Why Srilankan Paying So Much Money On Cars?

[Parak]

Hi all

Albeit the prices of vehicles in Sri Lanka is high compare to the income of a avarage person, why people willing to spend so much money on automobiles. As I realised public transport in SriLanka is so effective as such any body can travel to most of the destinations so cheap even though it is slow and little uncomfortable.

Average person in other countries do a analysis before they buying a automobile (no arguments for the behaviour of Petrol heads, Automoblie enthusiasts). Keeping cost of a vehicle vs using a alternative transport such as Taxi and public transport. It is good to see that sort of trend developing in Sri Lanka as an example some people use dedicated three wheelers for some of their un routine trips.

I have seen professionals working in develolped countries who earning above avarage tend to use small fuel efficient vehicals for day to day traveling. Some people travel to the nearest railway or bus station on a bike or a car and rest of the traveling is done through the public transport.

In other countries use of a vehicle is highly diverse and choose the vehicle according to the requirement. Such as for farms, traveling in remote rough tracks, receational use, trade vehicles, requirement of pulling trailers etc.

Like I saw recently 2005 Land Curiser turbo diesel for 300000(in Rs) for sale in Australia. If it is in Sri Lanka people would jump to buy it rather than thinking of its intending use. I have seen in this forum that people talking about some vehicles those are expensive and very hard to maintain in Sri Lanka

I think it is better to develop the public transport and related facilities while developing policies to hinder the use of private automobiles in rush hours, in main cities etc.

Dedicated bus lanes, buses only roads would be things to go

[Pericles]

It is strange that some people very comfortable with english rather than other main spoken languges in SL.

It is stranger that some people who have chosen to not stay in the country feel compelled to tell those that do what to do.

And don't be a racist sod. If some burgher person feels more comfortable with English, would you tell him that he is wrong for not speaking in the "main spoken" languages? Or are those people not "Sri Lankan?". Sri Lankan mentality? Its coz of people like you that we have racial tensions in this country.

Any way there is a news that train services going to give the internet facilities in the trains to promote more passengers in the trains(I think trains are chocablock full now). Limiting private vehcle entering to the city going to be substituded by special bus services. With the econmic down turn, there want me much money circulating would lead to drop of vehicle prices( it was mentioned some where in this forum). People would think twicel where to spend their money.

Sooner or later most of U guys going to catch the public transport.

Good luck

When there is acceptable public transport, we will use it. Trains have people riding the foot boards too. There isn't even space to carry a laptop, much less open it and connect onto the internet. There are things this country needs more urgently than the ability to view porn on trains anyway! The so called "special bus services" won't operate due to lack of funds.

And your parting shot will be due to lack of choice, not due to choice. Which is the reason people use public transport even now. I am glad you choose to celebrate the downfall of the economy and the hardships the citizens of this country have to face while smugly living off foreigners. Shows you for what you are. You are beyond contempt.

Edited March 15, 2009 by Pericles

[milindu]

Hi all

Albeit the prices of vehicles in Sri Lanka is high compare to the income of a avarage person, why people willing to spend so much money on automobiles. As I realised public transport in SriLanka is so effective as such any body can travel to most of the destinations so cheap even though it is slow and little uncomfortable.

Average person in other countries do a analysis before they buying a automobile (no arguments for the behaviour of Petrol heads, Automoblie enthusiasts). Keeping cost of a vehicle vs using a alternative transport such as Taxi and public transport. It is good to see that sort of trend developing in Sri Lanka as an example some people use dedicated three wheelers for some of their un routine trips.

I have seen professionals working in develolped countries who earning above avarage tend to use small fuel efficient vehicals for day to day traveling. Some people travel to the nearest railway or bus station on a bike or a car and rest of the traveling is done through the public transport.

In other countries use of a vehicle is highly diverse and choose the vehicle according to the requirement. Such as for farms, traveling in remote rough tracks, receational use, trade vehicles, requirement of pulling trailers etc.

Like I saw recently 2005 Land Curiser turbo diesel for 300000(in Rs) for sale in Australia. If it is in Sri Lanka people would jump to buy it rather than thinking of its intending use. I have seen in this forum that people talking about some vehicles those are expensive and very hard to maintain in Sri Lanka

I think it is better to develop the public transport and related facilities while developing policies to hinder the use of private automobiles in rush hours, in main cities etc.

