Happy state of uselessness
Lawyers want sanctity and dignity of the courts upheld. In a letter
to the DIG, Central Range, Kithsiri Seneviratne, President of the Bar Association,
Kandy, has asked that the Police help uphold the sanctity and dignity of
the Courts and allow Judges and lawyers untrammelled access to the Courts
Complex. The KBA had held discussions with High Court Judge, Nissanka Udalagama,
at the end of April, discussions at which the S.P. and HQI, Kandy were
also present. At this discussion, the KBA reminds, it was agreed on and
decided that access to the Kandy Courts Complex and lawyers’ offices be
reviewed. The KBA claims that Judges and lawyers now undergo much difficulty
and inconvenience. Lawyers cannot park near their offices and are compelled
to walk to the Courts - a problem that becomes quite unacceptable on rainy
days.
The letter also asks for the relocation of the barriers at Deva Veediya
- Colombo Street junction and Deva Veediya - Temple Street junction at
the water fountain. These barriers presently serve no really useful purpose
and could be relocated at more vulnerable points. Such relocation will
permit litigants easy access to lawyers’ offices and enable lawyers to
park near their offices. The KBA points out that there would be a free
flow of traffic and less congestion, which is the bane of all road-users
at present.
As the KBA points out, all this would be a temporary measure until the
Courts are shifted. The Association has also asked that lawyers be issued
vehicle passes to enable them to get to the Courts. Cars could be parked
near the offices of the Cultural Triangle, which is out of the security
area.
Randenigala’s graveyard
The German dam-builders have come and gone; but a huge area at Randenigala
is now a rotting reminder of the don’t-care attitude which is so typical
of us. Buildings and other installations put up to serve as stores and
house equipment are going to pot while bits and pieces of machinery too
have rusted into that happy state of total uselessness.
Many of the buildings are choked with undergrowth and much of the fittings
spirited away. Could make a wonderful camping site. Maybe the Government
should hand it over to the Scouts Association so that scouts could make
of it a superb campsite.
Scouting Around
Which reminds me, speaking of scouts, The question now being asked in
scouting circles, following the National Scouts Jamboree which was held
at Pallekelle recently is what some high scout officials really know about
scouting. In the UK, I learn, Government has no say in scouting whatsoever.
Oh well, that’s miles and miles away from here - and here is where the
Government must chuck its oar in everything everywhere, from cricket captains
to scout commissioners. Apparently, no one can be trusted to do anything
here unless the Government holds the reins and cracks the whip. Did I hear
someone say ‘privatisation’?
Chitra takes charge
There was Marjorie Pieris, Malini Swaris and Mr H. Liyanaratchi. All
Principals of Peradeniya’s Teacher Training College. Now, Chitra Rajapakse
takes over, appointed by the Ministry of Education.
Seems there’s much rumbling in the ranks and sensitive souls are anxious
to count off on their fingers what they expect of a Principal.
I am told by staffers that the College has its shortcomings and lecturers
pitch in “over and above the call of duty” to keep things ticking over.
Well, Chitra is in charge now and here’s wishing her luck and hoping she
can make things better for all.
BDRU enters National Health programme
Kandy General Hospital Director, Dr. A.M.L. Beligaswatte, has announced
that the hospital’s Birth Defects Research Unit has been incorporated into
the National Health Programme of the Ministry of Health. This was decided
by the Minister, Nimal Siripala de Silva, who is most impressed by the
BDRU’s outstanding work in the last two years. Dr. Beligaswatte has personally
congratulated the BDRU’ s Director, Dr. Bryan Walker and his staff, and
expressed his delight at the Unit’s elevation to a nationally recognised
body.
Sudden infant deaths
We know it better as cot death - the commonest cause of infant deaths
in the UK. While the death rate is not known in Sri Lanka, it is known
that environmental factors could also be a cause. At the Kandy General
Hospital, the following pointers are given to reduce the risk of cot death:
- Sleeping babies should be placed on their backs, or sides with the
lower arm forward.
- Only place babies in the prone position if other health reasons necessitate
this (such as in the case of vomiting, breathing conditions, after surgery,
etc.)
- Do not allow the baby to get too hot, and keep the room well ventilated.
- Do not smoke anywhere near the baby. Even the smoke of cooking fires
may be harmful.
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