Sri Lanka UFO Register - no 06

Magazine Overview

KALPANAVA, Issue No. 6, published by the Sri Lanka UFO Register, is presented as the sixth issue of their journal, which is now being retrospectively named KALPANAVA. The name, derived from the Sinhala word for 'contemplation' or 'deep in thought,' signifies the journal's evolution from merely documenting UFO reports to making a meaningful contribution to research into the mysterious.

Contents

The issue features several articles and sections:

• THE 'ELIYA' AT KOTAHENA TEMPLE: A report on a sighting by an elderly lady of a disc-shaped, softly glowing object near a Buddhist Temple in Kotahena in 1973. The object moved in a straight line and disappeared from view. The witness, despite poor eyesight, saw the object clearly but could not estimate its speed, altitude, or size. The sighting is described as a 'Devatta Eliya' (light of the gods).
• NO ABDUCTION REPORTS!: This section highlights the striking absence of UFO abduction reports from Sri Lanka in the compiled 'CATALOGUE OF UFO REPORTS FROM SRI LANKA.' It questions why this anomaly exists when compared to global data, exploring possibilities such as abductions only occurring in selected regions or a reluctance to report such experiences in Sri Lanka.
• EDITORIAL: Titled 'PRECIOUS RICHES,' the editorial discusses the small sample size of UFO reports from Sri Lanka used in a statistical analysis, arguing that the value lies in how these 'riches' are used. It touches upon the island's geographical and communication challenges that hinder reporting and critiques scientists who dismiss the UFO phenomenon based on assumptions about extraterrestrial spacecraft expense and effort.
• QUOTE (FROM SIR FRED HOYLE AND PROFESSOR WICKRAMA-SINGHE): A quote from their book 'SPACE TRAVELLERS - The Bringers of Life,' discussing the initial expectation that genuine UFO sightings would be separated from fakes after World War II, which did not happen.
• ARTHUR C. CLARKE'S VIEWS ON UFOS: An interview with Arthur C. Clarke conducted by Ananda Sirisena. Clarke expresses skepticism about UFOs being extraterrestrial visitors, stating the subject is 'finished' in that regard, although he acknowledges unexplained phenomena. He discusses his long-term interest in Fortean subjects but dismisses the extraterrestrial hypothesis.
• NEWS AND VIEWS: A section that appears to contain brief updates or commentary.
• MANY QUESTIONS - ANY ANSWERS?: This section poses several specific questions about historical UFO incidents, such as alleged landings at Edwards Air Force Base, the existence of non-terrestrial satellites, the Socorro UFO landing, and George Adamski's claims. It emphasizes the need for answers to solve the UFO problem and questions the extent of a cover-up.
• BUDDHIST MONK ENCOUNTERS GLOBE OF LIGHT: A title suggesting a specific case study or report.

Editorial Stance and Analysis

The editorial in this issue, 'PRECIOUS RICHES,' argues that the small sample of UFO reports from Sri Lanka is not a weakness but a potential strength if utilized effectively. It criticizes the scientific establishment for dismissing the UFO phenomenon, particularly the extraterrestrial hypothesis, without thorough investigation. The editorial suggests that scientists who refuse to engage with UFO research are limiting the scope of knowledge and that their 'embarrassment of riches' (abundant data) has not led to definitive answers. It calls for honest scientific practice, free from arbitrary boundaries, to solve the UFO puzzle.

The interview with Arthur C. Clarke reveals his firm stance against the extraterrestrial hypothesis, despite acknowledging unexplained phenomena. His reasoning is described as an 'inverse escalation of hypotheses,' where initial excitement about an unusual sighting is reduced through mundane explanations. The magazine questions this dismissal, suggesting that the extraterrestrial hypothesis remains plausible and that Buddhist texts describe beings with advanced capabilities that might explain UFOs.

The issue also touches upon the difficulty of UFO research due to 'crackpots' and the need for serious researchers to produce productive work to counter misinformation. It suggests that if mainstream science does not engage with UFO implications, others will step in.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of KALPANAVA include the analysis of UFO reports from Sri Lanka, the challenges and skepticism surrounding UFO research, and the exploration of specific UFO cases. The editorial stance is one of advocating for open-minded, rigorous investigation into the UFO phenomenon, criticizing the dismissive attitude of some scientists, and encouraging continued research despite obstacles. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of documentation and the need for answers to the many questions surrounding UFOs.

KALPANA VA, Issue 11, dated September 1981, is a publication from The Sri Lanka UFO Register. The magazine focuses on the phenomenon of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), featuring scientific perspectives, witness accounts, and references to prominent figures in the field.

Arthur C. Clarke's Views on UFOs

The issue begins with a section titled "ARTHUR C. CLARKE'S VIEWS ON UFOS," presenting a list of notes and references related to Arthur C. Clarke's involvement with the UFO subject. These include an interview with Arthur C. Clarke by Ananda Sirisena, published in "SILVARROW" in September 1981, with a portion also appearing in the "Associate Newsletter" of The Centre For UFO Studies. Other references point to Clarke's books, "THE VIEW FROM SERENDIP" (1979) and "REPORT ON PLANET THREE" (1972), which contain discussions on UFOs. A New York Times "BOOK REVIEW" from July 1975, featuring reviews of "UFOs Explained" by Philip J. Klass and "The UFO Controversy In America" by David M. Jacobs, also authored by Arthur C. Clarke, is cited. The page concludes with a photograph caption indicating "ARTHUR C. CLARKE IN CONVERSATION WITH ANANDA SIRISENA AT THE COMMONWEALTH INSTITUTE IN LONDON - 9 SEPTEMBER 1981."

