„„ www.themorning.lk „„ Late City VOL 01 | NO 12 | Rs. 30.00 { TUESDAY } TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2021 JVP OPPOSED CICT FIGHT, SAYS RANJAN DEAL BUT MADUGALLE NO ONE LISTENED

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ESTATE WORKERS’ RS. 1,000 WAGE JAFFNA IDPs IN WELFARE CENTRES RPCs to oppose All to be resettled before end-2021 wage decision z No solution for over 3,000 IDP families z Claims Collective z Unions claim wages living with friends, relatives Agreements now nullified agreement stands BY PAMODI WARAVITA Development and Housing, is to resettle all of them within this BY PAMODI WARAVITA Planters’ Association (PA) Board, any party is allowed All internally displaced persons aiming to resettle all IDPs presently year,” Jaffna District Secretary The Wages Board approval of Rs. 1,000 as a daily Media Spokesperson Dr. to express their objections (IDPs) currently living in welfare accommodated in welfare centres in Kanapathipillai Mahesan told The wage for plantation workers will be opposed by Roshan Rajadurai told The during a two-week time centres within the district of Jaffna are the Jaffna district within the course Morning yesterday (8). the Regional Plantation Companies (RPCs) within Morning yesterday (8). period, after which the scheduled to be resettled before the of this year. Mahesan further said that the issue the next two weeks, The Morning learnt. According to Dr. Minister would consider end of the year, The Morning learnt. “There are currently 409 families of procuring land for the families is “We intend to oppose the daily wage within the next Rajadurai, once the Labour the objections and gazette The Jaffna District Secretariat, living in approximately 23 welfare the biggest barrier to resettlement. Wages Board decision of two weeks in writing to Minister publicises the the decision accordingly. together with the Ministry of Urban centres in the district. We hope Contd. on page 2 granting Rs. 1,000 as the the Minister of Labour,” decision of the Wages Contd. on page 2 NATIONAL VACCINATION DRIVE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS COVID-19 CASES TOTAL CASES No clarity on pvt. ACTIVE CASES health workers 69,862 z Contradictory claims about list BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI Health claiming that it is awaiting a DEATHS RECOVERED There appears to be a lack of clarity list from the private institutions and 6,365 surrounding the status of the request the private institutions claiming that 356 64,141

by private healthcare workers to be a list was provided to the Ministry SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU included in the Covid-19 vaccine two weeks ago. THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 10.20 P.M. ON 08 FEBRUARY 2021 priority list, with the Ministry of Contd. on page 2 Sumanthiran’s security removed due to protest? z Security was given only due to LTTE threat: Police sources BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa inspecting the model stalls exhibit at Galle Face Green yesterday (8) alongside Minister The Special Task Force (STF) security provided of Ports and Shipping Rohitha Abeygunawardena and Navy Commander Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne (right) to Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) Member of Parliament and President’s Counsel M.A. Sumanthiran may have been withdrawn due to the protest march Staff shortage may conducted by Tamil political parties and civil society Two RWs ‘enthusiastic’ organisations recently, The Morning learnt. disrupt train service According to highly placed reliable sources within the about SJB alliance: Harin Police who spoke to The Morning on the condition of z Report to be sent to Minister BY MIHI PERERA all Opposition parties will anonymity, the STF security provided for Tamil National BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE Samagi Jana Balawegaya unite towards common Alliance Spokesman Sumanthiran had been provided to (SJB) Parliamentarian Harin goals. I have already talked him due to the threat posed to him by the remnants of The public transportation service rendered Fernando yesterday (8) said with UNP Leader Ranil the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). by the Railways Department is expected to that discussions between the Wickremesinghe and UNP “However, Sumanthiran was attending the protest face a precarious situation in terms of the party and the United National Deputy Leader Ruwan march conducted by Tamil political parties and civil continuity of its operations and commuter Party (UNP) are already Wijewardene on this society activists from Pottuvil in Ampara to Polikandy safety in the immediate future due to three underway in order to create a matter, and they have been in Jaffna.” pressing problems, The Morning learnt. broad alliance to work towards extremely supportive and Contd. on page 2 These problems are; a shortage of signal common goals, and the UNP enthusiastic,” he told The operators, the non-payment of salaries to retired hierarchy is “enthusiastic” Morning yesterday. signalmen recalled for duties, and the dearth about this alliance. He further said that while of junior staff including announcers, sanitation “This is similar to what the SJB and the UNP will GoSL to discuss workers, and non-permanent workers. we are doing with the Grand function as two parties, Contd. on page 2 Opposition Alliance, where Contd. on page 2 Indian fishermen VACCINATING ALL TEACHERS BY EARLY MARCH issue with HC BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE ‘Prioritise O/L exam duty Sri Lankan authorities are looking to initiate a dialogue with the Indian High Commissioner regarding the Indo- Sri Lanka fisheries-related conflict, The Morning learnt. and primary teachers’ Speaking to The Morning, Ministry of Fisheries Secretary R.M.I. Rathnayake said that the discussion with the Indian BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI trade unions have requested The Ceylon Teachers’ Union High Commissioner will be held over the coming weeks. Following Minister of that teachers on duty at the (CTU) requested that teachers “The three-member committee appointed by Fisheries Education Prof. G.L. Pieris’s forthcoming General Certificate on GCE O/L exam duty be Minister Douglas Devananda to make recommendations announcement that all school of Education Ordinary Level vaccinated by the last week of on the issue of the Indian fishermen trespassing in local teachers would be vaccinated (GCE O/L) exam, along with February as the Minister’s plan waters would give recommendations as context for this against Covid-19 by the first primary school teachers, be to discussion,” said Rathnayake. week of March, teachers given priority in this process. Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 42 „„ www.themorning.lk { NEWS } Tuesday, February 9, 2021 Parliament set to convene Chinese vaccine expected from today for four days this week: State Minister The Committee on Parliament during the A total of 300,000 doses of the Sinopharm anti-Covid-19 vaccine are “Arrangements are being made Parliamentary Business next four days, starting expected to be given to Sri Lanka by the Chinese Government this to import the relevant consignment which met yesterday (8) from today (9). week, said the State Minister of the Production, Supply and Regulation of vaccines to Sri Lanka before 12 under the Chairmanship The Committee has of Pharmaceuticals Prof. Channa Jayasumana. February, which is considered to be of the Speaker of the also decided to limit The import will be done after the At the request of President Gotabaya the dawn of the Chinese New Year. Parliament Mahinda the oral questions of approval of the National Medicines Rajapaksa, China has promised to send Discussions were also held yesterday Yapa Abeywardena, has Parliamentarians to 10 Regulatory Authority (NMRA) is given, 300,000 doses of vaccines this week, (8) to ascertain the date of arrival,” Prof. Channa Jayasumana decided to convene the per day. he further said. he added. he said. Communication key to unity, reconciliation: Sabry Minister of Justice President’s Counsel “An environment should be created Alwis PC, its Director, General (DG) former (PC) M.U.M. Ali Sabry claimed that the where through discussions and consensus, District Secretary Sunil Kannangara, its main reason for the problematic situations any problem that arises among various Additional DG is Attorney-at-Law (AAL) that have arisen at present among various communities in the exchange of ideas Thushari Sooriyaarachchi, and Members are communities is the lack of understanding can be solved. The Office must create Prof. A.L. Susirith Mendis, Prof. Rizwi Hassan, and weaknesses in communication in an environment where there is mutual Prof. M.M.A.D.S.J. Niriella, Samantha connection with the exchanging of ideas. respect and trust. It is futile to dwell on past Ratwatte PC, AALs Janaka Ranatunga, He expressed these sentiments after incidents. Disparities between communities Suganthi Wijayasuriya Kadirgamar, Gayanthi handing over the letters of appointment to must be done away with in order to realise Geethanjali Sumithraarachchi Dissanayake, Minister of Justice President’s Counsel (PC) M.U.M. Ali Sabry (centre) with new members of the Office of National Unity the new members of the Office of National everyone’s aspirations,” he added. Mano Sekaram, Afzal Marikkar and Senthil and Reconciliation Unity and Reconciliation on 5 February. The Chairman of the Office is Kushan de Thondaman. Contd. from page 1

workshops under the Railways Department school teachers, it should be given to primary he is hopeful that the issue would be resolved heroes too, and stand the risk of exposure to the RPCs to... but they are not being used. For example, we school teachers. for all 409 families within this year. virus just as much as national healthcare heroes. “Thus, we intend to justify our opposition could have made paddle sinks for the stations “Primary school teachers are at high risk Ministry of Urban Development and Our healthcare workers are an integral part of to the 1,000 rupee daily wage model, detailing at these workshops but instead, we had to as small children do not always understand Housing Secretary Nimal Perera was not our pandemic response, and the Government our productivity-based wage model and the get them from sponsors during the Covid-19 how to follow health guidelines properly.” available for comment when contacted must prioritise them in the current vaccination benefits it would bring to the workers,” said pandemic period,” he said. He added that the risk posed by teachers on regarding the alternative solutions that would drive. The Association and the Private Health Dr. Rajadurai. The SLSMU also raised concerns about GCE O/L exam duty is one that is limited to be provided for the 90 families. Services Regulatory Council (PHSRC) are Since the Collective Agreement (CA) which the safety of Chinese compartments and the the Western Province, especially the District According to the Jaffna District Secretariat, equipped with the information and databases details the wage model given to plantation equipment attached to them. of Colombo. since 2009 38,025 families (122,140) were needed to vaccinate private healthcare workers. workers, was not signed last month due to “These Chinese compartments were initially “As schools are going to begin next week for resettled, of which 117,151 were IDPs and Over the past few months, our member hospitals the conflict between the RPCs and the Trade parked at Maligawatta, which we consider the rest of the areas, the exposure to Covid-19 4,989 were Sri Lankan refugee returnees from and frontline healthcare workers have made Unions (TUs), the Minister of Labour Nimal to be a safe place, but they are now taken to at exam centres is only an issue that will be India (Sri Lankans who left for India during a significant contribution to the country’s Siripala De Silva decided to convene a Wages Anuradhapura and Veyangoda. We recommend faced by teachers from Colombo schools.” the conflict period and have now returned Covid-19 prevention and care efforts. We have Board under the Labour Commissioner, which Ratmalana and Maligawatta over the other He added that vaccinating all teachers is to Sri Lanka). collectively increased PCR testing capacities met yesterday (8) to provide a resolution. two in terms of safety and security,” said the suitable course of action. Meanwhile, the Jaffna Social Action Centre and have set up intermediate care facilities The negotiations were held between seven Somaratne. Addressing the media in Anuradhapura, (JSAC) told The Morning that resettled families to ease the burden of Covid-19 care from the representatives each from the RPCs and Somaratne also raised an issue regarding Minister Prof. Pieris said yesterday that all often face problems of poverty which lead to Government. This is why our staff need to the TUs, and three representatives from the station sanitation where he pointed out that a school teachers are expected to be vaccinated many social issues such as drug addiction and be given priority for vaccination, alongside Ministry of Labour. total of 188 railway stations have cleanliness- and that the Covid-19 vaccine is expected to gender-based violence. national healthcare workers,” Dr. Peiris said. As such the TUs’ proposal of providing a related issues. Most of the toilets are not be distributed to all school teachers by the end In Sri Lanka, the United Nations High Speaking to The Morning, Dr. De Silva basic wage of Rs. 900 by the RPCs and Rs. cleaned due to the staff shortage, he noted. of this month and the first week of March. Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said that apart from private sector healthcare 100 through a budget allowance to make a “Railway stations and trains should be “In the event that we would not be able to monitors and assists 25,110 IDPs. workers, medical students and nursing students total daily wage of Rs. 1,000 was passed properly maintained. Sanitation at railway complete the vaccination of school teachers Additionally, Muralitharan also said that undergoing their clinicals and prison security with more votes. stations is a main point in this Covid-19 by February, given the large amount of there are 3,056 internally displaced families forces have also requested priority in being Dr. Rajadurai also claimed that the RPCs situation but we don’t have staff to clean them vaccinations taking place, the operation is currently living with friends and relatives who vaccinated against Covid-19. are not bound by the CA anymore. or to repair damages,” he said. expected to be completed by March.” have not received solutions either. However, speaking to The Morning, Ceylon According to Somaratne, they also have Discussions have been held with the Covid- Workers’ Congress (CWC) Vice President issues with regard to senior citizen warrants, 19 Vaccine Committee Chairman and Senior Sumanthiran’s... Senthil Thondaman said that only the CA which seat bookings through telecommunication Advisor to the President Lalith Weeratunga No clarity... The Police don’t see any reason to keep sets out the wages model would be rendered service providers, and the railway to prioritise school teachers in the public Speaking to The Morning yesterday (8), the STF security detail on as the MP has no invalid by the Wages Board yesterday. He communication systems which are to be vaccine drive. Ministry of Primary Healthcare, Epidemics, security threat from the relevant pro-LTTE claimed the other CA which was signed in 2003 introduced. Vaccine Committee Member Dr. Amal and Covid Disease Control Secretary Dr. Amal parties together with whom he protested and details almost 75% of the labour laws of General Manager of Railways M.J.D. Harsha De Silva told The Morning on Harsha De Silva said that private healthcare recently”, our sources claimed. the country, would be continued into the future. Fernando told The Morning when contacted Sunday (7) that there is a strong demand institutions had been requested to submit Speaking to The Morning earlier, “We are very happy with this decision in this regard that he is not almighty God for the vaccine from private sector health their own priority lists for vaccination against Sumanthiran said that his STF security as it would prevent the RPCs from playing to solve these problems, but added that he care workers, medical students and nursing Covid-19 for the Ministry to determine the personnel had left yesterday (8) without any unethical games with the laborers’ livelihoods. will hand over a report on these issues to the students following the vaccination of State amount of vaccines required and consider reason given. If the RPCs want to leave the other CA as Minister of Railways. sector healthcare workers. their request. “I don’t know the reason. I didn’t ask anyone well, we will resort to extreme TU action,” A stock of 300,000 doses of the Sinopharm “We are considering private sector healthcare yet and I am yet to decide on what to do next,” said Thondaman. Covid-19 vaccine that can be administered on workers to be a priority and we have requested he told The Morning. Speaking after the Wages Board convention, Two RWs... 150,000 individuals is expected to be sent by private healthcare institutions to send their However, the Police security provided to Labour Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva said this alliance will help them achieve goals the Chinese Government before 12 February. own priority lists to us.” the MP has not been withdrawn. that the Government has kept the promise made for the betterment of the country that the However, the Sinopharm vaccine is yet to However, when inquired whether such When contacted for information, Police at the 2021 Budget reading in December 2020. SJB would not be able to achieve on its own. receive the National Medicine Regulatory a request to submit a priority list has been Spokesperson DIG Ajith Rohana said that he “While we function as two parties, we will Authority’s approval. So far, Sri Lanka made by the Ministry of Health, Association is unable to comment on this matter at present. create a common platform with the same has only received a stock of 500,000 doses of Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes Sumanthiran, along with new MP Staff shortage... ideologies to address issues in the country,” donated by the Government of India that (APHNH) President Dr. Lakith Pieris told Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam, At present, station masters are covering up Fernando said. can be administered on 250,000 individuals. The Morning yesterday (8) that the private spearheaded the five-day Pottuvil to Polikandy the duties of signal operators due to a shortage Meanwhile, UNP Deputy Leader healthcare workers were requested to send march which concluded yesterday. of signal operators, according to the Sri Lanka Wijewardene said, however, that it is too early in the statistics of the healthcare workers, It was held demanding that the Government Station Masters’ Union (SLSMU). to determine whether the parties will function All to be... and not priority lists in the private sector, protect the rights of the minority communities Speaking to The Morning, SLSMU President separately or whether there will be a merger. This, he added, is due to a lack of available to the Private Health Services Regulatory including the freedom to memorialise their Sumeda Somaratne said that station masters “We have aligned our common goals with State lands and the cost of private lands. Council (PHSRC). loved ones and against the mandatory are at present covering signal operators the SJB and our party leaders have held As such, earlier this month, the Cabinet of “We were requested to send in our statistics cremation of Covid-19 victims’ bodies. duties at the Polgahawela, Rambukkana, discussions. We have given very positive Ministers had approved a resolution submitted and private hospitals have been sending Kurunegala, Nawalapitiya, and Peradeniya feedback to their proposals, and we are ironing by the Ministry of Urban Development and statistics of their staff including the medical Stations. Somaratne claimed that although 15 out the issues we have with regard to whether Housing to purchase up to 20 perches of staff, clinicians and frontliners. Based on GoSL to... retired officers have been deployed to fill the we will function as a single platform or not,” land per family for 233 internally displaced these numbers the Ministry of Health or According to Rathnayake, the progress existing vacancies of train signalmen, they are Wijewardene told The Morning. families in the Jaffna district. the vaccination task force will probably concerning issues faced by Sri Lankan fisher planning to resign due to the non-payment Speaking further, he said: “Currently, there Speaking to The Morning yesterday, Jaffna have to make the call on who is to be folk and finding a permanent solution to stop of salaries for more than six months. If they are too many players trying to buy in on Additional District Secretary S. Muralitharan vaccinated first.” the illegal fishing activities of Indian fishermen resign, the station masters will have to board the alliance and we do not know who will said that 22 of the 233 families would be able Dr. Pieris said that they have not received in Sri Lankan waters will be the key issues trains and run trains without signals, which eventually lead it.” to obtain their lands next week, whilst 53 any communication from the PHSRC taken up at the discussion table. could endanger the lives of passengers, he However, it is important to note that neither families have identified the lands they want, regarding vaccination priority. However, he “Both Devananda and the State Minister opined. “We need 40 signal operators to run our party is interested in personal agendas, rather which the Valuation Department is at present added that frontline workers of the private of Ornamental Fish, Inland Fish and Prawn operations. A signal operator is someone who the betterment of the country, he claimed. assessing. Muralitharan said that land for these health sector would probably get priority if Farming, Fishery Harbour Development, needs to be trained, which would take months. 75 families would be ready this month, after such a consideration is to take place. Multi-Day Fishing Activities, and Fish But the Railways Department authorities which the construction of the houses would He added that the APHNH hopes the private Exports Kanchana Wijesekera are preparing have still not taken steps to recruit them,” Prioritise... take approximately five months. sector would be treated equally and that they for the discussion where they would focus on said Somaratne. vaccinate all school teachers was Additionally, the remaining 158 families have seen positive responses from the part of maintaining healthy Indo-Sri Lanka relations,” The current lack of junior staff is around “impractical” at present. The Ceylon Teachers’ have been asked to identify the lands which the ministry for their request to be given priority she added. 4,000, and this situation could lead to a Services Union (CTSU), meanwhile, said that they wish to procure following which the in the government’s first vaccination drive. A three-member committee was appointed disruption in train services, he added. “There if priority needs to be given when vaccinating Government-mandated valuation would In an appeal to the Government last week, to probe the issue concerning Indian fishermen are about 320 vacancies for sanitation workers school teachers, primary school teachers proceed and purchase could take place by the APHNH requested that private healthcare trawling in Sri Lanka’s maritime boundary at railway stations island-wide. There are about should be given priority. June this year. workers receive priority, alongside national by Fisheries Minister Devananda. 100 vacancies for the post of announcer,” Speaking to The Morning yesterday (8), Muralitharan further said that from the healthcare workers, in the ongoing Covid-19 It consists of senior officials from the said Somaratne. CTU General Secretary Joseph Stalin said aforementioned 409 families, 90 possessed vaccination drive. ministry and the Department of Fisheries and “We also need at least 100 non-permanent that they have already made their request to their own lands, 86 had obtained lands through The Association noted that private healthcare Aquatic Resources, as well as representatives staff,” Somaratne further added. the Ministry of Education (MoE). the Government last year and were awaiting workers are not listed under the Government’s of fisheries unions. Meanwhile, he said that drivers have “There are about 240,000 school teachers the completion of the construction of their vaccine prioritisation policy yet, and urged When questioned about the progress withdrawn from operating Chinese and 15,000 principals. It is not practical to houses, while the remaining 233 would be authorities to reconsider this, as the private regarding the committee’s recommendations compartments of trains due to a problem in vaccinate all of them immediately. So, we able to obtain lands through the most recent healthcare sector has played a vital role in to provide a permanent solution to prevent the brake system, and as a result, there are request that the teachers set to begin GCE Cabinet approval. Sri Lanka’s pandemic response. It claimed Indian fishermen from entering Sri Lanka’s not enough facilities to park them at present. O/L exam duty be vaccinated at least a week Muralitharan also said that although 90 that by handling over 50% of out-patient maritime boundary, Rathnayake said that According to Somaratne, there are around before the exam commences.” families have their own lands, these are care in the country, the sector ensured that she is unable to reveal any facts since it is an 300 Chinese compartments parked at the The GCE O/L exam is set to begin on 1 currently being used by the Tri-Forces, and that patients continued to receive timely access to internal committee to discuss related matters. Anuradhapura and Veyangoda stations due March and conclude by 11 March. therefore, the District Secretariat is expecting treatment, while the country’s public health The Morning contacted the Indian High to a problem in the brake system. However, CTSU General Secretary Mahinda alternative solutions in this regard from the resources were devoted towards reducing the Commission regarding the proposed meeting “If those compartments are not suitable for Jayasinghe told The Morning yesterday that Government within the course of this year. spread and risk of the virus. but a commission spokesperson refused to running, we need to fix them. We have 37 if priority needs to be given to a segment of However, Muralitharan told The Morning that “Private healthcare workers are frontline comment on the matter. 43 Tuesday, February 9, 2021 { NEWS } „„ www.themorning.lk Vaccine can’t be bought by pvt. sector: Vaccination of Dr. Wijewickrama Infectious Diseases It was further Hospital (IDH) senior stated that eight people aged 30-60 consultant physician Dr. million vaccines Ananda Wijewickrama would be provided yesterday (8) stated by the COVAX that the private sector facility to the cannot separately buy Government to be to start from March the Covid-19 vaccine provided to four All citizens between the ages of 30 and 60 centres on a daily basis. as of yet. million citizens. would be vaccinated from 1 March, the State Also, the Head of the “We have received “There is a Minister for Covid Disease Control Dr. Sudarshini National Operations many requests from demand for 18 Fernandopulle said yesterday (8). Centre for the Prevention conglomerates for million more doses “The vaccination of she said while addressing of the Covid-19 Outbreak permission to separately Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama of the anti-Covid individuals between 30 a press conference held and Army Commander, purchase the Covid- vaccines to cover to 60 years will be done yesterday. General Shavendra Silva 19 vaccine to provide to their the entire population, after the at 4,000 vaccination It was also revealed that said yesterday that the employees. However, that cannot be COVAX vaccine is provided. centres across the country, plans have been made to vaccination of all Army done as of yet because the COVAX As the supply is limited and the beginning from 1 March,” operate 2,000 vaccination officials had been completed. facility as well as other vaccine demand is high, the World Health manufacturers have a priority list Organisation (WHO) has not yet State Minister for Covid Disease Control Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle due to the large demand,” noted allowed private business owners to Dr. Wijewickrama at a press separately purchase the vaccine,” conference held yesterday. Dr. Wijewickrama stated. PM requests urgent renovation Convict mugshots to be of Hindagala Cave Temple publicised: Sarath Weerasekera Prime Minister Mahinda It was reported that the Hindagala BY MIHI PERERA Rajapaksa, in his capacity as Cave Temple was on the verge of the Minister of Buddhasasana, dilapidation. Minister of Public Security Dr. Religious, and Cultural Affairs has Reconstruction work on this MPs invited to Sarath Weerasekera said that the instructed to immediately renovate Cave Temple of historic value will images of convicted criminals the Hindagala Cave Temple, commence soon under the direction would soon be publicised through which consists of paintings of Prime Minister Rajapaksa. Parliament for the media. belonging to the historic eras of Officials of the Department He noted that this measure would Minister Dr. Sarath Weerasekera Anuradhapura, Gampola, Kandy, of Archaeology and the Central PCR tests be an extra precaution to safeguard and Colombo. Cultural Fund visited the The Sergeant-at-Arms of the Parliament the public. criminals,” he added. He has instructed the Secretary Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa Hindagala Cave Temple, and Narendra Fernando announced yesterday (8) “This would create a feeling Weerasekera claimed that this to the Ministry of Buddhasasana, renovations are to be done as per that Parliamentarians are invited to attend the of shame among criminals and would be done to reduce crime and Religious, and Cultural Affairs into the matter and take necessary the recommendations already given random polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing also help people identify these establish a more secure country. Prof. Kapila Gunawardena to look action immediately. in this regard. programme scheduled to be held today (9) from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the Parliament premises. 26-year-old Random check ups will be conducted once Over 3,000 a week during Parliamentary sitting weeks as FOR THE RIGHT TO EDUCATION! well as non-sitting weeks, with the support nabbed for forging suspects arrested of the Department of the Director General of Health Services. vehicle documents for quarantine Random PCR tests have been carried out The Western Province South Investigation at the Parliament since 13 January and 190 Unit has arrested a 26-year-old from violations persons whose PCR tests were carried out on Kaduwela for forging documents pertaining A total of 3,042 suspects have been 25 January tested negative. to motorcycles on Sunday (7), said Police arrested since 30 October for the Spokesman Deputy Inspector General (DIG) offences of not wearing face masks of police Ajith Rohana. and not adhering to social distancing “It was revealed that the suspect is part regulations, said Police Spokesman of an organised criminal gang that forges Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of documents pertaining to vehicles, produces police Ajith Rohana. those documents to various authorities, and On Sunday (7), a total of 19 persons obtains original number plates for the vehicles. were arrested for the same offences. Thereafter, they would fix the original number Furthermore, the conduct of rapid plates onto stolen vehicles and proceed to antigen tests (RATs) for all drivers sell them,” he added. and conductors involved in school He further noted that the suspect was transportation services were continued scheduled to be produced before the Colombo yesterday (8). Magistrate’s Court yesterday (8) and that “Drivers and conductors as well as further investigations are continuing with passengers of long distance buses were regard to arresting the others involved in this also tested through RATs,” he stated. Private bus form of organised criminal activity. strike put off Myanmar’s coup leader by a week The private bus strike which was scheduled to begin at midnight yesterday (8) has been makes first address postponed by a week due to assurances given by the authorities regarding several demands made by private bus owners, the amid mass protests All Ceylon Private Bus Owners’ Association (ACPBOA) Chairman Anjana Priyanjith said. The leader of the coup in - came out to show that we family posted a statement It was revealed that the decision to postpone Myanmar made his first TV are all together in this. Our on Facebook calling for his the strike was taken following a discussion address yesterday (8), seeking objective is the same - to make immediate release. held between private bus owners and the State to justify the action amid mass the dictatorship fall." Gen. Min Aung Hlaing's Minister of Finance Ajith Nivard Cabraal protests, international media The general's speech speech focused more on the yesterday. reported. appeared to have drawn angry reasons for the coup and less “The strike was postponed after we received Gen. Min Aung Hlaing said opposition, with images on on threats to protesters. assurances from the State Minister that the November's election, won in social media showing people He said the electoral problems of bus owners would be resolved by a landslide by the party of banging pots and pans in commission had failed to this Thursday (11),” he added. detained elected leader Aung protest in front of a television investigate irregularities over San Suu Kyi, had been unfair. screen. The military seized voter lists in the November The military has begun to power last week and declared election and had not allowed impose restrictions in some a year-long state of emergency fair campaigning. areas, including curfews and in Myanmar, also known as The commission had said limits to gatherings. Burma, with power handed there was no evidence to Huge protests were held on over to Gen Min Aung Hlaing. support claims of widespread Monday for a third straight day, Suu Kyi and senior leaders fraud. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing along with a nationwide strike, of her National League for promised new elections and to oppose the coup, reported Democracy Party (NLD), to hand power to the winner. BBC. including President Win A new "reformed" election One demonstrating doctor - Myint, have been put under commission would oversee it. who did not want to be named house arrest. He also spoke of achieving Two accomplices Students protested for free education near Temple Trees in Colombo yesterday (8), demanding that - had told the BBC: "Today, we, An Australian economic a "true and disciplined all students who were unfairly affected by the GCE Advanced Level cut-off marks issue be admitted professionals - especially civil adviser to Suu Kyi, Sean democracy", a phrase that drew of drug kingpin to university immediately and to double the recruitment numbers PHOTO SAMAN ABESIRIWARDANA servant professionals such as Turnell, has also been scorn from some opponents doctors, engineers and teachers detained and on Monday his of the coup on social media. ‘Soba’ arrested Two accomplices of drug kingpin Roshan “Soba” were arrested in Mount Lavinia yesterday NGO comes out against corporal punishment (8) with 90 grams of ice, 35 grams of hashish Stop Child Cruelty Trust (SCC) Founder protected by the State with a moral leadership. become a State of impunity. abuse is the most common form of child and several other drugs in possession, stated Chairperson Dr. Tush Wickramanayaka SCC Patron Sidath Wettimuny explained Model Chandi Aluwihare suggested that if abuse. Latest Police reports confirm that a Mount Lavinia Police. opined that the appeal, made against corporal that sports should be free of violence against the relevant persons in child protection can child is sexually molested every two hours. The two suspects were arrested with several punishment by a 11-year-old Sri Lankan, children, without unhealthy competition, and only declare statistics of the worsening state According to the Minister of Education narcotics at the De Seram Road in Mount which was registered by the United Nations promote racial harmony. of affairs, they must resign or be expelled, Prof. G.L. Peiris, who spoke in Parliament Lavinia, following a raid carried out by the Human Rights Committee, is an opportunity Jurist Emeritus Prof. Savitri Goonesekere and passionate, empathetic individuals be on 6 October regarding the issue, there were officers of the Organised Crime Prevention for the Government to engage in a purposeful reiterated that child protection will remain appointed in their place. 5,292 cases of child abuse in 2019 and 6,063 Division the previous night. process to protect and promote the rights of in crisis unless the law is implemented Activist Bhoomi Harendran pointed out that such cases in the first nine months of 2020. During the interrogation of the suspects, it all children. speedily, and unless the authorities follow children are not considered rights holders and Furthermore, the Minister also admitted that has been revealed that the racket was carried Professor of Sinhala Sarath Wijesooriya the recommendations of the United Nations that the Government must therefore ensure the speed at which the inquiries were concluded out by Roshan “Soba” who is currently in jail. noted that Independence connotes the freedom Committee on the Rights of the Child to make equality and justice for children. by the National Child Protection Authority The suspects were produced in the Mount of every citizen, especially a child, to live simple amendments to the law, Sri Lanka will Child protection is a national crisis. Physical was unsatisfactory. Lavinia Magistrate’s Court yesterday. 4 „„ www.themorning.lk { INTERVIEW/INSIGHT } Tuesday, February 9, 2021

