      |
|
Morning Spice by
Ginger Ginger shortly after his piece on the quality of bread got a letter and an interesting parcel - to wit - from Ratnagiri Hotels in far flung Kurunegala. I presume this is one of the more prestigious bakers in that town. The parcel contained two loaves of bread and also included was a letter requesting me to taste it and make my comments. Since I had quoted Omar Khayams yearning for a loaf of bread and jug of wine and some one beside him. I took out my jug of wine to complement this quality bread from Kurunegala and tasted a slice of it. It was good by any standard and more than passed muster. The only snag was that many persons won't ever taste it for two reasons. Firstly it was sold only in Kurunegala and secondly it was sold at Rs. 12. In fact there are many places in the city that sell similar bread for Rs. 8 but bake very few loaves of it. They neatly place the fancy bread alongside the standard loaf so that when it is over the customers buy the latter because they are reluctant to come away empty handed. So we are back at square one while I concede that it may be difficult to sell bread of the same quality as Ratnagiri Hotels do at Kurunegala. Can't some compromise be made where the quality of the flour distributed to all bakers be slightly better to make the Rs. 8 loaf edible at least concede giving good bread at that price is difficult bake a loaf of about 350 gms. Often some one who gets something like indigestion and also finds it difficult to breath may be coming in for a heart attack and often those who think they are having a heart attack may only be having too much win in their system. Just for that reason many people are reluctant to call for assistance thinking they would be merely raising a false alarm. The U.K. has found a way of knowing whether you have a heart attack or not. Those likely to get such an attack are given a small tape recorder about the size of a credit card. All they have to do if they are getting an attack is to press this contraption to your chest and keep the phone close to it. A technician watches the heart beat on a screen at the other end and decides whether you have got an attack or not. Now Suharto was not the most popular president Indonesia had. He was known to be both tyranical and corrupt and it needed some very resolute mass agitation to get him out of his presidential seat. His son-in-law is now under investigation for human rights violations. The latest perk he received after giving up the presidency however has raised a storm of protest. The authoritities decided to give him a retirement pansion worth almost two million US dollars. The protests would be of little avail as the law states that all presidents are entitled to an honorary home once they retire. Discovery Channel - remarkable contrast On a normal week day, one can hardly find time to watch TV in the morning, especially if he or she is employed. Unfortunately, this has also become the time for one of the best channels to come live on our television, bringing a store house of knowledge and a world of entertainment with its excellent programmes. I had the opportunity of watching the programmes on Discovery Channel beamed through Rupavahini during last week, as I was under the weather and was compelled to stay at home. I productively used the convalescent time watching various programmes which were informative and Discovery Channel -- remarkable contrast of high value. The regular beaming of this channel has set a remarkable contrast to the programmes we see on local channels. if Discovery Channel is taken as a criterion, it would instantly differentiate many of the programmes we normally see on local channels as being utterly worthless. Whoever took the initiative in making this channel available to the general public in this country, merits high commendation of his judicious decision. It is no doubt that a variety of programmes set on different themes enrich knowledge of the viewers and give guidance for the much-needed awareness of environmental pollution, preserving of the endangered species, inculcating kindness towards animals in the young minds, etc. One major problem encountered by those who take a keen interest in this channel is its telecast time. Programmes that come alive in the morning hours are missed by the entire working class, however much they are interested in, due to time constraints in the frantic rush for leaving for work. Though this is inevitable and cannot be obviated due to the time difference in UK and Sri Lanka, the alternative benefit it offers is a bountiful treat, especially for the lonely retired people who find it difficult to pass time, and otherwise busy housewives fortunate enough to find time to steal a glance. Here, too, one might experience another problem relating to the language medium as the programmes are all in English; but with the latest advancements in the field of electronics, this too could be overcome with the facilities like Nicam -- a standard feature in the latest television circuitry -- which allows the viewer to select his choice of language when watching a programme. Like many other foreign channels, the viewing of Discovery Channel too was a privilege for a selected few who could afford to have expensive satellite receiving equipment. This deprived the general public of some classy entertainment and a vital source of knowledge, which is inherent in the programmes on such channels. Hence the introduction of this channel by the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation is essentially a step in the right direction which should be deeply appreciated by the general public, as it will benefit the whole nation by enabling them to discover many horizons yet unseen by them at no extra cost. Manil Gunawardene, The employees of the Ceylon Shipping Corporation too were given a salary increase 40% of which was in January, 1997 in accordance with B. C. Perera Salary Revision prepared for the state sectors. However, the 60% that was to be given from January, 1998 has not been given to us yet by the management, though they were quick to act on the overtime restriction etc. according to the Circular issued in regard to the salary increase. Even the 5% interest granted to all state institutions in regard to loans obtained by the employees are not considered to us. With all these difficulties we are facing the cost of living and are paying our GST too for our daily requirements and othr consumptions. Having so many unsuccessful discussions