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Inside Story Govt. Faced With The Challenge Of Retaining Popularity The same Government that won two- third majority in Parliament in August General Election by polling close to 6.9 million votes mainly due to its successful... A8-9

COVID-19 Update Organised Strategy Needed When Opening Country – Health Ministry Blood Bank 358 cops down with virus reserves drop Specialists reviewing quality of Apeksha Hospital calls for donors

By Buddhika Samaraweera and Methmalie Antigen Test Dissanayake

By Dilanthi Jayamanne and Methmalie Dissanayake The number of blood reserve units at the National Blood Centre (NBC) has dropped from 13,000 to around 5,500 since beginning of the spread of the second wave of COVID-19, Director of the NBC, Dr. Lakshman Edirisinghe said.

Story Continued on page 2 Whilst receiving hospitalised treatment COVID-19 positive Story Continued on page 2 Gateway student I don’t want sits London O/L A Gateway International School student who has contracted COVID-19 sat for the London Ordinary Level a diplomatic Exam, whilst receiving hospitalised treatment. This was confirmed by Pearson Edexcel Exam Board Director Premila Paulraj. posting The Exam commenced on 5 November. – Deshapriya Story Continued on page 2 By Methmalie Dissanayake Chairman of the Election 500 garment Commission (EC), Mahinda Deshapriya said he has no intention of holding any diplomatic position after workers in dire stepping down from his duties this month. Deshapriya’s tenure as the straits Chair of the Commission is By Sulochana Ramiah Mohan coming to an end on 13 November. SJB rebels to support Joint Secretary of the Free Trade Zones and General Services Employees Union (FTZGSEU), Anton Marcus, Story Continued on page 2 has informed the COVID-19 Coordinating Officer for the FTZ, Admiral Prasanna Hewage that around 500 Govt while in Opposition garment workers who have returned from quarantine centres to their boarding houses in the FTZs lack basic By W.K. Prasad Manju PCoI Chair to facilities including meals. take legal action Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 against SJB MPs Will work closely Exceeding controlled rice prices Possibility of Instructs to issue notice on MPs Legal action to appear before Police Unit with SL Govt legal action for By Faadhila Thassim – UK Minister against By Sulochana Ramiah Mohan concealing true info Chairman of the Presidential Commission of United Kingdom’s Minister for 100 traders By Buddhika Samaraweera Inquiry (PCoI) appointed to probe political International Trade, Ranil Jayawardena, victimisation of public officials during the tenure said he would be working closely with By Buddhika Samaraweera There is a possibility of taking legal action, under the of the United National Front-led Government, the Government of Sri Lanka on tearing Quarantine and Prevention of Diseases Ordinance, retired Supreme Court Judge, Justice Upali down trade barriers and simplifying the Legal action has been initiated against those who act contrary to its provisions and Abeyratne is to take legal action against Samagi UK’s trade relationship with Sri Lanka, against 100 traders who sold rice in conceal true information, Police Media Spokesman, DIG Jana Balawegaya MPs Harin Fernando, J.C. in order to create new and exciting excess of the controlled prices, by the Ajith Rohana said. Alawathuwala, Mayantha Dissanayake and openings for UK’s hardworking Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA), on He said, several incidents have been reported where... Nalin Bandara. businesses. 6 November. Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 A2 sunday 8 november 2020 news Grooming not codified as a Katina Cheewara Pooja in traditional manner crime in Penal Code – Local study Under the guidance of State ‘Pansalen Arambamu’ (let us Minister of Cane, Brass, Clay, start from the temple) project to Furniture and Rural Industry fully contribute to the national By Ruwan Laknath Jayakody the Trafficking of Children for Sexual include immoral behaviour, not just Promotion, Prasanna programme to uplift local Purposes (ECPAT) Sri Lanka. sexually explicit conduct. Although this Ranaweera, this year’s Katina industries and industrialists,’ The legal framework of Sri Lanka fails Section 360B of the Penal Code on Section can be interpreted to include Cheewara Pooja ceremony is added the release. to codify grooming as a crime, as CSE, the study added, fails to not only child pornography, the terminology in planned to be held in a The programme will be Section 360E of the Penal Code on not explicitly criminalise the many this Section is broader”. The Penal Code traditional manner using eco- implemented in all temples in soliciting a child, does not explicitly variations of OCSE but has also not also does not explicitly include the friendly traditional pottery and the future under the instructions mention online means of solicitation, codified the concept of ‘exchange’ which necessary intent of producing child without the use of polythene or of Jathika Namal Uyana the latter, which is a necessary element is also an essential element of CSE that pornography for information and plastic. Founder Ven. Wanawasi Rahula of the offence of grooming. occurs between a perpetrator and the communication technology distribution, The inaugural ceremony and Thera, Ven. Mahamithawa This was noted in a study titled ‘Sri child victim. the study elaborated. national programme to promote Pannarathana Thera and Ven. Lanka: Online Child Sexual Further, the study observed that the The lack of a section prohibiting the use of clay pottery were held Viththadeniye Saradha Thera. Exploitation (OCSE) - Legal Gap current legislation on child OCSE in the Computer Crime Act, No. at the Kotawehera Sri The purpose of this Analysis’ conducted by the think tank pornography or material related to child 24 of 2007 as amended, is, according to Jinarathana Sadaham Sevana, programme is to use local Verité Research and commissioned by sexual abuse doesn’t adequately cover the study, problematic. Sudheeragama, Nikaweratiya on products for alms-givings and the non-Governmental organisation, OCSE, as the current terminology in the Meanwhile, the study also points out 4 November. other consumer needs of the Protecting Environment and Child Penal Code is imprecise. “It uses the that the definition of a child is not ‘This programme is to be monks residing in the temples Everywhere (PEaCE)/End Child terms ‘obscene’ and ‘indecent’ which consistent across the domestic legal implemented targeting 500 and to take the concept to the Prostitution, Child Pornography and are left undefined. These terms can also framework. temples as the first phase of the village.

Continued from page 1 Whilst receiving... If the student was not able to and the Gateway International Organised Strategy... sit this time around, he would School bore the full responsibility have had to sit for it in June for the student sitting for the By Dilanthi Jayamanne and doctor had been transferred for Moreover, the Wattala Medical 2021, she added. Exam and therefore the matter Methmalie Dissanayake treatment to the National Institute of Officer of Health (MOH) Office said She noted that this was the first was coordinated properly, she Infectious Diseases, he added. that 68 employees of a toy factory in time that a local international added. There should be an organised Elsewhere, the Public Health Kerawalapitiya, in the Wattala area, school student suffering from A lecturer at the Gateway strategy in place when opening the Inspector at the LRH, L.A. Tillakasiri, had tested positive for COVID-19 on COVID-19 sat for an International School came country, Health Ministry Spokesman, responding to questions, said the Friday. A spokesman for the Office internationally recognised Exam. forward to supervise the student Dr. Jayaruwan Bandara asserted. patients had been from Kelaniya, said that over 690 employees of the She added that the and Paulraj expressed gratitude On 6 November, he observed that Kolonnawa, Kegalle and several other factory were subjected to PCR tests. Of administration of the Gateway and praise for the Gateway there was no point in closing parts of parts of the country that had been them, 119 had tested positive for the International School was International School’s dedication the country from time to time until a affected by the COVID-19 situation. virus so far. He said the reports of dedicated and had committed to and commitment in this regard. cure for the COVID-19 infection was Also, 358 Police officers have been about 400 individuals were still ensure that the student was Meanwhile, the Gateway found. “The people have to be diagnosed with the virus, the National pending. presented for the Exam and that International School Group instructed on how to live with the viral Operation Centre for COVID-19 On another note, Epidemiology this effort became successful with donated a polymerase chain infection while adhering to health Prevention said. While 85 of them had Chief, Dr. Sudath Samaraweera said a the intervention of the Pearson reaction machine to the Medical safety measures,” he added. been diagnosed with the disease on 5 group of specialists were in the Edexcel Exam Board. Faculty of the Sri He noted that shutting down the November, another 199 had been process of reviewing the quality of the Thus, the permission of the Jayewardenepura University country in such a manner would only detected on 6 November. A total of 258 Antigen Based Rapid Diagnostic Test, London authorities was obtained recently. pave the way for more issues than the Police officers have been quarantined which was to be introduced to Sri pandemic situation. till now while another 1,350 have been Lanka soon. He noted that an expert Meanwhile, Director of the Lady placed on self-quarantine. team was conducting research to Ridgeway Hospital for Children (LRH), Further, a body, of an individual determine which group of persons Dr. G. Wijesuriya said 20 children who was travelling in Puttalam after with COVID-19 was to be subjected to being treated at the Hospital had been completing quarantine, was found on the Antigen test. “We hope that the diagnosed with COVID-19 from the the side of the road close to the expert team would be ready with the Blood Bank... beginning of the second wave to date. Puttalam Samagi Grounds. According results of the quality control by this Dr. Wijesuriya said there had also to the authorities, the deceased, a weekend,” Dr. Samaraweera said. He said that despite the and that the Hospital requires been at least 12 mothers who had 54-year-old hotel worker, had gone Although the Antigen test is known to decrease in blood reserves, steps public support in this connection. been with their children, during this through quarantine for 14 days be very effective, it is yet to be had been taken to meet the blood According to a Medical Officer at timeframe, who had also been following his workplace in Hettipola ascertained as to whether it is an requirement of the patients. the Hospital, more than 50 blood diagnosed with the disease. However, being visited by an individual who had appropriate testing system for Sri He also said the quarantine transfusions are performed at the the Hospital had continued to render tested positive for COVID-19. The Lanka, he said. curfew imposed with the spread Hospital, daily. its services without causing any form body was taken to the Puttalam Base In terms of the country situation, of COVID-19 has hampered the “We need the support of the of inconvenience to its patients to Hospital and a Polymerase Chain the Minuwangoda-Peliyagoda cluster conduct of blood collection public at this critical juncture. If date, he said. There was no need for Reaction (PCR) test would be on 6 November exceeded the 9,000 camps. However, in areas where you are healthy enough to donate patients to fear as there was an performed to determine whether he mark with the new detection of 170 quarantine curfew is not blood and if you or anyone near organised mechanism in place, he had been infected with the virus. COVID-19 patients. The total number enforced, we hope to continue to you is not suspected of having assured. It was also reported that a 68-year- of positive cases reported on 6 collect blood in compliance with COVID-19, the Apeksha Hospital He said that a doctor at the Hospital old, who was in self quarantine at his November was 383. Accordingly, the the health regulations and such requests you to contact the Blood too had been diagnosed with the virus home in the Pallewela area, had died total COVID-19 cases reported so far camps will be conducted with the Transfusion Unit of the Hospital on 5 November. The disease was not on 6 November. A PCR test would be stands at 12,570 while the total participation of a limited number through the telephone number contracted from the Hospital as the conducted on his remains as well. recoveries stand at 6,623. of donors, he said. Blood 0112849525 and arrange to collection camps will be held at donate blood,” she said. For several places in the details about mobile blood Polonnaruwa District throughout clinics, the public can call this week. 0718845700 and contact the SJB rebels... Dr. Edirisinghe made these public health inspector who PCoI Chair... comments while participating in handles the clinics. The PCoI Spokesman said legal actions By W.K. Prasad Manju Musharaf, there has been no a blood donation camp in Furthermore, she noted that against those MPs will be taken in accordance response. Gamage said as there Polonnaruwa on 6 November. due to the current situation, all with the provisions of Section 10 of the PCoI The nine Samagi Jana are more than 150 MPs in the Meanwhile, Ceylon Today learns hospitals might need blood Act and Article 105 (3) of the Constitution for Balawegaya (SJB) MPs, who voted ruling Party, seats cannot be that the blood supply of the donations. contempt of the PCoI and for questioning the in favour of the 20th Amendment, assigned for all of them from the Apeksha Hospital, Maharagama, “If you are living far from the mandate of the PCoI based on statements have decided to further support ruling Party benches. She opined, has hit a low due to the Apeksha Hospital, please contact made by the MPs at the Commission on the Government while being in the because of that practical issue, cancellation of mobile blood clinics the hospital nearest to you and Investigations into Allegations of Bribery or Opposition in Parliament, it is already a considerable number of due to the COVID-19 outbreak donate blood,” she requested. Corruption (CIABOC). These MPs had lodged reported. ruling Party MPs were sitting in a complaint with the CIABOC on 6 November It is also reported though the Opposition benches. She added requesting a probe into the alleged misuse of SJB Chief Organiser Lakshman that therefore the MPs who public funds for the operation of PCoI and Kiriella requested Speaker supported the 20th Amendment whether PCoI has acted above the law, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, in decided to support the following which statements were made to the writing, to allocate ruling Party Government while being in the 500 garment... Media by them against the PCoI. The PCoI seats for MPs Diana Gamage, A. Opposition. Spokesman said, Abeyratne had also Aravind Kumar, Ishaq Rahman, A senior member of the SJB He said, those 500 workers are reporting to work once the self- instructed to issue notice to the said MPs to Faisal Cassim, H.M.M. Haris, M.S. said, disciplinary action against in self-quarantine for another 14 quarantine period ends. appear before the PCoI Police Unit. Thawfeek, Nazeer Ahamed, these nine MPs will be taken next days and are left with no food or The Union has also A.A.S.M. Raheem and S.M.M. week. rations to cook, mainly due to distributed dry rations for the curfew as shops are closed. them, however, since that’s not He also stated, they are from enough, he had informed 68 garment factories and will be Hewage. I don’t... With the 20th Amendment being passed Will work... in Parliament, a new Chairman and He said so at a virtual trade a long time and that a large Members will be appointed to the promotion conference titled ‘Sri amount of investment is present Possibility of ... Commission. Lanka - The gateway to Asia’ in Sri Lanka. He cited, there are In an interview with Ceylon Today, he hosted by the British High more than 100 companies in ...certain individuals had documents. DIG Rohana further said, although he is receiving proposals, he Commission, Colombo, on 4 operation from Great Britain. recorded false information in said, according to Section 399 of would not accept any diplomatic posting November. “Those are the anchors that we certain documents. the Code of Criminal Procedure, such as an ambassadorship. “COVID-19, and the rising tide can use to move forward with He also said, in view of the they will also be found guilty of “All the previous Election Commission of protectionism it has brought trade and investment current situation, if any person the fraud of impersonation. Chairmen except Dayananda Dissanayake with it, has got the global economy partnerships that we want to was recording false information Such persons could be received diplomatic positions overseas, on the rocks, so we need all hands establish between our two on any documents, it is also imprisoned up to five years, he mostly ambassadorial posts, after their on deck to nudge the ship of global countries. We also see the UK considered as a forging of added. retirements. That is a privilege that comes commerce back on course. Key to playing the role of a distributor of with the Election Commission Chairman’s that success will be keeping trade investment. The UK is a huge hub post. Dissanayake refused the post offered flowing, and developing strong in the world which we need to to him, saying he needed a rest as he had to trading relationships at all levels. access and move towards others work until he was 69 years old. That That’s why it’s more important through them,” he said. Legal action... happened because former President than ever to engage with friends British High Commissioner, Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaranatunge around the world, explore new Sarah Hulton stated that the UK An official of the CAA said, the searched for, as information had did not appoint Members to the Election markets and embrace golden continues to have high levels of raids had been initiated to find rice been received about several rice Commission under the 17th Amendment to opportunities we discover with ambition for the future in bilateral mill owners and traders who sell mill owners and traders who were the Constitution. So he had to continue to ambitious countries like Sri trade between the UK and Sri rice in excess of the controlled concealing stocks. Cases will be work as the Chairman of the Election Lanka.” Lanka. They are keen to explore prices introduced recently. He filed against them too, he said. Commission without stepping down. I am State Minister of Finance and and support new opportunities for said, the raids would be carried The CAA, on 4 November, issued receiving proposals to accept such a Capital Markets and State UK companies and see bilateral out even in areas where an Extraordinary Gazette position, but I have no intention to go Enterprise Reforms, Ajith Nivard trade as an engine for sustainable quarantine curfew has been Notification imposing the overseas or accept any kind of diplomatic Cabraal said, the UK has been growth for the mutual prosperity imposed. controlled prices on several types position,” he said. one of Sri Lanka’s key partners for of both the nations. Hidden stocks of rice are being of rice sold. news sunday 8 november 2020 A3

