Aftermath of AC Pandemic' Isn't it a punishment for going against the nature.
Aftermath of AC Panademic consequent to COVID 19 Pandemic repeated media reports by government to shut down airconditioners installed in public offices for at least two working hours, inspired me to share my thoughts among friends
The first two airconditioners of a government office was installed in The General Treasury in 1969 for the mainframe computer room (with a very much lower capacity of a modern laptop) behind the main building of Old Secretariat Building still house the General Treasury. The second to the best of my knowledge was in the room provided for the World Bank consultant in the same building.None of the ministers Finance ministerU.B.Wanninayake, Social service minister V.A.Sugathadasa, Minister of Lands C.P De.Silva. Health minister E.L. Senanayake and secretaries including Secretary to the Treasury D..S.T and other Ministry secretaries did not have Ac rooms.
This Magnificent three storey building of 18th century British Architecture had enough ventilation provided by its design itself.We train commuters used to walk the small distance from the Fort station through the foot path(now closed) and used to enjoy the morning see breeze came through very large windows much bigger than present day doors.Heavy paper weights were placed to ensure papers on tables not carried away by the wind.
How ever over the time with fast spreading Ac Pandemic this healthy and environmental friendly atmosphere changed with the infection of AC Pandemic.Firstly it became a must for bigwigs and gradually to every body.resulting to become sick and weak work force again at a collosal cost not only to them but also for the entire nation.
At present More than one and a half the cubic area space is sealed off providing a very Small air-conditioned accommodation under lowered ceiling ,and human skeltells in crowded prison cells or move more like rats in small cages,reducing heavens to hells by our own will.
It comes to my recollection of yet.another office building (No500T.B Jayah mawstha Colombo 10.now house the Mahawali Ministry and Authority.This building was designed by famous Architectect Jeffrey Bava to harness natural. Ventilation at no cost.It was a fantastic design to blow in natural air from the bottom of the windowsill of all floors.Sealed ventilation holes block natural clean air an insufficient room ACS transform the Paradise imagined by its designer into unhygienic environment with our own will again at a higher cost to the nation also adding more costs to health bill.
With ever increasing fual import bills,and depleting water levels in our major reservoirs and follies of our own, how long caner afford to continue? Isn't it a punishment for going against the nature.
Susuri Gamage - Canada