Who are the real JOKERS ?

What is wrong with calling joker a joker?

The Sri Lankan Army chief’s recent remarks about some of the south Indian politicians have not gone down well in some segments.

One becomes a real joker only when he or she fails to perform his/her entrusted duties.

The Sri Lankan Army chief is a decorated soldier and not a politician and his entrusted duty is to defend the country.

He has achieved great success, so far as a soldier.

The catcalls hear from across the strait is an affirmation of his success.

Can the same be told about those politicians that he branded as JOKERS?

No, I do not think so.

 My supplication is to those who are unduly perturbed by his remarks is to get on with your own works.

Feed, cloth, educate and take care of your own people FIRST.

In that respect, they still have a lot to achieve, when compared to Sarath Fonseka’s achievements’ as a decorated soldier defending his beloved Motherland.

Who are the real JOKERS ?

What is wrong with calling joker a joker?

The Sri Lankan Army chief’s recent remarks about some of the south Indian politicians have not gone down well in some segments.

One becomes a real joker only when he or she fails to perform his/her entrusted duties.

The Sri Lankan Army chief is a decorated soldier and not a politician and his entrusted duty is to defend the country.

He has achieved great success, so far as a soldier.

The catcalls hear from across the strait is an affirmation of his success.

Can the same be told about those politicians that he branded as JOKERS?

No, I do not think so.

 My supplication is to those who are unduly perturbed by his remarks is to get on with your own works.

Feed, cloth, educate and take care of your own people FIRST.

In that respect, they still have a lot to achieve, when compared to Sarath Fonseka’s achievements’ as a decorated soldier defending his beloved Motherland.

Update of previous Blog (Mobile Phone Service provider)

I ought to update my previous blog.

Now the service provider has listen to my wife’s complaint and agreed to investigate thoroughly.

If investigated as promised, unlike like the Commissions & Omissions, we Sri Lankans are so notorious for, would bring positive findings, beneficial to both parties

Further, we will get a refund and an apology from them.

I hope it would also be as easy as dialing 123.

Update of previous Blog (Mobile Phone Service provider)

I ought to update my previous blog.

Now the service provider has listen to my wife’s complaint and agreed to investigate thoroughly.

If investigated as promised, unlike like the Commissions & Omissions, we Sri Lankans are so notorious for, would bring positive findings, beneficial to both parties

Further, we will get a refund and an apology from them.

I hope it would also be as easy as dialing 123.

Is the island’s one of the leading mobile phone service provider, surreptitiously fleecing it's customers?

Is the island’s one of the leading mobile phone service provider, surreptitiously fleecing it's customers?

Yes, they are and here is my story.

First, read it carefully, and then keep your ears and eyes opened.

Guaranteed, sooner than later that you too would have your own “Ah Ha” moment.

I have a prepaid connection with them but use it only when I returned to the island for a vacation every six month or so. But keep the registration valid by regularly topping it up.

Recently, after a sports accident and a corrective operation, I was asked to rest for 3 months and completely assigned to the bed.

Few days in to my forced holiday, I got bored watching whatever the television channels available on our television.

Thank God, I did not go for the much hyped satellite channels.

Then I am sure I would have had a much ruder shock!

My phone was constantly ON and beside me because that was my contact line with friends and colleagues, local and overseas.

One day, I saw one of the topping up cards saying, now checking your balance credit is as easy as dialing 123.

So whenever, I was bored watching television or reading, I used to call that number up and my current balance would appear on the screen in no time.

But one day, I realized that I have lost a quite big amount in my balance credit, even without using the phone.

I mentioned this to my wife and daughter, as they too have subscribed to the same service provider, but none was ready to accept my story.

This led me to keep a regular check on my balance and I have realized that on more than one occasion, they have deducted hefty sums, even when the services have not been availed.

Now one may wonder as to why I did not go to them to lodge a formal complaint?

Because of my medical condition, I had a very limited mobility and then I ran out of my prescribed leave and had to returned back to resume my duties.

For the last three decades, I have been in the Customer Services and thus I know a personal  visit would yield more and quick results than a phoned-in complaint.

