„„ www.themorning.lk „„ Late City VOL 01 | NO 11 | Rs. 30.00 { MONDAY } MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2021 SCHOOL RUGBY ‘LARGE TOURNAMENT DISCREPANCIES STRUCTURE TO IN OFFICIAL DATA CHANGE THIS YEAR SOURCES’

HOLISTIC CARE AFTER QUARTER-BOTTLE A LIFE-CHANGING BAN YET TO BE DIAGNOSIS FINALISED »SEE PAGE 16 »SEE PAGE 11 »SEE PAGE 7 »SEE PAGE 4 Ceramics makers and GoSL reviewing importers strike deal z 30% import duty z Rs 125 per kg cess

RPCs’ performance BY SUMUDU CHAMARA recently issued in this connection. z The Sri Lanka Ceramics and Glass SLCGC Vice President Aravinda Perera, ‘Social wellbeing’ of z Tea Board submits report to Council (SLCGC) has requested President in a letter addressed to the President, said Gotabaya Rajapaksa to take steps to amend that the two parties had agreed to a custom labourers considered Plantation Ministry the current import duty and cess applicable import duty of 30% and a cess of Rs. 125 BY PAMODI WARAVITA welfare of the labourers,” a Ministry of to the import of ceramics and tiles in per kilogramme. The final report of a performance-evaluative study initiated by the Government Plantation Industries official, who wished to accordance with an agreement reached The agreement in question had been focusing on the performance of Regional Plantation Companies (RPCs), with remain anonymous, told The Morning yesterday by the importers and manufacturers of reached in a meeting held on 5 February. a special focus on the social wellbeing of labourers employed by them, will be (7). The official further said that while the initial ceramic products. The letter goes on to commend the released in one and a half months, The Morning learnt. report was handed to the ministry by the SLTB The association has also requested the President's “Saubhagye Dekma” plan. last month, field verifications are scheduled to President to amend the gazette notification Contd. on page 2 The initial study was conducted by the “The final report, expected to be completed be conducted in the coming weeks. Ministry of Plantation Industries, the Sri Lanka by mid-March, aims to reach a decision on The official added that the large employer- Tea Board (SLTB), and a private audit firm, whether the intended results of handing the employee disparities, in terms of the planters NATIONAL VACCINATION DRIVE and the report was submitted to the Ministry government assets to the RPCs has been and the labourers, are being considered. of Plantation Industries last month. achieved, especially with regard to the social Contd. on page 2 Medical students FOLLOW ME, FOLKS! ‘Hacking not due to outdated tech’ demand priority BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI z Follows similar The cyber attack faced by the .lk domain on After private healthcare workers requested for Saturday (6) morning where many addresses demand by priority in receiving vaccination last week, students were affected by a malicious redirection, from the Faculties of Medicine and Nursing have including search engine giant Google, was private health also requested priority in receiving the Oxford- “not due to outdated tech”. AstraZeneca Covishield vaccine. Contd. on page 2 workers Contd. on page 2 Bus strike likely to be called off BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI said that private bus owners The strike of private buses are likely to get solutions for that is scheduled to take place their problems following a Colombo District MP Madhura Vithanage participated alongside members of the public in the launch tomorrow (9) may be called meeting that is set to take place of the “Cycling Sunday” initiative to be held every Sunday from 4-7 p.m., encouraging citizens to take off as the Lanka Private Bus today (8) with State Minister up cycling PHOTO SAMAN ABESIRIWARDANA Owners’ Association (LPBOA) of Money and Capital Market anticipates a positive response and State Enterprise Reforms from the Government, The Ajith Nivard Cabraal. NEW NATIONAL UNITY OFFICE Morning learnt. “A meeting will take place Speaking to The Morning with State Minister Cabraal at yesterday (7), LPBOA 8 a.m. tomorrow. Good Yahapalana President Gemunu Wijeratne Contd. on page 2 plans to continue New prices on essentials at Sathosa from today BY PAMODI WARAVITA beneficial to the country by the previous The newly appointed officials to the Office office and carry them on to the future,” newly Twenty-four of the 27 essential yesterday (7), Lanka Sathosa Chief of National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR) appointed ONUR Chairman Kushan de Alwis goods of which the Ministry of Executive Officer (CEO) Maj. would consider continuing the “beneficial” PC told The Morning yesterday (7). Trade reduced prices last week (Retd.) Anura Pandithage said that plans which were carried out by the previous De Alwis further said that the new officials would be available at Lanka all items except samba, BCC soap, board under then Chairman former President will have their first meeting on Wednesday Sathosa outlets in Colombo from and imported canned fish would Chandrika Kumaratunge during the Yahapalana (10), where a roadmap to future decisions today (8) onwards, The Morning be sold at the reduced prices at all Government era. would be discussed. learnt. Sathosa outlets in the city today. “We will look into the actions that were Contd. on page 2 Speaking to The Morning Contd. on page 2 COVID-19 CASES Minority rights march concluded TOTAL CASES ACTIVE CASES BY THE MORNING NEWS DESK Chavakachcheri. during the march. Speaking to The The five-day Pottuvil to Point Pedro We are marching for our right to Morning last week, Illankai Tamil 69,348 (Polikandi) march of Tamil political memorialise the dead, the freedom Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) Parliamentarian parties, civil society activists, and the to conduct protests, and to stop Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, one of DEATHS RECOVERED public belonging to the Tamil and the unfair invasion of our Hindu the most prominent participants of Muslim communities in the North and temples,” a participant at the protest the protest, said the march, which 5,591 356 63,401 East Provinces, concluded yesterday told The Morning yesterday. began on Wednesday (3) aimed to SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU (7). According to the participant who raise awareness on their primary THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 9.45 P.M. ON 07 FEBRUARY 2021 “We started the fifth day of our spoke to The Morning, they faced many demands. protest by remembering our dead at obstacles by the Police and the Army Contd. on page 2 42 „„ www.themorning.lk { NEWS } Monday, February 8, 2021

FUTURE FOSSIL FUEL EXPLORATION Regulations must Glacier burst in India reflect the risks: PRDS DG leaves over 100 missing zRisks include potential oil spills z Rescue efforts were underway amidst floods z Hydroelectric dam project swept away

BY PAMODI WARAVITA production, the regulations A Himalayan glacier broke and caused sudden, Ratan Singh Rana, 55, from the village of Raini near The Petroleum Resources must reflect the risk factors massive flooding in the Northern Indian State of the Rishiganga project, said the water rushed down the Development Secretariat that are involved. Uttarakhand yesterday (7), smashing two dam mountain around 10:30 a.m. (PRDS) is in the process of “I looked at some of the projects and forcing the authorities to scramble “I was sitting on the floor of my house,” he said. reviewing the drafts for the disasters that have happened in order to evacuate villages and try to save “I saw black liquid flowing from the Nanda Devi new regulations pertaining around the world and thought more than a hundred lives. mountainside – with a lot of noise – as if a volcano had to risk factors associated with that we are a small, beautiful Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat erupted.” “It was only 20-25 metres away from us,” he fossil fuel exploration by the country which cannot afford said that seven bodies had been recovered and about 125 added. “We ran uphill about 250 metres and kept on proposed National Oil and Gas that. All these things that people, many of them workers at the two hydroelectric crying and shouting, ‘Bhago, bhago! Bachao, bachao!’,” Company, The Morning learnt. we have been doing with dam projects that were largely swept away, were he said, using the Hindi words for “run” and “save us!” The National Oil and regard to exploration and unaccounted for. Mr. Rana said the muddy water swept big boulders Gas Company which is to development has to be done “An avalanche came and completely broke the and ice downstream. His daughter and granddaughter be introduced to handle the with minimum impact on the Rishiganga power project; almost all the workers there were trapped in the house with mud rubble closing off State’s new commercial treasures we have – our marine are missing,” said Uttarakhand Chief of Police Ashok the main entrance. They managed to rescue them from interests in oil and gas environment, our beaches, and Kumar. “By the time the water came downstream, we the back of the house. exploration will be monitored the fisheries resource,” said had alerted people.” Labourers rescued from the sediment inundated area “We thought that the whole world would drown in by the Petroleum Resources Ovitigama. The scenes were reminiscent of floods in Uttarakhand this,” he said. “And we would leave this world today.” Development Authority of The MT New Diamond oil in 2013, when heavy rain over several days led to River. India’s Home Minister Amit Shah said teams By late Sunday afternoon, it appeared that the worst of Sri Lanka (PRADSL), which tanker, owned by the Greek landslides that killed thousands of people and washed from the country’s disaster response force had been the damage from the flooding was over. is due to be established company Porto Emporios away entire villages. airlifted in. Hundreds of soldiers and members of the Rawat, the Chief Minister, visited Chamoli and posted following the introduction of Shipping Inc. caught fire in But the latest disaster also raised fears of what is to Indo-Tibetan Border Police also descended on the a video on Twitter that indicated the flow of water had a new Petroleum Resources September 2020, while in come. Scientists, who said the breaking of a glacier scene, other officials said. slowed. He expressed hope that some of the missing Act (PRA). Sri Lankan waters. Although in the middle of the winter appeared to be a result of Videos on social media showed violent surges of people could be rescued. Local news media reports said “The drafts need to be the fire was eventually put climate change, have warned that rising temperatures water heading down mountain gorges, washing away 16 people trapped in a tunnel had been rescued so far. reviewed against the new out, environmentalists raised are melting the Himalayan glaciers at an alarming pace. bridges and what looked like hydroelectric structures “Our special focus is on rescuing the workers trapped Act which would look into concerns since the country’s The glaciers, which supply water to a vast number of of one of the dams. in the tunnels,” he said. the regulatory aspects from coastal belt is home to several people, could be mostly gone by the end of this century, Officials said 35 people had been working on the The disaster led critics to point fingers at the Government exploration to operation, sensitive ecosystems and a recent study found. Rishiganga power project closer to the glacier that was for constructing a dam so close to the glaciers at a time construction, and production. marine mammals such as The district of Chamoli in Uttarakhand appeared swept away, and 176 other people on a second project when the area is so vulnerable to climate change. Removing the risk factor in whales and dolphins. to have been hit hardest by the surging Dhauliganga about three miles downstream. (New York Times) these processes should be the Exploration for fossil fuel focus of our conversation,” was initially handled by the PRDS Director General Surath Ceylon Petroleum Corporation Ovitigama told The Morning (CEYPETCO) and this was Speaker’s stance on Ranjan’s seat tomorrow: SJB on 3 February. halted during the conflict years. Under the new PRA, the Eventually in 2003, under the BY SUMUDU CHAMARA Sajith Premadasa in Parliament that The Supreme Court on 12 January feels that Ramanayake’s sentence was PRADSL would function existing Act, the PRDS was set Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana Ramanayake should be allowed to sentenced Ramanayake to four years of excessive when comparing it to contempt as the regulatory body, up. As a step forward, a new is scheduled to announce his standpoint attend parliamentary sessions since rigorous imprisonment for contempt of of court cases in India. Meanwhile, SJB monitoring the procedures Act would be brought in to turn about the parliamentary seat of Samagi Ramanayake’s parliamentary seat will court. Later, the SJB sought the assistance Parliamentarian Mujibur Rahuman said of the National Oil and Gas the PRDS into an authoritative Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Parliamentarian be valid for six more months, said that of the Supreme Court and Appeal Court that, in a context where the existing Company. According to body, which would look into Ranjan Ramanayake tomorrow (9), SJB he would announce his opinion in three regarding Ramanayake’s sentence and laws do not stipulate the sentence for Ovitigama, if Sri Lanka is to the new National Oil and Gas National Organiser Tissa Attanayake weeks after evaluating the legal situation parliamentary seat. contempt of court cases, legal experts move into oil exploration and Company. told The Morning. in this connection,” Attanayake said, Attanayake went on to say that the say that Ramanayake should be allowed “The Speaker, in response to a adding that this three-week period ends SJB, with the assistance of its lawyers, to keep his parliamentary seat until it request made by Opposition Leader tomorrow. is planning further legal action as it is legally annulled. Contd. from page 1

to which workers would receive a basic daily The Association of Private Hospitals and wage to estate sector workers, stop unfair land He noted that if an online banking portal Govt. reviewing... wage of Rs. 725 and a maximum daily wage Nursing Homes (APHNH) appealed to the grabbing in the North and Eastern Provinces, was taken over, the hacker will be able to Meanwhile, speaking to The Morning of Rs. 1,108. Government on Wednesday (3) requesting that stop violation of press freedoms, and protect use the usernames and passwords to do yesterday, SLTB Chairman Jayampathy However, the RPCs then urged that TUs private healthcare workers receive priority, and promote democracy. transactions and that two-factor authentication Molligoda said that they conducted a critical should not get “political” in their response to alongside national healthcare workers, in the Rasamanickam further said that he received is an important security measure to be put analysis of the primary expectations of the the revised proposal, and should consider the ongoing Covid-19 vaccination drive. several court orders against the protest. in place to avoid such attacks. State from RPCs when the handover of the proposal in the best interest of the plantation More than 156,000 government healthcare However, when contacted, Cabinet He also said that the attack could be a plantations to the RPCs took place in 1995. worker. workers have been vaccinated so far under Spokesman Dr. Ramesh Pathirana said that the case of what is referred to as domain name “The RPCs were required to make In a press release, the RPCs explained that the the first phase of the vaccination drive. Sri protest was politically motivated by parties who service (DNS) poisoning, which would mean investments and contribute to socioeconomic revised wage proposal of Rs. 1,108 would be Lanka received its first and only batch so far wanted to gain leverage at the upcoming United that the technology is outdated and weak on wellbeing and environmental sustainability, achieved by granting a basic wage of Rs. 725, of 500,000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) security, or worse, a case of the attack being including the social wellbeing of the labourers. a price share supplement of Rs. 50, Employees’ Covishield vaccine from India on 28 January session in Geneva at the end of this month, orchestrated by an insider having access to We did a financial and physical evaluation of Provident Fund (EPF)/Employees’ Trust Fund kick-starting the vaccination of health workers where the question of Sri Lanka’s justice and the domain registry. these expectations with a private audit firm, and (ETF) of Rs. 108, and an attendance and and security forces that are in the frontline of accountability during the 30-year long civil When inquired whether this attack was handed over our report to the subject ministry productivity incentive of Rs. 225. the country’s Covid-19 response. war would be discussed. what is called DNS poisoning, Prof. Dias said last month,” said Molligoda. This batch of vaccines can be administered “I do not believe that this Government that though this was definitely an issue to do While Molligoda added that specific on 250,000 individuals as the vaccine needs to has done anything to the Tamil minority that with the DNS, it was not what is generally recommendations had been made in the report, Good Yahapalana... be administered in two doses. Dr. Amal Harsha warrants this protest. This is just a politically called DNS poisoning, which is a kind of he was not in a position to disclose them, as he The ONUR was established under former de Silva also told The Morning yesterday that motivated protest due to the upcoming UNHRC attack where altered DNS records are used to noted the ministry must commence discussions President Maithripala Sirisena following a Sri Lanka is hoping to purchase 18 million session,” Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Ramesh redirect online traffic to a fraudulent website with the RPCs first. cabinet decision in April 2015, and entrusted Covishield vaccines from India. Pathirana told The Morning yesterday (7). that resembles its intended destination. Molligoda also said that the 20 RPCs were with the previous Ministry of National The march was supported by nearly all Tamil When asked whether attacks of this nature analysed based on their performance over the Integration and Reconciliation as per Gazette political parties and many Tamil and Muslim have taken place before on the .lk domain, last 10 years for the study. No. 1945/41. However, an extraordinary Bus strike... civil society organisations. Prof. Dias said that they have gone through “If we consider the global marketplace, we gazette in August 2020 brought the ONUR The strike will most likely be called off all the logs going back to last year and that need to look at the authenticity of the tea, the under the Ministry of Justice. As such, the because we will get solutions for the issues they have no evidence to show that this has quality of the tea, and the wellness factor in new appointments to the office were made we have raised.” ‘Hacking not... happened before Saturday’s attack as of yet. terms of sustainability, to be able to compete. on Friday (5). Chaired by Kushan de Alwis The Government’s response to private bus Speaking to The Morning yesterday (7), LK The .lk domain sites were redirected While focus on cost reduction and productivity PC, other members include former District owners’ concerns regarding the Covid-19 Domain Registry Domain Registrar Prof. Gihan to a site titled “Really Freedom?”, where is also good, if these important factors are Secretary Sunil Kannangara as Director General health protocols, the promised pandemic Dias claimed that the technology used by the photographs and content criticising the Sri not considered, we would find it difficult to (DG) and Attorney-at-Law (AAL) Thushari insurance that is claimed to not have been registry is the latest and that the attack exposed Lankan Government and raising concerns compete globally,” said Molligoda. Sooriyarachchi as the Additional DG. received yet, issues with leasing payments, vulnerabilities that could always be exploited of estate workers, human rights and media Meanwhile, in an event held in Nawalapitiya During the year of 2018, ONUR implemented and the paying of log permit charges and in technology. freedom, and Tamil political prisoners, among on Saturday (6), Minister of Agriculture the National Reconciliation Policy of Sri other levies are the issues that the LPBOA “The technology was not outdated. We have other issues, were displayed Mahindanada Aluthgamage said that if the Lanka, education for social cohesion, conflict has raised. always been using the latest technology. There . RPCs cannot ensure the Rs. 1,000 daily wage, transformation, a psychological support project, may have been some vulnerabilities as any then they must hand back the plantations to arts and culture for reconciliation, awareness technology can always have them.” Ceramics makers... the Government. and outreach, and an economic engagement New prices... Prof. Dias said that at around 6 a.m. on “This has been reached in view of your However, Minister of Plantation Industries programme in the Northern and Eastern He further said that while Colombo outlets Saturday, certain domain names were changed ‘Saubhagye Dekma’ which specifies Dr. Ramesh Pathirana told The Morning Provinces under the Comprehensive District would definitely have the items at the reduced by an unknown entity. The domain identified that special attention be given to locally yesterday that the aim of the performance- Development Plan (DDP) programme. The prices today, outstation shops could be expected this immediately as the systems are frequently manufactured items and increase local evaluative study conducted with the SLTB is economic engagement programme benefited to sell at the reduced prices from tomorrow monitored, he said. The irregularities were picked manufacturing capacity to satisfy the market. not to take over the estates, but to provide a over 40,000 families in the Northern and onwards. up and by 8.30 a.m., the domains were reverted. We also have taken into account where there means for the RPCs to optimise the utilisation Eastern Provinces. When asked whether Lanka Sathosa would “The domain is operational. Only a small is a shortage of sanitaryware available to of the estates. have to incur a loss due to the price reduction number of about 10 domains were changed. We the public. As such, this agreement will The privatisation initiative in the tea sector as the items had already been purchased by are planning to bring it up as soon as possible allow the importers to meet this demand,” commenced in 1992, where state-run estates Medical students... Sathosa, Maj. Pandithage said that since all and we will put in place very stringent security the letter stated. were handed over to RPCs. Speaking to The Morning yesterday (7), of the items are dry rations, the same price measures to make sure that this type of thing will A gazette notification was issued on 2 The issue of the Rs. 1,000 daily wage for Ministry of Primary Healthcare, Epidemics, margin is maintained. not happen. We are looking at the weaknesses February relaxing the import restrictions estate labourers reached a deadlock last month and Covid Disease Control Secretary Dr. Amal The Ministry of Trade decided to reduce and identifying them. Before we make these imposed on ceramic products including tiles. between the RPCs and the three trade unions Harsha de Silva said that the request for priority the prices of 27 essential goods by tomorrow, domains available we will make sure that this However, in a letter dated 3 February, the (TUs) representing the workers – namely the from private sector healthcare workers, medical namely red raw rice, white raw rice, white kind of thing won’t happen in the future.” Imports and Exports Control Department Ceylon Workers’ Congress (CWC), the Lanka students, and nursing students has raised a nadu, samba, keeri samba, wheat flour, white Investigations are underway to determine the had instructed the Director General of Sri Jathika Estate Workers’ Union (LJEWU) and the demand for the remaining number of vaccines. sugar, brown sugar, tea, Australian red lentils, nature of the attack, said Prof. Dias. Lanka Customs and all commercial banks to Joint Plantation Trade Union Centre (JPTUC). “We are considering the private sector Indian big onions, local potatoes, Pakistani “We have taken backups of all the affected suspend the implementation of the regulation Due to their inability to reach an agreement, healthcare workers for priority, but we have potatoes, chickpeas, dried chilli, local canned systems and we are carefully examining them numbers 3 and 4 of Extraordinary Gazette No. the Ministry of Labour decided to convene a also received requests to give priority to medical fish, imported canned fish, Thai sprats, chicken, with the help of TechCERT, who is our security 2213/8 dated 2 February until further notice. Wages Board, which is meeting today (8) to students and nursing students. So we will have crystal salt, powdered milk, soybean oil, provider.” Imports and Exports Control Department resolve the dispute. The negotiations are being to consider all these requests as all these parties laundry soap – BCC, laundry soap, body soap, Speaking to The Morning yesterday, software Controller General T.V.D. Damayanthi S. held between seven representatives each from are important. We will assess the number handwash, and facemasks (SLS-certified). engineer and cyber security researcher Duminda Karunarathne said in the letter that the the RPCs and the TUs, and three representatives of vaccines we have tomorrow and take a Jayasena who raised concerns about the level operating instructions were issued under from the Ministry of Labour. decision.” of security of the .lk domain, said that a domain the power vested in the Imports and Exports As exclusively reported by The Morning on 2 When inquired about the exact number of Minority rights... takeover poses risks of endless damages. (Control) Act, No.1 of 1969 and in terms of February, TUs representing plantation workers available vaccines, Dr. de Silva said that an These demands were, namely, to release “A domain being taken over is one of the worst Regulation No. 17 of Extraordinary Gazette expressed strong opposition to a revised wage official number cannot be released yet although political prisoners, offer justice to families of things that could happen as the hacker would No. 2184/21 dated 16 July 2020. proposal presented by the RPCs, according they have rough internal calculations. missing persons, grant Rs. 1,000 as a daily have total control over the domain.” 43 Monday, February 8, 2021 { NEWS } „„ www.themorning.lk Bomb, pistol, and Myanmar sees biggest ammo seized during special operation A homemade bomb, an added that he would be produced automatic pistol, ammunition, before a magistrate. protests in 14 years and a 12-bore gun were seized The Welioya Police have during a special anti-firearms arrested another suspect with the operation conducted covering automatic pistol and ammunition. z Internet access blockade partially relaxed various police areas on Saturday A motorbike has also been taken (6), Police Spokesman Deputy into custody. Myanmar saw its biggest protests in nearly Inspector General of Police (DIG) Meanwhile, the Seethawakapura 14 years yesterday (7) as tens of thousands of Ajith Rohana said. Anti-Vice Squad has arrested three demonstrators took to the streets in several He said a 29-year-old was suspects on charges of possessing cities, calling for the release of detained civilian arrested by the Kadawatha Police firearms at Deraniyagala. A 12-bore leader Aung San Suu Kyi, international media with the homemade bomb and firearm was recovered as well. reported. VIOLATING QUARANTINE RULES In Yangon, nearly 100,000 demonstrators gathered in an area of the city’s downtown known as the staging grounds for prior pro-democracy protests. The showing at Sule Pagoda, which has remained peaceful so far, Over 3,000 arrested marks the biggest protest there since the monk-led, anti-junta demonstrations in 2007 as part of the Saffron in last three months Revolution, Bloomberg noted. The military-run Government launched a crackdown The police have filed cases against 2,950 personnel last week to stifle dissent and curb communication, out of 3,022 who were arrested on charges of violating ordering telecom providers to block Twitter and quarantine rules and regulations since 30 October Instagram, but internet access was partially restored last as at Saturday (6). afternoon, the internet monitoring service Netblocks Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana reported. yesterday said 11 persons were arrested “Partial restoration of internet connectivity confirmed for violating quarantine rules during in #Myanmar from 2 p.m. local time on multiple a special operation conducted on providers following information blackout,” the internet Saturday. monitoring service said on Twitter. Myanmar’s citizens protested against the coup that ousted elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi Meanwhile, he said rapid antigen International observers said that this was a subtle tests would be conducted on those acknowledgement by the military that the nationwide Police Spokesman who are employed at fish and web blockade failed to curb public outrage and protests in the November election was tainted with fraud. It After deposing Myanmar’s democratically elected DIG Ajith Rohana vegetable stalls and markets as well. against the coup that ousted elected leader Aung San pledged to hold a new election in the Southeast Asian Government on Monday (1) last week, the country’s Suu Kyi. nation after a year-long state of emergency. military issued the first formal charges against its de Footage of the demonstrations had flooded social Yesterday, United Nations Special Rapporteur on facto leader, accusing Suu Kyi of illegally importing media thereafter. Human Rights in Myanmar Tom Andrews called on the walkie-talkie radios. The allegation is a far cry from the Baddegama PS member Suu Kyi, who has been held along with other senior agency’s Human Rights Council to convene a special claims of rampant election fraud the military invoked leaders of her civilian Government since last week, session on the “unfolding crisis” in the country. when it seized power. arrested for assaulting has called on supporters to resist the generals after In a post on Twitter, he urged the UN to hold the Soldiers who raided Suu Kyi’s home early Monday being unseated in the 1 February coup. meeting on Myanmar immediately and called on nations found 10 of the radios, according to Myanmar Now and CEB official, two others Earlier in the day, around 2,000 demonstrators to “exert maximum pressure on the military dictators who other news outlets, citing police documents. The reports gathered close to Yangon University chanting “Long live have seized power, including through the imposition of did not go into detail about why the devices’ import A member of the Baddegama General of Police (DIG) Ajith Mother Suu” and “Down with military dictatorship,” targeted sanctions”. would be deemed illegal. Pradeshiya Sabha (PS) was Rohana said on Saturday. according to The Associated Press. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken pressed China The Tatmadaw, Myanmar’s military, announced it was arrested by the Wanduramba He said the suspect had assaulted One of two wholly foreign-owned telecommunications on Friday (5) to “join the international community taking over all branches of the Government on Monday Police on Saturday (6) on charges the electricity superintendent and firms, Telenor Myanmar announced last afternoon that in condemning the military coup”, while China’s top as the Parliament was poised to convene and form a new of obstructing the duties of a two others, who were engaged in services had been restored in Myanmar. diplomat Yang Jiechi reiterated the global community Government based on November elections, in which Suu Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) a project at Pahala Lelewela. The military seized power after claiming, without should create a favourable environment to solve the Kyi’s National League for Democracy party dominated official and assaulting him, Police The suspect is to be produced showing evidence, that Suu Kyi’s landslide victory problem. its rivals – including a military-backed party. Spokesman Deputy Inspector before the Galle Magistrate. Even infants get SJB ready to take to the streets: Sajith Opposition Leader Sajith fever after vaccination: Premadasa said that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is prepared to take Dr. Sudarshini to the streets against the State Minister of Primary Government, in order to Healthcare, Epidemics, and ensure the people’s right to Covid Disease Control Dr. live peacefully and without Sudarshini Fernandopulle said oppression. that even infants develop fever Speaking at a public Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa after being vaccinated and that meeting on Saturday (6), he the complications arising post- also raised concerns about conduct has rendered them the country’s assets after Covid-19 vaccination were how the reduced essential more helpless.” the election. He added that normal. food prices, gazetted by the The Opposition Leader under a SJB Government, Speaking at a news briefing on Government recently, would also alleged that the a programme will be Saturday (6), the State Minister benefit the people in reality. Government is wasting implemented to introduce said fever, tiredness, and pain are He added that even though money on ineffective projects, a new investment scheme normal reactions to any vaccine. maximum retail prices for instead of taking measures which involves attracting Isolation of “We have so far inoculated State Minister of Primary food items were gazetted, to resolve the country’s foreign direct investments. infants. We inject the BCG Healthcare, Epidemics, and Covid what usually happens is the pressing issues. Speaking of He also claimed that today, within 24 hours of birth and Disease Control Dr. Sudarshini food prices going up further. schoolchildren’s education, there is no such programme other vaccines in two, four, and Fernandopulle He added: “People in the which was disrupted due to attract foreign investments. areas in Borella, six months and so on. Infants country are facing a very to the Covid-19 pandemic He added that a lot of foreign too develop fever but they can’t complications after being difficult situation, and in and the consequent school investments are focusing on Minuwangoda lifted complain. It is different this time administered to healthcare recent history, people have closure, he added that children India, Vietnam, Cambodia, since it is the adults who are being workers. not gone through a difficult are facing difficulties due to and Indonesia. The isolation status of several be released from isolation today vaccinated. The body simply “After the first dose of time of this nature. Due the lack of facilities such He added: “Why doesn’t areas, including in Borella and morning. reacts to external substances vaccination, the receivers to the rising food prices, as computers and internet Sri Lanka get these Minuwangoda, was set to be Meanwhile, Jumma Masjid injected into the body,” she said. have shown symptoms such as people are unable to afford connection when trying investments? Because Sri lifted at 5 a.m. today (8), Army Mawatha, Hidra Mawatha, Speaking to The Morning on 1 fever, headache, and vomiting,” the amount of food they used to adopt distant education Lanka’s policies concerning Commander General Shavendra Aluth Mawatha, and Akaragoda February, Sri Lanka Association of Kumudesh said. to purchase before. This in systems. investments change. Silva said yesterday (7). in Minuwangoda would also be Government Medical Laboratory A total of over 150,000 turn has changed people’s He went on to say that When there is uncertainty He said the Gothamipura released from isolation. Technologists (SlagMLT) government healthcare workers consuming habits as well. the Government, despite concerning investments, no Housing Complex, Gothamipura The isolation of Kumarimulla President Ravi Kumudesh claimed have been inoculated so far People are already helpless, promises given to the investor likes to come and 24-Watte, Gothamipura Grama Niladhari Division in that the Oxford-AstraZeneca under the national vaccination and the current Government’s public, has started selling invest in the country.” 78-Watte, and Weluwana Road Pugoda, and Bolana-South in Covishield vaccine showed programme in Sri Lanka. (Dematagoda) in Borella would Ambalantota, would also be lifted. China gets tough with Biden admin in first call zNo one can stop China’s rejuvenation, says top diplomat Yang Jiechi In his first phone call with new US Secretary of their own choosing, the statement said. Beijing has stepped up military activity groups in Xinjiang, a designation Blinken of State Antony Blinken, the top foreign policy “Each side should focus on taking care of around Taiwan since Biden took office, sending has said he agrees with. aide to China’s President Xi Jinping Yang its own domestic affairs. China will firmly combat aircraft, including H-6K bombers, The US State Department has previously Jiechi has pinned the blame on Washington continue down the path of socialism with into Taiwan's air defence identification zone estimated that up to two million Uyghurs, as for plunging bilateral relations to their lowest Chinese characteristics and no one can stop on several occasions in what was seen as a well as members of other Muslim minority point in decades, CNN reported. the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation,” direct message to the new US administration groups, have been detained in a sprawling Jiechi has also reportedly rejected Yang had said. that China will not relent on its claims of network of internment camps in the region. international criticism of Beijing's policies Relations between Washington and Beijing sovereignty over the island. According to a readout of Friday's call in Xinjiang and Hong Kong, according to a under former US President Donald Trump were On Thursday, the US Navy sent a guided- provided by the US State Department, Blinken statement released by the Chinese Foreign oftentimes fractious, with clashes on issues missile destroyer through the Taiwan Strait, stressed the US would continue to stand up Ministry. relating to trade, technology, regional security, the first time a US warship has gone through for human rights and democratic values, “The US should correct recent mistakes, and human rights. the waterway that separates China and Taiwan including in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong, and work with China to promote the healthy Recent statements from the new administration Yang Jiechi during the Biden administration, CNN reported. and pressed China to join the international and stable development of China-US relations of President Joe Biden suggest there will be Yang had also warned Blinken that issues community in condemning the military coup by upholding the spirit of non-conflict, non- little in the way of pullback. In a speech on tension between the two countries, including relating to Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and Tibet are in Myanmar. confrontation, mutual respect, and win-win Thursday (4), Biden described China as the US's Taiwan, according to the Chinese statement. China's internal affairs, and that the country Blinken also reaffirmed that the US would co-operation,” he had told Blinken during “most serious competitor” and outlined plans Beijing claims full sovereignty over Taiwan, would not tolerate any external interference, work together with its allies and partners their call on Friday (5) in US time. to confront Beijing's “attack on human rights, a democratic island of almost 24 million the Chinese statement said. to hold China accountable for its “efforts Yang emphasised that both sides should intellectual property, and global governance”. people, despite the fact that the two sides The Trump administration determined that to threaten stability in the Indo-Pacific, respect the other's core interests, as well as During the phone call on Friday, Yang have been governed separately for more than China is committing genocide against Uyghur including across the Taiwan Strait”, the US political systems and developmental paths highlighted several major sources of continued seven decades. Muslims and ethnic and religious minority statement said. 4 „„ www.themorning.lk { HOTSEAT/FOCUS } Monday, February 8, 2021

