I know this is a subject many intellectuals, professionals and academics are reluctant to comment on due to possible criticism by the public. I too would be reluctant to write this same piece in the public press. However I am encouraged to share this with my learned colleagues as I have seen how very bright youngsters lose their self confidence, esteem and enthusiasm when they are unable to reach the promised success by the press, colleagues, teachers and many others.

This young man, Ravidhu Madhava Ranasinghe, an A/Level Maths stream student from Yatagala Maha Vidyalaya, Uragasmanhandiya, Elpitiya  deserves high commendation for his perseverance, resourcefulness, project management ability, determination, technical knowledge and many other abilities I have not stated here.

Nevertheless, some of the credit given to him in the article published in the newspaper ‘Ceylon Today’ needs to be further analyzed. This is not to undermine this youngster’s commendable effort, but to convey correct message to our budding inventors. First of all shall we try to understand its inventiveness. By definition inventions must be novel, not obvious and of practical use.

Most of our readers will agree that this is not novel as all its components and the combination of the system is not new. Any garage mechanic would know that by assembling used parts a car can be manufactured. Such illegal assembly is widely practiced to avoid the payment of very high import duty on imported cars. The number plate for such assembled cars come from condemned accident vehicles.

With regard to practical use; one can see that the body shape aerodynamics need much improvement. Its durability is questionable. The safety of the passengers as well as other road users is heavily compromised. I am reluctant to condemn it further as it might hamper the persistent entrepreneurship of this young man.

Ravindu says it cost him only Rs 30,000 as he has used condemned components. I believe he has not accounted for labor, management inputs, welding, riveting, shaping etc among many other costs.

Further, this is an illegal activity, as it robs the state the import duty which is essential for the government to construct and maintain the road network. It also compromises the safety of road users, including passengers.

This A level maths student would have been better off if he concentrated on his studies to get good A level results and make use of his entrepreneurship ability after receiving basic academic qualifications.

By Eng. Jayantha Ranatunga