with the management to obtain our rights and concession as for the Circular, we faxed about all these matters to Your Excellency as our Corporaion now functions under your Excellency, hoping for redress, but nothing has happened so far. We are in a situation where we cannot even meet Your Excellency to explain our grievances and the injustice being done to us by the management. It is now nearly eight months and the management is silent over our entitlements given by Your Excellency to all the state sectors. Therefore, we most earnestly beg your Excellency to instruct our management to give us our balance 60% salary increase and the concession of the 5% loan interest. Shipping Corporation has a staff of below 180 consisting members of the Ceylon Mercantile Union, Sri Lanka Nidahas Sevaka Sangamaya and Jathika Sevaka Sangamaya, and are steadily involved in providing the essential services to the state. We also suggest Your excellency to appoint a Minister or a Deputy Minister for the betterment of the Shipping Corporation. While we thank this newspaper for publishing our sad plight, may the Triple gem bless Your Excellency. N. A. Ranjith, Insufficient facilities for domestic tourists The travel trade has been making representations to government suggesting a moratorium on the building of new hotels for foreign tourists as there is an oversupply and, the expected member of visitors have failed to show up on our shores. But what of the facilities promised to the domestic tourists by the Minister of Tourism at the beginning of his term? The richer Sri Lankans are much sought after by the star class hotels. In fact it is this segment which has kept these establishments afloat to a great extent, at the worst of times. The mercantile employees and the middle class are also able to patronise some of the hotels and guest houses, especially if package rates are available. Those of us who live outstation and in close proximity to some of the tourist sites however know that by and large the most number of domestic travellers are in the lower income group of pilgrim traffic. These travellers whose disposable income is limited cannot be attractive to investors who think of quick, substantial returns. It is precisely this reason why the Tourist Board has to step in and provide the necessary incentives and leadership. The Tourist Board, we are told is studying the domestic tourism sector. If indeed they are, they should get their act together quicker. There are thousands of their brethren spending their nights in open bana salavas and other rudimentary accommodation with few toilets to service a bus load, drinking contaminated water and poorly prepared food in wayside eateries —to end up patients in a government hospital on their-return to the village after the Vandana Gamana. Over the years the domestic tourist component has changed noticeably. In addition to the pilgrims a large part of the market is made up of the annual outing organised by the numerous mercantile establishments. Ten bus loads of factory workers out on vacation is not an uncommon sight. This corporate traffic, it has been observed is regular and, in time could be larger than the pilgrim. They are also able to pay higher rates for accommodations and other necessities. The other large untapped market is the upcountry workers who would like to spend a few days by the sea. The possibilities for a viable and more financially attractive industry which does not need huge investments or a sophisticated work force, has been unfolding over the years—if only the Colombo based tourism wallahs looked beyond their noses with more cvility towards their own people it could be even better. Milroy Ratwatte I refer to the letter written by Carl Nanayakkara under the caption 'Attack on Devananda' which appeared in the Island of 23rd July. His concern about the attack on Douglas Devenanda, whom he refers to as a 'Good Samaritan', should be appreciated. While it is not appropriate to talk about his past record, it must not be forgotten that enimity between him and the terrorists still exists. Considering the experiences he has had in the recent past he should have been little discreet in his decision to visit the prison where the terrorist suspects were being held. It is most distressing to note C.N's uncharitable statement that 'no Tamil can be trusted today'. It is common knowledge there are allegations that Paskaralingam had made hay while there was bright sunshine and he was not alone in the game. Babu, a Tamil terrorist, was frequenting the residence of the late President and it came to light he had patronage of high degree at all levels. He was accorded V.I.P. treatment and is supposed to have even enjoyed helicopter rides. What has C.N. to say about the political killings in the South (not to speak of terrorist killings), mafia type activities of the underworld with alleged support from some politicians, injured rivals being murdered in hospitals, gang rivals being murdered within the precints of Courts of Justice, gang rapes and gruesome murders of innocent Tamil girls, mass massacre of civilians both sinhalese and Tamils. I do not wish to elaborate any further. It is a pity C.N. seems to have short memories. Does all these incidents mean the Tamil people should say that the Sinhalese should not be trusted. The moderate Tamil people from all walks of life think more broadly and have always voted for either of the major Sinhala party with hopes of justice and peace when they come to power. Peace cannot be achieved if there is communal thinking, even after terrorism, gun culture and violence is overcome sooner or later. A. Jaya Mohan, Our cricketers ignored by BBC? We have obtained the rights perhaps after spending large sums of monies to telecast B.B.C. and Sky News channels in our country. However what is strange is that both these channels fail to report on their transmissions the results of the matches played by the Sri Lanka team against the counties. They did report on two matches where we failed miserably. When our performance improved news on the performance of our team were completly ignored by both these channels. For instance even training sessions of the South African Team, news on the local county matches were telecast to the exclusion of matches played by our team. I wonder whether we are being treated as a third rate nation by these Hi Fi British Television channels. If it is so why should we waste foreign exchange to obtain rights to telecast these programmes? Over to