Lessons Learned from the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture & Thereon – by Noor Rahim It was in February 1968 that I had the privilege and pleasure of meeting with the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture – University of Ceylon (Peradeniya Campus). He was a part of the Team that accompanied the Prime Minister of Ceylon, the Hon. Mr. Dudley Senanayake, at the inauguration of the “Green (agricultural) Revolution” that was being inaugurated in the Amparai District; in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. I believe the Dean of the Agricultural Faculty was Professor Peter Seneviratne.     The Dean arrived early at the Airport at Amparai; and informed us that the Prime Minister was held up at a Political Rally; and would be arriving later on. It was at this juncture that I thought of striking up a conversation with him; on the agricultural system in Sri Lanka. Thus, I ...

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The Advent of Colonialism and its Aftermath By Noor Rahim The Advent. Before the invasion of far off lands by foreign powers, that spread its’ wings, sails and tentacles into alien lands; the inhabitants of these lands lived a virtually “peaceful life”, except for internal squabbles among themselves and perhaps the   neigbouring countries. They were known to “live off the land” and make do with their own natural resources; which were, in most instances, mainly agrarian by nature. Then came the seafaring and belligerent/bellicose European Nations that had expansionist intentions during the period or era from the 16th to around the mid-20th century anno domini. What we saw, to a great extent, was not expansionism; but a rule for exploitation with lucrative & comfortable benefits to the invaders who occupied the invaded land; and the greed to fill the coffers of their own Motherland. This was the advent of Colonialism. ...

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