Sri Lankans in Automobile
Development & Production.
In
the 1930s Engineer Deshamanya T.S. Jinasena developed a racing car (Magpie) with
parts & technology from international producers. He set many records
competing with foreign nationals driving his own creation. His engineering contributions such as the Jinasena
Tractor still serve the agricultural sector in Sri Lanka. (source: Dr. Tissa Jinasena
& Jinasena Archives).
In
1969 visionary Sri Lankan entrepreneur Upali Wijewardena produced the ‘Upali
Mazda’ in Sri Lanka with Japanese technology & released the car to the
market in 1970. Few years later with technical support from Thailand &
Italy he produced the ‘Upali Fiat’ in 1977 & released the cars in 1978. (source: Dr. Sudhammika Atygalle & www).
In
mid 2000s Engineer Dr. Lawrence Perera developed the ‘Micro’ vehicles in Sri
Lanka.
Did we support our
industrialists to strengthen our automobile engineering sector?
Did we discourage our own
people who had the ability to develop our industries?
Will we make the same mistake
with the Labuyaya, Volkswagen venture?
As individuals, do we
think of our requirement before investing in a vehicle?
Are we concerned about national
wealth flowing out of the country?
Electric & Hybrid vehicles
are new in the market. Do we know what is being emitted from these vehicles?
How can we avoid engineering, health
& financial conflicts when using vehicles?
© Dr. Samitha Hettige, January 2017.
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