Are you satisfied with the solution deal back then or not? What about the West Container given by the Sri Lankan Government We did, but we did not get a Terminal (WCT)? regarding the ECT? considerable public response to that. If There is no terminal, only a west The Sri Lankan Government had no it’s a national problem everyone should part. The Colombo South Container choice but to kneel down. Trade unions get together and raise their voices Terminal was developed under an attached to the Colombo Port, leftist against it just like we did with the ECT. agreement with China. We need to political parties, nationalists, as well as build the West Container Terminal civil society groups were against the Do you think the Cabinet’s decision from scratch. Sri Lanka already made proposal of granting a 49% stake of the on the ECT is irreversible? a proposal to develop the WCT with ECT to Indian companies. Even the Under the Rajapaksa regime over the India and Japan, to which we do not media raised concerns regarding this last decade, a neoliberal economic path agree. This may be to make India happy proposal and helped to raise awareness was steadily consolidated. While Sri and this time it’s with dollars. The regarding the importance of having the Lanka has been shaped by neoliberal Government should be ashamed when ECT under the SLPA. I think this was a policies by successive regimes since the they say baa (“cannot”) like sheep when joint effort where the Government had “open economy” reforms after 1977, the it comes to development. We say we are no choice but to pull out of the deal, civil war had its costs. It curtailed the capable of developing this port on our where now the SLPA retains 100% inflow of capital and slowed economic own and also paying off loans which we ownership. growth. Now every government elected obtained from other countries. With the after 1978 has made selling public end of the war in 2009, global capital What’s wrong with India investing in property a national policy or a norm flows, and investment by bilateral the ECT? Are you opposed to private where they depend on the commissions donors such as China, India contributed investments? and privileges they receive through to a massive transformation of the No, I’m not against them. If we let these deals. Therefore, I don’t believe economy with infrastructure and urban them invest, we will not be able to the Cabinet’s decision on the ECT is development. But why did we let them stop them. This is not the first time irreversible. This decision could change in and sell our assets? We need to send India invaded Sri Lanka. In 1987 also in one second. So, I request everyone to them back to their countries. we faced such an invasion. We are an keep their eyes open. independent, sovereign nation. We Is the JVP against private National Trade Union Centre Chairman K.D. Lal Kantha might be neighbours but India wants So what you are saying is that you do investment? to create conflict and confusion in not trust the Government and there No, we are not. However, we cannot Sri Lanka. India’s pragmatic foreign is a danger of this decision being allow them to interfere with our national policy on Sri Lanka is detrimental to reversed? decisions. India and China made Sri Sri Lanka, where they want to rule Sri Yes, because the ECT is an asset lanka a debtor. Japan was not like that, Lanka. It’s not India’s property, but we through which they can earn money, they did not. JVP opposed need to face this issue as we don’t have so based on what they have done in a stable policy. the past, I’m pretty sure the decision of How can a country and economy keeping 100% ownership of the ECT like Sri Lanka develop without Was the ECT removed from India with the SLPA could change. investment? due to a Chinese conspiracy? Did someone invest in the Kala CICT deal but According to the geopolitical What you mean by that is you do not Wewa in Sri Lanka? We did it by scenario, that can be a fair assumption. trust the Rajapaksa regime? ourselves. We had a good foreign But we don’t believe this is a Chinese Whether it is Rajapaksa, Ranil policy during the past. But now we conspiracy because the end result of a Wickremesinghe, or Sajith Premadasa, let India, China, and the US rule the tension might be that the door opens up everyone will follow the same policy county. This was after 2009 when to send China away. of selling state-owned resources or Mahinda Rajapaksa let China come no one listened lands to foreign countries. I think into the country and Maithripala z India and China made SL a debtor but not Japan: Lal Kantha Was China behind the protests? people should turn 180 degrees and Sirisena sold our assets to China. It’s China was not supporting our give another thought to the rulers of difficult to fix it now, but we need to BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE alliances. However, we do not know the country. If they take a 360-degree fix it. It has been a week since the Sri Lankan Government changed its plan to whether China was behind these turn, they have the same rulers. My offer a 49% stake in the East Container Terminal (ECT) of the Colombo protests. suggestion is to have a person or a How do you propose the Port to India, specifically its giant conglomerate Adani Group, reneging party who will not destroy the country Government fix the economy? on a tripartite agreement signed between India and Japan in 2019. The Why didn’t you oppose it when or assets. If we do not take this step The current Government should Indian Government has not taken kindly to this U-turn by the Sri Lankan China was given an 85% share in now the next generation would curse us have a conversation with the public and Government, and has said in no uncertain terms that it wants the latter to Colombo International Container for not protecting our land. reveal what the government members abide by the agreement. Terminals (CICT)? Is it because took as commissions or benefits, and China is funding the JVP? Did you get the ECT decision on how much the Government has to The decision to backtrack on the and Shipping Rohitha Abeygunawardena If China was funding the JVP, we paper? pay as loans. We have to send skilled agreement was due to intense and vocal last Monday (1). would have won all the elections and No, we only have the cabinet workers to other countries and let the opposition from trade unions both within The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)- have some media stations in our kitty. decision on paper. Besides that, families stay in Sri Lanka and provide and outside the Colombo Port, especially backed trade union was a prominent The problem is no one wants to fund nothing. them the facilities they need. So we can by those unions who had supported the fixture in this protest campaign and the us. We did oppose the CICT. We also get some amount of contribution to the Government during both the presidential party’s campaign was led by its politburo raised our voice in the Parliament. After all you have gone through, country’s economy. At the moment, and general elections. These trade unions member National Trade Union Centre During that time no one was interested don’t you think you deserve the ECT we only depend on migrant domestic called off the planned work to rule Chairman K.D. Lal Kantha. The Morning in that issue unlike when we raised decision on paper? workers’ contribution. campaigns and further protests following interviewed him on the campaign, the concerns regarding the ECT. That is Well, the current Government can the approval by the Cabinet of Ministers Government’s latest decision, and the how China managed to come inside of write any decision on paper, but even a Do we need a closed economy like for 100% ownership of the ECT to remain discussions revolving around the West the country. cabinet decision can change. We don’t China and Russia those days or an with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), Container Terminal (WCT). Below are believe in any of those. We only believe open economy? which was confirmed by Minister of Ports excerpts of the interview: Did you see the danger of the CICT in an active mass force. We need both. ‘Health professionals need medical communication training’ BY RUWAN LAKNATH JAYAKODY to having hidden pertinent facts or lied professionals need to re-train especially in disseminate knowledge on the frequently humans, and spraying on roads and open Practically oriented training sessions on about their members being taken to communication skills such as respecting updated guidelines. public places were not, the authors noted, medical communication, specifically on quarantine centres. This may in turn have others, building rapport, empathy, active The epidemiology (frequency and advised as per the technical guidelines of risk-related assessment, communication, and led some patients to hide their histories. listening, and accepting what patients/clients distribution of cases) of Covid-19 is the World Health Organisation (WHO). management during outbreaks of epidemics This reluctance to disclose details led say until the facts are verified. very dynamic and therefore, healthcare However, these practices rapidly gained and pandemics, should be conducted for some healthcare professionals to have a Taking histories in the field to assess the professionals are expected to be very up ground in local communities, as they healthcare professionals, a concept note similar perception about patients. It was risk of Covid-19 should be done by trained to date about the disease situation and created an atmosphere of perceived recommended last year. not uncommon to observe that healthcare healthcare professionals, and all relevant their locality, and aware of the evidence- protection which has in turn led to undue Furthermore, medical ethics, the ethics professionals assumed that patients would field health staff such as Medical Officers based preparedness and response practices pressure on public health staff because local of social media use, information gathering, deliberately hide symptoms, their contact of Health (MOHs), Public Health Nursing in institutional and community settings. politicians and some government officials and fact-checking should be included in history, or other relevant information. Sisters (PHNSs), PHN Officers (PHNOs), However, the authors elaborated that the Sri have demanded the same practice which continuous professional development Elsewhere, public health staff were Public Health Inspectors (PHIs), and Public Lankan health system lacks a proper process has been frequently shown by the media. programmes for all categories of healthcare encouraged, for the purpose of history Health Midwives (PHMs) should be trained to update healthcare professionals during The amount of chemicals wasted and professionals, and be included in their taking, to use some techniques frequently in this regard, the authors emphasised. such dynamic situations. The updating of subsequently added to the environment as basic, post-basic, and postgraduate training used in counselling. Sometimes, talking to Public health staff who are healthcare healthcare professionals at the provincial, a result of such practises may contribute to programmes. neighbours gave more clues to the patient professionals should not, the authors district, and divisional levels, they noted, environmental health problems, they further These recommendations were made in an having symptoms. Hiding symptoms was pointed out, divulge any personal were mostly dependent on a few self- explained. Also, as there were no guidelines opinion piece cum concept note (written on mainly due to the fear of being blamed for information to the media. motivated professionals rather than through available during the initial few weeks of 17 May 2020) titled the “Ground Realities deliberately transmitting the infection to The presence of the media during contact a process. the pandemic, it was a difficult task to of Covid-19 in Sri Lanka: A Public Health others or the fear of their loved ones being tracing, specimen collection, and quarantine Moreover, a lack of understanding about resist such requests, coming from various Experience on Fear, Stigma, and the taken to quarantine centres. procedures in the community, should the disease dynamics and guidelines led to stakeholders, from healthcare workers Importance of Improving Professional Skills It was also observed that some suspected be, according to the researchers, actively panic among healthcare professionals, which themselves to politicians. Among Health Care Professionals” authored Covid-19 patients could not provide discouraged, while taking photographs in turn hindered proper risk assessment Another new challenge for public health by G.L.W.M. Bandara, I.N. Thotawaththa, adequate information during history taking without consent and exhibiting these on social and risk communication, resulting in officers, the study noted, was to acquire and A.W.I.P. Ranasinghe (all three attached to and that this situation was misinterpreted media also is to be discouraged. unnecessary testing, the irrational use of the skill of specimen collection from the Office of the Regional Director of Health as to be the deliberate withholding of Continuous efforts to train healthcare personal protective equipment (PPE), quarantine centres and the community. Services, Matale) and published recently in information, whereas the exact reason professionals on the professional handling of unnecessary travel restrictions in the form of Further, collecting a large number of the Sri Lanka Journal of Medicine. was the language barrier which was not information and communication with people, local lockdowns, and problems related to the samples from different places in the Among the many obstacles encountered perceived by the healthcare professionals. with hands-on training at the community handling of dead bodies. community and from quarantine centres, by healthcare professionals in dealing with A skilled professional approach to history level are useful to prevent stigma, they noted. On another related note, the researchers while ensuring that the quality of samples Covid-19, the stigma attached to the Covid- taking puts patients at ease. It was found Ensuring patient confidentiality is said that Sri Lanka does not have a was not compromised, and PPE use was 19 disease and gaps in professional skills that after spending a few extra minutes to mandatory when history taking is done mandatory continuous professional minimised, was a challenge with the related to risk assessment for Covid-19 make patients and contacts comfortable by any healthcare professional and when development requirement for any in-house preparation of triple packs for were high on the list. The stigma attached to and also reassuring them that the healthcare liaising with other stakeholders such as healthcare professional category, adding sample transportation, to the donning and Covid-19 resulted in an unacceptable level professionals were there to help, they tended the Police, regional administrators, and the that the pandemic illustrated the need for doffing of PPE in the community. of fear among the general public as well as to divulge their histories in full. military. Public health teams should therefore such a programme for all categories of It was also noted by the authors that healthcare professionals. This associated Fear and stigma interfere with health- assess any risk exposure in detail and be healthcare professionals. The panic created awareness among healthcare professionals stigma has led to healthcare professionals not seeking behaviour and this in turn leads confident about the data gathered, prior to during the initial period meant that other about the disease was mostly dependent trusting patient histories. to patients not seeking treatment or hiding communicating with the other authorities categories also had to be retrained on how on the information gleaned through The unethical use of the media was one of their details. The portrayal on television of involved, the authors explained. to adjust their work during the pandemic, social media and television news rather the main reasons for the stigma associated patients infected with Covid-19 as criminals Another aspect is that assessing the risk without contributing to further panic while than through scientific communications. with Covid-19, as a large proportion of has resulted in major damage to both of getting Covid-19 in people who present adequate precautions were being taken. This, they noted, was a challenge, as the general public did not receive enough public health control measures and hospital with respiratory symptoms, pregnant Furthermore, they pointed out the need to myth busting required additional effort in scientific information about the disease and procedures, the authors noted. women, and the contacts of confirmed conduct awareness programmes for many a backdrop in which knowledge on the its preventive measures through the media Enhancing the professional skills of Covid-19 confirmed patients, requires an stakeholders including the Police, district evidence hierarchy and its applicability for and were instead overloaded with emotionally healthcare professionals and training them updated, broad understanding of the interim officers, educational officers, complementary scientific decision-making was lacking. provocative information. Many media reports to spend time in taking histories is essential guidelines and case definitions and this and traditional medical practitioners, and Therefore, they concluded that were delivered in a judgemental manner, to ensure that all information required to becomes a challenge in a scenario where owners of funeral parlours. reorienting the health system to prepare and and frequently the fault was attributed to implement control measures are obtained case definitions and guidelines are updated The use of non-scientific methods on practice evidence-based epidemiological individuals who got the disease. from patients, the researchers added, in quick succession. Therefore, healthcare disease prevention such as the use of interventions in any outbreak situation is a Also, some patients were labelled as noting further in this regard that healthcare professionals had to learn ways to gather and disinfectant chambers, direct spraying on timely and national need. 45 Tuesday, February 9, 2021 { SPOTLIGHT } „„ www.themorning.lk stressed that in order to address this loophole, laws pertaining to cyber security should be strengthened and updated. According to him, the most applicable law existing in Sri Lanka is the Computer Crime Act, No. 24 of 2007, and that the Cyber Security Bill also lacks definitions about certain terms pertaining to cyberspace and related attacks. He also said that even though cyber crimes are increasing in various forms, the legal provisions available to deal with such crimes is lacking and can be an issue when instituting legal action against incidents involving cyber crimes. He noted that while introducing new laws, amending the existing laws in line with the developments in the information technology field, with a focus on terminologies and defamation, is also important. He noted: “This latest incident was mainly carried out targeting the Google. lk domain. Internet users were not directed to the Google server, but a different one. These types of incidents are difficult to be referred to under the provisions of the Computer Crime Act, No. 24 of 2007, and it would be difficult for Google also to take legal action in this connection. Some claim that this happened due to government websites not being updated properly, and that therefore, identifying and THE DARK SIDE OF THE INTERNET rectifying the existing loopholes should be given priority.” He added that even though a number of information technology organisations have held discussions with the authorities including politicians regarding the Cyber Security Bill and Hackers and the future other relevant laws, so far, no concrete decisions have been taken to improve the laws. Internet user protection When queried about how cyber attacks can affect regular internet users of cyber security who do not possess in-depth knowledge to protect their internet-based accounts BY SUMUDU CHAMARA issues, especially cyber attacks, is “bug systems. He also said that there are a and data, and what steps they can The cyber attack suffered by the .lk domain in the morning of Saturday bounty programmes”. lot of information technology experts take to avert such, Jayasena added (6) has now started a discourse on Sri Lanka’s cyber security situation, in A bug bounty programme is a in countries friendly with Sri Lanka that two-factor authentication, even particular the security measures adopted by government websites. concept which involves organisations, such as the US, India, China, as well though it has been in use for some time, websites, and governments getting as Russia. He noted that Israel also is a recommendable precaution that Even though in the evolving world Internet Protocol (IP) address directed the support of information technology has good experts who might be able provides a good level of protection. of information technology, no website him to a company based in a foreign experts, including hackers and private to extend support in this connection, or computer system can be completely country. information technology professionals, adding that Sri Lankan experts in the protected from hackers, in a context He added: “Usually, when a Google to test and identify bugs (an error, fault, field are also able to help if they are where Sri Lanka has faced similar cyber domain is searched, it should come or flaw) in computer programmes and given an opportunity to do so. “For all This is not the worst damage attacks in the past few years, perhaps under Google, making it possible to systems, in exchange for recognition we know, hackers from such countries hackers can do to a country, the it is high time that the authorities look find out the entity that has registered and/or monetary rewards. may have already penetrated into hackers who carried out this cyber more closely into this matter, in a bid to the relevant domain. Even when this Sri Lanka’s information technology attack merely delivered a message. prevent such incidents from occurring incident happened, when searched  Investigations systems,” he added. It is not possible to rule out in the future. after clearing the cache memory, it He emphasised that “adopting newer the possibility of hackers using Especially in 2019 and 2020, a redirected to the correct US server. It underway to find out methods is necessary in order to deal similar or advanced methods to number of government websites were should also be noted that after some with information technology-related carry out more cyber attacks in hacked. While these cyber attacks time, Google had indexed the hacked reasons issues, and that even though it may be the future are believed to have been carried out website, without realising that it had difficult to completely prevent cyber Software engineer and cyber by supporters of the now-defunct been hacked. Even though it was attacks, it is possible to significantly security researcher Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam reported that several other websites reduce such incidents”. Duminda Jayasena (LTTE), who carried out the latest had also been hacked, currently,  Consider ‘bug bounty attack remains unknown. The main there is no further information in that Updating government purpose of the attack, according to connection. If these other websites programmes’ to detect websites He explained: “One of the most the nature of the message the hackers included important entities such as vulnerabilities: Cyber Meanwhile, Information Technology used methods of hacking a computer had left, was to express opposition banks, there is a higher risk, as online Society of Sri Lanka (ITSSL) Chairman system or an internet-based account regarding certain policies of the banking involves using usernames and security researchers Rajeev Yasiru Kuruwitage said that the is by showing the internet user an Government. passwords. As we see, there are two Government should pay attention to interface similar to that of the authentic possibilities – it could be a domain introducing effective laws pertaining one. When the user types in their What happened after the name system (DNS) poisoning incident, to cyber security and updating username and password, they are recent attack? or, a computer connected to the Domain  Take steps to avert government websites more frequently. directed to the hacker, and hackers can LK Domain Registry Domain Registry may have been hacked. If it Kuruwitage told The Morning that use them to access the user’s internet- Registrar Prof. Gihan Dias told was in fact a DNS poisoning incident, similar attacks in future: government websites not being updated based accounts. If an internet user has The Morning that investigations they may have planned well.” as they should be could make these activated two-factor authentication, are underway to find out further He explained the technological IT organisations websites vulnerable to cyber attacks. they receive a one-time password, information about the said cyber aspect: “When an internet user searches He added: “The updating of which allows the users to access their attack, and also to see to it that similar for a certain website, the browser government websites with a focus accounts with advanced protection. incidents would not take place in the cannot understand the name that was  Amend and update on improving security updates is This method prevents the hackers from future. “We will identify and rectify any searched, but only the IP address. A something that is lacking currently. accessing the accounts, even if they had existing issues that may have caused domain register maintains a cache laws and introduce right Some government-maintained obtained the log-in details including the this situation,” Prof. Dias said, adding regarding what the website in question websites have not been updated for passwords. There are other ways also that in order to do that, steps have been is, and it can be changed in a number to privacy including years. Information technology is a to hack an account, but this method can taken to improve the security measures of ways. In this context, intervening field that evolves rapidly, and in this provide significant protection.” of the existing systems. He also added in this process can be called hacking. data context, these updates are of extreme that around 10 more domains are Changing the cache in this manner can importance. It does not seem like they The future suspected to have been affected in the also be called as an incident of DNS are enthusiastic to do these updates. Speaking of the evolving information said cyber attack. poisoning (cyber attacks that use the  There are a number of state-run technology field, Kuruwitage noted: vulnerabilities in the DNS, in order to Security information technology institutions, “What used to be physical conflicts divert the internet traffic away from vulnerabilities can lead and more attention needs to be paid have transformed into technological the legitimate servers to an illegitimate by them in this connection. Moreover, wars. Cyber attacks can not only Cyber security also falls under one). When users search for Google. to severe issues if left cyber security also falls under the affect computer systems, but also a the broader topic of national lk, instead of the real IP, what they unaddressed broader topic of national security, as country’s national security as well as security, as cyber attacks can be received was another IP.” cyber attacks can be used to cause the economy. Current cyber threats used to cause greater damage, Jayasena also said that the Domain greater damage, and the Government may not be very significant, however, and the Government should raise Registrar should take steps to inform He added: “Bug bounty programmes should raise awareness about this topic other countries have reported incidents awareness about this topic more Sri Lankan information technology have gained recognition in the modern more often. If the Government takes of cyber attacks leading to greater often administrators to be vigilant of their world as one of the most effective steps to do that, the public can also damages such as the loss of lives ITSSL Chairman systems/domains being hacked. He approaches to identify and rectify bugs, pay adequate attention to protecting and disruptions to services such as Rajeev Yasiru Kuruwitage further requested internet users to be and a lot of entities and governments, themselves as far as cyber security is power supply, operations of hospitals, cautious about cyber attacks and to including Google, Facebook, and concerned.” and online banking activities. Due reset their usernames and passwords also governments such as the US Meanwhile, Jayasena added that in to the increasing use of information Sri Lanka Computer Emergency regularly. Government and governments in a context where Sri Lanka, especially technology in almost all sectors to ease Readiness Team (SLCERT) He added: “This is not the worst Europe, have adopted this method. government websites, have faced day-to-day activities, cyber attacks can Cyber Security Engineer Ravindu damage hackers can do to a country, This has also evolved as a mainstream cyber attacks in the past, information now affect people’s lives more than Meegasmulla told The Morning the hackers who carried out this cyber industry. The most important technology organisations should before.” that they are closely assisting the attack merely delivered a message. It is characteristic about this method is pay more attention to averting the Sri Lanka, like all other countries in investigations in this connection, along not possible to rule out the possibility that it can attract the best information recurrence of similar attacks. The the world, has to evolve with the new with the LK Domain Registry and of hackers using similar or advanced technology experts from around the failure or delay in doing so may technological advancements, and a the Telecommunications Regulatory methods to carry out more cyber attacks world, since there is a reward.” indicate the lack of use of resources future without information technology Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL). in the future. They are always looking According to Jayasena, if the of experts, as Sri Lanka possesses is almost impossible to imagine. In for vulnerabilities in the computer Sri Lankan Government also pays adequate infrastructure. this context, while embracing the new Information technology systems they want to hack.” attention to launching a method of technology, it is important to adopt professionals’ opinion this nature, which may or may not Need for new, strengthened newer methods to protect the privacy Software engineer and cyber security Bug bounty programmes involve a monetary reward, the service laws to address cyber attacks and security of the country’s computer researcher Duminda Jayasena told The Jayasena said that one of the very of experts from around the world will Kuruwitage also added that in Sri systems. The latest incident, and several Morning that when he attempted to effective measures Sri Lanka can adopt come forward to assist Sri Lanka to Lanka, the right to privacy, especially similar incidents that happened in the look into the latest cyber attack, the to counter rising cyber security-related rectify existing issues in computer concerning cyberspace, is lacking. He past few years, emphasise this need. 6 „„ www.themorning.lk { EDITORIAL/VIEWS } Tuesday, February 9, 2021

