Foreign Ministry out of economic relations ?
by Kalyananda Godage, formerly of the Sri Lanka Foreign ServiceThe management of Sri Lanka’s external economic relations A recent editorial in The Island made a significant inquiry. "The other question to be asked is why the economic desk at the Foreign Ministry not present in Delhi for these negotiations. With the Foreign Ministry very much involved in the formulation of principles of SAPTA and SAFTA, why is it that senior diplomats who have been involved in such discussions are not present in Delhi?" This is indeed a most relevant inquiry. Did the Foreign Ministry have no role because this was considered a purely commercial matter, (as if such ‘compartmentalization’ is ever possible in today’s world), or is it because of some temporary ‘aberration’ that the Foreign Ministry was not included in or pulled out from the delegation to New Delhi?
India being so vitally important to us and considering the fact that political relations with that country are totally linked to economic, trade and other issues and also because of the very nature of our relationship, it was decided in1990, that the Foreign Ministry should act as the coordinating Ministry for the management of our relations with India. I believe the Foreign Minister led the Sri Lanka delegation for talks with the Indians, after a new era in relations was mooted in the early ‘90s.
Perhaps with time things have changed, but this is indeed a somewhat curious situation. . This Government has always claimed that the thrust of its foreign policy was economic. After all it is not politics but economics that ‘makes the world go round’ today. It has hitherto been the Foreign Minister who has been the Government’s principal emissary and promoter of ‘private foreign investment’ and foreign trade. He has led government business delegations to many countries and also promoted business on almost all his visits abroad. On his visits to India, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, to name but a few, he pursued the development of economic relations quite aggressively. We now find the Foreign Ministry sitting it out, when an important new Agreement that would redefine the relationship between India an Sri Lanka is being negotiated.
The fundamental question which requires an answer relates to the role of the Foreign Ministry is the conduct and management of our external economic relations. The following Ministries and Government Agencies have an external dimension to their functions: 1) Ministry of Trade 2) Ministry of Finance 3) Department of External Resources 4) The Board of Investment 5) The Export Development Board 6) The Tourist Board 7) The Tea Board 8) The Ministry of Plantations 9) The Ministry of Labour 10) The Ministry of Textile Industry( or whatever name by which it is called today)
Department of Commerce has 18 officers attached to our Embassies and HighCommissions (significantly there are no officers from the Department. in China or in France despite the commercial importance of these countries). These officers are essentially engaged in ‘trade information’ trade promotion and regulatory functions. Though the promotion of private foreign investment is crucial for the country there are no officers from the Board of Investment stationed overseas. Officers of the Department of Commerce were expected to do investment promotion, a full time task, in addition to their other onerous functions. The Tea Board has a presence in London. The Tourist Board has officers in Frankfurt, London, Paris and Tokyo. The Export Development Board has an office in Rotterdam and the Labour Department has officers in the Gulf and countries of West Asia.
The previous administration, realising that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has a pivotal role to play in the conduct of all aspects of Sri Lanka’s external relations, decided that our Missions abroad should function as focal points for the entire range of external relations/activities of the Government of Sri Lanka. Missions abroad were required to set up ‘umbrella organizations’, which were referred to as ‘Committees for Trade and Investment promotion" twelve Missions were identified for the establishment of such Committees. A ‘Bilateral Cooperation Unit’ was also established in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with representatives of other Ministries and Agencies. These Ministries and Agencies were also required identify a focal point within there organizations with whom the new ‘Cooperation unit’ could liaise for the better coordination of Government business.
