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Inside story Sri Lanka’s Relentless Sand Mining Mafia Not curbing unregulated sand mining and monitoring sand miners in Sri Lanka has paved way for a massive Illegal sand mining mafia to rise mainly during the coronavirus pandemic which has See on devastated eco-systems and natural water page A16 resources in the Districts of Puttalam,... A4

Demands made by nurses President provides immediate solutions to five demands President Gotabaya Rajapaksa took steps to provide immediate solutions to five out of seven demands made by the Public Services United Nurses Union. The President assured he would provide solutions to the other two demands in the next Budget. The President held discussions with Public Services United Nurses Union representatives at... Story Continued on page 2 GMOA Warns of Govt to ban import of luxury items The Government has decided to drastically curtail the import of several luxury items, as well as other goods that Wave of TU Actions are deemed non-essential, informed sources revealed. These sources stated that among the items that the Government plans to halt importing are electronic items such as mobile phones, televisions, refrigerators, several Says Cabinet Paper will arbitrarily electrical appliances, perfumes and similar items. restructure entire public service Story Continued on page 2

By Dilanthi Jayamanne and J.T. De Silva grade promotions and staff grade recognition, doctors warned that a Cabinet Paper to be While nurses of three major trade unions have submitted by the Health Ministry to resolve the boycotted work for the second day on Friday (2), issues will only trigger a spate of strikes across the highlighting several demands including timely entire Government service.

Story Continued on page 2

No-Faith against Gammanpila CMC members Serious faults demand justice in motion for fellow D.A. Rajapaksa Museum case – Prof. Mahanamahewa councillor By W.K. Prasad Manju By Thameenah Razeek All six accused Legal experts have In a rare coming together, a group said there are some of Municipal Councillors serious faults in the from both the ruling party and the acquitted No-Confidence Opposition has urged the IGP to take By Hansi Nanayakkara Motion, submitted by stern action against the local the Samagi Jana politician who assaulted Councillor The three-Judge Bench of the Colombo High Court Balavegaya, against W. Sumithralatha of the Pivithuru on 2 July acquitted and released from the case six Minister of Energy Hela Urumaya (PHU), while she was accused, including ex-Chairman of the Sri Lanka . on duty, in early June. Land Development Corporation (SLLDC), Prasad They have pointed out that since Sumithralatha was allegedly Harshan de Silva, who were charged with the alleged the decision to increase the prices... assaulted by the local politician and... misappropriation of a sum of Rs 33.9 million over the construction of the D.A. Rajapaksa Memorial Museum Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 at Medamulana, Hambantota. Story Continued on page 2 Municipal Councillor makes Sajith meets bombshell allegation A group including Claims he has evidence Karu J doctors selling vaccines to prove allegations A special meeting had taken place between By Bandula Alahakone – for money. Pathirana said a large Opposition Leader and ex-Speaker Colombo campaign had been carried out in last Wednesday, informed sources five districts on this vaccinations said. Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna issue. He has pointed out that some This meeting had taken place at Jayasuriya’s Municipal Councillor Sunanda doctors have got together and residence situated at Amarasekara Avenue, Havelock Pathirana alleges that certain charged sums ranging from Rs 5,000 Town. It is said the duo had been involved in a lengthy persons had been vaccinated within to Rs 25,000 and provided vaccines discussion. the Colombo Municipal Council area to outsiders. Story Continued on page 2 A2 sunday 4 july 2021 news Dehiattakandiya vaccination drive controversy Health Authorities Left in the Dark? By Methmalie Dissanayake Although it is commendable that the Army gives Dehiattakandiya Hospital sources said. MOH, Provincial Health Director, and the the support for the battle to curb the COVID-19 Moreover, those who have fever should not be Epidemiologist in the relevant area should be A controversy has arisen, after nearly 100 pandemic in Sri Lanka, several questions were given the vaccine according to the guidelines. But notified. Leave alone these officials, even the PHI in employees at a garment factory in Dehiattakandiya raised regarding this particular vaccination drive in here, that too had been overlooked. We got to know Dehiattakandiya was not informed about this were hospitalised, when they started showing severe Dehiattakandiya MOH area. that the vaccine had been administered to workers particular programme, he added. reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine following an The first concern regarding this programme is who were running a fever, they claimed. Furthermore, he said after a vaccination drive, the immunisation programme carried out by a ‘third why didn’t anyone inform the Dehiattakandiya Epidemiology Unit should be notified if there were party’ on 27 June. MOH, Provincial and District Health Directors or Response from the authorities any after-effects of the vaccine and there should be Ceylon Today learns that this controversial any other responsible health official that there However, when Ceylon Today contacted Deputy a follow up. But this step has been skipped here as vaccination programme had been organised without would be a vaccination drive at the particular Director General of Health Services, Dr. Hemantha well. As a result, local health officials had to do that, the knowledge of the local MOH. When Ceylon factory? Herath on 29 May, he said they had not been Dr. Liyanage said. Today contacted Dehiattakandiya MOH Dr. Chanith According to the sources at Dehiattakandiya informed about such an incident so far. State On 30 May, Dr. Hemantha Herath said they have Peduruarachchi, he confirmed that neither he nor Hospital, they had not been placed on standby if Minister of COVID Disease Control, Dr. Sudarshani been notified about the incident. his office were aware of this vaccination drive that there was any emergency during the vaccination Fernandopulle also said she had not received any “Regional health authorities are carrying out an had taken place and that they were not involved in drive as well. information regarding the matter, when we inquiry in this connection. When we receive that it, in any way. A person, who wished to remain anonymous, told contacted her on the same day. report, we will be able to reveal more details about Dr. Peduruarachchi said nearly 90 persons who Ceylon Today that the Dehiattakandiya MOH Office Speaking regarding the controversy, Executive that,” Dr. Herath said. had been vaccinated were hospitalised on Monday had requested for vaccines to carry out the Committee Member of the Government Medical However, the Army denied that they did not (28) while several others were hospitalised on immunisation programme at the factory from the Officers’ Association (GMOA), Dr. Prasad inform the health officials of the area about the Tuesday (29). health authorities several times. However, they did Colombage, said according to standard procedure, a vaccination drive at the factory. He further said the Health Ministry was informed not receive a favourable response. He further said vaccination drive cannot be carried out without “The President requested us to support the immediately about the incident and there would be when this controversy arose, the Dehiattakandiya informing the MOH. process of vaccinating factory workers in the an inquiry as to how a large number of persons MOH had not received the vaccines for 16 days. Dr. Colombage added, “We assume that the country. Even the BOI requested us to carry out started to show some complications following the It is also reported that pregnant workers at the reason behind hospitalising such a huge number such vaccination drives islandwide. Following these controversial vaccination programme. factory had been vaccinated without following the could be a malpractice in the vaccine handling requests, we conducted several programmes in health guidelines and a pregnant mother had been process.” GMOA Eastern Province Coordinator, Dr. different areas. This is the first time we faced such a Who carried out the hospitalised following the vaccination. Niroshana Liyanage, said after getting to know situation,” the Army Spokesperson told Ceylon vaccination drive? “According to the health guidelines in Sri Lanka, about this vaccination drive, Dehiattakandiya Today. pregnant mothers should sign the consent form to health officials informed the Ministry right away. “We always contact health officials before When Ceylon Today looked into the matter, it was receive the vaccine after a VOG checks their health “Then we got to know that a number of vaccines conducting a vaccination drive. We informed the revealed that the vaccination programme at this condition. A scan should be performed on the had been given by the Epidemiology Unit to the Regional Director of Health, Dr. Serasinghe particular factory was carried out by the Army. mother to determine whether the foetus is 12 weeks Army and they carried out vaccination drives using regarding the vaccination programme at the The factory on 28 May had displayed a banner or above. Then the mother could be vaccinated if those vaccines.” factory,” he said. extending gratitude to the President and the Army she consents. But this process had not been Dr. Liyanage pointed out that if there is a The Spokesperson said the Army will publish a Commander for providing vaccines to its workers. followed in the vaccination drive in this factory,” the vaccination drive in any part of the country, the clarification regarding the matter soon.

Continued from page 1 CMC members... GMOA Warns of...... his supporters when she unethical to treat a woman Secretary of the Health Ministry’s way of left the services disillusioned. should be given a five-day questioned as to why the latter, unfairly because of her gender. Government Medical Officers’ resolving the nurses’ “Also, medical practitioners work week. “They should who was defeated in the last Councillor Sumithralatha was on Association (GMOA), Dr. demands, without even are awarded their grade also be recognised as a staff election, is now impersonating a duty and she went to check on a Senal Fernando, alleged that considering discussing the promotions in time in two grade, while amendments to councillor and engaging in CMC development project being built his outfit had information matter with the rest of the years and nine years, the nursing minute should related matters. in Wellawatte using funds from that the Ministry of Health is stakeholders. whereas nurses have to wait be approved.” This did not go down well with the decentralised budget,” rushing to submit a Cabinet Meanwhile, Chief of the for 10 years to receive their PSUNU was joined by the the local politician who Gonawala said. paper, which will arbitrarily Public Service United Nurses grade II promotion and have Government Nursing Officers confronted her at the site of a Police were not interested in restructure the entire public Union (PSUNU), Ven. to remain in service for 20 Association (GNOA) and the development project when she obtaining statements from those service. “However, this will Muruththettuwe Ananda years to receive their grade I All-Ceylon Nurses Union arrived. The Grama Niladhari who witnessed the assault and only pave the way for further Thera, said on Friday (2) promotion. The time span (ACNU). who was at the site had told her they did not even bother to check upheaval in the public even in the military, should be reduced to five Meanwhile, the strike has that another CMC member had CCTV footage, she alleged. service,” he alleged. personnel are promoted in years and 12 years,” he caused severe inconvenience already arrived and eventually When Ceylon Today contacted Dr. Fernando added the rank posthumously, whereas asserted. to warded, OPD and clinic Sumithralatha protested that she the Wellawatta Police, they said GMOA had taken steps to a large number of nurses are Outlining some of their patients who say that they was the rightful person to inspect after receiving two complaints raise awareness by informing on the verge of retirement, other demands, Ven. Ananda only knew about the strike the development site and the from both sides several persons the President, Premier and who have not received their said like all other State after they reached the other person was not a CMC were arrested. They were the Cabinet regarding the grade promotion and have service categories, nurses too hospital. member. Hearing this, the subsequently brought before person who had impersonated a Court and released on bail. local councillor had allegedly When contacted about the called on several of his incident Councillor supporters to assault the woman Sumithralatha stated the councillor. individual who attacked her was Serious faults in... SLPP CMC member Shermila a member of the SLPP and that ...of fuel was made by the Prime Minister. only Minister Udaya Responding to a inquiry Gonawala, while alleging that the he had held grudges against her Cabinet of the present If breach of trust has Gammanpila, is clearly to regarding this issue, Speaker Police are biased in their for a long time. Government and the cost of occurred due to a decision create a crisis within the investigation on the incident, “There are numerous reports living committee and because made on his own by a certain Government, Professor said that the date, on which pointed out that they signed a circulating that this individual it was not a decision made by Minister, it is the tradition of Prathiba Mahanamahewa this No-Confidence Motion letter demanding that the culprit reportedly took money from the Minister of Energy on his the Parliament to present said. Even then, since this will be taken up for debate, be brought to justice. Wellawatte residents in order to own, the main fact in the clearly those facts and then No-Confidence Motion is will be at a Party Leaders’ She stated that the said letter supply COVID-19 vaccines,” she No-Confidence Motion is only submit a No-Confidence against Parliamentary meeting to be held tomorrow was forwarded to Colombo Mayor alleged. Meanwhile, Mayor seriously flawed. vHead of the Motion. Professor tradition, if the Speaker needs (5). The Speaker added that if Rosy Senanayake on 30 June. Senanayake stated that she will Sripali Campus of the Mahanamahewa pointed out to, he can obtain advice there are problems regarding “It is regrettable that the file a complaint with President Colombo University and that through this regarding it, Mahanamahewa the No-Confidence Motion, Wellawatte Police attempted to Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime former Dean of the Jamaican No-Confidence Motion said. they can be submitted during depict the attack as a fight Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa Technological University of submitted to Parliament this Expressing his views further the debate in Parliament. between two parties, and that the over the person who assaulted the West Indies Professor, Parliamentary tradition has the Professor said that if a Replying to a question about Police had not even filed a B Sumithralatha, while posing as a Attorney-at-Law Prathiba been violated. No-Confidence Motion is this, Minister of Energy Udaya report on the incident. It is CMC member. Mahanamahewa said there is While there was an submitted to Parliament Gammanpila, said that there a serious problem regarding opportunity to present a against the President, are many shortcomings in the submitting a No-Confidence No-Confidence Motion against according to the Constitution, No-Confidence Motion Motion against one Cabinet the Government and the it is referred to the Supreme submitted against him. Minister when in reality it Cabinet led by the Prime Court and a No-Confidence Gammanpila also said that, Govt to ban... should have been submitted Minister, the objective of not Motion against a Minister can however, he is prepared to against either the Government doing so and submitting a be debated in Parliament at face the No-Confidence It is said that through this for local businessmen within the or the Cabinet led by the No-Confidence Motion against the discretion of the Speaker. Motion. measure the Government is domestic market. seriously considering These sources added that this strengthening the declining measure would be relaxed once foreign reserves in the country as the foreign reserves become well as providing an opportunity solidified. All six accused... The case was heard by a ordered to be released from highlighted by the DSG. consideration the Court three-Judge Bench of the High the trial were Badra Peiris further pointed out ordered the acquittal and Court comprising Judges Kamaladasa, Sudammika that as the loss incurred by release of the six accused. Municipal Councillor... Champa Rajaratne, Damith Atigalla, Saman Galappaththi, the institution concerned, The AG had indicted seven Thotawatta and Namal M. Mahinda Saliya and over the construction of the accused before the High Court The Municipal Councillor said got together in Wellawatte and Balalle. Srimathi Senadeera. museum, had been looked on charges of conspiring to he has evidence to prove this vaccinated people. He had Following submissions DSG Peiris told the Court after by the respondents misappropriate the aforesaid allegation. mentioned this during the made to the Bench by DSG that the head of the SLLDC concerned and as it had been sum belonging to the SLLDC He added the efforts put in by Colombo Municipal Council Dileepa Peiris that, as per the had informed the AG that the officially informed to the AG, over the construction of the Chief Medical Officer of Health meeting held on 30 June. powers vested in the Attorney total cost incurred by his the latter was looking to said museum at Medamulana, Dr. Ruwan Wijayamuni and the Since the Councillor’s General, based on provisions institution towards the conclude further proceedings Hambantota from 3 medical doctors’ team and statement is very serious, Mayor contained in Section 194 (1) of construction of the museum of the case by abstaining from September 2013 up to 2 Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) Rosy Senanayake said an the Code of Criminal had been paid by the D.A. seeking evidence related to the February 2015. during the COVID-19 outbreak immediate disciplinary inquiry Procedure, the prosecution Rajapaksa Foundation on 13 charges filed against the six Incumbent President in the Colombo city have gone to will be conducted against all does not intend to seek July four years ago. accused as per provisions Gotabaya Rajapaksa had been waste. The Municipal Councillor persons involved and that the evidence pertaining to the Later, the lawyers contained in Section 194 (1) of indicted as the first accused in said he can state with Municipal Commissioner was charges filed against the appearing for both sides also the Code of Criminal the trial but he was acquitted responsibility that two PHIs informed to provide a report, accused, they were acquitted. made submissions to Court Procedure. upon him becoming the together with two employees had soon. The others who were further verifying the fact Taking the submissions into President.