vaccine has proven very helpful, giving the health is wrong data being given out by anyone else, sector an assurance that they are being looked after epidemiologists should correct them. Official by the Government. data sources should not have large discrepancies between them. But there were instances where The Government Do you think that the life of the doctor would there were considerable discrepancies. During should also assist have been saved if Sri Lanka brought down a public health emergency the health sector is by increasing the the vaccine earlier? relied upon to give correct information. number of PCR This is a concern among the medical community, tests conducted, and arguments have been raised for either side. It Following Dr. Gayan’s death, it was and by not reducing could be that we brought down the vaccine at the reported that Sri Lanka has only one it. Losing a fellow best time possible from the side of the Government extracorporeal membrane oxygenation doctor is not the and the Health Ministry. We got the vaccine even (ECMO) machine in Sri Lanka. In light only thing that after the vaccine’s post-market surveillance. But of this, do you think the Government will discourage we could also think that if we got vaccines earlier, has ensured adequate infrastructure and the health sector we could have saved his life. facilities to combat and contain Covid-19? and create doubt After Dr. Gayan’s passing, we see that there are within it. Are they We heard that those who were vaccinated serious risks. Some of us had concerns that we only supporting, or are experienced side effects. How has the have one extracorporeal membrane oxygenation they showing that vaccination drive progressed so far in terms (ECMO) machine in Sri Lanka. But we took the they are giving their of healthcare workers? Has it been a smooth doctor to the one available ECMO machine. If we support? process, or have there been issues? are requesting more ECMO machines, we have Healthcare workers have received the vaccination to find out if we need more of them. without many issues, and so far 156,000 of them Dr. Gayan was facing a lung failure. The ECMO have been inoculated. There were mild fevers and machine provides external support when there mild bodily pains experienced. But this is usual is a failure in the lungs. But Covid-19 deaths and it is no reason to not be vaccinated. There normally take place with multi-organ failures. were no serious side effects. This was an atypical condition. The ECMO is Very few had faced some breathing difficulties, helpful when it is only a lung failure, but ECMO but we were not sure if it was a side effect of the cannot help every patient. We should separately vaccine, or whether it was anxiety. But there is a discuss whether we need more ECMO machines. parallel adverse effect monitoring going on, of While we talk about ECMO machines, we which no details were released yet, but there were also need more Intensive Care facilities (ICU GMOA Deputy Secretary Dr. Naveen de Zoysa no such adverse effects. facilities). The need for more ICU facilities, vaccination, and Do you think the personal protective equipment Government is doing its (PPE) were raised by us initially, best to encourage frontline Certain data about hospital and we received the PPE. But healthcare workers? capacities contradict we do need more ICU facilities Like frontline soldiers, each other. Though these and ways of making more space healthcare workers should also contradictions may not in hospitals. ‘Large be morally boosted and made to reach the public, they reach feel that the country is with them. the healthcare sector, and What is the way forward But then certain media tried to they are aware of the true with Covid-19 control? portray that GMOA President Dr. numbers in their respective We need to look into home Anuruddha Padeniya had tried to hospitals. When these isolation of positive patients and escape when he was supposed numbers are not included explore the possibility of doing to be in quarantine. That is a in the officially declared so with the quarantine act. But discrepancies discouragement for the health numbers, it makes them lose in other countries, the PCRs are sector. The media also has a faith in the information done at home and ambulance responsibility towards boosting given out facilities are readily available the morale of healthcare workers. for emergencies. We should The Government should also come up with a system to make assist by increasing the number more bed spaces available in of PCR tests conducted, and by not reducing it. hospitals. We should see if such a system could Losing a fellow doctor is not the only thing that be developed, and we are developing guidelines. in official will discourage the health sector and create doubt We are a country that has managed to keep within it. Are they supporting, or are they showing Covid-19 deaths at a very low rate. With the help that they are giving their support? We should of the military and the Police, the health sector be able to see that the Government is following has been able to keep the death rate at a minimum, the technical guidelines about the testing that is despite what various politicians, Government or supposed to be done. Opposition, may say. This itself is a victory. So data sources’ The number of PCRs conducted daily has dropped we can take this forward. from about 17,000 a day, which was conducted two For example, we saw that the number of Covid- z Ministry’s epidemiologists responsible for weeks ago, to about 12,000 per day, a few days 19 positive patients being reported in the elderly ago. If the number of positive cases identified are population is low. But the Covid-19 deaths among based on different numbers of PCRs conducted, the elderly population is high. If this goes to the releasing correct data: GMOA Dep. Secy. we cannot compare the numbers we have received elderly population, the death rate may be high. BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI over these weeks. The other thing is that the high number of Covid- 19 deaths that were being reported in Colombo The passing of Dr. Gayan Danthanarayana last week marked the first Covid-19-related death of This reduction of cases is artificial. It is okay are moving towards the peripheries. This is an a frontline healthcare worker in Sri Lanka, and brought to focus the risks faced by those on the if we took a strategic decision to reduce alarming situation. So these are the things we frontlines of the country’s Covid-19 response. The passing of this young doctor occurred while testing. But it was not a strategic decision. should anticipate and concentrate on now. the Government healthcare workers were being inoculated as the first phase of the national This creates a question in the minds of vaccination drive, with over 150,000 healthcare workers inoculated as at Saturday (6). health workers as to why PCR tests are not What has the GMOA done apart from conducted. Why is this truth not being told? your work on the frontlines to support the Yesterday (7), The Morning spoke to Government who you are, there is no hiding from Covid-19. Certain data about hospital capacities contradict national effort to contain the pandemic? Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) Deputy It also showed us the risk that Covid-19 poses each other. Though these contradictions may not The GMOA has appointed an expert committee Secretary Dr. Naveen de Zoysa about the plight to individuals with non-communicable diseases reach the public, they reach the healthcare sector, of virologists, epidemiologists, microbiologists, of healthcare workers on the frontlines, and their (NCDs). So our stance was that NCDs should be and they are aware of the true numbers in their paediatricians, and community physicians to state of mind following the incident. controlled as much as Covid-19. respective hospitals. When these numbers are not prepare a protocol to make certain improvements The following are excerpts of the interview: But after Dr. Gayan’s death, no doctor has refused included in the officially declared numbers, it to the healthcare system to fight Covid better. We to carry out their duty. Doctors work with the makes them lose faith in the information given out. have had about three discussions already. Did the passing of Dr. Danthanarayana come facilities they have. The Gross Domestic Product This miscommunication is from the side of the The fourth discussion will finish by Monday. as a shock to the healthcare sector, or was the (GDP) allocation for healthcare in Sri Lanka is less Ministry of Health. The numbers given out in the And we are planning to submit a protocol with loss of healthcare workers anticipated in the than 2%. With such a small allocation, we are the Government’s media briefs do not tally with the guidelines and a plan on how to supervise the Covid-19 response? only country that maintains a health system with numbers given out by the Epidemiology Unit. guidelines next week. In any country when there is a war, military good standards. This could be due to a system error, or the data We are controlling it well, but any country personnel die, and we knew that we would get sick. The entire healthcare sector, not just doctors, could have been tampered with. could lose grip at any given point. So our plan is From the moment Dr. Gayan tested positive, till work tirelessly with a lot of commitment when it It could also be because of negligence. The not to reach that point, and we need to come up his death, the GMOA oversaw his treatment. But comes to emergency response. But if healthcare epidemiologists in the Ministry of Health are the with new ways to meet the changing dynamics one of our takeaways from this is that, no matter workers felt like this was an alarming situation, the authority in releasing the correct data. If there of the pandemic.

