Minister monday Who Increased 14 june 2021 Fuel Prices Must Resign E-Paper – SLPP General Secretary

By Faadhila Thassim The Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Sagara on Saturday (12) demanded that Minister of Energy, Udaya Gammanpila take full responsibility for the recent fuel price hike and step down. In a statement issued by SLPP General Committed a Secretary, MP , it was stated that the Party is utterly displeased over the increase in the price of fuel, which CoL Committee has heaped an additional burden on the public, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Grave Error He said the failure on the part of the Minister of Energy has left the Government with no alternative but take such decisions, Who Imperative to adding that the Party is of the opinion that Determined Fuel decisions that would be of any inconvenience to the public should not be should unveil hidden taken. He added that as the Minister in Charge, resign; me forces behind Gammanpila has failed to take appropriate decisions to avoid circumstances arising Price Hike or him? this attack from the increase in fuel prices. Kariyawasam added that it appears that this is an attempt to arouse displeasure Move taken to strengthen By Thameenah Razeek amongst the public against the ruling While dismissing the call for him party and its to resign over the fuel price hike, leaders, in a local economy Energy Minister Udaya backdrop where the Gammanpila challenged SLPP Government is General Secretary Sagara facing several The Cost of Living main reasons cited was the Kariyawasam to an open debate, challenges. Committee, chaired by continuous rise in global following a statement issued under An increase in the President Gotabaya crude oil prices over the the latter’s signature on price of fuel was Rajapaksa convened with past few months. At Saturday (12). announced with the participation of present, the price of a barrel He also urged effect from Friday Prime Minister of crude oil is over US$ 70, Kariyawasam to divulge (11). Mahinda and market trends indicate the names of those who Rajapaksa and that it will continue to rise, forced him to issue the subject Presidential Media Division statement under the SLPP Ministers and in a press release stated. letterhead, without first focused on a The release read: Sri seeking input from number of Lanka has become a senior SLPP members. reasons for country that not only If Kariyawasam the need to spends a large amount of wrote those words on increase foreign exchange on fuel his own, he has fuel imports, transport services, shamed and prices. power generation and some questioned the decision One of factories depend on these of the SLPP's the imports. founder and...

Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 Marking International Day Against Child Labour Prices of bakery Sangakkara inducted products might increase into ICC Hall of Fame NCPA raises legal Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara, ’s Vinoo Mankad and By Nabiya Vaffoor prices," ACBOA president N.K. Zimbabwe’s Andy Flower were among 10 icons to be working age to 16 Jayawardene said. inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame on Sunday, as the governing The All Ceylon Bakery Owners' Speaking to Ceylon Today, body announced a ‘special edition intake’ to coincide with the Association (ACBOA) stated the prices of Jayawardana noted that many bakeries first ever ICC World Test Championship Final. The ICC Hall of By Nabiya Vaffoor bakery products might increase due to use fuel, such as Kerosene and Diesel Fame now has 103 cricketers. the fuel price hike. for their ovens and the recent fuel price Aubrey Faulkner (South Africa), Monty Noble (Australia), Sir Marking International Day against Child "Wheat flour companies have made hike affects them directly. Learie Constantine (West Indies), Stan McCabe (Australia), Ted Labour on 12 June, the National Child several requests on several occasions to Jayawardene added the association Dexter (England), Desmond Haynes (West Indies) and Bob Willis Protection Authority (NCPA) raised the age of increase prices. It is too early to predict has yet to take a decision on a price (England) are the other seven players to have been inducted on employment for children from 14 to 16 years. whether they would get that permission. increase as an entity but there might be Sunday. "The legal process of increasing the age limit There can be a hike if the Government price hikes in several bakeries due to “Kumar Sangakkara of Sri Lanka played 134 Tests, scored was based on the Education Act of 2016, which grants permission to the prime flour the sudden price hike of the fuel since 12,400 runs at 57.40, took 182 catches and 20 stumpings and extended the age of compulsory education to importing companies to increase their they can't afford to lose their profit. was grace personified at the crease. Sangakkara ended his 16 years under the Ministry's Education career as the most prolific run-scorer his country had ever Regulations," NCPA Chairman Prof. Muditha known, with double-hundreds flowing from his bat with Vidanapathirana stated. consummate ease. In 2014, he struck 319 and 105 in the same Vidanapathirana added that children Test match against Bangladesh, and in 2017 fell just 16 runs between the ages of 16 and 18 can only be Violating COVID-19 health guidelines short of striking six successive centuries in first-class cricket." hired for jobs that do not endanger their lives, Mankad had played 44 Tests for 2,109 runs at an average of health, education or growth, and they cannot 31.47. He also took 162 at 32.32, being an opening be employed in hazardous conditions or at Police arrest 1,353 in 24 hours batsman and left-arm spinner. One of India’s greatest all- night. rounders, he scored 72 and 184 against England at Lord’s in "Parents and brokers who engage children in By Treshan Fernando Rohana said was to identify and 1952. begging are liable to face an imprisonment up apprehend those who were violating Mankad also bagged 12 wickets against England in Madras in to five years under Section 288 of the Penal Police arrested 1,353 people within 24 guidelines in the Western Province and 1952 to give India their first ever Test win. Mankad coached Code. It is an offence under criminal law to hours, on 12 June, for violating COVID- in City. India legend Sunil Gavaskar. Mankad was the first bowler to engage children in begging; to make money 19 health guidelines, Police Spokesman The Police Spokesman revealed that run out a non-striker at the bowler’s end before delivering the from circuses or other entertainment acts, to DIG Ajith Rohana said. He added that 11,723 individuals were checked by ball, a dismissal that has since been informally named after him. sell drugs and alcohol to children nor use this was the highest number of persons Police and 354 were arrested for serious Andy Flower meanwhile became the first Zimbabwe player to children in prostitution,” he added. arrested within 24 hours since Police violations of COVID-19 regulations. be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Furthermore, Vidanapathirana also first began these operations. From the total arrested, 75 were from “He played 63 Tests, scoring 4,794 runs at 51.54, took 151 mentioned that it is also an offence under The total number of individuals Keleniya, 68 were from Gampha and 54 catches with nine stumpings as a left-handed -keeper criminal law to use children for commercial arrested for violating COVID-19 health from Colombo Central. batsmen. His grit, determination and will to succeed where at purposes through cyber technology. guidelines since 30 October 2020 has Police have also taken 218 vehicles into one point he was ranked number 1 batsman in the world. Andy "In such case, the NCPA will take legal action now reached 31,395, DIG Rohana added. custody for violating COVID-19 carried his country’s batting for long periods, setting the record against those who employ children and Nine suspects were arrested by Police regulations, DIG Rohana noted. A total of for the highest Test score by a wicketkeeper with an innings of regulate such activities, by referring to the following drone operations conducted in 41 vehicles were from Mount Lavinia, 40 232 against India at Nagpur in 2000. Later, he became a Labour Department to take legal action," he Rajagiriya, he said. Police also conducted were from Keleniya and 39 were from hugely successful coach, leading England to the number 1 spot added. special operations in the Western Negombo. He added that in the operation in the MRF Tyres ICC Test Rankings for Men," the ICC said in a Vidanapathirana expressed these views, Province on 12 June, between 10 a.m. Police had also issued warnings to 2,037 release. issuing a special statement on 12 June regarding and 12 noon and between 3 p.m. and 5 people and that Police would continue the International Day against Child Labour. p.m. The aim of this operation DIG these operations in the future. More showers Navy seizes 219kg heroin in Weligama expected – Met Dept A special search operation about 219.8 kg of heroin which arrested in connection with this The operation was conducted conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy was attempted to be smuggled racket. adhering to COVID-19 protocols The Meteorology Department yesterday (13) forecast that (SLN) in the coastal area of into the country in a dinghy The multi-day fishing trawler in place to prevent the spread of showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Central and Polwathumodara, Weligama, through Polwathumodara area in seized by the SLN on suspicion of the virus. Sabaragamuwa Provinces and fairly heavy falls about 50 mm Matara on Saturday night (12), Weligama and hidden before smuggling heroin had left the The suspects arrested during can be expected at some places up to 4.00 a.m. tomorrow (15). led to the seizure of over 219 kg final distribution, after first Kottegoda Fisheries Harbour, this operation are residents of In its forecast for the review period it further said that of heroin worth nearly Rs 2 having brought to the sea off Matara on 11 May 2021 and it is Weligama, Ahangama, Dikwella, several spells of showers will occur in Western and North- billion, which was attempted to Weligama by a multi-day fishing suspected that the consignment Kottegoda, Ihalawatta, Mirissa, Western Provinces and in the Galle and Matara Districts. be smuggled into the island by trawler, SLN said. of narcotics was taken to the Polwathumodara and Piliyandala Wind speed will be 30-40 kmph in the western slope of the sea and the arrest of nine The consignment had been trawler from foreign smugglers in and are aged 26 to 43 years. SLN central hills, Northern, North-Central and North-Western suspects, SLN said. concealed in sacks and gas international waters. Meanwhile, and the Police Narcotics Bureau Provinces and in the Hambantota and Trincomalee Districts. This special anti-drug cylinders. SLN also seized the the street value of the seized are conducting further Wind speed can increase up to 50 kmph at times in these operation conducted by the SLN multi-day fishing trawler and a consignment of heroin is believed investigations. areas. Temporary localised strong winds and lightning will led to the seizure of this stock of dinghy. Nine suspects were to be over Rs 1,758 million. (PA) accompany thundershowers. (PA) A2 MONDAY 14 JUNE 2021 NEWS

Child labour in Sri Lanka Three-wheeler fares to No Recorded Data remain unchanged – Dharmasekara Since 2016 – ILO By Faadhila Thassim Silva has instructed By Nabiya Vaffoor Speaking to Ceylon Today, Chairman of the islandwide, there aren’t many hires unless it’s Commissioner General Union, Lalith Dharmasekara, said they do not an emergency or for essential travel. Therefore, Sri Lanka has failed to of Labour, Prabath The All Island Three-Wheeler Drivers’ Union plan to increase three-wheeler fares in light of we will not increase fares just now, but a record data of children Chandrakeerthi, to carry out assured that there won’t be a hike in three- the COVID-19 pandemic. review of three-wheeler fares is warranted,” he involved in child labour a survey within this year wheeler fares, following the recent fuel price hike. “As travel restrictions are in place added. since 2016, Director of while stating that in order to International Labour completely eliminate child organisation (ILO) country labour, it is essential that office for Sri Lanka and the precise details of the number Maldives, Simrin Singh, of children involved in child said. labour and their Bus fares must Father arrested She urged for steps to be backgrounds are available. Gas prices taken to record data as Sri He stated that several for throwing Lanka has committed to challenges have been faced go up by 25% achieve zero child labour. in this regard adding that 10-year-old to remain “We need to know what we particularly during the - ACPBOA Secretary are measuring against. COVID-19 pandemic there Measures should also be have been difficulties in into well unchanged taken to provide education recording and keeping track Fuel hike crippling to children whose education of children involved in child By Rasadi Gamage- Vavuniya - Alagiyawanna has been disrupted due to labour. blow on industry COVID-19 to ensure that He added although there is Chavakachcharai Police they do not end up in child a strong legal framework in By Kusum S. Hennadi- Kelaniya arrested a father from the By Krishan Jayasuriya labour,” she pointed out. Sri Lanka which seeks to Thavakkuli area in Jaffna charged She added that ILO has discourage child labour, this The General Secretary of the All Ceylon Private with throwing a 10-year-old child State Minister of Cooperative indicated that 9 million alone is insufficient as there Bus Operators Association, (ACPBOA),Anjana into a well after tying the child Services, Marketing Development children are at risk of are several other measures Priyanjith says that in the wake of the latest fuel with a rope. The incident took and Consumer Protection, entering child labour as a that have to be adopted to price increase by Rs 20, the Government should place on 12 June. said the result of the COVID-19 address this issue including increase private bus fares by 25 percent as their Police said the father who had Government has decided not to pandemic and based on that increasing awareness and industry is struggling to stay afloat during the returned home in a drunken hike gas prices at the moment, projection, if necessary social protection. ongoing COVID-19 crisis situation. stupor had assaulted his wife and despite repeated requests made by prompt action is not taken, The Labour Minister added He said the entire private bus industry had his two children before throwing domestic gas firms. it could increase to over 46 that Sri Lanka has sufficient been gasping for breath during the past the eldest child into the well. He said already a Cabinet Sub- million. human labour and there is 24-month period and alleged that the latest fuel Having heard loud screams from Committee has also been formed to While globally over 160 no need to depend on child price increase has dealt a crippling blow to the the mother, nearby residents with delve into the matter deeply and million children are involved labour but this has been industry. the support of soldiers who were added that once it convenes today, in child labour, 50 per cent resorted to in order to reduce Priyanjith stated that as prices of spare parts, nearby had rescued the child. The it will make submissions to are children from 5 to 11 costs associated with tires and tubes had gone through the roof they suspect was arrested while the Cabinet. He asserted that no final years and 80 million are obtaining such labour. had not been able to earn any kind of earnings mother and three children have decision has yet been taken on any involved in hazardous These statements were during the past two-month period due to travel been admitted to the increase of gas prices as of now. labour, she noted. made at an event organised restrictions imposed to curb the spread of Chavakachchaarai Hospital for Meanwhile, Minister of to mark World Day Against COVID-19. treatment. Labour, Nimal Siripala de Child Labour on 12 June.

