Closing stable door after horses have bolted

I wonder what the feelings of the average readers are when they see in regular news telecasts the vehicle processions that accompany our ‘big shots’ to important meetings

Recently news channels gave prominence to the news that issuing of duty free vehicle permits to MP’S has been suspended for one year and to state sector employees has been suspended for six months. vehicle imports for ministries, state departments and state owned enterprises have also been suspended. Sunday newspapers give much prominence to this news.

How many MP’S have turned their permits into millions of rupees by selling them?

Why does the government treat the people of this country like gullible fools.yes we will all have to pay a high price with our limited incomes for the devaluation of the rupee. Is the government trying to tell us that MP’S will also be paying a price like the common man, and therefore we should bear it up.

When this government assumed office with the promise of good governance, surely they must have been aware of the financial ills that confronted this nation.the huge debt trap by the previous government living beyond its means.

When they find themselves in such situations, even mothers and housewives (without any financial qualifications) know what to do. Families learn to live within their means. Cut down costs.teach children these fundamental principles.

What did our good governance government do?

I wonder what the feelings of the average readers are when they see in regular news telecasts the vehicle processions that accompany our ‘big shots’ to important meetings.

Surely it was mandatory for the President and Prime Minister to set the example and ask all these newly elected political leaders to adopt simple lifestyles. But they merely helped themselves.they nearly paid themselves higher salaries. What earthly use is there in closing the stable door now?

It was also important that those stateowned businesses such as the Ports, Petroleum Corporation, CEB, Sri Lanka Telecom. Sri Lankan Airlines etc., (there are many more), increased revenue, made more profits, reduced losses, cut down costs. etc., and to do so experienced, competent and qualified business leaders should have been appointed. But what did this government do? They appointed brothers, sisters and friends. It is absolutely disgusting and we are saddled with having to pay the price?

EKSITH FERNANDO

DEHIWELA