„„ www.themorning.lk „„ Late City VOL 01 | NO 16 Rs. 30.00 { MONDAY } MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021 PRESCHOOL CHILDREN WINDIES WRAP UP FAR MORE DISCIPLINED FIRST OVERSEAS TEST THAN OLDER STUDENTS SERIES AFTER 2017

SENSELESS TRAVEL BUBBLE: DESTRUCTION OF A SL AWAITS WORD PROTECTED WETLAND? FROM INDIA »SEE PAGE 4 »SEE PAGE 11 »SEE PAGE 7 »SEE PAGE 15 Domestic talks on Stats don’t match, WCT begin today z New committee to discuss 85-15%

BY PAMODI WARAVITA Speaking to The Morning yesterday (14), Secretary to complain PHIs, GMOA The Ministry of Ports the Ministry of Ports and and Shipping will begin Shipping U.D.C. Jayalal discussions pertaining to said that a new committee z Say discrepancies could create z Health Min’s Epidemiology the development of the West will begin discussions on Container Terminal (WCT) the WCT today, where the false sense of security Unit defends numbers today (15), with a new proposed shareholding split committee already formed of 85% and 15% in favour BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI President M.G. Upul Rohana told The Zoysa said that discrepancies in hospital to look into the matter, The of India would be discussed. Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) are complaining that the number of Morning yesterday (14). capacities being reported via official Morning learnt. Contd. on page 2 Covid-19 cases seen in the field are higher than the officially reported The Morning reported last week that sources and the numbers that medical numbers, and that this could lead to the general public not grasping the the Government Medical Officers’ staff in those respective hospitals extent of the spread of the virus. Association (GMOA) too had pointed encounter daily, are making health out that there were discrepancies reported workers lose faith in the information No agreement yet on “There are discrepancies between numbers we find in the field,” Public in the patient numbers. Speaking to us, provided. the numbers officially reported and the Health Inspectors’ Union (PHIU) GMOA Deputy Secretary Dr. Naveen de Contd. on page 2 WCT from Indian Govt. Despite reports that India (WCT), The Morning learnt that has officially communicated its there has been no agreement or FOR MY SWEETIE! Crucial Covid control agreement to the development communication to that effect yet. meeting today of the West Container Terminal Contd. on page 2 BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI be held today (15). about a looming lockdown, Health Services Deputy Dr. Herath said that A meeting that will Director General Dr. although a lockdown is determine the changes to be Hemantha Herath told The always advisable from a made to ’s Covid- Morning yesterday (14) that health perspective, such 19 response and related a meeting will be held today decisions should be made health guidelines, following where several decisions after taking the daily lives of the detection of the highly would be taken about the the country’s citizens and the transmissible UK variant way forward. economy into consideration. B.1.1.7 in the country, will Responding to rumours Contd. on page 2 SL’s Covid Ex-Speaker variant spreads Lokubandara to Australia, succumbs to Covid Former Speaker of Parliament W.J. M. Singapore Lokubandara passed away yesterday (14) while being treated for Covid-19 at the The local SARS-CoV-2 variant of B.1.411 National Institute of Infectious Diseases at lineage, which had been reported only in Sri the age of 81. Lanka till mid-January, has since been detected The Former (UNP) in Australia and Singapore, The Morning learnt Minister and Chief Whip of the Opposition yesterday (14). was father to former United People’s Freedom Speaking to us, University of Sri Alliance (UPFA) MP Udith Lokubandara. Jayewardenepura (USJ) Department of Having entered politics in 1977, W.J.M. Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Allergy Lokubandara was elected to Parliament Immunology, and Cell Biology Unit Director from Haputale. Dr. Chandima Jeewandara said that this SARS- He also served as Minister of Education CoV-2 variant, which was responsible for the and Higher Education and Minister of A customer buying roses for his Valentine yesterday (14) opposite the outbreak in Sri Lanka since October 2020, Cultural Affairs, Information, Indigenous General Hospital in PHOTO LALITH PERERA has been detected in Australia and Singapore. Medicine, and Technical Education during Contd. on page 2 his political career. COVID-19 CASES ‘We’ll fight from Sathosa ACTIVE CASES TOTAL CASES within GoSL’ revenue jumps 75,654 z Wimal, Udaya, BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE after prices fall Vasudeva not DEATHS RECOVERED Cabinet Ministers , Udaya BY PAMODI WARAVITA 6,568 to leave Gammanpila, and will The recorded revenue of Lanka Sathosa 390 68,696 continue to remain in the Government whilst outlets saw an increase of 35% last week after SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU z Dual citizens fighting to ensure it stays true to the mandate the reduction of prices of 27 essential goods THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 10.10 P.M. ON 14 FEBRUARY 2021 must not hold provided to it by the people, The Morning learnt. by the Ministry of Trade, The Morning learnt. office: Udaya Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 42 „„ www.themorning.lk { NEWS } Monday, February 15, 2021 MIGRANT WORKERS STRANDED IN KUWAIT PAYING RESPECTS TO JAYALAL Ethera Api to hand over petition to President BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE migrant workers were allowed to The Ethera Api organisation which is affiliated to the Janatha depart without paying travel costs Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and represents Sri Lankan migrant where the Kuwaiti Government workers, is signing a petition to be handed over to the provided tickets for them.” President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and Kuwaiti According to Supun, the Sri Ambassador calling for their immediate intervention on behalf Lankan Embassy in Kuwait was of the affected Sri Lankans in Kuwait, The Morning learnt. not supporting this process, as the officers did not attend to the airport- The collection of signatures for facilities; 6) To provide immediate related procedures, claiming that the petition is being done by the solutions to the existing problems the Sri Lankan Government did Kuwaiti Branch of Ethera Api. of the Embassy and to provide the not allow workers to come to the Speaking to The Morning, Kuwait- necessary facilities to intervene in country during that period. based Ethera Api activist Indika the problems faced by Sri Lankans “A total of 460 Sri Lankan migrant Supun said that this petition lists living abroad; and 7) Mediate to workers were repatriated from seven demands. obtain a general amnesty period Kuwait. They had passports, but The demands are as follows: 1) for those without valid visas in the what about the workers who had The allocation of funds from the Rs. Middle East in order to travel to no supportive documents? Around 4 billion Kuwait Compensation Fund Sri Lanka. 2,000 workers did not have passports and the insurance cover charges “We don’t see a proper or any legal document. These taken from the workers, to develop involvement from the Government documents should be provided by a proper programme for Covid- concerning the migrant workers in the Sri Lankan Embassy in Kuwait The funeral service for Jayalal Rohana, who passed away on Thursday (11) 19 pandemic; 2) Repatriates to be Kuwait,” Supun claimed. – which they did not provide.” selected according to the order, According to him, there are around Speaking to The Morning last following the priority list of the 120,000 Sri Lankan migrant workers week, State Minister of Regional Embassy; 3) Repatriate persons who in Kuwait, 18,000 of who are staying Co-operation Tharaka Balasuriya Accomplice of Kanjipani Imran and are suffering from illnesses or other without proper visa even though they said that the Ministry is doing their serious problems at the expense of came to Kuwait under the Sri Lanka best to make sure that the workers the Government; 4) Allow workers Bureau of Foreign Employment are looked after. five others arrested in Keselwatta to be self-quarantined at homes (SLBFE) registration. Meanwhile, SLBFE General Six persons including a heroin and a hand grenade Meanwhile, he said a Another suspect, identified if they do not test positive after “The Kuwaiti Government issued Manager Mangala Randeniya said suspect named Mohomaed in Keselwatta, Colombo 38-year-old female suspect as Badowita Asanka, was the polymerase chain reaction an amnesty allowing visa violators that the National Operations Centre Ajeem, an accomplice of yesterday (14), Police was arrested with 150 arrested by the STF along (PCR) test; 5) Allow Covid- to leave Kuwait during the period for Prevention of Covid-19 Outbreak Kanjipani Imran, have been Spokesman DIG Ajith grams of heroin and Rs. with 146 grams of heroin at 19-positive migrant workers to from 25 April to 30 April 2020, (NOCPCO) is still discussing this arrested with 20 grams of Rohana said yesterday. 950,000 in cash at Wattala. Piliyandala. receive government quarantine without paying fines. Sri Lankan matter.

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Stats don’t... No agreement... samples from Colombo, Avissawella, and quarantine centres through CARTOON OF THE DAY “Certain data about hospital Following Foreign Minister Dinesh genome sequencing conducted by the capacities are contradictory. Though Gunawardena’s statement yesterday University of Sri Jayewardenepura these contradictions may not reach the (14) that a proposal was made to Department of Immunology and public, they reach the healthcare sector, give the WCT to India, rumours of Molecular Medicine, Allergy and they are aware of the true numbers India’s acceptance of the proposal Immunology, and Cell Biology Unit in their respective hospitals. When were widely circulated. However, The from January to the first week of these numbers are not included in the Morning learnt that an agreement has February. officially declared numbers, it makes not yet been reached either officially them lose faith in the information or unofficially. given out.” After the collapse of the tripartite ‘We’ll fight... When inquired as to the cause agreement between India, Japan, “We promised that to the public. We of such discrepancies, Ministry and Sri Lanka with regard to the have not forgotten our responsibilities of Health Epidemiology Unit development of the East Container and leaving the Government would Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Terminal (ECT) of the Colombo Port, be irresponsible. We do not foresee Samaraweera told The Morning which was proposed to be on a 51:49 the creation of a new coalition by yesterday that there is room for stake, discussions moved on to handing us,” said Minister of Energy Udaya discrepancies and that the numbers over the WCT for development to a Gammanpila speaking to The Morning released to the public by the unit foreign party. yesterday (14). are “cleaned” data as opposed to State Minister of Regional When asked about the closed door the “uncleaned” data collected in Co-operation Tharaka Balasuriya told meeting held at Wimal Weerawansa’s administrative data systems. The Morning last week that, during its residence, he said it was nothing “The same test sample is sent for initial discussions with the Sri Lankan special. However, any talks among tests multiple times and there could company handling the public-private the political parties in the alliance is be duplications in the administrative in Sri Lanka, namely John important and the next meeting will be data systems which are cleaned before Keells Holdings, India’s Adani Group held on 25 February, he said. publication. The administrative data of Companies was willing to take on Last week, Minister of Industries systems are for internal use and do the WCT. Wimal Weerawansa made a statement not reflect the actual numbers. So, to the print media suggesting the the numbers in these systems may be removal of Prime Minister Mahinda higher than the accurate numbers that Crucial Covid... Rajapaksa from Sri Lanka Podujana are finally released after cleaning the “Lockdowns are always good to Peramuna’s (SLPP) leadership and data through cross checking.” prevent transmission, but they affect President Gotabaya Rajapaksa be When inquired about discrepancies people’s daily lives. So all of that appointed in his place. witnessed by PHIs, Dr. Samaraweera should be factored in when making SLPP Secretary General MP Sagara “If a dual citizen holds a key Singapore, Dr. Jeewandara said. “For example, if one good said that certain cases that are identified such decisions,” he said, adding that Kariyawasam shot back saying that position in Sri Lanka and commits As at yesterday, Australia had a previously had 20 sellers, we have by PHIs in their MOH (Medical Officer today’s meeting will determine what Weerawansa must immediately retract any crime, they can easily escape to total Covid-19 case count of 28,898 eliminated most of the middlemen of Health) areas could have been the next steps in Covid-19 control and apologise for his statement. another country of residence. The and 909 deaths, while Singapore had and now buy the good from only calculated by the Ministry of Health would be. Gammanpila also commented on second reason is the lack of trust 2,969 cases and 29 deaths in total. two or three direct sellers,” he said. under a different area, such as the The Public Health Inspectors’ Kariyawasam’s statement saying: the public has on a dual citizenship Meanwhile, the USJ Molecular Although the Ministry of Trade area of the workplace of the infected (PHIs) Union holds that a countrywide “I don’t see anything wrong with holder when it comes to agreement Medicine, Allergy Immunology, reduced the prices of 27 essential person if the infection took place at lockdown should be imposed until the Wimal Weerawansa’s statement. or diplomatic missions. For example, and Cell Biology Unit detected the goods at Lanka Sathosa, co-operative, that workplace. country has a better understanding of Prime Minister let’s say the Minister of Ports is a UK variant B.1.1.7, which has a and Q-shops from last Monday (8), the transmissibility and the impact has also stated that it’s not wrong. dual citizen and an Indian. If that higher transmissibility than the Sri Major Pandithage said that samba of the new coronavirus variant in Sagara Kariyawasam has a right to person engages with an agreement Lankan variant, in Sri Lanka last rice, BCC soap, imported canned Domestic talks... Sri Lanka. comment but we are offended by his like East Container Terminal (ECT), week. After sequencing 92 SARS- fish, and chicken were not available The shareholding is to be split Speaking to The Morning, PHIs’ comment. He was not even a member people would obviously say that the CoV2 viruses from January to the last week. However, he assured The this way to allow India to match Union President M.G. Upul Rohana when Minister Weerawansa created this Minister is partial as he is an Indian first week of February, 16 viruses Morning that chicken would be the shareholding that China has in said that a countrywide lockdown party. We see his political immaturity and that he would be loyal to his other belonging to this UK variant were available at the reduced price from Colombo International Container should be imposed until more details through these comments.” country instead of Sri Lanka,” said detected in Colombo, Avissawella, today (15) and BCC soap would be Terminals (CICT), where China’s state- about the activity of this new variant Attempts to contact SLPP Secretary Gammanpila. and in quarantine centres. Three out available from tomorrow (16). owned China Merchants Port Holdings inside the country is learnt. General MP Sagara Kariyawasam by According to Gammanpila, after of 16 viruses were detected from Despite numerous attempts by The (CMPH) enjoys an 85% stake. “We should go into a lockdown until The Morning proved futile. the Central Bank bond scam, the the community, while the rest were Morning, the National Co-operative Jayalal said the Government would we know the impact this variant has Commenting on dual citizens holding Government failed to bring Arjuna from quarantine centres. Council of Sri Lanka could not be reach out to the Governments of India in Sri Lanka since we don’t have an office, Gammanpila said that his party Mahendran back to Sri Lanka or to A special health authority meeting contacted for comment on whether and Japan after these discussions are understanding of those aspects yet.” Pivithuru Hela Urumaya has clearly commence legal proceedings against is to be held today to determine the co-operative shops had also concluded. However, National Operation explained the reasons to oppose dual him for the past five years due to him steps to be taken in order to control implemented the price reduction Earlier this month, the Prime Centre for Prevention of Covid- citizenship in its proposals for a new holding dual citizenship. the spread of this new variant and mechanisms. Minister’s Office said the Sri Lankan 19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) Head and Constitution. According to Gammanpila these other routine changes. When contacted, Consumer Affairs Government has decided to run the Army Commander Gen. Shavendra “President Gotabaya Rajapaksa are the only reasons they objected to Authority (CAA) Chairman Major East Container Terminal (ECT) as a Silva denied reports of a countrywide promised to introduce a clause dual citizens holding key positions, General D.M.S. Dissanayaka told fully Sri Lankan-owned operation with lockdown while speaking to the which would not allow dual and have no personal grudges with Sathosa... The Morning that the market would 100% shareholding by the state-run media yesterday. citizens to contest in Presidential . “The average revenue at outlets eventually adjust to these reduced Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), “The Government has not taken or Parliamentary elections before has increased by 35% since the prices. succumbing to pressure from the trade any such decision to impose a November 2021. Clearly, this is prices reduced on the 8th,” Lanka The Ministry of Trade decided unions that opposed the joint venture countrywide lockdown. However, not about Mr. Basil Rajapaksa,” SL’s Covid... Sathosa Chief Executive Officer to reduce the prices of 27 essential to develop the strategic cargo terminal. the Government remains vigilant over he added. “Our variant was assigned a (CEO) Major Anura Pandithage told goods; namely red raw rice, white raw On the same day, the Cabinet the cases of new Covid-19 variants Gammanpila further noted that if unique lineage after the continuous The Morning yesterday (14). rice, white nadu, samba, keeri samba, approved a proposal to develop the that are being reported across the Basil Rajapaksa wanted to come into submission of data and is now referred Major Pandithage added that on wheat flour, white sugar, brown WCT as a public-private partnership country and will take action under the politics, he could do so after renouncing to as the Sri Lankan lineage or the the day that government pensioners sugar, tea, Australian red lentils, (PPP) with India and Japan by instructions of the health authorities,” his dual citizenship just as President B.1.411 lineage which has been receive their monthly pension salary Indian big onions, local potatoes, cancelling the decision made by the he said. Gotabaya Rajapaksa did. “But Mr. detected in Australia and Singapore, (usually falling on the second week Pakistani potatoes, chickpeas, dried previous United National Front (UNF)- However, it was reported that the Basil Rajapaksa himself said that he apart from being detected only in Sri of the month), the income at Sathosa chilli, local canned fish, imported led Government to call for investments guidelines pertaining to gatherings has no intention to come into politics,” Lanka since mid-January.” outlets increased by 60%. canned fish, Thai sprats, chicken, for the development of the ECT. are to be revised soon given the said Gammanpila. Updated data from yesterday According to Major Pandithage, crystal salt, powdered milk, soybean Yesterday (14), Foreign Minister current Covid-19 situation in the Commenting further on why dual shows that the variant, which is the elimination of the middleman oil, BCC laundry soap, laundry told India’s News country. citizens should not be allowed in key seen in 95% cases in Sri Lanka, when purchasing the goods has soap, body soap, hand wash, and 18 channel that a proposal was made The highly transmissible UK positions in Sri Lanka, Gamanpila has now been seen in 3% of cases resulted in benefits to both the facemasks (Sri Lanka Standards to give the WCT to India. variant B.1.1.7 was detected in noted two reasons. in Australia and 2% of cases in consumer and to Lanka Sathosa. Institute [SLS]-certified). 43 Monday, February 15, 2021 { NEWS } „„ www.themorning.lk Tamil issues constantly Age-old cultivation activities don’t harm raised with SL, PM environment: Prez Modi tells Chennai Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi Eastern Sri Lanka with 4,000 houses in the has said that the issue of Tamil rights has been plantation areas.” taken up consistently with Sri Lanka and that Speaking on the issue of fishermen’s rights, the Government was committed to ensuring the Prime Minister stated that the Central that they live with equality, justice, peace, and Government will ensure the protection of dignity, Times of India reported yesterday (14). their rightful interests. Speaking after the inauguration and “My Government will always protect the foundation stone laying ceremony of several rightful interests of our fishermen. We’ve key projects in Chennai, PM Modi said: “The ensured early release whenever fishermen are issue of Tamil rights has been taken up by us apprehended in Sri Lanka,” PM Modi said. consistently with Sri Lanka. We are committed “Over 1,600 fishermen have been released to ensuring that they live with equality, justice, during our tenure. Currently, there are no peace, and dignity. Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan custody. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa making observations at the ‘Discussion with the Village’ programme “Our Government has always taken care of Similarly, 313 boats have also been released held on Saturday (13) the welfare and aspirations of our Tamil brothers and we’re working for the return of all other and sisters in Sri Lanka. It is my honour to be boats,” he added. Cultivation activities that have been carried President Rajapaksa, in an evaluation of the only Indian Prime Minister to have visited “The problems of our fishermen are out for generations since the time of our the potential of the Meemure area as a tourist Jaffna. Through development works, we’re Indian PM Narendra Modi in Chennai longstanding. Without going into the history ancestors do not harm the environment, destination, stressed the need to improve ensuring the welfare of the Sri Lankan Tamil of this problem, I want to assure our fishermen President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has said, facilities for adventurous water sports and other community as well,” he added. given by our Government have been much community that my Government is committed adding that people living in villages have accommodations and facilities to promote Speaking about the development work more than in the past. The projects include to protecting their rightful interests in Sri always protected the rural environment of tourism in the area. The President drew this to for the community, he said: “The resources 50,000 houses for displaced Tamils in North- Lanka,” the PM added. their villages and never destroyed it. the attention of officials and instructed them The President made these remarks to take the necessary measures to identify INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST THE USE OF CHILD SOLDIERS participating in the “Discussion with the the places and activities of tourist attraction, Village” programme held on Saturday (13) at including hiking; educate and train the local the Meemure Junior School premises in the people to enter the tourism industry; and Ududumbara Divisional Secretariat Division, provide ATM facilities by a state bank to the Child soldiers were glorified Kandy District, according to a press release village of Meemure. by the President’s Media Division (PMD). Minister of Agriculture Mahindananda President Rajapaksa, upon arrival in the Aluthgamage pointed out that Meemure could Kaikawala Junior School, on his way to attend attract more tourists by encouraging farmers by diaspora: Mohan Peiris the public gathering, engaged in a very cordial to use organic fertilisers in the cultivation of discussion with the students and teachers of vegetables and fruits. While the actual child soldiers systematic radicalisation of Tamil the school as well as with their parents, and When enasal (cardamom) cultivation were physically in Sri Lanka, youths. inquired about the existing shortcomings of was taken up for discussion, the Minister of they were being aided, sponsored, “It is evident that systematic the school. Agriculture was tasked to appoint a committee and glorified by segments of the psychological conditioning of President Rajapaksa also opened the “smart to investigate the matter and take formal diaspora abroad, Sri Lanka’s students to become martyrs and classroom” equipped with computers donated action in that regard. In addition, it was also Permanent Representative to the terrorists started with this group by Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT)-Mobitel to discussed to examine the reasons for poor United Nations (UN) in New York of non-state actors long before Kaikawala Primary School. The computers yield in pepper cultivation as well. Mohan Peiris said on Friday (12). it manifested itself in Islamist donated by SLT-Mobitel to the Meemure The President directed that immediate steps Peiris expressed these views madrasas. Junior School and televisions and internet be taken to rehabilitate and re-activate the at the virtual event titled “Early “This is extremely unfortunate, connections donated by Dialog Axiata were electric fence preventing elephant intrusion Warning to Early Action: and continues even today. It is also handed over to the Principal of the school and to provide solutions to the land issues in Implementing the Vancouver important that in our efforts to by the President. the area promptly. Principles to Prevent and End the combat this gruesome ordeal, we The President also participated in the It was advised to rectify the persisting Recruitment and Use of Child do not forget the sophisticated inaugural tour of the newly added bus route shortage of teachers in the schools in Meemure, Soldiers”, which was held on Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the UN in New York Mohan Peiris mechanisations of various non- by the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) Kumbukgolla, and Kaikawala, and to develop Friday in view of the International addressing the session state actors to further their cause which would ply the Ududumbara road in infrastructure facilities including IT rooms and Day against the Use of Child of terror. Meemure. libraries. It was also decided to provide other Soldiers. foreign countries, ostensibly for the “Our efforts to move forward The village of Meemure is located at one miscellaneous facilities in the preschools and He said Sri Lanka experienced purpose of imparting knowledge on on these issues must ensure that end of the Kandy District, 40 km away from Dhamma schools in the area. The President the sad phenomenon of child culture and language to diaspora we do not allow them to use the Hunnasgiriya on the Kandy-Mahiyangana road also brought attention to building a common soldiers at the hands of a group I must refer to the mandates children. Under the fine and same procedures that we use to and 35 km from the borders of the Badulla and teachers’ dormitory for all three schools as of non-state actors that terrorised and early warning chapters laudable cover of teaching the foster and propagate our ideals Matale Districts. The village is considered to well. the country for nearly 30 years. in the Vancouver Principles, younger generation their culture of humanity at the UN for their be the heart of the Knuckles Natural Reserve, Restoration of canal culverts and the supply He further said: “Following which opens up a wide window and values, something far more own purposes. a United Nations Educational, Scientific, of clean drinking water have been identified the neutralisation of this group in of scenarios. We cannot be sinister and scary was being carried “Most often, children end up a and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) as two other basic requirements in these 2009, the Government of Sri Lanka heard to turn a blind eye to out, and that is the brainwashing of numerical notation on international World Heritage Site. The Karambaketiya, areas. It was also decided to expedite the undertook the substantial task of some of the activities of these small children into a state of hate of podiums, and scant regard is paid as Kumbukkolla, Pusse-Ela, Kaikawala, and development of communication and internet rehabilitating these children and non-state actors who, nationalities they are falsely made to to why children are made to carry Meemure Grama Niladhari Divisions belong facilities in the area. reuniting them with their families. as we speak, are engaged in believe were antagonistic to them. arms and under what circumstances to the Ududumbara Divisional Secretariat. The President instructed the Secretary to the “I would now like to show a few the very activity which we are “We have found that some of they become victims of movements These villages have 378 families with a total Ministry to examine the issues pertaining to photos that depict the rehabilitation seeking to stop these institutions had very close that would do anything to ensure population of 1,127. Paddy farming is the main drinking water needs in Pusse-Ela, Kaikawala, programme conducted by Sri Sri Lanka’s Permanent associations with this group of that their agendas are realised. livelihood of the villagers. Others engage in Hasalaka, and Weragama in the Ududumbara Lanka for the ex-child soldiers, Representative to the UN non-state actors and were actually “The Vancouver Principles are the cultivation of minor export crops such as area and provide solutions promptly. where we treated these children in New York their front organisations and were something that is long overdue pepper and that of kithul-related industries. The President also noted that the clean Mohan Peiris like our own children. And apart being used to propagate their illegal for the reason that nothing The people explained to the President that drinking water requirements of all the schools from the formal education, they had activities overseas as well as a constructive has been done their main problems are the underdeveloped in the country should be met expeditiously. the opportunity to attend scouting guns. This is a lovely play! This source of income. internationally to put an end to status of the road network and the lack The President instructed that the restoration programmes and even some radio is not Cinderella or Jack and the “Indeed, in Europe alone these children’s misery. of undisputed ownership of the lands for of the Huluketadelagaha, Madakumbura, programmes at a media institution. Beanstalk or Little Red Riding there were more than 350 such “I will end by citing a grim cultivation purposes. Naela, Kodayangale, and Pagirimana anicuts, “I must refer to the mandates Hood, but (it is) promoting hate; institutions with nearly 20,000 warning from scripture about Responding to the complaints regarding and six other tanks in the area be done. and early warning chapters in the little children carrying replicas of students. protecting children when Christ poor road infrastructure facilities, the President Ministers Aluthgamage and Keheliya Vancouver Principles, which opens bazookas and all kinds of weapons. “Some of the activities of the said: ‘If anyone causes one of instructed the Secretary to the Ministry to repair Rambukwella; Central Province Governor up a wide window of scenarios. We “In the other, schoolchildren as diaspora are depicted in these these little ones to stumble, it the two bridges on the Meemure-Hunnasgiriya Lalith U. Gamage; State Ministers Dilum cannot be heard to turn a blind eye young as eight years are enacting a photos – innocent-looking concerts would be better for them to have route and complete the development of the Amunugama, , and to some of the activities of these drama dressed as suicide soldiers. and plays by little children who a large millstone hung around road as soon as possible. Anuradha Jayaratne; MPs Wasantha Yapa non-state actors who, as we speak, Here is another one of glorification are compelled to re-enact the grim their neck and be drowned in the It was also decided to expedite the Bandara, Gunathilaka Rajapaksa, Udayana are engaged in the very activity of child soldiers, in another little and sad story of child soldiers on depths of the sea. Woe to the world reconstruction of the byroads in the village Chaminda Kirindigoda; President’s which we are seeking to stop. skit. These pictures speak volumes. a mission to kill their brothers because of the things that cause including the roads from Mediwaka to Principal Advisor Lalith Weeratunga, “I will briefly show you some “Unfortunately, we have and sisters. people to stumble! Such things Pallewela, Dombagahapitiya to 35th Mile Post, Former Provincial Chief Minister Sarath photographs which depict the use witnessed children living thousands “My dear friends, what are we in must come; let woe to the person and from Karambaketiya to Huluketadelagaha. Ekanayake; people’s representatives of of child soldiers and are being of miles away from Sri Lanka taking the international community doing through whom they come.’ The The President instructed the officials to the District, Secretaries to the Ministries, used to promote the idea of hate part in ceremonies that glorified about it? The answer is very little, sophistication of our treaties will take steps to assign a doctor to the Central heads of several state institutions, security and terror. In one picture, as you child soldiers and to raise funds but an avalanche of rhetoric and not suffice unless and until we Dispensary in Kaikawala, provide an officials, and a large number of people see, children are dressed in combat for this group of non-state actors. passively allowing the glorification act true and fast. The Vancouver ambulance, fill the existing medical staff were present at the 10th “Discussion with uniforms carrying replicas of “The modus operandi included of terror. This has gone on unabated Declaration will be a stepping stone vacancies at the Ududumbara Hospital, and the Village” session held in the Meemure rocket launchers, missiles, and the use of schools, particularly in and unnoticed and has led to the in the right direction.” develop other infrastructure facilities. Primary School premises. Army donates Rs. 10 m to Deegawapiya Fund National Operations Centre one of the Solosmasthana, Wickramanayaka, Gamini for Prevention of Covid-19 was inaugurated with Sedara Senarath, Archaeological Outbreak (NOCPCO) Head, the establishment of the Heritage Management Chief of Defence Staff, and Army “Archaeological Heritage Presidential Task Force – Eastern Commander General Shavendra Management Presidential Task Province Head Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Silva donated Rs. 10 million to Force” by President Gotabaya Kamal Gunaratne, the Prime the “Deegawapiya Trust Fund” Rajapaksa. The renovation of Minister’s Secretary, Ministry by representing Sri Lanka Army the pagoda commenced with of Buddhasasana, Religious, at the “Deegawapiya Trust Fund” commitments from the Sri and Cultural Affairs Secretary launch ceremony. Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Navy, Kapila Gunawardena, General The ceremony was held under Sri Lanka Air Force, Sri Lanka Silva, the Commander of the the patronage of President Police Department, and Civil Navy, Commander of the Air Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Security Department. Force, Inspector General of Minister of Buddhasasana, President’s Principal Advisor Police (IGP), Director General Religious, and Cultural Affairs, Lalith Weeratunga, Eastern of the Civil Security Department, Prime Minister Mahinda Province Governor Anuradha Archaeology Department Director Rajapaksa as the Chief Guest, Yahampath, Minister of Public General Anura Manathunga, and at the Sri Sambodhi Viharaya in Security , a gathering of invitees attended Colombo on Friday (12). State Minister of Heritage the launch ceremony of the From left: Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and others look on as Army Commander General Shavendra Silva (right) Renovation of Deegawapiya, and Performing Arts Vidura “Deegawapiya Trust Fund”. lights the oil lamp at the ‘Deegawapiya Trust Fund’ launch 4 „„ www.themorning.lk { INTERVIEW/INSIGHT } Monday, February 15, 2021

