Letters to the Editor
View(s):Bring back the ration book system to ease the burden of the most vulnerable people
One of the most significant problems faced by the vulnerable sections of the people today is the daily increases in the prices of food items such as rice, dhal, sugar, milk powder and flour, no doubt caused by the depreciation of the rupee and increase in commodity prices in the world markets.
The measures taken by the government were not adequate as price control for essential food items only resulted in shortages.
Before the introduction of the open economy after 1977 there was in operation a ration book system (coupon) and the people benefited as essential food items were sold as subsidised rates at the co-operatives and CWE outlets.
Hence as a preliminary step the government should carry out, with the assistance of the Census Department and the Grama Niladhari officers, a survey to determine the vulnerable sections of the population affected by the unbearable price increases who will be entitled to purchase goods at subsidised prices from the co-operatives and CWE outlets.
The government should seek the support of opposition parties in implementing this ration book system as it is essential the masses should have some relief.
K.S. Ekanayake Pannipitiya
Only we the people can be the change
Oh, I remember that slogan “leaders were never wrong”
And the common man’s duty they said was always to conform
These were the follies fed in the prime of our youth
I know now that they do not contain a grain of truth!!
Agitation, if not properly directed can be futile
Because our rulers blindly believe that this situation is not volatile
we would adamantly protest but this regime keeps finding excuses
Their trademark…. to survive , come up with clever ruses
It is true, we need to be forthright and lift our voices loud
Together let’s bring in new reforms and throw the old systems out
social media the best tools for freedom of expression
to combat their hidden agendas and all manner of suppression
Some of us use a subtle approach but speak out- the time is now
It is for the destitute who are asking “Survive in this country… how!!!
Most are severely impacted by the rising cost of living
And they ponder … Who has the answers -these deeds are so unforgiving?
Those of us who wish for vast changes should join a political party
Remember only we can be the change we want to see in this country
Let’s engage in active work and achieve new heights each passing day
Since they have failed it is time to run this democracy the people’s way!!!
And though implementing change maybe tedious and slow
The Sri Lankan nation will be more resilient than ever before
Be patient fellow citizens and this explosive phase too shall pass
As surely as night turns to morn and weeds make way sprouting grass
Hiranya Fernando Via email
This doctor is a blessing to a society divided on so many different lines
The medical profession, is not just a profession, but an important livelihood which secures the lives of thousands of people suffering from numerous kinds of illnesses. Many medical practitioners believe that their utmost responsibility is to cure their patients without considering their caste, creed, race etc. Society regards these medical professionals as living gods. I am writing to pay tribute to such a doctor, vascular and transplant surgeon Dr. R. Risni Cassim, Head of Ward No. 28 of the National Hospital.
I have been a diabetic patient for about 30 years and became seriously ill several months ago during the COVID pandemic. My kidneys were also affected and my leg was losing sensation due to weak nerves. It was about three weeks later that I came to realize that one foot was swollen due to a germ that had entered through a wound between two toes.
When I consulted Dr. R. Risni Cassim to show my foot I was very sick. The first day Dr. Cassim dressed the wound and on the second day he explained kindly that other toes may get affected too, and the necessity of removing the affected one. Dr. Cassim provided medicine for many days to remove the germs and finally the surgery was carried out.
After that, I met him twice a week and dressing of the wound continued. I am almost recovered now, and both mentally and physically satisfied. I also realised that the doctor also gained an immense happiness by treating me which I could see by his facial expressions and his kind words.
He returned the money I paid for the surgery and the money paid later, for consultations. Although he hails from a different nationality and a different religion the respect and kindness shown to me — a Buddhist monk– took me by surprise. I believe my recovery within a short period is due to his kindness and compassion.
In a society where there are narrow divisions among different nationalities and religions, it is amazing to find humans of this calibre. Dr. Cassim is a blessing to the whole society.
As long as people of a country are divided by nationality and religion, such a country will never prosper. If every person joins together to form one group, the expectation for a prosperous nation can be achieved . Great expectations that arise in the hearts of great men will pave the way for a happy and just society.
Ven Thalagala Wimala Thera Via email
Call for a wise hero to save our land
The blind Inquisition, compelled change in Galileo’s vision, regarding the position of the bright Helios.
The disillusioned Andrea, who was as a filio to Galileo
Accused him ‘Unhappy is the land without Heroes’ *
He replied ‘Unhappy is the land that needs Heroes’*
Send through the land, a crier to call for a warrior
A band to search the land; set them no barrier.
To seek not a wicked Nero, but to seek a sleek hero
A notable, who is able, to make our debt a zero
Make the land not poorer or sorrier but be merrier
Pay the bills, cure the ills, not to be surrounded with frills or thrills or kills
A wise hero to understand, the foreign helping hand, in turn, helps itself to the best of the land
A brave warrior to arrest, the crooked corrupting finger,
That corrupts the giver and the taker.
Where be such a warrior, such a hero or even such a creature?
We call for a warrior, a hero worthy of our affection
To stand up for selection, in the coming election
Your Country needs YOU; to see the light, to join the fight
Not seek to divide, but chose to unite,
and with all your might, do what’s right
for then we can elect, not another mediocrity,
But select a meritocracy for our beautiful democracy.
Dr. A.J. Roshan Perera Via email
( ** taken from Bertold Brecht)
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