www.themorning.lk epaper.themorning.lk www.themorning.lk epaper.themorning.lk www.aruna.lk epaper.aruna.lk Maintain Distance, Stay Safe THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020 www.aruna.lk epaper.aruna.lk

TOTAL CASES For verified information on the Quarantine Unit COVID-19 TOTAL CASES coronavirus (Covid-19) contact any 0112 112 705 ACTIVE CASES of the following authorities CASES IN Epidemiology Unit Health THE WORLD 3,166,819 Suwasariya 0112 695 112 PROTECT YOURSELF FROM Promotion Ambulance DEATHS CASES DEATHS 630 Bureau Service Govt. coronavirus hotline USA 1,039,501 59,459 COVID-19 DEATHS RECOVERED 1999 1990 0113071073 219,611 SPAIN 236,899 24,275 PRESIDENTIAL SPECIAL TASK FORCE FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES RECOVERD ITALY 201,505 27,359 FRANCE 165,911 23,660 07 136 Telephone 0114354854, 0114733600 Fax 0112333066, 0114354882 Hotline 0113456200-4 Email [email protected] 976,191 UK 161,145 21,678 THE ABOVE 487STATISTICS ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 10.45 P.M. ON 29 APRIL 2020 SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU

48 PHIS IN COLOMBO WITHDRAW IN PROTEST EC TO MEET ON 2 MAY The Election Commission (EC) yesterday (29) reiterated that any decision on the forthcoming election would be taken by all three members of Final call the commission at the meeting scheduled to be held on 2 May. EC Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya said the Govt. urged commission, after meeting with all relevant on polls on sectors, would evaluate the situation in the country and that any decision with regard to the election would be taken by all three members. to protect Saturday Contd. on page 2 Clean up continues WITHIN CMC LIMITS Over 3,500 frontliners in isolated z Health officials BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA threaten to withdraw Health officials yesterday (29) warned the Government zones that they would withdraw from Covid-19-related services BY SARAH HANNAN z PHIs in Colombo if it failed to protect health staff by providing sufficient personal protection equipment (PPE). Over 3,500 persons from denied PCR tests four areas within the Colombo A total of 48 public health the virus or not. Municipal Council (CMC) z inspectors (PHIs) at the Colombo In a letter written to the Chief administrative region are presently GMOA demands Municipal Council (CMC), who Medical Officer of CMC, the held in isolation zones after one or protective gear had direct contacts with suspected PHIs had informed the Council more persons were tested positive Covid-19 cases in Keselwatta and that they had decided to go for Covid-19 from the area over at Bandaranaike Mawatha within for self-quarantining for 14 the past week. z Adequate PPE the CMC area, had withdrawn days considering the history of Contd. on page 2 stocks at hand: from services yesterday after they being exposed to virus-infected were denied PCR tests to confirm residents. MSD whether they were infected with Contd. on page 2 226 Navy personnel EXTREME WARM WEATHER Business community infected A total of 226 Navy personnel In most parts cautions Government have been infected with Covid- z 19 so far, Army Commander Seeks halting of trade activities till mid May Lieutenant General Shavendra of the island With an increasing number of Roshana Waduge told The Silva said yesterday (29). The Department of Covid-19 cases being reported Morning that business activities The infected Navy officers Meteorology announced that the within the last few days, the still remained closed in most areas, include 147 from within the Western, Eastern, North Western, business community has requested even though the Government lifted Health workers were seen disinfecting the Narahenpita Police Station after Welisara Navy Camp and 79 who Sabaragamuwa, North Central, the Government to close down all the curfew in parts other than the an individual tested positive for Covid-19 was found in the area last Monday were on leave. and Southern Provinces along trade activities around the country Western Province and the Puttalam PHOTO LALITH PERERA Contd. on page 2 with the Mannar, Vavuniya, until 15 May. District as they feared a second Mullaitivu, and Monaragala Sri Lanka Trade Development wave of Covid-19. Districts will experience extreme Council (SLTDC) Chairman Contd. on page 2 40 COLOMBO SCHOOLS AND SEVERAL OTHERS weather conditions. The heat index of the aforementioned region is expected PRIVATE BUS OPERATORS to be at extreme caution level. Military looks at

WATER SHORTAGE Demand fuel subsidy z No decision says Govt. subsidy. We are unable to carry Supply resolved Private bus unions are even half the usual passengers. We schools for housing demanding a fuel subsidy from are short of drivers and conductors z had not selected any specific schools the Government to face the because of the curfew,” he said. For personnel whose leave is cancelled thus far. for paddy lands circumstances resulting from the He said the Government had told The Morning that the military “They mentioned these schools BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA The water issues of the 5,300 Covid-19 pandemic. promised a low-interest loan but had identified around 40 schools but haven’t said yet which ones they hectares of paddy land in the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ had failed to provide it. The military is to commandeer a in Colombo. would be using,” he said, adding Ampara District as well as the Association President Gemunu “We were supposed to get a Rs. number of schools across the country “They have referred to six schools in that the military had assured that Pahala Wewa paddy land have Wijeratne told The Morning that 25,000 loan, but the Government to be used as temporary housing for the Uva Province, four in the Central all cleaning and safety measures been resolved, the Department of a fuel subsidy was essential in the hasn’t given that yet. We are personnel, The Morning learnt. Province, and around 30-49 schools would be taken care of once they Agrarian Development said. face of the Covid-19 pandemic. suffering at the moment,” he added. Secretary to the Ministry of in Colombo,” Chithrananada said. had concluded utilising the schools. Farmers of the Pahala Wewa “We are requesting a 50% fuel Contd. on page 2 Education N.H.M. Chithrananda However, he noted that the military Contd. on page 2 area in Ampara had sowed paddy seeds using the dry ploughing method. However, the farmers shared their grievance stating 200 NEW LOCAL INVENTIONS AMIDST COVID-19 that