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The new syllabus and the prescribed ‘Appreciation of English literary
texts’ for the GCE Ordinary Level English literature intrigues many of
the English literature teachers in Sri Lanka.
The main reason why I strongly oppose the new text is the vast
differences prevailing between English Literature Anthology the
previously prescribed text and the present prescribed Appreciation of
English Literary texts which are dealing with extremely difficult and
unsuitable poems, dramas and prose, etc.
For example, Monkeys a selected prose by Punyakanthi Wijenayaike for
the new syllabus was studied by me when I was a BA (Part I) English -
student - teacher several years back, which is surely a part of the
English external degree subject matter.
It’s very sad and unfortunate to mention that too many poems and the
most suitable dramas such as The Dear Departed by Gtanley Hougton and
The Proposal by Anton Chekhov have been replaced, causing the students
lose two valuable works of Art from the old syllabus.
Besides, it’s a pity that students have missed Plead Mercy by Anne
Ranasinghe, A Poison Tree by William Blake, The Snare by James Stephen
and Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost. All these are
very meaningful, fruitful and ideal poems for school students.
I feel much regret about the losing of Our Sacred Land by Chief
Seattle, the greatest environmentalist I have ever met in my life in
literature.
However, I request the responsible educationalists and the directors
to organise a series of English literature workshops, for the teachers
engage in teaching the new syllabus for them to enable to perform their
service and the duties efficiently and confidently in their classroom,
as soon as possible.
H.L. SUNIL SHANTHA
– Kalutara
Many types of recyclable waste like glass, plastic bags, cardboard,
paper, tin cans, plastic bottles and containers that we use are simply
thrown away with ordinary garbage due to non availability of an
effective waste recycling programme. In many developed countries a
separate bin is provided for gathering waste which can be recycled and
are collected weekly or every fortnight.
Such collected waste is sorted and recycled minimising damage to the
environment. It is time that in our country also authorities take some
steps to implement a waste recycling programme.
This will certainly reduce the damage caused to the environment by
throwing away these types of waste most of which are not biodegradable.
Economic benefit to the country will also be more as it saves energy,
money and create jobs.
We quite often see a lot of protests by environmentalists spearheaded
by NGOs campaigning against environmental pollution. Perhaps some of the
resources used for such protests would be much more productive if public
awareness campaigns are carried out on the benefits of recycling and if
such schemes are initiated.
K.G.E.
– Nugegoda
This refers to the letter by Mano Ratwatte in the Daily News of the
16th instant under the above heading.
To me, my devotion to Christ is not a religion; it is the way, the
truth and the life.
If one were to read the Book of Genesis, which is the first book in
the Bible, one will note that (this) God of the Bible declares that He
created the universe, the planets, all living things as well as mankind.
If one were to read the last book of the Bible, namely Revelations, one
will see that most prophecies that were written in Revelations have come
to pass and others are coming to pass right at this time.
If one were to read the many books and chapters in between these two
Books (Genesis and Revelations) one will see that the cause of all
suffering, war, pain, hatred, terror, love, death itself is dealt with
and the final victory of Christ over death is also mentioned. One must
read the Bible with an open mind and an open heart (open to a spiritual
touch).
As for me, I will wait on the Lord Jesus Christ who has promised me
and others who would accept Him as Lord and Saviour, eternal life in His
Kingdom after we depart this life.
Unfortunately, as the Bible says and History shows, man can never
bring peace and harmony by himself. Only the Prince of Peace can do so,
which will happen after these things. Those who have eyes, let them see.
Those who have ears, let them hear and those who have a heart, let them
understand.
KUMARA SOYSA
Ranjith Chandrasekera (DN Feb. 21) wanted to know the source of my
information about meat eating.
In a newsletter of April-June 1990 of the Buddhist Society of Western
Australia, Ven. Ajahn Brahmavamso quoting from the Book of the
Discipline, Vol. 4, p. 325 narrated the story of Gautama Buddha
clarifying the position on eating meat to the monks with a
pre-condition, he said:
“Monks, I allow you fish and meat that are quite pure in three
respects: if they are not seen, heard or suspected to have been killed
on purpose for a monk. But, you should not knowingly make use of meat
killed on purpose for you.” (Book of the Discipline, Vol. 4, p. 324).
However, there are certain exceptions to the rule.
In the same newsletter, Ven. Ajahn Brahmavamso explained: “However
there are some meats which are specifically prohibited for monks to eat:
human meat, for obvious reasons; meat from elephants and horses as these
were then considered royal animals; dog meat - as this was considered by
ordinary people to be disgusting; and meat from snakes, lions, tigers,
panthers, bears and hyenas - because one who had just eaten the flesh of
such dangerous jungle animals was thought to give forth such a smell as
to draw forth revenge from the same species.”
If you need more detailed information visit: http://www.urbandharma.org/udharma3/meat.html
TUAN RIZA RASSOOL
- USA
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