said preschools should be reopened effective series of programmes aimed according to health guidelines. at rural women, which will fill this gap. How can you make sure distancing For example, we have a programme Preschool children is maintained when these children called “Diyaniya”, which is a new are playing? concept of my ministry. Through this What I have seen, based on my programme, I have travelled to 13 experience as a teacher, is that districts to ascertain the issues faced preschool children are far more by women and girls on the school far more disciplined disciplined than primary or secondary and personal levels. What I learnt is schoolchildren. They lose that that in certain rural areas, girls don’t discipline when they go to schools attend school three to four days each sometimes. But in the preschool, they month due to menstruation and the are disciplined. When they are having lack of feminine hygiene products. lunch or engaging in activities, Different political leaders have spoken than older students there is a lot of discipline. Preschool about this over time, but none have teachers ensure that this discipline provided a solution. That is why we z State Minister says education z Plans to conduct is maintained. So I don’t foresee have decided to provide free sanitary a problem in restarting preschools napkins to 250 schools around the must continue as preschools impactful programmes because of this factor. island in the first phase for a year. Even in practical group activities, What action do you plan to take to open in WP today for rural women distancing will have to be minimise incidences of rape? maintained. How would this be I believe there should be possible? punishments for rapists. The legal Normally group activities are situation at the moment is not the best. carried out with a certain distance If somebody gets sexually abused or maintained between the students. raped, the verdict in the court case This can be seen even when they are takes 10 or 15 years to be delivered, engaging in a sport. when it should ideally be done in two or three years. So the victim who has You said there are 19,600 faced physical and sexual abuse ends Different political preschools around the island. Will up facing prolonged psychological leaders have all of these open today? abuse through this lengthy and spoken about this To open we need the approval cumbersome legal process. we should (providing sanitary of the regional committees and the create the environment for the victim napkins) over time, divisional secretariat. to reintegrate into society. But what but none have0 happens is her situation goes from provided a solution. How many in the Western Province bad to worse and her entire future is That is why we will open? ruined. have decided to That I can’t tell you right now. I We have set up a date to discuss provide free sanitary will have to check tomorrow (today). this issue with the Minister of Justice napkins to 250 and the Minister of Prison Reforms. schools around the Will rapid antigen tests be We have also discussed with the island in the first conducted on students before relevant officials. Even the attention phase for a year permitting them to enter the of the President and the Prime school? Minister has been drawn to this. One No, we can’t do rapid antigen tests proposal is to build separate women for every student. We have given and child courts, and the other is to State Minister of Women and Child Development, Preschools and Primary Education, School Infrastructure, and Education Services Piyal Nishantha De Silva instructions to parents to inform us conclude cases in a timely manner if the child has a high temperature. and deliver the verdict as soon as Education BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE In addition to that, the students are possible. disruptions caused not permitted to reopen preschools. trained and educated on following the by the pandemic The number of Covid-19-positive cases reported keeps increasing by the Education disruptions caused by the health guidelines and only then are When is the meeting with the were huge and day, both in the Western Province and the rest of Sri Lanka. In fact, the pandemic were huge and one year they allowed to enter the classroom. Justice Minister scheduled to be one year has island reported its highest daily tally of Covid-19-positive cases of 975 on has gone without any education for held? gone without any 9 February, demonstrating the scale of this growing problem. preschool children. Early childhood You are also the State Minister We have planned to hold it on a education for education is the first stage of a of Women Development. In your day when Parliament convenes in a preschool children. It is against this backdrop that also concerned about the difficult holistic model that creates supportive opinion, do women belong in the committee room in Parliament. We Early childhood preschools in the Western Province, financial circumstances of preschool and constructive learning for workplace or at home? are having discussions to set a date education is the except those in high-risk areas, will teachers. We held several discussions children of all ages. Young children, It’s not about whether a woman for this meeting. first stage of a reopen today (15). The Morning with Minister of Education Prof. G.L. especially those under the age of five, “belongs” at home or the workplace holistic model that spoke to State Minister of Women Peiris, union leaders, and officers need exposure to early stimulation – it’s about ensuring that women What plans do you have for the creates supportive and Child Development, Preschools regarding this issue and finally and need to learn life skills that will have the respect they deserve and upcoming Women’s Day falling on and constructive and Primary Education, School decided to reopen preschools on 15 prepare them for school and day-to- that they are financially secure while 8 March? learning for children Infrastructure, and Education February under strict guidelines, day life. maintaining the family unit. We must We are planning to mark of all ages Services Piyal Nishantha De Silva with preschools in high-risk areas work towards ensuring that women International Women’s Day for seven yesterday (14) to inquire into the remaining closed. How do you plan to maintain contribute to the growth of the nation. days across seven districts. This preparations for reopening preschools The respective regional distance among preschool This is what we are working towards will be called a “Women’s Week”. and the risks associated with this co-ordinating committees were children? with the programmes we have The main programme will be titled decision. advised to identify low-risk areas in We have already instructed parents planned. “Ammawarune”. This will be held Following are excerpts of the the Western Province. Based on the and teachers through awareness under the auspices of the President interview. recommendation of these committees, programmes. One teacher will We see that a lot of the programmes and the Prime Minister, and will also we made the final decision. We have handle only 20 kids and not more conducted for women target urban be telecast live nationally. My aim is Covid-19 transmission can occur decided to provide paddle sinks and than that. At schools with large or semi-urban women. What to extend Women’s Day, which has within school settings and cases temperature assessment devices classrooms with necessary space, about the rural woman? Isn’t she always been celebrated on only one of have been reported in schools. to 19,668 preschools covering 13 teachers can partition the classrooms neglected? 365 days, into a 365-day, year-round What is the level of preparation districts including the Western to ensure distancing. In schools Successive governments have event. Even Children’s Day should be for reopening preschools in the Province. without such space, the teachers can tried to empower and uplift the rural celebrated year-round. Western Province today? bring students to class in batches, woman. But while these initiatives For the first time, Women’s Day Preschools outside of the Western Many students are unlikely to be so that the available space will be sound good conceptually and are will be celebrated officially for seven Province reopened a few days sent to school due to their parents’ utilised in a safe manner. If there is given a lot of media coverage and days from 8-14 March and these seven ago, as per the instructions given fear of Covid-19 infection. How do considerable space in the school, then awareness, we must admit that the days will be packed with events and by the health authorities, I believe you take up this challenge? they can start without a problem. real impact these programmes have programmes related to women. In in the safety of the child and the We strongly rely on committee We can’t allow kids to be packed had at the grassroot level is not great. addition, we will conduct programmes need for timely education. We are recommendations or we would have into small classrooms. That’s why I We plan to conduct an impactful and in every divisional secretariat.