New procedure between SJB Complains SLBFE and Omani authorities To curb irregular to CIABOC Against migration of female SL domestics The Embassy of Sri Lanka, in the Sultanate of Oman, introduced a new procedure in coordination PCoI Chair with the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment By Nabiya Vaffoor others handed over the com- Judiciary. They claim the PCoI (SLBFE) and the Omani authorities, in order to plaint on 6 November, request- was actively challenging the curb the irregular migration of Sri Lankan female The Presidential Commission ing the CIABOC to conduct an constitutionally accepted pro- domestic workers to Oman. of Inquiry (PCoI) into alleged an inquiry under Section 70 of cedure of challenging the According to the new procedure, the Directorate acts of political victimisation the Bribery Act. It was claimed essence of the allegations and General of Passports and Residence of the Royal Discrepancies during the United National in the complaint that the the procedure to be followed in Oman Police will issue employment visas to the Sri Front-led Government, has Chairman of PCoI had allega- filing indictments in cases Lankan female domestic workers only if the gone beyond the law and is tions over an unjust trial and pending before High Courts recruitment agencies or individual sponsors in University misusing Government funds, sentencing in a case while serv- (HCs) and the Special High submit the No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued claimed a group of ing as a District Judge, and had Courts. The complaint alleges by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Muscat together admissions – SSU Parliamentarians of the Samagi been directed before a three- further corruption by the with the employment contract of each Sri Lankan The National Organiser of the Jana Balawegaya (SJB) who Judge Disciplinary Committee Commissioners of this PCoI. female domestic worker. Socialist Students’ Union (SSU), lodged a complaint in this con- of the Court of Appeal to hear The MPs have also made sub- The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Muscat hereby Rangana Devapriya alleged that there is nection with the Commission to the case against him and it has missions in this complaint advises all the recruitment agencies and individual a serious issue regarding the admission Investigate Allegations of recommended his retirement regarding the discussion and sponsors who wish to recruit Sri Lanka female of GCE A/L students to universities. Bribery or Corruption with immediate effect. challenging of witnesses and domestic workers for employment in Oman, to He was speaking at a Media briefing (CIABOC). In the complaint, the MPs evidence already before HCs, by abide by the following procedure: to submit the held on 6 November in Colombo. MPs Harin Fernando, Nalin alleged, the PCoI is acting in a the PCoI. The MPs also employment contract of each Sri Lankan female Devapriya said that the university Bandara, J.C. Alawathuwala, manner that challenges the demanded that action be taken domestic worker to the Ministry of Manpower as authorities and the Government are Sujith Sanjaya Perera, judicial process established by under the Bribery Act for cor- well as to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Oman silent in the face of this issue that has Mayantha Dissanayake and the Constitution and the ruption. for necessary attestations, to submit the arisen due to the issuance of the employment contract attested by the Ministry of university cut-off mark 14 months after Manpower and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of sitting for the Examination. Oman to the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Muscat for “Students who sat for the 2019 Exam authentication, to take necessary action to register sat for the Exam in relation to both the Jan-Oct 2020 the Sri Lankan female domestic worker with the old and new syllabuses. Due to this, Z Road roller SLBFE by sending the employment contract scores, District merits and national Dengue claims 34 lives authenticated by the Sri Lanka Embassy, to then merits are released under two kills labourer submit a request letter to the Embassy of Sri categories. When there are two subject By Paneetha remaining 23 RDHS’, the Lanka in Muscat, for the issuance of the NOC, after sets, a single Z-score cannot be made Ameresekere highest to the lowest A 60-year-old labourer was the registration of the female domestic worker with for each subject. So where is the number of dengue cases killed after being run over by a the SLBFE, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Muscat problem? After the results, students Dengue deaths reported reported in descending road roller on 5 November, the will issue the NOC after the verification of the decide whether they are eligible for in the year up to 31 order were Kandy (3,269), Police said on 6 November. mandatory registration of each Sri Lankan female university based on the District merit October is 34, from a total Batticaloa (2,578), The accident took place at the domestic worker with the SLBFE, and to then and National merit. University of 28,832 cases, the Gampaha (2,487), Jaffna Mulla Junction on the submit the employment contracts together with authorities should have revealed before Epidemiology Unit’s (2,097), Ratnapura Kodikamam-Point Pedro roadway, the NOC issued by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in the next Examination as to how many Dengue Head Dr. Arjuna (1,923), Kalutara (1,707), an area coming under the Muscat, to the Directorate General of Passports students would be allocated to Jayasekara told Ceylon Galle (1,625), Kalmunai Nelliaddy Police Station in Jaffna. and Residence of the Royal Oman Police, for the universities through the old and new Today on 6 November. (958), Kurunegala (919), The victim was a resident of issuance of the necessary employment visa for the syllabuses. The number of dengue Kegalle (798), Matale Kodimulwala, Hamangalla, in the Sri Lankan female domestic workers to work in Today, problems have arisen in deaths reported last year (571), Matara (520), Kurunegala District. Oman. various disciplines in every District. All was 156 from 105,049 Puttalam (470), Badulla The victim was first rushed to a The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Muscat wishes to of them have become victims of a trap cases. (443), Anuradhapura local hospital in the area for inform that the Embassy will issue the NOC free of set by the University Grants The highest number of (414), Hambantota (353), treatment, before being charge for this purpose. The new procedure of the Commission,” he added. dengue cases was Ampara (313), Vavuniya transferred to the Jaffna Hospital issuance of NOCs by the Embassy of Sri Lanka is He further said that they had reported from the (249), Polonnaruwa (240), where he died. being implemented with effect from 1 October. informed students that this issue is an Colombo Regional Nuwara Eliya (167), The driver of the road roller has The Embassy also wishes to advise prospective injustice that affects all disciplines in Director of Health Services Mannar (134), Kilinochchi been taken into custody. Sri Lankan female domestic workers not to fall common and therefore urged all of them (RDHS) 4,102. Of the (129) and Mullaitivu (85). (PA) victim to unscrupulous agencies and individuals to get together and object to this as the who promise employment opportunities in Oman 2011 students did and added that the under the category of visit or tourist visa through SSU will also intervene and join hands any third country. with the students in this regard. Indian Govt confirms to White recovery of infected patients By W.K. Prasad Manju the President and the Prime results were received in that Minister on request by the regard. He opined, the health It is reported that the Indian Indian Government and it has sector, security forces, Government has informed self- been confirmed them that a intelligence units and the proclaimed healer Eliyantha person aged 92 has also quarantine centres performed White that 63 COVID-19 recovered from the Virus using excellently to curb the Virus infected patients who have the relevant samples blessed and this also favourably been treated with the 63 by White. White has stated, impacted his blessings. samples sent to India by White blessings are being done to White expressed hope of with blessings to control the control the Minuwangoda visiting India to bless the spread of COVID-19 have factory and Peliyagoda fish country being invited by the recovered fast and are back in market COVID-19 clusters as Indian Government upon their homes. These samples the Welisara Navy Camp and complete suppression of the had been sent to India by Kandakadu clusters were Minuwangoda and Peliyagoda White with the permission of controlled speedily and good COVID-19 clusters.

Selected by SLIC for further development Application made for patenting Sudarshana Suspension The team researching the development of the enrolling children with fever Sudarshana Suspension, Sudarshana Suspension. and using Sudarshana issuing a statement on various “Since this addition made it Powder as the control. This Media reports on the said a novel preparation, the study proved that the Suspension, stated that clinical trials conducted on Suspension was more efficient currently the Sri Lanka healthy adult volunteers and and far more acceptable than Inventors Commission (SLIC), febrile children were formally the Powder as an antipyretic the Ministry of Indigenous registered in the Sri Lanka for children. Medicine and the Ministry of Clinical Trials Registry “An application was then Production Supply and (2015/005 and 2015/026). made for patenting the Regulation of Pharmaceuticals The initial stage of the study product. During the initial have shown interest in this proved the long shelf life of the COVID-19 period, the product; due to its benefits Sudarshana Suspension and Sudarshana Suspension was shown in trial conducted, and animal studies were selected by the SLIC as one of have invited the team for performed to prove the safety the possible inventions that discussions to look into the and efficacy, and which was can be developed further. The possibility of conducting compared with the original product has not been research to evaluate the Sudarshana Powder as well as marketed yet,” the statement efficacy of this novel allopathic drugs. The issued by the team further preparation in patients with medication was shown to have read. the COVID-19 infection. no hepatic or renal toxicity. The team members are “The Sudarshana Powder is Statistically significant Senior Lecturers - Grade I at a well accepted anti-pyretic in antipyretic, acute and chronic the Institute of Indigenous the Ayurveda pharmacopoeia anti-inflammatory, anti- Medicine of the University of and authentic texts. It is histamine, anti­oxidant and Colombo, Dr. Saroja indicated for fever and related anti-nociceptive (analgesic) Weerakoon and Dr. Kamal complications including properties were exerted by the Perera, Chair Professor of respiratory tract disease Sudarshana Suspension in Pediatrics at the Faculty of conditions. Due to its Wistar rats. Medical Sciences of the extremely bitter taste, the “The Suspension was University of Sri compliance of patients is low. administered to healthy adult Jayewardenepura, Dulani An attempt was made to volunteers and was proven to Gunasekera and Professor in develop a more child friendly be safe. Subsequently, it was Biochemistry at the and palatable equivalent. This tested for its original purpose Department of Biochemistry of was done following the – as an antipyretic mainly in the Faculty of Medical recommended Ayurveda children. A randomised, Sciences of the University of guidelines adding bee’s honey. controlled, single blinded Sri Jayewardenepura, This was the origin of the study was conducted, Sugandhika Suresh. A4 sunday 8 november 2020 Focus New Challenges in Overcoming Dreaded

By Dilanthi Jayamanne wherever they wanted and whenever they wanted. The people of not only the Western He noted that health guidelines had Province, but also those in several also been made for those crossing the other Provinces, wait impatiently for borders between high risk zones to the lifting of the quarantine curfew ‘Second Wave’ those areas which were either less that has brought daily life to a affected or unaffected. Majority of standstill. The partially busy roads them were those who transported with only essential services and essential supplies, or were in the certain factory workers engaged in export market trade. production for the export market The guidelines would be submitted occupy them. Amidst this situation to the Director General Health the COVID-19 death toll increased by Services (DGHS) who would in turn 11 (i.e. 13 to 29) and the Executive release it for public guidance after Committee Member of the possible amendments. Government Medical Officers’ Dr. Fernando noted that there had Association (GMOA), Dr. Haritha been requests made by the Police Aluthge warned that there would be Department as well owing to the more deaths to come. burdensome manner in which some of The College of Consultant the members of the public behaved Community Physicians of Sri Lanka once they obtained curfew passes. (CCPSL) in their proposal on He noted that the Police had taken ‘Enhancing the Sri Lankan response stringent measures against those who to COVID-19,’ a communiqué issued crossed from the high risk area of the on 26 October; the latter part of the Dr. Asela Gunawardhana Dr. Haritha Aluthge Dr. Hemantha Herath Western Province before the curfew month of what has been identified as was imposed to non-curfew areas when the disease’s second wave during the long weekend by emerged, said that regulations should quarantining them in the places that be introduced to “urgently control the they had gone on vacation to with illegal Media exposure of COVID-19 assistance of local PHIs. patients and their contacts”. Serious regulations should be introduced to University study… prevent stigmatising populations, Research carried out by the Sri geographical areas, ethnic groups, Jayewardenepura University has professions or industry connected to shown that a single strain of COVID- identified clusters. 19 was found on all samples taken for testing from the main cluster and the Screening information… sub clusters identified in the country, With the former Acting Director Health Minister, Pavithra General Health Services (DGHS), Wanniarachchi said. Dr. S. Sridharan issuing a circular Accepting the report submitted on calling for the screening of the COVID-19 strain on Saturday information being given to Media in (31 October), Wanniarachchi said the initial stages of the disease, one there had been a tremendous change wonders if the CCPSL is more bent on Dr. Sudath Samaraweera Dr. Jayaruwan Bandara Maj Gen. Dr. Sanjeewa Munasinghe in the spreading of the virus which protecting certain sectors which had prompted President Gotabaya imported the virus back again into the particular second wave could be now was to stop speculations and complications of COVID-19. Namely; Rajapaksa to call for a study on the country after a lapse of over two abated within the next six to eight think of ways to prevent another the virus had developed into a nature of the infection. months. The country’s economy was weeks. cluster or a sub cluster from emerging pneumonia condition. Therefore, the Sri Jayewardenepura just beginning to revive with the new Dr. Herath lamented that the elsewhere. Judicial Medical Officer (JMO) for University carried out a prolonged President at the helm and a second wave which started with the Meanwhile, Head of the National the National Institute of Infectious study on the virus and submitted its Government in place. The second Brandix cluster had been prolonged Operation Centre for Prevention of Diseases (NIID) and the Colombo East final report. It revealed that only one wave ruptured not from Minuwangoda with the emergence of the Peliyagoda COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO), Army Teaching Hospital, Dr. Channa Perera strain of the virus was found in all in the Gampaha District, as most Fish Market sub cluster. Commander Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva said that COVID-19 deaths could samples taken for testing. The people would like to think, but at the The Brandix cluster had affected a said that there was a strong occur either due to direct particular strain was identified in Brandix Facility situated in the area. few areas of the country since the possibility of restoring normalcy in the complications of the disease or due to samples taken from the Brandix The country’s military and the employees had gone home on holiday Western Province from Monday (9). aggravations caused by the virus to Facility, the Beruwala Fish Market, health services have been making a early last month. However, the Silva noted that it was important to an illness a patient was already and all other parts of the country in tremendous effort while repatriating situation aggravated even further resume daily activities by opening the suffering from. The most vulnerable which the infection has been people to prevent COVID-19 from when the Peliyagoda sub cluster areas under lockdown. are those with non-communicable identified. leaking into the community. Although broke affecting not just the Colombo diseases and the elderly. She noted that the professorial team it is accepted that certain sections of area, but also several other fishing COVID deaths Similar to the case of the 27-year that had carried out the research had the electronic Media go to unethical areas as well as the interiors of the Although the 22nd COVID-19 death old from Panadura, the virus was also also established that that the extremes when reporting about the country including areas like Hatton. reported from Base Hospital Panadura detected on the body of 78-year-old particular strain was high in its pandemic in Sri Lanka, the public But still the situation can be had been due to a suicide, tests man who had died from head injuries virulence, which rapidly multiplied also need to be aware of the current brought under control within six to carried out during the post-mortem but was not counted as a COVID-19 once it entered the human body. status of the disease and its impacts. eight weeks if the public collaborated had shown the presence of COVID-19, death because the virus had not This strain which has currently The Media managed till now with the health services by adhering Chief of Epidemiology Unit Dr. Sudath directly caused the death. taken hold of the country, is unlike however, to nudge the public and to health guidelines. Samaraweera explained. the strain the country experienced remind them of the need to adhere at But another major cluster would Dr. Samaraweera said that despite Testing during the first wave earlier this year, to basic health guidelines while mean that the second wave would be it being a suicide, the presence of the Meanwhile, Dr. Samaraweera noted she warned. certain sections of the Health Ministry prolonged by another 28 days which virus in the 27-year-old from that a decision had also been taken The Research was carried out by and its Minister were reluctant to would amount to an additional two to Panadura had resulted it being last week to permit asymptomatic Prof. Neelika Malavige, Department of consider a resurgence of the virus four weeks, he said. identified as a COVID-19 death. patients to return home after a period Microbiology, Faculty of Medical after the first wave was controlled. There have also been speculations The Epidemiology Unit of the Health of 10 to 14 days without undergoing Sciences Sri Jayewardenepura Therefore preventing “unlawful as to the origins of the Peliyagoda sub Ministry clarifying it that the 27-year- PCR tests. Research and observations University and her team. The COVID- access” of confidential info to Media cluster which was initially said to old who committed suicide was not in around the world and even those in 19 strain found in the second wave is till official confirmation would have originated from the Brandix fact the 22nd COVID-19 death in Sri Sri Lanka have prompted the more lethal than those found in the probably be too late in the public’s cluster. Dr. Herath said that although Lanka said that the virus had not decision. first wave. point of view as have been apparent there were ongoing investigations, directly impacted the death. Research has shown that such The fast spreading second wave of recently. there may also have been a loophole A release sent on the same day by cases, while being virus carriers, do COVID-19 is the SARSCoV2 strain The college also stresses on the in the procedure the health system having earlier identified it to be the not spread COVID-19 to others, he which has been identified as the one need to avoid giving false assurances had been following. 22nd COVID-19 death owing to traces noted. “In that manner, testing spreading in several European that harm primary prevention of the virus found during the post- facilities can be utilised more countries. strategies and reduce adherence to Repatriations mortem, Dr. Samaraweera said that fruitfully,” he noted. There were several strains of the optimal health practices. With the Sri Lanka had been able to repatriate the youth who died on admittance to Deputy Director General (Public COVID-19 virus identified in Colombo identification of the first local case of a large number of those stranded the Base Hospital Panadura on Health) Dr. Hemantha Herath said City limits and the Kandakadu Drug COVID-19 on 11 March 2020, Sri abroad, while there were several more 31 October 2020 could not be that there were possibilities for Rehabilitation Centre during the first Lanka responded urgently and expecting to return. Several persons considered a COVID-19 death as the human error when taking down info wave experienced early this year, the aggressively via a multitude of health who were repatriated also had the viral disease had not had a direct impact on PCR samples. “These health research revealed. and non-health sector measures. Sri infection on arrival. The health on the death. workers have on personal protective Health Secretary, Maj Gen. Dr. Lanka being a middle-income country services took great pains to ensure “The contribution of the viral equipment and spend prolonged Sanjeewa Munasinghe appealed to the was commended for its timely and that they too were treated and cured. infection towards the death of a hours carrying out PCR tests, public to call and inform health pro-active “whole-of-government and The Ministry and armed forces person is the deciding factor of the therefore there may be human errors services regarding any possible whole-of-society” epidemic response. facilitated quarantine centres for them cause of death, therefore the number when taking down information.” He COVID-19 related symptoms they Implementation of risk to prevent COVID-19 from re-entering of COVID-19 deaths in Sri Lanka said that priority had been given to may have rather than travelling communication plan executed by the country. While spending 14 days in remains at 21,” the Chief sample collecting while the number of directly to hospital. technically competent, trained quarantine centres these persons were Epidemiologist said. PCR tests had been increased to “They will direct you to the relevant persons are urgently needed. subject to home quarantine as well to The Government Information 12,000 per day. medical personals who would in turn Currently, behaviour assessment, use further minimise any possibilities of Department in a statement said that Dr. Herath said however, that the let you know if you require a PCR test of trusted community groups and the disease leaking into the country the Epidemiology Unit had decided health services had been able to or not,” Dr. Munasinghe said. If in available channels for risk again. not to consider the suicide as a overcome the backlog. “Test results case any suspected COVID-19 case is communication remains suboptimal. Persons entering the country were COVID-19 death. are given as and when the reports instructed to do a PCR test, then he or Risk communication strategies should tested at the airport before being sent The country’s official 22nd COVID- arrive,” he noted. she should remain at home till the adapt to the dynamic nature of the to quarantine. However, there may 19 death was reported on Tuesday test result is released. The public epidemic monitoring the ongoing have been incidents where a few (03), with the death of a 68-year-old Sticking to guidelines could call: 0117 966 366 and inform situation. persons had either evaded PCR woman who died at her home in Health guidelines to be observed the health services regarding the testing and the quarantine process as Jampettah Street, Colombo on and adhered to by those living in health issue they have. Dynamic epidemic had been planned out. There have Sunday (1), the Government curfew areas had been formulated by Therefore as was said by the Media However, the COVID-19 epidemic is been incidents which have come to Information Department said. the GMOA and the Health Ministry Spokesman for the Health Ministry, dynamic, demanding control light where most repatriates during Once more, the Department quoting and were scheduled to be on Tuesday Dr. Jayaruwan Bandara Sri Lankans strategies to be responsive the quarantine period at home the Epidemiology Unit in a release (3). would have to learn to live with accordingly. While continuing the key avoided informing the local Public said that a PCR test carried out GMOA Secretary, Dr. Senal COVID-19 till a vaccine is released by control measures such as, tracing, Health Inspector (PHI). In some cases, during the post-mortem had detected Fernando said that the Union had one of several countries researching a testing, detecting, isolating and the Medical Officer of Health and PHI the virus on the body. Earlier, a collaborated with the Ministry in cure. In the meantime adhere to the treating, there is a need to modify our only got to know of such individuals member of her family had been issuing guidelines to be followed by health guidelines, wash your hands, approach according to the changing when the quarantine certification was diagnosed with the disease, while the people living in non-curfew areas on use a sanitiser, when soap and water context. requested. remaining family members had been Sunday. There was urgent need to do is unavailable, wear a mask and Deputy Director General (Public The latest speculations regarding in home quarantine. the same for those living in curfew maintain a one metre distance. Health) Dr. Hemantha Herath the Peliyagoda cluster is that it The Director General of Health areas as well as people were under the However, it is still surprising how observed that so long as another originated from the Southern fisheries Services (DGHS) Dr. Asela impression that once they obtained a some people continue to wear their COVID-19 cluster did not appear harbour. Dr. Herath said however, Gunawardhana said that her death quarantine curfew pass from the masks just below their noses or on within the next few days the that the best option the country has had occurred due to direct Police they were able use it and go their chins. focus sunday 8 november 2020 A5

