Letters to the Editor
View(s):Veritable death traps the common citizens face daily on our roads
The article “Stats show pedestrians an endangered species” by Shaadya Ismail, in the Sunday Times on February 2, is a real eye opener and describes correctly the current situation.
The legislators and citizens of the so called high society, never or seldom walk on the roads of this country. They travel around in their luxurious vehicles and are totally blind to the lot of unfortunate citizens who are not so privileged and use the dismal public transport and walk on the roads daily.
As a common citizen, a senior citizen at that, I have to walk the streets to attend to my day to day chores. Please find below my observations in the area that I walk around and the perils we common people have to undergo every day. I refer to the following areas: Elvitigala Mawatha, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Horton Place, Kynsey Road and Maitland Crescent.
1. The pavements are used for parking and the pedestrians need to step on the road even during busy times.
2. Most pavements are in a very poor condition due to parking of vehicles and are a veritable death trap.
3. Motorcyclists ride on the pavements with arrogance.
4. Pedestrian crossings are totally ignored by the motorists – cross at your own risk, is the common attitude.
5. Opposite the British School of Colombo, the parking space is blocked by huge concrete blocks, and one third of the Elvitigala Mawatha is used as parking space (vehicles blocking the entire road) all in the name of security.
6. Some private commercial establishments too block and reserve the parking areas for their customers.
Unfortunately, the Traffic Police is totally blind to this situation and it seems there are no traffic laws or discipline on our roads. The horns blaring for no reason is something we all should be ashamed of as a nation.
Over to you, I.G.P or in your helplessness we beg our President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to spare a thought for us, the common citizen.
Ravindra Perera Via email
Monkeys destroying cultivation could have far reaching effects
The Matale district and its suburbs are currently facing many problems due to the increasing presence of monkeys. It also has far-reaching effects on the area’s vegetation. The cultivation of vegetables has become a near impossible task in this region as the monkeys attack young and developing plants. Trees bearing fruit are also attacked.
The monkeys appear to prey on coconut produce as well, especially developing coconuts and coconut flowers. An additional risk is created when the empty shells are discarded, creating a common breeding ground for mosquitoes. This is an alarming trend which requires prompt action. In the absence of such, it is likely that these issues will continue and the price of coconuts will rise considerably and may require produce to be imported in the future.
Complaints made regarding this situation have not evoked any response from the authorities. Further, previous articles highlighting this pressing issue have received a similar lack of response. It is my overarching hope that the relevant authorities will take serious note of this matter and take steps to resolve the problem sooner than later.
Weerakkody Matale
Tricky railway crossing: Act now to streamline the system
The Level Crossing at Heerassagala, Kandy which is at a very crucial location, I believe is the most dangerous in the Central Province. It is at the edge of a slope between two very busy junctions, within 100 yards of connections to two highways (old road and new road).
Though the gatemen, Police Officers and colour lights provide an excellent service to vehicular traffic, often there is confusion. Twice, I narrowly escaped meeting with accidents with oncoming express trains, while driving to cross over.Other drivers too have had similar nasty experiences. The system should be streamlined soon as it will become even more tricky when the double railway line is introduced.
Over to you Railway Dept. officials.
Shanthi Fonseka Kandy
What Kandy needs is one central bus stand at a convenient location
I refer to the news item reported in the Sunday Times recently titled, “Kandy’s new terminus sends people buzzing from stand to stand.”
Kandy city has about five bus stands located at five different locations. This not only causes inconvenience to people but traffic congestion as well. Regular bus travellers in Kandy may know where a particular bus stand is located, but for a person who comes from outside Kandy it may be a problem. Therefore, it would be convenient for everyone if a single central bus stand is provided.
I had suggested several years ago, while proposing a multi storey car park for Kandy, that a central bus stand too should be provided. I had suggested that this bus stand should be erected where the former Bogambara prison was. There is more than sufficient land available for a central bus stand at this location. A shopping mall too could be provided at this location. This would be very convenient for bus travellers in Kandy.
If a central bus stand is provided it would solve several problems. The traffic congestion caused at present by too many buses passing through the town could be avoided. Buses proceeding towards Peradeniya, Gampola or Colombo could use the William Gopallawa Road and only those proceeding towards Katugastota, Kurunegala or Matale will have to pass through the town. Also, the shopping mall at the central bus stand would be very useful for the bus travellers.
Cecil B. Abeykoon Anniewatte