To make recommendations on suspects held under PTA President appoints Thursday Advisory Board 26 AUGUST 2021

By Sulochana Ramiah Mohan

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has appointed a three-member advisory board, under former Chief Justice Ashoka de Silva, to study and make recommendations on releasing or granting bail to those in jail or E-Paper held on detention orders, under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, for involvement in terrorist activities in Sri Lanka. The other two members in the Extending quarantine curfew Board are, retired High Court Judge A.A.R. Heiyanthuduwa and retired Solicitor General Suhada Gamalath. Decision to be According to the Prison Department, there are around 200 inmates held under the PTA and in taken tomorrow remand custody. The Advisory Board was appointed in accordance – DGHS with the Prevention of Terrorism Act, to submit By Dilanthi Jayamanne recommendations and decisions as per Section 13 of the PTA, No. 48 of 1979, the Director-General of Director General of Health Services, Dr. Legal Affairs of the Presidential Secretariat Attorney- Asela Gunawardena, said the decision to at-Law Harigupta Rohanadeera said. extend the quarantine curfew imposed from The Advisory Board is expected to make 10:00 p.m. on 20 August till 4:00 a.m. on recommendations and advise the President on the 30 August would be taken at the investigations, release, granting of bail and future Presidential Task Force meeting to be held action related to the persons imprisoned over tomorrow (27). terrorist activities and detained on detention orders. Dr. Gunawardena, speaking to the Media Hitherto, the persons who have been imprisoned CID Launches yesterday (25), said despite the present had no opportunity to make representations on crisis, the public was yet to pay 100 per their rights since an Advisory Board has not been cent attention to health guidelines. established for a long time. Rohanadeera further “Moreover, the public paid very little and said that the prisoners will be given the opportunity reluctant attention towards observing even to submit their issues with the appointment of the the health safety regulations that were Advisory Board. Probe on Missing issued to them,” he lamented. Travel restrictions were imposed in a bid to curtail the spread and thereby the number of fresh cases being detected. Therefore, the further imposition of Bathiudeen’s alleged quarantine curfew would depend solely on death threat NMRA Files the number of new cases being identified and the number of COVID fatalities, he Prisons Possibility of sabotage suspected said. tribunal to No hindrance to issue licences IGP delivers statement on

probe incident By Keerthi Mendis to an inside job. Easter attacks By Thameenah Razeek They added that once the incident had The CID has launched a probe into the been reported they had notified the CID who 11 Indictments The Prisons Department will hand over the disappearance of 1.1 million data files from had begun a probe forthwith. case where MP Rishad Bathiudeen is alleged to the database of the National Medicines According to NMRA sources, among the have issued a death threat to the Chief Medical Regulatory Authority (NMRA). data that had disappeared are those filed against Officer of the Welikada Prison Hospital, to a Sources at the NMRA stated that they too concerning the medicine representative prisons tribunal consisting of a Magistrate. had commenced a probe into the firms, drug registration, details related to 46 persons According to Prison Spokesman Chandana disappearance of the data files from the drug manufacturing firms as well as Ekanayake, any prison staffer or prisoner will be database. information related to inspection of licences By Thameenah Razeek dealt with before a tribunal under Section 87/1 An officer said the probe will primarily for medicines etc. of the Prisons Ordinance. look into the possibility of sabotage. They also noted the database of the NMRA The Attorney General has filed 11 indictments in Any jailer or subordinate prison officer He stated due to the incident the data that had been operated since 2018 with a private the High Court against 46 people in connection accused of mistreating a prisoner, or of had been collated online by the NMRA had firm based on an agreement signed with with the 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks on churches negligence, remissness, or inefficiency in the also gone missing. them. and hotels, which killed more than 250 people, the discharge of his duties, or of a violation of any Meanwhile, NMRA sources further NMRA sources said the disappearance of IGP said yesterday (25). provision of the ordinance or of any rule made revealed that as they do not possess a back- the database will not lead to any shortage of The indictments were issued following the thereunder, or of any other misconduct, may be up database to fall back on, the drugs and asserted that they will continue conclusion of the investigation into the Easter dealt with in accordance with the regulations in disappearance of the data files could point to issue licences for medicines as usual. Attacks, which was linked to eight separate effect at the time. incidents. He stated that a preliminary investigation into Following the conclusion of the investigation, IGP the incident was conducted under the C.D. Wickramaratne said over 100 files relating to supervision of an Assistant Superintendent of the Easter Attacks were referred to the Attorney Prisons, and that the decision was made based General’s Department, where senior officials are on the investigation’s findings. Easter Sunday Attacks still reviewing the files to file indictments in He said the Magistrate will preside over the connection with those investigations. proceedings of the Prison Tribunal which will SJB MP conspiring A total of 104 volumes have been sent to the conduct an independent investigation. Attorney General’s Department in connection with According to the Chief Medical Officer of the the investigation into the attacks, and he stated Welikada Prison Hospital, who has filed a against Archbishop – Dilan that the 52,000-page volume demonstrates the complaint with the Prisons Department and the complexity of these investigations. y rishan ayasuriya Borella Police, the former minister, who has B K J The IGP said while it was not directly involved, been remanded in connection with the Easter additional investigations are being conducted to Sunday incident, allegedly made death threats SLPP MP Dilan Perera says when the Government was conducting determine whether someone laid the groundwork to him. a transparent probe into the 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks, a for the attacks, and that the investigations into The Colombo Crime Division launched an conspiracy has been hatched to stifle Archbishop of Colombo them are still ongoing. investigation into the incident on the IGP’s Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith based on remarks attributed to the ex-AG “Among the suspects arrested are scholars, orders. The doctor claimed in his complaint concerning the carnage. intellectuals, diverse professionals, and people that, while treating inmates at the prison He charged that an MP from the SJB known for having caused a from all walks of life in connection with the dispensary, Bathiudeen entered the room hit-and-run accident and causing grievous hurt to a youth was promotion of the ideology that led to the Easter without permission. spearheading this particular plot against the Cardinal. Attacks and the series of incidents that followed. The doctor had told the MP to remain outside He alleged that a group led by this particular MP was carrying out Therefore, I want to emphasise that all of these and that he would be summoned as soon as the a sinister campaign to sling mud at the Government related to the investigations must be conducted in complete necessary information was obtained. According Easter Attacks, while also plotting to oust SJB Leader Sajith secrecy until the end, because even minor flaws in to the doctor, Bathiudeen had chastised and Premadasa from his position. the investigation could work in their favour,” he threatened him at the time. said. The IGP said so yesterday (25) in response to some group’s lack of understanding of the Police investigations into the heinous, brutal terrorist attack that occurred on Easter Sunday in 2019. China’s PLA to donate Once the investigations into the Easter Attacks COVID-19 are completed, the Attorney General will consider Govt pilfering 300,000 Sinopharm taking legal action against unfounded comments cases cross or statements that could jeopardide the COVID-19 relief doses to SL Military proceedings, he said. 400,000 mark By Dilanthi Jayamanne By Dilanthi Jayamanne package – Sajith The Sri Lankan Military is to receive a donation The number of COVID-19 patients of 300,000 doses of the Sinopharm vaccine from SDIG Ajith By Nirmani Guneratne crossed the 400,000 mark with the large the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China on numbers that were identified during the Saturday (28), the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka Opposition Leader Sajith past few days. The Health Promotion said. Rohana on the Premadasa issuing a Bureau website and the Epidemiology In a tweet, the Embassy noted, yesterday (25), communiqué alleged the Unit confirmed that with cases being that it would be the ‘first ever military-aid vaccines road to recovery Government has robbed the detected in the 3,000-range vaulting up to the Sri Lankan Armed Forces,’ would receive in a quarantine relief package that 4483 yesterday (25) the total numbers bid to provide soldiers combatting COVID-19 in By Keerthi Mendis had been given to the public. rose to a gloomy 407,768. the frontline with the necessary immunity. He alleged the relief package The Health Promotion Bureau (HPB)’s The Embassy noted that the vaccines were being The Police Department yesterday quashed containing essential items website noted that daily cases which were ‘gifted’ based on the friendship between the two rumours circulating on various social media valued at Rs 10.000 is now at 3,039 by 12 August 2021 saw a gradual countries and at the request of the Sri Lankan platforms that former Police Media Spokesman, being provided only to a selected increase to 3,844 by 21 August 2021 and military. Head of the National Operation Centre for SDIG Ajith Rohana, who had contracted COVID- group while the majority of rose further to 4,483 yesterday (25). Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak and General 19, was presently in critical condition. people hit by the pandemic had been left to fend for A total 17,588 COVID-19 patients have Shavendra Silva said that the 300,000 jabs would Doctored photos showing SDIG Rohana lying in themselves. been identified from 22 to 25 August be utilised to vaccinate the Sri Lankan soldiers. critical condition went viral on social media. The SJB Leader charged the Government had 2021 alone. By 10 a.m. yesterday a total The Sri Lankan Armed Forces have been But, Police Department sources confirmed that decided to seek revenge even from the public who 46,605 cases were either hospitalised, engaged in the effort of vaccinating the public the person in the doctored photos is a foreigner had been badly hit by the raging pandemic when waiting to be admitted or were receiving while frontline workers of the military have and not SDIG Rohana. They added that Rohana they should instead increase the amount of relief home based care. received both doses of the jab, the NOCPCO, when had recovered from his illness after being treated given to them. contacted, noted. at a private hospital in Colombo. A2 THURSDAY 26 AUGUST 2021 NEWS

To meet COVID patient needs Kuwait has Openings in Rambukwella Appeals to Energy, Health Sectors Indian Envoy for Oxygen

Health Minister, Keheliya Rambukwella appealed to Indian High Commissioner, Gopal Baglay to make Sri Lanka’s oxygen requirement for COVID patients, a primary focus. Rambukwella met High Commissioner, Baglay yesterday (25) at a cordial meeting at the former’s office in Suwasiripaya after being appointed Health Minister. Rambukwella made an Kuwait has vacancies for and tourism and urban urgent plea for Indian skilled workers from Sri housing projects through a Manufactured mobile oxygen Lanka in the health and partnership between public units for the country. “He energy sectors, Kuwait’s and private sector impressed upon Baglay the Ambassador to Sri Lanka institutions. They also importance of such units for Sri Sheikh Dr. Ahmed Nasser noted that there were new Lanka at this juncture and Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah told areas of bilateral called for his government’s focus Foreign Minister G. L. Peiris cooperation that are yet to on Sri Lanka’s requirement in Colombo on Tuesday be explored such as during the present situation. (24), the Ministry said tourism, health and energy The Health Minister, also yesterday. sectors which would be appealed for the provision of This was when the two mutually beneficial in Tocilizumad (Tozi), a drug met at the minister’s strengthening the already required to treat critical patients Colombo office, it said. existing relations between with COVID pneumonia. He While pledging to continue to cordial and supportive. He said to share their experiences and The two discussed the the two countries. thanked India for the support it support Sri Lanka in battling that both countries were faced knowledge in battling the possibilities of further Foreign Secretary Admiral has given to battle COVID-19 the virus, the High with the challenges of disease. expanding trade and Prof. Jayanath Colombage and urged the Indian Commissioner also said that controlling and preventing Health Secretary. Maj. Gen. investment ties between also participated at the government to continue its the ties between the two deadly COVID and that it was (Rtd) Sanjeewa Munasinghe was both countries into new meeting. support. countries would remain both important for the two nations also present on the occasion. areas such as energy, hotel (PA)

CEB Gets New GM Anisha Dharmadasa inducted as 61st Ceylon Electricity Board’s (CEB’s) newly appointed General Manager M.R. President of Rotary Club of Colombo West Ranatunge assumed duties on Monday (23), CEB announced the following day. Anisha Dharmadasa was Wickramanayake / Sanjev First time He succeeds engineer N.W.K. Herath inducted as the 61st Perera, College of Past online initiative who has retired. President of the Rotary Club Presidents-PDG. Nihal Ranatunge, prior to Monday’s of Colombo West and Kapila Bogahalande, Joint Directors The leadership master class promotion, served as the Additional Mohotti as Club Secretary Image/Public Relations- PP. project - given the necessity to General Manager-Projects, CEB said. during the first ever “virtual Pradeep Amirthanayagam / strengthen the youth of Sri M.R. Ranatunge (PA) installation” which was Nimisha Welgama, Lanka, the programme will conducted according to the Programme Chairman - PP. publish videos by key selected customs and traditions of the Pravir Samarasinghe and mentors which will assist the club recently. Director Special Projects - youth to sharpen their soft The club had District PDG. PP S. Karunakaran skills, adhere to workplace Russia expresses Governor Aruni Malalasekera, The President together with ethics, develop networking as the chief guest together his Board is passionate to skills, problem solve, develop with members and guests. drive several flagship critical thinking, long term interest in The evening was lined up with projects: planning, develop teamwork, competitions and activities • “Don’t skip a beat” – open enhance leadership skills, face which included the best heart surgeries for needy challenging situations at work multiple sectors dressed and the best song. children from and many more. Introduced to the Rotary underprivileged These videos will be freely family in 2015, Anisha, has backgrounds with congenital accessible on their website and been an active member of the heart disease which has social media platforms. club and served as the been successfully continued The Rotary Club of Colombo Vocational Service Director, for a few years in India and West – which was formed in Youth Director and Club in Sri Lanka. 1961 (now celebrating 60 years) Secretary. He is also a Club Service - VP1 Haroon • Cataract surgeries- – is the second largest club in multiple Paul Harris Fellow. Careem, Youth Director- VP2 Donations received for 61 Sri Lanka. It consists of Anisha’s objective is to give Tushani Samaranayake, surgeries. The project members drawn from diverse back to those in need through Secretary 2-Tony Lim, commenced on 27 July industries and professions, and a very reputable organisation Treasurer 1-PP. Harin 2021, and 17 surgeries have is actively involved in like Rotary. He is known as a Fernando, Treasurer already been completed. The community service projects perfectionist. A product of 2-Harsha Rajan, Club project is in collaboration across the country. Wycherley International Advisor/Director Admin-PP. with HelpAge Sri Lanka Eye They have welcomed several Russia’s interest in further The meeting also referred to College, he has over 20 years Shan Shanmuganathan, Care Centre to perform new members to our prestigious expanding bilateral relations in the upcoming political of experience in Nawaloka Sergeant at Arms-Nimisha surgeries to those unable to club and we are always keen to multiple sectors including consultations between the two Holdings in executive Welgama, Director afford it. continue to welcome applicants trade, investment and tourism, foreign Ministries; the management and he is International Service- • Water and sanitation- who believe in service above self. energy, science and technology, convening of the inter- currently a Director of that Hariharan Padmanaban, building toilets and For more information to defence and counter-terrorism governmental commission on company. Director Community Service- providing clean drinking participate and donate to these were discussed at a meeting trade, economic, scientific and The Board of the RCCW KP Nagaraja, Joint Chair, water to 50 schools. key projects, please visit our Russian Ambassador to Sri technical cooperation and the directors for the year Rotary Foundation Chairman- • Tree planting project – website http://www. Lanka Yuri B. Materiy had with commemoration of the 65th 2021/2022 includes, PDG. Krish Rajendran, planting 1000 trees to be rotarycolombowest.org/ or the newly appointed Foreign anniversary of Sri Lanka– Immediate Past President - Director Vocational Service- completed by December contact us via email or on via Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris at his Russia diplomatic relations in PP. Brian Selvanayagam, PP Jit Seneviratne, Joint 2021, worth Rs 100,000 social media platforms. Ministry Office in Colombo 2022, it added. President Elect / Secretary - Directors-Membership under the RI District 3220 “Together we can all serve to yesterday (25). (PA) VP. Kapila Mohotti, Director Development-PP. Kosala Planting Programme. change lives”.

