Letters to the Editor
View(s):Make it a point to refer to them as public servants
The results of the general elections have established the supremacy of the public. The government is the political and administrative structure by which the people are ruled. Ministers and state officers regard themselves as the superior race to ‘govern’ the citizens.
Many years ago, in a practice inherited from the British rulers of the country, they would sign their letters ‘Yours obediently’. They were called civil servants (not government servants) or administrative officers, and clerks (not managers), because their duty was to serve the public not the government.
Along with the growth of corruption by ministers, several of these servants of the government assisted them and helped themselves, justified their actions and exploited the public.
No Cabinet paper, no presidential or ministerial circular can change this culture as most of the 1.2 million government servants would object to the change.
The available effective means is for the media not to use the word ‘government’ but the word ‘public’ instead – refer to them as public servants. All citizens and the media, even the social media, TV and radio must use this term.
Over time this change would help change the culture and practices and promote the service to the public by the public servants.
Now is the time to start – the media would be doing a great service to the country if they adopt this.
D. Seneviratne Wellawatte
A remedy for stacks of rice stored in the barns
All of the stock and stacks of rice stored in the barns will soon be infested with weevils or whatever and not be fit for human consumption.
Wouldn’t it be surely charitable if all of the rice now stored is sold at a reasonable price for the poor and needy, for – how much could they buy and stock and store in their humble homes, especially given that not only weevils but monkeys and elephants are also on the rampage.
Of course, one must be aware of the Ali Babas and their clan who will grab the opportunity to store large quantities and later sell it at exorbitant prices.
I am in the same boat as the humble poor.
Bandara Kandy
Eco-friendly city buses for school transport
The government has recently announced that permits will be given for the importation of new vehicles for transport. I wish to suggest to the Government that recent studies having shown that the adoption of eco-friendly vehicles in public transportation systems can lead to significant environmental benefits, this is an option that merits consideration. Eco-friendly buses include hybrid buses, electric buses and trams, which can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower vehicles emissions
In addition, eco-friendly city buses could be used for school transport in urban areas as the passenger capacity can be doubled and parking problems reduced accordingly. At present, the vans transport children to school in an overcrowded and unhealthy manner. They should be prohibited as they also cause traffic and parking problems.
Vans are more appropriate for transport in rural areas.
N. Gamini Perera Colombo 3
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