Sri Lanka’s first Resuming schools Colombo North welcomes technology park to Paediatricians to new Police station open in Galle be consulted Education authorities were the reopening of schools. The country’s first technology Regulatory Commission. The instructed by Prime Minister The Association pointed out park was established by the Ministry further added that the to seek that they will formalise Minister of Sports and Youth park would be opened three assistance of paediatricians to relevant activities by Affairs, Namal Rajapaksa in months after the land resume schools. nominating representatives Galle on 12 June. In a preparation work is completed He was speaking during a for the 99 education zones statement, the Ministry noted and buildings constructed. “We meeting at Temples Trees scattered throughout the that the park will help develop have developed a plan to build regarding the reopening of country. knowledge and technical skills our economy and bring in schools and the provision of Secretary to the Ministry of of the youth in Sri Lanka. foreign exchange through job COVID-19 vaccinations to Education, Professor Kapila Under President Gotabaya creation,” the Minister said at teachers and students. Perera pointed out that if a By Nabiya Vaffoor Rajapaksa’s “Vision of the event. “It is important that The Prime Minister pointed vaccination programme is Prosperity” policy, five additional we develop the country for our out the importance of implemented in connection The Mihijayasevana Police Station was opened by the Public technology parks are planned to future generations.” reopening schools in phases with the resumption of Security Minister Rear Admiral Dr. be established following the The Minister indicated that as soon as the pandemic is schools, priority should be on 11 June. instructions of Minister more technology parks would be brought under control. given to Grade 11 and Grade The station comes under the jurisdiction of the Modara Rajapaksa. The policy aims to established in the North and the Representatives of the 13 students. Police Area in the Colombo North Police Division. strengthen technological skills East in the future and that Association of Paediatricians Rajapaksa said that the Western Province SDIG Deshabandu Thennakon also took in youth which would in turn discussions with the President who participated in the Government will always work part in the inaugural ceremony. help build the country’s have been arranged towards meeting, informed the Prime to protect the future Speaking at the event, Weerasekara noted that the main economy, the Ministry stated. this endeavour. He added that Minister that their Association generations of the country as purpose of establishing Mihijayasevana Police Station is to The technology park in Galle will these parks would give priority could extend its support at well as the teachers who guide combat the drug trade and underworld activities in the area. be established with assistance to local innovation. the education zonal level to them. Weerasekara also mentioned that the station will benefit of the Telecommunications (TF) avoid problems arising during (ST) 17,000 local residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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CoL Committee.... Sagara Committed.... In 2019 alone, foreign exchange issued bonds on loans given by ... Prime Minister Mahinda because his ministry is responsible to when he was appointed, the Ceylon spent on oil imports was US$ the State Banks and has to pay a Rajapaksa, as well as the President decide on increasing fuel prices. Petroleum Corporation was already 3,677 million. However, cost higher interest on the loans as and it is a significant mistake, Nonetheless, Gammanpila stated the losing money, so he approached local spent for fuel imports reduced to well. Gammanpila added. increase in fuel prices will be and international banks, as well as the US$ 2,325 million in 2020 due to Private and public The Minister made these remarks at determined by global fuel price Central Bank, for help in controlling the ban on vehicle imports and transportation accounts for nearly a Media briefing held yesterday (13) variations as well as US dollar the losses. In February 2021, he the reduction in international oil 60% of fuel consumption and at the Ministry of Energy. exchange rates. alerted the Cabinet of Ministers about prices to US$ 45.57 from the should be reduced. Therefore, In response to the claims made The Minister condemned the energy sector’s issue, which previous price of US$ 68.80 in electric vehicles as well as electric about the fuel hike, he stated that it Kariyawasam’s act and demanded resulted in the formation of a Cabinet 2019. However, the price of a rail transport have the potential to was not solely his decision to raise that he immediately reveal the proof Sub-Committee chaired by the Prime crude oil barrel in 2021 has reshape the transportation sector the fuel price, but that the President, he has. He went on to argue that Minister and the other ministers were exceeded US$ 70. Therefore, in the country. Transport costs Prime Minister, and other key Kariyawasam, as an Attorney-at-Law, , Wimal although the ban on vehicle can also be stabilised by Ministers unanimously agreed to should be able to show that the energy Weerawansa, , imports was maintained, completely stopping the import of increase the price of fuel. minister made the choice to raise fuel , Prasanna expenditure from foreign fuel powered vehicles, promoting In this regard, he also stated that prices, as well as justify how he Ranatunga and himself. exchange earnings for petroleum electric vehicles and providing he, as the Minister of Energy, is not released an SLPP party statement According to the Energy Minister, the imports would be around US$ electric engines for three- accountable for announcing a expressing his own views without Sub-Committee decided to revise fuel 4,000 million. This is about 1/3 of wheelers. decision on fuel prices, and that the including everyone’s ideas, even Prime prices in March 2021 and tasked him the total foreign exchange earned Transitioning towards the use of Ministry of Finance is the Minister Rajapaksa or party Chairman with obtaining the President’s from exports. eco-friendly energy sources is accountable authority. G.L. Peiris. approval. When the Cost-of-Living The import-dependent pattern imperative due to an increase in However, he stated that he accepted Senior SLPP members, on the other Sub-Committee met on 9 June, it was of consumption which includes lung- related diseases and the challenge of announcing this hand, met Gammanpila yesterday (13) clear that the CPC was losing money by imports of seeds, fertiliser, food, increasing air pollution in urban critical decision to the public while before the Media conference and told selling fuel at lower prices, while the pharmaceuticals and vaccines, areas caused by high fuel being fully aware of the him that they were unaware of the banking sector was also on the verge of must be transformed into a consumption. By converting the consequences. “I voluntarily assumed statement and had no knowledge of collapse due to outstanding loans. production-based pattern. Kelanitissa Power Station into an the risk of announcing the price hike how Kariyawasam had issued it. He The meeting was attended by the In addition to spending foreign LNG Power Plant, the CEB will in order to safeguard the President questioned Kariyawasam, “Now tell me President, Prime Minister, Trade exchange, the Ceylon Petroleum also be able to reduce the higher and Prime Minister, despite the fact whether it is me or you, who should Minister, Agriculture Minister, Power Corporation (CPC) has been a costs for fuel. that an Energy Minister in Sri Lanka quit for malpractices?” he queried. Minister, Energy Minister, Sports and loss-making institution, relying According to the National had never announced a price raise He also pondered if Kariyawasam Youth Affairs Minister, State Minister on loans obtained from the Bank Development Programme towards before,” he said. was planning a coup to derail large of Money and Capital Markets, and of Ceylon and the People’s Bank a Climate Resilient Green He recalled that the Cabinet projects, which have already begun in State Minister of Consumer Affairs. annually. The amount owed to the Economy, fertiliser, fuels, forest subcommittee, on cost-of-living, had collaboration with the Energy Ministry, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa two Banks is Rs 652 billion. As resources and garbage should be agreed to raise fuel prices, and stated that are expected to generate had authorised the document on the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) managed in a manner that that Prime Minister and Minister of significant revenue and profits. increasing fuel prices on 10 June and also owes nearly Rs 85 billion to enhances the quality of life of the Finance Mahinda Rajapaksa Commenting on the reasons for the as a result, he announced the the two Banks, the Treasury has people. eventually gave his written consent price increase, the Minister said that decision, Gammanpila elaborated. �6l)Ili)ffi$ ffi60'8=f • • UlllJIDJUl• 6lltr]f!6,; u�difffimmffim • • p .Ililll>ffl' QUltrffiUoOo\'.l QudJIDJliiQmtrmm 6TU>C8UltrQ, �ffi�rr.qililmm

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- • ➔ • ---- ·,��,::· - .·1 I"""""':�--, . . ' -.. ---- . ) .. -- . news monday 14 june 2021 A3 Wheat Flour Price to be Increased? By Thameenah Razeek flour, which the latter has forwarded to the Ministry. After the meeting to be conducted According to the request, the today (14) by the Sub-Committee on companies say the cost of their Cost of Living, a decision on an products has increased as a result of increase in the price of wheat flour will growing manufacturing expenses and be made. D.S. Ruwanchandra, increasing foreign exchange rates. Secretary of the State Ministry of Meanwhile, President of the All Co-operative Services and Consumer Ceylon Bakery Owners’ Association, N. Protection, said manufacturing Jayasinghe, said prices of bakery Three SLAF companies had not been granted items will no longer remain stable, due authorisation to raise flour prices as to the sudden rise in raw ingredient yet. The Cabinet Sub-Committee will prices and fuel prices. meet at 11:30 a.m. today (14) to make He told a Media briefing on 12 June An-32 aircraft a decision, which will be announced that with the rise in fuel prices, many shortly. Manufacturing enterprises bakery owners have raised the price of have asked the Consumer Affairs bakery items, and the increase is not return home Authority to raise the price of wheat just on bread. Three Antonov An-32 aircraft belonging to Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) arrived in the country on Friday evening (11 June) on completion of their overhaul process, the Defence Ministry said. “Previously, these An-32 aircraft had been grounded for seven years, before being subsequently flown overseas for repairs on 55 affected by the direction of President , in a bid to revive Imran flays Govt SLAF’s operations, while ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft,” Defence Secretary General (Retired) Kamal Gunaratne said. adverse weather He was speaking at a ceremony organised to welcome the for fuel price hike refurbished An-32 aircraft, as the Chief Guest at the SLAF Base, Katunayake. in Jaffna Gunaratne said these aircraft would be used for maritime By Naalir Jamaldeen regime, had stated that the people surveillance and reconnaissance duties, including operations were experiencing great By Naalir prevailed from 8:00 leading to the crippling of the seaborne drug smuggling ring, SJB MP M. Imran, yesterday hardships owing to the hike in Jamaldeen p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on maritime piracy, and also to brace for disaster management and (13), queried as to how the fuel prices, he said, while adding 12 June in the Jaffna relief operations in the country/overseas. ministers who criticised the Good that they would come to Assistant Director of District and 17 houses Recalling the service rendered by the An-32 aircraft during the Governance Government when Parliament on bicycles next week. the Disaster were partially war, he said, “these aircraft were heavily used for troop there were fuel price hikes, could "Following the hike in fuel Management Centre damaged and three transport and have also carried injured personnel and those face the public now when there is prices, prices of many (DMC), Jaffna District, small business owners who sacrificed their lives for the motherland.” a huge hike in fuel prices. commodities, including essential N. Sooriyaraj, have also been The returning of these aircraft today is an exclusive occasion Speaking to Ceylon Today, items, will be increased in the yesterday (13), said affected. for both the Defence Ministry and Sri Lanka Air Force, he Imran said during the former next few days. It would lead to an owing to heavy rain Details regarding added. (PA) Government fuel prices were increase in the cost of living,” he accompanied by damage have been increased in a reasonable said. strong winds on 12 collected by officials manner, based on a fuel price "We who reduced the price of June night, 55 through the respective formula. He added that Mahinda fuel, increased the salaries of persons from 17 Divisional Secretariats Rajapaksa came to Parliament on State workers by 100 per cent. We families have been and have been sent to a bicycle to protest the hike at even reduced the prices of affected in the Jaffna the DMC Head Office that time. medicines. Our government District. in Colombo for onward Those who came to Parliament thought about the well-being of He said adverse action, Sooriyaraj on bicycles during the previous the people,” he added. weather conditions added. WB, ICTA building tech-based solutions for State sector

