Letters

Sethusamudram : Why report on feasibility under wraps?

Putting into operation the concept of a sea-lane connecting India's west coast to its east through the Palk Straits has been simmering in the minds of the Indian policy-makers for a considerable time. Seen from an Indian point of view, saving 36 hours sailing time and 400 nautical miles by not having to navigate around Sri Lanka would appear a reasonable proposal. It will save costs.

However, in the context of relationships between nations, there are a number of mutual and international agreements that have to be taken into account before deciding such a project. Apart from the legal requirements, it should not be forgotten there are also important norms of conduct such as mutual respect for the territorial integrity of countries that may be adversely affected as a result of such arbitrary decisions.

Let us analyse the adverse effects for Sri Lanka that would result if the Sethusamudram canal project were to be implemented by the Indian government. Initially, the ecological aspects should be carefully studied with proper data gathered to ascertain the various impacts of the project for both countries - especially Sri Lanka.

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is of prime importance since there appears to be fear that Sri Lanka, especially its northern and northwestern coastal belt, will receive the bulk of the impact of coastal erosion and possible subsidence affecting the islands, and the Mannar areas with wave reflection, current, wind and tidal difference. These can only be assessed if a proper study based on data and models is made.

At present, Adams Bridge and the raised level of the seabed provide a natural barrier between the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. This barrier also prevents the ocean mix from the Bay of Bengal, which is a highly polluted bay with rivers and the effluence of rivers, mixing with the Indian Ocean and thereby having a disastrous effect on a number of underwater species.

Further, the continental shelf between India and Sri Lanka lies in that area and therefore, the cause and effect of sea impact, erosion and wave reflection may disturb the limestone shelf and the possible subsidence of the adjoining islands and coast, right up to Chilaw, Puttlam and Negombo commencing from Jaffna, the islands and Mannar.

India's sudden interest in constructing a major, multi-million dollar project has to be viewed from the amount of commercial benefit that would accrue to India. The reasoning is based on the possibility of ships sailing through the proposed canal instead of circling Sri Lanka incurring loss of time and costing more.

The present surge in interest to implement the Sethusamudram canal project is obviously politically motivated with the Tamil Nadu ministers playing an important role. This is apparently why the feasibility report has been kept under wraps without being made public for the affected parties to react to it.

It is reported that a considerable number of Indians along the coastal fishing villages have voiced concern about their safety and existence because of this project. The voices of our own people who are likely to be affected have not been, however, taken into account.

C. D. Chinnakone

Lanka facing the worst crisis in her history

Sri Lanka is currently facing the worst crisis in her political history. With leaders who are desperate to cling on to power at the risk of the sovereignty, there doesn't seem to be too much hope for the citizens of Sri Lanka who have put these politicians on a pedestal. Some have become like the famous 'monkey with the razor' attacking and hitting out in all directions! To hell with the country and its stability; 'if only I could continue and win an international award, or if I could only groom my next of kin?' seems to be the message we are getting. Pathetic isn't it? We are truly a doomed country inspite of being renowned as 'The Pearl of the Indian Ocean.'

Leaders who use religion as a tool for their survival, leaders who treat clergy who are considered the guardians of the nation like third rate citizens of this country, and who do not take advice 'because they know everything' must keep in mind that they are the bane of this island.

A country that was known for its harmony has been reduced to a warring state due to politics and politicians. A country that had racial harmony has now been reduced to racial warfare because terrorists are given priority over the democratically elected parliamentary representatives.

A country that had religious harmony is now being reduced to a country in religious turmoil because invaders are permitted to destroy the existing religious fabric of this country. All these activities are taking place while the leaders are turning a blind eye for their own selfish political survival.

Our country will prosper only if our leaders are righteous and disciplined. The 16 dreams of King Kosala during the time of the Buddha and the Buddha's explanations for each of the 16 dreams are very revealing and quite apt to describe our present predicament.

Dear leaders, it is still not too late to understand and hear the cries of a nation. Please be humble enough to accept that you have been put into such high posts of governance to serve the entire nation and not to serve the whims and fancies of the individual. May we witness a sincere change in our country!

Darmitha
Kotte

Unregistered drugs

Prescription only drugs to be prescribed must be registered with the Drug Authority. Exempted are locally unavailable prescription drugs which can be obtained on a licence to import those drugs for personal use issued by the Drug Authority on an application made for this purpose, supported by a prescription.

