Temples & towns which disappeared when reservoirs reached spill level are reappearing with heated arguments on who should get the available water. Those who follow certain media may feel that it’s the only issue in SL at present. Farmers, Electricity producers, Politicians, & even a Canadian visiting SL are having different views. The Canadian may remember that in California, USA water suppliers preferred supplying water at higher rates to swimming pools but energy production years back. Sri Lankans may know that water is expensive in most countries. It is predicted that drinking water will be the most precious commodity along with Oxygen in the coming years (Ref UN stats). In SL water is sold to private consumers but it’s free for agricultural activity. Decades ago running water was free for all & Sri Lankans forgot to turn off the taps. Memories from 1970s & 80s remind civic education quoting Parakramabahu the great on saving water.

Long before him was Guerilla fighter king Walagamba who managed the memorable dry season “the Baminitiya Saaya”. During the times Electricity & Media houses weren’t available but the people balanced the situation. History indicates resistance against Parakramabahu taxing on water. Such taxes may have saved water & built the strong economy marked in gold. Regional interests on power generation in SL at present are Solar & Wind. SL should embrace that with all partners with win-win deals as it will ensure energy independence in the long run.  Walagamba resorting to Guerilla tactics to retain power may have had links to water supply backed by regional interests to disable the state. For the average citizen decent employment is vital to ensure food & essentials. They include farmers as well. An investor friendly stable state will ensure employment generation. That in turn will ensure supply of essentials. Therefore, uninterrupted power unlike in the region is vital. Citizens should remember that power cuts in SL are most often political issues in the region. Provincial elections in India will help stabilize India. A stable India is vital for SL. Power cuts took citizens to Galle face during Gotabaya rule. Citizens should be more analytical to understand that water can & should be used for cultivation & power generation as both are essential. Those in the South must learn from the North on being resilient (including using water efficiently). Silent unarmed majority in the North is the showpiece for surviving difficult times. They prevailed without complaining even when conflict with Tigers devastated them & others.

Autumn Tiger

The 13^th solar term in the Chinese calendar is "Liqiu". It indicates the beginning of autumn. In 2023 this took place on 8^th August. This is not the end of the summer heat but it’s the annual peak of heat & humidity. "Autumn Tiger" is a meteorological phenomenon in Chinese folklore referring to the short period of intensified hot weather at the beginning of autumn. It generally occurs from mid August to early September lasting about 10 - 15 days. It is as a result of the weather patterns hovering over the Pacific. The fire in Hawaii is also connected to this. In China clear skies, less clouds, intense sunlight & rising temperatures are experienced during this period. In Europe, it's known as an "Old Wives' summer & in North America it's also known as an "Indian summer” (Ref. Chinese sources).

Peace in autumn

Although the “Autumn Tiger” is heating China, China is working with peace loving community on cooling the Ukraine conflict. Diplomats from approx. 40 countries including Li Hui (China’s specialist on Eurasian issues) gathered in Saudi Arabia to end the conflict in Ukraine. Even the Ukrainian President who many feel was misguided by anti peace Tigers had expressed hope that it will result in a "peace summit" of world leaders this autumn. Analysts believe that China’s involvement in ushering peace for Iran & Saudi Arabia is a realistic base to discuss peace to end the conflict in Ukraine which has a direct impact on global; fuel supply, power generation & food supply. Sri Lankans should act to prevent climate change. Nature shall always make the corrective move at the right time. Sri Lankans should not contribute to disable the country due to short term political issues. In the end none but nature is in control. Disaster preparedness & conflict prevention skills should be embedded into the education system to train the next generation to face challenges with confidence.

(Views expressed are personal).