BY RUWAN LAKNATH JAYAKODY students on the topic using multiple choice The current situation pertaining to the questions in summative evaluation, while the training of nurses in Sri Lanka on dealing with other had used formative methods. intimate partner violence (IPV) is inadequate Handling partner violence: Concerning post-registration nursing in providing care for women subjected to education on IPV, five of the main post- such, due to problems in the inclusion of the registration courses conducted by the Ministry topic and related training within the nursing and the diploma-to-degree programme in curricula. Nurses’ training inadequate nursing at the OUSL did not include content These observations were noted in a research on IPV in their curricula. However, the titled “The Status of IPV-related Education PBCN participant reported that the topic for Nurses in Sri Lanka: A Cross-sectional zSenior educators highlight shortcomings in curricula and training was addressed by resource persons from Survey of the Nursing Curricula”, authored institutions where students engage in clinical by S. Seneviratne, S. Guruge, S. Sivayogan close contact with patients are therefore in a not include IPV-related training for nurses. been conducted in an ad hoc manner by training on mental health and psychiatric and J. Jayasiri, and published recently in the key position to identify and provide care for Therefore, a cross-sectional survey was guest speakers or resource persons (medical nursing (National Institute of Mental Health), Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) Journal. women, as well as to refer them to specialised conducted with a purposive sample of 24 officers of health, medical officers of maternal or training on public health (National Institute IPV is defined by the World Health services. Women generally do not reveal that participants (19 females and five males), and child health, medical officers, Police of Health Sciences). The teaching activities Organisation as “any behaviour within an they are subjected to IPV unless specifically one from each of the 24 institutes surveyed, officers, Probation officers, and from a non- were scheduled by the relevant resource intimate relationship that causes physical, asked about it, due to patriarchal gender comprising Schools of Nursing (SoNs), Governmental organisation helping affected persons on a voluntary basis. psychological and/or sexual harm to those role beliefs and expectations, as well as the universities conducting pre-registration women). All participants from SoNs reported In terms of the relevance of including in the relationship”. Women subjected to IPV stigmatising attitudes of hospital staff. nursing degree programmes, the Post-Basic that the students were not assessed on the IPV-related content in the nursing curricula, by their partners are presented to healthcare As such, it is critical that nurses have a solid College of Nursing (PBCN), and the OUSL. topic. Two out of five of the state universities all participants reported that it is necessary. institutions with a range of serious health understanding of IPV, the associated health All participants were senior nursing educators offering pre-registration nursing education Some of the viewpoints expressed in this problems, including fractures, sexually problems, presenting problems and symptoms, with over 10 years of teaching experience. have included IPV-related content in their regard were as follows: “Nurses have to deal transmitted diseases, unsafe abortions, suicide and the skills to identify (including training on With regard to pre-registration nursing curricula. At one university, the content with it in an inward setting as well as in the attempts, and post-traumatic stress disorder. what to ask for) and care for women subjected education on IPV, it was found that there was taught by a university teacher during a community. It is relevant for both the personal Women seeking help for health consequences to IPV in a timely manner. was no IPV-related content in the curricula two-hour lecture. and professional lives of students. Many of IPV tend to visit primary care, mental In 2012, in a qualitative study with 30 nurses for courses conducted at SoNs. However, the At the other, a guest lecturer from a service women do not like to expose their hidden health care, emergency care, and out-patients’ from across the country, Guruge reported majority reported that the topic was covered centre for women at a teaching hospital had sufferings and feelings regarding IPV, though departments. that nurses in Sri Lanka were inadequately during student visits to other institutions taught the content for eight hours, comprising they are victims at many times, so curriculum According to a 2015 scoping review in Sri prepared to care for women subjected to IPV. for special training as requirements in their six hours of lectures and two hours of group developers in the medical, nursing, and other Lanka, the prevalence of IPV ranged between The budget allocations in the 2019 Annual diploma course. discussions. Further, the students had eight social fields, should accept the necessity of 25-35%. Action Plan of the Ministry of Health, focusing The majority noted that the IPV sessions hours of educational visits to the said service addressing these issues. Nurses who spend most of their time in on programmes to improve public health, did were two to 12 hours in length and had centre. One university had assessed the Contd. on page 5 45 Monday, February 8, 2021 { SPOTLIGHT } „„ www.themorning.lk to purchase a flight ticket to return to the country, and to assist them financially.  Introduce home Repatriation process needs quarantine for improvement: Migrant workers groups repatriated migrant Meanwhile, former Janatha Vimukthi workers: Activists Peramuna (JVP) MP and Ethera Api organisation President Sunil Handunetti said that requiring repatriated Sri Lankans to be quarantined at state-run quarantine  Plans underway centres and/or hotel quarantine centres is unnecessary, and that they can be to set up more quarantined at their own homes, the same way those living in Sri Lanka are State-run quarantine quarantined. He added: “Prior to being repatriated centers: SLBFE from various countries, Sri Lankan migrant workers are usually subjected to PCR tests, welfare fund to repatriate Nepali workers and PCR tests can be conducted upon their living abroad in highly vulnerable arrival in Sri Lanka as well. They can be conditions. sent to their homes after a couple of days, Foreign media outlets, quoting based on the results of their PCR tests, if Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry, said the they test negative for Covid-19. country was expecting to bring back around The repatriation of Sri Lankans working abroad is an issue of growing concern, with would-be returnees hamstrung by exorbitant rates and process inefficiencies “If other Sri Lankans are quarantined at 29,000 citizens in several stages taking their homes, Sri Lankan migrant workers into consideration the limited quarantine can also be quarantined the same way. facilities the country had. Moreover, the Why is it necessary to keep in a hotel a country’s Government had announced an person who can be sent and quarantined emergency aid, and also a loan to support at home? Some of these migrant workers their lives after being repatriated. receive very little leave – if a person who Indian media recently pointed out Migrant workers in has a one-month long vacation is sent to that when repatriating migrant workers, quarantine for 14 days, that person has to especially unskilled workers, the Indian go back to work in another 14 days. Also, Government may have to face challenges they have to pay for everything starting in assisting them to find jobs within the from their flight ticket, and then the cost country, due to rising and persisting of being quarantined in a hotel. unemployment, and the unavailability or perpetual limbo? “This (repatriation process) has become lack of the type of jobs they are skilled in. a business. Even though the airports were The Thomson Reuters Foundation said BY SUMUDU CHAMARA of quarantine centres matters even more reopened for tourists, Sri Lankan migrant that receiving so many of them at once The Covid-19 pandemic hit Sri Lanka in more than one way. than flight tickets or flights.” workers waiting to come back to Sri Lanka threatens to overwhelm fragile public In addition to dealing with the collapse of the national economy, the decline He went on to say: “Embassies in have to go through the Sri Lankan embassy health systems and a dwindling job in foreign tourist arrivals, Covid-19-related deaths, disruption of people’s relevant countries are usually informed in the relevant country, and also endure market in the region, which is home to a day-to-day activities, and the massive cost of testing, quarantining, and of space and facilities available in the the whole process of being quarantined fifth of the world’s population. Nilanjan treating the Covid-19 infected, the authorities are struggling to bring state-run quarantine centres – which depending on the space available.” Ghosh, Director at the New Delhi-based back the Sri Lankan migrant workers stranded abroad due to the Covid-19 provide services free of charge – as well When asked what sort of improvements Observer Research Foundation (ORF) pandemic and related travel restrictions. as hotel quarantine centres – which provide have been made to the repatriation process think-tank, had told the Foundation: services for a payment – for those who as a result of the authorities’ discussions “You have a whole lot of people who are Even though the process of repatriating i.e. personal requests made by Sri Lankan are willing to be quarantined at hotels. held recently regarding expediting the unemployed, who cannot be absorbed in stranded Sri Lankans, especially migrant migrant workers that are willing to come The embassies, depending on their (Sri repatriation process, he added that so far the economic system... and at the same workers, began a couple of months back to Sri Lanka, or institution-level Lankans willing to come back) preference, no change has been made. time governmental subsidies and aid or ago, various parties continue to level requests made by authorities in the relevant repatriate people to be quarantined in Meanwhile, Community Development benefits may not be reaching all of them.” allegations against the Government and countries regarding Sri Lankans that need either state-run quarantine centers or hotel Services (CDS) Executive Director Andrew Migrant workers of other countries in the authorities, claiming they have failed to to be repatriated. quarantine centers. Samuel stated that Sri Lankan migrant the region, especially India, also reported give adequate attention to the Sri Lankan He added: “Personal requests are usually “That is the process that is being followed workers should be repatriated without similar instances where India migrant migrant workers, and that the repatriation made to Sri Lankan embassies based on currently. The NOCPCO is currently charging any money, and that currently a workers employed in the Gulf Region process should be expedited. In addition, personal reasons including but not limited discussing these matters with experts huge amount is charged from them to be were forced by their employers to agree a number of aspects of this process – to, a domestic reason in the country they as well as authorities. If it is possible to repatriated. “Many have said to us that to “voluntary resignation”, even though identifying Sri Lankans who need to be reside in, personal reasons, and various improve the facilities and increase staff they had to mortgage their properties to they were terminated. The Indian media given priority when repatriating, bearing situations in Sri Lanka that are of concern members, as well as developing other find adequate money to come, and some further reported instances of Indian migrant the cost of flight tickets and PCR tests, and to them, such as family concerns.” services in quarantine centres further, had lost their jobs,” he noted. workers having to come home without mandatory quarantine after arriving in Sri According to Randeniya, whether a it would be possible to expedite the their salaries. Lanka – were questioned by many parties. personal request is made or not, certain repatriation process.” A country’s migrant workers are not In addition, quarantining Sri Lankan people are being repatriated based on He added that the SLBFE, as the mere employees that go abroad to make repatriates in hotels, a step taken by institutional decisions and/or requests as foremost state institution tasked with This (repatriation process) has a living – they have a special role as far the Government to address the rapidly well. He explained that requests made by dealing with the grievances of Sri Lankan become a business. Even though as the country’s economy is concerned, increasing number of people in state-run authorities in foreign countries are also migrant workers, has already informed the airports were reopened for especially in the South Asian region. quarantine centres, was also criticised by taken into account when repatriating Sri the relevant authorities, including the tourists, Sri Lankan migrant Sri Lankan migrant workers too have many, due to this being a paid service, Lankans. President, Prime Minister, and the national workers waiting to come back to tremendously contributed to shape the and also allegations of the hotel charges Among these Sri Lankans are those Covid-19 task force, of the need to improve Sri Lanka have to go through country’s economy by sending home being exorbitant. detained in prisons and detention camps the facilities of quarantine centres. He the Sri Lankan embassy in billions of rupees every year, and they due to various legal issues. He added that stressed that the SLBFE had expressed the relevant country, and also are revered as heroes. It would not be Sri Lanka’s repatriation usually the administration of these camps, willingness to take necessary steps to an exaggeration to state that migrant process endure the whole process of being prisons, or police inform the Sri Lankan address the situation, including giving quarantined depending on the workers are a sector of our economy To look into Sri Lanka’s existing embassy in the relevant country from which the SLBFE training centres to be used as space available that Sri Lanka cannot afford to lose. repatriation process, The Morning spoke the Sri Lankans need to be repatriated. quarantine centres. Their plight is not limited to merely to the country’s foremost state-run “Sometimes these foreign authorities Meanwhile, government news portals Ethera Api President being stranded in foreign countries. institution dealing with matters of foreign come forward to do PCR tests and provide recently said that the Minister of Labour Sunil Handunetti They are also facing a number of other employment, the Sri Lanka Bureau of the flight tickets for the Sri Lankans they Nimal Siripala de Silva had instructed the issues, such as a lack of funds to pay Foreign Employment (SLBFE). want repatriated, and the embassy, after authorities to set up nine new quarantine Repatriation of South hotel quarantine centres, not being According to SLBFE Deputy General discussing with Sri Lanka’s Foreign Affairs centres covering the nine provinces, in a bid Asian migrant workers in paid by their employers, losing jobs Manager and Spokesperson Mangala Ministry, National Operations Centre to expedite the repatriation of Sri Lankan the face of Covid-19 due to Covid-19-related workplace Randeniya, the SLBFE, in collaboration for Prevention of Covid-19 Outbreak migrant workers. He also acknowledged decisions, and the inability to afford with topmost government officials and (NOCPCO), and the aviation authorities, that the lack of facilities in quarantine According to a recent Reuters report, proper healthcare facilities until their institutions, is currently looking into takes steps to have these Sri Lankans centres was the reason why the repatriation around 40 million South Asian migrant repatriation. expediting the repatriation of Sri Lankan repatriated,” he added. process could not be expedited further. In workers are employed in foreign countries, Activists working for the rights of migrant workers, with a focus on improving addition, the Minister had further instructed mainly in the Gulf Region. Among Sri Lankan migrant workers recently the facilities of state-run quarantine centers. Situation in quarantine the SLBFE to look into the grievances them are migrant workers from India, claimed that a number of Sri Lankans, Randeniya said that decisions pertaining centres: the decisive factor of Sri Lankan migrant workers unable Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, who have lost their jobs and are rendered to Sri Lankan migrant workers willing to He went on to say that when repatriating and Afghanistan. homeless due to the Covid-19 pandemic, return to the country are taken by the Sri Sri Lankans, irrespective of the nature of Even though repatriating a country’s are waiting for their repatriation. Even Lankan Embassy in the relevant country. their repatriation, Sri Lanka’s situation, migrant workers in the face of the Covid- though discussions are in progress He added: “Decisions pertaining to Sri i.e. the situation in quarantine centres 19 pandemic could be a solution to certain to expedite the repatriation process, Lankan migrant workers that need to be in Sri Lanka, is a decisive factor. The SLBFE is ready to extend issues concerning their health, researchers activists who directly work with Sri given priority are taken by the embassies Randeniya emphasised that the capacity any support for this endeavour. from around the world caution that Lankan migrant workers keep claiming after assessing the requests made by and facilities available in the quarantine When it comes to increasing the countries should take steps to deal with that the repatriation process has a number either Sri Lankans themselves, or the centres, especially state-run quarantine number of Sri Lankans being the challenges it may pose, as far as the of shortcomings that need to be addressed. authorities in the relevant country. The centres, is the main factor that matters as repatriated, the capacity of country’s economy and health situation In conclusion, it appears that migrant embassy carefully considers the reasons far expediting the repatriation process is quarantine centres matters even is concerned. workers’ issues should also be conveyed they have given as to why a certain person concerned. more than flight tickets or flights Last year, when the Government of Nepal to the authorities properly so they can take needs to be repatriated urgently.” He stressed: “The SLBFE is ready to SLBFE Deputy General Manager had suspended scheduled international steps to further improve the repatriation According to Randeniya, when extend any support for this endeavour. and Spokesperson flights, Nepal’s Supreme Court issued an process. A mutually beneficial collaboration repatriating Sri Lankans, priority is given When it comes to increasing the number of Mangala Randeniya interim order to the country’s Government between the two parties can make the to people based on two types of requests, Sri Lankans being repatriated, the capacity to use the country’s foreign employment repatriation process more fast and effective. Contd. from page 4 Handling partner... they can understand their situations in real life. and skills) of nursing educators, the attitude problem in obtaining services from qualified Competencies in knowledge, skills, and “The second semester of the second year or of the nursing educators, and the lack of or persons. attitudes could be incorporated into the “This is a burning issue in urban to rural the first semester of the third year would be the limited curricular time and related issues in “The attitude of health authorities towards curricula in the Community Health subject communities where the severity of the problem correct level to include the topic. The causes the existing curriculum. developing nursing specialties is another as a public health problem, in the Maternal and is very critical, as exemplified by the number and preventive aspects could be included in “It is not possible to find curricular time, as barrier. Those who are trained by the Ministry Child Health subject as IPV in pregnancy and of women affected by IPV using healthcare CHN, while the health effects, caring, legal/ we are facing great difficulties in delivering are still not confident to do the teaching and its impact on children, in Health, Ethics and services including emergency units and ethical, and the counselling-related aspects the existing content within the available are reluctant (the cause for this needs to be Legislation to inform of the legal responsibility in-patient hospitalisations, having increased of affected persons could be included in time and the course duration. The amount of investigated and understood). Discussions and ethical conflicts, and under the Health annually.” Psychiatric Nursing. learning on the topic is not enough to develop are therefore needed with the curriculum Psychology subject to inform about social On IPV-related curriculum content, its “We can spare 10 hours from the CHN students’ competencies, and therefore more committee members of the Ministry.” inequality derived from patriarchal power. delivery, and assessments, the participants course in the second year and we can find more time should be allocated, considering that there The lack of continuing education Strategies on IPV-related education include expressed the need to include key theoretical hours from the diploma curriculum. Reflective are many overlapping areas and repetitions programmes for nurses/nurse educators on using reflective and interactive sessions, and practical content areas on IPV in the interactive sessions are preferred and useful in the diploma curriculum unrevised since this topic was another barrier. Also, the PBCN interactive learning opportunities, providing nursing curricula. Some of the related ideas instead of lectures. This must be added as 2004,” it was expressed. curricula has not been regularly updated experiential learning with simulated patients, included the following: “The essential a compulsory part of their practical exams “The lecturers need to have a thorough to reflect the current needs of the nursing improving communication skills using role knowledge and skills the students need to by utilising objective structured practical understanding of the topic; especially about profession. plays, having adequate time and space to develop during their training should cover examination, or objective structured clinical the legal aspects and communication skills. The curricula should facilitate students’ address nurses’ attitudes towards stereotypical especially the legal aspects, communication, examination methods.” We need enough resource persons with learning to critically reflect on their own and assumptions about IPV, the victims and the and basic counselling skills. IPV should be With regard to barriers to the inclusion of improved and new knowledge and tutor others’ behaviour and attitudes, and to build perpetrators, and cross-disciplinary approaches included as part of Community Health Nursing IPV in the nursing curricula, the key ones training programmes and curriculum revision. trusting relationships to enable women to that capture health, psychological, sociological (CHN), since students deal with families and included the lack of competence (knowledge Low pay for external resource personnel is a disclose IPV. and ethical perspectives. 6 „„ www.themorning.lk { EDITORIAL/INSIGHT } Monday, February 8, 2021 Keeping PHOTO LALITH PERERA BY DR. DILSHAN ANTHONY FERNANDO your enemy Dedicated to the memory of Dr. Neville Fernando and Dr. Gayan Danthanarayana, who laid down too close their lives in service of patients and It is said there is no such thing as a free lunch. When the succumbed to Covid-19. Government of India donated 500,000 doses of the Oxford- AstraZeneca vaccine manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, As Sir Elton John sang in tribute it was reasonable to assume that this would be no exception to the to Marilyn Monroe, the Hollywood old adage, and that there would be certain expectations tied to it. superstar, and then later as a tribute to In fact, this “donation” was also provided to Bhutan, the Maldives, Diana, Princess of Wales, The Candle in Bangladesh, Nepal, Seychelles, Myanmar, Mauritius, and Afghanistan the Wind comes to mind when I think of around the same time as Sri Lanka as part of India’s “vaccine the lives of healthcare workers battling diplomacy”, through which it hopes to position itself as the true through a raging pandemic. regional leader in and around South Asia by countering China’s “And it seems to me you lived your life, famous “One Belt One Road” initiative. like a candle in the wind, never fading Sri Lanka is a vital component of both these nations’ bids for with the sunset, when the rain set in…” South Asian control, and for most of the new millennium it was The melodious words of Sir Elton China, despite its geographical distance, that was leading the race. echo, as we see the heroic frontliners This was due in no small measure to the Mahinda Rajapaksa regime of healthcare shine as a beacon of hope that held and consolidated power from 2005-2015, which felt more and light during darkness and through comfortable dealing with China than with the US-allied India with these stormy days. its inherent domestic prejudices against Sri Lanka in the form of We are in a battle against a foe so Candles in the wind the South Indian, specifically Tamil Nadu, politics. powerful, so destructive and virulent, that However in 2019, with a different US under Trump and a different the entire world has been turned upside z The life of Sri Lanka’s healthcare workers in this pandemic Rajapaksa vying for the leadership of Sri Lanka, the strategy changed. down and churned in a turbulent current, Both India and the US appeared to favour a strong leadership backed leaving in its wake a path of destruction in and around hospitals due to the fear to decide whether the babies that present by the Sinhala Buddhist majority, including the clergy, that could and sorrow. And amidst all this chaos, the of being the carrier that infects their with fever are to be admitted to this fever walk the talk and actually get things done, especially in terms of onus falls on doctors, nurses, and other loved ones at home. ward, or the normal pediatric ward. A economic reforms, privatisation and bilateral agreements. This, as healthcare staff to turn up, day in and Thus stress, anxiety, and even call comes in through the preliminary opposed to the Yahapalana regime under the premiership of Ranil day out, to combat a virus so powerful, depression are emotions commonly care unit, and they say there’s a patient Wickremesinghe, which was heavy on the rhetoric that pleased sacrificing much more than can be seen felt by healthcare workers. with fever, the parents work in an apparel international ears, but woefully light on implementation due to a or felt by anyone. company in the free trade zone where lack of mass Sinhala Buddhist support. As the first death among healthcare Working with PPE a Covid-19 cluster was reported, and Once Gotabaya Rajapaksa secured victory in November 2019, workers was reported on 1 February PPE is commonly available now in thus the patient is kept in isolation with the new President selected India as his first overseas trip, bringing when Dr. Gayan Danthanarayana healthcare institutions. To the layperson the mother. renewed hope in India that its little brother Sri Lanka was about to succumbed to Covid-19, it is timely to it may even seem reassuring. Even I rush to the PCU, take a quick history rekindle family ties and return to where it belonged, and distance itself look at what challenges and ordeals the though it is fully understood by each from behind a screen, don the PPE and somewhat from outsider China. Then, when Rajapaksa managed very talented and dedicated healthcare The writer in PPE at a hospital healthcare worker that PPE is for our examine the patient. After history and to secure a two-thirds majority nine months later, surpassing even workers in Srilanka have had to face. own protection, working with the PPE is examination, most of the time we face the greatest expectations of most in their own camp, the time came To look at the emotions, and not the never an easy task. Just donning a mask the dilemma over whether it’s a normal to deliver on India’s expectations. facts and figures. Psychological trauma and running around attending to duties viral fever or Covid-related. The patient However, two things India and its ally US were quite keen in a hospital is hard, and wearing full has to be admitted, but do we admit them on – the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) agreement, The first wave Every day, we wake up with a sense of PPE and working is almost impossible to the normal wards with no Covid-19, and the East Container Terminal (ECT) of the Port of Colombo – The first wave of Covid-19 started apprehension. Walking into the hospital, – but required. and risk those patients too, or do we have both been cancelled now. While the US became increasingly in Sri Lanka in February 2020, and we cannot help but feel a fear that is A full set of PPE includes goggles, a admit them to the fever ward with Covid- dispassionate about the Government signing the MCC Compact took our health sector by storm, as we not uncalled for, a fear of whether this head cover, an isolation gown, protective exposed patients, and risk exposing this towards the end of the Trump presidency, India had remained ultra- were ill-prepared to face a pandemic of would be the day that I get exposed to cover all, waterproof boots, boot covers, baby who might not have Covid-19 to a keen on securing a 49% stake in the ECT through the Adani Group, such magnitude, and neither the proper the virus. Each patient we see poses a impermeable apron, face mask, and potential carrier in the respiratory/fever clearly to counter China’s presence at the Colombo Port through the practices, protocols nor resources were potential threat; each bystander, each face shield. Wearing these layers and ward? Rapid antigen tests are done, but Colombo International Container Terminals Ltd. (CICT), in which in place. Healthcare workers were caught visitor, a potential carrier; each ward layers of clothing and functioning as it is still not confirmatory. China holds an 85% stake through China Merchants Port Holdings like a deer in the headlights. KN95 round we conduct donned in PPE, a a medical officer is a difficult task – We decide based on the risk-benefit Company Ltd. by virtue of developing the terminal from scratch. masks were a rare find during the first potential to be infected. firstly it is very warm inside and you balance, and pray our decision is right When strong assurances were emerging from the Government, few days, surgical masks were scarce. In my personal experience as a doctor start sweating profusely, your field of for the patient’s sake. A baby presents including from Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, that the ECT Cloth masks were made in the hospitals working in paediatrics, the psychological vision is narrowed by the goggles and to the emergency unit with laboured deal would not take place, an alternative was being worked out. itself by the hospital seamstresses. PCR dilemma and turmoil are higher due to face shield, breathing is laboured due breathing, the baby is wheezing, The West Container Terminal (WCT), as it is now being referred tests for Covid-19 were also less, thus dealing with delicate lives that have to the mask, and the face shield gets struggling to breathe; the mother gives to – despite there not being a terminal built – would be offered the diagnosis of a Covid-19 patient took sometimes seen only a few sunrises misted when breathing. a history of fever as well, and the baby to India with the same shareholding that China enjoys at CICT. around two days for the PCR reports and sunsets. The decisions we make Wearing these, examining a patient is in distress. The sense of patient care However, the reneging of the ECT promise took place without to arrive. Due to scarcity of personal affect not only the lives of patients, and making clinical decisions is no easy kicks in immediately, and we rush to consulting India, which is now insisting on getting the almost- protective equipment (PPE), doctors but also their families. But decisions task. Personally, I started my year of examine the baby and support with completed ECT as originally decided as opposed to the WCT, were on pins and needles when a patient have to be made, bad news has to be 2021 wearing the full PPE, taking PCR nebulisation or oxygen. which would require significant investment and development they examined without PPE turned out communicated. The clinical decisions tests of suspected Covid-19 patients on But then we stop in mid-stride like before it is ready for operation. to be a suspected Covid-19 case, and themselves are tough sometimes, and 1 January, which I hope doesn’t define being kicked in the gut, and remember The effective cancellation of the tripartite agreement between would isolate themselves till the PCR it is made a hundredfold tougher due my entire year. After wearing full PPE that we first have to go through the time- India and Japan for the ECT also came around at the same time as reports came back. to Covid-19. Therefore, stress levels for a few hours, mild dehydration from consuming process of donning our PPE a few other unrelated but contextually interesting developments. My memory runs back to the initial go through the roof among medical the profuse sweating, a headache from and inquiring about possible exposure One was Secretary to the Ministry of Finance S. R. Attygalle being lockdown of Sri Lanka in March 2020, personnel. laboured breathing, and a mild dizziness to Covid-19 – while the baby lays there quoted in the media as having said that Sri Lanka will be obtaining where many house officers who were When the shift is done, relief pours set in. Even after removing the PPE, short of breath. Is it normal asthma or $ 1.5 billion in loans from China this month. At the same time, it resident in hospitals had to face scarcity down like a drizzle during a drought. one doesn’t fully recover for the rest is it due to Covid-related respiratory was also reported that Sri Lanka was asked to immediately repay of food due to shops being closed; they We gratefully remove the PPE, wash of the day. distress? Do we nebulise and keep the a $ 400 million swap line from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), survived merely due to the goodness off the sweat, and rub the sores caused baby with other patients, or do we admit when the Indian High Commission correctly pointed out that it of their senior consultants and local by prolonged wear of masks, gloves, Clinical decisions during them to the respiratory ward? was due for repayment on 1 February, after it was once extended villagers supplying food. and face shields. Covid-19 In another instance, a mother rushes for three months at Sri Lanka’s request. Later on, the hospitals started Driving back home is a dazed affair Any clinical decision is never taken her epileptic baby to the ward; upon The second real development was the confirmation of a visit to providing meals to resident doctors after the tiring day. There is a short- lightly, since it involves a patient’s life inquiry their village has been isolated, Sri Lanka by Imran Khan, the Prime Minister of India’s bitter rival and other healthcare personnel. Ward lived sense of relief as we step into our and health, but many decisions during and they haven’t been able to come to Pakistan. Then it was reported that India had lodged a strong protest meetings, unit meetings, and hospital homes and see our loved ones coming the pandemic have been tougher than the clinic to get the epilepsy medicine with Sri Lanka on the award of a tender to a Chinese company to set meetings were common, as policymakers forward to welcome us – but that hug usual. Many hospitals in Sri Lanka have for the kid for months. up three renewable energy projects in outlying islands off the Jaffna struggled to formulate protocols to of welcome is elusive, because of the a separate respiratory/fever ward to These are few examples of what peninsula, due to the islands’ proximity to India’s southern coast. combat the virus with scarce knowledge fear of infecting people at home. A daily admit suspected Covid-19 patients until doctors have to face on a daily basis, All of these are clearly pointing to Sri Lanka pivoting back to and resources. However, due to timely ritual of discarding clothing, sanitising, confirmatory PCR results are available to make decisions regarding another China, and a return to the Rajapaksa policies of 2005-2015. On the action by the Government, the first and bathing is practised by many doctors to diagnose or exclude Covid-19. life while safeguarding everyone else. part of the Government and many citizens, there may be a sense of wave was stemmed in the bud without before they even say a word to people Working in paediatrics, one of the Many decisions have been tough and frustration with India’s reluctance to flex its economic and diplomatic much damage. at home. Many doctors chose to reside tough decisions I’ve had to make was continue to be so. muscle on the international stage against the human rights abuse allegations being levelled against both Rajapaksa governments that Keep the candles burning have ruled over the past 15 years, especially since India appears to CARTOON OF THE DAY Sri Lanka still continues to control have absolute impunity on human rights matters despite having a Covid-19 reasonably well compared to tainted record, particularly under Narendra Modi. many developed countries, not because There has hardly been anything said on the international stage we have better funding or resources, but about the Modi Government’s alleged human rights abuses in mainly due to our exceedingly committed Kashmir and the alleged discrimination against Muslims in other and talented healthcare workers. parts of the vast nation over the past few years. Therefore, it may All of them have been beacons of be concluded that if India is not taking some of the heat off Sri light like candles burning themselves Lanka on the global stage, it is less due to a lack of ability and to give light to the others in this storm more due to a lack of inclination, and a reluctance to stick out its of Covid-19. Let us all bear in mind to neck for its little brother. help these candles burn rather than let This storied relationship with India is at a crossroads, and the them be extinguished by this storm. Government must tread carefully. While it is true that India has been Dr. Neville Fernando, whose somewhat of a bully historically, this is not the time for payback, brainchild, The Neville Fernando with our economy placed as precariously as it is. This is the time for Teaching Hospital, serves many Covid- cooler heads and farsighted decision making, especially considering 19 patients, was a philanthropist and a that the US economy may be on track for a recovery this year, and visionary, and it is a tragedy that the the Biden administration is rebuilding the diplomatic bridges with virus, which his hospital is dedicated its traditional allies that Donald Trump burned down. to combatting, took his life. Dr. Gayan China, as mighty as its economy is, is not powerful enough Danthanarayana, similarly, was a to protect Sri Lanka all by itself if most of the other developed very talented individual, both in his countries realign itself with the US. They say keep your friends profession and as a human being, and close and your enemies closer, but with India being as powerful, both these lives were taken by a foe large, and close as it is, the second most populous nation in the that shows no mercy, dealing a great world is not an enemy we can afford to have. loss to our nation. The general public can help ease the burden in stemming the spread of the virus by safeguarding No 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7. themselves, and also especially to be Fax - 011 2 673 441 General - 011 5 200 900 forthcoming and honest when giving Sales & Marketing - 076 1367612 information at hospitals. The media Circulation Manager - 011 5 978 987 / 076 1 367620 has stigmatised Covid-19 patients, E-mail - [email protected] but doctors are here to serve, thus Special Investigations Department - 077 7 714 078 Website - www.themorning.lk the accurate information will help us make the best decision. Together we will weather the storm. 47 Monday, February 8, 2021 „„ www.themorning.lk