By Eunice Ruth implemented under this institutions, especially in majority of data generated project and it’s also expected Divisional Secretariats, has through project World Bank (WB) has to create 100,000 individual turned out to be an essential implementation was collected collaborated with e-mail accounts for all the need. on a monthly basis using Information Communication Government staffs,” he As a solution for this, data collection instruments Technology Agency (ICTA) of added. online based forms site will developed. Jet Ski training Sri Lanka and several other He also noted that ICTA is be implemented under the Baseline and periodic Government institutions to currently operating a cloud- project. In this system, evaluation surveys were create a technology based based backup system for all people can submit the conducted based on the for SLCG economy, and to implement Government institutions and needed form via an online agreed set of selected several development projects another disaster recovery platform and the needed indicators. under country’s digital backup system will be document from Government The findings of the transformation strategy and implemented with the help of organisations also can be evaluations were lifesavers President’s vision, said the WB. “Currently, we only have forwarded to the public via consolidated, discussed and Director of Monitoring and a primary site and a WhatsApp or e-mail, after the reported upon in evaluation Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) Training Directorate arranged Evaluation of ICTA, Jagath secondary backup is needed submission of the form. It reports and used to improve a Jet Ski operator training programme for SLCG lifesavers Seneviratne. in case of emergencies and in can reduce paper work and performances and also it will under the auspices of the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN), SLCG said on Seneviratne stated that the order to fulfill the emergency congestion at offices. be built among partners and Saturday (12). WB started supporting Sri needs, this backup system Senaviratne pointed that, contractors of Sri Lankan The programme was conducted at the Life Saving Training Lanka in 2020 and has will be created,” he said. most importantly, Monitoring digital projects. School (LSTS) Balapitiya on Tuesday and Wednesday (8 and 9). focused on implementing “Video conferencing system and Evaluation (ME) will be He further added that the The training mainly focused on educating and training several projects within the has turned out to be an done in each and every stage allocation of human lifesavers on practical operation and maintenance. Twenty-nine country to improve the instant solution to conduct of the projects and a result resources and institutional lifesavers joined the programme from East, West and South economy and digital systems. meetings virtually amidst the based management infrastructures required for regions and gained professional knowledge in handling Jet Skis Department of National COVID-19 pandemic. It has principles will be used in implementing digital at sea. The training programme was conducted by the Planning, Ministry of also taught that physical designing projects to ensure transformation plans instructors of the SLN Jet Ski and Motorsport Pool. (PA) Technology, Ministry of meetings are not always accountability for results and within the country, have Finance, WB and ICTA has necessary and meetings and independent evaluations will already been completed and collaborated together to discussions can be done be carried out as part of the the main objective of the develop a digitalized country. virtually which will help to initiatives. Government is to improve “Implementing Government utilise the time more The implementation of Sri inclusiveness, efficiency and X-Press Pearl maritime disaster based e-mailing system, efficiently and also to reduce Lanka Development project effectiveness of all the recovery backup system, the cost involved in was closely monitored in sectors of the economy by video conferencing system transportation and others. accordance with the ME implementing the digital and online forms for the use Also, as a result of current plan. He noted that the agenda. First phase of all manual paper works at situation, Zoom, Google the Government institutions, meetings and Microsoft are the three main projects teams has been widely used compensation which the WB has by all institutions in the collaborated to implement, country to conduct meetings. design and fund, and it was Instead of using all these, for fishers soon expected to finish all by the special software will be end of December 2022. Also, designed and implemented the WB will provide only for the use of the Sri – Douglas necessary support in both Lankan Government which By Naalir Jamaldeen financially and technically to will be more lively than successfully achieve the others and which will have Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda said the first phase desired results of the digital more facilities in sharing the compensation for the fishermen who were impacted after the strategy of Sri Lanka,” said meeting materials and X-Press Pearl vessel disaster will be given soon. Senaviratne. others. He said solutions will be provided expeditiously, assessing all He noted that the emailing The Divisional Secretaries impacts caused to the fishermen, and added that relief will be system will be a solution to and staffs who visits given to fishermen after holding discussions in connection with all the existing problems Colombo once a month for the hike of fuel prices as well. Devananda said so during a which the Government monthly meetings can join meeting with the representatives of fisheries societies in currently faces due to using the system after the Negombo. The meeting was held at the Negombo Municipal network issues and others. implementation of this online Council Auditorium. The fishermen said they were facing untold “The WB will help us to system which will also hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic and fuel price hike and create a platform separately. reduce the need of physical sought compensation. They also said they were disappointed with Instead of Gmail, Yahoo mail attendance,” he said. the quality of fishing nets available in the market and requested and others, a separate email Meanwhile, he further quality fishing nets. Furthermore, the fishermen also drew solution for Government pointed that reducing paper attention to the fact that 10,000 fishery families have been consisting Sri Lankan official work and manual work affected by the disruptions caused to fishing activities. Government domain will be within Government A4 monday 14 june 2021 column The Worst Betrayal of Our Times Marks 31 Years By Shivanthi Ranasinghe and artillery support but the Government refused him. Instead, June 11 came and went without IGP himself contacted Botheju and many noticing that this day marked ordered him to lay down his one of the worst tragedies of our weapons and surrender to the times. It was on this day, exactly 31 terrorists. years ago that over 700 police officers As ASP Boteju predicted the LTTE and policemen were forced to simply massacred all officers and surrender to the LTTE. They were men, a number estimated at 774. then promptly taken into the Naively the Government through Thirukkovil forest, made to lie on the its chief negotiator Foreign Minister hard ground, facing downwards. Shahul Hameed inquired from Then, mercilessly each and every one Balasingham as to when the men of them was shot in the head. Only would be released. He responded two survived, by faking their own soon. The men were already killed by deaths. that time. This tragedy was the culmination of a series of betrayals. This massacre of "From now on, it is all these police officers and men could out war and no half ways" have and should have been prevented, Marching at the last Independence Day Parade: Only 2 survived the brutal killing of 700 police officers by the LTTE 31 years ago but the then Government flatly The massacre finally opened the refused to do so. The reason was Government’s eyes. The Government almost as atrocious as the massacre were deeply unhappy over these turn With the State support, the LTTE Even after the so-called was forced to accept their itself. The Government did not want of events. The JVP took this that was until then just a mere theoretician Balasingham thundered honeymoon with the LTTE was really to antagonise the LTTE with whom opportunity to launch their own guerrilla outfit was able to transform and threatened the Government over. The then Defense Minister they were trying to negotiate a peace insurgency in the South. Though their itself into a formidable fighting force. stating that “this is the last chance Ranjan Wijeratne announced in deal. contention was with the Indian During this time, there was a change we give you. If you fail, we are parliament, "From now on, it is all The astounding fact is that the presence, brutal terror campaign they of Government in India itself and the prepared to wage war" the out war and no half ways". This was LTTE’s own actions did not initiated victimised innocent new Indian Prime Minister Premadasa clan played the role of a the start of the Separatist War II. antagonise the Sri Lankan Sinhalese. It was quite obvious that Vishwanath Pratab Singh agreed to meek wife trying to appease an Though war was declared, under Government. Despite the cease fire or the protest over the Indian action was withdraw the Indian forces from the abusive husband. heavy security from the STF safe the ongoing negotiations, the LTTE a mere excuse to grab power. Sri Lankan soil. The IPKF had already left the passage was provided to key continued to build their bunkers Prime Minister Premadasa too One could argue that the LTTE Island but the Sri Lankan military terrorists who were at the time closer to the police stations in the openly opposed this Indian played a vital role in ridding the was still kept confined to barracks. residing in Hilton. The specific East. The Government turned a blind intervention. In fact, he was placed Indian military, that had its own Audaciously the LTTE constructed instruction from Prabakaran to them eye. When the LTTE surrounded all under house arrest on the day the plans detrimental to Sri Lanka’s bunkers, dug trenches and was to somehow bring the money the police stations in the province, the Indo-Lanka Accord was signed. sovereignty. Without the immense implemented other offensives closer given by the Government and they Government simply sat and waited. Surprising the Indian Government , damage caused to the Indian military to the camps. Yet the then were allowed to do so. Most contentiously they ignored the the LTTE too opposed the Indian by the LTTE, even the new Indian Government refused to understand The military, severely weakened by pleas for assistance from the besieged solution and presence, even though it regime might not have accepted the the implications of the LTTE’s the Premadasa Government policies police officers. It was not the lives of was India who nurtured and protected new Sri Lankan President’s request to actions. Therefore, the specific and peace appeasements was forced these valiant men, who were ready to the LTTE while it was still a cub. The withdraw the Indian military from Sri instructions to the Army was to keep to abandon camps in Kokavil, fight back, that mattered to the then LTTE felt that the then Indian Prime Lankan soil. The Sri Lankan military quiet and do nothing. Mankulam, Killinochchi, Government. Even national pride was Minister Rajiv Gandhi short changed could not have played the When the LTTE fired at a vehicle Kondachchi and Silavathurai. This a minor matter to that Government. them with the Accord. When their confrontational role that the LTTE did carrying Army personnel from coupled with the loss of the police Their foremost and only concern was fight was for an exclusive homeland, without it been interpreted as war Vavuniya to Mullaitivu, killing one stations in the Eastern Province that the LTTE should not be they were not ready to accept a power between two nations. soldier and injuring nine more, the meant that a large territory was now antagonised. sharing mode. As such they were not While there could be merit in this instruction from the Defence infested with terrorists and out of Premadasa-LTTE ready to comply as the other terrorist argument, there can be no excuse for Ministry remained unchanged - do Government purview. organisations did and lay down their the stance taken by the Premadasa nothing, say nothing, do not As far as the Government was Courtship arms and enter mainstream politics. Government is a vis its own security antagonise the LTTE. The question concerned, the massacre left no This situation brewed to the point of forces. remains as to why this violation by witnesses and therefore no ghosts to Ranasinghe Premadasa, Prime hostilities and armed confrontations the LTTE, when the Sri Lankan haunt them. Therefore, they Minister then during J.R. between the LTTE and the Indian Premadasa-LTTE Government was so accommodating, staunchly refused to acknowledge Jayewardene’s Government, was Peace Keeping Force. Matrimony Turns Sour did not antagonise the Government. the two survivors. Instead, according elected as President in January 1989. Even though the LTTE took on a Four days after the firing at the to journalist Warnakulasooriya, the At the time, the country was in utter fully fledged professional army, the The Premadasa Government was military vehicle, the LTTE Government sent a bulldozer to bury turmoil. LTTE itself then was only a guerrilla so focused on getting the IPKF out of surrounded the Batticaloa police the charred remains. The Opposition India had forced the 13th outfit. They however found an the Island, that they forgot that the station at around 6 am and soon too kept mum. Attempts by police Amendment to the Sri Lankan unexpected ally in Premadasa. As the LTTE was a terrorist organisation after about 250 terrorists forcibly officers as Superintendent of Police Constitution, which demarcated the President, Premadasa gave his fullest hell bent on carving one third of the occupied the station and emptied T Seneviratne to open an Island into nine provinces. This was corporation to the LTTE to fight the land mass as their own exclusive the Police armory along with other investigation fell into deaf ears. done without a referendum or any IPKF. The LTTE only had to ask and territory. This was the very fight the valuables. Therefore, up to date there has not other form of consent from the people. cement, money, the latest weaponry LTTE had with their own benefactor When the LTTE ordered all police even been a presidential commission For reasons that remained paid by the Sri Lankan tax payer just - India. If the LTTE was ready to take stations in the Eastern Province to to inquire into this incident. The unexplained to date the Northern and flowed into their arms. on India, then it should have been be vacated by 2.30 p.m. that day or families of these men did not receive the Eastern provinces were then Veteran journalist Keerthi obvious to the Premadasa face the consequences, President any compensation and the whole merged to be governed by one council. Warnakulasooriya observes that R Government that one day the LTTE Premadasa submissively accept it. matter was buried to save the In effect, the citizens who never asked Paskaralingam, who acted as the would not hesitate to train their He through his IGP Ernest Perera political hide of the then for a federal system now had to make Secretary to the Treasury at the time, guns at the Sri Lankan Government. ordered all police personnel to Government. do with a provincial council system did not allocate any funds to the That realisation would have made surrender to the LTTE. Incredibly Karma could not be silenced and those who demanded one military to upgrade its weaponry. He the Sri Lankan Government weary of the then Government believed the though. Both Ranajan Wijeratne and continued to enjoy a unitary system. however approved money to be given the LTTE and cautious in its LTTE’s promise to provide safe President Premadasa were It would be naive to assume that it to the LTTE. Paskaralingam later support. At the very least, the Sri conduct out of the province and subsequently assassinated in the was but just a coincidence that the served as a senior advisor to Prime Lankan Government ought to have release these men. most brutal fashion by the LTTE. exact territorial area demanded by the Minister upgraded the Sri Lankan security The police personnel on the The LTTE too did not survive and separatists were been treated as one during the Yahapalana Government. forces by ten times it did the LTTE. ground knew otherwise. OIC of was totally annihilated in 2009. The governing unit as per Indian diktats, Warnakulasooriya recalls that when For reasons beyond comprehension Kalmunai Station ASP Ivan Boteju few surviving former cadres like even though technically it was divided he went to Galadari to interview however the Premadasa Government categorically informed his superiors Karuna Amman are now accusing into two provinces. Indian forces were Anton Balasingham, who identified harbored an intense distrust or a that they "would be tortured if not each other for this war crime. Brave then landed and stationed in the himself as a theoretician, had boxes sense of disrespect or both towards killed if they surrendered”. Defying officers like ASP Ivan Boteju North and East in the guise of upon boxes stacked along a wall in its own security forces. The orders, this young man with a continues to gaze steadily into our ensuring peace and ending terrorism. his room. When inquired as to what Government acted as if the lives of steady gaze who excelled in athletics hearts as we salute him and his Our own military were confined to these boxes contain, Balasingham the security forces are expendable continued to fight with the LTTE fellow officers and men who were barracks. had reportedly said that these hold but the goodwill shown to the LTTE from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Throughout betrayed by their own Government. Naturally, the people in the country the cash given by the Government. must be protected at all cost. this time he repeatedly requested air ([email protected]) Appreciation – Saman Weeraman

