China's first energy law adopted by the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress in November 2024 is effective from 1^st January 2025. Analysts believe that this is an unprecedented step to modernize China's energy management. This law shall manage the energy sector establishing institutional frameworks for green & low carbon energy transition ushering energy for economic development. President AKD should direct his team to study below during the official visit to energize Sri Lankan economy. The new law;

1. Advances energy consumption revolution & fosters the green, low carbon consumption model.
2. Introduces the minimum target share system of renewable energy consumption.
3. Legalize the green certificate recognizing the environmental attributes & offers effective market incentives for individuals & enterprises to prioritize purchasing & using clean energy.
4. Drives energy technology innovation for core competitiveness of key industries.
5. Establishes institutional guarantees for technological innovation in the energy sector driven by enterprises & market demand.
6. Is expected to foster synergy between industries, universities & research institutes.
7. Sets direction for the efficient use of fossil fuels, large application of renewable energy, energy storage & hydrogen as a fuel.
8. Proposes improving financial & government procurement policies to encourage private sector capital inputs.
9. Is expected to make Green energy consumption a norm (Ref Media).

Due to adopting clean energy policies from time to time more clean energy production & electric vehicles are seen on the roads in Sri Lanka. With timely new laws promoting clean energy, Sri Lanka may easily go to the level of using low altitude electric vehicles such as the RX4E for economic development.

Electric aircraft RX4E

China’s internally developed 4 seat electric aircraft RX4E became the first electric aircraft to obtain type certification. RX4E is the first fully electric aircraft designed under Chinese civil aviation regulations & has a wingspan of 13.5 M & is 8.4 M long. Powered by a lithium battery (70 kWh) it has a maximum takeoff weight of 1260 KG. The RX4E has so far achieved a maximum flight time of 90 minutes with zero emissions, low noise, reduced operational costs, high safety & reliability. It is anticipated to serve in pilot training, sightseeing, experiential flying, aerial photography & aviation surveying (Ref. CAAC). Similar applications may help more internal connectivity & micro economic development in Sri Lanka ultimately preventing internal conflicts while improving quality of life.

Tibet is also China

Tibet Autonomous Region which recently suffered a strong earthquake has been part of Great China historically. As part of the Belt & Road Initiative many US based Beer manufacturers have also invested in Tibet due to its clean water resources. It is the only region in China where the central government is funding free education for most number of years. Tibetan statistics indicate that quality of life including life expectancy have significantly increased after the Peoples Liberation Army established control in 1959 (during the same time when the Indian Army took Goa from Portugal).

The Sri Lankan government recently renewed its 1957 recognition of ‘One China’. Historically Sri Lanka worked with the Great Chinese Empire referred in ancient chronicles as ‘Maha Cheenaya’ (similar to ‘Maha Brithanya’). Though some say China isn’t a democracy in the 21^st century its only permanent member of the UN which practices ‘One Country – Many Systems’ method of government. Honk Kong returned to Chinese control in 1997 after a 99 year lease to the British. Macao leased to the Portuguese returned in 1999. Taiwan Island was part of the Chinese empire & its cultural & political bonds with the mainland are inseparable.

To do list for President AKD

If President AKD can guide his officers during the China trip to learn more on above developments, it will help Sri Lanka to takeoff with; good emissions, loud noise, reduced operational costs, high safety & reliability opening Sri Lanka to the air spaces of the Belt & Road Initiative. The Chinese who have many cultural similarities to Sri Lankans & Indians may feel that any sincere attempt to develop a society for the good of its people would be blessed by Chinese god ‘Wei-Tuo’ (Bodhisathva Skanda) AKA ‘Kataragama Deviyo’ in Sri Lank & ‘Subrahmanya’ in India.

(Views expressed are personal/ Photos: RX4E & ‘Wei-Tuo’ – source WWW).