Sri Lanka UFO Register - no 07

Magazine Overview

Title: KALPANAVA
Issue: NO. 7
Date: Friday 7 January 1983
Country: Sri Lanka
Price: £0.25

This issue of KALPANAVA, a Sri Lankan publication focused on UFOs and related mysteries, presents a diverse range of articles, including scientific debates, book reviews, and interviews with esoteric organizations.

News & Views: Hunt for Alien Beings Fails

This section features a report by Robin McKie, based on an article from The Observer, Sunday 5 December 1982. It highlights a growing skepticism among scientists, including US cosmologist Dr. Frank Tipler and British Interplanetary Society vice-president Dr. Tony Martin, about the existence of intelligent extraterrestrial life. They argue that despite decades of searching, no evidence has been found, and that the conditions for life and intelligence to develop are extremely rare. This view contrasts with earlier optimism, exemplified by astronomer Carl Sagan's previous stance. The article also touches upon the delicate conditions required for life on Earth, citing computer work by Dr. Michael Hart of Trinity University, Texas, which suggests that minor changes in Earth's orbit could render the planet uninhabitable. However, not all scientists share this pessimistic outlook; Professor Archibald Roy of Glasgow University believes civilizations are common. The section includes a quote from an editor suggesting that ignoring potential alien contact is akin to denying the existence of people by not seeing them.

'UFO' Not Identified Yet

Reported by Lasantha Wickremeturige, this article details an incident in Pitakande, Mawathagama electorate, Sri Lanka, where an unidentified object fell from space. A team of scientists led by Dr. Granville Dharmawardene of the Atomic Energy Authority investigated. The object, described as the size of a tennis ball, burnt out upon impact and showed low radio activity. Initial speculation about it being debris from the Soviet Satellite Cosmos 1402 was dismissed due to timing. Dr. Dharmawardene stated that analysis of sand samples would be conducted. While it couldn't be confirmed if it was a meteorite, the possibility was considered. The article concludes by noting that this 'UFO' was later believed to be a terrestrial fire cracker.

Light on the Darkness

This brief news item from Washington reports that US scientists have discovered what they believe to be the largest stellar black hole yet detected. Separately, a Soviet newspaper, Sovietskaya Kultura, is cited for reporting that the existence of UFOs should not be ruled out. It mentions a 1981 incident where a Soviet fighter plane encountered a 'fiery ball' 16 feet in diameter, which caused damage inconsistent with ball lightning. The report also notes the Soviet Union's plans for a long-distance, unmanned space mission to search for signs of civilization on distant planets.

Planetary Exploration Is a Vital Issue

This section features an interview by Aziz Haniffa with Carl Sagan. Sagan expresses the imperative need for international efforts in space, noting a decline in the US unmanned planetary program while other nations are advancing. He views the US space shuttle as a retrogressive step for planetary exploration, primarily serving political and military interests, though he acknowledges its utility for reconnaissance satellites. Sagan describes the space telescope as the most exciting scientific mission, with the potential to revolutionize astronomy. However, he laments the lack of significant US planetary missions in the 1980s, calling it a 'mini dark age' for planetary exploration. The interview is accompanied by a photo of Carl Sagan, who wrote and starred in the TV series 'Cosmos'.

A Look at a UFO Book: "Flying Saucers Are Hostile"

This is a critical review of the book "Flying Saucers Are Hostile" by Brad Steiger and Joan Whritenour. The reviewer finds the book's prevalent message that flying saucers are not hostile to be contradicted by its sensational cover. The book is described as lacking logic and appearing hastily written, ultimately creating confusion. Chapter headings are noted as overly ambitious and sensational. The review specifically analyzes Chapter 3, concerning UFO interactions with motor vehicles and the 'EM EFFECT,' suggesting that while this effect is documented, Steiger and Whritenour interpret it as hostility. The reviewer questions the validity of a specific car-chase case presented as evidence of deliberate hostility, noting the lack of physical evidence. The book's logic is deemed loose, particularly in Chapter 9, 'The Case For Extraterrestrial Invaders,' where the author's use of Dr. James E. McDonald's statements is seen as an attempt to slant evidence. The reviewer concludes that the book is not recommended for serious reading.

The Buddha from Venus - An Interview With The Aetherius Society

This multi-part interview explores the beliefs of the Aetherius Society. Part I begins with an introduction to the Society, founded in London in 1955 by Sir George King, who claims telepathic contact with extraterrestrial intelligences. The interview, conducted by Dr. Richard Lawrence, the Society's secretary, delves into the meaning of their symbol (a combination of Sanskrit 'Brahma' and a triangle for Wisdom). The Society's origins are traced to Sir George King's contacts in 1954, with 'Aetherius' being a Master from Venus. The interview posits that the Lord Buddha was of Interplanetary origin, a concept the interviewer finds novel for Sri Lanka. Dr. Lawrence states that the Buddha is currently presiding over a Holy Temple referred to as Shamballa. They also regard Sri Krishna as a Cosmic Being from Saturn. The interview discusses the Star of Bethlehem, which the Society believes was an interplanetary spacecraft. They affirm belief in the Virgin Birth and reincarnation, linking these events to a Cosmic Plan and the Age of Aquarius. The Society claims to have provided a greater explanation of human history than any other organization. The interview is continued in the next issue.