By Ananda Ariyarathne up and never tried to change his Film personalities like Shesha Co- screenplay Writer & the Director nature. As he valued my ideas he Palihakkara and Chandran Rutnum of Sri Siddhartha Gauthama, The little I can write about this always treated me and I noted that who supported the idea in lifting Sri produced by ‘Light of Asia extraordinary person who is not he was very receptive to others’ Lankan Cinema into a higher level Foundation’ which won the Best among us anymore shall not make views. were genuine well wishers compared Film Award both in Delhi Film me happy and satisfied that there is When I noted that he was a strong to those few who thought National Festival 2013 and United Nations nothing else to think about as he believer in high quality cinematic Film Corpration was a private International Buddhist Film Festival deserves more. creations and it became very evident property which they could 2014. He initiated several Tele-Films It was during my service at that it was a fact that the Sri Lankan manipulate. which we did not have the Southern Development Authority I Film Industry had to wake up rom As person who was committed to opportunity to watch on the popular ran into this wonderful believer in the old and traditional approaches. Sri Lankan Cinema he succeeded in TV Channels. But compared to some humanity. He was a person who was Once he asked me what I thought of getting the blessing and support we have had the opportunity to see, ever ready to accept, trust and the Indian Cinema. Although I was from even very silent contributors they were of very good standard. believe in anyone who ran into him not a specialist in the industry but like Navin Goonerathna, the first He worked as the Associate or it happened the other way always valued my knowledge in Chairman of the Southern Producer of ‘Road From Elephant around. The greatest gift that won Russian and Czechoslovakian films. Development Authority, who Pass’ Directed by Chandran Rutnam may friends was his ability to keep I told him that the secret in the continued to support Saman even and as the Script Writer and the anyone relaxed. After the initial Indian Films is the vast population after he left the SDA as its Consultant Director of the epic film contact both of us felt that we knew which always offered a large Chairman. Aloko Udapadi. each other for many years. It was audience and in comparison, what Saman Weeraman Since 1973 he was functioning as Saman was a lawyer, a Provincial clear that he became very excited Sri Lanka could offere was neglible a Screenplay writer registered at the Councilor, a Media Advisor, Working and passionate when the subject and that is the main reason for National Film Corporation. The National Film Corporation of Sri Director of ITN and also served as was Films and Film Industry in most of the Sri Lankan films to fail efforts he made to introduce new Lanka and he did the screenplay for the General Manager of the National general. when it came to simple economics. thinking to rejuevenate the Industry the film Sira Kandawura (Prison Film Corporation and above all, he His nature that made him trust When he was appointed as the by introducing a personality like Camp) directed by Dr. Dharmasena was a simple hearted human who others brought him more General Manager of National Film Chandran Rutnum it was Pathiraja. He wrote the screenplay did not change his gentle ways. misfortunes than experiences that Corporation, he had a hard time due misunderstood and misrepresented for the film Kiri Maduwel which he It is hard to accept that he is no made him happy. But, he never gave to the ritualistic approach of the by many. co-directed. He was involved as the more. COLUMN MONDAY 14 JUNE 2021 A5 Terrorist Prabhakaran Screened as Bhaskaran By Sugeeswara Senadhira a specific division called the ‘Women’s Front’ that consisted entirely of The infamous and dreaded terrorist women. The LTTE propaganda Prabhakaran, who ran the world’s targeting women with slogans such as most ruthless terror-outfit with an “women you light the flames of iron fist is portrayed as a spineless liberation” were also displayed man, according to Indian film critics prominently in LTTE controlled who reviewed the latest episode of the territories. second season of Amazon Prime’s The first female suicide bomber of Family Man, released earlier this the LTTE was Sahayaseeli month in India. The rebel leader of the Pedhuruppillai, known commonly as tele-series, Bhaskaran, who portrays Malathi. Following her death in Prabhakaran has been depicted in combat, the LTTE commemorated the glowing terms as he is shown biting event by referring to the day as the cyanide capsule when captured: ‘Women’s Awakening Day’ and using “Unlike the real life LTTE terrorist her as a symbol for female Prabhakaran who meekly surrendered empowerment within the LTTE. to Lankan forces when surrounded in However, another female suicide May 2009,” India’s Outlook magazine bomber of LTTE became a symbol of said. But the film critic’s version was hate in India. Thenmozhi Rajaratnam erratic as Prabhakaran died in the alias Dhanu, who infamously hands of Sri Lankan forces in the last assassinated Rajiv Gandhi in a phase of the battle at Nanthikadal. suicide attack on 21 May 1991 led to In the TV show Bhaskaran justifies the LTTE ban in India and many his choice of war over political Air Force Officers lift the wreckage of an LTTE aircraft after it was gunned down in Katunayake on 21 February 2009 Western countries. The use of women settlement with the words: “I am not a and children in suicide attacks politician but a militant. This is the including Bhaskaran who is modelled Diaspora in the West wanted a Express said, “While the Air Tigers did became a fundamental part of the only path I know.” on Prabhakaran and a fictional Sri separate state, the Tamils in Sri pose a reasonable threat, after their LTTE strategy and UNICEF brought However, pro-LTTE fringe political Lankan Prime Minister who looks and Lanka have no interest in separation. defeat in 2009, it was revealed the this to international attention several groups are unhappy about the tele- dresses like Mahinda Rajapaksa, then A report published by the unit was mostly smoke and mirrors. times. series and urged the state government who was the International Crisis Group in 2010 Their fleet consisted of a few Meanwhile, cult cinema maker AMR of Tamil Nadu to ban its webcast. supreme commander of the armed states that, most Tamils abroad ramshackle single-engine propeller Ramesh announced he would also LTTE loyalists Seeman and Vaiko forces that defeated the LTTE and remain profoundly committed to planes that were more effective in make a web series on Prabhakaran's claim Tigers were ‘freedom fighters’ killed Prabhakaran on 18 May 2009. ‘Tamil Eelam’ while most in the psychological warfare than actual life. As per reports, director Ramesh and complained the show portrays In addition to the main two country are exhausted by decades of combat” has researched for two years to make them as terrorists. They also accused characters, the film also includes war. This has consequently widened Another prominent similarity is that a feature film and he met intelligence the film director for depicting the functionaries of the so-called the gap between the diaspora and Bhaskaran’s movement uses women officers, RAW agents, and people LTTE as a terrorist organisation and Transnational Government of Tamil Tamils in Sri Lanka with the former to carry out suicide attacks. The associated with LTTE during his given them a ‘characterisation that Elam (TGTE) in exile formed by the dismissing Tamil politicians on the Family Man 2, main actress research. The director is said to begin undermines the cultural sensitivities LTTE diaspora in the United States, island for being ‘traitors’ or too ‘scared Samantha Ruth Prabhu, who plays the process once he is done with a of an already maligned and New Zealand, Canada, Norway, to stand up for their people’s rights.’ the role of a female Tiger cadre Raji, web series on forest brigand persecuted group.’ Germany, Italy, France and LTTE’s aerial wing with small dedicated her character to the women Veerappan. His earlier film, 'Cyanide' Although the film never overtly Switzerland. TGTE’s so-called prime assembled aircraft, which the public of ‘Eelam’ and those who died because was on an episode of Prime Minister mention the LTTE or any Tamil minister Rudrakumaran, is a former referred to as ‘Kurumbatti’ toy-planes of 'an unequal war'. Raji joins the Rajiv Gandhi's killers taking shelter in terrorist leaders, the show makes international legal advisor to the LTTE of schoolchildren is depicted in the rebel movement’s female suicide Bengaluru outskirts and how the several references to people and based out of New York. He is one of film with a boastful claim of ‘the only bombers group, which played a group leader one-eyed Sivaram institutions that were part of the LTTE the main LTTE fund-raisers in the rebel movement in the world with its significant role within the LTTE, at committed suicide by biting into his movement. Many of the characters of West. Western analysts have correctly own aerial wing’. one point making up a third of the cyanide capsule when Indian police the show are based on actual people, pointed out that although LTTE Mira Patel, film critic at the Indian group’s members. The LTTE also had cornered them.

Policy Convergence in SAARC Global North Regional Integration Model By Dr. Srimal Fernando of Justice. It can be seen that the EU nations. It has also resulted in is a good example of a flawlessly increased foreign direct investment Nations involved in regional functioning regional integration (FDI) inflows to Mexico with the integration schemes are often lured arrangement with a well-organised creation of a conducive environment by the potential gains from their managerial system that administers for foreign investment while involvement in regional integration the union. As apparent in the promoting the diversification of schemes. Even though there is no European integration model, national Mexican manufacturing, which was individual model of integration that integration initiatives such as originally over-reliant on oil. can be defined as being more efficient coordination committees between Nevertheless, the assessment of than the other, efficiency in regional ministries of various states and integration under the NAFTA integration depends on the interest groups are vital features for framework provides practical lessons background circumstances and the accomplishing successful regional for the economies in South Asia for context in which such integration is integration. Accordingly, successful their future integration efforts. Yet, it to take place. integration in South Asia will be is worth noting that without the The manner of integration in South contingent on the effective commitment of the respective Asian nations was initially participation of South Asian nations governments in South Asia to bring spearheaded by political motivation. in national integration schemes. It is forward policy reforms and other It should be noted, that the idea of a quite evident that this cannot be initiatives related to integration, all South Asian region is a contemporary accomplished without improving the efforts intended for achieving concept, which was initiated just a bilateral ties between the nations in effective regional and economic few decades ago. The manner in South Asia. integration would fail to enhance the which South Asian Association for Hence, when emulating these region’s economic welfare. Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is models and factors, cautiousness Ability to adapt to changes structured in relation to its should be applied such as taking into institutional framework undoubtedly consideration the adaptability to pre- While some of these models of affects its success in the regional Lessons for Developing Nations there were several aspects that made existing conditions inside the region. integration have succeeded in integration process. from the EU Integration the process of European integration Regional Integration under the promoting regional integration in Therefore one can argue that New regionalism was primarily successful such as: developed intra- their individual regions, one should SAARC is a multidimensional initiated in Western Europe through regional trade between Eurozone NAFTA in the Americas recognise that they were functioning organisation both in terms of content initiatives such as the formation of nations prior to the integration Founded in 1994, NAFTA is a trade under a distinct context that was and context. the European Commission. In the process; existence of complimentary agreement between the U.S.A. adapted to the specific realities of In this regard, the modest backdrop of this new resurgence, industries; common national Canada and Mexico. The increasing their region. An effective call for accomplishments of SAARC leave a regionalism was principally interests; trade liberalisation; interdependence in the economic and integration is required from the vast space for improvement. The characterized by aspects such as political will and the ability and financial sectors provided the drive regional leaders towards developing inequalities among the numerous economic interdependence, intra- readiness of these states to contribute for broader collaboration with the aim strong national strategies with the economies of the South Asian states regional dynamics and the fall of the their resources to the integration of strengthening the institutional aim of achieving social, political and which have their origins in the Western nation-state system. The EU process. Furthermore, worth capability of the member states of economic development in the region. administrative configuration are still integration model is an illustration of recognising is the role played by other NAFTA. Dr. Srimal Fernando received his to be effectively dealt with. The cause an effectively established economic interest groups such as the private Notwithstanding the benefits, the PhD in the area of International for this failing lies somewhere union that can be viewed as an sector in the process of integration. challenges faced by Mexico; a country Affairs. He was the recipient of the between the absence of a robust example for other regional integration Both, the state and these interest with a small economy when compared prestigious O. P. Jindal Doctoral commitment to generate a favourable arrangements throughout the globe, groups can work in combination to to the USA, were manifold when Fellowship and SAU Scholarship environment. mainly for the developing regions. promote the effectiveness in foreign adapting to NAFTA. Cross border under the SAARC umbrella. He is This implores the query as to what Several regions that have tried to and domestic markets. As means of trade between NAFTA member states also an Advisor/Global Editor of the South Asian states and SAARC imitate the European integration illustration, all the European states has increased and has been mainly Diplomatic Society for South are doing or rather have failed to do. model have been unsuccessful given have been able to universally agree to advantageous to Mexico which has Africa in partnership with Thus far, research has indicated that that these countries lacked the type concede their policy making role in made maximum gains from trade Diplomatic World Institute political and economic integration of economic structures that the EU macroeconomics to the European harmonization between the three (Brussels). He has received has been anything but successful, had during its process of integration. Union Central Bank. In the European nations. accolades such as 2018/2019 particularly in comparison to some of The developing nations have example, the dynamics behind the Nevertheless, NAFTA’s impact can ‘Best Journalist of the Year’ in the main regional integration misinterpreted the progress of integration process was provided by be said to be both beneficial and South Africa, (GCA) Media Award organisations in the globe such as European integration as one that was governments of the European disadvantageous. In the first for 2016 and the Indian Council of the European Union (EU ) in Europe, chiefly based on the will to collaborate nations. In addition, there are several instance, it has played a critical role World Affairs (ICWA) accolade. He the North Atlantic Free Trade without giving up their sovereignty. other supranational institutions that in transforming Mexico’s economy is the author of ‘Politics, Agreement (NAFTA) and other such These developing nations have not have been established in the EU such resulting in the country emerging as Economics and Connectivity: In regional initiatives. been able to recognize the fact that as the EU Parliament and the Court one of the world’s top exporting Search of South Asian Union’) A6 MONDAY 14 JUNE 2021 ASIA China Cautions G7: ‘Small’ Groups Don’t Rule the World

China on Sunday (13) pointedly are long gone,” a spokesman for the Japan, want to use their gathering in cautioned Group of Seven leaders that Chinese embassy in London said. the English seaside resort of Carbis the days when “small” groups of “We always believe that countries, Bay to show the world that the richest countries decided the fate of the world big or small, strong or weak, poor or democracies can offer an alternative to was long gone, hitting back at the rich, are equals, and that world affairs China’s growing clout. richest democracies as they sought to should be handled through Canadian Prime Minister Justin act in concert to counter Beijing’s consultation by all countries.” Trudeau led a G7 discussion of China might. The Chinese spokesman said the on Saturday (12) and called on Leaders The re-emergence of China as a only valid global system was the to come up with a unified approach to leading global power is considered to international order based on the the challenges posed by the People’s be one of the most significant principles of the United Nations and Republic, a source said. geopolitical events of recent times, “not the so-called rules formulated by a The G7 are planning to offer alongside the 1991 fall of the Soviet small number of countries.” developing nations an infrastructure Union that ended the Cold War. The G7, whose leaders are meeting in scheme that could rival Xi’s multi- But the return of China as a global southwestern England, has been trillion-dollar Belt and Road initiative. power has unnerved the United States: searching for a coherent response to Beijing has repeatedly hit back President Joe Biden casts China as the the growing assertiveness of President against what it perceives as attempts main strategic competitor and has Xi Jinping after China’s spectacular by Western powers to contain China, vowed to confront China’s “economic economic and military rise over the and says many major powers are still abuses” and push back against human past 40 years. gripped by an outdated imperial rights violations. Leaders of the group, which mindset after years of humiliating “The days when global decisions were comprises the United States, Canada, China. The Chinese national flag is seen in Beijing, China, 29 April 2020. (Reuters) dictated by a small group of countries Britain, Germany, Italy, France and (Reuters)

Uttar Pradesh, India Phnom Penh, Cambodia Indian village prays Eviction of floating homes begins amid protests