sufficient water has not been The validity period of supplied to their paddy lands curfew passes expiring and the crops are on the verge of Govt. uses 20 local inventions tomorrow will be extended wilting away. BY AGRA RANASINGHE Software to monitor Covid-19 patients till 31 May: Police TRAIN SERVICES Among 200 new inventions developed Two students of the can be used to monitor specialty of this software, to combat Covid-19, nearly 20 inventions Department of Computer patients who have saying the software assists Government to have already been used, The Morning learnt. Engineering of the contracted Covid-19. the monitoring of the Sri Lanka Inventors Commission (SLIC) Faculty of Engineering Head of the Department patients by maintaining ARRESTS OVER MISINFORMATION Director/CEO N.N.W. Dolawatta told The at the University of of Computer Engineering a distance between the decide today Morning that more than 200 inventions to Peradeniya have invented Dr. Eng. Kamalanath patient and the staff. The Government is to take a fight against Covid-19 have been developed a computer software that Samarakoon explained the Contd. on page 2 HRCSL writes decision today (30) on whether by various platforms. to continue with railway services He said that it is not an easy task to amidst dwindling commuters. introduce these inventions to the health while ensuring the protection of intercultural Ministry of Health Additionally Secretary to Acting IGP Minister of Passenger authorities as there's a large process these property of their product," he said. Bhadrani Jayawardena told The Morning The Human Rights Commission of Sri Transport Management Mahinda inventions have to get through. The SLIC will support them to take the that most of the inventions are already being Lanka (HRCSL), in a letter addressed to Amaraweera said the Government "These new inventions can be just an idea, patent documents, finance them for testing, used by the authorities. Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) C.D. had been deliberating the matter. concept, prototype, completed product, or a support in technical assistance, provide Some of these inventions are low-cost Wickramaratne, has requested that the legal design. Whichever the stage it is in, the SLIC financial assistance to build prototypes, video laryngoscopes with extended functions, basis for recent arrests for misinformation be SEE FULL STORIES is going to support inventors in all possible provide grants/loans for start-ups, and support protective ventilation suits, fast-operated reviewed. ON PAGE 2 ways to introduce that to the community, them to find out possible investors. door handles, automatic hand sanitisers, etc. Contd. on page 2 2 the morning NEWS Thursday, April 30, 2020 Cartoon of the day President urged to resummon P’ment Former Minister of “As the presidential Parliament,” the letter reads. Election Commission (EC) Finance Mangala election was scheduled to be Samaraweera also said announced that the general Samaraweera in a held on 16 November 2017, that the President, Prime election, which was initially letter to President the then Government was Minister, Cabinet of scheduled for 25 April, would Gotabaya Rajapaksa of the view that presenting Ministers, Members of be held on 20 June 2020, has urged him to an Appropriation Bill Parliament, as well as all the letter says: “However, exercise his powers would not be appropriate. public officials including the the date to summon the new as the Head of State Accordingly, the then Secretary to the Treasury Parliament to meet upon the Government presented a Vote have pledged to uphold and conclusion of the proposed at this critical time on Account to Parliament defend the Constitution of the general election scheduled and summon the for a period of four months Republic. Any person who for 20 June 2020, which Parliament as soon from 1 January 2020 to 30 acts in contravention of the is a must according to the as possible with April 2020 and adopted it on provisions on conviction by Constitution, has not been the support of all 23 October 2019, leaving an the Court of Appeal shall be officially announced.” Olga Ramasamy passes away parties represented in opportunity for the would-be- subject to: (a) Civic disability Failure to do so, One of Western Australia’s most Lankan community even after her Parliament. elected President to present for such period not exceeding especially at a time of a esteemed and committed community retirement at the age of 90. his own Budget. seven years and (b) forfeit pandemic, is bound to leaders, Olga Ramasamy, OAM Acknowledged as a monumental He had said that this was “But on the contrary, the his movable and immovable have serious repercussions passed away on 22 April. She is also figure in the Honorary Consulate of Sri imperative to have the essential Finance Minister appointed property other than such for the short and long- the mother of veteran Sri Lankan Lanka in Western Australia, Ramasamy expenditure, including the by you did not present a property as is determined term economic wellbeing singer Desmond de Silva. is said to have never been reluctant to payment of salaries to the budget for 2020 until you as being necessary for the of our people, especially Ramasamy has not only served guide and serve the community. public service after 30 April issued a gazette dissolving sustenance of such person in light of international the Sri Lankan community, but Consulate of Sri Lanka in Western 2020, approved legally and Parliament on 2 March, in and his family. obligations and the nature also all of Australia, earning her a Australia Consul Rosh Jalagge constitutionally, so that Sri spite of the fact that you Furthermore, noting that of the interconnected global prestigious Medal of the Order of expressed his deepest condolences Lanka acts responsibly, assumed office in November considering the serious risk financial and economic Australia. She had continued to support the Sri on behalf of the consulate and community. respecting the Constitution 2019, over three months of the spread of Covid- system, Samaraweera had in relation to public finances. prior to the dissolution of 19 in the country, the noted, concluding his letter. Contd. from page 1

