New dawn for Lanka

Refer to ‘Chaos in Colombo’, an all-party government is set to be formed in Sri Lanka. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s impending resignation could cool frayed tempers and help the authorities persuade the protesters to return home. It is obvious that the people, battling an acute shortage of essentials such as milk and fuel, are on the edge. Only a new leadership can restore public trust in the government and steer the island nation’s economy out of choppy waters.

SS Paul, Nadia

Misuse of power

Apropos of the editorial, ‘Chaos in Colombo’, populism, majoritarianism and financial mismanagement have plunged Sri Lanka into a politico-economic crisis of unprecedented magnitude. This is an eye-opener for other developing countries. Democracy, once defined as ‘government of the people, for the people and by the people’ has metamorphosed into ‘government of the politicians, for the politicians and by the politicians’. Democracy can survive and thrive only when the interests of the masses are duly taken care of. Other democracies in proximity should learn the lesson that the protesting voices of the masses cannot be stifled by unleashing military or police force against them. The misuse of power does boomerang sooner or later.

Roshan Lal Goel, Ladwa

One-family rule

The situation in Sri Lanka shows how one family’s rule can adversely impact a country. Several subsidises were announced without making arrangements for additional income generation. This ultimately precipitated the economic crisis. Due to a crunch of foreign reserves, imports were banned. It will take Sri Lanka a long time to recover financially. In this time of need, China is not doing enough to help the country. India is closely watching the developments as an exodus from that country will have economic and geopolitical ramifications.

Yash Pal Ralhan, Jalandhar

Schoolgirl’s death

The death of a schoolgirl after a heritage tree fell on her and other students in a prestigious school of Chandigarh is very painful and shocking (‘The tragic tree crash’). Merely putting up a board at the site does not absolve the authorities of the responsibility of regular inspection by experts to assess the health and vulnerability of the tree. In this case, the authorities miserably failed to take timely corrective measures. As envisaged in the law, a tree conservation committee can be established in every district. It states that apart from meeting periodically and inspecting heritage trees, the committee can prescribe health cards for identified trees and take action to remove the dangerous ones. It should be ensured that such committees are established in every district for the safety of the trees as well as the public. The Punjab Government has already issued instructions to remove moth-eaten trees from the premises of educational institutions.

GS MANN, NAYA NANGAL

Handling China

Apropos of “From BRICS to G-20, clear China policy needed’, India needs diplomacy of the highest order as China is unpredictable and a tricky nation to deal with. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has rightly said, ‘We have more common interests than differences.’ Unfortunately, China does not follow such statements with confidence-building measures. Our politicians and diplomats must continue to strive for good relations with neighbours Pakistan and China. Once this happens, we shall reach the summit of progress and development, like any developed nation.

BM SINGH, AMRITSAR

Hate speeches

Communal unrest led to gruesome murders in Amravati and Udaipur. Such incidents are irreparably damaging the fabric of our secular state, which is the basic feature of our Constitution. Hate speeches by political and religious leaders are triggering unpleasant goings-on in our country. It is good that the government is mulling to bring a law against hate speeches. It is necessary to put the brakes on unlawful activities fuelled by communal hatred. The sooner it is done the better, lest beheadings become the order of the day.

Maheshwer Sharma, by mail

What religion means

The word ‘religion’ is apparently derived from the Latin ‘religare’, which means ‘to bind’. But is the word currently true to its original meaning? Religion should create a sense of brotherhood among various sects. God is one, then why can’t his children be treated as one? Preachers and saints have taught us what reforms should be carried out to unite all under one roof. Have we forgotten such teachings?

Konica Deveser, by mail

Letters to the Editor, typed in double space, should not exceed the 200-word limit. These should be cogently written and can be sent by e-mail to: Letters@tribunemail.com