and has been working as a three- a PCR test or placed under home wheeler driver to support the family. quarantine. Fawsiya’s daughter-in- When the He looks through a steel cupboard for law who looked after her volunteered Mandatory the few things they have that were for to take a random PCR test done in the baby: A plastic mat, soft cloths, the area a few days ago and tested cameras stop and a carry-box stocked with cologne negative. They firmly believe that cremations and and baby powder. The mother leaves if Fawsiya indeed got Covid-19, it the room as he takes this out. would have been from the hospital. flashing They had waited six years for this baby, the father says. Even though Yoonus and Nazly President Gotabaya Rajapaksa recently the voices of he was just 20 days old when they To say goodbye to one relative must emphasised that going to the grassroots level in lost him, they couldn’t bear to lose be difficult enough. To lose two loved order to give swift solutions to public grievances him that way. He was growing, he ones within the same extended family is neither a political gimmick nor media hype, and was smiling at them, and he was the must be even harder. that his method of governance was not confined to the families furthest from a sick child, he says. Yoonus was receiving treatment After he puts the baby’s things at the Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital merely giving instructions to officials who live in away, the mother returns. She says when a PCR test showed that he the comforts of Colombo. He also said that he was the doctors, kitted out in full personal was positive for Covid-19. He was different to previous presidents, who he claimed protective equipment, didn’t even put in an ambulance with his two visited villages only when they were members of touch her baby, since they were sons to accompany him and sent to the Opposition, but not after they became president. coming from a lockdown area. She the National Institute of Infectious During his latest “Gama Samaga Pilisandarak” however, tended to his needs. Their Diseases Hospital (NIID/IDH) for (discussion with the village) public meeting story of a positive rapid antigen test further treatment. Despite being in in Dickellakanda, the President also said that and a denied PCR test was met with close contact with him, especially anguish when it made the news. during the ambulance ride, his sons regardless of those who criticise his methods, As a mother who was still feeding were not allowed into the IDH. Due to he will continue his endeavours. Even though her child, she says that she put all her an administrative miscommunication this statement may sound promising as far as trust in the doctors. After what she between the two hospitals, Yoonus this programme is concerned, a country’s leader endured, she asks, how can she trust was kept in the ambulance for two paying heed to criticisms is usually viewed as a Health officials conducting mandatory cremations them again if her other child gets sick? hours after reaching the IDH. PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE good quality, as it is through criticism one can The other child, a little girl, wanders He died soon after admission. His in, industriously opening a plastic study son shows us the photo of him in those improve and perfect their endeavours. BY AMALINI DE SAYRAH AND SHREEN ABDUL SAROOR desk, looking for her books and colour last moments, taken from the other side The President also emphasised that in the event Sri Lanka continues to maintain its policy of mandatory cremations for pencils. They have moved to this house of a glass wall, beyond which he was any party engages in illegal activities, using the the Covid-19 dead, which has deeply distressed the Muslim community in this locality to give her the chance to not able to pass to be with his father as decisions taken to resolve the public’s issues as a whose faith prohibits cremation. The science, the faith, and the politics attend a good school. She is too young he died. The family did not consent for pretext, stern action would be taken against them. – all of this has been talked about at length by scientists, activists, to understand, the mother says as the him to be cremated, but were forced to However, what is more important is taking steps politicians, and many others. little one concentrates on drawing on sign the note from the authorities stating to prevent such acts, which is also a president’s Even though official data is not Covid-19 negative. a book. She has told them that since that they did. In the final indignity, they duty. As a person who rendered a crucial service available for the number of Muslims The man says that though he they took her younger brother to the were also made to pay for the coffin being cremated, speaking to the himself has helped clean so many hospital and he never came back, that and provide transportation for it to the as the Defence Secretary to rid the country of families and community leaders, janazahs (funeral rites for dead bodies, she would never go to a hospital, and crematorium even though they had not the war, he has in fact given the country’s people it seems that over two-thirds of in accordance with Islamic practices) also that they were never to take her to consented to it. something to be grateful for. However, governing the cremated are Muslims. As of during his lifetime, but that he is one if she got sick. A good father and grandfather, a country is somewhat different to his previous yesterday (8), the official Covid-19 distraught knowing that he couldn’t do Fawsiya whose children turned to him for role, and requires a different type of leadership, death toll in Sri Lanka is over 350. that for his wife, that he couldn’t give comfort even as they grew older and which is assessed by how the public benefits from Here are the voices of these families her the last rites she deserved. Two roads away, a family is still who adored their grandchildren; the his decisions. who have been subjected to this Rafaideen searching for answers. Their mother loss is felt across generations. The objective of the aforementioned programme pain, and the memories they carry of was admitted to hospital for another The second death was of an aunt from the loved ones they lost. All stories The elderly lady is the matriarch illness. Since she tested negative for their in-law’s family. On her death, her is to reach out to the people living in villages and recorded and photos taken were with of her extended family. Relatives Covid-19 on admission, she was not family was told that her body had tested discuss their issues in order to provide solutions to the consent of the family members. who live with her and in nearby units sent to the special ward for it. Her positive for Covid-19. In this case, the them through their suggestions. Even though this rally around her – physically and son visited her one evening, when he family refused to give consent for her to is the President’s first series of visits to villages Rinosa otherwise – coming to take phone fed her and tied her hair neatly. He be cremated. To this date, they still do to discuss villagers’ issues during his tenure, he Two young girls watch over their calls, give her updates, and wait for was not allowed to see her again. not know what happened to her body. embarked on his journey as the newly elected little nephew as he sleeps. Their her guidance on something. Following his visit, the hospital told Her nephew holds on to a gift she President by paying surprise visits to several mother was admitted to hospital for My brother didn’t like being in him that Fawsiya had tested positive for gave him a few months back. He says another illness, but the authorities pictures, she says. The one most Covid-19. They assured him that she that no one in this country should government offices in the last two years with the said that the family needed to be valuable reminder she has of him is would be transported to the Divulapitiya ever have to bear the pain that his same objectives. Among these public institutions quarantined as she had tested positive the land deed which he transferred to Hospital and brought back home once family has been put through. were the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) in for Covid-19. They were taken to the her name. They lived most of their her treatment was completed. But Werahera and the National Housing Development Kandakadu Quarantine Centre – the life in the Henamulla Camp, most the Divulapitiya Hospital denied that Jamaal Authority’s office in Narahenpita, where he little child too, who was just a baby of which has been demolished now anyone by that name had been admitted. His son recalls a generous and discussed what improvements need to be made then – and held there for just one and residents like her, moved to the As they made some frantic calls, they charitable soul, who would go the to curb corruption and increase efficiency in these night, when they were told that she new high-rise structures nearby. Their learned that Fawsiya had been taken extra mile for people that most had died, and had been cremated. brother wrote the three perches he to the Mulleriyawa Colombo East others would not acknowledge. institutions, with the officials and the public who The two girls are in their early to owned to her name. When the time for Base Hospital. That is, her body was The man would serve water and cool had come seeking services. mid-teens but are now the women of relocation came, she was given two there – they had transferred her to it, drinks to cleaners, construction workers, Many viewed this as a good start for the new their small house. Their mother used flats in the new building because she and she had died on the same day at the and anyone who came to help in their President, and expressed hope that the public service to do everything for them, they say. had a claim to two houses in what was Mulleriyawa Hospital. house; he would treat them all equally. would be improved by expediting services and Now as schools reopen and they are the camp. They brought out a letter on a He was extremely healthy, even up to by taking stern action to rid these institutions of going back into a routine that she He had been ill, and passed away creased white paper, Sinhala written his last days.This is something his son corruption. In fact, several days after the President’s was very much a part of – waking at home. The health authorities took in a scrawl. It has been written can’t quite get his head around, and visit to the DMT, several individuals were arrested them up, helping them get ready, and nearly a day to come and take the by the local police as if from the makes his sudden demise even more taking them to school – they feel her body away, and then spent another family, laying down the details of the difficult to bear. The last photos they near the DMT for accepting bribes from service- absence even more. The older girl two days in the hospital running woman’s case and saying that they have of him are at a birthday party for seekers and it was also reported that the suspects even wonders if she will be able to go tests on it. By the time she was request that the State cremate the body a young child in the family where they had revealed the names of certain DMT officials to school, as it is her responsibility to asked to identify the body, as he had at its own expense, and that no one in say he was enjoying himself. who had allegedly abetted their venal activities, take care of the house now. apparently tested positive for Covid- the family has any opposition to it. The son still can’t forget the which also gave hope to the public. However, Their father is rifling through 19, she could barely do so because it One son, sick and ailing, had signed circumstances of losing his father, and a visit to the DMT over the subsequent months a shopping bag filled with forms, was in a terrible state of decay. it after the Police kept harassing them the lack of clarity that persisted. He told its own story, as it was far from the promised certificates, and medical reports, reports The authorities asked them to do so. The other son, the one who himself admitted his father to hospital that clear the whole family of ever for Rs. 30,000 for the coffin and saw her last, is distraught; his mother as he was unwell, and had to call efficient and uncorrupted institution. having had Covid-19, which makes another Rs. 8,000 to carry out the once took care of him, and now he them himself to get an update on his Publicising the Government’s programmes him wonder how she could have got it. cremation. They paid this, worried can’t perform the last rites she is due. condition only to be told that he had aimed at uplifting the people’s lives, whether The death certificate bears two damning about what they might be subjected At the time of them telling this died. A few hours later, despite them it was for election or not, was never the issue. lines – one, that she passed of “Covid-19 to if they didn’t. story, her body is still in a freezer at making arrangements to bury him The issue, in most cases, is that governments pneumonia”, and the other, that she was Shaykh the hospital. When and how it will at the local mosque, he was hastily pay more attention to media coverage than to cremated at the Kuppiyawatta Cemetery. be cremated, along with how many cremated by the authorities. implementing those programmes. Initiating and Her post-mortem polymerase chain The father is telling us how he has others, is still unknown. No one in His father was cremated while burial reaction (PCR) test said that she was lost his job since the pandemic started the family was ever asked to take was still legal, and the gazette making implementing development programmes, as the cremations mandatory was issued only President had so boldly claimed, should not be 10 days later. Their helplessness was limited to when the cameras are flashing. The amplified when the family was sent decisive factor that makes these programmes a CARTOON OF THE DAY to the Welikanda Quarantine Centre, success or a failure is none other than how the where they spent more than 40 days. public benefits from them. It should be noted Multiple PCR tests done on them that holding public meetings in villages does not came back negative, despite having ensure that the people living in villages would spent time in close quarters with the man before he died. receive the benefits of such programmes. Sri There are still so many questions, Lankans have borne witness to many development the son says, and so much that remains projects which either failed or never saw the light unclear about what actually happened. of day, despite being launched after discussing Never once has the Government with the public. meaningfully reconsidered this policy, The key is, at the end of the day, the President’s despite the outcry and grief that the vision should reach the public as it is, and should Muslim community and allies have expressed. Orders to look for burial not be watered down when it reaches the grassroots sites are given, but that topic quickly level. Many parties, who act as the intermediaries disappears off the agenda. Experts between the Government and the President and refuting the claims on which the the public, also have a huge responsibility in this policy is based, and providing reliable process. It is the Government’s responsibility to scientific claims that allow burial, are see to it that they too fulfil their responsibilities, ignored, and the unscientific, racist which ultimately decides whether the President’s policy remains in place. The highest court in the country refused to hear visit to the village was worth it, when the cameras the petitions of those who wanted this stop flashing. policy halted. For many of these families, even exploring all these avenues No 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7. has grown exhausting. Judges and Fax - 011 2 673 441 General - 011 5 200 900 doctors, ministers and the media, all Sales & Marketing - 076 1 367 612 have let them down. These memories Circulation Manager - 011 5 978 987 / 076 1 367 620 are what they will always have. E-mail - [email protected] The truth, they say, remains with God. Special Investigations Department - 077 7 714 078 Website - www.themorning.lk (Amalini De Sayrah is a researcher and Shreen Abdul Saroor is a Co-Founder of the Women’s Action Network) 47 Tuesday, February 9, 2021 „„ www.themorning.lk

Localbusiness ceramic prices to rise BY ZAHIDA RIZVI Last Tuesday (2) Prime Minister Tile and Sanitary Ware Importers Association (TSIA) says that the Mahinda Rajapaksa, in his capacity Government-imposed duty on the import of ceramics and tile will as the Minister of Finance, issued a cause local prices to rise. Gazette notification that “deleted” Speaking to The Morning Business, The agreement in question had been the ceramic items from “Schedule I” TSIA President Kamil Hussain said reached in a meeting held on 5 February. of the Imports and Exports (Control) that the TSIA has given a proposal to According to TSIA, the local industry Regulation No. 04 of 2020, published the Government with enhanced duty only caters to 51% of the demand in in the Gazette Extraordinary No. and cess to support the local industry Sri Lanka. 21841/21 dated 16 July 2020, and if the prices rise. “The construction industry needs included them in “Schedule II” of The Sri Lanka Ceramics and Glass the importers’ support to complete the said Gazette. Schedule II stipulates Council (SLCGC) has requested ongoing and future projects in hand that items can be imported only on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to take and failing to do so will result in the a minimum 180-day credit facility steps to amend the current import duty entire industry coming to a standstill,” provided by the foreign supplier, from and cess applicable to the import of Hussain added. the date of Bill of Lading or Airway ceramics and tiles in accordance with The President’s “Saubhagye Dekma” Bill of said goods. an agreement reached by the importers plan specifies that special attention be However, within a few hours after and manufacturers of ceramic products. given to locally manufactured items relaxing stringent import restrictions The Association has also requested and to increase local manufacturing imposed on ceramic imports through the President to amend the Gazette capacity to satisfy the market. the Extraordinary Gazette Notification, notification recently issued in this However, according to the CEO of an instruction was issued by the connection. Lanka Tiles Mahendra Jayasekera, in Department of Import and Export SLCGC Vice President Aravinda order for manufacturers to invest in “There is a certain amount of 10-15 % gap in the supply and demand,” and employs approximately 10,000 Control Department for Sri Lanka Perera, in a letter addressed to the capacity expansion the Government shortage in the market, and the local Jayasekera added. workers both directly and indirectly. Customs and all commercial banks President, said that the two parties had policy should be subjected to encourage manufacturers are running their factories The TSIA consists of over 300 The importers also pay about Rs. 6 to suspend the implementation of the agreed to a custom import duty of 30% local manufacturing along with a proper at full capacity, but still they are unable importers in Sri Lanka contributing a billion annually in taxes, contributing said Extraordinary Gazette until further and a cess of Rs. 125 per kilogramme. duty structure. to meet the demand because there is a tax revenue of Rs. 12 billion annually significantly to public revenue. notice. OrelBuy unmanned SwissTek records Rs. 178 m profit in 4Q20 SwissTek Ceylon PLC has recorded a profit of Rs. 177.8 million for the store opens at MMC quarter ended on 31 December 2020 compared to the profit of Rs. 63.8 million it made during the same period in the previous year. The group for the first nine months ended on 31 December 2020 recorded a profit of Rs. 308.8 million compared to Rs. 127.12 million during the last nine months of the year 2019. The group’s gross profit in the quarter was Rs. 370.19 million, while for the last nine months of the year it was Rs. 961.17 million, while the SwissTek (Ceylon) PLC gross profit in the quarter that ended on 31 December 2019 and for the with an established track record of by 8% during the financial year company. Consolidated revenue last three quarters of 2019 was Rs. quality, variety, and innovation. In (FY) 2019/2020 while Profit After increased by 8% during the year to Rs. 242.79 million and Rs. 749.35 million, addition to the growing presence Tax (PAT) amounted to Rs. 167.8 4,635 million compared to the growth respectively. in the timber flooring segment, the million compared to a profit of Rs. of 5% recorded in FY 2018/19. PAT A part of the Lanka Walltiles group also enjoys a strong position 0.75 million during the previous at group level increased from Rs. 0.7 Group, Swisstek (Ceylon) PLC is in the aluminium extrusion market year. The significant improvement million in FY 2018/19 to Rs. 167.8 one of Sri Lanka’s leading suppliers through subsidiary company Swisstek in performance was a validation of million in FY 2019/20 supported by of tile-related accessories such as Aluminium Ltd. the strategic direction the group has a particularly strong performance by tile grout, tile mortar, and tile sealant The group revenue increased embarked upon, according to the Swisstek (Ceylon) PLC. Lighthouse group loses SLT-Mobitel The store being ceremoniously opened by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa

OREL Corporation officially unveiled screen and a barcode scanner will check launches its newest, innovative venture recently, the description of each selected item. Rs. 155 m in 4Q20 the opening of their second OrelBuy The smart store also provides 24-hour One of Sri Lanka’s leading a major toll on the hospitality attacks in April 2019 negatively ‘mPower’ unmanned store at the Makumbura uninterrupted service. Hotel chains The Lighthouse industry, impacting established impacted the group but they were SLT-Mobitel announced the launch of Multimodal Centre (MMC), which is Speaking at the opening of the event, Hotel PLC has recorded a loss hotels. showing gradual recovery by mPower, a bundled device offer for the the first ever multimodal centre in the President Rajapaksa stated that he is of Rs. 155.2 million during The group recorded total December 2019. private sector, for the first time in Sri country, according to the company. happy to see such innovative measures the quarter that ended on 31 revenue of Rs. 510 million The outbreak of the Covid-19 Lanka. The launch of mPower was held to The store was ceremoniously opened being initiated, that will truly boost not December 2020, compared to during the financial year pandemic on global and domestic coincide with Independence Day. mPower by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa along only business, but also offer safety, the loss incurred of Rs. 123.15 2019/2020 compared to Rs. tourism negatively impacted the builds on the country’s vision to improve with the presence of State Minister efficiency, and convenience for the million last year. 850 million achieved during revenues in the final quarter of digital readiness and efficiency of all Sri of State Ministry of Vehicle Regulation, people. He commended OREL in The group has recorded a gross the previous period. 63 rooms the financial year as well. Hotel Lankans. Bus Transport Services and Train bringing the next evolution in retail profit of Rs. 75.84 million during of Jetwing Lighthouse were J - Unawatuna operated for Commenting on how the mPower Compartments and Motor Car Industry to the country. the quarter ended on 31 December closed for refurbishment from the full financial year, which offer will add a whole new dimension to Dilum Amunugama, and Minister of OREL Corporation General Manager 2020, compared to a gross profit 1 May 2019 to 31 July 2019. contributed revenue amounting addressing the communication needs of Transport Gamini Lokuge, along with Chaminda De Silva said: “The future of Rs. 253.83 million in the same Hotel commenced commercial to Rs. 38 million to the group. private sector customers, SLT-Mobitel OREL Managing Director Kushan of retail is here and now, and this period the previous year, which operations on 1st August 2019 The occupancy of the group Chief Marketing Officer Shashika Senarath Kodituwakku. smart-store will completely change is a decline of 70%. after the refurbishment. stood at 40% for the financial said: “In the increasingly changing digital The OrelBuy unmanned store is what it means for customers to take The Covid -19 pandemic took Further, the Easter Sunday year 2019/2020. world, smartphones are an extension of contactless and can be accessed simply a trip to the store. Our aim is to offer ourselves, and the launch of mPower will by downloading and scanning a QR customers convenience, and to support ensure private sector employees to access code. Payment is convenient and fully and reach out to people with busy quality devices at an affordable price point. digital with the Award-Winning OrelPay lifestyles who want to buy items fast As a customer-centric organisation, Mobitel App. The OrelBuy unmanned store and avoid queueing inside.It also offers is keen to ensure everyone is able to access runs on the use of electronics, software safety in pandemic times such as what information and increase productivity on and sensors that enables their goods we are faced with today. For the store the go, which is a task mPower will make to connect and exchange data through owners these stores will mean lower easy and affordable.” an online payment system. With no labour costs, powerful data collection As part of the launch, SLT-Mobitel is cash register, no waiting, and no staff, capabilities and greater operational offering the mPower package along with unmanned stores of this nature will efficiency.” a 29% saving when purchasing a Samsung become increasingly important in the Determined to bring a new light to Galaxy M01s smartphone. The device will current pandemic era and could be the the digital era, while giving the public be available at Rs. 18,900, as opposed to solution for 24/7 supply in the future. access to a 24/7 self-service shopping the original selling price of Rs. 27,999. The store is equipped with OREL experience in a safe environment, the The package also comes equipped with Pay to facilitate cashless transactions. OREL Corporation which has been 500 minutes for any network and 1GB data Customers can enter the shop with constantly researching to give birth at a joining fee of Rs. 1,000 and a monthly the OREL Pay app installed into their to innovative solutions that will uplift subscription of Rs. 350, with the option smartphones with a unique QR code the lifestyle of its customers, once to easily add more GB as needed. As a given to users at the entrance. Once gain sets a benchmark and marks a customer-centric brand that consistently the customer scans the QR code, the new milestone in being the first in strives to upgrade its products and entrance door will be automatically the country to take a proactive step to services to facilitate both, state and private opened, which in turn opens into a combine the best of brick and mortar sectors, SLT-Mobitel said it continues to glass cubicle which has RFID (Radio with smart technologies, and to creating exemplify itself as a pioneer in Sri Lanka’s Frequency Identification) portals to a dynamic new world of retailing. telecommunications landscape by striving scan on items. Once inside, customers OREL has plans in the future to extend to introduce innovative connectivity have the freedom to shop and pick such stores regionally, close to homes, The Lighthouse Hotel solutions. up their items as usual, where a LED workplaces and public places. 48 business „„ www.themorning.lk { ECONOMY/RENEWABLE ENERGY } Tuesday, February 9, 2021 Asia beckons PATHFINDER ECONOMIC ALERT BY BENJAMIN HUNG Every day, we are bombarded with headlines Sri Lanka has to set and news flashes. Reading these pings, we could all be forgiven for asking “will this year be any different from the last”. Infection rates are urgent glide path to IMF hitting record highs, with travel restrictions being The Sri Lankan authorities have been able to achieve stable to boost the external reserve position. investor. However, in the medium term, further tightened and jobless macroeconomic indicators despite the severe economic dislocation caused Furthermore, the rating downgrades have FDI can increase the capacity to service rates facing a lagged hit. The by the pandemic. Inflation has remained well within the 4-6% target meant that Sri Lanka is no longer able to debt by contributing to an increase in the geopolitical landscape appears range; and the improvement of the trade deficit has had a positive impact access international capital markets at production of tradeables, which would as febrile as ever. on the current account of the Balance of Payments. In addition, interest affordable rates (currently 15%) thereby earn or save foreign exchange. Amid the lacklustre news rates are at historically low levels and there has been some stability in curtailing a potential source of financing. For IMF support to be secured, there has flow, it is easy to overlook the the exchange rate. As in most other countries, growth has been negative, Specific sources, which have been to be a clear medium-term plan to achieve profound shifts that are rapidly Standard Chartered, Asia CEO due to both demand and supply shocks in the domestic economy and the announced by the authorities to fill debt sustainability. The fund’s articles do taking shape. Here in Asia, Benjamin Hung decline of external demand due to the slowdown of the global economy. the external financing gap, include the not permit it to lend to countries where it there are increasing reasons Sri Lanka’s performance has been better than a number of other countries following: cannot certify that the debt is sustainable. for optimism. Already home to shopping food are shifting in the region. At present, the IMF could find it difficult to over half of the world’s online. Asia has already However, the model that has underpinned Term loan from the China to certify that this is so. All options would population and a rising surpassed North America and the significant degree of stability in Development Bank: $ 700 need to be considered including fiscal middle class, Covid-19 and western Europe in terms of the macroeconomic indicators to date, is million adjustment, as well as a market-friendly geopolitics have accelerated share of e-commerce retail now coming under considerable pressure. SWAP facility from the People’s Bank of reprofiling of Sri Lanka’s external debt seismic shifts in the region’s sales, with the fastest growth The extremely low interest rates have China: Yuan 10 billion; equivalent to $ 1.5 through an extension of maturities and business landscape, much coming from India, China, been maintained through administrative billion (this facility could have conditions some relief on coupon payments. This of which are structural and and Indonesia. Governments action (financial repression). The under- that will constrain its capacity to bolster would serve to create some space both in enduring. Globalisation is are also accelerating subscription in bill and bond auctions are usable reserves) the Government Budget and the Balance of giving way to regionalisation. digital interconnections. signs that this policy is coming under stress SWAP facility from the RBI: $ 1 billion Payments for growth-oriented stabilisation. Fundamental changes are China’s digital currency, in a context where credit to government This is intended to be a short-term (this facility is tied to port development The rating downgrades have happening in supply chain Singapore’s Networked remains high while private sector credit is facility and cannot be extended further and removal of some import restrictions meant that Sri Lanka is no longer approaches, trade pacts, digital Trade Platform, and Hong picking up. At the same time, the currency without staff-level agreement on an complicating the completion of able to access international and consumption patterns, and Kong’s eTradeConnect serve has also come under pressure. The LKR IMF (International Monetary Fund) negotiations) capital markets at affordable financial innovation. to bring greater connectivity (Lankan rupee) has been propped up arrangement. In normal circumstances, The delay in the completion of these rates (currently 15%) thereby Although Covid-19 set to facilitate trade and payment by restrictions on imports and capital the expectation is that SLBDs would be transactions seems to indicate that curtailing a potential source of back progress, we have seen flows. outflows. Recently, a ban has also been rolled over. However, only 25% of the there are challenges in each of these financing the region’s policymakers Act now, act decisively imposed on forward transactions in the maturities of $ 200 million was rolled over negotiations. Even if all three of these act decisively to mitigate its A year from now, the world forex market. Despite (or because of) this, at the last auction. This reflects the severe facilities materialise, it is extremely It is noteworthy that the IMF is currently impact, protecting economies could look vastly different there continues to be stress in the forex scarcity of forex in the market. There is unlikely that it would be possible to get advocating and supporting a growth- from their worst ravages. As from what it is today, just market as imports rise with the bounce uncertainty, therefore, regarding how sustained bilateral support of this nature oriented approach to stabilisation with it stands, Asia is rebounding like how it did from the last back of the economy from its contraction in much of the maturing SLDBs of $ 980 in the magnitudes required to meet the a backloading of adjustment. It must faster than the rest of the 12 months. At the heart of 2020. In addition, the prices of oil and other million can be rolled over during the next country’s debt obligations of $ 23 billion be pointed out, however, that Sri Lanka world. Research estimates a resurgent, Asia will be key commodity imports have been rising six months. Any shortfall will deplete the over 2021-2025. Hence, one needs another does not have a painless glide path to Asia’s growth of 7.5% in fast changing digitalisation in global markets, increasing the demand external reserves. The shortage of foreign approach that unlocks a wider base for stabilise the economy. Kicking the can 2021, with China and India dynamics against a rapidly for dollars in the local forex market at a exchange is also likely to adversely affect sourcing external financing. down the road would only serve to increase leading at 8% and 10%, evolving context. time when supply remains constrained, due the rollover of short term SWAPs with The second option is to seek the support the severity of the austerity when it is respectively, spearheading For the bold and decisive, to a shortage of foreign earnings/inflows, FCBUs (foreign currency banking units) of the IMF. This will also serve to leverage inevitably imposed. the global economic revival. it is this backdrop in Asia borrowed or non-borrowed. which will be maturing over the next six a number of other sources of external It is crucial that there is early and With certainty of supply that provides a unique, The import and capital restrictions months. financing. Over 70 countries have been decisive action, as a very disruptive hard now valued as highly broad, and exciting canvas, currently in place have a negative impact In the present global and assisted by the IMF through the emergency default, involving hair-cuts for creditors, as costs and speed- albeit a fragmented one. No on growth, employment, and incomes at a domestic climate, it is unrealistic facilities established by the fund to provide could well be looming on the horizon. to-market, supply single business player has time when priority needs to be attached to to expect that FDI (foreign direct countries with fast-disbursing financing to There are signs that Sri Lanka is facing chain participants dominated any sector in Asia bouncing back from the economic scarring investment) will play a major role address the impact of the pandemic. Sri solvency rather than liquidity challenges. have rebalanced their as Google, Amazon, or Apple inflicted by the pandemic. in filling the external financing Lanka would be eligible for up to $ 830 As experienced in other countries, such priorities, focusing on have in the US and around The most imminent threat to gap, particularly in the short term million, based on need, from the Rapid a default usually means soaring interest a “just-in-case” model the world. Take messaging macroeconomic stability, which can Financing Instrument. An arrangement with rates, a collapse of the currency, and severe with greater emphasis apps: LINE dominates in affect the whole economy, comes from The upshot of all this is that there is a the IMF can also trigger direct budgetary belt-tightening, which tends to impact the on self-sufficiency and Taiwan and Japan, whereas the Balance of Payments – the external strong possibility that reserves will fall to support from the ADB (Asian Development poor and vulnerable disproportionately business continuity Telegram, WeChat, Signal, payments in particular. Sri Lanka’s external extremely dangerous levels within the next Bank) ($ 500 million) and the World Bank with unpredictable social and political and WhatsApp are popular in debt dynamics are extremely challenging six months (by July 2021). Unless there (about $ 300 million). It can also pave the ramifications. Slingshotting the comeback other parts of Asia. Likewise over the next six months and urgent action are significant inflows in the meantime, way for a rating upgrade and eventually The longer term solution for achieving will be the Regional for e-commerce platforms, is needed to address them and mitigate there will have to be severe compression regaining access to international capital sustainable debt dynamics involves Comprehensive Economic ride-hailing apps, and payment collateral damage which can have wide- of domestic absorption (consumption and markets. running a primary surplus in the budget Partnership (RCEP). The wallets. ranging social and political ramifications. investment), i.e., very painful austerity. Anchoring policies to an IMF and promoting an accelerated growth RCEP is expected to boost Recognising that this gap Gross foreign external reserves amounted Instead of a recovery, the economy could arrangement would also provide foreign trajectory. intra-Asian trade, which exists is key – it’s indicative to $ 5.7 billion (including $ 400 million well experience further contraction. It investors with greater confidence to This involves not only stabilisation of already accounts for half of of the potential opportunities in gold) as at 31 December 2020. Total becomes important, therefore, to examine invest in the country. However, in the macro fundamentals but also structural Asia’s trade volume. With that are available. Businesses debt-related payments during the next six the likelihood of inflows which would serve present global and domestic climate, it is reforms to increase productivity/ a harmonisation in trade that act upon what Asia has to months (February-July 2021) comprise to offset the heavy debt-servicing burden unrealistic to expect that FDI (foreign direct competitiveness of the economy. Increasing standards, RCEP’s added offer today will be well placed an ISB (International Sovereign Bond) over the next six months. Sri Lanka’s investment) will play a major role in filling investment, including FDI, and boosting connectivity will bolster a to emerge as tomorrow’s maturity of $ 1 billion; SLDB (Sri Lanka development partners (multi-lateral and the external financing gap, particularly the production of tradables, particularly rapidly rising north-south leaders. And that reinforces Development Bonds) maturities of $ 980 bilateral) are expected to disburse $ 1.7 in the short term. It is also noteworthy exports, need to be an integral part of corridor. Supply chain shifts another element: Time is of the million; and interest payments of $ 482 billion during the course of the whole of that it is difficult to utilise FDI to give this narrative. The Pathfinder Foundation precipitated by US-China essence, and the first-mover million. In addition, the Reserve Bank 2021. Some of this would be flowing in a direct boost to gross official external set out a roadmap to achieve this in its tensions on top of the advantage is real. of India (RBI) SARC SWAP of $ 400 over the next six months. However, because reserves, as much of it would flow out report, “Pathfinder Beyond the Box: A already revved up engine of Prospective players, then, million would need to be repaid this month this is project and programme lending, it of the country in the form of imports and New Economic Vision for Post-Covid-19 Asia’s emerging consumer need to approach this market (February 2021). would not be possible to utilise this funding other payments incurred by the foreign Sri Lanka” in May 2020. base will bring about a with an aggressive, dominant- structural rebalancing of player and a fail-fast-learn- global trade corridors. The fast mentality. Companies East will increasingly be that look to revamp their Coca-Cola launches rooftop solar project producing for the East. And strategies now while factoring other advances – including in the profound structural Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka Ltd. enhanced connectivity within shifts underway will make a (CCBSL) installed one of the largest the Greater Bay Area and meaningful impact. single-location rooftop solar projects in across ASEAN – will add A year from now, the Sri Lanka at its facility in Biyagama, as whirls of vitality. world could look vastly part of the company’s pledge towards Asia’s re-engineering different from what it sourcing renewable energy, and combatting After all, Asia is in a is today, just like how climate change through the reduction of different place to where it it did from the last 12 its carbon footprint by approximately 1.94 was even a year ago. Covid- months. At the heart Mt per annum. 19 has wrought structural of a resurgent, Asia The solar project showcases a significant changes, but it is these exact will be fast changing investment of over Rs. 200 million and shifts that are presenting digitalisation dynamics comprises the installation of over 5,000 underrated opportunities against a rapidly solar panels covering as much as 80% for businesses. Through a evolving context of the roof at its bottling premises. This wider lens, I see in Asia new capacity enhancement enables CCBSL supply chain dynamics and Success in Asia is unlikely to generate 2,733 MWh/yr of renewable digital innovation creating to be straightforward. energy to contribute to the national grid jobs, transforming skills Much will also depend on and is expected to produce 1.9 Mw of requirements, and remaking extraneous factors, including electricity. economies. regional stability, US-China CCBSL Managing Director Mayank Experiencing last year’s relations, the speed by Arora said: “Our commitment to growing fragility of the which the pandemic can sustainable manufacturing has inspired international supply chain, be controlled, and how our foray into generating renewable energy those businesses quick to governments implement through rooftop solar panels, which will adapt have re-engineered their their public policies. Asia not only assist us in achieving carbon approach to sustain growth. also faces substantial risks neutrality status in due course, but also With certainty of supply now in climate change, where contribute renewable electricity to the One of the largest single-location rooftop solar projects in Sri Lanka at the Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka Ltd. plant in Biyagama valued as highly as costs and public and private sectors’ national grid. Energy security is a critical speed-to-market, supply chain ability to heed sustainability requirement for the country’s sustainable Solar, and in partnership with the Ceylon Globally, more and more energy in Sri Lanka contributes to this participants have rebalanced considerations to generate future and we are proud to play a proactive Electricity Board (CEB). CCBSL’s environmentally conscious corporates global target and brings the benefits of their priorities, focusing on long-term economic growth role in helping Sri Lanka achieve this. pioneering solar rooftop project is a are adopting the responsibility of shifting the project on its operations, to the local a “just-in-case” model with will be critical. Coca-Cola Beverages is pioneering a host part of the Soorya Bala Sangramaya to cleaner energy, which is mirrored in communities and to the country in the greater emphasis on self- Caveats aside, Asia is the of social and environmental stewardship (Battle for Solar Energy) project scheme Coca-Cola’s ambitious Climate Action long run. sufficiency and business beating heart of the world and projects in local communities such as water under CEB and the Sustainable Energy programme, with a target to reduce total Coca-Cola has been in Sri Lankan for continuity. I have no doubt that it will stewardship, women’s empowerment, and Authority, to mainstream renewable greenhouse gas emissions across its full over 59 years. Following the introduction The pandemic has also pump vibrancy back into the PET plastic recycling. This solar rooftop energy development, enhance power global value chain by 25% by 2030 from of the trademark Coca-Cola, the company brought digitalisation to the global economy. My message, project is yet another instance of our generation capacity, and improve the a 2015 base year, which is the share of now has a wide range of brands in its fore, compelling traditional then, is simple: Watch this long-term commitment to sustainability environmental conditions in the country. carbon Coca-Cola needs to reduce as a portfolio including Coke Light, Coke Zero, and new players alike to adopt space, but don’t wait too long in Sri Lanka.” It is also aligned to the national vision of company to help keep global warming Sprite, Sprite Zero, Fanta Orange, Fanta technology to ensure resilience to act. The installation process took five using 100% renewable energy by the year safely below the two-degree threshold Cream Soda, Fanta Pineapple, Portello, and sustainability. Everything (The writer is the CEO of months and was executed by reputed 2050 and Sustainable Development Goal aligned with Paris Agreement targets. Lion Soda, Lion Ginger Beer, and Kinley from education and healthcare Standard Chartered, Asia) project partner and vendor, Hayleys 13: Climate Action. CCBSL’s significant investment in solar water. business 49 Tuesday, February 9, 2021 { CORPORATE } „„ www.themorning.lk Royal Fernwood Unilever Sri Lanka launches manufactures heat floor cleaners with Vim insulator for Rakon Unilever Sri Lanka recently announced its entry into the floor Category Lead of Nutrition, Home, cleaners and surface spray category under its trusted household and Hygiene Milinda Weerasinghe cleaning brand Vim. said: “Our continuous consumer Offering protection from illness- Bandara said: “Vim is a cherished relevance stems not only from causing germs, the Vim floor cleaner brand that has been trusted by offering innovative products in The heat insulator and surface spray range utilises the households for generations. Vim’s line with their innate needs, but “germ magnet technology” to kill entry into the floor cleaners and also through our ability to provide Royal Fernwood Porcelain Ltd., a large- 99.9% of germs, while removing dirt surface spray category enhances our international-quality products at scale manufacturer of high-quality white and stains across multiple surfaces ability to offer holistic cleanliness affordable price points. We are and decorated porcelain tableware, recently including ceramic, metal, glass, and safety products for domestic honoured, therefore, to introduce the manufactured the heater insulator for Rakon granite, and cement. An eco-friendly use. As a result, we are excited Vim floor cleaner and surface spray Ltd., New Zealand, a global high-technology formulation with a neutral pH value, to deliver further on the promise range with germ magnet technology organisation. the range is 100% biodegradable of health and wellbeing to our which kills 99.9% of germs, thereby The heater insulator, which was manufactured and is complemented with 100% consumers, especially during a time delivering on our promise of a safe by Royal Fernwood to precision, is said to recyclable packaging that is tamper- of heightened concern over hygiene.” household void of germs.” be used in the temperature chamber which is evident through a special induction Supply Chain Director Gerard The range is offered through capable of handling varying temperatures from seal. Its childproof cap enhances Irudayaraj said: “The launch of Vim multiple pack options ranging from -60°C (minus 60 degrees Celsius) to 120°C domestic safety. in the floor cleaners and surface spray The new Vim floor cleaner and surface spray range 200 ml to 500 ml bottles, priced at (120 degrees Celsius), and heating is done with Unilever Sri Lanka Marketing category has generated employment Rs.105 and Rs.190, respectively, three-phase electricity. The heater insulator is Director of Home Care, Food, opportunities, both directly and to share global knowledge on new our partners, thus enriching their while the Vim surface spray is offered used for holding heater coils in place and can Refreshment, and Water Sharmila indirectly, while also enabling us technologies and processes with capability.” as a 475 ml bottle priced at Rs. 330. thus withstand high-heat applications. With the launch of this heater insulator, Royal Fernwood Porcelain Ltd. transforms its ComBank honoured product offering from being a mere tableware Prof. Lalith Gamage company, to a porcelain base manufacturer. “As an entity that is constantly looking for for women fresh opportunities and innovative methods to launch new products, it is with great empowerment ‘Most Outstanding ICT pleasure that we launch this product into the market,” stated Royal Fernwood Porcelain The Commercial Bank of Ceylon Ltd. Director/Chief Executive Officer Yoshan PLC has been recognised for its Contributor of the Year’ Fernando. “Royal Fernwood Porcelain has commitment to empower women at Information and Communication is a reminder that I cannot sit on my always been an organisation that has earned the “Top 50 Professional and Career Technology Agency of Sri Lanka laurels,” Prof. Gamage said on the respect and credibility amongst customers Women Awards” held recently in (ICTA) Chairman and Sri Lanka sidelines of the ceremony. for being flexible, agile, launch new products Colombo. Institute of Information and Prof. Gamage is an industry leader within short lead times, and simply achieving The bank was presented the award Technology (SLIIT) Founder Chief in computer science, having played milestones that have never been achieved for the “Best CSR (corporate social Executive Officer (CEO) Prof. a pivotal role in the development before. The manufacturing and launching of responsibility) project on women Lalith Gamage received the “Most of IT education and research in the the heat insulator was a great challenge which empowerment by an organisation” Outstanding ICT Contributor of country. He also chairs the first Sri was translated into an opportunity, and was at the 10th edition of the “Top 50 Commercial Bank Senior Deputy the Year Award” at the recently Lanka technology incubator set up achieved successfully. Professional and Career Women General Manager – Personal Banking concluded NBQSA – National ICT to support local start-ups. “Royal Fernwood will continue its quest Awards, Sri Lanka and Maldives” Sandra Walgama accepting the Awards. The awards, organised by Prof. Gamage holds a Bachelor for innovation, expanding boundaries and – an event organised by Women award from Minister of Power the Sri Lanka Section of BCS, the of Engineering from the University creating products that have never been tried Dullas Alahapperuma at the Top in Management (WIM), a leading 50 Professional and Career Women Chartered Institute for IT, was held of Moratuwa, where he went on to before. With the launch of the heat insulator, organisation in Sri Lanka dedicated to at the BMICH on 3 February. become a lecturer and director. He has we have elevated the brand to the next tier, Awards ceremony Prof. Lalith Gamage receiving the the success of women; together with The award recognises Prof. award from Minister of Sports and a Master’s in Information Technology one which is beyond mere porcelain tableware International Finance Corporation business” in 2019 in partnership with Gamage’s outstanding contribution Youth Affairs Namal Rajapaksa from De Montfort University, but are relevant to customers and businesses,” (IFC), a member of the World Bank the Women’s Chamber of Industry in the IT sphere of Sri Lanka and his Leicester, UK, and a PhD specialising Fernando concluded. Group; and the Government of and Commerce (WCIC) exclusively invaluable efforts to develop the IT “I believe information technology in Artificial Intelligence from the Rakon is a global high-technology company Australia via Australia Aid. for women entrepreneurs engaged industry. He has served the Sri Lankan is the future of any nation, and it is University of British Columbia, where and a world leader in its field. The company This is the first time that in small and medium enterprises Government at various levels over encouraging to see the strides we he served as a Postdoctoral Fellow. designs and manufactures advanced frequency Commercial Bank has been chosen (SMEs). The bank also conducted the years, and some positions he held are making in this industry and I am An Affiliate Professor at the control and timing solutions. Its three core for this particular award. The a webinar in 2020 in collaboration included Chairman of the ICT Cluster happy to play a dual role in taking it University of British Columbia, markets are telecommunications, global award was in respect of the bank’s with the same organisation to help of the USAID (United States Agency forward. As Chairman of ICTA, I get and an Adjunct Professor at Curtin positioning and space, and defence. Rakon continuous efforts to empower female entrepreneurs adapt to the for International Development)- to spearhead the Government’s digital University, Australia, Prof. Gamage has three manufacturing plants, and has six women entrepreneurs by going requisites of the “new normal” amidst sponsored Competitiveness governance initiative, working with is a prominent figure in Sri Lanka’s research and development centres. Customer beyond its regular business operations the Covid-19 pandemic. Initiative, Executive Director of the an experienced committee tasked education sector. SLIIT has gone support personnel are located in 16 offices to improve their knowledge and Launched in March 2011 by Export Development Board’s Trade with seeing it through. On the other from strength to strength under his worldwide. Rakon is proud of its New Zealand enhance their financial literacy WIM, the “Top 50 Professional and Information Network, and Chairman hand, as CEO of SLIIT, I play a role leadership and is today recognised heritage; it was founded in Auckland in 1967. It through a series of workshops Career Women Awards” celebrates of the IT Task Force formed by the in shaping young minds and making as the largest non-state not-for- is a public company listed on the New Zealand exclusively for women. Notably, the achievements of remarkable Ministry of Enterprise Development, them future ready to work and live profit higher education institute in stock exchange, NZX, ticker code RAK. the bank funded and conducted women who inspire those around Industrial Policy, and Investment in a digitised world. There is a lot the country with affiliations to some “We were trying to source a supplier two entrepreneur education them – either through the media, or Promotion. more to accomplish, and this award of the top universities in the world. for the heater insulator after our existing programmes in Polonnaruwa in 2020 through achievements in their careers, partner discontinued the product lines,” in collaboration with WIM. Each of businesses, and everyday lives. The stated Rakon Ltd., New Zealand Equipment these events saw the participation annual event is an uplifting awards Dialog Business Services Development Group Project Engineer Sarath of over 100 female entrepreneurs. ceremony where the individual Dhamgagolla. “We are indeed grateful to Royal Commercial Bank has also taken a and corporate achievements of Fernwood Porcelain Ltd. for accepting the strategic initiative by partnering with trailblazing women leaders in Sri certified as a ‘Great Workplace’ challenge, transforming it into an opportunity, IFC to carry out a “Gender Advisory Lanka are celebrated. manufacturing this essential component at the Project” to further improve its focus The first Sri Lankan bank to Dialog Business and collaboration, and highest quality, and delivering same within on the needs of female customers. be listed among the “Top 1,000 Services (DBS), a fully encourage our team to the given deadlines. We will no doubt use its This is positioned as a 360-degree Banks of the World” and the only owned subsidiary of Dialog be change-makers with expertise for future product developments with approach to focus on both financial Sri Lankan bank to be so listed for Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s emphasis on respect for all, similar aspects and look forward to a continuous and non-financial aspects, including 10 years consecutively, Commercial premier connectivity whilst being grounded on working partnership,” Dhamgagolla concluded. training to further improve the quality Bank, which won more than 25 provider, recently became our core value of ‘Service An Ambeon company and subsidiary of of the interaction between bank international and local awards in the first captive customer from the Heart’.” Dankotuwa Porcelain PLC, Royal Fernwood staff and this customer segment. 