Letters to the Editor
View(s):What is it that Sri Lankans living here really want?
What is it that Sri Lankans living in Sri Lanka really want? (Let’s forget Diaspora Sri Lankans for the moment!) For me, if the Field Marshall takes decisions to investigate, it will be ACTION and not REVENGE.Revenge is what the Rajapaksa family did to Sarath Fonseka, who perhaps is the only person working for the State who served a rigorous imprisonment for no fault of his. That was revenge! People should first understand the difference between ACTION and REVENGE before they start opinionizing on this issue.
In appointing Sarath Fonseka, action will be taken after proper investigation on any citizen who has done wrong to our beloved Sri Lanka – not just one person or family. In deciding on not appointing Field Marshall Sarath Fonseka to the post of Minister of Law and Order we can expect another period of no action! Best of luck to all of us!
Encarta Via email
At the mercy of developers while those in authority look the other way
We the residents of Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia wish to express our views too on development, after reading the problems encountered by the residents of Colombo 5, under the title, “Minister allows 14 storey Blue Ocean Project despite legal disputes” that appeared in the Sunday Times of March 4. We the residents down Initium Road, Dehiwala have written a letter dated 31.01.2016 to the Minister of Megapolis and Western Development, regarding the callous way the development is taking place in and around the said area. But, to our surprise, no action had been taken since then, so, we were left with no alternative other than to bring it to the notice of the Prime Minister vide letters dated 23.03.2016, 13.09.2016 and 15.11.2016 respectively; which was promptly forwarded to the concerned Ministry and which in turn was directed to the Urban Development Authority, but to no avail upto date.
Further, a resident whose residential building is about to be sandwiched between two condominium buildings has appealed to the Minister of Megapolis and Western Development vide letter dated 23.10.15 and handed over to him on a public day, with an encouraging assurance from the Minister concerned. However, up to date no action has been taken against the developer who continues with the construction, contravening the stipulated Planning and Building Regulations formulated for the Dehiwala-Mt.Lavinia Municipal Council Area (DMMC).
Even though, the developers repeatedly contravene the regulations and engage in condominium developments, the implementing Authority allows these developers to proceed with their improper development activities without being “blacklisted”. The motto of planning is for people. Also the zoning regulations of the D.M.M.C. area specifically state that the uses permitted do not interfere with the existing facilities and the surrounding environment of the area through loss of privacy or are harmful in any other manner or causing nuisance.
Hence, we the elderly law abiding citizens of this country have a duty to bring it to the attention of the governors of our beloved motherland, for the betterment of our future generation.
Rohini de Silva Via email
Don’t paint all as villains of the deepest dye
While Sinhala Buddhists, members of the Sangha, the saffron robe and even the tenets of Buddhism were subjected to indiscriminate vilification by some sections of the print and electronic media as well as many writers and public speakers in reference to the recent communal disturbances, we can report that many Buddhist temples in the Kandy district acted responsibly to help the affected Muslim civilians. The Buddhist temple in Gonigoda, Muruthalawa, Kurugama, Dehigama and Nellogolla initiated an excellent programme to look after the welfare of the needy. Members of the Sangha including Ven Ganegoda Sri Jinalankara, Wartrukumbure Dhammartana Thera played exemplary roles by establishing links with Islamic institutions by opening the doors of compassion. Nayaka Theras of main Buddhist institutions made public appeals for peace and harmony among all.
It has to be accepted that fringe groups of both ethnicities worked extra hard to cause the tensions before and during the troubled times. To generalize and target the Sinhala Buddhists and their value systems by painting them as villains of the deepest dye cannot be justified when considering the religious tolerance etc enjoyed by all Sri Lankans compared to what is prevailing in many countries in the developing world.
Ranjith Soysa Via email
Double hammering
The Harassed Direct Tax Payers (HDTP) are once again at the receiving end of a double hammering. One, the removal of all allowances and the increased tax to 24% (current 16%). Second, wooing yet again the state sector by way of vehicle permits, which will definitely be extended to the politicians. The previous government recognized us HDTPs, and we had the luxury of allowances, a tax slab of 16% maximum and a vehicle permit based on contribution to Inland Revenue.
Should we HDTPs take a stand for redress, in the lost (forgotten) permits and not pay our PAYE taxes at 24% but continue at 16%?
HDTP Via email