business ASPI continues to Quarter-bottle ban be best performing yet to be finalised primary index globally BY ZAHIDA RIZVI Amaraweera said that the terms of over 300 million quarter-bottles had Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera the proposed ban are still under been purchased in 2019 from liquor The Central Environmental negotiation. stores. pollution caused by these discarded Authority’s (CEA) ban on quarter The Central Environmental Authority As the first step under the new system, empty liquor bottles. bottles of arrack proposed last (CEA), in line with their regulation for liquor companies would be requested to In addition to the quarter liquor bottles, year, considering the damage environmental protection, vowed to ban provide a refund for every empty 180 the sachets containing shampoo, sauce, they inflict on the environment, liquor sold in 180 ml bottles made of ml alcohol bottle returned to any outlet. and other products, as well as inflatable is yet to be finalised, The Morning glass or plastic (known as quarter-bottles, The environmental authorities and toys and cotton buds with plastic stems, Business learns. or simply, quarters) due to the bottles municipal cleaning agencies had have become a threat to the environment Speaking to The Morning Business, being discarded carelessly after use by highlighted the need to introduce a new because consumers tend to discard them Environment Minister Mahinda consumers. As per available records, system to minimise the environmental in a haphazard manner. Beware of frauds in used-vehicle market: CMTA The Ceylon Motor Traders up to various safety concerns. owner of the vehicle and the Association (CMTA), an Amerasinghe also buyer are being deceived. Performance of the ASPI and S&P SL20 Index since Covid-19 was automotive association with emphasised how certain car Having closely observed the announced as a global pandemic by WHO a 100-year history raises its dealers purchase damaged current used-vehicle market and concerns over the heavily vehicles from auctions or the frauds associated with it, the persistent fraudulent acts vehicles with defects and CMTA leaves buyers with the The All Share Price Index turnover of Rs. 570.3 billion was associated with Sri Lanka’s repair them with non-genuine only viable option of buying a (ASPI) has retained its position recorded in the year 2010. used-vehicle market. The spare parts with the intention used vehicle from an authorised as the best performing primary Commenting on the market association states that the of selling. This also includes agent or from a well-known stock market index in the world performance, CSE CEO Rajeeva vehicle customers fall prey to a risk for the buyer who is not person/company to iron out the with the index closing trading Bandaranaike said: “The a number of frauds including aware of the actual condition safety concerns and the hard on 5 February 2021 at 8,275.37 resurgence of the Sri Lankan odometer frauds, vehicles vehicle market. We came hard earned money invested on of the vehicle. earned cash wastage. points, marking a 22.16% growth stock market has taken place restored with counterfeit across an instance where a vehicles that are not genuine,” The CMTA points out another “We highly encourage buyers year-to-date (YTD). According during a period of unprecedented spare parts and vehicles with car with an actual mileage of noted CMTA Chairman fraudulent act committed by looking forward to buying a to Colombo Stock Exchange challenges, sparked by a global forged documents. Due to 150,000km has been later listed Yasendra Amerasinghe. non-authorised vehicle dealers. used vehicle to avail the services (CSE) research, the ASPI as at pandemic. While the ASPI has the ban of the brand new and to be sold after rolling back Odometer frauds are There are instances where of authorised vehicle agents 5 February 2021 has recorded had setbacks since Covid-19 was reconditioned vehicles, the the mileage to 40,000km. It widespread at present. A vehicles are being sold with who are always committed to greater percentage growth than declared a pandemic by the World market value of used vehicles is unfortunate that innocent customer always prefers to buy forged vehicle registration serve their customers up front. any other primary index globally Health Organisation (WHO) on is on an unprecedented rise, buyers continue to be caught in a vehicle with low mileage and documents. Most sold under As of now, all authorised agents in 2021. 11 March 2020, the compelling giving vent to more and more such frauds, which leave their what happens with this fraud this category includes stolen engage in used vehicle selling The S&P SL20 Index, which characteristic of the Sri Lankan fraudulent acts. lives at risk. We are seriously is that they would not consider vehicles, rented vehicles from which allows the customers to includes the 20 largest and most stock market during the period “We are highly concerned at concerned over the safety of attending to get the necessary car renting companies after choose a vehicle from an agent liquid stocks closed the week has been its ability to rebound and the moment with the frauds the prospective buyers and repairs considering the actual processing forged documents. they are familiar with. at 3,304.30 points, marking a maintain an upward trajectory. associated with the used- also do not wish to see their vehicle mileage which opens In this situation, both the actual Contd. on page 8 25.25% growth so far in 2021 It is important to note that local YTD. investor interest and engagement The ASPI maintains its top has been a great strength to the SUNSHINE HOLDINGS’ 3Q20 FINANCIAL REPORT position in terms of YTD growth Sri Lankan stock market, at a Cuba authorises amidst recording its highest time when Asian and frontier daily points drop in history on market equities have experienced 2 February 2021, with a drop of foreign capital outflows in line Performance highlight private activity in 561.75 points within the trading with global investment trends. day. The ASPI and S&P SL20 The ASPI rising during this Index gained by 3.37% and period and continuing to be group’s expansions majority of sectors 3.67%, respectively in the two one of the best performing market days since, to end the indices in the world is a positive Diversified conglomerate Furthermore, the group’s Cuba announced on Saturday been eliminated,” the Labour week on a positive note. This development for investors, all Sunshine Holdings (CSE: SUN) consumer sector acquired a (6) that private activity will be Minister said. positive performance has also stakeholders in the Sri Lankan reported resilient growth in 100% shareholding of Daintee authorised in most sectors, a From now on, a list will resulted with Rs. 118 billion in capital market, and for Sri top-line and bottom-line Ltd. in September 2020 to major reform in the communist determine the sectors reserved value being added to the market Lanka. Investing in shares of performances during the first further expand its presence, country where the State and its for the State, which will be a capitalisation in the two market listed companies will remain nine months of the current beyond tea, in the local companies dominate economic minority: “Of the more than days since 2 February 2021. to be a viable option for local financial year (9MFY21) Sunshine Holdings Group consumer goods sector. Daintee activity. 2,000 activities in which private The world-beating performance investors as we move forward. with contributions kicking in Managing Director Vish is a market leader in the sweets The measure, which was work is allowed, only 124 will of the ASPI is consistent with As the global economy recovers from healthcare, agribusiness, Govindasamy and toffee category in Sri Lanka unveiled last August by Labour be limited, partially or totally,” noteworthy levels of trading from the impact of Covid-19 and consumer sectors. During with a 40% market share. Minister Marta Elena Feito, was Feito said, without providing activity recorded in the Sri Lankan and foreign capital flows into this period, the group posted Manufacturing, and Lina Spiro. The group revenue, which approved on Friday (5) during further details, though they are stock market in 2021. The total frontier markets return, the a consolidated revenue of The strategic merger, which was predominantly includes a meeting of the Council of expected to include industries turnover of Rs. 227.8 billion progress achieved during this Rs. 17.4 billion, up by 10% finalised last month, created Sri healthcare, consumer goods, Ministers, according to the daily considered strategic to the recorded within the first 22 market period will place Sri Lankan Year-on-Year (YoY); group Lanka’s first fully integrated and agribusiness sectors, Granma, the official newspaper State, such as media, health, days of 2021, is already higher equities in a strong position to Profit After Tax (PAT) saw an healthcare company starting contributed 52.2%, 28.4%, of the ruling communist party. and defence. than the full-year figures recorded potentially attract the interest increase of 11% YoY compared from manufacturing up to and 17.1%, respectively. The Until now, private activity – “That private work continues in 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, of foreign investors and further to last year, amounting to Rs. retailing of healthcare products, healthcare sector recorded a which has been authorised in to develop, is the objective and 2019. The highest annual consolidate on this growth.” 1.9 billion. including last-mile distribution YoY growth of 11% against Cuba since 2010, but whose real of this reform,” she noted, The group announced across the country for all last year, while the agri sector boom dates back to the historic stressing that this “will help the merger of its healthcare healthcare products. Sunshine revenue was up by 14.8%. The warming of ties between Cuba free the productive forces” of Covid-19 cases detected in business consisting of Sunshine Healthcare now operates in all consumer goods sector recorded and the US, initiated at the end the private sector. Healthcare Lanka and five segments of the healthcare a 17.3% increase in revenue, of 2014 under Barack Obama – Currently, more than 600,000 Mahiyanganaya MAS facility Healthguard Pharmacy with supply chain, namely research mainly due to the addition of was limited to a list of sectors Cubans work in the private the healthcare arm of Akbar and development (R&D), Daintee Ltd.’s performance in set by the State. sector, or 13% of the workforce The Covid-19 testing and a significant number of Covid-19 Brothers, which consists of manufacturing, importation, the last four months. “The previous list of 127 on the island of 11.2 million. tracing procedures that are in positive employees at Shadeline Akbar Pharmaceuticals, Lina distribution, and retail. Contd. on page 8 (authorised) activities has Contd. on page 8 place at MAS’ manufacturing in Mahiyanganaya. facilities have recently detected Contd. on page 8 Sri Lanka Medical & Equipment DRIVING GROWTH-BRIDGING DEFICITS Virtual Expo to be held in March Ceylon Chamber releases The Sri Lanka Medical opportunities in the growing to the Central Bank of Sri platform for the Sri Lankan annual outlook report & Equipment Virtual Expo medical and healthcare sector Lanka, Sri Lanka imported $ market. In these challenging (SLMEVE), organised by of Sri Lanka. 552 million worth of medical times, virtual platforms will The Ceylon Chamber of the Worldex India Exhibition The medical and healthcare and pharmaceuticals products assist businesses to connect Commerce launched its annual & Promotion (Pvt) Ltd. in sectors have gained great in 2019. The private healthcare Face2Face with potential Outlook Report for 2021, at the association with The Ceylon importance and are at the spending is also expected to buyers, strengthen engagements Economy + Sector Review and Chamber of Commerce (CCC) centrestage of government and grow at 10.4% to touch $ 2.4 with existing customers, Outlook 2021 webinar on 3 and with the support of the Sri private sector priorities after the billion by 2024. The Sri Lanka launch new products and February. Lanka Chamber of Medical pandemic in 2020. Countries Medical and Equipment Virtual explore business opportunities The Outlook 2021 report Devices Industry (SLCMDI) across the world have been Expo will facilitate that local in target markets. Similarly, published by the Economic is scheduled to take place from looking to upgrade these sectors importers are linked with 70+ buyers get to source quality Intelligence Unit (EIU) of the 16 - 19 March on Bee2Bee. The as the health of whole nations quality suppliers and meetings products, meet new suppliers, Ceylon Chamber of Commerce online business matching expo rides on this industry. The Sri arranged at a suitable time, thus send enquiry and schedule (CCC) explores the macroeconomic will bring the latest medical Lankan medical equipment and delivering all the benefits of meetings with interested and sector outlook for the year technology and innovations, healthcare industry is growing a physical trade fair coupled suppliers at their convenience. ahead. The theme of the report healthcare and diagnostic on the back of rising demand with the safety of an online We hope Sri Lankan companies is “Driving Growth - Bridging equipment, raw material for quality healthcare due to experience through the Bee2Bee will benefit from our virtual Deficits”. The sectors covered Electronics and Electrical Sectors of the performance of the global suppliers as well as related improving incomes, an ageing Business Matching Platform. business matching platform,” include Apparel, Tourism, FMCG, and Logistics. The sector coverage and local economy and the above technology companies from population and rising non- “We are happy to organise stated Worldex India Managing Consumer Durables, Construction, is compiled after interviews with mentioned sectors and perspectives India and overseas markets to communicable diseases due to this virtual business matching Director, Rajesh Bhagat. Agriculture, Plantations, Fisheries, sector experts and analysis of sector on the outlook ahead. connect and explore business changing lifestyles. According week on our Bee2Bee Contd. on page 8 Dairy, Pharmaceutical, IT/BPM, data. The report provides a review Contd. on page 8 48 business „„ www.themorning.lk { ENTREPRENEURSHIP } Monday, February 8, 2021

to find the market, and to gain capital formation for the selected entrepreneurs. These are the main objectives we currently have.

What plans have you made to achieve these goals? As the first step before 2021 ends, we have planned to help out 100 minor and moderate entrepreneurs with branding, marketing, capital formation and help The Aramuna team finding economic subscribers in the market. We have also planned to gather all Sri lastly, it needs discipline. A certain degree entrepreneurial state. Because people Lankan entrepreneurs to give them further of self-restraint and self-discipline offers blame the politicians for 70 years in knowledge about business and how to gain great clarity in the process of innovation,” Sri Lanka for not doing things, but in capital formation. explained Jayaweera. reality it’s not just the politicians who According to him, Aramuna is an are at fault for not doing things; even What are the expectations of initiative through which he wants to we as citizens have a responsibility. As the economic background from share his insights on how to create wealth, people, there were no attempts made to Aramuna? how to innovate, and how to focus on build an entrepreneurial state. Our aim is to create more entrepreneurs in the journey of being an entrepreneur, not As the media says, there are only 4% Sri Lanka, as there is a high demand in the its destination. of entrepreneurs left in Sri Lanka, but international and local markets with regard “It is also about embracing indigeneity, in developed countries there are about to entrepreneur’s products. In addition, because it gives us an edge in innovation 15% entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs rely the Department of Imports and Exports and offering something marvelous to the on the Government to build its own supports the quality of packaging and world. Indigeneity should not be about economy, and this is because of the branding of products. As of now a majority closing our doors to the world, but about people’s mentality, so our efforts are of entrepreneurs export their products to fusing global processes with indigenous to include that mentality in people and almost 15 countries, so that entrepreneurs knowledge and ideas,” he added. to make Sri Lanka a country full of are able to improve their economy. With a keen interest to know further entrepreneurs in the future. about the objectives of their organisation Does the project pose any key and how they are going to achieve their What is the concept behind this challenges? missions, we caught up with Sanjeewa project? Certainly. The first thing we see as a Alwis in an exclusive interview with One of the main things in the Aramuna challenge is that most people are afraid The Morning Business. project is to develop an entrepreneur’s of entrepreneurship, so they always try Aramuna Chairman Dilith Jayaweera Alwis is a technologist by profession. reliability. We are looking forward to getting to get public and private sector jobs with With a passion for technological involved with various projects in the future, a permanent monthly income and live a innovation, he has ventured into but for now our basic purpose is to create relatively stress free and comfortable life. the world of digital transformation, entrepreneurs within the organisation itself. Secondly, what we see as a challenge software engineering, IT infrastructure is that people think capital is the most management, and IT operations. His important part in entrepreneurship. motivation for constant improvement But capital formation is not the main made him the first AWS-certified Solution thing, it is one out of several factors in Architect in Sri Lanka. After years of entrepreneurship, and there are many Aramuna hard work and perseverance, he has other ways of gaining capital. So far been fortunate to be recognised as a we have found these two things as our global leader in the IT industry. He says main challenges in the Aramuna think to empower young that he contributes to our economy as tank project. an entrepreneur in his own right. He is also a writer and technology evangelist, What are the outcomes that doing his best to inspire technological Aramuna has achieved for now? entrepreneurs innovations and kindle the entrepreneurial So far, we have helped quite a spirit in young Sri Lankans. He claims number of entrepreneurs (with the that his life has always been guided by above mentioned). And there are many BY NIYUSHI DANANJANI patriotism, and he firmly believes in efforts taken to bring all the institutes and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are an integral part of any the productive association between the people who are helping entrepreneurs into economy. The Sri Lankan economy is no exception, as when taken market and nationalism. He is a part one platform as a common objective on together with microenterprises, SMEs contribute to about 52% of the of Aramuna because he believes that preserving their identities. country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In fact, SMEs are the backbone of entrepreneurial nationalism is the way the Sri Lankan economy, but often receive step-motherly treatment from of the future. Are there any expectations to successive governments, which has not only burdened the SME sector, Following are excerpts of the interview provide special benefits for but also the overall financial performance of the country. held with Alwis: Aramuna Secretary Sanjeewa Alwis entrepreneurs? If so, can you elaborate? A group of professionals have come Lankan Entrepreneur Chairman Dilith When did the Aramuna think tank In terms of benefits, we provide the together and taken a fresh lead in forming Jayaweera, while the rest of the Aramuna project start? What’s the constitution of this entrepreneurs with branding, marketing, “Aramuna”, an organisation with a organisation comprises Department of The Aramuna think tank project project? capital formation and all the infrastructure vision to lead Sri Lankans towards an Industrial Management Senior Lecturer started in 2020. We started as a national The Aramuna organisation is very simple. facilities. economically, socially, and intellectually and Technologist Sanjeewa Alwis, organisation, with Chairman Dilith According to the constitution, there is an For example: we met a young secure future. University of Moratuwa Faculty of Jayaweera, myself as the Secretary, an executive committee with the Chairman, entrepreneur who is an expert in making Launched on Independence Day (4), Business Business Research Unit Director executive committee, and other members. Secretary, and Treasurer, and eight members various vegetable seeds, but the issue was the key expectation of the organisation is Dr. Thesara Jayawardane, Stockbroker Our vision is to lead Sri Lankans have been appointed to the committee so that he doesn’t have a proper land to plant to empower the young entrepreneurs by Chamikara Sapuge, Attorney-at-Law towards an intellectually, socially, and far. Chairman Dilith Jayaweera, Secretary the seeds, therefore our mission was to help the “Hithe Haiya” project. Accordingly, Ranjan Seneviratne, Investment Advisor economically driven future to provide Sanjeewa Alwis (myself), Treasurer Sanoj him get a land. the organisation will act as a bridge to and Corporate Manager Sanoj Hewage, developed entrepreneurs as a contribution Hewage, and other members Dr. Thesara Another entrepreneur we came across investors and entrepreneurs. Political Economist Vagisha Gunasekara, to the organisation. Jayawardane, Chamikara Sapuge, Ranjan makes tasty biscuits, which are of a good The organisation has listed not one and Senior Site Reliability Engineer Senevirathna, Vagisha Gunasekara, and quality, but there was no good logo and/or but four missions: to empower young Thileepan Sivanantham. What was the inspiration to start Thileepan Sivanantham make up the a brand, so we helped him in with a better Sri Lankans to understand, engage, and The organisation noted that Jayaweera the Aramuna project? executive committee. logo and a brand to continue his business. respond creatively to national global has an innate bond with SMEs, perhaps Firstly, we believe that Sri Lanka Another example is of another needs, trends, and demands; to provide because he also started off as one. In his should be an entrepreneurial state. The What are the main objectives that entrepreneur, who makes yoghurts of a young Sri Lankan entrepreneurs with experience as the Chairman of many reason is, as we know in the Fourth you’re expecting from the Aramuna good quality, but the name was not catchy roadmaps and tools necessary to develop successful businesses, Jayaweera states Industrial Revolution, technology in think tank project? enough. Consumers will not buy products confidence, competence, resources, and that creating capital involves a three- the world has improved and due to The first thing we’re going to do is to like that because they demand branded professionalism to develop their own pronged approach. automation in factories, around five find various people to help Sri Lankan products, so we helped him out by giving business; to inspire the “Sri Lanka First” “It needs creativity. An idea that sets million workers were unemployed in entrepreneurs. There are a lot of companies him a brand. philosophy and approach in shaping the itself apart from others is the main asset America. For example, in America they and organisations who assist entrepreneurs, These are the problems that entrepreneurs economy; and to serve as a think tank you need as an entrepreneur, and there isn’t are looking forward to replacing courier but we want to try to bring all the are currently facing, and our committee that provides constructive commentary any limit to what you can do with your services with drones. Therefore, there entrepreneurs, companies and organisations gathered to help them out in branding, and evaluation on policies pertaining business and your life. Creating capital will be a decline for job opportunities in into one platform and develop an extensive marketing, and capital formation to start and to public and private sector enterprises. requires certain tools that guide you on the industry. Due to this, our objective national organisation, by empowering the develop their own business and economy. The organisation is headed by Sri borrowing, investing and reinvesting. And is to lead the entrepreneurs to build an entrepreneurs with branding and marketing This is the main objective of the project.

