Coconut circumference

In response to the Gazette notification issued by the Government with regard to the pricing of coconuts based on the circumference, the Leader of the Opposition has said the customer has to take a measuring tape when purchasing coconuts. This need not be so, as the trader will have his own tape. But the issue is that the traders can flout this regulation by selling scraped coconuts – the trend now is for customers to go for it in order to save time.

I am also reminded of the classic baila song by M S Fernando “Pol Pol….Pita Rata Patawana Pol” where he makes mention of exporting it, but now the situation is not so. We don’t have enough even to cater to the local market!

The issue with the coconuts also reminds me of another golden oldie in English – I’ve got a lovely bunch of coconuts – by Merv Griffin – one of my favourite songs.

MOHAMED ZAHRAN

Colombo 12