PROTECT YOURSELF FROM EDUCATION AT A GLANCE COVID-19 HAS THE PAST YEAR PROPELLED ACTIVE CASES US OR SHED TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2021 TOTAL CASES A LIGHT ON OUR GLARING CSE HITS ALL-TIME INDIA LIKELY 53,408 HIGH, BUT OPPOSITION TO SKIP ASIA DEATHS RECOVERED INADEQUACIES? CASTS DOUBTS CUP IN SL 7,318 THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE CONFIRMED UP 270 45,820 »SEE PAGE 9 »SEE PAGE 6 »SEE PAGE 14 UNTIL 11.00 P.M. ON 18 JANUARY 2021 SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU A qualification Two Kilinochchi Buddha statues process for O/Ls desecrated z Exceptional z Those who fall z Exam results to z Buddhist society z IUSF suspects z Four police students to do exam short to sit later factor in pre-exam suspects Jaffna act ‘organised’ to teams to earlier than others performance monument retaliation fuel racial tension probe

BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI implemented in 2023. However, Dr. Sedere mentioned that there BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI university’s Buddhist, “Under the 2023 curriculum reforms, a will be a limit on the number of modules Christian, Hindu, and A credit score system is to be student will have to complete 180 credits that can be followed by a student per Two Buddha statues at Islamic students to introduced through which in a module system to be eligible to sit school term, as well as a minimum number the Kilinochchi Campus construct their own places exceptional students could sit for their O/Ls through grades 9, 10, and of modules to be completed per term. of the University of of worship. The campus for their General Certificate of 11. Students who take more modules will Another radical change to be brought Jaffna were damaged by houses the Faculties of Education (GCE) Ordinary Level be able to take a fast-track to their O/Ls, in by these reforms is that the exam alone unknown persons on the Engineering, Technology, examinations (O/Ls) even before and students who have not completed would no longer determine the O/L results night of 13 January, The and Agriculture. their credits by grade 11 will be given obtained by the student, as the present Morning learnt. Speaking to The grade 11, as they presently do, two more terms to do so to be eligible 100% weightage given to the examination Police Media Morning on 17 January, while students who fall short for the exam.” paper will be reduced. Spokesperson Deputy Jaffna University Faculty of the required credit score The reforms are to be presented to “The O/L exam paper will carry a Inspector General of of Engineering Senior could sit for their O/Ls later than Parliament this week. lesser weightage of around 40%, where Police (DIG) Ajith Lecturer and University grade 11. At present, all students in the national around 60% of the weightage of the exam Rohana told The Morning Buddhist Society A Buddhist vihara in Jaffna University’s Killinochchi education system are eligible to sit for the mark will be based on school work,” Dr. on 17 January that the Campus on Ariviyal Nagar Lecturer-In-Charge Speaking to The Morning yesterday O/Ls, which serves as a qualification for Sedere explained. incident was being Saliya Samapath said (18), Education Reforms, Open the GCE Advanced Level examination He added that schools will have school investigated. ago. Four police teams temple located within that the damage caused Universities, and Distance Learning two years later. performance tests, where the Department “It was reported that are investigating the the multi-religious centre to the two Buddha statues Promotion State Ministry Secretary Dr. This new curriculum will contain of Examinations will be appointing panels two Buddha statues in incident.” of the campus, where an was discovered on the Upali M. Sedere said that these reforms three-month self-learning-based modules for schools to conduct the evaluation. the Kilinochchi Campus The damaged statues acre of land each has morning of 14 January. are a part of curriculum reforms to be for each term and no yearly textbooks. Contd. on page 2 were damaged five days were in the Buddhist been allocated for the Contd. on page 2 MODARA FISHERIES HARBOUR LEASE CASE Rajitha indicted for corruption Junior health workers

BY OUR COURT REPORTER of surety bail of Rs. 1 million each. offences. This was when the case filed by the The court granted a request made by Indictments were yesterday (18) Commission to Investigate Allegations the attorneys for the accused trio for a threaten strike handed over to MP and former of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) date to make submissions on whether z we hope to start a workers’ strike According to Sugathananda Fisheries Minister Dr. Rajitha was taken up yesterday. Dr. Senaratne, there were any shortcomings in the Protest today as last if the Ministry does not meet our Thera, junior health services staff Senaratne and two other respondents former Ceylon Fisheries Harbour documents handed over to their clients warning to Govt. demands,” JHWU Secretary Ven. had appealed to the Ministry on a who were previously charged with Corporation (CFHC) Chairman Upali by the CIABOC. Tempitiye Sugathananda Thera told number of occasions during the past causing a loss to the State by leasing Liyanage, and former CFHC Managing The Judge ordered the case to be BY PAMODI WARAVITA The Morning yesterday (18). two months, including conducting the Modara Fisheries Harbour in 2014. Director Neil Ravindra Munasinghe taken up next on 22 April to ascertain The primary demands broadly protests on 2 and 10 December 2020 Subsequently, Colombo High were present in court yesterday. whether the accused parties had Embarking on trade union action include payments for additional work, and 6 and 15 January 2021. Although Court Judge Pradeep Hettiarachchi The Judge also ordered their received the relevant documentation today (19), joint health services staffers making substitute workers permanent, the Government promised that these yesterday ordered the accused trio fingerprints to be recorded, while also properly. attached to hospitals have threatened the establishment of an emergency demands would be met by January to be enlarged on bail on one count calling for a report on their previous Contd. on page 2 to go on strike unless several demands risk fund and pension, and increased 2021, there has been no progress are addressed, with the protest to recruitments and allowances. made, Sugathananda Thera claimed. be conducted today to issue a final “The Government is insisting that Among the list of demands, the KNIGHTS IN SHINING ARMOUR warning to the Government. the country has returned to normal. main concern of the junior health Today’s protest will be conducted However, that is not the situation services staff is to receive 1/30th of by the Joint Health Workers’ Union we see in the hospitals. Wards in a the salary for every extra day that they (JHWU) and will be carried out for number of hospitals have been closed work. Sugathananda Thera said that an hour in front of 16 hospitals in these days due to the pandemic. A currently, the junior health services connection with 10 demands made workers’ strike is needed so that staff work 48 hours a week (eight by junior health services staff. the Government understands the hours per day), with the extra sixth “This protest is the final call we seriousness of our demands and our day being unpaid work. make to the Ministry of Health as situation,” said Sugathananda Thera. Contd. on page 2 Drug addiction up 400% since 2010

BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE It is estimated that in Sri diseases, and poverty, and less time for recreational Lanka, there are currently the destruction of family activities and there being During the past decade, about 20,000 users of crystal life. Heroin and cannabis few recreational activities the rate of addiction to methamphetamine (ice), (marijuana) are found to be to engage in, and increased illicit drugs has increased 100,000 users of heroin, and the most commonly used foreign tourism, according in Sri Lanka by 400%, the 400,000 users of cannabis, drugs in Sri Lanka,” said to Dr. Welagedara. National Dangerous Drugs Dr. Welagedara revealed in Welagedara. “Actually, we identified Control Board (NDDCB) an exclusive interview with In terms of addiction, this situation during the told The Morning. The Morning. tobacco, betel, babul, period of Covid-19, where The age group most “Using drugs has become madana modaka, beeda, we saw a rapid growth in affected by this scourge a trend in society at the and mawa are also on the list. withdrawal symptoms, is those between the years moment, and we can see Factors connected to through which we could of 20 and 40, NDDCB a rapid growth in this drug addiction include identify regular users from Chairman Dr. Laknath phenomenon. Drug addiction unemployment, relationship their behaviour,” he added. Welagedara added, noting has become a major problem issues such as divorce and Cannabis is grown that those in this age due to its severe impact on extra-marital affairs, the illegally in the country and Sri Lankan health workers in protective suits collecting swab samples for Covid-19 tests at Rajaguru Sri Subuthi Road, category form the workforce public health, its tendency high usage of mobile phones also smuggled in through Wellawatte, yesterday (18) PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE of the country. to encourage crime, cause and the Internet, having the borders. HOROWPOTHANA HOLDING GROUND REPORT Search for missing NMRA bans products containing glutathione BY THE MORNING NEWS DESK steps to confiscate all products “The safety of these products has containing the said molecule coming still not been established, yet despite elephants in July The National Medicines Regulatory into the country, as the NMRA does repeated warnings, these companies Authority (NMRA) has, together not permit it. are continuously importing these BY PAMODI WARAVITA Report for 2020. with the Sri Lanka College of This ban is applicable to three products,” the letter further noted. “In order to clarify what has Dermatologists, ordered a ban on the brands and products; namely, Facia- The products already in the local The Department of Wildlife been said in this audit report, we issuing of products with a combination Premium from Australia, Lia-Fairness market would need to be cleared Conservation (DWC) would be must conduct an independent of the glutathione molecule. from India, and Eventone C from by the Consumer Affairs Authority conducting an investigation at the investigation during the dry season The order was issued by NMRA Pharmahealth, Pakistan. Interestingly, (CAA). One of the banned products Horowpothana Elephant Holding in Horowpothana, which we hope to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. all three of these brands are currently Glutathione is an antioxidant Ground (HEHG) in July this year start in July,” DWC Director General Kamal Jayasinghe in a letter, seen by The letter, which states it is issued in imported by Alaris Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd., produced in cells, which largely on the circumstances of 31 elephants Chandana Sooriyabandara told The The Morning, sent yesterday (18) to the interests of the public, has ordered a pharmaceutical company that was comprises three amino acids: that had either fled the area or died, Morning yesterday (18). the Customs Director General. Sri Lanka Customs to take necessary established in 2002. glutamine, glycine, and cysteine. as claimed in the National Audit Contd. on page 2 2 the morning NEWS Tuesday, January 19, 2021 Test, trace, treat: SL’s pandemic management mantra

BY THE WORLD BANK added, and measures were taken and reassessment. “We need to to provide essential supplies to look back and see where we could vulnerable households. “Everyone have done better. Moving forward, Ground experiences from had a part to play – the political all sectors need to be involved in around the island authorities, the Police, the armed making a plan. Guidelines alone Sri Lanka’s extensive network forces, religious leaders, the won’t help if implementation is not of public healthcare workers has business community, civil society up to standard,” she said. been the underlying force behind organisations – we all worked as a Systemic issues aside, the course the country’s pandemic response. team, and we had good leadership of the pandemic will also be This series of articles, beginning from Health Services Regional determined by public behaviour. with the Puttalam District, aims Director Dr. Dinusha Fernando, “We need to keep the country to capture the ground realities Regional Epidemiologist Dr. Udani open to maintain our economy of pandemic management, from Adikary, and the District Secretary but we can’t do this unless people the perspectives of public health Chandrasiri Bandara. Advocacy, limit their movements. There is no workers around the country. good leadership, and firm and official curfew but we need to act as timely decision-making have been if there is,” said Dr. Dabrera. The pandemic in instrumental in this process,” said The World Bank-funded Covid-19 Puttalam Dr. Dabrera. Emergency Response and Health “Covid-19 came to Puttalam Systems Preparedness Project before it reached other parts of the Facing the second wave is supporting Sri Lanka’s test, Dr. Thushani Dabrera conducting an awareness session for public sector officials at the Divisional Secretariat Office island,” said consultant community in Wanathawiluwa Since October, Puttalam has trace, treat strategy. In addition physician Dr. Thushani Dabrera, been hit hard by the second wave to contributing to the country’s focal point for Puttalam’s Covid-19 World Health Organisation (WHO) Lankans started returning home to Recognising the need for a separate of infection surrounding the supply of essential medical response strategy. had declared a global pandemic. Puttalam. isolation facility, district authorities Minuwangoda garment factory items, testing kits, and PPE, the The Puttalam District, situated On 15 January, a group of Chinese In the months of February and identified a 540-acre unutilised cluster and the Peliyagoda Fish project is supporting contact- in the North Western Province, has engineers returned to work in March around 2,500-3,000 people property situated in a very isolated Market cluster in the neighboring tracing efforts and maintaining felt the full force of the pandemic Puttalam after spending the New returned to Puttalam from Italy, area. The property, acquired under Gampaha District. People move 32 quarantine centres around the and health workers in Puttalam Year in China. and many had Covid-19 symptoms. the Quarantine (and Prevention frequently between the two districts country. In terms of pandemic were among the first to join the At the time, Sri Lanka had not Though foreign returnees were of Diseases) Ordinance in March since many garment factory workers preparedness, the project is frontlines. introduced large-scale prevention required to self-quarantine at home, was converted into the Iranawila commute to work from Puttalam, working towards strengthening Having worked as an measures, and quarantine and the seriousness of the situation Hospital within 20 days. and fishermen in the area have close the country’s emergency response epidemiologist in Puttalam since testing facilities had not yet been had not yet been understood and On 14 March, the first positive contacts with the Peliyagoda Fish capacity. Activities are focused 2007, Dr. Dabrera knew the District established. Though they showed enforcing quarantine was a struggle. Covid-19 case was reported from Market. Though contact tracing on strengthening the National well. She knew its people, its no symptoms, district health The situation was exacerbated by within the District. Contact-tracing helped control the spread to some Emergency Operations Unit and its geography, its unique customs, officials decided to take extra the annual Thalawila Church feast efforts began immediately after, and extent, several areas in the District islandwide network, strengthening and most importantly it’s public precautions by quarantining the which generally attracts a crowd of on 18 March, curfew was officially had to be isolated. the national epidemiological healthcare network. “Puttalam returnees, and by introducing around 200,000. “We are talking of declared in the area. Managing the second wave has diseases surveillance system, has had a somewhat different small-scale management and a population of around 100,000 in a In Puttalam, like in many been a challenge, and Dr. Dabrera developing selected hospitals as experience with the pandemic, due prevention measures in the area. 10-20 acre area. The Quarantine Act other areas of the country, local now sees some bottlenecks in pandemic response centres, and to certain unique risk factors in this Hospitals were equipped with (regulations under the Quarantine communities supported authorities the strategy. “Laboratories are strengthening the local laboratory region,” said Dr. Dabrera, adding: essential provisions, and staff and Prevention of Diseases in whatever way they could. overburdened, and there is no network. The project is also “To cope, our strategy had to be a were educated on how to identify Ordinance) had not yet been “When we didn’t have enough PPE system to prioritise tests,” she said, addressing some of the social little different as well.” Covid-19 symptoms. gazetted and it was very difficult for (personal protection equipment), explaining that the time and effort consequences of the pandemic By February, a second risk us to enforce quarantine during this people got together, sourced the spent on co-ordinating the testing by providing financial assistance Risk management and factor was identified. The town of period,” explained Dr. Dabrera. materials, and stitched masks at process is exacerbated by the to vulnerable populations, by early response Wennappuwa, commonly known as Puttalam, at the time, had no home. Religious leaders at temples, lack of a dedicated laboratory for strengthening mental health services Puttalam began its pandemic “little Italy” is home to the highest dedicated isolation facility and convents, mosques, kovils, all made PCR testing in the North Western and by providing services to victims response in January 2020, before number of Sri Lankans employed authorities realised early on that the masks,” said Dr. Dabrera. Province. of gender based violence. the Covid-19 panic had reached the in Italy, and as the pandemic high case load in the District would By end-March, the District was In light of the second wave, This story was first published on rest of the country, and before the reached its peak in Italy, many Sri overwhelm the hospital capacity. fully self-sufficient in PPE, she Dr. Dabrera sees the need for review the World Bank website.