Now my wife says (after closely monitoring credit balance), that she too experiences the same sort of draining her balance credit off.

Her efforts to contact the Customer Services was met by a blunt reply that only Post-paid Customers are entitle to get a detailed bill and not the prepaid ones.

Imaging, we pay even before we use any services, yet we are treated like dirt when comes to Customer Services and care.

Their advertising is very attractive with prominent sportsmen enticing you to join them.

But please be aware, that they surreptitiously fleece you, while promising many but not delivering any.

As they say, now checking your credit balance is as easy as calling 123, so keep a constant monitoring of your credit balance and then you would realize how they fleece their pre-paid customers surreptitiously.

Is the island’s one of the leading mobile phone service provider, surreptitiously fleecing it's customers?

Is the island’s one of the leading mobile phone service provider, surreptitiously fleecing it's customers?

Yes, they are and here is my story.

First, read it carefully, and then keep your ears and eyes opened.

Guaranteed, sooner than later that you too would have your own “Ah Ha” moment.

I have a prepaid connection with them but use it only when I returned to the island for a vacation every six month or so. But keep the registration valid by regularly topping it up.

Recently, after a sports accident and a corrective operation, I was asked to rest for 3 months and completely assigned to the bed.

Few days in to my forced holiday, I got bored watching whatever the television channels available on our television.

Thank God, I did not go for the much hyped satellite channels.

Then I am sure I would have had a much ruder shock!

My phone was constantly ON and beside me because that was my contact line with friends and colleagues, local and overseas.

One day, I saw one of the topping up cards saying, now checking your balance credit is as easy as dialing 123.

So whenever, I was bored watching television or reading, I used to call that number up and my current balance would appear on the screen in no time.

But one day, I realized that I have lost a quite big amount in my balance credit, even without using the phone.

I mentioned this to my wife and daughter, as they too have subscribed to the same service provider, but none was ready to accept my story.

This led me to keep a regular check on my balance and I have realized that on more than one occasion, they have deducted hefty sums, even when the services have not been availed.

Now one may wonder as to why I did not go to them to lodge a formal complaint?

Because of my medical condition, I had a very limited mobility and then I ran out of my prescribed leave and had to returned back to resume my duties.

For the last three decades, I have been in the Customer Services and thus I know a personal  visit would yield more and quick results than a phoned-in complaint.

Now my wife says (after closely monitoring credit balance), that she too experiences the same sort of draining her balance credit off.

Her efforts to contact the Customer Services was met by a blunt reply that only Post-paid Customers are entitle to get a detailed bill and not the prepaid ones.

Imaging, we pay even before we use any services, yet we are treated like dirt when comes to Customer Services and care.

Their advertising is very attractive with prominent sportsmen enticing you to join them.

But please be aware, that they surreptitiously fleece you, while promising many but not delivering any.

As they say, now checking your credit balance is as easy as calling 123, so keep a constant monitoring of your credit balance and then you would realize how they fleece their pre-paid customers surreptitiously.

Lessons We ( Sri Lankans ) can learn from Obama's Victory.

Indeed, it was a stunning victory for Lightning (Barak) Obama.

As most of the people in the rest of the World dreamt and expected, this will be a new beginning for everybody.

Congratulations and may God give you time, courage and strength to deliver things that you have promised during your campaign.

What we as Sri Lankans can learn from this victory?

Though people despise and hate Americans for their domineering policies, they as a nation should be admired for their commitment and determination to put their pressing national issues first in this election than petty other issues.

I think, this is what as Sri Lankans, we can learn from this American Presidential Elections 2008.

“ Master Sir, Api Mithuran Way Do ? Eda Dawasa Udawevudo ? ”.

 

Lessons We ( Sri Lankans ) can learn from Obama's Victory.

Indeed, it was a stunning victory for Lightning (Barak) Obama.

As most of the people in the rest of the World dreamt and expected, this will be a new beginning for everybody.

Congratulations and may God give you time, courage and strength to deliver things that you have promised during your campaign.

What we as Sri Lankans can learn from this victory?

Though people despise and hate Americans for their domineering policies, they as a nation should be admired for their commitment and determination to put their pressing national issues first in this election than petty other issues.

