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Mindless terror

The mindless terror attacks in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, which have left two Lankans dead and scores of others wounded and traumatized, meet with our denunciation and condemnation, while filling our hearts with sorrow at the loss of innocent lives.

We also learn with profound concern that dozens of persons - including Lankans - were held hostage by rampaging gunmen in the run up to the tragedy which has shaken Saudi Arabia, a very vital state in the Middle East.

It is plain to see that this dark, blood-splattered drama is a by product of the current convulsions in global politics. This is fresh evidence that what we are up against at present is a vicious, wasteful and bloody cycle of violence from which there doesn't seem to be any escape.

The most deplorable aspect of the violence is the tragic loss of innocent lives. Whether the lost lives are those of Lankans or otherwise, violence of this nature is blind and starkly evil, destroying everything in its wake and dehumanising everyone it consumes. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the victims of this violence. They were not only the bread winners of the families concerned, but, in a sense - of the Sri Lankan family.

Their earnings - to a substantial degree - keep the Lankan economy moving. It is their hard-earned money that enables the importation of goods and services which make Lankan life easy and cosy - at least for those with the purchasing power.

Trips and thrills abroad would not be possible for our Panjandrums if our workers in the Middle East didn't work themselves to the point of exhaustion and even emaciation, with hardly a care for themselves. It is the lives of some of these hapless workers which have been cruelly snuffed out. Isn't this a tragic and wanton loss of precious lives?

Although every human life is of immeasurable worth, we call on the Lankan authorities to compensate abundantly the close kith and kin of those Lankans who have lost their lives. Measures should also be taken to ensure the safety of Lankan workers continuing to work in the Middle East and other hot spots of the world.

This must be done to the best of their ability, although we realise the practical difficulties they are likely to encounter. If not already done, the lives of our migrant workers need to be appropriately insured and welfare schemes need to be put in place to secure and sustain the well-being of those who are rendered disabled in the current violence in the Middle East. The kith and kin of the victims of this violence too need to be fended for. We cannot forget them, as so often happens.

The oil crisis

We have come a long way since 1974, but the circumstances are eerily similar: the world is facing an acute oil crisis. The war in Iraq, surging demand in China and India and unbridled consumption in the United States have led to another fossil fuel crisis. Oil prices have reached dizzying heights, forcing governments and consumers alike to seriously consider alternative energy sources.

The oil crisis and the future of alternative energy sources will be discussed extensively at a major international conference in Bonn for four days from tomorrow. The gathering will showcase the biggest corporate names in alternative energy and give policymakers the chance to discuss how best to encourage their use.

This momentum must be maintained even if the oil prices fall. Oil prices plunged in the 80s and so did investment in renewables. But governments and consumers must not lose sight of the fact that 'black gold' is a finite resource. The same goes for gas and coal. Fossil fuel reserves are not going to end in a few decades, but they will eventually run out. In the meantime, the world should learn to rely more on alternatives such as solar power and wind power. Further research and investment are needed as these are not very efficient right now.

There are indications that consumer attitudes are changing in the wake of higher oil prices. According to latest reports, more Americans are turning to hybrid cars (driven by electric motors in combination with a petrol engine) such as Toyota Prius and Honda Insight, giving up their gas-guzzling GM Hummers and Ford F-150s.

This could make a difference, given that the US is the most profligate energy user in the world. Apart from hybrids, hydrogen is being touted as a potential power source for automobiles and several carmakers are already running prototypes on public roads.

Oil will continue to be 'king' until these technologies are ready for mass-scale use. Nevertheless, at least one place in the world is looking forward to life without fossil fuels as early as 2025. The Swedish island Gotland, located in the middle of the Baltic, intends to demonstrate that clean energy can be compatible with a modern economy.

It already has 159 wind turbines and solar cell arrays that cover 25 per cent of its electricity needs. Other countries should also follow Sweden's example and adopt practical approaches to meet the challenges posed by the energy crisis.

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