Toilets an obligatory prerequisite needs an upthrust – By Sunil Thenabadu
The previous governments too instead of carrying out activities to resolve the urgent needs of people exhausted billions of rupees on matters which were much less significant and imperative. Some major issues that considered as priorities should be addressed are the need for clean drinking water, threat to farmers by wild elephants,monkeys, marketing harvests, chronic kidney disease, jobs for graduates, lowering cost of living– all of which cause several adverse long-term socio- economic impacts which affect health, education and many other aspects of the rural population and of course, the job market.
One priority however addressed by a former President that has not been able to get off ground is the lack of public toilets. A past Presidents has publicly said that there are many schools without toilets. A National Water Supply and Drainage Board survey revealed a few years ago that about 1,300 primary and secondary schools did not have proper sanitary facilities. This figure would be very much higher now. Two civil society outfits have disclosed that there are schools where students are discouraged from drinking water to avoid use of toilets This practice has given an upsurge to those hapless children to be prone to renal complications.
It is also reported that absenteeism is widespread among girls in certain schools during menstruation periods. This is an accusation on the two main parties which have ruled the country for decades. Functional, hygienic, acceptable toilets have never been in the minds of the politicians because perhaps they perhaps do not believe in a ceremonial opening of toilets. What schoolchildren go through is wretched times while in many village schools.
Although tourism is constantly promoted by all governments, there are no clean toilets, for that matter any toilets along roads and towns, apart from those in wayside small hotels which are not at all hygienic and stinking. Hence one has to hold on for hours to answer a call of nature. This is appalling indeed.
In complete contrast as a Sri Lankan we are so fortunate to live in Australia. I wish to categorically state that there are more than 14,000 public and private hygienic toilet facilities across the country.. This is shown in a national public toilet map prepared by the state. Useful information is provided about each toilet, location, opening hours, availability of baby change rooms, accessibility for disabled persons and also about parking facilities.
On the contrary let alone the tourists, Sri Lankans who travel long distances by bus are subjected to stress and anxiety when they require answering to a call of nature.The bus crew select small hotels of their choice sans any toilet facilities as the crew is well looked after by such hotel management with free meals. It is time our politicians realise that public toilets are more significant than building international playgrounds, high rise buildings or even airports, where the cost of which is relatively meagre The Present President during his election campaigns did mention on this dire need, hope under his guidance this priority issue will be addressed soon.
Sunil Thenabadu via email
Brisbane