Cambodia’s capital of Phnom Penh on to ‘goddess corona’ to Saturday (12) began overseeing the dismantling of “floating home” rid them of the virus communities on the banks of the Tonle Sap River over the objections of longtime residents who say they have nowhere else to go. For generations, the floating wooden houseboats of Phnom Penh have been both livelihood and way of life for mostly ethnic Vietnamese families, home to fish farming and interconnected by warrens of hand-built bridges interspersed with sunken poles and small boats. “Our ancestors have always been here,” said Kith Dong, 54, as he and relatives dismantled his home of consisting of a grayling timber platform with a sloped tin roof off the shore of Phnom Penh’s Prek A devotee cheers while standing near an idol of ‘Corona Mata’ Pnov district. (Mother Corona), amid the COVID-19 pandemic, at a temple in He said the city order did not give his Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh, India, 11 June 2021 (Reuters) family enough time to relocate. Indian villagers have erected a shrine to “goddess corona” “If they extended by a few more months, and are offering her prayers in the hope that divine we would have time to build a home,” he intervention can banish the deadly virus. said. Devotees in Shuklapur village, in the northern State of Uttar The Phnom Penh Municipality says the Pradesh, have been offering prayers, holy water, and flowers communities amount to floating slums at the bright yellow shrine where they have placed their idol of that are eyesores and health hazards, “Corona Mata”, since they erected it this week. with trash bags and raw sewage floating Residents demolish their floating houses on the Tonle Sap River after they were ordered to “Maybe with her blessings the villagers, our village, and alongside the houseboats. leave within one week of being notified by local authorities in Prek Pnov district, Phnom Penh, everyone else get some relief,” one villager, who gave her name Si Vutha, head of Prek Pnov district’s Cambodia, 12 June 2021. (Reuters) as Sangeeta, said on Friday (11). land management office, oversaw the India was hit hard by a surge of coronavirus infections in dismantling on Friday (11). “There are hundreds of viruses here, comment on Saturday. April and May but there are signs the worst could be over. “There are 316 homes that we have to foreign tourists come and see our country Dang Van Chou, 57, moved to Authorities reported 84,332 new cases on Saturday (12), the evict today. This really affects the beauty like this?” he said. Cambodia more than 20 years ago from lowest daily tally in more than two months, health ministry of the city, the environment. You sit on a But residents say the crackdown came neighbouring Vietnam, data showed. COVID-19 has killed 367,081 people in India, boat, it smells very bad,” Si Vutha told too soon and questioned why they needed His family makes a living farming fish according to Government data. Reuters. to move with the games still more than a in enclosures off their dwelling, but this The Shuklapur villagers’ prayers have not been fully Si Vutha said the evictions are intended year away. year’s fish are too small to sell to raise answered - there are still some cases in the district - but the to clean up the capital ahead of Phnom Si Vutha did not specify why the money for a move, he said. numbers are also sharply lower than they were at the height Penh’s hosting of the 2023 Southeast cleanup had to come now, and Phnom “I don’t know where to go, I don’t have of the pandemic. Asian Games, as the newly built stadium Penh city spokesperson Met Meas any land,” he said. (Reuters) is only a few kilometres away. Pheakdey could not be reached for (Reuters)

Hong Kong, China Kabul, Afghanistan At least three arrested on Blasts on buses kill anniversary of 2019 protest at least 7 - Police Hong Kong Police arrested at least three protesters on the anniversary of pro-democracy demonstrations in 2019 that rocked the financial hub and eventually led to Beijing introducing a security law that critics say has stifled dissent. The protesters were arrested for disorderly conduct and failing to produce proof of identity, while at least 10 people were summoned for violating a ban on gatherings, police said, after protests in the Kowloon district of Mongkok and the chanting of slogans in breach of a National Security Law imposed last June. Some people blocked roads by placing rubbish bins and other objects in them, Police said. “The Police strongly condemn A shadow is cast on a Hong Kong flag as Hongkongers gather before a soccer Afghan security forces inspect the wreckage of a passenger van after a blast in Kabul, protestors’ acts endangering public match between Hong Kong and China outside Busan Asiad Stadium in Busan, Afghanistan, 12 June 2021. (Reuters) health and safety,” Police said in a South Korea, 18 December 2019. (Reuters) post on Facebook shortly before Blasts hit two buses in western forces withdraw from the country by midnight on Saturday (12). Many Hong Kong residents saw Police deployed 2,000 officers Kabul on Saturday (12), killing at 11 September and efforts to broker a The three people arrested were the proposed law as further erosion around the city on Saturday, the least seven people, according to peace settlement between the Afghan male aged 15 to 19, Police said. of the city’s special status that was South China Morning Post reported. Police. Government and insurgent Taliban Small groups gathered on supposed to be guaranteed under a Police said on the eve of the The explosions took place in a have slowed. Saturday to commemorate the “one country, two systems” formula anniversary that they had arrested neighbourhood dominated by the It was not immediately clear who first major clashes between agreed when Britain handed it over two people on suspicion of minority Hazara community where was behind Saturday’s attacks. protesters and police two years to China in 1997. promoting and inciting others to similar attacks on buses earlier this The Hazara community has also ago when tens of thousands The 2019 protests snowballed join an unlawful assembly. Activist month killed 12 civilians. been the target of a number of demonstrated against a proposed over subsequent months into a group Student Politicism said two of Basir Mujahid, Kabul’s Police attacks from the Islamic State law for the former British colony mass movement for democracy that its leaders were arrested. spokesman, added that six people militant group. In May an unclaimed that would have allowed criminal included regular clashes between There was no sign of any protests had also been wounded in Saturday’s attack on a school in the area left suspects to be extradited to the protesters and police firing tear gas on Sunday (13). blasts. around 80, mostly school girls, dead. mainland for trial. and rubber bullets. (Reuters) Violence has been rising as foreign (Reuters) WORLD MONDAY 14 JUNE 2021 A7

G7 agrees 1 billion Victims of Hate Crime COVID vaccine donation - Communique Given Farewell with Coffins Group of Seven countries exported or to be exported will provide one billion this year, of which at least COVID-19 vaccine doses 50 per cent have gone to over the next year and non G7 countries. Draped in Canadian Flags work with the private The group added that it sector, the G20 and other had “a commitment to Several hundred mourners countries to increase the continue exporting in joined a public funeral service contribution over months significant proportions; on Saturday (12) to bid farewell to come, according to an and the promotion of to a Canadian Muslim family almost finalised draft of voluntary licensing and run over and killed by a man in the communique. not-for-profit global a pick-up truck last Sunday “The commitments since production, which has so (16) in an attack the Police said we last met in February far accounted for 95 per was driven by hate. 2021 including here in cent of the COVAX The hour-long ceremony Carbis Bay provide for 1 supply,” the communique started after the four coffins billion doses over the next said. draped in Canadian flags rolled year,” said the The COVAX facility, into the compound of the communique, seen by backed by the World Islamic Centre of Southwest Reuters. Health Organisation Ontario, and ended with “We will work together (WHO) and the Global prayers and condolences offered with the private sector, the Alliance for Vaccines and by religious and community G20 and other countries to Immunization (GAVI), aims leaders. increase this contribution to secure two billion The four victims, spanning over the months to come,” vaccine doses for lower- three generations, were killed the communique said. income countries by the when Nathaniel Veltman, 20, Two sources said the end of 2021. ran into them while they were draft had been largely “We reaffirm our support out for an evening walk near finalised by diplomats who for all pillars of the ACT-A their home in London, Ontario. Flag-wrapped coffins are seen outside the Islamic Centre of Southwest Ontario, during a funeral of the Afzaal worked late into Saturday across treatments, tests A fifth family member, a 9-year- family that was killed in what Police describe as a hate-motivated attack, in London, Ontario, Canada (Reuters) (12) night to agree most of and strengthening public old boy, is recovering from his the text, though they said health systems as well as injuries in the hospital. gathering. The family moved to the grieving community to look charges of first-degree murder parts of the draft could vaccines,” the Police have said the attack Canada from Pakistan some 14 beyond the tragedy. and one of attempted murder. change over coming hours. communique said. was premeditated and allege years ago. “Irrespective of colour and Canadian Prime Minister There were few The ACT-Accelerator the family was targeted because The attack sparked outrage creed, the expressions of raw Justin Trudeau has called the disagreements over the partnership was designed of their Islamic faith. across Canada, with politicians emotion, the prayers, the quiet killings a “terrorist attack” and communique, which is to accelerate the design, The funeral procession later from all sides condemning the tears, the messages of comfort vowed to clamp down on far- going through final production and proceeded for a private burial. crime, spurring growing calls from people we know and from right groups and online hate. drafting, though Japan distribution of vaccines. “And the very fact their coffins to take action to curb hate people that are complete “I think we’re emotionally pushed for a tougher line “We support discussions are draped in the beautiful crime and Islamophobia. The strangers, it has been the first exhausted,” Imam Aarij Anwer on China, a diplomatic regarding the extension of Canadian flag is an apt city of London, 200 km (120 step towards finding a way to told the Canadian Broadcasting source said. the ACT-A mandate into testimony of the fact that the miles) southwest of Toronto, heal,” Ali Islam, maternal uncle Corp before the ceremony. The G7 said in the draft 2022, noting the planned entire Canadian nation stands has seen an outpouring of of Madiha Salman, one of the “We’re looking forward to that the vaccine donations comprehensive review to with them,” Raza Bashir Tarar support in the aftermath of the victims, told the gathering. having some closure on built on exports from optimise its effectiveness High Commissioner for attack. Veltman, who returns to Saturday.” domestic production with and accountability.” Pakistan to Canada told the That has given some hope to court on Monday, faces four (Reuters) at least 700 million doses (Reuters)

Austin, United States Buenos Aires, Argentina Shooting in Texas Fugitive Chilean colonel arrested capital leaves 14 wounded on human rights violations One suspect still at large

Police investigate the scene of a mass shooting in the Sixth Street entertainment district area Human rights activists with images of people who went missing during the dictatorship of Augusto of Austin, Texas, US (Reuters) Pinochet, attend a march and protest ahead of the anniversary of the country’s 1973 military coup on 11 September, in Santiago, Chile (Reuters)

Fourteen people were wounded after two Police officers who were nearby rushed to Police in Argentina arrested a retired Chilean to continue evading justice,” Chile’s police said men opened fire at each other in a busy the scene where they applied tourniquets and army colonel in Buenos Aires on Saturday (12) on Twitter. More than 3,000 people died or entertainment district in downtown Austin, performed CPR on victims, Chacon said. after he fled neighbouring Chile, where he was disappeared in political violence during Texas early on Saturday (12), Police said, Two of the injured were in hospital in convicted of human rights violations committed Pinochet’s military regime from 1973 to 1990. adding that one of the suspected shooters critical condition and the other 12 were in during the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet, The secret service and the army also tortured remained at large. stable condition. There were no deaths, Chilean authorities and local Media reported. and drove into exile thousands of dissidents and Gunfire erupted at about 1:30 a.m. in the Chacon said. Walter Klug Rivera was convicted in the leftists, truth commissions and police Sixth Street area, a popular nightlife The Austin Police Department said on disappearance and murder of 23 workers in investigations have shown. destination in the state capital, Austin Police Saturday evening that one suspect had been 1973, shortly after Pinochet took power in a Klug will be detained in Buenos Aires until Department Interim Chief Joseph Chacon said arrested with the help of the U.S. Marshals coup that resulted in the ouster and death of Monday (14), when he must appear before in a news conference on Saturday afternoon. Lone Star Fugitive Task Force, and that sitting President Salvador Allende. Federal Judge Julián Ercolini, who will initiate “This does appear to be an isolated incident officers were continuing to follow up on leads “Walter Klug Rivera was apprehended outside the process to extradite him to Chile, Argentine between two parties,” he said. “Most of the to apprehend the remaining suspect. the ... hotel where he was staying, which he Media reported. victims were innocent bystanders.” (Reuters) intended to leave in the next few hours in order (Reuters)

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Foreign travellers barred from Haj over COVID-19 Saudi Arabia has restricted the annual Haj pilgrimage record high numbers of COVID cases, the other to its own citizens and residents for the second year challenge is the different variants of the virus, hence running in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the came the decision to restrict haj,” al-Rabiah said. state Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Saturday The Minister said only approved COVID vaccines from (12). Pfizer, Astrazeneca, Moderna and Johnson and Only people aged between 18 and 65 who have been Johnson will be valid for the haj. vaccinated or immunised against the virus, and are free Sources told Reuters in May a plan was being of chronic diseases, will be able to take part, the considered to bar overseas pilgrims from performing ministry that manages the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca Haj, a once in a lifetime duty for every able-bodied said in a statement carried by SPA. Muslim who can afford it. It also set a maximum of 60,000 participants. Before the pandemic enforced social distancing “The decision (was made) to guarantee the safety of globally, some 2.5 million pilgrims used to visit the haj amid uncertainty over the coronavirus,” the holiest sites of Islam in Mecca and Medina for the week- kingdom’s Health Minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah said in a long haj, and the lesser, year-round umrah pilgrimage, televised Press conference carried by SPA. which altogether earned the kingdom about USD 12 Muslim pilgrims wearing face masks and keeping social distance perform Tawaf around Kaaba “Despite the availability of vaccine, there is billion a year, according to official data. during the annual Haj pilgrimage amid the COVID-19 pandemic, in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi uncertainty over the virus and some countries still (Reuters) Arabia, 31 July 2020. (Saudi Press Agency/Handout via Reuters) B8 MONDAY 14 JUNE 2021

India’s Boston Consulting Group MD says: Mutual Fund Industry in Asia Expected to Grow Despite COVID, Asian wealth grew by 11%

