Morning Spice by Ginger
Cricketers have failedFor once Ginger does not have the heart to go for our cricketers after their rather painful nose rubbing on the pitches of Sarjah. Normally the team arrives to the huzzas - of the public when they come home triumphant or receive a rather chilly reception when they fail. Never have they failed so completely in the past. Our batting stars all failed alltogether. In the past at least one or two of them would come off but this time it was obvious that not one of them was his usual self. They were all comparative failures.
Granted our players are not getting any younger and it is almost three years if I am not mistaken since the world cup reflexes slow down and performance suffers. Now take Aravinda for instance. He is no longer the blaster he was though he is still the master of the longer game. Even Sanath's timing is not quite what it was. I have to say this as it could seem to be an indictment on our local cricketers but since Dave left us our team has never looked as formidable as it was though. The decline was marginal. At times it has been brilliant but its course has been a trifle erratic. Good players don't necessarily make good coaches and so we might have to think in terms of people who have followed the game in different parts of the world and in varying circumstances being brought here as short term consultants to help our coaches.
Black tea and green tea
Ginger has with him a letter written by Dr. Amarakoon of the Tea Research Institute expressing regret that Ginger had stated that black tea does not have the same health giving properties of green tea and the ability to prevent cancer and it could be just a pleasant drink. I never made a pronouncement to that effect. All I did was to ask whether our teas were as good and here I quote the relevant section 'our teas may be rather pleasant to drink but are they the best for your health?' After receiving Dr. Amarakoon's very re-assuring letter I feel it nothing but fair to reproduce his letter for the benefit of the reader. Some counter propaganda may be necessary as such articles could get into health magazines etc., due to vested interests.Polyphenolic compounds called catechins are the major components in young tea shoots which are plucked for producing both green and black teas. These catechins include Epicatechin (EC), Epicatechin gallate (ECG), Epigallocatechin (EGC) and Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), of which EGCG is the most abundant. In green tea these catechins remain unchanged while in black tea most of these catechins are converted to theaflavin (TF) and thearubigin (TR).
Most of the therapeutic properties attributed to tea are due to the antioxidant activity of these polyphenolic components. Although catechins are converted to TF and TR in black tea, research by myself and other independent groups in the world have demonstrated that black tea consumption also increases antioxidant activity within the systems of the body. The increase is similar to that given by green tea.
Research has clearly shown that both green and black tea components have the ability to alter the activity of enzymes involved in carcinogen activation and detoxification.
Further, research using animal models, done by leading scientists in the world, have demonstrated that carcinogenesis induced by chemical carcinogens or radiation is reduced by both green and black tea components. Therefore black tea is not only a pleasant drink as Ginger says, but also has very positive health-giving attributes.
Unemployed graduates and the need for Higher Education reform
Media reports during the past few weeks have focused public attention on the plight of unemployed graduates. Unemployed graduates in the NWP and the Southern & Central Provinces have commenced fasts to highlight their desperate plight.
President Kumaratunga in a recent speech bemoaned that part of the problem lay in the fact that graduates looked to employment opportunities in the public sector at a time when public sector employment was diminishing. She advised graduates to look to the private sector rather than the public sector for employment, and admonished them for not being willing to do so. Today all over the world the trend is to downsize the public sector for various reasons. This global trend cannot be reversed, and Sri Lankan undergraduates should face up to it.
However, the present unfortunate situation cannot be laid at the doors of the students alone. Governments, students and parents are equally responsible for bringing about this state of affairs. The demand from students and parents for higher education increases from year to year. Governments since independence have responded by opening more and more universities and increasing the numbers admitted. What has created the problem is that in doing this, they have paid no attention at all to matching higher education to the employment needs of the country. Hence the present situation of unemployed graduates.
This mismatch of education and employment needs has been caused by neglecting the increasingly important role of the private sector in generating employment. University education to date has focused on producing arts graduates who can only be employed by the public sector. On the other hand, the crying need of the country is for young people with technical and professional skills to meet the requirements of the rapidly growing private industrial, commercial and service sectors. In other words, what this country requires in the sphere of higher education is not more Universities, but more Technical Colleges to satisfy the needs of private sector establishments at different levels.