‘Frontline workers’ children suffering dysregulation need support’ BY RUWAN LAKNATH JAYAKODY Sunday attack in Sri Lanka” authored by among Children of Mothers with Depression where the boy had repeatedly stated his fears tantrums in this age), and her symptoms Mental health service providers need to Ragama General Hospital Consultant Child and Their Association with Socio- that his mother would die of the virus. gradually improved. collaborate with paediatric and education and Adolescent Psychiatrist and University demographic Factors in a Sri Lankan setting” Review of the existing literature shows The third was a nine-year-old boy, a son of services to make use of the limited resources of Kelaniya Faculty of Medicine Department by Y.M. Rohanachandra, S. Prathapan, and S. that there is a reciprocal relationship a female specialist medical officer working available to support frontline healthcare of Psychiatry Senior Lecturer Dr. M. Wijetunge, parental psychological ailments between sleep and emotional regulation in a provincial general hospital. He presented workers, some of whose children are suffering Chandradasa, L.C. Rathnayake (also attached such as maternal depressive disorder could in children, while sleep disturbances are with irritability and oppositional defiance in from significant emotional and behavioural to the same Department), M. Rowel, and L. lead to hyperactivity and conduct, emotional, highly prevalent in children with anxiety the form of vindictive and argumentative dysregulation, a local study suggested. Fernando, and published in the International and peer-related problems in children and disorders. His physical examination and behaviour for a duration of two weeks. He This recommendation was made in a brief Journal of Social Psychiatry. adolescents. Therefore, psychological stress electrocardiogram were normal. He was demanded that his mother take leave from report titled “Emotional and behavioural That Sri Lanka has only a limited number in parents could be considered a risk factor treated successfully with psycho-education, work, as he feared that she would contract dysregulation in children of health care workers of child mental health experts and services, for mental health issues in children. progressive muscle relaxation training (which the virus. in the frontline of the Covid-19 response thus creating the need to employ innovative The authors in this particular study, is a method effective in reducing emotional In a prior study among children and in Sri Lanka” authored by Rathnayake and techniques to maximise service provision Rathnayake and Chandradasa, reported the distress in 10-11-year-old children), and adolescents between the ages of seven Chandradasa, and published recently in the during crises, is noted by Chandradasa and cases of three children of health workers advice on sleep hygiene. to 19 years, it was shown that there is a Sri Lanka Journal of Psychiatry, which K.A.L.A. Kuruppuarachchi in “Child and without prior history of mental health services The second was a six-year-old girl, a direct link between anxiety in children also cited the survey titled “Collaborative youth mental health in post-war Sri Lanka” contact, long-term medical disorders, or daughter of a male medical officer working and irritability. This boy was treated with networking between regional child mental published in the British Journal of Psychiatry significant past psychological issues, who in a specialised infectious disease unit. guided imagery (effective in reducing pre- health, paediatric, and educational services in International and also in “Sub-specialisation are presented with significant emotional The child was aware that her father was operative anxiety in children between six to Gippsland, Australia” authored by Chandradasa in Postgraduate Psychiatry and Implications and behavioural dysregulation while their working at a high-risk station where new 12 years of age), including the magic shell and S. Basu, and published in the Australian for a Resource-Limited Specialised Child parents are working in the frontline of the Covid-19-positive patients are admitted with meditation technique for relaxation and a Journal of Rural Health in support of these and Adolescent Mental Health Service” Covid-19 response. the spreading disease, and managed. She collaborative problem-solving approach recommendations. authored by Chandradasa and L. Champika, The first was a 10-year-old boy, a son of a presented with new-onset temper tantrums (effective in treating oppositional behaviour in Methods such as using social media and published in Academic Psychiatry. nursing officer working in a teaching hospital. for two weeks where she was screaming children as the method focuses on identifying platforms to provide psycho-education to It has already been reported that insomnia, The mother was unable to come home for a and rolling on the floor, demanding that her and improving the lack of cognitive skills parents and teachers on mental wellbeing anxiety, depression, somatisation (physical week, as she worked in the ward/unit dedicated father stay at home, when he was about to that interfere with a child’s ability to meet in children, and training non-expert health manifestations of psychological concerns), to patients suspected of having contracted leave for work. parental expectations), and his irritability staff to provide psychological support, could and obsessive compulsive symptoms Covid-19. After returning home, she had Short-lasting temper tantrums between the and oppositional behaviour reduced with be used to support the children of frontline were higher in medical than nonmedical noticed that her son was experiencing new ages of two to six years is a well-recognised the treatment. health workers for their mental wellbeing. categories. Parents’ psychological status onset anxiety-related sleep disturbance with presentation, and most follow parental The authors, however, noted that a These aforementioned methods were used in is known to affect children’s wellbeing. frequent nocturnal awakenings, nightmares, noncompliance to their demands. This girl limitation in the described cases was that the aftermath of the Easter Sunday bombings Frontline healthcare workers in particular and difficulty in falling asleep at initiation. He was treated with deep breathing exercises these children may have also been affected as noted in the study “Early phase child and are susceptible to significant mental health also had recurrent episodes of chest tightness such as the belly breathing technique for by staying home for long periods due to the adolescent psychiatry response after mass issues. According to the study “Psychological and breathing difficulty, suggestive of panic relaxation, and parental training on differential curfew imposed in the country to control the trauma: Lessons learned from the Easter Problems and Socio-emotional Wellbeing attacks. This presentation had lasted a week, reinforcement (effective in reducing temper spread of Covid-19. 45 Monday, February 15, 2021 { SPOTLIGHT } „„ www.themorning.lk July 1945 as varied from time to time and last varied by the notification published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 1872/ 31 of 24 July 2014, shall be further varied by the substitution of the new part, i.e. labor payment as Rs. 900 and budgetary relief allowance as Rs. 100. Wages and perks under Collective Agreement Meanwhile, the Thousand Movement, a collective of trade unions and activists demanding daily wage hike for plantation sector workers, said that even though the plantation sector workers’ daily wage hike of Rs. 1,000 was the initial demand, if the Government has to pay any money as an allowance to the plantation sector workers, that is unacceptable, as it should be paid by the plantation sector companies. They also emphasised that the daily wage hike was demanded from the plantation sector companies, not the Government. They also claimed that the Government has not announced from where the necessary funds for the allowance would be obtained, and that the Government may have to utilise money taken from state funds. Thousand Movement Convener Chinthaka Rajapakshe, told The Morning that the idea of plantation sector trade unions and plantation sector companies pulling out of the Collective Agreement in a bid to resolve the daily wage issue is alarming, as that would cause adverse impacts. The main reason, according to Rajapakshe, is that the Collective Agreement specifies a number of perks for the plantation sector workers such as their retirement age, amount of work required to do per day, health benefits, leave, and transfers. Rajapakshe also raised concerns Plantation wages: about the plantation sector companies’ claim that they might withdraw from the Collective Agreement in the process of increasing the daily wages, as in the event it happens, a problematic situation would arise concerning the working conditions of the plantation sector workers, including the number of working days, about Will solutions beget which no agreement has been reached thus far. He also stated that the Wages Board, which is scheduled to meet on 19 February, is in a position to include such rights in the agreement, even though so The Collective Agreement does not far no decision has been taken in that concern only the plantation sector connection. “There is a problematic situation as to moreBY SUMUDU CHAMARA issues? workers’ salary, it also involves a have a colonial plantation model in the number of perks and other matters whether those rights will be protected There was a time when Sri Lanka took pride in its plantation sector, and current context. concerning their jobs such as and how,” he stressed. the massive foreign revenue it generated was essential to the country’s He added that the current wage model transfers, leaves, when the wages He also said giving plantation sector economy. Almost every citizen knew what Sri Lanka’s three main export should be changed just like many other should be increased, and by how workers Rs. 1,000 a day had been crops were. planting economics, and that what his much discussed for a long time, and that the organisation is proposing is a model where Spokesperson for the Ministry EPF and ETF payments were initially Sri Lankan tea, among other export productivity-linked wages, their monthly the plantation sector workers become self- of Plantation planned to be calculated based on a daily crops, is one of the staple export crops, earnings will rise by at least Rs. 6,250. managed and entrepreneurial, instead wage of Rs. 1,000. and Sri Lanka has in fact become famous “Some of the best harvesters have of the archaic, colonial-era attendance- According to Rajapakshe, the for its tea due to its quality. However, plucking averages between 30-40 based model. which it said that if the relevant parties Collective Agreement had, for the the world changes, times change, and so kilogrammes, meaning that earnings He went on to say that the model they are willing to pull out of the Collective first time, been signed in 2003 and its does the economy. In recent times, Sri can now be expanded to over Rs. 40,000- have offered easily enables plantation Agreement foregoing other privileges sections with regard to the wages of the Lanka’s tea industry has faced a multitude 60,000 per month,” it added. sector workers to earn more than Rs. granted under the Collective Agreement, plantation sector workers were usually of issues due to various reasons, and the Meanwhile, the RPCs have recently 1,000, and that a productivity-based wage the Ministry of Labour would not oppose amended every two years. He noted that plantation sector workers’ wage issues submitted a revised wage proposal to model would make it possible. it. the Collective Agreement was last updated take a special place among them. pay plantation sector workers up to Rs. “The problem in Sri Lanka’s plantation He further added that certain trade on 28 January 2019. Despite the hard work put in by Sri 1,108 on the request of the Minister of industry is that when estate workers go unions and workers have expressed “The agreement under which the last Lanka’s plantation sector workers, they Labour . to the field, according to studies, they willingness to pull out of the Collective wage hike was implemented was signed are generally seen as one of the lowest According to the Planters’ Association pluck (tea leaves) during only 40% of the Agreement in order to have the plantation in 2016, and expired in October 2018. paid sectors of the country’s workforce. of Ceylon, the daily wage of Rs. 1,108 actual time spent in the field. Wherever sector workers’ daily wages increased On 28 January 2019, it was signed for Scottish tea planter James Taylor consists of a basic daily wage of Rs. they have operated a productivity- to Rs. 1,000. another two years, and on 27 January started commercial tea planting in Sri 725, price share supplement of Rs. 50, based, entrepreneurial, self-managed He added that the Collective Agreement 2021, it expired.” Lanka (then Ceylon) in 1867. After Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and model in estates, workers are motivated, was inked under the leadership of the Speaking of the feasibility of the daily the privatisation of the tea industry, Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF) payment encouraged, and pluck well over 30-40 International Labour Organisation (ILO) wage hike, Rajapakshe went on to allege the industry went through a number of Rs. 108, and an attendance and kilos (a day). As a , they have a according to international guidelines, that there is a mafia in the plantation sector. of changes, and the structure and productivity incentive of Rs. 225. feeling the more they pluck, the larger and that the Ministry of Labour and He pointed out that currently, there management of the plantation sector also They said that the proposal in question share of the gain they will retain.” Department of Labour co-ordinate it. He are 22 RPCs in Sri Lanka, and that after changed. While the state management had proposed a fixed daily wage model added that the Collective Agreement is a 464 estates were privatised in 1995, their suffered losses despite the Government’s applicable for three days a week, and tripartite agreement, as the Ministry of own auctions were held. He went to say efforts to avoid it, different parties had that on the remaining days, employees Labour is also involved in it. that certain plantation sector companies various opinions about the privatisation. will be remunerated based on one of the He went on to say: “The Collective have partner companies that engage in Planters propose a two productivity-linked earning models, The trade unions have drawn a Agreement does not concern only the auctioning and exporting tea. He added i.e. paying employees Rs. 50 for every line in the sand, and now claim plantation sector workers’ salary, it also that the production price in 2019 was productivity-based wage kilogramme of tea leaves plucked, or the that what is best for our employees involves a number of perks and other approximately Rs. 416, while it was system revenue share model. is a Rs. 1,000 basic wage without matters concerning their jobs such as sold at Rs. 820. He alleged that these The Tea Planters’ Association of They also urged the plantation sector any productivity incentives or transfers and leave. In addition, this companies’ profit margins are hidden in Sri Lanka, quoting the Presidential trade unions to consider their proposal even the need to report to work agreement specifies when the wages this process, and that they attempted to get Commission on the Tea Industry and in the interests of the plantation sector regularly. In the process, they have should be increased and by how much.” the Government to pay an allowance to Trade in 1995, said that if privatisation workers, looking beyond political rejected multiple offers, each of He told The Morning that the Ministry the plantation sector workers saying that had not taken place, losses incurred by interests, adding that: “The trade unions which delivers a fixed daily wage of Plantation would like it if it is possible they would not pay it. the Government would have amounted have drawn a line in the sand, and now well in the excess of Rs. 1,000 to increase the daily wages of plantation The Morning attempted to contact several to almost Rs. 36.48 billion in today’s claim that what is best for our employees Planters’ Association of Ceylon sector workers. plantation sector trade unions in a bid to get rupees. It added that when privatised, is a Rs. 1,000 basic wage without any He raised concerns that even though their stance regarding withdrawing from 35% of Sri Lanka’s tea land producing productivity incentives or even the need increasing the daily wage of plantation the Collective Agreement and whether they 25% of green leaf would go to regional to report to work regularly. In the process, sector workers is of great importance, the are satisfied with the ongoing discussions, plantation companies (RPCs), 63% to tea they have rejected multiple offers, each Plantation Ministry supports trade unions have expressed willingness but to no avail. smallholders who now produce 75% of of which delivers a fixed daily wage well wage hike to withdraw from it on the basis of the The plantation sector, especially the tea green leaf, and the rest would remain with in the excess of Rs. 1,000.” A spokesperson for the Ministry of daily wage issue, which is just one industry, is Sri Lanka’s single largest the Government. It added that over the They added that after the Plantation, on condition of anonymity, factor, and that it offers a number of employer, and provides jobs for around past few years, Sri Lanka’s tea industry implementation of productivity told The Morning that the Ministry of other privileges as well. two million people. Despite countless has been burdened with high costs of models, plantation sector workers will Labour has submitted a Cabinet paper He also said that the Ministry of Labour discussions and protests, the activists production and low productivity, and that have the benefit of flexible working in connection with the daily wage hike, is involved in this issue more than the claim that the plantation sector workers’ from 1992 to 2019, cost of production hours and improved worker mobility according to his knowledge. Ministry of Plantation. daily wage issue has not been resolved has risen from Rs. 78 to Rs. 615 per where other family members can also He added that when increasing the daily Even though The Morning tried to yet, and that even if the daily wage was kilogramme. It also added that over the contribute towards the earning process. wage of the plantation sector workers, contact Minister of Labour Nimal Siripala increased to Rs. 1,000, there are other years, plantation sector workers wages The Secretary General of the Planters’ it should be done in accordance with de Silva, and Minister of Plantation issues as well that need the authorities’ per day have increased from Rs. 115 in Association of Ceylon said that the the Collective Agreement that has been Industries Dr. , they attention. 1998 to Rs. 750 in 2019. workers will have a say in when and entered into by the plantation sector were not reachable. While the public feels that a daily wage The Association claimed that RPC how they work, and that this move will trade unions on behalf of the workers Meanwhile, Wages Board for the of Rs. 1,000 should not be considered a employees are paid higher than many drastically improve their earnings in and plantation sector companies, and Tea Growing and Manufacturing Trade luxury taking into account the increasing other sectors in the country, but agreed the process. that other privileges granted under the Chairman B.K. Prabath Chandrakeerthi, cost of living, the plantation sector that a wage reform is necessary, and that Meanwhile, Media Spokesperson Collective Agreement should also be in a gazette notification dated 12 companies also claim that a pay hike the plantation sector companies will call and Former Chairman of the Planters’ taken into consideration. February 2021, said that Part II of the is not as simple as it seems. for a productivity-linked earning model, Association of Ceylon Dr. Roshan He added that when the matter was Wages Board for the Tea Growing and Now that the Government has actively i.e. paying workers for the amount of tea Rajadurai, speaking at a virtual press referred to the Cabinet and the Ministry Manufacturing Trade set out in the become involved in this debate, can leaves they harvest. It further said that briefing recently, said that the people of Plantation, the Ministry of Labour schedule to the notification published the workers actually expect a pay hike if plantation sector workers are paid are their own agents and that they cannot was asked to give its observations, after in Gazette Extraordinary No. 9441 of 31 without losing their other perks? 6 „„ www.themorning.lk { EDITORIAL/VIEWS } Monday, February 15, 2021 Practical, vocational, Good riddance Practical Matters and life skills Parents want their kids to develop BY DR. NICHOLAS RUWAN DIAS their careers. In high socioeconomic of good beatings AND NIRESH ELIATAMBY developed communities, this is even more There is a vast difference between apparent. Responsibility, leadership, and instilling fear in one’s mind and instilling teamwork are just some of the features infused into every person by engaging good values. A person refraining from bad in national service. The training should deeds out of fear of punishment is one thing, typically include law enforcement, logistics, while a person refraining from the same due Forget military management consulting, training, nursing, to the knowledge that something is bad, is and IT which helps for civil life. another. Build your community Sri Lanka’s apex court recently issued a judgment in support of a student who Volunteering can give your faith, self- allegedly lost his hearing ability after being service, promote esteem, and life satisfaction a healthy boost, and generally make you feel happy. assaulted in the school by a teacher, an Assisting with the smallest tasks in the lives incident which sparked grave concern among of others, working with community service children’s rights activists and those who non-governmental organisations (NGOs), abhor physical harassment in the form of the community service and caring for animals provides immense lingering practice of corporal punishment in satisfaction. Volunteering is also a two-way schools. street. Community services give them the The court ruled that the fundamental opportunity to experience a new profession without a long-term commitment. rights of the child had been violated. The volunteer time helps participants The Constitution of Sri Lanka, in its make new friends, extend their network, Fundamental Rights chapter, says that no enhances their relationship with the person should be subjected to torture or to community, connects them to people cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment or with similar interests, and increases their punishment. interpersonal skills. A further significant There are people who still view corporal advantage of community service is reducing the risk of depression in the younger punishment as an effective method of generation. Social isolation is a significant teaching our children, the country’s next risk factor for depression. For instance, generation, how to discern right from wrong. those who act or work with pets or animals Despite this practice having been identified have decreased levels of stress and anxiety. as a very primitive method of not teaching National service ROI but controlling children, some even consider this to be a part of the country’s school National service results in a vast range of benefits, although many of these cannot culture and justify it, claiming that it can easily be quantified. Besides offering help shape children’s future. Even though recipients and communities direct added in reality it has not been proven to be an value, national service helps young people effective method of disciplining children, Sri build skills and reconnects them with Lanka is yet to put what it has learnt (if it their communities, which is especially has truly learnt) to practice. Sri Lanka is a nation that is woefully lacking in discipline, public order, success depends on the physical qualities, vital following the great recession in a Sri Lanka, despite being a self-proclaimed rule of law, leadership, innovation, teamwork, civic consciousness, and personality, and ability to work hard and as pandemic that has weakened social links progressive country that values love and above all, common decency. A proposal to enforce a four-month military a team with others. The paper qualification between young people. It gives retirees training on youth at the age of 18 years to instil good qualities is likely to does not specify who you are. It is not the potential for an encore career, their kindness, appears to be exceedingly slow be presented to Parliament soon. a matter of education but it’s a social personal fulfilment, and increased financial in understanding these differences, and problem as a measure of the success of stability for many. Lower crime rates are consequently, certain practices the world is The idea that our people need a higher 400,000 of the most energetic members individuals. A prime example are our also correlated with national service. Such trying to get rid of are still being continued sense of discipline is an attractive one. of the population out of the workforce for graduates, who seem impressive on paper, gains can be measured by considering and revered in Sri Lanka. But is military training the best option? four months will most certainly have an but many simply lack the proper values livelihood revenues and the cost of crime What truly progressive countries do is not Can the country afford to pay for this adverse effect on the economy. to perform in responsible roles or indeed and building a healthy community. The pass on to the next generation such cursed expense? In this backdrop, we examine At a time when the economy is being in society. programmes on conservation or crime whether a system of national service or wrecked by Covid-19 and the country has reduction will lead to higher property values practices but rather try to put an end to it community service would best suit the massive debt repayments coming up this Global context and promote infrastructure investment in once and for all. country’s requirements and generate an year, when every sector of the economy Countries that can afford to pay for the cities. Mentoring services will inspire According to the global movement “End immediate and better return on investment is suffering, government revenue cannot months of military service may do so. individuals to learn more and invest in Corporal Punishment”, 61 countries have (ROI) – socially and financially. be expected to flourish. To burden the But what they require their youths to education and in their communities. fully prohibited corporal punishment, Sri Lanka’s problem state coffers with the tens of billions of learn differs significantly depending on Monitoring of results while 27 more countries have committed rupees required for the cost of housing, the needs of the country. Many often to reforming their laws to fully ban this Sri Lanka has become a nation where feeding, and training over 400,000 young focus on teaching social, vocational, and Several years ago, a programme was money and power can buy a lot. But we men and women for several months, is not value-based skills. Countries have military carried out to provide training by the practice. Statistics show that after 1996, see all too clearly today that you can’t financially practical. service due to hostile neighbours, including military to university freshers. The objective there is a sharp increase in the number of buy values, sacrifice, honesty, integrity, It would therefore be far more cost North Korea and Israel, as they require a was to instil discipline to reduce ragging. countries banning corporal punishment. or patriotism. On the contrary, money effective if such training could be carried reserve of soldiers to defend the country. One batch completed the training. But was However, Sri Lanka is yet to take proper and power have led to complete self- out locally and on a part-time basis, perhaps Switzerland did so due to being surrounded any research carried out to ascertain if the steps in that direction. centeredness, lack of thoughtfulness, and on weekends, so participants could be by many countries, and continues to do level of ragging in that batch was reduced According to a study conducted to lack of public commitment to the country, gainfully employed in work or studies while so due to its long tradition. in comparison to other batches? Also, what examine the relationship between banning community, and even one’s family. in the programme and the State would not Recent reintroduction was the financial cost of the programme? corporal punishment and violence among have to bear so much cost. There should be a scientific assessment A human resources and of military/national service carried out continuously to monitor tangible youths, a ban of corporal punishment is training problem Put them to work in France benefits, intangible benefits, direct and associated with less youth violence, and Blue-chip companies have In this economic reality, it would be When French President Emmanuel indirect cost benefits, etc. There must also societies that prohibit the use of corporal comprehensive induction programmes more prudent to consider methodologies Macron declared France’s return of be transparency of results. punishment are less violent for youths to in order to instil their company vision, that would be more productive for the military service in 2018, he argued that The way forward grow up in than societies that have not done mission, goals, and values into their staff. nation’s economy and for society, even this would foster patriotism and social so. This is what Sri Lanka as a country also during the four-month training period. cohesion. France had a military service yy Set up a National Human Resource Values Training Committee that According to the same study, which needs to do. Simply speaking, don’t have 400,000 for decades but had done away with it. It But tempting as it is to hand over this youths marching up and down like toy was reintroduced and then transformed could plan out the types of values that had focused on 88 countries, compared problem to the military to knock the soldiers. Instead, put them to work and into a mandatory civic duty, which would the nation requires from its youths with 20 countries with no ban on corporal youngsters into shape, we must closely teach them values through that work. encourage young people to learn about and its greater population punishment, a group of 30 countries with consider whether a more constructive Examples would be putting them to work first aid, self-defence, and republican yy Set up a second unit comprising full bans (in schools and in homes) had and results-oriented approach would be in beach clean-ups; tree planting; road hedge principles, through military input, but human resource professionals who experienced a reduction of 69% in the rate more suitable. trimming; tourist site clean-ups; working in without dealing with arms. would decide upon the specific of fighting in males and 42% in females. 38 hospitals, elderly homes, orphanages, etc., Initial trials were launched with methodologies that would be utilised What exactly do we want which would provide tangible benefits, for teenagers from diverse backgrounds countries with partial bans (in schools but to teach them? to instil the identified values not in homes) had experienced less fighting example, environmental conservation; and joining for two weeks, including boarding yy Appoint an economic committee It’s easy to say that “the youths need to building roofs, toilets, etc. Do this for four schools, holiday villages, and university that would come up with projects in females only (56% was found to be the be taught discipline”. But what exactly months and the majority of them would, for campuses, to engage in social discussions, rate in countries without bans). that would utilise the manpower of do we mean by that in practical terms? the rest of their lives, keep the environment practise the reading of maps and first aid, those under training, for the benefit It would not be an overstatement to say “Discipline” is a broad concept. It needs clean and stop littering the country with learn about equality between men and of the country, especially in the areas that using corporal punishment to discipline to be narrowed down. One can be highly plastic bottles, respect nature, care for the women, and learn how to recognise fake of infrastructure development and children is the same as using violence to disciplined in some aspects of one’s life, elderly, and much more. news, before a final two weeks of charity economic development. This would question suspects when the authorities lack but be completely chaotic in others. A The spirit of shramadana – volunteering. ensure immediate ROI the skills required to get the truth out of a clear example is in driving, where the most accomplished professionals in society community service Enhances national unity yy Identify professionals who are suspect without resorting to violence. When are often guilty of driving recklessly and Shramadana is a long-running tradition Too many children today grow up experienced and qualified to teach the adults do not possess the skills needed endangering the lives of the public. They in Sri Lankan villages, where a community without proper parental guidance or role the identified skills and place them to teach a child what is right and wrong, need to be taught proper driving, not an project is decided upon and the work models and often become rebellious and on a recognised panel, e.g. driving, and why right is right and why wrong is abstract concept of discipline. is carried out by volunteers from the reckless. National service would give teamwork, etc. wrong, they resort to violence. Thus, we need to be very clear and community. It may be building a home them an identity and sense of self-worth. yy Appoint localised committees at the Corporal punishment is no longer a specific as to what particular practices a for a homeless person, digging a drain in It would also teach them both technical town and village levels to come up way of disciplining children; it amounts mass training programme must include. an area prone to flooding, digging a well, and social skills. This would enable with lists of shramadana projects for In other words, teaching people to march painting and repairing the village school them to grow an overwhelming sense the short term, mid term, and long to nothing but an act of physical and smartly together isn’t going to make our or place of worship, or any such project. of responsibility for society. It should be term, in order to provide tangible psychological harassment, which is likely roads safer. It would be better to send all These projects may last a few hours or used to monitor youths to spot criminal benefits to the community from the to cause long-term trauma in children. youths for a couple of months of proper several weeks, but what they undoubtedly activity and reduce crime. entire programme The bottom line is, the country’s next driving training instead! do is instil a spirit of community service, Is it ideologically reasonable? yy Set up a research unit to monitor the generation should not fear to wrong Another example is the art of negotiation. togetherness, discipline, teamwork, and results achieved, i.e. tangible benefits because they fear punishment; they should Sri Lankans mainly try to solve issues much more among participants. Planning, On the other hand, some may argue to the community and country, and do so because they know it is wrong. by shouting and threatening, even for leadership, and logistics – the list of skills that compulsory national service is in a the skills imparted to the participants something as trivial as a fender-bender. that can be taught by a simple shramadana way ideologically unreasonable, since We also kill each other for supporting is indeed long. it violates a fundamental right of liberal ©️ Dias and Eliatamby a different political party. Teaching the democracy inherently: Freedom of action. A (The writers are Managing Partners No 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7. art of respecting other people’s opinions, Get rid of the ‘paper government would say that it can approve of Cogitaro.com, a consultancy that Fax - 011 2 673 441 resolving issues amicably, or agreeing to qualification society’ the conscription or other coercive actions finds practical solutions for challenges General - 011 5 200 900 disagree would be a practical approach. In Sri Lanka today, far too many for national unity or national security. But facing society, the environment, and all Sales & Marketing - 076 1 367 612 young people collect a string of paper if it were a voluntary national service, types of industries. Dr. Dias is a digital Can we afford to have 400,000 qualifications that make them look it would be up to each person to decide architect and educationist based in Circulation Manager - 011 5 978 987 / 076 1 367 620 unproductive youths? E-mail - [email protected] impressive. Yet, they lack the values that whether they are willing to join. In such Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Special Investigations Department - 077 7 714 078 Over 400,000 young men and women are necessary to be productive members a situation, the government and private [[email protected]]. Eliatamby is Website - www.themorning.lk come out of the country’s schools each year and leaders of companies, communities, sector could provide favourable career an author, marketer, and educationist and join the workforce. In a country already state institutions, industries, and the opportunities to those who engege in the based in Colombo, Sri Lanka plagued by low productivity, sending country. Paper skills are never adequate, so national service. [[email protected]]) 47 Monday, February 15, 2021 „„ www.themorning.lk

TOURISMbusiness BUBBLE BETWEEN INDIA AND SL Govt. relaxes ceramic Sri Lanka awaits imports again confirmation from India BY KAREN HAPUARACHCHI of Tourism reported that there was a Sri Lankan tourism authorities similar tourism bubble being proposed are awaiting India’s response to with Germany after the arrival of the initiate talks on creating a tourism Ukrainian and Kazakhstani tourists in bubble between the two countries, the country. a concept initially proposed by the In addition to this, the Tourism Ministry Indian authorities, The Morning is hoping that ambassadors from other Issuing a gazette notification, the what has happened is that they Business learns. countries would incept tourism bubbles Ministry of Finance has exempted have escalated the prices. There The request from India came two with their relevant countries in the future a number of ceramic items from are a lot of conditions they have weeks ago regarding a tourism bubble, so as to increase tourism activity in the its prolonged stringent import applied to purchase ceramic where countries from both ends abide country whilst abiding to the safety restrictions. and sanitaryware products. For by the health regulations, according to regulations. The Extraordinary Gazette No. example, there is a manufacturer a spokesperson from the Ministry of Accordingly, the Ministry highlighted 2214/56 dated 11 February, with who asks the consumer to Tourism. that the Covid-19 Committee, Ministry the signature of Prime Minister buy accessories and slow- The Ministry Secretary sent a letter in of Tourism, and Ministry of Foreign Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Minister moving products to purchase response to the High Commissioner in Affairs are handling tourism travel bubble of Finance, includes products of sanitaryware,” he added. India stating that the relevant Sri Lankan projects. ceramic pipes, conduits, guttering Also due to the import officials and parties were ready to discuss Tourism or travel bubbles, also called and pipe fittings, ceramic sinks, restrictions, ceramic products that this matter. travel bridges or corona corridors, washbasins, wash basin pedestals, have been in stock have gradually Furthermore, this letter included an said to be dependent on the date of the of External Affairs of India has declared involve a select group of travellers from baths, bidets, water closet pans, decreased. Thus, the demand in expression of gratitude and a request meeting and the status of the Covid-19 citizens can leave India safely from a particular country where Covid-19 has flushing cisterns, urinals, and the industry has exceeded the regarding the date of the meeting the situation in the country. their end, while from Sri Lanka’s side, been contained and two countries agree similar sanitary fixtures and supply. discussion could take place in the presence “If it is safe enough to have a physical the health authorities have stated that to open their borders to each other but exempts all forms of tiles, wall “At the moment, local of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Ministry meeting, the meeting can be done. This is it is safe to operate a tourism bubble, keep borders to all other countries closed. tiles, and floor tiles. manufacturers can only cater to of Tourism, and the tourism bureaus of dependent on the situation of the country. as it is safe enough for tourists to come This programme allows tourists to This comes following a gazette about 50-60% of the country’s both countries. Now, local authorities If it isn’t safe enough, the meeting will into the country,” the Tourism Ministry move freely within the bubble and aids in notification issued on 2 February requirements. The Government are awaiting the confirmed date from the take place online,” the Tourism Ministry Spokesperson commented. increasing tourism activity by abiding to 2021 by the Minister of Finance told us earlier that they want us Indian authorities. Spokesperson stated. Moreover, regarding tourism bubbles the health regulations, thereby containing lifting the ban on the ceramic to enhance the local production Also, the nature of the meeting was The Spokesperson stated: “The Ministry with other countries, the Ministry the spread of the virus. manufacturing company (including of tiles. We have ordered tiles) which was revoked within 24 new machinery to increase hours by an order of the Controller the production capacity. The Lion Brewery Q420 PAT grows 41% YoY of Imports and Exports. problem in the tile industry is that “The local manufacturers and production cannot be increased Lion Brewery has recorded about 14%. Meanwhile, PBT “As a consequence, the laid out by the authorities,” the during the nine months up to the importers work side by side. very fast because the machinery Rs. 790.1 million as their for this nine-month period results of the company for company added. December 2020, compared to There should be competition to is a bit complicated and has to profit after tax (PAT) for the was recorded as Rs. 3.1 billion the nine months ended 31 However, it stated that the same period last year. The influence local manufacturers to come from Italy, and it will take quarter ended 31 December compared to Rs. 3.7 billion December 2020 records a within these disruptive and Maldives market, which recorded increase productivity and bring at least up to five to six months 2020, which is a growth of 41% for the nine months ended 31 decline of 14% compared with unusual conditions, the results a decline, indicates some recovery out the best tile quality and until we get the machinery, from the PAT it recorded during December 2019. the corresponding period of for the nine months can be due to an improvement in their give the best price. If there is a install, and start the enhanced the same period previous year, The company noted that the previous year. Throughout considered satisfactory. tourist arrivals. All processes monopoly, it is not good for the production,”‎ Macksons Holdings according to the company’s during the third quarter, some this period, in the primary and According to the company, have been put in place across the industry,” Tile and Sanitaryware Managing Director Mohamed interim financial report. parts in the Western Province, secondary supply chain, in export operations continued business to manage the Covid-19 Importers’ Association President Mizver Makeen commented early The company’s profit before a large contributor to volume the areas that were open for to grow amidst many challenges crisis, and the focus for the next Kamil Hussain commented in this month. tax (PBT) was Rs. 1.27 billion and one of the most affected business, we ensured full brand faced, with volumes to Africa three months will be to ensure their response to the gazette Moreover, local manufacturers for this quarter, a growth of areas from the second wave availability to our consumers and the Middle East driving uninterrupted supply to the notification issued on 2 February can only cater to 50% of this 40% compared to the same of the Covid-19 pandemic, all over the island, whilst the growth momentum. The market. Whilst the circumstances 2021, speaking to The Morning demand, and there has been a quarter previous year. PAT was subject to closures. The maintaining and adhering to disruptions from the Covid-19 presented will not support Business. rise in prices and instances where for the nine months ended 31 resultant economic conditions the highest health and safety pandemic has affected markets, volume growth, profitability “There are currently two dealers re-sell ceramic tile products December 2020 stood at Rs. from these closures and the standards. All our partners whilst also impacting freight rates could be expected to remain at local manufacturers. Thus, it is in the black market for an increased 1.96 billion while that of the countrywide lockdown during including consignment agents and logistics. moderate levels if no further a monopolistic or duopolistic price range from Rs. 700-1,000 previous year was Rs. 2.27 April and part of May impacted and retailers were made aware “Despite these obstacles, lockdowns are experienced,” market situation that we have. per tile after purchasing from local billion, which is a decline of turnover and thus profitability. to follow all health guidelines export volumes grew by 16%, the company added in its report. So in the absence of importers, manufacturers. Teejay records a net profit SLT-Mobitel provides connectivity of Rs. 778.4 m in Q420 solutions to Meemure Textile manufacturer vendor partners, and this Teejay Lanka PLC has is expected to continue reported profit before tax into the future. The group of Rs. 951.8 million and net is continuing its focus on profit of Rs. 778.4 million for developing exciting new the third quarter of 2020-21, innovative products, keeping achieving a growth of 12% synthetic activewear and and 8%, respectively, over the sustainability at the forefront. corresponding three months This has enabled us to attract Teejay Lanka Chairman Teejay Lanka CEO of the previous year. Bill Lam Pubudu De Silva many new customers,” he Teejay Lanka converted the added, but cautioned that first quarter’s net loss of Rs. declined by 26% to Rs. 1.748 De Silva disclosed that in line price hikes of raw materials, 31.5 million to a net profit billion, and net profit for the with the group’s target of in particular cotton, coupled of Rs. 631.3 million for the period at Rs. 1.378 billion achieving a revenue of $ 300 with delays experienced on second quarter, and its net reflected negative growth of million as well as the growing the global logistics map, will profit for the third quarter 30%, according to financial opportunity of orders moving pose challenges to Teejay in represents a further increase statements filed with the to the South Asian region, the months ahead. of 23% over the preceding Colombo Stock Exchange Teejay has ventured into a Teejay Lanka continued President Gotabaya Rajapaksa (centre) handing over a token representing the smart classroom solutions provided by SLT- quarter. (CSE). new and exciting expansion with the practice of Mobitel to Kaikawala Kanishta Vidyalaya, to the Principal of the school While improving net profit, Teejay Lanka PLC has project in Teejay India, which maintaining a strong balance Sri Lanka’s only multinational declared an interim dividend entails the construction of sheet in the quarter reviewed SLT-Mobitel, the national ICT popular tourist destination in Sri connectivity solutions, and the recent textile producer posted a of Rs. 1.65 per share to be a new production plant and recorded a net cash (information and communications Lanka. initiatives to facilitate the President’s revenue of Rs. 8.5 billion paid to all shareholders for with warehouse facilities, balance of Rs. 8.2 billion as at technology) and telecommunications The lack of connectivity had long Gama Samaga Pilisandara programme for the three months, down the year. and an investment in 31 December 2020, keeping provider, recorded yet another first been a shortcoming experienced by the further reaffirms the company’s 4% over the corresponding In his observations on flexible machinery, which the company net debt-free. by deploying enhanced voice and people in the area, and SLT-Mobitel pledge in leading Sri Lanka towards quarter of 2019-20 and a the group’s performance, can convert from cotton One of the highlights of 4G/data connectivity solutions at recognised this need and addressed a knowledge-rich society. decline of 3.4% over the Teejay Lanka Chairman production to synthetic the year to date was the Meemure – an iconic village in it in a wholesome manner, and also Sri Lanka Telecom PLC (SLT) is the preceding quarter, but the Bill Lam said the operational material production. With announcement of plans the island nation – in conjunction to complement the President’s visit national ICT solutions provider and company has expressed excellence initiatives this new development set to to issue 16 million new with the President’s 10th “Gama to the village. the leading broadband and backbone confidence that it is on launched throughout the take place in two phases and shares in two tranches in Samaga Pilisandara” programme on SLT-Mobitel took steps to ensure infrastructure services provider in Sri course to achieve its target company had resulted completed by 2022, Teejay pursuance of completing an 13 February. that the children of the village would Lanka for over 163 years. Mobitel, the of becoming a $ 300 million in greater control of non- foresees that it will be able Employee Stock Ownership To power the village of Meemure, be able to truly connect with the rest mobile arm of SLT, launched the first business in the years ahead. operational and non-strategic to increase its overall daily Plan (ESOP). The ESOP SLT-Mobitel implemented a of the country, as they donated IT commercial 4.5G/4G+ mobile network The impact of the extreme costs and enabled the group production capacity by 20 was first approved by permanent base station, enabling equipment to the Meemure Primary in South Asia in 2018 and was the first adversity of the first quarter of to reduce distribution tonnes to reach a production Teejay Lanka shareholders the village to get aboard the digital School, Kandy, and set up a smart network in South Asia to successfully the year, however, continued and administration level of 55 tonnes a day, in 2015 and re-approved revolution taking place in the country. classroom solution at the Kaikawala showcase the deployment of 5G over to be visible in the group’s expenses by 21% and 4%, which is a 57% increase in in 2018 as a measure to Amidst the beauty of nature, located Kanishta Vidyalaya in the area. a mobile network by connecting a results for the nine months respectively, compared to daily capacity. motivate employees by near the border between the Kandy SLT-Mobitel is committed to commercial mobile smartphone to ended 31 December 2020. the corresponding quarter “We have seen a growth giving them an opportunity and Matale Districts in the Knuckles bridging the digital divide by its 5G network exceeding speeds of Revenue was down 16% to of the previous year. momentum from all our to share in the company’s Mountain Range, Meemure is a empowering rural areas with 1.55 Gbps. Rs. 22 billion, pre-tax profit Teejay Lanka CEO Pubudu strategic customers and success. 48 business „„ www.themorning.lk { TRADE } Monday, February 15, 2021