Sri J’pura Uni research report Current COVID-19 strain different to first wave The report on the research conducted on the COVID-19 virus identified from the Brandix cluster, which caused the second wave of the pandemic, revealed that the current circulating strain is different to the strains that circulated previously. It has the mutation associated with high Our main case transmissibility due to high viral loads and the same virus strain is so far cluster was creat- responsible for the infections detected ed in in the Minuwangoda, Colombo Municipality area and the fish market Minuwangoda cluster. through Brandix. Sri Lanka is currently experiencing a massive outbreak, which originated In addition, anoth- in Minuwangoda, in the Gampaha er cluster was cre- District and is now spreading all over Sri Lanka. ated in association The scientists at the Department of with the Immunology and Molecular Medicine and Allergy, Immunology and Cell Peliyagoda Fish Biology Unit of University of Sri Market. Also, Jayewardenepura embarked on carrying out whole genomic another in associa- sequencing of the virus, to determine tion with the whether the current outbreak is due to the spread of different strains, if Colombo Municipal there are certain mutations that result in the rapid spread of the virus Council. and to investigate the relationship between the current circulating virus strains to previous strains circulating of the lungs and heart associated with in Sri Lanka. the disease. A total of 16 virus strains "There have been reports of these originating from Brandix, long-term illnesses being referred to Minuwangoda, the Colombo as Long COVID-19, so it is not just the Municipality area, Beruwala Fish elderly who are affected. The virus Market and patients admitted to was more potent than previously tertiary care hospitals were subjected reported in Sri Lanka. There are to sequencing. Municipal Council. We took 16 coronavirus. “Research has shown billions of viruses on the respiratory The virus strains, circulating in samples and sequenced 13 out of 16 that the genome of the coronavirus tract of this new species, so the rate of different places in the country, are of very accurately. We got a partial The virus strains, that is currently spreading is very transmission and the potential for a common origin. Some strains had sequence for the remaining three. similar to the genus found in Europe, infection are very high, so everyone the ‘D614G’ mutation, which is Twelve of these 13 are synchronously circulating in and it is not possible to conclude that should be very careful about that,” associated with high viral load and similar. The difference here is, when different places in the virus came from Europe,” she she claimed. When asked about the higher rates of transmissibility. The we sequenced in March, we got said. Speaking further she noted that upcoming research, Prof. Malavige previous strains that circulated in Sri viruses from different lineages,” Dr. the country, are of the current virus is very similar to the said she has been conducting several Lanka (The Kandakadu cluster virus) Jeewandara stated adding that the a common origin. one in Europe, which does not mean it studies on the coronavirus since were of the different from the current viruses found from Minuwangoda and came from Europe. This variety may March adding that further research is one, therefore the current virus strain Peliyagoda are the same. Some strains had have come from India. My team had being conducted in this regard. is slightly different. However, it was noted that the new conducted genetic research on the “Every country in the world is Meanwhile, Director of the Dengue virus is similar to the one from the the ‘D614G’ virus, which could not determine the conducting research on this. The Research Unit of the University of Sri Kandakadu cluster and according to mutation, which is country from which the virus coronavirus is generally stable. Its Jayewardenepura, Prof. Nilika their findings, the current virus in Sri originated. “A genetic test cannot tell strains are very delicate. There are Malavige, further pointed out in the Lanka is found mainly circulating in associated with where the virus came from. Our data about 70,000 such strains found in report that the COVID-19 variety, Europe. high viral load and can never say that the virus came the world. Currently, 16 vaccines for which is currently spreading in “It spreads around Sweden and from Europe,” she added saying that COVID-19 are being tested in the several parts of the island, including Denmark. We can’t find a link to an higher rates of the opinion that the death rate related laboratory,” she said. Minuwangoda and Peliyagoda, has Indian origin in this virus. However, to coronavirus is lower in Sri Lanka The team of scientists that carried been revealed to be similar to the we currently do not possess a transmissibility. compared to other countries is also out the sequencing work are: Dr. fastest spreading virus variety in Ukranian sample. It is better if we The previous unacceptable. Chandima Jeewandara, Dr. Deshni Europe. have a Ukrainian sample. If it “In other countries, only those who Jayathilaka, Dr. Dinuka Ariyaratne, A special statement was made by matches the virus in Sri Lanka, then strains that show symptoms are tested, so the Laksiri Gomes and Diyanath the Minister of Health Pavithra we can be 100 percent sure that it number of reported cases in those Ranasinghe, led by Prof. Malavige. Dr. Wanniarachchi, at the Ministry of came from Ukraine. But we can’t circulated in Sri countries is relatively low, but even Ananda Wijewickrama and Dr. Malika Health, regarding the relevant confirm that for now as we haven’t Lanka (The those who do not have symptoms are Karunaratne from NIID, provided the research report. She said that the studied a Ukrainian sample,” he tested through the Intelligence initial samples from the Brandix research conducted by the team led noted. The previous strains that Kandakadu cluster Services in our country,” she noted. cluster for sequencing. by Prof. Malavige, on the instructions circulated in Sri Lanka were of the virus) were of the She explained another important “The funding for sequencing was of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has B.1, B.2, B 1.1 and B.4 lineages, the point in this discussion. It is believed provided by the World Health revealed that there is only one variety current virus strain is slightly different from the that the virus only affects the elderly Organisation and we are extremely of the COVID-19 virus in Sri Lanka. different as it belongs to the B.1.42 and those with chronic diseases. grateful to the WHO for providing “Our main case cluster was created lineage which is found in countries current one, Commenting on this, she said that financial assistance for this in Minuwangoda through Brandix. In like Denmark and Sweden. therefore the there is a misconception that only the endeavour and to Mobitel for addition, another cluster was created Prof. Malavige in an interview, said elderly die from this virus. The providing unlimited high-speed in association with the Peliyagoda that some people are trying to current virus strain professor pointed out that young internet for this purpose,” Prof. Fish Market. Also, another in socialise misconceptions based on is slightly different people who did not have any chronic Malavige said. association with the Colombo their current research report on the disease had long-term complications (TR) Covid-19 Latest Episode By Manohari Katugampala Silva was appointed by him as organisation could provide such individuals have left for homes the head of National Operation a clear mechanism to help after quarantining. 4039 persons After the first patient was Centre for COVID-19 Outbreak. protect against the spread. in 45 Tri-Forces managed reported positive for COVID-19 in Since then, the Army has As the confirmed cases of quarantine centres are still in Sri Lanka during mid-March continued to display their Covid-19 have now passed quarantine. By yesterday (1), 2020, the Sri Lankan Military capacity to overcome all the 11,000 and the number of 11,087 PCR tests were carried had to be officially roped in to challenges with a spirit of confirmed deaths stands at 29, out across the country and the deal with the problem as the altruism. the first priority during this total tests conducted so far Army is regarded and respected However, while the Covid-19 pandemic has been the stands at 523,822. Many Police as the ideal organisation which virus remains a dangerous protection of the local divisions in the Western can deal with all types of enemy, the military displays its community. Different countries Province, Kurunegala District emergencies that the nation is kindness to all Sri Lankans use different methods to meet a and Ratnapura District are now faced with at anytime. More than irrespective of race and religion. better control for the virus. As Sri under curfew. Though this six months into this pandemic, Under the guidance and the Lanka continues grappling with pandemic has brought sudden Sri Lanka is still making great supervision of the Commander of significant spikes in Coronavirus changes in our lives the military’s effort and progress in controlling the Army, the troops are still cases, the military personnel, all time support has made a huge the spread of Covid-19. With the setting up quarantine centres without any hesitation, at the difference to stop fast spread. increasing number of Covid and hospitals islandwide. They risk of their lives, has contributed Dedicated troops, irrespective patients in the fast approaching have shown their prowess in largely to a smooth run against of the complex and challenging the 11,000 mark, the country is setting up quarantine centres in the outbreak. Therefore, social nature of the emergence of the on the verge of a critical a very short time. Not only this, isolation, social distancing, home second cluster of infected situation. the excellent service they provide quarantining, curfews, better persons would overcome this The military went beyond their to both local and foreigners PCR-testing systems, challenge too within a short duty to tackle this outbreak as should be appreciated as this is sterilisations, random period with the help of health President Gotabaya Rajapaksa the only nation which could temperature checks, post- conscious public in the country, swung into action and duly facilitate free quarantine services surveillance monitoring are since all in the Army are mobilised the Tri-Forces to for each and everyone. This currently in full swing under the determined to arrest the fast counter the spread of the virus remarkably challenging task of able guidance of the Head of the spreading situation with all after the Chief of Defence Staff netting, screening, transporting, NOCPCO and amply supported possible force for the greater and Commander of the Army, quarantining etc must be highly by the health authorities, etc. benefit of our society and all Lieutenant General Shavendra appreciated as no other To date (2 Nov), 61,995 Sri Lankans. A6 sunday 8 november 2020 focus Desperation As Public Face Pandemic’s Onslaught Neglected by authorities, COVID patients left to fend for themselves By Thameenah Razeek

On a doorstep in a Colombo suburb a mother of three screamed with tears in her eyes urging health authorities to take her husband to a care centre for treatment. The family of five was left neglected and forgotten for about five days after the father was diagnosed with COVID-19. The mother was weeping about the risk they are currently facing. She told that the father, who is a fisherman, had undergone a PCR test five days ago and that the report has come out positive. The health authorities have instructed the individual to remain at his residence and be ready to be taken to a care centre. Accordingly, the patient return to his place where his whole family is living and started packing his clothes and stayed near the doorstep also accused that the rest of the Confirming that there was a lack shortcomings, Balasuriya noted that till the authorities came to pick him family are not being directed to a of communication between the there is a huge delay in delivering up. However, no representatives had quarantine facility. The infected health authorities and patients, Dr. PCR test results as a large number come on that day. The father has person spends his time in a three- Ananda said that delaying the of samples are being referred to maintained social distancing from wheeler parked in the garden. There patient’s treatment can create more testing every- day, with the his children and decided to sleep in was no notice on display outside the clusters in society. “Most of these increasing number of positive cases the living room; he stopped contact residence informing people that the reported patients are coming from and contacts being reported in the with his own family members. household is under self-quarantine. families of four to six, so they might country. Adding to that end, This is one of many incidents It was an ominous warning on GMOA have about 25,000 more contacts. Balasuriya commented that delaying reported across the country where 4 October that the second wave of representative, There is a threat of a number of the admission of a COVID-19 patients are being neglected the deadly virus may have the ability clusters emerging around these patient to a care centre can cause treatment. As the Government to spread rapidly and invisibly Dr. Haritha Aluthge patients who are left neglected and other major issues like creating promised that they would protect among the most vulnerable. Back in said that 55 out of forgotten in their homes,” he noted different clusters. the elderly and the vulnerable from March we knew so little about this adding that at some point the The current situation further the deadly virus, the health virus. We assumed that it was a the 350 MOH Government failed to treat all the exposes the underlying inequalities authorities say they have less time respiratory illness, only to find out divisions in the patients when needed. in access to care and urges better to concentrate on every single that it affects almost every organ in A middle-aged patient had tested healthcare solutions for all patients. patient and that sometimes the body. We assumed that we could country are positive for the virus and was sent Currently in our country, where aforementioned incidents take place. rely on invasive ventilation and identified as high- home to be ready for treatments. there is a rapid daily increase in the ICUs, and that medical wards were This put the home in a predicament: number of positive COVID cases, it Left behind more than effective. risk areas. “There He needed care but has also put the is essential that the needs of In another development, a We also assumed that we’ve seen are another 90 MOH rest in the house at risk. All these vulnerable populations should not fishmonger from Kahapola, the last of the virus while patients were showing symptoms of be overlooked. Diseases such as this Piliyandala said that he has not applauding our patients who had divisions which are the virus but were not eligible for are of public health concern, more been referred for treatment despite recovered coming out of the wards. on their way to astay in hospital. so, because they tend to further being diagnosed with COVID-19 four However, those who have recovered widen health disparities and days ago. His residence is from COVID-19 are still vulnerable, become high risk Who’s to blame? diminish quality of life and surrounded by three other houses more often elderly people, usually areas. There are The Public Health Inspector’s socioeconomic development, with seven children and his infection with other long-term health issues. Union of Sri Lanka (PHIUS) stance particularly among disadvantaged was confirmed following a voluntary They are the kind of people who, if 160 MOH divisions regarding this was completely low-and-middle income populations. PCR test. they get the coronavirus again, are that have not different. Without a second thought If we do not have enough “My son and I got ourselves tested likely to develop more serious the PHIUS accused the MOH’s in the protection and healthcare facilities on Saturday (31 October). I was complications and could sadly even reported a single areas for the delay of getting for certain section of the population; called around 6:30 a.m. on 28 die. Our local hospitals are filled to patients to facility centres. there is no guarantee that diseases October saying that I’m positive. capacity with the numbers of case of COVID-19 According PHIUS Secretary, such as this couldn’t spread to more They said they will come in the night patients they can manage. Difficult Mahesh Balasuriya the MOH should privileged ones; viruses are not to take me and they did not come on decisions have to be made. take responsibility of taking the picky and they do not look at your the 29th either. Though I was ready for Health was appointed and that infected person to a care centre after chequebook. since morning with bags packed, Communication he had announced a health hotline the PCR test is confirmed positive. The COVID death toll increases they did not come on the 30th as breakdown that can be used by patients with He said that their responsibility is to daily and most of them are reported well. No one came to check,” he symptoms or with a PCR tests that take the PCR tests and inform local as “dying at home of chest pain”. If lamented. Regarding this, the Government have come out positive. health officers regarding patients the family is undergoing a He was also worried about the Medical Officers Association (GMOA) When asked whether the Public who are COVID-19 positive. quarantine process, the health surrounding houses that have six spokesperson Dr.Samantha Ananda Health Inspectors (PHI) or the Contradicting Dr. Ananda’s officers and specially the Police children, the man has two with him said that these situations mainly Medical Officer of Health (MOH) are statement that the PHIs should take should monitor the family closely as well. “How can we keep them occurred due to the lack of responsible for taking care of a a responsibility of admitting the and try to provide for their needs in here? What will happen if the people coordination and communication patient and directing them to patient to a care centre, Balasuriya the fullest. But when observed, it is in the area are infected? They will that was bridged between the quarantine, Dr. Ananda claimed commented that their responsibility noticed that most elderly persons curse me. I’m only asking to take me patient and the health authorities, that there are not enough PHIs or is to take the PCR tests carefully and are forgotten, neglected and away for treatments. I take which can lead to a serious situation MOHs to look after all the patients then returning the individual home un-prioritised due to various medicines for seizures,” he cried. like reporting deaths. and direct them to a quarantine safely. reasons and some of them end up Another incident that residents of “The brutal truth is that COVID-19 facility. When asked whether the PHI is not dying. a house in Ihala Bomiriya of cases are piling up and health GMOA representative, Dr. Haritha responsible for directing residents to The worst of the pandemic has Kaduwela are accusing health authorities are losing track of them.” Aluthge said that 55 out of the 350 quarantine after identifying a peaked, it is time to turbocharge our officials of is delaying admission of Dr. Ananda said that complications MOH divisions in the country are COVID-19 patient, Balasuriya noted hospitals and get them back to an infected family member for arose when cases started being identified as high-risk areas. “There that they came across some looking after the rest of us. In treatment who had been diagnosed reported around the country at are another 90 MOH divisions which incidents where some PHI have retrospect, it may well have been with COVID-19 three days ago. They once. He said that to remedy the are on their way to become high risk neglected their duty but currently, better to send COVID-19 victims to situation a new Director General areas. There are 160 MOH divisions they have corrected all drawbacks in specially designated hospitals and that have not reported a single case their procedure. Explaining their leave others untouched by the virus. of COVID-19,” he The recommendations for said. healthcare workers outline ways to keep all COVID-19 patients protected and also to optimise care for patients directly affected by the virus. interview sunday 8 november 2020 A7 I Have No Regrets – Mahinda Deshapriya