Govt urged... facilities and to protect the frontline workers who PCR tests on the respective medical officers and tested positive for Covid-19 identified from are struggling to control the spread of the virus. two tests on PHIs who had direct contacts with Nakulugamuwa Street in Grandpass, Torrington Demand fuel... Speaking to The Morning, Public Health In a statement issued by the GMOA, its Secretary the residents. 60 Watte in Jawatte, Muhandiram E.D. Dabare Meanwhile, Minister of Passenger Inspector’s Union of Sri Lanka (PHIUSL) Secretary Dr. Haritha Aluthge had requested the Government “The issue arose after the respective doctor Mawatha in Narahenpita, and Imamul Aroos Transport Management Mahinda Amaraweera M. Balasooriya alleged that the PHIs’ request to to provide all health workers with the necessary PPE requested to conduct the forth test for which I said it is Mawatha in Maradana were sent to the quarantine said a decision had not been taken on test had been rejected by the CMC Chief Medical and to send them for PCR testing or quarantining not necessary as all three came negative and the CMC centre in Punani. whether the subsidy will be provided. Officer saying that the tests could be conducted considering the exposure to suspected cases. had very limited quota. That was to ensure there was Dr. Wijayamuni further noted that even the “I proposed this to the Cabinet but no decision has once the symptoms began to show. The association, however, has warned that no community transmission and therefore the tests persons who provided essential services to these been taken yet,” he said, adding that the Cabinet “We have only around 2,500 PHIs around if the Government failed to do so, the GMOA needed to be conducted on residents,” he stressed. areas were required to provide samples for PCR would take a decision when the private buses begin the country and in an event a group of such would not hesitate to take action accordingly. Explaining further, Dr. Wijayamuni noted that he had testing, which included the grama niladhari, operating properly. PHIs contracted with the virus, there wouldn’t However, when contacted by The Morning, Ministry personally explained the situation to the respective public health inspectors (PHIs), cleaning staff, – Skandha Gunasekara be enough human resources to conduct the of Health Medical Suppliers Division (MSD) doctor but he had decided to self-quarantine when etc. Accordingly, 162 such persons underwent service within the country,” he stressed. Director Dr. H.M.K.Wickramanayake said the it is not needed. the PCR test and were tested negative. “PHIs are among those who directly contact country at present had enough stocks of PPE and “When he requested to conduct another test, I Meanwhile, following the incident in the Welisara suspected cases at the ground level and therefore, it the MSD had already taken measures to distribute asked him to wait at least till the symptoms show Navy Camp, all security force personnel who were Business... is important to provide them with PPE,” Balasooriya the necessary stocks to each hospital and military as the previous tests came negative,” he clarified. deployed for duty in isolated zones, PHIs, nursing “Until 15 May, there won’t be any positive pointed out, adding that at present, the Government services based on their request. However, Dr. Wijayamuni stressed that he had not staff, and Medical Officer of Health for the area trade activities going on as Vesak Poya had provided PPE for around 20% of the total The PPE had been distributed to all 26 Regional taken any decision to take disciplinary action against had to provide samples for testing. The test results holidays fall next week. Therefore, this number of PHIs. Medical Suppliers Divisions (RMSDs) to them as yet, even though it was very difficult to for these individuals have been negative, but as a would not affect the economy,” he noted. Elaborating a recent incident in Narahenpita, distribute them to relevant hospitals, he stressed. operate without adequate staff. measure of precaution, the aforementioned groups However, as of yesterday (29), a number of shops the PHIUSL Secretary said that as a set of PHIs Commenting on the PHIs, the MSD Director had informed the CMC that they will be observing around the country remained closed after tracing over have been sent for quarantining, at present, there stressed that his division was not directly supplying home quarantine for the next two weeks. 200 new confirmed cases including Navy personnel. were no officers to monitor the Kirula Road the PPE to them but based on the request through Final call... The CMC has now reassigned five Shops are to be closed in Nawalapitiya, Polgahawela, and Trillium Residence area in Narahenpita. the Regional Director of Health Services, the Meanwhile, when contacted by The Morning, PHIs to assist them during this period. and Kuliyapitiya until 4 May after several cases were In the meantime, the lack of PPE and the denial of necessary stocks had already been distributed. EC Member Prof. Ratnajeevan Hoole stressed that The CMC will be collecting random samples reported in those areas. The decision had been taken by PCR testing for health workers had been raised by the Clarifying the allegations, Chief Medical Officer the commission last met on 20 April and the next from adjacent areas where clusters are detected trade associations and respective municipal councils. Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) of Health of the CMC Dr. Ruwan Wijayamuni told meeting is scheduled to be held on 2 May, then and aggressive testing will be carried out to the In addition, shops in Anuradhapura, Tangalle, as they urged the Government to provide necessary The Morning that the CMC had conducted three pointing out that there cannot be any commission communities if there are positive Covid-19 cases Beliatta, and other areas where new Covid-19 cases meeting in between. detected, Dr. Wijayamuni reiterated. were reported will remain closed. (MM) The parliamentary election is scheduled to be held on 20 June. Military looks... However, based on the country’s situation, the EC In most parts... earlier said the election date could be further delayed. Meanwhile, Military Spokesman Brigadier It also states that dehydration may lead to muscle Chandana Wickramesinghe said the schools spasms and excessive heat strain, resulting in stroke. would only be used as temporary housing. Therefore, people who work in open workspaces Over 3,500... “The schools will be used only to house should drink water adequately and rest as much The areas that are currently identified as the military personnel that have been called as possible under the shade. Children should isolated zones are located at Nakulugamuwa to active duty. None of the schools will be not be left unattended outdoors for prolonged Street in Grandpass (280 persons), Bandaranayake used as quarantine centres,” he assured. periods, and if possible, it is advised to limit Mawatha in Grandpass (about 2,000 persons out He added that the military would reveal which outdoor activities as much as possible. Furthermore, of which 1,020 were sent to quarantine centres), schools and how many schools will be chosen in wearing white or light-coloured clothing is advised. Torrington 60 Watta in Jawatte (343), Muhandiram the coming days. Meanwhile, a red alert has been issued for strong E.D. Dabare Mawatha in Narahenpita (212), and lightning activities over the North Western, Imamul Aroos Mawatha in Maradana (680). Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, Western, and Uva CMC Public Health Department Chief Medical 226 Navy... Provinces and in the Mannar District. Similarly, the Officer Dr. R.L. De S. Wijayamuni, speaking to Currently, the number of confirmed Covid-19 Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Vavuniya, Kilinochchi, The Morning, informed that with the requirement cases in the country stand at 622. and Mullaitivu Districts are also at risk of lightning. to obtain samples from the first contacts of the The public is urged to follow precautions to Covid-19-infected persons, the CMC has been able minimise lightning-related accidents. to successfully identify a large number of cases HRCSL writes... within the past week. “We have observed an increasing number of “Two weeks ago, we asked the first contacts of a such arrests since the issuing of a letter dated 1 Supply resolved... patient to observe home quarantine and did not take April 2020 by the Media Division of the Police For the last 50 years, farmers of the Nawagampura samples or send them for PCR testing. However, Department to heads of media institutions warning area in Ampara have been cultivating paddy following the incident at Bandaranayake Mawatha of strict legal action against those who publish false with the water supplied through Raja Wewa, an in Grandpass, the method of screening changed. and malicious statements over the internet against irrigation system managed by the Department Now we take samples from all the first contacts public authorities who are engaged in containing of Agrarian Development, The Morning learnt. of a Covid-19-infected person to prevent the virus the spread of the virus. The letter clearly conveys When contacted, Ampara District Agrarian from spreading further,” Dr. Wijayamuni explained. the message that criticism of officials will not be Development Assistant Commissioner L.G.C. With aggressive testing in place, the CMC said tolerated,” the letter reads. Somadasa said: “We have taken measures to that 150-200 samples are obtained per day and The HRCSL has further pointed out that any action supply water to the paddy lands on time. are sent for testing to the medical faculties of the taken to limit the freedom of expression and other Although the water is released from the reservoir, University of Colombo and the University of Sri such rights in a democracy, even during a period of it takes some time to cascade to all the paddy Jayewardenepura as well as the Ragama Hospital. emergency, must be within the framework of the law. lands nurtured from this irrigation project. By “We conduct the sample collection in two batches Furthermore, it had noted that both the Constitution now, all the paddy lands have been watered.” – one in the morning from 9.30 a.m to 12 noon and and Sri Lanka’s international human rights Somadasa also noted that there are 327 reservoirs the second from 2 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. The samples are obligations permit the adoption of extraordinary in the Ampara District which enable the farmers immediately transferred to the respective medical measures during emergencies without compromising to cultivate for the Yala and Maha seasons. For faculty through the Epidemiology Unit and the test human rights protection or the rule of law. this cultivation cycle, water has been supplied to results are shared with the health authorities at 2 a.m.” 5,300 hectares of paddy land for cultivation. She Dr. Wijayamuni noted that the CMC has appointed further noted that during the Maha season, water a Covid-19 rapid response team which immediately Software to... is supplied from all the reservoirs. takes the necessary steps to transfer the persons He said that even the mobile phones of the – Sarah Hannan tested positive for Covid-19 to the nearest hospital doctors can be used to monitor the patients with – in this case, to the National Institute of Infectious the new software and that it costs more than Rs. 5 Diseases (IDH). million to purchase it from the relevant company. Govt. to decide... “We arrange an ambulance through Suwasariya Kesara Weerarathne and Kasun Withanage, “The issue was brought to our attention and Ambulance Service and once the patients are who are currently in their third and fourth years, we have been discussing whether to discontinue identified, our team collects the details of their respectively, of their degree programmes at railway services. We will be taking a decision on first contacts and the places they visited in the the university, have developed this software. Thursday (today) morning,” Amaraweera said. recent past. Since this mechanism was in place, we Dr. Samarakoon added that this software will be He further said that following the Covid-19 were able to collect samples from the contacts who given to the Peradeniya General Hospital within lockdown, the train services had almost come to lived outside the residential area for PCR testing.” next week. a standstill due to a lack of commuters. Accordingly, the 136 close contacts of the persons – Agra Ranasinghe – Skandha Gunasekara the morning 3 Thursday, April 30, 2020 business Domestic and external shocks hit Export revenue down vulnerable credit profile: Moody’s Sri Lanka (B2 review for already fragile fiscal position. The fragile fiscal position,” Moody’s downgrade) is facing simultaneous Government has sought multilateral noted. domestic and external shocks amid and bilateral external financing which Limited policy flexibility and 42% in March YoY the global coronavirus outbreak, will help cover imminent repayments. effectiveness According to monthly exports earnings show an overall decline of following graph shows some sectors according to Moody’s. Capital However, the Government’s external Amid the currently turbulent statistics, merchandise export 19 % during January-March 2020 with negative growth. outflows, marked local currency debt service payments amount to environment, Moody’s expects that earnings have decreased by in comparison to the same period Furthermore, sectors that show a depreciation, wider risk premia, and around $ 4 billion annually over Sri Lanka will face difficulties in nearly 42% to $ 646 million in 2019, reaching $ 3,382 million positive growth at the disaggregate a further decline in real GDP growth 2020-25, on top of wider budget managing the country’s twin deficits. from $ 1,112 million recorded from $ 4,176 million, recording a level include export of latex rubber, will raise Sri Lanka’s debt burden, deficits which will be partially An elevated debt burden and rigid in March 2019. 