It was also decided policy that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would be represented at all bilateral aid and trade negotiations/ consultations to be held in Sri Lanka and abroad. A special Fund was also created to meet the cost of promotional and publicity activities to be undertaken under this programme. The ‘system’ functioned under the political direction of the Deputy Minister (who was then designated as State Minister, whatever that meant) who was required to convene monthly meetings to consider reports sent by Missions, in order to decide on follow-up action and policy coordination. Minutes of these meetings were submitted to the Sub-Committee on Economic Affairs presided over by the Prime Minister. If the Sub-Committee was of the opinion that further action was needed to be taken, The matter went before the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs for a decision. A serious problem faced today is the absence of an active Prime Minister. The President would be the only person who could preside at meetings where other Ministers are present. A major problem that has prevented effective governance today, stares us in the face. It is also relevant in this regard to recall that during the previous administration, there were three Cabinet Committees, and a separate Sub Committee for Foreign Private Investment. The Cabinet Committees were, 1) the Cabinet Committee on Political and Public Affairs, and a related Sub-Committee 2) the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs and Infrastructure development, and a related Sub-Committee 3) Cabinet Committee on Education and Socio-Cultural Affairs and a related Sub Committee. Each of these Committees had a Secretary who also functioned as Secretary of the Sub-Committee. The Sub-Committee on Investment too had its own Secretary. Strict guidelines were laid down with regard to the procedures to be followed by the Committees and Sub-Committees. In addition to the above named Committees and Sub-Committees, there was also a Committee of Secretaries of Ministries concerned with development. This Committee was at one time chaired by the Cabinet Secretary and subsequently by the Secretary, Ministry of Finance.
The new administration which came into office, without any previous experience in governance, abandoned, or might I say ‘dumped’ a well entrenched and ‘tried out’ system, without bringing in a replacement. I offer no apology for having digressed from the subject under discussion, which was the role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the management of our external economic relations. This is a fundamental issue. The importance of the Foreign Ministry, to establish a coordinated approach has been brought home time and again, during negotiations for Textile quotas, or as happened today, when malpractice has been detected in the importing country and embargoes introduced. Incidentally this matter of forged ‘certificates’, over-shipments and the resultant embargo, could cause Sri Lanka to be identified as an unreliable supplier by the trade, with serious consequences for the industry.
External economic relations being crucial, the coordination must either be ‘handled’ by a unit directly under the President (which is best, for it would carry the weight of the Presidency behind it) or in the alternative, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should be designated as the Ministry responsible for the coordination of external economic relations. The Ministry today has two able and experienced Diplomats in charge of Economic relations work, but there is little they can do as the Foreign Ministry is not the designated Ministry for the coordination of external economic relations. In the past the Ministry has functioned as a mere post box. External economic relations is a wholly uncoordinated area of activity today, with many loose canons firing in all directions. As for the bilateral Trade Agreement with in India, it is a certainly a step in the right direction and must be wholly welcomed. We must however ensure that our own vital interests are safeguarded. I would identify these as our domestic agricultural sector, where no compromise can be made, as that would disrupt not only our traditional way of life and the countryside itself. Agriculture should also be viewed as a strategic area in terms of our need to ensure our food security.
Let us hope that this Agreement would be the first step towards concluding a comprehensive ‘Cooperation Agreement’, between our two countries, to replace the Rajiv Gandhi-Jayewardene Accord and to restore credibility and dignity to the relationship.
Some suggestions for defensive driving
Dr. Kolita Weerasekera
Senior Lecturer — Open University of Sri LankaDefensive driving skills can be cultivated when young, and as the driver matures a more advanced stage of driving can be reached. Mr. Sujath de Silva had correctly stated (The Island, 26. 9 .98) defensive driving helps to improve the life span of vehicles, relieve driver’s stress and fatigue, makes the ride more pleasant and relaxing, contributes towards the country’s economic development by way of savings in accidents, and fuel. Although some mature drivers are keen and want to drive defensively the local traffic conditions make it difficult to practice defensive driving on our roads. Often you are confronted with situations where it is hard to keep from losing ones anger.
(A) How to handle anger
1. Awareness of the situation can be the first step towards controlling anger.2. Try to handle the situation in a healthy and wise way.