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performances reflect the resiliency and dedication This has resulted in a PAT growth of over three plant it was temporarily closed by MAS as Beware... of our employees to delivering the best products times compared to what was reported last year. Ceylon... precautionary measures, after consultation with You can be rest assured that the authorised and unmatched service and convenience to our Presenting the Outlook 2021, CCC Chief the local PHI and MoH, the company stated agent thoroughly inspects the vehicle and carries customers, amidst an ongoing pandemic,” said Economist Shiran Fernando highlighted that Sri issuing a statement. out the necessary refurbishments using genuine Sunshine Holdings (Pvt.) Ltd. Group Managing Cuba... Lanka will stage a recovery in growth in 2021 “Employees and their immediate families spare parts prior to handing it over to the customer. Director Vish Govindasamy. “Key business sectors They are employed mainly in gastronomy, driven by the key industrial sector, improvement who tested positive have been placed in the Authorised agents have the potential to carry have been able to pick up momentum amidst transportation, and renting rooms to tourists. in domestic consumption and resurgence in the MAS Covid-19 Care Centre in Giriulla, or as out comprehensive vehicle testing as they are tough business conditions, reporting resilient But these sectors were hard-hit by stepped- service sector. The low interest rate environment directed by the local PHI. The facility will undergo equipped with cutting edge technology and all revenue growth during this period.” up US sanctions under Donald Trump’s would be a key feature in the first half of 2021. It extensive decontamination procedures during other facilities,” added Amerasinghe. The group’s healthcare sector recorded a administration, as well as by the coronavirus was also identified that some of the macro trends the closure period and will only re-commence The CMTA highly recommends purchasing revenue of Rs. 9.1 billion for the period 9MFY21, pandemic, leading to many business owners will be a key driver in the sector performances based on the test results of the selected sample a vehicle only from an authorised agent for an increase of 11% YoY over last year, due to suspending their licences. as well. of employees, as directed by the authorities,” the numerous reasons. The first being the assurance strong performances in the pharmaceutical and The reform is “an important step to increase Prior to the presentation and launch of the company added. of genuine mileage followed with customers’ medical devices divisions. As a result, EBIT employment,” Economy Minister Alejandro Gil Outlook report, HSBC Securities and Capital Business operations during the pandemic safety as authorised agents test the vehicle for the sector increased by 32.5% due to better said on Twitter. Markets India Economist for India and Sri with all MAS plants in Sri Lanka, include 5% comprehensively before selling. Most agents cost control. This is “good news” and “a step in the right Lanka Aayushi Chaudhary presented on the of employees randomly tested for Covid-19 on continue to offer a warranty even for used vehicles The consumer goods sector reported a 17.3% direction,” even if, “unfortunately, it took too global and regional economic performance. The a weekly basis as a preventative measure, as resulting with a great relief to the buyer who YoY increase in revenue to close at Rs. 4.9 billion, long to be approved,” tweeted Ricardo Torres, two presenters then joined a panel discussion directed by the Ministry of Health and BOI. This does not know anything about the history of mainly due to the addition of the confectionary an economist from the University of Havana. comprising Chairman and Non-Executive is in addition to the stringent social distancing, their purchase. sub-sector. The PAT of the sector marginally (France 24) Director of multiple companies Amal Cabraal, screening for symptoms and disinfection protocols increased by 3.3% YoY in comparison to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Director of Economic that are currently in place. same period last year. Research Dr. Chandranath Amarasekara, “When positive cases are detected their close Performance... The agribusiness sector revenue increased by Sri Lanka... and Asia Securities Macro Economist and contacts are traced and tested. In each instance, Gross profit margin for 9MFY21 stood at 14.8% during 9MFY21 compared to the same The expo will also see a pavilion by The Research Co-Head Lakshini Fernando. The decisions of which areas need to be isolated or 33.3%, an increase of 247 basis points against period last year. The gross profit increased to Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce panel discussion was moderated by CCC CEO whether the plant needs to be closed are taken last year. The gross profit improved by Rs. 918 Rs. 1,586 million from Rs. 1,133 million due to and Industry (FICCI), the apex business chamber and Secretary General, Manjula de Silva. based on the recommendations of the PHI and million, up 18.8% YoY compared to the previous the improved performance in both the palm oil of India with the support of the Ministry of MoH. At all times and at all our facilities, the year, mainly backed by the contribution from the and dairy segments. PAT of the agri sector grew Commerce, Government of India. The FICCI health of our associates is our primary concern healthcare and agribusiness sectors. The group 62.2% YoY compared to the same period last year. India pavilion will see suppliers for medical Covid-19... and MAS actively cooperates with the local health Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT) closed The energy sector revenue increased to Rs. textiles and disposables, medical devices and Due to the relatively high number of authorities, conforms to their recommendations at Rs. 2,906 million, an increase of 13.7% YoY. 348 million from Rs. 255 million due to higher equipment, diagnostics tools and supplies and asymptomatic employees testing positive, whilst and assists in providing any required information “Our strong top-line and bottom-line rainfall in the catchment areas during 9MFY21. more. their close contacts are identified within the in a transparent manner,” the company added. business 49 Monday, February 8, 2021 { CORPORATE } „„ www.themorning.lk BALLAST NEDAM PARTNERS WITH NWSDB FOR PIPELINE NETWORK Hemmathagama to receive clean drinking water supply 17,000 families in Hemmathagama will have access to clean drinking water when work is completed on a new intake and water treatment facility connected to a newly laid out pipeline network. Last week, the first pipe was laid for the water treatment plant by Samsung launches Ballast Nedam International Projects B.V., a construction and development company from the Galaxy S21 Series Netherlands with a 140-year Samsung recently announced features a quad rear camera and history of making life accessible the launch of its flagship Galaxy an upgraded 108MP pro sensor, for communities. S21 series of smartphones in Sri for capturing 12-bit HDR photos In Hemmathagama, a small Lanka. with 64 times richer colour data, town near Kegalle in Sri Lanka’s The new Galaxy S21 series and more than three times wider Sabaragamuwa province, families from purports to offer a premium dynamic range. For the first time seven villages still drink untreated, flagship experience, featuring on a Galaxy smartphone, users raw water from the river Auphinella. numerous innovations over its can shoot in 4K at 60fps across Access to clean drinking water will predecessors. The company stated all lenses, including front and change their lives, meaning fewer that the new flagship series debuts rear four lenses. It also features diseases among the residents and an iconic design, an epic pro-grade 100x Space Zoom, powered by less pressure on the area’s already camera for users of any skill level, Samsung’s first-ever Dual-tele overstretched healthcare system. and the most advanced processor lens system. Ballast Nedam, with mother for a Galaxy device. The Galaxy S21 and Galaxy company Renaissance Construction, While the Galaxy S21 is S21+’s AI-powered triple-lens will handle the project from the design designed for those who want a pro-grade camera is designed to stage up to the connection to 17,000 light design and compact 6.2-inch provide more creative control. In houses, including the placement of The initial pipe being installed for the new water treatment plant that is to provide clean drinking water to residents of display, the Galaxy S21+ sports Portrait Mode, the AI-powered water meters. The project will lay out Hemmathagama in Kegalle an expanded 6.7-inch display camera leverages an improved a 40km pipeline across seven water and a larger battery. The Galaxy 3D analysis, while the new Zoom reservoirs, creating a distribution initiated on the water treatment plant. Nedam has aligned its mission with the 17 Netherlands. Despite a global pandemic S21 Ultra is the largest member Lock captures clearer images at network clocking in at just over 70 This is the activity for which the first Sustainable Development Goals set by the with local impact, Ballast Nedam and of the Galaxy S21 series with a 30x zoom. kilometers. This will be supplemented pipe was laid last week. UN, which is in practice in their projects the NWSDB are working around the 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X The Galaxy S21 series features by a 21,000 m3 per day capacity water Ballast Nedam finds the mountainous worldwide. In Hemmathagama, the team clock to ensure that the project delivers display. The Galaxy S21 series the latest smartphone chipset in treatment plant. terrain a big advantage in implementing has accomplished this by designing what on time. “By delivering this clean, introduces an all-new contour- a Galaxy-series smartphone for The pipes run partly underground the project as the height differences they recognise as a matchless water treated water supply to the families of cut camera housing that blends greater speed, energy efficiency, and partly above or across grounds mean that the water supply can make treatment and transmission project that Hemmathagama we expect to improve into the device’s metal frame for and advanced computing owned by many different residents, use of gravity for distribution, with no uses a gravity-based and non-pumping the socioeconomic prospects of this area,” a sleeker aesthetic. Each device capabilities to support 5G as in every village there will be a water pumps required. This not only system for low energy consumption and said Ballast Nedam Project Manager, is coated with a haze finish on connectivity and on-device AI. separate water reservoir. The company makes it cheaper, says the team, but operating cost. Serkan Kumbasar. “That is what’s the back, and the series will be All three smartphones pack the has ensured that consent is obtained also more environmentally-friendly. The project is on behalf of the National driving us to overcome any Covid-19 available in a range of colours. power to process photos, record for this effort. With this, the progress The company is deeply conscious of Water Supply and Drainage Board related obstacles to make sure that we The Galaxy S21 Ultra delivers 8K videos, enjoy a cloud gaming on water reservoirs has exceeded 50% this environmental impact, which is (NWSDB), while project financials deliver on time, and are exceeding Samsung’s most advanced marathon, and make the perfect of the construction and work has been considered essential for success; Ballast are outsourced to the ING Bank in expectations,” he further added. pro-grade camera system that video clips. Fashion Bug wins ‘Asia’s Amana Takaful Insurance Best Workplace’ Award unveils new logo For three consecutive years, Fashion Bug stated, it has been recognised as one of the best places to be employed at, winning the Great Place to Work Award in 2018, 2019 and 2020. In addition, the organisation was also presented an Award for excellence in Large Enterprises in Sri Lanka 2020, Best Workplaces for Millennials Award 2020 and Best Workplaces for Women 2019. The company also won an Award for The Manhattan Excellence in the Large Enterprise Category in 2020, Fish Market opens and was placed amongst the Amana Takaful Insurance Chairman Osman Kassim Top 40 companies in Sri Lanka for the year. Amana Takaful Insurance has good, people eventually realise it flagship store This year Fashion refreshed its brand identity with and come to it.” Bug was honoured with a fresh logo and a lively brand Chairman Kassim added: “‘Takaful’ The Manhattan Fish Market needs and requirements with the prestigious Asia’s message that emphasises its time- means ‘to protect one another’. unveiled its all-new flagship a brand new experience. Our Best Workplace Award, tested service orientation to all Sri Customers of Amana Takaful have the outlet this month featuring its new children’s play area along positioning the company Lankans. Fuelled by the notion that opportunity of inheriting a portion of Gen 7 concept restaurant. The with our delicious menu is sure ranking seventh amongst Amana Takaful, unlike conventional the insurance fund surplus, furthering new outlet features its fresh to offer the best to those who large enterprises in the insurance, is a win-win for both Amana Takaful’s customer orientation ambiance and features for the visit us. Here at The Manhattan Asian region. Being the only the insurer and the insured, this towards every Sri Lankan, as one. first time an indoor children’s Fish Market we aim to ensure fashion retailer in Asia to refreshed identity opens profitable Amana Takaful also adheres to ethics recreational and play area sure all our customers enjoy every have received this award, opportunities for all Sri Lankans. of the insurance industry practised to delight all its young diners. single experience with all safety the company credits Thus, Amana Takaful Insurance’s for the last 250 years and believes Located at 313, Galle Road, precautions in place.” this to their awareness refreshed message of “To Every they are essential and not negotiable. Colombo 3, the brighter, larger, The Manhattan Fish Market of what is happening in Sri Lankan as One” can not only be With the integration of insurance more vibrant outlet features a franchise has built its reputation the corporate sector both From left: Fashion Bug Human Resources Manager Oman deemed timely, but also very relevant best practices, Amana Takaful has space for diners to enjoy their in the market by serving up locally and internationally, Athukorala and Fashion Bug Director Aqeill Subian to today’s societal context. always been on par with the rest of delectable feasts while also a storm with its wide variety while also focusing on Amana Takaful PLC Chairman the industry, if not better!” entertaining their little ones. of American-style seafood what other companies are competing with large boost from this coming Osman Kassim elaborated on the Amana Takaful Insurance holds Speaking on the opening of dishes, in a warm and casual doing in terms of best HR enterprises in the region. out of the Covid-19 company’s new outlook: “Amana people-friendly ethical practices and the flagship store and the new dining environment. The new practices. To be told that we are the pandemic is phenomenal, Takaful Insurance started 22 years is a premier fully-fledged Takaful menu, The Manhattan Fish Manhattan Fish Market flagship “The team at Fashion only fashion retailer in this and rest assured we will ago with a capital of Rs. 30 million. insurance company in Sri Lanka. Market Sri Lanka Managing outlet offers a sea-lebration of Bug consistently focuses category to win this year work harder to bring pride With some key strategic changes in Amana Takaful offers a complete Director Shafraz Anees stated: delicious seafood, healthier on implementing the best is definitely an enriching to our organisation and our approach, we have now moved range of Life and General insurance “We are extremely pleased to options for the conscious diner, practices possible. It is a experience. We are proud the nation to be amongst into the mainstream. “To Every Sri solutions as well as tailor-made health open our doors this month to all a variety of chicken dishes great accomplishment to to be a truly Sri Lankan the world’s best places to Lankan as One” essentially means insurance policies to suit the overall our diners at our all new flagship along with light bites, and a be ranked as the seventh- brand to be recognised work,” expressed Fashion we stand with all Sri Lankans. When health needs of the diverse segments store. Amidst trying times we kids’ menu for children and best place to work in Asia, internationally. The moral Bug Director Aqeill Subian. something is inherently fair and of Sri Lankan society. were able to cater to our diner’s families. Softlogic Glomark opens branch in Malabe Softlogic Glomark announced the Kitchen”, and is located minutes away but also because of the socio-economic elite local and overseas customer base expansion of its retail network with from Malabe Town on the Athurugiriya- importance the area symbolises. in the heart of Colombo.” the opening of its latest supermarket in Malabe main road, within a highly “The customer experience will Glomark claims to offer a wide range Malabe last month. Glomark Malabe, the residential vicinity. further be enhanced by the inclusion of items and the best in technology for ninth outlet under the Glomark banner, Softlogic Holdings PLC Chairman of a fully-fledged Consumer Electronics an unparalleled consumer experience, aims to provide an international shopping Ashok Pathirage said: “The expansion of range powered by Softlogic MAX, a stocking a wide selection sourced experience with its access to a wide Glomark to Malabe is an exciting event, masterpiece selection of furniture by from around the world, and delivering selection of products sourced from local where we take the globally inspirational Softlogic Furniture and a unique bakery freshness and high quality. Customers and international markets, coupled with supermarket experience to a great, far range and a variety of hot food with a can also access retail services via the From left: Softlogic Supermarkets (Pvt.) Ltd. CEO Andrew Dalby and excellent customer service. more diverse Sri Lankan supermarket fusion twist. Our next endeavour is Glomark website, with the capability Softlogic Holdings PLC Chairman/MD Ashok Pathirage at the Ribbon The outlet also features an exclusive shopper, that cuts across multiple social to open Glomark’s Flagship store at of doorstep delivery within Colombo Cutting Ceremony of Softlogic Glomark Malabe dining area and restaurant named “Bakes strata, not only because of the geography, CR&FC in March this year, a hub for an and key suburbs. 104 business „„ www.themorning.lk { MARKET } Monday, February 8, 2021 Unit trust prices­ at 1 Feb. 2021 CSE Price List 5 Feb. 2021 Fund name Unit selling price...... Unit buying price SE­CUR­I­TY V.W.A. OPEN HIGH LOW V.W.A. CHANGE SE­CUR­I­TY V.W.A. OPEN HIGH LOW V.W.A. CHANGE ASTRUE Active Income Fund 100.5293...... 100.5293 VOLUME PREVIOUS TODAY’S (RS.) VOLUME PREVIOUS TODAY’S (RS.) Assetline Income Fund 16.7998...... 16.7998 A.SPEN.HOT.HOLD...... 12,412...... 33.9...... 34...... 34.9...... 33...... 33.6...... -0.3 SIGIRIYA VILLAGE...... 787...... 37.5...... 40...... 40...... 38...... 38...... 0.5 Assetline Income Plus Growth Fund 19.1418...... 18.6057 ABANS...... 9,743...... 177...... 180.5...... 214.75...... 180...... 193...... 16 SINGER FINANCE...... 62,211...... 15.6...... 15.5...... 15.5...... 15...... 15.4...... -0.2 Senfin Growth Fund 10.1000...... 9.7500 ACCESS ENG SL...... 348,910...... 27...... 27...... 27.9...... 26.7...... 26.9...... -0.1 SLT...... 17,034...... 37...... 36.9...... 38.8...... 36.9...... 37.8...... 0.8 Senfin Money Market Fund 15.0527...... 15.0527 ACL...... 177,549...... 100...... 100.25...... 100.5...... 97...... 97.4...... -2.6 SUNSHINE HOLDING...... 983,502...... 93.1...... 102...... 105...... 96.4...... 96.6...... 3.5 Senfin Shariah Balanced Fund 12.8300...... 12.5100 ACL PLASTICS...... 4,677...... 304.25...... 308.75...... 318...... 302...... 317.75...... 13.5 SWISSTEK...... 143,012...... 136.25...... 139...... 142.25...... 137...... 140.5...... 4.25 Senfin Shariah Income Fund 12.4169...... 12.4169 ACME...... 122,916...... 6...... 5.9...... 6.3...... 5.9...... 6.3...... 0.3 TALAWAKELLE...... 24,567...... 95.4...... 96...... 100...... 94.2...... 97.9...... 2.5 CAL Balanced Fund 12.0566...... 12.0566 AGALAWATTE...... 3,727...... 27.6...... 29.4...... 29.5...... 28.5...... 29.4...... 1.8 TANGERINE...... 1,151...... 41...... 41...... 43.1...... 40.9...... 43...... 2 CAL Corporate Debt & Gilt Trading Fund 21.3566...... 21.3566 AHOT PROPERTIES...... 2,320...... 40.1...... 41.5...... 41.5...... 40.2...... 41...... 0.9 TEA SMALLHOLDER...... 200...... 41...... 41.9...... 41.9...... 41.9...... 41.9...... 0.9 CAL Corporate Treasury Fund 18.2825...... 18.2825 AITKEN SPENCE...... 76,233...... 66.7...... 68...... 69...... 66...... 67...... 0.3 TEEJAY LANKA...... 1,114,426...... 41...... 41.4...... 41.9...... 41...... 41.2...... 0.2 CAL Gilt Fund 7.1658...... 7.1658 ALLIANCE...... 182,598...... 55...... 55...... 55...... 54.4...... 55...... 0 THREE ACRE FARMS...... 168,273...... 227...... 247...... 260...... 246...... 247.5...... 20.5 CAL Gilt Money Market Fund 4.3481...... 4.3481 AMANA BANK...... 558,725...... 3.6...... 3.7...... 3.7...... 3.5...... 3.6...... 0 TOKYO CEMENT...... 268,889...... 77.4...... 78.9...... 78.9...... 76.7...... 77.1...... -0.3 CAL Gilt Trading Fund 50.2494...... 50.2494 AMAYA LEISURE...... 14,991...... 40...... 40.5...... 40.5...... 39...... 40...... 0 TOKYO CEMENT [TKYO.X0000]...... 705,882...... 70...... 71...... 71.8...... 69.5...... 70...... 0 CAL High Yield Fund 24.4381...... 24.4381 ASIA ASSET...... 48,415...... 7.5...... 7.6...... 7.6...... 7.3...... 7.3...... -0.2 UNION BANK...... 379,193...... 13.4...... 13.7...... 13.8...... 13...... 13.2...... -0.2 CAL Income Fund 20.6198...... 20.6198 ASIRI...... 263,462...... 29.9...... 30...... 30...... 29.8...... 30...... 0.1 UNION CHEMICALS...... 205...... 850.75...... 850...... 899.75...... 850...... 850.25...... -0.5 CAL Investment Grade Fund 19.8698...... 19.8698 ASIRI SURG...... 41,592...... 15...... 15.6...... 15.6...... 14.8...... 15.1...... 0.1 UNISYST...... 40,275...... 16.5...... 16.8...... 17...... 16.3...... 17...... 0.5 CAL Medium Risk Debt Fund 15.7090...... 15.7090 AUTODROME...... 3,988...... 80...... 80...... 86...... 78...... 79.9...... -0.1 UNITED MOTORS...... 2,210...... 70.4...... 77.1...... 77.5...... 76...... 76.5...... 6.1 CAL Quant Equity Fund 23.2001...... 23.6301 BAIRAHA FARMS...... 27,889...... 147.5...... 150...... 155.5...... 148...... 150...... 2.5 VALLIBEL...... 1,851,691...... 8.1...... 8...... 8.1...... 7.8...... 8...... -0.1 Ceybank Century Growth 85.6500...... 82.0000 BALANGODA...... 22,122...... 15.2...... 15...... 15.8...... 15...... 15.4...... 0.2 VALLIBEL FINANCE...... 67,537...... 127.75...... 138...... 138...... 127.5...... 133.5...... 5.75 Ceybank Gilt Edge Fund (A Series) 14.4759...... 14.4759 BUKIT DARAH...... 1,403...... 340...... 340...... 340...... 335...... 338.5...... -1.5 VIDULLANKA...... 234,466...... 5.5...... 5.7...... 5.7...... 5.5...... 5.6...... 0.1 Ceybank Gilt Edged Fund (B Series) 10.9754...... 10.9754 C M HOLDINGS...... 5,492...... 101...... 104...... 104...... 100...... 100.5...... -0.5 WATAWALA...... 25,841...... 61.2...... 63.1...... 64...... 60.9...... 62.9...... 1.7 Ceybank High Yield Fund 13.8015...... 13.8015 C T HOLDINGS...... 3,152...... 181...... 183.5...... 183.5...... 175...... 180...... -1 YORK ARCADE...... 725...... 197.5...... 198...... 198...... 188...... 188.5...... -9 Ceybank Surakum Fund 12.3731...... 12.3731 CARGILLS...... 11,777...... 239.5...... 240...... 240...... 235...... 235.5...... -4 SECOND BOARD Ceybank Unit Trust 29.1500...... 27.3500 CARGO BOAT...... 16,504...... 73...... 74.9...... 74.9...... 70...... 70.4...... -2.6 ABANS FINANCIAL...... 2,800...... 27...... 26.1...... 26.1...... 26.1...... 26.1...... -0.9 Ceylon Dollar Bond Fund (in $) 0.7258...... 0.7294 CARSONS...... 908...... 313...... 315...... 329...... 310...... 315...... 2 AMBEON CAPITAL...... 163,788...... 6.1...... 6.3...... 6.6...... 6.3...... 6.5...... 0.4 Ceylon Financial Sector Fund 8.6500...... 8.2800 CDB...... 166...... 120...... 122...... 122.5...... 115...... 122.25...... 2.25 ARPICO...... 11...... 196...... 199.5...... 199.75...... 199.5...... 196...... 0 Ceylon Income Fund 22.1839...... 22.1839 CDB [CDB.X0000]...... 5,109...... 84.8...... 85...... 85...... 83...... 83...... -1.8 ASIA CAPITAL...... 55,114...... 6.6...... 6.6...... 6.6...... 6.2...... 6.3...... -0.3 CEYLON Index Fund 61.8300...... 59.2600 CENTRAL FINANCE...... 844,403...... 120...... 123...... 125...... 118.75...... 119.75...... -0.25 BROWNS BEACH...... 10,299...... 13.6...... 13.4...... 13.5...... 12...... 13.4...... -0.2 Ceylon IPO Fund 5.6500...... 5.5400 CENTRAL IND...... 25,664...... 121.5...... 128...... 132...... 128...... 130...... 8.5 COMM LEASE & FIN...... 66,187...... 7.5...... 7.5...... 7.5...... 7...... 7.3...... -0.2 Ceylon Money Market Fund 17.3112...... 17.3112 CEYLINCO INS...... 50...... 2000...... 2,050.00...... 2,050.00...... 2,050.00...... 2,000.00...... 0 DISTILLERIES...... 218,335...... 21.2...... 21.5...... 22...... 20.9...... 20.9...... -0.3 Ceylon Tourism Fund 3.9000...... 3.7500 CEYLINCO INS. [CINS.X0000]...... 221...... 1281.5...... 1,210.00...... 1,210.00...... 1,195.25...... 1,200.00...... -81.5 FIRST CAPITAL...... 120,763...... 57.3...... 57.9...... 61.4...... 57.9...... 59...... 1.7 Ceylon Treasury Income Fund 6.1600...... 6.1600 CEYLON GUARDIAN...... 4,736...... 141.5...... 145.5...... 147.5...... 141...... 141...... -0.5 LOLC DEV FINANCE...... 1,313...... 103.25...... 94.2...... 106...... 93.8...... 95.6...... -7.65 Comtrust ADL Mudarabah Fund 11.6813...... 11.6813 CEYLON INV...... 50,850...... 79.8...... 79.9...... 82...... 79.1...... 81.4...... 1.6 LOLC FINANCE...... 912,156...... 7...... 7...... 7.3...... 6.9...... 7.1...... 0.1 Comtrust Equity Fund 20.8900...... 19.9200 CEYLON TOBACCO...... 606...... 1114.25...... 1,115.00...... 1,120.00...... 1,105.00...... 1,116.75...... 2.5 MADULSIMA...... 7,982...... 9...... 9.1...... 10...... 9...... 9.7...... 0.7 Comtrust Gilt Edged Fund 10.4431...... 10.4431 CHEMANEX...... 1,616...... 91.9...... 91.9...... 92...... 91.9...... 92...... 0.1 ODEL PLC...... 4,330...... 18.5...... 19.5...... 19.5...... 19...... 19.1...... 0.6 Comtrust Money Market Fund 11.8643...... 11.8643 CHEVRON...... 209,152...... 107.25...... 109.5...... 113...... 109.5...... 111.25...... 4 PDL...... 1,170...... 120.25...... 120.5...... 125...... 120.5...... 124.5...... 4.25 First Capital Equity Fund (FCEF) 1,535.9100...... 1,459.1100 CIC...... 770,577...... 61.6...... 62...... 63.7...... 60.5...... 63.1...... 1.5 SERENDIB LAND...... 79...... 2265.5...... 2,749.00...... 2,831.00...... 2,749.00...... 2,265.50...... 0 First Capital Fixed income Fund 1,856.2400...... 1,856.1900 CIC [CIC.X0000]...... 1,455,252...... 48.8...... 49.2...... 51.5...... 48.9...... 51...... 2.2 SHALIMAR...... 16...... 1203.2...... 1,461.00...... 1,461.00...... 1,350.00...... 1,203.20...... 0 First Capital Gilt Edged Fund 1,494.3500...... 1,494.3500 CITRUS LEISURE...... 31,365...... 10.2...... 10.1...... 10.2...... 9.9...... 10.2...... 0 SINGER SRI LANKA...... 93,285...... 63.2...... 62.5...... 68.4...... 62.5...... 64.6...... 1.4 First Capital Money Market Fund 1,909.8500...... 1,909.8500 COLD STORES...... 14,913...... 689.5...... 700...... 700...... 690...... 695...... 5.5 DIRI SAVI BOARD First Capital Wealth Fund 1,132.3000...... 1,132.2700 COLOMBO CITY...... 1,393...... 991.5...... 1,000.00...... 1,050.00...... 1,000.00...... 1,000.25...... 8.75 AGSTAR PLC...... 27,344...... 7.6...... 7.7...... 7.7...... 7.4...... 7.4...... -0.2 NAMAL Bank Fund 10.2645...... 9.8716 COLOMBO LAND...... 10,511...... 28.4...... 29.5...... 29.5...... 27.3...... 27.5...... -0.9 ALUMEX PLC...... 909,030...... 25.1...... 27...... 27...... 24.5...... 24.9...... -0.2 NAMAL Growth Fund 157.3819...... 146.8901 COMMERCIAL BANK...... 253,520...... 93...... 94...... 95...... 92...... 92.7...... -0.3 AMANA LIFE...... 2,255...... 8.8...... 8.7...... 8.7...... 8.7...... 8.7...... -0.1 NAMAL High Yield Fund 24.7621...... 24.7621 COMMERCIAL BANK [COMB.X0000].....115,614...... 81.8...... 84.3...... 86.5...... 81.5...... 81.7...... -0.1 AMANA TAKAFUL...... 18,292...... 9.6...... 9.6...... 9.9...... 9.1...... 9.7...... 0.1 NAMAL Income Fund 14.3113...... 14.3113 CONVENIENCE FOOD...... 1,484...... 1506.75...... 1,549.50...... 1,680.00...... 1,495.00...... 1,547.25...... 40.5 AMBEON HOLDINGS...... 123,807...... 22.1...... 22.9...... 23.3...... 21.5...... 22.6...... 0.5 National Equity Fund 38.1771...... 35.7133 DANKOTUWA PORCEL...... 421,851...... 12.6...... 13...... 13.9...... 13...... 13.8...... 1.2 AMF CO LTD...... 256...... 300...... 301...... 309.75...... 300...... 301...... 1 NDB Wealth Gilt Edged Fund 18.7134...... 18.7134 DFCC BANK PLC...... 140,488...... 68.9...... 68.9...... 68.9...... 67...... 67.9...... -1 ARPICO INSURANCE...... 2,012...... 23.5...... 23.5...... 24.2...... 23.5...... 24.2...... 0.7 NDB Wealth Growth & Income Fund 50.8400...... 49.1600 DIALOG...... 133,037...... 12.5...... 12.5...... 12.6...... 12.5...... 12.5...... 0 ASIA SIYAKA...... 211,640...... 2.9...... 3.00...... 3.00...... 2.90...... 2.90...... 0 NDB Wealth Growth Fund 11.8000...... 11.3000 DIMO...... 560...... 600...... 619.75...... 629...... 582.5...... 600...... 0 BANSEI RESORTS...... 15,053...... 8.9...... 8.9...... 8.9...... 8.4...... 8.4...... -0.5 DIPPED PRODUCTS...... 482,209...... 664.5...... 690...... 709...... 665...... 706.75...... 42.25 BERUWALA RESORTS...... 768,974...... 0.9...... 0.9...... 1...... 0.8...... 0.9...... 0 NDB Wealth Income Fund 16.0310...... 16.0310 DOCKYARD...... 61,250...... 82.9...... 82.9...... 84...... 82.1...... 83...... 0.1 BOGALA GRAPHITE...... 11,666...... 24.5...... 25...... 25...... 23.6...... 24...... -0.5 NDB Wealth Income Plus Fund 17.0887...... 17.0887 DOLPHIN HOTELS...... 14,500...... 27...... 26.1...... 26.1...... 26...... 26...... -1 BOGAWANTALAWA...... 690...... 13...... 13.6...... 13.6...... 13.1...... 13.3...... 0.3 NDB Wealth Islamic Money Plus Fund 16.3183...... 16.3183 DURDANS...... 10...... 105.5...... 104.75...... 104.75...... 104.75...... 105.5...... 0 BPPL HOLDINGS...... 96,931...... 15.7...... 15.6...... 15.8...... 15.3...... 15.3...... -0.4 NDB Wealth Money Fund 20.6439...... 20.6439 DURDANS [CHL.X0000]...... 205...... 100...... 95...... 100...... 95...... 95.1...... -4.9 BROWNS...... 35,113...... 208.25...... 215...... 215...... 195.25...... 200.25...... -8 NDB Wealth Money Plus Fund 23.5765...... 23.5765 EAST WEST...... 85,794...... 11.9...... 12...... 12.2...... 11.8...... 11.8...... -0.1 BROWNS INVSTMNTS...... 16,218,104...... 6.4...... 6.5...... 6.6...... 6.3...... 6.5...... 0.1 Premier Growth Fund 7.0200...... 6.6900 EASTERN MERCHANT...... 18,627...... 6.4...... 6.7...... 6.8...... 6.4...... 6.7...... 0.3 C T LAND...... 914...... 28.9...... 29.9...... 29.9...... 29...... 29.6...... 0.7 Premier Money Market Fund 18.6605...... 18.6605 EXPOLANKA...... 16,338,149...... 49.9...... 52...... 54.5...... 51.1...... 54.3...... 4.4 C.W.MACKIE...... 19,011...... 46...... 47...... 47.1...... 46...... 46...... 0 Softlogic Equity Fund 139.5864...... 132.6093 FORT LAND...... 56,094...... 15...... 15.9...... 15.9...... 15...... 15.2...... 0.2 CEYLON BEVERAGE...... 10...... 779.75...... 775...... 775...... 775...... 779.75...... 0 Softlogic Money Market Fund 104.3969...... 104.3969 GESTETNER...... 1,220...... 100...... 114...... 114...... 101...... 101.5...... 1.5 CEYLON TEA BRKRS...... 202,274...... 3.8...... 3.8...... 3.8...... 3.6...... 3.6...... -0.2 Unit holders can contact relevant Fund Managers to obtain Unit Prices for redemptions within GRAIN ELEVATORS...... 713,423...... 128.5...... 145...... 149...... 143.5...... 146...... 17.5 CFI...... 26...... 100...... 102...... 107.5...... 91.3...... 100...... 0 short duration from the date of investment where exit fee is applicable. HAYCARB...... 240,694...... 1120.5...... 1,130.00...... 1,320.00...... 1,099.00...... 1,268.75...... 148.25 CIT...... 7...... 182.25...... 153...... 153...... 153...... 182.25...... 0 HAYLEYS...... 285,188...... 734.5...... 749...... 790...... 735...... 781.75...... 47.25 CITRUS HIKKADUWA...... 79,440...... 5.7...... 6...... 6...... 5.5...... 5.7...... 0 Ex­change Rates 5 Feb. 2021 HAYLEYS FABRIC...... 2,708,299...... 34.4...... 38.5...... 39.5...... 35.9...... 37...... 2.6 CITRUS WASKADUWA...... 296,866...... 3.7...... 3.7...... 3.8...... 3.6...... 3.7...... 0 HAYLEYS FIBRE...... 10,595...... 201.5...... 220...... 220...... 204...... 213.25...... 11.75 COM.CREDIT...... 17,879...... 25.7...... 25.9...... 25.9...... 24...... 24.4...... -1.3 (1) The average rates of the following (2) The approximate exchange rates currencies quoted by commercial of GULF currencies based on previous HDFC...... 34,378...... 40.8...... 41...... 44...... 41...... 42...... 1.2 COMMERCIAL DEV...... 6,503...... 132.75...... 138.5...... 138.5...... 125.25...... 134...... 1.25 banks in Colombo for Telegraphic Trans- day’s market weighted average rate for HEMAS HOLDINGS...... 278,944...... 93.5...... 93.50...... 93.50...... 90.80...... 92.30...... -1.2 DILMAH CEYLON...... 542...... 667.75...... 669...... 679...... 650...... 654...... -13.75 fers (TT) at 9.30 a.m. are as follows. the US$ are as follows. HNB...... 579,036...... 144.5...... 144.5...... 149.25...... 143.5...... 148.25...... 3.75 E - CHANNELLING...... 25,549...... 6.6...... 6.8...... 6.8...... 6.7...... 6.7...... 0.1 CURRENCY BUYING RATE...... SELLING RATE COUNTRY CURRENCY...... INDICATIVE RATE HNB ASSURANCE...... 144,806...... 59...... 59.00...... 61.40...... 59.00...... 60.30...... 1.3 EDEN HOTEL LANKA...... 72,781...... 11.7...... 12.5...... 12.7...... 11.9...... 12.3...... 0.6 Australian Dollar 144.6507...... 149.4440 Bahrain Bahrain Dinar ...... 515.6059 Canadian Dollar 147.9493...... 153.8072 Kuwait Kuwait Dinar ...... 641.6231 HNB [HNB.X0000]...... 125,544...... 116.5...... 117.25...... 118...... 115.5...... 116.5...... 0 ELPITIYA...... 84,573...... 50...... 52...... 53...... 51...... 52...... 2 Chinese Yuan (Renminbi) 29.3007...... 30.3592 Oman Oman Rial ...... 504.9526 HOTEL SIGIRIYA...... 17...... 64.9...... 61.9...... 61.9...... 61.9...... 64.9...... 0 FORTRESS RESORTS...... 6,254...... 11.5...... 11.4...... 11.4...... 10.7...... 10.9...... -0.6 Euro 228.4820...... 234.6503 Qatar Qatar Riyal ...... 53.3842 HOTELS CORP...... 311...... 12...... 12...... 12...... 11.9...... 12...... 0 GALADARI...... 4,950...... 9...... 9.7...... 9.7...... 9...... 9.1...... 0.1 Japanese Yen 1.8133...... 1.8608 Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabian Riyal ...... 51.8293 HUNTERS...... 149...... 738.5...... 740...... 780...... 740...... 763.25...... 24.75 GUARDIAN CAPITAL...... 1,194...... 34.2...... 34...... 34...... 33.3...... 33.6...... -0.6 Singapore Dollar 142.6971 ...... 146.8799 UAE UAE Dirham ...... 52.9278 Sterling Pound 261.6346 ...... 268.2146 INDUSTRIAL ASPH...... 30,263,622...... 0.6...... 0.6...... 0.7...... 0.6...... 0.6...... 0 HATTON...... 39,508...... 10.2...... 10.6...... 10.6...... 10.2...... 10.4...... 0.2 Swiss Franc 209.9548 ...... 217.7358 JANASHAKTHI INS...... 50,674...... 29.3...... 29.6...... 31.7...... 29.6...... 30.8...... 1.5 HNB FINANCE...... 54,814...... 10...... 10...... 10.2...... 9.6...... 9.7...... -0.3 US Dollar 191.5900 ...... 196.0300 JKH...... 2,126,410...... 159...... 159...... 161...... 155...... 155.25...... -3.75 HNB FINANCE [HNBF-X-0000]...... 29,868...... 7.6...... 8.2...... 8.2...... 7.5...... 7.6...... 0 KANDY HOTELS...... 1,616...... 5.2...... 5.2...... 5.4...... 5.1...... 5.3...... 0.1 JETWING SYMPHONY...... 4,806...... 9.1...... 9.2...... 9.3...... 9.2...... 9.3...... 0.2 KEGALLE...... 32,366...... 124.75...... 132...... 132...... 128...... 130...... 5.25 JOHN KEELLS...... 5,587...... 80...... 80...... 82...... 80...... 80...... 0 Market Indicators 5 Feb. 2021 KELANI CABLES...... 2,173...... 153.25...... 150...... 155...... 150...... 153.25...... 0 KAHAWATTE...... 172...... 30.7...... 30.5...... 30.5...... 30.5...... 30.5...... -0.2 Price indices Today...... Previous day KELANI TYRES...... 87,255...... 90.8...... 92...... 93...... 92...... 92.9...... 2.1 KEELLS FOOD...... 41,281...... 151...... 155...... 156...... 151.5...... 154...... 3 CSE ALL SHARE PRICE INDEX 8,275.37...... 8,244.50 KELANI VALLEY...... 19,631...... 93.3...... 93.6...... 94...... 91.6...... 92.9...... -0.4 KEELLS HOTELS...... 98,080...... 10.9...... 10.9...... 11.1...... 10.8...... 11...... 0.1 S&P SL20 3,304.30...... 3,293.45 KINGSBURY...... 20,411...... 12.5...... 12.5...... 12.5...... 12.2...... 12.5...... 0 LANKA CERAMIC...... 4,020...... 170.25...... 177...... 189...... 176.5...... 187.25...... 17 TRI ON ALL SHARE (ASTRI) 11,091.77...... 11,050.39 TRI ON S&P SL20 5,427.01...... 5,409.20 KOTAGALA...... 12,713...... 7.1...... 7.1...... 7.1...... 6.8...... 7...... -0.1 LANKEM CEYLON...... 1,057...... 31.2...... 31.2...... 31.5...... 31...... 31.2...... 0 VALUE OF TURNOVER(Rs.) 5,166,753,300.00...... 6,224,359,900.00 L O L C HOLDINGS...... 681,854...... 485.75...... 489...... 495...... 465...... 469.75...... -16 LAUGFS POWER...... 41,361...... 10.8...... 11...... 11.5...... 11...... 11...... 0.2 DOMESTIC PURCHASES 5,107,085,300.00...... 6,115,906,000.00 LAKE HOUSE PRIN...... 9...... 160...... 147.5...... 147.5...... 147.5...... 160...... 0 LAUGFS POWER [LPL-X-0000]...... 16,360...... 7.6...... 7.8...... 7.9...... 7.6...... 7.7...... 0.1 DOMESTIC SALES 4,472,561,700.00...... 5,830,795,800.00 LANKA HOSPITALS...... 13,428...... 49.9...... 49.9...... 49.9...... 48...... 48.1...... -1.8 LIGHTHOUSE HOTEL...... 525...... 33.8...... 33.8...... 35...... 33.7...... 33.9...... 0.1 FOREIGN PURCHASES 59,668,216.00...... 108,454,048.00 LANKA IOC...... 160,054...... 24.4...... 25...... 25...... 24.4...... 24.5...... 0.1 LOTUS HYDRO...... 34,342...... 10.7...... 10.8...... 10.8...... 10.5...... 10.5...... -0.2 FOREIGN SALES 694,192,060.00...... 393,564,576.00 LANKA REALTY...... 1,512...... 35...... 35...... 35.1...... 35...... 35...... 0 MAHAWELI COCONUT...... 3,202...... 28...... 28...... 29...... 28...... 28...... 0 VOLUME OF TURNOVER(NO.) 109,959,264.00...... 182,511,984.00 LANKA TILES...... 417,575...... 233...... 245...... 259...... 240...... 251.75...... 18.75 MAHAWELI REACH...... 14...... 15.7...... 15.7...... 15.7...... 15.7...... 15.7...... 0 DOMESTIC 106,341,720.00...... 179,910,336.00 LANKA VENTURES...... 4,949...... 51...... 53...... 53.7...... 51...... 53...... 2 MARAWILA RESORTS...... 12,750...... 2...... 2...... 2...... 2...... 2...... 0 FOREIGN 3,617,546.00...... 2,601,637.00 TRADES(NO.) 32,518...... 41,154 LANKA WALLTILE...... 326,135...... 237...... 290...... 290...... 240...... 253.75...... 16.75 MASKELIYA...... 9,691...... 12.7...... 12.8...... 13.6...... 12.8...... 13.1...... 0.4 DOMESTIC 31,867...... 40,311 LAUGFS GAS...... 57,751...... 27.5...... 27.7...... 27.9...... 21...... 27.5...... 0 MILLENNIUM HOUSE...... 875...... 6.6...... 6.9...... 6.9...... 6.3...... 6.9...... 0.3 FOREIGN 651...... 843 LAUGFS GAS [LGL.X0000]...... 39,240...... 21.2...... 21...... 21.8...... 20.9...... 21...... -0.2 NUWARA ELIYA...... 20...... 1171.5...... 1,131.00...... 1,131.00...... 1,131.00...... 1,171.50...... 0 CORPORATE DEBT 0...... 13791743 LAXAPANA...... 4,114...... 14.2...... 14.8...... 14.8...... 14.2...... 14.5...... 0.3 ON’ALLY...... 108...... 37...... 36.3...... 36.3...... 35.8...... 36...... -1 GOVERNMENT DEBT 0...... 0 LB FINANCE...... 87,750...... 257...... 264...... 264...... 254...... 255.25...... -1.75 ORIENT FINANCE...... 15,150...... 16.8...... 17.8...... 17.8...... 15.6...... 16.8...... 0 LISTED COMPANIES (NO.) 283...... 283 LEE HEDGES...... 50...... 79...... 75.2...... 75.2...... 75.2...... 79...... 0 PALM GARDEN HOTL...... 9,900...... 29...... 29.5...... 29.5...... 29.5...... 29.5...... 0.5 TRADED COMPANIES (NO.) 267...... 273 LION BREWERY...... 623...... 595.25...... 593...... 595...... 592.5...... 594...... -1.25 PEGASUS HOTELS...... 605...... 34.1...... 34...... 34.9...... 34...... 34.8...... 0.7 MARKET PRICE EARNINGS RATIO(PER) 14.1...... 13.7 MARKET PRICE TO BOOK VALUE (PBV) 1.4...... 1.4 LMF...... 146,167...... 171.25...... 170...... 174.75...... 164...... 165...... -6.25 PEOPLE’S MERCH...... 1,000...... 8.7...... 8.9...... 8.9...... 8.9...... 8.9...... 0.2 MARKET DIVIDEND YIELD (DY) 2.1...... 2.2 LVL ENERGY...... 182,125...... 9.9...... 10.1...... 10.3...... 10...... 10.2...... 0.3 PRIME FINANCE...... 5,053...... 13.7...... 13.8...... 13.8...... 13.6...... 13.6...... -0.1 MARKET CAPITALIZATION (RS.) 3,617,618,732,160.00...... 3,604,123,698,530.00 MALWATTE...... 202,531...... 13.5...... 11.5...... 14...... 11.5...... 13.8...... 0.3 RAIGAM SALTERNS...... 63,960...... 6.2...... 6.4...... 6.4...... 6...... 6...... -0.2 MALWATTE [MAL.X0000]...... 165,129...... 8.7...... 8.9...... 9.5...... 8.9...... 9.2...... 0.5 RENUKA CAPITAL...... 196,714...... 8.8...... 8.8...... 9.1...... 8.6...... 9...... 0.2 MELSTACORP...... 151,891...... 62.4...... 63.5...... 64.9...... 61...... 61.9...... -0.5 RICH PIERIS EXP...... 3,973...... 410.5...... 405.5...... 445...... 405.5...... 443.25...... 32.75 1. Overnight Money Market Transactions MERC. SHIPPING...... 9...... 90...... 87...... 87...... 87...... 90...... 0 ROYAL PALMS...... 2,873...... 17.2...... 17...... 17...... 16.9...... 16.9...... -0.3 MERCHANT BANK...... 186,368...... 7.9...... 8...... 8...... 7.2...... 7.6...... -0.3 SATHOSA MOTORS...... 142...... 247.25...... 250...... 250...... 235.5...... 239.25...... -8 Call Money Market...... Repo Market MULLERS...... 66,044...... 1.3...... 1.3...... 1.3...... 1.2...... 1.2...... -0.1 SERENDIB ENG.GRP...... 304...... 6.9...... 7...... 7...... 6.8...... 7...... 0.1 Weighted Average Rate (%) 4.55 4.57 NAMUNUKULA...... 550...... 192.25...... 185...... 199...... 185...... 191.25...... -1 SERENDIB HOTELS...... 21,817...... 16.2...... 16.2...... 16.5...... 15...... 16.3...... 0.1 Minimum Rate (%) 4.54 4.55 NAT. DEV. BANK...... 290,059...... 92.6...... 92.9...... 93...... 89.6...... 90...... -2.6 SERENDIB HOTELS [SHOT.X0000]...... 31,946...... 9.7...... 10...... 10...... 9...... 9.6...... -0.1 Maximum Rate (%) 4.55 4.60 NATIONS TRUST...... 32,144...... 61.9...... 62...... 62...... 60.6...... 61.4...... -0.5 SINGER IND...... 2,316...... 100.25...... 113...... 113...... 109.75...... 110...... 9.75 Total Gross amount (Rs. million) 21,275 10,645 NAWALOKA...... 33,255...... 5.3...... 5.6...... 5.8...... SINGHE HOSPITALS...... 54,357...... 2.8...... 2.8...... 2.9...... 2.7...... 2.8...... 0 Total Net amount (Rs. million) 21,275 10,645 5.3...... 5.4...... 0.1 NESTLE...... 131...... 1216.25...... 1,215.00...... 1,225.00...... 1,200.00...... 1,204.00...... -12.25 SINHAPUTHRA FIN [SFL.P0000]...... 2,895...... 4.5...... 4.8...... 4.8...... 4.5...... 4.6...... 0.1 2. Use of the CBSL Standing Facility OVERSEAS REALTY...... 369,459...... 16.4...... 17.00...... 17.00...... 16.30...... 16.40...... 0 SOFTLOGIC...... 38,849...... 13.5...... 13.9...... 14...... 13.5...... 13.6...... 0.1 Standing Deposit Facility (Rs. million)...... 116,788 PAN ASIA...... 253,925...... 19.1...... 19.4...... 19.4...... 18.5...... 18.9...... -0.2 SOFTLOGIC CAP...... 373,647...... 4.1...... 4.2...... 4.2...... 4...... 4...... -0.1 Standing Lending Facility (Rs. million) ...... 300 PANASIAN POWER...... 412,013...... 3.7...... 3.8...... 3.8...... 3.6...... 3.6...... -0.1 SOFTLOGIC FIN...... 13,595...... 11.8...... 12...... 12.2...... 12...... 12...... 0.2 3. CBSL Treasury Bill/Bonds Holdings PEOPLE’S INS...... 183,017...... 32.7...... 32.9...... 33.5...... 32.5...... 33...... 0.3 SOFTLOGIC LIFE...... 80,793...... 33.6...... 33.9...... 33.9...... 33...... 33.1...... -0.5 Face Value (Rs. million) ...... 744,707.88 PEOPLES LEASING...... 308,904...... 13.5...... 13.6...... 14...... 13.1...... 13.5...... 0 TAL LANKA...... 5,573...... 15.2...... 15.2...... 15.3...... 15.2...... 15.2...... 0 Book Value (Rs. million) ...... 730,528.01 PIRAMAL GLASS...... 1,805,264...... 9.6...... 9.9...... 9.9...... 9.6...... 9.7...... 0.1 TRANS ASIA...... 11...... 63...... 63.6...... 63.6...... 62.1...... 63...... 0 PRINTCARE PLC...... 4,163...... 31...... 31.2...... 31.5...... 31.2...... 31.5...... 0.5 UDAPUSSELLAWA...... 1,100...... 26...... 26...... 26.1...... 26...... 26...... 0 UNION ASSURANCE...... 227...... 313.75...... 319.75...... 319.75...... 313...... 313.25...... -0.5 TOP 10 GAINERS R I L PROPERTY...... 349,212...... 7.5...... 7.7...... 8...... 7.2...... 7.7...... 0.2 REGNIS...... 8,657...... 122...... 126.25...... 126.25...... 122...... 124.25...... 2.25 VALLIBEL ONE...... 2,411,646...... 69.5...... 71...... 73.5...... 69...... 71.4...... 1.9 Company VWA VWA Change Change RENUKA AGRI...... 642,313...... 4.6...... 4.7...... 4.7...... 4.5...... 4.6...... 0 WATCH LIST Prev. Close Days Close (Rs.) % RENUKA CITY HOT...... 6...... 250.25...... 264...... 268...... 264...... 250.25...... 0 ANILANA HOTELS...... 397,261...... 1.2...... 1.2...... 1.3...... 1.2...... 1.2...... 0 PARAGON 55.3 ...... 68.9...... 13.6...... 24.59 RENUKA FOODS...... 12,261...... 16.9...... 16.7...... 17.7...... 16.7...... 16.9...... 0 BIMPUTH FINANCE...... 641...... 8.8...... 8.2...... 8.8...... 8.2...... 8.5...... -0.3 GRAIN ELEVATORS 128.5 ...... 146...... 17.5...... 13.62 BLUE DIAMONDS...... 1,281,108...... 0.7...... 0.7...... 0.7...... 0.6...... 0.7...... 0 HAYCARB 1,120.50 ...... 1,268.75...... 148.25...... 13.23 RENUKA FOODS [COCO.X0000]...... 3,302...... 14...... 14...... 14...... 13.3...... 13.4...... -0.6 LANKA CERAMIC 170.25187.25 ...... 17...... 9.99 BLUE DIAMONDS [BLUE.X0000]...... 65,580...... 0.4...... 0.4...... 0.4...... 0.3...... 0.3...... -0.1 RENUKA HOLDINGS...... 43,520...... 17.6...... 18...... 18.1...... 17.5...... 17.6...... 0 SINGER IND. 100.25 ...... 110...... 9.75...... 9.73 CEYLON PRINTERS...... 860...... 63...... 64...... 65...... 63.5...... 64.4...... 1.4 DANKOTUWA PORCEL 12.6 ...... 13.8...... 1.2...... 9.52 RENUKA HOLDINGS [RHL.X0000]...... 109,392...... 13.9...... 13.9...... 14.2...... 13.8...... 13.9...... 0 HUNAS FALLS...... 12...... 152...... 155...... 155...... 155...... 152...... 0 ABANS 177.00 ...... 193.00...... 16.00...... 9.04 RESUS ENERGY...... 3,918...... 25.9...... 26.8...... 26.8...... 25...... 25.8...... -0.1 THREE ACRE FARMS 227 ...... 247.5...... 20.5...... 9.03 HVA FOODS...... 566,241...... 6...... 6...... 6.3...... 5.8...... 6...... 0 EXPOLANKA 49.9 ...... 54.3...... 4.4...... 8.82 RICHARD PIERIS...... 118,562...... 15.9...... 15.9...... 15.9...... 15.3...... 15.4...... -0.5 LANKEM DEV...... 98,992...... 4.3...... 4.3...... 4.4...... 4.1...... 4.1...... -0.2 UNITED MOTORS 70.4 ...... 76.5...... 6.1...... 8.66 ROYAL CERAMIC...... 1,012,876...... 335.25...... 340...... 359.75...... 337...... 349...... 13.75 MACKWOODS ENERGY...... 118,231...... 3.2...... 3.3...... 3.3...... 3.1...... 3.1...... -0.1 S M B LEASING...... 1,089,853...... 1...... 1...... 1.1...... 0.9...... 1...... 0 TOP 10 LOSERS MULTI FINANCE...... 3,010...... 7.9...... 8...... 8...... 8...... 8...... 0.1 S M B LEASING [SEMB.X0000]...... 51,622...... 0.5...... 0.5...... 0.5...... 0.4...... 0.4...... -0.1 Company VWA VWA Change Change NATION LANKA...... 173,713...... 0.9...... 0.8...... 1...... 0.8...... 0.9...... 0 SAMPATH...... 3,198,324...... 179.75...... 183...... 183...... 175.25...... 176.25...... -3.5 BLUE DIAMONDS 0.4 0.3...... -0.1...... -25 OFFICE EQUIPMENT...... 55...... 70.1...... 70.1...... 70.1...... 70.1...... 70.1...... 0 S M B LEASING 0.5 0.4...... -0.1...... -20 SAMSON INTERNAT...... 85...... 146.75...... 146...... 149.5...... 145...... 146.75...... 0 MULLERS 1.3 1.2...... -0.1...... -7.69 PARAGON...... 9,340...... 55.3...... 61.80...... 69.10...... 61.80...... 68.90...... 13.6 LOLC DEV FINANCE 103.25 95.6...... -7.65...... -7.41 SANASA DEV. BANK...... 83,249...... 64.7...... 65...... 65...... 63...... 64.1...... -0.6 RADIANT GEMS...... 1,378...... 29.1...... 29.5...... 29.9...... 29.5...... 29.6...... 0.5 CEYLINCO INS. 1,281.50 1,200.00...... -81.5...... -6.36 SEYLAN BANK...... 262,889...... 57.3...... 57.3...... 58.5...... 56.1...... 57...... -0.3 SINHAPUTHRA FIN...... 74,675...... 8.3...... 8...... 8.1...... 7.8...... 8...... -0.3 BANSEI RESORTS 8.9 8.4...... -0.5...... -5.62 SEYLAN BANK [SEYB.X0000]...... 774,927...... 49.5...... 50...... 52...... 49...... 50...... 0.5 CEYLON TEA BRKRS 3.8 3.6...... -0.2...... -5.26 STANDARD CAPITAL...... 855...... 70...... 70...... 73.7...... 68.1...... 70.1...... 0.1 FORTRESS RESORTS 11.5 10.9...... -0.6...... -5.22 SEYLAN DEVTS...... 47,665...... 16.2...... 16.4...... 16.8...... 16.3...... 16.3...... 0.1 TESS AGRO...... 332,893...... 0.7...... 0.6...... 0.7...... 0.6...... 0.7...... 0 COM.CREDIT 25.7 24.4...... -1.3...... -5.06 DURDANS 100 95.1...... -4.9...... -4.9 SIERRA CABL...... 402,053...... 7.6...... 7.7...... 7.9...... 7.3...... 7.5...... -0.1 TESS AGRO [TESS.X0000]...... 34,052...... 0.6...... 0.5...... 0.6...... 0.5...... 0.6...... 0 114 Monday, February 8, 2021 „„ www.themorning.lk