32% achievement against the annual sheet rubber, coconut vinegar, liquid liquidity constraints, and the cost of funded externally. budget structure constrain fiscal revised target of $ 10,750 million for coconut milk, carpets, mats, floor external debt servicing, it said in a “We expect that the Government policy space. Meanwhile, a trade- The apparel sector, being the the year 2020. coverings of coconut fiber, coconut report released yesterday (29). This will increasingly tap domestic off between anchoring inflation largest contributor, has shown a 41% Merchandise export earnings have husk chips, coconut shell charcoal, comes at a time when Sri Lanka’s financing sources; however, expectations and supporting growth, decline during the month of March recorded $ 2,577 million during cardamoms, ginger, pineapples, credit profile is highly vulnerable, refinancing external debt and a potential rise in borrowing 2020 compared to the same month January-March 2020 compared to tamarind, lemons, onions, sweet given low reserve coverage of large domestically would further weaken costs, will constrain monetary policy in the previous year. Some of the $ 3,116 million last year. Estimates potatoes, areca nuts, rice and cereals, forthcoming external debt service the rupee and already thin foreign effectiveness. The lack of an effective other sectors that have recorded a in the services exports of ICT/BPM, furniture and seats, gloves, mitts and payments and very weak debt exchange reserve adequacy. We and credible policy response to significant decline during the same construction, financial services, mittens, and petroleum products. affordability. expect the fiscal deficit to increase arrest a more severe and prolonged period include tea (-22%), rubber logistics, and wellness tourism sectors Products such as industrial and Tightening in global financing to over 8% of GDP over the coming deterioration in credit metrics would products (-15.7%), coconut products show an overall revenue of $ 805 surgical gloves of rubber, copra, conditions years, on weaker government revenue further dim prospects for reforms that (-14.2%), spices (-36.5%), fruits and million during the period compared coconut cream, coconut water, mattress Moody’s said that higher financing and greater spending. Given wider would meaningfully strengthen Sri vegetable products (-17.4%), and fish to $ 1,060 million last year. fiber, essential oils, made-up textile costs, wider deficits, and a steeper fiscal deficits, we expect Sri Lanka’s Lanka’s fiscal and external positions. and fisheries products (-29%). When looking at the disaggregate articles, sugar, sugar confectionery and trajectory for Sri Lanka’s debt burden debt burden to rise to nearly 100% of The delay in the general election However, an analysis at a level of products, even though some bakery products, processed vegetables, will weaken the Government’s GDP, weakening Sri Lanka’s already could add to this challenge. disaggregated level on coconut milk of the major sectors show a decline fruits and juices, alcoholic beverages, powder, defatted coconut, certain in earnings, certain other sectors MDF and fibre boards, soap, washing coconut kernel products, coconut shell show a positive growth during the preparations, and waxes show a very Commercial Bank of Ceylon has charcoal, essential oils, oleoresins, period under consideration. The marginal decline during this year. announced a series of concessions Commercial Bank offers hope ginger, lemons, melons and papayas, for borrowers whose loans had onions, sweet potatoes, processed already been classified as non- to non-performing borrowers food, rice, green gram, lentils, organic performing when the Government’s waiving off a percentage of the Commercial Bank is one of the chemicals, electrical transformers, measures against the spread of interest already accrued at the point highest lenders to the SME (small boat building, and petroleum products Covid-19 began to affect businesses. of final settlement rescheduling, a and medium-sized enterprises) shows a positive growth during March These concessions are offered debt moratorium of up to six months, sector in Sri Lanka and offers 2020 compared to March 2019. under the Central Bank of Sri and a suspension of the auctioning competitive interest rates and tailor- Export Development Board (EDB) Lanka’s (CBSL) relief measures to of the assets of such borrowers till made repayment programmes to Chairman Prabhash Subasinghe noted: support Covid-19-hit borrowers. The end September 2020. benefit the SME segment. Key “Even though there is a decline in scheme not only allows borrowers In instances where litigation for features of Commercial Bank’s “Biz exports during the month of March to reschedule their loans, but also recovery of a loan has begun, the Loans” include repayment periods of 2020, such a decline is expected due offers an opportunity to get them borrower may participate in the up to five years along with a suitable to the global economic and trading re-classified as performing loans by concession scheme by submitting grace period depending on the cash environment. However, the EDB on-time servicing of interest for six an affidavit to court undertaking flow of the borrower, competitive is taking every effort to assist the consecutive months, the bank said. to comply with the requirements interest rates, the non-requirement exporters to resume operations and Borrowers who had been set out in the scheme to qualify of project reports for select facilities, we firmly believe that exports will classified as non-performing as at for its benefits. The bank said customised credit limits to suit be back on track in the near future.” 