Ill-planned economic projects and bitter lessons
A video documentary released by the Sri Lanka Environmental Television
Project (SLETP) recently is an eye-opener as to what ill-planned economic
development activity can mean. The video covers the bitter lessons Japan
learnt, how humans suffered when big industrial projects were started with
absolutely no concern for the environment.
In the fifties, Japan was only interested in a massive economic development
effort and concentrated on technologies in the heavy and chemical industries.
The result was a devastating effect on the environment with the rapid pollution
of air, water and land. Major health problems related to pollution were
reported from different parts of the country.
Finally, it was 'people power' with massive demonstrations, protest
marches and court cases which made the big firms open their eyes. The government
stepped in to bring anti-pollution legislation and gradually the position
changed.
The video is a fine example of how Japanese industry became environmentally
conscious, compliant and responsible.
Look before you leap
A Sinhala version of the video on environment titled 'Paninta Pera
Sitha Balamu' has also been turned out by SLETP, which has obtained
the exclusive distribution rights for the film in Sri Lanka.
Over 40 copies of the video have so far been distributed to study groups
and NGOs working on environmental issues, according to Nalaka Gunawardena,
Sri Lanka Representative for Television Trust for the Environment (TVE),
the Japanese organisation which produced the film along with Group Gendai
Films Company. It is encouraging that several commercial firms have also
obtained copies.
Copies (both English and Sinhala) can be obtained by contacting Nalaka
on 074 403 443.
To Clarence with love
 Clarence
Wijewardena is remembered for the new trend he introduced to Sri Lanka's
music scene. He left us two years ago and is being commemorated at a show
titled 'To Clarence with love' to be held on Saturday, August 28 at the
BMICH.
"It's a show with a difference unfolding the story of Clarence's
entry into the entertainment world and his meteoric rise to the top,"
says Lion Sri Sangabo Corea, Chairman of the Organising Committee on behalf
of the Lions Club of Wellawatte West. Teaming up to make it a success are
leading musicians including Annesley Malawana, Indrani Perera, Sohan Weerasinghe
and T. M. Jayaratne who were close to Clarence. They will be backed by
the much-in-demand Siha Shakti group.
The show is in aid of the Gamini Dissanayake Institute of Technology
& Vocational Studies which teaches English to poor youth, trains them
in computer science and secures employment for them once they complete
their studies.
A society without terror
'Bheeshanaya' continues to be a pet word in our vocabulary, particularly
of politicians. Dr. Harischandra Wijetunga uses the term for the title
of his latest book. He discusses the terror era that existed and looks
at the possibility of such terror in the near future too in 'Bheeshanayen
Thora Samajayak'. He pleads for a society without terror and analyses
how the country, the nation and religion can be saved.
A lawyer by profession, Dr. Wijetunga has several publications on science,
arts, education, legal and political subjects to his credit. A publisher's
release adds that the book offers a fresh path to youth groping in the
dark following the breakdown of the Soviet Union.
This is the next Tuesday launch planned by Dayawansa Jayakody Publishers.
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