It's heartening to note that the government has given serious thought to introducing Domestic Air Transport to the country. The government could not concentrate on such a move due to 30 years of terror in the country.
On perusal of locations earmarked for development of the existing air fields, one observes the glaring omission of the existing air field at Sigiriya. I don’t understand why the authorities have failed to identify this location when all the infrastructure facilities are available there and are instead, concentratinge on new locations, at Puttalam and Nuwara Eliya. It's a well known that most tourists prefer road transport when touring the up country, especially to take in the scenic view of the greenery and water falls when climbing the hills.
The Sri Lanka Air Force used this air field for about 26 years, during several phases of the Eelam war, for the transportation of their armament, from the Armory, at Sigiriya.
In addition the 'Sigiri fortress" is the cynosure of tourists, visiting Sri Lanka. The tourists, on their way to visit the historic cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, invariably visit the fortress. Tourists, who call over at the Kandalama hotel too rarely miss the opportunity of visiting this fortress.
They also visit Kaudulla and Minneriya to view large herds of elephants. All these tourist attractions are close to Sigiriya.
In addition, Sigiriya is centrally located. The visitors to Sri Lanka could use the air base at Sigiriya, to visit Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa.
This will undoubtedly save time.
The existing air field at Sigiriya should be developed to accommodate light aircraft and helicopters and not for the use of jets, so that the environmentalists will not oppose such a move, because of vibrations caused by the movements of the air craft. When the Sri Lanka Air Force used the air field there were no objections raised by environmentalists.
Considering the massive influx of tourists of late to Sri Lanka, I feel it is prudent to focus attention to initiate development of the existing air field at Sigiriya, on a priority basis.
A Tour Guide
Day of freedom and sweet childhood memories
‘Twas Fourth February 1948
A great mile-stone in history,
Ceylon was granted Freedom.
The day was hot and sunny,
It is sweet history
My sweet childhood memory!
From 1802 to 1948
There was bloodshed and sacrifice
Of our early National Heroes.
Ceylon gained Independence
After 150 years of British rule
After 500 years of foreign rule
Thus gaining self-rule.
Twas a grand celebration
A colourful rare occasion
With colourful flags flying
Over the Esplanade
The Esplanade and ramparts
Were a sea of heads.
It's a great blessing
That some of us are seeing
This 63rd anniversary!
Under the green flag
With the 'Bo-Leaf' emblem
In our fresh green ties
As smart school-kids
Proudly we marched
in the Galle Esplande
Now 'Cricket Stadium'
Much water has flowed
Under the bridge,
Though the old foe
Has now turned a friend
We should ever be grateful
To our early National Heroes
Who were shot or hanged
As rebels by the British!
Sweet Warusavithana twins
Veena and Vinitha
On my right and left
Caught many eyes.
Even with war of 30 years
'Post-Independence' era has seen
Great development in
Science, technology, health
Education and social outlook,
While being a Member
Of the British Commonwealth.
Though some see it,
As 'Neo-colonialism'
The old Great Britain, now U.K.
Is a 'Second home' for
Countless Lankans.
Some are British Citizens
Risen to great heights
Doing Mother Lanka proud!
On this 63rd Anniversary
Let us pay grateful tribute
To those of the Tri-Forces
and the Police.
Even the civilians
Who sacrificed their lives
To free Mother Lanka
From the grip of terrorists!
Also those who gave leadership
To steer the 'battle-ship'
Deserve our gratitude and tribute!
On this historical day
Let us pray
Not to see, a war again!
Let us pray
For a prosperous and
Peaceful future
With all communities standing
Under one banner smiling!
Anon,
Galle
Schemes to introduce “alternative livestock”, never a success story
From 1977 to 1986 I reported on international agricultural news; since then I have reported on international animal welfare news with agriculture as a focal area of coverage.
During this time I have seen innumerable schemes to promote "alternative livestock," including camels, ostriches, llamas, alpacas, emus, and many others, but have yet to see any of these schemes succeed, in any nation, climate, or habitat.
Typically "alternative livestock" introductions end with large numbers of abandoned and suffering animals, and often with new populations of problematic feral animals.
Often the first people to promote "alternative livestock" make money by selling breeding stock to the gullible, but then they cash out, abscond, and everyone else loses whatever fortune was invested.
Merritt Clifton,
Editor, Animal People,
P.O. Box 960,
Clinton, WA 98236. |
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