25 March 2020 are eligible to apply customers could apply for these applicants’ requirements, and access for these concessions, which include facilities by writing to the managers to workshops and seminars designed January-March 2020 rescheduling capital and interest, of their respective branches or to to enhance SME-related awareness With the release of March 2020 waiving off penalties on loan interest, the relationship officers. and knowledge. data, the country’s foreign exchange 4 the morning brunch Thursday, April 30, 2020 A welcome respite in times of trouble In this spirit, Appé Lanka has discovered that there are some Appé Lanka’s ‘Be Creative’ campaign places in our country which, all this process, they were not able to frescoes – which locals and tourists their creations in, and with established together, actually seem like they are complete it due to the pandemic and marvel at even to this day – when he artist such as Channa Ekanayake a completely different country – with the curfew in Sri Lanka. However, was in hiding, which of course is a conducting small art workshops none of the prosperity and joy we they are adamant on somehow getting perfect example of how well we could where he teaches people to make get to see in the towns and cities of this done as soon as people can move be spending our time right now. With even the littlest space in one’s house Sri lanka. Appé Lanka went straight around again. all the entries that Appé Lanka has a nature-friendly zone which attracts to these areas to help. Most of their Their main tasks such as these received from Sri Lankans who have all kinds of beautiful creatures such work is done in the five districts of have been halted due to the spread discovered their artistic side, indeed it as butterflies and birds, Corea wants Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi, Mannar, of the virus, hence they are currently seems that there still might be world- many people to send in their work Vavuniya, and Jaffna up north, where looking towards helping the whole class talent in the homes of Sri Lanka. as she would like to see as much Corea said we would discover there country cope at a time like this. What In actuality, pushing people creativity as possible. Once the tough are so many simple and daily things Corea thought was that at a time like towards creativity is something times are over, Corera hopes to which have been taken for granted, this, we must try our best to stay which Appé Lanka has been doing conduct a large exhibition featuring like clean water to drink. positive and keep our minds in a state in a very similar way for about four all those who were involved in the All in all, in these areas, as Corea of serenity or joy as the inclination to five years. However, as Corea campaign, where they can showcase said, there are about 7,800 families towards frustration is extremely explained, when the lockdown began, the participants’ work and share with that have no proper water or other high for everyone. She and Appé that was when they thought of giving others their expertise as she saw how facilities. Appé Lanka has been their Lanka believe that this time is a great it a greater priority and created the people want to know different things solace so far, as they have given these opportunity for us to discover parts “Be Creative” campaign. She said through the feedback she has received. citizens as much help as possible of our personalities which we may that she doesn’t want people to think “Not everyone can contribute including the provision of water in have lost along the way or might have of this time only from a negative with money,” she said, adding: ”But BY BERNADINE RODRIGO whatever manner they can. They never known we had in us. perspective; of course while it really some people have many skills which have supplied water to 21 of the 24 Hence, they launched the “Be isn’t the best of times, those at home can be transferred into money.” Appé Lanka is a well-established organisation which is public schools which do not get water Creative” campaign where they have indeed been almost gifted time Besides this, Appé Lanka is part of a company known as Re-awakening Sri Lanka. and are hoping to do so for close to encourage the people of Sri Lanka to to take off their schedules and involve also involved in providing aid for Although not so interested in publicity and fame for 500 families. Similar to the lack of be creative in their own way, who can themselves in creative things. She families in a village up north known her work, Appé Lanka CEO and Founder Shaan Corea water, these people also have a big then be featured on their Facebook said that adults are always too busy to as Poonahari where there are about problem in terms of transport. Hence, page. Corea believes firmly that this be doing creative and artistic things 500 families who are unable to obtain has managed to get by – quite comfortably – with Appé Lanka has been trying to make the fulfilment of the organisation’s aim. The purpose period is a good time for us to do while children, nowadays, have barely their basic essentials. They have it easier for these children and have this and the delightful reasoning she any time either with school or the already supported about 250 of them of Appé Lanka is to be able to come to the aid of Sri been involved in getting bicycles for has is an example from Sri Lanka’s multitude of tution classes dumped on with ration packs which cost Rs. 4,421 Lankans who really need it because indeed, the country students who need to get to school. history itself. She reminded us that their schedules. each and are looking for donations for belongs to all of us. While they have already begun King Kashyapa created the beautiful The good news is that so far, the remaining 250, after which they Appé Lanka has been getting good can say that they helped the entire responses to the campaign including village. Corea said that there are many people composing their own music, of those who are helpless amongst making arts and crafts, conducting these people including women-headed sing-alongs, and even people who families and daily wage workers. don’t usually involve themselves with They have even involved the children such things find themselves involved of this village in the campaign where in wholly household activities such as they drew pictures of their mothers gardening and cooking. She explained and partook in other forms of art such that some of her favourite creations as drama and so on. were the arts and crafts, where people had made crafts out of old newspapers If you would like to support Appé and some others who engaged in old- Lanka in this operation by making a school hobbies of a much simpler time donation, please contact them on such as flower pressing. 0772 872 056 While many people have sent