SL receives second batch of Clarification from cold chain equipment The Ministry of Health Immunisation programme in SriLankan Airlines yesterday (25) received the Sri Lanka, including second batch of cold chain procurement of such critical SriLankan Airlines wishes to continues to follow the Health equipment procured by supplies.” clarify and place on record that the and safety Guidelines issued by UNICEF with funding from Ambassador Sugiyama social media content currently the Civil Aviation Authority of the Government of Japan to stated, “The Government of being circulated, which was posted Sri Lanka(CAASL) which were strengthen Sri Lanka’s Japan believes that the cold by the Flight Attendants’ Union amended from time to time. This delivery of Immunisation chain equipment provided making allegations on the includes similar directives services, including against today will be of great help to management of the SriLankan adopted by the respective civil COVID-19. ensure safe and prompt Airlines is a deliberate attempt in aviation authorities operating in The first batch of 500 distribution of vaccines to the tarnishing the goodwill of the those countries that the Airline vaccine carriers was handed people of Sri Lanka through National Carrier. flies to. over to the Ministry of Health adequate storage and Issuing a press communique SriLankan Airlines has taken in April, 2021. transportation of vaccines. SriLankan said: every precaution in ensuring the The second batch includes Further to this, Japan has SriLankan Airlines wishes to health and wellbeing of its 750 vaccine carriers, 300 The items were handed protect our people from provided approximately 1.45 categorically deny what is stated in employees by steering a prioritised cold boxes, 100 Ice-Lined over today to the Minister of vaccine preventable diseases. million doses of AstraZeneca these posts with regard to the company-wide vaccination Refrigerators (ILRs), 145 Health Keheliya This equipment from the vaccines manufactured in Airline deploying COVID-infected programme and providing required fridge temperature monitors Rambukwella by Ambassador Government of Japan is Japan to Sri Lanka through Flight Attendants as untrue and Personal Protective Equipment and Android Tablets for of Japan to Sri Lanka crucial to maintain the the COVAX Facility with the misleading the public at a time the (PPEs) continuous awareness and effective management of Sugiyama U Akira, and delivery of the vaccination support of UNICEF. We entire country is suffering due to instructions on safe working vaccines. These cold chain Christian Skoog, drive. Japan is a good friend believe that the provision of the recent spike in the spread of environment, and also through equipment are neded to keep Representative, UNICEF Sri of Sri Lanka and I want to vaccines and cold chain the pandemic. facilitating hospitalisation and/or vaccines at the required Lanka. acknowledge the support and equipment will further Ever since the outbreak of the intermediate care center facilities, storage condition, including Speaking at the handover collaboration over the years. accelerate the vaccination COVID-19 pandemic, SriLankan when staff members are tested temperature, to maintain the ceremony, Minister I also want to recognize the drive and contribute to the Airlines had strictly followed and positive for COVID-19. vaccine’s quality and Rambukwella said, crucial role UNICEF has prevention of the spread of effectiveness. “Immunisation is key to played in supporting the COVID-19.” news thursday 26 august 2021 A3

Dutch-Funded Study on Chemical Fertiliser Ban Balance of Organic, Inorganic Products Best Wild elephants for Horticulture Sector run amok By Paneetha Ameresekere the ban on chemical fertiliser and crop non-chemical crop protection products would protection products, the report cautioned. provide clear advantages, particularly for The balanced use of organic and inorganic Nevertheless, Sri Lanka is taking a bold export of horticultural products from Sri in Ampara products offer the best results, given local step to completely ban all chemical fertilisers Lanka, the study also added. conditions, a study commissioned by the and crop protection products whether for use Consequently, the recent banning of all By M.A.P. Deen - Ampara Dutch Embassy in Sri Lanka on the island’s in conventional agriculture or modern chemical fertilisers and crop protection Correspondent horticulture sector said. agriculture such as in greenhouses, etc., it products provides opportunities for novel The study titled ‘Opportunities in the added. As a result, huge opportunities solutions for growing of crops in greenhouses Wild elephants have become a huge threat to Horticulture Sector in Sri Lanka’ and released present themselves for organic fertilisers and and through protected agriculture, it said. farmers in the border villages of Ampara District on the Embassy’s website last Wednesday plant protection products, the study further With the recent immediate ban on chemical in the recent past. They not only damage (18), further said the Department of said. fertilisers and crop protection products, cultivations, coconut trees, plantain trees and Agriculture (DOA) has over the last two The application of poultry manure for Government of Sri Lanka policies are being other crops, but are also a threat to human life. decades conducted research on the use of reducing root-knot nematode attacks, revamped to encourage imports of organic An elephant ran amok in the village of such organic products with varying results. polythene sleeves for fruit fly control, inputs, but this has not yet been formalised Wachchikkudah on Tuesday and uprooted In addition to pests and diseases, weeds pheromone traps and the use of botanicals at the time of writing, the report however several coconut trees and damaged other have posed a big threat for crop cultivation in such as seed or leaf extracts of neem, garlic said. subsidiary food crops cultivated by the farmer, Sri Lanka, the report said. Approximately 940 and many other plant species are some of the “In Sri Lanka, issues have begun, due to who was not around at the time. The villagers say kilolitres and 140 tonnes of herbicides were alternative pest control strategies used. the misuse of chemical fertilisers in major elephants bathe in the pond located in the vicinity imported by Sri Lanka in 2019 (DOA), the However, these technologies need to be made growing areas such as the mid country which and enter the village at night. Farmers are report said. commercially viable based on the feedback has led to groundwater pollution, fixation of hesitant to visit their fields as a result. Following Recent need for solutions is the emergence from horticulture companies and lead nutrients and increase of residues of nitrate, a complaint made to Alayadivembu Divisional of invasive weed species (Eg: Kalanduru farmers, the report advised. etc.,” the study elaborated. Secretary P. Pabakaran by the farmers, he visited Cyperus Rotundus etc.,) for which no effective Meanwhile, farmers and horticultural “Chronic kidney disease has spread in the the area and assessed the damage caused. He solution has yet been found, the study companies are aware of the health and North Central Province and adjacent farming immediately provided the farmers with crackers warned. Meanwhile, tea plantations amongst environmental hazards due to the excessive areas due to heavy usage of phosphate to scare the elephants off. the larger tea farmers and tea smallholders use of pesticides and chemical fertilisers, the fertiliser along with the pesticides The Divisional Secretary also promised to (accounting for 70 per cent of total tea report said. (Glyphosate) which are the main source of contact wildlife officials and take measures to plantations) require soil remediation and As a result, horticultural companies arsenic in the affected areas,” the study safeguard them from wild elephants. yield improvement solutions consequent to comment that availability of targeted and further said.