President provides...... the Presidential Secretariat on circular 32/2017 on 07.12.2017, a week, to a special committee demands made by the Public Services Health Minister Pavithra Friday afternoon (2). 03. Restoration of the mechanism The President also agreed to provide United Nurses Union. Wanniarachchi, Principal Advisor to Accordingly, President Rajapaksa to make promotions from grade iii to an allowance of Rs 10,000 and an The President stressed the the President, Lalith Weeratunga, decided to immediately implement the grade ii in five years and Grade ii to additional service allowance of 1/100 Government has the utmost faith in Health Secretary Major General five demands which are: Grade i in seven years, of the basic salary as mentioned in a the health sector and will ensure that (Retired) Dr. Sanjeewa Munasinghe, 01. Opening a University for 04. Rs20,000 annual uniform circular issued by the Ministry of the nursing service and nurses receive Director General of Health Services Nursing allowance, and Finance on 24.12.2014 in the the highest recognition and status. Dr. Asela Gunawardena and several 02. Reinstatement of staff status 05. Referral of the proposal to upcoming Budget. President of the Public Services representatives of the Public Services which was suspended during the consider the current 36-hour, Accordingly, the President has United Nurses Union, Ven. United Nurses Union were present at Yahapalana Government’s tenure by working hours, as five days (30 hours) provided solutions to all seven Muruththettuwe Ananda Thera, the meeting. news sunday 4 July 2021 A3 Schools to Reopen With SLBA donates medical supplies Less Than 100 Students The Singapore Sri Lanka Business Association (SLBA) By Thameenah Razeek recommendations, as well as other State Minister donated medical supplies worth schools according to a proper plan. addressed the crowd saying that 21,717.00 Singapore Dollars In response to the urgent need to reopen According to the plan, all teachers, provisions had already been sent to the (approximately 3.5 million LKR) schools that were closed due to the administrators, and principals will be provincial education authorities to procured utilising funds raised COVID-19 pandemic, a practical initiative vaccinated, and parents will be supply printed lessons, notes, and through a public fundraising was launched to reopen schools in July encouraged to send their children to workbooks to students through schools campaign launched by the SLBA to with lesser than 100 students and school. at provincial level. From 4.00 p.m. to raise 100,000 Singapore Dollars. adhering to health guidelines, Education It is also planned to open 2,000 centres 11.00 p.m., the Guru Gedara The SLBA has partnered with Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris stated. across the country to give such services to programme, as well as the EYE and Ray of Hope (ROH), a registered The Minister made this remark during a children who do not have access to the Nethra channels, will broadcast lectures crowdfunding platform in Media conference held at the Ministry of internet and do so by utilising on various subjects. Singapore, in order to help raise Education in Battaramulla on Friday (2). Mahindodaya laboratories, schools, It is also intended to create a distinct funds that will be utilised to The Minister stated that teachers must temples, and community centres. satellite channel for each grade in a short procure much needed Covid related get vaccinated first. In July, academic District Development Committee time, with experienced teachers. There medical equipment that will help activities are expected to resume in 1,439 Chairmen, Zonal Directors, and Principals will also be a home-based education save lives in Sri Lanka. In addition, schools with lesser than 50 students, have identified 2,096 such facilities, programme for children, with Grade 5, Lanka Lions Club in 1,523 schools with 51-100 students, and which will open on 5 July, according to Grade 11, and G.C.E. A/L classes Singapore and Pimp My Tuk Tuk 2,962 schools depending on health the Minister. receiving priority. (PMTT) have also partnered the SLBA to support the fundraising efforts. The initial consignment of medical supplies was handed over to Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Singapore, Sashikala Premawardhane, by Lakshanthi Fernando, President of the Singapore – Sri Lanka COVID-19 Vaccination Programme Business Association on 24 June 2021. Senaka Tiranagama, Vice President of the SLBA, and Dr. Lal Gunasinghe, Treasurer of the SLBA and several Executive Committee members of the SLBA, and Almost ¾ of elders have been given jab officials of the High Commission of Sri Lanka were present at the event. Till now the National administered with at least one 47% in Gampaha and 34% in the Gunasena pointed out that the This initial consignment of medical supplies consists of six (6) 1 Vaccination Programme (NVP) dose and another 2,446 are Kalutara Districts have already World Health Organisation CAMI Askir 36BR Suction Machines -, seven (7) Philips Respironics has been able to administer the scheduled to be vaccinated in due been administered with the first (WHO) had recommended that a EverFlo 5L Oxygen Concentrators, and three (3) Invacare Platinum 9L COVID-19 jab to 72% of the course. These homes have about dose of the jab. person who had been Oxygen Concentrators. elders residing in Elders’ homes, 3,000 employees who would also At a meeting with the Special administered the first dose of The High Commission of Sri Lanka facilitated the airlift of the State Minister for Primary Health be given the vaccine, she said. Committee on COVID-19 Control AstraZeneca could receive the consignment of medical supplies to Sri Lanka through Sri Lankan Care, Epidemics and COVID-19 The State Minister noted that on Friday (02) Rajapaksa second dose within a period up to Airlines on gratis basis via flight UL 1429 which departed Singapore Control, Dr. Sudarshini the over 60 group were still being stressed on the need for a 45 weeks. on 01st July 2021. Fernandopulle said. vaccinated at selected government systematic inoculation of a Ministers Pavithra The High Commission of Sri Lanka wishes to express sincere Addressing meeting at the State hospitals and places identified by greater percentage of people in all Wanniarachchi, , appreciation to all the donors who have contributed to the public Ministry, Fernandopulle said that the Medical Offices of Health parts of the country before Bandula Gunawardana, Keheliya fund-raising initiative, of the Singapore Sri Lanka Business the government was prioratising (MoH). September this year depending Rambukwella, Mahindananda Association (SLBA), SLBA, Ashok Pathirage, Chairman SriLankan the vaccination to elderly State Ministry Secretary on the vaccine’s availability. Aluthgamage, Namal Rajapaksa, Airlines, who readily agreed to airlift the cargo on gratis basis, Mohan population to protect them from Sunethra Gunawardena, The President expressed , Rohitha Meegolle, Regional Manager, Sri Lankan Airlines, Foreign Ministry, Sri COVID- 19. This was because a Director, Department of Social confidence that Sri Lanka would Abeygunawardena, Dr. Ramesh Lanka, Ministry of Health Sri Lanka for the excellent support given large number of those who have Services, Chandana Ranaweera soon receive the required amount Pathirana, and State Ministers towards this initiative. succumbed to the virus were the Arachchi and Director, National of Oxford AstraZeneca vaccines Sudarshini Fernandopulle, Prof. elderly. Therefore the goal of the Secretariat for Elders K. G. to enable the administration of Channa Jayasumana, MP health service was to give a 100% Lanerolle, and several other the second dose. Accordingly he Madhura Withanage, Principal vaccination to the elderly officials were also present. instructed health officials to Advisor to the President population as soon as possible. Meanwhile elsewhere President make proper arrangements to LalithWeeratunga, Health There are 349 Elders’ Homes, Gotabaya Rajapaksa issued provide the second dose of the Secretary Major General (Retd.) two of which function under the instructions to the health services vaccine to all those who received Dr. Sanjeewa Munasinghe, National Council for Elders while to vaccinate all the persons above the first jab. Commanders of the Navy and Air the others function under private 30 years of age in the Western Chairman State Pharmaceutical Force, the Inspector General of social service organisations. They Province before 31 July 2021. It Corporation (SPC), member of Police and Health sector Heads have 8806 elders as residents. Of was recorded that 60% of those in the Special Committee on were also present. them, 6,360 have been this age category from Colombo, COVID-19 Control, Dr. Prasanna (DJ) A4 Sunday 4 july 2021 Focus

When demand rises, so does corruption Sri Lanka’s Relentless Sand Mining Maf ia

Over 300 illegal mining GSMB Chairman says he Activities increase under operations ongoing has visited areas undercover cover of the pandemic

By Sulochana Ramiah Mohan

Not curbing unregulated sand mining and monitoring sand miners in Sri Lanka has paved way for a massive Illegal sand mining mafia to rise mainly during the coronavirus pandemic which has devastated eco- systems and natural water resources in the Districts of Puttalam, Polonnaruwa and the Eastern Province. Polonnaruwa is famous for illicit sand mining and until now no authorities have been able to stop the menace. Top officials and politicians are attached to this business and people are offered sand mining work as an alternative during the pandemic when there is scarcity of jobs. Due to the lack of monitoring policies enacted by the Government there are many estuaries in the Eastern Province where mining is going on 24/7, mainly to fuel the rise of concrete jungles in big cities like by the GSMB’s head office and Paalamoddai, Vantharumoollai and Polonnaruwa and Puttalam who are GSMB has taken notice. They are now Colombo under ambitious regional offices. Kitul Aaru are some of the rivers that engaged in sand mining and issuing implementing several actions, but can development plans, making sand a It is also alleged that several are being destroyed due to sand sand mining permits. They are rich they stop top Government loyalists valuable raw material high in demand. authorities are functioning on the mining in the East. Most operators and powerful as they are ‘feeding’ the from engaging in the nefarious Even a journalist was attacked by orders of powerful local politicians, have their licences but the excess poor people; engaging them in activities is the million dollar sand-miners in the Kumbukkan Oya officers and their honchos who bribe sand mining is not monitored and removing river sand which has question? area in the Moneragala District last and obtain sand mining permits and many don’t mine in areas where become their prime job. The network of illegal sand miners is October when he went to report on the give out those permits to others. When permits are issued. Salination of freshwater huge and they have to pay their illegal activities taking place. Many the permits keep changing hands, the There are also allegations that an informants in case of raids, and cash Media outlets are demanding the names and companies also get altered Indian mineral sand mafia is operating The deep dredging of river sand in to bail them out if they are arrested. Government to conduct an impartial making it difficult to trace the original in Sri Lanka through proxies. Kalu Ganga in Kalutara and Kelani Chamikkara says there are many inquiry into the case and bring the owner of the permit. According to GSMB Chairman, even Ganga has resulted in saline sea water alternatives to sand mining. He says perpetrators to justice. Also, seven It is known that most sand mining Police on hearing some of the flowing inward and mixing with that when old buildings are months ago, the driver of a truck permits are obtained by politicians for nefarious sand mining activities are freshwater, notes Environmentalist demolished the debris is dumped on carrying a load of illegally mined sand their close associates, siblings, not able to visit the sites nor make Sajeewa Chamikara. wetlands. “Instead, using crusher at night ran over a Policeman who security personnel, relatives and their arrests because they ‘know’ who is The practice of deep dredging for machines to crush the bricks and ordered him to stop in the Kobaigane political backers; a reason why illegal behind them. river sand would lead to a shortage of cement mix of old building it can Police area in Kuliyapitya. sand mining is continuing It’s a close-knitted network with fresh water and will result in having to reproduce sand for building purposes. In Trincomalee alone, the Geological uninterruptedly. Taking down the informants who tip-off when the use machineries to de-salinate Those machines are used in Japan Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) country’s sand mafia is one of the authorities are on their way to raid, reservoir water in future. too,” he said adding that such said over 600 sand permits have been most dangerous endeavours next to confiscate vehicles or permits. In Ambathenna up to Hanwella, proposals were tabled for the issued. fighting the drug-trafficking network. Landfilling in reservoirs are getting mixed with Government in 2005 onwards, but The GSMB installed 58 GPS devices Sand miner slain saline water. “When river deposits are have been futile. “Sand does not grow in their regional offices around the Akkaraipattu lagoon removed it reaches below sea level, and we cannot go on removing sand island and launched investigations on The killing of a sand miner who went then sea water flows inward. We need from the rivers and seas. There needs permits issued by them to keep tabs to take his cash in Batticaloa created a One of the astonishing news in to always maintain river sand above an alternative”. on those who have and to find who commotion recently. It is learnt that a recent days is the land filling of the sea level. Salinity increase in the fresh A clear database on the number of don’t have permits. top politician’s brother is also engaged salubrious Akkaraipattu lagoon in the water is a problem,” he added. sand mining activities is a must and if One of the quickest ways to trace in the local sand mining scene. The East which has become an eyesore. An artificial beach stretch made in it doesn’t show any records for illegal sand mining areas is via GPS people are reacting and wanting to The lagoon has been devastated; Kalutara Calido Beach, along the environment and forest clearances, which is a commonly used in many know the truth whether there was a believed to have been caused by Ratmalana-Angulana stretch and in and no compliance with the sand countries around the world. business dispute or if it was an licensed and unlicensed sand mining Mount Lavinia Beach have paved way mining guidelines issued by the Chairman of GSMB Anura Walpola accidental shooting. Apparently, the at the estuary and sand brought to the for salinity mix in Kalu Ganga due to Environment Ministry and GSMB, told Ceylon Today, that he had gone Police say that the CCTV camera fixed place from various river banks. removal of river sand. then it must be made public. undercover on five occasions to near the politician was not functional, The margins of the land in three The Cabinet approval to stop issuing Crackdowns on illegal sand mining various places to monitor sand mining hence any evidence of why the places bordering the lagoon have been transport permits for soil, clay and operations should include names of activities and will continue to do so. unarmed man was shot dead by the marked with concrete poles. These sand last year has increased illegal the accused to expose them or else the He said he does not want to disclose politician’s personal security has been measures are carried out with the sand mining and illegal transport of perpetrators will believe that the the areas he visited. unable to verify. support of Government agencies, sand, he added. ‘system’ is protecting them. Walpola underlined that most Many who have confronted the locals said. The land filled part of the “The mechanism should also issue Recently, the Government complaints come from the Eastern illegal sand miners have end up dead lagoon is in Sambu, Uppalam and transport permits for those who obtain announced that the Environment Province and overall there are over or in hospital, an activist in Batticaloa Pillaiyar located between Akkaraipattu sand mining permits then it’s easy to Ministry is hoping to revise the method 300 illegal sand mining operations in said. and Kalmunai near Addalaichenai. monitor them, however this is not in of issuing permits for sand mining and the country. Also MP There are new buildings mushrooming practice. By halting transport permits obtaining soil through excavation, but “Investigations have begun and 20 Shanakiyan Rasamanikkam spoke in the area. According to sources for soil, clay and sand though a what is needed is not permits and GSMB offices are geared up. We will about the sand mafia in Parliament for obtained from ‘Lankasara’, land filling Cabinet approval it’s only a policy and policy revision, but a strict monitoring collect statistics on the permits issued the umpteenth time. He said that he the lagoon cost Rs 500,000 and was that policy is not monitored hence the process to halt removing sand. and the number of expiry permits had spoken to GSMB officials sold for Rs 5 million. The three lagoons policy on paper is of no use,” Government should also not District wise”. He also said many of including the Director General and have been destroyed and more is in the Chamikara said. approve project plans that disturb the the sand excavation permits in the who informed him that they had tried offing. The authorities have issued A system is not in place, eco-systems in the country. There are Mannar basin has been cancelled and to bring a change and introduce a permits for land fill indiscriminately furthermore there is a lack of projects that are not implemented discussion is ongoing on the issuance rotation policy to all regional GSMB and have also turned a blind eye on awareness among villagers engaged in with a clearance from the of permits. engineers, but the Ministers were no the impact it would cause. the business. Sand mining in Sri Environmental Impact Assessment. He said that there has been an supportive of that plan. “The GSMB Northern Province Lanka is not just removing sand, but For instance, there was not increase in the illegal activity due to official told me to raise the matter in uprooting trees to make illegal roads assessment for the road construction GSMB being understaffed with Parliament which I have done There are also large-scale illegal through jungles. Miners also destroy from Lankagama to Neluwa through restricted movement. repeatedly”. The MP said the engineer mining in the Northern Province. The small ponds, rivers, brooks and canals the Sinharaja Forest Zone, and there Sand mining is a lucrative job as has been serving in Batticaloa for the massive racket is ongoing in Peri Aru to get about with their business. And are many such projects that are not cities experience rapid growth. The last eight years and what is happening River, in Mullaitivu. The racketeers when the waterways are dried up and transparent to the public. construction industry has been there is a sand mafia completely are well known in the North and East the river banks flattened, the villagers (Writer can be reached via expanding exponentially in the post- controlled by a certain tight-knit as well as in the Puttalam and encroach and try to own those land [email protected]) war era. But when demand rises, so group. This is why engineers should Polonnaruwa Districts. In the North masses. Photo credit Akkaraipattu does corruption. be transferred from time to time, he and East many have died in clashes Ceylon Today has exposed a number Lagoons : ‘Lankasara.com Illegal sand removal is mostly due to added. between sand mining gangs. of illegal sand mining operations photo credit Mullaitivu sand misuse of sand mining permits issued Sanathanamadu Aaru, There are top politicians in taking place in the country and the mining: Tamil Guardian sunday 4 JULY 2021 A5 A6 Sunday 4 july 2021 focus Tough Days Ahead for Sri Lanka’s Marine Environment