Today universities are being opened for political advantage. Votes are gained by satisfying parent's ambitions for higher education for their children, but there is little thought given to the fact that this very university education has rendered their children unemployable. As a result of having too many universities most of the departments are understaffed, and teaching quality has suffered. Naturally this has a direct consequence on the students produced. A news item stated not too long ago that a Women's Organization was conducting courses such as sewing for female arts graduates, to give them skills that would enable them to earn a living.
What is urgently required is an assessment of the employment needs of the country for the next two decades. And for this to be followed by a needs-based national plan to reorient our higher education system to produce young people with the knowledge, skills and attributes that will not only make them employable, but will enable our country to move forward in the next millennium.
The Government might do well to consider restructuring all but the older major universities. The Universities of Colombo, Peradeniya & Moratuwa (which could absorb the employment-oriented Department of Business Studies of the Sri Jayewardenepura University), and Ruhuna, Batticoloa and Jaffna should be adequate to meet the graduate needs of all parts of the country.
High quality must be created Technical Colleges at the same level to meet the particular needs of their own regions must be created. Many could be run directly by the Private Sector. For instance, the National Chamber of Commerce could be requested to run one of the Technical Colleges. The advantage would be that they would know best what their member's requirements are.
The urgency of the problem cannot be overstressed. Increasing numbers of frustrated youth makes the likelihood of another insurrection that much more probable in the not too distant future. Immediate and drastic action to address the problem of unemployable graduates is essential if we are to avoid such a catastrophe.
N. L. Mendis,
Colombo 6.
Mr. Nandana Wickremarasinhe is of the opinion that the Veddhas are the original settlers in Sri Lanka according to his contribution in 'The Island' of 18th November 98, on the above subject.
I am sure N.W. is aware that there were Sinhala and Tamil speaking Veddhas, even a hundred years back and there are Veddha descendents well educated and are employed as teachers etc. and no one can say anything about them as environment has a big role in bringing about lots of changes in one's physical and mental set up.
Encyclopedia Britannica in its 1998 edition after about 200 years of its existence has this to say '.... The view that the Aryan migration laid the foundation of Sinhala civilisation is now increasingly open to question. Recent archaeological evidence indicates that settled agriculture, tank irrigation, use of iron and pottery were features present before the Indo Aryan migration.....'
Though Encyclopedia Britannica refers to repeated Indo Aryan migration, it is a highly debatable and unacceptable issue. Many academics and members of the public are still not aware that the language one speaks does not necessarily determine one's ethnicity, says linguist Prof. Max Muller.
Therawadha Buddhist priests with good knowledge in Tamil, Pali and Sanskrit created Sinhala for the firm establishment of Therawadha Buddhism in opposition other schools of Buddhism Mahayan, Vithulvata etc. Most of the known names of Buddhist Priests Buddhagosha, Buddhadutta Dharmapala prior to 10th century AC happen to be from South India and Drawadians.
Study of the census figures too will establish that Sinhala too are Drawadians, though there are many other matters not discussed here. Census figures for the year 1864 are as follows: Sinhala 58 per cent, Tamils 30 per cent, Muslims 5.2 per cent, others 6.8 per cent (others refer to foreigners). Todays figures are Sinhala 74 per cent, Tamils 17 per cent and Muslims 7 per cent. Sinhala population show an increase of 16 per cent, while Muslims show an increase of 1.2 per cent, while Tamils show a decrease in population by 13 per cent, in spite of the fact that Britishers brought more Tamils into Sri Lanka up till 1900. This will establish the normal trend from inception of the Sri Lankan Hindu Tamils embracing Buddhism and learning available Sinhala education becoming Sinhalese.
M. S. Vishearatne,
Ratnapura.
The North East Governor - a response
I would like to refer to the letter appearing in the issue of The Island of 14th November '98 under the heading - 'The North East Governor', by Mr. Thambirajah Mahadevan of Vavuniya.
Many others and I, involved in the North East Provincial area cannot be more in agreement with Mr. Mahadevan when he states, 'There is no elected body and the administration is entirely in the hands of bureaucrats who have their own way, and are a law unto themselves.'
He then goes on to add - 'In order to keep these bureaucrats in check, and to maintain a clean and effective administration, the governor appointed to this Province, should be one, with administrative ability, qualification and experience.'
Here too we all would be in consonance with what he states up to this point.