Contd. form page 1

by intruders who have entered the an unknown entity, in order to disturb the The JHWU is also requesting that an of the concept of a holding ground, as A qualification... premises by cutting open a fence. This peace within the university. emergency risk fund be set up for all the number of human-elephant conflict- However, Dr. Sedere acknowledged that could not have been done by students. “We don’t know if it was done by health workers, considering the prevailing related deaths and property damages had a downside of these reforms, and the entire We suspect that this is the doing of Sinhalese or Tamils, but somebody has pandemic. not decreased since the construction of the fast-track system, would be that it might extremists in retaliation to the demolition done this to create problems.” When contacted regarding the matter, HEHG. It further notes that although the intensify parental pressure on students to of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam Speaking to The Morning on 17 January, Ministry of Health Secretary Dr. S.H. DWC is bound to conserve wildlife for the complete modules sooner, to finish their O/ (LLTE) commemoration monument at the Inter University Students’ Federation Munasinghe was not available for future generations, holding elephants in Ls earlier. University of Jaffna,” Sampath claimed. (IUSF) Convener Ven. Rathkarawwe comment. a limited area where they are deprived of “Students might face parental pressure The Mullivaikkal monument in the Jinarathana Thera claimed that the IUSF The other seven demands of the JHWU their natural way of life and habitat, has to complete modules soon; we will have to University of Jaffna which commemorated suspects that the damage was caused by include the recruitment of attendees; the not ensured the protection of the elephants, discuss this, as the fast-tracking of modules those who died in the final stages of organised entities in order to fuel racism. increase of the fee allocated to obtain their but has only considered the security of the is a decision to be made by the student and the war, was demolished by university “We saw what happened in Mawanella official uniforms, from the current Rs. humans. the teacher together.” authorities following classified directives where Buddha statues were damaged. It 9,300 per year to Rs. 15,000 per year; the Speaking to The Morning, Centre for Further elaborating on the 2023 they received, as first reported by The was later revealed that an individual was issuance of the cancelled festival advance Conservation and Research Sri Lanka curriculum reforms, Dr. Sedera claimed Morning on 12 January. paid to do this. The Government is looking without charging an interest; the granting (CCRSL) Chairman Dr. Prithiviraj that under this system, students will be The demolition sparked controversy for ways to respond to the country’s current of an overtime rate; the formulation of a Fernando said that the Horowpothana able to select subjects according to their and raised widespread concerns both problems, and racism is chosen as an clear recruitment procedure and duty list; Ground was constructed in 2013 and that ability and preference. Fifty percent of locally and internationally. While certain answer.” putting in place a programme to recruit elephants have been released into it since the modules to be completed will consist parties viewed the war monument as a A glass enclosure of the Buddha more junior health service staff to meet the then. However, the audit report only looks of compulsory subjects, such as first and threat to peace and reconciliation inside statue in Mawanella was damaged on 28 current demand; giving appointments to at the period from 2015 to 2019. second languages, English, mathematics, the university, other parties viewed the December 2020. The damage was reported those who have passed their management “Therefore, the number of elephants that science, social studies, history, religion, demolition as a violation of the right to to have been caused by the pelting of service exams; and the granting of the are unaccounted for is even worse than health, and sports, though their present commemoration, which could lead to stones. Though it was an initial suspicion, entitled pension to those workers above the what the report claims. It is unacceptable nature will be subjected to changes. inter-ethnic tensions. extremism was ruled out as a cause as the age of 45. for the DWC to claim that they do not Responding to queries about the suspect had told the Police that the attack know what happened to these elephants incident, University Grants Commission was an attempt to break the glass and steal when they are the responsibility of the Two... (UGC) Chairman Senior Professor money from the till installed inside. Search... DWC,” alleged Dr. Fernando. “In the two Buddha statues, the areas Sampath Amaratunge told The Morning However, damage to Buddha statues The “Performance of the HEHG” Commenting on the success of an depicting the face have been damaged yesterday (18) that the act was done by in Mawanella in 2018 were reported to National Audit Report for 2020 was initiative such as an elephant holding have been caused by an Islamist extremist released under the purview of Auditor ground, Dr. Fernando said that it is group with the involvement of National General W.P.C. Wickramaratne. The report wasteful to spend millions of rupees of Thowheed Jamath (NTJ) Leader Zaharan evaluated the activities implemented by the public funds to hold 50 elephants when so Cartoon of the day Hashim, who was responsible for the DWC at the HEHG from 16 October 2015 many more are impacted due to the human- Easter Sunday attacks of 2019, which made to 30 September 2019. elephant conflict. the December 2020 incident sensitive to According to the report, although the The HEHG was constructed in 2013 both the Sinhala and Muslim communities HEHG was originally constructed to with the aim of trans-locating elephants of the area. retain 30 rogue elephants as a solution that were caught in the human-elephant to the human-elephant conflict, by conflict. According to the last elephant 2019, 52 elephants had eventually been census done at the holding ground in 2019, Junior... released to the ground. However, at the only nine elephants were remaining from The monk also claimed that due to the time the elephant census of the report over 50 elephants that had been trans- pandemic, junior health services staffers was conducted in June 2019, only nine located there. are required to work as teams on a shift elephants were remaining. A total of 12 had basis, outside of the hospitals to which they died and the report claims that the DWC are attached to, for which they are not paid lacked information on whether the other 31 Rajitha... for the additional hours they spend outside elephants had also died or fled. The indictment filed against the trio the hospitals. When queried about the number of elephants contains five charges. These include that an “If the junior staffers are sent to currently at the HEHG, Sooriyabandara alleged loss was caused to the State by the quarantine because they have been exposed said that they did not have the necessary involvement of the CFHC Director Board to Covid-19, they do not receive the salary information at the moment and hoped to in leasing the Modara Fisheries Harbour for the days they spend in quarantine,” conduct an elephant census at the HEHG in to the company Sea Gulf UK (Pvt.) Ltd. Sugathananda Thera said. July this year as well. at a low cost, during the period between 1 Furthermore, the JHWU is demanding The report also highlights the lack of August 2014, and 1 November 2014. The that substitute workers who have health facilities and food requirements of indictment filed by the CIABOC claims completed 180 days of work be made the elephants at the holding ground, further that the trio have thereby committed the permanent since they do not receive a claiming that the 997-hectare land is not offence of corruption under Section 70 of proper salary, holidays, or any relief from sufficient to hold elephants that usually the Bribery Act. The indictment has listed the authorities if faced with a risk during roam about 20 to 25 kilometres per day. 17 witnesses and 55 documents as court the ongoing pandemic. The report also questions the validity productions. the morning 3 Tuesday, January 19, 2021 NEWS ‘Sex workers forced onto streets imperiled’

BY RUWAN LAKNATH JAYAKODY A local civil society organisation will make legal interventions to address pressing issues faced by commercial sex workers who have An Indian Air Force (IAF) Antonov An-32 aircraft landed at the Bandaranaike International Airport on 10 January, carrying 341 Indra Radar spares been driven on to the streets due to the Covid-19 pandemic, SLAF gets Rs. 200 m radar spares with a particular focus on issues they As part of India’s commitment to maintain These spares will ensure the continued optimal the SLAF. The IGLA System was gifted to the face at the hands workers by threatening arrests Dandeniya pointed out. the high serviceability of weaponry equipment availability of radars to the SLAF. The INDRA Sri Lankan Government by the Government of of law enforcement on bogus drug possession- Being excluded from provided by the Government of India to the Mk II radars are mobile two-dimensional India in 2007. Thereafter, the Indian Air Force authorities. related charges, and then various relief and welfare Sri Lankan armed forces, an Indian Air Force radars, capable of detecting low-flying Training Team had assisted the SLAF in the proceed to obtain “sexual programmes initiated by the (IAF) Antonov An-32 aircraft landed at the aircraft. It was developed by the Electronics setting up of the system and conducted multiple Speaking to The Morning, and monetary bribes”. Government and other social Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in and Radar Development Establishment wing courses on the missile system. Furthermore, to Stand Up Movement Lanka Moreover, at the point of services organisations and Katunayake on 10 January, with 341 Indra of the Defence Research and Development ensure the operational availability of the IGLA Executive Director Ashila arrest, incidents of verbal difficulty in accessing them, Radar spares worth Rs. 200 million to augment Organisation and manufactured by M/s Bharat missiles, they are annually taken by the IAF for Niroshini Dandeniya said abuse, assault, and arresting are other issues impacting maintenance support for four INDRA Mk-II Electronics. life extension checks. The entire expenditure that owing to the pandemic, females without the presence commercial sex workers, she Air Surveillance Radars gifted to the Sri The event also marked the completion of the of airlifting the missiles, their life extension commercial sex workers who of a female police officer have added. Lanka Air Force (SLAF) in 2011, a press annual life extension checks of 54 shoulder check, and their repositioning is borne by the operate on the streets and also been reported, she further “In addition to making release stated. launched surface-to-air IGLA Missiles held with Government of India. those who worked in massage noted. legal interventions through parlours are finding it difficult The laws employed by the provision of legal to ensure daily survival. the Police in this regard are assistance including aid, “Now, they are faced with the Penal Code, the Brothels we along with other civil New appointees to key military posts the dangerous situation of Ordinance, the Vagrants society organisations and having to provide their Ordinance, and the Quarantine governmental authorities are Several new appointees to Major General Senarath Bandara services on the streets as and Prevention of Diseases commencing an advocacy key positions within the military of the Gemunu Watch assumed opposed to doing so in rooms. Ordinance. and sensitisation programme assumed duties at their respective duties as the new Army Chief The closure of certain massage Also, in the wake of the targeting government officers, offices yesterday (18). of Staff. parlours, owing to Covid-19 Covid-19 pandemic, some the Police, and grama Maj. Gen. Priyanka Fernando Brigadier of the Artillery quarantine-related restrictions, commercial sex workers have niladharis, amongst others.” of the Gemunu Watch assumed Regiment Nilantha Premarathna has also contributed to this been kicked out of the hostels Police Media Spokesman duties as the new Director assumed duties as the new situation,” she noted. where they were lodging Deputy Inspector General of General – General Staff of the Director of Media at the Army She further claimed that the and have subsequently Police (DIG) Ajith Rohana Army Headquarters (HQ), while HQ. Maj. Gen. Priyanka Maj. Gen. Senarath Brigadier Nilantha law enforcement authorities faced difficulty in finding was not available for Fernando Bandara Premarathna intimidate commercial sex accommodation facilities, comment.

It is also a challenge to ensure that connectivity, and the digital skills exercises should be designed to children return and stay in school of teachers and students. monitor the students’ learning when schools reopen after closures, Measures should also be process. Tools should also be used ‘Digital learning and this is especially true of protracted implemented to ensure that students, to support the submission of students’ closures when economic shocks including those with disabilities or feedback and avoid overloading place pressure on children to work from low-income backgrounds, parents by requesting them to scan and generate income for financially have access to distance-learning and send students’ feedback. distressed families. When schools programmes, Dr. Lucas mentioned. Teachers should keep to a coherent must not amplify shut down, the sexual exploitation Data security should be assessed timing according to the self-regulation of girls rise, teenage pregnancies when uploading data or educational level of the students, and cognitive become more common and child resources to web spaces, as well abilities especially for live-streaming labour increases, Dr. Lucas added. as when sharing them with other classes. Preferably, a unit for primary Examinations that determine organisations or individuals, and school students should not be more admission or advancement to new it should be ensured that the use of than 20 minutes, and no longer than existing inequalities’ educational levels and institutions applications and platforms do not 40 minutes for secondary school are thrown into disarray when violate the students’ data privacy. students. Communities of teachers, schools close. Strategies to postpone, The available tools must be parents, and school managers should skip, or administer examinations mobilised to connect schools, parents, be created to address any sense at a distance raise concerns about teachers, and students with each other, of loneliness or helplessness, to fairness, especially when access to and communities must be created to facilitate the sharing of experience, learning becomes variable while ensure regular human interaction, and to discuss coping strategies when disruptions to assessments result in enable social caring measures, and students face learning difficulties. stress for students and their families, to address possible psychosocial In this regard, Dr. Lucas, citing data and can trigger disengagement. challenges that students may face collected as part of the recent global In response to school closures, when they are isolated. Programme for International Student the United Nations Educational, Discussions must be organised with Assessment based on representative Scientific, and Cultural Organisation stakeholders to examine the possible samples from 79 education systems (UNESCO) recommended the use duration of school closures and to involving over 600,000 15-year-olds of distance-learning programmes decide whether the distance-learning in 36 Organisation for Economic that schools and teachers can use programme should focus on teaching Co-operation and Development to reach learners remotely and limit new knowledge or enhancing the (OECD) countries, noted that issues the disruption of education. The students’ knowledge of prior lessons. pertaining to students’ access to the UNESCO’s recommendations were The schedule must be planned digital world are the availability of BY RUWAN LAKNATH JAYAKODY leading to the near-total closures beyond school. Furthermore, since to plan distance-learning solutions, depending on the situation of the technology, the use of technology, of schools with most governments many children rely on free or including examining the readiness affected zones, the level of studies, the preparedness of teachers, access Education systems should ensure having temporarily closed schools in discounted meals provided at schools level and choosing the most relevant the needs of the students, and the to effective online platforms, and that digital technology, which holds an attempt to contain the spread of the for food and healthy nutrition, it has tools, ensuring the inclusion of distance- availability of the parents. Learning school practices for using digital promise in providing learners with virus. These closures have impacted resulted in poor nutrition too. When learning programmes, protecting both methodologies that require face- devices effectively. access to high-quality learning and students, teachers, and families, and schools close unexpectedly and for data privacy and security, prioritising to-face communication should be On average, across OECD open learning resources, does not have had major socioeconomic unknown durations, teachers are often solutions to address psychosocial avoided. Brief training or orientation countries, 9% of 15-year-old further amplify existing inequalities impacts on communities. These costs, unsure of their obligations and how to challenges before teaching, planning sessions must be organised for students do not even have a quiet in access and the quality of learning, Dr. Lucas notes, include interrupted maintain connections with students to the study schedule of the distance- teachers and parents as well, place to study in their homes. While noted special consultant paediatrician learning, poor nutrition, confusion, support learning. learning programmes, providing particularly if monitoring and across OECD countries, there is Dr. Gerard Nimal Lucas recently. and stress for teachers; parents being On the other hand, parents with support to teachers and parents on the facilitation are needed. Teachers almost one computer available for This observation was made by unprepared for distance learning limited education and resources are use of digital tools, blending appropriate must be helped to prepare the basic educational purposes at schools Dr. Lucas in the Sri Lanka Journal and homeschooling; challenges in unprepared for distance learning approaches and limiting the number settings such as solutions to the use for every 15-year-old student of Child Health, of which he is the creating, maintaining, and improving and homeschooling. Moreover, in of applications and platforms used, of internet data, if they are required to (the computer-student ratio is Joint Editor, in an editorial titled distance learning; challenges in the absence of alternative options, developing distance-learning rules, provide the live streaming of lessons. equal to 0.8), portable computers “Covid-19 pandemic and school measuring and validating learning, working parents often leave children monitoring the students’ learning Tools or media that are available are more frequently available in education”. high economic costs, rise in dropout alone when schools close and this can process, defining the duration of to most students must be blended socioeconomically advantaged He said that this balance must be rates, increased exposure to violence lead to risky behaviours, including the distance-learning units based on the for communication, lessons, and schools than in disadvantaged struck while maintaining effective and exploitation, social isolation, increased influence of peer pressure students’ self-regulation skills, and learning. Overloading students and schools. By the same token, school social relationships between families, gaps in childcare, and the unintended and substance abuse. Working parents creating communities and enhancing parents by asking them to download guidelines and practices to enhance teachers, and students, particularly strain on healthcare systems. are more likely to miss work when connection. and test too many applications or teaching and learning using digital those who lack the learning strategies Disadvantages resulting from schools close in order to take care The use of high-technology and platforms must be avoided. The rules devices are more often observed to learn on their own. interrupted learning are disproportionate of their children and this in turn low-technology solutions should with parents and students on distance in socioeconomically advantaged The Covid-19 pandemic has for underprivileged learners who tend results in wage loss, and a tendency be decided based on the reliability learning should be defined. schools than at disadvantaged affected school education worldwide, to have fewer educational opportunities to impact productivity negatively. of local power supplies, internet Formative questions, tests, or schools. 4 the morning INTERVIEW/TOURISM Tuesday, January 19, 2021 ‘Most top govt. officials partners of drug business’ zNDDCB Chairman charges officials being lured by high profits

BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE

Drug addiction has become a major issue in the contemporary world, as The problem is that, with time, it is proving to be a serious social this has become a trend. Due to problem in both developed and the higher profits this business underdeveloped countries. Sri Lanka could make, most of the top is no exception, with the distribution government officers are also and consumption of dangerous drugs getting involved in this drug probably far higher than any statistics business as partners. This has would show. become a mafia now Less than two weeks ago, Sri National Dangerous Drugs Lanka Customs’ Narcotic Control Control Board Chairman Unit seized the largest haul of ecstasy Dr. Laknath Welagedara pills in South Asia, which included 18,000 tablets worth over Rs. 135 million in a personal package sent that there are currently about 100,000 from Belgium. This and other such users of heroin, about 20,000 users of incidents exemplify the magnitude crystal methamphetamine (ice), and of Sri Lanka’s drug problem. Just 400,000 cannabis users in Sri Lanka. yesterday (18), an Inspector of Police The problem is that, with time, (IP) attached to the Anuradhapura this has become a trend. Due to the Division Crimes Unit was arrested higher profits this business could for allegedly abetting a drug racket. make, most of the top government Against this backdrop, The Morning officials are also getting involved in spoke to Dr. Laknath Welagedara, this drug business as partners. This Chairman of the National Dangerous has become a mafia now. Drugs Control Board (NDDCB) – The latest trend is of schoolchildren the premier government institution less than 20 years of age. Groups in place to eradicate drugs from Sri involved in this drug business are Lanka – about the drug menace, making profits targeting these small NDDCB’s actions to control the children. First, they provide drugs for NDDCB Chairman Dr. Laknath Welagedara sale and consumption of drugs, and free. Most of the drugs are provided as the challenges it encounters in that chewing tobacco, betel with tobacco, endeavour. babul, madana modaka, beeda, and is a high chance of using heroin and divisional secretariat (DS) office. What are the changes in policies drug-free nation and a prosperous Below are excerpts from the mawa. other illicit drugs if someone uses These counselling officers are well that can be expected? country where the village, work zone, interview. Some schoolchildren use these arrack, cigarettes, or cannabis. This trained in psychology. We are hoping We are hoping to introduce a fully government service, private sector, drugs to feel better, for skin whitening, is the main reason why we have to to cover all 25 districts, where 15 are completed national policy including and schools will be free from drugs. What is the overall situation of for concentration power, and to stay control the consumption of arrack, already covered, including Colombo, an action plan. According to this the county regarding drug usage fit, and these drugs are now available cigarettes, and cannabis. The usage Gampaha, Kalutara, Ratnapura, programme, we have identified 23 What are the rehabilitation and emerging trends of drug for sale through social media as well. of prescribed drugs has also become Galle, Matara, Hambantota, ministries; every ministry would methods you are focusing on? abuse? There is a highly addictive behaviour a threat nowadays. Kandy, Kurunegala, Anuradhapura, be involved in drug prevention, We are mainly concentrating on Illicit drug addiction is a huge as a result of these drugs, and these Polonnaruwa, Ampara, Batticaloa, and each ministry has a portfolio community-based rehabilitation for problem. This actual situation came schoolchildren ultimately become What solutions can you name and Jaffna. regarding drug prevention. For mild addicts, and for severe cases, to light during the Covid-19 period. addicts. I think that the parents and to prevent the prevalent drug In Sri Lanka, the NDDCB is the example, the Ministries of Youth and in-house rehabilitation. Especially during this period, the teachers have a huge responsibility situation? Have you developed pioneer government institution that Sports Affairs, Education, Fisheries, Government conducted raids, and towards preventing this situation, any prevention measures? discharges its functions with an aim Health, and Transport will have equal How much do you spend to take access to drugs was limited during where they need to monitor the Most drug addicts have to face a to eradicate the drug menace from Sri responsibilities to prevent drug care of one drug addict per day? the lockdowns. As a result, we saw child’s behaviour. Unnecessary court trial and stay in prison until the Lanka. Among the other functions, addiction. Well, around Rs. 2,000 is spent to withdrawal symptoms being exhibited phone usage must also be controlled investigations are over. This could providing treatment to drug The amendment of existing laws take care of one addict. This is the part by drug addicts. So we could easily and the relationships with the social lead to them becoming connected with dependants, and the rehabilitation and acts, where priority will be given of the workforce that is becoming a identify the regular users from their environment must be maintained, drug dealers. To prevent this situation, of drug dependants, are the main for volunteer rehabilitation, and burden for the Government, country, irritable behaviour. Most of them especially in the case of kids involved under the guidance of the President, roles of the NDDCB. Four treatment the enactment of new laws against and economy, due to drug use. The experienced headaches, vomiting, in sports activities. we are hoping to place addicts under and rehabilitation centres are being new drugs, are in the pipeline. The best thing is to give them the skills changes in appetite, irritability, and voluntary rehabilitation. conducted under the purview of implementation of a provincial drug and make them enter the country’s restlessness. Cannabis is the only drug that At the moment, we have introduced the Board throughout the country, control programme, the drafting and workforce again. People who used illicit drugs were is grown illicitly in the country. a hotline – 1927. We will make with greater focus in the Colombo, implementing of the ministerial policy, also at increased risk during the Covid- What are your concerns on this? sure that the callers get the best Kandy, Galle, and Gampaha and an action plan for prevention, will What about the expansion of 19 pandemic. The best example is the Addiction is really high in the case consultation from the best consultants Districts. Counselling services and also be on the list. evidence-based treatment? Suduwella incident, where a drug of cannabis use, with around 400,000 in the area that they relate to. We residential treatment facilities are We are also in the process of We are in the expansion of evidence- addict was said to be the main spreader users in Sri Lanka. The age group are happy that within the last six being provided for drug addicts at initiating psychological screening based treatment and rehabilitation of the virus among navy personnel. of the users is less than 40 years. months, we got over 20,000 calls, these treatment centres. We also have and medical screening (urine testing), services – the “Navadiganthaya” centre However, the usage age group is 20-40 Some people ask to legalise cannabis, where we see that people are more four centres in Kandy, Thalangama, setting up psychiatric clinics at in Nittambuwa is the best example. years, which forms the workforce which is also becoming a mafia at open to ask for help. Nittambuwa (“Navadiganthaya”), hospitals, and putting in place a “drug- This centre will accommodate 1,000 of the country. This is the biggest the moment. Arrack, cigarettes, and We have appointed trained and Unawatuna, and at the moment, free Sri Lanka” mobile application. drug addicts, and will open on 29 challenge we see now. It is estimated cannabis are gateway drugs. There development officers in each we are monitoring 10 prisons as well. All these activities will lead to a January. Sri Lanka Tourism to make island ‘safe and serene’ As Sri Lanka opens its doors to the world with the travel agents and tour operators will and also are not allowed to hold any events the section “contact details”. There you will the Covid-19 insurance, already paid for at the once again, Sri Lanka Tourism said yesterday be entrusted to ensure that visitors don’t break or banquet functions for locals. International be asked for an “address in Sri Lanka” under time of visa issuance. Currently no exceptions (18) that it has pulled out all the stops, ensuring the bubble of safety,” Sri Lanka Tourism said. travellers are allowed to stay in any number of which you need to indicate your hotel name, are made for vaccinations taken; all safety that every precautionary measure is in place to “Safe and Secure” certified Level One hotels address, and the reference number issued by the protocols should be adhered to regardless. make the island getaway as safe, secure, and ‘Safe and Secure’ certified hotel during the initial 14 days of their stay. Visit hotel confirming the payment for mandatory serene as possible for visitors. “Safe and Secure” certified hotels are hotels srilanka.travel/helloagain for the complete list PCR and insurance premium. Visiting sites and attractions In this regard, Sri Lanka Tourism has or accommodation providers that comply with of Level One hotels. Sri Lanka Tourism has made it mandatory Sri Lanka Tourism with the tourism industry published a set of safety protocols to be followed the Covid-19 health protocols and the Tourism As Sri Lanka opens its borders for for the hotels to provide confirmed booking has created a bio-bubble for international by tourism industry stakeholders and visitors. Operational Guidelines (visit srilanka.travel for international visitors, it will be mandatory number (reference number) only after collecting visitors to explore multiple sites and attractions These protocols were issued by the Ministry details of the Tourism Operational Guidelines for them to have a pre-booking at a “Safe and funds for necessary PCR tests ($ 40 per PCR in Sri Lanka. This includes places such as the of Health and adopted by Sri Lanka Tourism issued). The hotels have been subjected to Secure” certified Level One hotel. test and number of PCR tests depends on the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, the Yala, Udawalawe, after a thorough analysis of the situation, an audit by an independent audit firm and duration of stay) and insurance premium of Kaudulla, and Wilpaththu National Parks, and following multiple consultations with all will be continually assessed. The “Safe and Process of applying for visa for $ 12 for a cover of $ 50,000 for one month. Mirissa for whale watching, the Sigiriya relevant stakeholders and health professionals, Secure” certificate is issued with a QR code international travellers Going forward, the visa process will be Fortress, Anuradhapura (excluding the to ensure a smooth transition to begin operations unique to each certified hotel. By scanning Visitors planning to visit Sri Lanka must directed through Sri Lanka Tourism’s mobile “Sri Maha Bodhiya”), and Polonnaruwa to amidst this new normal. the QR code using a smartphone, visitors can apply for their visas online through the app, “Visit Sri Lanka”. name a few. (Visit srilanka.travel/helloagain As per the safety protocols published, Sri not only check the key information of the Immigration ETA portal (www.eta.gov.lk). for complete list of approved sites). Lanka does not require a minimum number certified hotel but also immediately report to Sri Before applying for a visa, potential visitors PCR testing for international of days to stay, i.e. visitors to the island can Lanka Tourism of any violations related to the are required to have a confirmed hotel booking, visitors Connecting with Sri Lanka stay even three to four days. It also offers a guideline procedures with photo evidence. Sri pre-purchased PCR tests, and a mandatory All visitors, prior to boarding, will have Tourism for updates “quarantine free” visitor experience where the Lanka Tourism believes this certification will Covid-19 insurance cover. to carry a negative PCR test result from an Sri Lanka Tourism reiterated it will take visitors are allowed to enjoy all facilities in serve as a mark of trust, safety, and assurance The cost per PCR test will be $ 40 and accredited laboratory 96 hours before their every possible step to provide the international their respective hotels including the swimming to all international guests. Hotels with the pre-purchased PCR tests will depend on the departure. This report will be checked at visitors to the paradise island an amazing time pools, spas, gym, etc. certification are encouraged to display the number of days of stay (eg: pay for 2 PCR tests the respective airport (BIA [Bandaranaike while ensuring their safety, providing a safe “However, the only requirement put in certificate with the QR code that can be easily for seven days stay and three PCR tests if the International Airport, Katunayake] or Mattala). and secure operational environment for the place for the safety of the traveller, tourism accessed by all guests. travel exceeds seven days). Mandatory Covid- The first of the prepaid PCR tests would be service providers of the tourism industry, and stakeholders, and Sri Lankan community is 19 insurance cover from People’s Insurance carried out on arrival at the guest’s hotel, ensuring that local communities are protected the need for the travellers to stay at a ‘Safe ‘Safe and Secure’ certified Level PLC will cost $ 12 for a policy of $ 50,000 prior to check-in. The second PCR test would and secured. All information related to the and Secure’ certified, Level One hotel or One hotel for a period of one month. Visitors are advised be conducted five to seven days after, or if reopening for international travel are listed on hotels in the initial 14 days of their stay. This From all the “Safe and Secure” certified by Sri Lanka Tourism to contact their “Safe any symptoms should develop, before. If a srilanka.travel/helloagain along with important ensures the creation of a bio-bubble for the hotels, these are the accommodation service and Secure” Level One hotel or travel agent test should result as positive, initial isolation notices to the industry. international visitors assuring the safety of the providers who will provide accommodation when making their booking. Upon the payment would be accommodated at the hotel; and if “Thus Sri Lanka Tourism invites all local communities, employees of the industry, services exclusively for international tourists of the PCR tests and insurance premium, the necessary, transfers to a private hospital or a international travellers and industry stakeholders and the visitors to the industry. The respective during the first 14 days of their stay. The Level hotel will issue a reference number which the designated hotel, in order to be quarantined, to connect with its social media and official hotels and accommodation providers along One hotels cannot accept bookings from locals visitors need to include in their visa form under would be arranged. Costs are to be covered via channels to obtain timely, authentic information.” the morning 5 Tuesday, January 19, 2021 SPOTLIGHT

BY SUMUDU CHAMARA After a lengthy court proceeding, on 12 January, Sri Lanka’s apex court delivered a verdict that certain statements made by Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Parliamentarian Ranjan Ramanayake concerning Sri Lankan judges being corrupt, amounted to contempt of court, and sentenced him to four years of rigorous imprisonment. Ramanayake’s fate, especially the four-year jail term he received, attracted more attention than similar cases reported in Sri Lanka in the recent past, and social media platforms as well as the mainstream media were flooded with concerns raised by various parties both in favour of and against the Supreme Court verdict. This incident also prompted a dialogue about the concept of contempt of court and how serious of an offence it actually is, while those who refused to concur with the court’s verdict even questioned the severity of Ramanayake’s jail term as well as other consequences Ramanayake has to and will have to face, including the loss of SJB Parliamentarian Ranjan Ramanayake his parliamentary seat and the was sentenced to four years of rigorous opportunity to be an elector for a imprisonment on contempt of court charges period of seven years. PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE

The actor-turned-politician has which is unacceptable. “The law made a name for himself as a public CONTEMPT LAW POST-RANJAN most certainly has to be a clearly figure who openly raises his voice interpreted one. Not only the law, regarding matters of public interest, Parliament also appears to be especially corruption and injustice. hesitant when discussing this matter. However, many are of the opinion The freedom of speech is a right that irrespective of the intentions granted through the Constitution behind Ramanayake’s statements, to everyone. In general, if a citizen he should have chosen his words finds any institution to be corrupt, more wisely, and that the public they have a right to say it. In fact, needs to be more aware of how Sri Lanka has signed the United and under what circumstances a Who judges Nations Convention against person can criticise the judiciary Corruption. Ramanayake made in the correct manner, if they feel the said statements for the sake of the need to do so. saying it, which in my opinion is Speaking of Ramanayake’s unacceptable. Had his allegations sentence as well as the broad been supported by specific facts and concept of contempt of court, former details, the situation would have President of the Bar Association been different. As a result of the of Sri Lanka (BASL), President’s verdict delivered in Ramanayake’s Counsel (PC) U.R. de Silva said the judges? case, he became ineligible to be an that regardless of the charges filed elector for a period of seven years, against a person, there should be a and I think it is a serious matter,” legal process that allows a person Ramanayake’s influence as a public public has no understanding about he pointed out. to appeal against a court verdict he figure, his statements have power,” their power, strength, rights, and Kodithuwakku, expressing his has received. he added. the people’s sovereignty. The opinion about the dissolution When contacted by The Morning, When queried as to what course Judicature Act clearly states of the Constitutional Council, he opined that on several occasions, of action a person who wishes to what punishments can be given which had a significant role in the need to make changes to Sri challenge a verdict given by the for contempt of the High Court. In appointing judges to courts, and Lanka’s contempt of court laws Supreme Court can take, de Silva addition to that, the Constitution the subsequent establishment of has surfaced, and also that there is added: “If a person cannot concur also states, under Article 105(3), the newly introduced Parliamentary a lacuna as far as the interpretation with a Supreme Court verdict, he can as to what amounts to contempt of Council, said that the latter does of the concept of contempt of court request that the verdict in question court. But, it does not specifically not appear to be as powerful and is concerned. be reviewed by a full judge board. mention what punishments can effective as the former. He added: He added: “The Supreme Court But it should be done systematically, be given for contempt of court “Earlier, the President was bound is Sri Lanka’s apex court, and when with a strong basis. If one can proceedings. The citizens have a to accept the decisions given by it gives a verdict, the public has no present concrete reasons as to why right to know about these matters, the Constitutional Council. Also other place to seek further assistance the verdict should be reviewed; for and they should be willing to learn the Constitutional Council had the from. There is, therefore, a concern example, if the respondent was from them. In essence, the court power to review the nominations put with regard to handing over the not given adequate opportunity to enforces the people’s judicial forward, without being influenced said case to the Supreme Court in The court is vested with such When taking into consideration speak or if his/her testimony was power, not the power of the in the process. However, now, the first instance. When taking into power based on the trust the verdicts given by the Supreme ignored, that is a grave violation President or any other party. The there is no such obligation, and consideration verdicts given by public has kept in the court Court in the past in connection of one’s rights, and he can request court is vested with such power the Parliamentary Council has the Supreme Court in the past in system. But, Sri Lanka’s courts with contempt of court cases, I for a review. But in Ramanayake’s based on the trust the public has less power when it comes to the connection with contempt of court have broken the public’s trust am of the opinion that, that task case, that is not possible, as he is an kept in the court system. But, Sri reviewing and approving of such cases, I am of the opinion that, that many times, should not be necessarily given to influential person and he had made Lanka’s courts have broken the nominations.” task should not be necessarily given and I can point out many the Supreme Court statements amounting to contempt public’s trust many times, and I He added: “At the United Nations to the Supreme Court. examples from Sri Lanka’s Former BASL President of court several times over a period can point out many examples from Human Rights Council (UNHRC) “The reason is that, in the event history to this effect U.R. de Silva PC of several years. Had Ramanayake Sri Lanka’s history to this effect.” session scheduled to be held in a certain party feels, after a verdict Public interest litigation activist, made a formal request with concrete Speaking of the severity of the March this year, a resolution is delivered by the Supreme Court, Attorney-at-Law proof, he would have received the punishments that can be imposed for would be tabled against Sri Lanka that they cannot be satisfied with Nagananda Kodithuwakku of Appeal. A method such as this can support of the public as well as the charges related to the contempt of concerning several matters including the verdict, that party does not have be employed to address this issue, lawyers. This sets a bad precedent court, he cited a judgment given to but not limited to, law and order, an opportunity to take further steps and if this was implemented, any as he is a public representative, an Indian activist by an Indian Court the judiciary’s independence, and to address their concerns. Since shall not prejudice or affect the aggrieved party can challenge the and his statements attracted the recently in a contempt of court fundamental rights. Therefore, we the relevant judgment is given rights now or hereafter vested by previous decision seeking redress. attention of the international case. He added that the said Indian cannot take such matters lightly, and by the Supreme Court, which is any law in such other court, tribunal, It should be a right the public is community as well. In his case, activist, who was found guilty of the court should be strengthened. the country’s apex court, they do or institution to punish for contempt entitled to.” charges against him were proven the charges, was fined INR 1, and “My message for the public is not have any other place to seek of itself.” He also said that Sri Lanka can beyond a reasonable doubt. One that the court had granted a period that, first and foremost, they must redress. I think that this is not a De Silva stressed that according take examples from well-known cannot request that Ramanayake be of three months to pay the fine. stop going after political parties. fair situation.” to the above-mentioned clause of contempt of court cases involving given the minimum sentence, and Kodithuwakku added that giving As long as they follow political Speaking further, de Silva referred the Constitution, both the Supreme former MP S.B. Dissanayake and the court does not necessarily have excessive sentences is a grave parties, the country cannot be to Article 105(3) of the Constitution, Court and the Court of Appeal are the General Secretary of the Bodu to give the maximum sentence. The misuse of the power the public has saved. More importantly, the public which reads: “The Supreme Court vested with power to penalise a Bala Sena, Ven. Galagodaaththe court can determine the length of given to the court system. “Every should be impartial, independent, of the Republic of Sri Lanka and the person who is convicted of contempt Gnanasara Thera. his sentence within the parameters citizen has a right to a free and just and conscious about their rights – Court of Appeal of the Republic of of court. He added: “Contempt Speaking of the extent to which specified in the law.” trial when appearing in a court, until and unless they do that, the Sri Lanka shall each be a superior of court charges can be twofold a person can criticise the judiciary, Meanwhile, speaking to and the biggest problem we have country will not change.” court of record and shall have all depending on where the said offence he pointed out that the freedom of The Morning, public interest in Sri Lanka is that citizens, public A country’s citizens are not the powers of such court including was committed – in the court which speech is a right granted to every litigation activist, Attorney-at- officials, judges, as well as lawyers only entitled to rights granted to the power to punish for contempt may include the court premises as citizen by the Constitution, and Law Nagananda Kodithuwakku, have been weakened to the point them through the law and/or the of itself, whether committed in well, or outside the court. If the that any person has the liberty to who himself has had his license to that they do not talk about their Constitution, they are also entitled the court itself or elsewhere, with relevant clause was either removed, voice any opinion. He added that practice law temporarily suspended rights at all. The public has been to the power to choose their law and imprisonment or fine or both as the or amended to give the Court of statements likely to amount to following conviction over a seriously disregarded as they have policymakers. However, in order to court may deem fit. The power of Appeal the power to hear all sorts contempt of court, however, should contempt of court case, said that absolutely no understanding about exercise these rights, it is important the Court of Appeal shall include the of contempt of court cases first, the not be made without concrete proof when it comes to Sri Lanka’s legal their power and rights. I do not see that the public are aware of and power to punish for contempt of any aforesaid issue can be rectified. In and basis. “Blindly criticising the situation pertaining to contempt of why it has happened, and a country adhere to the country’s law. At the other court, tribunal, or institution the event a certain party feels that judges is tantamount to contempt court, the public should be made cannot go forward like this.” same time, we, as the public should referred to in paragraph (1)(c) of they cannot be satisfied with the of court. Ramanayake’s statement aware of it. Elaborating on the existing be mindful about when to address this Article, whether committed Court of Appeal’s decision, they that around 95% of judges and He added: “In Sri Lanka, neither law pertaining to contempt of shortcomings in the existing law, in the presence of such court automatically get the opportunity to lawyers are corrupt cannot be the public nor lawyers talk about court, Kodithuwakku added that and what the correct process to do or elsewhere: Provided that the seek the assistance of the Supreme taken lightly as it criticises almost the court system, as they have been the provisions included in the it is. Only law-abiding citizens can preceding provisions of this Article Court, which is superior to the Court the entire judicial system. Given weakened. Due to this reason, the existing law are rather vague, take steps to perfect the law. 6 the morning Tuesday, January 19, 2021 Melstacorp sells 700,000 DCSL shares Melstacorp PLC, listed in turnover of Rs. 82 billion, while the Colombo Stock Exchange achieving a profit after tax of Rs. (CSE), announced the sale of 5.8 billion last year, compared 700,000 shares it held in its to Rs. 5.4 billion in 2018/19, an business subsidiary, Distilleries Company increase of 7%. of Sri Lanka PLC (DCSL), on Melstacorp PLC is known CSE hits all-time high, 15 January 2021 in a disclosure as one of the 10 largest listed released by the CSE. companies. It has a market In a CSE disclosure, capitalisation of approximately $ Melstacorp noted that the 450 million. Consisting of total company sold these shares of assets worth Rs. 253,207 million, DCSL at the price of Rs. 24.14 the diversified conglomerate per share. Following the said company achieved a gross but Opp. casts doubts disposal, Melstacorp PLC turnover of Rs. 154,475 million, currently holds 92.44% of DCSL followed by a profit after taxes z z z shares. amounting to Rs. 4,425 million Eran warns of pumping Pubudu and Harsha CSE continues to DCSL is a Sri Lankan in its 2019/20 Annual Report. and dumping express similar concerns break records distillery specialising in the The company, originally distillation, manufacture, import, formed as Beruwala Distillery and distribution of liquor. (Pvt.) Ltd. in 1995, was By Madhusha Thavapalakumar Furthermore, listed in the CSE renamed by DCSL after its with a market capitalisation of acquisition. Thereby, all In the midst of a record- $ 600 million, DCSL was one of subsidiary companies of breaking performance the first Sri Lankan companies DCSL were transferred to of the Colombo Stock to be listed in Forbes’ Best the company during 2010- Exchange (CSE), Samagi Managed Companies under a 2015, followed by the present Jana Balawegaya (SJB) billion dollars outside the US. Melstacorp’s listing in the CSE Parliamentarian Eran The company announced a gross from December 2016. Wickramaratne has cast doubts over the CSE’s recent performance, warning ICRA Lanka revises local investors to be careful of possible pumping and Construction dumping in the stock market. The statement comes following a Guarantee Fund rating number of key milestones achieved by the CSE in the recent past ICRA Lanka Ltd. has revised government sector have affected including the All Share Price Index the issuer rating assigned to the construction industry in Sri (ASPI) reaching an all-time high to Construction Guarantee Fund Lanka, especially over the past close at 7,992.66 points yesterday (CGF) to (SL) A with a Stable two years. (18), surpassing its previous record outlook, from (SL) A- with a The Construction Guarantee of 7,811.80 on 14 February 2011. SJB MP Eran Wickramaratne SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva FSP Member Pubudu Jagoda Stable outlook. Fund was originally set up by a Wickramaratne, who is also the maintain a corporate tax rate of 14% possible pumping and dumping that Wickramaratne, quoting the report, Nevertheless, ICRA noted Budget proposal by Parliament former State Minister of Finance, for the subsequent three years. could happen at the CSE currently stated: “Majority of the investments that the Stable outlook reflects in 1999 and the Government had during a press conference yesterday “This might be an attempt to between the pumping and dumping done by the EPF were during the ICRA’s expectations that CGF disbursed a capital grant of (18) noted that we hear a lot of bring in all the black money of that took place from 2011-2013, period 2009-2013, when Ajith Nivard will continue to benefit from its Rs. 55 million in four comments on the economy, “lots of Sri Lankans into the country and Wickramaratne noted that improper Cabraal was the Governor of the sector specialty, as well as the installments. The Secretary to nice stories and fairy tales”, but, in pump it into the CSE in order activities took place at the CSE CBSL and the Chairperson of the new partnership with the Road the Treasury was tasked as the fact, people are being fooled by only to whitewash the money. This during the aforementioned period Monetary Board. We have sent a Development Authority (RDA). settlor of the CGF, and delegated focusing on the stock market. is possibly an attempt of money and the Central Bank decided to written question to Cabraal through The rating revision primarily the fund’s total management to “When we hear the message of laundering,” Jagoda opined. call for a forensic audit. He added the CBSL on 3 October 2019 and factors in the Government of Sri a Board of Trustees, who are the share market – it was not only SJB Parliamentarian Dr. Harsha that there were five major reports have requested for a face-to-face Lanka’s recognition of the fund also appointed from reputed the message – we need to look at the de Silva too made similar statements compiled in the aforementioned meeting. There were altogether five as a longstanding key player in government bodies and private messenger as well,” he added. last week and warned of another forensic audit. occasions of communications that Sri Lanka’s construction industry. sector entities. The statements by the former pumping-and-dumping at the CSE. “One such report deals with the took place between the then Governor This was further witnessed by Moreover, the Board of State Minister also come at a “What is this old game? Shares investment by the Employees’ Dr. Indrajith Coomaraswamy and the fund’s recent partnership with Trustees acknowledged in the time the CSE was recognised by of the companies that do not have Provident Fund (EPF) and all the Cabraal. We do not have the benefit of the RDA, providing its services/ Trust Deed have provided the Bloomberg last week as the second a real value are being promoted problems that involved the EPF his response. The CBSL should obtain guarantees on behalf of all the overall maximum liability best performing equity market in the by local investors while foreign funds. One of the issues that was his response to formulate a holistic construction contractors under the that the fund could undertake world. investors are selling their stocks. investigated was pumping and view on these transactions.” “Saubhagya Dakma Programme”, (against its capital base), and He added that with the Young investors with lack of dumping in the years between The losses incurred by the EPF which targets the construction further delegated responsibilities replacement of foreign investors experience and knowledge compete 2011 and 2013 during the earlier in equity investments have been of 100,000 km of rural road to the senior management. This with local investment, there seems with each other to buy these (Mahinda) Rajapaksa regime. The specifically highlighted for listed networks around the country. structure has helped the fund to be a pattern similar to what was promoted stocks. Then the CSE people responsible manipulated and unlisted investments from the This programme has not operate as a self-sustained- seen in 2011 and up to 2014, when performance sky-rockets but as the market. The report very clearly year 2011 to 2015, according to only helped CGF increase its Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), there was corruption in the stock the time goes, prices of artificially narrates the manipulation that went Wickramaratne. The EPF had invested operational scope during 2020, without direct influence from the market. pumped stocks will go down. The on during the period where Mahinda a sum of Rs. 500 million in shares but also to envisage its due Government, and also to operate “People in high offices were people who pumped those stocks Rajapaksa was the Minister of of SriLankan Airlines in July 2010, recognition as a fund manager in without highly leveraging the involved in the racket, according to might withdraw their profit and be Finance,” he stated. but no revenue was yielded since the the local construction industry fund’s capital base over the past the forensic audit report. They had long gone by then. Those young and Wickramaratne, quoting page 259 of investment. with two decades of experience. two decades, although the total an opportunity to go before auditors small investors will take the hit,” Dr. the forensic audit report titled “Final “The EPF had invested Moreover, ICRA Lanka is gross liability of the Fund has and make their case, but they did not de Silva noted. Report The Monetary Board of Sri millions of rupees in the unlisted confident in the ownership and increased significantly during the make their case due to reasons best However, issuing a statement Lankan by the KPMG (sic)” described companies in the areas of power the sovereign support to the fund. first eight months of 2020. known to them,” he stated. on Sunday (17), the Securities and how former Central Bank of Sri Lanka generation, airlines, hotels, and ICRA Lanka also notes the The fund is guided by a Meanwhile, Frontline Socialist Exchange Commission (SEC) stated (CBSL) Governor Ajith Nivard Cabral finance companies, and the EPF fund’s unique operational management team with several Party (FSP) Member Pubudu that in order to ensure the integrity “dodged” the inquiry on the issue of had not received any income in model as a non-profit service decades of experience in the Jagoda, during a press conference of the market and to protect the the EPF investment in the stock market the form of dividends from the organisation in Sri Lanka, its construction industry. The last week, cast doubts over possible large number of investors in the face and the consequent manipulations of investments, since the date of stringent underwriting standards, entity also has a strong Board money laundering that might be of the surge in the daily number the market when he was the Governor. investment, till 2016. and its self-sustaining operational of Trustees, consisting of taking place at the CSE. of transactions, the regulatory and “People in responsible positions “All in all, the EPF has incurred structure that requires minimal reputed public and private sector Jagoda stated that the listing of supervisory framework of the SEC of the calibre of (former) CBSL huge losses in millions of rupees support from the Government. industry representatives. Over companies in the CSE has soared has been strengthened by enhancing Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal should by way of improper investments in This, coupled with the the past years, the management dramatically in the recent past while the capability and capacity of at least have the decency to answer the listed and unlisted companies entity’s governance system has been able to maintain the Budget 2021 decided to provide its Supervision and Surveillance the questions that are raised. But this that are engaged in loss-making that is administered through its good relationships with all a 50% tax concession for the years Divisions. has been avoided by Cabraal as per areas, thus allowing those Board of Trustees, representing stakeholders in the industry, 2021/2022 for companies that are Meanwhile, on a further note, the forensic audit report by KPMG,” organisations to maintain its key public and private sector including ministries, employers, listed before 31 December 2021, and drawing a comparison between the the former State Minister added. survival,” he added. officials, has enabled the fund and contractors, which has to operate as an autonomous ensured the fund’s operation body without interference from even when the construction the Government. ICRA Lanka industry was experiencing a IFC approves $ 7 million for Sunshine Holdings notes the fund’s comfortable slowdown. liquidity profile and the Moreover, being a Sunshine Holdings PLC, a Sri March 2020, the annual report of the healthy capitalisation metrics, Government entity, the fund is Lankan diversified conglomerate company involves a gross turnover commensurate with its business in a better position to negotiate company, listed in the Colombo of Rs. 6.1 billion along with profit profile. any contract-disputes on behalf Stock Exchange (CSE) announced after taxes amounting to Rs. 1.79 The investments of the fund of its clients with government the approval of a long-term loan billion. mainly consist of government employers. This has also helped facility by the International Finance Moreover, Sunshine Holdings securities and risk-free assets. the fund resolve contract Corporation (IFC) of the World PLC is known to be a diversified The rating strengths are partly disputes more amicably and Bank Group in a disclosure released conglomerate company in Sri offset by the continued downturn reduce the level of claims/ by the CSE on 18 January 2021. Lanka that started business as a in the domestic construction invocations over the past. Sunshine Holdings yesterday (18) retail pharmaceutical company sector over the past three years, Although the fund increased its stated that a long-term loan facility which expanded into the industries amidst the exceptional events scope in 2020 under the 100,000 of $ 7 million was approved by IFC of healthcare, dairy, agribusiness, that have taken place during km rural road development of the World Bank Group. consumer goods, and renewable this period. Historically, the programme, the trade payments The funds requested by Sunshine energy. The company occupies fund’s bond exposure has been for the construction contractors Holdings are planned to be utilised some known brands in Sri Lanka highly skewed towards state- under this programme are for investments in the consumer such as tea manufacturer and funded construction contracts. channelled through the CGF, sector and energy sector. brand Zesta along with healthcare Given the Government’s fiscal which also helped the fund Sunshine Holdings PLC currently chain Healthguard followed by constraints, ICRA Lanka views manage its project portfolio holds the market capitalisation of confectionery and food company this exposure on a negative note, based on the progress of the Rs. 12.9 billion in the CSE. As of Daintee Ltd. as delayed payments from the construction projects. the morning 7 Tuesday, January 19, 2021 TELCO/ CORPORATE The telecoms industry will never be the same again What can service providers do in 2021? determine the “killer apps” for 5G. Urgent work affect their home life, and 75% Consumers today also expect hyper- customer service or expanding their suite of transformation is needed in the networks – think that their company should ramp up personalised, omnichannel, connected offerings at scale in minimum time. not only in the access, transport and core, conversations around mental health and experiences, and enterprises should look 4. Innovate fast, but take careful steps By Emily Ng but also how they embrace automation do more to support employees’ wellbeing. beyond their industry for inspiration. The clock is ticking, but the path ahead is and collaborate with partners to deliver In the year ahead, future workplaces For instance, SingTel, a multinational uncharted. A persistent issue over the past on promises of low latency, higher will need to prioritise staff wellbeing to telecommunications provider in Singapore, few years is the worrisome trend of cyber- When I think of the performance, and throughput. maintain productivity. became one of the first in the industry to attacks and security lapses, which has New entrants will also continue to Next, pandemic or not, economic venture into the e-payments space when resulted in significant economic losses and telecommunications industry, disrupt the industry, and we can expect conditions and consumer behaviour are they launched SingTel Dash. Today, their sometimes even unthinkable consequences. “What is essential is invisible to the telecoms to form strategic alliances constantly evolving, and enterprises need customer-led innovation journey has In fact, the Oracle and KPMG Cloud eye” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry to keep up with digital disruption and to keep pace and stay ahead of these enabled them to consistently break new Threat Report found that cybersecurity in The Little Prince immediately provide customers with a competitive expectations. As Covid-19 has reiterated grounds, including forming a strategic and IT professionals are now three times comes to mind. From keeping us array of offerings. They need to abandon the importance of building resilient skills, partnership with Grab Holdings Inc. to more worried about corporate security informed of the latest news and the mentality of working in silos, take business leaders are quickly realising that emerge as one of Singapore’s first four than safety at home. This result should entertained while we stay home, to inspiration from the software industry innovation and business growth are now digital banks. be unsurprising, given that prosecutors in ensuring business continuity, we and embrace a Lean-Agile mindset: a way inextricably linked to employee-first HR 3. Be open to working with partners Germany are looking into how a woman hardly notice our heavy reliance of thinking related to striving for higher practices. The brightest minds will be if you have to died from delayed treatment after a on the invisible networks that keep levels of efficiency, teamwork, employee looking towards those who invest in skills Depending on the organisation’s culture, cyberattack at the hospital. us connected – except when they motivation and work quality. development – and when they can voice competency, and size, you can go at it For those reasons, we should expect to their opinions freely, fresh new ideas and alone or form strategic partnerships. For see more sandbox environments created disconnect. It’s all in the mindset use cases will begin to flow naturally. instance, if you have huge access to an to trial emerging applications, and set Indeed, this year the telecoms industry With a clear focus on innovation and 2. Focus on the customer experience internal pool of competent and motivated and manage expectations. In 2021, we has become even more central to modern collaboration to steadily deliver more The most impactful names in talents, you have the option of looking will also continue to witness an uptick society. Despite spikes in network usage customer value, telecoms have been technology have one thing in common internally to innovate and seamlessly in regulatory scrutiny and consumer and strained bandwidth due to more shown to possess the capacity to adapt – an obsession with user experience, transform all aspects of your offerings and awareness on data privacy and security. people spending time at home this year, rapidly and deliver new service offerings powered by in-depth analysis of customer- your operations to meet market demands. For innovation to be meaningful and telecoms have gone above and beyond to at scale. But where do they begin? interaction data. Traditionally, telecoms That said, opportunities lie ahead even impactful, telecoms must first and ensure connectivity and support essential 1. Start internally have access to this data, but they have for companies who do not have access to a foremost consider adequate governance services. According to the “Oracle AI@Work not been optimised for insights and large and strong talent pool. Hyperscalers measures, and be prepared to anticipate Furthermore, as Asia Pacific nations Study 2020”, Covid-19 has resulted in productivity. They must now go past and proven technology partners, with their and manage potential risks and issues to march forward with 5G, Deloitte’s 70% of respondents feeling that 2020 digital channels, to use smart data and technology investment and large global win the trust of regulators and consumers. telecommunications industry outlook has been the most stressful year yet, artificial intelligence (AI), from the front- footprints, can enable enterprises to achieve (The writer is the Global Key Account pointed out that telecoms will be trying to while 85% of them have had stress at end to the back office. business objectives – whether it be improving Director of Oracle) Australia-based Vygo expands to Sri Lanka Australia-based tech start-up Vygo announced Australia and the UK, as well as by government Ceylinco Life named ‘Best the expansion of their offices to Sri Lanka partners, Vygo continues to offer a win-win for in January 2021. In a bid to build a globally both students and universities, reducing dropout distributed engineering team, the company hopes rates by providing hyper local and accessible Life Insurer in Sri Lanka’ to tap into Sri Lanka’s vibrant and growing tutoring and mentoring on campus. The brand also Ceylinco Life has retained its Managing Director Thushara pool of local software engineering talent provides universities with data pertaining to which title as World Finance’s “Best Ranasinghe. “Such consistency while contributing to Sri Lanka’s tech start-up subjects and degrees prove to be most difficult, Life Insurer in Sri Lanka” in is achieved through continuous ecosystem. resulting in better university management 2020. For a record seventh training and motivation of staff Vygo is an edtech start-up on a mission to understanding of their courses and customers. consecutive year, the World at all levels and an ingrained help students around the globe to reach their full Concluding his statement, Hallett stated: “Vygo Finance Global Insurance Award culture of commitment to potential. Head of Product Amrit Rupasinghe prides itself on being a brand that understands and recognises Ceylinco Life. excellence. We value this award likens the Vygo experience to “having an older pushes the boundaries of the industry, whether The accolade is based on an because it is based on a stringent sibling by your side on campus to help navigate local or global. We want to continue doing so, assessment of multiple aspects independent assessment of your higher educational journey; whether it be and thus welcome like-minded techies who see of operational performance the qualitative aspects of support with chemistry, career development or possibilities where not everyone can. We look by the UK-based international performance, rather than your mental wellbeing”. forward to entering the Sri Lankan market and magazine that analyses the numbers alone,” he added. Founded in 2017 by Ben Hallett, Joel Di strategic decision to expand to Sri Lanka comes really pushing the boundaries of innovation in financial industry, international Ceylinco Life closed 2019 Trapani, and Steven Hastie, the brand has since at a time when Covid-19 continues to affect edtech.” business, and the global with a consolidated income of successfully rolled out their peer-to-peer offering many industries. With the brand’s primary Vygo has been named in the Top 50 Edtech economy. The assessment Rs. 32.1 billion, gross written to students within Australia and the UK. Statistics audience being younger and tech-heavy users, it companies in ANZ for 2020 in the top 200 Global criteria included underwriting premium income of Rs. 18.7 from Vygo implementations have shown 91% is imperative that our talent hub becomes home Elite Edtech start-ups in 2020 by ASU GSV, and processes and process efficiency; billion which positioned it of students reporting an increase in academic to bright, young, thirsty minds. We strongly was nationally recognised for their growth and policy maintenance – the process as the market leader for life performance; 84% feeling less stressed about believe that with the high standard of software ability to help universities navigate the challenges of reviewing clients’ policies, insurance in Sri Lanka for the studies after sessions; up to 800% increases in engineering academic programmes in Sri of Covid. The brand also won the Australian appropriateness of coverage, 16th consecutive year, net profit student engagement; and a 62% reduction in Lanka, the resulting graduates will become ideal EdtechX award in 2019. and cost per policy; exposure of Rs. 6.7 billion, an investment students thinking about dropping out of their candidates for Vygo.” Vygo currently employs staff across Australia to risk; customer retention rate; portfolio of Rs. 116.9 billion, degree. The Vygo team is backed by education investors and the UK, will be raising another funding round time taken to settle claims; new and total assets to the value of Vygo Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and and industry leaders from Australia, New in Q2 of 2021 and plans to double its team within customer acquisition rate and Rs. 133.4 billion. Co-founder Ben Hallett commented: “The Zealand, and the UK. Utilised by universities in the year. financial stability – premium Begun in 2007, World Finance income, market share, life fund, magazine’s award programmes and company profits. are tailored to provide a The judging panel represents comprehensive analysis of the SLT-Mobitel powers ‘Park and Ride’ city bus service the expertise of over 230 very best in each market. years of financial and business Sri Lanka’s leading life insurer Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT-Mobitel) provider, we are committed to supporting journalism, supported by a for more than half of the 32 years announced their partnership with the Sri the Government’s efforts and leading research team that worked round it has been in existence, and Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) to provide Sri Lanka towards a knowledge-rich the clock to ensure the award certified as a “Great Workplace” Wi-Fi connectivity and branding for the society,” SLT Group Chairman Fernando winners are the most deserving in Sri Lanka by Great Place new “Park and Ride” city bus service, a commented. in their sector. Additionally, to Work®, Ceylinco Life was concept developed by the State Ministry The city bus service was launched reader insight and experience ranked the Most Valuable Life of Transport. in efforts to reduce traffic congestion were relied upon to provide Insurance Brand in Sri Lanka The launch of the luxury bus service and promote safe and secure travel nominations. The judging panel by Brand Finance this year was held on 15 January 2021 under in Colombo. While the first phase of is required to avoid bias towards and declared the “Peoples Life the presence of President Gotabaya the bus service will operate from the criteria such as depth of practice Insurance Service Provider of the Rajapaksa, Minister of Transport Makumbura Multimodal Transport and size of the company, in order Year” for the 14th consecutive GaminiLokuge, State Minister of ‘Park and Ride’ city buses Center (MTC) with 25 buses, the bus to get an insight into different year at the 2020 SLIM- Transport Dilum Amunugama, SLTB service will soon be implemented across geographies and niche areas. Nielsen Peoples Awards. The Chairman Kingsley Ranawaka, and SLT this city bus partnership, SLT-Mobitel solutions. We are a brand that always the country. The buses are set to operate “The disruptions caused by the company was also accorded an Group Chairman Rohan Fernando along is closer to providing “next generation” places customers at heart; hence, we every 15 minutes from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. pandemic to business processes “Honourable Mention” as one of with higher officials from SLT-Mobitel. connectivity solutions and “transforming” are constantly looking for innovative on a daily basis. After 9 a.m., the buses and productivity can adversely the “Most Admired Companies SLT-Mobitel claims that the recent the nation with digitalisation. ways to make a difference in their lives. will operate every 30 minutes until 8 affect the customer experience, in Sri Lanka” in 2019-20 by brand unification has enabled the brand “Today marks yet another historical The Park and Ride city buses will be p.m. Passengers with small vehicles but this award reaffirms our the International Chamber of to further strengthen its commitment as day for SLT-Mobitel, as we get on yet another platform for Sri Lankans to and motorcycles will be able to park strict adherence to best practices Commerce Sri Lanka (ICCSL) in the national telecommunication service board on this journey with the Sri experience SLT-Mobitel’s world-class their vehicles in a designated area at the at all times, ensuring that collaboration with the Chartered provider which specialises in providing Lanka Transport Board to connect the Wi-Fi connectivity services on the go. As MTC and use the Park and Ride city customer satisfaction levels are Institute of Management telecommunication services. Through country with unparalleled connectivity the national telecommunications service bus to commute to Colombo. maintained,” said Ceylinco Life Accountants (CIMA). 8 the morning CORPORATE Tuesday, January 19, 2021 Dialog Enterprise Cloud HNB launches ‘A Banker verified by VMware Dialog Enterprise, the corporate solutions customers with their foundational cloud arm of Dialog Axiata (Pvt.) Ltd., announced technologies and services being based on for every Sri Lankan’ that it acquired the Cloud Verified badge, VMware Cloud Infrastructure, including becoming the first VMware Cloud Provider the VMware vSphere, VMware vSAN, and in Sri Lanka and joining an elite group of 235 VMware NSX. Hatton National Bank – Retail and SME Banking Sanjay SME clients with the knowledge caused by the pandemic. providers worldwide. On this announcement, Cloud Verified services delivered by (HNB) PLC announced the Wijemanne stated. and skills necessary to sustain Recently, the bank also Dialog Enterprise will be delivering a VMware Cloud Providers claim to provide launch of its “A Banker Wijemanne added: “With their businesses over generations. announced a landmark agreement full set of interoperable VMware Cloud efficiency, agility, and reliability inherent for every Sri Lankan” this campaign, our intention In addition to advisory services, with Proparco, the private sector infrastructure capabilities as a service to in cloud computing. Additionally, the programme to celebrate is to create a virtual space to the bank also offers further funding arm of the French its enterprise customers. Cloud Verified designation indicates that the achievements of local showcase the journey of some support for clients to capture development bank, Agence While an on-premise virtualised a VMware Cloud Provider can offer its entrepreneurs. Launched of Sri Lanka’s most successful business from local and export Française de Développement environment requires in-house server customers infrastructure and operations across all of HNB’s social enterprises, so that we can elevate markets alike. (AFD), to secure $ 60 million hardware, software licenses, integration through a complete set of software-defined media handles, the their brand awareness and help During the Covid-19 pandemic, in funding for SMEs. capabilities, and IT employees on hand to services for computing, storage, networking, campaign will showcase these businesses to sustain their HNB launched a Rs. 5 billion HNB also stated it was able support and manage potential issues that may security, and cloud management. growth, while also holding them relief fund to provide SMEs with to extend prompt support in arise, in a cloud environment, companies can The Cloud Verified badge is said to allow the achievements and up as an inspiration to others working capital support. The fund the form of digital banking forego capital expenses, while paying for consumers achieve levels of consistency, journey of exceptional with dreams of starting their own complemented the Saubhagya services, to guarantee service only the resources used and automatically performance and interoperability for both entrepreneurs across its business. These are challenging Covid-19 Refinance Loan set to the sector throughout the backing up the data needed. traditional or containerised enterprise substantial SME (small and times, but the SMEs that can up by the Government to assist lockdown period. These include Furthermore, with Dialog Enterprise applications, and the confidence that medium enterprises) client find their feet in this moment enterprises. its low-cost Bluetooth-enabled Cloud, customers are encouraged to the service is based on VMware Cloud base. could well be this nation’s Applicants who were unable card payment devices, MOMO, select from the pay-as-you-grow pricing technologies. next generation of blue chip to secure government-funded and HNB SOLO – the pioneering model with the added benefit of utilising With access to the full set of capabilities “As a sector that accounts for corporates. And we will be with loans were offered the option QR code-based mobile payments shared-resource cloud economics with of VMware’s Cloud infrastructure, Dialog more than half of all GDP and 45% you every step of the way.” of securing a working capital app that provides users the ability increased operational efficiencies, to pay Enterprise Cloud claims to guarantee its of all employment, SMEs are the In 1989, HNB claims, it became loan from the HNB Covid-19 to safely and securely enter into on an as-needed basis and effectively customers a solution enabler, where trained lifeblood of this nation’s economy. the first private sector bank to relief fund at a concessionary contactless transactions. scale up or down depending on usage, and qualified partners guide customers Given that HNB holds one of establish dedicated products and interest rate. Additionally, the bank’s user requirements, and the growth of the through coaching, further integration, and the largest portfolios of SME services specifically catered to In this manner, HNB utilised development of services like company. interoperability, where customers can deploy clients, and the longest-running the SME sector under the banner its internally generated funds Appi Go, a platform facilitating Through the recognition of the VMware core compute, storage, and network building engagement among private sector of HNB “Gami Pubuduwa”. to support the Government’s businesses with end-to-end Cloud Verified Badge on its cloud service blocks enabling freedom to run apps in the banks in this space, we felt it was Whilst extending vital objectives of ensuring that viable e-commerce capabilities, enables offerings, Dialog Enterprise Cloud purports cloud or private data centre, flexibility in our responsibility to provide as financial services to underserved SMEs are provided priority businesses to join a plug-and-play to offer customers flexibility and control delivering services capabilities to meet much assistance as possible,” communities across the island, access to funding to support e-commerce revolution taking in choosing cloud services to meet their individual customer requirements, and HNB Director General Manager the bank also sought to support its them through the disruptions place across Sri Lanka. workloads while facilitating its enterprise greater cost optimisations.

