'Lanka's ancient technology has stood the test of time'

Nethali Struys

If our ancient technology is developed and improved Sri Lanka will be able to convert the world into a new breed of eco-friendly people, said Institute for Construction Training and Development (ICTAD) Director K Balachandran.

He pointed out that the country's largest monument (Jethawanaramaya), which is the third largest stupa in the world was built using eco-friendly material and it had lasted for centuries. He said that "there is no truth in the belief that cement is the only material that is suitable for strong building". It is being revealed that by 2,050,200 million people will be refugees due to environmental changes. Due to greenhouse effect the sea levels are on the rise and if it rises by a metre, 130 million people will be marooned.

'Research has shown that due to construction activities 30 percent green house gas is released to the environment and five percent is released only by manufacturing cement. These situations should be addressed globally, ICTAD Chairman Udula Bandara Awsadahamy observed. He said that every trade should undergo a change now if the world is to be saved for the future generations.

"The human race who have a very limited time to spend in the earth have done serious and permanent damage to the existence of earth.

Human activities have affected the existence of nature cycles on earth," he said.