But does he in his letter then go on to imply, that these qualities are only the sole prerogative and monopoly of those three classes of people he speaks of - The CCS (a fast dying tribe), the SLAS, and the GCSU and that automatically every man who belongs to any of these three categories decidedly is heir to these qualities ipso facto? I do not deny that there have been many shining lights from the CCS SLAS and the GCSU who have served our nation, but at the same time the country is also aware of men from such categories who have not proved their worth.
It would indeed be wrong to state that any and every person outside this charmed circle is incapable and bankrupt of the qualities he speaks of.
While one cannot deny that some Departments of the NEPC Administration may be delivering the goods, there are indeed some Provincial Ministries ridden with maladministration fraud, and inefficiency, in a system where some Provincial Ministry heads have wangled to get in, not selected in any open competition or selection but in various other ways, and are a bane to the people of the NEPC.
The writer refers to the first Governor or to the so called 'Amy man' and as a person coming under the NEPC area and was at that time a Parliamentary representative who had a kind of ring side seat to see matters, I am aware of the administration carried out, where he the Army Man contributed to the resuscitation of a dying handloom industry by developing the Institution at Kallady at Batticaloa to train for employment several hundreds of unemployed youth. It was he who played a role in the development of the Vavuniya Farm, and the training centre at Uppuvelli. During his period of stewardship the Printing Dept. of the NEPC was inaugurated, several quarters for officers came up and what is more I remember the tributes paid to him regarding the excellent organisation of the two Presidential Mobile Task Force at both Vavuniya and Batticaloa.
Mr. Lionel Fernando also turned out to be an administrate par excellence where the writer also refers to him as a bureaucrat, but as a top bureaucrat.
Mr. Mahadevan also refers to the previous Governor whom he calls - the film idol, whom he refers to as one who meant well and endeavoured to maintain a clean administration, he had to clash with the bureaucracy and leave because ostensibly the powers that be, were not willing to support him.'
At a time when in some Provincial Ministries, fraud, corruption and maladministration were at a crescendo, and in the face of most serious documentations submitted by no less an authority than the Govt. Auditor Generals Dept, very wide representations by public bodies inclusive of trade unions, especially against one particular Provincial Ministry, perhaps in the role in his films, he girded up his loins and after perusal of the accusations, sallied forth to do what he thought, was his dedicated public duty. But the poor man failed to realise some important politicos who in return for favours done to their henchmen in regard to transfers, promotions and the like, and who despite shouting hoarsely from public platforms against graft fraud and corruption eating the vitals of the nation, formed a security net round the accused officer.
In fact this was a Provincial Ministry where a former head was caught red handed accepting bribes and dished. The later incumbent assuming duties at the first maiden conference he called of his subordinates, in a theatrical act meant to obtain cheap popularity, had addressed the conference we are told, holding aloft his pen and pompously declared - 'As long as I Mr. X hold this pen you officers have nothing to fear.' Unlike broken promises he for one stood by this promise, sweeping under the carpet even incriminating audit reports, knowing the security ring he had established.
Was it any wonder that this popular film idol, despite administrative ability, experience and qualification had to bow.
Prince Casinader
N.M. - a simple humble personality
Most of us are aware of the contribution made by the late Dr. N. M. Perera for the development of Sri Lanka. We are also aware that he was a freedom fighter, socialist of the highest order, a Trade Union Leader as well as a Democrat. Further he was a member of the legislature, a Minister of Finance, a teacher, and a great writer. He could be classified as an individual with fantastic talents.
He could also be classified as a very 'simple/humble personality'. I wish to outline a certain incident which could describe such a quality of his. When I was over-looking the duties of the Manager People's Bank at the Union Place Branch on a particular day during the year 1961 I observed that Dr. N. M. Perera who was a Minister of State was standing in a line with other customers awaiting his turn. I walked up to him and requested him to come to my cubicle so that he could be attended to. I also informed him that as he was a very busy individual he should be attended to without much delay. But he refused to do so. However I spoke to the other customers, obtained their permission and attended to him immediately. I am of the view that this action of his revealed his 'Simple/Humble Personality'. May he rest in Peace.
Sarath Hewagama,
Colombo 5.
Buddhist clergy bless Hindu couple at wedding ceremony
On the November 22, I witnessed a rare and an unique event, which bore ample testimony to the fact that, goodwill, harmony, amity and understanding between the Sinhala and Tamils, is still not dead.
Two venerable Buddhist priests, attached to a prominent Vihara in Dehiwela, adjoining the house of one of my close relatives, and with whom my relatives are enjoying a very cordial relationship for over a decade, had been given an invitation for the wedding of my relative's son, to be held at a reception hall in Dehiwela.