X Press Pearl cargo ship fire

By Faadhila Thassim been appointed to inspect the damage caused by way of the fire on The visible impacts of the MV the ship, including the damage X-Press Pearl ship on the environment caused to the environment, Sky is arguably only the tip of the iceberg, News reported a large oil slick while the irreparable damage could surrounding the ship that was not be measured with ease and would several hundred metres long and last for decades. had been captured in satellite The MV X-Press Pearl ship that images. caught fire off the coast of Colombo on It was also reported that the 20 May was engulfed in flames for environmental impact of the disaster over twelve days amidst several is being closely monitored by the measures by the authorities to control International Maritime Organisation. it. Several controversies followed over Further, the Indian Navy’s the manner in which the fire was hydrographic survey ship INS doused and the ship sank on 2 June Sarvekshak was conducting an marking the worst marine ecological extensive underwater survey around disaster in Sri Lankan history. the Ship and it was revealed that The visible direct impact of the fire several submerged objects from the during the initial stages were the ship were detected. plastic pellets and debris that were washed to the shore following which Cleaning efforts and carcasses of marine species, which measures adopted were believed to have died as a result and might also have been washed off of the e ship’s fire, washed ashore. Sri Lankan waters. The Central Environmental The Central Environmental Authority While this has been recognised as Authority (CEA) issued guidelines to (CEA) also warned that acid rainfall the largest amount of plastic dumped entities, including the Marine could take place due to the into the ocean at one given time, Environment Protection Authority possibilities of the chemicals on-board Withange said the pellets will remain (MEPA) in cleaning the debris of the being released to the atmosphere. for over 500 to 1000 years. How would fire, while stating that the shores Senior advisor of Centre for these Pellets result in a long term and areas polluted with the Environmental Justice, Hemantha impact on the marine ecology? materials released from the burning Withanage stated that in Withanage stated that these plastic ship should be identified and consideration of the toxic content in pellets also commonly called nurdles designated as hazardous. the ship including chemicals, there tend to absorb toxic chemicals from Instruction were issued to dispose would also be coral reef destruction the environment including persistent the waste collected in proper adding that several fish stocks that bioaccumulative toxins (PBT) which temporary containers while the are sustained by these corals will also are released from factories and they Police or Navy were instructed to be affected resulting in fish stock also transform to micro plastic, when ensure the safety of such containers. depletion. these chemicals enter the bodies of The Marine Environment fish, they leech into them and bio Protection Authority has collected Contents of the ship accumulates and biomagnifies over 1,000 tons of debris including The concerns raised by through the food chain. nurdles from beach cleanup environmentalists are wholly Micro plastic that are so released to operations stretching close to 200 justifiable in consideration of the the environment is proven to kilometres, which were supported by contents of the ship, which according immensely impact marine species, Sri Lanka’s tri-forces. to the Centre for Environmental from the initial post mortem carried such as coral reefs, seagrass beds, aquatic birds, turtles who feed on it Justice (CEJ) consists of 325 metric out on the marine species that the estuaries, lagoons and beaches where following which they feel unnaturally What needs to be done? tonnes of bunker oil, 1,486 cause of death is due to the chemical turtles frequently nest, adding that full and tend to not eat real food, Gunawardana added that while containers carrying 25 tonnes of leak caused by the ship’s fire while the highly corrosive nitric acid and affecting their feeding behavior and investigations are being carried out, hazardous Nitric Acid, caustic soda, stating that the deaths were not other chemicals that spilled over into they would hence starve to death. authorities should be prepared to Sodium Methylate, plastic, lead natural and that the species have had the sea would make the marine fauna address long term, short term and ingots, lubricant oil, quick lime and breathing difficulties prior to their and flora perish soon and that the Acid rain medium term impacts of the ship highly reactive and inflammable death. damage caused to the marine and Following the ship’s fire, the Central fire without assuring facts without chemicals such as Sodium Withanage stated that these figures coastal ecosystem could take decades Environment Authority warned of any basis. Methodoxide, High Density are only around 10 per cent of the to repair. possible acid rains adding that the He added that timely risk Polyethylene (HDPE), Low Density total number of marine species It was further stated that Colombo chemicals released could change the assessments should be carried out Polyethylene (LDPE) “Lotrene”, Vinyl affected by way of the ship’s fire and Gampaha are the two most composition of the air, posing health while series of corrective measures Acetate, Methanol, bright yellow adding that several fishermen have populated districts in Sri Lanka and concerns. should be adopted. While not sulphur, urea, cosmetics. also reported floating carcasses of many of the people use the beach for Senior Environmental Lawyer, Dr. undermining the possible adverse The list of contents received by CEJ marine species. recreational purposes and tourism is Jagath Gunawardana stated that effects of the fire, a precautionary with the use of a Right to Information He said this coastline is home to five also popular in these areas, adding although there were warnings of acid approach should be adopted by application, also specifically mentions species of turtles that regularly come that this accident has caused rain, the CEA does not have the which necessary measures are that there are ‘environmentally to lay eggs during the season significant damage to the visual required equipment to assess acid determined, he added. hazardous liquid’ in the ship. generally between April to August quality of the beach which will last for rain adding that steps should have The CEJ further noted that the adding that however, this season, years causing a negative impact on been taken to collect samples authorities must urgently review Marine species these species died before they could the tourism industry. following which it could be tested. and strengthen the national laws by The Attorney General’s Department lay eggs resulting in drastic depletion Withanage however stated that the incorporating the international produced the total count of marine of turtles. He added that this would Plastic pellets occurrence of Acid rain would be a conventions into the national legal species that died and were washed immensely affect both turtle Withanage stated that an estimate minor impact as opposed to the major regime and amend the lacunas in ashore following the fire, which conservation efforts and turtle of at least 70 to 75 Billion pellets have impact caused as a result of the ship’s the Marine Pollution Prevention Act amounted to 176 turtles, 20 dolphins tourism. been released from the ship while the fire including the death of marine No. 35 of 2008 to govern incidents and 04 whales while it was revealed Minister of Environment, Mahinda species, the release of noxious such as these as failure to do so over that the deaths werere directly Environmental damage Amaraweera said only 40 per cent of material to the sea and the pellets. the years has resulted in polluters associated to the ship’s fire CEJ further stated that Sri Lanka’s the plastic aboard was washed ashore getting away by paying a minimum The Department of Wildlife coastal belt consists of several and Withanage added that the Oil leak? compensation in order to do away Conservation stated that it appears important and sensitive ecosystems remaining pellets remain in the sea While five sub-committees have with their liability. supplement sunday 4 july 2021 A7

4th July 2021

Future Depends US donates locally procured PPE to support Sri Lanka’s on Access to a COVID-19 response

U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Quality Education and Maldives Alaina B. Teplitz donated Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to Sri Lanka’s Minister of Health, Hon Pavithra Ambassador Teplitz’s remarks at Wanniarachchi yesterday as part of the United States’ on-going assistance to Sri opening of Khoonitheevu School Lanka in its response to COVID- 19. The donation includes The future of Sri Lanka, as in to construct a building that 23,000 masks, 24,000 nitrile all countries, is its youth, and can serve as an emergency gloves, 600 isolation gowns with that future depends on access shelter for the local population hoods, 60 infrared to a quality education in a safe in times of need. thermometers, 50 portable and nurturing environment. Over the past several years, oxygen concentrators with a Together, the United States the U.S. government has large supply of expendable government and the Sri worked closely with the equipment to support their Lankan Ministry of Education Eastern Province Ministry of operation, and disinfectants. have invested 93 million Education and the Disaster The total value of donation was two shared goals: protecting the Lanka’s health providers to rupees to build eight new Management Center to bring $191,000. health and safety of Sri Lankans deliver quality care that could classrooms, teacher rooms and us to this day. I would like to The donation was funded by and supporting Sri Lankan save lives. Meanwhile, the bathroom facilities. thank them for their support the U.S. Department of Defense. jobs,” said Ambassador Teplitz. American people are also helping This new building offers a and cooperation throughout All items were procured locally “Providing sustainable Sri Lankan children resume safe environment for students this project. I would also thank in keeping with U.S. efforts to assistance that enables Sri their schooling via support for a to explore new concepts and our partners at Magbool support Sri Lanka’s local Lanka’s economic recovery is a national media campaign that new ideas while also building a Engineering Consultants and businesses and industry as they hallmark of the U.S.-Sri Lanka encourages children and parents future for themselves and their Hairu Engineering Consultants recover from COVID-19’s partnership.” to follow seven important lessons community. It is both a and the principal of this economic impact. As part of its In Sri Lanka alone, the United to limit the spread of COVID-19. privilege and responsibility school. Additionally, I want to private sector engagement with States has provided more than The United States continues to that all adults share, to recognize the U.S Army Corps the apparel industry and the Sri $26 million in health assistance be one of the world’s largest support and empower the of Engineers for their essential Lanka’s Export Development over the last 20 years and this providers of bilateral assistance children of today in their contributions and the U.S. board, the United States has latest donation, builds on more in health. Since 2009, the education. This school Embassy Civil Affairs teams funded capacity building than $6 million in COVID-19 American people have represents that: it’s an past and present who made trainings that have aided new assistance in 2020. On behalf generously funded more than opportunity for Sri Lanka’s this all possible. exporters in accessing the U.S. of the American people, the $100 billion in health assistance youth to learn, to examine, to This cooperation is part of market. Ambassador recently presented and nearly $70 billion in challenge. It is especially the U.S. Embassy and “These donations from the 200 brand-new, high-quality humanitarian assistance important to offer these government’s support for a American people accomplish ventilators that enable Sri globally. opportunities to young women reconciled and unified Sri and girls. The education of Lanka. We stand shoulder to women has historically been shoulder with the Sri Lankan overlooked in many societies, government as it rebuilds the including my own. I’m pleased economy, advances good we can provide this assistance standing in a densely governance and the rule of law, to both the girls and boys that populated region that is and works to promote equal LLIIBBEERRTTYY IISS TTHHEE BBRREEAATTHH will lead the next generation in unfortunately vulnerable to the rights, human rights, and Sri Lanka. growing danger of natural equal opportunity for all. I am This new addition, however, disasters. And because of this, honored and pleased to be here OOFF LLIIFFEE TTOO NNAATTIIOONNSS.. will serve as more than just a we have cooperated with the today to inaugurate a small - George Bernard Shaw - center of learning. We are Disaster Management Center piece of this vision. AmCham Sri Lanka wishes all citizens of the United States of America, our members, partners, colleagues, friends & family celebrating ‘Words of Kindness’

“Whenever I visit different parts of #SriLanka, I am greeted with warmth and kindness. This country’s hospitality and diversity never ceases to amaze me.” – Ambassador Alaina B Teplitz on Twitter A8 SUNDAY 4 JULY 2021 EDITORIAL EDITORIAL SUNDAY 4 JULY 2021 A9

