Cheaper gas

The assurance by Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Bandula Gunawardene to provide consumers with cheaper gas by May will somewhat endear him to the public who had recently made him a ready target for their collective wrath over galloping prices in the market place.

According to Minister Gunawardena Gas prices in the world market had gone down in February while the price is further expected to come down in March. He said the Government aims to pass on the benefit of the anticipated price depression to consumers after evaluating the current price formula in operation.

The Minister attributed the sudden rise in the current gas prices to the hike in international market in December and January, adding he was committed to seize on the opportunity that had presented itself to provide relief to the consumers even if he had to go to courts to achieve this.

One could only sympathise with the Minister who himself is being buffeted by the winds of international market trends that determines consumer prices locally and who sometimes is unfairly criticised for developments beyond his control - an experience that had to be endured by all past Trade Ministers who were picked on for attacks by the public.

In this instance the Minister has the opportunity to redeem himself by keeping to his pledge of affording some form of solace to consumers who are now forced to pay Rs.1,750 for a domestic gas cylinder.

The Minister is only too well aware of the knockdown effect of gas price hikes which would have a bearing even on the most humble roti and bread which are the staple of the ordinary masses.

The large bulk of consumers too are caught in a trap, having done away with the old kitchen hearth and age old 'poranuwa' in favour of the more fashionable gas cooker which is now such an integral part in our kitchens that they are even used for the preparation of traditional meals during the Avurudhu festival in most homes.

Also out of the picture is the old kerosine cooker due to the less cumbersome and utility value of the gas cooker.

With gas prices constantly being subject to the vagaries of the world market it would be most welcome if the Government comes out with a solution to provide a cheaper substitute for gas that would be a boon to the consumers.

It could call for some foreign funded research to be undertaken by one of our universities in this regard. Encouragement also should be given to those who could come up with an idea, by providing them with the necessary wherewithal and resources. With Sri Lankans known for their innovative skills this would not be an impossible task.

Asia by rail

The approval by the Indian Government for the construction of a rail link between 27 countries, if realised would no doubt mark a revolution in travel in this part of the world and could be a catalyst that would challenge Western supremacy in the field of innovative feats.

The Trans Asian rail Network expected to be completed in 15 to 20 years is certainly a mind boggling undertaking that envisages linking countries such as South Korea and Vietnam in the distant Asian region to neighbouring Sri Lanka while paving the way for cementing Asian solidarity. It could also be a harbinger to new alignments that would have a major bearing in a geo political sense.

The rail network while removing travel barriers could also serve to unite Asians as a formidable bloc with more interaction and assimilation of different cultures leading to forging a common identity among Asians.

It goes without saying that Sri Lanka too would be a principal beneficiary of this rail link 15 years hence when it is anticipated that the present conflict would have run its course opening new avenues for the emerging generation savvy in world affairs to traverse the Asian region and widen their horizons.

The opportunities this would afford to India and Sri Lanka bound by a common culture and heritage in the realm and trade and investments could not be over emphasised.