3. It should be remembered that anger may distract attention away from driving and invite trouble.
4. Accept the fact that anger will do nothing to get you out of irritating traffic situations or make you any advantage over the occasional erratic drivers who made you angry. On the contrary, it may get you into accidents or unpleasant situations.
5. Be conscious of the fact when you are angry.
6. Try to examine why anger seems to reach irrational (or high) proportions. Try to think to yourself "Why am I getting upset?" Tell yourself to keep cool. You alone cannot change society but certainly can contribute towards its betterment.
7. In this way try to take positive steps, instead of letting your anger build up.
8. Psychologists advise us to take deep breaths which helps to regain calm in such situations.
Tips:
1. Route planning and selecting the times for the journey is an important part of your planning process. If possible avoid morning and evening rush hours.2. Try to avoid the kind of traffic you know is likely to make you angry.
3. Smoother the traffic flow, the less the chances for anger, resulting therefore in fewer accidents.
4. If you are angry, remember that the horn is not the answer. This makes the situation still worse.
5. There are some drivers who use the horn whenever there is a vehicle in front of them for no apparent reason. It is hard to understand this practice. It may be that the driver is not confident enough to drive or he would have been driving a bullock cart before getting his driving licence. Do not get annoyed at these situations.
6. When the driver is not confident enough the tendency is to blast the horn to say that "here I am coming - please get to a side, I am shaky". There are some bullies who want to scare other road users by blasting the horn. This practice can be seen in some large vehicle drivers.
7. It is also common to see small vehicles such as three-wheelers and cars are driven with a continuous blast of the horn. This may be due to being scared of the other big vehicles.
8. The above situations may remind us of dogs barking at each other when all are scared of something. If you are sensible be not part of this.
9. Unfortunately we are yet to see any legislature being formulated or any action plan being drafted to keep the noise down, in our roads. Do we consider noise as a source of pollution?
10. If you are converting fear into anger, try to take the necessary steps to overcome the fear.
When angry, drivers may be tempted to take risks they otherwise might not take. Research has shown that many drivers who do this do not recover their skills quickly enough to avoid trouble.
(B) Good driving habits
Driving habits are the daily driving practices from starting the engine and joining the traffic to leaving the traffic and parking the vehicle.
Cultivating good driving habits in-between these two end activities invariably makes you a good driver.
Driving off
Before driving off from a road side parking area it is always a good habit to look at the situation of the vehicles behind you by looking at the mirrors of your vehicle, and before driving off always indicate with the signals, of your motive to join the flow.Road markings
Whereever road markings are painted on roads try to stick to these markings. Do not treat lane marking as mere road decorations.Always drive on the left-hand side of the road, unless it’s a one way street. You can only cross on to the right-hand side if you are turning or, if it is safe to overtake. You must not cross the centre line if it is a double unbroken line or if the line closest to you is unbroken.
Changing lanes
Once you are a part of traffic flow, do not change lanes without a reason. Drivers constantly changing lanes make the overall road efficiency drop drastically and also makes driving difficult for the good drivers driving within lanes.If a lane change has to be carried out due to a valid reason, check the rear view mirrors, then look to the rear to ensure that no vehicle is hidden in the blind spot. Signal with the indicators before commencing the lane change. It is important to learn to use these mirrors correctly and to learn to check your blind spot behind you before changing lanes. Attention should be paid to the blind spot especially when your driving speed is over 50 km/h.
If a driver is attempting to change the lane properly for any apparent reason never try to prevent lane change by force. It is important to obey lane markings they are not road decorations.
Overtaking
Never overtake unless you can do so in complete safety. Don’t overtake when you’re on a hill, at a bend or corner, at intersections, or on pedestrian or railway crossings. Wait for a long, clear stretch of road. If in doubt, don’t overtake.
Speed
The general speed limit on local arterials is 52 km/h.. But some roads have their own speed limits. These are shown on signs and must be obeyed. The authorities should be responsible to indicate the speed limits on all roads to remind the drivers of their speed obligations. You should reduce your speed and drive more carefully:1. When the road surface is not in good condition.