BY KAREN HAPUARACHCHI As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and the import restrictions, the motor vehicle industry has faced many challenges in the previous Vehicle importers urge year and are currently facing growing issues, which forces the Vehicle Importers’ Association of Sri Lanka (VIASL) to urge the Government to relax import restrictions. Govt. to relax restrictions of companies. In addition to this, inflated price. Due to the inferior quality Speaking to The Morning Business, the VIASL suggested that the main of these vehicles, lacking adequate the Sri Lanka Motor Vehicle Association, objective of local manufacturing should safety and emission standards, sold by which consists of several entrepreneurs be for export purposes. Furthermore, these assembling companies, the Sri and professionals in the motor vehicle the association explained that the Lankan citizen is at a loss. industry, said that there are difficult vehicle manufacturing and assembling Also, the repair cost is claimed to be challenges surfacing, such as severe industries have been operating in Sri extremely high on a locally assembled issues faced by related industries, a Lanka for many years and, during the vehicle. Furthermore, the market value negative impact on the economy, and last 10 years various tax exemptions of a locally assembled vehicle is far less issues with local assembling. have been provided with the aim of compared to a high-quality Japanese/ Since the Government has imposed developing this industry in the country, European vehicle. a complete ban on motor vehicles in using locally manufactured spares. The VIASL emphasised that all March 2020, citing foreign currency However, these manufactures have vehicles do not fall under the luxury outflows as the main reason, the merely established a process aimed category. Small “batta” vans, 1000 cc restrictions have been claimed to have at tax evasion. Due to this process, Vitz or Hybrid Toyota Axios are by no negatively impacted the Sri Lankan the Government is deprived of higher means luxury vehicles. These vehicles economy as well as various other amounts of taxes, as the end consumer enable mobility for the economically industries. is not being given the benefit. valuable working sector of the country. The VIASL stated that transportation Additionally, the local assembling Hence, the availability of these vehicles and mobility is essential for the economy companies are claimed to mainly import is important for the development of to move forward. This is explained an “almost finished product” and add our economy. as economic development involves minimal value to it. Hence the cost, The VIASL pointed out the key the boost of the fisheries sector, milk freight, and insurance (CIF) value or the issue, which is that various high-value products, the tourism industry, the amount of foreign currency sent out of government officials’ permits have construction industry, as well as small Furthermore, services such as clearing personal use. Most of these vehicles that all circulars regarding the clearing the country is more than the CIF value significantly increased the foreign and medium-scale industries, for this agents, interior cleaners, mechanics, car have already reached the Colombo of imported vehicles from Sri Lankan of a good quality Japanese/European currency outflow in the past several economic development to materialise, carrier operators, and service centres are Port and they have not been given an ports were published on a retrospective vehicle due to economies of scale and years. Most of the expensive cars seen vehicles such as small and medium- directly dependent on the motor vehicle opportunity to clear these vehicles, basis. Hence, there are several permit lean production mechanisms used in on roads have been imported on these sized vans, trucks, buses, and smaller industry. If the ban is to continue further, citing various circulars issued. holders who are struggling to import or large-scale manufacturing. However, the tax-free permits. It should also be noted motorcars need to be imported in to around 100,000 Sri Lankans that are Most of these permit holders have clear the vehicles they have ordered and import tax paid for a locally assembled that the Government’s tax revenue has the local market at an affordable price. working in the sale of motor vehicles been claimed to have sold their existing confirmed legally through a valid L/C. vehicle is far less compared to the import reduced as well, since these permits are According to the VIASL, at present carry the risk of losing their jobs or vehicles before putting down the VIASL stated that local manufacturing tax paid for a high-quality, complete mostly tax free. there is a huge vacuum in these motor further getting affected negatively, the cash requirement to establish a L/C. and assembling is also not the solution vehicle. Due to the aforementioned reasons, vehicles as the importation has been VIASL highlighted. Hence, they need to be provided with for the issues detailed above as the The VIASL also added that the the VIASL urges the Government to lift completely banned. In addition, there The VIASL also claimed that several the opportunity to clear their vehicles, association believes that this process ultimate victim in this process is the the ban on small non-luxury vehicles is no stock of these utility vehicles in hundred government servants and especially considering the service they does not add any value to the country’s general public who is deprived of a at its earliest for the mobility of the the market, which has discouraged a doctors have legally ordered a vehicle have provided to the public. economy and is designed for tax evasion higher-quality vehicle as they are forced economy and development of various lot of up-and-coming entrepreneurs. with a valid letter of credit (L/C) for their Furthermore, it should also be noted and higher profit margins for a handful to purchase a low-quality product at an industries.