The UFO Mystery Unravelled: Scientific Explanations

The main article, "The UFO mystery unravelled," draws from an article by science commentator Boris Konovalov published in the Soviet newspaper "Izvestia." It discusses investigations by Soviet scientists into the origin of disc-shaped objects in the atmosphere and oceans, attributing them to natural processes.

Soviet Scientific Investigation

Leading Soviet scientists, Andrei Monin (Director of the USSR Academy of Sciences' Institute of Oceanology) and Professor Georgi Barenblatt, have developed a theory explaining how mysterious disc-shaped objects, referred to as UFOs, can arise in the atmosphere and oceans. Their research posits that the Earth's atmosphere and oceans are layered media in constant motion. Internal waves forming at the borders of these layers can become crested and then fall, creating a spot of mixed liquid or air. This spot becomes homogeneous due to intense mixing and differs from its surroundings. The process of spot diffusion in a layered medium is described, and a mathematical equation has been developed to explain this phenomenon.

Yelena Khomirova's Contribution

Yelena Khomirova, from the USSR Academy of Sciences' Computing Centre, discovered a remarkable feature in the development of these spots: regardless of their initial shape (square, triangle, cross), they eventually become circular before starting to diffuse.

Physical Characteristics and Behavior

The article explains that these "atmospheric discs" are essentially air within air. The picked-up dust particles are insignificant, allowing a light wind to cause great acceleration. If many dust particles accumulate, the disc will lower and swing like an autumn leaf. As it diffuses, the disc turns into a "pancake" and eventually disappears as turbulence weakens.

Confirmation from Cosmonauts

A confirmation of this theoretical work was reportedly obtained by Soviet Cosmonaut Georgi Grechko during his 96-day flight on the Salyut-6 orbital station. He investigated the scintillation of stars, and the nature of this scintillation was explained by the existence of disc-shaped atmospheric formations predicted by the Soviet scientists. The article notes that while this model explains typical UFOs, it does not encompass all reported cases. It also addresses claims of objects in outer space, stating that no such cases have been observed, and that bits of foil separated from space stations, when illuminated by the sun, can be mistaken for objects.

Strange Bright Lights Spotted by Police

Another section, "'ELLO 'ELLO," reports on a mystery initiated by "strange bright lights in the sky" spotted by two policemen and an amateur astronomer in South Wales. The constables, Simon Holder and Tim Banks, reported seeing a brilliant white object surrounded by red and blue flashing lights, with one red light appearing to land. Their chief, an Inspector, backed their official report.

Multiple Incidents

Several incidents occurred within 11 days in a triangle of South Wales, near a US arms depot. These included:

• "Shot off": Printer David Mason and his wife, Angela, saw a UFO from their bedroom, described as being about the size of the Moon, emitting jets of air, hovering, and then shooting off at incredible speed.
• Glowing Cottage Loaf: Six nights later, Paul and Beryl Spreadbury saw what looked like a glowing cottage loaf that moved slowly before shooting off.
• Police Sighting: Constables Holder and Banks observed the lights during a night patrol, with one red light moving away and appearing to land, which they watched for half an hour, describing it as "quite scary."

Amateur Astronomer's Testimony

Roy Tredree, an amateur astronomer from Whitchurch, near Monmouth, watched the lights through powerful binoculars and stated, "I honestly believe that this was something from another world." The British UFO Research Association launched its own investigation, with Director Lionel Berr commenting on the credibility of the case due to independent reports from good witnesses.

Buddhist Monk Encounters Globe of Light

This section details an encounter in November 1971, when a Buddhist monk (whose name is on file with the Sri Lanka UFO Register) witnessed a "globe of light" at the Pitigale School and Temple near Galle, Sri Lanka. The monk, also a qualified teacher, saw the object around 7:20 p.m. while heading towards a water tank. He described the globe as emitting a bright glow, being somewhat larger than a football, and having a peculiar blue-green tint. He observed it for ten seconds as it rapidly moved away and then extinguished. The sighting was accompanied by a low humming sound, and other witnesses reported previous UFO sightings.

A Catalogue of UFO Reports from Sri Lanka

The magazine announces the preparation of a "Catalogue of UFO Reports from Sri Lanka." It appeals to readers and researchers to scan newspaper and magazine archives dating back to 1947 for any published UFO sightings in Sri Lanka. The aim is to make readers aware of the extent of UFO coverage in the Sri Lankan press. Basic statistical analysis is hindered by incomplete reports, and a free guide, "TIPS FOR FIELD INVESTIGATORS," is offered. Readers are encouraged to send in any relevant newspaper cuttings or overseas UFO accounts that have not been published in KALPANA VA.

Back Copies and Publication Information

The final page provides information on obtaining back copies of KALPANA VA from The Secretary, SOMNASA, Hetti Weediya, Weligama, Sri Lanka. It lists the contents of previous issues (No. 1 to No. 5), covering topics such as famous Sri Lankan UFO sightings, classification of UFOs, specific incidents like a "Ball of Fire at Hunnasgiriya," interviews, and reviews of UFO books. The journal is published by The Sri Lanka UFO Register and is copyrighted 1982. It is described as a non-political and non-religious journal devoted to the study of all aspects of UFOs. The editorial team includes Dr. Sarath De Silva and Ananda L. Sirisena, with S. Walgama listed as Secretary.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of KALPANA VA are the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, particularly the Soviet theory of natural atmospheric disc formation, and the collection and dissemination of witness accounts. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFOs, encouraging research and reporting, while also presenting scientific explanations and debunking less substantiated claims. The journal aims to be a comprehensive resource for UFO information, especially concerning Sri Lanka, and emphasizes a non-political, non-religious approach to the study of the subject.