Private bus owners and Iraj resigns from NYSC By Naalir Jamaldeen crew to be compensated Weeraratne said he has decided to resign due to unavoidable work commitments. Singer and music producer Iraj "I will always be available to assist you By Naalir Jamaldeen from next week. State Minister buses who have lost their Weeraratne has resigned from the Board of with any work, should the need arise, in my of Transport Dilum source of income will be issued Directors of the National Youth Services personal and professional capacity as a The Transport Ministry has Amunugama said this is in the cash vouchers to get essential Council (NYSC). youth artist in Sri Lanka,” he said. announced that private bus pipeline. A lump sum cash commodities, Amunugama Weeraratne tendered his letter of He was appointed as a Director of the owners and employees who voucher will be issued for said. This programme will resignation to Minister of Youth Affairs and NYSC last year by Minister Namal Rajapaksa have lost their source of income vehicle spare parts, batteries, commence from next week, as Sports Namal Rajapaksa yesterday (25). for a period of 3 years. owing to the COVID-19 tyres, oil, insurance and private buses do not fall under pandemic and lockdowns will leasing payments. Apart from the category of essential be provided relief assistance this, the employees of private services, he added. Land Kinniya Education Zone Acute shortage dispute of SLEAS leads to Officers murder – Imran By Naalir Jamaldeen By Naalir Jamaldeen SJB Trincomalee District MP M. Imran, Vaddukoddai Police said a 45-year-old yesterday (25), said there was an acute shortage individual in Siththankerney had been of Sri Lanka Education Administrative Service German Envoy Meets GL murdered around 7:30 a.m. yesterday (SLEAS) Officers in the Kinniya Education (25). Zone. Foreign Minister, Professor G.L. Peiris on Tuesday (24) expressed his appreciation to German Police said the cause of the murder was Imran said there are 60 schools with 1,300 Ambassador in Sri Lanka, Holger Lothar Seubert for the vocational training opportunities an alleged land dispute. teachers in the Kinniya Education Zone and provided to Sri Lankan youth through the German technical training institutes in Katubedda, Police said two brothers had beaten the there are 10 SLEAS Officer vacancies, but Kilinochchi, and the new training institute being set up in Matara, the Foreign Ministry said victim to death with an iron rod and added unfortunately only three Officers including the yesterday (25). that the victim was known as Pulli. Zonal Director of Education are managing the The occasion was when Seubert called on the Minister at the latter’s Office in Colombo. The The suspects had been looking after a entire education zone. Ambassador apprised Prof. Peiris on the Mahamodara Maternity Hospital (Helmut Kohl Hospital) paddy field of a person who is out of the The SJB MP said he met Eastern Province in Galle, which is being built with German assistance at this occasion, the Ministry said. Foreign island. Police investigations showed that Education Ministry Secretary M.C.L. Fernando Secretary, Admiral (Retired) Prof. Jayanath Colombage was also present at this meeting. (PA) the victim had entered the paddy field and sought an immediate solution. without permission. On hearing this, the Imran alleged that the SLEAS Officers serving two brothers rushed to the scene and in the Kinniya Education Zone were transferred ordered him to leave. A heated argument without arranging for replacements. ensued and the brothers then proceeded Imran said the United Education Employees’ Negombo MC’s COVID-19 strategy to attack the victim with an iron rod. The Union of Sri Lanka had brought this issue to victim succumbed to his injuries on the his attention. spot, Police said. They had informed him that as they are Vaddukoddai Police are conducting understaffed, it is becoming increasingly Send patients over 65 to further investigations. difficult to manage the education zone. ICCs or hospitals The Negombo Municipal Council has decided to send all COVID-19 patients over the age of 65 to intermediate Gift of face masks from Japan care centres (ICCs) or hospitals for treatment, even On the initiative of Sri Lankan if they are asymptomatic. Ambassador to Japan, Sanjiv Gunasekara, The COVID-19 two leading Japanese companies donated Information Centre in the a consignment of 100,000 surgical masks Negombo MOH Division, to Sri Lanka. These surgical masks were which runs 24 hours a day, handed over to the Ambassador by identifies patients over the Chairman of Devent, Mr. Agekawa and age of 65 and promptly Chief Executive Officer of A Holdings, Mr. directs them to the was held at the Negombo to improve the pandemic Goto. appropriate treatment Municipal Council on the response mechanisms. The consignment of surgical masks will centres or intermediate care next steps to be taken in the The vaccination drive for be dispatched to Sri Lanka on a SriLankan centres with the assistance Negombo MOH Division to those above 60 will be Airlines flight scheduled to arrive in of PHIs, Security Forces, manage the COVID-19 stepped up, and the home- Colombo on Saturday. The surgical masks and other relevant pandemic. based vaccination system will be handed over to Minister of Sports personnel. State Minister Lanza has will be strengthened. and Youth Affairs and State Minister of Under the patronage of directed authorities to Arrangements have been Digital Technology and Entrepreneur Minister of Rural Roads and minimise the number of made with the Negombo Development, Namal Rajapaksa. Other Infrastructure Nimal COVID-19 deaths in the Municipal Council to Lanza, a special discussion Negombo MOH Division and provide transport. (TR) A4 thursday 26 august 2021 focus Birth of the Railway By Tissa Jayaweera 1796, the first public edgeway, also February, 1804, the world’s first In 1879, Werner von Siemens carrying the simple industrial first public railway built was the Lake steam-powered railway journey took demonstrated an electric railway in frequency (50 Hz) single phase AC of The birth of Railways / Trains took Lock Rail Road. Although the primary place when Trevithick’s unnamed Berlin. In 1881, the world’s first the high voltage national networks. place in England with the oldest purpose of the line was to carry coal, it steam locomotive hauled a train along electric tram line, Gross-Lichterfelde An important contribution to the known constructed trackways and also carried passengers the tramway of the Penydarren Tramway, opened in Lichterfelde near wider adoption of AC traction came dates back to many years discovered In 1803, William Jessop opened the Ironworks, near Merthyr Tydfil in Berlin, Germany. It was built by from SNCF of France after World War in the valley River Brue in Somerset Surrey Iron Railway, a double track South Wales. Trevithick later Siemens. The tram ran on 180 Volt II. The company conducted trials at 50 and are considered ancient plateway, sometimes cited as world’s demonstrated a locomotive operating DC, which was supplied by running Hz, and established it as a standard. monuments. Evidence indicate that first public railway, in South London. upon a circular rail track in rails. In 1891, the track was equipped Following SNCF’s successful trials, 50 there was 7 – 8 Km of Paved Trackways In 1831, Cast iron fishbelly edge rail Bloomsbury, London, but never got with an overhead wire and the line was Hz, now also called industrial which transported boats across manufactured by Outram at the beyond the experimental stage with extended to Berlin-Lichterfelde West frequency was adopted as standard for Isthmus of Corineth in Greece around Butterley Company ironworks for the railway locomotives, because his Station. In 1883, the Volk’s Electric main lines across the world 600 BC. Wheeled vehicles pulled by Cromford and High Peak Railway. engines were too heavy for the cast- Railway opened in Brighton, England. men or animals or men / animals ran These are smooth edgerails for wheels iron plateway track then in use The railway is still operational, thus Diesel power introduced in groves of Limestone which provided with flanges In 1812, the first commercially making it the oldest operational Earliest recorded examples of an a track that prevented the wagons These two systems of constructing successful steam locomotive was electric railway in the world. In 1883, internal combustion engine for railway from leaving the intended route. Paved iron railways, the “L” plate-rail and the Matthew Murray‘s rack locomotive Mödling and Hinterbrühl Tram opened use included a prototype designed by Trackways were used for over 650 smooth edge-rail, continued to exist ‘Salamanca’ built for the Middleton near Vienna in Austria. It was the first William Dent Priestman, which was years until the 1st century AD. Paved side by side into the early 19th Railway in Leeds. This twin-cylinder tram line in the world in regular examined by Sir William Thomson in Trackways were also discovered in century. The flanged wheel and edge- locomotive was not heavy enough to service powered from an overhead line. 1888 who described it as a “Priestman Roman Egypt rail eventually proved its superiority break the edge-rails track and solved Five years later, in 1888 in the US, oil engine mounted upon a truck In China a trackway has been and became the standard for railways the problem of adhesion by a cog- electric trolleys were pioneered on the which is worked on a temporary line of discovered in South West Henan Cast iron was not a satisfactory wheel using teeth cast on the side of Richmond Union Passenger Railway, rails to show the adaptation of a Province in Nanyang City. It has been material for rails because it was brittle one of the rails. Thus it was also the using equipment designed by Frank J. petroleum engine for locomotive carbon dated to 2200 years ago to Qin and broke under heavy loads. In 1820, first track railway Sprague purposes”. In 1894, a 20 HP 15 KW Dynasty. The tracks have been made the Wrought iron rail, invented by This was followed in 1813 by the two axle machine built by Priestman of Hard Wood, treated against Wood- John Birkinshaw, solved these locomotive Puffing Billy built by Brothers was used on the Hull Docks. rot and Sleepers or Rail Ties made by problems. Wrought iron, usually Christopher Blackett and William In 1906, Rudolf Diesel, Adolf Klose untreated wood and perished faster simply referred to as ‘iron’ was a Hedley for the Wylam Colliery Railway, and the steam and diesel engine than the tracks. Qin Railway Sleepers ductile material that could undergo the first successful locomotive running manufacturer Gebrüder Sulzer were spaced in such a way that considerable deformation before by adhesion only. This was founded Diesel-Sulzer-Klose GmbH to permitted horses to gallop up to the breaking, making it more suitable for accomplished by the distribution of manufacture diesel-powered next rail stop which would replace the iron rails. But wrought iron was weight between a number of wheels locomotives. Sulzer had been horses with fresh horses. The expensive to produce until Henry Cort The Puffing Billy is now on display in manufacturing diesel engines since Trackway in China is to have been patented it in 1783. Cort also patented the Science Museum in London, 1898. The Prussian State Railways used to support Frontline Troops as the rolling process in 1784 which was making it the oldest locomotive in ordered a diesel locomotive from the well as do supplies for building the 15 times faster at consolidating and existence. company in 1909. The world’s first Great Wall shaping iron than hammering the diesel-powered locomotive was In 1515, Cardinal Matthaus had puddling process. These processes operated in the summer of 1912 on Baltimore & Ohio electric engine written notes about a Functioning greatly lowered the cost of producing the Winterthur–Romanshorn railway Wagonway moving on wooden tracks iron and iron rails. The next important In 1895, the first use of electrification in Switzerland, but was not a powered by men or animals in development in iron production was on a main line was on a four-mile commercial success. The locomotive Reisszug, Austria. This line is still in ‘hot blast’ developed by James stretch of the Baltimore Belt Line of weight was 95 tonnes and the power operation as a Modern Railway and Beaumont Neilson, patented 1828, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O) was 883 KW with a maximum speed of may be the Oldest Railway track still in which considerably reduced the connecting the main portion of the 100 km/h. Small numbers of operation. amount of coal or charcoal needed to B&O to the new line to New York prototype diesel locomotives were Wagonways or Tramways with produce pig iron. Wrought iron was a through a series of tunnels around the produced in a number of countries wooden rails with horse-drawn Ore soft material that contained slag or edges of Baltimore’s downtown through the mid-1920s Tubs are known to have been in dross. The softness and dross tended Electricity quickly became the power operation as far back 1550s in mines. to make iron rails distort and supply of choice for subways, abetted Swiss & German co- They became popular in Europe for delaminate and they typically lasted Locomotion at Darlington Railway by the Sprague’s invention of multiple- production: world’s first use in Mines from mid 1555 with Ore less than 10 years in use, and Centre and Museum unit train control in 1897. By the early Tubs moving on Wooden Planks with sometimes as little as one year under 1900s, most street railways were functional diesel–electric Vertical Pins upward to keep the high traffic. All these developments in In 1814, George Stephenson, electrified railcar 1914 wheels on track and moving on the the production of iron eventually led to inspired by the early locomotives of The first practical AC electric correct route. The common name used replacement of composite wood/iron Trevithick, Murray and Hedley, locomotive was designed by Charles A significant breakthrough occurred by Miners for these Ore Carts was rails with superior all-iron rails persuaded the manager of the Brown, then working for Oerlikon, in 1914, when Hermann Lemp, a ‘Hunde’ meaning Dogs as they emitted The introduction of the Bessemer Killingworth colliery where he worked Zürich. In 1891, Brown had General Electric electrical engineer, a noise similar to barking dogs. There process in the late 1860s enabling to allow him to build a steam-powered demonstrated long-distance power developed and patented a reliable are many references to Wagonways in steel to be made inexpensively, led to machine. Stephenson played a pivotal transmission, using three-phase AC, direct current electrical control Central Europe in 16th Century. the era of great expansion of railways role in the development and between a hydro-electric plant at system, subsequent improvements Wagonways were introduced to that began in the late 1860s. Steel rails widespread adoption of the steam Lauffen am Neckar and Frankfurt am were also patented by Lemp. Lemp’s England by miners who arrived from lasted several times longer than iron. locomotive. His designs considerably Main West, a distance of 280 km. design used a single lever to control Germany. Records show a Wagonway Steel rails made heavier locomotives improved on the work of the earlier Using experience he had gained while both engine and generator in a was built in Liverpool Areas late 1560 possible, allowing for longer trains and pioneers. He built the locomotive working for Jean Heilmann on steam- coordinated fashion, and was the and was functional in a Coal Mine improving the productivity of railroads. Blücher, also a successful flanged- electric locomotive designs, Brown prototype for all diesel–electric owned by Philip Layton to transport The Bessemer process introduced wheel adhesion locomotive. In 1825, observed that three-phase motors had locomotive control systems. In 1914, Coal from a Pit in Prescot to a Terminal nitrogen into the steel, which caused he built the locomotive ‘Locomotion’ for a higher power-to-weight ratio than world’s first functional diesel–electric about a mile away. Another functional the steel to become brittle with age. the Stockton and Darlington Railway DC motors and, because of the railcars were produced for the Wagonway was started in 1604 in The Open Hearth Furnace began to in the northeast of England, which absence of a commutator, were simpler Königlich-Sächsische Shropshire to Transport Coal from a replace the Bessemer process near the became the first public steam railway to manufacture and maintain. Staatseisenbahnen, Royal Saxon State Mine, owned by James Clifford to River end of 19th century, improving the in the world, although it used both However, they were much larger than Railways by Waggonfabrik Rastatt Severn a fair distance away to load quality of steel and further reducing horse-power and steam-power on the DC motors of the time and could with electric equipment from Brown, coal into Barges to be offloaded at costs. Steel completely replaced the different runs. In 1829, he built the not be mounted in underfloor bogies: Boveri & Cie and diesel engines from Riverside Towns. Another Wagonway use of iron in rails, becoming standard locomotive ‘Rocket’, which entered in they could only be carried within Swiss Sulzer AG. named Wollaton Wagonway was for all railways and won the Rainhill Trials. This locomotive bodies They were classified as DET 1 and completed in the same year by Steam Power success led to Stephenson establishing In 1894, Hungarian engineer DET 2. The first regular use of diesel– Huntington Beaumont between his company as the pre-eminent Kálmán Kandó developed a new type electric locomotives was in switching, Strelley to Wollaton in Nottingham James Watt, a British inventor and builder of steam locomotives for 3-phase asynchronous electric drive shunter applications. General Electric The Middleton Wagonway in Leeds mechanical engineer, greatly improved railways in Great Britain and Ireland, motors and generators for electric produced several small switching was built in 1758 and became the the steam engine of Thomas United States, and much of Europe. locomotives. Kandó’s early 1894 locomotives in the 1930s. The famous oldest operational Wagonway Newcomen, hitherto used to pump The first public railway which used designs were first applied in a short ‘44-tonner’ switcher was introduced in In mid-1750s introduction of Steam water out of mines. only steam locomotives, all the time, three-phase AC tramway in Evian-les- 1940. Westinghouse Electric and Engines for powering Blast Air to Blast In 1769, Watt developed a was Liverpool and Manchester Bains, France, which was constructed Baldwin collaborated to build Furnaces resulted in a large increase reciprocating engine, capable of Railway, built in 1830. Steam Power between 1896 and 1898 switching locomotives starting in 1929 in British iron production powering a wheel. Although the Watt continued to be the dominant power In 1896, Oerlikon installed the first In 1929, the Canadian National In late 1760s Coalbrookdale engine powered cotton mills and a system in railways around the world commercial example of the system on Railways became the first North Company started fixing plates of Cast variety of machinery, it was a large for more than a century the Lugano Tramway. Each 30-tonne American railway to use diesels in Iron to upper surface of wooden rails stationary engine. The state of boiler locomotive had two 110 KW / 150 HP mainline service with two units, 9000 which increased the durability and technology necessitated the use of low Electric-power introduced motors run by three-phase 750 V 40 and 9001, from Westinghouse load-bearing strength pressure steam acting upon a vacuum The first known electric locomotive Hz fed from double overhead lines. In 1764, a Wagonway built in in the cylinder; this required a was built in 1837 by chemist Robert Three-phase motors run at constant High-speed rail America introducing Metal Tracks separate Condenser and an Air pump. Davidson of Aberdeen in Scotland, and speed and provide regenerative 0-Series Shinkansen, introduced in instead of Wood and operated in As the construction of boilers it was powered by galvanic cells / braking, and are well suited to steeply 1964, triggered the intercity train Lewiston, New York improved, Watt investigated the use of batteries. Thus it was also the earliest graded routes, and the first main-line travel boom. high-pressure steam acting directly battery electric locomotive. Davidson three-phase locomotives were supplied The first electrified high-speed rail upon a piston. This raised the later built a larger locomotive named by Brown, in partnership with Walter Tōkaidō Shinkansen (series 0) was possibility of a smaller engine, that ‘Galvani’, exhibited at the Royal Boveri in 1899 on the 40 km introduced in 1964 between Tokyo might be used to power a vehicle. In Scottish Society of Arts Exhibition in Burgdorf—Thun line, Switzerland and Osaka in Japan. Since then 1784 he patented a design for a steam 1841. The seven-ton vehicle had two high-speed rail transport, functioning locomotive. His employee William direct-drive reluctance motors, with at speeds up and above 300 km/h, Murdoch produced a working model of fixed electromagnets acting on iron has been built in Japan, Spain, a self-propelled steam carriage in that bars attached to a wooden cylinder on France, Germany, Italy, Taiwan, the year each axle, and simple commutators. People’s Republic of China, the It hauled a load of six tons at four United Kingdom, South Korea, miles per hour or 6 kilometres per Scandinavia, Belgium and the hour for a distance of one and a half Netherlands. The construction of miles or 2.4 kilometres. It was tested many of these lines has resulted in on the Edinburgh and Glasgow the dramatic decline of short haul A replica of a “Little Eaton Tramway” wagon, the tracks are plateways Railway in September of the following flights and automotive traffic between year, but the limited power from connected cities, such as the A system was introduced in which batteries prevented its general use. It London–Paris–Brussels corridor, unflanged wheels ran on L-shaped was destroyed by railway workers, who Madrid–Barcelona, Milan–Rome– metal plates, these became known as saw it as a threat to their job security A prototype of a Ganz AC electric Naples, as well as many other major locomotive in Valtellina, Italy, 1901 plateways. In 1787, John Curr, a lines. Sheffield colliery manager, invented High-speed trains normally operate this flanged rail. The plate rail was Italian railways were the first in the on standard gauge tracks of A replica of Trevithick’s engine as taken up by Benjamin Outram for shone above is on display at the world to introduce electric traction for continuously welded rail on grade- wagonways serving his canals, National Waterfront Museum, Swansea the entire length of a main line rather separated right-of-way that manufacturing them at his Butterley than just a short stretch. The 106 km incorporates a large turning radius in Ironworks. In 1789, William Jessop In 1804, the first full-scale working Valtellina line was opened on 4 its design. While high-speed rail is introduced a form of all-iron edge rail railway steam locomotive was built in September, 1902, designed by Kandó most often designed for passenger and flanged wheels for an extension to the United Kingdom by Richard and a team from the Ganz work. The travel, some high-speed systems also the Charnwood Forest Canal at Trevithick, a British engineer born in electrical system was three-phase at 3 offer freight service. Nanpantan, Loughborough, Cornwall. This used high-pressure KV 15 Hz. In 1918, Kandó invented Currently Maglev Technology is Leicestershire. In 1790, Jessop and his steam to drive the engine by one power and developed the rotary phase being introduced in Japan, Germany, partner Outram began to manufacture stroke. The transmission system converter, enabling electric China, South Korea. At high speed edge-rails. Jessop became a partner in employed a large flywheel to even out locomotives to use three-phase motors the train travels above the rail the Butterley Company in 1790. In the action of the piston rod. On 21 Lichterfelde Tram, 1882 supplied via a single overhead wire, reducing traction and sound. FOCUS THURSDAY 26 AUGUST 2021 A5 Taliban Rule Affects Pakistan and India By Lakshman I.Keerthisinghe Previous US Cause and effect are two sides President of one fact Ralph Waldo Emerson - Donald American Philosopher Media reported that Taliban Trump started fighters took control of Kabul on talks with the Sunday, 11 August delivering the militant Islamist group the Taliban on 2018 prize it has long sought: aimed at ending authority over all of Afghanistan as the Western-backed the 18-year-long Government collapsed, President Ashraf Ghani fled, war in and the long-dominant Afghanistan. An American presence appeared to be coming to an abrupt and agreement chaotic end after nearly 20 years. The takeover of the known as the sprawling capital city had been Doha Accord years in the making, but was ultimately accomplished in a was signed in single day. Insurgent fighters, early 2020 fresh off their conquests in each of Afghanistan’s provincial hubs between the US over the previous week, faced little to no resistance as they and Taliban that entered the city through its proposed a major traffic arteries Sunday morning. By evening, the roadmap for the Taliban was giving television withdrawal of interviews in the lavish presidential palace; just hours international after Ghani had departed Afghanistan. A desperate troops from exodus was underway at the Afghanistan airport, with thousands of people clamoring to board flights. The Pentagon was Damaged school after airstikes: President Biden continued the plan for withdrawal but with an end date of 31 August In conclusion, there is a speeding in additional troops to possibility that the Afghan assist with the withdrawal of from the US and seeing the Pakistan Border supported militant groups in Afghanistan has been to keep Taliban will welcome US personnel, after the international community’s Pakistan shares a Afghanistan rather than India at bay with the help of rapprochement with India for American flag was lowered from attempt to engage the Afghan treacherous, 2,670-kilometre elected Governments. militant groups like Afghan three reasons. First, India’s a now-abandoned embassy. Taliban as a win for its own border with Afghanistan. The Arguably, US forces’ Taliban and the Haqqani engagement with the Taliban Afghanistan policy, Pakistan mountainous border region has withdrawal from Afghanistan Network. offers the group greater political Defending decision has been supporting the long served as a safe haven for offers Pakistan an opportunity and diplomatic legitimacy; Defending his decision to United States’ peace talks with many militant groups including to reorient its international India to follow second, it further diversifies its withdraw all American troops the Taliban. the Afghan Taliban. The group image by playing a key role in Due to the US withdrawal international linkages; and from Afghanistan, US President Previous US President ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to encouraging regional and the Taliban’s rule in third, it fosters the Joe Biden said: “With the Donald Trump started talks 2001 and offered sanctuaries cooperation to ensure stability Afghanistan, Washington organisation’s independence terror threat now in many with the Taliban on 2018 to al-Qaeda. Since the early in Afghanistan. Since the would also like India to follow and makes it less reliant on places, keeping thousands of aimed at ending the 18-year- 1990s, Pakistan has supported beginning of the peace talks this policy approach given Pakistan’s support or demands. troops grounded and long war in Afghanistan. An the Taliban in Afghanistan in three years ago, Pakistan has that the group’s return to New Delhi has a long road concentrated in just one agreement known as the Doha an attempt to push its regional earned a good reputation by power and India’s ahead of it. Pakistan will likely country and across the billions Accord was signed in early security interests. playing an effective role as a engagement with the Taliban oppose and undermine any [of dollars spent] each year 2020 between the US and While the US invasion of mediator. Another major can ultimately serve the Indian engagement with the makes little sense to me and to Taliban that proposed a Afghanistan in 2001 may have concern for Pakistan would be United States’ interests as Afghan Taliban. Amidst this our leaders…I am now the roadmap for the withdrawal of forced the Taliban out of power, that the present Taliban well. But Taliban’s resort to highly volatile and uncertain fourth American President to international troops from the group has fought to expel takeover in Afghanistan could violence against Afghans taking situation, the probability of a preside over an American Afghanistan. Pakistan played international troops from galvanise Islamist terrorists in revenge from those who proxy war between India and troop presence in Afghanistan, an important role in pushing Afghanistan in a bid to return Pakistan, including an already- supported the previous Afghan Pakistan in Afghanistan is a Two Republicans. Two the Taliban to sign the to power, something that resurgent Pakistani Taliban. Government has affected the major possibility. Democrats…I will not pass agreement with the US Pakistan has always wanted These would be very international opinion against The writer is an this responsibility to a fifth” as General Kenneth McKenzie, and supported despite problematic scenarios for the Taliban amidst increasing Attorney-at-Law with LLB, Biden further said. Fearing the head of US Central Command international backlash. For Islamabad. For decades, one of adverse views against Biden\ LLM, MPhil.(Colombo)- possibility of punitive action told a US Senate panel last year decades, Pakistan has Pakistan’s key goals in Administration in USA. [email protected]