By Methmalie Dissanayake Chandrananda was in the interview Do you have any regrets in Commissioners except Dayananda panel and they selected three including your career? Dissanayake received diplomatic The tenure of the Chairman of the me from the interview, Me, A: No. This is not exactly a regret, but positions overseas, mostly Ambassador Election Commission of Sri Lanka Dharmadasa and Kumarasiri. So I I am deeply sad for not being able to Posts, after their retirement. That is a Mahinda Deshapriya will end on 13 came to the Election Commission on 1 hold Provincial Council Elections before privilege that comes with the post of November. Deshapriya, who was July 1983. stepping down. We were hoping to hold Elections Commissioner. Dayananda awarded the best Public Servant of the There were vacancies in Ampara, it in March this year. Unfortunately, it refused the post offered to him saying Year 2016 by TV Derana and the Sri Batticaloa and Hambantota. At that could not be done due to the COVID-19 he needed to rest as he had to work Lankan of the Year in 2015 by Lanka time only Dharmadasa was married. My advice to public pandemic. until he was 69. That happened Market Digest, is well-loved for his bold So, I requested him to go to servants would be The saddest thing is, many blame us because former President Chandrika statements and witty remarks. Hambantota and I said I will go to even though it is not our fault. We have Bandaranaike Kumaratunga did not In this interview, we try to catch a Batticaloa. Kumarasiri went to Ampara. to always help peo- even a Supreme Court order. But even appoint members to the Election glimpse of his career and colourful But I could not go there because of the ple without break- after explaining it so many times, some Commission under the 17th personality. events of Black July. So I was placed at kept blaming us. That is really sad. Amendment to the Constitution. So Following are excerpts of the the Colombo City office and ultimately ing the Law in the But I should say that if the former Dayananda had to work as the interview: went to Batticaloa in January 1984. I country. They Government finished the delimitation Elections Commissioner without received a scholarship for gaining the report on time we could have held the retiring for some time. How did you enter the Sri second highest marks from among our should listen to the election without delay. Apart from that I Even I am receiving proposals to Lanka Administration Service trainee batch. So I went to India to people. Also, if they do not have anything I am sad about. accept such a position. But I have no (SLAS)? How did you become study further for a year. Then I was It is true that some blame us for the intention to go overseas or accept any the Elections Commissioner? appointed to Matara. I was in Matara help someone, they defeat of former President Mahinda kind of diplomatic position. until 1992. In 1993 I came back to the should help others Rajapaksa at the Presidential Election A: After graduation I got a teaching Colombo District office once again. In in 2015. Those who praised us in 2015 You are a diehard cricket fan. appointment in 1977. Even after that, I 1995, I worked at the Kalutara office in the same way. started to blame us for accepting Why don’t you work in the tried to learn many things. Once I and then I was sent to the Galle office Lord Buddha first President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s cricket field after stepping started to study Chartered after a year. nomination last year. But these things down? Accountancy but gave up. Everything I In 2000, I came back to the Colombo taught his Dhamma are just part of the job. started, I did not have an interest to City office. I was the one who held an to five disciples A: (Laughs) Yes. That is another hope continue further. Then one of my assistant post for the longest time. If you can give one piece of too. I held the post of Deputy Treasurer batchmates, a girl, had told another In 2010, I was appointed as the (paswagamaha- advice to current and future in the Sri Lanka Cricket Board when batchmate of mine that she sat for the Additional Elections Commissioner. At nun). But he taught public servants, what would Thilanga Sumathipala was first SLAS examination. She had told him that time, Elections Commissioner it be? appointed Chairman. I was also the that she could not do well in the Dayananda Dissanayake had to hold the same Dhamma Vice President of the Southern Province examination. “I think our Mahinda is the post for longer than he wanted to to Suneetha and A: When I retired on 5 June 2015, I Cricket Association sometime back. We the most suitable person for this,” after requesting so many times to was the most senior public servant in had power in this little cricket club in that’s what she said. At that time, I was retire. But after the 18th Amendment to Sopaka too. The the country. I stayed in the post until Galle too. So, why not? preparing to sit for the Education the Constitution was enacted public servants November 2015 because of the Administration Service examination. Dissanayake retired. Two senior agreement that the existing Elections But I applied for the SLAS examination commissioners also retired without should do the Commissioner should stay in the post too and I passed with flying colours. I applying for service extensions. That until the members of the Election did not sit for the Education was how I became the Elections same. Activities of Commission were appointed under the Administration Service examination as Commissioner. This is my story. public servants 19th Amendment to the Constitution. a result. My advice to public servants would be After we got the exam results we had What were the most should be transpar- to always help people without breaking to go through training. I got the second memorable moments in your ent. They should the Law in the country. They should I would not forget highest marks of that batch. Then there career? maintain their con- listen to the people. Also, if they help was an interview for the top 10 of the A: I would not forget the elections someone, they should help others in the elections held batch to select three for the Election held in 88/89 during the JVP duct in a way that the same way. Lord Buddha first taught Commission. The Elections insurgence. For the General Election in his Dhamma to five disciples in 88/89 during it would not be Commissioner at the time 1989 we had to summon public (paswagamahanun). But he taught the the JVP insur- servants through announcements challenged in Court same Dhamma to Suneetha and because they were scared to come for Sopaka too. The public servants should gence. For the one day. The other election duty because they were scared. do the same. General Election We sent two officers, an officer named important thing is Activities of public servants should be Pathirana as SPO and a Statistics transparent. They should maintain in 1989 we had they should not do Officer named Premadasa as JPO to the their conduct in a way that it would not to summon public Kamburupitiya Yatala polling station. anything which be challenged in Court one day. The There was another female officer on other important thing is they should servants through goes against their Best way to relax duty at the polling station. No one came not do anything which goes against announcements to cast their vote at that polling station. conscience their conscience. is by associating While the officers were transporting They should always keep in mind because they ballot boxes both the SPO and the JPO that they are not Government servants, with friends. I am were shot dead. That was the saddest JVP supporter because I had their they are public servants. They came to were scared to friends with many, memory in my entire election career. letters. So, they inquired where I was their positions to serve the public in come for election After my appointment I was in the from and my NIC showed that I was this country. This is the advice I can regardless of their field during all the elections except the from Poramba. There was a JVP Leader give to all the current and future duty because they ages. I learned that by-election in Horowpothana in named Poramba Ananda. Then they officers in the Sri Lanka Administrative were scared. We November 1988. In 1989 the Provincial asked me whether I knew him and I Service. from my father Council Election was held in four told them that Ananda was my brother. sent two officers, and mother. I phases. I was in the field in all those My brother’s name was also Ananda. What are your plans after an officer named phases too. At that time Dayananda They were shocked. They let others go stepping down from duties as should say that I Dissanayake was the Deputy Elections and kept me for further questioning. the Elections Commissioner? Pathirana as SPO had immense sup- Commissioner. He was in charge of Then they asked me what my A: I will live in Ambalangoda after and a Statistics Colombo. He brought additional ballot profession was. I told them I was the this. For a long time we have been going port from other papers to Matara on a flight in case Assistant Elections Commissioner. there once a month. Hereafter, I will Officer named officers. I would ballot papers were set on fire. He went ‘Why didn’t you tell me that before?’ continue my work while living there. Premadasa as to other places too. I accompanied him. they asked and I told them “Well, you I always wanted to work in the not have been able I never said no to any request and went did not ask me that.” They apologised Department of Official Languages even JPO to the to perform my everywhere I was needed. I carried out and sent me on another bus. Later they when I was working at the Election Kamburupitiya all the duties given to me came to my office and apologised again. Commission. But those who are very duties if they did wholeheartedly. Their seniors had blamed them for dear to me advised me not to accept any Yatala polling sta- not help me. keeping me. I told them it was not their position in the Official Languages tion. There was What are the challenges you fault and that I was the one who should Department as it comes under the The credit for faced in your career? Did you be blamed. purview of a Minister. I personally think another female receive threats too? that this department should be everything I did A: There were many. The Mulkirigala No matter how many operated as an independent body. officer on duty at should go to them. by-election in 1982 was a difficult one. challenges came before you, Also, I like to work in the Human the polling sta- In the Akmeemana by-election in 1984, and no matter how stressful Rights field as well. There is an tion. No one came But if there was an there was a clash between Government it got, you always had a smile association formed with retired error I take full and Opposition supporters. I and on your face. What is the elections commissioners. That is called to cast their vote another senior elections officer were secret behind this? the Election Commissioners of Ceylon. responsibility for caught in the middle of the clash. We will serve the country and the at that polling that. Errors are all Also, in April 1988 we had to take A: Best way to relax is by associating people by doing our part to protect station. While the nominations for the election. The with friends. I am friends with many, democracy and the rights of the people. mine. My family Deshapremi Janatha Vyaparaya regardless of their ages. I learned that But all of these would be done while officers were supported me a lot. threatened to kill me if I accepted the from my father and mother. I should spending more time in Ambalangoda. I transporting bal- nominations. They had even gone to my say that I had immense support from do not know how many years I have left I could not spend home and given a letter threatening other officers. I would not have been to live. I have spent most of my life in lot boxes both the that they would kill my 2-month-old able to perform my duties if they did not Colombo. Now it is time for me to live SPO and the JPO much time with my son if I didn’t obey their order. During help me. among the people of Ambalangoda and children. But my those times, I travelled from The credit for everything I did should build connections there. were shot dead. Ambalangoda to Matara daily, mostly go to them. But if there was an error I That was the sad- wife and family did by bus and sometimes by train. I had take full responsibility for that. Errors Don’t you have an intention not pressure me many threatening letters from them in are all mine. to enter the diplomatic field dest memory in my bag. My family supported me a lot. I could like many other retired public my entire election and gave me their One day while I was travelling in a not spend much time with my children. servants do? fullest support bus, we were stopped at a checkpoint. But my wife and family did not pressure career They stopped me thinking that I was a me and gave me their fullest support. A: No. All the previous Elections A8 sunday 8 November 2020 Editorial Editorial Sunday 8 November 2020 A9 Govt. Faced With The Challenge Ceylon Newspapers (Pvt) Ltd. No: 101, Rosmead Place, Colombo 07. Editorial Tel: 0117566522, 0117566526, 0117566527 Fax: 0117566545 Marketing Manager: 0117566550, 0117566551 Circulation Manager: 0117566580, 0117566581 E-mail : [email protected] Of Retaining Popularity