Samsung launches Galaxy S21 series Samsung recently advanced” processor in a launched its flagship Galaxy device. The Galaxy Galaxy Smartphone range, S21 series also introduces a the Galaxy S21 series. The contour-cut camera housing Samsung S21 Series claims that blends into the device’s to support you to share and metal frame. Each device is connect with camera and coated with a haze finish on video, alongside a new design the back, and will be available and streamlined connectivity in a range of colours. capabilities. The Galaxy S21 Ultra Launched at the recently aims to deliver Samsung’s held Galaxy “UNPACKED most advanced pro-grade Officials from Allianz Insurance Lanka Ltd. and MegaPay (Pvt.) Ltd. at the launch of the partnership between the two firms. Holding the placard are Megapay Director Varazdat 2021” event, the Galaxy S21 camera system, with a quad Sahakyan (left) and Allianz Insurance Lanka Director and CEO and Allianz Life Insurance Director Gany Subramaniam (right) series includes the S21 Ultra, rear camera and an upgraded the S21+, and the S21. The 108MP pro sensor. For Galaxy S21 was designed the first time on a Galaxy with a compact 6.2-inch Smartphone, consumers can Allianz Lanka partners with MegaPay display, while the Galaxy shoot in 4K at 60fps across S21+ features an expanded all lenses, including the Insurance provider, Allianz Insurance its kind for third-party motor insurance customer service through new business at prominent locations and customer 6.7-inch display. The Galaxy front and four rear lenses. Lanka Ltd. (Allianz Lanka) announced covers in Sri Lanka, and opens a new models, harmonised assets, automation, hotspots around the island continue to S21 Ultra is stated to be the The Galaxy S21 Ultra also that it entered into a partnership with channel for Allianz Lanka to serve its and more. In line with this, we are transform the way the nation makes its largest member of the series, features 100x Space Zoom, Megapay, provider of innovative customers. delighted to partner with MegaPay and everyday payments. We look forward with a 6.8-inch Dynamic powered by Samsung’s payment processing and tech solutions “At Allianz, we are committed to offer our customers 24x7 access to our to seeing Allianz customers avail AMOLED 2X display. Dual-tele lens system, and for payment collection, to increase securing people’s lives and giving third-party motor insurance covers, all themselves of the protection of insurance Samsung claims that, for the Galaxy S21 and Galaxy accessibility to its third-party motor courage to our customers for what’s year round, through the Pay&Go kiosk through our kiosks.” over a decade, the Galaxy S S21+’s AI-powered triple- insurance covers. ahead. We are transforming our network. We will continue to work with Both companies stated that consumers series has delivered flagship lens pro-grade camera is Allianz customers currently have organisation to become simpler, more like-minded partners to offer greater can input the required policy details, mobile experiences, and the designed to provide more access to purchase third-party motor digital, and scalable to help us in this value and convenience to our customers.” and pay to obtain a printed cover note, new Galaxy S21 series builds control. In Portrait Mode, insurance policies at over 800 MegaPay endeavour,” said Allianz Insurance Megapay Director Varazdat Sahakyan valid for 30 days, via the kiosks. Allianz on this to offer premium the AI-powered camera Pay&Go kiosks islandwide. These kiosks Lanka Director and Chief Executive stated: “We are excited to partner with Lanka will process the policy and send an smartphone experiences. The leverages 3D analysis are located at various sites including Officer (CEO) and Allianz Life Allianz Lanka in offering Sri Lankans ecard to the customer’s registered mobile Galaxy S21 series debuts while the new Zoom Lock government institutions, tri-forces’ Insurance Director Gany Subramaniam. the convenience of purchasing Allianz’s number. Customers can also collect the a fresh design, a pro-grade captures clearer images at offices, supermarkets, malls, garment “We are leveraging the power of digital third-party motor insurance covers policy from any Allianz Lanka branch camera, and the “most 30x zoom. factories, and several other public spaces. technologies to empower our people and through our Pay&Go kiosks. Our around the island or request for it to be This is touted as the first partnership of free up their time for innovation and network of over 800 kiosks located sent to them via post. Sunshine Holdings, Fairfirst Insurance ESSHVA marks three donate to IDH’s Covid-19 ICU A recently built Mechanical years in the industry Ventilation and Air Condition (MVAC) system for the Covid-19 ESSHVA, a software development brands through offshore development ICU II of the National Institute of and service company, announced projects from USA, Singapore, UK, Infectious Diseases (NIID/IDH), its completion of three years in Sweden, Switzerland, and Australia. donated by Sunshine Holdings PLC the IT industry and working with The team is also working with a and Fairfirst Insurance Ltd., was international clients to share Sri NASDAQ-listed entity. officially put into operation on 12 Lankan’s IT talent with the world. “A lot of essential service brands January 2021 at the IDH premises. ESSHVA CEO Sujeev are unable to handle customer The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Rajakulendran founded the company complaints. We believe that the app (CCC), which works closely with in 2018 with two employees, before we are creating will make it easier the IDH in providing urgent Officials from Sunshine Holdings PLC handing over the company’s portion of the expanding to what the company is for brands to communicate with requirements to fight against the donation to staff at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases currently. It has recently opened a customers with multiple features. Covid-19 pandemic, learnt of the branch in Australia and is working The world is becoming digitally longstanding need to establish Chief Marketing Officer Sasith To improve intensive care capacity, on multiple projects across the globe. transformed and the pandemic a MVAC to the IDH’s newly set Bambaradeniya, IDH Director Hasitha NIID has expanded its services with ESSHVA stated it has worked ESSHVA CEO Sujeev Rajakulendran ignited the idea of everything going up ICU. On its request, Sunshine Attanayake, IDH Senior Consultant a new Intensive Care Unit (ICU), for on projects related to software online. As this is taking place, there Holdings and Fairfirst Insurance, both Physician Ananda Wijewickrama, which the MVAC system was installed development, mobile app and I knocked on doors and were is a dire need to create accessible CCC members, agreed to split the and CCC CEO and Secretary General on time by Abans Engineering, under development machine learning, and constantly on the move. Many didn’t methods. As the transformation is total project cost of Rs. 9.5 million. Manjula De Silva, along with Suran the above sponsorship. managed infrastructure services, believe in the latest technology, and happening rapidly, it is important to The donation of the system, was Fernando, representing the Institute of The Central Engineering while working on many of the latest in us, as we were a start-up, but we develop new, innovative, and easily- held in the presence of Sunshine Engineers Sri Lanka. Consultancy Bureau (CECB), developments in the tech world. have come a long way and currently accessible platforms,” explained Holdings Joint Managing Director Vish The NIID, better known as IDH, is Building Services Engineering Rajakulendran said it was his manage various projects across the Rajakulendran. Govindasamy, Sunshine Foundation for claimed to be the national focal point Sectional Committee of the Institute dream to have his own start-up and globe,” he added. Rajakulendran believes that every Good Consultant Malin Goonetileke, for clinical management of infectious of Engineers Sri Lanka, and the progress in the tech world. He also Furthermore, Rajakulendran and Sri Lankan should contribute to the Fairfirst Insurance Chief Executive diseases in Sri Lanka. Therefore, Engineering Division of Ministry of claimed that the initial stages of his team are in the works to promote development of the country, and Officer (CEO) and Managing Director NIID is being considered the national Health provided project consultancy marketing the brand and acquiring new apps related to learning, trading, invites Sri Lankans overseas to bring (MD) Sanjeev Jha, Fairfirst Insurance reference centre for Covid-19 patients. support. customers were difficult. “My team and customer management for in more IT projects. 7 the morning Tuesday, January 19, 2021

