Letters to the Editor
View(s):Need for law and order, meritocracy & discipline to gain confidence of foreign investors
With regard to electoral reforms upstaged by the youth in the ‘aragala bhoomiya’, it is imperative to fast-track critical ‘system changes’ based on fairness, result accuracy and meritocracy bringing ina true Sri Lankan democracy, before holding any election,as detailed in several articles to the press and requests to the authorities.
In the meantime, it is essential to enhance staff productivity in Govt. offices, the Police and the Judiciary through effective systems and procedures, using advanced computer and communication technology, the mass media and efficient roll-out systems. We have heard of some re-organisation and re-engineering projects being undertaken in the public service with funding from international aid agencies. Unfortunately, they are not properly implemented due to vested interests of politicised trade unions.
Further, it is imperative to instil good work ethics and courtesy among the public service staff through ‘customer care’ training as service delays compel the public to go behind corrupt politicians who eventually become ‘demi gods’!
The cultural change among the people and the mass media needs to be fast tracked by restoring law and order, discipline and meritocracy through robust leadership and continuous training and monitoring at all levels of public administration and private enterprises. They are essential prerequisites to win the confidence of international investors and lenders who can mitigate our dollar crisis. We have already lost a golden opportunity to host the cricket ‘Asia Cup’ which could have triggered a substantial inflow of dollars and tourists.
Let’s get down to business before we get doomed by the fall out!
Bernard Fernando Moratuwa
Leadership qualities– look to the Dhamma
Leaders are born, not made – goes the old saying. The best example is Prince Siddhartha who was a unique being in all his previous births before he attained the highest stage of ‘Buddhahood’.
If one is to be regarded as a great leader (especially in politics), one should possess certain qualities: be shrewd (not cunning), honest, true to one’s self, open-hearted, be patient in all decisions, be unshakable (steady), tolerant, kind, understanding, well-read, and wise, etc.
When we saw the incidents that took place here in Sri Lanka in the recent past, not only peace loving Sri Lankans, but people all over the world were not only surprised and disappointed but unsure of what was in store for everybody. Those responsible seemed blind to what really happened in the country.
There were brutal and shameless incidents taking place and a struggle for power. All those responsible for all the damage done to man and property should remember that in a country like ours, only the ‘Dhamma’ will be successful in all one does. Everybody should remember that they will have to someday pay for all the cruelty exhibited. At least now it is time to forget and forgive and get together to make the masses happy and contented, for they have suffered enough.
Your fate has decided your position in life with which you have to be satisfied. All cannot be leaders! Somebody has to step down!!
I conclude with the motto of my beloved alma mater Hillwood College – “The Utmost for the Highest’’.
May everybody be happy!!
Swarna Wanniarachchi Pilapitiya Via email
Spare a thought for senior citizens
Most senior citizens have deposited monies in the special FD scheme formulated a few years ago drawing 15% interest PA. These FDs were renewed automatically by all banks without the seniors’ presence at banks.
Former Central Bank Governor Nivard Cabraal’s administration threw a spanner in the works by imposing a new rule that senior depositors must come to the branch and sign another form for renewal in the presence of manager.
With the shortage of fuel (increase in cab/trishaw/ambulance fares) and Covid raising its head again this will create more issues for seniors who are old and feeble. Some may question why these seniors do not go for higher interest rates now but still they are unfit to visit banks for this task.
Although I am not personally affected yet, on behalf of my senior colleges, I appeal to the new Governor of CBSL to amend this rule immediately and help aged and feeble seniors. A system of sending a life certificate signed by the Grama Niladari, through courier to the bank is suggested to avoid travel for this small task.
Sumith de Silva Via email
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