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Venezuela is one of the biggest oil exporters in the world. I am not
an expert on anything, but is it possible for Sri Lanka to import oil
from them at reasonable consessional prices with a bi-lateral agreement?
Many impoverished Caribbean nations (Petrocaribe accord) are receiving
oil and fuel on advantageous terms from Venezuela.
Participants such as Jamaica and the Dominican Republic are offered
soft financing terms and the possibility to pay their bills in-kind with
products like bananas and nutmeg. Perhaps Sri Lanka can offer its range
of products(tea, garments, coconuts, gems and even specialised military
training to Chavez's Government in return for cheaper oil?
Is Venezuelan oil compatible with Sri Lanka's refineries? Could
someone at least explore this option until Sri Lanka gets its act
together to assign drilling rights off its' shores? The only way to
cushion against radical price rises(Venezuela's President predicted oil
going up to 100 Us dollars a barrel) appears to be energy independence
through drilling without wasting time or/and getting concessions on
energy imports until such time.
The Cost of living cannot be curbed without fiscal discipline but it
seems import dependent nations are more suspectible to the vagaries of
fluctuating commodity prices. I am not an expert on anything, but given
Ceasar Chavez's Venezuela's new foreign policy towards poorer nations,
it may be worth a try.
MANO RATWATTE
The event for 2007 - the convocation of graduates took place at the
prestigious BMICH on August 13, 2007.
What a struggle for the older parents and grandparents to climb those
never ending steps I guess over 100 steps easily. It's a wonder nobody
collapsed whilst climbing.
It's a shame and a great pity. I remember reading something about the
very same thing about two years ago. I also recall that they had said
there was a lift. When inquiries were made they were told that there is
a service lift, which as was the usual story not functioning, so what's
the use?
In any case the service lift is not meant for public.
So, act fast 'higher ups' and try to provide lifts or even escalators
to relieve senior citizens.
D. S. C.
The trainee Bhikkhu university students were seen - an ugly sight it
was - at a university students demonstration and they were indisciplined
to the extent of breaking barriers without heeding police advice.
The demonstrating university students in saffron robes were ordained
as Bhikkhus to perform religious services and not to become wage
earners.
The only solution to that is to debar Bhikkhus from studying in lay
universities or follow degree courses other than those meant for
missionary work and religious services. If they want to follow other
degree courses, for commercial purposes, then they should leave the
robes.
Buddhist Universities such as the one at Anuradhapura should be
opened and Bhikkhus should study in such educational institutions.
A former Minister of Education, I. M. R. A. Iriyagolla, wanted to
introduce such a system, which had to be unfortunately abandoned due to
opposition from a section of the clergy.
However, with a view to stop indiscipline among young Bhikkhu
students, separate Buddhist Universities should be opened exclusively
for the Sangha.
A political decision towards that end should be taken and the Maha
Sangha should support the move. In the interest of Buddhism such a step
appears necessary without delay.
I hope that this receives the attention of the President as the
Minister of Religious Affairs and the Minister of Higher Education Prof.
Wiswa Warnapala.
UPALI S. JAYASEKERA, Colombo 4
Whatever may be the cause and the problems with the water board, and
its system and the Municipality, the bank and three-wheeler drivers -
what stands out most evident is 'The attitude' of the writer Seetha
Wanigatunga of Mount Lavinia.
Her self confession of having lived abroad for 20 years and exposure
to foreign climes and now not fit into the good old Sri Lankan system
with a high brow foreign attitude which seems to rub off and irritate
all and sundry she comes into contact with.
Terrence de Silva, Saudi Arabia
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