Dedicated bus lanes, buses only roads would be things to go

Dear Parak,

A car in Sri Lanka is a status symbol which holds relative investment value, means of comfortable transport and an aspect people aspire to (like hopes and dreams of owning a house etc.). So those who can (and some who cannot) affoard to run a car in general will always look towards that direction.

There has been many initiatives by the government to improve public transport. But due to limited investment and lack of demand, they have died natural deaths i.e. Luxury and Semi Luxury Bus schemes, BOI City Taxi Scheme. They have recently launched a park and ride facility which is yet to prove itself.

There are also so many factors that make a private vehicle more desirable. In contrast to large and congested cities of the world, even with the current security, its still relatively easy and cheap to park a car in Colombo. Travel time by private vehicle is also relatively short even in peak traffic.

Personally I'd love a 4.2TD LC100 (2005) as a daily drive.

[MasterDon]

Parak you just sound like one of those plucky foreigners/expats we meet everyday. they want villagers to do paddy cultivation the coastal population to fish and kandians to rule the country. the kind of people who expect parents to drop their sarong clad children off to school in a buggy cart.

exactly!...it' about time that some expats/diaspora realised that this aint no bloody themepark.....

and those calling themselves "true sri lankans" turn kalu sudda the moment they land here,it's pathetic....a memorable line by russell peters comes to mind

"We are flying over to India and I had this overwhelming Indian feeling inside of me - "Im the most Indian man, ever". I just thought I was so Indian you know. We arrived at Bombay I was yelling at the flight attendant "OPEN THE DOORS TO THIS PLANE. Let me out to my Indian people. LET ME SHOW THOSE INDIANS, WHAT IT IS TO BE INDIAN."But when She opened the doors to that plane I turned Canadian SO FAST." ---- Russell Peters(canadian comedian of indian origin)

[JadeyBlitzen]

Some people working for companies that still think they are controlled by British empire.

i refuse to agree with you on that accusation. not when it comes from a man who lives among the decendants of british convicts and exciles

anyways would you care to explain why you left sri lanka in the first place?

[jehan80]

It is strange that some people very comfortable with english rather than other main spoken languges in SL. That s Ok. Some people working for companies that still think they are controlled by British empire.

Good luck

How is that strange? You talk in whatever language your comfortable in. Doh

LMAO...The fool is supposedly in australia, and is talking abt sl and british empire

Anywaz, thanks for the comic relief 'mate'. G'day

Edited March 15, 2009 by jehan80

[kumudug]

Yes I am a proud SriLankan. I spent nearly six weeks of holiday in Kandy area. I always took the bus to go to the city (where I stayed is rural and nice 16 km to the city). No hassal of finding a parking space. Eventhough bit overloaded it is ok to stand up insice the bus for nearly 45 min to go to city. It took nearly 35 min on the car to go to the city manuvouring around the pot holes(no complains about that). It is very very cheap to use the bus 10 Rs return. For a diesel car cost all up would be around 100Rs(including wear and tear).

Try doing this twise a day. This all depends on the place you live. When I used to take the bus to work I had to spend 1 hour each way. Thats 2 house for transportation daily. More than 10% of your daily time wasted on public transport. Acceptable to you?

Well I do agree that we do pay a lot of money for cars in sl. Thats just how it is.

For me I ride a bike. But there is a huge risk factor. For most people this is not acceptable.

[isam]

Hi all

Thanks for the important contribution to this topic. Some people were so angry and start calling me names and challanging me to come back to SL and use public transport to work. Some guys can not give up the tie even it is around 36 Celcius (have a look at the world leaders giving media interviews in a casual) . It is strange that some people very comfortable with english rather than other main spoken languges in SL. That s Ok. Some people working for companies that still think they are controlled by British empire.

Any way there is a news that train services going to give the internet facilities in the trains to promote more passengers in the trains(I think trains are chocablock full now). Limiting private vehcle entering to the city going to be substituded by special bus services. With the econmic down turn, there want me much money circulating would lead to drop of vehicle prices( it was mentioned some where in this forum). People would think twicel where to spend their money.

Sooner or later most of U guys going to catch the public transport.

Good luck

Is it me or does he sound as if he is laughing at the misfortune of the country and its people?

Some patriot!

Edited March 15, 2009 by isam

[Pericles]

Now we know where this comes from

http://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/australia.asp

His overlords are dictating terms to him, so he wants to do the same to us. In the words of the legendary General Anthony McAuliffe "Nuts!" to that.