By Rajiesh Seetharam dotcom crises the global wealth to equity investment. In many returns have outperformed reduced, but this time in Corona, developed countries the Mutual compared to real estate, gold in the The global wealth has grown 8% the global wealth increased. Strong Fund Assets as a percentage of GDP last 10 years in India. There are in the pandemic year of 2020 (BCG Capital Market performance is one is very high. It is 120% in USA, 81% other options like real estate funds Global wealth report 2021), stated of the reasons for it. in France, 76% in South Korea, 67% and the market is maturing. As a Boston Consulting Group India ‘s “Some question if the market is in UK. Mutual Fund Assets as a result, over the past 20 years, while Managing Director and Partner overheating, but despite multiple percentage of GDP is only 13% in developed markets like UK or USA Mayank Jha. Speaking at a virtual waves, markets do not show any India and China. In Sri Lanka, it have doubled or tripled their wealth forum organised by International signs of slowing down. This has has grown from 0.2% in 2008 to 2% of the population, India has grown Friday Market Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka resulted in looking for investment in in 2020. But still it is very small sixteen times over the same period. (ICCSL), he said while analysts new normal. This may change the compared to developed markets. Markets have not only matured in were predicting a contraction in way people invest specially in Thus, there is a large opportunity in terms of size but also in terms of global wealth due to the pandemic, developing regions like Asia.” stated that market. behaviour. One example is Shares the wealth in 2020 has grown faster Jha. “ India, the share of financial digitalisation. than any of the years before. Historically cash deposits have savings compared to physical “Regulators have also played a continue to gain “There is growth in real and dominated financial investments in savings has increased to 60% in huge role in taking the equity financial asset side. The global Asia (excluding Japan), noted Jha. 2018 compared to 52% in 2014. markets to the masses. In addition By Mario Andree growth in wealth has been He added, “But in developed High yielding financial instruments the Association of Mutual Funds in contributed from all continents of markets like Western Europe and like mutual funds, direct equity is India has taken a lot of effort with its The Colombo Stock Exchange extended the world and not restricted to a Northern America there are large the mostly benefitting from the campaign to increase Mutual Funds gains for the third consecutive session, as the particular region. Asia (excluding savings investments in equity changes. investments in India. Looking benchmark index on Friday (10) rose on a Japan and Middle East) wealth grew markets. We expect lots of shift from “There is also a lot of product forward, we could expect a lot of modest turnover to record a new 8-week high 11% compared to global growth of cash deposits to high yielding innovations in equity market field growth in the Mutual Fund industry despite foreigners continuing to exit the 8%. Earlier, during periods of crisis investments in Asia as well. with new products like Systematic in Asia and the developing world,” Bourse. like 2008 financial crises, or 2001 “Mutual Funds can bring masses Investment Plans (SIPs). Equity he cocluded. The benchmark All Share Price Index (ASPI), which started the day at 7,601.16 points, crashed to 7,568.63 points during the early hours before peaking to 7627.65 points during the second half of the day. The index settled at 7,610.30 points gaining 9.14 points HNB disbursed Rs 1B (0.12 per cent) compared to the previous day’s close. Rs 25B T-Bond Auction The more liquid S&P SL20, which started worth leases to over the day 3,074.10 points, crashed to 3,054.81 Fully Subscribed points during the early hours but recovered to 400 Agri MMSEs close the day at 3,067.03 points, down 7.07 By Paneetha Ameresekere With respect to the 2028 points (0.23 per cent) compared to the HNB PLC disbursed over Rs 01 maturity, its MAY was first uplift previous day’s close. billion to entrepreneurs in the Last Friday’s (11) Rs 25,000 to 8.05 per cent at the 1 June The day’s turnover neared Rs 2.27 billion, agricultural sector through its million Treasury (T) Bond auction auction, also an increase of eight lower higher than the Rs 3.2 billion recorded recently launched Micro Leasing was fully subscribed, with the bps, when, after its MAY which during the Market’s previous day’s trading. facility, offering Micro, Medium 2026 maturity for the issuance of was previously fixed at 7.97 per Shares of 259 listed companies were traded and Small Enterprises (MMSEs) a Rs 15,000 million treasuries sold cent, ie at the 12 May 2021 during the day of which 113 were winners myriad of benefits and at a weighted average yield (WAY) auction, that saw only Rs 9,500 comfortably ahead of 64 losers. opportunities. of 7.31 per cent, two basis points million of the original parcel of Rs More than 103.8 million shares changed Working in line with Central (bps) less than its maximum 10,000 million on offer, sold. hands during the 24,140 trades that took Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) administered yield (MAY) of 7.33 But after its MAY was uplift to place. directives to support and per cent and the 2028 maturity 8.05 per cent for the 1 June Foreigners exited the CSE on Friday (10) for strengthen Sri Lanka's HNB officer handing over the micro comprising Rs 10,000 million at a auction, that saw its parcel of Rs leasing facility to an agricultural the second consecutive day. The net foreign agriculture sector, HNB’s micro entrepreneur in Pottuvil. WAY of 8.02 per cent, three bps 10,000 million on offer fully outflow during the day amounted to Rs 92 leases will be utilised to enhance less than its MAY of 8.05 per cent. subscribed at a WAY of eight per million as foreigners sold shares worth Rs the capabilities of over 400 ensuring HNB’s microfinance On the previous day, Thursday, cent, five bps below its MAY of 170 million as against purchases worth Rs 78 agricultural entrepreneurs across officers were fully aware of the when Central Bank of Sri Lanka 8.05 per cent. million. the island. facilities and partnerships of the (CBSL) announced this auction, But CBSL and the Government The top ten winners during the day were: A collaborative effort by the bank in the agricultural sector. in an acknowledgement of of Sri Lanka (GoSL), aware that Ceylon Tea Brokers, Orient Finance, Browns bank’s Leasing and Micro Commencing with email inflationary pressure and discretion is the ‘better part of Beach, LOLC Development Finance, Colombo Finance arms, the facility offers campaigns, the departments uncertainty bedeviling the valour,’ ‘persisted’ in fixing the Land Development Company, Lankem customers a full suite of services, organised awareness market, it increased the MAY of MAY for the 2028 maturity at a Ceylon, Dankotuwa Porcelain, Marawila including access to great deals programmes with the the 2026 maturity by eight bps to higher cost of 8.05 per cent at Resorts, Lanka Ventures and Commercial and benefits from HNB’s participation of leading merchant 7.33 per cent. Friday’s auction, rather than at a Leasing and Finance. extensive merchant partner partners. While the programmes This was because in the lower MAY of eight per cent, at Top ten losers were: Nation Lanka Finance, network. were interrupted by the current previous auction held for this which ‘low’ price, the parcel on Sigiriya Village Hotels, HVA Foods, Property “The Agriculture sector was one pandemic situation, the bank maturity, ie in the auction of 29 offer at the 1 June auction, also, Development, Mahaweli Coconut Plantations, of the hardest hit by the COVID- aims to resume the campaign as April 2021, the MAY fixed for this Rs 10,000 million; was fully Hotels Corporation, Abans Financial, 19 pandemic in terms of revenue soon as possible. tenure was at a ‘low’ 7.25 per subscribed, ipso facto at a ‘lower’ Softlogic Capital, Amana Takaful and Lotus generation. Given its immense “Given our strong relationship cent, resulting in that auction WAY of eight per cent. Hydro Power. potential to contribute to a with the agricultural sector, we ending up a damp squib, with CBSL/GoSL wants to artificially vibrant export economy, it is vital understand not only their needs CBSL being able to sell only Rs maintain a low interest rate that we increase the sector’s but the ideal time for their needs. 2,000 million (eight per cent) of regime to minimize GoSL’s productivity and earning potential Our microfinance officers have the total parcel of Rs 25,000 borrowing costs and to spur through modernisation and always been at the forefront of million originally offered at that growth. CBSL is the steward of Panic Sales mechanisation. guiding and helping auction. GoSL debt. Dominate Treasuries “We have experienced first- entrepreneurs in the sector to hand the remarkable appetite for develop further. We are delighted By Paneetha Ameresekere these technologies at the with the progress they have made grassroots and we wanted to in this instance. Government of Sri Lanka’s (GoSL’s) money support farmers in their essential “The collaborative efforts of printing borrowing costs (MPBCs) sharply contributions towards HNB’s Leasing and Micro Finance increased by 7.56 per cent (Rs 1,489.84 rejuvenating Sri Lanka’s Departments of the bank has Seylan Bank hosts million) to Rs 21,188.43 million on Friday, agricultural sector,” HNB Deputy ensured the success of this due to panic sales of riskless, low returns General Manager - Retail and product, and we are delighted at Treasury (T) Bills and T Bonds in secondary SME Banking Sanjay Wijemanne how well our customers in the webinar to help SMEs market trading and Central Bank of Sri said. agricultural sector has received Lanka (CBSL) buying into T Bonds. The Leasing and Micro Finance it,” HNB Head of Leasing, Niluka Panic sales of treasuries were caused on arms of the bank collaborated in Amarasinghe said. Seylan Bank recently and the bank’s Friday on rumours that the current conducted a skills and commitment to helping ‘lockdown’ period scheduled to end today knowledge sharing the SME sector in the (Monday, 14 June) would be further webinar exclusively for country, Seylan Bank extended by a week due to the COVID-19 Small Medium Assistant General Pandemic. Enterprises (SME’s) to Manager - Branch Credit GoSL’s non-demand pull inflationary face Reserves, FIs in help them adapt to the Ranil Dissanayake value money printing (FVMP) debt increased current digitally driven said,“Seylan Bank has by 0.74 per cent (Rs 6,445 million) to Rs business environment. always been a leader in 881,118.37 million on Friday. GoSL’s FVMP Govt Securities The Live Webinar was supporting the SME sector debt has been over Rs 0.5 trillion for a record hosted via Zoom, grow, we believe the SME 146 consecutive market days to Friday due Continue to Wallow YouTube and Facebook. sector is the backbone of to a lack of revenue. The interactive session the economy and therefore Liquidity decreased by Rs 7,167.20 million By Paneetha The country’s foreign reserves gathered approximately we enable customers who ( US$ 35.87 million) led by the settlement/s Ameresekere and foreign investments have 1,000 registrations. Ranil Dissanayake are committed to building of GoSL’s foreign debt servicing fallen into lows last seen during The webinar ‘Let’s use businesses from the commitments and/or CBSL’s swaps with the The country’s foreign reserves the height of the war against Facebook effectively to promote ground up to reach their fullest market and/or CBSL’s US dollar sales to continued to wallow in 12 year LTTE terrorist which was business growth in the current potential. We strongly believe that and/or swaps with GoSL during trading on lows, with reserves falling by concluded on 18 May 2009. environment’ was a part of the knowledge sharing and skill Friday. Transactions between GoSL and 10.12 per cent (US$ 452.6 Meanwhile, on a net basis, Bank’s ongoing efforts to further development are two key aspects CBSL are foreign reserves neutral. million) last month (May) over CBSL, last month expended $ empower the SME sector with the that establish growth within the Conversions are based on CBSL’s April to $ 4,018.1 million led by 3.57 million from the country’s availability and usage of digital SME sector. Through this webinar, administered ‘spot’ rate on Wednesday which the country’s foreign debt foreign reserves to aid US dollar tools present in the current we wanted to share industry was Rs 199.70 to the dollar. Net excess servicing commitments, Central deficit banks to meet the environment. The Bank has been insights and knowledge on how to liquidity decreased by 0.65 per cent (Rs 722 Bank of Sri Lanka’s (CBSL’s) aforesaid net foreign outflows at consistently offering elevate their businesses through million) to Rs 109,996 million at the end of data of Friday showed. an inflated rate of Rs 200.25 to entrepreneurs, Skill Development the use of ‘Facebook’ and its digital Friday’s trading. Complementing these negative the US dollar, which is the Programmes on multiple subject tools, which has become an income- The benchmark administered ‘spot’ was developments, foreign current administered rate of the matters to enable the SME and generating platform in the recent kept unchanged at Rs 199.75/200.25 to the investments (FIs) in Government ‘spot.’ Micro customer segments to past. dollar for the 18th consecutive market day to Securities (Treasury (T) Bonds ‘Spot’ trades are settled after remain competitive during times The webinar was conducted by Friday in the interbank foreign exchange and T Bills) continued to wallow two market days from the date of economic uncertainty. Vice President (VP) Client (FX) market, with no trades done, led by in 13-year lows with such of transaction. CBSL and This webinar was designed to Success, Facebook Application moral suasion. investments declining by 22.08 foreign trades in the offer pandemic-specific advice on Service Provider (ASP) at Roar Friday was also the 30th consecutive per cent (Rs 1,004.03 million) to Government Securities Market how to promote businesses Global and Lecturer at Asia market day when no trades were executed in Rs 3,542.52 million, week on are executed in ‘spot.’ CBSL is through social media platforms to Pacific Institute of Digital the interbank FX market. week to Wednesday (9 June) due the steward of the country’s entrepreneurs in multiple Marketing (APIDM ) and Sri to seeming, perennial, foreign reserves and of its segments. Lanka Institute of Marketing uncertainty. debt. Commenting on the webinar (SLIM) Udara. news monDAY 14 june 2021 Ceylon FT b9