Despite these regulations, large amounts of unregistered drugs - though not counterfeit - are dispensed to fulfil doctor's prescription demand for them and to satisfy patient's compliance consumption of them for recovery.

The Drug Act is passive in this context to evade conflicting with the thereapeutic preferences of prescribers based on their diagnosis.

In numerous instances the unregistered drug makes its debut unobtrusively to impel the ostentatious advent of the registered drug. Registration is a year long, slow and time consuming process.

An unregistered drug is assumed to be a counterfeit drug since it is not quality tested here. However, random quality testing of batches of registered drugs does not guarantee total stock quality, as is evidenced by the frequent quality failures of stocks in circulation and their abrupt withdrawal from sale.

Random quality testing of some of these confiscated unregistered drugs revealed that they were not fakes.

Some of these essentially prescribed still to be registered drugs are Tamsuosun, Cabergoline, Gabapentin, Piracetam, Sodium and Calcium Resonium and Sucralfate. Cardiologists persevere in prescribing Trimetazidine, for angina, although registration for this drug is being withheld.

Mervyn Burrows
Moratuwa

A great job well done

The Animal Welfare and Protection Association together with the able services of the Veterinary Clinical Sciences Department, Peradeniya University, conducted a free neutering clinic for dogs and cats (both male and female) at School Lane, Nawala on April 30. They were also vaccinated against rabies.

The majority of the 60 odd dogs and cats neutered were strays, rounded up by volunteers. Special mention should be made of a lady vet in Rajagiriya who did great service.

If this programme is supported and continued in many different areas, stray dog and cat populations will certainly dwindle and offspring will cease to be dumped in garbage heaps, temples and homes of dog lovers.

People should be weaned of the idea that it is sin to neuter an animal. Surely it is to be desired rather than dumping them to exist until they are eventually runover by a vehicle or devoured by another animal.

Kittens and puppies even have their eyes plucked out by crows who even pull out their entrails after pecking them to death.

Thanks to A.W.P.A. for a great job well done.

Manel Bibile
Nawala

Incompetence and arrogance of PT Dept.

It was reported in the media that the Public Administration Minister has issued instructions to all government departments and ministries to, in the first instance, acknowledge receipt of letters sent by the public within three days of receipt and thereafter send replies without delay. That is a requirement in the administrative regulations as well. However, it is rarely that this procedure is followed.

I am a settlor of two scholarships awarded through the Public Trustee's Department. The manner in which the scholarships are handled by the department is far from satisfactory.

Having observed that the trust has lost Rs. 10,000 as a result of the carelessness (wanton or otherwise) of the staff handling the file (No. D/722/TR), I addressed a letter to the Deputy Public Trustee (then Actg. P.T.) on December 14, 2004, which letter was hand delivered at his office. Then again, a second letter was sent on December 17, 2004 calling for certain information with regard to three scholarships awarded earlier as I suspect there could be overpayments. No replies have been received, nor acknowledgment. A telephone call to the Deputy Public Trustee was of no avail and his was a rude response.

Thereafter, a complaint dated January 19 was forwarded to the P.T. under registered post. Up-to date there has been no response despite several reminders having been sent. I finally wrote to the secretary, Buddha Sasana Ministry but from there too, not even an acknowledgment has been received.

Is this a cancer taking root in the public service ? Or is it due to square pegs in round holes? Mismanagement and discipline appear to be the order of the day from the top to bottom in the public service.

I hope this letter will catch the eye of the minister who will direct that a reply be sent to me at the earliest.

Upali S. Jayasekera
Colombo 4

CBK's pets well off

A cautionary notice seems to be in order for people who want to hold protest marches. Those taking part should be advised to take along with them gas masks, soaps and towels.

These seem to have become a necessity considering that there is more respect for Shahrukh Khan and Pirapaharan than there is for Buddhism or Buddhist monks.

More money is being spent for Presidential pets than for tsunami victims. Birthday bashes are being held in England while tsunami victims are being robbed of their parippu.

Rata apayata!

Mahinda Wirawansa
Horagolla

Our fantastic postal service

I have written several letters regarding the inordinate delays in receiving local mail but apparently they have missed the attention of those who should have taken some corrective action.