I think, this is what as Sri Lankans, we can learn from this American Presidential Elections 2008.

“ Master Sir, Api Mithuran Way Do ? Eda Dawasa Udawevudo ? ”.

 

The Blue-eyed Boy has to go now !

The recent aerial attack by LTTE is a very worrying concern.

It is rumoured that they even tried another sortie yesterday night but the authorities managed to fend off it by switching off the power in certain areas.

Despite the assurance that the LTTE’s air-power will not be allowed to destabilize the south, the latest attacks amply demonstrate that the Sri Lankan Air chief’s failure to live up to his words.

The opposition, like a cry-baby wants to blame everything on the government and gain political mileage on these issues, during our difficult times but simply forgetting that they are the ones who are responsible for grooming and installing such incompetence official to such high position.

It is reported that the last attack was the 9^th attempt by the LTTE’s air wing and the Sri Lankan air force with its superior airpower, did once only manage to inflict damage to LTTE aircraft.

I think, now it is the time that the President to take a very serious look at the performance of the Air force chief.

He should be sent packing (with a dishonourable discharge), for failing to defend the motherland.

Appoint someone more patriotic, honourable and capable, who has risen through the ranks only because of his capability and integrity and not because of his family connection.    

The Blue-eyed Boy has to go now !

The recent aerial attack by LTTE is a very worrying concern.

It is rumoured that they even tried another sortie yesterday night but the authorities managed to fend off it by switching off the power in certain areas.

Despite the assurance that the LTTE’s air-power will not be allowed to destabilize the south, the latest attacks amply demonstrate that the Sri Lankan Air chief’s failure to live up to his words.

The opposition, like a cry-baby wants to blame everything on the government and gain political mileage on these issues, during our difficult times but simply forgetting that they are the ones who are responsible for grooming and installing such incompetence official to such high position.

It is reported that the last attack was the 9^th attempt by the LTTE’s air wing and the Sri Lankan air force with its superior airpower, did once only manage to inflict damage to LTTE aircraft.

I think, now it is the time that the President to take a very serious look at the performance of the Air force chief.

He should be sent packing (with a dishonourable discharge), for failing to defend the motherland.

Appoint someone more patriotic, honourable and capable, who has risen through the ranks only because of his capability and integrity and not because of his family connection.    

" Kabalen Lippata "

Consumers were elated when the court intervened in the preparation of latest price slabs of the Electricity Board.

Many annalists expect the bills to come down by 15 % to 20 %.

However, browsing at the new structure, I think the Electricity Board has managed to out smart the court again.

Instead of coming down, the average consumers’ bill would go up by 20% to 25 % due to these new structures.

If you are a single person living in a single room, then such people would benefit but not an average family.

An average Lankan family (two adults and two children), with their bare essential electrical appliances uses about 150 to 200 units a month.

Instead of paying Rs. 15/= per unit, now they would be forced to pay Rs. 25/= per unit.

Hope this will not be another “ Kabalen Lippata Vettimak ”.

 

" Kabalen Lippata "

Consumers were elated when the court intervened in the preparation of latest price slabs of the Electricity Board.

Many annalists expect the bills to come down by 15 % to 20 %.

However, browsing at the new structure, I think the Electricity Board has managed to out smart the court again.

Instead of coming down, the average consumers’ bill would go up by 20% to 25 % due to these new structures.

If you are a single person living in a single room, then such people would benefit but not an average family.

An average Lankan family (two adults and two children), with their bare essential electrical appliances uses about 150 to 200 units a month.

Instead of paying Rs. 15/= per unit, now they would be forced to pay Rs. 25/= per unit.

Hope this will not be another “ Kabalen Lippata Vettimak ”.

 

Are We Ready ?

Everyone is eager to jump on the “Praise the War Heroes” bandwagon.

This is the latest trend in the country.

The politicians, Medias, clergy and you name it and they all do it.

Some want to score points, others to take their ratings high and many want only to enjoy the 15 second fame, just to be in the limelight.

I am not a War hero.

Recently, my leg was broken in a sports accident and had to under go correctional operation. Then my leg was put in cast.

Instantly, I was transformed into a “War Heroes’ status.

