Ajith de AlwisOur waste for our energy
When the LPG-based three-wheeler bearing number QS-7775 took off with biogas as the fuel derived from university canteen waste and gliricidia leaves, it was quite an important demonstration last Friday (18) at the University of Moratuwa premises.
It is important to realise that at least the fuel in this manner is not a burden to the economy as it had been derived from waste, which in fact is a problem to our civilised living. One can of course quip that it is our own uncivilised behaviour that had made waste the problem that it is today.
Oh, nuts! Coconuts!
The accusations and counter accusations abound. Have we imported coconuts to the country?
If ‘yes,’ then that would be for the first time in history… recent history anyway, as we can never say about the past. If ‘no’ is the answer, then we have not perpetrated a sacred sin but may not have solved the simple economic problem either.
The next big thing is small
Having a foresight is definitely an advantage. Today events unfold at dizzying speed. In 1973, Pierre Wack, Head of Corporate Planning for Royal Dutch/Shell, showed the power of thinking of possible developments and accounting for them in planning, which is today a management study topic – Scenario Planning. This enabled Shell to reap rich dividends.
Your nation is calling you! Bring your talent home
Another Independence Day dawned on us and gave time for all of us to reflect. I do hope that it was not considered just as a long weekend only! The 63rd Independence celebrations came and in reflection one could consider where we are to where we could have been.Good morning Sri Lanka!
“Opportunity – Every day is a fresh opportunity to continue the quest towards our mission” is a poster that I have hung on my wall – everybody needs inspiration!
However, at times before I set my sight on this message on the wall, the headlines and details of the day before enter my head via other media.
Seeing light in the eyes of the very young
It is always energising to listen to a lecture when it has depth and breadth and is filled with some ‘funtoids’. It was felt when recently we had one of our advisors, Prof. A.P. de Silva from Queen’s University of Belfast (School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering) visiting the institute.
Wonder of Asia – Within reach
A year-end perspective!
It is indeed encouraging when one goes through the speech delivered by Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Managing Director of the World Bank. She has complimented a lot of the current achievements and developments and calls for inclusive development.
The one statement that strikes me as most important is her initial comment on the country’s plans – that it is good to be ambitious and it is the right time for Sri Lanka to think big.
Believe in ourselves – Ingenious Sri Lanka!
These are tough times for leaders and their followers. This is applicable right across all countries and Sri Lanka is no exception. So many issues, opportunities and challenges and at times making any real progress appear quite a daunting task.
SOS for T&R to win the economic war
The abbreviation S&T (Science and Technology) is widely known even if misunderstood by many to what it really stands for. Today for this subject from a national perspective a new abbreviation has surfaced T&R – Technology and Research.
Oh rice, rise up!
Even in the 21st century, food evokes heated discussion and debate in Sri Lanka. If one goes through any election related material, food on one’s plate would have figured in heavily.
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