Merchandise exports recovered in December Other major inflows to the 2020 from the impact of the second wave of current account the Covid- 19 pandemic in the country, while Exports recover in December With the launch of the pilot project to resume merchandise imports continued to decline on a tourism, a few tourist arrivals were recorded year-on-year basis supported by the continuation in December 2020. Accordingly, 393 tourists of restrictions on non-essential imports and from Ukraine visited Sri Lanka in December comparatively low global oil prices, according 2020, according to the Central Bank. to the recently released external sector report of after second wave impact Consequently, total tourist arrivals were the Central Bank of Sri Lanka for the month of recorded at 507,704 in 2020, compared to December. 1,913,702 arrivals in 2019. Accordingly, The Central Bank noted that overall, the trade consumer, intermediate, and investment goods, cumulative earnings from tourism, which are deficit contracted significantly by $ 2.0 billion in contributed to this outcome. Total expenditure on estimated based on tourist arrivals, amounted 2020 compared to 2019. Recording the historically imports amounted to $ 16,055 million in 2020, to $ 957 million in 2020. highest monthly inflow, workers’ remittances recording a 19.5% reduction from 2019. Workers’ remittances increased to a record continued to support the external sector resilience Consumer goods high in December 2020. Remittances grew in December 2020 as well. Expenditure on the importation of consumer by 22.2% in December 2020, year-on-year, Meanwhile, in the financial account, both goods in December 2020 declined by 16.2% to $ 813 million. The improvement observed foreign investment in the government securities compared to December 2019, mainly as a result from June 2020 helped workers’ remittances market and the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) of the decline in imports of vehicles for personal to record a year-on-year growth of 5.8% in recorded marginal net outflows in December use. Expenditure on non-food consumer goods, 2020, to reach $ 7,104 million during the year. 2020. At the end of the year, gross official reserves that includes vehicles for personal use, declined stood at $ 5.7 billion. by 30.1%. A general decline of import expenditure Financial flows During 2020, the Sri Lankan rupee depreciated was recorded in many subcategories under non- Foreign investment in the government by 2.6%. The exchange rate experienced some food consumer goods in December 2020, such as securities market recorded a marginal net volatility in December 2020 as well as during the clothing and accessories, cosmetics and toiletries, outflow during the month. A net outflow Monthly export performance Monthly export volume index period thus far in 2021, as the Central Bank noted. printed materials and stationery, etc. On the other of foreign investment amounting to $ 10 hand, mobile phones recorded a sizable increase million was recorded in the rupee-denominated Trade balance and terms of trade Further, earnings from the export of rubber were seafood, minor agricultural products (fruits, along with many types of household appliances. government securities market in December The deficit in the trade account narrowed in tyres, gems and jewellery, animal fodder, most arecanuts, betel leaves, etc.), unmanufactured Consumer goods that are food and beverages 2020, increasing the cumulative net outflow December 2020 by $ 222 million to $ 562 million, of the items under leather, travel goods and tobacco, and vegetables. recorded an increase of 6.8%, mainly due to the to $ 553 million during 2020. The total from $ 784 million recorded in December 2019, footwear, and most of the items under base metals Mineral exports increase in import of coconut oil, sugar, milk outstanding exposure of foreign investment in due to a larger decline in imports compared to and articles (except copper and articles thereof) Mineral exports increased in December 2020 powder, and dried sprats. Import expenditure the rupee-denominated government securities the decline in exports. declined. On the other hand, the export of surgical compared to December 2019, due to the increase on most of the items classified under other market remained low at $ 37 million by end- “The overall deficit in the trade account in 2020 and other gloves increased significantly. Sizable in earths and stone and ores, slag, and ash (mainly food types, such as vegetables, fruits, fresh December 2020. narrowed to $ 5,978 million from the deficit of increases were also recorded in the export of food, titanium and zirconium ores). fish, spices, and beverages were lower than There were net outflows of $ 16 million $ 7,997 million recorded in 2019. The major beverages, and tobacco (mainly coconut milk and Export indices December 2019. from the secondary market of the CSE in contributory factors for this outcome, i.e. the ratio cream and manufactured tobacco, among others); The export volume index declined by 6.0% Intermediate goods December 2020. On a cumulative basis, of the price of exports to the price of imports, machinery and mechanical appliances (mainly while the unit value index increased by 2.7% Expenditure on the importation of the CSE recorded a net outflow of $ 225 improved by 3.2% in December 2020, compared electronic equipment and industrial machinery); on a year-on-year basis in December 2020. This intermediate goods declined by 9.6% in million, from both primary and secondary to December 2019, with higher export prices and chemical products (mainly activated carbon); indicates that the decline in export earnings was December 2020 compared to December 2019, markets, during 2020. lower import prices,” the Central Bank added. ceramic products (mainly tableware, kitchenware, due to lower export volumes. driven by a 29.5% decline in expenditure on Meanwhile, long-term loans to the wall tiles, and ornaments); and certain wood and fuel imports. The average import price of Government recorded a net outflow of $ 9 Performance of merchandise paper products. Performance of merchandise crude oil in December 2020 was $ 51.89 per million in December 2020. Gross inflows to exports Agricultural exports imports barrel, in comparison to $ 71.78 per barrel the Government amounted to $ 2,002 million Overall exports Export earnings from agricultural goods Overall imports in December 2019. Other intermediate good in 2020 compared to $ 6,570 million in 2019. Earnings from merchandise exports recovered increased by 4.1% in December 2020 compared Merchandise imports declined in December categories that showed a marked decline Gross official reserves at end-December to a great extent in December 2020 from the to December 2019, due to the increase in the 2020 compared to 2019, continuing the year-on- include textiles and textile articles, diamonds 2020 amounted to $ 5.7 billion. This level setback suffered in the previous two months due export of spices (pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, year declining trend observed since March 2020, and precious metals, base metals (such as iron was equivalent to 4.2 months of imports. to the second wave of the pandemic. Earnings mace, cloves, etc.), tea, coconut kernel and non- mainly due to relatively low crude oil prices and and steel and aluminium articles), palm oil, Total foreign assets, which consist of gross from exports in December 2020 were recorded kernel products, and natural rubber. The increase restrictions imposed by the Government on the etc. Intermediate good imports that recorded official reserves and foreign assets of the at $ 964 million with a marginal decline of 3.5% in earnings from tea exports was mainly due to importation of non-essential goods. notable increases included fertiliser and wheat banking sector, amounted to $ 8.5 billion from the $ 1,000 million recorded in December the increase in the unit price as the increase in Expenditure on merchandise imports declined (due to higher volumes), synthetic rubber, at end-December 2020, providing an import 2019. Gradual easing of lockdowns in Sri Lanka volume exported was marginal. Agricultural by 14.4% to $ 1,527 million in December 2020 certain chemical products, and animal fodder. cover of 6.4 months. and improved demand from export destinations products that recorded a decline in export earnings compared to December 2019. Declines recorded Investment goods contributed to this outcome. in December 2020 compared to December 2019 in all three major categories of imports, namely, Imports of investment goods declined Exchange rate movements Earnings from exports in the year 2020 by 23.6% in December 2020 compared to A notable depreciation pressure on the Sri amounted to $ 10,077 million, recording a decline December 2019, with declines in all three Lankan rupee was observed during December of 15.6% from the previous year. This decline subcategories, namely, machinery and 2020. Even amidst such intermittent volatile was a result of disruption to production caused equipment, building material, and transport periods, particularly driven by speculative by lockdowns during the first and the second equipment. Declines in import expenditure market behaviour, the overall depreciation waves of the Covid-19 spread in Sri Lanka, as were particularly apparent in articles of iron of the rupee was limited to 2.6% against well as lower global demand and disruptions to and steel, ceramic products, cement, some the US dollar in 2020. The Central Bank global supply chains. engineering equipment (such as cranes, lifts and was able to absorb $ 283 million, on a net Industrial exports skip hoists, automatic regulating instruments), basis, from the domestic foreign exchange Earnings from the export of industrial goods medical and laboratory equipment, and market in 2020. declined by 5.4% in December 2020 compared commercial purpose vehicles. However, The depreciation pressure re-emerged to December 2019, mainly due to the decline in notable increases in import expenditure were in January 2021, but with temporary the export of textiles and garments by 6.5% and observed in relation to computers, agricultural regulatory restrictions being adopted in the the decline in the export of petroleum products machinery, tractors, etc. domestic foreign exchange market to curtail by 43.6%. The export of garments to the EU Import indices speculation, the rupee stabilised again in increased slightly, while exports to the US The import volume index and the unit value the latter part of January 2021. Meanwhile, and other destinations declined significantly. index declined by 14% and 0.5%, respectively, reflecting cross-currency movements, the Earnings from the export of petroleum products on a year-on-year basis in December 2020. Sri Lankan rupee depreciated against the that comprises bunkering and aviation fuel and This indicates that the decline in import euro, the pound sterling, the Japanese yen, other petroleum products declined due to the Gross official reserves and reserve adequacy expenditure was caused by the combined the Australian dollar, and the Indian rupee decline in quantities supplied as well as prices. impact of lower import volumes and prices. in 2021 up to 11 February 2021. business 49 Monday, February 15,2021 { ADVERTORIAL/CORPORATE } „„ www.themorning.lk LOLC, a diversified financial conglomerate, retained its top SLID, SLASSCOM position by securing three top accolades during 2019/20. LOLC secured the top spot in the LOLC retains its top conduct webinar on LMD 100 ranking as the “Most Profitable Listed Company” by leveraging technology recording a profit after tax (PAT) of Rs. 19.8 billion. Further, LOLC position in 2020 The Sri Lanka Institute of also rose one more position to Directors (SLID) together secure the second slot in the These recognitions are a direct result of with the Sri Lanka Association Business Today Top 30 list for the continued support of our customers of Software and Services 2019/20 and went on to be named as well as the passion and dedication of Companies (SLASSCOM) in “Sri Lanka’s 10 Most Admired our staff both here and overseas.” organised a webinar, moderated Companies for 2020” based on LOLC’s first quarter results for by Hatton National Bank PLC its financial performance and the 2020/21, recorded the highest ever PAT Chief Operating Officer Dilshan value created for shareholders, of Rs. 37.3 billion compared with Rs. 10 Rodrigo to discuss, explore, and Keynote Speaker Lisa Stoner customers, employees, and the billion recorded in June 2019. The topline share insights on “Leveraging wider community in general. from continuing operations of the group Technology to Transform LOLC achieved the distinction of grew to Rs. 32 billion, a 12% growth Business in the Post-Covid being the most profitable listed entity over last year, while the interest income Era”. The keynote address was in the country for two consecutive years from its financial services businesses delivered by Uber Global Head of with a considerable overseas footprint. recorded an increase of 16% to reach Rs. Support Operations and Co-Chair Commenting on the recent achievements, 22 billion. The group’s lending portfolio for Women of Uber Lisa Stoner. LOLC Group Managing Director/ of the financial businesses outside Sri The panel comprised two eminent CEO Kapila Jayawardena said: “These Lanka showed strong growth over the LOLC Group Managing Director/CEO Kapila Jayawardena receiving the award from technology and business leaders rankings are a validation of the superior last year, while the local companies Deputy High Commissioner of India Vinod K. Jacob. Also in the picture are Commander of Global CIO Executive Vice the Sri Lanka Army and Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva and International level of financial performance which recorded marginal growth despite Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka Chairman Dinesh Weerakkody President, Virtusa Sri Lanka Moderator Dilshan Rodrigo has resulted in our significant stability. subdued economic activity. General Manager of Operations, HNB Independent Director, and Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) BOC concludes ‘Innovbank’ symposium Director Madu Ratnayake and Hayleys Advantis Ltd. Group Director Asanka Ratnayake. “Covid brought unprecedented times to Uber and to everyone else. From connecting 16 million Panellist Madu Ratnayake trips per day in March 2020, we went on to very publicly urging our riders to stay at home. During BOC held its ‘Innovbank’ symposium as a webinar on a virtual platform on 12 January 2021 this time, Uber fundamentally redefined its mission for the year Bank of Ceylon’s (BOC) Financial Industry” as a fintech Manager – Product and Banking forum on future banking for and viability. The winners and went from ‘setting the world “Innovbank” financial-tech innovator. Sivanandan Anjana Development M.J.P. Salgado, industry growth in the disciplines showcased their presentations in motion’ to ‘moving only what symposium, the first-of-its-kind came third with his proposal Chief Information Officer Ruwan of fintech solutions in banking, at the final event before a large matters’. We closed all our offices in the industry, under the theme of sent under “Innovative Financial Bakmedeniya, and Assistant business process re-engineering online audience including and moved tens of thousands of “Innovative Banking in a Smart Products and Services” as an General Manager – Product in banking services, innovative industry veterans and academics. workers home although Uber World” concluded, drawing university undergraduate. The Development and Business financial products and services, Innovative technologies are did not have a work from home Panellist Asanka Ratnayake attention from the banking and first, second, and third place Process Re-engineering Projects impact of artificial intelligence creating an unprecedented environment. During this time, financial industry and fin-tech winners were recognised with were present at the in financial services, and revolution in the banking sector, under the leadership of the CEO business and to accordingly adopt community synergising the field attractive cash and non-cash TV BOC Studio to share their application of MIS and big data accelerating the adoption of and of the Board, one of the key technology which will also help to with innovative concepts and rewards. thoughts via live streaming at the analytics for decision making market changes. Through this principles we followed was that push the bar higher, challenging ideas. The bank was compelled to webinar. Postgraduate Institute of in the banking industry. The initiative, BOC expects to boost we would do the right thing and one to think about what diversity M.I. Ifram Ismath was the postpone the final conference Management (PIM) Management bank ensured transparency and industry growth by energising empowered business leaders in means to the team and whether winner of “Innovbank – 2020” due to the Covid-19 outbreak Consultant and University of clear assessment throughout the the innovations and providing a every market to make decisions one does actually have a diverse for his submission under and subsequently hold it as a Sri Jayewardenepura Faculty evaluation process, incorporating smarter banking experience to around doing the right thing. team which values ideas over the track of “Management webinar on a virtual platform Member Dr. Samantha insights of the independent the customers, whilst bringing Every positive matter we were hierarchy. Information System (MIS) on 12 January 2021. Central Rathnayake and University external evaluators. The in the world's best professionals able to do was absolutely enabled “Data should be your best friend and Big Data Analytics for Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) of Colombo School of evaluation process comprised and academics into a common by our people and technical to help guide the decision-making Decision Making in Banking” Director – Payment and Computing Deputy Director three main phases; initial platform. On top of all, this is innovation,” said Stoner, adding process and not HIPPO (Highest as an university undergraduate. Settlement D. Kumaratunge, Dr. Ajantha Athukorale also screening by industry experts, considered a corporate social that during the Covid period, Paid Person’s Opinion). Ideas Second place went to Ovin of BOC Board of Directors Member shared their expertise inputs as shortlisting the applications, and responsibility (CSR) of the Uber’s business changed from of a hierarchy combined with KBSL Information Technologies Harsha Wijayawardhana, BOC the co-ordinating co-chairs of evaluating the presentations to bank towards the betterment being a rides business to a technology are probably the two (Ltd.), which submitted under General Manager/CEO D.P.K. Innovbank. recognise the best papers/ of the entire industry and the business and also saw a complete most powerful tools that you can “Artificial Intelligence in the Gunasekera, Deputy General This symposium created a proposals based on expediency society. change in their top markets. have to advance your business,” “We started a campaign to get she further added. local restaurants on the Uber Sharing his thoughts on AIA launches Seylan Bank wins accolades at SLIM DIGIS platform which meant we had Virtusa’s experience, Madu Seylan Bank picked up to onboard them as quickly as Ratnayake said: “Our first reaction new customer accolades at the recently possible. To achieve this, we when the pandemic hit was how concluded SLIM DIGIS made some internal technology to continue to ensure that our portal 2020 with silver for “Deken changes and most importantly, people are safe and have a proper Dunne”, its digital marketing we leveraged a lot of small startup environment to work, and how campaign on personal loans. technology tools available for to work with our clients without The award is a further menu creation, etc. As a young interrupting their work. Being a endorsement of the digital company, we had a lot of pockets tech services company, we had Seylan Bank won two merit recognitions for its ‘Travel the Island’ website and ‘Offers Rasiya’ narrative with the highest campaign at the SLIM DIGIS Award Ceremony 2020 held on 21 January, in addition to the silver for and places to incorporate technical been working on a trend of a number of social media ‘Deken Dunne’, its digital marketing campaign on personal loans innovation including machine remote co-worker environment for followers and was ranked the learning,” she said. several years. Due to our global number one fastest growing developed to promote the said Seylan Bank Assistant were some of the innovative She highlighted that technology work requirement, we were able finance sector page in Sri bank's “Travel the Island” General Manager – customer-focused digital automation, diversity and to fully transition to a work from Lanka from March to June credit card offers. It became Marketing and Sales Gamika initiatives that took place. inclusion, relentless elevation home environment within five to and August to December 2020 a trendsetter for digital De Silva, discussing the The bank has a growing of standards, and changing six days when the pandemic hit, by Social Bakers©. marketing, having been bank’s focus on digital clientele of SMEs, retail, and the definition of success were and it did not take us by surprise. As a financial brand in completely promoted only marketing. corporate customers and has the things that helped Uber to “We experienced an the digital space, Seylan has over social media. Seylan Bank has carried expanded its footprint with come out of Covid stronger than acceleration in the digital AIA recently announced the launch of gained over 650,000 followers “At Seylan Bank, digital out several innovative 173 branches across the before. On the automation front, transformation initiatives that we their all-new AIA Customer Portal, a one- on Facebook alone, and was marketing is an extended digital engagement ideas for country and an ATM network Uber used machine learning and had undertaken for some of our stop digital solution to access and manage ranked 87th in financial part of our 360 marketing different market segments of 216 units. Seylan Bank has predictions to predict the most customers.” He further indicated your AIA policies anytime, anywhere. brands of the world and the mix and communication over the past year, especially been endorsed as a financially likely of issues, helping customers that the world was fast turning This revamped and improved version first in Sri Lanka for the best activities, and not a separate in the backdrop of the stable organisation with to reach out to Uber more easily to digital means in conducting of the previous portal enables AIA’s use of social media by “The entity. Digital is here to stay, pandemic. The “Seylan performance excellence across while fully automating the their business in the Covid and customers to have full online access to Financial Brand” website. and adapting to it is crucial Tikiri” video series with Dr. the board by Fitch Ratings, customer self-help process devoid post-Covid era. their insurance policy, payment details, Seylan Bank won two merit for business continuation Kumudu on child psychology with the bank’s national of agent involvement, resulting In conclusion, moderator claims information, and much more. recognitions for its “Travel the as we saw globally over the focused on children who were long-term rating revised in a high level of efficiency and Dilshan Rodrigo suggested that it The new Customer Portal, which is Island” website and “Offers past year. We have a team compelled to stay at home all upward, from “A-(lka)” to “A positive customer experience. She is imperative that companies plan more secure and uses the latest technology, Rasiya” campaign at the SLIM that is passionate about day for a long time, a video (lka)”. The bank was ranked also said that customer experience for scenarios rather than for items is tri-lingual and allows customers more DIGIS Award Ceremony 2020 the digital future and has series on YouTube with second among public listed will be a priority for Uber in 2021. in order to minimise the impact of control of their policies, according to the held on 21 January, in addition strategically integrated business tips for SMEs, the companies for transparency Stoner noted that it is important to Covid and similar phenomena for company. to the silver. One of the first digital media into our day- Seylan Tkiri "Wadihitiyo saha in corporate reporting by recognise the pace of change of business continuity and success. “It is a fast and convenient real-time to disrupt traditional norms in to-day business. We believe Podihitiyo" digital campaign, Transparency Global. Seylan platform that enables customers to connect marketing with content-driven in engaging customers the “Seylan Smart Banking Bank has also been named with AIA with ease. Customers can use digital narratives, Seylan Bank through social media and 24/7” digital campaign, the “Most Popular Banking People’s Bank offers this platform to pay premiums, check won two Gold awards at the building conversation the “Suba Dasun” digital Service Provider in Sri Lanka policy status, access policy details, and inaugural SLIM DIGIS 2019 through innovative means, campaign, and the “Past in Customer Experience” by support to young inventors initiate service requests, all from the for the revolutionary “How to gaining insight to deliver Memories of Roy-Tho for LMD consecutively in 2019 People’s Bank joined hands safety and comfort of their homes. So, balance your baba” campaign new age banking solutions,” School ” digital series and 2020. with the Sri Lanka Inventors’ no more having to visit AIA offices or Commission (SLIC) to strengthen spend time on the phone with the call the school inventors’ clubs with centre. All their policy information is Nestomalt launches ‘SALARY for LIFE’ promotion a view to promote an innovation now at their fingertips. The new portal Nestomalt has launched its one-of- 20-year-old Avishka Koswatte from myself online to better prepare for my culture among future generations has been designed to work seamlessly a-kind “SALARY for LIFE” campaign Pilimathalawa, won Rs. 50,000 every future career,” said Koswatte. in Sri Lanka. with mobile phones, tablets, and personal for the second year running, looking month from Nestomalt for 35 years, as “After powering a positive start for As the first initiative, school computers,” the company said, issuing a to reward another consumer with Rs. per the terms of the competition. She is generations of Sri Lankan families for inventors’ clubs will be set up statement recently. 50,000 every month until they turn 55, putting this additional support to good more than 60 years, we’re humbled across the island with financial “The new Customer Portal also serves as per the terms of the competition. use, to help her progress towards her to be able to take our support even aid to nurture innovative ideas to make agent interactions with customers Nestomalt aims to reward loyal ambition of becoming a teacher and further with this campaign, to help from talented student inventors. SLIC Commissioner Prof. R.U. more efficient while creating a platform consumers by helping them kick-start supporting her family. them progress in life in a way no other People’s Bank Deputy General Halwatura (left) and People’s Bank Deputy General Manager (Retail for easier engagement. It reduces wait their journey, to achieve their ambitions “Thanks to Nestomalt SALARY for brand has done in Sri Lanka. We had Manager (Retail Banking, Banking, Process Management, times at service touchpoints while and progress in life. Any Nestomalt LIFE, my future is not on hold. Even a resounding response in the first year Process Management, and and Quality Assurance) Renuka enabling faster processing speeds and consumer between 18 and 50 years can though the pandemic means that starting from Nestomalt fans across the country, Quality Assurance) Renuka Jayasinghe easy access to customer information. At send the flap of a 400g Nestomalt pack my career as a teacher has been delayed and we’re humbled and pleased to Jayasinghe, SLIC Commissioner the end of the day, it saves time, increases – even multiple times – to be eligible a little bit, I’m thankful for my monthly kick-start the campaign for the second Prof. R.U. Halwatura, Director Banking) A. Jayasith, Senior convenience, and makes customer service for a raffle draw. One lucky winner will salary from Nestomalt at a time like this, year. We look forward to helping another Nalin Dolawatta, Assistant Manager (Liability Products) more efficient and accurate, benefiting be chosen at random. to help me on my learning journey and Nestomalt fan achieve their ambitions,” Director Anusha Sarathchandra, W.M.A Sanjeewani, along with the customers and ensuring a smooth Nestomalt’s first-ever “SALARY realise my ambitions. I have bought a said Nestlé Vice President – Dairy Ruwan People’s Bank Acting Assistant SLIC staff were present at the experience for them,” it added further. for LIFE” competition winner last year, laptop for myself and I’m educating Welikala. General Manager (Retail event. 104 business „„ www.themorning.lk { MARKET } Monday, February 15, 2021 Unit trust prices­ at 11 Feb. 2021 12 Feb. 2021 Fund name Unit selling price...... Unit buying price CSE Price List V.W.A. V.W.A. CHANGE V.W.A. V.W.A. CHANGE ASTRUE Active Income Fund 100.6442...... 100.6442 SE­CUR­I­TY VOLUME PREVIOUS OPEN HIGH LOW TODAY’S (RS.) SE­CUR­I­TY VOLUME PREVIOUS OPEN HIGH LOW TODAY’S (RS.) Astrue Alpha Fund 15.4589...... 14.5257 A.SPEN.HOT.HOLD...... 61,914...... 31.9...... 32.5...... 34...... 32.5...... 32.7...... 0.8 SINGER FINANCE...... 80,957...... 14.1...... 14...... 15.3...... 14...... 15.2...... 1.1 Assetline Income Fund 16.8305...... 16.8305 ABANS...... 2,123...... 168.5...... 178.75...... 182...... 162...... 175...... 6.5 SLT...... 29,442...... 35.5...... 36...... 37.9...... 35.8...... 37.3...... 1.8 Assetline Income Plus Growth Fund 17.3905...... 16.9103 ACCESS ENG SL...... 676,744...... 25...... 25.5...... 27...... 25.5...... 26.5...... 1.5 SUNSHINE HOLDING...... 6,519,412...... 83.9...... 86.9...... 90...... 84.9...... 86.8...... 2.9 Senfin Growth Fund 9.3800...... 9.0600 ACL...... 438,949...... 85.4...... 85...... 92.9...... 85...... 90.5...... 5.1 SWISSTEK...... 322,286...... 118.75...... 130...... 142...... 120...... 132.25...... 13.5 Senfin Money Market Fund 15.0785...... 15.0785 ACL PLASTICS...... 13,965...... 282.25...... 297...... 300...... 285...... 285.25...... 3 TANGERINE...... 299...... 42.2...... 41...... 41...... 37.6...... 38.5...... -3.7 Senfin Shariah Balanced Fund 12.1300...... 11.8000 ACME...... 144,471...... 5.9...... 6.2...... 6.2...... 6.2...... 6.2...... 0.3 TEEJAY LANKA...... 76,176...... 39.4...... 39.4...... 41...... 39...... 40.8...... 1.4 Senfin Shariah Income Fund 12.4286...... 12.4286 AGALAWATTE...... 4,456...... 26.3...... 26.1...... 28.9...... 26.1...... 27...... 0.7 THREE ACRE FARMS...... 53,339...... 235.75...... 245...... 253.5...... 245...... 251...... 15.25 Ceybank Century Growth 77.1900...... 73.7800 AHOT PROPERTIES...... 101...... 37.7...... 37.5...... 37.6...... 37.5...... 37.5...... -0.2 TOKYO CEMENT...... 554,954...... 71.1...... 73.9...... 80...... 73.6...... 76.9...... 5.8 Ceybank Gilt Edge Fund (A Series) 14.4922...... 14.4922 Ceybank Gilt Edged Fund (B Series) 11.0273...... 11.0273 AITKEN SPENCE...... 148,754...... 62.3...... 63.5...... 68.6...... 62.5...... 67.6...... 5.3 TOKYO CEMENT [TKYO.X0000]...... 1,555,974...... 64.5...... 68...... 70.5...... 65.7...... 69.7...... 5.2 Ceybank High Yield Fund 13.8277...... 13.8277 ALLIANCE...... 4,100...... 53.8...... 52.6...... 52.6...... 52.5...... 52.6...... -1.2 UNION BANK...... 165,674...... 11.9...... 12.5...... 12.6...... 12...... 12.5...... 0.6 Ceybank Surakum Fund 12.3818...... 12.3818 AMANA BANK...... 643,026...... 3.4...... 3.4...... 3.8...... 3.4...... 3.6...... 0.2 UNISYST...... 16,450...... 14.2...... 15.2...... 15.7...... 15...... 15.7...... 1.5 Ceybank Unit Trust 25.9800...... 24.3800 ASIA ASSET...... 118,694...... 7...... 7...... 7...... 6.8...... 7...... 0 UNITED MOTORS...... 8,177...... 69.2...... 72.5...... 73.8...... 70...... 70.2...... 1 Ceylon Dollar Bond Fund (in $) 0.6983...... 0.6948 ASIRI...... 1,630...... 26.5...... 29.9...... 29.9...... 27.8...... 27.9...... 1.4 VALLIBEL...... 650,210...... 7.9...... 8...... 8.1...... 7.9...... 8...... 0.1 Ceylon Financial Sector Fund 7.3600...... 6.9200 ASIRI SURG...... 19,409...... 13.6...... 14.5...... 14.8...... 14...... 14...... 0.4 VALLIBEL FINANCE...... 229,054...... 106.5...... 110...... 130...... 110...... 124.75...... 18.25 Ceylon Income Fund 22.2410...... 22.2410 AUTODROME...... 6...... 80...... 78.1...... 78.1...... 78.1...... 80...... 0 VIDULLANKA...... 462,382...... 5.4...... 5.4...... 5.6...... 5.4...... 5.5...... 0.1 CEYLON Index Fund 55.3100...... 53.0100 BAIRAHA FARMS...... 19,931...... 137.5...... 139...... 151.75...... 139...... 147.25...... 9.75 WATAWALA...... 50,303...... 51.8...... 53.6...... 57.4...... 53.5...... 56.4...... 4.6 Ceylon IPO Fund 5.5900...... 5.4800 BALANGODA...... 79,526...... 13.9...... 14.6...... 15...... 13...... 14.7...... 0.8 YORK ARCADE...... 824...... 159.75...... 170...... 189.75...... 170...... 179.25...... 19.5 Ceylon Money Market Fund 17.3457...... 17.3457 BUKIT DARAH...... 315...... 330.5...... 338...... 349...... 338...... 347...... 16.5 SECOND BOARD Ceylon Tourism Fund 3.6300...... 3.5000 C M HOLDINGS...... 6,080...... 94.5...... 100...... 100...... 97.5...... 99.5...... 5 AMBEON CAPITAL...... 102,922...... 5.7...... 5.8...... 6.2...... 5.8...... 6...... 0.3 Ceylon Treasury Income Fund 6.1600...... 6.1600 C T HOLDINGS...... 2,211...... 172.5...... 171.25...... 177...... 171.25...... 171.5...... -1 ARPICO...... 940...... 170.25...... 173...... 200...... 170.25...... 191...... 20.75 Comtrust ADL Mudarabah Fund 11.6947...... 11.6947 CARGILLS...... 958...... 234.75...... 236...... 240...... 235...... 237.5...... 2.75 ASIA CAPITAL...... 16,579...... 5.8...... 5.8...... 6.2...... 5.8...... 6.1...... 0.3 Comtrust Equity Fund 19.2900...... 18.4100 CARGO BOAT...... 44,910...... 66...... 72.5...... 72.5...... 65...... 70...... 4 BROWNS BEACH...... 17,315...... 12.3...... 12.5...... 12.5...... 12.3...... 12.4...... 0.1 Comtrust Gilt Edged Fund 10.4518...... 10.4518 CARSONS...... 138...... 279...... 299.75...... 310...... 283.5...... 308.75...... 29.75 COMM LEASE & FIN...... 309,632...... 6.2...... 6.3...... 7.1...... 6.3...... 7...... 0.8 Comtrust Money Market Fund 11.8831...... 11.8831 CDB...... 14,037...... 115...... 111.5...... 124...... 111.5...... 121.25...... 6.25 DIALOG FINANCE...... 5...... 53...... 53...... 55...... 53...... 53...... 0 First Capital Equity Fund (FCEF) 1,387.2600...... 1,317.9000 CDB [CDB.X0000]...... 17,423...... 75.3...... 80...... 80...... 78...... 80...... 4.7 DISTILLERIES...... 143,716...... 19.7...... 21.8...... 21.8...... 20.8...... 21.2...... 1.5 First Capital Fixed income Fund 1,857.3300...... 1,857.2800 CENTRAL FINANCE...... 171,426...... 105...... 105...... 112...... 105...... 110...... 5 FIRST CAPITAL...... 36,806...... 55.1...... 54...... 58.4...... 54...... 57.9...... 2.8 First Capital Gilt Edged Fund 1,495.6600...... 1,495.6600 CENTRAL IND...... 62,752...... 118...... 122.5...... 128...... 122.5...... 127.75...... 9.75 INDO MALAY...... 6...... 1123.2...... 1,110.00...... 1,110.00...... 1,110.00...... 1,123.20...... 0 First Capital Money Market Fund 1,913.7600...... 1,913.7600 CEYLINCO INS...... 10...... 2001.5...... 2,000.00...... 2,000.00...... 2,000.00...... 2,001.50...... 0 LOLC DEV FINANCE...... 285...... 80.7...... 79.7...... 90...... 79.7...... 89.2...... 8.5 First Capital Wealth Fund 1,133.0700...... 1,133.0400 Guardian Acuity Equity Fund 18.8044...... 18.4532 CEYLINCO INS. [CINS.X0000]...... 119...... 1106.75...... 1,101.00...... 1,199.75...... 1,101.00...... 1,195.50...... 88.75 LOLC FINANCE...... 4,901,033...... 6.5...... 6.6...... 7.8...... 6.6...... 7.5...... 1 Guardian Acuity Money Market Fund 20.3264...... 20.3264 CEYLON GUARDIAN...... 31,872...... 126...... 127.5...... 135...... 127.5...... 130.5...... 4.5 MADULSIMA...... 8,173...... 9.3...... 9.2...... 9.8...... 8.9...... 9.1...... -0.2 JB Vantage Money Market Fund 27.6776...... 27.6776 CEYLON INV...... 64,535...... 67.9...... 69...... 78...... 69...... 75.6...... 7.7 ODEL PLC...... 4,171...... 18.6...... 18.9...... 19.2...... 18.6...... 19...... 0.4 JB Vantage Short Term Gilt Fund 14.9146...... 14.9146 CEYLON TOBACCO...... 2,815...... 1085...... 1,120.00...... 1,120.00...... 1,090.00...... 1,100.00...... 15 PDL...... 1,187...... 120.5...... 120...... 126.5...... 113...... 119.75...... -0.75 JB Vantage Value Equity Fund 25.2800...... 23.7700 CHEMANEX...... 35,381...... 81.3...... 86...... 90...... 86...... 87.4...... 6.1 PEOPLE’S MERCH...... 1,280...... 8.7...... 8.9...... 8.9...... 8.7...... 8.7...... 0 NAMAL Bank Fund 9.3041...... 8.9395 CHEVRON...... 158,569...... 103.25...... 105...... 109...... 105...... 107.5...... 4.25 SERENDIB LAND...... 39...... 2805...... 2,805.00...... 3,000.00...... 2,805.00...... 2,805.00...... 0 NAMAL Growth Fund 142.3025...... 132.8129 CIC...... 358,352...... 57.7...... 58.5...... 62.9...... 58.5...... 62...... 4.3 SHALIMAR...... 10...... 1203.2...... 1,203.25...... 1,203.25...... 1,203.25...... 1,203.20...... 0 NAMAL High Yield Fund 24.7985...... 24.7985 CIC [CIC.X0000]...... 1,102,926...... 45.4...... 46.5...... 49.9...... 46.5...... 48.6...... 3.2 SINGER SRI LANKA...... 58,771...... 59.1...... 59.6...... 61.8...... 58.2...... 59.9...... 0.8 NAMAL Income Fund 14.2380...... 14.2380 CITRUS LEISURE...... 123,321...... 9.7...... 9.7...... 10.1...... 9.5...... 9.5...... -0.2 DIRI SAVI BOARD National Equity Fund 34.7005...... 32.4631 COLD STORES...... 7,443...... 664...... 665...... 669...... 654.25...... 660.25...... -3.75 AGSTAR PLC...... 73,534...... 6.5...... 6.8...... 7.3...... 6.8...... 7...... 0.5 NDB Wealth Gilt Edged Fund 18.7332...... 18.7332 COLOMBO CITY...... 1,190...... 862...... 860...... 1,040.00...... 860...... 1,034.00...... 172 ALUMEX PLC...... 349,407...... 22...... 22.1...... 24...... 22.1...... 23.7...... 1.7 NDB Wealth Growth & Income Fund 46.4600...... 44.9400 COLOMBO LAND...... 423...... 25.1...... 26.5...... 27.5...... 26.5...... 26.5...... 1.4 AMANA LIFE...... 85,325...... 8.5...... 8.1...... 10.6...... 8.1...... 10.6...... 2.1 NDB Wealth Growth Fund 10.6100...... 10.1700 COMMERCIAL BANK...... 485,583...... 85.8...... 86.4...... 89...... 86.4...... 88.1...... 2.3 AMANA TAKAFUL...... 21,620...... 8...... 8.1...... 8.1...... 8...... 8...... 0 NDB Wealth Income Fund 16.0605...... 16.0605 COMMERCIAL BANK [COMB.X0000]...... 17,937...... 76.8...... 77...... 80...... 77...... 79.6...... 2.8 AMBEON HOLDINGS...... 195,264...... 19.8...... 19.70...... 22.00...... 19.70...... 21.30...... 1.5 NDB Wealth Income Plus Fund 17.1254...... 17.1254 CONVENIENCE FOOD...... 465...... 1236...... 1,400.00...... 1,400.00...... 1,300.25...... 1,305.75...... 69.75 AMF CO LTD...... 1...... 300.25...... 348...... 348...... 348...... 300.25...... 0 NDB Wealth Islamic Money Plus Fund 16.3420...... 16.3420 DANKOTUWA PORCEL...... 805,414...... 12.8...... 13...... 14.6...... 13...... 13.8...... 1 ARPICO INSURANCE...... 905...... 23.4...... 24...... 24...... 23.9...... 24...... 0.6 NDB Wealth Money Fund 20.6735...... 20.6735 DFCC BANK PLC...... 133,824...... 64.9...... 65.1...... 67...... 64...... 65.8...... 0.9 ASIA SIYAKA...... 532,641...... 2.7...... 2.8...... 2.9...... 2.8...... 2.8...... 0.1 NDB Wealth Money Plus Fund 23.6150...... 23.6150 DIALOG...... 126,093...... 12.1...... 12...... 12.3...... 12...... 12.2...... 0.1 BANSEI RESORTS...... 1,341...... 8...... 8.10...... 8.50...... 8.10...... 8.20...... 0.2 Premier Growth Fund 7.0200...... 6.6700 DIMO...... 636...... 569.5...... 594...... 599...... 589...... 591.5...... 22 BERUWALA RESORTS...... 555,401...... 0.8...... 0.8...... 1...... 0.8...... 0.9...... 0.1 Premier Money Market Fund 18.6993...... 18.6993 Softlogic Equity Fund 122.9882...... 116.8948 DOCKYARD...... 19,634...... 79.5...... 82...... 82.9...... 77...... 77.6...... -1.9 BOGALA GRAPHITE...... 8,103...... 20.4...... 22...... 23.6...... 22...... 22.9...... 2.5 Softlogic Money Market Fund 104.6104...... 104.6104 DOLPHIN HOTELS...... 10,486...... 23...... 25...... 25...... 23.5...... 24.9...... 1.9 BOGAWANTALAWA...... 1,201...... 12.1...... 12.2...... 12.4...... 12.2...... 12.4...... 0.3 Unit holders can contact relevant Fund Managers to obtain Unit Prices for redemptions within DURDANS...... 120...... 102...... 102...... 102...... 102...... 102...... 0 BPPL HOLDINGS...... 83,808...... 14.3...... 14.9...... 14.9...... 14.5...... 14.8...... 0.5 short duration from the date of investment where exit fee is applicable...... DURDANS [CHL.X0000]...... 100...... 95...... 95...... 95...... 95...... 95...... 0 BROWNS...... 316,359...... 185...... 200...... 209.75...... 187...... 204.25...... 19.25 E B CREASY...... 85,276...... 45.5...... 49...... 51...... 45...... 46.5...... 1 BROWNS INVSTMNTS...... 61,597,082...... 5.4...... 5.6...... 6.2...... 5.5...... 6...... 0.6 EAST WEST...... 78,900...... 11.6...... 11.8...... 12.2...... 11.7...... 11.7...... 0.1 C T LAND...... 524...... 26.8...... 29...... 29.6...... 29...... 29.5...... 2.7 Ex­change Rates 12 Feb. 2021 EASTERN MERCHANT...... 93,176...... 6...... 6...... 6.3...... 6...... 6.1...... 0.1 C.W.MACKIE...... 311...... 45.5...... 48.9...... 48.9...... 45.6...... 47.4...... 1.9 (1) The average rates of the following (2) The approximate exchange rates EXPOLANKA...... 9,852,563...... 47.2...... 50...... 52.3...... 49...... 51.8...... 4.6 CEYLON BEVERAGE...... 59...... 779.75...... 735...... 735...... 725.5...... 779.75...... 0 currencies quoted by commercial of GULF currencies based on previous banks in Colombo for Telegraphic Trans- day’s market weighted average rate for FORT LAND...... 26,603...... 14.7...... 14.5...... 15.3...... 14.1...... 14.4...... -0.3 CEYLON TEA BRKRS...... 47,853...... 3.4...... 3.5...... 3.7...... 3.5...... 3.6...... 0.2 fers (TT) at 9.30 a.m. are as follows. the US$ are as follows. GESTETNER...... 46...... 100...... 100...... 109.25...... 100...... 100...... 0 CFI...... 181...... 92...... 93...... 93.8...... 93...... 93.3...... 1.3 CURRENCY BUYING RATE...... SELLING RATE COUNTRY CURRENCY...... INDICATIVE RATE GRAIN ELEVATORS...... 420,261...... 150.75...... 159...... 160...... 153...... 159...... 8.25 CIT...... 98...... 142.25...... 150...... 150...... 150...... 142.25...... 0 Australian Dollar 148.0234 ...... 152.6612 Bahrain Bahrain Dinar ...... 516.2467 HDFC...... 8,985...... 40...... 41.9...... 42...... 40...... 40.1...... 0.1 CITRUS HIKKADUWA...... 13,794...... 5.1...... 5.1...... 5.7...... 5.1...... 5.4...... 0.3 Canadian Dollar 149.7507 ...... 155.2722 Kuwait Kuwait Dinar ...... 643.6438 Chinese Yuan (Renminbi) 29.6039 ...... 30.7030 Oman Oman Rial...... 505.5326 HEMAS HOLDINGS...... 2,161,430...... 87.2...... 89...... 91.2...... 88.7...... 89...... 1.8 CITRUS WASKADUWA...... 80,433...... 3.3...... 3.7...... 3.7...... 3.6...... 3.7...... 0.4 Euro 232.1938 ...... 238.2858 Qatar Qatar Riyal...... 53.4537 HNB...... 155,264...... 134.75...... 138...... 140...... 137...... 139.5...... 4.75 COM.CREDIT...... 27,012...... 23.2...... 24.4...... 24.5...... 23...... 23.6...... 0.4 Japanese Yen 1.8290 ...... 1.8748 Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabian Riyal ...... 51.8848 HNB ASSURANCE...... 19,767...... 58.4...... 61.5...... 61.5...... 58.6...... 60.2...... 1.8 COMMERCIAL DEV...... 1,374...... 115.25...... 119.75...... 133...... 119.75...... 129.5...... 14.25 Singapore Dollar 143.8999 ...... 148.3663 UAE UAE Dirham...... 52.9859 HNB [HNB.X0000]...... 327,103...... 104...... 110...... 110...... 106.5...... 110...... 6 DILMAH CEYLON...... 54...... 675...... 650...... 676...... 650...... 675...... 0 Sterling Pound 263.8083 ...... 270.8854 Swiss Franc 213.6425...... 221.6746 HORANA...... 1,121...... 23...... 22.5...... 22.6...... 22.5...... 22.6...... -0.4 E - CHANNELLING...... 22,236...... 6...... 6.4...... 6.5...... 6.2...... 6.4...... 0.4 US Dollar 191.2395 ...... 196.3655 HOTEL SIGIRIYA...... 104...... 61.7...... 53.60...... 66.10...... 53.60...... 54.10...... -7.6 EDEN HOTEL LANKA...... 137,805...... 10.8...... 11.3...... 11.9...... 11.2...... 11.5...... 0.7 HOTELS CORP...... 220,858...... 12...... 12...... 12...... 11.7...... 12...... 0 ELPITIYA...... 109,537...... 45.6...... 47...... 52.4...... 47...... 49...... 3.4 HUNTERS...... 62...... 750.5...... 750.5...... 750.5...... 730...... 750.5...... 0 EQUITY TWO PLC...... 1...... 69.9...... 53.1...... 53.1...... 53.1...... 69.9...... 0 Market Indicators 12 Feb. 2021 INDUSTRIAL ASPH...... 27,154,750...... 0.5...... 0.5...... 0.6...... 0.4...... 0.6...... 0.1 FORTRESS RESORTS...... 14,774...... 10.6...... 10.60...... 10.60...... 10.50...... 10.60...... 0 JANASHAKTHI INS...... 81,360...... 29...... 29...... 29.9...... 28.6...... 28.7...... -0.3 GALADARI...... 30,418...... 8.3...... 8.2...... 9...... 8.2...... 8.4...... 0.1 Price indices Today...... Previous day JKH...... 715,949...... 152...... 154...... 155.00...... 153...... 154.25...... 2.25 GUARDIAN CAPITAL...... 1,001...... 29.1...... 32.50...... 32.50...... 32.00...... 32.00...... 2.9 CSE ALL SHARE PRICE INDEX 7,985.00...... 7,597.81 KANDY HOTELS...... 1,620...... 5...... 5.1...... 5.1...... 5.1...... 5.1...... 0.1 HAPUGASTENNE...... 2,025...... 17...... 18...... 18...... 16.5...... 18...... 1 S&P SL20 3,180.24...... 3,039.28 KEGALLE...... 43,905...... 115...... 126.00...... 131.00...... 120.00...... 120.25...... 5.25 HATTON...... 12,067...... 8.3...... 8.5...... 9.2...... 8.5...... 9.1...... 0.8 TRI ON ALL SHARE (ASTRI) 10,702.58...... 10,183.61 KELANI CABLES...... 38,353...... 124.25...... 125...... 125...... 123.5...... 124.25...... 0 HNB FINANCE...... 8,731...... 9.1...... 9.5...... 9.9...... 9.5...... 9.7...... 0.6 TRI ON S&P SL20 5,225.38...... 4,993.78 KELANI TYRES...... 86,131...... 80.4...... 82...... 89...... 82...... 88.3...... 7.9 HNB FINANCE [HNBF-X-0000]...... 1,000...... 6.9...... 7.5...... 7.5...... 7.5...... 7.5...... 0.6 VALUE OF TURNOVER(Rs.) 5,170,530,300.00...... 4,383,341,600.00 KINGSBURY...... 11,658...... 12...... 12...... 12.8...... 11.9...... 12.5...... 0.5 JETWING SYMPHONY...... 13,800...... 9...... 8.7...... 9.4...... 8.7...... 9.4...... 0.4 KOTAGALA...... 61,864...... 6.3...... 6...... 7...... 6...... 6.9...... 0.6 JOHN KEELLS...... 1,257...... 76.3...... 76.4...... 78...... 72...... 72.2...... -4.1 DOMESTIC PURCHASES 5,109,808,100.00...... 4,229,534,210.00 L O L C HOLDINGS...... 1,168,714...... 397.5...... 415...... 445...... 390...... 430.75...... 33.25 KAHAWATTE...... 1,175...... 30.9...... 30.9...... 31.5...... 29.1...... 31.1...... 0.2 DOMESTIC SALES 4,419,659,800.00...... 4,260,635,140.00 LANKA ALUMINIUM...... 622,503...... 21.9...... 22.5...... 24...... 22...... 23.4...... 1.5 KEELLS FOOD...... 10,220...... 155.75...... 151.25...... 151.25...... 145...... 149.5...... -6.25 FOREIGN PURCHASES 60,722,384.00...... 153,807,136.00 LANKA ASHOK...... 1...... 839.25...... 888.75...... 888.75...... 888.75...... 839.25...... 0 KEELLS HOTELS...... 1,546,717...... 10.7...... 11...... 11.2...... 10.8...... 10.9...... 0.2 FOREIGN SALES 750,870,660.00...... 122,706,416.00 LANKA HOSPITALS...... 801...... 44.5...... 46.4...... 47...... 44.5...... 46.5...... 2 LANKA CERAMIC...... 18,346...... 148.25...... 159.5...... 172...... 144...... 166.25...... 18 VOLUME OF TURNOVER(NO.) 184,789,536.00...... 198,027,632.00 LANKA IOC...... 173,483...... 21.6...... 23.4...... 24...... 22.5...... 23.2...... 1.6 LANKEM CEYLON...... 368...... 30...... 30.5...... 31.5...... 29...... 30.8...... 0.8 DOMESTIC 179,881,632.00...... 194,768,064.00 LANKA REALTY...... 100...... 39.7...... 34.5...... 34.5...... 34.5...... 34.5...... -5.2 LAUGFS POWER...... 27,730...... 9.7...... 10.2...... 10.5...... 10.1...... 10.3...... 0.6 FOREIGN 4,907,903.00...... 3,259,567.00 LANKA TILES...... 518,978...... 185.5...... 200...... 250...... 200...... 235.75...... 50.25 LAUGFS POWER [LPL-X-0000]...... 74,668...... 7...... 7.2...... 7.3...... 6.9...... 7...... 0 LANKA VENTURES...... 14,989...... 50...... 50.2...... 50.2...... 49.1...... 49.9...... -0.1 LOTUS HYDRO...... 8,342...... 9.4...... 9.4...... 9.9...... 9.4...... 9.7...... 0.3 TRADES(NO.) 36,214...... 37,577 LANKA WALLTILE...... 713,670...... 192...... 225...... 264.75...... 220...... 256.5...... 64.5 MAHAWELI COCONUT...... 451...... 27.7...... 28.9...... 28.9...... 27.7...... 28.1...... 0.4 DOMESTIC 35,480...... 37,008 LAUGFS GAS...... 70,211...... 24.3...... 25...... 27...... 22...... 26.9...... 2.6 MAHAWELI REACH...... 1,900...... 13.9...... 13.1...... 14.9...... 13...... 14.9...... 1 FOREIGN 734...... 569 LAUGFS GAS [LGL.X0000]...... 54,982...... 18.7...... 18.9...... 20.1...... 18.8...... 19.5...... 0.8 MARAWILA RESORTS...... 517,557...... 1.9...... 2...... 2...... 2...... 2...... 0.1 CORPORATE DEBT 207324...... 0 LAXAPANA...... XR 24,703...... 13.9...... 14.4...... 14.7...... 14.3...... 14.5...... 0.6 MASKELIYA...... 30,406...... 11.7...... 10.8...... 12.9...... 10.8...... 12.5...... 0.8 GOVERNMENT DEBT 0...... 0 LB FINANCE...... 83,655...... 212.5...... 220...... 249...... 220...... 239.75...... 27.25 MILLENNIUM HOUSE...... 55,699...... 6.1...... 6.2...... 6.2...... 5.8...... 6.2...... 0.1 LEE HEDGES...... 7,212...... 74.9...... 76...... 78.5...... 75...... 76.6...... 1.7 ON’ALLY...... 112...... 35.1...... 35.1...... 37.4...... 35.1...... 37...... 1.9 LISTED COMPANIES (NO.) 283...... 283 LION BREWERY...... 806...... 582.5...... 570...... 580...... 570...... 572...... -10.5 ORIENT FINANCE...... 33,440...... 15...... 15.5...... 16...... 15.5...... 15.8...... 0.8 TRADED COMPANIES (NO.) 261...... 265 LMF...... 536,259...... 171.75...... 177...... 189...... 177...... 185.75...... 14 PALM GARDEN HOTL...... 21,667...... 26.7...... 29.7...... 33...... 29.7...... 32.1...... 5.4 MARKET PRICE EARNINGS RATIO(PER) 14.1...... 13.4 LVL ENERGY...... 39,478...... 9.5...... 9.6...... 10...... 9.6...... 9.7...... 0.2 PEGASUS HOTELS...... 204...... 31.9...... 31.8...... 32.5...... 31.8...... 32.5...... 0.6 MARKET PRICE TO BOOK VALUE (PBV) 1.3...... 1.2 MALWATTE...... 41,000...... 14...... 11.9...... 14...... 11.9...... 13.9...... -0.1 PRIME FINANCE...... 10,936...... 12.8...... 13.2...... 13.7...... 12.9...... 12.9...... 0.1 MALWATTE [MAL.X0000]...... 50,485...... 8.5...... 8.6...... 9.1...... 8.5...... 8.6...... 0.1 RAIGAM SALTERNS...... 113,772...... 5.5...... 5.6...... 6.2...... 5.6...... 5.9...... 0.4 MARKET DIVIDEND YIELD (DY) 2.2...... 2.3 MELSTACORP...... 1,053,706...... 53.3...... 55...... 62...... 54...... 60...... 6.7 RAMBODA FALLS...... 50...... 16.5...... 17.1...... 17.1...... 17.1...... 16.5...... 0 MARKET CAPITALIZATION (RS.) 3,491,269,076,905.00...... 3,321,978,715,895.00 MERCHANT BANK...... 41,296...... 7.2...... 7.4...... 7.6...... 7.2...... 7.5...... 0.3 RENUKA CAPITAL...... 559,658...... 7.7...... 8.4...... 8.4...... 7.9...... 8.3...... 0.6 MULLERS...... 51,922...... 1...... 1.1...... 1.2...... 1.1...... 1.2...... 0.2 RENUKA HOTELS...... 1,001...... 78...... 77...... 77...... 77...... 77...... -1 1. Overnight Money Market Transactions NAMUNUKULA...... 11,937...... 176...... 175.5...... 180.25...... 175.5...... 180...... 4 RICH PIERIS EXP...... 11,283...... 371.5...... 394...... 400...... 378...... 379.75...... 8.25 NAT. DEV. BANK...... 162,198...... 87.1...... 89.5...... 97...... 89.3...... 90.8...... 3.7 ROYAL PALMS...... 1,220...... 14.3...... 15.1...... 15.1...... 15.1...... 15.1...... 0.8 Call Money Market...... Repo Market SATHOSA MOTORS...... 499...... 230.5...... 230.75...... 244...... 226...... 231.25...... 0.75 Weighted Average Rate (%) 4.55 4.55 NATIONS TRUST...... 104,998...... 58.3...... 61.9...... 61.9...... 60.1...... 61...... 2.7 SERENDIB ENG.GRP...... 693...... 6.6...... 7.3...... 7.3...... 6.5...... 6.7...... 0.1 Minimum Rate (%) 4.54 4.55 NATIONS TRUST [NTB-X-0000]...... 50...... 75.3...... 60.1...... 60.1...... 60.1...... 75.3...... 0 SERENDIB HOTELS...... 14,266...... 15...... 15.6...... 15.8...... 15.5...... 15.6...... 0.6 Maximum Rate (%) 4.55 4.60 NAWALOKA...... 117,681...... 5.2...... 5.2...... 5.4...... 5...... 5.2...... 0 SINGER IND...... 2,160...... 89.2...... 95...... 100...... 95...... 95.4...... 6.2 Total Gross amount (Rs. million) 14,500 5,700 NESTLE...... 100...... 1156.25...... 1,190.00...... 1,190.00...... 1,190.00...... 1,190.00...... 33.75 SINGHE HOSPITALS...... 12,011,217...... 2.6...... 2.6...... 2.6...... 2.2...... 2.3...... -0.3 Total Net amount (Rs. million) 14,500 5,700 OVERSEAS REALTY...... 208,489...... 15.6...... 15.7...... 16.8...... 15.7...... 16.5...... 0.9 SINHAPUTHRA FIN [SFL.P0000]...... 1,740...... 4.2...... 4.9...... 4.9...... 4.8...... 4.8...... 0.6 PAN ASIA...... 986,760...... 16.5...... 16.9...... 19...... 16.9...... 18.1...... 1.6 2. Use of the CBSL Standing Facility SOFTLOGIC...... 147,072...... 13.2...... 13.2...... 13.7...... 13.1...... 13.6...... 0.4 PANASIAN POWER...... 995,595...... 3.6...... 3.7...... 3.8...... 3.6...... 3.7...... 0.1 Standing Deposit Facility (Rs. million) 154,915 SOFTLOGIC CAP...... 320,554...... 3.8...... 4...... 4...... 3.8...... 4...... 0.2 PEOPLE’S INS...... 260,498...... 30.6...... 31.50...... 32.80...... 31.50...... 32.50...... 1.9 Standing Lending Facility (Rs. million) - SOFTLOGIC FIN...... 12,034...... 11...... 11.1...... 11.5...... 11.1...... 11.2...... 0.2 PEOPLES LEASING...... 230,196...... 12.6...... 13.1...... 13.1...... 12.9...... 13...... 0.4 SOFTLOGIC LIFE...... 15,580...... 31.8...... 30.1...... 33.9...... 30.1...... 32.2...... 0.4 3. CBSL Treasury Bill/Bonds Holdings PIRAMAL GLASS...... 1,754,323...... 9.2...... 9.2...... 9.8...... 9.2...... 9.6...... 0.4 TAL LANKA...... 2,714...... 13.6...... 13.8...... 14.5...... 13.8...... 14...... 0.4 Face Value (Rs. million) ...... 769,848.88 PRINTCARE PLC...... 4...... 31.9...... 32.9...... 32.9...... 32.9...... 31.9...... 0 Book Value (Rs. million) ...... 754,868.20 TRANS ASIA...... 66...... 63...... 60...... 62.3...... 60...... 63...... 0 R I L PROPERTY...... 285,087...... 6.6...... 6.9...... 7.4...... 6.9...... 7.3...... 0.7 UDAPUSSELLAWA...... 18,077...... 22.3...... 22...... 26.9...... 21...... 25.7...... 3.4 REGNIS...... 8,012...... 107...... 109...... 115...... 109...... 114.25...... 7.25 TOP 10 GAINERS UNION ASSURANCE...... 1,337...... 308.25...... 300...... 315...... 300...... 315...... 6.75 RENUKA AGRI...... 1,643,561...... 4...... 4.2...... 4.4...... 4.1...... 4.2...... 0.2 VALLIBEL ONE...... 8,638,196...... 52...... 55.1...... 68...... 54.1...... 65.7...... 13.7 Company VWA VWA Change Change RENUKA CITY HOT...... 629...... 215...... 215...... 244.75...... 215...... 240...... 25 WATCH LIST Prev. Close Days Close (Rs.) % RENUKA FOODS...... 23,802...... 14.6...... 15.2...... 17...... 15.2...... 16...... 1.4 ANILANA HOTELS...... 658,810...... 1.2...... 1.2...... 1.3...... 1.2...... 1.2...... 0 LANKA WALLTILE 192 ...... 256.5...... 64.5...... 33.59 S M B LEASING 0.3 ...... 0.4...... 0.1...... 33.33 RENUKA FOODS [COCO.X0000]...... 3,160...... 13...... 12.9...... 13.7...... 12.9...... 13.4...... 0.4 BIMPUTH FINANCE...... 6,002...... 8.4...... 8.6...... 8.7...... 8.4...... 8.4...... 0 LANKA TILES 185.5 ...... 235.75...... 50.25...... 27.09 RENUKA HOLDINGS...... 136,213...... 16.1...... 16.9...... 17...... 16.5...... 17...... 0.9 BLUE DIAMONDS...... 50,104...... 0.6...... 0.6...... 0.7...... 0.6...... 0.6...... 0 VALLIBEL ONE 52 ...... 65.7...... 13.7...... 26.35 AMANA LIFE 8.5 ...... 10.6...... 2.1...... 24.71 RENUKA HOLDINGS [RHL.X0000]...... 53,601...... 13.1...... 13.2...... 13.9...... 13.1...... 13.2...... 0.1 BLUE DIAMONDS [BLUE.X0000]...... 12,000...... 0.4...... 0.4...... 0.4...... 0.3...... 0.3...... -0.1 PALM GARDEN HOTL 26.7 ...... 32.1...... 5.4...... 20.22 RESUS ENERGY...... 477...... 26.7...... 26.6...... 26.6...... 26.6...... 26.6...... -0.1 HUNAS FALLS...... 325...... 152...... 150...... 150...... 150...... 150...... -2 MULLERS 1 ...... 1.2...... 0.2...... 20 INDUSTRIAL ASPH. 0.5 ...... 0.6...... 0.1...... 20 RICHARD PIERIS...... 1,152,374...... 14.4...... 15...... 15.6...... 15...... 15.5...... 1.1 HVA FOODS...... 385,131...... 5.7...... 5.9...... 6.1...... 5.5...... 6...... 0.3 COLOMBO CITY 862 ...... 1,034.00...... 172...... 19.95 ROYAL CERAMIC...... 1,880,742...... 280.25...... 325...... 339.5...... 300...... 333.5...... 53.25 LANKEM DEV...... 244,603...... 3.5...... 3.6...... 4.1...... 3.6...... 4...... 0.5 ROYAL CERAMIC 280.25 ...... 333.5...... 53.25...... 19 S M B LEASING...... 7,017,241...... 0.6...... 0.7...... 0.8...... 0.6...... 0.7...... 0.1 MACKWOODS ENERGY...... 124,861...... 2.7...... 2.8...... 3...... 2.8...... 3...... 0.3 TOP 10 LOSERS S M B LEASING [SEMB.X0000]...... 1,584,205...... 0.3...... 0.4...... 0.4...... 0.3...... 0.4...... 0.1 MULTI FINANCE...... 2,932...... 7.5...... 7.5...... 7.7...... 7.3...... 7.5...... 0 NATION LANKA...... 102,844...... 0.8...... 0.9...... 0.9...... 0.8...... 0.9...... 0.1 Company VWA VWA Change Change SAMPATH...... 1,246,369...... 165...... 166...... 175...... 166...... 174.25...... 9.25 BLUE DIAMONDS 0.4 ...... 0.3...... -0.1...... -25 SAMSON INTERNAT...... 84...... 140.5...... 150...... 170...... 140...... 140.5...... 0 OFFICE EQUIPMENT...... 1,346...... 66.5...... 67...... 83...... 67...... 71.2...... 4.7 LANKA REALTY 39.7 ...... 34.5...... -5.2...... -13.1 PARAGON...... 135...... 71.1...... 71.5...... 71.7...... 60...... 70.4...... -0.7 HOTEL SIGIRIYA 61.7 ...... 54.1...... -7.6...... -12.32 SANASA DEV. BANK...... 45,749...... 59.9...... 57...... 63.1...... 57...... 62.2...... 2.3 SINGHE HOSPITALS 2.6 ...... 2.3...... -0.3...... -11.54 SEYLAN BANK...... 159,059...... 51.9...... 54.8...... 54.9...... 51...... 52.1...... 0.2 RADIANT GEMS...... 161...... 28.5...... 30...... 30...... 29.7...... 29.7...... 1.2 TANGERINE 42.2 ...... 38.5...... -3.7...... -8.77 SINHAPUTHRA FIN...... 12,362...... 7.5...... 7.6...... 7.6...... 7.4...... 7.4...... -0.1 JOHN KEELLS 76.3 ...... 72.2...... -4.1...... -5.37 SEYLAN BANK [SEYB.X0000]...... 652,748...... 45.3...... 49...... 49.1...... 47...... 47.6...... 2.3 KEELLS FOOD 155.75 ...... 149.5...... -6.25...... -4.01 SEYLAN DEVTS...... 21,244...... 15.1...... 15.6...... 16...... 15.5...... 15.9...... 0.8 STANDARD CAPITAL...... 240...... 70...... 87...... 87.5...... 75.5...... 81.3...... 11.3 DOCKYARD 79.5 ...... 77.6...... -1.9...... -2.39 SIERRA CABL...... 3,945,027...... 6.6...... 7...... 7.8...... 6.9...... 7.5...... 0.9 TESS AGRO...... 366,430...... 0.6...... 0.6...... 0.7...... 0.6...... 0.6...... 0 ALLIANCE 53.8 ...... 52.6...... -1.2...... -2.23 MADULSIMA 9.3 ...... 9.1...... -0.2...... -2.15 SIGIRIYA VILLAGE...... 9,212...... 35.8...... 36...... 38.8...... 35...... 35.1...... -0.7 TESS AGRO [TESS.X0000]...... 58,210...... 0.5...... 0.6...... 0.6...... 0.5...... 0.5...... 0 114 Monday, February 15, 2021 „„ www.themorning.lk