[Ripper]

oh well! like somebody said before...folks living in other countries in relative luxury are the most patriotic these days trying to tell US how to get on with our lives No only how to get only how to get on with life but also how we should be able to do small sacrifices while the likes of him get to talk big

what a looser! morons like this are only good at preaching...mind you that too from another country

why can't you save some money in your own country by letting go of some "luxuries" and send that money to SL eh?

bet ya not prepared to do that...

only good at talking all oh i'm so patriotic bullcrap here...

cant your pea brain decode the simple logic that even the war machinery is funded by OUR taxes...

those soldiers wet clothes are also bought by us and not from the likes of you...

it's us who are facing financial difficulties due to global situ plus the war...

it's us who have to face ltte bombs etc...

who the F are you to preach to us eh?

Come down to SL...take the bus to work for a couple of years and EARN your right to comment...

otherwise you're nothing but a retarded moron who has got his head stuck up his AR**

Mods

Apologies about the use of certain words. I've developed an extreme allergy to big talking retards...

[Ripper]

Try doing this twise a day. This all depends on the place you live. When I used to take the bus to work I had to spend 1 hour each way. Thats 2 house for transportation daily. More than 10% of your daily time wasted on public transport. Acceptable to you?

Well I do agree that we do pay a lot of money for cars in sl. Thats just how it is.

For me I ride a bike. But there is a huge risk factor. For most people this is not acceptable.

even if you let go of the risk factor,,, there are quite a few bad sides on 2 wheels...

I too used to ride to work...carrying a comp, a camera and some basic stuff you need at work at times is a monumental task...

With lifestyle and with ones line of work too...one needs a vehicle...

And all of us have paid a helluva lot of money for our cars that are much hard earned...

Not only the initial investment, but on fuel, parts and services also car owners contribute a lot to the economy... No to mention the government taxes and levies on all those... Of course big headed preachers will not see that

they want us sri lankans to take the bus... and this idiot thinks the bus ride is just a minot "inconvenience"

I don't know whether to be pissed off for his idiocy or to be sorry for this fool!

[Supra_Natural]

even if you let go of the risk factor,,, there are quite a few bad sides on 2 wheels...

I too used to ride to work...carrying a comp, a camera and some basic stuff you need at work at times is a monumental task...

With lifestyle and with ones line of work too...one needs a vehicle...

And all of us have paid a helluva lot of money for our cars that are much hard earned...

Not only the initial investment, but on fuel, parts and services also car owners contribute a lot to the economy... No to mention the government taxes and levies on all those... Of course big headed preachers will not see that

they want us sri lankans to take the bus... and this idiot thinks the bus ride is just a minot "inconvenience"

I don't know whether to be pissed off for his idiocy or to be sorry for this fool!

Modai Kiyala Marannada machan?

best just let it go... I gave up replying when i saw his latest post... he doesnt appear to want to know about any other viewpoints except his own. He'd do well in Sri Lankan politics methinks!

[Ripper]

Modai Kiyala Marannada machan?

best just let it go... I gave up replying when i saw his latest post... he doesnt appear to want to know about any other viewpoints except his own. He'd do well in Sri Lankan politics methinks!

double ditto that... can point out a few parties for him also

btw thanks for the 107 info mate...

[Supra_Natural]

double ditto that... can point out a few parties for him also

btw thanks for the 107 info mate...

haha indeed!

anytime mate lemme know if and when wifey gives the go ahead, can help you hunt for one...

[Supra_Natural]

Repost

Edited March 16, 2009 by Supra_Natural

[Ripper]

http://tinyurl.c0m/csglxv

some nice adverts about public transport

Edited March 17, 2009 by Ripper

[MasterDon]

http://tinyurl.c0m/csglxv

some nice adverts about public transport

really liked the one witt the the penguins

[Saturn]

Now we know where this comes from

His overlords are dictating terms to him, so he wants to do the same to us. In the words of the legendary General Anthony McAuliffe "Nuts!" to that.

You know... I'm beginning to suspect we are being trolled because if this dude is serious in half the stuff he said, God save the poor Aussies.