The same Government that won two-third the health guidelines issued by the video, strictly abiding by the health majority in Parliament in August General authorities. guidelines of both countries. US Presidency Election by polling close to 6.9 million votes The President said this at a meeting Minister Song Tao of the mainly due to its successful campaign to with members of the Presidential Task International Department of Central curtail deadly coronavirus disease, has been Force on COVID-19 Prevention held Committee of CPC, Party Secretary Liu Hangs in the faced with a threat of losing its popularity for recently. Cigui of CPC Provincial Committee of failing to arrest the recent outbreak of The Task Force on COVID-19 Hainan Province, SLPP Chairman COVID-19 even after a month of developing Prevention updated the President on Professor G.L. Peiris, Secretary Minuwangoda Brandix cluster. the current status of the spread of the General Sagara Kariyawasam, SLPP Balance People were inconvenienced with no virus in the Western Province. MPs including Mahinda Yapa The people of the United States of America went to the proper access to essential items owing to The President said that the public Abeywardena, Namal Rajapaksa and polls on Tuesday, 3 November to elect the 46th sudden impose of quarantine curfew in the cannot be disciplined by enforcing a Ramesh Pathirana together with some President of their country, who, for the next four years, absence of a proper service distribution plan quarantine curfew. President State Ministers and Mayors from the would not only shape the political, economic and like during the pre-election period. Amongst Rajapaksa said that decisions should Western Province participated in the defence landscape of the U.S. but would also impact many charges levelled against the be taken with a balanced view, keeping meeting. world trade, balance of power and policies on climate Government, stands the delay in issuing in mind the lives of the people, the Ambassador-designate Qi Zhenhong change. PCR test results and taking virus infected economy of the country and all other joined the discussion in his self- The voters had two choices before them: The people for medical treatment. aspects. quarantine and delivered a speech on incumbent Republican President Donald Trump, who However, due to rapid spread of dual The President pointed out that the behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Sri had been the most unorthodox U.S. President in the clusters of Minuwangoda Brandix and as well, she said. country cannot remain closed until a Lanka. nearly 250-year history of the nation. He picked up Peliyagoda Fish Market, health authorities “We have set up 25 centres to conduct final solution is found to control the The advanced seminar is to fights with many of the traditional allies of the U.S. and the entire Government mechanism is PCR tests. About 8,000 PCR tests are being spread of the coronavirus. implement the consensus reached by while warming up to ruthless dictators. He had been on struggling to bring the situation under conducted daily islandwide at the moment. The President also instructed the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and warpath with the mainstream media, and Tweeted control. In Sri Lanka, COVID-19 deaths have been Police to strictly enforce the quarantine President Xi Jinping in their telephone unfiltered and unmonitored diatribes throughout his Unlike the previous time, the Government, Participating in the controlled to a significant extent. It is curfew regulations in order to control conversation as well as recent high- Presidency. other institutions and authorities are seen puzzling as to why about 60 per cent of the spread of the coronavirus. level visit of Yang Jiechi to Sri Lanka. On the opposite corner of the Ring was the Democrat opting for various methods that are debate of two patients are not showing any symptom of The UNP also pointed out that the The two ruling parties of China and Sri Joe Biden, former Vice President of 44th President scientifically not proven. In such an regulations of the the illness. We have controlled the situation Government had slashed funds for the Lanka are committed to jointly Barack Obama, who had been a U.S. Senator for nearly instance, a video footage started circulating in the Gampaha District and we hope that Health Ministry in its Vote on Account promote regular exchanges, engage in four decades, whose record was not as spotless as it which showed several Ministers including Medical Ordinance the islandwide situation can be brought for 2021 by Rs 20 billion. in-depth experience sharing on was made to be. There had been allegations of racist Health Minister Pavithra Devi Dissanayake said that under control soon,” she said. “The amount allocated for the Health governance, and to enhance slurs, incidents of sexual harassment against women Wanniarachchi, Minister Uaaya Meanwhile, Jathika Jana Balawegaya Ministry while this crisis is ongoing is collaboration during and after the and him along with son, Hunter, have been accused by Gammanpila and Minister Prasanna by appointing such a (JJB) Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake Rs 158 billion for 2021, that’s down Rs COVID-19 pandemic. certain Media of corruption. Ranathunga smashing clay pots in some committee, both the proposed to set up a committee to discuss Dissanayake also requested the good. There is nothing wrong in that,” 20 billion from 2019. However, the During the seminar, bilateral However, at the time this edition went to press, a rivers and streams. the steps which should be taken to prevent Government not to pass Gazzette Premnath C. Dolawatte, an SLPP Ministry of Highways has been relations of the two countries and the clear winner had not been declared. Mail-in ballots were It was later revealed this was done on the Government’s and the the COVID-19 outbreak rather than Notifications in a hurried manner. lawmaker said on Tuesday. allocated Rs 330 billion. You can see two parties, suggestions on the CPC- still coming in. Trump has already declared victory, advice of an infamous faith healer that Opposition’s proposals to debating the matter in Parliament. “There is no need for that. Such He added that it was Basil Rajapaksa The advanced seminar where the Government’s priorities are,” SLPP cooperation and long-term prematurely, and made allegations of vote fraud. Biden claims supernatural powers who caters Participating in the debate of two Laws could be passed after discussing who gave the leadership to form the they discussed exchanges, Hainan’s successful on the other hand, had also expressed confidence of predominantly to VIP clients who persuaded prevent the pandemic regulations of the Medical Ordinance about them after summoning an SLPP following former President is to implement the The UNP also questioned what practice on provincial development winning the race but had also insisted on continuing Health Minister Wanniarachchi and others could be taken into Dissanayake said that by appointing such a Advisory Select Committee,” he said. Mahinda Rajapaksa’s defeat at the consensus reached by became of the $ 590 million worth of and poverty alleviation, and joint the vote count. to try his miracle water to end the committee, both the Government’s and the SJB takes a dig 2015 Presidential Poll. funds the Chinese Government had combat against COVID-19 were There are many interesting trends that had appeared coronavirus pandemic. consideration and it Opposition’s proposals to prevent the Meanwhile, SLPP ally SLFP also did President Gotabaya made available since March this year broadly discussed with fruitful in this election. Wanniarachchi was seen throwing a clay would give an pandemic could be taken into consideration Not many days had passed after not strongly protest the idea. Rajapaksa and to combat COVID-19. outcomes. During his first bid for Presidency back in 2016, one pot containing this special water into the and it would give an opportunity to everyone Minister Wanniarachchi’s declaration “He was a person who worked hard Back to land grabbing? The CPC also gave an introduction of Trump’s rallying calls was to build a wall along the Kalu Ganga to contain the spread of the opportunity to everyone to do actively participate in the decision- of sacrificing herself to the sea, when to elect this Government to power. We President Xi Jinping in on its Fifth Plenum of the 19th National U.S. border with Mexico. He conducted a robust coronavirus. to do actively participate making process regarding the prevention of little over 100 whales were washed will not raise any objection if he enters their telephone Last week, Attorney General Congress, at which the CPC Central campaign against illegal Latino immigrants in the She then came to Parliament on Tuesday in the decision-making the current COVID-19 outbreak in the ashore near Panadura. Main Parliament,” Environment Minister Dappula de Livera ordered Acting IGP Committee proposed the 14th Five Year country and threatened to send them back. However, (3) to participate in the debate on COVID-19 country. Opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya Mahinda Amaraweera said. conversation as well as Chandana D. Wickramaratne to probe Plan and the 2035 Vision, specifying political analysts were stunned by Trump’s gains in which she desperately declared that she process regarding the “This is a matter of national importance. (SJB) was seen taking a dig at Minister Government Parliamentarian Dilan recent high-level visit an allegation made on social media China’s goal of development for the among Latino voters in the battleground States of Texas was willing to sacrifice herself to the sea prevention of the Therefore, we should not waste our time Wanniarachchi following this. Perera said it is at the discretion of regarding an illegal grab of properties next five to 15 years. The two ruling and Florida, both of which he won. reminding everyone about the legend where blaming each other in Parliament. Health They said whales have begun to Basil Rajapaksa to decide whether he of Yang Jiechi to Sri owned by persons living overseas, by parties also shared their opinions on According to MSNBC, in Texas, 41 to 47 per cent of King Dutugemunu’s mother Vihara Maha current COVID-19 authorities and the military have controlled come ashore fearing news that Health wants to enter Parliament. Lanka. The two ruling Hambantota notorious Mayor Eraj aligning the Belt and Road Initiative Hispanic voters backed Trump in several heavily Latino Devi was sacrificed to the sea in order to outbreak in the the outbreak to a certain extent now. If it Minister is preparing to jump into the The Government, on the other hand, Ravindra Fernando and three others. with Sri Lanka’s ‘Vistas of Prosperity border counties in the Rio Grande Valley region, a save the country from a tidal terror. breaks down, the country will end up in a sea. said it wants to see former Minister parties of China and Sri AG’s Coordinating Officer, State and Splendour’ to bring more tangible Democratic stronghold. In Florida, Trump won 45 per Starting the debate on two Regulations country disaster. That is why I am proposing to form The SJB called on the Health Basil Rajapaksa in Parliament. Lanka are committed to Counsel Nishara Jayaratne said, the benefits to the two peoples. cent of the Latino vote, an 11-point improvement from under the Medical Ordinance, she said this committee so everyone could give their Minister to do her job before sacrificing Media Minister and Cabinet three others against whom the probe Ambassador Qi expressed his his 2016 performance. many people sling mud at her using images support to the authorities in this critical herself for the country. Spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella jointly promote regular would be conducted besides Fernando pleasure and honour to attend the Despite his misogynistic rhetoric and uncouth of her engaging in a religious activity to time,” he said. The Party insisted that she has a lot said that Basil Rajapaksa, together exchanges, engage in are Denister Ajith Balasuriya, Sanith opening ceremony, which was his first statements, Trump’s policies seem to have resonated invoke blessings, to curb the pandemic. Ordinance was a result of the Government Furthermore, the COVID-19 which is an to do before she sacrifices herself. with Prime Minister Mahinda in-depth experience Sanjeewa Weeraratne and Mohammad public event after assuming the office deeply with the minority communities in the U.S. One “The Opposition slings mud at me, saying wanting to obtain advice from medical invisible enemy has now entered Parliament They said she might have no option Rajapaksa, was responsible in forming Nazeerdeen. last Friday (30/10). Ambassador Qi of Trump’s main campaign promises was a stronger that I am going to sacrifice myself to the sea. experts. as well. A Police officer attached to but to jump into the sea if she fails to the SLPP. sharing on governance, The AG has also informed the Acting said the history of China-Sri Lanka national economy and employments. These seem to be According to legend, this country has the “Provisions of the Quarantine and Parliament and two Parliamentary address the Corona virus issue. Rambukwella said that Basil and to enhance IGP that while viewing the CCTV friendship was a history of mutual the policies that attracted a large number of minorities, blessings of Gods. I do my best these days to Prevention of Diseases Ordinance are correspondents have been tested positive for Meanwhile, they also claimed some Rajapaksa created a revolution within footage of an incident, which had been learning, and the friendship between who are at the receiving end of periods of recessions prevent this pandemic as the Minister in applied to the whole country. Everyone COVID-19 and several close contacts of VVIPs in Sri Lanka have managed to four years of forming the SLPP. collaboration during posted on certain social media the two countries and two parties had and economic downturns, to his fold. charge. Apart from that, I have received should understand that the term public them are being quarantined now. secure a Chinese vaccine to prevent “We would like to see Basil and after the COVID-19 platforms, it has come to light that grown stronger through the joint fight Meanwhile, Biden’s campaign heavily focused on the many invitations to participate in religious places in the Ordinance means outdoor Apart from them, about 150 Police officers themselves from contracting the Rajapaksa in Parliament. He must be bogus land deeds had been compiled against COVID-19. He also African-American vote with the heightened attention on activities to bless the country at this difficult public places,” she said. islandwide have also been tested positive for coronavirus. given due respect,” Rambukwella said. pandemic on behalf of Fernando by Balasuriya, emphasised that the experience the Black Lives Matter movement. Especially following time. I am ready to sacrifice myself to the sea Furthermore, she said the Government the virus as well. This means the virus is The SJB claimed that the vaccine There is strong speculation the 20th Jayaratne said. sharing between the two ruling parties incidents of Police brutality where Black Americans to protect the country from COVID-19,” she has received US$ 128 million as a loan, active among those who are in active service has been obtained from China at a Amendment to the Constitution was She added that the AG has also would play an important role in were either assaulted or killed, massive protests urging said. which should be spent until 2023 and that and travel. If this spreads to the elderly high cost. introduced to pave the way for Basil pointed out that Fernando had also bilateral cooperation in the post- the Government to protect black lives gathered strength In her reply at the end of the debate, US$ 35 million from it has been allocated for population and those who suffer from other SJB Parliamentarian Nalin Bandara Rajapaksa to enter Parliament. “It is the US State Department that allegedly used his own private security COVID era to come. amidst the apparent resurgence of far right movements Wanniarachchi said the delay in amending the health sector. Another US$ 22 million illnesses, the situation will be more said that the vaccine costs USD 70 to Ranil meets others on determines these things and they will firm to trespass on the lands. “To overcome huge challenge in front across the U.S. The Democrats quickly jumped on this the Quarantine and Prevention of Diseases will be spent to develop healthcare facilities dangerous, he noted. be injected into one arm. remain committed to Human Rights Jayaratne added that the AG has also of us, on one hand we need to support bandwagon amidst Trump administration’s He says two vials are required to be Zoom amongst many other concerns,” he mentioned in his letter to the Acting each other in both medical supplies lackadaisical attitude towards growing racial tension. injected into both arms to ensure the added. IGP that further viewing of the CCTV and financial supplies; on the other But, one of the biggest mistakes the Democrats made individual does not contract the virus. UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe The Party also criticised a statement footage had revealed that a certain hand, we need more cooperation in this year was taking the Hispanic vote for granted. They had a lengthy discussion with several by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa group, after having broken the disease prevention and treatment, were too comfortable in thinking that the Hispanic Enter Basil other senior Party members and those blaming the public for not doing their padlocks of a gate at the entrance of a economic revival and local governance, population in the country would not want to vote for Speculations were high, that SLPP in the leadership via Zoom. The focus part to contain the spread of the virus. land in Nugegoda, could be seen etc. As ruling parties, CPC and SLPP Trump given his track record with the migrants from National List MP Jayantha Ketagoda of the discussion was on COVID-19 “We regret that the President has entering it unlawfully. She said that should enhance experience sharing so the South – threats to build the wall, to send back would step down in order to pave way spread and USA Presidential Election. shared the blame of this situation with hence, the AG has forwarded the as to better leading the two undocumented immigrants, separating children from for National Organiser Basil Rajapaksa He said that he had been telling all the public. He was seen in public, digital video disc containing the CCTV Governments and the two peoples for a families. Therefore, Trump gaining ground among to enter Parliament, last week. News along that the number of random PCR amongst school children, without a footage of the incidents for brighter future.” Hispanics was a wake-up call to the Democrats that reports were published to this effect in tests should be increased, but face mask or social distancing. He Wickramaratne’s perusal and he has Up until now, the CPC has there may be a lot more underlying problems faced by a few newspapers and news websites. Government kept on ignoring his should have led by example. The fact is ordered Wickramaratne to probe the established contacts and exchanges the Hispanics than just racism. However, the Party rejected claims remarks. the Government thought that COVID- alleged incidents fully and submit a with more than 400 political parties Another factor that was decisive in this year’s election that moves are underway to nominate Meanwhile, a Party senior pointed 19 was contained and got distracted by report to him within 96 hours. and organisations in over 140 was the raging COVID-19 pandemic. By Friday, the its National Organiser Rajapaksa to out that Presidential Candidate Joe their focus on consolidating power by countries. It also maintains friendly U.S. had recorded 9.9 million cases with 240,000 enter Parliament. Biden is leading the race to White pushing through the 20th SLPP discussion with relations with a dozen political parties deaths. The U.S. makes up 4.25 per cent of the world SLPP Secretary General Sagara House and the Government of Sri Amendment,” they said. China in Sri Lanka both in the Government population. However, their number of deaths makes up Kariyawasam said Rajapaksa, will take Lanka is worried that his victory would President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said and the Opposition. On 22 October, nearly 20 per cent of the world total. oaths publicly if he is to enter have negative impact on the country. he is not prepared to keep the country In the backdrop of US Secretary of the CPC co-host the Shanghai Trump had been accused of mishandling the Parliament, and that he has not Wickremesighe pointed out that shut because of the Corona virus. State Mike Pompeo’s visit to Sri Lanka, Cooperation Organisation (SCO) pandemic from the inception. His unscientific advice to expressed willingness to occupy the irrespective of Trump or Biden who The President said that everyone the Communist Party of China (CPC) Political Parties Forum and the BRICS the public, blatant refusal to wear a mask or social position. would win the race, US policies on Sri should be prepared to carry on with and the SLPP on Wednesday held an Party Round-table Meeting via distancing reflected the views of his vote base, who “If he enters Parliament it would be Lanka will remain unchanged. their daily activities while adhering to advanced seminar on governance via videolink. regarded such health guidelines an infringement on their rights – much to the shock of the rest of world. Even when the cases started skyrocketing Trump continued to downplay it saying the U.S. had more cases because they do more testing. And, all the while, he attended mass public gatherings and rallies where his supporters were seen disregarding health guidelines. However, Biden’s campaign seemed more rational where he was seen adopting the guidelines and with the decision to suspend door-to-door campaigning. This limited their outreach. With all of these it is still a too close a call to announce who would be the next President of the United States. But, one thing is clear. If Trump is re-elected he would call it a fair race and start celebrating. If he loses, he would not go down without a fight. He has already threatened to go to the Supreme Court, where majority of the judges had been appointed by him. The world is watching closely. A10 Sunday 8 november 2020 Focus ECT for Adani still unclear – Port Trade Union At Crossroads with U.S. Indo-Pacific and China’s BRI By Sulochana Ramiah Mohan approving authority of the donor. Once approved, project negotiations Despite the Government not take place at donor’s place and final officially confirming it had awarded agreement is reached. The project is the key terminal at the Colombo Port signed only after that. – the East Container Terminal (ECT) – “During my career in CB, I have to India’s Adani Group as many local participated in more than 50 such and international Media had projects offered by practically all highlighted, the matter came to light donors and the much-maligned US’ following US Secretary of State Mike Millennium Challenge Cooperation Pompeo’s visit to Colombo on 28 project too went through all these October. steps,” he explained. “The Japanese India is the biggest power player in monorail project took three years for the Indian Ocean region, which the preparation of the project,” he extends its power to the Indo-Pacific added. regions controlled by the US and both He also stressed that Chinese find China to be a ‘predator’. In projects bypass almost all these contrast, Beijing see the South China steps: The project originated from Sea (SCS) as a crucial part of its China and ‘sold’ to politicians in the maritime territory and a gateway for beneficiary country. If they agree, a their BRI. China increased its military quick technical mission comes and activity in the SCS and the US on the prepares the project details. Then, the other hand, has stepped up its top politician in the country visits military activities and naval presence China and agreement is signed; in the regions, triggering small usually no input from Central Bank nations like Sri Lanka to play safe or or Attorney General; the project is take sides. then passed onto the relevant In this backdrop, Japan, China, East Container Terminal is on the top left (file photo) Government authority for India and the US keep competing to implementation with China. Hence, offer Sri Lanka many development outsiders which shows that there is (ADB) or the World Bank (WB), is that the projects are unsolicited. You can projects, loans and grants but China no Government policy applied to all of them are unsolicited. Hence, get evidence for this if you examine all was chosen to be the biggest player in safeguard national assets,” he there has not been any proper projects funded by China in SL and developing Sri Lanka in the post-war claimed further. But he noted that evaluation of the costs and benefits of elsewhere. But in the case of Chinese scenario after the Government port apparatus and gantry from the those projects before Sri Lanka projects, the project preparation time complied to their BRI strategy in 2013 defunct Unity Container Terminal consented to them. As a result, most is much shorter. thus propagating trouble mainly for were moved to the ECT and that the of these projects do not earn enough The U.S. under a new the US and India, and Sri Lanka was terminal, which is fully in operation, to repay the loans and due to that, at crossroads from then onwards. saw arrival of five ships from the day the incomes earned from other President They fear that China is continuing it was commissioned. sources have to be used for repaying to fund Sri Lanka with loans, sucking The ECT was caught up in these loans. Critics observe that the Sino-US it into the debt pool and when unable geopolitics in the Indian Ocean However, he also noted that rivalry affairs hoped to be less to repay will more likely offer land; Region, where India and Japan Chinese debt is exaggerated by confrontational under Democrat Joe increasing Chinese presence and approached the Government for a interested parties. Of the total foreign Biden (if elected President). However, thereby posing a security threat to joint venture to build and operate the debt stock of USD 35 billion as at end during his campaign in the last other regional powers. ECT, mainly raising ‘’security of 2019, debt owed to the Chinese months Biden projected he would be US Secretary of State Pompeo concerns’’ for their transhipments. Government amounted only to USD tough on the China affair. Biden was arrived last month in a bid to clarify SLPA Chairman, General Daya 763 million and to Export-Import Vice President during Barak Obama’s Sri Lanka’s stance whether it would Ratnayake, told Ceylon Today that Bank of China USD 2.62 billion. The tenure and Sri Lanka had bitter partner with them on achieving an whatever the decision the total of USD 3.383 billion was only experience having John Kerry as the open and free Indo-Pacific, or Government takes, it is welcomed, 9.7 per cent of the total stock. Debt to then State Secretary. continue to tilt towards their arch- adding, however, that SLPA has not Joe Biden and former US Secretary multilateral agencies like ADB, WB Kerry described backing Biden in rival China, further embarrassing the been notified of the handover to Adani John Kerry (file photo) and International Fund for his presidential campaign noting that US and other bilateral partners like officially. Agricultural Development (IFAD) etc. Biden had spent 34 years on the India and Japan. Chairman Ratnayake said, “We Non-Aligned country but fortunately amounted to USD 8 billion or 23 per Senate foreign relations committee at It was in May 2019 before the have commissioned operations and or unfortunately it is at a crossroad in cent of the total stock. Debt owed to the White House briefing Obama on Rajapaksas were elected to power, a the third ship has already arrived on the Indian Ocean with both Indo Japan was also USD 3.4 billion or 10 foreign affairs. “He’s a guy who saw Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) to Wednesday (4) and port operations Pacific strategic and the BRI. He said per cent, while debt on account of his son deployed to a war zone,” said operate the ECT as a joint venture will continue. We don’t know whether the Government is closely observing International Sovereign Bonds Kerry and added that he is a man to with Sri Lanka was signed but was Adani or some other company will be the movements of the Quad. amounting to USD 14.5 billion was as “strengthen democratic institutions” shelved due to constant protests managing it, but all we know is that The maritime expert also added that high as 41 per cent. Hence, Sri and “defend against staged by nationalists and strong the former Government signed a MoC the trade in the Indian Ocean region Lanka’s present debt problem is not authoritarianism” and “he’d never contentions from the Port trade between Sri Lanka, India and Japan is militarised and pointed out that mainly due to China. Other creditors lavish praise on dictators but knows unions. for a tripartite joint venture, with a 51 between 2009 and now, 550 warships wield a bigger power over Sri Lanka, how to work with people to manage “We always maintain private per cent stake for the SLPA,” he said. from 20 countries have visited Sri he explained. disagreements and still get things company partnerships and that’s how To India, which has many leading Lanka. He queried whether the US “This is only the Central done in areas where you have to we role our economies in the US. We ports, Sri Lanka’s ECT was important Secretary and his Indian counterpart Government debt and in addition to cooperate geopolitical culture was don’t show up with State-sponsored as 70 – 80 per cent of its had signed the key military pact to these borrowings, there are private hype from that time too”. enterprises and show up with debt transhipments comes to the Colombo counter China or had a genuine plan sector borrowings that include Biden also made it clear he would packages where the countries cannot Port but since China came into the for the region. companies, banks and the central confront Russia but was less vocal in repay and extort more from the fray in port handling, they wanted Some of the Chinese key projects in bank as well. The total of these explaining that his approach would Government instead,” Pompeo told a security for their goods. Sri Lanka are the USD 1.4 billion borrowing amounted to USD 21 mean an end to business as usual local TV station. coal-fired Norochcholai power station billion as at end-2019. Thus, we with Saudi Arabia, as well as The US State Department requested India’s power in the co-financed by three EXIM Bank should be worried or have fear about continued tension with China. the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) region China loans; the USD 1.1 billion the total country debt and not merely Dr. Jayatilleka added, “We don’t to invite Secretary Pompeo while he Hambantota Port given on 99 years the debt owed to Chinese have to agree with the views of the was on an Asian tour to rebrand US’s “Indian wariness is entirely lease; the USD 190 million Mattala institutions,” the economist USA, but we do have to study their Indo-Pacific strategy strengthening understandable,” former Russian International Airport; the USD 500 explained. views and take them seriously into the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue Ambassador/Permanent million Colombo International Dr. Wijewaradena further noted account, given especially the or better known as the ‘Quad’ Representative to the UN, Dr. Dayan Container Terminal (CICT) awarded that our problem is the total country enhanced US partnership with India.” comprising the US, India, Japan and Jayatilleka, said. on a 35-year lease with 85 per cent debt including that of the private He said Pompeo has made the US Australia. He added, “Firstly, Sri Lanka is stake for China; the USD 104 million sector. “In the next 12 month period, position very clear but we must also However, President Gotabaya placed in India’s traditional sphere of Lotus Tower and the USD 1.4 billion we have to pay interest and repay the reckon on a possible or likely US Rajapaksa not only said he will not influence and on India’s strategically Port City investment project that also principal amounting to USD 6.7 Democrat victory. The Democrats compromise Sri Lanka’s sensitive southern perimeter; offered the Chinese 116 hectares; all billion. But the liquid foreign would pay even greater attention to independence and sovereignty when secondly, China is presently a very came under constant scrutiny by exchange reserves, after excluding the issue of democracy and the conducting foreign relations but is powerful rival with whom there has various local think-tanks, politicians, gold reserves, are only USD 5.1 politico-ideological influence of China. open to working with the US to even been a lethal crash on India’s academics and geopolitical experts billion. Hence, our reserves are Given the US’s signalling to Sri improve bilateral engagement but also Northern tier; thirdly, China is mainly due to lack of transparency in inadequate to meet the obligations, he Lanka during the Pompeo visit, about snubbed the claim that China had assertive in Sri Lanka and its those deals. added. ‘democracy’ and ‘governance’, the trapped Sri Lanka with high debts. He influence in and on Sri Lanka is “I think there is hardly any He explained how a project is bipartisan consensus in US foreign told Pompeo that China had assisted manifestly growing.” transparency in Sri Lanka today and executed in Sri Lanka using foreign policy-making on the issue of in the development of the country’s He added that Sri Lanka must have not been for some time, on many donors. “In the case of WB or ADB or ‘democracy Vs the influence of the infrastructure since the end of the realise that despite its current, major economic decisions, not just any other bilateral donor like Japan, Chinese model,’ the realities of the separatist war. remarkable restraint, India will Chinese investments. As a small the system is that they field a balance of power and our location as The GoSL commissioned the ECT eventually protect its vital national island State, Sri Lanka’s interest lies programme mission at least two years a focal point of the great power operation while Pompeo was in town, and strategic/security interests in equilibrium at the global and before the intended period; for struggle in Asia, Sri Lanka must allowing a ship to enter the ECT for against perceived threats and regional levels; most vitally in the example, the programme missions for therefore be very cautious, prudent the first time on that day which intrusion and that India is not only Indo-Pacific region and South Asia/ projects that are to be commissioned and pragmatic about the optics of surprised many. the South Asian region’s greatest the Indian Ocean. Sri Lanka has to in 2020 would have been fielded in what we do, he underlined. The ECT was a tripartite deal of power, but it also now in partnership balance to help contribute to that 2018. Those missions consist of “I can’t help but wonder whether it USD 500 million with the Sri Lanka with the US and will remain so equilibrium,” Dr. Jayatilleka said. multi-disciplinary experts and they was the right time and situational Ports Authority (SLPA). Even former whichever party is elected in the US The Sri Lankan State Ministers and first meet the External Resources context in which to demonstrate a President Maithripala Sirisena was This makes India a partner in the Presidential staffers openly attacked Department which indicates to them close relationship between the ruling against awarding it to India and most powerful strategic-military India and Prime Minister Modi in the country requirements. If they are party of Sri Lanka, the SLPP, and the Japan. network we have seen in Asia, and Sri Parliament, in public forums, and willing to fund those projects, they are ruling party of China, the Communist However, the trade union is Lanka is at the southern intersection print, while at the same time, openly then referred to different Government Party, especially on the theme of bewildered on the news that the ECT of that new alignment. defending China at the highest level, authorities. For example, he noted Governance. I don’t blame the will be managed by Adani despite Dr. Jayatilleka also noted that he added. “The Sri Lankan regime has that if it’s an irrigation project, Chinese side at all-- it is not up to it SLPA Chairman Rtd. Major General China, by contrast, is far away from shown a tilt to one side, rather than a Irrigation Department and for to be primarily mindful of our Daya Ratnayake saying that he was Sri Lanka and cannot project and balance, still less it proclaimed electricity, the Energy and Power interests; it is up to us. China and its not officially informed about Adani sustain power on India’s doorstep to neutrality.” Departments, etc. are consulted. In Communist Party will quite correctly, taking over the ECT. provide a security-strategic umbrella Unsolicited proposals return, those authorities will come up take care primarily of its interests. It Deputy Secretary of the ACGPEU G. for Sri Lanka. “The Sri Lankan regime with project requirements and as is up to the Sri Lankan authorities to Niroshan said that they will be must therefore not continue to from China such, they are solicited by Sri Lankan be mindful of this country’s strategic clarifying this issue with SLPA indulge in the risky gamble it has authorities; then the donor sends a vulnerability and protect our interests authorities as the ECT, from the day been and is currently taking.” Former Central Bank (CB) Deputy technical mission which will do all the wisely. Perhaps the Government it was commissioned, is doing well by Foreign Secretary of Sri Lanka Governor, Dr. W. A. Wijewardena also tests necessary and formulate the should have been more careful about adding revenue to the national Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage in reiterated that there is a problem with project; after that, the project the signals that its actions and those Treasury. “We have seen how many a webinar discussion noted on 2 Chinese projects, compared to those proposal is submitted to the Sri of the governing party, the SLPP, send Government assets are given away to November said that Sri Lanka is a funded by Asian Development Bank Lankan Government and the out,” he stressed. FOCUS SUNDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2020 A11 Will Antigen Test Increase COVID-19 Screening Capacity?

