February, 13, 2025
Chinese Astronauts (Taikonauts) in Shenzhou -19 recently simulated natural photosynthesis taking the human race one step forward on board China’s space station ‘Tiangong’. They for the first time produced oxygen & the ingredients for rocket fuel. Scientists believe that these are key steps essential for human survival & space explorations. 12 experiments have taken place using semiconductor catalysts to convert carbon dioxide & water into Oxygen while producing ‘Ethylene’ which is a hydrocarbon that can be used to make spacecraft propellants (Ref. China Manned Space).
Oxygen Conflicts
Sri Lankans donated Oxygen to the sick during shortages when President Gotabaya was fighting COVID – 19. Later they used it to change the system with Arson (the crime of intentionally starting a fire to damage or destroy something especially a building - Ref. Cambridge). President Trump talking about USAID shades in the Sri Lankan sociopolitical fire triangle has also heated the discussions in the recent days. As per fire fighting professionals, 3 elements must be combined in the right proportions for a fire to occur. If one is removed, the fire will be extinguished. The first is heat (most essential) as a fire won’t ignite unless it has the required heat, then a fuel & finally Oxygen.
Legend says ‘Hanuman’ from India & his Monkey army committed Arson during the legendary rescue mission. Buddhist chronicles indicate Buddha performing ‘Yamaka Pelahara’ (with water & fire) to civilize the ancestors of those who have a history of Arson. Arson against; state property, minorities & Rajapaksa rule may be more memorable. Among those set on fire are state & private owned factories & Cinema studios etc. Some have been resurrected. Resurrected or not, they may be used to promote tourism.
Industrial Tourism
There are many lessons from Vietnam, Cambodia, Japan & China. During 2025 spring festival, industrial tourism has emerged as the new trend in China. More travelers have opted to visit manufacturing sites over traditional sightseeing. Many companies have capitalized on this trend with facility tours focusing on tourists wanting to combine novel experiences of visiting a; factory, production site or a tech-hub. In 2025 industrial tourism reservations have surpassed 300,000 in eight locations in Beijing alone between January 29 & February 4th. The ‘Shougang’ Park which represents China's industrial steel past has welcomed over 13 million visitors in 2024 & generated 809 million USD (Ref. Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economy & IT). Chinese dairy giant Yili located in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region has welcomed approx. 3 billion visitors during the past 20 years.
Monkey Tourism
In the past few days, Sri Lankans are discussing conflicts with monkeys & some talk about mega caging. In China, during 2025 spring festival, the administration of ‘Fanjing’ mountain in Guizhou Province opened its golden snub nosed monkey research center to the public for the first time offering visitors a new experience amid the festive celebrations. The Guizhou golden snub nosed monkey is a critically endangered species & a 1st class nationally protected animal referred to as the ‘only child of the Earth’. If Sri Lankans can learn from the past & the world to develop novel ways to attract tourists & investors, economic recovery won’t be tough with opportunities such as the Belt & Road Initiative. (Photo: Tiangong source www) (Views expressed are personal).
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