Jessica and Justin welcome new baby Thought for the day Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake have reportedly welcomed their second child, after keeping Biel’s pregnancy on the “Knowing how to be solitary is central down low for months in quarantine. The to the art of loving. When we can be couple have been quarantining together alone, we can be with others without with their five-year-old son Silas at their using them as a means of escape.” home in Montana, where Biel gave birth – Bell Hooks earlier this week, according to Daily Mail. brunch Photo Eshan Dasanayaka

Education at a glance

A few affluent, urban schools and TV signals, electricity, and such providing tabs to children from rural students from upper socioeconomic measures should speed up across the areas and increasing online school, Has the past year backgrounds swiftly shifted to island. If the textbook distribution but, Wickremasinghe added, at the online teaching/learning methods, is completed to all students in same time, it’s not the most effective since internet access was readily a few weeks, teachers could be thing. “It affects a lot of kids’ available to them, as were devices empowered to use the books at hand chances of getting into university; like laptops, PCs (personal to design tutorials and discussion universities no longer know who to computers), and smartphones. using the telephone or the postal pick due to the lack of a standard of propelled us or Dr. de Mel stated that this was service.” She elaborated that these education.” a privilege afforded by a select are all suboptimal to e-learning few. “The Ministry of Education using online methods. It is not the ideal introduced TV-based, distance- She called on the Government mode teaching after some time, but to speedily address this digital situation: that too was fraught with multiple deficit and poor internet accessibility Warden of an issues. A recent study conducted by investing in 5G connectivity, international school by EFSL on 84 teachers from 24 smart classrooms, and by other The warden of a well-known shed a light districts showed that pedagogical methods, whilst accelerating the international school in Sri Lanka, issues and signal/device issues provision of electronic devices who wished to remain anonymous, seriously hampered access to at minimal or zero cost, to all stated that they found the switch successful learning using the TV.” underprivileged students. “It will from offline to online education a She explained that the other issues not be possible for the average Sri little challenging initially, but Sri pertaining to the education system Lankan student to be prepared for Lanka has undoubtedly adapted on our glaring in Sri Lanka included presentation 21st-Century education without in terms of secondary and tertiary methods and time table issues, such initiatives,” she concluded. education. If one looks at other adding: “TV-based teaching is parts of the country, mobile strictly not ‘interactive education’ The standard of devices and internet access is and doesn’t promote actual learning. assessment is not readily available to students, It simply provides passive learning so they find it difficult to gain through a one-way technique. extremely low: any education in these troubled inadequacies? Today, 10 months later, the Sri times. “My maid’s child attends a Lankan education system in this Chevaan Wickremasinghe Asian school in Hatton, and I know they system. Waravita opined that we Covid era has not adapted, and is By Venessa Anthony international are finding it incredibly difficult should look into a mix of both not geared to face the challenges of School Student – even with the tablets that the virtual and physical education open and distance learning.” Council Member Government provided, it’s still not because in moving forward with As in any challenging situation, We need a mix of Chevaan easy to access education, and it is the changing world, students should it’s always the students from rural, Wickremasinghe also a financial burden.” both virtual and physical adapt to virtual education, but not underprivileged areas that suffer Coming Sunday, 24 noted that Sri He also firmly stated that entirely. She highlighted: “Kids the most. Inequalities in education January, is the United education: Lanka has definitely changed over online school is nothing like real need physical contact, especially provision truly came to light Nations General the last year; this is clearly shown school. “I’m not someone who Lakna Waravita for subjects like physical education, during Covid. Dr. de Mel stated: Assembly-proclaimed by the lack of contact in school and stands for virtual education; I Gateway College design, and technology, and they “With less than 45% of children International Day of the fact that meeting in person to believe that children should attend Sports Co- cannot obtain this if classes are held of school-going age having access Education. In light study has been completely school physically. It’s not only ordinator Lakna entirely online.” to the internet, and only a similar eliminated from the education what they learn from the book of the pandemic, Sri Waravita number having access to devices system. “There is a huge change due – they are missing out on all the Lanka was forced to expressed that Sri like PCs and laptops, we saw that Students from rural, to that, but I’m unsure if that change interactions with the teachers and adapt and change its Lanka has a very large group of children were is necessarily a good thing.” He their peers.” In terms of physical education system, actually moved underprivileged areas left out of the digital education added that so far, what we’ve seen is education and extracurricular conducting almost all forward using virtual educational platform.” Even though the world suffer the most: that the standard of assessment is activities, the physical wellbeing methods. She questioned the rate of is talking about ‘blended learning’ classes online. How have extremely low, meaning students are of students has also taken a success, factoring in how well Dr. Tara de Mel and ‘flipped classrooms’ and similar we coped? Where were Former Ministry either achieve A*s or everyone fails. massive hit. He stated: “Education students have adapted to online innovations, the reality is that the pitfalls? With talk of Education “The truth is this assessment is does not focus singularly on school. She noted: “As soon as we online education, with affordable of schools reopening Secretary and never really correct because not books, we can educate children started teaching online, children and easy access to the internet and soon, we spoke to a Education Forum many people studied during online but we’re only tuning were interested and they wanted to devices, still remains a dream for the Sri Lanka (EFSL) quarantine for online exams; most their brain – their heart is not few educationists and attend the classes. Over time, we majority of Sri Lankan students. Co-founder Dr. would cheat and not revise as much getting enough nourishment due students, and here’s what saw that they got fed up with having Providing a solution to this Tara de Mel as they would for an in-person to the lack of interactions and they had to say. no one around to talk to.” issue, Dr. de Mel added: “Until this noted that when school closures due exam,” he stated. movement.” She observed that children issue is rectified, TV-based one- to Covid happened in March 2020, The Government and He highlighted that it is not from rural areas have been enclosed way teaching should be changed, it took a long time for the majority stakeholders in the education system the ideal situation, but due to the within their homes for the last 12 in order to make it more interactive of Sri Lankan schools and teachers have done as much as they can in current status of the country, we months, without a proper education and interesting. Accessibility to to adopt distance-learning methods. order to adapt to the situation by have adapted accordingly. the morning 10 Tuesday, January 19, 2021 FOOD

PHOTO KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM

PLATES at lunchtime PHOTO CINNAMON GRAND

BY NAVEED ROZAIS There is a new restaurant in Colombo’s food scene. Cinnamon Grand Colombo opened the doors to their newest Café Kai introduces restaurant PLATES on 15 January, with an intimate gathering. PLATES is a new range of cakes 24-hour gourmet dining restaurant with an unparalleled collective of tastes and Eleven types of new cube cake named Il Cubo is cakes hit the shelves at Café a noisette praline chocolate flavours from around the world. PLATING UP Kai, Hilton Colombo. Each cake layered with chocolate Open to the public from 16 January, of these baked treats boast of buttercream, caramel, and PLATES is all about experiences – the distinctive ingredients, and praline crunch covered with experience of friends and family dining together, a method of its own. Many chocolate valours. Lady In the experience of enjoying multi-country, multi- innovative and artistically Red is an elegant cake made cuisine dishes at any time of day, the experience DECADENCE driven chefs have come with layers of red velvet with of having a gastronomic tour of global cuisine in together to bring their soft buttercream, strawberry a single venue, and the experience of enjoying PLATES, Cinnamon Grand Colombo’s newest offering discerning guests a range compote, and nougat in the tropics in alfresco dining or seated within the of cakes not only visually between layers and covered We tried their sangria (nice and punchy), contemporary sleek interiors in air-conditioned The outdoor terrace at PLATES appealing, but the taste and with sheets of white chocolate comfort. PHOTO CINNAMON GRAND and one of the highlights of the buffet was the flavours are delicious. and curls on top. Lemon and Set within the space of the old Taprobane marinated seafood counter with a delectable The new range consists Blueberry consists of layers restaurant, PLATES comes to life with a modern range of prawns, squid, crab, and lobster, each of the 24 Layer and Gold of butter cake sandwiched palette of white, blue, and copper emphasised delicately spiced and marinated and served Cake; each layer sandwiched with butter icing, cream, with contemporary furniture and fittings to create with a selection of sauces and accompaniments. with a smooth chocolate and blueberry filling with a an aura of cool, contemporary elegance. Designed The sushi bar was also a revelation with a wide filling, praline crunch, and layer of lemon, caramelised to overlook the pool in all its tropical splendour, variety of sushi rolls and sashimi. We tried them semi-sweet French chocolate cashew covered with pink and PLATES includes a deck and outdoor bar all. And they were all delectable. ganache. Then there’s bright violet buttercream garnished complete with a retractable awning that makes The Cinnamon Grand Colombo is famous red cake named Awesome with colourful tinted white this alfresco environment enjoyable regardless of for their buffets, and PLATES is no exception. Red, made with chocolate, chocolate feathers. The the weather. The design of the buffet also keeps While the international breakfast buffet includes vanilla, and almond cake Ombre Cake is a combination Covid-19 in mind with the food not being directly continental, American, Sri Lankan, Indian, and layers sandwiched with of white, dark, and milk accessible by guests. The friendly service by the even a Japanese corner, the lunch and dinner buttercream and icing, chocolate covered with the PLATES staff more than makes up for not being buffets add Far Eastern, Mediterranean, Arabic, meringue crunch, caramelised gradual shades of chocolate able to serve yourself though. and also carveries, a pasta station, live pizza nuts, and caramel sauce; and colour. Design aside, Cinnamon Grand Colombo oven, a salad bar, a healthy corner, and desserts the Blue Sky cake made Passion and Fruit consists stays ever mindful of the times, and PLATES with an action station, promising to pile those with layers of sticky nutty, of layers of vanilla cake with strictly adheres to the stringent Covid-19 plates high. For lunch, guests who wish to enjoy ribbon butter chocolate fudge passion fruit jelly covered with guidelines as directed by the Government and a light and healthy lunch can enjoy the salad-and- cake with praline rice crispy Swiss meringue buttercream the Ministry of Health protocols. PLATES has a dessert-bar-only option. crunch, and nougat garnished and is the ideal choice, and total seating capacity of 163, with the deck area intricate detail, are aimed at giving guests the And memories of blissful Sunday brunches with white chocolate shavings. Spicy Red Hot Rod is made seating 41, and all guests visiting the restaurant finest culinary experiences.” are brought back to life at the “Sunday Brunch The Chocolate Espresso is a with three layers of spicy are subject to strict health and safety protocols. Another cornerstone of the PLATES ethos is Buffet”, which has all of the above and more, mix of coffee, chocolate, red velvet cake sandwiched Cinnamon Grand Colombo General Manager togetherness and the principle that “the fondest including a surfeit of seafood from oysters, and ribbon cake; and the with cream cheese frosting Kamal Munasinghe, commenting on the new memories are made gathered around a table”. mussels, jumbo and lagoon prawns, shoe lobsters, Ice Charlie consists of layers and covered with cinnamon restaurant, said: “PLATES offers a place for And what brings people to the table? Food. and salmon; shawarma and Mongolian counters; of coffee cake with buttercream and icing. guests to come together and experience a PLATES serves up continental, Indian, Asian, an extensive range of carveries and grilled espresso buttercream The cakes are priced multitude of international cuisine, 24 hours of and Sri Lankan food, be it through decadent meats; and a delightful chocolate and caramelised between Rs. 3,888 and Rs. 9,888 the day. The ambiance and décor have also been buffets, or all-day à la carte dining. It also boasts fountain adding to the desserts. cashew covered inclusive of taxes, and is a fine done to support togetherness, and an environment a unique range of beverage options, especially The Cinnamon Grand Colombo with espresso gift to pick up from Café Kai where food can be enjoyed on many levels, in crafted with local ingredients. The unusual, yet has always led the charge with cream and or have it delivered to your different types of ‘plates’. The fresh new look, satisfying blend of components will give guests fine food and drink experiences, and garnish on top. doorstep. To make it a as well as the unique offerings in both food a wide variety of beverages to choose from, to PLATES seems all set to keep A dramatic hassle-free purchase, visit and beverage, which have been developed with complement their meals. building on that momentum. and unusual www.shop.hiltoncolombo1.com.