2020, operates a network of 268 interaction centre within Great Place to Porcelain Ltd. was incorporated in 1994 and The bank is committed to women branches and 885 ATMs in Sri Lanka. the BPM (business process From left: Great Place to Work Senior Project Manager – Work® is a global commenced commercial production in 1997, empowerment at the workplace Commercial Bank’s overseas management) industry to Assessment Business Ruwani Alwishewa, Dialog Business authority in workplace exactly 20 years post the company’s first with six women in its corporate operations encompass Bangladesh, be certified as a “Great Services Senior Manager of Human Resources Tharanga culture assessment successful export to the UK. Currently, the management team and many more where the bank operates 19 Workplace” whilst also Elvitigala, Dialog Axiata PLC Group Chief Customer Officer and recognition. The company manufactures products for most of the holding senior and key positions in outlets; Myanmar, where it has a being recognised as one and Dialog Business Services Director Sandra De Zoysa, company’s framework prestigious ceramic dinnerware manufacturers and Dialog Axiata PLC Group Service Delivery Senior the bank. microfinance company in Nay Pyi of the “10 Best Workplaces General Manager and Dialog Business Services Head Mayuri is considered the “gold in Europe, Japan, Australia, Scandinavia, the Additionally, the bank hosted Taw; and the Maldives, where the for Women in Sri Lanka – Fernando standard” in workplaces US, and over 50 countries worldwide. Some its first “WomEntrepreneur” event bank has a fully fledged Tier I bank 2020” by Great Place to culture and is endorsed by of the company’s prestigious international titled “Vision towards sustainable with a majority stake. Work® – Sri Lanka. the people-centric culture continued commitment over 10,000 organisations customer base includes brand names such On achieving this and service ethos Dialog to serving our customers. in more than 58 countries. as Debenhams, Portmerion, Oneida, House milestone, Dialog aims to foster.” She further Earning the certification of These organisations trust of Fraser, John Lewis, Jashanmal, Jumbo LeoSys Corporation joins Axiata PLC Group added: “We celebrate an a “Great Workplace” and the Great Place to Work® Retail, Joules, Crate and Barrel, Country Road, Chief Customer Officer employee’s individuality, being recognised as one of Model© to enable them to Laduree, Tchibo, Notneutral, XXX Lutz, Lenox, Fujitsu Technology Solutions and Dialog Business and we are committed to the “10 Best Workplaces build and sustain a High- Porsgrund, Fischer, Ritzenhoff, Migross, Ripley, Services Director Sandra ensuring that everyone for Women in Sri Lanka – Trust, Hight-Performance Thun, Narumi, El Corte Ingles, Berghoff, The well-known Japanese tech- Technology Solutions and is now De Zoysa stated: “In who chooses to work 2020” is a testament to our Culture™ by focusing on Yalco, Weissesstal, and Galerfia Kaufhof. giant Fujitsu, one of Fortune’s a “Certified Service Partner’’ of the service industry we with us can reach their full commitment in creating the workplace experience Royal Fernwood Porcelain, reputed for their “World’s Most Admired Companies” Fujitsu Technology Solutions. operate, our people are potential whilst making a and nurturing a culture of every employee. This coloured and youthful designs, enjoys the and recognised as one of world’s LeoSys is authorised to provide the greatest asset, and we valuable contribution to that puts its members first. work drives their mission: heightened value addition through a wide range leading socially responsible services for deskbound, notebooks, are extremely honoured the company. Therefore, We also aim to advance To build a better world by of extremely popular designs and decorations companies by Dow Jones, has now mobiles, servers, storage, enterprise, and humbled to receive I take this opportunity diversity and inclusion, helping every organisation that include in-glaze, on-glaze, under-glaze, expanded its service presence in Sri and display solution categories by this accreditation and to congratulate DBS and build greater transparency become a “Great Place to hand-painted, etching, and microwave-safe Lanka. Fujitsu holds the no. 1 position Fujitsu Technology Solutions. recognition, as it reflects thank the team for their through communication Work for All”. designs including gold and platinum. as an IT service provider in Japan and LeoSys Managing Director (MD)/ no. 7 worldwide. Fujitsu is always Chief Executive Officer (CEO) passionate about using technology to Manoj R. Athukorala said that this McLarens Group among Best Workplaces 2020 create a more inclusive, sustainable, is a great milestone for the company and trusted future. and assured the best of services to McLarens Group, one of Sri Lanka’s Group Joint Managing Director success. It is essential that our employees country’s largest conglomerates with With Fujitsu’s fast growth in Fujitsu customers, as LeoSys is largest diversified conglomerates, was Shehara Jayawardana, who was also feel encouraged and inspired on a daily diversified business interests. With Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, they committed to providing the best recently recognised among the country’s awarded “Best Corporate Leader of the basis.” maritime and logistics being at the heart have joined hands with LeoSys of quality service to the customers Best Workplaces for 2020 by Great Year” at the “Top 50 Professional and “Best Workplaces” in Sri Lanka are of its operations, the group has established Corporation (Pvt.) Ltd. to expand by virtue of its fleet of technically Place to Work – Sri Lanka for the fifth Career Women Awards” last month, awarded based on stringent analysis of the a dominant presence in petroleum and their service partner presence within qualified engineers. This would be consecutive year, and went on to being said: “We are immensely proud of Great Place to Work’s Trust Index survey energy, manufacturing and distribution, Sri Lanka. Being a pioneer in the ICT good news to all Fujitsu customers inducted into its prestigious Hall of Fame. our employees for their loyalty, and Culture Audit questionnaire. Great property and strategic investment, and (information and communications in Sri Lanka, he said. Being featured in the list for five determination, and perseverance. It is Place to Work – Sri Lanka has helped leisure. McLarens Group was ranked technology) services and solutions With the new service partnership consecutive years since 2016, McLarens their unique contribution that makes us many organisations build a high-trust 11th amongst LMD’s 50 Most Awarded sector, LeoSys met the stringent established with Fujitsu, LeoSys Group continues to champion its who we are. We as leaders understand workplace culture since its inception in Companies of 2019/2020 with its Group qualifying standards and qualified will further expand their service workplace culture across diversified that cultivating a great workplace culture 2013. Founded in 1944, the McLarens Chairman being featured in its A list of as service partner for Fujitsu and product portfolio in Sri Lanka. business sectors. is fundamental to the group’s growth and Group has today evolved into one of the “Captains of Business in 2020”. 104 business „„ www.themorning.lk { MARKET } Tuesday, February 9, 2021 Unit trust prices­ at 5 Feb. 2021 CSE Price List 8 Feb. 2021 Fund name Unit selling price...... Unit buying price SE­CUR­I­TY VOLUME V.W.A. OPEN HIGH LOW V.W.A. CHANGE SE­CUR­I­TY VOLUME V.W.A. OPEN HIGH LOW V.W.A. CHANGE ASTRUE Active Income Fund 100.6795...... 100.6795 PREVIOUS TODAY’S (RS.) PREVIOUS TODAY’S (RS.) Astrue Alpha Fund 17.6745...... 16.5815 A.SPEN.HOT.HOLD...... 37,203...... 33.6...... 33.8...... 35...... 33...... 33.8...... 0.2 SLT...... 6,834...... 37.8...... 38.4...... 38.7...... 37...... 37.6...... -0.2 ABANS...... 4,463...... 193...... 192.75...... 192.75...... 187...... 187...... -6 SUNSHINE HOLDING...... 191,941...... 96.6...... 96.6...... 96.6...... 90.1...... 91.3...... -5.3 Assetline Income Fund 16.8120...... 16.8120 ACCESS ENG SL...... 646,398...... 26.9...... 26.9...... 27.3...... 26...... 26.1...... -0.8 SWISSTEK...... 60,928...... 140.5...... 142...... 142...... 132...... 133...... -7.5 Assetline Income Plus Growth Fund 18.3274...... 17.8174 ACL...... 217,577...... 97.4...... 98...... 100...... 95.7...... 96.5...... -0.9 TALAWAKELLE...... 28,424...... 97.9...... 99.9...... 101...... 95.6...... 96.4...... -1.5 Senfin Growth Fund 9.9200...... 9.5900 ACL PLASTICS...... 8,569...... 317.75...... 310...... 310...... 305...... 305.5...... -12.25 TANGERINE...... 206...... 43...... 42...... 43...... 42...... 43...... 0 ACME...... 20,021...... 6.3...... 6.3...... 6.4...... 5.9...... 5.9...... -0.4 TEA SMALLHOLDER...... 1,500...... 41.9...... 41...... 41...... 41...... 41...... -0.9 Senfin Money Market Fund 15.0630...... 15.0630 AGALAWATTE...... 293...... 29.4...... 29.4...... 29.4...... 29.1...... 29.1...... -0.3 TEEJAY LANKA...... 603,998...... 41.2...... 41.3...... 41.3...... 40.6...... 40.9...... -0.3 Senfin Shariah Balanced Fund 12.6600...... 12.3300 AHOT PROPERTIES...... 52,431...... 41...... 41.5...... 42...... 39...... 39.1...... -1.9 THREE ACRE FARMS...... 169,884...... 247.5...... 248...... 259.75...... 245...... 252...... 4.5 Senfin Shariah Income Fund 12.4218...... 12.4218 AITKEN SPENCE...... 139,466...... 67...... 67...... 70...... 66.5...... 67.3...... 0.3 TOKYO CEMENT...... 273,442...... 77.1...... 77.3...... 78...... 75...... 75.3...... -1.8 Ceybank Century Growth 83.5200...... 79.8300 ALLIANCE...... 6,006...... 55...... 55...... 55.5...... 53...... 54.6...... -0.4 TOKYO CEMENT [TKYO.X0000]...... 688,691...... 70...... 71...... 71...... 68.7...... 69...... -1 AMANA BANK...... 168,558...... 3.6...... 3.6...... 3.7...... 3.5...... 3.5...... -0.1 UNION BANK...... 319,616...... 13.2...... 13.3...... 13.4...... 12.7...... 12.8...... -0.4 Ceybank Gilt Edge Fund (A Series) 14.4827...... 14.4827 AMAYA LEISURE...... 1,156...... 40...... 40...... 40.5...... 39.5...... 40.2...... 0.2 UNION CHEMICALS...... 32...... 850.25...... 892.5...... 892.5...... 848...... 850.25...... 0 Ceybank Gilt Edged Fund (B Series) 10.9947...... 10.9947 ASIA ASSET...... 11,718...... 7.3...... 7.4...... 7.4...... 7.2...... 7.2...... -0.1 UNISYST...... 19,829...... 17...... 17...... 17.3...... 16.7...... 16.9...... -0.1 Ceybank High Yield Fund 13.8126...... 13.8126 ASIRI...... 181,759...... 30...... 30.4...... 30.5...... 29.4...... 29.8...... -0.2 UNITED MOTORS...... 24,519...... 76.5...... 75.5...... 75.5...... 74.5...... 75...... -1.5 Ceybank Surakum Fund 12.3770...... 12.3770 ASIRI SURG...... 135,493...... 15.1...... 14.8...... 15.6...... 14.2...... 14.4...... -0.7 VALLIBEL...... 1,413,879...... 8...... 8.2...... 8.3...... 8.1...... 8.1...... 0.1 AUTODROME...... 482...... 79.9...... 78.5...... 79.9...... 78...... 78.8...... -1.1 VALLIBEL FINANCE...... 120,134...... 133.5...... 144...... 144...... 117.25...... 121.5...... -12 Ceybank Unit Trust 28.4300...... 26.6800 BAIRAHA FARMS...... 6,425...... 150...... 150...... 152...... 146.5...... 149.5...... -0.5 VIDULLANKA...... 246,913...... 5.6...... 5.6...... 5.7...... 5.5...... 5.5...... -0.1 Ceylon Dollar Bond Fund (in $) 0.7286...... 0.7250 BALANGODA...... 46,971...... 15.4...... 15.2...... 16.1...... 14.5...... 15...... -0.4 WATAWALA...... 26,211...... 62.9...... 63...... 63.9...... 61...... 61...... -1.9 Ceylon Financial Sector Fund 8.0800...... 7.7100 BUKIT DARAH...... 2,009...... 338.5...... 335...... 338.5...... 331...... 335...... -3.5 YORK ARCADE...... 115...... 188.5...... 190...... 190...... 184.5...... 189.75...... 1.25 Ceylon Income Fund 22.2083...... 22.2083 C M HOLDINGS...... 1,317...... 100.5...... 103...... 108...... 100.25...... 102.25...... 1.75 SECOND BOARD C T HOLDINGS...... 66,572...... 180...... 180...... 183.5...... 175...... 180...... 0 ABANS FINANCIAL...... 38,104...... 26.1...... 26...... 26...... 26...... 26...... -0.1 CEYLON Index Fund 59.0100...... 56.7000 CARGILLS...... 28,469...... 235.5...... 237...... 237...... 235...... 235...... -0.5 AMBEON CAPITAL...... 79,642...... 6.5...... 7...... 7...... 6.7...... 6.8...... 0.3 Ceylon IPO Fund 5.6300...... 5.5200 CARGO BOAT...... 42,573...... 70.4...... 73.9...... 75.9...... 72...... 74.8...... 4.4 ARPICO...... 1...... 196...... 196...... 196...... 196...... 196...... 0 Ceylon Money Market Fund 17.3253...... 17.3253 CARSONS...... 2,710...... 315...... 310...... 311...... 303...... 304...... -11 ASIA CAPITAL...... 7,914...... 6.3...... 6.5...... 6.7...... 6.3...... 6.3...... 0 CDB...... 632...... 122.25...... 114...... 114...... 113.25...... 113.75...... -8.5 BROWNS BEACH...... 1,733...... 13.4...... 13...... 13...... 12.8...... 13...... -0.4 Ceylon Tourism Fund 3.8300...... 3.6800 CDB [CDB.X0000]...... 8,372...... 83...... 85...... 85...... 80...... 80.4...... -2.6 COMM LEASE & FIN...... 79,012...... 7.3...... 7.3...... 7.3...... 6.8...... 6.8...... -0.5 Ceylon Treasury Income Fund 6.1600...... 6.1600 CENTRAL FINANCE...... 1,164,043...... 119.75...... 121...... 123.25...... 114.75...... 115.5...... -4.25 DIALOG FINANCE...... 10...... 52.3...... 54...... 54...... 54...... 52.3...... 0 Comtrust ADL Mudarabah Fund 11.6866...... 11.6866 CENTRAL IND...... 174,177...... 130...... 130.5...... 137.5...... 130.5...... 134.5...... 4.5 DISTILLERIES...... 80,549...... 20.9...... 21...... 21.5...... 20.5...... 20.5...... -0.4 Comtrust Equity Fund 20.7300...... 19.7900 CEYLINCO INS...... 80...... 2000...... 2,001.25...... 2,001.50...... 2,001.25...... 2,000.00...... 0 FIRST CAPITAL...... 12,402...... 59...... 59...... 59.8...... 57.5...... 58.6...... -0.4 CEYLINCO INS. [CINS.X0000]...... 612...... 1200...... 1,201.00...... 1,201.00...... 1,195.25...... 1,199.75...... -0.25 INDO MALAY...... 28...... 1123.2...... 1,120.00...... 1,319.00...... 1,110.00...... 1,123.20...... 0 Comtrust Gilt Edged Fund 10.4469...... 10.4469 CEYLON GUARDIAN...... 12,732...... 141...... 155...... 155...... 139...... 140.25...... -0.75 KOTMALE HOLDINGS...... 51...... 236...... 220.75...... 222...... 220.75...... 236...... 0 Comtrust Money Market Fund 11.8718...... 11.8718 CEYLON INV...... 44,319...... 81.4...... 81.5...... 82...... 74...... 75...... -6.4 LOLC DEV FINANCE...... 587...... 95.6...... 93.7...... 94.4...... 88...... 88.9...... -6.7 First Capital Equity Fund (FCEF) 1,492.5400...... 1,417.9100 CEYLON TOBACCO...... 1,359...... 1116.75...... 1,125.00...... 1,125.00...... 1,100.00...... 1,103.25...... -13.5 LOLC FINANCE...... 1,689,591...... 7.1...... 7.2...... 7.3...... 6.2...... 6.4...... -0.7 First Capital Fixed income Fund 1,857.3300...... 1,857.2800 CHEMANEX...... 9,184...... 92...... 91...... 92...... 88...... 89...... -3 MADULSIMA...... 13,012...... 9.7...... 9.3...... 9.7...... 9.2...... 9.3...... -0.4 CHEVRON...... 36,863...... 111.25...... 112...... 112...... 107.25...... 108...... -3.25 ODEL PLC...... 3,874...... 19.1...... 18.6...... 20...... 18.6...... 19.6...... 0.5 First Capital Gilt Edged Fund 1,494.8700...... 1,494.8700 CIC...... 438,623...... 63.1...... 63.1...... 64.2...... 61.5...... 61.9...... -1.2 PDL...... 703...... 124.5...... 121...... 121...... 120.75...... 120.75...... -3.75 First Capital Money Market Fund 1,911.4000...... 1,911.4000 CIC [CIC.X0000]...... 744,180...... 51...... 51...... 52...... 49.1...... 49.7...... -1.3 SELINSING...... 13...... 817.25...... 800...... 800...... 800...... 817.25...... 0 First Capital Wealth Fund 1,132.7500...... 1,132.7200 CITRUS LEISURE...... 10,750...... 10.2...... 10.2...... 10.2...... 10...... 10...... -0.2 SERENDIB LAND...... 101...... 2265.5...... 2,800.00...... 2,800.00...... 2,800.00...... 2,800.00...... 534.5 JB Vantage Money Market Fund 27.6444...... 27.6444 COLD STORES...... 2,671...... 695...... 696.25...... 700...... 696.25...... 699.75...... 4.75 SHALIMAR...... 1...... 1203.2...... 1,350.00...... 1,350.00...... 1,350.00...... 1,203.20...... 0 COLOMBO CITY...... 287...... 1000.25...... 1,050.00...... 1,050.00...... 980...... 1,000.00...... -0.25 SINGER SRI LANKA...... 21,517...... 64.6...... 66...... 67...... 62.2...... 62.8...... -1.8 JB Vantage Short Term Gilt Fund 14.9042...... 14.9042 COLOMBO LAND...... 20,024...... 27.5...... 28.5...... 29.9...... 27...... 27.2...... -0.3 DIRI SAVI BOARD JB Vantage Value Equity Fund 27.0600...... 25.4400 COMMERCIAL BANK...... 903,390...... 92.7...... 94.8...... 94.8...... 89.5...... 90...... -2.7 AGSTAR PLC...... 8,526...... 7.4...... 7.4...... 7.4...... 7.3...... 7.3...... -0.1 NAMAL Bank Fund 9.8122...... 9.4380 COMMERCIAL BANK [COMB.X0000]...... 35,335...... 81.7...... 82.5...... 82.5...... 81...... 81.5...... -0.2 ALUMEX PLC...... 634,611...... 24.9...... 25.1...... 26...... 24...... 24.2...... -0.7 NAMAL Growth Fund 152.0313...... 141.8912 CONVENIENCE FOOD...... 1,092...... 1547.25...... 1,680.00...... 1,680.00...... 1,500.00...... 1,502.25...... -45 AMANA TAKAFUL...... 6,162...... 9.7...... 9.4...... 9.4...... 9.1...... 9.1...... -0.6 DANKOTUWA PORCEL...... 1,927,706...... 13.8...... 14.2...... 15.9...... 14.2...... 14.6...... 0.8 AMBEON HOLDINGS...... 104,432...... 22.6...... 23...... 23.3...... 21.8...... 22...... -0.6 NAMAL High Yield Fund 24.7759...... 24.7759 DFCC BANK PLC...... 257,551...... 67.9...... 69.8...... 69.8...... 65...... 65.2...... -2.7 AMF CO LTD...... 359...... 301...... 310.25...... 310.25...... 300...... 300.25...... -0.75 NAMAL Income Fund 14.2820...... 14.2820 DIALOG...... 155,995...... 12.5...... 12.6...... 12.6...... 12.4...... 12.4...... -0.1 ARPICO INSURANCE...... 25...... 24.2...... 24.2...... 24.2...... 24.2...... 24.2...... 0 National Equity Fund 37.0304...... 34.6306 DIMO...... 2,698...... 600...... 600...... 615...... 590...... 609...... 9 ASIA SIYAKA...... 46,040...... 2.9...... 3...... 3...... 2.9...... 2.9...... 0 DIPPED PRODUCTS...... 566,831...... 706.75...... 720...... 760...... 720...... 733.75...... 27 BANSEI RESORTS...... 8,001...... 8.4...... 8.5...... 8.5...... 8.3...... 8.4...... 0 NDB Wealth Gilt Edged Fund 18.7213...... 18.7213 DOCKYARD...... 15,437...... 83...... 84.9...... 85...... 81.9...... 82...... -1 BERUWALA RESORTS...... 137,135...... 0.9...... 0.9...... 0.9...... 0.8...... 0.8...... -0.1 NDB Wealth Growth & Income Fund 48.7500...... 47.1600 DOLPHIN HOTELS...... 11,200...... 26...... 26.1...... 26.1...... 26...... 26...... 0 BOGALA GRAPHITE...... 54,244...... 24...... 24.90...... 25.40...... 24.70...... 25.30...... 1.3 NDB Wealth Growth Fund 11.3400...... 10.8600 DURDANS...... 1,700...... 105.5...... 101...... 102...... 101...... 101.25...... -4.25 BOGAWANTALAWA...... 2,170...... 13.3...... 13.4...... 13.4...... 12.8...... 12.9...... -0.4 NDB Wealth Income Fund 16.0434...... 16.0434 DURDANS [CHL.X0000]...... 2,534...... 95.1...... 100...... 100...... 100...... 100...... 4.9 BPPL HOLDINGS...... 102,703...... 15.3...... 15.9...... 15.9...... 14.7...... 14.8...... -0.5 EAST WEST...... 259,811...... 11.8...... 12.2...... 12.6...... 12...... 12...... 0.2 BROWNS...... 41,495...... 200.25...... 205...... 205...... 186...... 189.5...... -10.75 NDB Wealth Income Plus Fund 17.1029...... 17.1029 EASTERN MERCHANT...... 8,454...... 6.7...... 6.5...... 6.5...... 6.2...... 6.4...... -0.3 BROWNS INVSTMNTS...... 29,326,957...... 6.5...... 6.6...... 6.6...... 6.2...... 6.3...... -0.2 NDB Wealth Islamic Money Plus Fund 16.3278...... 16.3278 EXPOLANKA...... 8,117,910...... 54.3...... 55.1...... 56.4...... 52.2...... 53.5...... -0.8 T LAND...... 607...... 29.6...... 29.5...... 29.6...... 28.5...... 29.2...... -0.4 NDB Wealth Money Fund 20.6560...... 20.6560 FORT LAND...... 122,516...... 15.2...... 15.2...... 15.7...... 14.9...... 15...... -0.2 C.W.MACKIE...... 6,399...... 46...... 47...... 47...... 46...... 46...... 0 NDB Wealth Money Plus Fund 23.5921...... 23.5921 GESTETNER...... 233...... 101.5...... 112...... 112...... 110.75...... 111.25...... 9.75 CEYLON BEVERAGE...... 11...... 779.75...... 775...... 775...... 725.25...... 779.75...... 0 GRAIN ELEVATORS...... 939,102...... 146...... 148...... 165...... 148...... 159.25...... 13.25 CEYLON TEA BRKRS...... 191,315...... 3.6...... 3.6...... 3.7...... 3.5...... 3.6...... 0 Premier Growth Fund 7.0200...... 6.6800 HAYCARB...... 391,635...... 1268.75...... 1,310.00...... 1,700.00...... 1,310.00...... 1,590.25...... 321.5 CFI...... 25...... 100...... 105...... 105...... 105...... 100...... 0 Premier Money Market Fund 18.6759...... 18.6682 HAYLEYS...... 268,159...... 781.75...... 791...... 805...... 770...... 776...... -5.75 CITRUS HIKKADUWA...... 4,438...... 5.7...... 5.7...... 5.9...... 5.7...... 5.9...... 0.2 HAYLEYS FABRIC...... 774,319...... 37...... 37...... 38...... 35.5...... 35.9...... -1.1 CITRUS WASKADUWA...... 161,996...... 3.7...... 3.8...... 3.8...... 3.6...... 3.7...... 0 HAYLEYS FIBRE...... 11,024...... 213.25...... 219...... 220...... 200...... 204.75...... -8.5 COM.CREDIT...... 8,807...... 24.4...... 25...... 25...... 24...... 24.2...... -0.2 Ex­change Rates 8 Feb. 2021 HDFC...... 10,130...... 42...... 43...... 43...... 42.1...... 42.1...... 0.1 COMMERCIAL DEV...... 2,709...... 134...... 135...... 135...... 125...... 125...... -9 (1) The average rates of the following (2) The approximate exchange rates HEMAS HOLDINGS...... 2,858,667...... 92.3...... 92.50...... 93.00...... 90.00...... 91.00...... -1.3 DILMAH CEYLON...... 139...... 654...... 698...... 698...... 675.25...... 675.25...... 21.25 currencies quoted by commercial of GULF currencies based on previous HNB...... 1,014,773...... 148.25...... 150...... 150...... 144...... 145...... -3.25 E - CHANNELLING...... 90,984...... 6.7...... 6.9...... 7...... 6.8...... 6.8...... 0.1 banks in Colombo for Telegraphic Trans- day’s market weighted average rate for HNB ASSURANCE...... 18,242...... 60.3...... 60.00...... 60.80...... 59.00...... 59.60...... -0.7 EDEN HOTEL LANKA...... 111,495...... 12.3...... 12.9...... 12.9...... 11.8...... 11.9...... -0.4 fers (TT) at 9.30 a.m. are as follows. the US$ are as follows. HNB [HNB.X0000]...... 246,925...... 116.5...... 116.25...... 118.75...... 113...... 113...... -3.5 ELPITIYA...... 25,042...... 52...... 52.7...... 52.9...... 50.7...... 51.4...... -0.6 CURRENCY BUYING RATE...... SELLING RATE COUNTRY CURRENCY...... INDICATIVE RATE HORANA...... 16,921...... 23.3...... 23.2...... 23.8...... 23.2...... 23.5...... 0.2 FORTRESS RESORTS...... 7,460...... 10.9...... 11.4...... 11.5...... 11...... 11.1...... 0.2 Australian Dollar 146.5957 ...... 151.4259 Bahrain Bahrain Dinar ...... 513.8910 Canadian Dollar 149.0850 ...... 154.9650 Kuwait Kuwait Dinar ...... 639.8180 HOTEL SIGIRIYA...... 235...... 64.9...... 65.6...... 65.7...... 65.6...... 65.6...... 0.7 GALADARI...... 11,798...... 9.1...... 9.4...... 9.4...... 9...... 9...... -0.1 Chinese Yuan (Renminbi) 28.7966 ...... 30.5661 Oman Oman Rial ...... 503.2258 HOTELS CORP...... 1,143...... 12...... 12...... 12...... 11.7...... 12...... 0 GUARDIAN CAPITAL...... 1,631...... 33.6...... 33.5...... 33.5...... 33...... 33.2...... -0.4 Euro 229.7645 ...... 236.7012 Qatar Qatar Riyal ...... 53.1988 HUNTERS...... 250...... 763.25...... 766...... 799...... 730...... 763.25...... 0 HAPUGASTENNE...... 500...... 17.5...... 17.5...... 17.5...... 17.5...... 17.5...... 0 Japanese Yen 1.8178 ...... 1.8648 Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabian Riyal ...... 51.6494 INDUSTRIAL ASPH...... 13,304,374...... 0.6...... 0.7...... 0.7...... 0.5...... 0.6...... 0 HARISCHANDRA...... 401...... 4007.25...... 3,999.75...... 3,999.75...... 3,499.00...... 3,504.75...... -502.5 Singapore Dollar 143.4003 ...... 147.6173 UAE UAE Dirham ...... 52.7441 JANASHAKTHI INS...... 131,284...... 30.8...... 30.8...... 31.3...... 29.8...... 30.1...... -0.7 HATTON...... 24,721...... 10.4...... 10.4...... 10.5...... 10.3...... 10.4...... 0 Sterling Pound 262.2619 ...... 269.8318 Swiss Franc 211.5356 ...... 219.3550 JKH...... 737,111...... 155.25...... 160...... 160...... 154...... 154.75...... -0.5 HNB FINANCE...... 4,884...... 9.7...... 9.9...... 9.9...... 9.7...... 9.7...... 0 US Dollar 191.9670 ...... 196.5069 KANDY HOTELS...... 6,040...... 5.3...... 5.3...... 5.3...... 5...... 5...... -0.3 HNB FINANCE [HNBF-X-0000]...... 17,870...... 7.6...... 7.5...... 7.5...... 7.3...... 7.3...... -0.3 KEGALLE...... 26,986...... 130...... 135...... 136.75...... 129...... 129.75...... -0.25 JETWING SYMPHONY...... 3,673...... 9.3...... 9.8...... 9.8...... 9.2...... 9.2...... -0.1 KELANI CABLES...... 6,122...... 153.25...... 153...... 153...... 150...... 150.75...... -2.5 JOHN KEELLS...... 11,179...... 80...... 82...... 85...... 80...... 80...... 0 Market Indicators 8 Feb. 2021 KELANI TYRES...... 71,624...... 92.9...... 93...... 93...... 89.1...... 90...... -2.9 KAHAWATTE...... 1,272...... 30.5...... 30.3...... 30.3...... 29.8...... 29.9...... -0.6 Price indices Today...... Previous day KELANI VALLEY...... 73,891...... 92.9...... 96...... 98...... 94...... 95...... 2.1 KEELLS FOOD...... 27,698...... 154...... 154...... 158...... 151.25...... 155...... 1 CSE ALL SHARE PRICE INDEX 8,113.26...... 8,275.37 KINGSBURY...... 4,544...... 12.5...... 12.9...... 13.2...... 12.5...... 13.2...... 0.7 KEELLS HOTELS...... 110,166...... 11...... 11...... 11.4...... 10.9...... 11.1...... 0.1 S&P SL20 3,227.66...... 3,304.30 KOTAGALA...... 64,281...... 7...... 7...... 7...... 6.7...... 6.9...... -0.1 LANKA CERAMIC...... 1,311...... 187.25...... 185...... 185...... 146...... 162.5...... -24.75 TRI ON ALL SHARE (ASTRI) 10,874.49...... 11,091.77 L O L C HOLDINGS...... 666,508...... 469.75...... 480...... 480...... 430...... 440.25...... -29.5 LANKEM CEYLON...... 295...... 31.2...... 32...... 32...... 31.5...... 31.7...... 0.5 TRI ON S&P SL20 5,301.14...... 5,427.01 LAKE HOUSE PRIN...... 19...... 160...... 157.75...... 160...... 157.75...... 160...... 0 LAUGFS POWER...... 6,768...... 11...... 11.1...... 11.2...... 10...... 10.7...... -0.3 VALUE OF TURNOVER(Rs.) 4,799,415,800.00...... 5,166,753,300.00 LANKA ASHOK...... 68...... 839.25...... 825...... 825...... 811...... 839.25...... 0 LAUGFS POWER [LPL-X-0000]...... 16,258...... 7.7...... 7.7...... 7.7...... 7.3...... 7.3...... -0.4 DOMESTIC PURCHASES 4,660,076,500.00...... 5,107,085,300.00 LANKA HOSPITALS...... 5,825...... 48.1...... 48.3...... 50.5...... 48.2...... 48.9...... 0.8 LIGHTHOUSE HOTEL...... 3...... 33.9...... 36...... 36...... 36...... 33.9...... 0 DOMESTIC SALES 4,355,411,500.00...... 4,472,561,700.00 LANKA IOC...... 140,714...... 24.5...... 24.3...... 24.8...... 23.1...... 23.2...... -1.3 FOREIGN PURCHASES 139,339,344.00...... 59,668,216.00 LOTUS HYDRO...... 5,794...... 10.5...... 10.4...... 10.7...... 10.1...... 10.2...... -0.3 FOREIGN SALES 444,004,192.00...... 694,192,060.00 LANKA REALTY...... 3,003...... 35...... 35...... 35...... 35...... 35...... 0 MAHAWELI COCONUT...... 1...... 28...... 29...... 29...... 29...... 28...... 0 VOLUME OF TURNOVER(NO.) 142,751,888.00...... 109,959,264.00 LANKA TILES...... 232,684...... 251.75...... 265...... 270...... 235...... 235.75...... -16 MAHAWELI REACH...... 142...... 15.7...... 15.6...... 15.6...... 14.1...... 14.1...... -1.6 DOMESTIC 139,596,960.00...... 106,341,720.00 LANKA VENTURES...... 1...... 53...... 53.7...... 53.7...... 53.7...... 53...... 0 MARAWILA RESORTS...... 1,405...... 2...... 2...... 2...... 2...... 2...... 0 FOREIGN 3,154,927.00...... 3,617,546.00 LANKA WALLTILE...... 136,201...... 253.75...... 260...... 260...... 238...... 239.25...... -14.5 MASKELIYA...... 17,555...... 13.1...... 13...... 13.1...... 12.9...... 13.1...... 0 TRADES(NO.) 34,856...... 32,518 LAUGFS GAS...... 10,300...... 27.5...... 26.4...... 27.5...... 25.9...... 26.7...... -0.8 MILLENNIUM HOUSE...... 32,583...... 6.9...... 6.8...... 6.8...... 6.4...... 6.7...... -0.2 DOMESTIC 34,108...... 31,867 LAUGFS GAS [LGL.X0000]...... 16,550...... 21...... 20.5...... 21.4...... 20.1...... 20.3...... -0.7 NUWARA ELIYA...... 17...... 1171.5...... 1,200.00...... 1,200.00...... 1,084.00...... 1,171.50...... 0 FOREIGN 748...... 651 LAXAPANA...... 19,439...... 14.5...... 14.4...... 14.4...... 14.2...... 14.3...... -0.2 ON’ALLY...... 200...... 36...... 36.5...... 36.5...... 36.5...... 36.5...... 0.5 CORPORATE DEBT 0...... 0 LB FINANCE...... 90,644...... 255.25...... 260...... 260...... 230...... 235.75...... -19.5 ORIENT FINANCE...... 8,065...... 16.8...... 17.5...... 17.5...... 16.2...... 16.5...... -0.3 GOVERNMENT DEBT 0...... 0 LEE HEDGES...... 1,580...... 79...... 75.1...... 77.5...... 75...... 75.9...... -3.1 PALM GARDEN HOTL...... 299...... 29.5...... 29...... 29...... 29...... 29...... -0.5 LISTED COMPANIES (NO.) 283...... 283 LION BREWERY...... 364...... 594...... 592.5...... 594...... 582...... 583.25...... -10.75 PEGASUS HOTELS...... 50...... 34.8...... 33.1...... 33.1...... 33.1...... 34.8...... 0 TRADED COMPANIES (NO.) 273...... 267 MARKET PRICE EARNINGS RATIO(PER) 14.1...... 14.1 LMF...... 165,750...... 165...... 173...... 184.75...... 167...... 173.5...... 8.5 PEOPLE’S MERCH...... 8,040...... 8.9...... 8.6...... 8.9...... 8.6...... 8.7...... -0.2 MARKET PRICE TO BOOK VALUE (PBV) 1.3...... 1.4 LVL ENERGY...... 172,241...... 10.2...... 10.2...... 10.2...... 10...... 10...... -0.2 PRIME FINANCE...... 5,733...... 13.6...... 13.3...... 13.7...... 13.3...... 13.5...... -0.1 MARKET DIVIDEND YIELD (DY) 2.1...... 2.1 MALWATTE...... 12,100...... 13.8...... 13.1...... 14...... 12.8...... 13.7...... -0.1 RAIGAM SALTERNS...... 280,420...... 6...... 6.1...... 6.3...... 5.8...... 5.9...... -0.1 MARKET CAPITALIZATION (RS.) 3,546,752,420,326.00...... 3,617,618,732,160.00 MALWATTE [MAL.X0000]...... 21,037...... 9.2...... 9.3...... 9.3...... 9...... 9...... -0.2 RAMBODA FALLS...... 999...... 18.3...... 17.5...... 17.5...... 17...... 17.2...... -1.1 MELSTACORP...... 482,785...... 61.9...... 62.5...... 62.5...... 59.3...... 59.5...... -2.4 RENUKA CAPITAL...... 368,744...... 9...... 9.2...... 9.4...... 8.9...... 8.9...... -0.1 MERC. SHIPPING...... 1,800...... 90...... 88.5...... 88.5...... 86...... 86.1...... -3.9 RICH PIERIS EXP...... 5,111...... 443.25...... 444...... 445...... 435...... 444.25...... 1 1. Overnight Money Market Transactions MERCHANT BANK...... 33,158...... 7.6...... 7.7...... 7.8...... 7.5...... 7.5...... -0.1 ROYAL PALMS...... 400...... 16.9...... 17...... 17...... 17...... 17...... 0.1 MULLERS...... 62,062...... 1.2...... 1.2...... 1.3...... 1.2...... 1.2...... 0 SATHOSA MOTORS...... 438...... 239.25...... 248.25...... 248.25...... 236...... 236.5...... -2.75 Call Money Market...... Repo Market NAMUNUKULA...... 3,542...... 191.25...... 198...... 198...... 190...... 190...... -1.25 SERENDIB ENG.GRP...... 10,826...... 7...... 6.8...... 7...... 6.7...... 7...... 0 Weighted Average Rate (%) 4.55 4.55 NAT. DEV. BANK...... 231,584...... 90...... 90.1...... 92.4...... 89.5...... 89.6...... -0.4 SERENDIB HOTELS...... 26,212...... 16.3...... 16.4...... 16.4...... 15.3...... 16...... -0.3 Minimum Rate (%) 4.55 4.55 NATIONS TRUST...... 36,608...... 61.4...... 61.20...... 61.20...... 60.50...... 61.00...... -0.4 SERENDIB HOTELS [SHOT.X0000]...... 1,164...... 9.6...... 9.9...... 9.9...... 9.3...... 9.3...... -0.3 Maximum Rate (%) 4.55 4.60 NAWALOKA...... 66,419...... 5.4...... 5.50...... 5.50...... 5.20...... 5.30...... -0.1 SINGER IND...... 4,290...... 110...... 110...... 115...... 109...... 109...... -1 Total Gross amount (Rs. million) 11,350 9,448 NESTLE...... 305...... 1204...... 1,225.00...... 1,225.00...... 1,175.25...... 1,178.75...... -25.25 SINGHE HOSPITALS...... 78,367...... 2.8...... 2.9...... 2.9...... 2.7...... 2.7...... -0.1 Total Net amount (Rs. million) 11,350 9,448 OVERSEAS REALTY...... 218,538...... 16.4...... 16.7...... 16.7...... 16.1...... 16.2...... -0.2 SINHAPUTHRA FIN [SFL.P0000]...... 3,900...... 4.6...... 4.5...... 4.5...... 4.5...... 4.5...... -0.1 2. Use of the CBSL Standing Facility PAN ASIA...... 370,613...... 18.9...... 19...... 19...... 17.5...... 17.7...... -1.2 SOFTLOGIC...... 246,994...... 13.6...... 13.8...... 14.2...... 13.5...... 13.9...... 0.3 Standing Deposit Facility (Rs. million) ...... 128,869 PANASIAN POWER...... 1,477,111...... 3.6...... 3.7...... 3.8...... 3.6...... 3.7...... 0.1 SOFTLOGIC CAP...... 157,805...... 4...... 4.1...... 4.1...... 3.9...... 4.1...... 0.1 Standing Lending Facility (Rs. million)...... - PEOPLE’S INS...... 314,716...... 33...... 33.4...... 35...... 32.5...... 33.5...... 0.5 SOFTLOGIC FIN...... 47,661...... 12...... 11.6...... 11.6...... 11.1...... 11.3...... -0.7 3. CBSL Treasury Bill/Bonds Holdings PEOPLES LEASING...... 237,759...... 13.5...... 13.5...... 13.5...... 13.2...... 13.4...... -0.1 SOFTLOGIC LIFE...... 83,743...... 33.1...... 33.6...... 33.9...... 31.9...... 32...... -1.1 Face Value (Rs. million)...... 744,707.88 PIRAMAL GLASS...... 5,395,242...... 9.7...... 9.8...... 9.9...... 9.3...... 9.6...... -0.1 TAL LANKA...... 7,918...... 15.2...... 15.2...... 15.3...... 15...... 15.1...... -0.1 Book Value (Rs. million) ...... 730,854.34 PRINTCARE PLC...... 1,564...... 31.5...... 32.5...... 32.5...... 32.3...... 32.4...... 0.9 UDAPUSSELLAWA...... 2,921...... 26...... 26.5...... 26.5...... 26...... 26...... 0 R I L PROPERTY...... 310,646...... 7.7...... 7.8...... 7.8...... 7.3...... 7.3...... -0.4 UNION ASSURANCE...... 206...... 313.25...... 313.5...... 314.5...... 313.25...... 313.5...... 0.25 REGNIS...... 9,477...... 124.25...... 126...... 126.25...... 120...... 121.5...... -2.75 VALLIBEL ONE...... 2,442,291...... 71.4...... 72...... 73...... 66...... 66.4...... -5 TOP 10 GAINERS RENUKA AGRI...... 578,347...... 4.6...... 4.6...... 4.6...... 4.4...... 4.4...... -0.2 WATCH LIST Company VWA VWA Change Change RENUKA CITY HOT...... 20...... 250.25...... 250.25...... 262.25...... 249...... 250.25...... 0 ANILANA HOTELS...... 124,785...... 1.2...... 1.2...... 1.3...... 1.2...... 1.2...... 0 Prev. Close Days Close (Rs.) % RENUKA FOODS...... 14,879...... 16.9...... 16.9...... 16.9...... 16.4...... 16.4...... -0.5 BIMPUTH FINANCE...... 5,020...... 8.5...... 8.6...... 8.6...... 8.5...... 8.5...... 0 BLUE DIAMONDS 0.3 ...... 0.4...... 0.1...... 33.33 RENUKA FOODS [COCO.X0000]...... 1,845...... 13.4...... 13.5...... 13.5...... 13.4...... 13.4...... 0 BLUE DIAMONDS...... 161,200...... 0.7...... 0.7...... 0.7...... 0.6...... 0.7...... 0 HAYCARB 1,268.75 1,590.25...... 321.5...... 25.34 RENUKA HOLDINGS...... 718,263...... 17.6...... 17.6...... 18...... 17.3...... 17.4...... -0.2 BLUE DIAMONDS [BLUE.X0000]...... 104,670...... 0.3...... 0.4...... 0.4...... 0.3...... 0.4...... 0.1 SERENDIB LAND 2,265.50 2,800.00...... 534.5...... 23.59 OFFICE EQUIPMENT 70.1 ...... 85...... 14.9...... 21.26 RENUKA HOLDINGS [RHL.X0000]...... 47,066...... 13.9...... 14.1...... 14.1...... 13.9...... 13.9...... 0 CEYLON PRINTERS...... 204...... 64.4...... 60...... 73.4...... 60...... 65.2...... 0.8 GESTETNER 101.5 ... 111.25...... 9.75...... 9.61 RESUS ENERGY...... 7,486...... 25.8...... 25.9...... 26...... 25.9...... 26...... 0.2 HUNAS FALLS...... 59...... 152...... 153...... 153...... 149...... 152...... 0 GRAIN ELEVATORS 146 ... 159.25...... 13.25...... 9.08 RICHARD PIERIS...... 687,009...... 15.4...... 15.5...... 15.5...... 14.9...... 15...... -0.4 CARGO BOAT 70.4 ...... 74.8...... 4.4...... 6.25 HVA FOODS...... 59,501...... 6...... 6...... 6.3...... 5.8...... 6...... 0 DANKOTUWA PORCEL 13.8 ...... 14.6...... 0.8...... 5.8 ROYAL CERAMIC...... 664,620...... 349...... 352...... 359.75...... 315...... 321.25...... -27.75 LANKEM DEV...... 195,348...... 4.1...... 4.2...... 4.2...... 4...... 4...... -0.1 KINGSBURY 12.5 ...... 13.2...... 0.7...... 5.6 S M B LEASING...... 1,497,221...... 1...... 0.8...... 0.8...... 0.8...... 0.8...... -0.2 BOGALA GRAPHITE 24 ...... 25.3...... 1.3...... 5.42 MACKWOODS ENERGY...... 15,000...... 3.1...... 3...... 3.1...... 3...... 3...... -0.1 S M B LEASING [SEMB.X0000]...... 43,433,674...... 0.4...... 0.4...... 0.4...... 0.2...... 0.3...... -0.1 MULTI FINANCE...... 7,710...... 8...... 8...... 8...... 8...... 8...... 0 TOP 10 LOSERS SAMPATH...... 1,728,418...... 176.25...... 180...... 180...... 168.75...... 169.25...... -7 NATION LANKA...... 232,398...... 0.9...... 0.9...... 1...... 0.8...... 0.9...... 0 SAMSON INTERNAT...... 1...... 146.75...... 145...... 145...... 145...... 146.75...... 0 Company VWA VWA Change Change OFFICE EQUIPMENT...... 2,575...... 70.1...... 85.4...... 86.7...... 70.6...... 85...... 14.9 SANASA DEV. BANK...... 14,138...... 64.1...... 64...... 64...... 62.1...... 62.3...... -1.8 S M B LEASING 0.4 0.3...... -0.1...... -25 PARAGON...... 1,445...... 68.9...... 69.1...... 74.9...... 65...... 69.9...... 1 S M B LEASING 1 0.8...... -0.2...... -20 SEYLAN BANK...... 180,660...... 57...... 57...... 57.5...... 55...... 56...... -1 TESS AGRO 0.7 0.6...... -0.1...... -14.29 RADIANT GEMS...... 21,597...... 29.6...... 29.9...... 32...... 28...... 29.7...... 0.1 LANKA CERAMIC 187.25 162.5...... -24.75...... -13.22 SEYLAN BANK [SEYB.X0000]...... 1,658,613...... 50...... 49.9...... 50.5...... 48...... 48...... -2 HARISCHANDRA 4,007.25 3,504.75...... -502.5...... -12.54 SEYLAN DEVTS...... 46,890...... 16.3...... 16.4...... 16.4...... 16...... 16...... -0.3 SINHAPUTHRA FIN...... 391...... 8...... 7.9...... 8.3...... 7.8...... 7.9...... -0.1 BERUWALA RESORTS 0.9 0.8...... -0.1...... -11.11 SIERRA CABL...... 181,711...... 7.5...... 7.6...... 7.6...... 7.1...... 7.2...... -0.3 STANDARD CAPITAL...... 249...... 70.1...... 64.3...... 73.9...... 64.3...... 72...... 1.9 MAHAWELI REACH 15.7 14.1...... -1.6...... -10.19 LOLC FINANCE 7.1 6.4...... -0.7...... -9.86 SIGIRIYA VILLAGE...... 7,632...... 38...... 38...... 40.8...... 38...... 39.9...... 1.9 TESS AGRO...... 19,772...... 0.7...... 0.7...... 0.7...... 0.6...... 0.6...... -0.1 VALLIBEL FINANCE 133.5 121.5...... -12...... -8.99 SINGER FINANCE...... 65,398...... 15.4...... 15.3...... 15.8...... 15.2...... 15.3...... -0.1 TESS AGRO [TESS.X0000]...... 50,450...... 0.6...... 0.5...... 0.6...... 0.5...... 0.6...... 0 114 Tuesday, February 9, 2021 „„ www.themorning.lk