Gen Sir John Kotelawala President Gotabaya Confides His National Defence University Bill: Why it’s a bad idea Ceylon Newspapers (Pvt) Ltd. BY HARINI AMARASURIYA No: 101, Rosmead Place, Colombo 07. Feelings On Brother Basil’s Re-entry Editorial Tel: 0117566522, 0117566526, 0117566527 Sir John Kotelawala Defence Academy was established in 1981 by Parliamentary Fax: 0117566545 After he addressed the nation last Friday President then instructed the Ministers to these reps had arrived from 350 and other in a long time, it was re-launched Act No. 68 of 1981. The Academy was Marketing Manager: 0117566550, 0117566551 (25), President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was provide transport facilities to those aged farmer centres. He stated that the seniors thereby met Premadasa at as an e-paper under the patronage granted University status by the Sir John Circulation Manager: 0117566580, 0117566581 comparatively not on a tight schedule the above 60 who are in need of it when Government has decided to the Opposition Leader’s Office at of Wickremsinghe. Trade union Kotelawala Defence Academy E-mail : [email protected] past week. However, in the past week there attempting to get the COVID-19 recommence the payment of Parliament for over two hours. activist Saman Ratnapriya and (Amendment) Act No. 27 of 1988. In 2007, were two issues that he kept his attention on. vaccines jab. Dr. Padeniya also pensions and famer insurance for Following the discussion, journalist Nadira Madugalle had it was renamed as General Sir John One was the measures being taken to stated that the GMOA would be those in the farming community Premadasa urged them to have an contributed to re-launch the Kotelawala Defence University. The curtail the spread of COVID-19 and the other able to put up centres at a forthwith. He added that before the open discussion with all the publication. original objective of the Academy, as was the efforts being made to introduce selected few hospitals to carry lapse of the next 90-days a national members and thereby another After the occasion, the new stated in the Act, was to provide training Vaccines Can carbonic fertilizer to farmers for cultivations. out the vaccination drive. policy will be introduced, discussion was held on 29 June members approached the UNP for ‘pre-officer cadets’. Act No. 68 of 1981 The President remained sentimental about Minister Dr. Ramesh concerning agriculture, to the throughout the day. Leader and spoke with him. states that a five-member Board of University of Colombo. The other another issue the past week and was Pathirana then spoke at country. Afterwards the President The open discussion focused on Wickremesinghe, told them that Management should be appointed by the Members are Deans of Faculties of Arts elaborating his thoughts before the head and the meeting. He pointed aired his views. He stated that the corrective measures while both if they optimise their work in President to administer the academy and and Social Sciences from the State Fight Delta staff of the PMD and few other officers close out that the failure of decision taken to dispense with the positive and negative factors villages, it would be very easy for that a Commandant of the Academy, a Universities. Thus, decision making is in to him. He said that certain Media outlets top officers of the Health use of chemical fertilizer in favour affecting the party were discussed. them to enter Parliament. senior officer starting from the Army, the hands of those from the relevant Vaccinations are seemingly the only way out to combat have been working overtime to portray to the The officer then explained that the Department to compile a database of carbonic fertilizer had not been Conclusionary decisions were also Wickremesinghe also held followed by the Navy and Air Force in discipline. While there are many COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) and its multiple variants, country that there has been a special condition of the President was smooth like concerning the ongoing vaccination taken overnight. He remarked that made at this discussion, while several online meetings with the rotation will be appointed for a period of problems with how the UGC functions, including its highly contagious Delta variant, according to relationship between the Rajapaksa family that of a youth and that he has nothing to be programme has been a drawback to its it had been clearly stipulated in the further decisions focused on the party members, and then went to three years at a time as the chief executive the structure recognises the importance the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other experts. and certain Government officers. He also worried about for which the President success. This particular shortcoming on the election manifesto put forth by him appointment an observation officer Sirikotha on Thursday (1), morning officer of the academy. of discipline expertise and academic The ‘Delta’ variant was first detected in Sri Lanka last observed that certain people were attempting thanked him. part of health authorities came in for much to the electorate ahead of the last to cover different subject areas. to discuss the party’s future plans. It is clear that the original intent of the values in decision making. month. In this connection the WHO said, “Vaccines are a to depict to the country through various The Monk then urged the President to criticism during the meeting. Afterwards, Presidential Poll. He said 6.9 Meanwhile, the Treasurer of the Sandith Samarasinghe stated Academy was to train cadet officers to In contrast, the KDU Board of critical tool in the battle against COVID-19 and there are social Media platforms that both he and PM formulate an effective system where medical Minister Namal Rajapaksa explained the million people here had approved party, Dr. Silva, produced both the that the people in his District are serve in the forces. This is not unusual: Governors has no place for academic clear public health and lifesaving benefits to using the Mahinda Rajapaksa are sternly against the equipment and supplies could be brought measures being taken to carry out the his manifesto to undertake this party budget and a financial report. severely affected by the fertilizer most countries have specialised expertise. Rather, it is seen purely as a tools we already have. We must not put off getting re-entry of to Parliament. He down to Colombo sans a hassle. The vaccination drive within the country’s apparel onerous task. Further, a decision was made to issue, and that the Government is institutions for training military officers. management and administration body. vaccinated because of our concerns about new variants charged that this particular conspiracy had President for his part then immediately sector. The President then instructed the The President then pointed out obtain the opinion and approval of doing nothing to address it, adding However, due to the growing demand for The University system for which it is and we must proceed with vaccination even if the been hatched with the blessings of the summoned Lalith Weeratunga and advised Minister concerned to look into its that though several parties had relevant electoral division that farmers are frustrated by this higher education in the country the KDA responsible is viewed narrowly as a vaccines may be somewhat less effective against some of present Opposition. But, the President him to brief the SL Customs and the relevant shortcomings and report back at the next strived to introduce carbonic representatives prior to the problem. (subsequently known as KDU) started corporate body, like any other corporate the COVID-19 virus variants. We need to use the tools we mentioned that the people were fully aware institutions and draft a proper mechanism meeting. The President then found fault with fertilizer to the country, in the past, appointment of organisers. Vajira Abeywardene, who joined opening up to non-military (civilian) body. The one issue to which attention have in hand even while we continue to improve those that the three Rajapaksa brothers are for the bringing down of health equipment the health authorities over their perceived such efforts had come a cropper Further, the Youth Working the discussion, stated that the students as well as establishing study has been paid in the Bill is the need to tools. We are all safe only if everyone is safe.” working in unison and that there has not and supplies. At this time a discussion also failure to compile a database for the sector due to their inability to start the Committee of SJB met on Government, which was formed programmes in a range of fields including protect a military ethics within the Meanwhile, Eric Topol, a US cardiologist and scientist been any personal enmity between them. took place on cultivations being carried out and asked how he could then instruct those programme at the right time and Thursday where they decided to with farmers’ assistance, is now law, engineering, medicine, management institution and its related units. The and founder of The Scripps Research Institute, a medical “How can Basil enter the Legislature sans without poisonous products. in the Agriculture Department to follow suit. with the right programme in place. establish boards Islandwide, while showing that they do not care etc. Also, when SAITM closed down its Minister of Defence has the authority to research facility, was recently quoted by ‘The my blessings and the PM’s,” he said while Dr. Padeniya made a brief explanation Carbonic Fertilizer issue The President mentioned that he five members from each board will about the farmers or agriculture of Medical Faculty, students from SAITM instruct the Board of Governors to take Conversation,’ an Australian-based Media outlet, written instructing the officials attached to the PMD concerning the issue. The President had begun the process at the right arrive in Colombo from amongst the country. were offered registration at KDU. Thus, all steps against any ‘national security by academics, of having said that vaccines are effective to keep close tabs on distortions being spread requested the head of the GMOA to brief the The President then left for Kandy on moment and maintained that he whom, the Youth Committee will be He said, “Our Leader is the only the university has been expanding in an threats’ (undefined) or what the Minister against all COVID-19 variants, including the Delta by organised groups with vested interests. masses regarding the topic and Dr. Padeniya Saturday morning. He then took part at will not allow anyone here to appointed. one who had an accurate vision ad hoc manner without the necessary deems as a threat to the ‘smooth’ variant. Meanwhile, Basil Rajapaksa also made stated that they had already undertaken that religious observances at the Sri Dalada reverse it under any circumstance. UNP discusses regarding this. He planned to legislative reforms. It is clear that the need functioning of the University. It also has UK’s Health Secretary said Delta is 40 per cent more remarks last week, similar to those expressed task. Maligawa premises. The President afterwards The President remarked that a reduce the usage of chemical for the university to be regularised is long the authority to demand any information infectious than Alpha, while Professor Sharon Lewin, by the President. He too, had explained how Prasanna’s outburst on went to have an audience with the Chief sum of Rs. 80 billion had been future plans fertilizer only after establishing six overdue. from an employee or student in the Director, Doherty Institute, an infection and immunity he, President Gotabaya and PM Mahinda had Prelate of the Malwathu Chapter. The incurred by the Government centres to manufacture organic However, the proposed legislation seeks interest of national security and to research institution in Australia, estimated that it is worked in unison in the past and the sort of vaccination drive President’s intention was to brief the Chief annually to bring down chemical After swearing in as the UNP fertilizer.” to go beyond this need and poses many prohibit any person deemed a threat to about 50 per cent more infectious than Alpha, ‘The bonhomie prevalent in the Rajapaksa clan. Prelate concerning the present drive fertilizer. Hence, he opined that by National List MP, , who spoke to threats to the higher education sector. national security from entering the Conversation’ further said. Good Samaritan On the same day, in the evening, a meeting undertaken by the Government to introduce saving that staggering amount the Wickremesinghe met party activists Range Bandara, said that the This Bill was first put forward in 2018 by University precincts or ‘any part thereof’. People infected with Delta tend to infect more of their with those in the National Centre for the non-poisonous fertilizer such as carbonic for Government would be able to last Sunday (27), at the residence Government does not have enough the then Government, but due to wide- The Act does not allow for the household members than people with the Alpha strain, In the past week, a guest appeared to meet Eradication of COVID-19 took place at the cultivations. None of these discussions were distribute it among the farming of Party Chairman Vajira funds and, as a result, it cannot spread protests and criticism, it was not establishment of student unions, a another COVID-19 variant, Lewin, who is an infectious the President armed with several valuable Presidential Secretariat. It was attended by accessible to the Media. community. He further noted that Abeywardena to discuss the future import fertilizer. presented to Parliament. The current practice in any University in any part of diseases expert, is quoted to have had said. gifts. The guest was Chief Incumbent of the Ministers, health officials, Security Forces On Saturday night, the President resided at the concept of the use of carbonic of the programmes initiated by the “If fertilizer imports are halted Government has now placed the same Bill the world, especially those that value “We don’t know yet exactly why it (Delta) is more Kelaniya Manelwatta Temple Ven. Bodagama Heads, doctors etc. At the outset Minister the President’s House in Kandy. On Sunday fertilizer for cultivations was the UNP. without adequate planning, the to be taken up by Parliament. democracy. transmissible, but data suggests it’s better at replicating Chandima Thera. He had brought several Prasanna Ranatunga in an outburst charged too, he had a few engagements there as he trend in the modern world and UNP Deputy Leaders Ruwan people will go hungry very soon. We At the moment in Sri Lanka there are 16 According to accepted global higher in our cells than other variants. In virology, viruses which types of equipment which could cater to the that the health authorities had failed to wanted to brief the Asgiriya Chief Prelate as advised the farmers to embrace the Wijewardene and Akila Viraj need to reveal this truth to the universities administered by the education principles and values, are better at replicating in cells tend to be more treatment process of patients with COVID-19 coordinate the COVID-19 vaccination drive well. On 28 Monday, there were a few new concept wholeheartedly sans Kariyawasam, UNP General farmers. We need to ask them to Universities Act of 1978 and coming under Universities are expected to maintain a infectious,” she added. virus. Among others who were present at this on behalf of the people. DG Health Services meetings held under the aegis of the any undue fears. He also assured Secretary join our fight for them,” the University Grants Commission. This spirit of academic freedom in order to Lewin also said, “There’s some evidence Delta is event were State Minister Prof. Channa Dr. Asela Gunawardene remained clueless to President. One of the more important that through this new concept the and several others were present at Wickremesinghe noted. includes the Open University of Sri Lanka, facilitate the pursuit and dissemination associated with a higher risk of hospitalisation compared Jayasumana, Dr. Anurudda Padeniya and the charges levelled against the Health meetings was on the attempt made by the Government will ensure that no the meeting on Sunday. In response, which was established by Special of knowledge independently. This to Alpha. Dr. Naveen de Soyza on behalf of the GMOA, Department Officials by Ranatunga. Government to seek compensation from the injustice is committed to either The main focus was on how to said that what Wickremesinghe Ordinance, No. 3 of 1980. There are five includes critical engagement with and However, we can’t say this with absolute certainty Secretary to the Ministry of Health and The President then explained the great local representative firm which owns the farmers or the stakeholders in the attract new votes and party said has been conveyed to UNP other State universities, including KDU, acceptance of dissenting views. The idea because its very early days. Senior Adviser to the President Lalith lengths to which he had gone to bring down recent fire-ravaged cargo ship MV X-Press industry and asserted that if there members. Different opinions were local representatives. which do not come within the Universities of academic freedom recognises the need There’s selective pressure on a virus to become more Weeratunga. sufficient stocks of various COVID-19 Pearl off the Sri Lankan waters. The segment are any damages suffered it will be also expressed on whether the local Prof. Ashu Marasinghe changed Act of 1978, but have been established for scholars to engage in a field of inquiry transmissible, because a virus wants to replicate as much President Rajapaksa noted that the vaccines to Sri Lanka and reminded the that had suffered most from this tragedy had taken care of by the Government. government representatives, who the subject by stating that there through other Acts of Parliament. But the that may be seen as ‘inconvenient’ by as possible. decision taken by Ven. Chandima Thera to health officers on the importance of effectively been those engaged in the fishing industry He also advised the farmers not had worked against the party’s are reports that SLPP National significance of the proposed Bill is that it those in power. This is an accepted But there’s no selective pressure on viruses to become provide some of the latest medical equipment coordinating the vaccination drive in the here. Hence, the Government had taken a to fall prey to certain organisations opinions, should be allowed to Organiser Basil Rajapaksa will be seeks to empower the KDU with the same principle in the pursuit of knowledge, more lethal and it’s not in the virus’ interest to kill its towards the treatment of COVID-19 infected country. The GMOA insisted that if the decision to allocate the majority amount of that are carrying out protests rejoin the party. sworn in as an MP on 8 July, and powers currently held by the UGC – since challenging existing accepted host. The ultimate successful virus lives in its host patients was a timely move especially when country is to be brought back to normalcy the compensation received from the ship’s against the introduction of Some advocated for the removal that the Government appears to allowing it in effect to establish a parallel ‘truths’ is essential in the search for new indefinitely.” those in the Opposition are criticising all then the vaccination drive has to be owners to those affected by the ship’s blaze in carbonic fertilizer here and insisted of all Local Government members, have a new problem regarding the higher educational network, managed by knowledge. Yet, military culture is Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said there efforts made by the Government to control completed sans a hitch nationwide. the fishing community. Another meeting was that such firms were acting with who oppose the party’s common Minister of Finance. the Board of Governors of the KDU. KDU completely opposite to this ethic, since are anecdotal reports of Delta being more transmissible in the spread of the third wave of the pandemic. At this moment, Dr. Prasanna Gunasena held under the aegis of the President last purely vested interests. After the views, claiming that those who left Wickremesinghe said that will be legally (and not informally as it is the military requires absolute obedience children. This same hypothesis was floated when the The President described the donation made gave a detailed account of the type of COVID- Thursday at the Presidential Secretariat. It President spoke the reps of farming the party are returning to protect Rajapaksa’s presence is not currently doing) able to provide higher and unquestioning loyalty. Traditions Alpha variant was first becoming dominant in some parts by the Thera as a meritorious deed. The Ven. 19 vaccines that were due to be received by was attended by several reps of each District unions then aired their views. They their seats rather than for the beneficial to the country and that education in any field of discipline and within the military (salutations, of the world, he said. Chandima Thera then explained the the country in the coming weeks and farmer union attached to the National all stated in one voice that the wellbeing of the party. If they are nothing new would happen if not be confined to training the Armed regimentation etc.) are in place to instil “My laboratory has recently investigated whether Alpha difficulties experienced by him when months. He stated that the World Bank had Farmers Organization (NFO). Among the decision taken by the President to allowed to rejoin the party, those Basil arrived, so there was no Forces. In other words, the KDU will this culture. replicates better in the cells of children and found it did attempting to bring down the medical provided the necessary facilities to Sri Lanka politicians present were subject Minister introduce carbonic fertilizer should who were with the party in difficult need to make a big deal out of it. function as any other University, except It is clear that KDU has been not. supplies to the country especially at airports enabling the latter to receive the COVID-19 , State Ministers not be reversed under any times would be discouraged, they Meanwhile, Ruwan that it will be subject to the culture and established with little or no We haven’t been able to test the Delta variant in our lab and harbours. Afterwards, an officer vaccines at this critical hour. Then a Minister Shashindra Rajapaksa, Dr. Seetha circumstance. They urged the opined. Wijewardene expressed regret, ethics of the military and be governed by understanding of what a modern yet, but I’d treat this idea with caution, for two reasons. explained to the President the material attending the meeting said that the Arambepola and Mohan Silva and State President to formulate a However, several others argued claiming that Sri Lanka will the military and unlike other State University should be like. Instead, it is The first is that the strain is likely more infectious in brought down to the country by Ven. intervention of the WB would be most officials, including President’s Secretary P.B. programme with which to further that reuniting party members become another Zimbabwe, and Universities, be fully fee levying. modelled on the highly controversial general, which could be leading to more cases in children Chandima Thera specially included the welcome as that would prevent the Jayasundera. enlighten the farmers on the would be good for the party. Both that the value of the amount The Board of Governors of the KDU will model of a corporate University, where (and everyone). machines that could determine the diabetic, Opposition from making baseless allegations Minister Aluthgamage said that 1.1 million positive aspects of the use of factions then consulted printed by the Government on 28 be appointed by the Minister of Defence output rather than quality and process is And secondly, children haven’t been vaccinated, pressure and cholesterol level in patients etc. that the Government had received farmers in the country had obtained carbonic fertilizer to their Wickremsinghe regarding the June had surpassed a trillion and will consist of nine members. This considered, with a military model of whereas many adults have, which biases the data,” The President then wanted to test himself in commissions through it on the sly and membership of the NFO, while there were cultivations. The President too, matter. rupees, and that if this trend includes the Secretary and Additional discipline. While there is no argument of Sutton said. one of the machines. committing various other irregularities. The 17,000 farmer unions affiliated to it and that agreed and stated that a database Range Bandara was directed by continues, the Central Bank of Sri Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, one the need for discipline within the military, “Some data suggest Delta has the ability to evade our would need to be formulated soon. Wickremsinghe to assign Lanka will be forced to issue Rs. nominee each from UGC and Treasury, the idea that other sectors of society immune systems. This is assessed by looking at the Minister Mahindananda said, responsibilities to the members 10,000 notes by next year. Chief of Defence Staff, the Commanders require the same type of discipline is not number of antibodies in vaccinated people, then seeing already the Government has who are with the party for Vajira Abeywardene added that of the Army, Navy and Air Force, and the just controversial but alarming. Yet, with how well those antibodies neutralise the virus in the lab. imported 2,000 million seeds and strengthening the grassroots level. during Wickremesinghe’s tenure, Vice-Chancellor of the University, also a the proposed Bill, there is a very real Indeed, there is a drop off in antibody protection with hence there would not be any issue He also advised to take swift action the Ministry of Finance and the military officer. This means that at least possibility that graduates from KDU will this variant. However, the key thing to note is that a drop on that front for farmers. regarding those who wish to rejoin Central Bank were separated and five of the nine members are from the enter the public sector and the private in antibodies in lab tests doesn’t necessarily severely SJB leaders hold the party. Also, it should be operated independently. As a military. If the Secretary is also from the sector trained within such a military hinder vaccines. Lab results should be treated with cautioned about those who hesitate result, the Finance Ministry was military (as it is now) only three of the ethos. While this caters to a currently caution,” he however warned. workshops to take a decision on joining the unable to print money whenever nine Governors will be outside the popular demand for ‘discipline’ in society “The good news is our current crop of COVID vaccines party, he said. they felt the need to do so, he military. The Board of Governors will – that is knee-jerk reaction to very real still remains relatively effective against Delta in the real Top leaders of SJB, recently held In response, Range Bandara said noted. have wide ranging powers to determine and serious weaknesses in our world. two workshops with the presence that despite hesitating to take a Wickremesinghe, on a serious entry qualifications, the minimum institutions and in our communities. As it Data from Public Health England found one dose of of, , firm decision, such members have note, stated that he instructed the qualification of academic and non- has become all too obvious today, the AstraZeneca or Pfizer was 33 per cent effective against the , , to appear in public as UNP MPs. Treasury at that time not to print academic staff, establish quality military cannot be expected to respond all strain, but two doses was 60 per cent (AstraZeneca) and Lakshman Kiriella , Imitiaz Bakeer However, those who cannot take a money without his approval and assurance mechanisms, to decide and our problems – arguably there is a role for 88 per cent (Pfizer) effective. Markar , Thalatha Atukorala , Dr. direct decision should be dealt advised them to cut other establish affiliated institutions to award the military in our society, but there is an What this shows is we can’t rely on the first dose alone. , Eran separately, he noted. expenses and find ways to degrees. It can appoint standing equally if not more important role for Everyone really needs to make sure they have their Wickremeratne , Ashok Ruwan Wijewardene stated that, increase revenue. But this committees for subject disciplines and for civilian expertise, sensibilities and second dose,” ‘The Conversation,’ further quoting Sutton, Abeysinghe, and S.M Marikar and following the incumbent Government only wants to determining academic ethical standards. thinking as well. The proposed KDU Bill said. Government’s reckless rule, the increase the number of currency In short, it will have all the powers offers a privatised, military model of higher Meanwhile, ‘The Indian Express’ on Friday (2 July) representing the Media committee. UNP has gained more members in notes in people’s hands, not the currently held by the UGC. Unlike the education, which will take Sri Lanka on a quoting Zhong Nanshan, an epidemiologist who helped The principles in relation to the local government bodies, about value of money, he said. other State Universities, KDU will be a trajectory towards militarisation of society shape China’s COVID-19 response, had told reporters organisational activities of the 1,500 members at the grassroots Ruwan Wijewardene then left fee-levying University and will have the as a whole. that researchers found that Chinese vaccines are party, composition of the Party level. This is an excellent figure, he the meeting as he needed to travel powers to recognise and give Of course, the military has a right to somewhat effective in reducing the risk of symptomatic Constitution, the manner in which noted. to Galle to participate in the vote accreditation to other degree awarding train its officers in military related and severe cases caused by Delta. organisational activities would take Wickremsinghe directed Sandith in the Sri Lanka Football Universities as well. These powers are disciplines – that is why military And, ‘India Today,’ in an article published on place, the manner in COVID-19 Samarasinghe to enlist the Federation election, as he is the currently only given to the UGC. academies exist in all countries. Usually, Wednesday (30 June) said that Russia’s Sputnik V has impacted organisational members of the Pradeshiya President of Biyagama Football The UGC is made up of Commissioners when the military requires expertise from vaccine against COVID-19 is around 90 per cent effective activities, the challenges faced by Sabhas, Urban Councils, and Club. Everyone wished him well appointed by the Minister for Education, other disciplines, they recruit civilians. It against the highly contagious Delta variant of the party and the image of the Municipal Councils to explore the and success for the person he was and also has nine members. The current is to the advantage of a successful military coronavirus, its developers claimed on Tuesday (29 June). party leadership and the manner in difficulties faced by the people voting for. commission is made of six members who to obtain civilian perspectives. But when The shot, which Russia has actively marketed abroad, which challenges could be living in rural areas, as Wickremesinghe then told have served in senior positions or are the military attempts to enter education in was previously found by researchers to be almost 92 per overcome, were thoroughly Samarasinghe works closely with everyone to collaborate with the serving in senior positions in one of the unrelated fields from a military mind-set, cent effective against the original strain of coronavirus, it discussed at these workshops. local politicians. people to find out solutions for State Universities. Of the other three, one it represents an extremely dangerous said. The workshops commenced at Wickremesinghe on Monday (28), the issues faced by nurses and is the Secretary to the Commission, the tendency: the idea that the military can These statements and findings only complement what 9.00 a.m and concluded at 6 p.m. visited Sirikotha to appoint 69 the fishing community. Also, the others are a nominee from the Treasury and must control all aspects of our lives this newspaper has been saying time and again, which is It was decided to review the factors Local Government representatives party should strengthen the and a lawyer. The UGC has Standing and of our society. There are many other that vaccines should be the topmost arsenal that the discussed at the workshop and for who had lost their posts as a result Media network and the Committees for each discipline made up problems with this Bill which cannot be Government should procure to arrest the spread of the conclusions to be of a Supreme Court ruling. He organisational structure, he of the Deans from the relevant faculties. gone into in this article due to constraints COVID-19 in Sri Lanka, similar to the multi-barrelled communicated to the leader Sajith emphasised the importance of a advised. For example, the Standing Committee on of space – but, there is no doubt that this rocket launchers, the only effective arsenal that the Army Premadasa in the presence of solid national policy framework He then directed all organisers Social Sciences is currently chaired by a Bill poses a real threat to the quality of had that prevented the LTTE from overrunning Jaffna in senior officials. which would not change with the to complete the party reform Member of the Commission who is the higher education in this country and must April 2000. General Secretary Ranjith governments. process and report on its progress former Dean of the Faculty of Arts, be withdrawn. Madduma Bandara, Sarath The UNP’s official newspaper, the at the Party Convention which Fonseka, Imtiaz Bakeer Markar, Siyarata, had not been published will be held on 6 September. A10 Sunday 4 july 2021 Focus Faced with losing GSP+, Govt looks for alternative markets China Should Buy Sri Lankan Fish at EU Prices – Exporters