Jennifer Lawrence THOUGHT FOR THE DAY injured on set of upcoming Netflix movie “Happiness is not something ready 30-year-old Oscar winner Jennifer made. It comes from Lawrence has been injured after a your own actions.” controlled glass explosion went wrong in – Dalai Lama XIV Boston, according to multiple reports. The star was there to film "Don't Look Up" for Netflix, a comedy co-starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Production was temporarily suspended on the flick, but Lawrence is expected to be back on set today (8). brunchBirds and their evolution ‘Sri Lanka From left: Chief Guest Sir John Kotelawela Defence University Vice Chancellor Gen. Milinda Peiris, UHKDU Hospital Executive Director Dr. Jayan Mendis, UHKDU Department of Oncology Head Dr. Jayantha Balawardane, UHKDU Palliative Care Services Unit Head Dr. Sachini Rasnayake, consultant oncologist Dr. Hasanthi Jayalath, senior consultant psychiatrist Dr. Neil Fernando, UHKDU Director – Administration Brig. Jayantha Balasooriya, and UHKDU Director – Medical Supplies is not a Brig. Dr. Saman Thilakarathne Holistic care after data-driven a life-changing Red-backed nation’ flameback diagnosis UHKDU launches specialised Dr. Sampath S. Seneviratne Palliative Care Services Unit BY NAVEED ROZAIS “There is a misconception that on his upcoming WNPS lecture palliative care means that it is When we hear the words terminal illness related, but this BY VENESSA ANTHONY palliative care, we often think of is not the case. Palliative care someone with a terminal illness starts from the day of diagnosis Birds are high on the list of biological treasures of any country. or last stages of life being made of any chronic illness. Palliative Few such lists can match the extraordinary wealth of Sri Lanka’s comfortable in their last days. care is about optimising the biodiversity, and when it comes to avifauna, the exceptionally high The images conjured are those of quality of life of both patients number of endemics – the species found nowhere else but in Sri Lanka quiet sorrow and air of futility. and caregivers.” – is a salient feature of this island nation. The Wildlife and Nature However, this is not at all what Dr. Rasnayake added that Protection Society (WNPS) will be hosting a webinar “From Woodies palliative care means. palliative care is a more holistic to Plovers – An Untold Story of our National Identity”, as part of their Last week, the UHKDU form of care because it’s not monthly lectures hosted by Dr. Sampath Seneviratne. (University Hospital, General just the patient who requires Sir John Kotelawala Defence attention. Their families will Research scientist Dr. Sampath Sri Lanka. That is one of the highest University) launched its very own also have lots of questions S. Seneviratne specialises in the study proportions of endemicities for any dedicated Palliative Care Services when a loved one is diagnosed of evolution, molecular ecology, and country in the world. This is a result Unit. While not the first unit of its with a chronic or incurable ornithology. His laboratory – Avian of Sri Lanka’s island nature that drives kind in Sri Lanka, it’s a powerful illness. Palliative care includes Evolution Node – studies how animals animals to isolate, which makes Sri move on the part of the UHKDU educating and consulting evolve in isolation in an island Lanka of special interest not only to to provide well-rounded care to with patients on handling all biogeography framework using both local ornithologists and birdwatchers, the patients and families of those aspects of life post-diagnosis, field and laboratory-based research. but those from overseas as well. The with chronic illnesses. from nutrition, to pain His research programme spans across WNPS has been raising its concern on Simply put, palliative care management, to cost of living. oceans, islands, and forests through the habitat destruction taking place, is specialised medical care that Dr. Rasnayake also said that in studies on rainforest endemics in Sri threatening this very nature of Sri Lanka Ptolemy map: Taprobana takes place when someone is many cases, especially when Lanka and Western Ghats, and bird that gives nearly 5% of its GDP. diagnosed with a chronic illness the breadwinner of a family is migration in the Central Asian Flyway. collect samples and measurements and that requires long-term or diagnosed, families are often Dr. Seneviratne, in his spare time, is also Discovering new species make observations.” He also added that permanent care. Yes, oftentimes in need of social and economic a bird watcher, painter, naturalist, and Dr. Seneviratne will take the at his lab, he trains aspiring scientists this is because the patient support, which is something conservationist. He is a senior lecturer audience on a deep dive into our on how to study evolution, molecular concerned has been diagnosed that, ideally, palliative care attached to the Department of Zoology Victorian past, to the heart of Sri biology in depth. “We study how with a terminal illness, but not consultants are able to advise and Environment Sciences of University Lankan wilderness, and expose a these molecules from the samples we always. Non-terminal illnesses them on. of Colombo. picture far more fascinating than collected came from one to another.” that require palliative care include The designated Palliative The webinar will touch on the 100 what you see in your day-to-day diabetes, hypertension, chronic Care Services Unit at the or so endemic races that amount to field guides. In the light of recent Sri Lankan identity arthritis, and chronic mental UHKDU is a collaborative nearly a third of all breeding birds of discoveries of the hanuman plover National identity does not stem illness. one. With one nurse and one and red-backed flameback, Dr. solely from people. “The common consultant specifically devoted Seneviratne will illustrate the art and UHKDU Oncologist Dr. misconception is that our national Sachini Rasnayake explained to the unit, the unit will see the science of finding new birds and how identity is our national heroes, voluntary services of all the that revolutionised the understanding, that palliative care is about politicians, and other people. This improving a patient’s quality of other doctors and consultants valuation, and protection of our own nation is not just people,” Dr. at the UKHDU coming intp national identity. life, regardless of if the patient Seneviratne commented, adding that in question is terminal or not. provide insight and expertise Speaking to Dr. Seneviratne on the country is made of landscapes, when needed. Dr. Rasnayake discovering the new species of birds, monuments, natural resources and explained that for palliative he said: “Three years ago, in my beauty, animals, plants, and waterfalls, care to be truly effective, there “Three years lab, we discovered a new species of ago, in my lab, and many more are all important parts needs to be multiple viewpoints woodpecker. Recently, we discovered of the country. “Identifying unique involved, and with the various we discovered a new species of plover – a small a new species entities of the country would certainly consultants of the UHKDU showbird.” He added that when you contribute to our national identity,” he getting involved, patients in need of woodpecker. look at its biology, it is not the common Recently, we stated, highlighting that these factors of palliative care at the UHKDU type that is found across asia, but they are what makes us Sri Lankan. will receive multidisciplinary discovered a are a very special Sri Lankan species. new species of treatment that will allow them Explaining the process behind Habitat destruction and their families to adjust better plover – a small finding new species, he stated: “It’s a Dr. Seneviratne noted the biggest showbird.” their diagnosis. two-part process. First, you have to go reason behind habitat destruction is The UHKDU is the teaching Dr. Sampath out into the field, into the wilderness overpopulation. “Even in Sri Lanka, Senior consultant psychiatrist and S. Seneviratne UHKDU Executive Director Dr. Jayan hospital of the General Sir John and try to understand the wild. Next, we the population size grows out of Mendis delivering the welcome speech Kotelawala Defence University control and every individual requires (KDU). It was completed in Hanuman plover more and more space and resources,” 2018 as a means of providing he said, adding that the plant is a cutting-edge medical care at finite place but human desire sees no affordable prices, while allowing boundaries. When one has infinite graduates of medicine a platform desires, in a finite world, it leads to to train and enhance their skills resources like land being used up as medical professionals. The to stabilise one's desires, which is a UHKDU is staffed with a group major problem. of healthcare professionals He also observed that when and is equipped with all the general knowledge on the Ministry of facilities and technology needed Wildlife and wildlife in general is low, to provide specialised treatment then people fail to care, which is why Consultant oncologist Dr. Sachini across all branches of medicine, raising awareness is also important. Rasnayake introducing the UHKDU Palliative Care Services Unit and its surgery, paediatrics, and “One problem in Asian countries future goals obstetrics and gynaecology. is that we are not data driven, but in the western world, they are more data and fact driven,” he stated. He further added that although Sri Lanka is not a data- driven nation, the desire and facilities for scientific inquiry is very slim. “It is important that even in the school curriculum, we understand the vital goal of information and data in terms of decision making, so we can look at it in a positive light and work towards the conservation of the country.” Catch the webinar on the WNPS facebook page on 18 February at 6 p.m. for more information. The launch event 124 brunch „„ www.themorning.lk { PEOPLE/CAUSE } Monday, February 8, 2021 group, therefore a complaint can also be made to the Cyber Crimes Unit of the Criminal Investigations Department to investigate as to why he was forwarding videos of these women to a WhatsApp group. It’s an indication of corruption Speaking to women’s rights activist Jessica Fernando on this issue, she stated: “They covered for a pervert because he’s connected to higher-ups and they actually made excuses to the women, saying that he was a regular customer, which is a big no-no.” Unfortunately, she noted that this isn’t even the first time he has done such a CONSENT misdemeanour, and that there are several women who have come forward saying that this man is a regular and has been recording women for a while. IS A VIRTUE She stated: “This establishment has been enabling a regular pervert; God knows where he has been putting these videos of women without their consent.” At the end of the day, Fernando observed, the way this establishment has been responding IS NO ONE to this crisis is also quite dodgy, simply because they just copy- pasted the same response to everybody individually, instead of briefing the steps they’re taking in order to avoid such a situation in future. “They should apologise publicly for continuing to let SAFE? this happen, which they have not done as of yet,” she said, adding further that on top of this, they are allegedly collecting contact details of everybody on social media who BY VENESSA ANTHONY expressed their displeasure on this issue, which she finds highly dodgy, In this day and age, consent seems to have become a factor that given the fact that this perpetrator is hardly ever taken into account. Recently, a post on Instagram is connected to politicians. about a story of two sisters went viral. They wished to simply dine Fernando stated that the women at a reputed hotel in Colombo, but were videoed by a customer have two options: “They could sue in a serious breach of privacy. According to the post, one of the the establishment or issue a police sisters stood behind the customer to observe what he was doing comment. But given the nature of as she felt unsafe, only to see videos of herself on his screen. the country, making a police entry When they made a complaint to the management, they had Swasthika Arulingam Jessica Fernando might not take them anywhere, but simply been told that the man in question was a regular, and very this is the first step towards legal influential customer. The management of the said reputed hotel these two ladies had the possibility A legal stand justice.” to make a police complaint, then She advises women that have has since put out a statement saying they’ve taken the necessary Being videoed without consent ideally the management of the gone through similar issues to keep steps to reach out to the guest in concern and resolved the is recognised as a form of sexual establishment should, to a certain talking about it; without hiding the matter directly with her. They also said they’re looking into the harassment in Sri Lanka. Speaking extent, assist the ladies in this.” He fact that this happened to them. She misconduct of the guest in concern and are looking at how they also commented that regardless of to Attorney-at-law Swasthika urges the general public to make can sensitise their employees to deal with situations like these. it being a hotel or a public place, Arulingam, she explained what sure that they are willing to speak The Morning Brunch spoke absurd. “Irrespective of who the the management can’t take the law legal measures these two women about it without worrying about legal to relevant personalities on how customer is, if the customer has into their own hands, suggesting or anyone faced with such an issue repercussions: “I’m sure there are establishments should handle such done something wrong by invading that they should have spoken to the can take. “The affected women plenty of people who will support situations, and what action citizens the privacy of another customer, misbehaving customer and made can make a complaint to the Police you.” Conceding that there are can take when faced with such then action should be taken by the a police complaint, or helped the for sexual harassment, which is an plenty of companies who would uncomfortable situations. establishment,” noted a well-known ladies to do so. In an ideal situation, offence in Sri Lanka under Section get things wrong, she said: “That is personality in the hospitality field, the establishment should have taken 345 of the Penal Code.” She also fine, everybody gets things wrong, A customer’s safety is priority who wished to remain anonymous. a stand against this unacceptable revealed that allegedly, the man it’s how you respond that matters. An establishment not taking He stated that there is a law in the behaviour, and put their customers’ who had taken the video is reported Show sincerity and not co-operate action against such a situation is country for a reason, adding: “If safety and privacy first. to have forwarded it to a WhatsApp manhandling.”

