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| Thursday, 11 November 2004 |
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Letters | |
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Please forward your letters to editor@dailynews.lk in plain text format within the e-mail message, since as a policy we do not open any attachments. Solutions to energy crisis Amidst high petroleum prices, it is high time the authorities should rethink other cheap options in order to save Sri Lanka from a future energy crisis in which case whole country shall come to a standstill in the near future. The proposed coal power station is in the right direction eventhough it is not environmentally friendly and there are other disadvantages such as dependency on foreign coal etc. We cannot depend too much on hydro electrical power either as most of our reservoirs are getting dry. But why not consider the other cheaper, less foreign dependency and environmentally friendly options as stated below. Energy can be obtained from wind power, solar energy, sea waves etc. Sri Lanka is blessed with sea around and the latter must be a feasible solution. CEB experts can perform the relevant feasible studies. At least, all the sea coast can be supplied with electricity which will reduce the burden on the main power generation plants. This could be extended to the central part country too. The main items required for wind energy, such as fan, the structure, etc. could be made locally thus saving valuable foreign exchange, and some items can be imported. Also energy can be obtained from biodegradable materials and CEB can investigate these. There are many other alternate energy sources which could be investigated. In buildings higher percentage of electrical power is consumed by the air-conditioning systems. In order to reduce this 'Thermal Energy Storage' method can be adopted. In 'Thermal Energy Storage' method, the cooling load is fully or partially shifted to an 'off peak period' where the cost savings can be achieved by the electrical utility suppliers rebates. Even if there are no rebates, still there is an advantage for the power utilities in terms of efficiency due to the increase in load factor because of the shifting of the load. During the day time load is supplied by ice, and ice is made using chiller during the low tariff period (mostly night). Further power can be saved by implementing BMS(Building Management Systems) in all new buildings. In this method the software analyses all the parameters and takes appropriate steps such that the energy usage is minimum without affecting the performance. In the beginning itself, the building can be designed in such a way that the energy usage is minimum. Energy efficient building design engineers and architects must be given awards in recognition of their work to promote energy efficient buildings. These methods can be implemented in all new buildings to save energy. Also car pooling, efficient public transport system, odd /even number cars to enter the city in specific days, can be introduced in major cities to reduce energy consumption and pollution. Hope the relevant authorities will take appropriate action. DILIP SAMARASURIYA, via-email Bloodless revolution of 1956 We Sri Lankans are approaching the Golden Jubilee of a very important event which deserves celebration islanwide and in our missions abroad. This event is non other than the bloodless revolution of 1956 under the leadership of our late Prime Minister S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike. There is no wonder all those who experienced the pre and post independence era and the new generation who learnt the history of the country will always endorse my views. During these celebrations, the part played by the Left Movement from the days of Suriyamal Movement found in 1933 which laid the foundation of the event should be well remembered. All those past leaders who paved the way for this revolution should be honoured in a fitting manner. To fulfil this requirement a sub-committee of Parliament Members of the Government and Opposition parties should be formed to discuss and decide how this event should be celebrated in a grand way. This committee must function, so that funds could be allocated in the budget for the year 2006 in time. DR. A. M. M. IQBAL, Uragasmanhandiya Electrified industries Various plans are afoot to enable us to meet the demand for electricity in the larger interest of the country. Some of the plans involve the unavoidable destruction of our ecological systems and scenic waterfalls. The demand for power however cannot be attributed to general consumption beneficial to the people of the country. Within our local parameters, the current grid capacity would be sufficient to meet demand for the next 20 years. On the contrary, the surge in consumption is due to the many industries mushrooming in various categories with no foreign investments involved. For example, the tourist trade certainly does not involve foreign investment but an expenditure to import required material to improve facilities for tourist comforts where almost 100 per cent power is consumed. Yet another industry where 100 per cent of its machinery and 90 per cent of the finished product is imported for manufacture and export. An export oriented industry means the importer gets the product on a platter without any financial involvement in its manufacture. From the country's viewpoint, how fair is this situation. We have to meet all types of compliances at great expense to ourselves for a flawless shipment. Utilising all our available resources, the return is not commensurate with expenditure whatever the concessions. All commercial establishments and industries have to pay a higher rate for power while householders pay a sliding rate. Is this not a kind of a tax for our own consumption? In fact, at various stages of a power crisis, consumers have been subjected to a surcharge but foreign buyers (not investors) are not affected with this crisis and we have to meet their deadlines or face penalties. Is this fair? Why not surcharge overseas buyers who are making us use our facilities for just a finished product for them. The latest trend by buyers is enforcing compliances under threat of cancellation of orders. The Government, Chambers of Commerce and Export Development Board must have a co-ordinated policy in this regard to safeguard our interest and resources. Currently we are paying through our noses on everything we need due to the oil fiasco consequent to arrogance of some world leaders. The surcharge on overseas buyers could be incorporated in the Letters of Credit to be credited to an authorised fund to be used for the protection and improvement of our resources and facilities. MELVILLE ELANGAGE, Kotte Fishermen of Sri Lanka Coastal fishing is an important occupation of over one hundred thousand active fishermen in nearly fifteen districts of Sri Lanka. These fishermen are facing a major problem in the sea. certain individuals and groups, sometimes encouraged and supported by people with money power and socio-political influence, are using new methods to catch fish by combing the sea bed thereby destroying the bulk of the marine resources. These destructive methods are being used by Sri Lankan fishermen as well as Indian and other foreign fishermen in our territorial waters. In order to ensure a livelihood to our fishing communities and also to ensure a future full of hope for the children of the active fishermen, who will be engaged in coastal fishing, steps have to be taken to safeguard the marine resources. Initially, there is need for dialogue among the representatives of active fishermen's organisations in Sri Lanka to help the Government to evolve a common fisheries policy. Secondly, such a dialogue is also necessary between our representatives and the representatives of similar organisations in India and other South asian countries, and also with those of Burma, Thailand and Malaysia, countries bordering the Bay of Bengal. Through such measures, the active fishermen, especially the fishermen using small fishing craft, can help the Governments of these Asian countries to enact laws to prevent the depletion of the marine resources in the region. Initially, our authorities should listen to our active fishermen and not merely to the owners of fishing craft who do not go out to sea. The active fishermen living along the coastal belt are losing also their freedom and right to sell the fish they catch at a reasonable price determined by them. When they want to sell the fish, the middlemen and the money lenders fix the price of fish and prevent the traders and other buyers from purchasing the fish directly from the fishermen. The traders and the consumers are compelled to buy fish from the middlemen and the money lenders. Thus, the producers (the active fishermen) become the victims of oppression. As a result, the fishermen who spend many hours, sometimes several days at sea breaking rest, braving the storms, heat and the cold are forced to remain poor while the middlemen and the money lenders who lead comfortable lives, not exposed to inclement weather, become richer, while creating a wide socio-ecomic gap especially in the coastal belt of Sri Lanka. Such a situation is exploitative, oppressive and therefore unjust. Though a few active fishermen's organisations are making some effort in some fishing centres to resist this unjust situation and regain their freedom and the right to sell the fish they catch to the traders and the consumers directly, they feel helpless because the middlemen and the money lenders are also getting organised, often supported by people with ulterior motives and vested interests. Therefore the Government, human rights groups, religious bodies and community leaders should intervene and be on the side of our active fishermen who toil day and night for their livelihood and for the development of our country. FR. W. EMMANUEL FERNANDO OMI, Minuwangoda |
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