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| Thursday, 25 November 2004 |
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Editorial | |
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| Please forward your comments to the Editor, Daily News. Email : editor@dailynews.lk Snail mail : Daily News, 35, D.R. Wijewardene Mawatha, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Telephone : 94 11 2429429 / 94 11 2421181 Fax : 94 11 2429210 High point in Iran-Lanka relations President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga has just launched a new chapter in Iran-Sri Lanka relations. Although trade and economic ties are strongly in focus during the Lankan President's visit - which is the first by a Lankan Head of State and Government to that country - the decades-long cordiality between Iran and Sri Lanka could be said to be further cemented by President Kumaratunga's initiative. Our wish is that Iran-Sri Lanka relations would continue to prosper and work to the advantage of both countries. It was President Mohamad Khatami of Iran who coined the now celebrated expression "Civilizational Dialogue". This concept is as revolutionary as the doctrine of non-alignment and Pancha Sheela which was strongly advocated by some of South Asia's foremost political leaders, such as India's Jawaharlal Nehru and Sri Lanka's S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike. We believe the concept of "Civilizational Dialogue" too should be looked at very closely by, particularly the big powers of the West, if international relations are to be placed on a firm, ethical foundation. Reduced to its essentials, the principle of "Civilizational Dialogue" is simply this: the civilizations of the world need to dialogue more closely with each other and learn to appreciate each other's viewpoints for the establishment of harmonious international relations. Furthermore, differences among nations are not reduced by the force of arms but through a dialogue process which promotes mutual understanding. We wish this approach to resolving their differences would be adopted by the states of the world, thereby curbing the terrible blight of armed conflicts and wars. Coming from an ardent practitioner of the Islamic faith, the ideal of "Civilizational Dialogue" could be considered one of Islam's weightiest contributions to world peace. Accordingly, it is in the fitness of things that Sri Lanka strengthens its relations with Iran because consolidated ties among the peace-loving states of the world are essential for the promotion of world peace. Flourishing Iran-Sri Lanka ties would be living proof that two ancient civilizations could commune meaningfully and continue to fertilize world opinion with their wisdom. Showcasing our goods and services in Iran, as we have been already doing, could bring Sri Lanka a range of economic benefits and the Lankan President's visit is certain to open more vistas in economic cooperation between the countries. It is our wish that prosperity to both countries would flow from the Iran-Lanka preferential Trade Agreement.
The hybrid future The good news is that a super fuel-efficient hybrid car, powered by a combination petrol engine/electric motor, has won the Car of the Year award. The bad news is that most Governments are still not recognising the need to popularise these vehicles despite the oil crunch. Toyota's Prius, now in its second generation, has been judged as the best car of the year by Europe's top motoring journalists. Here's a car that can do more than 35 kilometres per litre, as against a maximum of 18 Km per litre performed by conventional gasoline engines. No wonder consumers around the world are ditching their petrol powered cars and taking the hybrid route. According to latest reports, German sports car maker Porsche is planning to tie up with Toyota to produce hybrid versions of its top-sellers. Purists will shudder at the thought of a hybrid 911 or a Boxster S, but it makes perfect sense because their conventional engines have an insatiable thirst. Nissan, Honda and Ford are also making hybrid vehicles. They intend to manufacture hybrid versions of gas-guzzling sports utility vehicles, which are not known for low fuel consumption. For now, hybrids remain a stop-gap solution. Oil is running out, but it will last for at least 100 more years. At a time when oil prices have hit a record high, consumers are trying to gain the maximum benefit from every drop of oil. Hybrids do just that. Moreover, they have much less emissions and are environment-friendly. Some manufacturers are trying to build diesel hybrids, which will up the ante further. Today's best common rail diesel engines are already very frugal, but combining one with an electric motor should be sweet music to motorists' ears. Governments and regulatory authorities must encourage the use of hybrid vehicles by making it easier for consumers to buy them. This calls for duty and tax reductions to make them more affordable. Some countries have already taken a policy decision to this effect. For example, London's congestion charge does not apply to the Prius. Automakers are also looking at all-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles as an answer to the oil crisis. Several carmakers have released limited numbers of fuel cell versions of their popular vehicles. A couple of hydrogen filling stations have been opened in the US and Europe. Nevertheless, hydrogen-powered vehicles at least a decade away from full commercialisation. As for electric cars, they are plagued by limited range and the need for large batteries. Scientists are striving to solve these problems. Regulatory authorities must keep an eye on these developments and take appropriate measures to popularise alternative energy cars for the greater benefit of their peoples - and economies. |
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