BY FAADHILA THASSIM

Amidst the concerns of the delays in PCR tests for COVID-19 detection and the lack of PCR testing facilities in several hospitals, a total of over a 200,000 Antigen Rapid Diagnostic Test (ARDT) Kits were imported on 4 Wednesday with over a 800,000 kits yet to arrive in the country. The Ministry of Health is due to carry out the primary COVID-19 tests with the use of the antigen rapid test kits over the next week increasing the screening capacity within the country. What is an Antigen Rapid Test?

An Antigen Rapid Test is a test that is carried out to directly detect the presence of virus particles in an individual with the possibility of results being obtained within a time quicker diagnosis and tracing possible the kits are currently being tested at span of over 15 to 30 minutes. with the rapid spread of the virus the Health Ministry Laboratory. While the FDA has granted within the country. authorisation for the Antigen Rapid Secretary of the Medical Laboratory Concerns on use of ARDT Tests for COVID-19, the World Health Professionals Association, Lasantha in SL Organisation (WHO) recommends the Chathuranga speaking to Ceylon use of these tests, there is also a global Today said the sensitivity in Antigen President of the College of Medical partnership to make available 120 Rapid Tests is lower as opposed to the Laboratory Science, Ravi Kumudesh Million affordable, quality COVID-19 PCR test adding that a test authorised stated that the samples obtained by rapid tests for low and middle income by the FDA and recommended by the oral and nasal swab during a PCR test countries. WHO has to be effective but that for is the same as the sample that will be According to the WHO, these tests the use of it for the diagnosis of obtained by the Antigen Rapid Test are highly portable, reliable and easy COVID-19 in Sri Lanka, the test kits and therefore, the 30 per cent to administer while WHO also that have been received have to be probability of diagnosing an infected highlighted the value of these tests in tested and studied well. individual as negative for COVID-19 by areas where transmission is He added that while Antigen Rapid a PCR test due to the virus not being widespread. Tests are time effective and has the detected by the sample will take place an immense social impact. for multiple test approach including possibility of diagnosing a number of during the Antigen Rapid Test too. Is only the ARDT suffi cient rapid PCR test by which results can be Antigen Rapid Test in Sri patients within the day, carrying out He added that even the best Antigen obtained at a faster phase, antibody this test also eliminates the Laboratory Rapid Test carried out in the world has for COVID-19 tests in Sri tests and point of care tests. Lanka procedure and the use of chemicals. only 80 per cent sensitivity and if an He added that what is more Further speaking he added that individual carries out the test 10 days Lanka? important than figuring out the tests In Sri Lanka, currently the only test although PCR tests cannot be prior to the infection, then the Chathuranga said that while this is that of its implementation and this for COVID-19 is that of the PCR test facilitated in every hospital, Antigen sensitivity drops to 60 per cent. could be a useful test, PCR tests is why an effective testing mechanism being a nasal and oral swab test. While Rapid Tests could be facilitated in Chathuranga stated that the manner should also continue while different has to be implemented for any COVID- these tests have been carried out since many hospitals and the public with in which the material used to carry out tests carried out in different countries 19 testing that will be carried out. the first outbreak of the virus in the concerns of the contraction of the virus the test is discarded following carrying should also be carried out in Sri Lanka Therefore, considering the country, several medical experts have could easily be tested in this manner. out the Antigen Rapid Test has to be at least in a small-scale as a multi test increasing number of COVID-19 raised concerns as to the shortage of Chathuranga said a properly planned out and there has to approach would be one of the most patients discovered in Sri Lanka on a PCR facilities in the country and the recommendation has been made to the be an effective mechanism adopted for effective manner for rapid detection of daily basis and the increase of the difficulties faced by certain hospitals in Ministry of Health to deploy over the proper disposal of the discarded COVID-19 patients. number of deaths during a months facilitating these tests as this delay hundred members of Medical material. He further added that these Kumudesh added that it is period during which the second wave would result in delayed detection. Laboratory Professionals Association, tests should only be carried out by impossible to tell which test is better hit the country, increased effective While the PCR test result would in order to carry out the Antigen Rapid those specialised and approved to carry and that scientifically which is better tests are vital, while ARDT could be likely take a number of days or hours, Tests within the country. these tests out with a sound knowledge and which is not can only be assessed assessed as less time consuming and following laboratory procedures, an While the Antigen Rapid Test kits as the failure to do so could result in in accordance to the situations in a faster detection test, it is evident that Antigen Rapid Test would only take a were brought down from South Korea wrong interpretation, there could be which they will be used. He added that continuous multi test approaches are maximum of 30 minutes making by SriLankan Airline’s special flights, hazardous exposure and there could be there has been repeated appeals made also vital. Air quality declines despite drop in pollution

Y UDDHIKA B B PM2.5 levels in each urban area during October PM2.5 levels in each urban area during October SAMARAWEERA 2020 2020 60 PM2.5 Colombo PM2.5 Jana 45

) PM2.5 Anuradhapura PM2.5 Vavnniya ) Nuwaraeliya Puttalam 3 50 3 40 The National Building Kurunegala Kegalle Kandy 35 Rathnapura Research Organisation (NBRO) 40 recently stated that according 30 to data received from its Air 30 25 Quality Monitoring Centres, air 20 oncentration (µg/m oncentration (µg/m 20 pollution levels in Sri Lanka are 15 10 M2.5 C on the rise these days. M2.5 C 10 P P A report issued by the NBRO 5 0 stated that the air quality was 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31 0 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31 declining rapidly in areas such Date as Colombo, Kandy, Puttalam, Date Vavuniya and Jaffna, except in the Southern Part of Sri Lanka. slight increase in air quality in a limited space in the city of regular mask and minimising The data also showed that the the recent past. However, the Colombo and other congestive strenuous activities including situation had risen abnormally reason for the increase in air areas, are at a higher risk of exercising, sport, outdoor since 27 October. pollution levels in this way had contracting various diseases activities to minimise health The report further stated that to be studied in-depth. due to this condition. problems. Also, it is advised to a significant increase in The report prepared by the Although this situation seek medical advice if someone number of particulate matter in NBRO pointed out that the could go away in a few days, is having any respiratory the atmosphere over the past reason behind this unexpected we can never expect the problems. few days has been observed. In sudden increase of air quality occurrence of such situations The presence of such particular, according to the US level could be linked with the to decrease in the future, more pollutants in these conditions Air Quality Index, PM 2.5 variation of the wind pattern than likely an increase of such can be observed due to natural (Particulate Matter 2.5) is the around the island. Based on the could be expected. Therefore, changes such as the smallest possible particulate world air quality distribution it is very important that the invisibility of buildings and matter in the atmosphere, but map published in Air Visual Government or other other places far away from the during the recent days it has website, the air pollutants levels authorities concerned come horizon, the appearance of been observed to reach a value of the atmosphere in the Indian forward to find out about the smoke in the surrounding ranging between 100–150. In peninsular is said to be high groups who are vulnerable to atmosphere, and the presence such a situation where a value during these days and it could such conditions and work for of a slightly darker sky. of 2.5 rises between 100 and have contributed to the air their welfare. The NBRO Air Quality 150, it could have a profound quality in urban areas in Sri However, the NBRO report Monitoring Team is effect on sensitive groups. Lanka depreciating. coming few days and that it Congested living states that the health sector continuously monitoring the Due to the quarantine curfew When contacted, Senior may cause some breathing spaces a higher risk has been alerted on the air quality levels in urban imposed in some areas Scientist, Sarath Premasiri of difficulties for sensitive groups potential health effects of this cities for changes in these including Colombo, with the the NBRO, said that this including children, the elderly, Also, people belonging to the condition. People are also conditions and are looking to spread of COVID-19 virus, the pollution condition was pregnant women, and people above categories, especially advised to take precautionary educate individuals and number of vehicles plying the expected to continue for the with respiratory illnesses. those living in shanties built in measures such as wearing a organisations as needed. highways reduced resulting in a A12 sunday 8 november 2020 Focus

Team with a tagged Crab Plover Global Migratory Flyways Distribution range of Crab Plover GPS-tagged Crab Plover with Dr. Seneviratne

By Shanuka Kadupitiyage of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. This uses GSM network connectivity Sri Lanka is known as a biodiversity to access the information transmitted hotspot that has been claimed as the from the tag which is cheaper and home of many species. Because of the To Know more efficient – the first time it has rich biodiversity being concentrated been used in Sri Lanka as well as in in such a small landmass, it is the South Asian region, according to essential we have a good Dr. Seneviratne.

143012851.psd Why it’s important We were given a wide array of understanding of the creatures we Our Visitors reasons as to why discoveries such as share a country with before making this are important for Sri Lanka and any decisions that might bring an end its people and creatures. to their existence. “Sri Lanka has been one of the best Naturally, it is scientists who are at known bird-watching destinations for the forefront of this effort. Without the past 100-200 years and brings a the comfort of their homes, many lot of eco-tourists to the country. venture out into the field, conducting However, this is the first time we’ve studies and researches in the wild, Better been able to get up close and personal doing their best to study and learn to observe how these birds enter Sri more about the biodiversity of Lanka, where they go and how they Sri Lanka. Tagging migratory birds to monitor leave; all of which are important for Because of Sri Lanka’s tropical conservation.” climate and location, it is also what The research will also reveal more you may call the ‘summer home’ of the terrestrial world above us about their genetic structure, the many birds as well, who rely on our diseases they have (and bring), the ecosystem to manage through those make their way into Sri Lanka.” kinds of pollutants which they are cold winter months. Their lives too, Ceylon Today was informed that exposed to and many other important depend on such studies. This means this makes Sri Lanka an ideal topics. that what we learn and the actions we location to gather environmental data Knowing where they travel and take today will be key to the survival from around the world without having where their habitats are will also be of not only the biodiversity of Sri to travel to each region. By studying important when future infrastructure Lanka, but also of many other nations the birds, we learnt that scientists development projects are put into across the globe. can learn about the health of each motion. Seeing Crab-plovers crash Ceylon Today was given the region’s environment, the health of into giant windmills that generate opportunity to speak with a team of wetlands, the current state of bird power and dying because they were researchers who have made populations, diseases coming into placed in their flight paths because groundbreaking results in this area and leaving Sri Lanka as well as the we didn’t know would be something recently. levels of various chemicals and how no one would want to see. Many birds We learnt that the project is much they have polluted each region. are in danger of extinction and this conducted jointly by the Faculty of Information that is needed to data could be the lifeline to helping Zoology from the University of measure the harm we are causing the them survive as a species. Colombo, Field Ornithology Group of environment and the successes we Dr. Seneviratne added that these Sri Lanka, Wetlands International make in fixing the problems we have findings will also help scientists and Research Centre for Eco- created. discover how diseases and pathogens Environmental Sciences from the spread through birds migrating. Chinese Academy of Sciences. The project Of course, as mentioned earlier, Ceylon Today spoke with Research Dr. Seneviratne told us that up to there is also the conservationist Scientist and Senior Lecturer in 500 species of birds can be found in Satellite-tagged Crab Plover’s journey Gayomini Panagoda and Dr. Sampath aspect where we can gather massive Zoology from the Colombo University, Sri Lanka, with almost half of them from Mannar to Kalametiya Seneviratne amounts of data from a wide scope Dr. Sampath Seneviratne, as well as a being migratory birds. “Unfortunately, with little effort or expense thanks to PhD student in Migration Ecology and even though their arrivals are our geographical location. also part of the research team, predictable, we don’t know the routes attached to its leg. On this ring is a Using these tags, the team of Gayomini Panagoda. they take, how long each species barcode that helps future researchers researchers can not only discover the Not an easy road stays – we know very little about this,” identify each bird if they are captured flight path of these birds on their way Of course, the journey wasn’t an All about migration he explained. and measurements are taken again. back, but also their behaviour while easy one. We learnt from Gayomini If you’re any familiar with Which is why, working with “All of this is part of the broader in Sri Lanka; something that Panagoda that the research project documentaries shown on Animal felicitated researchers and picture,” Dr. Seneviratne said. “We scientists have never uncovered began in 2018 but took almost two Planet or National Geographic, you organisations such as Dr. Sarath have the Central Asian Flyway and we before. years to put everything in order and would have heard about birds from Kotagama, Wetlands International, want to monitor the rest of the Crab-plovers aren’t the only birds have the technology ready, which the northern and southern regions of Dr. S. Balachandran, of the Bombay terrestrial world above us. We use given the satellite tracking treatment. meant that results have only started the planet, migrating towards the Natural History Society and the specific birds for this task, and one of However, special treatment has to be to manifest after months of hard work more tropical climates closer to the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dr. these birds is the Crab-plover.” given to this elusive bird because of and patience. COVID-19 only made equator to avoid the cold winter Seneviratne and his team have been the groundbreaking information that things even more difficult with travel months. We learnt from Dr. studying these migratory birds for Crab-tastic discoveries the research team has discovered restrictions and necessary safety Seneviratne that these millions of many months. If you’re wondering what a Crab- using this technology. precautions. migratory birds fly across continents We learnt from Dr. Seneviratne how plover is, it’s a bird that has long grey “Normally, these birds are found in each year using eight major paths, the research is being conducted. legs, a black bill with white and black the north-western parts of the Much more ahead which you could even call flyways. “Focussing on birds coming into Sri colouration. Ceylon Today learnt their country and are considered coastal While there have been amazing These flight patterns have already Lanka from the Asian mainland on breeding grounds are situated around birds. However, one bird flew across results already, for the research team, been mapped by scientists. Rama’s Bridge (also known as Adams’ the Persian Gulf, but spend the rest of Sri Lanka last week, surprising us all. this is only the beginning. We have a “Sri Lanka is located at the Bridge), we have established a field their year in countries such as Sri It flew to Ampara after stopping a bit lot more to learn about these southernmost tip of the Central Asian station in Talaimannar, next to Lanka. in Batticaloa. Then it made its way to migratory birds who have made Sri Flyway,” said Dr. Seneviratne. He Rama’s Bridge. We go out into the They are a popular species of bird Kalametiya the day before yesterday.” Lanka their ‘summer home’ and of went further to explain that because ocean and set up nets especially for many around the world and are The Kalametiya Lagoon is one of the course, we will continue to learn a lot birds prefer to fly over land, migratory made to capture birds without extremely rare in Sri Lanka. In fact, most important wetlands in the South more in the months to come, birds coming from Eastern Russia, harming them.” Dr. Seneviratne informed us that this as well as a bird sanctuary that is especially when it is time for these Scandinavia, Europe, Alaska and Measurements are taken from the elusive bird is very rarely spotted crucial for the biodiversity of Sri visitors to make their way back home. even some parts of Africa and captured birds who are then given a each year on Sri Lankan shores. Lanka. Ceylon Today learnt that this “That’s where the real interesting Australia all make their way into Sri general health checkup. The quality Including the above mentioned was the first time. results would come, which we are Lanka, almost as if bird populations of their blood, their body fat content procedure, Crab-plovers who were “Ornithologically speaking, we’ve eagerly waiting for,” Dr. Seneviratne up north are funneled into our and body dimensions are measured. captured for the study were given a really started to understand how commented, his excitement evident in country. A small DNA sample is also taken as small parting gift to take with them. birds use the landscape of this his tone of voice and manner. “By fixing a satellite transmitter and well. “We attached a specialised small country. This is the first time we are While this research is one of the studying these birds, you can gain The team also checks the quality of device that communicates with a being exposed to this knowledge.” firsts, it will definitely not be the last, valuable insight and peer at almost the birds’ feathers. A sample of their satellite,” Dr. Seneviratne explained. thanks to students such as Gayomini one third of this planet’s terrestrial feathers is taken as well to test and “It gives its GPS coordinates every Another first Panagoda, who also played a major world. We are centrally connected to see if there are any harmful chemicals half hour as well as other information Another first for the team of role in the success of this research the rest of the world through birds,” or pollutants that have built up inside such as flight speed and researchers was the technology used alongside many others who will he said, adding “this is because birds their body. temperature.” in satellite tracking. Instead of using definitely continue the work and from these regions all over the world, Each captured bird is released into The satellite tag is charged using a traditional systems, a new technology achievements that have been except South America, predictably the wild with a small metal ring small solar panel that’s attached to it. was implemented with the joint effort attained. focus sunday 8 november 2020 A13

