellawatte railway station.
Seeing is believing!
In an era where buzz words such as sustainable development, green economy and blue ocean are popular, it is a mockery to see so much plastic lying on the beaches. At the least it’s an eyesore.
Entities promote beach cleaning more as an advertising gimmick and it becomes just a fun day for many but pollution continues.
Pollution of the canals goes unregulated and it is no wonder crocodiles relish the rot and the trash in the canals around Wellawatte.
So many state agencies such as the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA), Coast Conservation Department (CCD), Central Environment Authority (CEA) and the Coast Guard (CG) have been given the teeth to implement the existing laws. Yet still in this 21st century Sri Lanka seems to be lagging far behind its neighbours.
It’s long overdue for pollution levels to be assessed, the root cause found and action taken.
Satyajit Satarasinghe Colombo 3
Scenic train trip to Badulla: Spoilers that need attention
Recently I got the opportunity to travel by train from Colombo to Badulla with a group of friends. This was my second train trip after the one I had made during my childhood. We left Colombo at 5.55 a.m. on the “Podi Manike” and it took nearly 10 and half hours to reach Badulla. I would like to pinpoint some areas which need the attention of Railway authorities in the hope that it will help provide a more satisfactory service for passengers.
The seating facilities of the train are satisfactory and people are happy about that. However, there are some areas which need prompt attention, especially the toilet facilities. Toilets get smelly after a few hours and there is no arrangement to have them cleaned. Passengers are compelled to use them in this disgusting state. If an arrangement can be made to clean them at certain railway stations it would be highly appreciated by passengers. Availability of clean toilets is a major requirement.
The other area which needs attention is the cafeteria facility. Although we travelled in a first-class compartment, we couldn’t use the cafeteria on the train. We were compelled to purchase tea from passing vendors. It was ‘Nestea’ in plastic cups which was very sweet. When the vendor poured tea, some of it spilled dirtying the floor. The majority of passengers who travelled in the first-class compartment complained about the lack of this facility.
The other matter which needs attention is to provide quality media presentations over the TV facility available on the train. As it is an upcountry bound train there are many interesting programmes that could be broadcast which would attract local and foreign tourists. The country’s national heritage can be highlighted. Such a facility would be beneficial for children travelling in the train. Currently only commercial advertisements are displayed over the TV.
I hope the respective authorities will give these matters their attention with immediate effect. I believe that it is the duty of the Sri Lankan Railway Department to provide a quality service to its customers, particularly at a moment when we are striving to promote tourism in the country.
Kanthi Wijetunge Via email
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