Opinion
Wind Power – why ignore Little Basses?
Dr. Tilak Siyambalapitiya’s essay on “Wind Power in Mannar, now a reality”, in The Island (22/12) is very convincing and will encourage businessmen to invest on wind energy, dispelling the view of present day promoters and guardians of renewable sources of energy who dared not to venture, as they considered wind power too expensive, and that there is no wind in Sri Lanka, but doldrums or trade winds. I remember, there was a Consultant from Denmark, attached to the Energy Division, of the Ministry for Power and Energy, whose name sounded ‘KNIFE’, who also did not encourage wind energy. I 
also remember there was an experimental station at Pattiyapola, near Matara, funded by UNDP, to study and take steps to promote solar, wind , biogas energy, but after the demise of that enthusiastic Engineer, activities virtually came to a halt. If this station is yet functioning, it is best to up-grade same to an Advisory and Experimental Organisation, where even the public could seek advice and guidance.
He also speaks of an engineer who went to Mannar in 2002 to set up a wind measuring system. However, I believe, the Meteorological Department makes periodical studies, as seen in the statement given below:
“Now that a serious step has been taken, as seen by commissioning a 100 Mw. wind plant at Mannar, it is presumed the Ministry for Power has already taken action to secure land as stated in the Gazette Extraordinary 2135/61 of 9th August 2019 which says – 3.9.2…. Best sites to locate large scale renewable energy infrastructure such as wind and solar farms would be identified in advance and marked on a master plan so that they can be developed as large concentrated facilities in phases.”
If such lands are advertised or given publicity, the land owners would not undertake buildings or other developments in such areas.
Mean Monthly Wind Speeds at the Coastal and Inland stations in Ceylon [Miles per Hour] Source – Wind Energy Unit, Hydraulic Research Lab
Station Colombo Puttalam Mannar Jaffna Kankesanthurai Trinco Batticaloa Hambantota, Galle Anuradhapura Ratnapura Little Bases
It will be seen from the above statement, that the best station for harnessing wind power are Little Bases islands, four miles off Hambantota, having an average speed of 17.1 Mph, the best months being from May to August, having a wind speed of over 20 Mph, followed by Hambantota 12.35 Mph, Trinco 10.1Mph, Jaffna 9.5 Mph and Kankesanthurai 9.2. and Mannar 8.4 Mph.
It is strange, going by the above statement, unless the wind patterns have changed drastically, why CEB decided to start the Wind Energy programme from Mannar, which has the lowest wind speed. My fear is, if the performance is not up to expectation, then investors may be reluctant to invest. The other question is why was not Little Basses Island not given priority. Was it the fear of disturbing the Yala wildlife?
It is hoped that a young enthusiastic State Minister for Solar Power will encourage domestics to go for Solar Power and relieve the CEB and also lure the private sector, too, in his effort to popularise renewable sources of energy and make his dream come true to supply our neighbour India.
G. A. D. SIRIMAL
Boralesgamuwa
Here is what you can do!
Comedy and the ability to have a good laugh are what keep us sane. The good news to announce is that there are many British and American comedy shows posted up and available on the internet.
They will bring a few hours of welcome relief from our present doldrums.
Firstly, and in a class of its own, are the many Benny Hill shows. Benny is a British comedian who comes from a circus family, and was brought up in an atmosphere of circus clowning. Each show is carefully polished and rehearsed to get the comedy across and understood successfully. These clips have the most beautiful stage props and settings with suitable, amusing costumes. This is really good comedy for the mature, older viewer.
Benny Hill has produced shows that are “Master-Class” in quality adult entertainment. All his shows are good.
Then comes the “Not the Nine o’clock news” with Rowan Atkinson and his comedy team producing good entertainment suitable for all.
And then comes the “Two Ronnies” – Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett, with their dry sense of humour and wit. Search and you will find other uplifting shows such as Dave Allen, with his monologues and humour.
All these shows have been broadcast in Britain over the last 50 years and are well worth viewing on the Internet.
Similarly, in The USA of America. There are some really great entertainment shows. And never forget Fats Waller in the film “Stormy Weather,” where he was the pianist in the unforgettable, epic, comedy song “Ain’t Misbehavin”. And then there is “Bewitched” with young and glamorous Samantha Stevens and her mother, Endora who can perform magic. It is amazing entertainment! This show, although from the 1970s was a milestone in US light entertainment, along with many more.
And do not overlook Charlie Chaplin and Laurel and Hardy, and all the Disney films. Donald Duck gives us a great wealth of simple comedy.
The US offers you a mountain of comedy and good humour on Youtube. All these shows await you, just by accessing the Internet! The internet channel, ‘You tube’ itself, comes from America! The Americans reach out to you with good, happy things right into your own living room!
Those few people with the ability to understand English have the key to a great- great storehouse of uplifting humour and entertainment. They are rich indeed!
Priyantha Hettige
After the recent disaster, a great deal of information has been circulating on WhatsApp and YouTube regarding our reservoirs, highways, etc.
In many of these discussions, people have analysed what went wrong and how the damage could have been prevented. My question is this: why do all these knowledgeable voices emerge only after disaster strikes? One simple reason may be that our self-proclaimed, all-knowing governing messiahs refuse to listen to anyone outside their circles. It is never too late to learn, but has any government decision-maker read or listened to these suggestions?
When the whole world is offering help to overcome this tragedy, has the government even considered seeking modern forecasting equipment and the essential resources currently not available to our armed forces, police, and disaster-management centres?
B Perera
A great deal has been said about Cyclone Ditwah and its impact. To my mind one important aspect of it has not been addressed.
During the 1,400 odd landslides, it washed off a vast volume of soil which entered the various water bodies like tanks, lakes, rivers and streams etc. This process has raised their water levels reducing the water holding capacities (water holding capacity has a different meaning in soil science). What it means is that they cannot hold the same amount of water as before without spilling. Therefore, a precipitation which would not have been significant then can cause spilling of tanks leading to floods now. Hence there is a possibility of experiencing more floods in the future. Due to silting the tanks will carry less water than before, thus reducing the irrigable areas under their command. They will not be able to irrigate the same extents of paddy, thus affecting production.
How do we rectify this situation? It is desilting which can be very expensive.
It is good if these are considered in future planning.
Gamini Peiris
Panadura
Experienced agriculturist
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