The Weeknd’s Super Bowl THOUGHT FOR THE DAY halftime performance sparks lots of memes The Weeknd performed a high-octane medley “When you have of his hits during the Super Bowl LV halftime a dream, you’ve show. Twitter users immediately went to work got to grab it and creating memes and comparing various aspects never let go.” of the set to one another – from the backup – CAROL BURNETT dancers looking like robots in the stands to the gold room in which The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, sang his hit song Can’t Feel My Face to the bandaged dancers who took brunch over the entire field for the finale.

is using to curate a semi-public zine Speaking on the outcome of ICS, library for those interested in zines, a Azeez shared that like with many project funded by Pro Helvetia New forms of art, it’s not always easy to Delhi. quantify the results of such a project. Speaking of his personal “We’re still coming to terms with experience with zines, Azeez shared the richness of the interactions. The that he had heard about zines, but email threads were distilled into this Members of The Packet collective hadn’t been able to experience them zine called ‘Mathematics’, which is until he travelled, finding them to be a an output of ICS.” great medium with huge variety. “We wanted to create a space where people Building zine culture could see and interact with artistic With “Mathematics” out as a side publications like that,” Azeez said, product of the ICS project, The Packet emphasising that zines are so versatile, has also published what they call The Packet affordable, and democratic that any “Letters Suffering” (part of a longer artist can create a zine. title), a zine The Packet worked on Moving to build and inspire during the first lockdown. Compiled zine culture, The Packet instituted during the first lockdown and published An unplanned “Instigating Collaborative Study” with the support of the Goethe Institut, (ICS), a programme where they this collection of zines looks at the worked with several artists over the experience of The Packet during the course of a few months to create a zine lockdown and unusually addresses how and promote zine culture. people felt during the lockdown from Issuing an open call for artists, The a personal perspective. “We didn’t creative journey Packet eventually selected 10 artists want to respond to big broad questions to work on “Instigating Collaborative like what it meant to the economy or Study” – Tashyana Handy, Sarah humanity as a whole,” Azeez shared. A look at Colombo’s newest creative collective Jaufer, Rupaneethan Pakkiyarajah, “We wanted to focus on the immediate Muvindu Binoy, Kitty Ritig, Isuri, experience. One of the questions was BY NAVEED ROZAIS Iman Saleem, Firi Rahman, Bilal ‘what do you see?’ We ended up Raji Saheed, and Arun Welandawe- responding to the questions, writing The very nature of an artist is to push boundaries when exploring that there are benefits artists can receive Prematilleke. letters, and a long series of emails that the world around them and how they see it. Artists’ methods are as from being in a community – from As one part of ICS, The Packet were composed into Letters Suffering.” diverse as artists themselves, and when artists come together to living together, spending time together, initiated 14 email threads with the Another project by The Packet, create art, the resulting blend of styles and viewpoints often creates and being in an environment that fosters residents of ICS and five members of “talk to you soon, ttyl” is inspired in art that has the power to make an impact that is more well rounded creative discussion and exchange of The Packet. Something like the dreaded part by the experience of eight people than that of a singular artist. ideas. “Also, together you can create chain email of some years past, the sharing one Instagram account and the things that are greater than the sum thread is initiated with a pre-conceived accidental/conversations that abound The Packet is a new(ish) collective started with punk movement in the of their parts,” Azeez said. “Different sequence where each recipient is from that process. “talk to you soon, of artists, who have, over the last two 1960s and 1970s. Zines are a way for ideas come together and morph into expected to reflect, respond, and pass ttyl” was featured at the Future Landing years, been working together to create people to distribute their art. Artists and something bigger; lots of the work we on the email chain within two days Online Art Festival organised by the art inspired by zine culture. A group creators of any sort, make something do is conversation-based. The zine was with the chain being closed, at which Serendipity Art Festival. of friends who are in the creative in a booklet, photocopy, and give it to us meeting every few weeks for dinner, point the thread’s initiator receives one The Packet was also chosen out of arts in some form or the other, The their friends. It is a way of exchanging exchanging our ideas, and continuing to last email after each other member of over 100 applications, as one of eight Packet currently consists of Venuri art that is very democratic and cheap. work on our own ideas.” the group has responded. chosen for the “Now On” grant by Pro Perera, S.P. Pushpakanthan, Sharika We came together wanting to do a This collaborative-inspiring ICS also saw workshops Helvetia, with Azeez sharing that being Navamani, Sandev Handy, Imaad bigger zine book of sorts, made of environment meant that many ideas conducted by respected South a part of the “Now On” process enables Majeed, Cassie Machado, and Abdul multiple zines.” that were brought into the making of Asian artists like designer and The Packet to better create a space Halik Azeez. Zines (short for magazine or the zine book were influenced by how artist Somanath Bhatt, one of the for young artists to come together and fanzine) are small self-published others within the group as well as those curators of the Instagram platform be together as a community, to cook Zines: The preferred works circulated independently by a the group had interacted with were @southasia.art which features South together, have meals together, converse Packet art form single artist or a small group of artists, handling their own ideas. Asian artists, and Pakistani art and exchange ideas, and see what The Morning Brunch had a chat as in the case of The Packet. By The Packet came together, collective Exhausted Geographies comes out of it. with Abdul Halik Azeez for a bit of nature, zines are non-official and non- working on their zine, or as they now (@exhaustedgeographies). The Packet’s key ethos is about insight into The Packet and what it professional, often being a personal call it, “The OG Packet”, eventually creating community as artists and does. Azeez shared that The Packet platform employed by an artist to starting an Instagram account for their building a space for Sri Lankan was an organic journey, noting: “(It) explore topics they are passionate work and regularly posting stories, artists to express themselves in ways was an idea about eight of us who came about. Typically, zines produce less articles, poems, and quotes. Azeez that aren’t available within existing together to do a sort of deconstructed than 1,000 copies. The zines produced shared that the Instagram account in institutional frameworks. art book inspired by zine culture, which by The Packet, for instance, only and of itself is an artistic conversation “The Packet’s journey has been number a maximum of 50 copies because there are multiple members of unplanned over the last two years,” printed in batches of 25. The Packet working on it at all times. Azeez shared. “We’ve gone into Zines as an art form provide unexpected spaces. We presented unique cultural insight into small Instigating Collaborative Study a prototype of our first book at the and specialist communities, and The Packet, as a collective of Serendipity Arts Festival in Goa in mainstream institutions like the Tate like-minded artists working with zines, 2019, we’ve worked with the Goethe Museum and the British Library have wanted to inspire a zine culture in Sri Institut, and received a grant from both begun maintaining zine archives. Lanka and have recently set about Pro Helvetia. We’ve done quite a few making a zine archive. Azeez revealed projects by now that are surprising. We A creative commune that they have already received a never thought we’d be at this scale. It’s Zines as an art form provide unique cultural insight into small and Azeez explained that The Packet, couple of shipments of zines from quite humbling to see the amount of specialist communities as a whole, came to the understanding all around the world that The Packet The ‘Mathematics’ zine exposure we’ve received.” EQUAL GROUND launches ‘Dedunu Sawiya’ z Sri Lanka's only LGBTIQ-friendly career website Owing to Sri Lanka’s legal landscape This severely compromises their economic job seekers and employers to connect. and social stigmas, the LGBTIQ+ community security, leaving them vulnerable. It presents a forum where LGBTIQ+ faces discrimination on a daily basis. On the other hand, finding skilled and employees can find job opportunities As such, one of the biggest challenges talented labour is a common issue many with corporate partners who are allies and LGBTIQ+ individuals face is finding and companies in Sri Lanka face. High staff have obtained the Diversity and Inclusion retaining employment. Research shows that turnover is costly, especially during uncertain Certification from EQUAL GROUND. This they face higher levels of harassment and economic times like the one we are living in forum gives corporate allies the opportunity to discrimination at workplaces and are more right now. Promoting diversity and inclusion advertise their vacancies to a targeted audience. likely to be fired and/or denied promotions. and having LGBTIQ-friendly workplaces can Uniquely, it allows LGBTIQ+ community help businesses avoid costs associated with members to advertise their employability skills high labour turnover. Moreover, in today’s to LGBTIQ-friendly businesses in Sri Lanka. highly globalised economic environment, It also includes skills development modules abiding by non-discriminatory standards for potential job seekers and diversity and is important to becoming competitive in inclusion training for the corporate sector. international markets. Access the Dedunu Sawiya website Keeping this dual dynamic mind, on www.dedunusawiya.com/. EQUAL GROUND launched “Dedunu For further information, email Sawiya”, the first website of its kind in Sri [email protected] Lanka, offering a safe virtual space for both or call 0114334279. 124 brunch „„ www.themorning.lk { PEOPLE/EVENTS } Tuesday, February 9, 2021

