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Morning Spice by Ginger Now the Ceylon Electric Company or the C.E.B. or whatever you may call it had inserted a press notice, saying that different areas would be without power on different days to effect urgent repairs and Ginger and his neighbourhood was to be without power on the 3rd and 4th of September. Ginger was for once warned in time and he was ready for the cut. His fridge was empty and he had made arrangements to do his work in a place that had more light and was cooler than his usual room. On the morning of the 3rd he rang up his sub-station and asked whether they were cutting off his lights. They promised to do so faithfully. Ginger was grinning from ear to ear as he felt he was one up on the issue. At 10 a.m. there was no power cut. At 11 a.m. the lights were still on. The C.E.B. had eventually conceded a walk over. Then he went to the grocers and asked him why they had not cut off the power as announced in the paper. The answer he got was that it was not warm enough to have a power cut and that people could do without a fan and not get prickly heat or heat stroke. Besides half the fun in having a power cut is gone if the people expect one. The shops will simply not have large stocks of ice cream that will melt or frozen food that would go high. They would not get frantic calls from agitated members of the public. The boys there loved a good joke and what fun would there be if people know there will be a power cut. So they reversed it all and kept the power on. Enjoyable coverage No interesting moments of the match were lost due to the news coming on. If it was telecast the match was shown on M.T.V. certainly it was one of the best live coverage in recent times. Rupavahini can well learn a lesson as to how it could fit in its news and show a little more flexibility on such occasions. The Sinhalese and Tamil news could be given during the lunch break and the English news during tea. Head Hunters Originally it was a kind of no man's land, not belonging to any of its neighbouring nations but existing as a state without a strong common bond. The British annexed Nagaland in the early part of the nineteenth century and the first thing they did was to stop the custom of head hunting. Now its inhabitants depend largely on agriculture and forestry. That alleged scandalous misconduct A recent revelation of a scandal pertaining to certain acts of misconduct alleged to have been committed by some hostellers in a reputed public school - though not of a world shattering proportion - has created an uproar that calls for some serious thought as to the causes that led to such a behaviour - condemned as utterly despicable by certain critics. City schools, especially those higher graded academic institutions are vastly different in their structure and composition from that of the small scale rural schools where the students are quite unsophisticated and are untainted by the vagaries of urban cosmopolitan behavioural traits. The scenario in the city high schools differs vastly and takes on widely contrasting aspects. Although teachers, academicians and administrators would earnestly wish to maintain their institutions in the manner of water tight units quite aloof and segregated from the outside society and world at large, their visionary views would not hold water anymore in the present context of an ever - increasing mind and physical pollution from a plethora of globally spreading aberrations. Students in high schools are adolescents who would like to emulate adults in most respects and they would wish to consider themselves as equals in the general milieu of the extant permissive society for the general pattern of things there seems to be no restriction for them to imbibe and experiment on the prevalent social moves - virtues to a lesser degree and vices to a greater extent. Glamorous ostentation, intolerant rebellious attitudes, dishonesty and corruption, permissiveness in sex and perversions, conflict and turbulence, - the whole lot of obnoxious evils are so rampant in society that most - adolescents would willy-nilly succumb gradually to some of the ensuing temptations. Instead of resisting such impulses they would by choice or coercion get enmeshed in a web of the prevalent deplorable malpractices. The principals and staff students present and past of any public school whether it be of a regal connotation or of any other identity and status would naturally not wish to have its good name blemished by any acts of scandalous misconduct committed by a few misguided miscreants in their flock. Most of the students in such schools are generally known to be from the elite - upper and middle class strata of society and in that context it would well nigh be hard and intolerable for parents and guardians to bear the defamatory stigma cast on them and their offspring. Despite the fact that the general social conditions prevalent all over are of a vicious and unholy order, it behoves the heads and staff of the schools concerned to exercise as far as possible incessant vigilance and supervision