Does a public figure have a private life. So they had him grovelling. Clinton's political enemies had him where they wanted him. They relentlessly pursued him till he confessed to the Lewinsky affair. At the end of it there were two losers really. The first was Clinton whose married life would be under a cloud with wife and daughter both humiliated. The second is Lewinsky who would be held in some contempt by many as one who kisses and tells. No one knows how far Lewinsky went on her own free will and few would believe that it was a totally one sided affair.

The real loser at the end of it is the American and his right to privacy and to make a definite demarcation between a public figure's private and public life. True, a public figure of such importance as Clinton is expected to maintain certain standards where his personal life is concerned. But then he is as vulnerable to the temptations and inclinations of most human experiences. He at any rate is not an ecclesiastic with the vow of celibacy hanging over him. Fortunately few are laughing at Clinton or asking for his removal. America's attitude should serve as an example that political economic or social rivalry should get little encouragement if it is for dirt digging and image smearing - a lesson that we Lankans should learn and help not to snoop into other people's private lives. That does not mean that Clinton should not have been more circumspect.

Acid indigestion, heartburn
Now many people often complain of acid indigestion and heartburn. Often they try to get over it by taking an antacid but it may not do. They may be heading for a more serious condition called gastro -oesophageal reflex disorder which is also called GERD. This condition should not be taken lightly as it could some day lead to throat cancer.

Heartburn is normally caused by acid juices pumping their way through a valve into the aesophagus and because it does not have a lining like the stomach and bleeding. Now there is hope of a cure with a group of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. The best way out of course is to avoid chocolates, fats, booze and eating in the night. A sleep with your head elevated slightly.

Visiting Diana's home
Ever since Diana was laid to rest on the island in her home in Northamptonshire thousands keep flocking to that lordly mansion to see those grounds and possibly to pay their respects to the popular princess. If on your next trip to the U.K. you wish to see Diana's home there is an easy way to do it.

The Spencer family has set up a web site as a guide to the Spencer home in Northamptonshire. Those who wish to see this historic home can only do so by invitation and if you want to go there you will get the necessary instructions as well as application information on the internet.

Rediscovering Sri Lankan Natural Rice

Readers may recall that I wrote two letters in mid 1997 about the non availability of cold resistant seed paddy for hill country paddy farmers. As a consequence of which rice growers who have to contend with the cold North East (winds) in our Yala season had to suffer losses for many years.

Since the Dept. of Agriculture did not have the required varieties I suggested they should at least let us have the old strains.

Results were commendably prompt. The Dept sent a limited quantity of the following Sri Lanka natural varieties, through the local agriculture office to the writer - Galkanda, Panniti and Naru (NARU) vee. I must thank the Dept. publicly for the gesture.

Though the seed came too late to plant in Yala I did so in Maha. With a sufficient quantity available for the next season I have been distributing free samples to my fellow growers so that they could also enjoy the benefits of a strain of cold resistant paddy.

It seems too early to speak of savings made ' but one factor is clear, the planting and management costs of natural rice is about one third less than the hybrids. Only organic manure was applied and thankfully the awful regularity of spraying the stinking, poisonous pesticides was totally eliminated.

The end product is something one could consume without the nagging fears of the presence of chemical agents or the unknown side effects of genetic mutations.

Of the varieties, Naru Vee tastes best. However all three served with a combination of authentic Lankan curries like, polos ambul, mungeta, and Karavala hodi has its own rich natural flavour. The cooked rice also keeps its freshness for a longer period.

Milroy Ratwatte,
Badulla.

Manifesto for politicians

The consequence of Democracy in Sri Lanka has been to provide researchers and scholars fodder for study. This 'democracy' provides no relief to the general public. It is a word found only in nostalgic articles to help us commemorate our independence from the British. It is good to look back at this Old Glory as it allows us to understand our history. But these past twenty years have been a troubling time. It seems like we use nostalgia as a replacement for hope. We need to re-think this nostalgia. We must use it to remember why we sought freedom from the British? We must remember why it is we thought that native peoples could better run the government and decide policy.

Only early on in our independence could we take the answers to these questions for granted. Since the 1970s the very questions have become controversial. I do not write to take up a side in ongoing ethnic dispute. Instead, I will write on the character of our politicians.

Politicians are responsible to the needs of their immediate electorates. This, however, is no excuse for behaviour that furthers short term political ambitions over interests of the state. Most of our politicians grew up in the era of independence. They enjoyed the advantage of a free education. They should have recognized a resulting duty to the state. Instead, most of them have used lies to discredit previous members of parliament. Through allegations and counter-allegations they attempt to gain credibility by standing on the graves of their predecessors. They have sacrificed the good of the state and its people for short term political survival.

The voters must educate one another, their neighbours, children and friends, about the shortcomings of present politicians. Those who would govern must be willing to sign their names to a manifesto for politicians. This manifesto must at least address the following points:

* What education level is appropriate for those who would govern us?

* What moral standards should the politician be held to? Does his position in the public view demand he be held to a higher standard?

* Has the politician ever been convicted of a violent crime, such as murder, assault, or rape? Does he have a criminal past?

* Is the politician willing to declare his personal finances? Who are his relations in the business community?

* Would the politician be willing to undergo a psychological evaluation conducted by an objective (perhaps foreign) entity.

* Would the politician be willing to allow public access to his work schedule & his plans for the development of the electorate.

* Would the politician be willing to provide the voter access to an Ombud service ' a general information source designed to allow the voter insights into the government process.

* Would the politician be willing to forego trips abroad ' so called 'mutual understanding trips' ' and instead devote himself to the rigorous study of successful projects initiated by other governments?

* Would each politician be willing to post a bond upon taking office, to be forfeited should a charge of misuse of public funds be proven?

The successful working of the government demands that the politicians be held accountable. Only then can the safety and security of Sri Lanka be hope for. The process that leads to the formation of the manifesto could include the Sri Lankan people, perhaps through a referendum.

I make these suggestions in the hope that the voters of Sri Lanka will consider anew what it is we want from our political process.

Janaka Ratnayaka
Mirihana, Nugegoda.

International school, fees hike

We are a group of middle class parents who have chosen to send our children to an International School in Colombo. We primarily did so because of its affordability and Asian values. Over the years we have noticed a disconcerting trend of arbitrary and unilateral decision making by those concerned in school affairs.

The latest such example is the increase in school fees of around 35% (averaging Rs. 500 extra per student) for the term beginning 31st August Ô98. This came as a surprise to most of us who received the news in the mail a week before commencement of term. Some have not even received their letters.

The rumour is that the school intends building anew elsewhere. This, if it does actually happen, is a good thing and we applaud such steps. But, the least the school could have done was to inform the parents well in advance that there was such school expansion on the agenda and that a fees hike was imminent. Certain parents have two and even three children in school. This is going to place an enormous burden on them. Some even think that the delay in informing was so the parents could not exercise their option to find alternate and more affordable schooling. The school authorities are well aware that parents are unwilling to cause a stir. Parents will somehow find a way to meet the fees. Something must be done right now to curb this dangerous exploitation. Over to you, Mr. Minister.

Concerned parents