References

This section lists five references, including books by Jacques Vallee, Patrick Moore, and Arthur C. Clarke, a volume of 'COSMIC VOICE,' and a Daily Express interview concerning nuclear safety.

A Catalogue of UFO Reports from Sri Lanka

This announcement details the ongoing preparation of a UFO Catalogue by the Sri Lanka UFO Register. They are soliciting reports of UFO sightings, both published and unpublished, from Sri Lanka. Researchers are encouraged to scan newspapers and magazines from 1947 onwards. The announcement seeks a publisher for the catalogue, highlighting the unusual nature of the venture.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ongoing debate on the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence, the critical examination of UFO literature, and the exploration of alternative spiritual and cosmological beliefs, particularly those of the Aetherius Society. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, as evidenced by the review of Steiger and Whritenour's book, while also being open to unconventional perspectives, as shown by the extensive interview with the Aetherius Society. The publication clearly aims to cover a broad spectrum of UFO-related phenomena and theories, including scientific, anecdotal, and metaphysical viewpoints, with a particular focus on reports from Sri Lanka.

KALPANAVA ISSUE NO. 7, published by the Sri Lanka UFO Register, is a journal dedicated to the study of all aspects of UFOs and mysteries. This issue, dated December 1982, features an overseas report on a UFO sighting, a fresh theory on the origin of life, and discussions on space exploration.

Overseas Report: UFO Over Waimata Valley

The issue begins with a report from Mrs. Gillian Drake, who lived in Gisbourne, North Island of New Zealand, detailing a UFO sighting on December 26, 1977. At 11:00 p.m., her family observed a bright, reddish-yellow object darting silently between peaks over Waimata Valley. The object performed unorthodox maneuvers with ease, covering hundreds of yards in seconds. The sighting lasted for about half an hour and was witnessed by eight people. Mrs. Drake also recalls numerous other UFO reports from neighboring farms between December 26, 1977, and January 1, 1978, including an instance where a UFO allegedly landed on a farmer's land and a report of a large water-tank found dry after a UFO hovered over it.

KALPANAVA intends to publish such overseas reports to ensure they are not lost to researchers.

Editorial: All Aspects

The editorial, written by Ananda L. Sirisena, reiterates the journal's commitment to studying "all aspects of UFOs," encompassing scientific, social, political, and religious interpretations. The journal aims to provide in-depth analyses, point out logical omissions, and rebut unsubstantiated claims. It emphasizes the importance of open-mindedness in studying the UFO phenomenon, suggesting that narrow-minded views will not lead to solutions. The editorial also references Professor Herbert Dingle's work on the limitations of physicists' logical deduction and poses questions about UFO research in relation to extraterrestrial intelligence.

News and Views: Space Exploration and Arthur C. Clarke

This section features an interview with Arthur C. Clarke, discussing the European Space Agency's Spacelab module and the comparative value of manned versus unmanned space missions. Clarke argues that unmanned missions are more cost-effective and efficient for exploration, citing the example of Mars exploration where manned missions would be astronomically more expensive. He also discusses the importance of students engaging with space exploration, as they will shape its future direction. Additionally, Arthur C. Clarke clarifies a statement made in the Sri Lankan Parliament regarding his archaeological "discoveries" off Trincomalee, attributing the find of a small stone statue to his associate, Mrs. Valerie Ekanayake, in 1979.

Fresh Theory on Origin of Life

An article by T. Sabaratnam presents a fresh theory on the origin of life, based on claims by Professor Chandra Wickramasinghe and his Cardiff-based group. They report detecting billions of tons of proteins in space, gathered from observations by the ultraviolet explorer satellite. These protein molecules are spread throughout the galaxy. The theory, supported by Sir Fred Hoyle, suggests that life originated in space and was an external introduction to Earth, with evolution being a result of the constant influx of biological material from space.

Hindu News: Swami Premananda of Matale

This section, written by P Selvarajah, introduces Swami Premananda of Matale, Sri Lanka, a saffron-robed spiritual teacher. He claims to hear the voice of Sri Krishna through a "visible ball of Light" since childhood. The article notes his unique spiritual development, including receiving 'sanyas' from an invisible hand. Swami Premananda is described as a spiritual healer and miracle man who avoids exploiting his reputation for fame. The article also mentions his visit to the UK and a book titled "DISCOVERING SWAMI PREMANANDA" by Ann Chong.

Back Copies and Editorial Stance

The final page lists available back copies of KALPANAVA, detailing the topics covered in previous issues, which include various UFO sightings from Sri Lanka and around the world, interviews, and analyses of UFO books. The journal's copyright is held by the Sri Lanka UFO Register, and it is stated to be a non-political and non-religious journal devoted to the study of all aspects of UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of KALPANAVA demonstrates a broad interest in unexplained phenomena, ranging from UFO sightings and extraterrestrial life theories to the origin of life and spiritual experiences. The editorial stance is one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging the study of all aspects of the UFO phenomenon without prejudice, while maintaining a critical approach to claims lacking logic or evidence. The journal aims to be a platform for diverse perspectives on mysteries, particularly those related to UFOs.