When I compiled and published the article titled ‘Sign Boards and Sri Lankans’, there was quite a response, especially from the expatriates residing in our paradise isle. A few weeks ago, when I drove in to pump fuel for my vehicle, I realised our lack of respect for queues did not end at human queues; instead, it extended to rows of cars as well. Can we all read and reach a consensus on the fact that rows, lines, queues, whatever you may like to call it are a part of law and order across the globe and indicate a sequence of one’s turn and that the man/ woman/ vehicle or whatever in front has every right to be served before you and those behind you must await their turn? Great – let’s get going on my narration of events then.
I must admit some of the gas stations in our country aren’t big enough, well laid out or set back sufficiently from the road and there are user difficulties that arise from these drawbacks. However, since all of us are road users, it is up to us to be conscious of these facts when we pull up into a fuel station. The rear end of the vehicle jutting out on to the main road, the entirety of one side taking up a quarter of the space of a lane on the road and having to park on the road until the payment is complete are to be avoided.
Let’s get to the queues and the misdeeds there. Decide whether you want to pump the premium or the ordinary (I assume that you do know the fuel type – don’t try to ‘choose’ diesel over petrol please) and indicate that to the fuel attendants so that they can direct you to the correct pump or follow the signages. Approach the pump based on the side on which the fuel tank is located; manoeuvring around the pumps while dodging the other cars is a nuisance for everyone, especially because no one can fathom where you want to go and what you want to do.
If there are two queues approaching the same side of the same pump (stemming from two entrances to the fuel station), know who was there in the other queue before you and give them a fair chance without edging in annoyingly. If the queue you joined or created is the source of congestion and disorder at the fuel station, exit the queue and join a less riotous queue. You do know the length and breadth of the vehicle you drive, right?
Frankly speaking, queue discipline in Sri Lanka leaves much to be desired and it is appalling that we scramble to acquire college degrees, titles and a bunch of letters behind our name without paying heed to simple disciplines. Development comes with progressive mindsets and such mindsets are generally not ones that are self centered and oblivious to fellow beings. Agree with me, anyone? ? Let me know if you do or don’t via fullofetiquette@gmail.com.
Till I return with ‘Full of Etiquette’ next week, stay safe!
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Praveeni Jayasekera is the Founder and Editor of fullofetiquette.com; she is a regular advocate on the subject. She is an ACMA, CGMA; holds a BSc. Economics and Management; PG in IT and Diploma in Social Sciences. She is employed full time in the capacity of Chief Operating Officer at CL Synergy (Private) Limited; a Sri Lankan freight forwarding company. She is an ardent fan of the written word and has compiled content for numerous websites for search engine optimization (SEO) purposes, corporate profiles and blogs. She has experience in training corporate professionals on customer service and business etiquette. She conducts coaching sessions on etiquette for school children every now and then.