Patrons participating in the burger challenge

a high-quality place to dine at night, where rules and regulations that we need to adhere to the prices wouldn't break one's wallet. Raban due to the current pandemic.” Over the years, added that Wijesekera and himself were they have acquired a very loyal customer base just after hotel school at that point, filled in Kandy that can't get enough of their food, with ambitious dreams that they hoped so they settled on launching a new menu. to fulfil; they put together a very simple Raban revealed that their most loved and menu consisting of four basic grilled wraps, fastest moving item is their range of burgers. and started off small. They successfully They are so in demand that it has come to be At the action known as Licensed to Grill’s signature dish. station functioned on top of Torrington for three years, until the Kandy City Council decided To this range, in lieu of their anniversary, they to renovate the land, causing them to relocate. took the already present burger and cranked Raban informed us that the City it up notch, to perfect all its elements. They Council had specified a time period in which also added a new range: The Crimsons, which renovations would take place, but they did consists of three brand new burgers. not adhere to it, so moving back to Torrington Raban recommends their Double Decker was looking impossible. From there, they burger that is served with a hefty portion of relocated to a more permanent place, above meat, oozing with cheese, and topped off with HSBC in Kandy. In that time, they also a fried egg and the works. expanded to Colombo briefly in 2019, which Head over to Licensed to Grill to indulge From foodies in a range of mouthwatering dishes, all grilled did not pan out the way they wanted to, because after the Easter Sunday attacks, they to perfection! could not keep up with the losses. PHOTOS LICENSED TO GRILL After two years of functioning on top of for foodies HSBC, they shifted to Primrose Garden, in three founders, explained that back in 2015, Aniwatta, where they still stand tall. there wasn't much opportunity for nightlife “Given the current situation of the world, Licensed to Grill celebrates six years in Kandy, being a very cultural area off the tourism industry has taken a massive Colombo. “Kandy is a very traditional city,” hit. Right now, we are projecting that within he stated, adding: “By 7 p.m., everyone BY VENESSA ANTHONY another two years, we will be able to expand would make their way home and all shops to Colombo.” Licensed to Grill reached their six-year would be closed, and if anyone wanted to In honour of their anniversary, they had milestone on Saturday, 16 January; their story grab a bite to eat, you’d have to opt for either a special offer ongoing where any customer dates back to 2015, when they started off on a small shop by the side of a road, where would receive 15% off on their order from 31 top of Torrington Square right in front of the your only options would be a fried rice or December to 16 January. Raban commented: Clock Tower, located in the middle of Kandy kottu, or hit up an extravagantly expensive No.37/a, George E de Silva “We didn't want to do anything extravagant Town. They were initially recognised as a five-star hotel.” Mawatha, Kandy for our anniversary, because there are many mobile outlet, after which they made a name Seeing that there was no middle ground for themselves as the cafe to be housed in when it came to restaurants in Kandy, Raban 077 741 0666 Kandy. started this initiative with the involvement Licensed to Grill went from a small of his two friends Navoda Wijesekera and @licensed_to_grill 10 x 10 tent, consisting of merely a grill and Dinesh Pathirana, who all together had the Licensed to Grill co-founders a table, to being one of the most happening brilliant idea of opening up a food outlet @00.licensed.TO.grill.00 spots in Kandy. Ramli Raban, one of the which could provide the citizens of Kandy The team of L2G 2018 the morning 11 Tuesday, January 19, 2021 LIFESTYLE/CAUSE The agony of traumatic screen tests THE was stammering and stuttering purest form. It shattered me, to say and sweating with the same the least. intensity. Guruge finally walked Karma, and nothing less, into the studio and perfunctorily would have it that Mrs. Jayamanne DIARIES said: “Putha, I don’t think you can broke all protocol and gave me BY KUMAR DE SILVA ever be a television presenter. the luxury of successive screen Why don’t you concentrate on tests “until you pass the final one, “The Bonsoir Diaries” by production?”, and briskly whenever that is”, she said Kumar de Silva is a cocktail walked away to his office. and hurriedly added: “And of chapters, bursting at their The blow was huge. CHAPTER make it fast for heaven’s Ceremonial inauguration of the Nawala office premises seams with pithy asides, a trail The disappointment sake.” of faux-pas, and tit-bits from was massive. Becoming I went through the behind-the-scenes, marinated a television presenter trauma of messing up was the “in thing” at that 2 successive such screen with anecdotes and drizzled Transco Digital with nostalgia, revealing time. The few who had got tests until I barely managed everything you never saw there were “stars”. They shone, to scrape through screen test on your favourite television sometimes even brighter than film number nine. The sigh of massive stars. I had also dreamt of getting relief I heaved that morning might inaugurates new show…from the‘80s through – le screen test. This was torture. No the ‘90s into 2000. one knew that I stammered! there but found both my dreams and have been heard by the whole of I have been a very bad my hopes shattered! Battaramulla, I thought to myself. Mrs. Jayamanne called me the The studio now was less office in Nawala Aruni Devaraja was the first stammerer since childhood. This was something which I was very next day and asked me if I’d like a intimidating. The silence was Bonsoir host. She steered its second chance. I jumped at the idea comforting. I managed to handle the Transco Digital – an initial six months, from July conscious of, and which haunted international digital marketing me, during every breathing moment. and said: “Yes, please!” Screen test blinding and high-powered lights. to December 1985 and then number two was as disastrous as its What took time was the camera. agency based in Sri Lanka – left. Fortune had it that I was Being at the butt-end of ridicule ushered in the new year with the and jibes for many years only precedent one. So was the blow and One of the secrets was to endow “considered” to host the first the disappointment. I told myself it with a personality, make it your ceremonial inauguration of its compounded the situation. I had new office premises in Nawala. programme for 1986. tried many “cures” such as speech that I was never ever going to hit the “friend”, an old one at that, and television screen. you slip into ease. All of that was The inaugural ceremony was With no prior training in therapy, talking with pebbles in my attended by Transco Holdings television presentation, I was mouth, facing the sea and talking That was about the time I self-taught and it worked wonders. gave up in total self- There has been no turning Managing Director Dr. Charitha literally thrust in front of the camera loud, but nothing of it seemed to Perera and Transco Digital CEO as part of a mandatory requirement work. defeat and absolute back since then… frustration. I had Next week: Dineth Silva, alongside several The screen test was thus well-wishers, family, and friends. t-o-r-t-u-r-e. It was worse in front the mandatory CHAPTER 3 – those Transco Digital CEO Dineth Silva and university degree early recordings at Transco Digital is a Transco Holdings Managing Director of the camera. There I was alone Dr. Charitha Perera in English ITN subsidiary of Transco Holdings in ITN’s Studio 01 facing the which has businesses in freight the best that the industry has to “trio” – the deathly silence of the and French, the French forwarding, logistics, leisure, offer,” stated Transco Digital studio, the glaring lights that poured education, automotive, and CEO Dineth Silva. down on you from all sides, and diploma (from the Alliance several other sectors as well. Transco Digital consists the round little piece of glass which Transco Digital will be providing of a highly skilled team of was supposed to transport you into Française Paris), and the journalism integrated digital marketing professionals who are driven by people’s sitting rooms. solutions to businesses passion, creativity, and strategic On the other side of the glass experience (Daily News, Lake House) around the world, and its intelligence combined with a panel were the formidable Thevis chief services include digital can-do attitude. Staying true to Guruge and the rather stern-looking as required by the French Embassy...but marketing strategy, social media the company’s vision – “Move Nanda Jayamanne, twiddling their management, lead generation, Forward” – the dynamic team fingers and waiting for the miracle what was the point I asked myself. This was failure in its and e-commerce marketing. is constantly driven to move which never happened. There I The company caters to both forward its clients’ businesses. local and international clients Commenting on the team from any industry that needs at Transco Digital, Dineth Silva digital marketing solutions, stated: “We are a group of dedicating strategic sessions for young and driven individuals every client alike. Driven by – with a passion for digital Give us homes please the core idea of infusing digital marketing – who set out to marketing solutions to give disrupt the digital world. Our Diana is homeless again clients a competitive edge for core beliefs are results driven, Diana was adopted by a kind family after their businesses, Transco Digital thereby helping our clients appealing for six months, but due to certain personal is dedicated to achieving real achieve their desirable ROI reasons, the owners can’t manage to look after her, outcomes and creating positive (Return on Investment). We so she will end up back on the streets. As she’s been experiences for its clients in constantly and continuously hold used to a home, she won’t be able to survive on the order to help their businesses our reliability, commitment, road now. She’s very loving and vaccinated for dhl/ grow. open-mindedness, and efficiency parvo and rabies. She will be sterilised soon. She’s “Our primary goal is to combined with creativity, one year old. revolutionise the e-commerce strategy, professionalism, and Would anyone like to adopt her? Even a foster and digital marketing space expertise to a higher standard.” would be of huge assistance. Please call on 0777 567 Diana with innovative ideas, strategic In terms of the year ahead, 122 if you would like to help Diana. Transport can thinking, and creativity. Transco Transco Digital’s vision is to be arranged. You will be changing her life. – our brand – is the main asset expand its range of services and foundation upon which while also reaching a wider 15 bundles of joy in need of kind homes we have built our company. clientele, both within the country Would anyone like to adopt these homeless pups? We're committed to holding and abroad. The company The litter consists of males and females. They are our brand to a higher standard intends to expand the strength of adorable, but sadly because most of them are female, by delivering exceptional its dynamic team to better serve no one wants to adopt them. They are four to five and perceptive services to the its clients and spearhead the weeks old. They won’t last too long on the streets industry and our clients along digital marketing domain. The in this terrible weather. They will be vaccinated, the way. In the ever-changing ultimate goal is to take on the dewormed, and transported. Sterilisation for the pups digital world, our goal is to global market head-on and be a can be arranged when they are older. To adopt and ensure quality in everything we name to be reckoned with in the love them to bits, please call 0777 567 122. do, thereby giving our clients fast-paced industry. Lions Club of Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte and SL Army 54 Division plant trees The value of trees will never diminish; its significance continues to increase as a result of global warming and adverse climate change that is taking place in today’s world. Large-scale destruction of fauna and flora has led to environmental threats disrupting forest coverage, endangering species, and depriving future generations of cleaner air to breathe. As a means of supporting the cause of Additional Cabinet Secretary – Trees being planted in conjunction with the Sri Lanka Army Environment Protection and Project reforestation, the Lions Club Chairman Lion Dilip Benedict of Sri Jayawardenapura acres of land in Kallaru, the Sri Lanka Army, and Kotte (District 306 C1) Additional Cabinet Secretary Mannar, and the Wilpattu other well wishers. The club initiated a mega tree- – Environment Protection border on 3 January 2021. intends to continue the project planting project with the Lion Dilip Benedict, Club The project value of by planting trees in the next From left: Lion Dilip Benedict, PDG Dharma Deerasinghe, Lion Nalaka Hapugoda, and Maj. Gen. Indrajith Bandara support and guidance of the President Lion Nalaka Rs. 600,000 was funded few years. The planted trees Sri Lanka Army. The club Hapugoda, and Maj. Gen. through personal will be under the care of the The Project Chairman, will encourage the environment and take active members with the leadership Indrajith Bandara inaugurated contributions by club Sri Lanka Army for a period Lion Dilip Benedict community to become measures to combat climate of Project Chairman and planting trees across five members, sponsorships, of five years. believes that this project more sensitive towards the change. 12 the morning SPORTS Tuesday, January 19, 2021 DAN LAWRENCE Son of a groundsman who shone in Galle z ‘When he faces his first ball, I’ll have my head under the pillow’

as his fleet footwork and flexible wrists of the first Test at Galle, under the title manoeuvred Sri Lanka’s spinners all over “Dan Lawrence - son of a groundsman, Galle. There were plenty of bad balls to put brother of a wrestler”. away, yet Lawrence gave the majority of Dan grew up with brother Tom in the them the treatment they deserved and fended flat that has been built into the Chingford off the good ones with a solid defence.” pavilion. Later, when Dan was older, home “He’s not faced a great attack but you’ve would only be a few yards to stagger from still got to do it. He controlled his game. the clubhouse bar. As boys, Dan and Tom He played a drive through extra-cover – would play on the outfield as Mark tended it was Pietersen-esque. He looks like a to the square, wrote Stephan Shemilt of player who hasn’t been coached – he looks BBC Sport. natural,” said former England Captain Michael Vaughan. Brother becomes a pro wrestler “Whereas the somersaults have led Amazing last six months Tom, three years younger than Dan, to Meanwhile Lawrence’s father Mark has the squared circle – he is training as a said he was sad not to be present in Sri professional wrestler at Lucha Britannia Lanka for his son’s “amazing” Test debut. in Bethnal Green and performs under the Covid travel restrictions meant Lawrence name ‘David Wreckham’ – the hours in the senior, the groundsman at Chingford Cricket nets helped Dan rapidly rise through the Club in Essex, was unable to be in Sri Lanka. ranks on the way to a career as a cricketer,” Yet six months on from the death of his described BBC. ‘At 23, Dan Lawrence appears to have a wife and Dan’s mum, Claire, following a Dan began trying for Chingford ever long international career ahead of him, long-term illness, Lawrence senior watched since the 2014 season when he piled on on the evidence of a debut innings of 73 proudly on TV as his son made 73 in his more than a 1,000 runs, including three that oozed confidence, class, and poise,’ said British media on the Galle Test first international innings. hundreds and six half-centuries. He had debutante’s first-innings knock “I am so pleased for him, but not being made a hundred for the Chingford first- out there is a bit upsetting,” he said. “I’d XI team at the age of 15 and scored his love to be out there but it is what it is. It is maiden Essex century at 17. ngland won the first cricket Test yesterday (18) in Galle by seven In an article titled, “Dan Lawrence’s just unbelievable. The last six months with wickets. Resuming in the final-day morning with 36 more runs father proud of ‘unbelievable’ debut as the family, with what has happened, it is A sleepless night for father required to win, it took England just 9.2 overs to wrap up the victory. England batsman hits 73 vs. Sri Lanka,” just amazing.” Back at Chingford, in the flat E Stocks wrote that Lawrence’s technique overlooking the cricket ground where On the crease not-out were Jonny in a 182-minute stay at the crease, facing was assured and he looked ready to Early signs it all began, Mark will be awake in the Bairstow (35 n.o.) and Dan Lawrence (on 150 balls while sharing a valuable 173 runs make the transition to Test cricket in an “He (Dan Lawrence) was about six small hours of Thursday (the day the Galle 21 n.o.). Together they posted an unbeaten for the fourth wicket with skipper Joe Root, impressive first innings. or seven. He just picked a bat up and I Test began) morning, “gutted” that the stand of 62 runs for the fourth wicket, with who top-scored with 228 runs. “At 23, Lawrence appears to have a thought I’d show him how to hold it, but coronavirus pandemic was preventing him debutant Lawrence providing support to long international career ahead of him I didn’t have to. He held it the right way from being in Galle. the more experienced Bairstow, leading Not a surprise on the evidence of a debut innings of 73 and his stance was unbelievable. It was “I probably won’t sleep,” said Mark. their side home without any hiccups. “Anyone who has had the pleasure of that oozed confidence, class and poise,” ridiculous. He had watched people at “I’m the worst watcher in the world when Earlier, in the first innings, Lawrence watching Dan Lawrence bat for Essex over he added. Chingford and naturally grasped it. When it comes to Dan. If he plays, I don’t know scored their second-highest individual the past five years would not have been he went to bed he’d have batting gloves what I’ll be doing. When he faces his first score in that innings, tackling the somewhat surprised by his seamless transition into Vaughn’s views on and a bat next to him,” Mark had told ball, I’ll have my head under the pillow. I “alien” subcontinent conditions pretty well. Test cricket,” wrote Chris Stocks of “Getting off the mark to the first ball he BBC Sport, which reported the story of the settle down when he gets to about 20, but He made 73 runs, with six fours and a six inews.co.uk on Friday (15). faced, the youngster never looked back Lawrences on 12 January, before the start before then I’m all over the place.”

