Sri Lanka It's Happening

January 26, 2007

I have started off on that long and dangerous journey of putting up a new house. I started packing the bags nearly six months ago when I contracted an architect for the design. He laboured for many months over it but the design was finalized at last in early december. Now it was the turn of the Kaduwela Pradeshiya Sabha (better known as Town Council) to show how inefficient they are.

The blueprint was fully compliant with the rules and regulations laid out by the council, there was nothing for them to complain about but the lazy and inefficient clarkes kept delaying on various pretenses. They wanted an assurance from the architect that neighbouring houses will not be effected by the construction. He wrote back with a gem.

"This is to certifiy that the neighbouring houses will not be effected by the construction work because there are no houses on either side."

Then the clerks wanted a similar letter from the contractors. It was then that my mother in law intervened and cut through the red tape. Being a celebrity helps.

With the plan approved it was time to start work and the foundation stone was laid yesterday. I don't believe in auspicous times but after numerous arguments I gave in and agreed to have the stone laid at a time that some moronic soothsayer thought was auspicious. Haven't anyone heard of Abraham Kovoor?

Posted by raditha at January 26, 2007 3:37 AM