By Michael Gregson India. Here the cost of sand has skyrocketed, while at the same time Plastic waste and the sand mafia estimates suggest that 15,000 tonnes both damage Sri Lanka’s environment. of plastic waste is dumped every day in But discarded plastic could help the country. prevent some of the worst harm Precious grains “We found that you can replace up to caused by illegal sand mining. 10 per cent of the sand in concrete As in Sri Lanka, shortfalls of sand with the plastic, and it has the same in India continue to fuel a big strength and the same longevity,” says increase in illegal sand mining, Dr. Orr. controlled by criminal gangs, known Unlike sand, plastic won’t stick to as ‘sand mafias’. The stakes are high the cement paste around it, so it can and these groups have been linked to only replace 10 per cent of the natural dozens of deaths and assaults. raw material, he says. “But that still Looking around the coast of Sri saves the need for a huge amount of Lanka it’s hard to imagine that there sand, and helps to reduce the vast can be a shortage of sand. There is so amount of plastic waste on India’s much that sand is used as an analogy streets. From a cost perspective, using for the infinite, a limitless resource, the plastic can be cheaper, broadly incapable of exhaustion. speaking, especially as sand goes up in When astronomers seek to describe price as it becomes more scarce. For the size of the universe, they speak of countries like the UK this isn’t really stars being more numerous than an issue, as we don’t build much, but grains of sand. There are quite a few in nations with a construction boom, grains, as it happens – 7.5 x 10 to the using plastic in concrete could grow in 18th power, according to researchers popularity.” at the University of Hawaii. That’s 7 Dr. Orr reckons that if using plastic quintillion, 500 quadrillion – give or in making concrete were adopted take the odd trillion. across India it could save 820m tonnes Sand, however, is used in vast of sand a year. quantities in construction and Despite this innovation, Dr. Orr and manufacturing. In the building sector other experts warn against relying on alone, 40-50 billion tonnes of the them too much. Instead they point to stuff is used around the world changes in building design as a more annually. viable long-term solution. Most goes into concrete, which is This view is echoed by Vince Beiser, typically made up of about 25 per author of The World in a Grain: The cent sand. The problem is that most Story of Sand and How It Transformed desert or beach sand is unsuitable. Recycled plastic building blocks: The total societal impact of a sustainable concrete structure during its life cycle must be minimal Civilization. Desert sand is too smooth, and beach He stresses that cutting demand for sand has too much salt in it. families here have lost their land by building cities and towns at an alternatives. These include Dr. John sand needs to be seen as part of a This means that sand is typically the sea. unprecedented pace,” she adds. “But Orr, a lecturer in concrete structures wider effort to reduce overconsumption dredged from rivers. The most eroded “People don’t comprehend, or it many of us also don’t realise that sand at Cambridge University. His research of natural resources. coastline in Sri Lanka is around the doesn’t strike them, that there is a is used for things like smartphone and has found that plastic waste can be “Sand is really just a symptom of a delta of the Maha Oya river, which, shortage,” says Shobha Bhatia, a TV screens, solar panels and other sorted, cleaned, shredded and crushed larger problem. It’s not just that we’re not by accident, is also the river with professor of civil and environmental electric items,” she says. into a sand alternative for use in using too much sand, but we’re using the most sand mining. In some places engineering at New York’s Syracuse To try to reduce the need for sand, a concrete. too much of everything. We’re using up the beach recedes by 12 metres to 15 University. small but growing number of He has looked specifically at the all the planet’s resources at a rate that metres each year. Thousands of “The issue is construction. We are researchers are looking into potential impact of the solution in cannot continue.” A6 Thursday 26 august 2021 Column A Short Note Sri Lanka’s Political Memers By Uditha Devapriya Different concerns Memes parallel. Indeed, it’s hardly These interest groups, Sri Lanka’s meme culture registered or acknowledged For many of us, the only hope naturally enough, articulate deserves much more than a that the analogy being for the country lies in getting different concerns. For the brief perusal. Yet, from what summoned may or may not fit out of the country. This is by Government, the most pressing can be gathered, it’s clear that our situation. What are noted no means a recent concern is the economy; for the critics of national politics have instead are the superficial phenomenon: we have been doctors and health officials, it’s found in them a tool through details which appear to seeing the best among us the state of the nation’s health; which to vent out their resemble that situation; the depart these shores for greener for students and teachers, the frustrations. They frequently differences, crucial as they are, pastures over the last 30 years. education sector and salary pick on analogies from do not seem to bother The reason used to be the war; anomalies; and for unions, the elsewhere to drive home their “memers” as much as they now it’s the political culture. safety of their members. point: hence when the All ought to. That McCallum made It’s as though peacetime has Friday’s announcement Ceylon Bakery Owners’ his observations about the unleashed all the ugly things marked a conjuncture between Association announces a price wisdom of extending the about the country that the war these concerns and groups: hike in response to rising flour franchise, for instance, is not had bottled up. Back then we with what must be the fourth prices, they cite the most placed in its proper had bombs in buses and lockdown or so we have popular analogy from their perspective: that his remarks snipers at day to think about; imposed in a year, everyone, or history textbooks, Marie reflected the times he and his now we have bribes and graft, almost everyone, had their Antoinette’s infamous contemporaries lived in, that nepotism and despotism, to way. expostulation on eating cake. they were framed by and within rage against. The politician has emerged Still another popular conditions of colonialism, is not When the best news you not a little badly from this analogy: when condemning, referred to at all. Instead, we think you can hear is a scheme of things. I don’t mean not Governments, but for those are told to accept what a politician being stricken by the only the Government; even the who vote for Governments, Governor said more than a pandemic or booed by his opposition has attracted these pacifist-neutralist century ago about the wisdom supporters, especially on Social censure over the past few “memers”, who disavow any of our voters because we vote Media, you know how the rift months. This is not to suggest political affiliations, jump on very poorly today. between rulers and ruled has that people side against them statements by colonial officials Political crises in liberal widened. This is hardly a unconditionally: some among who rejected demands to democracies and soft welcome development. them have turned their anger extend the vote to the autocracies produce a variety Of course, there’s really no towards health officials, Memes are a tool to vent out our frustrations population on the grounds that of responses from the upper one to take up the politician’s students and teachers, and locals were not ready to govern and middle classes. The levels cause these days. Nor should trade unions. But there is no Criticism of politics before we apply them to a themselves. of frustrations are such that there be; especially with regard doubt that politicians have In other words, criticism of contemporary context. I am not Sri Lanka’s constitution gives those from these milieus who to their handling of the turned into the ultimate object politics, whether of the suggesting that we don’t dig pride of place to popular project their anger at the status pandemic, both Government of hate. Government or the opposition, into history and try to find any sovereignty: that is why, while quo or the opposition end up and opposition have been, if I Indeed, whatever they requires critical thinking. It’s analogy; merely that what is sovereignty is exercised spreading misanalogies and may be charitable, ambivalent. manage to do or not do, the only through critical thinking true for one historical period through institutions, it resides misinformation in their Such issues are controversial public interprets it as yet more that one can evolve a cohesive may only be true for another in the people. Yet the depths to critiques of the establishment. and debatable and need not evidence of their incompetence; critique of politics. Yet for particular period, and may not which politics has deteriorated Perhaps it’s a reflection of the detain us here: what one needs in the court of public opinion many, such thinking appears be applicable to our situation. in recent years have converted irrational times we, and the to register is the absence of that is Social Media, moreover, pointless and peripheral in When critiquing politics by Sri Lanka’s Facebook “memers” rest of the world, are living empathy in the handling of the criticism of politicians has their crusades against the evils summoning parallels from into critics of this laudable through that false analogies worst public health crisis since become so democratised that of those governing us or leading elsewhere and other times, principle. Disenchanted by the have become authentic and the Spanish Flu. even disinformation, as long as the opposition. hence, it is necessary to take status quo, they idealise the legitimate for critics of This problem, of a yawning it conforms to the popular view How do we differentiate stock of the validity of those past and jump on statements Governments. False as these gap between what is being done of them as inept and corrupt, between critique and hysteria “parallels” before turning them that confirm their scepticism of parallels may be, they are an and what needs to be done, has gets shared and accepted. along these lines? Critical into social Media agitprop. the wisdom of the voter. The insight into how these critics engaged ministers, health The lengths to which such thinking requires a critical Facebook memes offer an statement they cite most jump into whatever historical officials, students and, criticism can go make it engagement with observations illuminating case study. If the approvingly, in this regard, anecdote and reference they teachers, and trade unions. It imperative that we draw a line and perceptions. It’s about internet has blurred the line seems to be Henry McCallum’s come across. It’s inevitable, has provided us with a never- between genuine critique and clarity, precision, accuracy, between facts and factoids, argument, made in 1910 on the though disconcerting, that they ending series of debates hysterical hogwash parading as depth, breadth, and fairness. Social Media has transformed eve of the Crewe-McCallum end up as guilty of spreading between the Government and critique. One does not have to It’s about consistency, into a petri dish of reforms and in response to factoids as their opponents. the opposition on the one absolve politicians to concede application, and analysis. It’s misinformation. Criticism of demands for the elective These “memes”, then, are a hand, the Government and the that any criticism of them about placing critiques in their Government apathy is easy to principle, that Sri Lankans reflection of the discontent of state machinery on another, should meet the litmus test of proper context; there’s no point make on these platforms, since were as yet not ready for self- the many. They are also a the Government and citizens verifiability and be consistent arguing against state action in they offer critics a measure of Government. gauge of the cultural on yet another, and citizens and valid, and that while it Sri Lanka, for instance, by security lacking in other Perhaps what’s most conditioning, perceptions of and other citizens on another. must be open, abusing the summoning an analogy from outlets such as street theatre intriguing about these posts history, and class background, Different though their right to criticise will not help 18th century France. and wall art. It also brings and analogies is that no one of Sri Lanka’s irrepressible viewpoints are, they centre on with any crusade against Even if such analogies them closer to their target seems bothered by the fact that “political memers.” a paramount concern: whether incompetence, corruption, and appear valid, it is vital that we audience, which often happens more than a couple of centuries The writer can be reached or not to lock down. apathy. account for the differences to be their personal circles. divide the present from their at [email protected]

