In the circumstances, we should have found alternative sources of energy to drive the economy. This is not a far-fetched idea. Resourceful local scientists have from time to time made their inventions known, but the powers that be, then and now, have pooh-poohed such innovations in preference for the ‘imported’ or ‘original’ equivalent. Successive administrations are partially or totally responsible for the current situation. It was known for a long time that petroleum was a fast diminishing non-renewable energy source. Those countries which were genuinely concerned about the long-term future of their citizens like Brazil developed Gasohol from sugarcane, an example followed by many countries, but not Sri Lanka.

Dr. W. M. N. Dharmawardene, then Director of the Sugarcane Research Institute, an outstanding scientist and a true patriot, had made a small quantity of Gasohol prior to 2002 and tested it. In a newspaper article in November, 2002, he had said he could replace 25% of Sri Lanka’s petroleum consumption, at that point in time, with the new product. But the offer went unheeded. He then stated:

‘Another way is to reduce the demand for petrol/diesel with an alternative power for transport. The only suitable one so far is electricity for electrification of the railway, operating trolley buses and tram cars. At present big cities in Europe, USA, etc. still use tram cars. But all this needs a plentiful cheap supply of electricity. Just such a supply at 16 cents KWH had been proposed by one Mr. T. Yogarajah in 1900. This was expected to yield 1800 million KWH using the two monsoon winds at Kirinda in the South. The CEB apparently did not bother to even test this. In view of the vast national benefits if this is feasible, I have written to Minister W. D. J. Seneviratne, with copy to the President, regarding this in view of their public request for civic-minded persons to make any suggestions they have. I await a reply.

"I have also given the Chairman, Consumer Authority at the request of Minister Fernandopulle details, costing and plans for a working NERD Dry Batch Bio Gas unit, ideal for paddy farming areas, more convenient and trouble-free. Also details of the Rice Processing Research and Development Center’s smokeless saw dust cooker and CISIR wood splinter smokeless cooker. I am unable to speak on the follow-up, if any, and whether the authority wishes to popularize one or more of these".

There are still among us a few brilliant scientists, who are contributing to the national effort, unlike many who fled the country for greener pastures.

They are the true sons of Sri Lanka who will take the Mahinda Chinthanaya to the rural masses.