Privelth Global claimed to function on Islamic Principles Unsuspecting Investors Swindled Out of Millions Cheated out of Collected around 170 their hard-earned crores by making 1,400 life’s savings agreements with investors Sihab-Shareem

By Rifthi Ali Forced to mortgage my land “I became a patient and fell Privelth Global into a debt trap as a result of The total amount of chit investing my money with fund was Rupees three million Company did Privelth Global which claimed and Farzana duly invested this to be functioning based on amount with Kalmunai not register Islamic Principles,” said Aliyar Branch of Privelth Global for under any Farzana, a 40-year-old woman the annual profit rate of 23 per from Maruthamunai village in cent. Even after 11 months relevant the Ampara District. passed, no profit from this Farzana, a middle-aged investment was made to Financial acts woman, comes from a very Farzana. such as Bank poor family, runs a small “I turned into a debtor grocery shop attached to her because of this cheating. I was Act, No. 30 of house and engages in manual always worrying about weaving to run her family. She completing the chit fund I 1988, Finance is the mother of three children joined. Because of this stress I and lives in a very small house became a patient. I returned Business Act, with many difficulties. from the hospital recently”, No. 42 of 2011, Farzana’s husband worked weeping, Farzana said. in Qatar as a labourer for 10 “Last few months I managed Finance Leasing salary range of these Moulana (Murshi) was Shareem years and managed to save to pay the chit fund employees starting from appointed as the Sharia some money with a dream of instalments by selling the Act, No. 56 of Rupees 30,000 to 190,000 Consultant of the Privelth accuses CBSL constructing a decent house remaining jewellery. Now, I 2000 and Micro rupees, an official of this Global (Pvt.) Ltd. He further accused that the for the struggling family. Hard don’t have any means to pay company shared these details Be that as it may, a person Central Bank stopped the flow working Farzana also the chit fund. I become very Finance Act, No. with us. who worked in Privelth Global of 16 million US dollars to the contributed from her side to scared whenever the end of There are different said that “As per Shihab country because of the joining make this dream a reality the month nears. I decided to 6 of 2016. As designations and benefits Shereem, Hajara Travels is a of these two persons as through her weaving and get a loan by mortgaging the given to these employees in sister company of Privelth partners. running her home-based land on which my house is the company addition, 2% – 10% of Global and he invested The director stated that the grocery. Together, this lovely built” Farzana said. made commission also given to them millions of money in this money deposited by couple struggled to save Rs 4.5 Our investigative journalist based on the money invested company”. customers were invested in million for this purpose. team managed to find out that transactions by customers, he mentioned. However, Alavi Mounlana, businesses related to The Sammanthurai branch the company managed to The investments to this completely refuted this claim pharmaceuticals, garments, officials of the Privelth Global collect around 170 crores based contracts, company were made based on and stated that “I borrowed 6 printing industry, vehicle got to know of this savings through making 1,400 it is feasible to Vakkala, an Islamic Financial million rupees from Shihab sales and rice production. accumulation through a agreements with investors like Contracting Principle. Shereem and despite my own However, he did not disclose relative of Farzana and Farzana. 90% of the investors take legal action Vakkalais an Arabic term difficulties, I managed to repay the names of companies to requested her to invest this are from the Eastern Province, which used to describe the 60% of this debt. In addition, I which these investments were money in their company. in addition to them, people against this contract based on sharing the never canvassed any person to made. “The officials of this from Anuradhapura, Colombo profit and loss of the invest in that company”. However, the Central Bank company came to my doorstep and Gampaha Districts also company investment. At the same time, some commenced investigations on many times and talked with invested their hard-earned The contract stipulates that amendments were adopted to Privelth Global, a high official me very sweetly to make a money with this company. investors must be prepared to the Articles of Association of of CBSL said. The official decision to invest my money The Privelth Global (Pvt) Ltd. Companies, a 45 years old accept profits and losses. The the Company through a stated that disclosing further with their company” Farzana was established on 5 February Ahamed Shereem Mohamed company provided profit with special resolution passed details to the media may affect said. 2014. As per the records Shihab alias Shiham Shereeb the annual profit rates ranging during the General Meeting of the investigation process. “Initially, my family and I available at the Department of from Colombo 5 and his wife from 18% to 25%.We found the Company conducted on 25 Our investigative reporting were not interested in this the Registrar of Fathima Farzana Markar, a out that the annual profit rates August 2019. found out that the five bank proposal. But, the officials 39 years old woman from and employee commissions for These new amendments to accounts from which the reiterated that they will Mount Lavinia mentioned attracting investments were the articles of association cheques issued to the provide profit which is purely as the founding directors varied among branches and allowed the company to depositors are closed at based on Islamic Sharia, of this company. persons. engage in investment present. The depositors made there is no interest in it and Company People who made fixed activities, both onshore and complaints to the Police and their company is safer than deposits for 12 months and 6 offshore, in real estate, the Kalmunai Magistrate banks. After this I deposited expanded its months were given profits by brokerage services, rice Courts issued arrest warrants my money in their company using the same annual profit production and garment against the directors of during January 2019,” she business rapidly rate. The investors stated that factories. Privelth Global as a result of added. She also said that she The company Privelth Global stopped profit Interestingly, Ashraff Bahja these complaints. Foreign signed the contract which was expanded its business payments from September Jawath Ahamed from Texas, travel restrictions were also drafted in English even activities to Eastern 2019. USA and Mohamed Niyas imposed on them. without understanding the Province on 1 July M.I.M. Vakeel, one of the Ishak Al-Hatheeb from A depositor made a clauses as she trusted the 2016. Within a period investors from Amman, Jordan joined as new complaint against this agents of this company. The of 15 months, the Sainthamaruthu pointed out shareholders of Privelth Global Company to CBSL. The CBSL company deposited a monthly company managed to that the investors did not get on the same day in which the replied that “Privelth Global profit payment of Rupees open five new back their investment even articles of association were Company did not register 80,000 to her bank account branches in after the maturity period. amended. under any relevant Financial until November 2019. Sammanthurai, Meanwhile, Shihab Shereem “These two persons were acts such as Bank Act, No. 30 As a result of this new Kalmunai, Pottuvil, was appointed as the Director taken on board to the Privelth of 1988, Finance Business income source, Farzana joined Eravur and of Hajara Travels (Pvt.) Ltd. on Global (Pvt.) Ltd. as share Act, No. 42 of 2011, Finance a monthly chit fund scheme of Maruthamunai. 3rd November 2015 in order to holders with the purpose of Leasing Act, No. 56 of 2000 Rupees 60,000 along with her There were 80 re-establish this travels which returning the funds invested and Micro Finance Act, No. 6 neighbours. As luck was on permanent had been facing severe losses by the customers”. Shihab of 2016. As the company made her side, she was able to get employees working in the past. Subsequently, the Shareem, the Director of transactions based contracts, the total chit fund in October in these five Executive Director of Hajara Privelth Global said on 8 it is feasible to take legal 2019. branches. The Travels (Pvt.) Ltd., Alavy Salih October 2020 action against this company”. A14 sunday 8 November 2020 Focus Avanka Lanka: From South With Love By K. Ramathas vindicated the importance of self- sufficiency in food for geographical Love Jaffna is a project by Avanka locations. Unlike in most of the Lanka Foundation, which is helping a developed countries, farmers in Sri Village of Inpasolai, in the Lanka do subsistence farming and Vaddukoddai South area, closer to the they never get descent surplus Jaffna-Ponnalai-Point Pedro Road, income in their farming. As a result consisting of around 40 families, to farming is not attractive, making rebuild their lives. Funds for this people move away in search of other project is provided by people from the more lucrative jobs. The country has South and managed by Lasantha to depend on imports for food. Food Mendis, the founder of Avanka Lanka security is a major issue for the Foundation and his charming wife country and poverty is an issue for Vinu, almost on full time voluntary farming. basis. “While several issues need to be Avanka Lanka means a Sri Lanka on tackled to solve this problem, one of Integrity; a dire need of the hour, as identified Households to improve for the issue a civil society organisation you may agree. the LKR 5 million funding already can perform is to provide technical The Northern Province, especially received from one individual donor inputs to the farming community in the Jaffna District, has not seen from the South who wants to remain terms of better management of poverty, before the war, on the scale of anonymous resources such as water, fertiliser, that experienced in the North Central Out of this, they have already choice of produce, application of before arrival of Mahaweli waters. renovated toilet facilities of two processes, market access, value However, the 30 years of war has Covid-19 has houses, repaired the floor of one addition eco system, access to low pushed the villages into poverty vindicated the house, replaced the roofing material of cost and easy access working capital”. beyond imagination. While three houses, repaired two houses Avanka Lanka Foundation intends development of infrastructure in the importance of self- and constructed three new houses of to set up a fund for farmers of Sri Jaffna town may have covered sufficiency in food 300 sq. feet. Lanka to fulfil the objective of ‘wounds’ of war to some extent, Amidst the fear and risk of Corona, providing assistance in the above villages are worse than even during for geographical Lasantha Mendis has been visiting areas to Lankan farmers.We are the war. locations. Unlike in Inpasolai on a weekly basis to monitor proposing to start a pilot project for the progress of the project with the Northern farmers as they are the ones Monthly subsistence most of the view of completing the construction of that require attention as they have In little more than a year, the history the houses, house repairs and the suffered from multiple reasons due to of ‘Love Jaffna’ project, ‘Avanka developed replacement of the roofing material the 30-year war.Co-operative system, Lanka’, has implemented many a countries, farmers before the rains came down. Week once the hallmark of Jaffna should be things like sponsoring a family by before last three houses were handed strengthened and all the assistance sending monthly subsistence from in Sri Lanka do over to their owners by the Divisional should be channelled through August 2019, providing 18 Bicycles subsistence Secretary. You can see the co-operative system.” (for school children) and 100 School photographs of the work being done in Avanka Lanka strongly believes that bags in the month of January 2019, farming and they the Facebook page of ‘Love Jaffna’. until the people in the South stand need assessment survey in the month never get descent along with the people in the North and of February 2019, providing dry Farmer Fund get involved in solving their issues Sri rations jointly with World Vision surplus income in Avanka Lanka is planning to extend Lanka as a nation will not flower to its during May-June 2020, holding a their farming. As their project activities from social to full potential. Please visit www. four-day session for Youth of Village God churches. respectively, provide economic upliftment. They are avankalanka.org for further details. both females and males, to give them bed and breakfast to Lasantha and a result farming is planning to embark on a project to As politics is no more for the direction and hope, by Colombo-based Vinu and give their vehicle to drive help the farmers of the North and people’s issues, but a power struggle, Psychologist Samitha assisted by around when the couple make their not attractive, subsequently extend the help to It may be the best opportunity for the Point Pedro-based Pastor ‘Sitha’in monthly or bi-monthly visits spending making people farmers of the whole country. Tamil Diaspora who has been funding September 2020. These numerous at least a week in Jaffna. According to the war to fund the peace as well, projects have cost in total a modest Emboldened by the success of these move away in Lasantha, working with southern civil society sum exceeding LKR 600,000 in cash activities, currently, starting from search of other “Covid-19 representative like Avanka Lanka, donated by people from south who are September 2020, Avanka Lanka has has who have no political agenda but have not after publicity but keen in building embarked on a project at an estimated more lucrative demonstrated their interest in people-to-people understanding cost of LKR 12 million to improve on jobs extending their helping hand in between the North-South. Divisional an activity to enhance the dwelling improving living standard of people by Secretary of Valikamam West, facilities of the Village. people. Premini, under whom this village falls, They has been a source of encouragement to the ‘Love Jaffna’ project. Rev. Sam Rajasuria and wife, Pastors in charge of Jaffna and Manipay Assembly of

Doctor With a Heart of Gold Japan honours Janak By Subha Wickramasinghe Bandaranayake Doctors are living Gods they say or The Government of Japan that they were sent as messengers to announced the conferment of ‘The serve God’s creatures and to Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold heal patients in pain. and Silver Rays’ upon Janak I did not believe this until I Jeevantha Bandaranayake met Dr. Dhammike Silva, recently, for his contributions, Consultant Obstetrician promoting cultural exchanges and Gynaecologist and between Japan and Sri Lanka. Senior Lecturer. Bandaranayake worked at the You were the one who saved Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka, my life and my baby’s too. over a span of three decades and We are eternally grateful for contributed to deepen cultural ties those efforts! You are a between Japan and Sri Lanka. wonderful, caring doctor He was also instrumental in who was always friendly and inaugurating Sri Lanka’s national comforting to your patients. television network, Rupavahini More importantly, you are a through a Japanese grant aid in humble human being. the early 1980s, which telecast a further cement the Japan-Sri My recent interaction with Dr. Dhammike Silva with his medical team globally renowned Japanese TV Lanka relations began prior to his you through a poor lady drama Oshin in 1998. appointment at the Embassy. who connected me with you high blood pressure and also a stroke neglected her. Bandaranayake’s fruits of Bandaranayake served as the chief has reminded me yet again of your in the past. All had asked her to live She is back home and says that she labour, particularly culminated in interpreter for the Sri Lanka ‘godly’ deeds. She is an underprivileged through the pain! But when I would even worship the ground you the successful celebrations of the Pavilion at the Tsukuba Expo held lady from our village, who had been connected her to you recently, you took tread, for valuing her life by taking up 40th, 50th and 60th anniversaries in Japan in 1985 and as a main suffering from painful bleeding for extra efforts to give her a consultation the risky operation to save her! of Japan-Sri Lanka Diplomatic organiser of cultural events for more than four years. She had during this pandemic and detected Thank you Sir, for everything! Keep Relations, where he dedicated youth from various countries. He consulted numerous doctors but many ovarian cysts. In these trying times you smiling and keep doing what you do so whole-heartedly to mark the arrived in Sri Lanka onboard could not give any real solution managed to conduct successful well. You truly make a difference in the milestones with various cultural ‘Nippon Maru’ as part of the ‘Ship through surgery as she was suffering laparoscopy surgery. It is indeed a medical field with your amazing events. for World Youth’ organised by the from other complications like diabetes, great feat since so many in the past capabilities and attitude! His efforts to strengthen and Government of Japan. sports sunday 8 November 2020 A15