you M.T.V. and Swarnavahini. A. A. Perera, It was 15th of August and the time was exactly 8.34 a.m. On the Weliveriya Road (which starts from Kanda Kepu junction, off Kandy Road), towards Weliveriya, the road narrows down allowing only one vehicle at a time to cross the paddy fields. On the day, at this place, I saw a military person using his authority (under the Emergency Law) against an innocent, respectful elderly man of about 65 yrs. This young military person in shorts and a T'shirt, equipped with sunglasses and a cellular phone hit the elderly man so strongly, that he almost lost his balance. The elder was driving a Morris Minor towards Weliveriya, on the narrow road and was about to complete his run, when the vehicle carrying this military person hurriedly enterd the road. As the road was very narrow, the two vehicles might have touched sideways, which resulted in this incident. We are living in a society, where we respect our elders... and we highly believe that the armed forces are well-disciplined. We respect the brave sons from villages who sacrifice or are ready to sacrifice their lives for the sake of peace in Sri Lanka. The person who was threatened today, can be a father or a grandfather of a brave son and the officers like this one are insulting those brave sons of the land... and the well-disciplined military forces we had...! A citizen We in this island nation, very often, change the names of our roads, lanes and byways, which have been familiar to us for generations to names of politicians, sometimes of dubious repute. However when they become unpopular and fall out of grace, these nameboards are once again replaced with the names of current politicians! This unpopular trend has caused endless confusion and irritation to the public at large, as the naming or renaming takes place overnight, without any warning whatsoever. In recent decades the country's name has also been changed from good old 'Ceylon' a name which was familier the world over and synonmous with good tea, to that of 'Sri Lanka', which caused confusion in other countries. To better this record we composed and introduced a new National Anthem and thereafter designed a new National Flag to boot, creating intense dismay amongst the minority races, and causing a further division of the communities. Having done all this we still insist on labelling ourselves as Tamils, Sinhalese, Muslims, Malays and Burghers instead of just Sri Lankans, and this is evident when we have to fill in official documents where the emphasis is on 'which race'. Having divided ourselves thus we go for each others throat as evidenced by the present ethnic war in the north and east, causing the loss of thousands of lives and sending the economy down the drain. But observe the marked difference when we travel abroad to greener pastures to earn more cash, or for other compelling reasons. We immediately lable ourselves as 'Sri Lankans', hug each other, and help each other irrespective of what we call ourselves back home! But, Oh Boy when we return to Lanka with that pot of gold we immediately disintegrate to our accustomed labels' and once again are at each others throats, only to perish collectively in the end! Rexy, Reading through Mr. J. Mithrasena's attack on globalisation recently in 'The Island' I was alarmed to come across the following paragraph. 'Perhaps all these people would rather the Sea Street Traders run the economy and are annoyed that Tamil racist moderates failed to find a Sinhala front man to cover a Tamil racist take over of Galle Harbour.' Now I am a faithful reader of your esteemed journal and all the English dailies and weekend newspapers. In addition I monitor all the local and overseas television newscasts. However I am quite sure that there was no mention of a hostile Tamil take over of the vital Galle port. Naturally I assumed that when the writer accused the 'Racist Tamils' of a take over he meant either that the dreaded Pottu Amman had managed to infiltrate the port with his agents or that the Sea Tigers had managed in a deadly 'stab in the back' amphibious operation captured the port as a prelude to a southern land offensive. Had the state censored this hideous news in a bid to avoid a nationwide panic? Appeal to Mr. Mithrasena to enlighten the reading public with all the details he has about this dangerous situation. I strongly feel that he has a moral duty to act speedily on this matter. S. L. David. It was reported recently that the Telecom Regulatory Commission had proposed to the Director-General Telecom, that the monthly rental should be increased from Rs. 100/- to Rs. 190/-. The kind DG had boldly said "NO", and agreed for Rs. 180 thus giving the poor subscriber a reduction of Rs. 10. Fantastic Rs. TEN. We the subscribers should salute him - standing. He goes on to DEFEND, the increased rates on decreased times consumed on telephone calls and further explains in, very flowery English of high voltage the reasons for such increases. I am prepared to bet all the green tea in China, that not even 1% of our rice and curry eating natives would have understood what all DG was saying. I did not understand either. Speaking on behalf of myself only, I have to state that, I am now paying Monthly an amount exceeding Rs. 1000, whereas I paid only about Rs. 600 for the same number of units earlier. Now we will take the pleasant side of the news. The Telecom has embarked on a vigorous campaign, all full pages re- "Hunting Facility", "One to One" "Two in One" etc, etc. Personally, I do not grudge the service Telecom offers today, which is of a very high quality, but then, we pay a high price for it. I am aware that in developing countries, these services are considered "necessary in day to day life" and as such the charges are kept to the barest minimum. Shouldn't we emulate them? Collin de SIlva, The Department of Telecommunications has apparently become a part of Eelam. Its official language is Tamil on the telecommunication lines. Just try listening to the voices which intervene when you dial a non-functional number or when the lines are overloaded. What you hear is a Tamil voice, always a Tamil voice and if you wait long enough an English voice. Never a Sinhala voice. Is this the official policy of the Department of Telecommunications or is it that they are ignorant of what is happening in this country, or do they not care at all that we are being swallowed up by Prabhakaran's cohorts placed strategically in government departments. D. S. Perera, |
|
 |
|