Pakistan’s promotion of Buddhism with Sri Lanka Reflects little of the violent and wanton destruction of its Buddhist past

By a Special Correspondent with the Buddha. Notably, Pakistan workers digging the foundation of a Afghanistan’s Bamiyan Valley. The has Gandhara Buddhist heritage and house in Takht Bahi area of Mardan hardline Taliban movement, which A 14-member delegation of senior has a number of sacred relics of district, found an old statue of Buddha. controlled most of Afghanistan by the Buddhist monks from Sri Lanka had Buddha. Historically, Buddhism They destroyed it on the plea that it end of the 1990s, introduced Islamic visited Pakistan in April this year to reached Gandhara as early as the 3rd was “un-Islamic.” The Pakistani state punishments and a regressive idea of undertake a week-long religious century B.C. and flourished in the first supports and sponsors many terrorist Islamic practices, which included pilgrimage to various Buddhist heritage century C.E. as Silk Road trade and groups, which have carried out their banning television, public executions, sites. It is strange that Pakistan, which cross-cultural connections from the bidding and wiped out, traces of and lack of schooling for girls aged 10 is a Muslim majority country, should Mediterranean to China provided the Pakistan’s Buddhist past. For instance, and above. The destruction of the have suddenly discovered its Buddhist impetus for its spread. At its height, the Buddha of Swat, carved on a cliff in Bamiyan Buddhas was part of this heritage and attempts to use this for Gandhara, whose center was located in the seventh century, was dynamited by extremist culture. On 27 February diplomatic purposes. The Pakistani present-day Peshawar in northwest the Tehreek- e-Taliban Pakistan in 2001, the Taliban declared its intention effort to use Buddhism as a tool in its Pakistan, encompassed Bamiyan in 2007. The holy figure was severely to destroy the statues, despite diplomatic armoury, especially with Afghanistan, Bactria, the Hindu Kush, damaged by in an echo of the Afghan condemnation and protest from countries like Sri Lanka are driven and the Punjab region of northwest Taliban’s complete destruction of its Governments and cultural more by the need to find the means to India. more imposing counterparts at ambassadors, the world over. The maintain such linkages, in view of The latest Pakistani effort to promote Bamiyan in 2001. Taliban was interested not just in Buddhism’s origins in India. Also, it is Buddhism is driven both to promote Swat Valley in Pakistan has many destroying the Buddhas, but also in the often forgotten that Pakistan and its tourism and to re-capture its Buddhist Buddhist carvings, and stupas. But spectacle of destruction. On 2 March, neighbour Afghanistan have witnessed heritage; possibly done at the unfortunately, Kushan era Buddhist the assault started with guns and the wanton destruction of several instigation of China, which is currently stupas and statues in Swat valley were artillery; when that proved ineffective, prominent Buddhist sites over the on a mission to take control of global demolished after two attempts by the they progressed to mines and a rocket. decades at the hands of terrorist Buddhism. For instance, in 2018, TTP and the Jehanabad Buddha’s face It took nearly a month for the statues groups like the Afghan Taliban and the Pakistan had sent relics from Taxila to was dynamited. Only the Buddhas of to be razed to the ground! Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), with Sri Lanka, when the latter celebrated Bamiyan were larger than the carved During his state visit to Sri Lanka a view to promoting their brand of Vesak. Even at that time, Pakistan’s giant Buddha statues in Swat near (February 2021), Pakistan’s Prime radical Islam. It is ironical therefore, High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, Dr. Manglawar, which the Pakistani Minister had invited Sri Lankan that Pakistan which supports and Shahid Hashmat said that the artefacts Taliban attacked. Sadly, the Pakistani Buddhist scholars and monks to visit nurtures radical Islamic groups should were a priceless part of the Government did nothing to safeguard his country to promote Pakistan’s be using Buddhism as a tool to archaeological heritage of Pakistan and The Fasting Buddha from the Gandhara the statue after the initial attempts heritage. What he did not tell the Sri promote exchanges with Sri Lanka. depict the rich Buddhist tradition of civilisation period were made to destroy the Buddha. Lankan people is that Pakistan has The Sri Lankan monks started their the country. While all this is perfectly When the second attack took place, the witnessed, both at the behest of the journey to Pakistan with a visit to the fine, it needs recalling that the mainly in Sindh and some parts of feet, shoulders, and face of the Buddha state and terrorist groups, many of Lahore Museum which houses some Pakistani state is a Muslim majority South Punjab. Just one example of the were demolished. The TTP and other which are proxies of the military remains of the Gandhara civilisation state and its treatment of religious intolerant nature of Pakistani society looters have destroyed many of establishment that much of Pakistan’s and rare Buddhist relics, including the minorities including Hindus, was highlighted in 2017, when a life- Pakistan’s Buddhist artefacts from the Buddhist heritage lies wasted and has ‘Fasting Buddha’ and ‘Sikri Stupa’ Christians and other Muslims like sized statue of Buddha was smashed Buddhist Gandhara civilization, been subjected to wanton destruction. dating back to 2 B.C. This visit was Ahmediyas is abominable. This fact is into pieces with a sledgehammer by especially in the Swat Valley. It is ironic for Pakistan to be using its organised by the Pakistani High recognised widely by Human Rights construction workers in Khyber- In Afghanistan the most famous Buddhist past to curry favour with Sri Commission in Colombo and was Groups globally. Buddhism, which was Pakhtunkhwa province on the orders of illustration of the intolerance of the Lanka. Pakistan’s promotion of aimed at promoting religious tourism. once the dominant religion of areas a local Maulvi. This 1,700 years old Afghan Taliban, a force and Buddhism for religious tourism Undoubtedly, Pakistan or rather that that are part of modern-day Pakistan, statue was discovered during organization created and nurtured by purposes with Sri Lanka cannot hide part of the Indian sub-continent in is today the creed of a minority excavations at an agricultural farm in Pakistan’s Inter- Services Intelligence, the wanton destruction of its Buddhist which Buddhism spread has many amongst Pakistan’s religious Mardan district. A similar incident was the March 2001, destruction of the past. The truth must be told sites, artefacts and places associated minorities. Today, Buddhists live occurred in July last year when monumental Buddha statues in sometime. WORLD THURSDAY 26 AUGUST 2021 A7

Dhaka, Bangladesh Retailers and unions extend Biden Says Afghan worker safety accord Major global retailers agreed to extend for a further two years a Evacuation on Track legal agreement with garment workers and factory owners in Bangladesh that subjects retailers to legal actions if their factories fail Humanitarian crisis looms to meet labour safety standards, according to a copy of the Western countries rushed to agreement seen by Reuters on complete the evacuation of thousands Wednesday. of people from Afghanistan on A representative for the Wednesday as the 31 August deadline Employees dine between polythene agreement, originally signed in sheets, as a safety measure to reduce for the withdrawal of foreign troops 2013 and known as the Bangladesh the spread of COVID-19, at The Civil drew closer with no sign that the Accord, said an official statement Engineering Limited garment factory country’s new Taliban rulers might would be issued shortly and in Dhaka, Bangladesh (Reuters) allow an extension. declined to comment further. In one of the biggest such airlifts The agreement was due to expire the aftermath of the Rana Plaza ever, the United States and its allies on 31 August. The new agreement collapse in 2013 which killed more have evacuated more than 70,000 comes into force on 1 September. than 1,100 garment workers, people, including their citizens, NATO A list of which of the 200 retailers instituted an independent body personnel and Afghans at risk, since who signed up to the Accord in which held thousands of 14 August, the day before the Taliban 2013 - including retail giants like inspections and banned unsafe swept into the capital Kabul to bring H&M, Inditex, Fast Retailing’s factories from supplying its to an end a 20-year foreign military Uniqlo, Hugo Boss, and adidas - signatory buyers. That helped presence. have also signed up to the make some 1,600 factories safer for US President Joe Biden said US extension will be made available on 2 million workers, according to troops in Afghanistan faced mounting 1 September, sources said. labour activists. danger and aid agencies warned of an The five-year accord, struck in (Reuters) impending humanitarian crisis for the population left behind. Biden said they were on pace to meet the deadline, set under an A US Marine with the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response- agreement struck with the Islamist Central Command (SPMAGTF-CR-CC) escorts a child to his family during an evacuation Hanoi, Vietnam group last year to end America’s at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan (Reuters) longest war. To counter Beijing in South China Sea “The sooner we can finish, the the airport. British Foreign Minister seats on flights. better,” Biden said on Tuesday. “Each Dominic Raab said the deadline for Many people milled about outside day of operations brings added risk to evacuating people was up to the last the airport - where soldiers from the US Vice President Harris our troops.” minute of the month. United States, Britain and other Two US officials, speaking on Tens of thousands of Afghans Nations were trying to maintain order condition of anonymity, said there was fearing persecution have thronged amid the dust and heat - on offers Vietnam support growing concern about the risk of Kabul’s Airport since the Taliban Wednesday hoping to get out. suicide bombings by Islamic State at takeover, the lucky ones securing (Reuters)

New Delhi, India As some physical classes resume India hurries teacher vaccinations India will supply millions of poor. India last week approved its first additional COVID-19 vaccine doses to COVID-19 vaccine for older children its States to try to inoculate all school and is trying to urgently immunise all teachers by early next month, the of its nearly 10 million school Health Minister said on Wednesday, teachers. The country has been as the country gradually resumes vaccinating its adults since the middle physical classes. of January. US Vice President Kamala Harris meets Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh The pandemic has hit the country of “We have requested all States to try Chinh during a meeting at the Office of Government, in Hanoi, Vietnam 1.35 billion people particularly hard to vaccinate all school teachers on (Reuters) and hundreds of millions of its priority before Teachers’ Day, which is students have been stuck at home for celebrated on 5 Sept.” Health Minister A person is vaccinated against COVID-19 US Vice President Kamala Harris Speaking in Hanoi, Harris said months, with little or no access to Mansukh Mandaviya said on Twitter. at a medical centre in Mumbai, India met Vietnam’s top leaders on there was a need to increase online education for a majority of the (Reuters) (Reuters) Wednesday, offering support in pressure on Beijing over its several key areas including the maritime claims. enhancement of its maritime “We need to find ways to pressure, security in an effort to counter raise the pressure…on Beijing to Beijing’s increasing assertiveness in abide by the United Nations Wellington, New Zealand the South China Sea. Convention on the Law of the Sea, Harris also offered more visits by and to challenge, its bullying and As Delta outbreak widens US warships during her talks with excessive maritime claims,” said Vietnam’s President Nguyen Xuan Harris during a meeting with the Phuc, Vice President Vo Thi Anh Vietnamese President. New Zealand pushes ahead with vaccinations Xuan and Prime Minister Pham It was the second time in two days Minh Chinh, according to a White Harris has attacked Beijing. New Zealand recorded 62 new cases erupted in Auckland and quickly House official who did not wish to be On Tuesday in Singapore, Harris of COVID-19 on Wednesday, taking spread to Wellington. named. accused Beijing of coercion and the total number of infections in the The outbreak prompted Prime Harris’s seven-day trip to intimidation to back unlawful latest outbreak to 210 as the Minister Jacinda Ardern to order a Singapore and Vietnam is part of a claims in parts of the disputed Government scrambled to scale up strict level 4 national lockdown. broader US strategy to woo allies South China Sea. China rejected her vaccinations amid growing criticism. Ardern’s reliance on strict border that Washington hopes will help it comments, charging Washington Most of the cases are in the largest controls and snap lockdowns to challenge China’s growing security with trying to drive a wedge between city Auckland, while 12 are in the eliminate the virus has been called and economic influence in the Beijing and its Southeast Asian capital Wellington, the Director into question amid the latest region. neighbours. General of Health Ashley Bloomfield outbreak, which has occurred while Lambton Quay is devoid of people on the During the talks Harris offered China has established military said at a news conference. first day of a lockdown to curb the few people have been vaccinated. Vietnam vaccines and aid to tackle outposts on artificial islands in the He said 20,383 individual contacts spread of COVID-19 in Wellington, New About 80 per cent of the population COVID-19 and announced the South China Sea, which is crossed have been identified in the outbreak Zealand (Reuters) has yet to be fully vaccinated. The launch of several programmes to by vital shipping lanes and contain and there are now over 480 locations Government said a record 80,000 help combat climate change, said gas fields and rich fishing grounds. of interest. run since February ended last week people were vaccinated on Wednesday the White House official. (Reuters) Fortress New Zealand’s virus-free after an outbreak of the Delta variant and 50,000 others tested. (Reuters)