The venerable priests, graciously accepted the invitation.
To everyone's surprise and delight, the venerable priests, not only attended the wedding, but they also sat through the hour long Hindu marriage rituals, and at the end of the ceremonies, they chanted pirith and tied pirith threads on the couple, and wholeheartedly blessed them.
The couple, their parents, and the large number of guests were simply overwhelmed and touched by the humble display of sincere magnanimity of the two venerable priests, who rose above parochial views.
The venerable priests, no doubt lived up to one of Lord Buddha's noble tenets and teachings.
S. Nadarajah,
Colombo 15.
Compassion towards living creatures
The present cult of TV violence, sex and video film craze which inculcate cruelty and lack of inhibition and promiscuous behaviour in everyone who watch them including small children is a very dangerous trend. I have an option to suggest as a pastime for people who are trapped in their houses with no places to visit specially on Sunday: keeping pets as a hobby.
Rapid industrialization and urbanization with the destruction of the natural habitat has prevented most of the younger generation from enjoying the privilege of having a pet in the house. But this is not a difficult task. For example, keeping a gold fish in a bowl does not take up much space. It will bring peace and tranquility to the home. In this modern world, many lonely, isolated children adults and elders develop hobbies such as reading and coin collecting. Others spend many hours watching cricket on TV, getting obese and falling ill! Some practice meditation. It is also good for a healthy life to take a pet dog out for a walk early in the morning!
Caring for another living creature, animal or human is a virtue preached in all religions. Caring for pets teaches kindness to others and most of all to yourself. Pets usually return the love you devote on them much more than human beings. From ancient times, dogs and cats have been kept for both leisure and pleasure. In Sri Lanka, the man to dog ratio is about 6:2. But unfortunately most of the dogs are strays.
Dogs should be vaccinated once a year for rabies and treated for ticks and fleas. They should be regularly exercised, bathed and disciplined. Turtles and tortoises are now protected animals but in the future they can be used to get rid of kitchen garbage.
This hobby has another attribute - it gets rid of pests such as rats, robbers and relatives! I hope hobbies such as I have indicated will spread its wings and go into the hearts and minds of our younger generation.
Dr. Namal Heendeniya,
Colombo.
We should extend our appreciation to Mr. J. K. Liyanasuriya, Attorney-at-law for his forthright opinion appearing in the Leader Page of yesterday's issue of The Island on the unethical behaviour of some of his own colleagues, who had thought it fit to demonstrate publicly against their own fraternity for having appeared for the suspects in the Rita John murder trial.
To say the least, such behaviour, Judging by the photographs that appeared in the papers, was atrocious, and certainly not expected from members of a noble profession.
Mr. Liyanasuriya, who I am aware is a very senior and respected member of the legal profession, had expressed a very studied analysis on the subject. It is indeed rare that professionals take upon themselves the task of counselling their own-members publicly whenever the occasion demands.
Let us hope that senior professionals of other disciplines do follow suit whenever the need arises. In today's context politics too has become a profession. Let us hope that some of the senior politicians, both past and present make a public demand for a better ethical conduct by those, whose behaviour in Parliament leaves much to be desired.
M. D. Jayatillake.
I received on 13th September 1998, a letter from the Vice Chancellor, University of Colombo, in response to an appeal sent to him over a month ago. The letter dated 2nd November bears the postmark 1Oth November 1998.
My letter to the VC is dated 30th September 1998 but what confounds me is that he states that my appeal of 30th September was referred to the Senate at its meeting on 20th September 1998. This is highly improbable on chronological basis and I am still where I first began.
However I thank you for highlighting the absence of response from the VC to my appeal of over a month ago, in your edition of the 9th November 1998.
M. P. Warusawithana.
This has reference to the panel discussion on the above subject telecast on Rupavahini on November 20, 1998 at 5.30 p.m.
The panel comprised Messrs. Faisz Mustafa, M. M. M. Thahir and Ismail Marikkar.
What worries one, is while all financial institutions pay heavily for advertising their products on the electronic and print media, whilst this institution in the name of Islam gets free time on our National TV. This is unfair by the other financial institutions.
We have nothing against Islamic principles or concepts, but in the unethical manner in which it was done.
I trust that the National TV will stop this telecast hereafter.
A banker.
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