Letters to the Editor
View(s):Let us put to good use cashew nut shell liquid
The whole world is concerned about the economic situation we are entering into in the post pandemic period. We Sri Lankans also should find new ways to boost our economy. There may be many things that are neglected that could be very valuable for the economy. For example, coconut coir was a waste product about 20 years before but gives us a sizeable income in the form of foreign currency today.
I want to draw the attention of the authorities to a similar product which could be very valuable. Sri Lanka exports a large amount of cashew to other countries. According to available statistics, Sri Lanka produces about 6800 metric tons of cashew nuts every year. The shell of the cashew nuts contains a chemical known as cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL). There are many reports that the cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) can be used as alternative fuel for diesel. It is a bio-diesel and researchers have shown that it can be mixed with diesel up to 20 percent. There are various chemicals obtainable from CNSL, one of which is Cardinol, a compound used in various other industries. CNSL products are reported to be environmental friendly too.
Most cashew nut shells are not used and hence go to waste. The cultivation of cashew can be further increased. Considering we spend a large amount of money for diesel yearly, 20 percent of it probably can be saved if we use CNSL mixed with diesel. And of course, there will be more jobs for people and more cashewnuts to export.
Dr. D.P.D. Wijesinghe Via email
News reports that point to a worrying trend
As a retired octogenarian, one of the pleasures I have in life is reading the newspapers.
The articles usually stimulate one’s interest in a wide variety of topics.
However, today, June 22, a perusal of the paper left me disturbed and troubled.
Almost 26,000 “suspects” have been arrested over a period of two weeks in June, that is, well over 1,500 a day!
A reputed retired Central Bank Governor points out that the knee-jerk reaction of the brow-beaten Central bank officials in increasing the liquidity of the banks is not the solution to our economic problems.This was a sequel to their public humiliation on TV by the President.
The residents of Pottuvil protest at the archaeological survey of an ancient vihara, ordered by the Archae-ological Task force (to which an archaeologist has not been appointed).
The construction of a second Norochcholai coal power plant we are told, is an environmental disaster….
These are all the actions of a Government riding roughshod over a powerless public.
Shades of Stalin and his ruthless Commissars!
Dr. Premini Amerasinghe Via email