ASK Harsha Maduranga Jayasekara, an award- winning professional photographer and member of the NAPSL, who shared that a doctor he believes that even if the photographer Serendipity considering submitting (his/her work) is not someone who is well versed in the form of abstract and art photography, they should give it a chance as talent and art is subjective and therefore they may have skills that are yet undiscovered. Arles Grant For more details about the grant, eligibility 2020 welcomes criteria, and to apply, please visit submissions from SL www.serendipityartsfoundation.org Largest-ever grant for photographers in South Asia BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE by the French Institute in India will provide Indian Rs. 1,200, 000. Ten (10) shortlisted I’m having trouble routine and be consistent with it. Once The Serendipity Arts Foundation candidates will be given the opportunity to Q sleeping these you’re out of the bed, don’t get back (SAF) is an arts and cultural showcase their work at the upcoming edition unless you want to sleep. The idea is to development foundation established of the Serendipity Arts Festival scheduled to days. How can I train your body to recognise that when take place in February 2021 in Goa, India. you’re in bed, it’s time to sleep. to encourage and support the arts. The open call for entries commenced overcome this? As a contributor to civil society, If you like to nap during the day, on 15 April and can be submitted through This is very common. Most limit the time to one short nap in the the foundation together with Les the social media handles of Serendipity Arts A people experience disturbing afternoon. Be mindful of your eating Rencontres d’Arles, the world’s first Foundation, Les Rencontres d’Arles, and dreams, not falling asleep, not times and limit caffeine and alcohol international festival of photography the Embassy of France in India, after which staying asleep, and waking not feeling intake. Exercise is also needed to get founded way back in 1970, have the accepting applications will be closed rested. Disruptions in your usual sleep the physical fatigue and mental release announced a major photography, on 7 July. The valid applications for the pattern could also indicate anxiety and needed to relax and fall asleep. Small videography, and new media grant grant received within this deadline will be depression. Hence, it’s important to tweaks in the nighttime routine can supported by the Embassy of France shortlisted by the jury. identify this early on. be helpful such as winding down with in India. The jury will unanimously declare the Sleep is also critical during this time soothing activities. It might be listening finalist out of the 10 shortlisted artists, to boost your immunity. Most adults to music, reading a book, or taking a This comes at a time the cultural who would then receive the grant to need seven to eight hours of sleep – bath. community, like everyone else, is faced with develop the project and show the final make a note of the time you wake up If watching the news and being a time of uncertainty due to the prevailing presentation at Rencontres d’Arles, to gauge how many hours of sleep you on social media evokes anxiety in you, pandemic. The grant, which is SAF’s France in 2022. require. avoid this during the night. Poor sleep most ambitious prize money for lens- Speaking to The Morning To fall asleep during the night, your may be a manifestation of stress, hence based practitioners in South Asia, provides Brunch, National Association of daytime routine is very important. You it’s important to reach out to family and for SAF’s and Les Rencontres d’Arles Photographers Sri Lanka (NAPSL) can start by slowly adjusting your daily friends for support. Founders’ interests in supporting the creation Director Deepal Gunatilake shared of creative platforms for the wider public that while he is not fully aware with a unique source of contemporary art of the extent of grants such as and culture. this, it is a wonderful initiative ANSWERED BY The grant is available to those coming from our neighbours practitioners in the South Asian region and their foreign relations Dr. Dineshani Hettiarachchi MBBS, MSc Regenerative Medicine, MCGP, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, shared with the entirety of SEDA (UK). Dr. Hettiarachchi is a family physician and a lecturer at the India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Department of Anatomy and Human Genetics Unit, Faculty of Medicine South Asia. Gunatilake at the University of Colombo. Email Dr. Hettiarachchi on dineshani@ Lanka for submissions in three lens-based encourages all hopefuls to anat.cmb.ac.lk if you have any more questions you’d like answered here. media. submit their work. The “Serendipity Arles Grant” supported We also spoke to the morning Thursday, April 30, 2020 sports Beckenbauer trial over Aus Olympic Committee is 100 Sarwan, you’re a snake: Gayle The five-year-old trial of German football years old “Sarwan, you’re a snake. You’re wicked, you’re legend Franz Beckenbauer, 74, on corruption The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) evil, you’re poison.” This is what West Indies charges, linked to the 2006 World Cup, has yesterday (29) celebrated the 100th legend Chris Gayle told media about his former been ended without a verdict. The trial, anniversary of its founding on 29 April 1920. It Windies teammate Ramnaresh Sarwan. Why? held in Switzerland, had been suspended was originally named the Australian Olympic Council when Australia Gayle is sure Sarwan is behind his release from because of the coronavirus pandemic and combined with New Zealand as “Australasia”, until the 1920 the Caribbean Premier League team Jamaica “the statute of limitations has now expired”, Antwerp Olympics. Three years later, it was named the Australian Tallawahs for this season. He is backstabbing me international media said yesterday (29). Olympic Federation and was rebranded as AOC only in 1990. since we were teenagers, Gayle had lamented. SL board is a prehistoric animal Tenacious Ravi Ratnayeke talks about then and now, and much more

BY REVATHA S. SILVA AND VERNON TISSERA (IN MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA) Ravi Ratnayeke bio f you are around 50 years old and following cricket, the name Ravi Ratnayeke ought to be in your mind. Ratnayeke was one of the main fast bowlers and a Itremendous all-rounder of the Sri Lanka team in the decade of 1980.

