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Some TV stations, by giving undue prominence to so called ‘Super
Star’ and dance contests are giving false hopes to many a Lankan youth
and lass that this could be a form of lucrative calling in the future.
In this context it is pertinent to consider how many are ‘called’ and
how many are ‘chosen’.
Now the handful who are able to make the Grade could make a living
out of the entertainment business and advertising programmes whereas the
many thousands who vied in these contests would go disappointed and
frustrated.
The question is whether these young people, especially from the rural
areas, could reconcile themselves to their failure in this field and
once again adjust themselves to their usual rural environment, around
which the productive arm of our economy essentially revolves, providing
the town and country with indispensable requirements, such as food and
clothing.
For instance, if one were to look around in the rural areas, where
paddy cultivation and the like are the main vocations, the percentage of
youthful hands engaging in agricultural pursuits appear to be alarmingly
low. This trend could also be attributed to the scant recognition given
to the agricultural sphere in the present education system, which had
been modeled along the so called ‘modern’ and alien lines.
A system which had been introduced in colonial times and thereafter
fashioned to suit changing trends in the western hemisphere and designed
to ensure dependence on the former colonial powers for survival and
materialist progress, as interpreted by them.
Thus the main foundation of our social system based on agricultural
pursuits is being gradually relegated to insignificance, especially
after the 1977 era, Globalisation was marketed as the Panacea for the
world’s ill and our countries blindly followed this doctrine like the
gullible public in the ‘Emperors’ new clothes’.
Now with the global food crisis occasioned by environmental pollution
and global warning and the like, once again it would make us, of
necessity, to look to ourselves for our sustenance and survival.
In this scenario the TV which has invaded almost every nook and
corner of the country, beams out programmes which to tend establish
false values and concepts among the immature and gullible youth thereby
leading a potential workforce along a wrong and unproductive pack.
Thus in the present context, if the rural youth, who were earlier
engaged in agricultural pursuits begin to shun the field and think in
terms of earning a living by purely ‘swingging their hips’ as
glamorously portrayed by some TV Channels, the national economy in terms
of real production is bound to suffer, thus aggravating our financial
woes.
Therefore, as the TV stations are private enterprises, the State
should give prominence to the danger of taking these shows and
programmes as real means of livelihood.
J.C. Boange - Rajagiriya
At present there is a strong move to ban cattle slaughtering,
especially in accordance with the religious beliefs. This matter has to
be analysed, taking into consideration the nation as a whole.
In Sri Lanka there are people of different religions - Buddhists,
Hindus, Christians and Muslims. Christians and Muslims and a majority of
Buddhists and Hindus are non vegetarians.
This is due to the eating habits, taste for food and health reasons.
Therefore, it is not correct to take away an enjoyable habit from the
majority of the people. Considering cattle slaughtering only is
hypocritical.
One must accept that chicken, fish, prawns, crabs and other sea foods
also suffer when they are killed. Fish suffocate when they are out of
water and there are instances when they are cleaned and chopped alive.
Crabs are immersed in hot water and prawns are made blind to fatten.
So it is acceptable that it is hypocrisy to ban cattle slaughtering
only. Meat and Fish - ‘Non-Vegetables’ produce income to the country,
create employment and improve export earnings.
Our valuable resources would be wasted if slaughtering is banned. If
the entire country becomes vegetarians, the price of vegetables will be
sky rocketing. In real terms, the usage of leather products also must be
banned, and we may have to use more plastic, the usage of which has been
condemned by the world at large.
In view of the above, a national policy should be adapted, where our
resources are efficiently utilised, employment opportunities created and
healthy food is available at reasonable prices.
Taking decisions merely on a religious basis is not a wise move. Such
a move may lead to the extreme case of feeding animals in the zoo with
vegetables.
S.R. BALACHANDRAN Colombo 6
Apropos letter under the caption ‘Why not smile?’ by Dr. Mareena
Thaha Reffai in the Citizen’s Mail column of the Daily News of the 5th
instant, I wish to defer from her own personal view in respect of the
Assistant Controllers of Immigration and Emigration.
I am rather intrigued, disturbed and perturbed over her risible
remarks which are quite irrelevant. So, with due respect to the learned
lady I wish to record my dissent which should be food for thought.
Let me elucidate. On Monday June 23, I visited the Department of
Immigration with a very close relative of mine who is an elderly widow
subject to the vicissitudes of senile debility. (NIC 396460920 V) I am a
septuagenarian myself (NIC 350220283 V) also with chronic muscle
debility under the care of three medical specialists. We observed that
the whole place was chock - a block with applicants for Passports in
meandering queues.
In utter desperation I approached the Assistant Controller concerned
with a certain amount of trepidation.
He was an august personalty with a professional demeanour. Having
appreciated our unfortunate predicament he accepted the application and
ordered the issue having carefully scrutinised the documents.
Resultantly, Sri lanka Passport No. N 2113902 was received by post on
July 11. In my humble opinion the Staff Officer concerned deserves all
the plaudits and encomiums.
Finally when I told him that we owe him a deep debt of gratitude for
his magnanimity, concern and compassion, he very calmly said that he was
duty bound to serve enfeebled invalids like us. So, I wonder whether
anyone is justified in making such irresponsible and insinuating remarks
against such kind and obliging officials?
Further, I have observed that these officials from top to bottom at
the counters have hardly a breather as the queues are so large. During a
few visits that I have made to this Department I have never seen them
even enjoying a cup of tea for they continuously work amidst stress and
strain.
Perhaps the tedium goes on till 3 p.m. until the counters are closed
for the day, as financial transactions should be completed. Other
counters meant for issue of passports go on till late, I have observed.
I have a yet another very pleasant experience which I am inclined to
record with feelings of eternal gratitude. On June 25, I visited the
Divisional Secretariat off Vajira Road, Thimbirigasyaya to obtain
certified copies of my marriage which took place on the June 26, 1961.
The Registrar was not in the seat - probably may have gone for lunch.
I approached the Assistant Divisional Secretary, a lady in the purdah.
For me, it was certainly a pleasant surprise to come across such an
individual belonging to the Sri Lanka Administrative Service. She was
extremely courteous and ordered the issue of the three certified
marriage certificates.
I left the premises within a matter of twenty minuets with the
certified copies in hand. I have stated the truth and nothing but the
truth. (Ref. A 25133 of 25.06.2008).
Currently, Sri Lanka is embroiled in a long drawn war against
terrorism. So, all are affected.
Only politicians are feasting while the masses are fasting. Workers
also find it difficult to make ends meet. They have their own problems.
Yet, very many are duty conscious. So, let us be considerate and make
a certain allowance to forgive and forget.
We cannot compare this beleaguered island with that of the developed
countries like the United Kingdom, more so under present unpropitious
circumstances.
NANDA NANAYAKKARA - Panadura
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