On May 4, I received a notice posted from Colombo on April 1 advising me to pay a bill before April 19. It has taken 23 days for the letter to come to Dehiwala from Fort. In the May 4 mail there was also a letter which had been posted on March 9 which has taken 54 days. This must be a world record.

What action will the authorities take? Probably the same action they have taken on the complaint I made in December 2004 regarding the delay in my receiving local mail. My letter was acknowledged by the Asst. Superintendent (Liaison) on December 28, under reference QB/112/2004, where he informed me that (a) my letter had been referred to the office of the DSP and (b) that a reply will be sent to me on completion of inquiries by that office.

I wonder whether the DSP had got down Scotland Yard or the FBI to conduct these inquiries because I have still not heard from him after nearly four months. Or could it be that a reply has been posted but it is still on its way to Dehiwala? This is the way public complaints are attended to.

Apparently, the minister in charge is more concerned about his personal welfare and not interested in the public and the PMG is asleep or scared to take any action Ultimately, it is the public that has to suffer.

W. R. de Silva
Dehiwala

A large group of academics and others from many walks of life gathered at the Kanatte cemetery on Thursday evening to say farewell to a distinguished Sri Lankan, Prof. P.P. G. L. Siriwardene. Pips, as he was called by his friends and colleagues, was a man with the Midas touch and lived a full and happy 80 years. Born to an affluent family at Pelana at Weligama, he was educated at S. Thomas' College where he had a distinguished career and entered the Ceylon University, the only university at that time in the country, where he obtained an honours degree in chemistry and later obtained a PhD in metallurgy from Cambridge.

His long and distinguished career at the Ceylon University culminated in his appointment as the vice chancellor of the university. Prof. Siriwardene's academic versatility is indicated by the many posts he was appointed to. Some of them were: prof. of chemistry, director, Radio Isotope Centre, vice chancellor, chairman, Ceylon Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research (CISIR), director, Mineral Sands Corporation, first chairman, Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Authority, director, Cement Corporation, director, Steel Corporation and fellow, Royal Society of Chemistry.

On leaving the university he worked for UNESCO managing UNDP and World Bank, Asian Bank and Commonwealth Secretariat projects. He was also a chartered chemist and chartered engineer.

Pips however will be remembered most for his role as a teacher. He involved himself in student welfare activities and for long years served as the treasurer  of the Science Students' Union where he was less involved in the finances and more in resolving student disputes and helping students out of many 'scrapes.' Those were turbulent times and student militancy was on the rise. With the Vice Chancellor, Sir Nicholas Attygalle, the iron chancellor, who gave short shrift to errant undergrads breaking rules, Pips became a friend, philosopher and guide to students

Though his field was chemistry and metallurgy (he lectured to the Engineering Faculty in metallurgy) he involved himself with the activities of other faculties as well.  He was the invariable choice of the bio science students for their annual trip to Horton Plains, ostensibly to collect specimens . University students in those days if travelling on official projects had to be accompanied by senior teachers and he was the popular choice of one and all.

Students remembered him well and he too remembered his students. I had not met him for nearly 40 years till one day at the Orient Club an I saw a very familiar silhouette of the dim distant past. It couldn't be PPGL, I said to myself but walked up to him and said, "Hello sir." And instantly he said, "Hello, Weerakoon." I certainly did not rank was a good student to be remembered. But PPGL, it appears, remembered the roses as well as the thorns of his past.

On retirement from UNESCO, he settled down at Cambridge where his children were resident but frequently turned up in Colombo and went back to his birth place, Pelana, which he adored very much.

When the tsunami struck he returned to the country and grieved at the damage and destruction caused particularly to Pelena. Some of his students together with Sri Lankan expatriates living in the United States inaugurated Project Phoenix to reconstruct some of the damaged areas and chose him as the head of the project. PPGL, however, wanted to do something personally for his birth place and planned out the reconstruction of the school at Pelana  with the addition of  a modern science laboratory. I am informed that his last act was to get approval from the Education Ministry for the project and he was delighted at the success he achieved.

His was a life without a blemish. His friends, colleagues and students will always remember this six foot one inch amiable giant, with affection and gratitude.

- Gamini Weerakoon