Personally, I find it a bit strange to see someone in Australia ask people to not wear ties, not speak english, and travel in bus. I guess the irony is lost on him

[xXx]

best just let it go... I gave up replying when i saw his latest post... he doesnt appear to want to know about any other viewpoints except his own. He'd do well in Sri Lankan politics methinks!

spot on mate. it'll be easier to teach a dog to speak english than trying to chance his point of view

[xXx]

Personally I'd love a 4.2TD LC100 (2005) as a daily drive.

you know who got one of them up for grabs ha ha ha.......

plus you got the next best thing mate

[JadeyBlitzen]

Personally I'd love a 4.2TD LC100 (2005) as a daily drive.

i'd go with a defender... i think devinda will agree with me.

so crude it gives you chest hair

[Devinda_Z]

i'd go with a defender... i think devinda will agree with me.

so crude it gives you chest hair

you also have the added bonus of developing a left quadracep that looks (just remotely) like that of those on a good ruggerite if you drive it in traffic often enough

& don't forget Testonterone...

random question , but has anyone ever seen any women in Sri Lanka drive a Defender?

[JadeyBlitzen]

random question , but has anyone ever seen any women in Sri Lanka drive a Defender?

good question... just for fun i'm going to make my mom drive it when i get one

imagine devinda's face if she pulls up alongside him

[Ripper]

good question... just for fun i'm going to make my mom drive it when i get one

imagine devinda's face if she pulls up alongside him

i've seen a few NGO/aid agencies women driving them around...most of em are foreign birds though

[madmax]

i've seen a few NGO/aid agencies women driving them around...most of em are foreign birds though

Saw a Jap/Chinese looking one driving a 110 single cab there other day.

[charitha19]

Hi all

Thanks for the positive and negative comments (in my opinion). In this moment of world economic crisis and the war situation of our motherland every body who loves there country Please Please stop spending forigen exchange on luxuries. Bit roughing out would not kill U. Just think about the our brave forces fighting in wet uniforms crossing knee deep mud pools putting their life and the futrue of their families in risk.

It is so funny that some people complain about sweating when they wear ties in public transport. When U are in SriLanka please try to be a SriLankan. We have to develop everything that suits to SriLankan climate and culture. Please keep Ur tie in the office no need to wear it in the public transport. Anyway it is so funny to see some people(like sales reps etc) wearing ties and walking in middle of the hot sunny humid days. As a Sri Lankan we have to change the attitude of private and government entities towards the work dress. It is so rare to see a guy wearing a full suite in the hot summer in here. They always try to wear something professional instead of tie and the suite.

This is the time for SriLankan to change their mind set about showing off the fellow SriLankans spending unwanted money on blings.

I was talking to a Australian Doctor(pure SriLankan origin) who's family migrated to Australian when she was a infant. Her sinhala comprehension and speaking ability very low but always trying to speak in Sinhala when mingle with the SriLankans. As she was in SriLanka she came accross the SriLankan mentality. She said that she learned english from sinhalalese they always trying to speak in English. Why is this? They want to show that they are a super class not a normal Sihalese.

Oh Yes, Try to drive thursty 4.7 L Jeeeps, LCurisers, Land Rovers at less than 60kmph guzzeling loads of fuel and wear ties and speak in forign language to allianate the common people.

ok all this time i was just reading this hipocracy.. thought i will just bash my 2 cents in this.. PARAK, most of the AL guys either go aborad more than you, or have been aborad, this includes me as well.. i dont know how long u have been aborad but this is the truth... if u think we should all scrap our cars, talk sinhelese and not learn englisgh then god save this country.. most of the guys here have gone to good schools either private or public, and most of us have learent in sinhelese.. and we speak good sinhala, so dont insult people.. its your kind of fake nationalistic bull shit that started this god forsaken war in the first place... list what peri pointed out..

if this is a true multi national country we should have everything in all three national lanuages.. and stop talking about public transport withut knowing the true nature of it.. untill the public tranport comes to a accpeable standard every citizen in this country would love to own his or her own vehicle.. thats why i was all for the micro car project as it was a project to give rides to the less affeluent people.. but did the govenemtn help them out.. no... they put over bearing taxes on it and runied it... why dont u point the finger at that my friend...

and as for spending yes we are very expensive when it comes to cars... but if someone has the wealth to buy it thats thier choice,, and u cant possibly say its anti sri lankan.. no one has to tough it out if they can afford not to...

and i dont know how much u know about economics but most of the car prices are high because of taxataion and that goes to the govenermnt, which they dont use for development.....

as far as everyone is conceerned even the poorest man in this counry would want thier childred to learn english and come to a good state...