By Sulochana Ramiah Mohan EU unilaterally granted duty Poaching by Chinese vessels The European Union (EU) Total goods: EU Trade flows and balance Source Eurostat Comext - Statistical regime 4 Parliament adopted a resolution freePeriod Imports access on 66%Exports of tariff lines Balance triggersTotal trade early loss of concession recently threatening to revoke Value Mio € % Growth % Extra-EU Value Mio € % Growth % Extra-EU Value Mio € Value Mio € the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) T2010otal goods: EU1,448 Trade flows and balance 0.1 918 Source0.1 Eurostat Comext-530 - Statistical regime 42,367 2011 1,668 15.2 0.1 1,194 30.0 0.1 -474 2,861 concession on Sri Lanka goods Period Imports Exports Balance Total trade 2012 1,731 3.8 0.1 1,129 -5.4 0.1 -601 2,860 like apparel and fish products Value Mio € % Growth % Extra-EU Value Mio € % Growth % Extra-EU Value Mio € Value Mio € among others, citing the 2013 1,567 -9.5 0.1 1,009 -10.7 0.1 -558 2,575 country lacks commitment to 20102014 1,4481,709 9.1 0.10.1 9181,113 10.3 0.1 0.1 -530 -597 2,367 2,822 implement their 20112015 1,6681,768 15.23.4 0.10.1 1,1941,777 30.059.7 0.1 0.1 -474 10 2,861 2,545 recommendations it had 20122016 1,7311,785 3.81.0 0.10.1 1,1291,122 -5.4-36.9 0.1 0.1 -601 -663 2,860 2,908 undertaken to do. Scrapping the 20132017 1,5671,952 -9.59.4 0.10.1 1,0091,490 -10.732.8 0.1 0.1 -558 -462 2,575 3,442 2018 2,134 9.3 0.1 1,226 -17.8 0.1 -909 3,360 trade concession will not only 2014 1,709 9.1 0.1 1,113 10.3 0.1 -597 2,822 20152019 1,7682,301 3.47.8 0.10.1 1,7771,238 59.7 1.0 0.1 0.1 10-1,062 2,545 3,539 shake the country’s economy 20162020 1,7852,081 1.0-9.5 0.10.1 1,122904 -36.9-27.0 0.1 0.0 -663-1,178 2,908 2,985 but also lose EU’s export market 2017 1,952 9.4 0.1 1,490 32.8 0.1 -462 3,442 which cannot be matched by % Growth: relative variation between current and previous period 2018% Extra-EU: imports/exports2,134 as % of all9.3 EU partners i.e. excluding0.1 trade between1,226 EU Member-17.8 States 0.1 -909 3,360 any other country such as 2019 2,301 7.8 0.1 1,238 1.0 0.1 -1,062 3,539 China, Sri Lankan fish exports 2020 2,081 -9.5 0.1 904 -27.0 0.0 -1,178 2,985 say. % Growth: relative variation between current and previous period The Government has informed % Extra-EU: imports/exports as % of all EU partners i.e. excluding trade between EU Member States local fish exporters to consider demonstrating the country’s China as an ‘alternative market’ substantial progress in areas of for which they replied that fish The reconciliation and development, is a much bigger export to the Imports 2020 Exports 2020 the Ministry further added. EU than compared to the AMA/NAMA product Groups Government The EU's GSP+ trade Chinese market and that the Product Value Mio € % Total Product Value Mio € % Total concession to Sri Lanka, is a former’s trade concession Agricultural products (WTOImports AoA) 2020 353 17.0 Agricultural products Exports(WTO AoA) 2020 93 10.3 has informed straightforward and transparent should not let go. Fishery products 95 4.5 Fishery products 1 0.1 and the duty free scheme is a AMA/NAMA product Groups While the EU warned that it Industrial products 1,634 78.5 Industrial products 810 89.6 local fish special component providing would be revoking GSP+ next ProductTotal Value Mio2,081 € % Total100.0 ProductTotal Value Mio € 904% Total100.0 additional trade incentives year, at a crucial time when the Agricultural products (WTO AoA) 353 17.0 Agricultural products (WTO AoA) 93 10.3 exporters to When under the GSP+ island nation’s economic growth Fishery products 95 4.5 Fishery products 1 0.1 consider China beneficiary scheme the country is grinding to a halt and Industrial products 1,634 78.5 Industrial products 810 89.6 is subject to a monitoring Total 2,081 100.0 Total 904 100.0 suffering with no US Dollars, as an process that repeatedly takes the Sri Lankan Embassy in place over two-year cycles. The China headed by Ambassador ‘alternative process involves two Dr. Palitha Kohona has struck a interrelated tools: the scorecard deal to export fish and fish market’ for and an ongoing dialogue with products to China. which they the beneficiary authorities. The Chinese market On 15 August 2010, the EU replied that suspended Sri Lanka’s GSP+ The Embassy said China’s status based on the findings of a General Administration fish is a much Commission investigation that Customs of China (GACC) identified shortcomings in the Health Certificate for Sri Lanka bigger export implementation of three UN will enable approved fisheries human rights conventions: the and aquatic products to enter to the EU than International Covenant on Civil its lucrative market and even and Political Rights (ICCPR), the encourage Sri Lankan business compared to Convention Against Torture to expand their productions. the Chinese (CAT), and the Convention on The Embassy in Beijing said the Rights of the Child (CRC). their commercial section is market and China is one of those working closely with the GACC countries known for illegal to assist Sri Lankan fish that the poaching. They are one of the exports to access the booming reasons why we lost the GSP+ in Chinese market. It is said that demand placed on the GSP+ etc. Exporting fish to China is a former’s trade 2010. Even recently, the fish exporters should renew Government. The GSP+ grants unilateral far-fetched dream. For over 15 Indonesian Government opened their health certificates and “We spoke to the Government tariff preferences on a wide years, Sri Lanka has been concession a criminal investigation into present them to Chinese and the Fisheries Minister who range of products to Sri Lanka. offered this concession by the should not let Dalian Ocean Fishing, the Customs with their products told us China should be With GSP+, the EU has EU. He added that losing GSP+ holding company for the firm from 1 July 2021 by fisheries considered as an alternative unilaterally opened its market will impact the entire fish go that operates the Long Xing 629 product exporters from Sri market. But the EU cannot be and granted duty free access on industry. “We hope it’s nothing and 31 other tuna boats owned Lanka to China. All processed compared to China. It won’t be 66 per cent of EU tariff lines but only a threat by the EU by the Chinese that had ill- fisheries product exporters are the same,” he added. representing about 6,000 Parliament”. International Conventions. treated its sailors. required to use the updated “The 70 per cent in tuna products. Countries have a market In this regard, the Third Cycle The Spain based Organisation version instead of the old exports to the EU fetches about The EU is Sri Lanka's second- access to Europe but have to of Review of Sri Lanka in the of Associated Producers of Large certificate, they said. USD 200 million annually largest trading partner after pay 12.5 to 14.5 per cent duty, GSP+ Monitoring Process for Freezer Tuna Vessels (OPAGAC) Sri Lanka’s fish export to which is unmatched,” he added. China and its second main but if you have GSP+ you are 2020-2021 is ongoing. As part in May 2021 urged the EU to China stood at USD 6.53 According to him, if the GSP+ export destination, absorbing waived of this amount with zero of this process, the Foreign open a debate and reflect million in 2020 and the overall is scrapped, the biggest hit 22.4 per cent of Sri Lankan tax. Ministry has provided to the in-depth on the criteria it has exports to China in 2019 was would be the fishermen. exports in 2020. In 2020, Sri He also added that most European Commission through currently established for fish USD 252 million which is “The EU market price would Lanka was the EU's 69th largest fishing practices are illegal and diplomatic channels, the product imports from Chinese approximately the same in be the same and there will be trading partner in goods the EU wanted to correct them. comprehensive Response of the fleets, due to the latest 2020, based on the United demand for our fish, but if the accounting for 0.1 per cent of The EU in fact called Sri Lanka Government of Sri Lanka to the information made public by Nations COMTRADE database concession is scrapped the EU trade. Sri Lanka's exports to to rectify its fishing methods List of Follow-up Questions on different NGOs and various on international trade. price of exported fish will the EU is dominated by textiles because Chinese vessels were the current GSP+ monitoring Asian Media outlets, on the Impact on local decrease. If there is no duty accounting for 52.3 per cent of seen poaching in Sri Lankan cycle, in adherence to the degrading treatment of their concession, the fish exporters Sri Lanka's total exports in waters. agreed timeline. The Response crews, including burials at sea fisheries in return would pay a low price 2020. EU27 imports from Sri “The EU was stressing that was compiled by the Foreign of sailors who, allegedly, fall to the fishermen,” He added Lanka have been constantly point which was about China. Ministry in consultation with 26 victim to COVID-19. They President, Seafood Exporters’ that end of the day it is ‘whether increasing since 2016 reaching When the GSP+ was revoked line Ministries / State Ministries highlighted a situation where Association of Sri Lanka the fishermen would go to sea’. 2,083 million Euros in 2020. before, the Chinese fishing / agencies and commissions. A sailors in Chinese fishing fleets (SEASL) Dilan Fernando, He added that fishermen earn CEO of TESS Group Dilshan trawlers stopped coming this GSP+ Monitoring Mission for often abandon crew members to speaking to Ceylon Today around Rs. 3,500 per kilo of Fernando says losing GSP+ and way. We lost considerably big the Third Cycle is scheduled to their fate on board vessels. revealed that the Chinese tuna. promoting fish exports to China revenue when it was revoked in visit Sri Lanka on mutually Sri Lanka should be cautious market is good for prawns and “Fishermen don’t go out to is not viable at all as the price 2015, and there is no way to convenient dates in September/ about the alternative trade deals the new species called sea during torrential weather quoted by the Chinese is so low. lose it again”. October 2021, the Foreign it makes. The island nation ‘vannamei’ prawns that is in nor if their payment will be Unless the Chinese also match Government should maintain Ministry said. surrounded by water has major demand. He went on to lesser,” he opined. that offer, there will be no fish GSP+ to keep the trade As per the regular engagement magnanimous amount of sea say that China buys only Although he considers the exports to China, he pointed competition going. The between Sri Lanka and the EU, wealth but this has not been limited quantity of seafood. Chinese market as an out. Tuna in EU fetches USD 20 Government, over the EU plans are underway to convene reaped well. It is only the EU Currently producing prawns alternative, exporters have per kg whereas in China it is 5 resolution, has assured it would the Working Group on that is standing by the country is limited and should be urged the Government not to USD per kg. The Chinese buy work towards the 27 Governance, Democracy, and its worth to rectify the promoted to match the Chinese lose GSP+. “We’ve said we can sailfish, sword fish, white fish recommendations the EU has Human Rights and Rule of Law demands it has placed on Sri market from 5 MT to 50 MT maintain those demands the varieties and snappers and tabled which is in line with the on mutually agreed dates in the Lanka to continue to enjoy their exports. “Government should EU has tabled,” he added. groupers. “They have not Unite Nations Human Right fourth quarter of this year. The GSP+ benefit. do that,” he added. In case the concession is created a demand from Sri Councils resolution on Sri Foreign Ministry looks forward Foreign Minister Dinesh He said prawn farming in Sri scrapped, Fernando said they Lanka but they will carry on Lanka. to convening, in consultation Gunawardena said he would Lanka should be boosted and will still export to the EU even poaching in our waters.” The Government said it with the EU, the 24th session of work on the EU demands and by 2025 it should be increased with no GSP+ but added that Fernando’s understanding is maintains a regular, cordial and the EU-Sri Lanka Joint they are on the right tract. The 10 fold. the Government should give that if the EU trade concession multifaceted dialogue with the Commission in the first quarter releasing of the 16 Tamil Shrimp farmers in Sri Lanka some sort of relief package to is revoked, Sri Lanka will not EU. This includes existing of 2022, to review all aspects of prisoners in June, who were have shown keen interests in the fishermen in that case. “A only lose Europe’s fish export constructive cooperation bilateral cooperation. held under the Prevention of larger-sized vannamei prawns subsidiary from the market, it will also increase between Sri Lanka and the The Government will continue Terrorism Act, has already been over the next three years Government may have to be illegal fishing in its waters. The European Commission on the its close and cordial dialogue welcomed by the EU. There is targeting a sale of USD 200 mooted,” he added. Maldives do not enjoy GSP+ due review of the country’s EU GSP+ with the EU with regard to more to be done, surely. million and this has a key to issues such as human rights compliance with the 27 core commitments, while ([email protected]) focus sunday 4 july 2021 A11 Ensuring Safety of Pregnant Women Against COVID-19

