Letters to the Editor

We have to tighten while they expand
It was unbelievable to read in the newspapers that the President has appointed yet another three ministers bringing the total of ministers and deputy ministers to a record number of 80. What is amusing is that they are appointed as non-cabinet ministers but will be enjoying all the perks of a cabinet minister.

When one considers that India, with a population of over one billion, has only 27 ministers and, including the deputies, only 65, there appears to be something wrong with the calibre of persons appointed as ministers in Sri Lanka.

Else, what is the need for a minister for rehabilitation for each of the areas of Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Wanni? Isn't the minister in charge of rehabilitation capable of looking after these areas ? On the other hand, it is quite clear that most of the existing ministries have not been created on the requirements of the country but to satisfy self-seeking politicians with no principles who are prepared to sell even their self-respect and cross over to the government to enjoy the attached perks.

The creation and offering of new ministries as an inducement for those who are prepared to cross over from the opposition, almost amounts to bribery and corruption.

The President and her ministers are calling upon the already suffering public to tighten their belts but they have absolutely no hesitation in adding to the expenditure of the government by increasing the number of ministers. It looks as if the President and her government are only interested in remaining in power at whatever cost to the country.

Big stink on the beach
I live in Surrey, England. Almost every winter I return to Sri Lanka and make it a point to visit the Kinross Beach at Wellawatte. I have been an admirer of the Kinross Beach ever since my childhood. It is one of the finest sea-bathing spots in the country.

The beach is also home to the Kinross Swimming Club. Nearby, a brand new international hotel with a global reach has been opened. The Marine Drive is attracting people to walk and exercise their limbs on the long stretch of road, and relax by the side of the beach.

Lately I find that this beautiful natural environment at Kinross Beach is threatened by a stinking dried fish producing centre established on the beach close to the railway bridge at Wellawatte. Large quantities of tuna fish are laid on mats to dry on the beach.

The sea breeze carries the stench to surrounding areas and it becomes unbearable for residents, pedestrians on the Marine Drive, users of the beach, and guests at nearby restaurants and hotels to stomach the sickening smell. This area of Wellawatte near the Kinross Beach has potential to develop and attract both investors and tourists.

But they will think twice about investing their money if the Sri Lanka Tourist Board in conjunction with the relevant public authorities fail to take immediate steps to have the dried fish plant re-located and put a stop to the nauseating smell that now sweeps the whole area unrelentingly.

Time to set up public-police committees
Many of the problems facing our country are due to the politicians and their henchmen interfering in the work of the Police Force. Politicians of the ruling party regard police officers as their handymen. Police officers who refuse to carry out the orders of politicians who even demand the release of criminals and underworld figures are transferred to remote areas.

It is sad but true that the police do not enjoy the goodwill of the public. Recruits to the police should have a basic understanding of the problems of the public and should be given a training in public relations. Ruling party leaders should advise their party members to refrain from interfering in the work of the police.

The new IGP, Chandra Fernando should take steps to set up police division-level committees comprising police officers, religious leaders, school principals and leading citizens of the area. This committee should meet once a month and bring a better understanding between the police and the general public.

All police officers should be given a living wage and better housing facilities as they are supposed to be on call 24 hours a day. The need of the hour is to maintain law and order in the country. With the appointment of the Independent Police Commission, police officers should not have any fear to perform their duty.

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