Taylor Swift’s re-recorded ‘Love Story’ THOUGHT FOR THE DAY sells 10,000 in the US on first day Taylor Swift’s “Love Story (Taylor’s Version)” – which is not being actively promoted to radio stations – drew a smattering “If you hear a voice of airplay on its first day of release. The new re-recording, which within you say ‘you was released on 12 February, sold 10,000 downloads in the US cannot paint’, then by all that day, according to initial reports to MRC Data. To compare, in means paint, and that the week ending 4 February, just three songs sold more than voice will be silenced.” 10,000 in the entire week in the US – Tom MacDonald’s “Fake – Vincent Van Gogh Woke” (14,000), BTS’ “Dynamite” (13,000), and Olivia Rodrigo’s “Drivers License” (13,000). (Sales in the week ending 4 February are reflected on Billboard’s Digital Song Sales chart dated 13 February).

Appeals have been made In conversation with Jomo brunch Uduman, a paddy farmer at the rally, he shared: “Our agitation began when Senseless destruction of a we realised an elevated highway was coming from Rajagiriya to Athurugiriya, and the direction was changed to bring it over these wetlands.” He stated that they found the Road Development Authority (RDA) putting fields, through the Thalangama roadmarks over their paddyfields Environmental Protection Area.” without permission and Survey She observed that there was quite Department members surveying the land protected a big crowd at the rally, with most of without any dialogue with the residents, them being locals and farmers who will which understandably caused them to be most affected. She added that she worry. They then took steps to try and had received information that the project understand what exactly was going on was on hold for now, but noted: “Just by writing to the President with 175 like they did with the Circular 05/2001 signatures two months ago. and the Sinharaja road, halting does not “We did not receive any mean that they will not carry on with it.” acknowledgement and we are worried wetland? Avishka hopes that the protest will whether he even received our letter,” he spread awareness and that they can stop said, adding that this is what prompted this disaster before it begins. them to raise awareness, so that Raising awareness in support government officials could realise what Illegal destruction is going on. He also said that they did a We spoke to the organiser of the lot of newspaper publicity and wrote to of the Thalangama Wetland rally, Amendrajith Pilapitiya, on what the Surveyor General. their end goal is. “This is more of an “We copied all our letters to awareness programme. What called the RDA and the CEA (Central us to action was when we heard that a Environmental Authority), who proposed roadway was being planned informed us that they haven't given across the Ramsar-protected area, approval for this as there is a gazette destroying almost 3.4 km of it.” of 2007, which stated that the only Wetlands as we know keep activities permitted here are fishing, disappearing from Earth in a time when bird-watching, and paddy cultivation.” Colombo is the only capital wetland He further noted that the only way city in all of Southeast Asia, he said, this construction would be allowed stressing that we cannot afford to lose it. was if they degazet it, but the Attorney “This area is a gazetted protected area General’s Department has informed from the Sri Lankan Government, and them that this is impossible. we want to do whatever we can to raise Currently, residents are imagining awareness that it remains a protected huge elevated highways running area.” through their paddy fields and The destruction of this particular destroying their lives and livelihoods. area is illegal, as it is supposedly Jemo shared that there are over 100 BY VENESSA ANTHONY floods in the cities as the lake retains floodwater and diverts the excess into protected by the government. Yet, species of birds in this wetland and they seem to be going ahead with Colombo is the world's only Ramsar-accredited international the Kelani River. urged people to imagine this highway the destruction of the wetlands. He being constructed. wetland capital city. On top of 40% of Colombo’s wetlands already On hold? informed us that the Government is “What would happen to these being lost due to direct and indirect impacts of urbanisation, the Avishka Sendanayaka currently attempting to degazet this, but people and animals?” he questioned. construction of a 10.4 km-long highway around the Thalangama from the global they are fighting so that it may remain “We are appealing to the President to Lake bunt threatens to further destroy wetlands. This construction environmental movement protected. acknowledge our pleas. We know he Just like they did would entirely, according to concerned parties, destroy the land’s Extinction Rebellion in Sri “There are so many alternatives for is very environmentally conscious and with the Circular biodiversity and the indirect impact from toxic emissions would Lanka, speaking to The them to build roads; it doesn't have to be we urge him to take a stand against this 05/2001 and the further contribute towards the destruction of surrounding areas. Morning Brunch, said: at the cost of the environment,” he said. meaningless destruction.” Sinharaja road, People from many communities that depend on wetlands; they “Today, we are here halting does not People from many communities came came together to raise awareness make a living by sourcing lotus to support the local together to raise awareness against the mean that they will community at the destruction of the wetland not carry on with it against the destruction of the wetland and lilies, fishing, and on 13 February at an environmental more. Thalangama Avishka rally. Environmentally, Wetland area, Sendanayaka from wetlands provide especially Extinction Rebellion Potential impact critical life support, because there in Sri Lanka The construction of this elevated keeping people is a proposed highway would not only destroy safe from flooding, road that is biodiversity, but would also take filtering polluted supposed to be away the livelihoods of farmers in water, cooling air, and cutting through agriculture-dependent communities, even providing food. the wetland area according to activists. Aside from Without wetlands, and centuries- farming, there are many communities there would be annual old paddy