By Dilanthi Jayamanne “We are currently unable to delta variant, by the Sri administer the vaccine to all Jayewardenepura Research The national vaccination pregnant women due to the Team. Already there are five programme began administering shortage of the COVID jab, only established cases in the its immunisation against COVID- the pregnant women who are Colombo City itself. And 19 towards the end of January faced with life threatening technically three suspected this year with a heart full of hope complications would initially be cases. that at least 70 per cent of the inoculated”. The procedure was At the same time we have population would receive the jab initiated earlier last month. had warning from the Director against this deadly viral infection of the Department of before the country’s health Criteria Immunology and Molecular services buckled under the sheer The criteria that was identified Medicine of the University of burden of caring for the rapidly at the time included mothers Sri Jayewardenepura, Dr. mounting infected cases. who were over 35 years of age, Chandima Jeewandara and The country was experiencing who had a high bio mass index Consultant Virologist, the second wave of the infection (BMI) value which bordered on Department of Virology, and frontline health workers, them being either overweight or Medical Research Institute, Armed Forces and the Police obese, those suffering with non- Dr. Jude Jayamaha that Delta involved in COVID control duties communicable disease such as originally detected in India were identified as high risk heart disease, diabetes, renal and caused devastation was groups. The 60s and above age disease and even cancer, and, 60 to 70 per cent more group which had suffered severe pregnant women with social virulent. Therefore, it would casualties during the second exposure due to their places of be interesting to know if the wave were also identified as a work, such as the health workers FHB or those responsible for priority group to receive the themselves. vaccinating this highly vaccine. They were to be followed vulnerable group usually by those with comorbidities. That MOH areas involved Health Services (DGHS) issued women had been vaccinated, at enter the data. “What we want to protected and cared for was the initial plan, but this The Family Health Workers the necessary guidelines and a recent press briefing, said ensure is that the programme is several degrees more than article does not aim to go into affiliated to Medical Officers of criteria for the programme. that he was not in possession of being carried out in all districts. other women in society would how it was perverted by the Health (MOHs) were called on to But those parties who were in the specific data. Therefore, getting the numbers be able to fulfil the machinations of various parties identify these groups. But some charge of the vaccination Dr. Chitramallee de Silva, that are vaccinated has been left responsibility given to them including the medical MOH offices in the Gampaha programme were dragging their Director of the Family Health for a later date,” she said. and ensure that at least the professionals themselves, and District of the Western Province feet slowing down the Bureau (FHB), the Health estimated 100,000 pregnant politicians. Efforts are still being alone have not even identified vaccination. Ministry Wing-in-Charge of the Delta variant and women with life threatening made to drag it back on track. this particular high risk group of particular vaccination programme Pregnancy pregnancies were The third wave of COVID swept pregnancies. While the Poor show by too is in the dark regarding the administered the jab on time the country while it was still Katunayake MOH office carried responsible parties numbers. She said that the MOH The country has been before the delta variant ‘took reeling in confusion, doing its out an awareness programme areas had been given time to warned of the much dreaded wings’. best to jostle through this among pregnant women in the Dr. De Silva said that there vaccination programme gone free trade zone, a spokesperson were areas where women in astray in the form of the alpha said that the pregnant women high risk pregnancies had not variant, which was first detected were those who belonged to other even been identified by Family in the United Kingdom. Its MOH areas and they had made Health Workers (FHW). It is the spread was estimated 50% faster an effort to encourage them get accepted norm that these and more devastating, as it even the COVID-19 jab- ‘Sinopharm’ officers – especially working at claimed the lives of several in this case. ground level even know the pregnant women. As pointed out It is about the only COVID-19 houses that these pregnant by Consultant Community vaccine which has been rolling women live in. But Physician, Dr. Sanjeewa into the country without unfortunately in a majority of Godakanda during a Media disruption. areas women with high risk briefing, although the health pregnancies have not been services had identified the impact Efforts of the SLCOG identified by the FHW or the which COVID-19 would have on Therefore, it is possibly in area Medical Officer of Health pregnant women, both the first desperation that the Sri Lanka (MOH) till now. wave experienced last year and College of Obstetricians and second wave that emerged in Gynaecologists (SLCOG) Best period for October last year and lasted till pledged to slap down an vaccination the end of March 2021 had not ultimatum for the completion been so harsh on them although of vaccinating pregnant “Conventionally we avoid a lot there had been those infected women bearing high risk of things. But we in general with it amongst this vulnerable pregnancies against the advise pregnant mothers category. coronavirus. They called for especially who are more this highly vulnerable to be vulnerable than others to take Risk of complicated fully vaccinated against the the opportunity and avoid pregnancies virus by 14 August 2021. further risk by getting the jab President of the SLCOG, Dr. as early as possible. We also But with 10 deaths Pradeep de Silva said the advise them to get the vaccine experienced amongst pregnant College was prepared to guide at the first opportunity they get women from 6 May 2021 till end and support any such and not to wait for the arrival of of last month, a vaccination pregnant mother who had a better vaccine,” he explained. programme was initiated to asked for the vaccine and had However, it is best that those administer the COVID jab to not been administered it even who are in the first three month pregnant women having by that date and contracted of the pregnancy ask for complicated pregnancies. the infection in the process. medical advice before taking the Therefore, according to the They were all entitled to it. jab. availability of vaccines this group Those women have to receive According to the SLCOG too, is to be given the COVID jab, the second dose of the jab at President there were about Director of the Family Health least by the end of July. The 100,000 pregnant women with Bureau (FHB), Dr. Chithramalee Advisory Committee on high risk pregnancies. de Silva said. The Steering Immunization (ACI) took the Deputy Director General Committee on Vaccination (SCV) decision of vaccinating women Health Services, Dr. Hemantha had finally taken the decision to with high risk pregnancies in Herath when questioned as to inoculate pregnant women. mid-May. The Director General how many of these pregnant A12 Sunday 4 July 2021 focus Dark Side of Colombo’s Rising Skyline Desperate labourers risking it all at construction sites

By Nabiya Vaffoor Workmen’s Compensation Ordinance (No.19 of 1946, An Ordinance to The labour force is the main part of provide for the payment of the any prestigious project, but the lives of compensation to workmen who are labourers aren’t as prestigious as the injured in the course of their projects they work on to earn a living. employment),” she added. With daily basic minimum wage and Explaining the recent incident higher risk of injuries and diseases mentioned in the article Ceylon Today such as asthma, a labourer’s life is not also inquired whether the employee easy. But none of this compares to will be left clueless since they aren’t signing up for a contract which clearly aware of their actual employer and it puts their life at risk just to earn extra might be a problem when requesting money. compensation or whatsoever regarding Bandara’s story their safety. “It doesn’t matter, according to Janaka Bandara is a 40-year-old labour laws once the complaint is labourer from Galle who worked at a lodged under the Labour Department famous residential project site in or at the Labour Tribunal Sri Lanka, Colombo. He met with an accident on the inquiries will focus on facts such site on 31 May when a concrete beam as who supervises the employee, who fell on one of his legs causing serious pays their monthly salary officially and injuries. Bandara was immediately furthermore relatable facts and which rushed to the nearest hospital. Getting exact employer is in charge,” she discharged on 2 June, Bandara visited added. the site the next day to get We also spoke with Commissioner compensation for his injuries and General Labour B.K. Prabath request medical leave following his Chandrakeerthi, to learn the Labour doctor’s orders to rest his leg for at Department’s role in such least for two weeks. situations. Chandrakeerthi Reporting to his immediate confirmed that there is almost supervisor, the site’s safety manager, nothing that they can do if the Bandara was shocked to find out that labourer has already signed the he was not entitled to any employer’s inequitable contract. compensation for his injury. Looking “It is indeed illegal to try to get rid of for justice, Bandara lodged a the liability towards an employee’s life. complaint at the nearest Police Station If such cases on inequitable on 4 June. After negotiations with the contracts/agreements we have the Police the construction site power to probe it if the employee or supervisors agreed to sign for 15-days any individual complaints about it of paid leave as the least they can do, before signing, but it is off our limits if since Bandara was appointed under a the Labour Department will be the employee has signed the contract sub-contractor. ultimately held liable for the injury,” already,” he added. However, after returning to his she said. However, speaking with Arulingam hometown Bandara was informed not When we inquired who is on Chandrakeerthis’s response, she to report to the site again as he had responsible for ensuring the safety of noted that there is still a possibility for been laid off. local employees if the sub-contractor the labourer to file a complaint if the Probing further into this incident we that they work for is a foreign entity, employer terminating them for found that the main contractor of this Arulingam mentioned that it doesn’t disagreeing on inequitable contracts/ site gets employees for the project matter whether the employer is a Sri agreements. through a Sri Lankan agency and Lankan or a foreign entity, under the “If the labourer was terminated for through a Chinese sub-contractor, labour laws of Sri Lanka an employer unfair reasons they can file a complaint those employed through the sub- whether local or foreign can be held at the Labour Department or at the Sri contractor didn’t have a specific liable for labour law violation. Lanka Labour Tribunal within six agreement. But after Bandara’s injury, When asked whether the Labour months and it will be inquired. If they the sub-contractor informed all Department has any specific were in a situation where the employer employees hired under the sub- mechanism to inspect the safety of neglects paying compensation for their contract to sign an employee local labourers who work under injuries or medical expenses the agreement with the main contractor. foreign companies, Arulingam labourer should make sure to file the The ones who did not sign the said confirmed that the Labour Department complaint immediately within one contract were laid off and had to find has a huge role to play. month,” she added. their own way back home during the “If the employer refuses to pay Colombo is where half of Sri Lankan COVID-19 travel restrictions since compensation to the employee as per population earns their living. With their accommodations at the work site the law, the employee can notify the upcoming development projects most had been withdrawn. Labour Commission who can of them are labourers who work for Dubious Contract commence an inquiry and determine minimal daily wage. But it’s still the compensation to be paid. The Law questionable whether we have a The terms and conditions on the pertaining to injuries at a proper system to confirm the safety for said confidential contract follow as: Construction site is covered under the the most of them. 1. All health safety and environment measures and site rules should be followed on site. 2. Main contractor will not be responsible for the monthly salary, daily wages, and daily food expenses paid by the sub-contractor. 3. In case an accident/incident happen due to unavoidable situation, no local supervisor will take responsibility; the employee itself bares the responsibility. 4. The above mentioned sub- contractor pay’s the employee the full salary paid for the said designation/ job done. Therefore, the sub- contractor does not take responsibility who did had no choice. construction site as we do. They do not for PPE, hospital fees and daily food To find out the actual necessity of even appoint a local supervisor to take expense. such agreement we also contacted the care of their labourers,” he added. 5. If there is any issue the employee main contractor’s safety manager of Legality should solve it with the sub-contractor this site. company and get a solution, the main “These labourers get hired by the To find solutions according to Sri contractor will not intervene. sub-contractor in unofficial ways. The Lankan Law, Ceylon Today contacted After speaking to some labourers representatives of the sub-contractor Attorney-at-Law Swasthika from this site, Ceylon Today also rarely visit the site, it is always us who Arulingam. found out that none of those who work have to negotiate or deal with whatever “There is no labour law preventing under the sub-contractor knows the that goes on at this site. Either they the worker from entering into an exact name of the company that hired were appointed officially by the agency employment contract with either the them. under the main contractor or main contractor or the sub-contractor. They weren’t provided any unofficially by the sub-contractors Once you enter into an employment agreement or a letters of appointment representatives. Though we supervise contract it may appear on the face of when they were hired. Besides, even them the main contractors aren’t the contract that the contracting party the national identity copy that was bound to take responsibility pay is the employer. But Sri Lankan taken as proof was submitted to the compensation or what-so-ever. But Courts have considered other factors main contractor’s safety officer on site some of these labourers do not in the past such as who pays the and the work identity card only had understand this and take it too far; to salaries, the statutory deductions, the name of the main contracting the Police and such, that’s why we had who controls the work and who the company. to have them sign such contracts. worker is reporting to etc. when Even to solve or negotiate any These labourers aren’t aware that the determining who the employer is,” said problem on site they do not have a sub-contractor pays them a few Arulingam responding to our question representative who can speak the local hundreds more just to get rid of all the whether the main contractor or the language. Only one representative of employers’ responsibilities. They risk sub-contractor may exclude such the sub-contractor was appointed per their own safety and comforts looking liability when it comes to a site who is also a foreign national who for a few hundreds of raise in their construction project. does not speak the local language. The daily wage. Even these foreign sub- Further, Arulingam also confirmed employees who weren’t informed of contractors, supervisors/ that employment contracts can have any of these terms and conditions representatives are sly. They clauses limiting the liability of one or when they were hired were suddenly unofficially appoint labourers so that the other party. “However, when a forced to sign such contract. Those they can refrain from paying the local workplace injury happens whoever is who didn’t were laid off and the ones agency who supplies manpower to the considered an employer by Courts or focus sunday 4 july 2021 A13

