Letters to the Editor
View(s):Turning the country into charcoal!
I write with reference to ‘Chinese project to make charcoal from forest timber stirs Thanamalwila rage’, by Tharushi Weerasinghe, published in the Sunday Times of August 27.
I intend to point out the environmentally harmful consequences if this project is implemented.
At the beginning of this news report, it is stated that the wood burnt for charcoal would come from discarded wood from neighbouring wooded areas and gardens —- the necessary approval has been obtained from the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) —— also mentioning an agreement with the DWC to use the waste wood from the national parks near the charcoal factory, including Udawalawe National Park which is within the eyesight from the factory site.
Firstly, I do not believe that DWC would permit such a disastrous project based on the use of natural forests or any of the forest products to produce charcoal. Furthermore, this applies to all forests within the purview of the DWC and the Forest Department. Secondly, there is nothing as ‘waste wood’ or ‘discarded wood’ in a forest, as nature does not produce anything to waste. So called ‘waste wood’ or even a fallen leaf in the forest is an essential component of the natural nutrient cycle, which if taken out of the forest will disrupt this cycle and influence negatively on nature itself. It is known to most of us that the Forest Department permits the residents of some villages living adjacent to reserved forests to utilise limited quantities of firewood on specific days under supervision. This is to support such adjacent communities with least damage to nature and to ensure their mutual support in conserving such forests.
While the extraction of wood from natural forests for a charcoal project should be a taboo, wood from plantation forests and non-native timber trees, such as Eucalyptus, Pinus, Teak, Mahogany, ‘Kohomba’, ‘Hawari-nuga’, ‘Sapu’, Grevillia (‘Sabukku’) etc. may be considered. However, native species such as ‘Buruta’, ‘Weera’, ‘Palu’, and ‘Mee’ etc. should not be permitted as this will inflict damage on natural forests. The industry should be carried out under the supervision of the Forest Department.
One of the most excellent sources for charcoal industry is coconut shells- hence establishing a factory in the coconut triangle will be most feasible. However, this possibility should be evaluated with the existence of a large-scale charcoal production factory in Madampe (NWP).
In a small country like Sri Lanka, environmental aspects of large-scale wood-based charcoal production should be further evaluated- considering the sufferings inflicted by the unprecedented drought in the country due to increased heat, descent of the water table and hence the lack of even drinking water and failed agriculture, etc. which are already pushing the country towards desertification. Sources of heat, fire and exposure should be minimised and the greenery, tree cover, forestry and hence catchments should be enhanced at all levels, e.g., government, village, family, and schools.
Magdon Jayasuriya
(Former Director, Plant Genetic Resources Centre and former Curator of the National Herbarium, National Botanic Gardens) via email
Situation in the country not conducive for the return of these valuables
The Sunday Times editorial of September 3, draws attention to the decision by the Dutch Government to return looted treasures of antique value to Sri Lanka.
Dutch loot: Lewke’s cannon and other treasures of antique value
I refer in particular to the decision to return the looted “Lewke’s cannon”, a 275-year old antique studded with gold, silver and rubies.
The editorial points out that President J. R. Jayewardene had privately said that some of these artifacts would be much safer in foreign museums rather than in Sri Lanka. He therefore shrewdly did not press for their return to Colombo. Don’t forget the items looted from the Colombo Museum not long ago ( by thieves with political backing, as you point out), who were never caught.
It would have been a much better idea to have retained these priceless items in the Netherlands in trust with the proviso that ownership rests with the people (not necessarily the government) of Sri Lanka. They can be returned at a future date .The situation in the country does not seem conducive for the return of any such valuables.
Jayanta Kurukulasuriya
Rajagiriya
Colonial loot: The British did it their way
It is welcome news that the Dutch have returned cultural artefacts to Sri Lanka (Editorial, Sept. 3).
However, colonial powers did not behave identically regarding colonial artefacts during their rule. The British took a large number of artefacts but also established museums in practically all their colonies, including a hundred in India, which are also full of artefacts. The Colombo Museum remains the central repository for Sri Lanka’s cultural treasures.
They also established Archaeological Survey Departments which in India rediscovered all the Buddhist sites and in Sri Lanka rediscovered the ruins at Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya. They also returned the Kandyan throne and other items in 1934.
In spite of these actions, Sri Lanka should request the return of artefacts of cultural or historical importance. However, it may be in Sri Lanka’s interests to allow some artefacts of lesser importance, of which many similar items are in Sri Lanka, to be displayed abroad so that individuals abroad can appreciate Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and be tempted to visit Sri Lanka and see the heritage sites for themselves.
Dr R. P. Fernando Surrey, UK
Sri Lanka will survive; won’t slide back to the past
In the past there were groups who were in power who fraudulently used public funds to further their own ends and to control both supply of public funds and means to determine their disbursal.
This ruling class treated our country’s treasury as though it were their own bank account.
In secrecy public funds were reportedly transferred to secret personal funds in foreign accounts.
It is amazing how Sri Lanka spent nearly a decade locked in unhappy memories looking forward to a new path at a difficult period.
We have got a new lease of life under a new leader, the present president who is reliable, disciplined and organised.
Sri Lanka will survive and won’t slide back to the past and the world will realize what she is capable of and her full potential.
These plans will open new doors, new opportunities that we were not aware of in the past.
Ashley Weerasooriya Via email
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