BY NAVEED ROZAIS Taru Villas Brand about,” Chandrasena shared. start of an event we hope to launch in the “Let’s Talk” segment by Communications Specialist Mahika The festival is sponsored by title each year in a hope to break new Kaleidoscope with Savithri Rodrigo, With International Women’s Chandrasena explained that the partner Cargills, beverage partner ground,” Chandrasena shared. a news, current affairs, lifestyle, Day falling on 8 March each year, festival is also meant to foster people Wineworld, event partner United “This is why we have collaborated and dialogue/issue-based quick- the month of March has become in the month of March, particularly Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), with our sponsors who have cut online programme hosted by a powerful time to reflect on the given the events that took place in wellness partner Healing Island, responded very positively, coming former LMD consulting writer and progress of women and women’s March last year with the Covid-19 collaborative partner Kaleidoscope on board because the storyline of media personality Savithri Rodrigo. rights all over the world. pandemic. “We need to be positive by Savithri Rodrigo, and Taru Villas, this event is close to their objectives The major objective of this online While we still have a long, long and show people awareness and that with the festival being held at the within their organisations.” platform is to highlight young people, we need to move on with resilience Table by Taru restaurant at Taru Taking place across four Kasturi Chellarajah Wilson, and high achievers, new ideas, positive way to go to achieve gender equality, more women business leaders. the road is not without light. Each and strength. The pandemic is Villas property Lake Lodge. Mondays in March (1, 8, 15, and disruptions, champion changemakers, something that is happening, but it “Taru is known for her unusual, 22 March), the festival will feature Day 3 of the festival (15 March) and environmental and social issues year, we get closer to an equal gender Creative Forces will celebrate footing, and much of this is done by is not something we can be negative innovative events, and this is the curated panels of women who have to create a platform from where these been changemakers and thought women who flourished in the issues can be spoken about, taken to female changemakers – indomitable creative arts, with panellists women who don’t take no for an leaders who have brought to light the corporate world, and then turned platforms of discussion through including author and publisher into action. answer and lead through example, Ameena Hussein, multi-medium driving change in their workplaces as Cargills International their work, impacts, and action and Cargills International Women’s have championed change. Each artist and Pro Helvetia award- Day Festival: The Changemakers well as communities. winner Layla Gonaduwa and Celebrating these agents panel session will be moderated by will take place at Table by Taru, Women’s Day Festival: media personality Savithri Rodrigo. Chitrasena Dance Academy the restaurant of Taru Villas’ newly of change, Table by Taru, in Principal Dancer Thaji Dias. collaboration with Kaleidoscope with Day 1 of the festival (1 March) revamped and reopened property The Reconciliators will feature The festival will conclude on 22 Lake Lodge by Taru, with each Savithri Rodrigo, presents “Cargills The Changemakers March with The Positive Disruptors, International Women’s Day Festival: women activists who have event in the festival strictly following been fighting to advance peace a finale evening with two sessions of Covid-19 regulations and guidelines The Changemakers”. Introduced featured panellists and a networking by women for women, the festival and gender equality. Panellists to create an intimate, safe, and at The Reconciliators include event with a surprise element to empowering festival environment will highlight those remarkable Celebrating women prompt discussion and dialogue. women who have challenged the peace activist Sarah Kabir, with a maximum of 20 guests able photojournalist on social issues Panellists speaking at The Positive to attend the physical festival on 1, status quo of gender bias, created Disruptors finale evening include, forums of change, and been voices of and peace activist Amalini De 8, and 15 March, and a maximum driving change Sayrah, and peace and gender among others, GoodLife Accelerator of 40 guests able to attend the finale transformation. (GLX) Co-Founder/CEO and The vision for the festival was activist Yamini Ravindran. evening on 22 March. Day 2 of the festival (8 March) Hatch Works Director/former initiated by Taru Villas Founder CEO Randhula De Silva, Ape and and Chairman Nayantara Fonseka The Pioneers celebrates women who have driven successful COLLAB Founder Himali De Silva, Tickets are priced at Rs. 20,000 (aka. Taru), a pioneer in the world oDoc Chief Growth Officer Nare of hospitality who has always careers in the corporate world for the Festival Pass (which and now drive companies. Bandaranayake, and Good Market gives access to all events of championed change and wanted to Co-Founder Achala Samaradivakara. mark International Women’s Day by Panellists at The Pioneers will the festival) and Rs. 6,000 for include Triad Joint Managing All panel sessions at the festival celebrating women who are making will be live-streamed. An extract of the Day Pass to an individual a difference and coming to the Director Varuni Amunugama, Hemas Holdings Group CEO each discussion will also be featured event. For more information, forefront of their disciplines. call 0768 119 191. 124 brunch „„ www.themorning.lk { EVENTS } Monday, February 15, 2021 BY VENESSA ANTHONY Charitable organisation Yeheliya Foundation is to host a Valentine’s Day special webinar session on the realities of being a “man” in a relationship. The ‘man’ in Speaking at the webinar will be global activist Kapila Rasnayaka and Hans Billimoria of The Grassrooted Trust. Billimoria will talk about what it is like being a person in a relationship. a relationship Speaking to The Morning Brunch, he stated that relationships don't kids that I teach rugby to videos of Combating toxic gender norms prevalence of toxic masculinity. always have to be romantic. “The female players, and jokingly say: We need to focus on early “Young boys model themselves model of masculinity and the model ‘If you ran like them, you might childhood education in order to remove after their fathers and young girls of femininity, in my opinion, are win a couple of matches,’ just so these ideals from society. their mothers – those are just facts.” interchangeable so a woman can they understand how wrong the Billimoria added: “We need to He questioned what kind of examples have masculine traits and a man can misconception is.” One's ability to focus on young people's and children's we are setting for our kids with have feminine traits,” he said, adding run well stems from training, not these toxic stereotypes, adding that self esteem and teach them respect, and Activist Kapila Rasnayaka that all humans have traits, and he from gender, so this idea of it being above all, how to value themselves.” we need to have some substantive cannot think of a single trait that is associated with masculinity is wrong. He observed that the word respect has education reform, otherwise change exclusively feminine or masculine. On the flip side, Billimoria noted: been reduced to one of power, which is not going to happen. Rasnayaka shared that he will “All men, all human beings, are born becomes toxic in a relationship. Once Rasnayaka observed that focus on the aspects of power in a with tear ducts. Let's just assume that. bullying and humiliation cultures have sometimes, the man in the relationship relationship, and its causes. “More human discourse is been addressed, then one's self worth is attempts to rein control over their necessary to counter any form of toxic bound to increase. Therefore, once they partner by controlling their life: ‘Boys don't cry’ masculinity or toxic femininity.” are in a relationship, there won't be any “They’ll make demands like, ‘don't go The fact that toxic masculinity Relationships are not just about power imbalances, where they think to that party’ or ‘don't hang out with exists is a result of the patriarchal sex, it’s about communication and that the “man” is the one in those people’, because this is what they structure that governs our interaction. sharing love between two people. charge, or vice versa. have understood a relationship to be: Billimoria stated that we need to In society, we teach our children Rasnayaka About power.” unpack the patriarchal structure traditional behaviour, which, in a noted that a lot of Rasnayaka concluded that all it and recognise it for what it is. He modern society, does not work he relationship issues takes to be a “man” in a relationship explained that once it is recognised, said, adding: “We teach our girls to occur because of the is to be a lovely husband, boyfriend, one will see through that construct; respect their man, to cook, to clean, power imbalance or friend. As long as there is care and then, it is no longer necessary for us to and we teach our men to pay the bills in the commitment, going both ways in a hold onto the masculine stereotype or and open doors.” relationship, relationship, then there is a healthy the feminine stereotype. Rasnayaka noted that men are which exists dynamic between the couple, without He noted two very commonly automatically handed the role of because a power imbalance. used gender stereotypes: “Boys don't the main caregiver, but as men, of the Catch the webinar today (15) cry and run like a girl.” they just need to understand patriarchal at 5 p.m. on the Yeheliya Taking a look at these two how to love and respect their society Foundation’s Facebook page: examples, he said: “I show the young significant other. and the @YeheliyaFoundation. The Grassrooted Trust Director Hans Billimoria

PHOTO WARREN WONG ON UNSPLASH

hosted a multitude of local events to make a positive change in society, through giving back to those most in need. Mahees shared the event was ‘Be the Change’ born of the recent changes taking place in the global experience; with Youth Dialogue on Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship the Covid-19 pandemic affecting all layers of society and the world, the economy has collapsed, political BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE inclusive societies, both locally empowerment and peacebuilding, and globally. and it is their purpose to empower order has deteriorated, social problems have been on the increase, On Saturday, 20 February, It aims to bring together global youth leaders to shape the and vulnerable communities have “Citizens” in collaboration youth-led and future for the better. become more vulnerable than ever. with the “Who is Hussain Sri youth-involving Mahees stated that He added that young people all Lanka” organisation will host organisations, beyond the event, over the world have come forward to “Be the Change: Youth Dialogue providing an ideal they also hope to serve those in need, stating that the on Innovation and Social opportunity not monitor its impact commitment of youth volunteers Entrepreneurship” from 3 p.m. to only for the on participating during this time of crisis have 6 p.m. at the Hector Kobbekaduwa youth, but members been even noted and commended Agrarian Research and Training also for other and their on international platforms. Young Institute. actors such communities people are innovative and look at Citizens Founder/President as the public and further contemporary social problems in a Mahees Ahmed shared with sector, civil provide them new light. Social entrepreneurship us that this forum hopes to societies, with resources has become a focus of many constructively engage the academia, and access youth and they aim to engage in youth on youth development the private to necessary entrepreneurship while benefiting and empowerment to create sector, and other mentorship to society simultaneously. more sustainable, peaceful, and relevant stakeholders to further the conversation. winning UK-based NHS General Storytelling Founder and Chief engage in a more meaningful The organisation has put “Be the Change: Youth Dialogue on Innovation and Practitioner, international Instructor Benislos Thushan; and dialogue with a focus on innovation together several events in the recent humanitarian aid worker, and SABAH Sri Lanka CEO Dinusha and social entrepreneurship past, including the Conference for Social Entrepreneurship” as a forum hopes to encourage, Who is Hussain Foundation Rajarathna. than previously experienced – a Social Justice in 2019, Concepts Founding Chair and Trustee forum where all young people, of Human Rights in 2018, and inspire, and facilitate youth actors Venue: Hector Kobbekaduwa and their social entrepreneurship (International Charity). irrespective of differences and Discovering your Individuality in a Agrarian Research and Training with no discrimination, can discuss 30 Under 30 World in 2018. with much-needed focus on The panellists include UNFPA contemporary issues they face The events collaborator Who innovation – and to do so, the Sri Lanka Assistant Representative Institute, 114, Wijerama and seek innovative and persistent is Hussain is a global movement event will feature a number Madusha Dissanayake; brand Mawatha, Colombo 7. solutions. with teams in 90 cities across the of speakers, including Guest purpose consultant, advocate, content Date and time: Saturday, 20 creator, and Shhh – The Talkshow Citizens is a youth-led globe, including Sri Lanka, and the Speaker Dr. Mohammed Abbas February 2021, 3 p.m to 6 p.m movement focusing on youth organisation’s volunteers have also Khaki who is a multi-award- Host Shanuki de Alwis; Digital brunch 134 Monday, February 15, 2021 { CAUSE/EVENTS } „„ www.themorning.lk Vision Care celebrates the ‘Month of Love’ Vision Care is are able to choose from industry. It is a known fact celebrating February as a wide array of top that today’s well-informed the “Month of Love” by global brands for men shoppers select eyewear providing a wide variety and women such as Ray based on their personal of gift options, including Ban, Vogue, Emperor, preferences and moods gift vouchers, that will Armani, Polaroid, Vintage, and as a result, all Vision help customers focus on Polarsun, Carrera, Michael Care outlets maintain a the most important part Kors, Prada, Bvlgari, wide array of designer of this special month – Coach, Oakley, Gucci, brands representing appreciating your loved Porsche, and many others. different styles and ones. Vision Care’s colours, backed by the Eyewear is the perfect centrally located outlets expertise of its highly gift for your loved ones as offer an elevated shopping trained staff. it is something they will experience for customers always have with them and who can choose from lasts a long time, therefore a stunning range of reminding them of your designer brands in love everywhere they go! a safe, hygienic The world-class designer environment. brands available at Vision Vision Care not just pet shop owners and Care always bring an remains the leading dog breeders, but just about extra element of style and eyewear brand as it everything in sunny Sri Lanka; glamour to this special gift. has kept a step ahead of even human life. Vision Care customers evolving trends in the We live in a country where Pet shops private bus owners and politicians mow down people and yet are allowed to get away scott free, so where would a poor animal’s plight be considered? SLTC’s Prof. Dushantha Jayakody and breeders We have thousands of extremely intelligent community dogs who are very trainable and elevated to grade of Fellow at IET A blight on our landscape could be put to use as guard dogs with the forces and security Sri Lanka Technological to be guided and mentored by companies as well as trained to be Campus (SLTC) School of him and likes at SLTC where part of the community, but NO. Postgraduate Studies and we are highly conscious about Getting rid of them is always easier. Research Head Prof. Dushantha the quality of education to Think about what a lot of foreign Jayakody was recently felicitated ensure value for money for the Sri Lanka has suddenly exchange we would save if the as a Fellow of the UK Institution students,” said SLTC Founder blossomed into a hotbed importation of dogs was banned. of Engineering and Technology President/CEO Eng. Ranjith of dog breeders and pet On average, I receive at least (FIET), which is the highest grade Rubasinghe. two messages a week regarding of the Institution of Engineering Prof. Jayakody obtained shops. All of which/whom Technology (IET) membership. a PhD in Electronics and have no accountability, no people who have invested in expensive pedigrees only to find This title was awarded to the SLTC School of Communications Engineering monitoring, no guidelines, Truepanion out that a few weeks down the distinguished academic to honour Postgraduate Studies from the University College no regulations, and no his yeoman service to the field of and Research Head Dublin, Ireland following line, they are incapable of looking Prof. Dushantha humanity. proper care. after them and hence are seeking engineering spanning decades; he Jayakody the successful completion of Our economy is in extremely Breeders in Sri Lanka merely homes for them. had demonstrated excellence in all a Master of Science degree straightened circumstances see animals in a lucrative manner, In the wake of a Covid-hit categories under which fellows are assessed in Electronics and Communications (and that’s being kind), with to earn a fast buck, and they are economy, to spend Rs. 65,000- prior to being bestowed with the title. The Engineering from the Department of imports of even essential items increasing in numbers. 100,000 on an animal you haven’t criteria for qualification include leadership, Electrical and Electronics Engineering of being curtailed, yet pedigreed As for the pet shops that abound a clue as to how you should responsibility, insight and experience, the Eastern Mediterranean University in dogs continue to be imported in this country, they are an take care of is, in my opinion, a creativity, innovation, enterprise, service, Turkey. He has served as a Post-doctoral at exorbitant costs. Breeders abomination. The animals sit in jailable offence. reputation, and influence and contribution. Research Fellow at University of Tartu, interbreed dogs at great detriment cramped, filthy, uninhabitable Abandoning of animals in IET is the largest multidisciplinary Estonia and University of Bergen, Norway. to the animals health and life. cages, shivering in the cold and parks and public places occurs professional engineering institution in the SLTC claims to be the first research- Animals are cooped up in tiny roasting in the heat – very often on a daily basis, with these poor world, it is claimed. based, residential, private university cages and are on a continuous the cages are placed on the road so animals being run over in a matter Prof. Jayakody is also the Head of with strong industry links locally and breeding cycle which is as to attract would-be customers of hours. I myself have rescued Centre for Telecommunications Research of internationally, offering a wide array of tantamount to rape. with no thought at all for the poor countless such animals. SLTC. He currently supervises and mentors Ministry of Education and University Proper nutrition and dietary creatures inside. The Animal Welfare Bill still six PhD candidates, two post-doctorates, and Grants Commission-approved degrees and supplements are ignored because During weekends they are languishes God knows where, many undergraduates. diplomas. nobody cares for the wellbeing of kept without food, water, or despite promises of being finally “We are proud of and happy for our The campus recently arrived at an the animals. Living conditions are care, to their own devices. As passed after a lapse of 25 years or colleague Prof. Jayakody – a well-deserved exclusive agreement with Deakin University despicable and beyond description. for holiday time, the number of more! accolade in recognition of his contribution in Australia to offer four new courses, The breeders themselves have police complaints we have lodged The illicit slaughter of cattle to the field of engineering, which I also namely, Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence no clue about the animals they against pet shop owners are just is rife, animal cruelty has become happen to be part of. We consider this a (three years), Bachelor of Computer Science are breeding and hence are not in countless. a pastime, and our pleas fall great honour for SLTC as well because the (three years), Bachelor of Information a position to instruct people who This all comes down to the on deaf ears. Paradise indeed, value and insight he adds to the institution Technology (three years), and Bachelor of purchase a pet from them on their lack of legislature regarding Dharmista indeed! is immense; our students are privileged Software Engineering (four years).

PHOTOS RAVINDU SAHIMAL A lucky leopard…but will his luck hold?

human-wildlife crises. This has been of Nature (IUCN), and should be fiercely Regrettably, with increased deforestation BY ROHAN WIJESINHA Wonder…on a wonder… brought about by unplanned, politically protected for posterity. taking place, on the whims of those in Apart from this amazing audiovisual shortsighted development that has power, and with no thought to the long- Last week, a video went viral, on all capture, the fact that it was probably the resulted in the destruction of a once We need them term consequences of their action or that of forms of social media, showing a leopard most shared video of the week, and broke pristine habitat that was home for these Sri Lanka is the one place in the future generations, human-wildlife conflict escape the wrath of a herd of buffaloes when records for “hits” and “shares” on most wild creatures. Inevitably, in their quest world that leopards may be seen during is only going to increase, with casualties on it attempted to snatch a young calf from conservation group sites, locally and for survival, for food and shelter, they the day and is why visitors, especially both sides. their midst. This remarkable and rare piece internationally, show how powerful are the must now increasingly run the gauntlet foreign, flock to the Yala and Wilpattu It must here be remembered that one of footage, taken by a fortunate visitor to the natural wonders of nature in stimulating the of entering human habitations that National Parks. 39% of all foreign visitors of the most important functions of the Yala National Park, showed a male leopard interest and passions of people, especially were once exclusively their own. They to this country visit one of the national Department of Wildlife Conservation attempting to grab a calf from the buffaloes’ if filmed in the wilderness, of animals are then cast as the villains and killed, parks. In 2016, the Yala National Park is the protection of most of the major midst and get immediately, and ferociously, behaving as they normally would, wild and sometimes in the most brutal of ways. generated an estimated Rs. 7 billion for the water catchment areas of this country. set on by the angry bovines, intent on free. Any potential wildlife lover, the world Last year saw a record number of country’s economy (Sri Lanka Association No forests, then no rain. No rain, then no protecting their own. The leopard finally had over, would wish to have been in the place leopards killed, including a rare black of Inbound Tour Operators [SLAITO] water. No water, then no life – wild or the good sense to let go of its potential meal of the lucky person who filmed this, to see leopard; most were caught in snares that Report). Leopards are apex predators and human. for sake of survival, and was chased up a such a rare and exciting event unfold before either slowly strangled them to death, or do not have to compete with lions, tigers, This present carnage must stop tree by the livid buffaloes. It was lucky to get their very eyes. And this is just one event, if still found alive, died soon after as the and hyenas as do their counterparts in the before irreversible damage is done to away with just the superficial wounds that in one protected area of Sri Lanka. This steel wires crushed their internal organs other countries that host them. They have the environment, and to all species it it seemed to have sustained. Had he missed country is blessed with so many more. beyond medical repair. Most of these only man to fear; unless they have the supports, including us humans. It is said his footing and stumbled, and the buffalo got killings have been targeted attacks, with mistaken temerity to charge into the midst that a leopard cannot change its spots… to him, especially against a tree, he may not But for how long more? the body parts of the animals removed of a herd of buffaloes to snatch one of their can we? have lived to learn from the error of his ways. Yes, it is still possible to see such for their supposed medicinal properties. own. (The writer is a former General Leopards do predate on buffalo calves, by wondrous events in Sri Lanka’s national It should be remembered that the Sri Sri Lanka needs development, planned Secretary of the Wildlife and Nature stalk and strategy, but rarely do they attempt parks and protected areas, but for how Lankan leopard, Panthera pardus kotiya, development, and the understanding that Protection Society [WNPS] and Editor it so boldly from the midst of a group of these long more? Where once the main crisis is a sub-species unique to this country, wildlife, if protected and conserved, are of the WNPS Journal, Loris and Trustee half-ton beasts whose horns can slash through for conservation was the human-elephant classified as endangered on the Red List of an important, and sustainable, source of the Federation of Environmental muscle and sinew. conflict, it has now spread to that of the International Union for Conservation of foreign exchange to this country. Organisations [FEO]) 144 sports „„ www.themorning.lk { SPORTS } Monday, February 15, 2021

brilliantly and we won by 149 runs. Actually, I didn’t feel any seriousness about that. It was Sri Lanka thus recorded their something like just another much-awaited maiden Test victory school match for me. No and you were a part of it. Your pressure whatsoever. All the thoughts? players treated me really well, I remember Rumesh taking that diving particularly Arjuna. They all catch to get Kapil out as India’s last helped. It was a very happy . I was usually fielding at cover- bunch. We played hard cricket point. It was a different era altogether. Now I see the footage on YouTube and all the top players played for clubs like notice that I run across the pitch after NCC and SSC. In those clubs, I could the catch back to the pavilion. have had a better chance to get selected. President J.R. Jayewardene declared My father and his brothers had played for the following day as a national holiday to Bloomfield, but the club was not doing celebrate the historic victory. Yet, I can’t really well then. Actually, I think I was remember whether even my father had not mature or experienced enough then come to watch the game. My sister was to make the right decisions. there watching that match at the ground I continued to play first-class cricket on the last day. and did well as an all-rounder. I (There was only live radio commentary contributed to my club winning the Sara of the match. Live TV coverage began Trophy. In 1990, I went to Bangladesh to only after the last day’s tea break when play for the Dhaka League. Then I played Sri Lanka needed to take three more in Malaysia where I played for Ipoh. In Indian in the final session of 1996, I came to Australia with Rumesh play to win the game.) Ratnayake and settled down here. Our Cricket Board President that time, Mr. Gamini Dissanayake, gave us a Now being a coach yourself, how do grand dinner in his residence that day you assess your cricketing past? (11 September 1985). It was Champagne I am happy and content. You need luck all over. too to sustain at the international level. I The Maharaja Company offered every am happy to have represented my country player a special medallion which I still and become the youngest ever to do so. wear in my neck. A small sum of money The situation was different those days. was presented too. Nobody played for I don’t blame anybody. It is cricket that money back then. The country came first. gave me everything. Today, I live happily Sanjeewa with his family in with my wife and three daughters in How do you look at that Test now? Australia because of cricket. Now as We had a great and well-knit side. a professional coach, I intend to make Sri Lanka always dominated at home. good cricketers for the future. What happened to Sri Lanka’s The Sara pitch was a very slow turner then and it had been especially made for pace in that 1985 series. It worked THE YOUNGESTS! for Sri Lanka. In zzWorld: Hasan Raza of Pakistan – 14 years and What happened thereafter in that 227 days (vs. Zimbabwe in India series? Faisalabad on 24 October 1996) I was dropped in the third Test played zzSri Lanka: SANJEEWA youngest-ever in Asgiriya. I was the 12th man. Roshan WEERASINGHE – 17 years and 189 days, 25th in the world Jurangpathy made his debut in that match. (vs. India in Colombo on 6 We drew it and beat India 1-0 in the September 1985) three-match series. That happened to be the first-ever series victory as well for In ODI cricket Sanjeewa zzWorld: Hasan Raza of Pakistan Weerasinghe Sri Lanka in Test cricket. – 14 years and 233 days (vs. Zimbabwe in Quetta on 30 Then you travelled to Pakistan in October 1996) Test cricketer? October the same year with Sri zzSri Lanka: SUDATH PASQUAL Lanka for their very next series? – 17 years and 237 days, 40th z in the world (vs. New Zealand Revisiting the enigma of Sanjeewa Weerasinghe Yes. Roger Wijesuriya (the left-arm in Nottingham on 9 June 1979) leg-spinner who played in four Tests BY REVATHA S. SILVA AND VERNON TISSERA IN MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA between 1982 and 1986, taking only one In T20 cricket Sudat z Shehan Karunatilaka published in 2010 the award-winning novel wicket with a strike-rate of 586.00) was zWorld: Meet Bhavsar of Pasqual Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew, which was partly based on the Kuwait – 14 years and 211 the other spinner in the side. I did not days (vs. the Maldives in Al enigmatic career of former Sri Lanka all-rounder Anura Ranasinghe. Leg- play in the first Test held in Faisalabad. Amerat on 20 January 2019) spinner Sanjeewa Weerasinghe, who played for Sri Lanka in the 1980s in Roger played. But the night before the zzSri Lanka: AKILA only one Test, creates a similar enigma as well as an aura. The Test against third and final Test in , I was DANANJAYA – 18 years and India in 1985 is in fact the first that Sri Lanka won. What happened to that asked to get ready to play. 359 days, 130th in the world (vs. New Zealand in Pallekele “one-Test wonder” after that? Then in the morning, I found that I had on 27 September 2012) been omitted and Roger was to play again. He came and he went. One of the most Sanjeewa, now living in Melbourne, I felt it was a mistake. It was a heavily NOTES: Akila prodigious schoolboy cricketers of the Australia with his wife and three children, turning wicket. I thought I could have zzSanjeewa Weerasinghe is still Dananjaya the youngest to play for Sri time, Weerasinghe was never to be seen answers all these questions on behalf of broken a record that day, had I played. I Lanka in all three formats, Tests, ODIs, or T20Is again in the big league. The Morning Sports readers. had a great opportunity but I missed that. zzThe second youngest to play Test cricket for The only Test he played in Sri Lanka It could have been the turning point in SL is who was 18 years and recorded their historic first-ever victory What are you doing now in my career. (Wijesuriya took his career’s 78 days when he made his debut vs. England in September 1985 against India in Australia? The special medallion Weerasinghe only wicket, that of Abdul Qadir, in at P. Sara on 17 February 1982, which was the received from the Maharaja Company after country’s inaugural Test. He is still the 48th in the Colombo. The long-awaited win came Since 1997, I have been living here in Sri Lanka won their first-ever Test that third Test, 25.3 overs for a world’s youngests’ list 12 matches and three-and-half years Australia. I run an academy here. I live match-bag of 1/77). zzThe third youngest to play Test cricket for Sri after they played their inaugural Test in Narre Warren South in Dandenong in Lanka, and the 49th in the world, is Roshan in 1982. Melbourne, Victoria with my wife and was our , I took a match-bag of And you never played again Jurangpathy who was 18 years and 81 days old when he made his debut vs. India in Kandy on 14 The cherished image of Indian Captain three daughters. seven wickets. for Sri Lanka? September 1985. That was incidentally the very Kapil Dev being caught mid-pitch by a Yes. After that, I was out of the next (third) Test match of the same Indian series diving at P. Sara Oval On starting cricket at Isipathana? Then you got a call for the Test Sri Lanka squad. But I featured in the where Sanjeewa Weerasinghe made his debut off his own bowling is perhaps second My father and many of his brothers had series against touring India under Sri Lanka Under-19 team many times. zzThe 21st in the youngest players’ list for ODIs in in terms of its impact, only to the one played cricket for Ceylon Govt. Railways Kapil Dev the same year (1985)? the world is Ravindu Gunasekera who is of Sri Lankan origin. He was 16 years and 347 days old depicting Arjuna Ranatunga receiving (CGR). One of my brothers also played No. I was first selected for the three- Looking back, what do you think when playing for Canada vs. Bermuda in Ontario the Wills World Cup from Pakistan’s junior cricket. When I played Under-11 day practice match against India played are the reasons for not getting a on 1 July 2008 Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in Lahore for Isipathana, our Coach David Heyn at NCC (Nondescripts Cricket Club). recall for the Sri Lanka full team? zzThe 120th in the youngest players’ list for T20Is in 1996. came to me at BRC (Burgher Recreation Arjuna Ranatunga was our Captain in that There are many reasons. Later on, a in the world is Tharindu Perera who is also of Sri Lankan origin. He was 18 years and 318 Weerasinghe was an ambitious yet Club) grounds and said: “Son, you have match. There I took five wickets in the first coach named Don Smith changed my days when playing for Botswana vs. Uganda in naive 17-year-old schoolboy then, playing a good future as a leg-spinner.” innings, including those of bowling action. And I made a wrong Kampala on 20 May 2019 for the Isipathana College first-XI cricket , , and Mohammad Azharuddin. In that game, decision to play for Bloomfield when team. A natural leg-spinner, as was and all played for my Sumithra Warnakulasuriya scored 160-plus identified by former Sri Lanka player school at some stage of their careers. Since runs and we (the Board President’s XI) David Heyn, Weerasinghe went into the 1983, when I was playing for the Under- took a first-innings lead too. I was not in wilderness no sooner than he entered 15 age group, I was playing for Isipathana the squad for the first Test which ended in the highest echelons. What happened to first-XI too. Anura Abeywickrama and a draw at SSC (), Sanjeewa Weerasinghe after Sri Lanka’s Chethaka Rajkumar were the first-XI but I was picked for the 15-man squad for memorable maiden Test victory? Why Captains then. I remember I was the Man the second Test at P. Sara. couldn’t he serve any of the Match of our annual I can still recall that the practices were longer? against Thurstan in 1985. held that time at NCC under Coach W.A.N. Silva and Fielding Coach Ranjit How were you noticed at the Fernando. was the Sri Sanjeewa Weerasinghe bio national level so early on? Lanka Captain then. I was expecting a zzFull name: Colombage Don Udesh inclusive of six five-wicket (in an In 1985, I won the All-island Best call for the match. Then I was ready to Sanjeewa Weerasinghe innings) and two 10-wicket (in a Bowler Award and was picked for play in the Test on the first day morning zzBorn: 1 March 1968 in Colombo match) hauls. Best 8/77 the Sri Lanka Under-19 team against (on 6 September 1985). (age 52) zzOverseas assignments: Played zzFather: Wilfred Newton Weerasinghe in Dhaka League, Bangladesh; Ipoh, touring Australians under Tom Moody. zzMother: Hazel Weerasinghe Malaysia; and district cricket at Gurusinha was our Captain. I remember Duleep, Roy, Sidath, Ranjan, zzSiblings: Two elder brothers and one Mornington League, Australia myself, Rajkumar, and K.G. Priyantha Arjuna, Aravinda, Rumesh, elder sister from Isipathana got a call for selections. Ashantha – how was it playing zzSchool: Isipathana College, Colombo W.A.N. Silva saw us at the selections among those top players for your zzSchool coaches: David Heyn, Lalith Jayasundara, and Hemal Mendis held that time in Matara. We got into country at the young age of 17? zzBatting: Right-handed middle-order the 20-man squad. Actually, I didn’t feel any seriousness batsman The first one-dayer was at Tyronne about that. It was something like just zzBowling: Right-arm leg-break and Fernando Stadium, Moratuwa. Silva another school match for me. No pressure googly zzAwards: All-island Best School Boy was our Coach and Abu Fuard was the whatsoever. All the players treated me Bowler in 1985 and 1986 Manager. Kapila Dandeniya played that really well, particularly Arjuna. They all zzTests: Played one Test at age 17 game as the leg-spinner. Moody got a helped. It was a very happy bunch. We for Sri Lanka in 1985 vs. India in century and we lost that match. I was played hard cricket. We always looked Colombo (the first Test Sri Lanka won). selected for the second OD (one-dayer). to win. Weerasinghe holds the record as the youngest to play for Sri Lanka in any I got the wicket of Moody in my first I bowled seven straight maiden overs form of international cricket over, by wicket-keeper Gamini to Gavaskar who had scored over 9,000 zzFirst-class record: Played 44 Wickremasinghe. I finished with 1/14 in Test runs by that time. My figures in matches for Bloomfield, Tamil Union, Weerasinghe on the 10 overs. “Gura” struck a century and we the first innings were 16-7-28-0 and The first Test win. Rumesh Ratnayake takes the catch off India last man Kapil Dev and NCC; scored 845 runs at 17.97 famous Indian magazine won that match. Then in the unofficial in the second, I didn’t bowl much off his own bowling as wicketkeeper Amal Silva, non-striker Chetan Sharma, with a century (112 n.o.) and two ‘Sportstar’ fifties. Took 103 wickets at 24.03, Test of the same series at CCC (Colombo (3-1-8-0) because it was a fast track. and umpire Piyadasa Vidanagamage look on Cricket Club), where Rumesh and Saliya Ahangama bowled sports 154 Monday, February 15, 2021 { SPORTS } „„ www.themorning.lk Qu te from a legend WINDIES WRAP UP Cricket is a sport that earns the country at least Rs. 5-6 billion per first overseas Test series after 2017 year. does not depend on government funds. It’s the players who bring those monies. Such money has not been spent on the development of the game in the right manner. Cricket cannot be developed only by building giant stadiums. The present club system in our domestic structure has to be changed. We need to go for a new district and province-based system. If not, a poor boy from the village will never be able to play for Sri Lanka – SCORECARD West Indies 1st innings 409 all out Bangladesh 1st innings 296 all out WEST INDIES 2ND INNINGS (OVERNIGHT 41/3 IN 21 OVERS) Kraigg Brathwaite (Capt.) c Das b Hasan 6 John Campbell b Islam 18 Shayne Moseley c Mithun b Hasan 7 Nkrumah Bonner b Hasan 38 Jomel Warrican lbw b Jayed 2 Kyle Mayers lbw b Jayed 6 Jermaine Blackwood st Das b Islam 9 Joshua Da Silva (wk) c Sarkar b Islam 20 Alzarri Joseph c Hossain Shanto b Islam 9 Rahkeem Cornwall c Rahim b Hasan 1 Shannon Gabriel 1 Extras 0 Total (all out in 52.5 overs) 117 Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Brathwaite, 3.3 ov), 2-20 (Moseley, 8.3 ov), 3-39 (Campbell, 16.4 ov), 4-50 (Warrican, 25.1 ov), 5-62 (Mayers, 31.1 ov), 6-73 (Blackwood, 34.2 ov), 7-104 (Da Silva, 49.3 ov), 8-114 (Joseph, 51.2 ov), 9-116 (Bonner, 52.1 ov), 10-117 (Cornwall, 52.5 ov) Bowling: Taijul Islam 21-4-36-4, Nayeem Hasan 15.5-5-34-3, Mehidy Hasan 6-1-15-1, Abu Jayed 10-4-32-2