2. High pedestrian activity on the sides of the road.
3. In bad weather (especially in light rain)
4. When there are cyclists on the road.
Driving through intersections
Always obey traffic lights and traffic signs. Obey "Stop" or "Give way" signs or marks. At controlled intersections, always give way to traffic on your right and on multi-lane roundabouts, make your turns from the correct lane. At roundabouts, you must always travel clock wise and give way to vehicles already on the roundabout. If you intend to turn left or right, remember to signal as you approach the roundabout.Fatigue
When you are driving on a long journey, make sure that you stop and rest every 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Get a good night’s sleep before you set out and whenever possible, share the driving with someone else. Watch for the signs of tiredness, restlessness, body aches, lazy steering, and sore eyes. At the first sign of these symptoms, pull over at the nearest safe place and rest until you feel completely alert.Roadside parking
Generally, you should park parallel and as close as possible to the left-hand kerb.. Leave a space or at least one metre between your car and those in front and behind. When you open the kerb-side doors beware it will not hit the bollards planted by the Colombo and nearby municipal councils (the stupidity of these bollards is hard to understand).Some space is required for angle parking, which means your vehicle should be at 45 degree angle to the kerb. Always obey parking signs. Don’t park in areas marked "No parking", "No stopping" or ""Clearway"". Don’t park close to intersections, bus stops, pedestrian crossings, hill or curve where view is obstructed. Do not park in front of driveways.
Who are safe drivers?
Safe drivers are drivers who are:-• appropriately licensed
• correctly trained
• know the current road rules
• understand and adopt safe driving practices
• respect the rights of other road users, including cyclists and pedestrians
• understands the effect of fatigue, alcohol and pharmaceutical preparations
• the mind of driver can be the most potent safe driving tool
Why traffic laws and ethics?
Finally before ending this article it should be mentioned that in the early years of motoring it was required that a motor vehicle should be preceded by a horse carriage with a man carrying a red flag - as a warning to road users.Since then, vehicles have progressed considerably and with the development of new technologies traffic has grown in speed and intensity so dramatically that a far- reaching and complex set of laws and driving ethics have been developed to maintain a semblance of order on roads.
Without rules having the authority of the law, the capacity of the road network to carry large volumes of traffic (or road efficiency in other words) in relative safely will disappear, and conditions will rapidly become intolerable.
More the numbers in traffic law violators the conditions of roads become unpleasant. Hence motorists should remember that it is his/her obligation to follow road rules and to avoid being a menace to society.
Environment
Conserving Sri Lanka’s biological wealth
(IUCN is the world’s largest conservation organization with over 900 governments and NGO members from 138 countries. Founded in 1948, fifty years on, the world conservation community returns to Fountainbleau to debate where the movement should be going in the new millennium.)The term Biological diversity or Biodiversity is new in Sri Lanka, as it is in most countries. However, the basic concept of biodiversity and its, conservation is as old as the recorded history of the country. When the monarchs of old proclaimed edicts for the preservation of wildlife in defined areas, they were, in today’s context, establishing "protected areas". When the village communities systematically organized their landscape, with the irrigation tanks and cultivated areas in the low-lying land, the settlements at higher levels, and the catchments in the hilly areas left under forests, they were recognizing the environmental value of conserving the natural forest in the catchments. When the farmers cultivated many different varieties of rice, recognizing their special qualities regarding food value, cooking properties, palatability, medicinal value, they were in fact conserving the genetic diversity of this species. When the households raised multitiered crops in their home gardens, they were conserving and using sustainably a multitude of species for food, medicine, fuel and fodder, while at the same time replicating the structure of a natural forest.
