Resettling Eastern civilians

It is a sad fact of conflict that apart from the combatants themselves, innocent civilians also suffer. It is also well known that terrorist groups all over the world use civilians as human shields, a bargaining tool or worse, even as a soft target. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam are no different in this regard.

The influx of civilians to cleared areas following the Security Forces' humanitarian mission in the East did make matters easier for the Forces as they did not have to worry about civilian casualties. On the other hand, the authorities now face the formidable challenge of resettling more than 118,150 civilians in their original dwellings.

This is not as easy as it sounds, for several reasons. The fleeing terrorists have booby-trapped and mined the towns and villages. They will not be suitable for human habitation unless and until such explosive devices are cleared.

Another significant impediment is that hardly any civilian administration is in place in some of the newly regained areas. Police stations, Government departments and other Government services have to be established before the civilians move in large numbers.

In this context, it is heartening to note that swift action is being taken on both these counts.

The process has been expedited with a view to resettling the civilians before the end of next month. It may appear to be an ambitious target, but it is by no means impossible. The process is to be completed in four phases commencing May 14.

The opening of access roads such as the Maha Oya-Chenkaladi Road and the provision of security to the civilians are equally important.

There would be no point in resettling the civilians if they are not freely integrated with the rest of the country through the physical infrastructure network including roads. Other services such as water, electricity and telecommunications too will have to be provided.

The Police Special Task Force is addressing security concerns by establishing camps west of Batticaloa and south of Chenkaladi. The Army will also be geared to protect the civilians.

This will hopefully be the beginning of a 'new life' for the civilians who had hitherto experienced only the sheer suppression and tyranny of the Tigers. The resettlement will complete the Government's avowed humanitarian mission to truly liberate Eastern civilians and point the way towards such action elsewhere in the country.

Help our inventors

A report we published yesterday on a unique invention by an enterprising young man from Nikaweratiya would have caught the eye of many a reader. Herath Mudiyanselage Nawaratne has perfected a clay water filter capable of absorbing fluoride and filtering water leaving aside all impurities and organisms.

A step-up from the ubiquitous Guruleththuwa which keeps water cool in many Sri Lankan homes, Nawaratne's filter uses a mixture of common natural clay and very special herbs to provide 100 per cent pure water. No chemicals or artificial materials have been used in the manufacturing process. Furthermore, the filter costs next to nothing to run as it relies on the power of gravity.

This product is a fine example of "appropriate technology" for a developing country. The raw materials are fairly common and no mains power is required. If properly manufactured on a larger scale and marketed islandwide, the product can save millions of rupees in foreign exchange currently spent on importing electric water filters.

Therein lies the crunch. Despite appeals, no Government institution or private company has come forward to help Nawaratne to mass produce and market his invention.

This is indeed pathetic, for Nawaratne's is a path-breaking invention that deserves to be in every Lankan home.

We hope our report will spur them to help him.

But such inaction could be part of a wider malaise affecting society as a whole. Lankans generally have an aversion to local products. Even in a supermarket or grocery, most people tend to buy more expensive foreign products apparently on the presumption that they are 'better'. Sometimes this attitude extends to the bureaucracy which is responsible for lending a helping hand to local craftsmen and inventors. Such attitudes have to be changed if we are to progress in the industrial sphere.

In this context, local inventors - and investors - must be given due recognition for their efforts. In any other country, Nawaratne would have already received assistance and incentives.

The first step would be helping him to patent the product so that no foreign entity can claim it is one of their inventions. Nawaratne and other local inventors deserve such help every step of the way.