meet to Personalised gifts create. And so, there curated by the duo was a decline in our activities. ÄÄ What can your customers Even though we did have inquiries, we expect with your services? were also adjusting to the situation and LA: A unique gift-giving were not in a frame of mind to do any experience like no other. It is not a creations. The most severe blow was, needed for our creations. We also gift but a process – a very enjoyable we realised, that we could not expand marketed their wares at pop-up sales or process for all who are involved. The the empowerment as we had envisaged by recommending them to other similar gift is so personalised that the receiver due to difficulty in securing funds and Navyamaya ventures. is astounded at the level of detail gone limitation of physical activities. So what started out as a creative into relating the gift to him or her, and outlet branched out to become that makes them feel the vibe of the something more meaningful. gift as well as the love and attention A personal touch Ä poured into its creation. The feeling we The uniqueness and extent of Ä It’s been three years since Navyamaya was get from knowing that the gift and its personalisation and the attention proceeds go towards making someone to detail (are the selling points). launched. What has the else’s life better is a bonus. journey been like? No two gifts or spaces are the same and they relate so well to the to your gifts YR: A life-changing, enriching, and joyful experience. We started off receiver or customer Dr. Yamuna Rajapakse BY VENESSA ANTHONY by creating a stack of suitcases as the theme for an anniversary gift, and it just Navyamaya, a creative venture that curates unique personalised took off from there. However, we have now begun to gifts and events, is run by two friends, Dr. Yamuna Rajapakse and adjust to the “new norm”. We have Dr. Lakmali Amarasiri. Dr. Rajapakse is a consultant respiratory become quite proficient at online physician and Dr. Amarasiri is a medical physiologist. Both of them shopping, which has expanded as well, are also senior lecturers at the Faculty of Medicine of the University The gift is so personalised that the and so we now have plans to revive the of Colombo, and are very committed to their professional careers receiver is astounded at the level of gift-giving service and also look towards detail gone into relating the gift to and families. They have been friends for many years and share other ventures in order for us to continue him or her, and that makes them empowerment. similar interests – most notably, reading, creating, and shopping. feel the vibe of the gift Dr. Lakmali Amarasiri and Speaking to The Morning Brunch, to limited activity due to her health Dr. Lakmali Amarasiri Dr. Yamuna Rajapakse ÄÄ What are your plans for they shared their story. condition. The idea that craft could the future? be used as a means of empowering ÄÄ What is your selling point YR: To continue gift-giving, to ÄÄ What is the concept individuals began at this point. (the most unique feature)? plan for more visibility, and to develop behind your brand? The idea of setting up a Suddenly, we were being asked to YR: The uniqueness and extent projects for the empowered. We are YR: Navyamaya means personalised creative service, where create gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, of personalisation and the attention to creative directors; hence, we plan to “bespoke” or “custom-made”. Our such crafts could be utilised, came to farewells, retirements, special occasions detail. No two gifts or spaces are the diversify our services to other aspects aim is to create the perfect gift, my mind and I contacted Yamuna. – the list of occasions just expanded. same and they relate so well to the as well. personalised to the receiver. A She and I have always enjoyed being The two of us do the creations receiver or customer. We have already worked on unique and personalised gift that creative in many things we do – be ourselves, and from the moment of designing personalised spaces. You can would “wow” the receiver and give it gift-giving, planning events, or being commissioned with the gift ÄÄ How did you manage view our creations and details of our enjoyment to the person gifting it as decorating our houses. Many are the through the brainstorming and planning with Covid-19? Has the empowerment sales on Facebook and well, making gift-giving an enjoyable times we have been asked to do the as well as the gift-hunting and creating, situation improved? Instagram. Our website will be out next there is a tremendous adrenaline rush and exciting experience. Our creative same for our families, friends, and LA: At the time Covid-19 started month. that just powers us on, and it fills us direction is not limited only to gifts; colleagues. to loom its head at the beginning of with joy. we have done a few events and The idea to help others “to create 2020, we had just finished a Christmas Navyamaya As the whole process takes some designed personalised spaces. that perfect gift” was the perfect sale where we displayed, sold, and time to plan, most often the person excuse for the two of us to meet found more opportunities for our @navyamaya_the_ ÄÄ What inspired you to giving the gift becomes fast friends with up, chat over a cuppa, shop, and empowered community. Overwhelmed creation_company us, and we have built many long-term start up? create – all of which are things we by the response, we had taken steps to friendships with some over the years. LA: The reason behind the loved doing. And so Navyamaya was expand and legalise the empowerment. This is neither a business for us nor our creation of the brand was to create a launched, and as the business grew, However, as the pandemic livelihood, but rather a creative outlet market and thereby an opportunity we found that we could empower established itself, people’s priorities where we can interact as friends to for females of diverse backgrounds to not only individual females, but also changed and venturing out to shop make people happy, empower others, earn from their homes with dignity. males and even small-scale businesses was not possible. Online shopping was and make new acquaintances and A few years ago, I met a patient who by making them suppliers and sources a novelty and limited. We could not had had to give up her livelihood due for material and items that were friends along the way. Valentine’s Day in the city BY VENESSA ANTHONY Valentine’s Weekend at Curve Lovestruck: A Valentine’s Dinner at Elevate Valentine’s Bash with Kings Not into Valentine’s? No worries. Curve has got you covered. Candles, wine, and all things fine for your one and only valentine Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and at Kurumbar They have curated a night of fun-filled events just for all the singles this year with Elevate Colombo. Walk into a romantic setting 29 floors love is in the air. Got no plans yet? We’ve Hosted at the gorgeous property of out there. Don’t hesitate to get your friends or family, and head on above the city and sweep your loved one off their feet on 14 February got you covered. Here are some of the Wasana Nature Resort in Kandana, 13 over for some cocktails, tapas, and great music courtesy the rockin’ from 7.30 p.m. onwards. This Valentine’s Day, Elevate will be offering classiest Valentine’s Day events in and out February from 7 p.m. onwards will be a guys from Magic Box Mixup. The event will be held on 13 February you and your loved one an amazing six-course dinner that is sure to of Colombo that you and your loved one are night jam-packed with entertainment line- from 8 p.m. onwards. Don’t forget to make your reservations in have you falling in love all over again. You will also be graced with a sure to have a special day at! ups to celebrate the season of love. Ladies advance to avoid disappointment. complimentary glass of wine each, and a rose for your significant other! walk in absolutely free! There will also be Limited seating is available, Valentine’s Day at Hilton Colombo a special food package for groups of 10 at so hurry and make your unbelievable rates, consisting of a variety @curvetapasbar reservations. Hilton presents “Romance Under of meats, snacks, and a selection of alcohol. The Stars” – an intimate evening at the As a special treat for the night, they will @Elevate.cmb hotel’s poolside venue SUNSETBLU, also be hosting a raffle draw where one can @thecurvebar where cabanas around the pool will be win two gift vouchers for a one-night stay at @Elevate.cmb adorned in Valentine’s Day-themed Wasana Nature Resort on bed and breakfast decorations exclusively for four couples. basis, three exclusive gift vouchers from Love at the Sea by Sail Sri Lanka The diners may delve in an enticing Scentsationals Colombo, and many more Valentine’s in the City at Jetwing Colombo Seven five-course dinner accompanied by a exciting prizes. bottle of sparkling, fresh strawberries Treat your valentine to a romantic evening at Jetwing Sail Sri Lanka will be hosting two options for your Valentine’s and cream, and a red rose and chocolate @kurumbar.lk @kurum_bar Colombo Seven this Valentine’s Day. Relax and unwind under Day where you and your loved one have the opportunity to dine at for the lady. the stars on their pool deck overlooking the Colombo city sea. The two options include a private dining experience with just two Guests may also invite their skyline with a glass of wine and a tastefully curated four-course couples on board, where you will indulge in a welcome drink, a four- other half for a chilled out day at meal. Jetwing is also offering a special overnight package where course dinner, and a bottle of red wine, and the other being a package SUNSETBLU from 11 a.m. onwards for couples have the opportunity to have their dinner brought to inclusive of a welcome drink, snacks, and a bottle of red wine. special cocktails and a set menu which their room, along with a glass of wine or mocktail, on a half- Couples will also receive a complimentary gift pack at the end of the includes a glass of bubbly. DJ Hiranya board basis. voyage. will set the mood and as the night gets @saillankacharter @saillanka deeper, lovers may sweep their loved @jetwingcolomboseven ones off their feet to groovy vibes by the Redeemers. Valentine’s Day at Shangri-La Hotel Colombo Graze Kitchen joins in the Celebrate your love with a choice of dining experiences at Shangri- celebration through “Endless love”, La Hotel, Colombo. The hotel’s Central Restaurant and Café will be with an extensive selection of teatime offering a Valentine’s Day-inspired buffet dinner on 13 and 14 February favourites and an additional variety or Sunday Brunch on 14 February, curated with artfully created food of Valentine’s-inspired desserts at the that is sure to impress your significant other. high tea buffet. On the night before One can also opt to indulge at the Capital Bar and Grill and relish in Valentine’s Day, a black and red-themed a four-course sensory dinner for two on 14 February. The Horizon Club “Bullet for My Valentine” night will Lounge offers you and your loved one a dining experience at an altitude, take place at SUNSETBLU for all who with a specially curated four-course menu accompanied by a glass of are anti-Valentine’s Day. sparkling and other surprises at our exquisite Horizon Club Lounge on the 32nd floor. @HiltonColombo @ShangriLaCMB brunch 134 Tuesday, February 9, 2021 { LIFESTYLE } „„ www.themorning.lk “The Bonsoir Diaries” by Kumar de Silva is a cocktail of chapters, bursting at their seams with pithy asides, a trail of faux-pas, and tit-bits from behind-the-scenes, marinated with anecdotes and drizzled with nostalgia, revealing everything you never saw on your Yasmin favourite television show…from the ‘80s through the ‘90s into 2000. production and presentation. This was CHAPTER one of the most enjoyable periods of my life. Prior to leaving, I “taught” her the microscopic bit I knew about production and presentation. 5 Rajapakse Yasmin was a quick learner, but rather obstinate too. So poor Yasmin was left to figure out the balance for herself and carry on single-handed until autumn that year. Just as I did, she too had to trek it all the way to ITN with scripts and cassettes. Yasmin was never one for on board! make-up and decoration. She believed in simplicity to a point of austerity. THE She often refused to be made-up, much to make-up guy K.D. Siripala’s dismay. To him it was a prerequisite. To her, it was totally redundant and a source of constant irritation. Siri had the final say while Yasmin fussed and grumbled. DIARIES Customised backdrops were a relative rarity and a luxury those BY KUMAR DE SILVA days. The easiest way out was to superimpose the presenter on a It was no fun at all hosting Yasmin Rajapakse video background. This was/is called Bonsoir alone. I often felt “chroma key”. The presenter was mother who took them home with old filmed (or “shot”, as one calls it in like an abandoned orphan. Serasinghe the chauffeur at the wheel. It was boring. I needed a television jargon) against a blue curtain Yasmin is now the Chairperson of and then superimposed on a chosen vigorous thrust and parry. The Eric Rajapakse Opticians, while Rajeev image. French Embassy was thus on (now a father himself), a star-class Yasmin had very curly hair at the lookout for a “suitable” tennis player in his own right, ably runs that time, and somehow those female co-host. The candidate the family business, assisted by his stubborn little curly ends refused didn’t have to have television sister Nadeera (now a mother herself), to be chroma-keyed. That experience BUT had to speak who is married and domiciled in Paris. was when Siripala, without fluent French. The search was Down the years, Yasmin and I have blinking an eyelid, reached on…many hopeful probables had loads of misgivings. We’ve had out for his scissors to nip volatile arguments. There were times off her curls. Yasmin were interviewed…but no one when we didn’t speak to each other for fit the bill. had freaked out, I later days (although we were compelled to do heard. Finally one day, I was told that the so on camera). We agreed to disagree I don’t know “Bonsoir Girl” had been found. I was and vice-versa, and got on like a house what transpired jubilant. In walked Yasmin Rajapakse, on fire, which even the fire brigade boys between them, the dusky, curly-haired lady whom couldn’t put down at times. but it was this I had very briefly met – and barely Now in retrospect, I believe it was that speedily (and spoken to – at the Alliance Francaise at the Francophone and Francophile in us, fortuitously too) Ward Place. and our deep and abiding passion for led to the birth She was the perfect foil. She was Bonsoir that drove this programme to of our very own variably crazy, rather nutty, and “tres the heights it reached. Bonsoir Studio expérimentale”. Like me, she too had The fact that we both read and at the French absolutely no experience in television. spoke French and had been to France Embassy in This was March 1986. She worked also gave Bonsoir its “first-hand Rosmead Place. with us every morning, sharing her experience”. We didn’t need to work Merci Yasmin! time between Eric Rajapakse Opticians, through translators and intermediaries. Next week: the family business, and her two little Working with Yasmin was exhilarating Chapter 6 – The team children, Nadeera (10) and Rajeev and great fun, indeed. I did enjoy every grows. Our studio is ‘born’. (seven). moment of it. (The views expressed in this The kids often came to our studio After three months of Bonsoir, I article are that of the author and do after school (Royal College and happily took off to Paree on a six- not in any way represent the views of Bishop’s College) and joined their month training course in television the newspaper) Huawei introduces Nova 7i and Nova 7 SE Valentine’s Global smartphone brand cameras work in conjunction Kirin 710 chipset, and a storage 40 W Huawei Super Charge HD display, brings a wider Huawei’s Nova 7i and Huawei to produce professional-quality of 128 GB which is expandable technology allows the user to viewing experience, making it specials from Nova 7 SE are the new entrants photos and videos. 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Its 16 MP selfie The Cupid Bot will make sure you camera is equally powerful enjoy the special day by allowing you and lets you capture real-life to make special ecards for you or your images. Its BM3D denoising loved ones, play cupid games, and take algorithm allows the user to a love quiz. Leave a bit of room for your capture noise-free images even SO’s imagination by creating your own in the dead of night. GIF, instead of sending a video. You can The Nova 7 SE’s 8 GB make special memories by using Viber’s RAM and 128 GB storage personalised GIF and customisable sticker combine to provide a lag-free tools. Just tap the “Gallery” icon, select the performance while ensuring a video you’d like to turn into a GIF, edit your smoother experience. Powered video as you wish, hit the GIF icon, and by the latest Kirin 820 7nm 5G finally click send. chipset, the Nova 7 SE runs Viber places the privacy and security on Android 10 based EMUI of its users above all else, which is why 10.1. 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Huawei Nova 7 SE is available If you want to be extra smart about your for Rs. 64,999 at all Huawei messages, you can also use Viber’s “Hidden experience centres, Singer Chats” feature that allows you to hide showrooms islandwide, and HUAWEI NOVA 7SE 5G certain conversations from the chat list that HUAWEI NOVA 7I online via Daraz.lk and Singer.lk. you can only access via a PIN. 144 sports „„ www.themorning.lk { SPORTS } Tuesday, February 9, 2021

Avishka Gunawardene suggests an interim committee would be the right solution for the present woes binding Sri Lanka’s most loved sport

Gunawardene drives at a Nat West Series 2002 ODI match against India ‘If you wait longer, in Edgbaston in 2002 Dilhan Avishka Gunawardene Born: 26 May 1977 (age 43) yy Playing role: An attacking left- Match against Nalanda in 1994 handed opening batsman yy Towards the latter stages of his Sri Lanka’s yy Test career: 181 runs in six career in 2007, Gunawardene matches at 16.45 (highest 43 vs. joined the unofficial Indian Pakistan in 1999 in Lahore) Cricket League (ICL), the precursor of the Indian Premier yy ODI career: 1,708 runs in 61 League (IPL), and was banned matches at 28.46 (highest 132 vs. for one year, which effectively West Indies in 2000 in Nairobi) finished his playing career cricket will be yy Gunawardene captained Ananda yy Post retirement, he won many College, Colombo in its 65th Big accolades as a coach

No outsider can win the cricket board easiest way to get their vote? That’s the election. There are two, three factions way that you’d mentioned right now (in buried forever’ that are always doing their rounds and the above question). With little over three months to go for the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) What they say is if you come to work control the cricket board over the past election, the discussion is really hot about the current downfall in a bad system, they will also get a bad years. Will there be anything left in of the Lankan cricket team, as well as the entire cricketing structure of name in the end. They also won’t be our cricket to talk about positively the country. able to initiate the right thing. You mean, the person who can in the future? What they request is to first correct become the head of the cricket I actually think that our cricket cannot Many stakeholders aired their views Who will be the most suitable the system and then give them whatever board at present is the person drop any much lower than this level. in support of and in opposition to the candidate at the moment for the job to do in our cricket as they would who can offer the most amount of I think that out of all the sports present administration. post of Chairman of the National think is best to do. bribes to the affiliated clubs? ministers who have come before, the Where have we gone wrong? Selection Committee? It could be the case. As I have said present Minister (Namal Rajapaksa) How are we going to come out? With what is there right now, any of Is an interim committee a solution before, about half of the clubs are not has more than enough powers to change Is it really possible? Here, we have the former good players won’t come (to for the present problem? playing any cricket. Therefore, they can’t this situation. former Sri Lanka national player and support the current cricket board). All Yes, I think this (cricket) can be run be voting out of any love of the game, And, also, he is a former player who coach Avishka Gunawardene airing his past players, whom I have talked to and by appointing an interim committee. but for their own benefit. So what is the has represented Sri Lanka and captained views, in his usual aggressive manner, on who have maintained a good reputation, To tell you the truth, out of about 140- Sri Lanka. Therefore, he should be able the matter in a recent internet interview have told me that they will not come. odd clubs which are voting (at the to understand what is happening in our with popular journalist Chamuditha What they really say is that if you Sri Lanka Cricket Annual General He (present Sports Minister cricket right now, more than any of his Samarawickrama. jump into a pool of mud, you will end Meeting), about half are not playing Namal Rajapaksa) is a former predecessors. Gunawardene played six Tests and up with mud all over your body too. any kind of cricket. player who has represented Sri If he is to change this situation, he may 61 ODIs for Sri Lanka between 1998 Many of those former players, who I think their votes are bought Lanka and captained Sri Lanka. not do so to satisfy every individual. and 2006 and later became coach of have maintained a great reputation for for money. If a club is not playing Therefore he should be able to He will have to take tough decisions. his club, the Singhalese Sports Club themselves, have told me that they are any cricket, how can such a club understand what is happening People will be angry with him. But you (SSC), and Sri Lanka. During the latter willing to come and serve our cricket come and elect the national cricket in our cricket right now more can’t help it. tenure, he was credited for unearthing only if this system is rectified. administration? than any of his predecessors Cricket here in Sri Lanka was great national talents who went on to something which the people of the represent Sri Lanka at the highest level. whole country believed in, as if it was a religion. Mickey Arthur (Sri Lanka Head When the team is playing good cricket, Coach) had been reported as people tend to forget all their problems, saying that he was worried when including their day-to-day economic they were in South Africa that he problems. too could have put on the pads and gone into the middle and batted How long will we take to come because there were so many Sri back to the winning ways? Lanka batsmen who got injured Actually, it won’t take such a long during that tour. time to correct this situation. But you Oh God! A coach is brought down by need to make the right decisions and paying so many crores of money and rectify the system. Then it can be done. he says that. I saw him (Arthur) saying, But you can’t wait any further. If after the first Test (against England in you wait more, it will be the end of our Galle), that we (Sri Lanka) lost because cricket. Our cricket will then be buried we didn’t bat well in the first innings. forever. We will go down further in the After the second Test, he said we abyss as we pass more and more time. didn’t bat well in the second innings Hard decisions need to be taken. As and therefore we lost the second Test. past players, we all will (extend our) Why should we pay for a coach then? support then. That’s because we all Even you and I can make such statements Gunawardene (left) is considered a successful coach too after his retirement as a player feel very sad to see what is happening after a defeat. right now.