Concerns rise as pandemic drives more to cyberspace Data Protection Bill: Striking a Balance Between Safety and Privacy By Eunice Ruth observations released on 16 February The Data Protection Bill encryption, pseudonymisation, and its impact on data subjects. 2021. After the review, several The Bill was aimed to provide an act annonymisation or access controls or Meanwhile, a DPO shall possess In the digitalised world, data changes have been made to the for the regulation of the processing of other measures as prescribed so to relevant academic or professional protection and privacy are prime substantive provisions of the original personal data, to identify and prevent unauthorised or unlawful qualifications which may include areas to be prioritised in each and Draft Bill, including re-arrangement strengthen the rights of data subjects processing of personal data or loss, academic background, knowledge and every field. Due to the COVID-19 of key provisions, based on the in relation to the protection of destruction, or damage of personal technical skills in matters relating to pandemic, almost all social, economic feedback of a number of stakeholders, personal data and also to provide for data. The authority may determine data protection having competency and governmental activities are being including CBSL and Observations of the designation for the data protection the circumstances in which the and capacity to implement strategies done online with the rapid expansion the AG and Ministry of Justice. After authority. Also, it has become specific targeting of the data subjects and mechanisms to respond to of the flow of personal information. As final approval of this version and necessary to facilitate growth and may occur or the circumstances in inquiries and incidents related to the modern technology, cloud services, translation, soon the Bill will be innovation in the digital economy in which the specific monitoring of the processing of personal data. the internet and future technologies submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers Sri Lanka while protecting the data subjects may occur. This Act are poised to deliver enormous and published as a Bill. At that point, personal data rights of the data shall not apply to any personal data Data Protection Authority benefits, it is more urgent to address further amendments are possible as subjects. In addition, it is also processed purely for private, domestic The parties who are appointed by concerns over data privacy. The well. important to improve interoperability or household purposes by an order published in the Gazette, the challenge for the data protection Recently, the ICTA conducted a among personal data protection individual, non-personal data. Minister, a public corporation, legislation is managing risks and three-day online session on the frameworks as well as to strengthen Rights of Data Subjects statutory body or any other institution addressing concerns without proposed Data Protection Bill to cross border co-operation among established by or under any written restricting or eliminating potential enable a thriving digital economy and personal data protection enforcement Every data subject shall have the law and controlled by the Government benefits. over 400 participants consisting of authorities. The Government of Sri right to access to personal data of as the “Data Protection Authority of To ensure privacy of shared data C-level and senior management Lanka will provide a legal framework such data subject and to be provided Sri Lanka”. and information, the Information and officers representing multiple on the mechanisms which are needed with a confirmation as to whether The objectives of the Authority is to Communication Technology Agency industries such as banking, financial for the protection of personal data of such personal data has been regulate the processing of personal (ICTA) of Sri Lanka has proposed a services, healthcare, legal, and data subjects ensuring consumer processed and the information data, safeguarding the privacy of the Data Protection Bill. The Data manufacturing, actively participated trust and safeguarding privacy whilst referred upon a written request made data subjects from any adverse Protection Draft Legislation was in the discussion with over 60 per respecting domestic written laws and by such data subject to the controller. impact arising from the digitalisation presented to the Cabinet of Ministers cent of the participants representing applicable international legal Also, every data subject shall have the of the processes and services in the on 18 December 2019 and this draft the technology industry. It was also instruments. right to withdraw his consent at any public and private sector and to was prepared after several rounds of important to note the interest and This Act shall apply to the time upon a written request if such provide for mechanisms to ensure the public and stakeholder consultations. participation of Government, NGOs, processing of personal data where the processing is based on grounds protection of personal data of data Thereafter, the Bill was further and education sectors in this processing of personal data takes specified to the act and the subjects engaged in digital reviewed and discussed with discussion. place entirely or partly within Sri withdrawal of such consent shall not transactions and communications. In stakeholders, including at a workshop Jayantha Fernando, General Lanka or where the processing of affect the lawfulness of any processing addition, the authority will have organised by the Junior Bar Counsel of ICTA stated that there is a personal data is carried out by a taken place prior to such withdrawal. powers in discharging functions and Committee of Bar Association of Sri timely need in the current COVID-19 controller or processor who is Every data subject shall have the performing duties under the act. Lanka, attended by several Justices of context as the need for data protection domiciled or ordinarily resident in Sri right to request a controller in writing The Minister shall do a time to time the Supreme Court and Court of has increased significantly. The law Lanka. Incorporated or any to rectify or complete the personal review of the performance of the Appeal (February 2020) and the broadly spells out a range of established under any written law of data relating to such data subject Authority, and require the Authority Legislative Committee of Ceylon obligations by entities collecting data Sri Lanka is subject to any written law which is either inaccurate or to submit such reports relating to its Chamber of Commerce (March 2020). and the rights of individuals who of Sri Lanka which offers goods or incomplete, and the controller shall, affairs and activities as maybe The original Draft Bill was also provide data. From a duty of care services to data subjects in Sri Lanka upon such a written request made by required. The Authority should reviewed by the Attorney General (AG) perspective, this law imposes a set of including the offering of goods or the data subject, rectify or complete submit an annual report of activities for compliance with Article 77 of the obligations on organisations that services with specific targeting of data the personal data without undue carried out by the authority during Constitution and the preliminary collect data and how they would subjects in Sri Lanka, or specifically delay. the financial year at the end of each observations of the AG was received process it, and the Bill will be in line monitors the behaviour of data Controllers and Processors financial year, with supporting by the drafting committee in July with internationally acceptable subjects within the country including documents such as evaluation of the 2020. Thereafter the drafting standards, he said. profiling with the intention of making Every controller or processor shall performance of the Authority, copies committee met several times and Meanwhile, the Chief Digital decisions in relation to their designate or appoint a Data Protection of the report and documents prepared its response to the Economy Officer of ICTA, Anura De behaviour in so far as such behaviour Officer, (DPO) to ensure compliance submitted before Parliament within observations. Alwis noted that some of the key takes place in Sri Lanka. with the provisions of this Act where six months from the date of receipt of The drafting committee responses factors considered by potential Every controller in the process the processing is carried out by a such report and the documents. were also reviewed by the investors are workforce skills, should ensure that the required Ministry, Government Department, Penalties Independent Review Panel, Chaired economic conditions, industry, and personal data is processed for a public corporation, except for by Justice K.T. Chitrasiri and this supporting legal frameworks. specified, explicit and legitimate judiciary acting in their judicial When a controller or processor fails response was sent to the AG and The proposed Bill will give purpose, and such personal data capacity where the core activities of to comply with the directives issued Legal Draftsman on 22 October 2020. confidence to potential investors shall not be further processed in a processing by the controller or under the provisions of Section 32, Thereafter, several consultations about Data protection security and manner that is incompatible with processor consist of operations which, such controller or processor shall be were held between the Legal privacy which is an important such purpose. Also, the data that is by virtue of their nature, their scope liable to a penalty, taking into Draftsman’s Department team and consideration factor. As the processed should be adequate, or their purposes, require regular and consideration the nature and extent of the drafting committee, in November boundaries of work keep shrinking relevant, and proportionate to the systematic monitoring of data relevant non-compliance, its impact and December 2020. Despite the day by day, and employment extent as it is necessary in relation to subjects on a scale and magnitude as on data subjects in accordance with impediments caused by the opportunities open up globally, as the purpose for which such shall be prescribed or processing of special Section 34 of this Act, which shall not pandemic, consultations were employees, it is also important to collected or processed. As well as the categories of personal data on a scale exceed a sum of rupees ten million on continued online and the Legal know how one should handle data controller needs to ensure the and magnitude as prescribed, each occasion. The Authority shall be Draftsman’s Department released the with care. integrity and confidentiality of processing which results in a risk of responsible for the collection of a latest revised version in 2021. Therefore, Data protection becomes personal data being processed by harm affecting the rights of the data penalty imposed under this section This version was reviewed again by a crucial element in the broader using appropriate technical and subjects protected under this Act and the money so collected shall be AG’s Department and their agenda of the Digital Economy. organisational measures including based on the nature of the processing credited to the Consolidated Fund. A14 sunday 4 july 2021 EDUCATION Dalhousie University Partners with UCL To launch the First 2+2 Canadian Degree in Sri Lanka A leading U15 research intensive ability to keep the Sri Lanka flag university in Canada, Dalhousie flying high. I am extremely delighted University has established an to be part of this journey at UCL. I exclusive partnership with Sri Lanka’s invite all students/parents who premier transnational higher aspire to study in Canada to come education provider, Universal College and meet us.” Lanka (UCL), to launch the first 2+2 Ms. Tharanga Senarathna,HEAD Canadian Degree Program in Sri OF MARKETING & STUDENT Lanka. This epoch-making event was ENROLMENT. UCL’s Head of symbolised at a meeting between the Marketing and Student Enrolment, Canadian High Commissioner His Ms. Tharanga Senarathna is excited Excellency David McKinnon and to be marketing the very first UCL’s Directors – Dr. Harsha Alles, Canadian Degree program to be Bob Kundanmal and Steven Enderby, conducted in Sri Lanka. She said, CEO - Mr. Gihan Silva, Dean of “Canada is the buzzword in Academic Affairs – Dr. Dhananjay international higher education at Kulkarni and Head of Marketing & present, and UCL is proud to partner Student Enrolment – Ms. Tharanga with the prestigious Dalhousie Senarathna, at the Canada House University to deliver groundbreaking recently. degree programs and direct students Dalhousie University located in towards a truly Canadian education Halifax, Nova Scotia, is one of the experience. We have devised a 2+2 earliest established Canadian program model that offers parents Universities founded in 1818. and students distinctive guidance, Dalhousie University is ranked Top 10 convenience, and affordability to in Canada for graduate employability, make their Canadian education Top 100 University in the world for dream a reality. Thanks to over 200 Social Impact and achieved a Five Star years of academic excellence, Rating from QS Stars Global Dalhousie University’s Computer University ranking. Over 115 Science degrees are relevant; its countries represent the university’s award winning professors enhance student body, making it one of the the learning experience; and the friendliest cities that welcomes a cutting- edge technology used is diverse mix of students. The academic extremely vibrant; all of which help Canadian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka His Excellency David McKinnon, and the Directors of UCL, Bob Kundanmal, Dr. Harsha faculty of the Faculty of Computer Alles and Steven Enderby symbolising the partnership between Dalhousie University Canada and UCL Sri Lanka create globally sought- after IT Science at Dalhousie University graduates and professionals. UCL is consists of 92% PhD holders along ready to transform ambitious with award-winning professors students into graduates who can committed to promoting excellence in make a lasting impact on our world.” teaching and research. UCL delivers quality assured and His Excellency David McKinnon practical programs by working only CANADIAN HIGH with only the esteemed global COMMISSIONER, to Sri Lanka graced institutions who help bring out the the occasion to symbolise this best in our students. UCL is also the milestone in relations between Canada exclusive partner for Monash and Sri Lanka as the first direct Education in Sri Lanka providing a partnership to offer Canadian Higher guaranteed pathway to Monash Education in Sri Lanka. His University in Australia and Malaysia. Excellency David McKinnon said, “It’s UCL has successfully garnered 300 great to have Dalhousie University Monash Global Award of Excellence and UCL in a partnership to enable Sri winners and produced the Best Lankan students to access top-tier Graduates at Monash University academic programs and gain the Prof. Andrew Rau-Chaplin DEAN OF graduations in the recent past. UCL experience of Canadian higher His Excellency David McKinnon Dr. Harsha Alles - DIRECTOR - UCL, THE FACULTY OF COMPUTER has also an exclusive partnership SCIENCE education. Canada and Sri Lanka CANADIAN HIGH COMMISSIONER with the University of Central share strong people-to-people ties, in Lancashire UK to offer their degree part forged through our collaboration completion programs in Software in the education sector. New Engineering and International partnerships between our education Business in Sri Lanka, and have institutions will allow these ties to achieved 100% pass rates in the grow even further.” programme. These are a testament to Dr. Harsha Alles - DIRECTOR - UCL’s uncompromising commitment UCL, Director UCL and Chairman of to achieving academic excellence and the Gateway Group of Organisations offering quality transnational higher Dr. Harsha Alles expressed his education to discerning students in pleasure in establishing this Sri Lanka. momentous partnership. He said, “It UCL will initially launch two is a trailblazer in transnational higher undergraduate degree programs, education in Sri Lanka as this is the namely the Bachelor of Computer first time that a Sri Lankan higher Science and Bachelor of Applied education provider has established a Computer Science. Those who enrol partnership with a Canadian for the degree program at UCL will university to offer its degree programs, Ms. Tharanga Senarathna have the privilege of becoming in Sri Lanka. This development would Gihan Silva Dr. Dhananjay Kulkarni HEAD OF MARKETING & STUDENT Dalhousie University students right ENROLMENT augur well for Sri Lanka’s higher CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER DEAN OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS. from the beginning and complete the education sector towards realisation of first two years of the Dalhousie its vision of setting up an international the establishing of the partnership, highly qualified and competent faculty We believe that the destination city is University degree here in Sri Lanka education hub in the South Asian said, “This partnership is not only a among private tertiary education also key for success of pathway at UCL, and then have a guaranteed region”. He also conveyed his milestone for UCL and Dalhousie providers in Sri Lanka. Their faculty programs. Being voted as one of the transition to the Third Year at appreciation to the UCL leadership University, it’s also an epoch-making includes several PhDs whilst others most livable cities in Canada, Halifax Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, team for achieving this great feat. event in bilateral relations between Sri hold a minimum of a Masters will prove to be a city of promises to Canada and subsequently progress Prof. Andrew Rau-Chaplin Lanka and Canada. This is the first qualification, thus enabling them to study, work and live in Canada for to complete their Fourth and final DEAN OF THE FACULTY OF ever 2+2 Canadian Degree to be offer students a superior learning Sri Lankan students who transfer to Year there and graduate. Technology COMPUTER SCIENCE, Dalhousie delivered in Sri Lanka. In keeping with experience in this programme. A well- Dal.” and Digital are the future, and the University Canada,The Dalhousie our commitment to providing quality integrated learning experience that is About the curriculum and support main goal of the Faculty of Computer University representatives led by Dr. transnational higher education to produced at UCL combines the available to students, Dr. Dhananjay Science at Dalhousie University is to Matt Hebb, Vice President discerning students, our latest imparting of knowledge, acquisition of added, “The first 2 years at UCL will ensure that students are inculcated Government & Global Relations and university partnership with a leading skills, provision of industry exposure provide a solid foundation for with the right technical knowledge, Prof. Andrew Rau-Chaplin, Dean of Canadian U15 research intensive and the development of a winning students and prepare them to excel problem solving skills along with the the Faculty of Computer Science, university, Dalhousie University will attitude which would in turn, assist at Dalhousie University. The cutting- leadership skills required in creating participated at the event online. offer a holistic Canadian higher students towards carving out a career edge, modern curriculum with new software and computer Prof. Andrew Rau-Chaplin speaking education experience including the in their preferred fields, and become emphasis on industry-oriented skills technologies which will assist in on the occasion said, “We are unique Co-op model for gaining sought-after professionals locally and are what students require to start empowering societies and delighted to launch this engaged valuable work experience in top global internationally. their careers. UCL is confident of organisations. A salient feature of the partnership with UCL where students tech companies in Canada. Let me Dr. Dhananjay Kulkarni, DEAN OF maintaining the highest international Dalhousie University’s Computer will have the opportunity to start their take this opportunity to express my ACADEMIC AFFAIRS, Speaking at standards, providing students a very Science and Applied Computer university journey at home and end it grateful thanks to Prof. Andrew the occasion, Dr. Dhananjay Canadian University-like experience Science Degree programs is the here at Dalhousie University, a top Walker and Dr. Matt Hebb along with Kulkarni, Dean of Academic Affairs and high student satisfaction. All unique Co-operative Education (Co- Canadian institution with a history of the rest at Dalhousie University and stated, “With an established track- subjects taught, assessments, op) Model. Co-operative Education over 200 years of excellence. This new my colleagues at UCL for their record of Academic Excellence, UCL student support and will give students a deeper, richer partnership will expand our capacity excellent coordination throughout this will be delivering Canadian methods will be closely linked with educational experience, real-world to attract high quality international exemplary partnership development curriculum in an exclusive Dalhousie. I believe maintaining work experience, career connections students to the increasingly impactful process”. partnership with one of the best these high standard and unique and employment income during work discipline of computer science, An important aspect that UCL Universities in Canada, which is learning experiences will set our terms. Co-op allows students to exposing them to our curriculum and leverages on is their possession of a also a globally top ranked University. students apart, and will boost their alternate career-focused work terms opportunities while they prepare for with study terms and receive special their studies overseas. co-op degree designation upon UCL has a fantastic track record of graduation. developing similar partnership models For more information on how to where students have excelled in enrol for the Bachelor of Computer programs at top ranked institutions Science or the Bachelor of Applied globally. We are excited to join them in Computer Science degree programs launching the first program like this at of Dalhousie University at UCL in Sri Dalhousie”. Lanka, please feel free to contact Gihan Silva - CHIEF EXECUTIVE them on 0774 777 000 or [email protected] OFFICER, CEO of UCL Mr. Gihan or visit the UCL Campus Silva who was fervently involved in conveniently located at #503, Sri developing the partnership with Jayewardenepura Mawatha, Sri Dalhousie University was elated with Jayewardenepura. sports Sunday 4 July 2021 A15 Curran Shines as England Crush Sri Lanka to Win Series