in respect of their charges and endeavour to check the behaviour of recalcitrant elements in their institutions. Some of the following points need consideration and implementation with a view to maintaining not only the traditionally acquired laurels and reputation of our public schools but also their stability and orderliness:- (1) Enforce a continuous clear cut system of maintaining contact, communication and interaction with the parents and guardians of the students - more especially of the hostellers. (2) Conduct the morning school assembly with a religious sermon in addition to the principal's exhortation; adequate time should be found for this purpose, at any cost. (3) Inculcate in the student mentality the absolute necessity to safeguard the good name of their school by personal good conduct devoid of mischief, arrogance and conflict. (4) Indiscipline disobedience and flagrant violation of the school code of conduct should meet with deterrent punitive action as decided by parent teacher associations. (5) Discipline and decorum in the ranks of all staff too should be maintained on a reasonably high standard. R. M. A. B. Dassanayake I readwith interest the article titled Ayurvedic cardiologist that appeared on Monday the 24th August in 'The Island'. May I appeal on behalf of a patient that the author's address be published in your newspaper so as to get more details from him. His name and address were published only as Mervyn Burrow, Pharmacist Moratuwa. I think there are many others who will benefit from this. I would appreciate if Mr. Burrow kindly responds to this. M. Dissanayaka, Accidents do not happen accidentally During the first six months of this year, 1,035 road accidents were reported at police stations in the divisions of Kurunegala, Kuliya-pitiya, Nikaweratiya and Chilaw. Of this, 464 accidents resulted in damage to vehicles only, this accounts to 45 per cent accidents reported. 125 accidents resulted in serious injuries and 312 in minor injuries. Of them, 109 were fatal resulting in 115 deaths. Those killed were:- i. Pedestrians - 32, ii. Passengers - 24, iii. Riders & Pillion Riders - 24, iv. Pedal Cyclists - 16, v. Drivers - 16, vi. Others - 03. Most of the fatal accidents involving deaths of drivers were the result of excessive speeding and overtaking without proper judgement in haste. In more than 90 per cent of road accidents, human error has been identified as the main contributory factor. Accidents do not happen accidentally, they are caused by unsafe driving practices. In Kurunegala division, the highest number of accidents (110) occurred on Fridays. The second (108) on Mondays, Saturdays and Sundays ( 106) and (95) accidents were reported, these figures clearly indicate the high rate of accidents during weekends in Kurune-gala, due to increased traffic passing through to other destinations. There is no room for impatience and hurry on our roads today with so much of hazards and with so many pedestrians loitering and crossing haphazardly. It is of utmost importance that drivers should plan their journey and not try to catch up for lost time during a journey. In Chilaw division, the highest number of accidents (57) were recorded on Thursdays and the second highest on Wednesdays (54), Fridays and Saturdays recorded (52) each. In Kuliyapitiya the highest number of accidents (43) were reported. On Saturdays and on Tuesdays recorded (39). Fridays and Sundays recorded (37) each. Nikaweratiya division recorded the highest number of accidents (24). On Tuesdays and Saturdays, the second highest with (20). These figures clearly indicate the necessity of police presence and surveillance on all days of the week to minimize road accidents. During the day highest number of accidents were reported (236) between 4.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. and next highest (173) was between 2.00 p.m. and 4.00 p.m. with (172) accidents reported between 6.00 p.m. and 8.00 p.m. Most drivers tend to forget road rules after obtaining one's driving licence and get into serious difficulties. They also tend to overestimate their skills and their abilities. There is then the danger that your over-confidence will take you to situations which you cannot handle and which might result in an accident. Observe your own driving very critically and drive well within your limits. Always try to keep your confidence in your ability and your actual ability in harmony. A reader We have watched and still being watching on the CNN and BBC the past and the present Presidents of the United States of America had been giving orders to their high military men to bomb the countries, which refused to bow down to their demands, the countries like Iraq, Libya, Vietnam, Nicaragua, Panama. In 1989 an Iranian air bus with its 290 passengers of women and children on board with its crew was mercilessly bombed down from an American war ship by its Captain Rogers. While this act was outraged by the international communities the American took 11 hours to give this report to the world. Then later in 1992 after years of investigations the news