We write with reference to the letter appearing in The Island on "Letters to the editor column" and wish to comment as follows:

Western Union Money Orders are not negotiable outside the issuing country and banks do not purchase them or encash them over the counter. These money orders are used only for settlement of internal transactions in the country issuing them and are not valid for transactions, outside such countries.

The Agency for Western Union in Sri Lanka is only for the electronic money transfer scheme where remittances by such a mode is paid within minutes to the beneficiary.

The publicity and promotion in the media is to create awareness of the electronic money transfer scheme only.

V. K. Seyone
Asst. General Manager
Business Development
Seylan Bank