People’s Bank to get new Head Office building Mahindra Ideal Lanka Marking an important milestone in its 60-year history, People’s Bank began construction, on Gets ISO Certification a new Head Office building, with Prime Mahindra Ideal Lanka Minister Mahinda (Private) Limited, Sri Lanka’s Rajapaksa unveiling the only manufacturer’s ceremonial plaque automobile assembly plant, digitally on the 28 May received ISO 9001:2015 2021. Certification in May this year, The ceremony to mark making it the first local this event which was automobile assembler to have held simultaneously at received this prestigious the Temple Trees and certification. the building site, linked Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa Entering into its first equity seamlessly via digital digitally unveiling the ceremonial partnership with a local connectivity, was plaque automotive company in a attended by State foreign market, Mahindra in Minister of Money and People’s Bank Chairman partnership with Ideal Motors Capital Market and State Sujeewa Rajapakse stated set up its first overseas Enterprise Reform Ajith that the bank is proud to be automobile assembly plant in Nivard Cabraal, State serving the country without August, 2019. Furthermore, Minister of Samurdhi, being driven merely by a this plant is Sri Lanka’s first Household Economy, Micro profit motive. He also said and only CKD plant, in which Finance, Self-Employment that the new building will the operations done locally are and Business Development fulfil a long felt need of exactly the same as those With a big vision of Sri a feat hitherto unachieved in especially in its processes and Shehan Semasinghe, People’s Bank for a done in India – essentially: a Lanka’s automotive market Sri Lanka’s Automobile procedures. Governor of the Central Bank comprehensive Head Office car is built part by part, by Sri the Mahindra Ideal Lanka Assembly industry. The Management is W.D. Lakshman, Secretary to building. Lankans for Sri Lankans, joint venture constantly strive The ISO certification is accountable for Quality the Ministry of Finance R. Addressing the gathering truly employing and to drive growth in the local entrusted upon the leading Control through the Quality Attygalle, Secretary to the Prime Minister Rajapaksa developing the talents of the economy promoting entities which strictly adhere Management System seeking Prime Minister Gamini acknowledged the pivotal role island’s youth. entrepreneurship through its to the best practices in terms enhancement by constant Senerath, Chief of Staff to the played by People’s Bank in The plant at Welipenna is component localization of offering product quality and review, with suppliers and Prime Minister Yoshitha the country’s development by located in a 66 acre Green programme where local the manner in which they sub-contractors being Rajapaksa, Chairman, providing services to over 14 Oasis, in keeping with the component manufacturers are deliver the given promises to encouraged to co-operate. People’s Bank Sujeewa million customers which is vision to be a carbon neutral developed directly by the its customers. The plant MILPL and Ideal Group is Rajapakse and the Board of the largest banking customer plant. It boasts of a roof expertise of international earned this glorious committed to achieving Directors of the Bank. base in the country. He also mounted 1+ Mega Watt solar OEMs (original equipment certification which is the ISO customer satisfaction, People’s Bank Chief stated that commencement solution and a storm water manufacturer), ensuring said 9001: 2015 given by United according to ISO 9001:2015 Executive Officer/ General of large scale constructions harvesting water body in local components are Kingdom Accreditation Quality Standards complying Manager Ranjith such as this is a testament to keeping with sustainable manufactured and certified to Services UK, through its legal and other regulations at Kodituwakku laid the the State’s unwavering development needs. meet international standards, commitment to excellence, every stage of its operations. foundation stone at the commitment to keep the building site on behalf of the development drive despite PM. challenges such as the Speaking at the ceremony, COVID-19 pandemic. HNB offers online CFA Capital shopping experience Sampath Bank Market Awards during lockdown Introduces Visa 2021 Installment plans, discounts Bringing Environmental, Corporate Fuel Card Helping customers to get the best doubled our efforts to achieve this Social and Governance deals while staying safe at home, goal, and we are committed to The Sampath Visa businesses to increasingly HNB PLC, partnered with leading working with our merchant and Corporate Fuel Card is adopt digitization for their factors to the fore supermarkets and online retailers partners to ensure available in prepaid card and daily transactions, in line The eighth annual CFA Capital Market to offer its credit cardholders a slew uninterrupted supply lines to allow credit card formats, to with the Government’s vision Awards, organised by the CFA Society Sri Lanka, of special discounts and easy life to continue as normally as empower businesses of all for the nation’s payments will be held on 22 June at 6.00 p.m. It promises instalment payment options. possible”,HNB Head of Cards, sizes to go hassle free with landscape. to be a standout event, with this year’s awards Through these partnerships, HNB Gauthami Niranjan said. their fuel payments. It comes at a time when being held virtually – under the theme ‘Investing card holders can receive discounts Easy instalment payment options Businesses can offer this employees of most with Purpose’ – and a panel discussion featuring from select merchants, when they with no handling fees are also card to their employees to companies are working prominent industry leaders. shop from the safety of their homes. available for customers on the make cashless payments at remotely due to the global ‘Investing with Purpose’ highlights the HNB credit cardholders can also online platforms throughout the any fuel station around the pandemic and will hence emergence of Environmental, Social and make use of instalment payment month of June. In line with rising island. They can assign pre- help businesses avoid Governance(ESG) factors as a crucial options with no added fees for any concerns over obtaining medication defined transaction limits unnecessary delays and component of the investment process with transaction until June 15, 2021 as on time, HNB cardholders also have and impose restrictions on disruptions to day-to-day investors increasingly incorporating ESG data to a special offer, and throughout the option of refilling in their non-fuel transactions. The operations. garner a more complete understanding of the June with a nominal handling fee prescriptions via quickmed.lk with Sampath Visa Corporate Fuel Sampath Bank PLC. Head entities they invest in. with leading merchant partners. a discount for bills until August 31. Card allows cardholders to of Card Centre Darshin On the back of growing demand from “The last few months have been HNB customers who wish to sign make contactless payments Pathinayake said, “We investors, the CFA Society Sri Lanka is leading especially challenging for many of up for new insurance schemes by simply tapping the card remain committed to the way in helping local capital markets industry us. Therefore, we wanted to do our during this period will receive a on the POS machine. leveraging technology to practitioners understand and integrate ESG in part to ease the burden on our loyal discount in addition to an easy Sampath Bank is waiving develop and deliver market the investment research process. Globally too, cardholders, by providing them instalment payment scheme, off the joining fee and first relevant financial solutions the CFA Institute has been driving the access to the best possible deals available exclusively year annual fee on these that offer greater value to the consideration of ESG factors in the research available in the market. Since the from insureme.lk, valid till 31st cards and offering the tailor- nation.” process. onset of the pandemic, we have December 2021. made service at a nominal Visa Country Manager, Sri This year’s CFA Capital Market Awards is set fuel surcharge. The Bank is Lanka and Maldives, to feature RBC Global Asset Management’s also offering free Anthony Watson said, “In Senior Portfolio Manager of Global Equities e-statements and SMS Alert line with our commitment to Benjamin Yeoh, CFA, as the keynote speaker, facilities to help businesses helping businesses digitize who will focus on why ESG matters, particularly keep track of each card more processes, the in the context of the asset management industry transaction through to a corporate fuel card is an apt and the value it provides to investors as well as central administrative point. solution for them to manage society at large. On the whole, this fuel expenses. By choosing In his keynote address, Yeoh – who also sits in convenient and secure contactless card payments a non-executive advisory capacity for esponsible solution from Sampath Bank over cash at fuel stations, Investment and ESG at a leading UK investment is set to simplify and businesses not just make trust – will delve into how to identify ESG streamline the monitoring quicker payments but have components and thereby create long-term value. and management of any visibility into their daily fuel In addition, he will shed light on the CFA business’s fuel expenses. expenses. We are delighted to Institute’s Certificate in ESG Investing (of which The launch of this new partner with Sampath Bank Yeoh is a co-author) and how practitioners can cashless payment solution is to announce the launch of gain a further understanding through the part of Sampath Bank’s this new offering for programme. ongoing efforts to encourage businesses.”

Ceylinco Life supports Kantale Base Hospital Ceylinco Life’s latest equipment. Ceylinco Life was donation of High Flow Nasal represented by the Heads of Cannula (HFNC) equipment Branches in the Trincomalee has benefitted the Kantale and Kantale regions, Messrs Base Hospital, another Sunil Gunawardana, Sarath healthcare institution in need Jayasundara, Chinthaka of enhanced non-invasive Weerasinghe, and G. ventilator facilities to treat Alexander and Financial patients with severe hypoxic Planner Mr Sampath respiratory failure who require Hendawitharana, while the oxygen. The HFNC will also hospital was represented by enable the Hospital’s medical the Regional Director of Health team to bridge patients being Trincomalee and Medical weaned from invasive Superintendent of the Base ventilation. Hospital Kantale Dr D. G. M. The life insurance leader Ceylinco Life initiative to equipped, and donated High Teaching Hospital. HDUs are care, before transferring Costa, Acting Consultant recently presented similar support institutions at the Dependency Units (HDUs) to needed to upgrade a patient patients to the wards, or to Anaesthetist Dr Tharaka equipment to the Colombo forefront of treating victims of the Colombo South Teaching from normal care or as a step treat an intensive disease. Gunarathna, Consultant South Teaching Hospital, the COVID-19 pandemic. Hospital, Kalubowila, the down from intensive care, Pictured here are Surgeon Dr Rathnarajah Kalubowila and the Teaching A consistent benefactor of National Hospital, Colombo, helping release beds in the representatives of Ceylinco Life Rohankumar, and Eye Hospital, Batticaloa. These government hospitals, the Lady Ridgeway Children’s intensive care units. These and the Kantale Hospital at Surgeon Dr Sidath donations are part of a Ceylinco Life has also built, Hospital, and the Jaffna units are used for post-surgery the presentation of the Hendawitharana. Sports monday 14 June 2021 A10

Sri Lanka tour of England Woakes, Willey included in T20 squad England have recalled experienced all- Jonny Bairstow and Sam Curran, are rounders Chris Woakes and David Willey available. for their three-match T20 series against Sri Head coach Chris Silverwood said: “With Lanka. the T20 World Cup only a few months away, Woakes has been a mainstay of the this summer is about perfecting our team one-day international side but has and continuing to progress on the field. We Barbora Krejcikova not featured in a T20 squad since want to approach every series with an 2015, while Willey earned the influx of players aiming to win every match last of his 28 T20 caps in May and giving us the best preparation as we get French Open 2019. Hampshire spin- closer to the tournament. bowling all-rounder Liam “With several high-profile players missing Dawson has also been through injury, it allows me to look at some named in the 16-man of our experienced players who have not Unseeded squad, more than three featured at this level for some time. The years on from his most likes of Chris Woakes and David Willey are recent appearance in the very experienced cricketers, and to have Krejcikova format. them both in the mix is exciting and shows Ben Stokes (fractured the depth of squad we have available. finger), Jofra Archer (right “I want our team to play an attacking elbow) and Reece Topley form of the game. I hope we can continue to wins maiden (side strain) were not excite the England fans with our approach.” considered for selection due and the rest of the squad to injury, but after being will meet up in Cardiff on 19 June to begin rested for the Test series preparations for the series opener, which Grand Slam against New Zealand, takes place at Sophia Gardens four days England’s IPL contingent, later. Unseeded Czech Barbora Krejcikova completed a including Jos Buttler, (Agencies) remarkable transition from a doubles’ specialist to a Chris Woakes Grand Slam singles champion on Saturday by conquering Russia’s Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the final of the French Open. The 25-year-old, a former doubles number one, defeated Pavlyuchenkova 6-1 2-6 6-4 to become the Breakthrough for shooters first Czech to lift the Suzanne Lenglen Cup since Hana Mandlikova, who represented the former Czechoslovakia, triumphed in 1981. NSSF and Sports Ministry Krejcikova was languishing outside the top 100 before last September’s edition of the French Open - join hands to bring up HPC her preparations restricted to a series of ITF Circuit events back home - but a run to the fourth round in Paris changed her singles career. Her preparations were much more solid this year as she won her maiden WTA title in Strasbourg in the run-up to Roland Garros. Following Saturday’s win, Krejcikova extended her winning run to 12 matches. She entered Paris at a career-high 33rd spot and Denmark’s Christian Eriksen is carried off after will further rise to 15th when the rankings are collapsing during the match updated on Monday. “It’s hard to put words together right now. I can’t Denmark’s Eriksen believe what has just happened, that I’ve just won a Grand Slam,” said Krejcikova, who became a first- time women’s major winner in Paris for the sixth still in hospital successive year. Ministry of Sports Director General, Amal Edirisuriya (L) and NSSF President After suffering the ignominy of numerous qualifying Shirantha Peries (R) signing the agreement with other officials being present Condition stable losses at the Grand Slams, Krejcikova won the Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen remained in ultimate prize in claycourt tennis in only her fifth The National Shooting Sport a base for aspiring shooters. Once hospital and was in stable condition on Sunday, after main draw singles appearance at a major. Association of Sri Lanka’s (NSSF) they reach the required standards, collapsing during his side›s Euro 2020 opening match Krejcikova could walk away with even more effort finally bore fruit when the they can move from that range to with Finland and being given CPR on the pitch on silverware from Paris this weekend as she will be Ministry of Sports assured its the other,” Edirisinghe added, Saturday, the Danish Football Association said. back on court on Sunday with fellow Czech Katerina willingness to construct a much- elated by the new development. “This morning we have spoken to Christian Eriksen, Siniakova, with the duo attempting to win their needed shooting range. The The project is mainly initiated as who has sent his greetings to his teammates. His second Roland Garros doubles title following their intended ‘national shooting range’ a High-Performance Centre (HPC), condition is stable, and he continues to be success in 2018. will be ideally located at a private in addition to a competition and hospitalized for further examination,” Danish FA DBU The win will also see her reclaim the top doubles property in Kohuwela, and will be training venue, and will have easy said on Twitter. Eriksen, 29, collapsed suddenly in the ranking. erected adjoining the existing access to all shooters affiliated to 42nd minute of the match while running near the left On a sun-bathed Court Philippe Chatrier, 4-lane electronic shooting facility NSSF. The main disciplines touchline after a Denmark throw-in. As a hush fell Krejcikova and Pavlyuchenkova dominated a set each set-up in early 2019. It will become focused through this will be over the 16,000-strong crowd, his teammates before the Czech surged ahead with a break of serve the nerve centre for national and 10-metre Air Rifle and 10-metre Air gathered around him while he was treated on the and completing the victory in just under two hours. aspiring shooters, and provide a Pistol. pitch and then carried off on a stretcher. It was Pavlyuchenkova who started the final on a training facility meeting The project is the brainchild of “The team and the staff of the national team has confident note, breaking the unseeded Czech at the international standards. President Shirantha Peries, who received crisis assistance and will continue to be there start, but that turned out to be the only game she The project will commence soon had made all possible attempts to for each other after yesterday›s incident,” DBU said. would win in the opening set as Krejcikova reeled off after the country returns to its secure a National Shooting Range, “We would like to thank everyone for the heartfelt six straight games. normal from the ongoing pandemic which is a compulsory requirement greetings to Christian Eriksen from fans, players, the Krejcikova started moving the Russian around by situation. Funds will be released by for a sport that has the potential of royal families from both Denmark and England, mixing her free-flowing, easy-on-the eye the Ministry of Sports after the winning medals at international international associations and clubs,” it said. groundstrokes with deft dropshots, making it difficult NSSF provides the documented level. “This is a breakthrough we Messages of support for Eriksen, who plays for Inter for Pavlyuchenkova to settle down. requirements according to the have been waiting to happen and Milan, have poured in. She got the break back in the second game with a phases of the project. The Ministry we are indebted to the higher The Group B game was halted and then eventually forehand lob on the stretch that went over the head of of Sports has already spent almost authorities who govern the sport in restarted an hour and 45 minutes later. Finland went an advancing Pavlyuchenkova and landed on the Rs 10Million on architectural plans, the country for making it possible,” on to win 1-0. sideline with the Russian rooted to her spot. BOQ’s and had called for tenders stated the President. (Reuters) Pavlyuchenkova tried to hang in on the rallies but when the whole project came to a Representative of the Ministry of did not find solutions to counter the Czech’s tactical complete standstill. The NSSF also Sports, Gamini Costa, added: game in the opening set, but added a bit of aggression has spent nearly Rs 3Million from “Shooting sports has the potential to her game in the second, jumping to a 5-1 lead in various funds saved and raised. of winning international medals, in no time. The project comes as part of particular at the South Asian A niggle on the left leg, however, seemed to restrict High-Performance Sports Games, Asian Games, Shakib gets her movement and after getting broken for 5-2 she Development Programme initiated Commonwealth Games and the received medical attention on court and had her thigh by the Ministry of Sports and the Olympics. It’s good to see the taped. National Sports Council. The current administration has made a three-match ban She broke Krejcikova’s serve after returning to signing of agreement took place good foundation of its shooters, court and got the match level at one-set all. last week in the presence of who are finding it difficult to The BCB has suspended for three The players raised their level in the deciding set Minister of Sports, Namal undergo training, as there’s no matches and fined him Taka 5 lakh (USD 5800 and the ferocity of the tennis increased. After an Rajapaksa, Coordinating Secretary designated place for them to do approx.), having found him guilty on two counts of exchange of service breaks, Krejcikova managed to to the Minister of Sports, Ronnie their part, which is sad.” misconduct during the 11 June Dhaka Premier find an even higher gear to get another break for a Ibrahim and National Sports This will also mark as a first in League T20 match between Abahani Limited and 4-3 lead. Council Member Julian Bolling the annals of NSSF with regard to a Mohammedan Sporting Club. Both were level 3 Krejcikova wasted two match points in the ninth and other NSSF officials. national range accessible to all offences under the BCB’s code of conduct, related to game and another with a double fault at 5-4 up The new national range, which shooters, with Sri Lanka’s topmost conduct contrary to the spirit of the game and bringing before Pavlyuchenkova sent a return long to end the will be the core site for shooters of air rifle and air pistol shooting and the game into disrepute. Shakib accepted the contest. all walks of lives, will include 10 training facility being located sanctions. There was some confusion over the line call and fully functional air pistol and air inside the Naval Range in Welisara, In dramatic scenes at yesterday›s match, Krejcikova briefly paused not knowing if she should rifle lanes with manual-target where access is highly reserved for Mohammedan captain Shakib had kicked the celebrate, but after a hard look at the mark, she facilities, but the feature of this limited numbers. stumps after umpire Imran Parvez turned down his finally threw her arms up in jubilation before hugging upcoming range will be its The Ministry of Sports will help lbw appeal against Mushfiqur Rahim, and, an over her opponent at the net. facilities. NSSF operate the range and will later, ripped up all three stumps and threw them to While her celebration was muted, she showed more “The range will have air also provide the services of an the ground after umpire Mahfuzur Rahman called for emotion while paying tribute to the late Jana conditioning, lighting and even expert foreign coach, who not only the covers as it started to rain. It remains unclear Novotna, who had been her mentor. changing rooms and rest rooms for will sharpen the skills of national what prompted the latter incident, as Shakib›s team “Pretty much her last words were ‘just enjoy and shooters. This is an overdue yet and aspiring shooters, but also of was well ahead of the equation as per the DLS method just try to win a Grand Slam’. I know somewhere much looked-forward to project the local coaches. at that point. she’s looking over me,” Krejcikova said of the 1998 fraternity of shooters was NSSF’s priority international An argument with the umpires and groundstaff Wimbledon champion, who died of cancer in 2017. anticipating,” stated General events would be the Emir Cup in followed, and Shakib also reportedly said something “She was such an inspiration for me. I just really Secretary Pradeep Edirisinghe. Kuwait and the ISSF Rifle and towards the Abahani dugout, leading their coach miss her. I hope she’s happy right now.” “The earlier range will remain as an Pistol World Cup to be held in Khaled Mahmud to charge towards the Mohammedan (Reuters) elite centre for national shooters, New Delhi, India later this camp. A war of words ensued and both men had to be while the upcoming facility will be month. dragged away. A11 monday 14 june 2021 sports Djokovic Beats Tsitsipas to Win French Open Title