Nilu Anandappa with her students at NICE International School

BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE

Nilu Anandappa is a subject and class teacher at NICE Nilu Anandappa: Asia’s Outstanding International School, Negombo. Passionate about educating young minds, Anandappa has engaged in her lifelong passion of teaching Teacher of the Year 2020/2021 with the utmost dedication and her efforts have now been recognised of chances and this time around, far more demanding than it would out of it more knowledgeable, and those from Years 1 to 5. She said globally. competing with some of the most have otherwise been. However, she she said that in competing with that teaching young children is In honour of her commitment experienced educators from 52 said that while things were a little people who brought with them a grave responsibility as that is towards her chosen profession, other countries, she said that she more difficult, her victory feels that different experiences, it proved to the foundation to all the other Anandappa has garnered a felt she was facing an enormous much better because of it. be a wealth of knowledge for her learning they will do in their lives. double achievement as “Asia’s challenge, but she felt she was up We asked the 32-year-old teacher and she hopes to incorporate all Anandappa shared that when a Outstanding Teacher of the Year for it regardless. about what this type of recognition that she has learned in her work child is molded properly at this 2020/2021” and she is also the “Most of those who were in and appreciation of her work moving forward. crucial age, they can go on to do recipient of the Global Excellence the running for the award were means to her and how she hopes She said that teaching is her great things, but we must help Award – Asia Awards, powered by experienced educators; some to carry that forward in her career. passion, and that there is an them get on track. RULA International Awards. It is aged 60 and above with PhDs In response, she said that more unfortunate misconception about Considering her achievements, the original token of appreciation and varying other qualifications,” than the pride she feels and the teaching, particularly about Anandappa shared with us that and recognition towards the act of she said, and while this made opportunities it may bring her, the those who teach primary grades, she is not done yet and shared that excellency in various disciplines her nervous, she said she wasn’t most important thing is what she many assuming it to be easy. her hope for the future is to open and representing Sri Lanka, deterred. learned in the process of achieving Anandappa is a class teacher for a school to help children with Anandappa has been honoured with Anandappa said that this time these accolades. Year 2, and is a subject teacher learning difficulties, adding that in the highest of accolades. Nilu Anandappa with her awards around, the awards had to make Anandappa said that one of the for the upper primary, teaching Sri Lanka there is a need to address About the process of applying for a lot of new, more stringent primary reasons she chose to apply maths, geography, and history such children as they often tend an international award and facing even though she had applied before adjustments to their selection for the awards was because she is to kids from Years 3 to 5 and to get cornered in society and we the many challenges that come with to the Asia Awards, she missed out process due to Covid-19 limitations, keen on putting herself through she conducts an after-school must allow them the opportunity to it, Anandappa shared with us that on the opportunity by the smallest which resulted in the process being challenges where she would come activity in mental maths for reach their true potential. brunch 134 Monday, February 8, 2021 { CAUSE/EVENTS } „„ www.themorning.lk Many countries have used the pause possibly much more! last year to rethink and search for answers When ancient migratory corridors are Is SL hell-bent to important questions such as how do we disrupted, elephants die. When forests are mitigate the effects of global warming, how uprooted, we will no longer be “green”. do we ensure that our indigenous peoples When the damage is done – when our on destroying are given their rightful place in society, how natural assets are stripped away – what will do we protect and nurture our wildlife and Sri Lanka be left with? our domestic animals, because after all we Amid the increase in deforestation need each other don’t we? But no, Sri Lanka and destruction of wildlife, what stands seems to want to diminish and ultimately out glaringly is the silence from decision annihilate our wildlife population, thereby makers and other informed people. seriously damaging our ecosystem and With the exception of a mere handful of destroying this beautiful country, which has environmentalists and informed and caring wildlife been aptly titled “paradise”. people, we do not decry and condemn the We can no longer be blind to what government’s disastrous, nay total lack of we are most blessed with. It is now time vision for this beautiful country. HSBC Sri Lanka and the Maldives CEO Mark Prothero, handing over to protect and preserve our best assets – We are stagnating at middle-income non-medical equipment to Ministry of Health Secretary Maj. Gen. Dr. S.H. nature and wildlife. Our natural landscapes levels. Our unskilled labour market is Munasinghe at the A-PAD office in the presence of Health Services Director General Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Health Services Deputy Director General Dr. and attractions boast of the richest species expensive and demands higher wages and Hemantha Herath, Disaster Management Centre Director General Maj. Gen. and concentration in Asia and one of the highest we lack a pool of skilled market-ready Sudantha Ranasinghe, and A-PAD Country Director Firzan Hashim rates of biological endemism in the world, workers, and now we are hell-bent on for both plants and animals. destroying our wildlife. Covid-19 second wave Consider the wild elephant population: We are most certainly determined on 70% roam outside the protected areas, self-destruction as we ignore all global offering the best viewing opportunities in trends, negate our humanity, and turn our Public-private nature? Asia, but what do we do with this national back on age-old Buddhist precepts which treasure? We give villagers land within have preached “Karuna” to millions of Sri partnerships provide elephant corridors as election bribes, we Lankans over the years. torture elephants in the hallowed precincts “It seems to me that the natural world of temples, all of which has resulted in 350 is the greatest source of excitement; the emergency response elephants perishing in 2019 alone, quite greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest Since early October during crisis times. The source of intellectual interest…” of 2020, Sri Lanka has conglomerate has been The Government, it seems, is “It is that range of biodiversity that been battling a second, complementing Government- committed to destroying and we must care for - the whole thing - rather more virulent phase of the led initiatives throughout the annihilating our ecosystem and than just one or two stars,” says Sir David coronavirus outbreak. As of Covid-19 outbreak. Therefore, our wildlife. Attenborough. now, the country has recorded at the request of A-PAD of Our forest cover has reduced by 130,349 The high rate of deforestation, the over 57,000 patients and more the possibility of improving hectares from 2010-2019 reflecting a sharp stripping away of nature and wildlife assets, than 330 deaths. The alarming the living conditions of the increase of 8.6% of net forest change. and now the most recent proposition to feed statistics probed A-PAD SL care centres, the idea was Sri Lanka has never missed an wild animals contraceptives, ensures our to convene a discussion with immediately accepted. opportunity to miss an opportunity, however ultimate destruction and the eroding of our the Disaster Preparedness and As such, through effective we have grasped and seized the opportunity humanity and intelligence. Response Division (DPRD) of Public Private Partnerships to destroy ourselves. Truepanion the Ministry of Health (MoH) (PPP) created, a series of in identifying the current non-medical equipment such requirements of the health as, pedestal fans, washing sector. machines, electric kettles, In response, it was water purifiers, linen and understood that increasing towels, wellness packs and the number of Covid-19 customised hygiene packs Intermediate Care Centres for men and women, were (ICC) with enhanced facilities handed over to the Ministry of was a key area which required Health, for further distribution improvement. In addition to among Intermediate Care this, A-PAD also understood Centres. the hesitation shown by certain The items were officially patients in being admitted to handed over at the A-PAD treatment facilities. office by HSBC Sri Lanka Therefore, providing and the Maldives CEO, support by way of enhancing Mark Prothero, to Ministry the facilities of the ICCs of Health Secretary Maj. seemed a sound strategy, Gen. Dr. S.H. Munasinghe especially as this would in the presence of Health build confidence among Services Director General Dr. potential patients in admitting Asela Gunawardena, Disaster their symptoms, agreeing Management Centre Director to be quarantined. Further, General Maj. Gen. Sudantha enhanced capacity would be Ranasinghe, Health Services Sri Lankan initiates world’s first ‘College-As-A-Service’ platform highly beneficial to differently Deputy Director General Dr. abled persons, elders, Hemantha Herath, Ministry of Sri Lankan entrepreneur and successful completion make education not only accessible, women and children who Health Disaster Preparedness London Institute of Business and of a course, leading to but also relevant and palatable. are most vulnerable in these and Response Division Technology (LIBT) Co-founder progression pathways to Students are availed a taste or sample circumstances. (DPRD) official Dr. Novil Sesiri Pathirane, recently announced complete Bachelor’s and of it before making an investment HSBC, as a representative Wijesekara, HSBC Sri Lanka the launch of the world's first-ever Master’s programmes. or commitment, which is very in of the corporate sector, stated CSR Manager Dilini Fernando, “College-As- A-Service” platform, All programmes at LIBT line with the millennial preference it has on numerous occasions and A-PAD Sri Lanka Country successfully adopting the principles have been designed to be & thinking,” opined Pathirane. All risen beyond expectations Director Firzan Hashim. of “Software-As-A-Service” (SAAS) relevant to the appetite of three packages will grant students into higher education. LIBT will differ the fast-paced job market unrestricted access for 30 days to from conventional learning platforms, of today. all courses and resources offered because it will enable prospective LIBT, having moved away from by LIBT. Accredited by a host of global bodies students to enjoy a “trial period”, prior the traditional academia and strategies, including ATHE and QUALIFI, LIBT offers to signing up or making a long-term Sri Lankan entrepreneur stated it aims to be more explorative courses in a wide range of areas including IT, commitment to a specific course of and London Institute of and pragmatic in its efforts to impart e-Commerce, cyber security, business enterprise, Business & Technology one’s choosing. (LIBT) Co-founder knowledge. The faculty at LIBT accounting and finance, and law. College-As-A- By obtaining an All-Access Pass at Sesiri Pathirane consists of respected veterans in Service is a manifestation of the Founder/CEO only £ 9, prospective students will be relevant disciplines eager to groom and Pathirane’s vision to universalise knowledge permitted access to all lectures, in real mentor vibrant, perceptive, creative and transcending socio-economic, geographic and time, for a period of 30 days, after which they job-ready successors, rather than mere graduates. other limitations. could upgrade to either the Monthly Academic “This product serves to revolutionise how LIBT’s most recent campus was launched in Pathway for £ 220 or One-Time Academic education is seen and consumed. For many in January 2021 at The BETA Park in Bhutan while Pathway for £ 1,600. The latter two options will tech, education is an intimidating experience often the Cambodia campus is due for commencement Non-medical equipment handed over to the Ministry of Health to be entitle students to a certificate or diploma upon seen as ‘optional’ – the objective therefore is to in March 2021. distributed among Intermediate Care Centres (ICCs)

Cyclists used Oxypura Care masks during the race. The mask contains four layers of protection, including Puritas and Spinner Cycling Club kick a particulate matter filter and activated carbon filters. The Sri Lankan made product has been tested by internationally recognised laboratories, such as Nelson Laboratories in the US and Bureau Veritas in Hong Kong, and has been proven to have a virus filtration off the first-ever ‘Kimbula Race’ efficiency of more than 98%, a bacteria filtration efficiency of more than 99%, and recommended use of Puritas, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Haycarb PLC 14 wash cycles. and a member of the Hayleys Group, joined Spinner Notably, Puritas also added the SPORTEC mask as the official personal protection partner, to launch the to its portfolio recently. The mask has been specially inaugural “Kimbula Race” at the Kimbulawala cycling designed and manufactured for those with an active trail. lifestyle, especially for those exercising and working Organised by Spinner, the organiser of many exciting out. While it provides the same degree of protection cycling events and partners to Ironman 70.3 Colombo, as the Care mask for the wearer, it has been stylishly the action-packed criterium race held on January 28, designed with a one-way valve to assist smooth 2021, witnessed more than 100 cyclists test their skills exhalation and provide comfort during use. across five laps of the 9.5 km circuit. Minister of Youth Cyclists competing at the Kimbula Race Puritas also has several active carbon-based and Sports Namal Rajapaksa declared the event open. household products, such as FRESKO, Mr. Fresh and The race which is to be hosted annually was held under their training and strengthen their dedication to compete,” Bin Fresh, a 100% biodegradable eco-friendly activated strict health, and safety guidelines in light of the Covid-19 Haycarb PLC Managing Director Rajitha Kariyawasan carbon air purifier pack, which absorbs and rapidly pandemic and was live streamed on the Oxypura and said. removes unpleasant odours in surroundings. Haycarb Facebook pages. First, second and third place winners were presented Winners of the Kimbula Race Celebrating a quarter-century this year, Puritas “If Covid-19 has taught us anything, it is the with cash prizes. Commencing from the Spinner Cycling with organisers to set the health protocols and appoint is a specialist in water and wastewater purification. importance of health. Cycling is a sport which is Center in Kimbulawala, the race continued on to the medical coordinators to ensure stringent health and safety The company purifies 5 million litres of raw water, considered to be among the safest forms of exercise Japan Friendship Road, Ethul Kotte, Bangala Junction, procedures were followed at the event. 9.2 million litres of wastewater and 18 million litres that you can do during the pandemic. Exercise in turn Beddagana Road, and Thalawathugoda Road. The experiences gathered from this event is to be of sewage in Sri Lanka every day. Puritas is in the is an excellent way to improve your overall health and Athletes taking part in the event were also privy to a used to establish the Sports Event Health Protocol, a business of purification on a national level and provides wellbeing, so even with the challenges in organising special panel discussion to discuss breathing techniques policy document to host safe events in the future. The activated carbon solutions for various applications in Sri an event of this scale, we felt it was vital to rebuild the for exercises and any risks and training benefits of document will assess risks and offer athletes and other Lanka such as water and air purification, decolourising cycling and athletic culture in the ‘new normal’. We hope wearing masks. The team led by the Institute of Sports stakeholders’ guidelines to host future events. applications and deodorising applications. this initiative will inspire other athletes to safely continue Medicine Director General Dr. Lal Ekanayake, partnered 144 sports „„ www.themorning.lk { SPORTS } Monday, February 8, 2021 CRICKET BOOKIES IN SRI LANKA How does cricket betting take place in our country? There are two leading bookie chains that hold the industry’s monopoly. One of them operates a successful online betting platform. Betting is made here chiefly for horse, harness, and greyhound racing. They also call bets for sports like basketball, football, tennis, and rugby on a daily basis. Cricket is also a popular segment in the local betting business, mainly on its online platform. Two companies dominate Bookies owned by those two companies are spread across almost all districts. Within a single township, one can sometimes find about half a dozen bookies owned by them. Cricket is said to be grossing a decent portion of the profits the local How cricket is advertised on a front page of a local betting industry generates. betting bulletin International cricket betting industry’s red-hot areas are considered Delhi, Mumbai, Dubai, Abu men’s and women’s divisions. Dhabi, Johannesburg, Melbourne, and London. Interestingly, a sport like football has only five, six segments of betting, whereas a cricket match calls for Cricket, a betting-friendly sport bets in over 40 different categories, such as Match Almost all international cricket series and Winner, Top Batsmen, Man of the Match, Team to tournaments are advertised and open for betting in make the highest score in the first six overs, Players Aneel Munawar, alleged match-fixer from Mumbai, told Al Jazeera: ‘I’m telling you, each script I give you will happen, happen, and happen’ in the local bookie market. It varies from Tests, ODIs, to score 50 runs or more, Methods of dismissal by a 2018 documentary, Cricket’s Match Fixers – The Munawar Files. In a secretly recorded meeting, Munawar added: ‘60-70% of matches, and T20 cricket of various franchise leagues, in both a team, and Most run-outs by a team, etc. we can set, (or) fix’