magazine 'Times' July 13, 1992 revealed this report with the title of 'Sea of lies' the headline of the cover story, it writes, that Captain William Rogers joined the US navy in 1965 at the age of 27, according to several high ranking officers of the pentagon Captain Rogers was a 'Trigger happy' man who wanted too much war. When Iran requested the UN to hand over Captain Rogers to Iranian authorities the UN was scared to demand the Americans to do that the 'News Week' describing the Pentagon's official investigations into this incident says 'Is a pastiche of omissions, half truths and outright deceptions, cover-up and approved by the top'. According to top political analysts, American achieve-ments on military technology serve no benefit to the world but are more bargaining power for the USA to get what-ever it wants. In 1991 when Iraq was bombed by America along with its 32 allies, Iraq was attacked with more bombs than those used in the second world war. Since then the country is undergoing untold hardships with poverty. The mortal rate of children in Iraq is higher than any other place in the world. Last year in the UN security council when this matter was discussed, some security council members showed their willingness to remove the sanctions on Iraq, but the USA and the UK showed their unwillingness to cooperate with them. Thus as you see, recently while we were watching the sex scandal drama of USA president Mr. Bill Clinton and his friend Ms. Monica Lewinsky on the world net work of CNN and BBC. A sudden flash news showed us that the Afghan and the Sudan were bombed by the US. The president gained much at the expense of Afghan and Sudan. Last week briefing on this matter 'Larry King live' interviewed the respective senators of White House, the Republicans, Liberals, and the Conservatives specially the chairman of the judiciary independent commission, Mr. Orin Hatchhe on Lewinsky's case said, the president might have to face impeachment for cheating and lying to his nation and his country, but we know that he is not the first US president to have lied, even in 1973, Richard Nixon lied about 'Watergate' scandal and later he had to pay for that. Now it is clear that the western world is always trying to protect their presidents even if they are wrong. We know that the six million Jew citizens in America and outside, are blessed by Americans and the west. Even their major sins like regular bombardment on Lebanon, and habits of violating the UN security council law, are being forgiven by the UN security council. M. Ilyas, Gate-crashing by uninvited guests at wedding functions My wife and I were recently invited guests at a wedding of the daughter of a family friend of ours. For this function both the bride's and the groom's parents agreed mutually to host 250 invited guests jointly and to share the expenses between them. Invitation cards were sent out and on the appointed day and time when the traditional Poruwa Ceremony was held there were about 175 persons present in the hall. We knew that several persons had called over at their residences earlier with excuses as it was a working day. After this ceremony was over the guests were served with Wedding Cake and a soft drink and the guests moved about freely exchanging pleasantries as there was plenty of space in the hall. Came the lunch time and led by the newly married couple the guests were invited to join in and here came a real 'surprise.' Suddenly and to the great surprise of all, the hall was almost invaded by over 150 people both men and women, dressed in ordinary daily work clothes, and certainly not dressed for a wedding, who also stood in line and served themselves to the Food laid available. It became thoroughly confusing to both the hosts as to 'who' these people were, with both taking them to be guests of the other. Some were in open necked, short sleeved shirts and women in ordinary office wear, work a day, kit and blouse. Every available seat and chair was taken and many a guest was seen eating standing on the corridor for want of space inside the hall. Food and drink fell short and both hosts were seen in a frenzy and to avoid the shame and the disgrace franatic efforts were made sending for extra food and drink from hotels and eating houses in the vicinity. How could food and drink prepared for invited 250 guests be sufficient for the more than 400? nothing short of a biblical miracle could have save the situation. Just as suddenly as this crowd made their appearance, they left equally fast after having their fill of a good free lunch followed by desserts - without the compliments of the new couple nor of their parents. Extra food was brought. The genuine guests were now left to eat what was brought at relative ease in comfort seated. It was here that we discussed amongst ourselves how and what was done to avoid the embarrassment of food and drink running short. To us of Kurunegala this goes not appear to be an 'isolated' occurrance where someone just come uninvited, to a reception 'steal a meal of rice' and go away. This looks to us a very common happening every