Letters to the Editor
View(s):Time to reconsider validity of maximum age limit of 55 years in govt. sector
No one will argue with the fact that the success of an organisation is based on the quality of management decisions and the speed with which the operational activities are implemented. The workforce and the management play an important role. There again experienced employees perform efficiently in comparison to inexperienced employees.
In Sri Lanka, private sector organisations are, of course, very flexible in this aspect and they evaluate the skills and capabilities of applicants on a case-by-case basis, when recruiting.
However, government institutions stick to the very letter of the requirements spelt out under recruitment schemes. Consequently, qualified and experienced senior individuals, who can really add value to government institutions (the need of the hour in its development effort) are unable to join the government institutions, as a result of the age barrier. These organisations suffer with low productivity and inefficiency as a result.
It is high time to reconsider the validity of the maximum age limit of 55 years to various positions, as part of recruitment schemes, particularly on contract basis. It is disappointing to note the maximum age limit of 55 years has been part of the qualification criteria, even for the recruitment to a vacancy that was meant to be on a three-year contract basis. Everyone will agree, calendar age should not be a barrier, if the person is physically and mentally fit, and as long as the individual can successfully discharge the duties expected for the post.
I would recommend, instead of a ruling on the maximum age limit of 55 years, the qualification criteria may be amended to consider recruitment of a senior person based on the result of a comprehensive medical test. Accordingly, a person above the age of 55 years, who has been recommended by a Government Medical Officer as medically fit, to be eligible to join a government institution.
M. Hakim Usoof Gampaha
Different charges at different times
At present there exists a big difference in the charges of Pick Me, Uber, normal three wheelers and other cabs and payments offered to drivers.
Normal metered three wheelers charge Rs. 100 or Rs. 120 per kilometre during anytime in the day. The rate is lower for the drivers of Pick Me and Uber and in the evening hours, it is a lower payment for Pick Me and hence many avoid driving in evening hours causing hardships to passengers.
I think government intervention is needed in this regard to offer a flat rate at any time in the day for three wheelers and cabs.
Rohan Wickremasinghe Via email
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