In 60s when I was a student in Jaffna, I studied the theory of
scarcity from my fish vendor i.e. whenever there is a good catch he was
not happy.
Alternatively when there is a poor catch he is happy. He explained to
me saying when there is a good catch the supply had increased and the
demand falls.
Whenever there is a short supply the demand increases. When there is
a short supply people buy more than the requirement to store them
against future shortage.
When there is a good supply people forgoes even the normal demand
thinking they could buy next day. This is the basic explanation of
demand and supply theory.
I am aware some suppliers create an artificial demand to enjoy super
profits. This action has to be controlled by the law which is against
monopoly, cartel, black marketing etc.
We could use this theory of scarcity in our life for better success.
a. When you approach a person for a business transaction, please do
not trouble him frequently which results in irritation. Your approach
must be restricted but fully explainable, so that it will create a
scarcity of demand in his mind.
b. When you offer goods or services you must create an impression in
the customers' mind that it is not freely available due to the high
standard.
c. Never create scarcity in your mind and develop negative thinking.
1. You may lose your job anytime.
2. Your business establishment will be closed anytime.
3. Another tsunami is possible.
4. You may get dengue, swine flue, rat fever, or chikunguniya etc.
Even with a small lump in your body you are having cancer, continued
cough for sometimes you are going to have Tuberculosis. What is
important is positive thinking that is no scarcity and you need not
worry at all?
There is a famous proverb "a person who is not conscious about future
problems is a fool" but "a person who worries daily about future
problems is a coward".
S.R. Balachandran - Council Member , The
National Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka
As residents of Katuwawala, Boralesgamuwa, since 2006, we suffer from
frequent unannounced electricity blackouts during the week, usually from
08.30/09.00 a.m. to 5.00pm, which seems to be localized. Our area is
adjacent to Werahera Motor Traffic Department.
As retired professionals, my husband and I have great difficulties in
scheduling computer time at home, covering research, editing, e-mail and
internet work, to meet deadlines and personal research/writing needs.
The new Electricity Board Act No.20 of 2009 as noted in Daily News
September 28 is 'designed to ensure the protection of the rights of the
consumers while providing them with maximum service and benefits'. What
is the problem in our area?
These constant interruptions cause delays and hardship in
professional and home life and we cannot afford to install and run a
generator, although the house is wired for this. We hope you can give us
a forum to find a solution. The CEB should take necessary action.
HEMA RATNAYAKE
I read with much disinterestedly the report published in the
'Business' page of the Daily News, September 25 under the above caption.
According to this report the Central Bank official has disregarded the
coins of Sri Lanka. Coins are the children of the notes. This official
has forgotten his childhood. Notes are based on coins. Notes are formed
as follows:
100 cents = 01 rupee
10 rupees = 10 rupee note
Income Tax, goods and services, telephone bills, water bills, train
and bus tickets, stamps, etc. are calculated to the nearest cents.
It is the Banks that encourage schoolchildren and others to collect
coins in the tills in order to enable them to open Savings Accounts and
Fixed deposits.
Till the middle of the 20th Century financial transactions were done
in rupee notes and coins. In 1960, a bus section was five cents, plain
tea was five cents and a plate of lunch was sixty cents. Even in
countries such as USA, Canada, England, France, Italy, Germany, India,
Pakistan, etc. their currencies are calculated in notes and coins.
In the groceries and shops in those countries materials available for
sale are marked in notes and coins. In a bill they issued indicates the
price of the item plus VAT to the nearest coin.
Sri Lanka's population consists of many type communities, viz, upper
community (very rich business people), Middle community (living in
wages) lower community (casual or daily paid workers), fishing
community, farming community and estate workers. Revenue of farming
community varies according to weather conditions prevailing.
Droughts and floods destroy their plantations. During monsoons it is
difficult for the fishing community to carry out their trade activities.
During these periods those involved in farming and fishing have to
obtain loans from the Banks or mortgage their jewellery. They spend
their cash available to purchase food items only.
There are a large number of beggars living in cities and towns. They
are deprived of good income,. food and shelter. These categories of
people are not spending higher value notes for their purchasing.
In those days Central Bank officials were very intelligent and
inquisitive. Those officials are now retired.
It is presume that this particular Central Bank official who has
given this report has not seen the world as it is. He can compare as a
blind professor travelling in the desert.
P. H. K. PATHIRANA - Nugegoda
I have, over the years written many letters to the press requesting
the government to grant a 'Duty Free' Permit to import a vehicle for
expatriate workers who have earned FOREX for the country.
I am also happy to note that the Daily News Comment to August 12,
2009 has also recommended such a scheme in it's penultimate paragraph.
When you consider the remittances of expatriate workers amounting to
nearly USD 3.3 billion for the 1st half of this year mainly from the
Middle East, which is a staggering amount, it is nothing but fair that
the government grant them more incentives. Moreover, our unemployment
problem is also partly solved.
Where 'Duty Free' Allowances for import of any type of vehicle is
concerned, government and the Foreign Employment Bureau together can
devise a scheme taking into consideration the amount of FOREX remitted
during the last ten years by the expatriate concerned. In this
connection, it is pertinent to mention that even our cricketers have
been allowed to import 'Duty Free' vehicles not to mention. Government
officers and services personnel who have also been granted this
concession.
Minister Rambukwella please take necessary action in this matter.
VERNON DAWSON - Dehiwala
If prevention is better than cure, this country needs Public Health
officers of both gender - more than doctors and nurses.
These field officers could overcome the health hazards of the poor
families of the congested areas and also to keep a pleasant environment.
Dengue, Malaria, Filaria - all infectious deceases spread due to
water clogged and garbage-blocked environment. Ignorant habitants dig
wells, cesspits, cut ditches dump rubbish wherever possible. Some times
these wastewater flows freely over others properties. One man's health
conscious action crops up a problem for another man.
All these happen in congested areas, in trying to solve their
problems themselves. These people do not consult Health officers. On the
other hand Public Health officers do not intervene could be due to lack
of staff or facilities. Their timely actions could help keep health and
disharmony in society. Health officers should visit people and places
monthly at least. Beggar families, gipsy camps should be given a
healthcare check, once in a way.
Complainants and informants should not be exposed. Health officers
should act on their own findings.
Recruiting staff, providing facilities need funds. This could be
accumulate by fining, breakers of health norms and also from Council
authorities, workers and contractors for lapses on their duties. Health
Ministry should provide funds and also reputed establishments.
With a large force of staff and workers with given facilities we
could expect a Healthy Sri Lanka soon.
ASHLEY LAL JAYASEKERA - Ragama
It is very interesting to know that experts on heart surgery share
their expertise with the fellow surgeons in Sri Lanka. I hope somebody
would let the Sri Lankans know how this heart problems arise and what
they have to do to avoid it. As far as I know the junk food and
saturated fat food, too much sugary food eventually leads to these heart
problems.
I must say advanced technology is a gift, we must take them with
respect. These were not available 30 or more years ago. We have to
welcome these technological things with both hands.
Dr. Hector Perera - UK
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