yy Sri Lanka (mainly Sanath Jayasuriya) yet spot-fixing is complicated and can be done employed a uniquely aggressive batting style in an unlimited number of ways in any cricket during the same period enhancing cricket’s match global appeal. The trend moved cricket’s epicentre towards the Asian subcontinent ICC’s arduous bid to eradicate the Is cricket scripted fixing menace yy The popularity boost intensified the game’s commercial value, resulting in a massive yy Up to the year 2000 or so, mobile phones TV rights market. Cricket provided a great were profoundly used by match-fixers to audience for commercial advertisers. communicate with their corrupt “agents”. Now, the fixer nexus is reportedly more prone to make yy One can assume that by the dawn of the 21st their contacts via their reps or middlemen. Hotel by the bookie? Century, cricket had turned out to be a fully- rooms and lobbies and posh restaurants are most fledged “industry” often their discreet “meeting places” BY REVATHA S. SILVA yy The bookmaking market could have easily yy Traditional methods like phone tapping (like in Betting, in some countries legal and many other countries illegal, is part and parcel of sport. realised cricket’s inherent viability for Hansie Cronje’s case in 2000) or sting operations Some critics assume it’s actually a “tail that wags the dog” in sport. With betting comes betting in an umpteenth number of patterns (like in the Pakistan spot-fixing scandal in 2010) another bitter proposition: match-fixing. There were many current and former leading yy The more the betting capital in international are no longer believed effective enough to cricketers who have been implicated in various match-fixing scandals in international cricket. cricket grew, the bigger the involvement of counter the menace Here we ask two questions: time that match-fixing and/or spot-fixing fixers yy Fixing has implicated the world’s most 1. How far do the bookies tend to manipulate is commonplace in across all levels of yy As formats became shorter, from 60 overs to renowned players, such as Shane Warne, the game of cricket today? international cricket, especially in its shorter 50, and then to T20 cricket, and now T10 and Steve Waugh, Hansie Cronje, Mohammad 2. Can we assume that cricket we see today formats hundred-ball tournaments emerging, betting Azharuddin, Chris Cairns, Mohammad Amir, and Shakib Al Hasan is a “drama” enacted to a script made by yy Widespread betting intensified in international as well as fixing became more frequent and the bookies? cricket during the mid-1990s as the game’s complicated yy The International Cricket Council (ICC) has Some pertinent issues administrative and economic control shifted yy Annual franchise leagues like the Indian a special Anti Corruption Unit (ACU). It is from England to India (India embraced an Premier League (IPL), launched in 2008, committed to keep the game unpolluted from Here we line up some pertinent issues for further open-market economy only in 1991 under exposed the game to the advertising and corruption; but by endorsing more and more understanding of the subject: Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao. Rao’s betting market like never before in the franchise leagues and shorter formats, like T10 yy Leading Bangladesh cricketer Shakib Al Finance Minister then was Dr. Manmohan game’s history and the Hundred, the governing body looks Hasan’s ban in 2019 indicated after some Singh) entangled in a paradox, where they have had to yy Match-fixing has given way to spot-fixing, popularise the sport while not exposing it to ails where the fixers need to “buy” only one or of corruption few players; whereas in match-fixing, at least a majority of a team need to be “persuaded” Thus, covering and reporting cricket has become FAMOUS MATCH-FIXING SCANDALS IN CRICKET a somewhat puzzling prospect for the media. Are we yy Match-fixing is simple and straightforward, Match-fixing claims have dogged reporting the real or a fiction? The line is blurred. cricket throughout years, with perhaps the most famous surrounding Hansie Cronje and Pakistan cricket. BETTING PAVING WAY FOR FIXING? Cronje fiasco In 2000, Cronje was charged by Delhi Having a lot of openly police with fixing one-day matches “manipulable” and “fixable” against India for money. Cronje denied areas for betting is a salient the charges, which also implicated some feature in cricket when it is of his teammates. compared with other leading But he was sacked just days after his sports. The players in the middle denial, after confessing his dishonesty can be influenced to manipulate to the South African board. He those “open areas” without much acknowledged receiving money for attention from the authorities. “providing information and forecast, Fixing in such a single event but not match-fixing”. does not directly affect the final Testimony by current and former players Sanjeev Chawla (centre), who was the alleged mastermind of the match-fixing racket outcome of a match too. to South Africa’s King’s Commission later involving Hansie Cronje, is escorted out of the Indira Gandhi Airport, Delhi after he was In web-based betting, in that year revealed that the allegations extradited from London in February 2020 particular, the Captain’s stemmed back to the mid 1990s and decision at the toss, final encompassed Test cricket as well as ODI the players. The issue did not become guilty by an English court of conspiracy team combinations, mode of matches. public until 1998. to cheat at gambling and accept corrupt the first dismissal, number of Cronje admitted in his own testimony payments. runs scored in the first six-over that he accepted money from bookmakers Three Pakistanis Butt was sentenced to 30 months in slot, number of wickets to fall and that his “great passion of the game Scandal hit Pakistan cricket in 2010 jail, Asif one year, Amir six months, and in the second six-over slot, and for my teammates” was matched by when three cricketers were accused of Majeed received a sentence of two years highest partnerships, number Any cricket match will call for bets in over 40 categories, as seen here in “an unfortunate love of money”. spot-fixing in a Test match at Lord’s. A and eight months. of fours scored, etc., are some this local ‘racing paper’ Cronje was banned from cricket for News of the World investigation named Leading overseas players who had of those match situations that life. He died two years later in 2002 in Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif, and been implicated for alleged match-fixing have a greater possibility of odds for their victory. Aussies the worldwide cricket bookie a plane crash. Mohammad Amir as members of the team or related charges: manipulation by involving would have only 1/8. That means, network could be astounding. who were deliberately underperforming Mohammad Azharuddin, Ajay Jadeja, players in the middle. if you bet $ 10 on a Pakistan win It’s more than enough to share Warne and Waugh at particular times. Manoj Prabhakar, Shanthakumaran and they won, you will win $ 160 among all who participated in In 1994/95, Australian cricketers Shane The three cricketers were banned by Sreesanth (India), Salim Malik, Atar-ur- Fixing the least ($ 10 x 16), or 16 times more than the plot! Warne and Mark Waugh were given the International Cricket Council (ICC). Rehman, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad possible result what you waged. Betting on an The readers can now look at money by a bookmaker in return for pitch Butt for 10 years (five suspended), Asif Asif, Salman Butt, Danish Kaneria We know that in betting, odds Australian win could win you alleged match-fixing cases, like and weather information on Australia’s for seven (two suspended), and Amir for (Pakistan), Hansie Cronje, Herschelle are higher if the probability is only $ 10. No profit. the Sri Lanka vs. Zimbabwe tour of Sri Lanka. five years. Butt, Asif, and Amir were also Gibbs (South Africa), Marlon Samuels lower. For instance, if higher- Imagine if you can, let’s say, ODI series case in 2018, and Waugh and Warne said they refused to the subject of a criminal investigation and (West Indies), Mohammad Ashraful, ranked Australia play lower- entice the Australians to lose the booming of various T20 and hand over more strategic material and the they, along with Mazhar Majeed who Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh), and Lou ranked Pakistan in an ODI, that match. Then the amount T10 leagues across the cricket Australian Cricket Board privately fined had allegedly bribed them, were found Vincent (New Zealand) Pakistan can have about 16/5 of money you can earn through world nowadays in a new light.

French rugby legend of the 1980s, Serge Blanco said so as if to imply the value of teamwork. Blanco played 93 Tests for France as fullback and Qu te wing, between 1980-91, scoring 38 tries, earning the rare distinction for an attacking player who also displayed the inherent beauty and flair of from a legend French rugby. Blanco was part of the French team that became runners-up at the No one man scores inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987. He played his entire career for the French club Biarritz, showing an unyielding commitment towards the a try, the whole team club, probably in stark contrast to the present-day players, who often scores it. move from one club to another for higher payments. Blanco, 62 now, failed to win the French championship for Biarritz as a player, but after his retirement, he became President of the club to guide – Serge Blanco them to the national title not only once but twice – in 2002 and 2006. sports 154 Monday, February 8, 2021 { SPORTS } „„ www.themorning.lk Protests over ouster of Tokyo 2020 Head comments as a “major issue” for the zYoshirō Mori’s sexist comments Olympic and Paralympic Games. Petition directed to Japanese Government too Calls have been made for action to be taken against Tokyo 2020 President Yoshirō Mori create chaos A petition has been directed to the are seven females on the Tokyo 2020 the first time in May 2018 after changing Japanese Government, including Prime Executive Board, according to Mori. its discriminatory gender policy. Minister Yoshihide Suga and Olympics The petition calls for Tokyo 2020 to Tokyo 2020 officials had threatened to Minister Seiko Hashimoto, as well as ensure at least 40% of positions in the move to a different venue unless the rules zMore than 110,000 sign petition Koike, the Japanese Olympic Committee, Organising Committee are held by women, were changed and the club ultimately and Tokyo 2020. as well as promoting diversity among bowed to pressure and now allows women The petition says that while Mori managers in the organisation. to be full members. has apologised for his comments, “he ‘Ignorant,’ says Naomi Osaka PHOTO © CHANGE.ORG z‘A really ignorant statement,’ does not seem to understand or try to understand the cause that is pointed out Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka added to be truly discrimination and he has such her criticism of Mori’s comments, with implies Naomi Osaka a prejudice”. the three-time Grand Slam champion ‘They have difficulty in Activists have questioned whether it is describing his statement as “ignorant”. More than 110,000 people have appropriate Mori remains in his position, “I feel like that was a really ignorant signed a petition calling for action finishing’ but have stopped short of calling for his statement to make,” Osaka said, according to be taken against Tokyo 2020 “On boards with a lot of women, the removal. to Agence France-Presse. President Yoshirō Mori, after he meetings take so much time,” Mori said, made controversial comments according to the Asahi Shimbun newspaper. JOC to increase number More questions about women. “When you increase the number of of females “I think that someone that makes female executive members, if their The petition calls for the Japanese comments like that, they need to have Mori (right) with Vladimir Putin in Mori, the 83-year-old former Japanese speaking time isn’t restricted to a certain Olympic Committee, the Japanese and more knowledge on the thing that they’re March 2001 Prime Minister, has faced calls to resign extent, they have difficulty finishing, which Tokyo Metropolitan Governments to talking about,” said Osaka. as Tokyo 2020 President, following is annoying.” consider whether action should be taken “I also want to hear the reasoning behind comments he made during a Japanese against Mori. those comments. I also want to hear the Mori has heart Olympic Committee (JOC) meeting. Tokyo Governor says A request has also been made for the perspective of everyone else that surrounds ‘major issue’ implementation of “prevention measure” him.” of a flea, brain Mori, who is known for a string of public and guidelines to be introduced. gaffes, apologised at a press conference The JOC aims to increase the percentage Poor gender equality efforts of a shark earlier last week, reported Inside the of female executives to 40% or more. Japan has faced criticism for its gender Yoshirō Mori, born in 1937 and aged 83, is a Games. equality efforts as it ranks 121 out of Japanese politician who served as Prime Minister At least 40% females of Japan between April 2000 and April 2001. He His comments have attracted 153 nations surveyed in the 2020 Global is described as having “the heart of a flea and the international headlines, with Tokyo The JOC only has five women on its Gender Gap report of the World Economic brain of a shark”. He was unpopular in opinion polls Governor Yuriko Koike describing the 24-member Executive Board and there Forum. during his time in office and is known for making The Kasumigaseki Country Club, which controversial statements, both during and after his will be used as the golf venue for the premiership. He also served as President of the Japan Rugby 80% of Japanese don’t like the Olympics Games, previously received criticism Football Union. In 2014, he was appointed to Head over its refusal to admit female members. the organising committee for the 2020 Summer The controversy caused by Mori’s comments comes cancelled or postponed due to the Covid-19 Olympics. at a time when the Olympic and Paralympic Games in pandemic. No golf for women! After being appointed President of Tokyo 2020 in Tokyo are unpopular among the Japanese public. More than 35% of those surveyed called for the 2014 Mori, 76 then, said: “I am destined to live five A Kyodo News survey last month found 80% cancellation of the Games and 44.8% said there The club, founded in 1929 and or six more years if I am lucky. This will be my one of Japanese people want the Games to be either should be another postponement. The petition calls for preventative measures to be introduced considered the birthplace of Japanese last service to the country.” golf, granted women full membership for Windies rewrite history books z Debutant Kyle Mayers (210 n.o.) leads them to fifth highest Test chase ever

Barbadian debutant Kyle before the close of play. Mayers scored a magnificent During the course of his SCORECARD 210 not out as West Indies pulled innings, he became only the Best six Bangladesh 1st innings 430 all out off the fifth highest successful sixth batsman to score a double- successful West Indies 1st innings 259 all out chase in Test cricket history and century on debut, and also the Bangladesh 2nd innings 223/8 declared highest by any team in Asia sixth overall to score a double-ton chases in Tests when they nailed down 395 for in the fourth innings of a Test. Key: Team / Score / Target / Opposition / WEST INDIES 2ND INNINGS Ground / Year (TARGET 395 AND O/N 110/3 IN 40 OVERS) a miraculous three-wicket win For the most part of the final 1. West Indies / 418-7 / 418 / Australia / St. John’s, over Bangladesh on the final day, left-handed Mayers, 28, was Antigua / 2003 Kraigg Brathwaite (Capt.) c Sub b Hasan 20 evening of their first Test in accompanied by fellow debutant 2. South Africa / 414-4 / 414 / Australia / Perth John Campbell lbw b Hasan 23 Chattogram yesterday (7). Nkrumah Bonner, who himself / 2008 Shayne Moseley lbw b Hasan 12 In a display of exemplary struck a gritty 86. The duo added 3. Australia / 404-3 / 404 / England / Leeds / Nkrumah Bonner lbw b Islam 86 1948 temperament and power-hitting, 216 for the fourth wicket and 4. India / 406-4 / 403 / West Indies / Port of Spain Kyle Mayers not out 210 Mayers struck 20 fours and seven kept Bangladesh wicketless for / 1976 Jermaine Blackwood b Hasan 9 sixes during his 310-ball stay the first two sessions of the day. 5. West Indies / 395-7 / 395 / Bangladesh / Joshua Da Silva (wk) b Islam 20 Oneli Perera in action. She beat Minuki Wanniarachchi 6/1, 6/1 yesterday (7) at the crease. When he hit the That left West Indies needing Chattogram / 2021 Kemar Roach c Sub b Hasan 0 6. Sri Lanka / 391-6 / 388 / Zimbabwe / R. winning run, a hurried single to 129 in a minimum of 33 overs Premadasa, Colombo / 2017 Rahkeem Cornwall not out 0 105TH COLOMBO CHAMPIONSHIP TENNIS 2020 mid-on, only 15 balls were left in the final session. Extras (b 11, lb 4) 15 Total (for 7 wickets in 127.3 overs) 395 Did not bat: Jomel Warrican and Shannon Gabriel Fall of wickets: 1-39 (Campbell, 16.1 ov), Top-seeds enter 2-48 (Brathwaite, 18.3 ov), 3-59 (Moseley, 24.2 ov), 4-275 (Bonner, 97.6 ov), 5-292 (Blackwood, 102.4 ov), 6-392 (Da Silva, 124.3 ov), 7-394 (Roach, 126.5 ov) Bowling: Mustafizur Rahman 13-1-71-0, last eight Taijul Islam 45-18-91-2, Mehidy Hasan 35-3-113-4, Nayeem Hasan 34.3-4-105-1 All top-seeded players reached Kuruppu 6/3, 7/5 Result: West Indies won by three wickets the quarter-finals in both women’s Thehan Wijemanne (3) beat Series: West Indies lead two-match series 1-0 and men’s open singles, except for Michael Siyaguna (15) 6/4, Player of the Match: Kyle Mayers men’s seeded number-one Akila 6/3 Next Test: Thursday, 11 February in Dhaka Vimukthi, yesterday (7) in the Savit Weerasinghe (4) beat Hasal Ahangama (14) 6/0, 6/1 105th Colombo Championship Chathurya Nilaweera (5) beat tennis, now being held at the Sri Dhilvan Herath (9) 3/6, 6/4, Lanka Tennis Association (SLTA) 10/4 Playing Section clay courts in Wenuka Kithnula beat Kavisha Colombo. Ratnayake (8) 1/6, 6/2, 10/7 No spectators are allowed to Dinusha Wijesuriya got walk- the event due to the pandemic. over from Sean Sanderson (6) For junior participants, only one Luca Knese (7) beat Nisal parent is allowed to accompany Hemakumara 6/2, 6/0 the player at the venue. RESULTS PHOTO ISHAN WANNIARACHCHI Women’s Open Singles (Round of 16): Anika Seneviratne (Seed 1) got walk-over from Yasodara Koralage Janali Manamperi (2) beat Dahamna Methsandi 6/0, 6/2 Savini Jayasuriya (3) beat Nishka Vivekanandan 6/1, 6/2 Oneli Perera beat Minuki Wanniarachchi 6/1, 6/1 Men’s Open Singles (64-player main draw) Round of 16: Vibuda Wijebandara (16) beat Akila Vimukthi (1) 2/6, 6/0, Thehan Wijemanne, who beat 10/07 Michael Siyaguna 6/4, 6/3 in his pre Kyle Mayers gets a hug from Nkrumah Bonner after reaching his maiden international ton yesterday (7) at Chattogram during the Windies’ historic run chase Dumidu Dilum (2) beat Hesara quarter-final yesterday (7) PHOTO © BCB „„ www.themorning.lk Monday, February 8, 2021 Indian to vaccinate Tokyo 2020 participants Sabuddhi to donate books Indian Sports Minister Kiren The Sabuddhi Circle, Rijiju claimed the country’s which recently athletes heading to the Olympic organised a sports and Paralympic Games in Tokyo literature awards will “all be vaccinated” against ceremony for the first Covid-19. According to The time in the country, Indian Express, Rijiju said the is conducting a book vaccination would be given donation programme first to “medical and security with the National people”, but all athletes would Library. One step of be inoculated in time for Tokyo the programme will 2020. The Olympics are now be held tomorrow (9) at 9 a.m. at Udamalala Maha Vidyalaya, Hambantota. scheduled from 23 July to 8 The event is held with the assistance of the Hambantota Municipal Council August and the Paralympics are and Sierra Cables. Here, Sonala Gunawardena (right), Chairman, National set to follow from 24 August to Library, hands over books to be donated, to Sabuddhi Circle Executive 5 September. Director Sirinama Rajapaksa on Friday (5).

FOREIGN been allowed to start play by the Education Department so far. sportsSPORTS IN BRIEF Cricket can start because it is in Inter-school rugby the second category.  South Africa need “I am the Vice President of the 243 to win School Cricket Association as well. Coming into the final day today (8), South School cricket may start around Africa will need another 243 runs to square 20 March. But for rugby, we may the two-match Test series against Pakistan at have to wait around three months Rawalpindi. After bowling out the home team tournament structure for 298 in their second innings, Proteas were to start the tournaments,” Mendis set a target of 370 to win. They were 127/1 at explained. stumps on day four yesterday (7). Earlier in the “If we are to begin the season day, Mohammad Rizwan struck his maiden Test century, 115 not out, in the present situation, we will for Pakistan. Scores: Pakistan 272 and 298; South Africa 201 and 127/1 may change this year have to spend a colossal amount of money on things such as  Ezra Moseley dies in quarantining the players, and an accident z Pandemic so on. We are unable to do that Former West Indies fast bowler Ezra at school level. Even at the top Moseley died yesterday at the age of 63 may not allow international level, some players following a traffic accident in his native land got infected even with all those Barbados. According to local reports, Moseley sufficient time was struck by a car while riding his bicycle counter-measures employed by near Bridgetown and pronounced dead at the scene. He played two for regular the authorities.” Tests against England in 1990. format, says “We will get a better opportunity to start school rugby if the disease  ‘Ali shocker’ Leon Spinks no more SLSRFA Head recedes a bit, hopefully after the Former world heavyweight ongoing government injections champion Leon Spinks died yesterday BY THILINA RAJAPAKSA aged 67. The American achieved a campaigns,” he opined. famous upset win over Muhammad This year’s much awaited “Some of the schools have Ali in 1978, in just his eighth inter-school rugby already started their physical professional fight. He had suffered tournament's structure training in a small way, under with health issues in his later years may get altered due to the health guidelines. But it could and was diagnosed with advanced stage prostate cancer in 2019. pandemic, the Head of the be around May or June when Sri Lanka Schools Rugby we will be allowed to start our  Scots beat England in Football Association (SLSRFA) competitions. That is also if the Six Nations rugby Susantha Mendis told The present situation (with regard to Scotland ended nearly four Morning Sports yesterday (7). the Covid-19 pandemic) improves. decades without a win in south “We really hope that there “We still think we can have west London as they secured a well- could at least be some kind of a about 24 schools and divide them deserved 11-6 victory in Six Nations 2021 opening day at Twickenham tournament this year. The schools’ into three or four groups, and against title-defending England on tournament structure also may get have four to five matches in the Saturday (6). Wales were to meet altered this year due to lack of first round before semi-finals and Ireland at 8.30 p.m. Sri Lanka time enough time. There is a possibility the final. Like in a super league. last night. Other Results on Saturday: of the knockout and the league “The structure could most France beat Italy 50/10 being combined to make one probably change depending tournament,” Mendis said last on the time factor. If there is  Dortmund lose again in week. SLSRFA Head Susantha Mendis sufficient time, like two months Bundesliga “We have three options. First or so, then we will be able to Borussia Dortmund’s disappointing Bundesliga season continued is to play the way we got used to new structure. The third will be to aggravates,” he added. the fourth category in the sports play the league first, and then on Saturday (6) as they were beaten by Freiburg 2-1. Jeong Woo-yeong over the past years. The second have only a two-day tournament “There is no date to start the list because it is a contact sport. the knockout and the Sevens,” and Jonathan Schmid scored for Freiburg in the 49th and 52nd minute option could be to employ a whole and sevens one if the situation school season yet. Rugby is in Only category one and two have Mendis explained. respectively. Erling Braut Haaland set up 16-year-old Youssoufa Moukoko to score Dortmund’s only goal in the 76th minute of the match, yet they couldn’t find the equaliser before finish.  Juventus beat Roma in Series A Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 23rd goal of the season as Juventus England dominate at beat Roma to move ahead of them in the pursuit of Series A leaders Inter Milan. Ronaldo ended a run of three games without a goal with a low finish into the bottom corner from 18 yards on Saturday. The win was sealed when Roger Ibanez steered a Dejan Kulusevski cross into his own net in the second half. Chepauk Stadium  Real win at Spanish La Liga Half-centuries from Rishabh Pant and Cheteshwar Pujara SCORECARD Raphael Varane scored twice as Real Madrid had to come from behind to beat bottom club Huesca 2-1 and ease the pressure on led the recovery of India after they had lost four early England 1st innings Zinedine Zidane in Spanish La Liga. Real boss Zidane had demanded wickets in reply to England’s mammoth first-innings total (o/n 555/8) 578 all out “respect” from journalists before Saturday’s game, claiming his side of 578 in the first Test at Chepauk, Chennai yesterday (7). were still in the La Liga title race. INDIA 1ST INNINGS The hosts, still behind 321 runs, are in danger of having to Rohit Sharma c Buttler b Archer 6 follow on as they attempt to save the match after Joe Root Shubman Gill c Anderson b Archer 29  Everton earns a draw against struck a double-century to guide England to dominance. Man. United Cheteshwar Pujara c Burns b Bess 73 Dominic Calvert-Lewin secured a dramatic point for Everton in Virat Kohli (Capt.) c Pope b Bess 11 the fifth minute of stoppage time as they came from behind twice to Ajinkya Rahane c Root b Bess 1 ON THIS DAY – 8 FEBRUARY hold Manchester United in a six-goal (3-3) thriller at Old Trafford on Rishabh Pant (wk) c Leach b Bess 91 Saturday. Washington Sundar not out 33 1963 – India cricket Captain and elegant batsman Mohammad  Australian Open Ravichandran Ashwin not out 8 Extras (b 4, lb 1) 5 Azharuddin was born begins Total (for 6 wickets in 74 overs) 257 So much attention will be paid 1973 – Pakistan’s Mushtaq and Asif Iqbal made a 350-run stand to Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Did not bat: Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and for the fourth wicket versus New Zealand Serena Williams at the Australian Shahbaz Nadeem Open beginning today at Melbourne Fall of wickets: 1-19 (Sharma, 3.3 ov) , 2-44 (Gill, 1994 – Kapil Dev set the world record for the highest number of Park, with Williams and Djokovic 9.2 ov) , 3-71 (Kohli, 24.4 ov) , 4-73 (Rahane, 26.3 ov) , Test cricket wickets of 432 (Hashan Tillakaratne of Sri Lanka) among those on the schedule. Rafael at Ahmedabad, bettering the record held by Richard Hadlee Nadal’s first-round match is set for 5-192 (Pujara, 50.4 ov) , 6-225 (Pant, 56.4 ov) Bowling: James Anderson 11-3-34-0, Jofra Archer tomorrow. Each match for each 1998 – First female ice hockey game in Olympics history: Finland member of this trio is a possible step English off-spinner Dom Bess took 4/55 yesterday (7) 16-3-52-2, Ben Stokes 6-1-16-0, Jack Leach 17-2-94-0, on the way to some history. beat Sweden 6-0 PHOTO ©BCCI Dom Bess 23-5-55-4, Joe Root 1-0-1-0 Eleni-Klaoudia third, Yupun among top six BY CHATHURA RANASINGHE Mother from Sri Lanka metres this year. Greek female pole-vaulter Eleni-Klaoudia “This is my first elite meet. I’m happy Polak, who has strong Sri Lankan roots, about my effort. I will try to do a better Yupun Abeykoon sixth in Berlin won third place at the Elite Pole Vault job in my next meet,” said Polak. Her next Sri Lanka’s Yupun Abeykoon, meanwhile, Championship, “Perche Elite Tour”, at event will be tomorrow (9), also in France. was among the fastest six in open indoor Complex Kindarena in Rouen, France The mother of Eleni-Klaoudia, currently track and field in Berlin, Germany on Friday yesterday (7). 26th in women’s pole vault world rankings (5). He did so by clocking 6.65 seconds in Briton Holly Bradshaw, who recorded according to World Athletics, is from Horana, the final of the men’s 60-metre dash, where 4.85 metres, won first place. Pollock’s Sri Lanka. Named Blossom, she migrated to he finished sixth. best effort was recorded as 4.62 metres. Greece, where she married a Polish citizen. The first place went to Ivory Coast’s “The elite championships” usually see Taking to gymnastics at a young age, Eleni- Arthur Cisse, who recorded his personal participation by top-ranked athletes in their Klaoudia earned the attention of Greek best as well as his country’s record for the respective events. athletic authorities, who later nurtured her event: 6.53 seconds. Talking to The Morning Sports after her to be a pole vault champion. Barely a week ago, Abeykoon set a new Eleni-Klaoudia Polak of Sri Lanka origin, during the Perche Elite Tour at achievement, Polak, 24, said she missed Sweden’s Armand Duplantis won first Sri Lanka record in the same event and Kindarena Stadium on Saturday (6) in Rouen, France her 4.70-metre attempt on Sunday due to "a place in the men's pole vault yesterday will take part in his next open indoor meet Yupun Abeykoon PHOTO © ICON SPORT minor mistake" she had committed. to become the world’s first to touch 6.03 tomorrow (9).

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