So then, why are we so concerned about bio-diversity today. It is because biodiversity is being lost at an unprecedented rate today. Sri Lanka’s high population density, high levels of poverty and unemployment, and widespread dependency on subsistence agriculture have exerted considerable pressure on the biodiversity of the country. Extensive deforestation and land degradation and the unregulated exploitation of natural resources (e.g. mining for coral lime, sand and gemstones) are some of the manifestations of the social problems the country faces causing destruction of natural ecosystems and the species they contain.
The conservation of biological diversity is of special significance to Sri Lanka in the context of its predominantly agriculture-based economy and the high dependence on many plant species for food, medicine and domestic products. Over a third of the plant species in the country are used in indigenous medical practice, and many of these species are growing scarce due to habitat destruction and over-collection. The rich and diverse ecosystems of the country harbour many wild relatives of cultivated species, and the gene pool represented by these wild plants are a resource of considerable potential value that could be used for the genetic improvement of cultivated plants. Another valuable genetic resource is the wide range of varieties and ecotypes of cultivated species found in the country. For example, in the case of rice, there are over 2500 accessions of indigenous varieties. These have not been fully characterized, and allowing for the presence of duplicates it would appear that these accessions represent about 1000 distinct cultivars. Plant products such as fruits, fibre, spices, kitul sap, bamboo and rattan are used as raw material for many small scale industries which provide financial security to rural populations. The biological resources of coastal and marine ecosystems provide nearly 70 per cent of the protein requirements of the country and generates employment for about 500,000 people. Biodiversity also contributes directly to the national economy in the form of revenue from National Parks and other wildlife reserves, while its potential to promote eco-tourism could be a significant income generator in the future.
The forests of southwest Sri Lanka (wet evergreen forests) are particularly rich in biodiversity and endemic species and they are fragmented and under severe threat. On account of this, southwest Sri Lanka has been named as one of the 18 biodiversity hotspots in the world (i.e. an area with high species diversity and high levels of endemism and where species are subject to exceptional levels of threat). Conservation of Sri Lanka’s biodiversity therefore, transcends national interest - it is of global relevance.
The Convention on Biological Diversity, which aims to conserve the planet’s biological species and provide for their sustainable use by present and future generations, was placed before the heads of state for signature at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, or Earth Summit, on 5 June 1992. The nations of the world gave a clear expression of their concern "that biological diversity is being significantly reduced by human activities" when over 150 of them signed the Convention within two weeks. Subsequent ratification proceeded so fast that, within 18 months, the Convention came into force. Sri Lanka ratified the Convention in March 1994. Article 6 of the Convention requires each contracting party to: "(a) Develop national strategies, plans or programmes for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity or adapt for this purpose existing strategies, plans or programmes which shall reflect, inter alia, the measures set out in this Convention relevant to the contracting party concerned: and "(b) Integrate, as far as possible and as appropriate, the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity into relevant plans, programme and policies".
The value of the nation’s biodiversity has not gone unrecognized by the government and the people of Sri Lanka. There are many legislative enactments that deal with the protection of biological resources. In 1980, the National Environmental Act constituted the Central Environmental Authority. Soon after, in response to the World Conservation Strategy, Sri Lanka began preparing a National Conservation Strategy (NCS), one of the first countries in Asia to do so. In 1988, after a lengthy process of survey and consultation, the NCS was adopted as the centre-piece of the government’s policies to deal with environmental degradation in the country. In 1991, based on the recommendations of the NCS, a National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) was adopted for a four year period. The implementation experience led in 1994, to a revised NEAP, for the period 1995-98. Over years these environmental policy frameworks have influenced and helped shape several generations of sectoral and national development strategies.
The Biodiversity Conservation Action Plan (BCAP) was prepared by IUCN - The World Conservation Union, Sri Lanka in 1996/1997, in collaboration with the Ministry in charge of Environment which is the focal point for the Convention on Biological Diversity in Sri Lanka. The BCAP was preceded by the preparation of a strategy for a National Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP), which was also prepared by IUCN Sri Lanka, for the same Ministry, in 1994. The plan has now received cabinet approval.