Bangkok, Thailand Baghdad, Iraq To squeeze out more vaccine doses Baghdad Summit Iraq seeks to ease Saudi-Iran hostility Thailand develops robotic system Iraq has invited Iran and Tehran’s Gulf Arab foes to a summit in Baghdad As Thailand struggles with its means that if we have AstraZeneca with the aim of calming tensions which worst coronavirus outbreak yet, for 1 million people, this machine have brought them close to open researchers in the country have can increase the number of doses conflict in recent years. developed a machine to draw out to 1.2 million people,” said Officials say the meeting, which will COVID-19 vaccine doses more Juthamas. also discuss the war in Yemen, efficiently and optimise lower-than- While some health workers using Lebanon’s collapse and a regional water expected supplies. low dead space syringes (LDSS) crisis, could take a step towards Saudi- Using a robotic arm, the that aim to reduce wastage can Iranian rapprochement even though “AutoVacc” system can draw 12 draw up to 12 doses per vial, it they have yet to say what representation doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine in requires manpower and a high level they will send. A vaccine extraction machine called Iraq’s Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi four minutes from a vial, according AutoVacc, designed by the of skill, she said. Strains between long-term foes Saudi (Reuters) to researchers at Chulalongkorn Chulalongkorn University’s “This could drain a lot of the Arabia and Iran worsened after a 2019 University, who made the machine Biomedical Engineering Research health workers’ energy. They would assault on Saudi oil plants that briefly easing of sanctions on Tehran, sees that has been used at the Centre to extract extra doses out of have to do this every day for many knocked out half of Saudi oil engagement as a way to contain university’s vaccination centre AstraZeneca vaccine vials, is seen in months,” Juthamas said. production. Riyadh blamed the attack tensions without abandoning its since Monday. Bangkok, Thailand (Reuters) Thailand had kept COVID-19 on Iran, a charge Tehran denies. security concerns over attacks that it That is up 20 per cent from the accuracy that we can gain an extra largely under control for much of The two countries are aligned with blames on Iran and its allies. standard 10 doses drawn 20 per cent from each vaccine vial - the pandemic, but more virulent rival forces fighting a war in Yemen and Iraqi officials hope that Iran’s new manually, they said. The machine from 10 to 12 doses,” said variants like Delta have sent cases severed ties in 2016 - although they hard-line President Ebrahim Raisi will only works on AstraZeneca multi- Juthamas Ratanavaraporn, the and deaths soaring since April, resumed direct talks in Iraq in April this attend the meeting, planned for dose vials currently and labels lead researcher of the team at the ramping up pressure on year. Saturday, and expect ministers from show each vial can provide 10 to 11 university’s Biomedical authorities to increase the pace of Saudi Arabia, concerned that the Gulf States including Saudi Arabia and doses. Engineering Research Center. vaccinations. Biden Administration has revived the United Arab Emirates will also “The machine guarantees with “The extra 20 per cent that we get (Reuters) nuclear talks which could lead to an come. (Reuters) b8 thursday 26 august 2021

UK’s ‘Red List’ For Travel SL Economy Could Suffer Rs 8.2 B in Losses per Month – WTTC

Sri Lanka’s economy could programme is key for the face losses of more than recovery of the economy, and it Rs 260 M each day it remains will act as a catalyst to restart on the UK’s disruptive and international travel and salvage damaging ‘red list’ for travel, the struggling Travel and research conducted by the Tourism sector.’ World Travel and Tourism Latest data shows less than Council (WTTC) has revealed. one third of Sri Lankan According to pre-pandemic population has been fully figures, the UK was one of the vaccinated, making it crucial for top inbound markets for Sri the nation’s Government to Lanka, representing 10 per cent ramp up the vaccination rollout of all inbound arrivals in 2019, and work closely with its UK just behind India. counterpart, so the country can Email: [email protected] Based on 2019 levels, Sri dramatic consequences these ‘With international travel be moved from the economically Lanka’s status as a UK’s ‘red restrictions could pose for the coming to almost a complete damaging ‘red list’. list’ country will pose a Sri Lankan economy, with the halt, 214,000 Travel and WTTC’s annual Economic Wednesday Markets significant threat to the nation’s country facing a drain of nearly Tourism jobs were lost in Sri Impact Report (EIR) unveils the struggling Travel and Tourism Rs 1.9 B each week it’s on the Lanka last year, disrupting the dramatic impact COVID-19 has sector and its overall economy, UK’s ‘red list’, equating to more livelihoods of those who rely on had on the Sri Lankan Travel which have been seriously than Rs 260 million every single a thriving Travel and Tourism and Tourism sector, with its damaged by the COVID-19 day. sector. contribution to the national pandemic. Virginia Messina, Senior Vice ‘As long as international travel GDP falling from Rs 1,665.5 Bourse For those countries on the President, said: ‘Every week Sri remains stagnant, we are billion (10.4%) in 2019, to just UK’s ‘red list’, even fully Lanka remains on the ‘red list’, delaying the path to a global Rs 739.9 billion (4.9%) in 2020. vaccinated travellers are forced the nation’s economy faces socio-economic recovery. A safe The EIR also reveals to quarantine in expensive losing millions. The restrictions restoration of international international visitor spending hotels and bear the cost of faced by ‘red list’ countries on mobility would rescue the plummeted by 73.8%, from COVID-19 tests, which is the UK’s traffic light system are devastated Travel and Tourism more than Rs 884.1 billion in Makes deterring UK citizens from not only damaging for the Travel sector. 2019, to merely Rs 231.9 billion travelling to Sri Lanka. and Tourism sector, but also the ‘WTTC believes an in 2020 WTTC’s data unveils the already devastated economy. acceleration of the vaccine (IG)

Pyrrhic 37th Asian Bankers Association Conference Gains A strong banking sector vital for an economic recovery – Jonathan Alles By Paneetha Ameresekere A strong banking sector will be Alles also emphasized the Conference, which has a strong Despite inflation being at a 16 month high of 6.8 fundamental to a strong recovery, importance of innovation and focus on responding to the per cent, coupled with rising interest rates, made Hatton National Bank (HNB)’s technological improvements in changes induced by the pandemic worse by net foreign outflows (NFOs) at Rs 37.49 Managing Director and CEO, the sector in addressing the and on technology/innovation. billion, a year on year increase of 27.31 per cent Jonathan Alles said on Monday. broader market needs and HNB Executive Director and (Rs 8.042 billion) as at Tuesday, the bourse Alles, in his capacity as the tapping into the opportunities in Chief Operation Officer, Dilshan continued to make pyrrhic gains, with the Chairman of the prestigious Asian the ‘new normal’. Rodrigo will also be serving as benchmark ASPI increasing by 88.68 points to 8, Bankers Association (ABA), the “We need to jointly break new session chair for the ‘Regulator 756.63 points and the more sensitive S&P SL 20 premier platform for Asian banks, ground in innovation-driven Roundtable’ session on current Index by 13.49 points to 3,189.22 points on a Rs inaugurated the ABA’s 37th development. After years of fairly banking trends and their 7.30 billion turnover and a 287.85 million share General Meeting and Conference. fast growth, Asian countries now implications on regulatory policies volume yesterday amidst retail interest. While initially planned to be face the challenge of shifting from which will also feature Dharmasri hosted in Sri Lanka, this year’s old drivers of growth to new ones Kumaratunge, Director Payments Money Market event is now taking place virtually and we must rely on innovation to and Settlements of the Central Government of Sri Lanka’s (GoSL’s) at least from 24 - 27 August 2021, on the foster this transition. As the new Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). In theoretical money printing borrowing costs theme: ‘Asian Banks: Achieving round of global technological addition, Jonathan Alles will serve (MPBCs) sharply decreased by 0.74 per cent (Rs Sustainable Growth in the New Jonathan Alles revolution and industrial as a panellist at the CEO 259.97 million) to Rs 35,013 million yesterday due Normal’ and will be attended by end in sight and the virus still transformation unfolds, we must roundtable on ‘navigating the new to investor preference to invest in riskless but low some of the most important figures rampant, banks are acutely aware seize opportunities to tap into our world order’. The other sessions returns Treasury T-Bills, T-Bills and T- Bonds in in banking across the Asian that how they respond to the crisis advantages in human capital and are ‘responding to challenges and secondary market trading rather than lend to the region. now will determine how they will market potential, to intensify disruptions in a changing global lucrative private sector the engine of growth due to Addressing the virtual rebuild for the future. Providing cooperation on innovation and ecosystem’ and ‘the role of uncertainty. gathering, he highlighted the support to governments and accelerate the upgrading of the technology in sustainable growth.’ GoSL’s face value (FV) MP debt decreased by Rs critical role that banks have customers is crucial during this banking sector.” Since 1981, the Asian Bankers 2,456 million (0.19 per cent) to Rs 1,308,535.25 played, in supporting economic crisis, but this will require banks Alles will not be the only Sri Association (ABA) has been the million (Rs 1.31 trillion) yesterday, thereby partially recovery post-COVID-19. to deploy the tools that they have Lankan banking sector premier platform for Asian banks. mitigating demand pull inflationary pressure. “Today, banks across the globe developed since the 2008 Global professional who will be sharing ABA is the ideal forum to network, GoSL’s FVMP debt has been over Rs one trillion for are working as a de facto delivery Financial Crisis, to lead a coherent his insights with the region’s conceive deals, share know-how, a record 25 consecutive market days to yesterday system, delivering cash for those and extensive response to banking sector leaders at the 37th and advocate bankers’ interest due to a lack of revenue. in need. However, with no clear unchartered territory. ABA General Meeting and nationally and internationally. Net excess liquidity increased by 18.07 per cent (Rs 1,854 million) to Rs 12,115 million yesterday due to the settlement/s of Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s (CBSL’s) swaps with the market and/or GoSL’s dollar sales/swaps with CBSL amounting to Rs 4,310 million (US$ 21.56 million) UK’s ‘Global Business Outlook’ honours during trading. Conversions are based on CBSL’s administered benchmark ‘spot’ price on Monday (23 August) which was Rs 199.90 to the US dollar. Transactions between GoSL and CBSL are ComBank Sri Lanka and Bangladesh foreign reserves neutral. CBSL lacks transparency in its open market operations. ‘Best SME Bank’ in Sri Lanka and ‘Best Foreign Bank’ in Bangladesh in 2021

