As a stamps collector from 1950, I am deeply disappointed over the low quality paper utilised to print postage stamps in Sri Lanka.
According to the ethics and principles of philately, the perforated edges of the stamps should not be torn or damaged, and any stamps found with damaged perforated edges are construed as of no philatelic value. On 7.10.2016, 12 stamps were issued, depicting flowers of Sri Lanka. They created a sensation among the collectors of Sri Lanka and abroad. But to their dismay none of these stamps could be separated without damaging their perforated edges. I am sending herewith a photocopy depicting this set of stamps, and you will find that the perforated edges of every stamp is damaged making them useless for the collectors. This is due to the inferior quality paper used to print these beautiful stamps. This is the case with every stamp issued in the recent past.
Millions of collectors here and abroad are thoroughly disappointed over this callous state of affairs. The sizes of the stamps are very small which prevents the clear identification of the figure on the stamp. Will the authorities take notice of this situation and improve the quality of stamps in future even by changing the printer.
T.F. Karunasinghe, Kandy
A logical stance desirable for SAITM conflict
There have been diverse views aired in all media, concerning the degree awarding rank of the South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine (SAITM) in respect of their medical degree program.
This is a significant state issue with regard to the development of the higher education segment in Sri Lanka. Therefore, it is necessary to tackle this without any prejudice, considering the current global tendencies on university education, and stretched term state interests in the country.
The representatives of the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC), the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Ministry of Health are the three most important institutions directly responsible to mend this key topic.
It is evident from latest developments, particularly, after the Appeal Court decision, that all fascinated parties pursue to confront it, rather than try to move towards settling the issue in the best interests of the students who have gone through the strenuous SAITM course. It is also regrettable to note that the so called joint opposition, JVP, some trade unions of esteemed professions are resorting to union action to exploit the situation, adjacent to an order issued by the Court of Appeal. Despite the court order the JVP had organized a massive protest march in Colombo the other day saying “No to SAITM”.
The proposal by some engrossed parties of SAITM for it to be taken over by the government is unfair as this institution had been constructed by a group of enthusiastic Sri Lankans for the benefit of students who were unable to enter universities, with the approval of the BOI. On the contrary, it would be a prudent choice to rectify the deficiencies in order to conform to the strategies predetermined by the overriding bodies.
It is indeed a pathetic situation that the activities were not monitored by the authorities of the SLMC, where its president himself, Professor Carlo Fonseka had given the green light at that time but now is surprisingly against absorbing those who passed out, to the GMOA. The same group fervently oppose the provisional registration of the SAITM graduates.
Just imagine the anguish, distress, pain of mind, of the students and their families. This also identifies with other blazing problems in the country which have not been addressed properly and resolved expeditiously by the government.
Thus, deficiencies in the SAITM medical degree program should be addressed and remedial measures taken immediately by the SAITM administration in consultation with the SLMC, UGC and the Health Ministry.
The most important point that was hoisted adjacent to SAITM medical registration is the inadequacy of their clinical teaching component, perhaps, due to the shortage of adequate qualified staff mandatory for miscellaneous disciplines. These deficiencies can be addressed in the short term in respect of those who graduated recently, while a long term permanent solution may also be worked out as suggested by some parties. It should be considered that the passed out students be registered by the SLMC , appointed subject to meticulous training in clinical work in various government hospitals for a period of about one year to gain clinical skill before the stipulated internship period is offered. In the above perspective drawbacks in the SAITM medical degree program should be addressed and counteractive procedures taken immediately by the SAITM administration in consultation with the SLMC, UGC and the Health Ministry. An urgent compromise answer has to be arrived at in registering the first batch of students who have passed out.
Sunil Thenabadu via e mail [email protected]
in Brisbane
Should we condone murderers?
We use Buddhism as an excuse to condone and forgive murderers and other culprits. I am sure, pardoning them will never help to achieve Nibbana. In doing so, they are blind to the fact that they invariably encourage more murders and crimes, as is seen in the increasing number of murders and crimes. By pardoning them, we concurrently punish the law abiding public, funding their existence through higher taxes and other means. If the cost of maintaining criminals are borne by those who advocate to condone them, it would be somewhat fair, but, they conveniently leave it to the general public to bear the brunt of all expenses.
As for road rules, they should be explained properly in a manner that everyone can understand, indicating the punishment involved if these rules are disregarded. Some rules have been introduced or updated in recent times, which the drivers are not aware of . That should not be an excuse for them to be pardoned.
Murder is not limited to revenge and anger, but predominantly showcased on the roads due to misbehaviour during driving. I am a firm believer that road behaviour is a clear indicator of the character of a nation. In Sri Lanka, selfishness appears to be the leading cause that promotes many accidents. This is accelerated by not following road rules due to not understanding them, while others simply ignore them. The Police have much to do in this regard, where there appears to be lethargy to punish offenders, especially, those involving parliamentarians. I have also noticed that they are not sufficiently conversant with road rules to insist better behaviour from drivers. The rules must be the same for everyone, whether parliamentarians or the general public, in whatever capacity.
Buses and three wheelers have their own rules and no positive action has been taken so far to control their behaviour on the roads. We should be ashamed of accepting this kind of behaviour that threatens the lives of people. When will these anomalies be corrected to have a peaceful life in Sri Lanka?
Kithsiri De Silva