time a wedding function or some other reception is held in this particular hall, specially on a working day as it was this day, when from the neighbouring other offices workers during their lunch hour storm in, have a free meal and go back - nice and easy. To them its a good free meal they get but do they for a moment think of what possible embarrassment they can cause the host when the Food he prepares for his Invited go short? On for that matter the Shame and the Disgrace their action can cause the Good Name of the city of Kurunegala for in and amongst the guests invited there can be people who come from outside Kurunegala. Will they not talk about the disgraceful and shameless people of Kurunegala? Please permit me to address a word of warning to parents who propose having wedding receptions and similar functions in Kurunegala to beware of these gate crashers and such in-invited guests who come storming-in. One way out is to post security guards and to insist that the invitation card sent be used at the entrance. This method can save the good name and the reputation of Kurunegala from these shameless and disgraceful office-goers from gate crashing at weddings and such other receptions. A concerned Citizen of Kurunegala I was shocked to see an article by the Professor G. L. Peiris, on the above caption, appearing in the press recently. Having read through it, kept me pondering as to what will be the future of the young generations who spring up in Sri Lanka, and in this process had to forego my 7.30 a.m. Sunday Mass. Now as a patriotic citizen of Sri Lanka, I feel that the public would like to know who was instrumental in this cabinet press briefing, assuming whether the government would legalise homosexuality. Professor Peiris goes further to say that the penal code is very clear on this matter. Reading further down on this issue, Minister Mangala Samaraweera mentioned that there are more pressing problems to resolve than to worry about what two consenting adults do in private. He also mentioned that he was not aware of a Sri Lanka group calling themselves 'Companions on a Journey' had presented to the government a petition requesting that 'Homosexuality' be legalised. At a press conference they claimed that the Government was receptive. I am sure that this may be an organisation of young boys who call themslves GAY. At present right along the beaches from Bentota to Ahangama you find tourist homos in operation, indulging in all activities of sex. In this context, Professor if and when homosexuality is legalised, it will prevent the Police Vice Squad from prosecuting the offenders. I was on a holiday in London for 3 months, better part of 1988, and there it was a common sight to see these gay couples almost in every street corner, and nobody takes notice of them, not even the Bobby on patrol. Finally, I do hope that this episode will be forgotten, not forgetting the government's all out attempt to wipe out drug abuse, Aids and other vices, so that the coming generation will be citizens of a healthy Sri Lanka. Cutty Felsinger, A Rupavahini advertisement shows a middle aged woman clad in cloth and jacket coming to a boutique one morning scratching her arms. She tells the Mudadali twice 'scratching till morning' or 'feeling scratchy till morning'. The Mudalali looks at her with a hungry look and says:' You have come to the right person. I am ready at anytime. I was waiting for this for quite sometime.'The woman realizing the intention of the Mudalali says mosquitoes were disturbing her the whole night, and the advertisement goes on. I would like to ask the censors and those who write to your column whether this type of advertisement is good to be telecast for Sri Lankan audiences. Bandula Seneviratne Mahanayake's call to Sinhala Buddhists The Mahanayakes have urged the Sinhala Buddhists to unite. The call from the Prelates should have been directed towards uniting the Buddhists and not Sinhala Buddhists, as such. It will otherwise be a division of Buddhists into two camps - Sinhala Buddhists and non-Sinhala Buddhists. On the other hand, the Mahanayakes should set an example and give the lead by dismantling the Nikaye divisions among the Buddhist clergy based on the caste and uniting the Sangha under one organisational set -up. Then again, the Buddhist lay organisation - the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress - in which the Mahanayakes function as patrons and advisers, is riddled with divisions and disunity. Several court cases filed by the President against members and others filed by members against the President are pending. No elections have been held for over two years. Most of the officials elected at the last AGM have absented themselves in fear or in disgust. The ACBC, once the premier Buddhist organisation, is fast losing its credibility. Nevertheless, the Maha Sangha merely looks on unconcerned whilst some are contributing to the continuity of divisions and internecine warfare. Venerable Sirs! Example is better than precept!! Upali S. Jayasekera, |
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