He first played for Sri Lanka at the age of 21 in 1982 in the country’s third Test and retired in 1990 at a time when the country was on the threshold of a cricketing resurgence – they were to become world champions in mere six yy Full name: Joseph Ravindran years from his departure. Ratnayeke The formative days of country’s Test era, under , the 1982 Rebel yy Born: 2 May 1960 Tour, the days under , and the yy Parents: Father Yasa Ratnayeke, an period of transition with Arjuna Ranatunga upcountry planter who played cricket at the helm – this was the 80s of Sri Lanka’s for St. Joseph’s College, Colombo and cricket, and Ravi saw them all! Dimbula Cricket Club. His mother Soon after retirement, Ratnayeke went to Somasundaram play domestic cricket in Australia and later settled down there. Now residing in Rowville yy Siblings: Ravi is the eldest of three in the outskirts of Melbourne in the State of children. He has a younger brother Victoria, Ratnayeke spoke to The Morning and a sister Sports yesterday (29) on the early days of yy Schools: Trinity College, Kandy and his career, his most memorable moments in St. Anthony’s College, Katugastota international cricket, his life in Australia, his observations on today’s game, and much more. yy Playing role: Right-arm fast-medium This Saturday, 2 May, Ravi will celebrate his bowler and left-handed batsman. 60th birthday; yet he told us his age is “going He opened bowling for SL while he backwards” and he’s “becoming younger and batted both as a middle-order and younger with time!” opening batsman Below are excerpts of the interview: yy Clubs: Nondescripts Cricket Club (NCC), Colombo; Preston CC, How are you spending your time during and Moorabbin CC in Melbourne, this time of the pandemic? Australia I need to work and I’m fortunate to do so during this difficult time as my firm (global yy SL career span: From 1982 to 1990 packaging company, Amcor PLC) is considered yy Career highlights: Taking eight an essential service here in Australia. for 83 runs against Pakistan at Sialkot in a Test in 1985 which stood How did things go after your as SL record for best bowling in an international retirement in 1990? innings for 13 years; scoring 93 runs I started playing professional cricket for against India in a Test as an opening Preston CC, Melbourne for six, seven years. Old bat, partnering Sidath Wettimuny for Peterite Rohan Paulpillai and the Malinga-like 159 runs; and captaining SL in an ODI slinger Sanath Sirimanne were my teammates. in 1988. Ravi is considered one of the Then injuries started to bother me. Yet, I leading fast bowlers and a reliable all- continued for another four, five years with rounder in the country’s first decade of Moorabbin CC, also here in Melbourne, but Test cricket more as an amateur. Then I was into a little bit of coaching, strategy: Spin was 400 runs. I shared is disappointing is that some of our players yy Career stats: but I didn’t enjoy it that much. My two boys the option. You a solid stand with don’t appreciate the opportunity they have Test – scored 807 runs at an average of too started playing cricket. It was more time don’t plan to beat Ashoka de Silva. been given. They don’t commit themselves. 25.21 with five fifties in 22 matches. His visiting the surgeon rather than going for England depending I came to know Sangakkara, Mahela, Thilan, and Malinga – highest score is 93. Took 56 wickets at practices. Then I started playing golf as a on pace. later that the such players trained hard and produced results. 35.21 including four five- hauls. past-time. Now I follow cricket, particularly Australians were But as of late, some of our players have not The best is 8/83 of Sri Lanka and Australia. I regularly visit Sri Was Sri Lanka’s convinced that been managed properly. ODI – scored 824 runs at 14.98 in 78 Lanka, mainly to see my parents. I continue to ‘rebel’ tour to the they were going to In our days, players of other countries were matches. Highest is 50 runs. Took 85 have close contacts with Sidath (Wettimuny), Apartheid South lose that Test. They professionals, but we were amateurs. We wickets at 33.71 with the best figures Amal (Silva), and Ranjan (Madugalle), as well Africa in 1982 under said they were saved became better gradually. being 4/23 as Arjuna (Ranatunga) and Aravinda (de Silva). then Test skipper Bandula on the moment they took During Arjuna, Sanath, and Mahela’s days, Warnapura a major setback my wicket. Ian Healy took we had good batsmen who could have put a Our junior system is really good, but the What are some of your memories of in our country’s cricket? a great catch behind the wicket lot of runs on the board so that our bowlers problem is in the management level. Sri Lanka’s schooldays? I would say both yes and no. Yes, because we diving onto his leg side, which, he has said, could defend. Now our batting has become Cricket Board is a prehistoric animal. It does First, I was at the boarding school at St. lost our most experienced players who could was one of his best catches. shockingly bad. It is not a reasonable batting not have an administrative practice that a Anthony’s (Katugastota). During the last six have been more competitive in the following unit. As of late, it was only Mathews whom modern cricketing country requires. It should years, I was at Trinity (in Kandy). I got noticed years. In that way, it was detrimental to Sri Where were you when Sri Lanka won the we totally depended on. change now. It is politicised a lot and is a great at the Under-19 level. At 18 years, I joined the Lanka’s cricket. It’s a no because the tour gave World Cup six years later under Arjuna? drawback. The quantum of money they have NCC when was its Captain. an opportunity to young and talented players. Did not have a better moment, with more What is your opinion on the Australian must be spent on the development of the game, The seniors there were Tony Opatha, the late Ranjan, Arjuna, myself, Ashantha (de Mel), than a few beers at one of my friends’ place structure? not for selfish reasons. Sridharan Jeganathan, and Jeryl Woutersz; and Roger (Wijesuriya) – we were pushed up to here in Australia! I still remember. It was one of Cricket is their number one sport. It’s a huge I was with the youngsters like Madugalle and become more positive after that tour and the the biggest parties. Arjuna, Aravinda, Roshan thing here. It has a long history and a lot of Can Australia hold the T20 World Cup in Yohan Goonasekere. subsequent ban that tour party suffered. (Mahanama), Asanka (Gurusinha) – most of expectations. The board is wealthy and the October amidst the Covid-19 pandemic? them were my teammates. players are very well looked after. There is a I dare say, like many other boards, that they Some say you would have been included What are the most memorable moments lot of focus and great infrastructure. There is will also be financially struck. Sri Lanka also in the inaugural Test against England in in your career? How do you see Sri Lanka’s cricket now? a solid first-class structure. After state level, will be included in this problem. 1982. Your thoughts? Obviously, first is taking eight wickets against Sri Lanka’s cricket has evolved a lot since it is down to individual players to develop. There is not a chance in hell – no chance I took a five-for in the practice match before Pakistan at Sialkot. Secondly, my last Test our time. They have got more professional. whatsoever to have the World Cup, unless a that Test, playing for the Board President’s played in Hobart. Actually, we should have won They get the benefit of a lot of coaching. And the Sri Lankan situation in vaccine is found. That will also take a long XI. I think we went to the Test with the right that Test. There was a phenomenal total of over We always have fabulous players, but what comparison? time. It can’t get off this year.