Dates and outdates

Interview with Brigadier P.G. Charles, Directorate of Supplies & Transport

Q: Feeding the Army must be a very difficult task?

A: It is normally difficult to satisfy people with food. In the past, we gave them one issue of chicken for a week. Since many have given up beef, we increased it to two issues. We also increased the fish and added one issue of mutton.

The mutton is imported because the quantity available locally is not sufficient. The suppliers send lamb instead of mutton and the soldiers are not happy. We have now refused to accept the lamb. We then increased the chicken to four times a week. Now they complain that they cannot eat chicken all the time.

The shortage of flights to the north causes wastage of fresh food supplies such as vegetables. We pack the supplies from midnight to send them to the airport at 4 a.m. Sometimes they reach Pallaly only in the evening.

Q: We have got complaints from soldiers fighting the war and stationed in the garrisons in the North that they are deprived of meats, fish and fresh vegetables because of the lack of transport facilities. How serious is this?

A: As regards vegetables there is no problem. We purchase sufficient vegetables in Jaffna except during one or two off season months when the quantity available is insufficient. There are collecting centres run by cooperatives and non governmental organizations. We purchase from them paying cash. As regards meats and fish, at the moment, what the soldiers say is correct. We used to send 3000 kg of meats and fish daily by air along with the troops. In addition, we had two cargo flights three days a week carrying 20,000 kg per day which is 60,000 kg for the week. Since the last plane crash, we are short of this 60000 kg. We are able to send an average of 3000 – 4000kg per day, but the daily requirement is 7,000 kg. We issue substitutes like corned mutton, canned chicken, canned ambul thiyal and so on. The soldiers however prefer fresh meat and fish.

Q: How are the stocks of fresh fish and meats purchased? There were complaints from some camps in coastal areas that they are issued deep frozen fish imported from the Maldives which is absolutely tasteless, when they can buy fresh fish cheaper locally.

A: There are approved contractors who supply the meats and fish. When there is a scarcity locally, they import fish or meats and supply according to their contract. If there are facilities for purchasing fresh food items locally, the units concerned can draw Cash in Lieu of rations and purchase their requirements locally for the battalion or detachment. When they draw cash in lieu, they have to provide the soldiers food according to approved menus or improved ones.

Q: We have seen some ration packs containing food items that have expired. Have you had many complaints?

A: We have got some complaints mainly regarding the dates and jujubes. We are trying to replace these items with other substitutes since they are locally packed and difficult to keep. With the high temperature in the North unless they are well packed and stored there will be problems. We are trying to introduce a nutritious bar which is supposed to provide nourishment for a entire day. We have got some samples but we have to see whether the soldiers like it. They do not like the taste of many of the imported items.

In the meantime. We are also getting the dates and Glucose in a new improved longer lasting packing of aluminium foil. Glaxo supplies to an agent who supplies it to us in the new packing.

It is the duty of the battalion to consume the foodstuffs before expiry or return them in time so that they could be sent elsewhere.

Every battalion has a Quarter Master. It is his responsibility ensure that outdated food items are not accepted.

Q: What is the role of the Directorate of Supplies and Transport with regard to supplying of rations?

A: We lay down policy and monitor the progress. We send out inspection teams periodically to various camps and detachments. When I was serving on the field, I used to complain and fight for good food for the men. So, I know the problems involved.

Strikers stay sceptical

"July strikers" who claim they have been promised much but given little by different governments are meeting tomorrow to decide on a fast unto death till they are given justice.

P. Amaradivakara a spokesman for a joint committee of July 1980 strike victims said the latest to assure them of a solution to their compensation problem was Plan Implementation Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle. Mr. Fernandopulle has asked them to give a report on how much was promised to them and how much was given by former UNP regimes and the PA Government.But strike victims are sceptical.

Seventh day of grads' fast in Kandy

J.A.L. Jayasinghe and Shane Seneviratne

More than 200 unemployed graduates in the Central Province yesterday completed the 7th day of a hunger strike in Kandy. Secretary Central Province Graduates Association, A.M. Abeyratne said todate no government politician representing the Central Province has come to discuss the problem.

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