Poor Sri Lanka that relies on foreign donations and long term low interest loans to build institutions, and finance many public works..!!!

Can Sri Lanka ever be a Singapore?

Recently I was reprimanded for comparing Sri Lanka to Singapore. Poor Sri Lanka that relies on foreign donations and long term low interest loans to build institutions, and finance many public works. It also accepts help from neighbouring India, despite India being a country with the largest number of people living in dire poverty. If more people and especially government ministers took an in depth look at Singapore they would find that;

a) There is almost an absence of rubbish, not because of the watchful eyes of policemen, but because it has now become part of the culture to maintain a clean environment.

b) No one eats or drinks on public transport, though there are no patrols to enforce it.

c) There are no giant loudspeakers blaring distorted music, religious chanting, speeches of frenetic politicians, or non-stop commentaries for sports meets and so on.

d) There are no posters stuck on every available surface, advertising politicians and tuition centres, but neat information displays outside housing blocks.

e) Most schools have modern facilities with separate classrooms and high standard sports facilities.

f) The majority of students go to local schools and do not need to carry heavy bags since books and sports clothing can be left at school.

g) The standard of cleanliness and hygiene in the numerous food courts is regulated and very high.

h) All motorists, including buses, stop in good time to allow anyone to cross on a pedestrian crossing.

i) Most public transport is air-conditioned and people use a pre-paid transport swipe card for their fares.

j) Public transport is very efficient and most students do not rely on private vans and three wheelers to get them to school. Outside of the centre, bicycles are widely used by people of all ages.

k) There are numerous art galleries, museums, concert halls, theatres, nature reservations, parks – all well cared for and well up to first world standard.

l) Drivers are courteous and all wear seat belts, and obey traffic regulations as far as speed, parking and maintenance of vehicles.

m) No vehicle can be seen at night without proper lighting.

n) English is widely spoken and understood as a second language and language of administration.

o) The National University of Singapore is a first – world academic institution. It boasts superb museums, art galleries and theatre and concert venues, as well as excellent sport facilities. Peradeniya University cannot begin to compare.

p) No giant advertising hoardings on the side of roads or plastic decorations hanging from trees and lamp posts.

q) Corruption exists only at a very low level.

r) Singapore welcomes 15 million visitors each year.

s) A network of cycling tracks enables safe cycling in many areas.

t) No bigwigs in luxury cars speed on roads pushing others out of the way and risking accidents.

u) There is a vast range of free information booklets, maps, guides available at the airport and other places.

v) The cultural traditions of the various communities are celebrated but without excessive numbers of public holidays.

No doubt there are many other positive things to say about Singapore. There may be justified criticism of its style of democracy, but it is not a police state and armed soldiers and road blocks are not to be seen anywhere.

50 years ago Singapore looked in envy at the progress of Sri Lanka and vowed to emulate it. The President recently may have promised that Sri Lanka will be a leading first world Asian nation within five years, but if it can get its garbage problem sorted out and the eyesores of posters, signs and hoarding, within five years, that will be an achievement. Every minister should put on simple western clothing and spend a week incognito in Singapore without special privileges. When they return they will know what they must aim for in Sri Lanka. The previous tourist slogan was "a country like no other" certainly held true, and the present slogan "small miracle" will not help. A huge miracle might be a lot better.

Do compare Sri Lanka with Singapore and realise what must be done.


David Bandara



www island.lk