Letters to the Editor

Venerable monks, don’t let down the Buddhist population
The last national census conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics was in 2001. This included 18 districts. The population in Sri Lanka according to this census was 16,864, 647.

On the basis of ethnic groups, this population consists of Sinhalese 81.9%, Sri Lankan Tamils 4.3%, Indian Tamils 5.1%, and Sri Lankan Muslims 8%. Buddhists made up 76.7%, Hindus 7.9%, Muslims 8.5%, Roman Catholics 6.1% and other Christians 0.8%. The census also has revealed that the population below 18 years of age was 32.9%. Those over 18 entitled to cast the votes were 67.1%. These statistics will be important at the general election to be held on April 2.

Political parties and independent groups have already forwarded their nominations for the elections. Among these nominees 282 Bhikkus including popular Theros have also given in their nominations with a view to safeguard the Buddhist population, Buddhism and the country. People have various views about bhikkus competing with laymen. The responsibility of Bhikkus who have received ordination as followers of Lord Buddha is to uplift the life of the Buddhist population and create awareness about the Buddhist doctrine.

According to the teachings given to Bhikkus by Lord Buddha (Charatha bhikkave Charika, Bahujana Sukaya, Bahujana Hithaya) they should act with responsibility. Nevertheless, there are only a few Bhikkus who act according to this admonition. Bhikkus should live with exemplary character admonishing Buddhists to live according to the Buddhist doctrine. Buddhist Bhikkus cannot make monetary transactions utilizing property and assets and engage in personal administration and maintenance work done by the laymen.

The venerable Bhikkus who have come forward for elections have to explain to the voters their future intentions. The bhikkus who have come forward to contest the forthcoming General Election will lose their melodious voice heard at normal sermons, on the election platform. It is also likely that their non-violent approach and disciplined attitude may deteriorate.

The non- Buddhist population all over the world is keeping an eye on the decision taken by the Buddhist bhikkus. The venerable bhikkus should obtain at least 51% of the votes of Buddhists living in the various districts. If this does not happen the world population will reject the statistical records of the majority Buddhist population in Sri Lanka.

Leave our water alone
There has been much publicity regarding the management of our water resources. There also appears to be an indecent hurry to privatise this precious resource. Before pontificating about the so-called efficiency of the private sector, the "powers-that-be" should take a hard look at the plight of people in developing countries who have made this move.

A recent documentary by an established international television company revealed the hard facts of the post privatised water supply situation in South Africa. The managers of the water resources of that country were interviewed in France! In short, the French Managers of South Africa's water had no clue of the plight of the South Africans.

It also revealed the callousness which people show towards problems of humanity - of course all the right phrases and words that make up glossy annual reports are used in abundance to justify their position. It won't be long before there is an explosion of emotions and the poorer people of South Africa take matters into their own hands and who can blame them, after all, it's their water.

I would suggest that the National Water Supply & Drainage Board perishes the thought of privatisation of our vital resource and manages it efficiently. If not, they should resign and hand it over to those who can do the job.

A barbecue with cyanide
At a well-known sports club, it was the last Friday of January and barbecue night on the front lawn. The food on the table attracted the guests as well as the four-legged felines from near and far.

A man in a brown-checked shirt had been entrusted with a 'special mission' - holding a long lethal pole with cyanide he took delight in jabbing all the cats as they came towards the food little realizing the fate in store for them.

This took place in front of a large gathering of members and guests in close proximity to the food they were about to eat. Either they didn't realize what was happening in front of their eyes or just decided to 'look the other way'.

Driving away cricket fans
A letter titled 'cricket ground facilities' pertaining to the appalling ground facilities and services provided at the Galle International cricket venue, by an English supporter, David Cox, appeared in a local newspaper after the completion of the 1st test match against England at the Galle Cricket Stadium.

In the letter he had pointed out the unhygienic conditions of the limited number of toilets, a virtually non-existent public address system and an unimaginative catering service.

The English supporter complained that the only refreshments available were beer, Coca Cola, Dilmah tea, and mineral water and that the food was of poor quality. Because of these bad facilities and services we are losing the goodwill of spectators and lots of opportunities to make money, from those who are willing to spend.

Local hotels and shops benefit hugely from these inadequacies within the grounds. Authorities should conduct some market research among foreign and local spectators who attend cricket matches in Galle and get a feedback on the facilities available so that they could be improved.

Oh! For the ring of the postman of yesteryear
The smartly attired postman of the past wore a uniform with a cap to match. He seldom brought dishonour or discredit to his uniform. He was a much-respected government servant of the day.

With the prompt delivery of greeting cards during the festive season, this postman was entertained by most householders for his service both in sun or rain.

He rode a trouble free bicycle fitted with a licence plate and an alarm bell to announce his timely arrival. Today, the postman is a law unto himself. He peddals a dusty licenceless cycle minus a bell. He yells rudely at almost every door-step. Isn't sound pollution an offence punishable by law?

The letter distribution in most parts of Moratuwa is in disarray. The postman is often seen wearing dirty civilian clothes. His mode of transport is a rickety old push cycle with worn out tyres, which always breaks down causing a complete halt to the day's letter delivery.

In every such event, the cycle is left with the cycle-shop repairer and the undelivered postal letters stay in the custody of the postman in his home. This is the story of how seasonal Greeting Cards, X'mas 2003 and New Year 2004 got delivered at our door-step at the end of February 2004.

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