For quite some time, I had the first hand experiences of someone who had to sacrifice one of his limbs in the name of defending his motherland.

Most of the people pity on you, when they see you in that condition, not known exactly what happened.

But our War heroes do not need that. They only have some special needs and they need them to be identified and address them immediately.

Our pity looks have no bearings on their lives.

Luckily, mine was a temporary impediment but theirs’ is a life long one.

I was privileged enough to be driven around in an air-conditioned car by my wife but sadly, most of our heroes are not so lucky. They, whether like it or not, have to be satisfied with the public transports system for their conveyances.

Here is the interesting question now?

Are we capable of facilitating our much praised heroes’ special needs?

We have been waging a war for the last three decades but look at our facilities.

None is capable of facilitating our heroes’ special needs.

Look at our public transport, walkways, entry points to government and other institutes, markets, banks etc.

How about public toilets?

I have seen only in one place, where a modified toilet is fitted for the people with special needs. That too, in a Super-market, in the heart of the city. 

But how many of our heroes are from the city areas and how many of them do patronize such facilities for their daily needs.

I do not want them to be institutionalized forever so that their inconveniences would be minimized to a certain extend.

I would like to see them reenter the society again, mingle with it and be positively contributing partners again and enjoy the life to the fullest with their families and friends.

But to see that happened in the future, this mere singing of Praise Our war Heroes is barely inadequate.

They need and expect more than our praises and pity looks.

I would like to end this with a fact to ponder.

We all remember the exposure and the prominence given in all Medias (especially the Television) during the recent Beijing Olympics.

But, why the step motherly treatments were given during the Beijing Para-Olympics?

Who have represented Sri Lanka in the Para-Olympics?

Our War Heroes are not “අවලංගු කාසි ” (defaced coins) and they deserve more than what they receive today.

Not only pity looks and praises! 

Are We Ready ?

Everyone is eager to jump on the “Praise the War Heroes” bandwagon.

This is the latest trend in the country.

The politicians, Medias, clergy and you name it and they all do it.

Some want to score points, others to take their ratings high and many want only to enjoy the 15 second fame, just to be in the limelight.

I am not a War hero.

Recently, my leg was broken in a sports accident and had to under go correctional operation. Then my leg was put in cast.

Instantly, I was transformed into a “War Heroes’ status.

For quite some time, I had the first hand experiences of someone who had to sacrifice one of his limbs in the name of defending his motherland.

Most of the people pity on you, when they see you in that condition, not known exactly what happened.

But our War heroes do not need that. They only have some special needs and they need them to be identified and address them immediately.

Our pity looks have no bearings on their lives.

Luckily, mine was a temporary impediment but theirs’ is a life long one.

I was privileged enough to be driven around in an air-conditioned car by my wife but sadly, most of our heroes are not so lucky. They, whether like it or not, have to be satisfied with the public transports system for their conveyances.

Here is the interesting question now?

Are we capable of facilitating our much praised heroes’ special needs?

We have been waging a war for the last three decades but look at our facilities.

None is capable of facilitating our heroes’ special needs.

Look at our public transport, walkways, entry points to government and other institutes, markets, banks etc.

How about public toilets?

I have seen only in one place, where a modified toilet is fitted for the people with special needs. That too, in a Super-market, in the heart of the city. 

But how many of our heroes are from the city areas and how many of them do patronize such facilities for their daily needs.

I do not want them to be institutionalized forever so that their inconveniences would be minimized to a certain extend.

I would like to see them reenter the society again, mingle with it and be positively contributing partners again and enjoy the life to the fullest with their families and friends.

But to see that happened in the future, this mere singing of Praise Our war Heroes is barely inadequate.

They need and expect more than our praises and pity looks.

I would like to end this with a fact to ponder.

We all remember the exposure and the prominence given in all Medias (especially the Television) during the recent Beijing Olympics.

But, why the step motherly treatments were given during the Beijing Para-Olympics?

Who have represented Sri Lanka in the Para-Olympics?

Our War Heroes are not “අවලංගු කාසි ” (defaced coins) and they deserve more than what they receive today.

Not only pity looks and praises!