Dead 80 Days The Commercial Bank of Ceylon are presented to private and Meanwhile, the ‘Best Foreign Commenting on these awards, The interbank foreign exchange (FX) market was has been declared the ‘Best SME public sector businesses of all Bank’ award presented to Commercial Bank Managing ‘dead’ for the 80th consecutive market day to Bank’ in Sri Lanka and the ‘Best sizes that make their mark in Commercial Bank Bangladesh Director S. Renganathan said: yesterday (Wednesday, 25 August) due to CBSL / Foreign Bank’ in Bangladesh in terms of performance, innovation recognises growth achieved in “We are delighted to receive GoSL continuing to administer the ‘spot’ at an 2021 by the UK-based Global and drive to create industry value. new accounts, deposits and awards for both Sri Lanka and inflated rate of Rs 202/203 to the dollar in two way Business Outlook (GBO) magazine They honour companies that advances, services offered to Bangladesh. It is particularly quotes amidst depreciative pressure because of a which recognises and rewards perform in exceptional terms, corporate and personal banking pleasing to be recognised for our lack of supply. excellence in businesses around create great value and achieve customers, new products and the support to SMEs, especially The Bank-client exchange rate (ER) was deflated the world, across industries. business edge and market growth of the Bank’s Online during these pandemic-linked to Rs 210/214 to the dollar in two way quotes since This is the fourth occasion that recognition. Banking services in that market. economic conditions which are 9 August by banks, though the administered buy- Commercial Bank has been The ‘Best SME Bank’ award was Despite stiff competition among very tough to navigate. sell quote among commercial banks for telegraphic recognised with awards by Global presented to the Commercial international and large local Commercial Bank has transfer was set at an inflated rate of Business Outlook magazine. In Bank for its efforts in recognising banks, CBC Bangladesh has consistently proved that it is with Rs 197.90/202.90 to the dollar in two way quotes 2020 the Bank was adjudged the the needs of the hour of small and recorded a consistent growth in them in good times as well as bad. as at 9.30 a.m. yesterday (Wednesday, 25 August) ‘Best Commercial Bank’ in Sri medium enterprises in the business especially by catering to We are also elated to once again and with the administered, albeit theoretical value Lanka and the ‘Best Foreign Bank’ country and for providing tailor- multinationals and large local be adjudged the best foreign bank of the ‘spot’ at Rs 202/203 to the dollar shows the in Bangladesh by the magazine. made products and services to corporates by offering better in Bangladesh, which is a very distortion caused to the FX market due to CBSL/ Global Business Outlook Awards cater to this segment. services and commitment. competitive market.” GoSL intervention. In a normal FX market, it’s the value of the inter-bank ER which is inflated vis-a- vis the client-bank ER. But, currently, where the ER and the FX market are administered, the reverse is happening for TT quotes, another form of a client-bank ER, albeit currently administered, 0.98%, 364 day maturities sold where it’s the latter which is inflated and not the administered interbank FX rate, which is a By Paneetha Ameresekere acceptance of a mere 0.98 per CBSL/Government of Sri the 182 day maturity yesterday distortion. cent of the 364 day maturity’s Lanka (GoSL) wants to maintain was 5.90 per cent, up 56bps In the interbank FX market, if trades were Central Bank of Sri Lanka total issue comes in the an artificially low interest rate WoW. However, the 91 day executed even at the administered selling rate of (CBSL) accepted only 0.98 per backdrop where the CBSL after regime despite inflationary tenure sold yesterday amounted Rs 203 to the dollar, the market exchange rate cent (Rs 200 million) offers for markets closed last Wednesday, pressure to minimise GoSL’s to 208.17 per cent (Rs 33,306 (MER) will have had depreciated by Rs 14.50 (7.69 the benchmark 364 day jacked up its policy rates by 50 borrowing costs and to spur million), with its WAY up 54 bps per cent) in the calendar year to yesterday Treasury T-Bills, vis-à-vis a total basis points (bps) each, a growth despite distorting the WoW to 5.87 per cent. (Wednesday 25 August) and year on year by Rs offering of Rs 20,500 million spillover effect being that the market in the process. Consequently CBSL sold 66.05 16.20 (8.67 per cent), thereby causing cost-push made at yesterday’s weekly maximum administered yield The amount of 182 day per cent (Rs 37,317 million) of all inflationary pressure as Sri Lanka is an import T-Bill auction since a controlled (MAY) for the 364 day issue maturities sold at yesterday’s tenures of T-Bills offered (Rs dependent economy. interest rate regime overtook having had been increased by 55 auction was also a parsimonious 56,500 million) at yesterday’s T- Bills auctions beginning with bps to 5.93 per cent week on 19.06 per cent (Rs 3,811 million), auction, with the 91 day the T Bill auction of 6 April week (WoW) at yesterday’s compared to its original offer of maturity occupying a sizeable 2020. auction at which rate the Rs 20,000 million. The weighted 89.25 per cent slot in this Yesterday’s parsimonious accepted issue was taken. average yield (WAY) fetched for equation. CORPORATE THURSDAY 26 AUGUST 2021 CEYLON FT A9 ACCA Awards Ceremony Recognises and Celebrates Outstanding Achievements Whilst the ambience might Fahim Farhan Ahamed, Rishan Nilusha Ranasinghe, the create value for Sri Lankan have been virtual, the Rasikeen and Indeepa Head of South Asia for ACCA businesses and its economy. recognition still remained Vidushan Maddumage said, “Each year, we see many Guest Speaker at the event, highly reputed, as the respectively. ACCA affiliates and students Darshana Gunasekera, Group Association of Chartered ACCA Sri Lanka was excelling in their exams and Finance Director - MJF Group Certified Accountants (ACCA) honoured to announce, this latest group of high speaking emphasised that held their prize winners’ awards Fathima Azeeza Mohamed achievers have done Sri Lanka ACCA Sri Lanka has been ceremony on 25 of August Yaseen as the top affiliate for proud.” She described the prize instrumental in training & 2021, to recognise the affiliates September 2019 session with winner awards as a modest up-skilling Sri Lanka’s who completed the ACCA exams the global bronze medal. token of honour granted by accounting professionals to be and honour the prize winners Other Sri Lankan top ACCA towards the academic valued members of the global who accomplished top scores in affiliates commended at the achievements of their affiliates. finance and accounting the ACCA examinations. event were, Osanda She further affirmed that fraternity. He further affirmed Bringing much pride to both Amarasinghe for December each member helped ACCA that the ACCA qualification ACCA and Sri Lanka were a 2019, Maryam Jameel for reinforce the truth that its covers not just an accounting host of high achievers that March 2020, Navin Karunadasa qualification is indeed one of qualification but one that included eleven Sri Lankan for September 2020, Tharindhi the best in the world and is moulds an all-round business prize winners for September Jayawardena for December consequently in high demand professional with a strong 2019 examinations, seventeen 2020 and Mohamed Inham by global employers. She grounding in Finance & Sri Lankan prize winners for Ilyas for March encouraged the members to Accounting and congratulated December 2019, twelve Sri 2021examinations. make the finest advantage of all the passed finalists and the Lankan prize winners for March Helen Brand, Chief Executive the knowledge gathered in order prize winners for working 2020, eleven Sri Lankan prize of ACCA explaining the to make a significant towards and achieving this winners for September 2020, significance of celebrating this contribution towards Sri renowned qualification. twelve Sri Lankan prize winners landmark achievement, Lankan businesses and This prize winners’ ceremony for December 2020 and thirteen described that the ACCA emphasised that being exemplified ACCA’s continued Sri Lankan prize for March members are prized for their ambassadors and advocates of contribution to producing 2021 examinations. expertise, their ability to ACCA meant there was strategic thinking accountants Prestigious world prizes were synthesis knowledge from tremendous expectation of to meet the dynamics of the awarded for Advanced Financial across the whole spectrum of upholding the values of ACCA, modern business world. It Management (September 2019), disciplines within the which are accountability, remains committed towards Financial Reporting (December profession and the ethical lens diversity, opportunity, building a qualification that 2019), Advanced Performance they bring to all areas of finance innovation and integrity. meets the emerging trends in Management (December 2020), and business. She commended Echoing these sentiments, accountancy and is positioned Financial Management that the completion of each Nandika Buddhipala, Chairman today as undoubtedly one of the (December 2020), Strategic exam was an achievement by of the Member Network Panel of most trusted and sought-after Business Leader (March 2021), itself saying that, “as we all Sri Lanka stated that as ethical, accounting qualifications Financial Management (March move into recovery mode, ACCA honest and accountable ACCA across the globe that is 2021), to Fathima Azeeza members has to help the professionals they will need to respected and accredited by Mohamed Yaseen, Fathima organisations they work for to keep their eyes on the long term both employers and the Shukra Shumsdeen, Mohamed survive and thrive.” values and engage in efforts to industry. Seylan Bank unveils Saubhagye Dekma in EP is successfully going on SME Debit Card Ginger and turmeric saplings distributed to farmers Seylan Bank, the Bank with a Heart, has unveiled the By Naalir Jamaldeen Batticaloa District. distributed among 5,000 first-ever SME Debit Card for He said they have families in the Manmunai West business banking customers Backward Rural Areas distributed ginger and and Vavunathivu areas, each to convert cash transactions Development and Promotion of turmeric saplings to the family was given 10 saplings. to POS. The unique debit card Domestic Animal Husbandry farmers in the Manmunai West Viyalanderan said that as will add convenience and and Minor Economic Crop and Vavunathivu areas. there is a conducive security over the traditional Cultivation State Minister Viyalanderan said that the environment and suitable cash and cheque payment Sathasivam Viyalanderan Government has banned the fertile soil in the Batticaloa options used by the segment, yesterday (24) said that the imports of certain minor District for the production of the Bank announced. cultivation of minor economic economic crops with the view dhall and ginger, he will take Seylan has always been at crops of ginger and turmeric of improving the domestic necessary action in future to the forefront in supporting being introduced under the production as well as other create a suitable background SMEs to develop their Saubhagye Dekma national sectors depending on it. for it. businesses, as they are the development drive to "It can't be allowed to import Under the first phase true backbone of the (Left to Right) Ruchith Liyanage - Head of Cards - Seylan Bank strengthen the domestic minor economic crops at a suitable lands have been economy. The new SME Debit together with Ramesh Jayasekara – Chief Operating Officer – economy in the Eastern time when we have sufficient identified in the Karadiyanaru Card is a part of the Bank’s Seylan Bank Province is successfully going minor economic crops in the and Vandarumoolai areas for ongoing efforts to further personal payments at the give them better security over on. country. It seems to be wasting the cultivation of dhall and empower SME clients with same time. carrying cash, and enable State Minister Viyalanderan the money which ought to be ginger. Each farmer who is new tools to navigate the The SME Debit Card is easy reconciliation of went on to say that the present utilised for the infrastructure willing to cultivate the said current environment. The being offered by Seylan Bank payments. Seylan Bank is Government led by President development of this country", crops will be given Rs 300,000 bespoke business banking for the first time, in place of also invested in the continued Gotabaya Rajapaksa has taken according to State Minister by the Government. A pilot Debit Card can be used by the traditional cash and well-being of the customer various steps to promote the Viyalanderan. project has been inaugurated SMEs to conveniently make cheque payment options to and will conduct exclusive cultivation of minor economic He said that under the first in the Kalutara area to payments through electronic the segment. This will allow educational workshops for crops simultaneously with phase 50,000 turmeric and produce chilli, State Minister platforms, make use of businesses more convenience cardholders to enhance their paddy cultivation in the ginger saplings have been Viyalanderan added. unique promotional offerings, including the ability to knowledge on related subject and segregate business and undertake POS transactions, matters. ICRA Lanka reaffirms Nawaloka New industry report affirms 15 years of industry-leading innovation… Hospital’s credit rating

Pioneering private healthcare passionate team at Nawaloka Samsung No.1 Global provider Nawaloka Hospitals Hospitals was pivotal to this PLC (CSE: NHL) recently had significant improvement in its investment grade credit performance. As the first TV Manufacturer for 15th rating of [SL] BBB- reaffirmed private hospital in Sri Lanka, with a revised outlook to we remain steadfast to support Stable, by ICRA Lanka people from all walks of life Consecutive Year Limited. who seek us out day after day, The reaffirmed rating is in for our diverse and easily Positioning Samsung at forefront of TV industry recognition of the remarkable accessible service portfolio, progress achieved by Nawaloka indelible reputation, and Samsung Electronics every day to entertain, Hospitals during the recent strong commitment to topped the global TV market connect with loved ones, past by implementing a strong, continuously deliver world- for the 15th consecutive work, exercise from home, sustainable business model class healthcare in a safe and year, according to market and do much more. And we which has enabled it to offer secure environment," research firm, Omdia. Newly have seen how different diversified operational remarked Nawaloka Hospitals released data published on lifestyles and routines have specialities through high-end, Deputy Chairman Harshith the 23rd of February notes not only evolved, but value-added medical services. Dharmadasa. that Samsung Electronics converged,” said Jong-hee The rating has also factored in Commencing operations in recorded 31.8% in global TV Han, President of Visual the strong brand name and 1985 as the first private sector market share by revenue in Display Business at exceptional operational track hospital in Sri Lanka, the Q4 2020 and retained the category leadership in the Samsung Electronics. “We record of Nawaloka Hospitals, Nawaloka Group has over the largest annual category ultra large screen segment continue to be incredibly as demonstrated by the years established a strong market share by revenue in over 75-inches, the humbled by the trust placed healthy market share enjoyed brand name in the Sri Lankan 2020, at 31.9%. introduction and expansion in our vision and products; by the premier hospital chain healthcare industry. It is one Samsung’s growth across of a Lifestyle TV portfolio, it is what drives our in Sri Lanka’s competitive the spread of the COVID-19' of the largest hospital chains the Visual Display Business and a series of industry, relentless pursuit to deliver private healthcare industry. virus. Therefore, we were quick in Sri Lanka with a total reflects a commitment to category and product ‘firsts’ cutting-edge innovation and "During the past year, we to adapt and innovate to keep capacity of 365 beds in the most premium at-home made possible thanks to a best-in-class screen were met with an incredibly pace and meet the rapidly Colombo and Negombo viewing experiences, Samsung’s constant drive experience that meets the volatile and challenging evolving needs of the public. hospitals, further coupled with the fast- for innovation. needs of the modern-day business environment due to The contribution and strengthened by its island wide growing QLED portfolio, “Consumers use screens consumer.” restrictions imposed to curb dedication of the brave and network of labs. A10 thursday 26 august 2021 sports

Second Test vs West Indies Shaheen Leads Pakistan to 109-run Win Pakistan's Shaheen Shah Afridi order batsmen Nkrumah Bonner and together as a team bowling unit,” took 10 wickets in the match as the Royston Chase both departed Shaheen said at the end of the Test. tourists bowled West Indies out on cheaply. West Indies battled again with the Monday to win the second Test at Home captain Kraigg Brathwaite, bat, but Brathwaite said drawing the Sabina Park and tie the two-match 17 not out overnight, lost his wicket series must still be seen as a positive series. in the second over after tea as he for West Indies after losing their Shaheen claimed 4-43 to add to cut Nauman Ali straight to point to previous series at home to South career best figures of 6-51 in the be dismissed for 39. Africa in June. first innings as West Indies were A 46-run partnership for the They beat Pakistan by one wicket dismissed for 219 on the last day seventh wicket between Jason in a thrilling first Test, also at Sabina to give Pakistan victory by 109 Holder and Kyle Mayers ended at tea Park, last week. runs. with the Windies only temporarily Brief Scores: The hosts were always up against it prolonging the inevitable. after resuming on their overnight tally Mayers made 32 before departing Pakistan: 302/9 dec (Alam 124, of 49-1, 280 runs shy of the imposing and Holder top scored with 47 Azam 75, Roach 3-68) and 176 for 6 target of 329, but with survival more before Shaheen wrapped up the tail dec (Butt 37, Azam 33) than chasing victory in mind. to ensure success for the visitors as West Indies: 150 (Bonner 37, But they lost four wickets in the he was named man of the series. Afridi 6-51) and 219 (Holder 47, morning session to slump to 113-5 at “It was tough because it was really Afridi 4-43, Nauman 3-52) lunch, with Hasan Ali ensuring top hot out there, but we delivered (Agencies) Shaheen Shah Afridi in action

Real Madrid bid 160 During Indian tour of Sri Lanka - July 2021 million euros for Winfield Sports deliver Mbappe – media reports groundbreaking 3D VR signage

Real Madrid have made a 160 million euro ($188.11 million) bid for Paris St Germain's France forward Kylian Mbappe, Spanish and French media reported on Tuesday. There was no immediate comment from either club. France's L'Equipe said PSG's position remained unchanged, with the Ligue 1 club determined to keep Mbappe until at least the end of his contract in June next year even Winfield Sports (Pvt) Limited, Sri the first and only company in Sri Lanka 3D Virtual Signage is the way if he could then leave Lanka's premier sports branding and to be engaged for an assignment of this forward in this challenging and difficult for nothing. marketing organisation with a 22-year nature by the ICC. It was a great period and addresses the many Spain's Marca said pedigree, delivered another first and achievement to be validated by ICC and limitations presently faced. In the move was a first groundbreaking commercial 3D VR the project was delivered successfully in implementing 3D VR signs the step by Real, who have (Virtual) signage branding during the compliance with all the strict protocols footprint at the venue is minimal and long had their sights recently concluded Indian ODI and T20I outlined. This is a giant step and causes no harm or damage to the grass on the 22-year-old Series in Sri Lanka. 3D VR was tested needless to mention a big feather on on the ground, ticking the essential box World Cup-winner who successfully during the ‘Nidahas their cap. of being environmentally friendly. scored 42 goals in all Kylian Mbappe Trophy’ Tri Series in March 2018, and The team comprises of committed and There is no impact due to adverse competitions for PSG this was a first in cricket globally. passionate young robotic engineers who weather, no danger or hindrance to last season and has reportedly said PSG ended last season with only Another successful testing was done in settle for nothing but the best. 6-years players and adds immense value to the he wants to move to Spain. one major trophy, the French Cup, Dheradun, India in June 2018 during of tireless days and nights of research Ground Right Holders, Broadcasters The As.com website quoted Real after losing the league title by one the Bangladesh and Afghanistan series. and development (R&D) is the result of and Sponsors. sources as saying, however, that point to Lille and crashing out in Soon after, an opportunity was given to presenting a truly and perfect 3D VR It opens many doors of opportunities the fact money was not an issue for the Champions League semi-finals. test it at the ICC Women’s T20 WC, technology. Winfield VR is a home to the Ground Advertising Rights Holder wealthy Qatar-owned PSG was an Real, now managed by Italian Antigua, West Indies in November 2018. integrated technology and many to have multiple sponsors and the obstacle for Real. Carlo Ancelotti, were runners-up The highlight of their journey thus far features are being developed to make it invaluable flexibility of introducing the Britain's Sky Sports said the offer domestically last season to city has been the International Cricket a preferred solution for Sponsors and signage content an hour before play. was made on Sunday. rivals Atletico. Council (ICC) appointing Winfield Broadcasters. The continuance to 3D VR also provides the advantage to Any sale of Mbappe would allow Mbappe joined PSG from AS Sports, Sri Lanka as their preferred improvise and include other finer points the sponsor in being able to replace PSG to recoup some of the costs of Monaco in 2017, on loan initially vendor to deliver 3D Signs for ICC MT20 in taking this technology to the next signs at periodic intervals during the Lionel Messi's salary package after and then permanently a year later Qualifiers 2019 in the United Arab level is now the key focus for the team. same match - the possibility of placing a they signed the Argentina forward in a deal valued at 180 million Emirates – October to November 2019 3D VR technology is not limited to total of 8 or 9 signs at the near end and and six times Ballon d'Or winner euros. ($1 = 0.8506 euros) at two key International Cricket cricket but any other sport, including good visibility for the far end signs as from Barcelona earlier this month. (Reuters) Stadiums. This made Winfield Sports other live or prerecorded events. well.