Novak Djokovic became the first gap in the breaker, but Djokovic man in the Open Era - and just the rallied and held set point at 6-5 only third man in history - to win each of for Tsitsipas to fire a winner that the four Grand Slam titles at least earned an applause from the world twice, thanks to a battling 6-7(6), No.1. The young Greek wrapped up 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 victory over fifth- the set two points later on the seeded Stefanos Tsitsipas at 68-minute mark. Roland-Garros on Sunday. Tsitsipas broke Djokovic in the Djokovic rallied back from two first game of the second instalment, sets down for the second time this and took down the Serb’s serve once fortnight - and sixth time in his again for a 5-2 advantage. The world career - to overcome the 22-year-old No.5 appeared to be the fresher and Tsitsipas and secure a second fitter competitor on the court and he Roland-Garros crown, five years grabbed a two-set lead with his after he captured his first. eighth ace of the match. The world No.1 has clinched a Djokovic went off court for a toilet 19th major title, which puts him break between sets and after an just one adrift of the men’s all-time 11-minute fourth game, he finally record-holders Roger Federer and managed to take down the Tsitsipas Rafael Nadal, who currently top the serve en route to a 4-1 lead. That leaderboard with 20 each. sole break was all he needed to Sunday was a rematch of last clinch the third set and stay alive in year’s Roland-Garros semi-final, the final. which was also won by Djokovic in Tsitsipas received treatment for five sets over the Greek. what seemed to be a lower back After fending off two break points issue between sets then dropped in his opening service game, serve twice early in the fourth to Tsitsipas stepped up and found his trail 0-4. Djokovic scooped the groove. Djokovic was impeccable on 33-minute set with a backhand serve early on, and didn’t drop a down-the-line winner to force a point on serve through the first deciding set for the second time this seven games of the contest, tournament, having pulled off a although he did take a tumble while comeback against Lorenzo Musetti trying to run down a drop shot in in the quarter-finals from two sets game seven. down. Tsitsipas found an opening in the Tsitsipas dug deep to save a break 10th game, getting his first break point in his first service game but he point on a mis-hit from Djokovic, wasn’t as lucky two games later as but the Serb saved the set point to Djokovic broke on his way to a 3-1 hold for 5-5. It was the top seed who lead, the momentum firmly on his broke first, but he couldn’t serve out side. The Serb wrapped up a the set as Tsitsipas struck right historic comeback in four hours and back to force a tiebreak. 11 minutes. The 22-year-old opened up a 4-0 (Agencies) Serbia’s Novak Djokovic Karunaratne India tour of Sri Lanka determined to Dilip, Mhambrey join raise the bar high Dravid as coaches

T. Dilip and Paras Mhambrey will for at least seven days before the first travel with the Indian team to Sri game on 13 July. No practice Lanka as fielding and bowling coaches matches have been scheduled for the with Rahul Dravid as the head coach. side, but the Board of Control for Shikhar Dhawan has already been Cricket in India (BCCI) and Sri Lanka named skipper of the tour which Cricket (SLC) have arranged facilities involves three ODIs and three for intra-squad warm-up games in Internationals against the Colombo. The BCCI has already islanders from 13 to 25 July. stated that all six matches will be Dravid and Mhambrey have largely played at the R. Premadasa been expected to be appointed to the International Cricket Stadium in support staff, but Dilip’s is a surprise Colombo. inclusion. The 39-year-old is a fielding No fitness test for players coach of the Hyderabad team having Meanwhile, it has been learnt that previously been associated with the the BCCI will not be insisting on a India ‘A’ side also. The MSK Prasad-led June after a 14-day isolation. On fitness test for the players. The selection committee, which had arrival in Sri Lanka, the team has relaxation on the fitness benchmarks interviewed the members of the been advised three-day hard in the Yo-Yo test and 2 km run is support staff for the Indian team in quarantine, having to confine to the believed to be in view of the pandemic 2019, had rated him highly for his rooms only, and three days of soft situation and continued lockdown in coaching skills. He has completed quarantine after which the team will the country. Otherwise, the selection Level III coaching course too. be allowed to practice, a source from committee, which has included The 20-member squad, along with SLC said. Varun Chakravarthy, who had twice five net bowlers, starts quarantine in With no preparatory camp before failed to clear the test in the past, Mumbai on Monday (14 June) and is the departure, coach Dravid is would have insisted on the fitness expected to leave for Sri Lanka on 27 believed to have insisted on practice tests before announcing the squad.

Niluka Karunaratne

Sri Lanka’s most decorated Egodawela at the Tokyo Games next player Niluka month. Only Karlsson has qualified Karunaratne, will make his third for the Olympics, with the rest NZ humble England in second Test consecutive appearance at the making their appearances in the , and is determined to Games on invitation from the Tokyo New Zealand crushed hosts England raise the bar high for Badminton in Olympic Games Tripartite by eight wickets in the second and Sri Lanka. Commission Invitation Places quota. final Test on Sunday to seal a 1-0 “I am proud to be among very few Karunaratne has competed in five series win after chasing down a target sportspersons in Sri Lanka to make successive Commonwealth Games of 38 runs on the fourth day at three appearances at the Olympic from 2002 to 2018. Claiming the first Edgbaston. Games. No Badminton player in Sri international win in 2011 in Puerto The result meant New Zealand, who Lanka has achieved this feat. This Rico, Karunaratne has won a total of thoroughly outplayed the hosts in the will be my last Olympics and my 24 international titles so far, match, secured a first Test series win prime objective is to sign off with a including gold medals in all five in England since 1999, and only their win and do my best to raise the bar continents; also, a first in any Sri third overall in the country. high for the future of Sri Lanka Lankan sport. England had been reduced to 122-9 badminton,” Karunaratne told media “I take this opportunity to thank at stumps on day three with a slender made six changes from the drawn first game,” Root said. during a press conference held in Honorable Sports Minister Namal lead of 37 runs and Olly Stone was test at Lord’s. “It’s a tough one to take because at Colombo. Rajapaksa and the Sport Ministry for caught behind off Trent Boult on the “It’s great to have that performance the start of the week I thoroughly “I have a great confidence in my their support. I also thank Sri Lanka first ball of the day on Sunday, leaving under the belt. We were outstanding thought we could come here and win abilities. I was the youngest national Badminton, the High-Performance the visitors on the verge of a famous over the four days; everyone who came the series, but in all departments we champion at the age of 16 in 2001. I Project and the National Sport victory. in did their roles,” Latham said. could have been a little bit better if have won the national titles in all age Council led by Mr. Mahela New Zealand lost Devon Conway for “It’s fantastic for the depth of New we’re being brutally honest.” groups that I competed in. Since Jayawardena, as well as the National three after the opening batsman fished Zealand cricket. Will Young, Matt New Zealand will enjoy an extra 2001, I have won the national Olympic Committee which helps at a Stuart Broad delivery only to edge Henry haven’t had much opportunity day’s rest before they take on India in championship 17 times and I have prepare players for all the major it to James Bracey before Will Young but the way they stood up was the ICC World Test Championship never lost to anybody,” the 36-year- events,” Karunaratne said. (8) played a ball on to his stumps off outstanding. England have a fantastic Final starting in Southampton on old shuttler, who has earlier “If I can lift the standard of Sri Stone to leave the visitors at 33-2. bowling attack and we played them Friday. represented the country in the Lanka Badminton at least one step But stand-in skipper Tom Latham really well. We adapted well and put Brief scores: London 2012 and Rio 2016 Games above what it is now, the next (23 not out), who went past 4,000 runs good numbers on the board.” England: 303 & 122 (Ollie Pope 23, after achieving qualifying marks, generation will have a bigger target to in Test cricket during his knock, and England skipper Joe Root said his Mark Wood 29; Matt Henry 3-36, Neil said. achieve. It is my sole intention and I Ross Taylor (0 not out) guided them to team had ‘massively underperformed’. Wagner 3-18, Trent Boult 2-34, Ajaz He will be joining showjumper promise you that I will raise the bar 41-2 in 10.5 overs. “It hasn’t been our best week, has it? Patel 2-25) Mathilda Karlsson, gymnast Milka high,” Karunaratne, the undisputed Latham praised the squad’s depth Credit to New Zealand; they have New Zealand: 388 & 41/2 Tom Gehani and shooter Tehani king of country’s Badminton, said. after they came into the contest having outperformed us throughout the Latham 23*) �6l)Ili)ffi$ ffi60'8=f • • UlllJIDJUl• 6lltr]f!6,; u�difffimmffim • • p .Ililll>ffl' QUltrffiUoOo\'.l QudJIDJliiQmtrmm 6TU>C8UltrQ, �ffi�rr.qililmm

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