RUGBY SCRAPBOOK Sports Minister’s Vision for Rugby

By Vimal Perera identify talent to reach world levels. The need for high performance The Minister of Sports Namal includes nutrition and player skills. Rajapaksa was in conversation The Minister said, the market is to recently on a podcast organised by pitch for five years of the fifteen-year Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) along with plan, with the Asian Games, three captains of leading schools – Commonwealth and Olympics as the Manilka Ruberu (Isipathana), Asiri benchmark. Seneviratne (Kingswood) and Samuel Answering a question posed by Ogbebor (Wesley). Ogbebor asked the many comments on the ground for Minister about plans for development Isipathana who has produced many of rugby, while the other two were national players, the Minister said concerned about the future and their there were discussions with the local plight. The importance of talking to authorities. There are many green the schoolboys is because it is they fields and a huge ground density who will fit into the 15-year plan of around Colombo, but under-utilised. the Sports Ministry. Playing a rugby match is costly in The discussion revealed two terms of grounds. He said the aspects of directing sports. The Ministry was promoting multi-use of Minister expounded his long-term grounds and is looking at public/ vision for the sport which gave hope private participation to improve to the young leaders. The second was ground availability. his expectation from SLR to structure The Serendip Cup was an example themselves to deliver on the five-year of what can be done. Playing and fifteen-year plans targeting the Madagascar, we matched their fast Asian, Commonwealth and Olympic game, whereas we should have played Games. He repeatedly stressed the a slower game, and we lost. In the responsibility of SLR to accomplish game against slower Poland, we the long-range goals. played fast rugby and won. The three players in the discussion Wesley College Skipper Samuel Ogbebor Isipathana College skipper Manilka Kingswood skipper Asiri Seneviratne He said, that there should be longer are those who will fit into the next Ruberu planning periods, such as a national five to seven years of the plan, and team targeted for two or three-year then be the players who will inspire the plans to meet objectives. franchised Sevens in the world of Cup. He hoped that there would be at periods, than react and select on an the next generation to fit into the The Minister said to achieve goals Rugby and first franchised sports least two foreign players in each club. ad hoc basis for a tour or tournament. long-term plan. The questions they set in the long-term plan there has to event in Sri Lanka. The event created He wished that clubs will scout for He pointed to an incident where the posed concern their future and the be a concentrated effort to attain high jobs, professionalism and third-generation Sri Lankans Junior Tuskers were selected and future of SLR and the need for those performance. That will entail sending International exposure. There was a domiciled abroad playing club rugby sent on tour when none of the players running the sport to maximize their talented young players to countries clause that at all times one Under-21 who will be eligible to play in the were exposed to sevens rugby. potential. like Australia and South Africa where player has to be on the field. Each National Team. Asked on return to rugby, he Answering a question by there is structured development. team needed two players, and ten He stressed to achieve that believed that a recovery might be Seneviratne, the Minister, while Exposure for a few seasons will give teams gave 20 players the much- standard – which is within reach – possible in the first three months. agreeing that COVID has affected all them the courage to face challenges needed exposure. Fans and sponsors SLR has to understand the strategy COVID is evolving, and with more countries, said that some have at a higher level. A case in point was need entertainment, while players and restructure themselves. information, that date is a possibility. created bubbles and got back to when we lost to Japan in the final of need rugby. These two have to go Answering a question by the I read the following in the Guardian sports. The young players have the 2018 Asian Cup. The reason he hand-in-hand. Isipathana Captain on schoolboys of April 2020 which I believe is questions that demand answers, believed was lack of courage. He In answer to a question posed by not being able to play this year, the relevant to Sri Lanka and the return while people are struggling to cope explained that Navy players who the Kingswood captain, the Minister Minister explained that COVID-19 to Rugby. with lockdown and the financial went to South Africa are involved in said he expects more tournaments was unprecedented and disappointed “The novelty of home workouts, pressures that come with it. coaching top tier schools and club similar to the Carlton Sevens. He many. However, discussions have park runs and passing the rugby ball Seneviratne was worried about the teams andthe exposure helped them. explained the need for franchised been held to extend the Under-19 into a garden post is wearing off. I’m hard times the players have put in at He explained to the youngsters models as sports have to be groups by the new year to allow these sure most players are desperate to get practices and COVID disruption of there is a proposal to set in place a commercialised and played by players to continue playing. There is back to team training. Some are lucky school rugby. The Minister assured model for selection without picking professionals. He said there are plans a chance to at least play Sevens and to have, or be located near, a form of they had discussed with school players after observing them for a to play sports at the Port City, where Tens when permitted to return to outdoor space, but others are cooped authorities to convert the Under-19 single day. The National Selection the model will be international Rugby. However, his proposal is for up in apartments, throwing to Under-20 and give last year’s Committee will set in place criteria standards like the Carlton Sevens. SLR to play more Under-23 rugby. As themselves into HIIT workouts, or players one more year. SLR is for selection of players for high The project would give the new clubs may already have many Under- succumbing to their partner’s wish to discussing the proposal with schools. performance, that will help reach generation more opportunities and 23 players in the first team, he record a TikTok video, something I Meanwhile, he has asked SLR to world standards. The proposal better returns for the time they invest stressed the need for tier-2 teams have avoided so far! pursue another option of playing requires a selection process that will in the sport. and tournaments. “A player lives by the schedule Under-21 and 23 tournaments, be transparent to cushion He emphasised the need for a The Minister was answering planned by others. You work from followed by organising a pool for disappointment. National coach who would be Ogbebor on development and plans weekend-to-weekend. Take that away, National Rugby and have a suitable He stressed we have a better available on a long-term basis,than for rugby. He emphasised on the and you are left with a feeling of structure in place. chance in Sevens and should charter being present a few weeks before the need to appreciate that the future of emptiness. And then, to top it all off, Rugby has to find a way out of the a course to achieve success to tournament. This will give him more rugby is with the schools. Rugby you get told you will be given a pay crisis and be more robust, not compete at the Asian, Commonwealth time to go around clubs and school development requires to have a cut, put on a furlough scheme, weaker. The Minister was frank and and Olympic Games. The process will matches and spot talent. selection policy and attendant without any end date. Some players emphasised on the need for strategic require more Sevens Tournaments, The Minister explained that Japan criteria. The Ministry has identified do not even know where the next job planning that looks at where the including franchised teams. The planned for over ten years to get to the need for tier 1 and 2 high- will be, as contract negotiations come sport will be in fifteen years and fit Carlton Sevens was the first where they were by the last World performance pools. There is a need to to a halt.” Bruised Wallabies look for Ruthless Mumbai storm into Sixth IPL Final pride at Lang Park Mumbai Indians marched into the Dream11 Indian Premier League (IPL) With confidence rocked, credibility 2020 Final after they beat Delhi shot and injuries piling up, the Capitals (DC) by 57 runs in Qualifier Wallabies head to Brisbane for the 1 on Thursday. second Tri-Nations clash on Fifties from Ishan Kishan and Saturday with few bullets left to fire Suryakumar Yadav and cameos from at an All Blacks team at the top of its Hardik Pandya and Quinton de Kock game. powered MI to 200/5. Jasprit Dave Rennie’s honeymoon as Bumrah and Trent Boult then ran Australia coach ended abruptly with through DC’s line-up, restricting last Saturday’s record 43-5 defeat in them to 143/8. Sydney, and any remaining goodwill Needing 201 runs to win, DC were toward the New Zealander could reduced to 0/3. Boult bowled a two- vanish with another stinker at Lang wicket maiden, dismissing Prithvi Park. Shaw and Ajinkya Rahane in the first With the Bledisloe Cup safe in New over. Bumrah bowled a ripper of a Zealand hands for an 18th yorker to disturb the timber to get successive year, the 16-16 draw with Shikhar Dhawan out. the All Blacks in Wellington a month While Shreyas Iyer looked to ago now looks more of an aberration counterattack, Bumrah had Iyer than the first promise of a new era in caught in the fourth over. Krunal Australian rugby. Pandya gave MI their fifth wicket after Australia’s lack of depth was Rishabh Pant was holed out in the Ishan Kishan of Mumbai Indians in ruthlessly exposed at Sydney’s deep in the eighth over. action Olympic stadium where backline Marcus Stoinis put up a brave fight rookies Noah Lolesio and Irae with the bat as he and Axar Patel hundred in the 12th over. However, Simone suffered a torrid debut in added 71 runs together. However, DC struck back, picking two wickets place of the experienced James Bumrah’s return into the attack, in quick succession dismissing Surya O’Connor and Matt Toomua. ended Stoinis’ 45-ball 65-run knock (51) and Kieron Pollard (0). The depth challenge was also in the 16th over. In the same over, Ishan Kishan and Krunal Pandya Sam Cane of the All Blacks bumps off Michael Hooper of the Wallabies during the apparent on Thursday as Rennie Bledisloe Cup match between the New Zealand All Blacks and the Australian Bumrah picked his fourth wicket as put up a 39-run stand in 23 balls unveiled his team for Lang Park, Wallabies Daniel Sams was caught behind the before Krunal got out in the punting Lolesio to the bench and wicket. DC eventually scored 143/8. 17th over. installing utility Reece Hodge for just “The frustration is that we’ve All of those results came with the Earlier, DC, who elected to bowl, MI were 145/5 with three overs to his second test at flyhalf in one of six lacked the patience, communication heat gone from the Bledisloe series, remained unchanged while MI made go when Hardik and Kishan went changes to the starting side. and accuracy to expose (the All however, and the Cup secured by three changes to their playing XI, berserk, hitting sixes and fours and The back row has now been Blacks),” Rennie told reporters on the men in black. bringing in Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik scoring 18 in the 18th over. The two reshuffled three times in four weeks, Thursday. “We need to be at our best The Tri-Nations silverware remains Pandya and Trent Boult. then went after Nortje in the final with captain Michael Hooper to line to knock the All Blacks over and we up for grabs, but All Blacks coach DC struck in the second over when over, Hardik slamming two sixes up with debutant Lachlan Swinton need to apply pressure to them so Ian Foster has elected to rest a R. Ashwin scalped Rohit Sharmalbw. before Kishan sent one over the ropes and three-test number eight Harry they’re not at their best.” number of players, including left de Kock and Suryakumar Yadav on the final ball of the innings to take Wilson. While the Wallabies have built a wing wrecking ball Caleb Clarke and attacked the DC bowlers to power MI MI to 200. Rennie’s calls to ‘treasure the ball’ dreadful record against the All fly-half Richie Mo’unga. to 63/1 in the powerplay.Ashwin Brief Scores: after the 27-7 loss at Eden Park in Blacks in Sydney in recent years, Akira Ioane gets a long-awaited broke the stand in the eighth over MI: 200/5 (Kishan 55*, Yadav 51; Bledisloe II appeared to have fallen Lang Park has been a comparative test debut after being named at after de Kock was holed out in the Ashwin 3/29) on deaf ears in Sydney, with fortress, with two wins, a draw and a blindside flanker, joining his brother deep. DC: 143/8 (Stoinis 65, Patel possession squandered with tight loss in their last four tests Rieko who replaces Clarke. Surya brought up yet another 42,Bumrah 4/14) alarming regularity. against the New Zealanders. (Reuters) stylish fifty as MI moved past (Agencies) A16 sunday 8 november 2020 SPORTS Sony Sports India to Bag LPL Broadcasting Rights Sony Sports India is likely to bag the rights to broadcast the Lankan Premier League (LPL) T20 Tournament which is scheduled to kick start from 27 November – 17 December at the MRICS, Stuurman a surprise Hambantota. Initially, the organisers had planned the event for August, but they had to delay it till November pick for South Africa because of the ongoing COVID-19 Seamer Glenton Stuurman and out of the squad will be pandemic. The Board declared that earned a first call-up as South limited, we had to make sure that the event would kick off on 14 Africa named a combined 24-man we have all our bases covered with November before postponing it to 21 squad for the six-match home the 24 players,” new convenor of November. Now, the Lanka Premier limited overs series against selectors Victor Mpitsang said in a League is scheduled to commence on England starting later this month. media release from Cricket South 27 November. The inexperienced Stuurman, Africa on Friday. The draft of the Lanka Premier 28, has only played a handful of “It also gives the team the League happened just a few weeks limited overs matches at senior opportunity to play some inter- ago. High-profile names of the T20 franchise level and is joined in the squad games just to make sure world like Chris Gayle, Andre Russell, squad by fellow seamer Junior that they sharpen up those white- Shahid Afridi and Carlos Dala, who returns from injury. ball skills before the series start.” Brathwaite earned contracts from The team will be led by captain Squad: Quinton de Kock their respective franchises. Quinton de Kock, with former (captain), Temba Bavuma, Junior The Sri Lankan officials have foreign players quota. SLC will now Meanwhile, as soon as LPL ends Sri skipper Faf du Plessis retained as a Dala, Faf du Plessis, Bjorn Fortuin, shortened the mandatory quarantine have several logistic challenges to Lanka will take wing to South Africa batsman, and contains top Beuran Hendricks, Reeza for players to seven days. However, overcome with chartering flight from for a two-match ICC World Test performers from the on-going Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, the support staff will have to isolate UAE to Mattala Airport and also Championship series – the Boxing Indian Premier League such as fast George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, themselves for 14 days before joining upgrading training facilities at Day Test (26-30 December) bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Janneman Malan, David Miller, the team. Sooriyawewa stadium as five teams in Centurion and the New Year’s Test Nortje. The teams will play three Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Andile The new start date may also allow will only have one stadium and one (3-7 January) in Johannesburg. Sri One-Day International matches Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, players featuring in the Pakistan training net facility to use during the Lanka last played a series against and three Twenty20 games in Cape Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Super League (PSL) playoffs in mid- tournament. The most awaited West Indies in February and all their Town and Paarl between 27 Nov.-9 LuthoSipamla, Jon-Jon Smuts, November to join LPL after conclusion tournament will be held under strict international assignments so far have Dec., with the entire squad Glenton Stuurman, Pite van Biljon, of PSL on 17th, which will help LPL health guidelines and under a bio- been put off due to the global viral available for both formats. Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle franchise to choose foreign talent as secure bubble, due to the prevalent outbreak. “With the bio-secure Verreynne. they are still on lookout to fill their coronavirus outbreak in the country. (Agencies) environment where movement in (Reuters)

Big Bash League Brisbane sign ‘local’ player Morkel Brisbane Heat unveiled Morne Morkel as a ‘local’ player for this season’s Big Bash League on Friday, with the former South Africa quick now a permanent resident of Australia. Rishabh Pant can never Morkel, who was a replacement international player for the Perth Scorchers for a one-off match last year, signed be MS Dhoni – Gambhir for a full season after obtaining permanent Once a part of the Indian team in all the on that front. He can never be MS Dhoni. residency in Australia. three formats and seen as the successor He has to be Rishabh Pant. And, at the “I admit it will be a bit unusual to call myself to MS Dhoni, Rishabh Pant is struggling same time, MS Dhoni had so much of a local, but we are enjoying living and working to even be a squad player in India’s range when he came on the scene. Just here and this is another aspect of our lives that I limited-overs squads. With his because he can hit sixes, people started am looking forward to being a part of,” the 36-year- performances in the Indian Premier comparing Rishabh Pant with MS old said in a Heat statement. League also being sub-standard, former Dhoni,” said Gambhir. Morkel, who is recovering from an ankle injury, quit India cricketer Gautam Gambhir has Though there’s no doubting that Pant’s international cricket and moved to Australia in 2018. asked for the Dhoni vs Pant comparisons stroke-making has been below-par, The right-arm quick ended a three-year stint with Surrey to be put to an end. Gambhir also feels that the 23-year-old earlier this month and will be expected to rejuvenate the Heat attack Gambhir, who has remained an active first needs to work on his wicket-keeping, following the departures of James Pattinson and Josh Lalor to pundit in the cricketing spectrum since which has been extremely ordinary. Melbourne Renegades and Ben Cutting to Sydney Thunder. making the big switch to politics, feels the ”Rishabh Pant has a lot to improve, not Heat coach Darren Lehmann said Morkel’s experience bowling in tag of being the next Dhoni is too heavy for only from the keeping point of view, but different conditions would prove invaluable. Pant. Rather, what the Delhi-lad needs to from the batting point as well. I see, the “On the international front, I consider his best bowling efforts came do at this time is to become the best bowlers have got smarter; they have as he got older,” he added. version of himself. started bowling wider outside the off- “His control and skill with the ball were his trademarks, so it will “You have to stop comparing Rishabh stump and he has struggled. That’s the be great to introduce him into our group,” added the former Pant that he is an alternative to MS reason, first and foremost, people around Australia coach. Dhoni. That is one thing which Media him and in the Media need to stop Brisbane, BBL winners in 2012-13, begin the new campaign needs to do first. Because the more Media comparing him with MS Dhoni” he added. against Melbourne Stars on 11 Dec. in Canberra. talks about it, the more he starts thinking (Agencies) (Reuters)

Australia risk losing six medals Swimmer tests positive at 2012 London Games Six Australian swimmers risk Australia have not lost an unfair and disproportionate, losing their Olympic medals after Olympic medal because of any particularly given I did not swim Brenton Rickard, who was part of drug case. in the final,” he wrote. the men’s 4x100 metre medley The Age also published an “I also think it is not right for team that won bronze at the email from the now-retired the Court of Arbitration for Sport 2012 London Games, tested swimmer to his former team to make a decision about this positive for a banned substance, mates sharing what the 37-year- when you are not a party to the the Age reported on Friday. old called his ‘worst nightmare’. proceedings.” A re-analysis of the sample In the mail, Rickard said he Rickard swam alongside Rickard gave eight years ago took over-the-counter Hayden Stoeckel, Matt Targett revealed what his lawyers said medications in the week prior to and Tommaso D’Orsogna as was an ‘exceedingly small the test in 2012, which might Australia set the fourth fastest concentration’ of Furosemide, a have contained the diuretic. heat time in the Olympic relay. banned masking agent, the Rickard said he would be Christian Sprenger replaced report in the Melbourne fighting any move to disqualify Rickard and James Magnussen newspaper said. results of the medley relay team substituted D’Orsogna in the The Australian Olympic at the London Games in a Court final where Australia finished Committee said they were unable of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) behind United States of American to comment as there was a hearing beginning on Monday. and Japan. process in place. “This outcome would be grossly (Reuters) Brenton Rickard competes in one of the Olympic heats in London in 2012

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