The reaction to Minister Moragoda’s suggestion that legislation be introduced making it compulsory for all males and females above the age of 18 to 'national service” for a period of 2 years has drawn a most interesting reaction. The chattering classes of Colombo and a well-heeled gentleman of commerce seem to have reacted angrily. They do not want their sons and daughters who have invariably obtained a free education and other benefits from our society to give back anything to the society. Most of them want the war to continue as long as their children are not conscripted to serve the country. They do not mind the children of the poor from our villages sacrificing their lives for the country to enable them to enjoy the good life. Colombo’s chattering classes are perhaps the only such despicable group anywhere in the world which does not wish to make any sacrifice for they feel not for the country. One such type has even referred to the rights of children and of parents; what these ungrateful types do not understand is that national service is compulsory in many parts of the world. They seek to perpetrate and wallow in double standards; one for the elite and one for the poor. They must be exposed. We do sincerely hope that Mr. Moragoda will not be discouraged by the pious concern of the elites and the rich for their children but would introduce legislation requiring all those above 18 years of age to do national service; to give back something to the country and thereafter to become stakeholders instead of being parasites only living off the country.

Mr. Moragoda has also suggested the reintroduction of the cadet corps in schools. It was a shocking revelation to some of us that the cadet corps had been disbanded. This is stupid lunacy as was the action to declare all phases of the moon in the month as holidays as was done in the 1965-70 period at the instance of some idiotic persons. The cadet corps must be established in all schools. Those of us who have had this privilege in years gone by have benefited from the experience (and the memory) tremendously in our lives.

Mr. Moragoda has also suggested that the death penalty, which has been introduced but not enforced, be carried out as a deterrent. The level of pre-meditated heinous crime is on the rise in this country. There is no question that this has assumed such serious proportions that it should be addressed without further delay. Not only should murderers and even rapists of children be executed; they should also be whipped in public before they are executed to safeguard the human rights of us all.

Last but not least, Mr. Moragoda has suggested the establishment of police units within our campuses. The system of campus marshals has failed. Samantha was just one example. The level of violence that passes off for ragging has to be eliminated and it can be done only through the use of counter-force, for it appears that these young thugs do not understand any other language. Today the JVP has infiltrated not only the universities but also trade unions in the manufacturing and service sectors, and schools. They preach the message of hate. The government needs to counter this huge problem using every possible approach, including the use of force. The govt. should also consider establishing police posts within a mile of each other in the urban areas and within an accepted distance in the rural areas. This system is followed in Japan with great effect. The Campus police is also therefore an absolute must.