Dangerous forces at Galle Face
English, undeniably stands out as the most dominant language spoken throughout the world. Everybody, though proud of his own language, does not hesitate to learn English at any given opportunity. For this reason, it is compulsory that it be taught as a second language in countries like France, Germany, Russia, Singapore, The Maldives, Philippines and a host of other countries, including those in West Asia. Besides England where English was obviously first spoken and written, America, Australia, Canada and New Zealand teach English as the first language. India too has bestowed a prominent place to English which enjoys equal status with India's mother tongue, Hindi. Even in countries like Japan and China there is an insatiable appetite for learning English and the situation in Sri Lanka is not different from this.
The demand for English as mentioned above, is phenomenal all over the world. This is for more reasons than one. As described at the outset, just as English is the most potent all pervading modern language, it is the language of trade and commerce too. English is the great leveller, which transcends all barriers of race, caste, and creed, which brings persons of diverse religions, races and speaking different languages, together. The camaraderie and brotherhood thus developed peaceful inter-relationships. Learning English is fast becoming the passport for success. It is a pay packet skill, which 'entices' more and more youth to learn English, more English and better English. All the coveted positions in the private sector are reserved for candidates with a better command of the English language, and as a consequence the more qualified and knowledgeable university vernacular-educated graduates with only a smattering of English language skills, are left to rue in desperation. But with a change of heart among the powers-that-be in the highest echelons of the Education Ministry in Sri Lanka and some other countries, plans are afoot to revert to English as the medium of instruction in schools.
This, we ought to categorically endorse as a prudent move, which will no doubt delight the cockles of every parent's heart. If this proposal is going to be implemented, many parents will have reservations about sending their children to international schools where they will have to spend a large amount of money for the education of their children. However many psychologists and educationists believe that we retain best what we learnt in our tenderest age. A child whose chronological age is around six has remarkable curiosity to learn things around him. He is an expert mimic, is not inhibited and has a wonderful power of retention apart from a photographic memory. This mysterious Language Acquisition Device (LAD) has baffled even neuro-linguists all over the world. So, if this foreign language is to be taught with a purpose, the most positive way will be to catch them young for best results.
Finally, competence in the use of the English language will be the springboard to greater glory, socio economically, and to command recognition in this global village.
Amaranath Gnanasampanthen
Islam requires men and women to behave modestly and decently. A
Muslim woman or a girl (who has attained the age of puberty)should wear a dress which will conceal all parts of the body when she goes out. Dresses should be loose, not transparent and not reveal the shape of the body. It's therefore forbidden to wear skintight dresses, etc.
But, quite often I see Muslim girls going to school wearing miniskirts. It's really atrocious. However, I don't think they are totally to be blamed. Parents should be responsible for giving their children a proper education in Islam.
For, the way these girls dress is due to their ignorance of the laws of Islam. Parents, I don't mean to be impertinent, have to choose God's way and lead a life of purity, virtue and obedience.
Mafaskhan 'Cordoba'
A friend is the one who stays with you when the whole world goes away
There is true friendship when silence between two people brings comfort
A true friend thinks of you when
All others are thinking of themselves
A friend is a present you give yourself.
Samidda Malalgoda
The sunrise in the morning,
Spreading its golden beams,
Cooling breezes blowing,
Giving pleasure to dreams.
Birds sing their morning chorus,
In soft and sweet notes,
The drowsy hum of busy bees,
Soon fades away on the breeze.
The beauty of the dreamy forest,
Is too wonderful a sight,
Glories from sunrise to sunset,
Are too beautiful for words.
Ruvindika
Galle Face has always been a lovely place for families, lovers and anyone who wishes to spend their leisure hours. Due to the power crisis these days, Galle Face has become a popular haunt. It is the only wonderful place one can go to without paying. Unfortunately, many men and boys take advantage of the situation to behave badly. A gang of boys passing hints when a girl passes by is very common in packed places like Galle Face. But going to extremes, like holding a girl's hand is definitely overstepping boundaries and it hasn't happened just once.
So you girls watch out for these hooligans, because you can never say what their next move might be. One man was bold enough to act in such a perverted manner when I was with my parents. So don't make things easy for them by going there alone. And if you face such a situation don't hesitate to give the pervert his just dues, so that he wouldn'e even want to look at another girl. Be brave ladies!
It may not seem like a big deal to some but who knows what tragic thing could happen to an unsuspecting girl? And if the authorities don't take quick action about this matter, Galle Face will soon be deserted.
Nasmina Nawas