Enoch Nkwe steps Kyrgios pulls down as SA's out of U.S. Open assistant coach Enoch Nkwe stepped down as assistant coach of Cricket South Africa (CSA) to "focus on personal growth and professional development," the Board announced on tune-up event Tuesday (24 August). He served in the role since December 2019, and briefly was also appointed Team Australian Nick Kyrgios pulled out of his I just didn't feel it was worth the risk of going Director. first-round match with Britain's Andy Murray out there and possibly making it worse, not "The Board will be taking the necessary steps to at the Winston-Salem Open on Sunday due to giving myself the best shot to perform at the investigate and address the issues raised by Enoch. We knee pain, but the 26-year-old is confident he U.S. Open," Kyrgios told reporters. will not be commenting further on this until the process will be fit for next week's U.S. Open Grand "To play Andy Murray, a good friend and has been completed in October," the Board said in a Slam. Kyrgios withdrew from the ATP 250 tennis icon, would have been amazing. but I statement. event in North Carolina in a last-minute call, had to look after my body. And with the "It is deeply disappointing to lose someone of Enoch's with lucky loser Noah Rubin replacing him. Grand Slam next week, I wanted to be more calibre at this time, but we fully understand and respect American Rubin lost 6-2 6-0 to former world cautious. his decision. We are comforted by the fact that he number one Murray. World number 85 "I am playing the U.S. Open 100%, it's not remains committed to SA cricket, and hope that he will Kyrgios, who skipped the Tokyo Olympics like I am finishing my season. I needed more be back serving the game that we all love. He has been because he did not want to play in front of time to get right, and the best option today and continues to be an inspiration to young cricketers empty stands, said he had been dealing with was to rest it." and coaches," CSA Board Chair, Lawson Naidoo said. pain in his left knee in the last couple of The U.S. Open runs from 30 Aug. to 12 The Board has now appointed Acting CEO, Pholetsi weeks. Sept. in New York. Moseki, to oversee a process to find his replacement "With the U.S. Open just around the corner, (Reuters) Nick Kyrgios ahead of the T20 World Cup in the UAE. (Cricbuzz) A11 thursday 26 august 2021 sports SL Paralympians I Will Donate in action on 27th My Man of the Series Cash Prize to Kalubowila At the 2012 London Paralympics, Pradeep Sanjaya won the bronze medal in the 400m T46 category with a time of 49.28 seconds and created Hospital history, as it was the first time Sri Lanka had won a medal. At the 2016 Rio Paralympics, Bronze medalist Dinesh Priyantha Dinesh Priyantha Herath won the Herath of Sri Lanka poses on the bronze medal in the men's javelin – Dasun Shanaka podium at the medal ceremony for F46 with a distance of 58.23 men’s Javelin Throw - F46 at Rio 2016 Paralympic Games meters. He also won a silver Sri Lanka white ball side, as well as training for hit 84, 48, 8, medal in the event at the 2019 skipper Dasun Shanaka, the global tournament (T20 55*, 15 and The Paralympics got underway World Paralympic who won the man of the World Cup) that starts in 48* through yesterday and Sri Lankan Championships in Dubai, and series award at the recently October. the course of athletes will compete in their first has been tasked with carrying concluded Dialog SLC Unbeaten through the the event, event on the 27th (Friday). Nine the national flag on behalf of the Invitational T20 League, round robin stages (each of maintaining a Paralympians are representing nine-member Sri Lankan team has decided to donate his the four teams played strike rate of 184, Sri Lanka at the Games. this year . prize money of Rs. 200,000 against the opposition and he routinely to a worthy cause. Dasun twice), Greys won the final provided the said that he learnt that the against SLC Reds - led by closing fireworks special unit at the Dinesh Chandimal - by 42 to Greys' Kalubowila Hospital lacked runs. Shanaka would have innings. His a fixed ventilator and that been the top-scorer of the The FIDE Online World Cup 2021 he and his team (SLC tournament even if he had Greys) decided to contribute not contributed in – Youth and Cadet to this cause. Tuesday's final, but his 48 “It is learnt that not out off 17 balls was Kalubowila Teaching instrumental in Greys Three Sri Lankans Hospital is constructing a topping the 200 mark (201 separate unit to fix a for 4). ventilator. The situation in Reds lost three wickets in receive wild card entries the country is not that good the powerplay before at the moment. I will donate recovering somewhat my man of the series cash through a 65-run prize to Kalubowila partnership between Teaching Hospital to fix a Oshada Fernando and ventilator and my team will Asela Gunaratne, but were also contribute for this good eventually squeezed out by cause,” said winnings Greys' excellent attack. skipper Dasun Shanaka They were all out for 159. after a successful Sri Lanka's team tournament. management will be Dasun Shanaka's heartened by new limited- outstanding batting form overs captain Shanaka's saw SLC Greys triumph in performance in this the Board's Invitational T20 tournament. Batting at No. knock in the final was his tournament. Greys were Ranindu Liyanage Susal de Silva Devindya Oshini Tournament - a two-week 5 (the position which he most explosive and favourites from the outset affair that served both as a has recently occupied for propelled Greys to their first and never looked like losing National Chess Champion, CM Hriday Dharmesh Sheth (India) trial to pick the national the national side), Shanaka total of over 200 in the this final. Ranindu Liyanage (Ananda College and Lost to Tsaruk Maksim Colombo), No.3 Susal de Silva (Belorussia) and Aaryan Varshney (Nalanda College Colombo) and (India). young Oshini Gunawardena Oshini beat El Harrak Maryam (Ferguson High School, Ratnapura) (Morocco), Nihira Koul (India), have received wild card entries for Chinkulkitniwat Purichaya Test bowling rankings the final stage of the World Youth (Thailand), V.C. Nivedita (India), SLC picks 26 players Chess Championship 2021 under- Yatee Kothari (India), Myagmar Afridi 18 (Open), 16 (Open) and 10 (Girls) Tselmeg (Mongolia), drew with events respectively Aydogan Arya (Turkey), Paragua reaches for Under-19 squad Ranindu, playing against the Megan Althea (USA) and lost to best chess players in the world, Aadhya Jain (India) and Nguyen career-best Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) (St. Anthony’s Sadeesh Jayawardena (St. managed to score 7 points out of Mai Chi (Vietnam). has selected a 26-member Katugastota) have been Joseph’s), Lahiru 10 games while young Oshini also This year the event conducted by under-19 National included the squad. Dawatage (St. Peter’s), had a commendable performance the International Chess Federation No. 8 Training Squad in Three players each from Danal Hemananda (St. of 7 out of 10 games. Ranindu beat is organized by the Georgian Chess preparation for the Trinity Kandy, St. Peter’s Peter’s), Wanuja Sahan Salima Praise (Malawi), Federation. The World Cup has 10 The duo of Shaheen upcoming Inbound Tours, Bambalapitiya, St. (St. Peter’s), Pawan Kachkachishvili Lasha (Georgia), category events for under 10, Afridi and Fawad Alam U-19 Asia Cup and the Joseph’s Colombo, Sandesh (Devapathiraja), Mordido Justine Diego 12,14,16 and 18 years Open and have attained career-best U-19 World Cup. Devapathiraja Rathgama Jeewaka Shasheen (Philippines), Kanyamarala Tarun Girls. The event is held online on positions in the latest ICC The Junior National and St. Anthony’s (Devapathiraja), Sasanka (Ireland), Ayush Sharma (India), the Tornelo platform from 1 to 30 rankings for bowlers and Selectors chose the final Katugastota, two players Nirmal (Devapathiraja), Ahmadzada Ahmad (Azerbaijan), August with 10 rounds per batters respectively after squad out of the 75 from Nalanda Colombo, S. Pawan Pathiraja (Trinity), drew with Kushagra Mohan (India), category followed by 16-player Pakistan’s 109-run win players chosen via an Thomas’ Mt. Lavinia, one Vibavith Ehelepola Anuj Shrivatri (India) and lost to knock out stage. The event against West Indies in the island wide Talent Profiling player each from Royal (Trinity), Trevin Mathews International Master Saksham commenced with the under-10 second Test. Afridi’s match Program conducted by Colombo, D.S.Senanayake (St. Anthony’s), Lahiru Rautela (India) and Grandmaster Open and under-18 Girls from 1 to haul of 10 for 94 - his first SLC. The Talent Profiling Colombo, St. Thomas Abeysinghe (St. Batsuren Dambasuren (Mongolia). 5 having two games each day. ten-for - helped him shoot Program was conducted in Matara, Maliyadeva Anthony’s), Vinuja Susal is one of the best chess Other categories also followed up ten spots to No. 8, partnership with the Kurunegala, Madampa Ranpul (Nalanda), Ryan players in the country and had the giving 5 days per two categories whereas Alam’s 124 in the Schools Cricket CC, St. Sylvester’s Kandy Fernando (S. Thomas’ best performance among the Sri each session, one open and one first innings took him up Association and the and Thurstan Colombo Mt.), Sadisha Rajapaksa Lankans at the event - 7 ½ points Girls. 34 places to the 21st Provincial Cricket have been included in the (Royal), Abhishek out of 10 games in the under-16 Sri Lanka fielded 32 players, the position. Associations. squad. Liyanarachchi (D. S. Open category – to be ranked 13th first three winners of Sri Lanka Alam’s previous best in The 75 players Under-19 preliminary Senanayake), Harindu in his age group in the world. Susal Online Youth Chess the rankings was 47th in underwent a Residential squad: Jayasekara (St. Thomas beat Ajili Rayen (Tunesia), Championships and the National May earlier this year and Training Program in Dunith Wellalage (St. Matara), Matheesha Taulananda Anon (Thailand), Chess Champion, Ranindu Afridi’s best was 18th, Kandy, which consisted of Joseph’s), Ravin de Silva Weerasinghe Chidvilash Sai Surapaneni (India), Dilshan Liyanage and the Sri which he had reached at skills training, game (Nalanda), Matheesha (Maliyadeva), Malsha S. Arjun Sidharth (India), Balaji Lanka Number 1 ranked in FIDE the end of the first Test, education, fitness Pathirana (Trinity), Yasiru Tharupathi (Madampa Aaravamudhan (England), Popov Rating, Harshana Thilakaratne of when he picked up 8 for sessions, and several Rodrigo (S. Thomas’ Mt.), CC), Maleesha Silva (St. Konstantin (Russia), Flores Quillas Maliyadeva College. 109. Afridi, the highest- practice games. Players Chamindu Wickramsinghe Sylvester’s), Bhawantha Diego Saul Rodri (Peru) drew with (IR) ranked Pakistan bowler in were divided into five (St. Anthony’s), Shevon Jayasinghe (Thurstan) the rankings, was named teams named after the Daniel (St. Joseph’s), (IR) both player of the match Super Provinces of SLC Standings - Sri Lankan Players and player of the series, covering Colombo (split as which ended 1-1. North and South), Name Pts Rank Age Group Pakistan captain Babar Dambulla, Galle, and Ranindu Liyanage 7.0 14 Open 18 Azam and wicketkeeper- Kandy. Susal de Silva 7.5 13 Open 16 batter Mohammad Rizwan The Members of the Devindya Oshini 7.0 12 Under-10 Girls also moved up. Babar National Selection gained one position to Committee were present reach seventh after scoring during the entirety of the 75 and 33, and Rizwan Residential Training re-entered the top 20 at Program, to take a closer India collapse to 78 all out v the 19th spot after scores look at individual players. of 31 and 10*. Sri Lanka youth caps England in Headingley test Left-arm spinner Ravin de Silva (Nalanda Nauman Ali, who replaced Colombo), Dunith Electing to bat, India collapsed double digits for the tourists, who Yasir Shah for the second Wellalage (St. Joseph’s to 78 all out on day one of the third are 1-0 ahead in the five-match Test, gained four places to Colombo), Yasiru Rodrigo test against England at series. reach the 44th spot after (S. Thomas’ Mt. Lavinia), Headingley on Wednesday. For England, James Anderson his three-wicket haul in Matheesha Pathirana Only Rohit Sharma (19) and (3-6) and Craig Overton (3-14) the second innings. (Trinity Kandy) and Ajinkya Rahane (18) got into shared six wickets. Chamindu Wickramsinghe

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