SL Tennis Nationals finals on Sunday Janali Manamperi (on right) congratulates zThe day Yasitha and Anika Anika Seneviratne after their women’s singles final on Sunday (17) recorded memorable victories The finals of women’s and men’s singles of the Sri Lanka Tennis Nationals 2020 were held on Sunday (17) at the Sri Lanka Tennis Association (SLTA) hard court in Colombo. Anika Seneviratne beat Janali Manamperi 6/0, 6/4 in women’s finals to clinch her second title in three years (first won in 2018) while Anika with her family – her father Asanga Seneviratne (left) and younger sister Alana, Yasitha de Silva beat Sharmal Dissanayake, who was also a prominent player (second from right) eyeing his fifth successive title this time, 7/6 (7/3), retd. to win his maiden national singles championship. PHOTOS ISHAN WANNIARACHCHI

A section of the crowd who watched the Yasitha de Silva (on right) talks to women’s singles final at the SLTA court Yasitha de Silva is congratulated by his parents. Sharmal Dissanayake (centre) after the on Sunday following Covid-19 health His father U.R. de Silva, former President of the Bar latter retired from the final by conceding guidelines stipulated by the authorities Association of Sri Lanka, is on the right the match due to a shoulder injury the morning 13 Tuesday, January 19, 2021 SPORTS

Jonny Bairstow (centre) celebrates the convincing victory against Sri Lanka with Dan Lawrence yesterday (18) in the first Test in Galle, the historic stronghold of Sri Lanka’s Test cricket PHOTO SLC

Sri Lanka first innings: 135 all out in 46.1 overs England first innings: 421 all out in 117.1 overs Sri Lanka second innings: 359 all out in 136.5 overs England second innings: (Overnight 38/3 in 15 overs)

ENGLAND 2ND INNINGS (TARGET 76) Zak Crawley c Mendis b Embuldeniya 08 Dom Sibley b Embuldeniya 02 Jonny Bairstow not out 35 Joe Root (Capt.) run out (Dickwella) 01 Dan Lawrence not out 21 Extras : (b 4, lb 5) 09 Total : (for 3 wickets in 24.2 overs) 76 Did not bat : Jos Buttler (wk), Sam Curran, Dom Bess, Jack Leach, Mark Wood, and Stuart Broad Fall of wicket :1-3 (Sibley, 0.6 ov), 2-12 (Crawley, 4.6 ov), 3-14 (Root, 5.6 ov) Bowling : Lasith Embuldeniya 12-3-29-, Dilruwan Perera 11.2-2-34, Wanindu Hasaranga 1-0-4-0 ENGLAND GAIN CRUCIAL WTC POINTS Player of the Match: Joe Root of England bowlers did little to disturb the resolve in the second innings and Results in recent pair’s rhythm. fought back admirably. Their Galle Tests With the victory, England openers Kusal Perera and Lahiru Since March 2017 gained 60 points in the World Test Thirimanne shared a 101-run stand. Key: Opposition/result/dates Championship table. They are still Perera made 62, while Thirimanne Lanka lose 1. Vs. Bangladesh: Sri Lanka won fourth on the list and will eagerly slammed a patient 111. The by 259 runs – 7-11 March 2017 await the result of the fourth experienced Angelo Mathews also 2. Vs. India: India won by 304 Australia vs. India Test. chipped in with a hard-fought 71. runs – 26-29 July 2017 Sri Lanka are in sixth place 3. Vs. South Africa: Sri Lanka won with only Pakistan, West Indies, Again in Galle from Friday by 278 runs – 12-14 July 2018 and Bangladesh behind them, However, England’s huge first- 4. Vs. England: England won by consecutively, from the main Tests- innings lead meant that Sri Lanka again in Galle 211 runs – 6-9 November 2018 playing nations at present. had a mountain to scale and could 5. Vs. New Zealand: Sri Lanka only add 73 more before getting won by six wickets – 14-18 More resolve in bowled out for 359. Jack Leach August 2019 second innings picked up five wickets, while Bess 6. Vs. England: England won by Sri Lanka, who had opted to bat added another three to his match seven wickets – 14-18 January first, were thoroughly outplayed tally. 2021 in the first innings, as they Chasing 74, the visitors faltered in stronghold capitulated for 135. Dom Bess the final hour on day four when they was the wrecker-in-chief in the lost their top-order cheaply. However, England finally recorded the inevitable. A thumping seven- lead with the seven-wicket win but eventually managed to scale first innings, as he claimed his Bairstow and Lawrence ensured wicket win. Thus, the Lankans went down for the fifth yesterday (18), gaining crucial the paltry target of 74. Needing 36 second five-wicket haul in Tests. England did not lose any more consecutive time against the Englishmen in Tests in the country, points in the International Cricket on the final day yesterday, the duo In response, England were terrific wickets to see them safely home. and the second back-to-back Test at the venue against the same Council (ICC) World Test of Jonny Bairstow (35 not out) and with the bat, scoring 421 in the first Root was named Player of the opposition within just over two years. Championship (WTC), reported Dan Lawrence (21 not out) shared innings. Match for his first innings knock www.icc-cricket.com. an unbeaten half-century stand Their Captain Joe Root led from of 228, his second double-century The Galle International dropped. It's becoming "the venue to take England home within the the front, scoring his fourth double- against Sri Lanka. The teams will Stadium’s famous tag of “The for the most painful defeats" for the England now fourth first hour on day five. Lawrence ton in Tests. Debutant Lawrence face off in the second Test, also Happy Hunting Ground of the hosts. in the world survived a couple of close calls at also impressed with a well-made 73. in Galle, starting on Friday, 22 Lankans” is slowly but surely being England took a 1-0 series The visitors stuttered at the start, the beginning, but the Sri Lanka Sri Lanka showed more January.

Australia first innings: 369 all out in 115.2 overs India first innings: 336 all out in 111.4 overs AUSTRALIA SECOND INNINGS Australia second innings: (overnight 21/0 in six overs) Marcus Harris c Pant b Thakur 38 David Warner lbw b Sundar 48 Marnus Labuschagne c Sharma b Siraj 25 Steve Smith c Rahane b Siraj 55 Matthew Wade c Pant b Siraj 0 Cameron Green c Sharma b Thakur 37 Tim Paine (Capt./wk) c Pant b Thakur 27 Pat Cummins not out 28 Mitchell Starc c Saini b Siraj 1 Nathan Lyon c Agarwal b Thakur 13 Josh Hazlewood c Thakur b Siraj 9 Extras: (nb 4, w 2, b 5, lb 2) 13 Total: (all out in 75.5 overs) 294 Fall of wickets: 1-89 (Harris, 24.6 ov), 2-91 (Warner, 25.6 He was given the ov), 3-123 (Labuschagne, 30.3 ov), 4-123 (Wade, 30.6 responsibility of India’s ov), 5-196 (Smith, 54.2 ov), 6-227 (Green, 60.5 ov), main strike-bowler and he 7-242 (Paine, 64.6 ov), 8-247 (Starc, 67.3 ov), 9-274 delivered: Mohammed Siraj took a memorable five-wicket (Lyon, 72.1 ov), 10-294 (Hazlewood, 75.5 ov) haul yesterday (18) in Gabba. Bowling: Mohammed Siraj 19.5-5-73-5 (1w), Natarajan Here the bowler as well as 14-4-41-0 (2nb), Washington Sundar 18-1-80-1, Shardul the batsman he got out, Thakur 19-2-61-4 (1w, 1nb), Navdeep Saini 5-1-32-0 Josh Hazlewood, look to the (1nb) heavens, for different reasons PHOTO CRICKET AUSTRALIA INDIA SECOND INNINGS India second innings: (target 328) Rohit Sharma not out 4 Shubman Gill not out 0 Extras: 0 Total: (0 wickets, 1.5 overs) 4 Did not bat: Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (Capt), Mayank Interesting finale to enthralling series Agarwal, Rishabh Pant (wk), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Navdeep Saini, Mohammed Siraj, and Thangarasu Natarajan zAustralia vs. India 4th Test, day four report Bowling: Mitchell Starc 1-0-4-0, Josh Hazlewood 0.5-0-0-0

Rain forced play to be abandoned early requiring a draw to retain the Border- out for 336 in reply to the home side’s first- were forced on the back foot with Marnus on day four of the fourth Test, with India to Gavaskar Trophy, an engrossing series – tied innings total of 369. Labuschagne (25) and Matthew Wade (0) 276, when tea was taken early as showers resume at 4/0 on Tuesday (today), chasing at 1-1 – is a fitting finale as Australia presses But as they have done time and again this gone. passed over the Gabba. 328 on a deteriorating Gabba pitch. for the win they need to claim the coveted series, the undermanned tourists dug deep Paine’s men were 149/4 at lunch, but Steve Australia were bowled out for 294 in their prize. and hit back. Shardul Thakur (4/61) had Smith was able to lift the tempo after the Possible declaration second innings after skipper Tim Paine chose An emotional five-for for Mohammed Harris caught behind on 38, and the dismissal restart, belting 55 from 74 balls before Siraj As conjecture swirled about a possible not to declare, with Rohit Sharma (4 not out) Siraj (5/73) was the highlight as the sides sparked a collapse that saw Australia lose removed him with a brute of a delivery that declaration, Paine sent Pat Cummins (28 not and Shubman Gill (0 not out) facing just 11 traded blows on Monday (18), in yet another 34/4 in seven overs approaching the lunch reared off a length and was well-caught by out) and Mitchell Starc (1) back out after the deliveries of the remaining 25 overs to be absorbing contest between the combatants. break. Ajinkya Rahane in the slips. Cameron Green break as he searched for a larger buffer. bowled on day four before rain set in. never found rhythm on his way to 37 from An emotional Siraj, whose father passed Australia second essay Aus on back foot 90 balls, and was on his way when Sharma away in November, gestured to the sky after Emotional five-for for Siraj David Warner and Marcus Harris resumed Warner was next to go, trapped in front by took his fifth catch of the Test, the most by Thakur caught Josh Hazlewood (9) in the In its yesterday’s match report, at 21/0 and quickly pushed Australia’s lead Washington Sundar (1/80) on 48, and when an Indian player in a Brisbane Test. deep to end Australia’s second innings and icc-cricket.com said that with India only out to 122 runs, after India were bowled Siraj struck twice in four balls, Australia The home side was 243/7, with a lead of seal the first five-wicket haul of his career. A missed opportunity: Man United boss Limited crowd at Tokyo 2020 opening Manchester United “missed an Tokyo 2020 has said it will “reconsider” the number of athletes present opportunity” to beat Liverpool, at the opening and closing ceremonies, amid suggestions that said boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, around 6,000 of the 11,000 participants will be permitted to attend. after his side stayed top of the Organisers have consistently said Premier League with a goalless the ceremonies at the Games, draw against the champions on postponed to this year because of Sunday (17). It was a game that the Covid-19 pandemic, are set to failed to justify the pre-match be “simpler and more restrained”. anticipation and Solskjaer knew The pandemic is likely to see his side had the better chances organisers reduce the number of to claim a statement victory at athletes present for the opening Anfield. and closing ceremonies. Tuesday, January 19, 2021

India may not participate in the Asia Sri Lanka was announced to be the host Cup, which Sri Lanka is going to host of the Asia Cup T20 competition this year. insports June, Indian media said yesterday The event that was originally entitled to be hosted by Pakistan was cancelled last year (18). The reason has been cited as due to the pandemic. Here is the previous “due to the coronavirus pandemic”. event’s champion India celebrating their victory in 2018 in UAE “The Asia Cup was supposed to be played in 2020 in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup but it had to be postponed after India decided to go ahead with the Indian Premier League (IPL). Pakistan, who will host the tournament in a different country, however, are going to suffer another hurdle with India is all set to turn its back once again,” said Times of India yesterday. It was all but confirmed last year that Sri Lanka is the “different country” which was going to host the event in light of the fact that Pakistan was unable to host it, as India will quit if they are the hosts. ‘Promoting goodwill in Asia’ In June 2020, following a meeting with the event’s rights holders, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said they would be willing to let Sri Lanka host the tournament, with India unwilling to travel to Pakistan. Asia Cup 2021 will be a T20I tournament. The competition was established initially as an ODI tournament, in 1983 when the ACC was founded as a measure to promote goodwill between Asian countries. It was originally scheduled to be held every two years. India to host SL as compensation The ACC issued a press release following the June 2020 meeting, stating: “In light of the impact and consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic, possible venue options for the Asia Cup 2020 were discussed and it was decided to take a final decision in due course.” When they released the 2021 calendar fixtures last December, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced that the event had been scheduled in Sri Lanka for the June 2021 window. The loss of hosting of events of that magnitude is a major blow for SLC Major blow! coffers. An India vs. Pakistan encounter, which happens mainly in the Asia Cup, generally zTeam India likely to skip Asia Cup in Sri Lanka attracts massive regional attention and TV viewership. report predicted, “…but that will spell doom final. If India didn't make the final, the That battle may resume, who knows? India happening is likely to upset the PCB more The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket for Pakistan”, it confirmed. industry would’ve preferred the Asia Cup will fight to keep its October-November than any other country, it is reiterated. The in India) also wants to host South Africa instead. Now, the chance of such a thing (Dussehra-Diwali Festival) window to play 2019 edition of the tournament was PCB’s and New Zealand after their England series IPL 2021 to get a larger window happening looks bleak so it’s a kind of at home and ensure the IPL gets a larger to host, which the Ehsan Mani-led board in August-September, as a preparation for The Times of India added yesterday: catch-22 right now,” quoting those who are window (March, added to the April-May). had decided to first host at a neutral venue the home T20 World Cup. Therefore, there “Further, the Asia Cup – even if it was “tracking developments”. These are matters that’ll test the efficacy (United Arab Emirates) and later decided to is a possibility of India hosting Sri Lanka scheduled – would’ve probably been played “Australia and South Africa had initiated of the upcoming FTP (ICC’s Future Tours share it with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). in a series to make up for the absence of around the same time as the International a battle for Boxing Day some years ago, Programme),” those in the know had said. “We’ll have to wait and see how this one a tournament like the Asia Cup, the said Cricket Council (ICC) Test Championship which Cricket Australia (CA) clearly won. In the meantime, the Asia Cup not plays out,” sources had further added. Ranjan Madugalle’s notes on self-belief INTERCEPTION by Malinda Seneviratne

Alana (left) and Anika Seneviratne, We wrote in this column about journeys, two sisters who entered the Sri Lanka leadership, and “core-beliefs” following a rare Tennis Nationals’ women’s doubles final comment or rather a piece of advice offered by on Monday (18) at the SLTA in Colombo Ranjan Madugalle. This would be the fourth in PHOTO ISHAN WANNIARACHCHI what some might dub “Ranjan’s technique”. He has been described, after all, as a technically SRI LANKA TENNIS NATIONALS 2020 correct bat by commentators, back when he played for Royal, the NCC, and Sri Lanka. International Cricket Council Match Referee Ranjan Madugalle (left) inspects the toss before the first Test So this is about circumstances. He said: in Galle on 14 January. Sri Lanka Captain Dinesh Chandimal tosses the coin as England Skipper Joe Root “Never take a step back; don’t ever think you looks on PHOTO SLC Anika and Janali are only half as good just because you are born Self-belief in a certain part of this world.” Where you are they have to take risks and sometimes get the born or rather the location of your family in calculation all wrong. If the RRR keeps rising Remember this. Someone might be born a structure that is marked by inequality, will or if a couple of wickets are lost, the mountain with all the advantages you never had, but set up another fight of course determine to a certain extent, the they need to climb can seem steeper than first this doesn’t necessarily mean he/she has a diga-palala of the universe of opportunity to thought. free and an easy ride to the top. Even such Anika Seneviratne and Janali ousted the title-defending Dissanayake better yourself. There are haves and have-nots. people have to work hard. Think of it this Manamperi, who met up in the and Rukmal Coory 6/2, 6/3 in the Economy counts. Location matters. We know Unshackling yourself way: just because someone seems to have singles final on Sunday (17), set quarter-finals earlier. all this. There’s always a mountain to climb though. more talent than the rest of their peers, it up another tussle when they – The doubles finals will take place No mountain is climbed by a hop, step, and a doesn’t mean they will invariably come respectively with their partners Alana today (19). Only after you reach out jump. Some have a head start, good shoes (and out a champion. Talent can help, but it’s a Seneviratne (Anika’s younger sister) What Ranjan says is essentially that you can an extra pair!), and have a map drawn for them small factor in all that it takes to overcome and Savini Jayasuriya – won their Results: give up, or you can fight. You can fight against that shows the least strenuous paths. obstacles and walk the distance. semi-final encounters on Monday Women’s doubles semi-finals: the odds, or you can tell yourself that “it’s Some just do not. They start from scratch. It’s the same with “circumstances”. They (18) in Colombo’s Sri Lanka Tennis Anika Seneviratne and Alana beyond me, it’s not worth even trying”. Yes, it They have a longer way to go. They have poor help, but it doesn’t mean that: a) those who Association (SLTA) hard courts. Anika Seneviratne beat Oneli Perera and could be beyond your reach, but that you will shoes, if they have any at all. No maps. No are “lucky” will become “great”, or b) those Seneviratne beat Manamperi in straight Sethmi Sumanaweera 6/1, 6/3 find out only if you’ve reached out. guides. They make their own maps. They learn who are not, are condemned to a pedestrian sets in the singles final. Janali Manamperi and Savini Ranjan is about cricket, so let’s use a what works and what does not the hard way. rating at the end of the day. Meanwhile in the men’s segment, Jayasuriya beat Neyara Weerawansa cricketing metaphor. Scoreboards. Scoreboard Yes, by falling. Self-belief, Ranjan says, is important. Yashita de Silva, who is fresh from and Tuvini de Alwis 6/3, 3/6, 10/7 pressure. We’ve heard that term, haven’t we? However, they can, after a fall, decide to turn Back yourself; that’s what he is saying. Stop his singles title win over Sharmal Men’s doubles semi-finals: The team batting first in white-ball cricket, back, or they can stand up and keep walking. whining, that’s what he says. Be the best Dissanayake, also on Sunday, partnered Yashita de Silva and Sankha for example, could put up a massive score. That’s what most (but of course not all) of you can be, but try to be even better than Sankha Atukorale to reach the event’s Atukorale beat Nishendiran Sivendran Immediately, the team batting second is under those who’ve succeeded in life (in sports, what anyone, including yourself, expects. final. and Michael Siyaguna 6/1, 6/3 pressure. Their RRR (required run rate) can professions, or anything else) have done. You can reach the writer on Their opponents in the final will be Chathurya Nilaweera and Thehan gnaw at them. They know that they’ve got They’ve chosen to unshackle themselves from [email protected] or the young pair of Chathurya Nilaweera Wijemanne beat Archana Lokuge and to be within striking distance. They know the fetters that constrain their minds. www.malindawords.blogspot.com and Thehan Wijemanne. The young duo Dilvan Herath 5/7, 6/2, 11/9