BANGLADESH 2ND INNINGS (TARGET 231) What a sight! The 28-year-old Antiguan giant Rahkeem Cornwall is the hero, taking four wickets and three catches in the Bangladesh second innings Tamim Iqbal c Moseley b Brathwaite 50 Soumya Sarkar c Cornwall b Brathwaite 13 Muttiah Muralitharan A total of 17 wickets fell Bangladesh in Dhaka exploiting of the turn and bounce spinning one sharply from a Najmul Hossain Shanto c Moseley b Cornwall 11 across two innings, Tamim yesterday (14). on a deteriorating pitch. length outside off as Mehidy Mominul Haque (Capt.) c Cornwall b Warrican 26 An ordinary Kandyan-Tamil who went Iqbal made a stroke-filled The hosts had won the previous The six-and-half foot Hasan Miraz, who had started a Mushfiqur Rahim c Da Silva b Warrican 14 on to rule the world in a turbulent 20-year 44-ball half-century, and three-match ODI series 3-0 on Rahkeem “rock” Cornwall late attack when he was running Mohammad Mithun c Bonner b Cornwall 10 career, Muttiah Muralitharan (also spelt West Indies Captain Kraigg 25 January. West Indies then of the Windies led the charge out of partners, changed plans Liton Das (wk) c Da Silva b Cornwall 22 as Muralidaran), 48, is considered the Brathwaite turned out to be won the first of the two-match as they claimed the Test in an to defend. Mehidy Hasan c Cornwall b Warrican 31 greatest cricketer this cricket-crazy island one of the unlikely bowling Test series by three wickets on extended final session by 38 The edge was travelling low Taijul Islam lbw b Cornwall 8 has ever produced. heroes on a day dominated 7 February at Chattogram. runs by wrapping up their first to the right of Cornwall and the Nayeem Hasan lbw b Brathwaite 14 In 2002, Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack by spinners, but eventually, This time in Dhaka, however, overseas series win since 2017. big man dived to his right to Abu Jayed not out 14 chose Muralitharan to be the greatest Test West Indies held on for a the visitors were able to wrest The win was sealed almost 35 pluck out a catch, sparking off Extras (nb 2, b 8, lb 4) 14 bowler in the history of the game. 13-run win to seal their control of a 231-run chase by minutes past the scheduled close huge mid-field celebrations by Total (all out in 61.3 overs) 213 Six years after his international Test series 2-0 against Bangladesh owing to their superb of play, with Jomel Warrican the Caribbeans. Fall of wickets: 1-59 (Sarkar, 12.1 ov), 2-70 (Iqbal, retirement in 2011, having an astonishing 16.2 ov), 3-78 (Shanto, 21.3 ov), 4-101 (Rahim, 30.2 number of 800 Test and 534 One Day ov), 5-115 (Mithun, 33.2 ov), 6-147 (Haque, 41.1 ov), International (ODI) wickets – a world 7-153 (Das, 44.2 ov), 8-163 (Islam, 50.1 ov), 9-188 record in both formats – “Murali” became Pretorius shines, SA level T20I series against Pakistan (Hasan, 55.4 ov), 10-213 (Hasan, 61.3 ov) the only Sri Lankan cricketer to be Bowling: Rahkeem Cornwall 30-5-105-4, inducted into the International Cricket A five-wicket haul from Dwaine and final match into a decider. Alzarri Joseph 2-0-16-0, Shannon Gabriel 2-0-8-0, Council (ICC) Hall of Fame. Pretorius helped South Africa to victory Jomel Warrican 16.3-4-47-3 (2nb), in the second T20I in Lahore on Saturday Scores: The same year (2017) when he got that Kraigg Brathwaite 11-1-25-3 (13). His figures of 5/17 in four overs are Pakistan 144/7 in 20 overs (Mohammad recognition, Muralitharan won the “Ada the best ever by a South African in T20I Rizwan 51, Faheem Ashraf 30 n.o., Iftikhar Result: West Indies win by 17 runs Derana Sri Lankan of the Year” award too. cricket and also the best ever against Ahmed 20; Dwaine Pretorius 5/17) The legendary cricketer is also known Test No.: 2,410 Pakistan in the format. South Africa (won toss) 145/4 in 16.2 Series: West Indies win two-match series 2-0 for his bold opinion on current affairs of The 31-year-old’s phenomenal overs (Reeza Hendricks 42, Pite van Sri Lanka’s cricket as well as the “cricket Player of the Match: Rahkeem Cornwall performance helped the tourists level Biljon 42, David Miller 25 n.o.; Shaheen Player of the Series: Nkrumah Bonner politics” in Sri Lanka. the series at 1-1 to turn Sunday’s third Shah Afridi 2/18) World Test Championship points: West Indies 60

FOREIGN  Osaka and Serena (WADA). Under the terms of the Gorbachev in the first  Messi equals CAS decision, Russian Government Presidential election SPORTS IN BRIEF Williams into last eight officials are prohibited from serving in post-Communist Barcelona record Naomi Osaka saved two match points and Serena on sports bodies until December Russia. The European Lionel Messi and Francisco Trincao scored Williams was taken to three sets as two of the 2022. Those appointed to Boards Weightlifting twice as Barcelona beat Alaves 5-1 for a seventh favourites reached the Aus Open women’s singles and Committees “of any WADA Championships in consecutive Spanish La Liga win on Saturday. quarter-finals yesterday. Having lost the opening set Code signatory (or its members) Moscow from 3-11 April Trincao opened the scoring from a pass by Ilaix to Garbine Muguruza, Osaka was a break down in the or association of signatories” prior will be dedicated to the Moriba --both players were making their first La second and faced two match points at 5/3 in the third. to the CAS ruling --such as Ivanov-- are bound to memory of Vlasov, an Liga starts-- and Messi doubled the lead via the But she won four games in a row to win 4/6, 6/4, 7/5 leave their roles by the verdict. Ivanov, elected RusAF Olympic champion and inside of the post from outside the box. Messi, 33, against the Spaniard, who is also a former world No. President on 30 November 30, has “temporarily” multiple world record was making his 505th Spanish La Liga appearance, 1. Williams then came through 6/4, 2/6, 6/4 against vacated his position and has been replaced by first holder for the Soviet equalling Xavi Creus’ Barcelona club record (1998- Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka. Vice President and Sydney 2000 Olympic 400 metres Union. 2015). hurdles gold medallist Irina Privalova, with a view to  Spezia fell Series A giant returning once the sanctions have expired. Six Nations AC Milan Spezia felled another Serie A giant as they shocked Rugby 2021  England bounce back to league leaders AC Milan with a dominant display in Round 1 defeat Italy a 2-0 victory on Saturday at La Spezia, Italy. Having England put last week’s Scotland defeat behind them already beaten AS Roma in the Coppa Italia and Napoli 6 February: with a six-try 41-18 Six Nations rugby victory over Italy at in the league since the turn of the year, Spezia, making zzFrance beat Italy 50-10 in Rome Twickenham on Saturday (13) as Anthony Watson scored their Serie A debut this season, scored twice through zzScotland beat England 11-6 in two tries and Jonny May claimed a memorable one with Giulio Maggiore and Simone Bastoni, both in the London an acrobatic leap. second half, to seal a surprise success.  Dimitrov beats Thiem, 7 February:  Wales edge out 14-man  Liverpool’s title defence enters last eight zzWales beat Ireland 21-16 in Cardiff World No. 3 Austrian Dominic Thiem yesterday Scotland is over (14) said he is “not a machine” and had “physical Wales edged out 14-man Scotland 25-24 in a Manager Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool’s Premier issues” after a shock defeat at the hands of 18th 13 February: League football title defence is over. That’s after his zzEngland beat Italy 41-18 in mesmeric thriller at Murrayfield Stadium Scotland, also on seed Grigor Dimitrov in the Australian Open fourth London Saturday, to maintain their 100% start to their Six Nations side’s late capitulation at Leicester on Saturday, their round. Bulgarian Dimitrov, an Aus Open semi-finalist zzWales beat Scotland 25-24 in campaign this time. fifth loss in seven games. The Reds were 1-0 up with in 2017, dismantled the US Open champion 6/4, Edinburg 12 minutes of the 90 remaining before a succession 6/4, 6/0. Dimitrov will face qualifier Aslan Karatsev,  Borussia Dortmund share of errors saw them lose 3-1. They are now fourth, 13 who stunned Felix Auger-Aliassime earlier in the 14 February: points with Hoffenheim points behind leaders Manchester City, who have a tournament. Meanwhile Russian qualifier, 27-year-old zzIreland vs. France in Dublin game in hand. “I don’t think we can close the gap. world No. 114 Aslan Karatsev (pictured) came from Goals from Jadon We are not worrying about the title, we are not silly,” two sets down to pull off yet another stunning victory Next Sancho and Erling said Klopp. over Canadian 20th seed Auger-Aliassime 3/6, 1/6, Braut Haaland were 6/3, 6/3, 6/4 to reach the quarter-finals. not enough for victory 27 February: as Borussia Dortmund  WADA sanctions force zzItaly vs. Ireland in Rome drew with Hoffenheim  Vlasov, who inspired zzWales vs. England in Cardiff RusAF Head to resign in their German Peter Ivanov has been forced to resign as President Schwarzenegger, dies 28 February: Bundesliga soccer of the Russian Athletics Federation (RusAF) after Weightlifting legend Yuri Vlasov who inspired zzFrance vs. Scotland in Saint-Denis game on Saturday less than three months in the role because of the Arnold Schwarzenegger died aged 85 on Saturday. at Signal Iduna Park, Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) decision in the Vlasov is one of the all-time greats of weightlifting Dortmund, Germany. country’s case against the World Anti-Doping Agency who later stood against Boris Yeltsin and Mikhail „„ www.themorning.lk Monday, February 15, 2021 Telesphor Dias felicitated Sabuddi and sports literature Telesphor Dias was recently presented with a “Reading and sports maketh a good man” – this was the concept that was emphasised when the Sabuddi special memento by former Football Federation of Sri Centre, in collaboration with the National Library of Sri Lanka (NLSL), launched their new school library Lanka President Manilal Fernando. Dias is former Sri project at Udamalala Maha Vidyalaya Hambantota last week. Sierra Cables and the Hambantota Municipal Jayewardenepura Kotte Football League’s General Secretary Council also joined hands with the Sabuddi Centre in this worthwhile endeavour. and CEO who carried the Kotte football flag for almost 52 years, 48 of which as a disabled person, yet being an extremely passionate soccer administrator unparalleled in any other soccer league in the country. sportsAnika and Luca win Colombo C’ship main titles The 105th Colombo Championship Grade-1 yy In boys’ doubles final of U-18 age group, Thehan tennis tournament 2020 that continued at the Wijemanne (Royal College, Colombo) and Sri Lanka Tennis Association (SLTA) Playing Chathurya Nilaweera (Stafford International Section clay courts in Colombo saw Anika School, Colombo) beat Luca Knese and Kavisha Seneviratne of Ladies’ College Colombo Rathnayake 6/2, 6/1 and Luca Knese clinch the coveted women’s and men’s open singles titles respectively over the weekend. Seneviratne beat Savini Jayasuriya 7/5, 3/6, 6/3 on Saturday (13) while Knese beat Vibuda Wijebandara Bhagwath Chandrasekhar’s leg-breaks brought him 8/79 in the first yesterday (14) afternoon to a score of 6/3, 2/6, (Retd.). innings of the first Test at in Delhi, but on a losing This was the second time Seneviratne, the reigning cause Sri Lanka women’s tennis champion, won the women’s singles title at the Colombo Championship. She on Sunday partnered younger sister Alana Seneviratne to beat Janali Manamperi and Jayasuriya When India last 6/3, 6/0 to clinch the women’s double title too. Meanwhile, Wijebandara partnered Savith Weerasinghe to win the men’s doubles title on Saturday beating Thehan beat England Wijemanne and Chathurya Nilaweera in the event’s final 6/7 (7/1), 6/4, 10/7. zAfter being 1-0 down in the series Results of junior events yy In girls’ U-12 singles final, Arushi Thomas beat BY M.L. FERNANDO Tests are given below to revisit Brinda Fernando 6/2, 6/1 England and India recently a historic occurrence that has a played the first of a four-Test direct relevance to the present: yy In boys’ U-14 singles final, Vichinthya Nilaweera series and cricket fans are now of Stafford International School Colombo, beat yy 1st Test in Delhi – England waiting eagerly to find out who Ransath Peiris 6/1, 6/1 200 and 208/4; India 173 will win the series, mainly since and 233 - England won by yy In the corresponding girls’ U-14 final, Dinra de either England or India will have six wickets Silva of St. Bridget’s Convent Colombo, beat a great chance of being selected Savith Weerasinghe serves as Vibuda Wijebandara Vishmi Serasinghe 7/5, 7/6 (7/2) to meet New Zealand in the yy 2nd Test in Kolkata – gets ready to attack in men’s open doubles final Luca Knese won the coveted men’s singles title of the 105th World Test Championship final England 174 and 163; India which the pair won on Saturday (13) over Thehan yy In girls’ U-16 singles final, Ruvi Lewkebandara of Colombo Championship tennis yesterday (14) at the SLTA Wijemanne and Chathurya Nilaweera Playing Section clay courts in Colombo in June 2021. 210 and 155 - India won by Gateway College Colombo, beat Hasali Gajaba 6/3, PHOTO ISHAN WANNIARACHCHI England won the first Test at 28 runs 6/4 Chennai by 227 runs thanks to yy an epic double-century by their 3rd Test in Chennai – Captain Joe Root who became England 242 and 159; India NZ name uncapped Finn the first to score a double- 316 and 86/6 – India won T20 century in his 100th Test. by four wickets Allen for Aus T20Is By yesterday, the hosts were yy 4th Test in Kanpur – Uncapped batsman Finn Allen important not to get too carried SQUAD enjoying a sizable 249-run lead England 397; India 357 and has been named as a standby in away. We have a history within T20 SQUAD after the second day’s play in the 186/6 – Match drawn New Zealand’s T20I squad for the selection of being consistent and Kane Williamson (Captain) second Test in a deteriorating y five-match series against Australia using our incumbents as much as *Martin Guptill (pending fitness Chennai pitch, having a great y 5th Test in Mumbai – starting on 22 February. we can while they’re performing, England 480 and 67/2; 448 test) chance of squaring the series Kane Williamson will lead the and having someone like Finn Tim Seifert 1-1 with two more games to go. and 244/5 dec. – Match 13-member squad that features adding to the mix is fantastic.” drawn Devon Conway When you analyse all past Allen, who finished as the highest Allen has been added as a Glenn Phillips records of England vs. India yy The two Captains were run-scorer in the Super Smash, standby in place of Martin Mark Chapman Test series, it was noticeable Ajith Wadekar (India) and scoring 512 runs at an average Guptill, who is recovering from Jimmy Neesham that during 1972-73, when five Tony Lewis (England). of 56.88 and a strike rate of 194 a hamstring injury. Should Guptill Mitchell Santner Tests were played between the Lewis played in his first Test in the tournament. fail to recover in time, Allen will Ish Sodhi two countries in India, England and became only the third “I haven’t seen a young fella, a likely replace him at the top in the Kyle Jamieson won the first Test at Delhi by cricketer in the world to lead guy who’s just turned 21, perform line-up. Tim Southee six wickets and allowed India the country in his Test debut, like that with so much confidence Guptill, who totalled just 85 Trent Boult to come from behind to clinch with the other two being F.G. for a long time,” said New Zealand runs in his last five T20I innings, Hamish Bennett the series, 2-1. Mann and N.D. Howard, Selector Gavin Larsen. “We’ve is struggling for form, but has the *Finn Allen (standby) Scores in brief of those five both from England seen something special. It’s also selector’s backing. India soar on crumbling Chennai pitch The Chennai pitch resembled Galle and series building steadily on a 195-run first Ashwin remembered the Murali of yore. innings lead. As many as 15 wickets fell India bamboozled England to comeback on Sunday (14) as Ashwin romped in a in the series, where they are now 1-0 crumbling Chepauk “dust bowl” claiming down with two more games to go, and his 29th five-for in Tests. got into the box seat of this second Test before a sizeable crowd, through “offie” ENGLAND 1ST INNINGS Ravichandran Ashwin’s enterprising five- Rory Burns lbw b Sharma 0 for yesterday. Dom Sibley c Kohli b Ashwin 16 The second day of the Test saw India Dan Lawrence c Gill b Ashwin 9 taking giant strides towards levelling the Joe Root (Capt.) c Ashwin b Patel 6 Ben Stokes b Ashwin 18 Ollie Pope c Pant b Siraj 22 SCORECARD Ben Foakes (wk) not out 42 INDIA 1ST INNINGS Moeen Ali c Rahane b Patel 6 (O/N 300/6 IN 88 OVERS) Olly Stone c Sharma b Ashwin 1 Jack Leach c Pant b Sharma 5 Rohit Sharma c Ali b Leach 161 Stuart Broad b Ashwin 0 Shubman Gill lbw b Stone 0 Extras (nb 1, b 4, lb 4) 9 Cheteshwar Pujara c Stokes b Leach 21 Total (all out in 59.5 overs) 134 Virat Kohli (Capt.) b Ali 0 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Burns, 0.3 ov), 2-16 (Sibley, 7.2 Ajinkya Rahane b Ali 67 ov), 3-23 (Root, 10.3 ov), 4-39 (Lawrence, 17.6 ov), 5-52 Rishabh Pant (wk) not out 58 (Stokes, 23.2 ov), 6-87 (Pope, 38.1 ov), 7-105 (Ali, 48.1 Ravichandran Ashwin c Pope b Root 13 ov), 8-106 (Stone, 49.2 ov), 9-131 (Leach, 58.5 ov), 10- Axar Patel st Foakes b Ali 5 134 (Broad, 59.5 ov) Ishant Sharma c Burns b Ali 0 Bowling: Ishant Sharma 5-1-22-2, Ravichandran Kuldeep Yadav c Foakes b Stone 0 Ashwin 23.5-4-43-5 (1nb), Axar Patel 20-3-40-2, Mohammed Siraj c Foakes b Stone 4 Kuldeep Yadav 6-1-16-0, Mohammed Siraj 5-4-5-1 Extras 0 Total (all out in 95.5 overs) 329 INDIA 2ND INNINGS India 2nd innings Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Gill, 1.3 ov), 2-85 (Pujara, 20.2 Rohit Sharma not out 25 ov), 3-86 (Kohli, 21.2 ov), 4-248 (Sharma, 72.6 ov), Shubman Gill lbw b Leach 14 5-249 (Rahane, 75.2 ov), 6-284 (Ashwin, 82.3 ov), Cheteshwar Pujara not out 7 7-301 (Patel, 89.2 ov), 8-301 (Sharma, 89.4 ov), 9-325 Extras (b 5, lb 3) 8 (Yadav, 95.3 ov), 10-329 (Siraj, 95.5 ov) Total (for 1 wicket in 18 overs) 54 Bowling: Stuart Broad 11-2-37-0, Olly Stone 15.5-5- Fall of wickets: 1-42 (Gill, 11.2 ov) 47-3, Jack Leach 27-3-78-2, Ben Stokes 2-0-16-0, Moeen Bowling: Olly Stone 2-0-8-0, Jack Leach 9-2-19-1, Ravichandran Ashwin reacts to his hometown spectators after claiming the fifth scalp on day two of the second Test against England in Chennai yesterday (14) Ali 29-3-128-4, Joe Root 11-3-23-1 PHOTO © BCCI Moeen Ali 7-2-19-0

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