The preparation of the BCAP was an intensely participatory process, which involved meetings with the heads, and where necessary key officials, of main agencies responsible for biodiversity conservation and/or use.
This enabled discussions on the mandates and programmes of these institutions vis-a-vis biodiversity conservation. Commencing from the early stages of plan preparation, there were also meetings with experts on different components of biodiversity or who were engaged actively in biodiversity conservation related work. Several workshops and seminars were held to seek the views of NGOs, government organizations and the public on the critical issues that needed to be highlighted in the BCAP. Open-ended biodiversity networks that had been established by the Ministry of Environment, consisting of focal people in government departments to facilitate implementation of the Biodiversity Convention, were used for informal consultations during the BCAP preparation. The Ministry of Environment also sought the views of over 100 NGOs throughout the country on the national efforts that were needed to conserve the country’s biodiversity. Finally, the draft report was discussed at several workshops with heads of state departments that would be responsible for the various aspects of BCAP implementation, NGOs and CBOs, researchers and university personnel. The BCAP prepared for Sri Lanka is thus the result of an intensely participatory process.
The BCAP sets out the range of activities needed for addressing biodiversity as a holistic exercise. Many of the activities are at present in progress, and their inclusion in the Plan have added strength and a sense of urgency to the current efforts. Other proposals address gaps in the current programmes, which the relevant institutions should take up for implementation. Yet others are new activities which the concerned institutions should undertake so as to ensure the success of the national effort for biodiversity conservation. The BCAP urges that biodiversity Conservation is of critical importance for the ecological and economic sustenance of the nation, and brings together within a single framework all the activity areas that need to be addressed.
National Water Conference: Rajakariya and a Kangaroo ride
By Asitha JayawardenaI open the tap, holding the glass underneath. Water gushes out of the filter.
Refreshed, I walk into the BMICH Committee Room A, just a few paces away. The second day of the National Conference on the Status and Future Direction of Water Research in Sri Lanka, 4—6 November 1998. Organised by Water Resources Council/Secretariat, International Irrigation Management Institute and Ministry of Forestry and Environment Sri Lanka.
I sink into a cosy seat. Time: ten to nine. A quick look at the Programme: Chief Guest of yesterday’s Opening Ceremony is Dr. Gamini Corea, Former Secretary General, UNCTAD. I wish I were present.
According to the newspaper ad, the theme of the conference is, ‘’Water—Precious Resource of Sri Lanka: What Can Research Contribute?’’ And the broad goal is, to create a research culture among water decision—makers in order to enhance the demand for, and use of research results while simultaneously strengthening the capacity of Sri Lankan researchers to meet these demands effectively.
I turn a page of the Annual Report 1997 of the International Irrigation Management Institute, or the IIMI. The Foreword appears, revealing the danger lying ahead: In certain areas of the world, water scarcity has already started constraining food production and economic growth. And it is having highly negative effects on human health, quality of life and conservation of the environment. The worst affected is the poor who lack the means for competing for scarce water resources. What’s more, they cannot escape the adverse effects of the scarcity.
IIMI projects, it says, that fully one third of the populations of developing countries will suffer from severe water scarcity by 2025. The biggest problem is the depletion and pollution of groundwater supplies—a major threat to food security. India already obtains one-half of its irrigation water from groundwater. Such a problem would affect human health and welfare as well.
And the session sets off.
Professor C. M. Madduma Bandara, University of Peradeniya, presents a paper: Status of Water Resources Research in Sri Lanka and the Potential for Further Study.
We Sri Lankans developed a hydraulic civilization even before the beginning of the Christian era. In the Maduru Oya project, Canadian engineers inspecting the location they had chosen for a sluice gate were surprised to find an old sluice gate right there. According to Brohier (1935), ancient Sri Lankan engineers received invitations to solve hydraulic problems in the neighbouring countries.