Australian all-time rugby great David Ian Campese said so in a somewhat hostile gesture –”to talk up oneself”– about another great of the game, Bryan Habana of South Qu te Africa (pictured here). Campese, aged 58 now, was a scathing, ferocious, from a legend and aggressive winger in the prime of his 14-year career spanning 1982-96, to end up with a world record of 64 tries. David Ian Nearly a decade later in May 2006, the record was Campese Bryan overtaken by Japanese legend Daisuke Ohata (also pictured). Campese was also the hero when Australia clinched the Rugby World Habana likes to Cup for the first time in 1991. Interestingly, the “victim” of this quotation, the African winger Habana, talk himself up now 37, emulated Campese to star in South Africa’s second World Cup before games triumph, in 2007. Then in August 2016, Habana scored his 65th try in his 119th Test and then nothing to surpass Campese in style. Habana joined Campese and Ohata, in happens retirement in 2018. The three legends – Ohata, Habana, and Campese – still hold the top three spots in the list of highest number of Test tries – with 69, 67, and 64 Daisuke Ohata – David Campese tries, respectively, in 58, 124, and 101 Tests. Bryan Habana sports 154 Tuesday, February 9, 2021 { SPORTS } „„ www.themorning.lk trails of his predecessors. Currently, Cricket South Africa (CSA) is managed by an interim body Here’s how to make an interim appointed by the Minister of Sports and the ICC has not voiced any objection, at least in public. In 2017, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was placed under an interim body and for a committee palatable to the ICC time, India was not represented at ICC Board meetings. Square BCCI and Lodha Committee Cuts India’s decision was prompted by a report submitted by the Lodha BY SUDAT PASQUAL Committee appointed by the Supreme Court of India to improve the administrative practices of BCCI. The Former skipper of the national Lodha Committee took two years to team and chairman of an interim submit its report and the Supreme Court committee Arjuna Ranatunga of India accepted a majority of the is calling on the Minister of Committee’s recommendations after Sports to install another interim rejecting BCCI’s legal objections. administration to stem the collapse It should be noted that the of Sri Lanka’s cricket. Government of India also objected to Arjuna Ranatunga has been a vocal certain provisions of the Supreme Court and consistent critic of what is taking order on behalf of three members of place at Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) for BCCI and received a measure of relief over a decade. What is different now from the Supreme Court. is the sense of urgency that Ranatunga is projecting. In Ranatunga’s view, Sri The South Africa example Lanka’s cricket has reached the point of In the case of CSA, the council that no return. was running CSA voted in favour Is there evidence to justify the of acceding their authority to the appointment of another interim body to committee appointed by the Minister of manage the affairs of SLC? Let’s take a Sports after initially refusing to do so. look at ground reality. The Minister of Sports has previously Since 2015, Sri Lanka has won appointed a committee for three months 36% of Tests, 33% of ODIs and 28% to arrest the chronic mismanagement of T20Is they have played. Currently of the organisation. The Minister has the team is ranked 6th in Tests, 8th in threatened to go to court and prove that ODIs, and 7th in T20Is. The team is in the council was incapable of conducting the 33rd percentile in Tests and 38th in the affairs of CSA efficiently or ODIs and T20s. If we were discussing honestly. test scores for university entrance The committee appointed by the examinations, receivers of above minister was not made up of political scores almost certainly will not gain latches or former players who had an admission. Sidath Wettimuny was the Head of the 10th interim committee of SLC, appointed by Sports Minister Navin Dissanayake (seen on left) in 2015 axe to grind with the existing council. As such, the ICC has not raised Numbers rarely tell the players prior to and during the game of monies to rig elections, create administrations. Those interim bodies any objections to the new interim whole story may contribute to a loss; a few close administrative positions for lackies, and were installed by the Minister to stem administration. Winning results can be quantified umpiring decisions could turn a match; bribe politicians and public officials the rot and mend the error in the ways because it is easy to identify the so could tactical errors, fielding lapses, to pre-empt electoral challengers like of the body. Sri Lanka different numbers that made those victories and weather; and a result could be fixed Arjuna Ranatunga. Unlike Sri Lanka, the appointment possible. After all, the team that scores by the actions of players. Or, the loss Validity of the 10 interims of interim bodies by CSA and BCCI more runs than the other will win ODIs may have happened because the other Occam’s razor definition Yet, here we are seven interims did not appear politically motivated, and T20Is and in Tests, the team that team played better. Those who are familiar with the later insisting on another because the nor do those countries have a history of scores more runs and takes 20 wickets dysfunctional ways of SLC will confirm previous seven could not get the job appointing interim bodies to run affairs will end victorious. In Test cricket, it Endemic fiscal the validity of these allegations, but done. It is possible that if given the of cricket. The reverse is true in Sri is possible for a team to win without mismanagement none have been able to buttress them reins, Arjuna Ranatunga may be able Lanka. taking all 20 wickets but the format still In other words, it is virtually with concrete evidence. Most of them to achieve what 10 previous interims Considering, it would be prudent requires the winner to score more runs impossible to pin the need for a change say: “No, I don’t have evidence but I (including his own) were unable to do. for those advocating the appointment than the other. in an administration of cricket on poor know it happens!” These detractors say But, is it probable that the International of another interim body to run the Still, when we are analysing the on-field performance. that we should apply the definition of Cricket Council (ICC), which has affairs of SLC to study the approaches losses, numbers rarely tell the whole Ranatunga also highlights the Occam’s razor to the situation; that the explicitly rejected the legitimacy of of South Africa and India who were story because a team may lose a endemic fiscal mismanagement that simplest of theories/explanations should Government-appointed interim bodies, faced with similar dire consequences match for numerous reasons. A team seems to permeate every nook and be preferred over more complex ones. accept the 11th interim of Sri Lanka as and build a body of evidence to support could outperform the other in two of corner of SLC as a reason for drastic To date, SLC and its predecessor valid? their cause. the innings and underperform in the action. Successive administrations BCCSL (Board of Control for Cricket I would say not. Not if the A body of evidence that will stand the other two and lose; injuries to key have been accused of misappropriation in Sri Lanka) have had seven interim Minister follows the shambolic scrutiny of a court of law.

Fight, says Ranjan Madugalle

kind of struggle. Let me get at it through is related to what we do or happens under an example. our noses. Much of it is “outside”. Much Interception Over 40 years ago, there was a situation of it can be called “trivial” but some of it is where a school didn’t have an official so bad that saying or doing nothing doesn’t BY MALINDA SENEVIRATNE coach for chess, and the teacher-in-charge really make for a good night’s sleep. deferred to the opinion of the captain since There can be a cost. It’s easier to he, the teacher, knew little of the game or look the other way. There’s always We have, in these pages, written about the strengths of the players. The captain an easier road to travel. You make a various aspects of conduct recommended essentially chose the senior (Over-15) and principled choice and all of a sudden you by Ranjan Madugalle in rare comments for junior (Under-15) teams. He wasn’t fair. He find yourself walking through a minefield. young cricketers. It is a set of thoughts that had a strong personality and the unfairness, It is not the popular thing to do. Friends are applicable across all sports. as happens often enough, was to stand. abandon you. Those who cut corners or Admittedly, some of them are of the “goes A few senior players fought. They took worse, brand you openly or covertly as without saying” kind. They are said often the matter up to the Vice Principal, whose “trouble-maker”. Sometimes if you are really enough, but are rarely followed to the letter. knowledge of the game and players was as good at what you do or have the strength of This one is about fighting, and not just during minimal as that of the teacher-in-charge. Given years, you prevail; things get tough but not a competition. the circumstances he came up with a strange as tough if you were a younger player or It reminded me of a chess game played at selection method: he asked all the senior players less of a genius. Fighting if you think you the Olympiad in Baku, Azerbaijan, where and the strongest player in the junior team to are right doesn’t come with excuses. You Sri Lanka was drawn to play Uruguay. list the best seven players in each category in do it because you must. Sachini Ranasinghe had the black pieces terms of perceived playing strength. That same Vice Principal, who held against Natalia Silva. It was an ending that They did just that. Teams were re-selected. that post when Ranjan himself was still a was theoretically drawn. Indeed it wasn’t Perhaps if this happened today there would schoolboy, once said: “Do what you think difficult for her opponent to deny Sachini a be parents filing cases in courts, but back is right, whether or not the win. The game dragged on for 162 moves. then, for the most part, students fought their world appreciates.” Sachini had a slight advantage. She knew that own battles. They lost, mostly, but gained That’s the kind of fight only a blunder on the part of her opponent the intangibles associated with character. I believe Ranjan was would give her an opportunity to turn it into The best team the school could come up talking about. a win. She played tenaciously. She won. with was not as good as the teams of two Our readers can That’s one kind of fighting. A Kusal other schools; they came third. The junior reach the writer on Perera (vs. South Africa) or if you want team won their category. malindasenevi@ a more recent example, a Kyle Meyers Ranjan says: “Fight if you think you are gmail.com or www. (for West Indies against Pakistan) kind right”. Now there are innumerable moments malindawords. of fighting. Ranjan speaks of a different that one could consider “unjust”. Some of it blogspot.com

Ranjan says ‘fight if you think you are right’ „„ www.themorning.lk Tuesday, February 9, 2021 ICC announces BYJU’S as global partner Hamilton to race again for Mercedes The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced yesterday (8) that BYJU’S, Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has signed a India’s largest EdTech company, will be joining as their global partner from new one-year contract with Mercedes for the 2021 season. 2021 to 2023. The three-year agreement will see BYJU’S partner all ICC The 36-year-old’s previous deal lapsed in 2020 but he will events over the period, including the forthcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup now race for Mercedes for a ninth season. Hamilton became in India, and the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand. As a global the sport’s most successful driver ever in 2020, breaking partner, BYJU’S will have extensive in-venue, broadcast, and digital rights Michael Schumacher’s all-time win record and drawing level across all ICC events. with the German’s seven titles. “Our team has achieved incredible things together,” Hamilton has told the media yesterday (8). sportsAnother Interim Committee for SLC? z Sri Lanka Cricket election unlikely? BY REVATHA SILVA Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) may ENGLAND 1ST INNINGS 578 go for another Interim INDIA 1ST INNINGS 337 Committee (IC) or board of administrators, sources ENGLAND 2ND INNINGS told The Morning Sports Rory Burns c Rahane b Ashwin 0 Ravichandran Ashwin took 6/61 as India were yesterday (8). Dom Sibley c Pujara b Ashwin 16 set a target of 420 to win their first Test against “A leader in one of the main Dan Lawrence lbw b Sharma 18 England on its day four in Chennai yesterday (8) factions has already indicated Joe Root (Capt.) lbw b Bumrah 40 PHOTO BCCI during a luncheon organised for Ben Stokes c Pant b Ashwin 7 his club supporters last weekend Ollie Pope c Sharma b Nadeem 28 that there could be an interim Jos Buttler (wk) St Pant b Nadeem 24 committee appointed soon, Dom Bess lbw b Ashwin 25 Challenging despite the announcement of the Jofra Archer b Ashwin 5 elections (for 20 May),” one of INTERIM COMMITTEES Jack Leach not out 8 the contestants of the May SLC OF SRI LANKA CRICKET James Anderson c & b Ashwin 0 final day election told us yesterday. As Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka Extras (nb 7) 7 Meanwhile, Youth and Sports (BCCSL) Total (all out in 46.3 overs) 178 Minister Namal Rajapaksa told (from 1972-2000) Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Burns, 0.1 ov), 2-32 (Sibley, 10.6 1. Rienzie Wijetilleke (1999-2000) the media last week that he 2. Vijaya Malalasekera (2001-2002) ov), 3-58 (Lawrence, 15.3 ov), 4-71 (Stokes, 18.1 ov), for India Upali Dharmadasa (right) and Nishantha Ranatunga, who were would be compelled to appoint respectively the President and Secretary of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) interim 3. Hemaka Amarasuriya (2002-2003) 5-101 (Root, 23.5 ov), 6-130 (Pope, 28.4 ov), 7-165 z an interim committee to run the committee of 2011-2012 As Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) (Buttler, 41.2 ov), 8-167 (Bess, 42.1 ov), 0178 (Archer, England need nine affairs of Sri Lanka Cricket if the (from 2003 - present) 4. Jayantha Dharmadasa (2005-2007) 46.1 ov), 10-178 (Anderson, 46.3 ov) present disappointing situation is Wijekoon, Secretary to the bribery and corruption. They Bowling: Ravichandran Ashwin 17.3-2-61-6 (3nb), wickets to win Test 5. Arjuna Ranatunga (2008) to worsen in future. Ministry of Youth and Sports are also likely to propose a 6. S. Liyanagama (CA*) (2008-2009) Shahbaz Nadeem 15-2-66-2 (3nb), Ishant Sharma England need to take nine wickets in 90 National cricket administration in this regard failed yesterday. more competitive first-class 7. Somachandra de Silva (2009-2011) 7-1-24-1, Jasprit Bumrah 6-0-26-1 (1nb), Washington overs on the final day, today (9), of the first in both India and South Africa Meanwhile it is also reported tournament format plus a strong 8. Upali Dharmadasa (2011-2012) Sundar 1-0-1-0 9. Jayantha Dharmadasa (2013-2015) Test in Chennai after declining to enforce are currently run by interim that the national Cricket provincial competition. 10. Sidath Wettimuny (2015-2016) the follow-on and setting India 420 to win. administrations. Committee, appointed with the “There is a strong speculation * CA=Competent Authority INDIA 2ND INNINGS (TARGET 420) After wrapping things up on the fourth Another source, involved in the consent of both the Ministry going on at the moment that the Rohit Sharma b Leach 12 morning with Jack Leach and James ongoing SLC election campaign, and SLC, consisting Aravinda Honourable Minister is likely Shubman Gill not out 15 Anderson taking two wickets apiece, and said there is a big possibility for de Silva, Roshan Mahanama, to appoint an interim body of already begun their election Cheteshwar Pujara not out 12 leaving Washington Sundar to score an the Minister to appoint an interim Kumar Sangakkara, and administrators by considering the campaigns by yesterday. Many Extras 0 unbeaten on 85, England opted to bat again. committee due to the “bitter Muttiah Muralitharan, is also present situation in our cricket,” historically rival factions have Total (for 1 wicket in 13 overs) 39 Ravichandran Ashwin took six wickets confrontations” that are expected to recommend that there should the said probable contender for a got together against the present Did not bat: Virat Kohli (Capt.), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh as England made 178 all out in a quick- in the next SLC elections coming be a change in the existing club top SLC post conceded yesterday SLC administration to challenge Pant (wk), Washington Sundar, Ravichandran Ashwin, fire second innings which saw some up in less than four months. voting system which tends to on the condition of anonymity. them in a united front if the Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Shahbaz Nadeem occasional bursts of aggressive batting. Our effort to contact Anuradha form a body that is prone for Anyway, rival parties have elections are to be held in May. Fall of wickets: 1-25 (Sharma, 5.3 ov) India would have in the back of their minds their Bowling: Jofra Archer 3-2-13-0, Jack Leach 6-1-21-1, recent historic performance at the Gabba where James Anderson 2-1-2-0, Dom Bess 2-0-3-0 they chased down an improbable fourth-innings Inter-schools U-19 Div-I cricket from mid March target to win a memorable series. BY ISHANI UPATHARITHA tournament is scheduled to be over before Group Z - St. Anthony’s College - Kandy, the end of April. Nalanda College - Colombo, S. Thomas’ Inter Schools Under-19 Division-I cricket All first-round league matches will be played College - Mt. Lavinia, Richmond College ON THIS DAY – 9 FEBRUARY tournament will commence from the middle at the respective home grounds. The quarter- - Galle, Maliyadeva College - Kurunegala, of March by the Sri Lanka Schools Cricket finals, semi-finals, and the final will be worked and Prince of Wales’ College - Moratuwa 1540 – The first recorded race meet in England, at Roodee Association (SLSCA). off on 20, 25, and 30 April respectively. All Fields in Chester This year, the tournament will be matches will be played at neutral venues Division-I Tier B Schools: conducted as a limited-over tournament from the quarter-finals onwards. The SLSCA Group X - Thurstan College - Colombo, 1895 – Volleyball was invented by William G. Morgan due to the Covid -19 pandemic and General is awaiting the necessary approval from Mahinda College - Galle, St. Peter’s College - (pictured) in Massachusetts, USA Certificate of Education (GCE) Ordinary the Ministry of Education (MOE) for the Bambalapitiya, Dharmaraja College - Kandy, 1900 – Dwight Davis established a new tennis trophy, the Level Examination. tournament to be finalised. St. Aloysius College - Galle, and Moratu Davis Cup The SLSCA has so far conducted a regular Vidyalaya two-day tournament, from September to Division-I Tier A Schools: Group Y - St. Joseph Vaz College - 1986 – India’s Mohinder Amarnath became the first batsman March every year, so far. The Division-I Group X - Trinity College - Kandy, Royal Wennappuwa, Isipathana College - Colombo, dismissed for handling the ball in ODI cricket tournament will consist of Tier “A” and “B”. College - Colombo, D.S. Senanayake College Ananda College - Colombo, Zahira College There will be 36 schools total in Tiers A and - Colombo, De Mezenod College - Kandana, - Colombo, Dharmapala College - Pannipitiya, 1990 – Doina Melinte ran the world indoor record for 1.5 km at 4:00:27 secs. and one mile at 4:17:13 secs. B, which will be divided into 18 schools Gurukula College - Kelaniya, and Wesley and Maris Stella College - Negombo each Tier. There will be five matches each College - Colombo Group Z - Dharmashoka College - 1965 – Birth of Super heavyweight boxer and Olympics for every team. Group Y - St. Joseph’s College - Colombo, Ambalangoda, St. Servatius’ College - gold medallist Lennox Lewis in London, England in 1988 The tournament will commence from March Mahanama College - Colombo, St. Thomas’ Matara, Devapathiraja College - Rathgama, 15-20. First round will be completed before College - Matara, St. Sebastian’s College - St. Anthony’s College - Wattala, Lumbini 1970 – Birth of Aus cricket legend Glenn McGrath in New 9 April. The final round will start after the Moratuwa, St. Benedict’s College - Kotahena, College - Colombo, and St. Sylvester’s South Wales Sinhala and Tamil New Year festival. The St. Anne’s College - Kurunegala College – Kandy Hasan Ali takes 10 as Paks secure series win z Pakistan vs. South Africa second Test report SCORECARD Pakistan burst into life in the second determination, said icc-cricket.com, Pakistan 272 and 298 session on day five yesterday (8) in during the course of which they negated South Africa 1st innings 201 Rawalpindi to seal a 2-0 series triumph the Pakistan bowlers riding high on against South Africa. momentum, and then went about scaling SOUTH AFRICA 2ND INNINGS It was their first series victory against the target. (TARGET 370 AND O/N 127/1 IN 41 OVERS) South Africa since as far back as 2003. They put on 106 for the fourth wicket, Aiden Markram c Butt b Ali 108 It was also their first Test series win during the course of which Markram Dean Elgar c Rizwan b Afridi 17 under the fledgling captaincy career of brought up his first Test century away Rassie van der Dussen b H. Ali 48 Babar Azam. from home, and fifth overall. Faf du Plessis lbw b H. Ali 5 Hasan Ali returned a match-haul of They took South Africa into lunch Temba Bavuma c Rizwan b Afridi 61 10 wickets. Mohammad Rizwan was without further harm, at 219/3, and after Quinton de Kock (Capt/wk) c Butt b H. Ali 0 declared Player of the Series and it would they resumed, Bavuma brought up his Wiaan Mulder b Shah 20 have perhaps been a perfect day for half-century as well. However, once George Linde c Ashraf b H. Ali 4 Pakistan had Aiden Markram and Temba the second new ball was taken at the Keshav Maharaj c Butt b Afridi 0 Bavuma not fought back in the morning first opportunity, the game changed on Kagiso Rabada b Afridi 0 session of play yesterday. its head. Anrich Nortje not out 2 Resuming from an overnight score of Hasan was the man to change it. In Extras (nb 7, lb 2) 9 127/1, South Africa’s hopes of grinding his first over with the new ball, he had Total (all out in 91.4 overs) 274 down the target suffered early blows Markram splaying an edge to slip – the Fall of wickets: 1-33 (Elgar, 8.2 ov), 2-127 when Hasan had Rassie van der Dussen opener was furious with himself, and (van der Dussen, 41.3 ov), 3-135 (du Plessis, 45.5 ov), cleaned up in just the third ball of the had to walk back for 108. 4-241 (Markram, 81.1 ov), 5-241 (de Kock, 81.2 ov), day, two runs short of a half-century. Hasan wasn’t done yet, though. In his 6-253 (Bavuma, 86.5 ov), 7-258 (Linde, 87.6 ov), He then returned to have Faf du Plessis next ball, he had Captain Quinton de 8-268 (Maharaj, 90.1 ov), 9-268 (Rabada, 90.3 ov), trapped in front for five, and South Kock tempted into a drive and caught at 10-274 (Mulder, 91.4 ov) Africa’s prospects of chasing down 370 second slip. South Africa were 243/5 then. Bowling: Shaheen Afridi 21-6-51-4 (4nb), looked less convincing at 135/3. South Africa lost six wickets for just Hasan Ali 16-2-60-5 (3nb), Nauman Ali 20-6-63-0, However, Markram and Bavuma then 33 runs, and for all their effort in the Yasir Shah 23.4-5-56-1, Faheem Ashraf 10-2-37-0, Hasan Ali celebrates after getting out South Africa’s Rassie van der Dussen in the second and final Test at Rawalpindi yesterday (8). Pakistan won by 95 runs and sealed the series 2-0 got together to frustrate the home side. morning, Pakistan celebrated another Fawad Alam 1-0-5-0 Theirs was a partnership of grit and comfortable win. PHOTO ©️ PCB

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