By Prof. Samitha Hettige
The Chola Empire in South India reached its zenith by the 2nd century BC, while the Elara rule in northern Sri Lanka from 200 to 161 BC signified its strength. Abhaya Gamani I, also known as Dutu Gemunu, united the island for the first time after defeating Elara, ruling until 137 BC. The ‘Dutu Gemunu – Elara war’ is sometimes analyzed as a regional manifestation of the global trade war between the Chola and Persian Empires. During that era, Persia (modern-day Iran) was the most developed civilization in Central Asia, boasting an army of approximately one million. Dutu Gemunu is revered by Buddhists for constructing the Ruvanweliseya, whose foundation was laid on a Vesak day (May full moon day), an event attended by international dignitaries, including a 300-strong delegation from Persia, as referenced in Chapter 29 of the Mahavansa. The robust agricultural industry managed by his brother is believed to have been a significant factor in Dutu Gemunu’s ability to promote swift post-conflict social development. Godawaya, located in the south, where Iranians frequented until the 5th century AD, is thought to have been the primary port linking Sri Lanka with Iran. Historical accounts indicate that Persia obtained rice through trade routes from South Asia and maritime routes as late as the 5th and 6th centuries AD, further supporting this argument. Although the Uma-oya project, gifted by Iran during Mahinda R, who defeated the LTTE and constructed the ‘Sandahiru-seya,’ is of a different scope, substances with waterproofing qualities found in ancient structures like the Maduruoya dam suggest possible Persian technological investments aimed at increasing rice production 25 centuries ago.
Iran’s impact on fertilizer is a significant topic. When pediatricians were pricing fertilizer for Gotabaya Rajapaksa, few Sri Lankans could have anticipated that Iranians would soon face similar challenges. Following missile strikes on regional plants that burn natural gas to produce ammonia, Iran’s actions have already influenced fertilizer prices. Ammonia is converted into urea, leading to price hikes that could reach approximately 40% in South Asian markets, directly impacting the cost of rice and other agricultural products in the coming months. Prices are reported to be at their highest since the onset of the Ukraine conflict in 2022. Consequently, to avert food security conflicts, Sri Lankans must manage rice production efficiently and safeguard the harvest. In the 1970s, the concept of rice from the moon became politicized, and in 2020, Chinese scientists proved it to be a possibility.
Rodents pose one of the most significant threats to rice stocks, and Chinese scientists have recently advanced research to determine if rodents can thrive in space. A female mouse that spent time aboard China’s space station in 2025 has given birth to her third consecutive litter on Earth. China sent four mice into space during the Shenzhou-21 mission on October 31, 2025, marking its first small mammal experiment in orbit. The mice were housed in a specialized habitat in microgravity for approximately 14 days before returning to Earth in November 2025. Shortly after their return, one female conceived and delivered her first litter of nine pups. She subsequently gave birth to two more litters, consisting of ten and nine pups, respectively. Scientists observed that the size of each litter exceeded typical terrestrial litters, which usually comprise five to seven pups. Notably, the behavioral patterns of the pups varied; those from the first litter were more socially anxious and frequently sought shelter, while those from the second litter displayed increased confidence and readily explored their environment. The third litter’s pups demonstrated improved adaptation to ground living conditions, as reported by the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Zoology.
In essence, successive litters have displayed enhanced adaptability to terrestrial conditions compared to earlier ones. These findings will enable scientists to address fundamental questions regarding the future of humanity both on Earth and in space, underscoring the necessity of ensuring food security both on our planet and beyond.
According to research conducted by Spherical Insights & Consulting, the global rodenticides market is anticipated to grow from 5.93 billion USD in 2024 to 10.89 billion USD by 2035, reflecting a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 5.68% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2035. This growth is expected to provide opportunities through eco-friendly, less toxic formulations and integrated pest management options in response to the increasing demand from agricultural, food storage, and public health sectors worldwide. Sri Lankans interested in investing in rodenticides may consider this avenue to ensure food security. Additionally, if they wish to enhance their resilience, China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) presents a reliable option to navigate the uncertainties arising from the Iran conflict.
The views expressed are personal. Photo source: www.
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