To speak about the high level of achievement in irrigation management and technology, some ancient hydraulic structures have survived: long canals with imperceptible slopes, Bisokotuwas, Ralapanawa’s and cascades of village tank systems. There is proof relevant to urban water supply and waste disposal systems as well: water-sealed toilets in Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, and ornamental fountains in landscape gardens in Sigiriya.
The big secret of our ancestors’ success was the main irrigation management system they adopted, or the Rajakariya System. It worked fine for 2000 years until the British abolished it.
National Independence in 1948 brought about fresh attempts on water resources development through irrigation projects like Gal Oya, Uda Walawe and later on Mahaweli. Meanwhile renovation of ancient irrigation works and rehabilitation of minor irrigation systems continued. In addition to irrigation, hydro-power development, flood control, water supply and sanitation, and land reclamation gathered momentum.
Today, most sites ideal for projects have been already used. So new projects are difficult to comeby. Upper Kotmale Project has caused mixed reactions. Optimum use of water is therefore essential through proper management. Research, in this aspact, plays a vital role. Despite serious limitations of funding and coordination, a substantial amount of water research is currently done in Sri Lanka.
Recently a survey was conducted among water sector institutions and personnel. The results stress the need for a centralised agency with constitutional authority to develop the research culture on water in Sri Lanka.
The next paper: Leveraging Research—Riding the Back of the Kangaroo, written by Dr. Dasarath Jayasuriya, Melbourne Water Corporation Australia, and Dr Niranjali Jayasuriya, RMIT University, Australia.
Water is precious and critical for maintaining public health and sustaining food production. Moreover, uncontrolled flow of water may turn into a flood, resulting in loss of lives and property. That’s why water management is so important.
In Australia exists an institutional framework for water related research. Corporate Research Centres (CRCs) are boosting the competitiveness of Australian industry by strengthening collaborative research links among industry, research organisations, educational institutions and relavent government agencies. Since 1991, sixty-seven CRCs have been established; they are categorised under six research themes with four water related CRCs residing under the Environment research field.
The northern and eastern parts of Australia experience a tropical climate and, as a result, face water resource problems similar to those in Sri Lanka. Since research activities related to such problems would have applications in Sri Lanka, her scientific community can utilise this laboratory of knowledge and tap into its products while enjoying the benefits of ‘’not reinventing the wheel.’’ Sometimes, however, research activities unique to Sri Lanka may be required.
Various approaches in linking with research carried out in Australia:
(1) Development of relationships: Modern technology facilitates easy frequent communication, through which personal relationships can be developed based on information, trust and intellectual contribution. Persistent work is needed before the relationship grows into a partnership beneficial to all parties involved.
(2). Linking to information; Most research organisations have periodic publications, sometimes monthly newsletters. The Annual Report is a good summary. Articles on the web page and industrial seminars on video could also be useful.
(3). Access to public domain software: Software packages are available free of charge or at a nominal cost for non-commercial use. These applicable to Sri Lankan condiitons include: REALM (Diment, 1992) reservoir systems optimisation model; RORB (Laurenson and Mein, 1997) runoff routing model; and AWBM (Boughton, 1993) rainfall runoff model.
(4). Opportunities for training: Research agencies are dedicated to transfer of technology. Government-funded summer scholarships are usually reserved for Australian residents. Those are augmented with AUSAID—funded staff-exchange programmes and academic secondments. Moreover, opportunities exist for researchers to work on contract basis, sometimes even upto a period of three years.
Key success factors:
1. Identify strategic themes for research.
2. Focus funding on identified research themes to avoid diffusion of themes.
3. Ensure good balance between fundamental and applied research.
4. Clearly define accountabilities of all parties involved.
5. Audit, monitoring and reporting of research programmes.
6. Communicate research outcomes and technology transfer to endusers.
It is good if a profesional board of management reporting to a cabinet minister can administer the Research Secretariat.
The Kangaroo Ride comes to an end. Thirst strikes me. Before the next presentation, I slip out of the room for a glass of water. Yes, no scarcity. At least for the time being...