England seamers Sam Curran and England’s bowlers smelled blood, David Willey shared nine to set up however, and Curran completed his first SCORES a crushing eight- victory over Sri five-wicket haul for his country when he Lanka on Thursday as the hosts chased had Karunaratne caught behind to spark down 241 with seven overs to spare to go a great celebration for the Surrey man on Sri Lanka 2-0 up in the three-match one-day his home ground. international series. EARLY STRUGGLES Pathum Nissanka b S.Curran 05 Curran took five for 48 from his 10 Kusal Perera lbw S.Curran 00 overs, with fellow left-armer Willey Willey claimed his fourth as Sri Lanka lbw S.Curran 02 grabbing four for 64 as Sri Lanka made ended on 241-9 - a battling effort after their c Root b Willey 91 241-9, something of a recovery after they early struggles. The total was some c (sub) Garton b Willey 03 were 21-4 in the seventh over. improvement on the first match when they c Billings b S.Curran 26 It never looked remotely enough, were all out for 185, which England knocked Dasun Shanaka c S.Curran b Willey 47 though, as (60) started the off in 35 overs after an early wobble. Chamika Karunarathne c Bairstow b S.Curran 21 chase strongly and Joe Root, unbeaten on Sri Lanka needed early wickets again to c Rashid b Willey 17 68, and Eoin Morgan (75 ) have any chance, but their attack lacked Dushmantha Chameera not out 14 gave the half-capacity 12,500 Oval crowd menace as England’s prodigious opening Asitha Fernando not out 01 plenty to cheer, if not the exciting finish duo of Roy and Jonny Bairstow put on an Extras (Lb1, w13) 14 they might have hoped for. untroubled 71 before the latter played on Total (For 9 Wickets in 50 overs) 241 England got off to a flier as Curran took for 29. Roy departed via a brilliant, diving Fall of Wickets: 1-4, 2-6, 3-12, 4-21, 5-86, 6-164, the first three wickets - two lbw and one Chamika Karunaratne catch for 60 off 52 7-206, 8-217, 9-229 bowled - in his first two overs, leaving Sri balls, but Root, who top-scored with an : David Willey 10-1-64-4, Sam Curran 10-1- Lanka 12-3, which soon became 21-4 unbeaten 79 on Tuesday, and Morgan, 48-5, Tom Curran 10-0-43-0, Mark Wood 10-1-35-0, when Willey had Charith Asalanka delighted to be back in the runs after a Adil Rashid 10-0-50-0 caught. dry spell, accumulated at will. Dhananjaya de Silva, ably assisted by Both reached risk-free half-centuries England Wanindu Hasaranga (26) and Dasun before putting their foot down and finding Shanaka, steadied the ship, initially the boundary, Morgan finishing with a Jason Roy c D. de Silva b C.Karunaratne 60 digging in and then playing their shots four as England ended on 244-2. “It was a Jonny Bairstow b Wanindu Hasaranga 29 with growing confidence. good day all round,” said Morgan. “We Joe Root Not Out 68 De Silva, who missed the first game of had to sit in and be patient with the bat. Eoin Morgan Not Out 75 the series on Tuesday, eventually As a captain I don’t think massively about Extras (1b 0lb 0nb 0pen 11w) 12 departed for an entertaining 13-boundary my batting. Today it was nice to get some Total (43.0 overs) 244-2 91. time in the middle. We’ll probably make Fall of Wickets: 1-76 Bairstow, 2-104 Roy Shanaka then took up the reins before some more changes in Bristol (for the final Bowling: Dushmantha Chameera 9-0-46-0, Binura he was caught off Willey for 47 in the 45th match on Sunday) with an eye on the Fernando 9-0-53-0, Asitha Fernando 10-0-54-0, over, just when it had appeared that the Pakistan series. We are always looking to Wanindu Hasaranga 7-0-46-1, Chamika Karunaratne tourists might be able to scramble a total grow and get better.” 6-0-34-1, Dhananjaya de Silva 2-0-10-0 that would have given them something to Curran was named man of the match. defend. (Reuters) Joe Root and Eoin Morgan celebrate winning the match

India tour of Sri Lanka Kent RO partners with SLC India has sent a ‘strong for T20I series squad’ says SLC Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has entered associated with cricket in its different Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) stated Earlier, former skipper Arjuna Lankan players would suffer. into a partnership agreement formats, be it IPL or bilateral series.’’ that despite claims by various Ranathunga slammed the island According to Ranatunga, cricket with Kent RO, a leading Indian firm The partnership between SLC parties as reported in the Media, the nation’s sports leaders for agreeing leaders considered only the engaged in manufacturing Water and Kent RO was facilitated by the National white-ball team of India to a tour by a ‘second level’ India financial gains. Purifying Solutions, as the National India-based Alliance Advertising, which currently touring Sri Lanka is a side. Ranatunga, 57, said on Friday “The secret behind agreeing to an team’s ‘Back of Jersey’ branding partner acquired the rights of the Sri Lanka strong squad. the tour undermined the country’s Indian ‘B’ team is TV rights,” for the T20I series against India. National Team’s ‘Back of Jersey’ “Out of the 20-member India ‘dignity’ as he attacked Sports Ranatunga said. “The Board wants Kent RO is a market leader in Water branding for the India Tour of Sri Lanka squad, 14 players have represented Minister Namal Rajapaksa and Sri to make money from this Purifiers, and is also the largest 2021. India across all formats or in some Lanka Cricket. tournament even if it means producer of RO Water Purifier and other Commenting on its role in connecting form (Test, ODI, or T20i), and not a India’s team led by Shikhar pitching our players against a ‘B’ Water Purifier solutions. It is a firm at Sri Lanka Cricket and Kent RO, Arshad ‘second string team,’ as claimed.” Dhawan arrived in Sri Lanka on team.” the forefront of developing technology to Shawl, Founder and Director of Alliance “It should also be mentioned this Monday to prepare for the three In the history of cricket, this is provide best industry solutions to its Advertising said: “We are excited to tour is taking place whilst the one-day internationals and three the first time that SLC had to consumers for Water Purifiers and other envisage this partnership between KENT National Test team is touring games that start on 13 reassure the general public that products. and SLC. Kent RO has always been a England to play a 5-match Test July. the visiting Indian team is a Commenting on the Partnership, pioneer when it comes to celebrating series. Top Indian stars including Virat ‘strong one’. Ashley de Silva, CEO of SLC said, “We sportsmanship. Since a series between “This is the latest norm in the Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Mohammed India’s squad: Shikhar Dhawan are extremely happy with Kent RO’s India and Sri Lanka is being played after cricketing world, especially the full Shami, Jasprit Bumrah and Rishab (Captain), Prithvi Shaw, Devdutt partnership with Sri Lanka Cricket, and a gap, these matches are expected to ICC Member countries, as they Pant were notable absentees. All are Padikkal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, consider this partnership in high esteem, draw high viewership across TV and maintain specialist squads and in England preparing for the Test Suryakumar Yadav, Manish as these are the kind of relationships Digital. Apart from awareness, our players for each format of the series next month. Pandey, Hardik Pandya, Nitish which helps shape the forward journey of experience and expertise being seen on game,” said SLC in a media “The Indian squad that came to Rana, Ishan Kishan (Wicket- Sri Lanka Cricket.” the team jerseys does catapult the statement. Sri Lanka is not their best; it is a keeper), Sanju Samson (Wicket- Expressing his views on the brand’s perception and imagery with “The aim of such arrangements is second level team,” Ranatunga said. keeper), Yuzvendra Chahal, Rahul company’s latest sport sponsorship, high ROI. We are looking forward to a to be competitive in each format of “Didn’t our Sports Minister or Chahar, K Gowtham, Krunal Mahesh Gupta, Chairman and fantastic series and hope to build a the game by maintaining specialist cricket administrators know this?” Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Managing Director of Kent RO Systems stronger relationship with Sri Lanka players and squads. “Sri Lanka may have gone down Chakravarthy, Bhuvneshwar Limited said, “We are happy to be Cricket”. “Apart from it, maintaining (in the rankings), but as a cricketing Kumar (Vice-captain), Deepak associated with the India-Sri Lanka The series is expected to receive wide separate squads enable Cricket nation we have an identity, we have Chahar, Navdeep Saini, Chetan Cricket T20 series, and to come in as the attention across the cricketing world, as Boards to fulfill their international dignity, we should not be sending Sakariya ‘Back of Jersey’ branding partner of the the competition will be shown live commitments unhindered, such as our best to play an Indian ‘B’ team.” Net Bowlers: Ishan Porel, Sri Lanka T20 team. We wish both across the globe. the ICC Future Tours Programme,” He said authorities had not Sandeep Warrier, Arshdeep Singh, teams the very best. Kent RO Systems The T20Is will be played on 21, 23 and the statement further added. considered the humiliation Sri Sai Kishore, Simarjeet Singh Limited will continue to be closely 25 July at the RPICS, Colombo.

Federer gets his sparkle back as sun shines at Wimbledon

The sun finally came out at Wimbledon doubts over his form after an unusually on Thursday and eight-time early defeat in Halle, but the signs are champion Roger Federer got his old looking positive as he prepares to face sparkle back on Centre Court to eclipse Britain’s Cameron Norrie. Richard Gasquet and move serenely into “Felt good physically. Much more round three. relaxed in many ways, as I was able to It was not quite vintage Federer, but the play a really good breaker,” he said. 7,500 fans packed around his favourite “What I was able to do today gives you a court did not care, as the Swiss gave lot of confidence. You can start to play so them plenty to ooh and aah about in a much more freely.” 7-6(1) 6-1 6-4 victory. Federer is adored at Wimbledon, but he US sprinter Richardson tests The 39-year-old Swiss took a while to may find the Centre Court crowd a little find his timing and needed to save three less reverential when he faces in-form positive for cannabis break points in his first service game. Norrie, one of three British men in the But having been pushed into a tiebreak, third round after he thrashed Australian Could miss Olympics the 20-time Grand Slam champion flicked Alex Bolt. the switch and his game began to flow as Norrie reached the last 32 for the first American sprinter Sha’Carri A positive test during the he claimed the breaker in scintillating time with a 6-3 6-1 6-2 win against the Richardson has tested positive trials would mean all style. Australian wildcard. for cannabis, sources have told of Richardson›s results from After taking the opener, the sixth seed “I hope the crowd gets into Reuters, and she is unlikely to the meet would be wiped out, moved smoothly through the gears and Roger Federer it,” Federer said on court after get the chance to challenge for voiding her victory in the 100m Gasquet could not live with him as the dispatching Gasquet. “I understand if the Olympic 100 metres title in final. Another source familiar Frenchman suffered an 11th successive Court roof and looked to be slipping away they cheer for him, and if it is for me it is Tokyo later this month. with the matter said that Jenna defeat against Federer, a run dating back from the Swiss. because of the last 20 years and all the According to one source Prandini, who finished fourth to 2011 in which he has not even won a He eventually got through when big wins I’ve had here. Cam’s had a familiar with the matter, the in the final, had already been set. Mannarino suffered a knee injury after wonderful year and played great at positive test came at the U.S. approached to run for the U.S. It was in marked contrast to Tuesday slipping on the greasy turf, but it was one Queen’s (reaching the final), backing that Olympic trials last month, in the 100m in Tokyo. evening when persistent rain of Federer’s most hollow victories of the up here. where Richardson established Both sources requested meant Federer’s first-round clash with 103 he now owns at the All England Club. “But enough now - he needs to go out! I herself as a Gold medal anonymity due to the another French player, Adrian MORE RELAXED need to go through.” contender by winning the sensitivity of the matter. Mannarino, took place under the Centre Federer arrived at Wimbledon with (Reuters) 100m in 10.86 seconds. (Reuters) A16 sunday 4 July 2021 SPORTS National Athletics Team – Nobody’s Child Team put in general quarantine centre going against earlier promises Officials passing the buck as usual

By Anjana Kaluarachchi

Sri Lanka National Athletics team, including Olympic bound athlete Nilani Rathnayaka, were left stranded in a general quarantine centre in Matara without any training facilities as promised upon arrival from India early morning yesterday after winning 09 medals. We will be trans- The team comprising ten athletes ferred by today or and two officials, had a hectic trip returning from India, and they tomorrow and reached Sri Lanka after more than 36 then, as usual, hours facing several incidents. Before leaving they were promised they will state arrangements will be made for them that it was a sim- to undergo quarantine at Sugathadasa Sports hotel across ple mistake and Sugathadasa stadium on their return. we should obey the They were also promised that they will be given an opportunity to train at the Team sleeping in Delhi waiting for their country’s law, and Sugathadasa stadium by converting it next flight Team before leaving Doha into a bio bubble. in a week’s time But upon arrival there was no unfortunate incident. Several athletes before going to India. They were set to from midnight to early morning, they everything will be sports official and none were conveyed their displeasure over the leave to India on 22 June and came safely reached Doha and spent more contactable, as Army soldiers upon incident, and Olympian Sumedha with packed bags ready to go, but than 12 hour in transit there before forgotten and it instructions by the COVID-19 Task Ranasinghe, who was the team then were informed that their air arriving in Colombo, where they will continue in Force, took them to a general captain, said with tongue-in-cheek tickets had not been booked and will were shell shocked about the quarantine centre in Matara with that in a week’s time everyone will only be able to leave to India on the treatment meted out to them. future as well, minimum facilities, as they were forget what they went through. 23rd. Later, team captain Ceylon Today obtained copy of a returning from India. “We will be transferred by today or Ranasinghe had to do the data entry letter dated 29 June sent by the Nilani is set to run the 3000m tomorrow and then, as usual, they job of submitting their PCR and Sports Ministry to COVID-19 Task which has made life hard for top Steeple Chase at the Olympic Games will state that it was a simple mistake other details to Indian authorities as Force and State Ministry of Rural sports officials throughout in 28 days time, while Medhani and we should obey the country’s law, they only got tickets after 6.00 p.m. and School Sports Infrastructure yesterday, with several inquiries Jayamanne is set to run in the World and in a week’s time everything will be and there was no one at the Ministry Improvement - Sugathadasa sports regarding the incident. Junior Championship in August. forgotten and it will continue in future or SLA office at that time. hotel comes under the State Ministry To top that, ambulances were seen Initially some of the athletes were as well,” said Ranasinghe on social Then they had a tiring journey - requesting quarantine for the leaving the premises last night with reluctant to travel to India, but agreed media. with long transit times both ways, athletics team, a day before the team COVID-19 critical patients, which to go on an assurance given by Kalinga Kumarage, who ran the and on their return they had a mini departed from India. Yet no action have left the athletes baffled authorities that they will be fourth fastest 400m by a Sri Lankan scare in Delhi when they were had been taken based on the regarding the thinking behind the quarantined in Colombo upon arrival and fastest time in last the 15 years informed that they were not contents of the letter even by last authorities who risk lives of athletes, and will be allowed to train. (45.83 seconds), said that he is sad to permitted to board the aircraft to evening, and the team is still in who were extra careful even in India Ceylon Today understands lack of identify himself as a Sri Lankan Doha due to COVID-19 health Matara, though it is possible to compete in a bubble environment coordination between top sports athlete at the moment. related protocol by Qatar authorities will act to get them down and took several PCR tests within authorities had resulted in this The team went through chaos even authorities. After sorting that out to Colombo after media pressure, last week which were all negative. Women’s football is Shakib, Faulkner, dying; can the new Bavuma register Administration revive it? Lasses remain in limbo for almost two years without any competition for LPL 2 Women’s football consistently undervalued

By Mustaq Sydeen FA Cup, there is no such announcement of Unless and until FSL and relevant a football league for the females. authorities understand the severity of Women›s football is developing at Women face an uphill struggle to the situation and start taking concrete different speeds all over the world, but maintain a career in football. Against this measures with a long term view, here in Sri Lanka it’s totally upside down. challenging background, it’s important Women’s football in Sri Lanka will very Since the last South Asian Games (SAG) that Football Sri Lanka (FSL) explore soon be a thing of the past. which ended in mid-December 2019, ways to stabilise the working conditions However, with a new administration women footballers have been out of action of female footballers. They should elected to run the office at Wijerama and their future remains uncertain. consider the structures that will enable Mawatha, Ceylon Today believes the new The Federation has persistently failed them to flourish – on and off the pitch – administration led to adequately recognize, properly respect alongside their male counterparts. by Jaswar Umar and justly reward its most valuable asset: We are aware of the prevailing sorry should charge the Women’s National team. This is the situation befallen on Women’s football. forward and state of Sri Lankan women’s football Where it thrived once, it has now sunk focus on today. Each minute it is progressing fast to a very low standard, but if the infrastructure towards its impending death. governing body are expecting better and player/ There are concerns that lasses are results from the women’s team they league abandoning the game in alarming should be given proper guidance, match development in numbers due to lack of competition and practice, a proper qualified coaching order to revive One of the world’s top Pathan, is also available Sarkar proper guidance, raising questions about staff, etc., and most importantly must be women’s football ranked all-rounders as for selection. Australia: Usman where they go from here. equally treated as the their male in the per ICC rankings, Shakib Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Khawaja, and Although the men seem to be playing counterparts. Other than doing this if country. Or Al Hasan of Bangladesh, Vice President Ravin Callum Ferguson various leagues such as Super League and FSL are expecting a Gold will it Australian all-rounders Wickremaratne said: West Indies: Sheldon medal at SAG or a SAFF just be Ben Cutting and James “Last year’s success has Cottrell, Rayad Emrit, medal without any proper déjà Faulkner, South African certainly made a Ravi Rampaul, Dwayne guidance, the lasses have a vu? national team’s ODI and difference with more Smith, Denesh Ramdin, better chance of getting T20 captain Temba players from many cricket Johnson Charles and the first elephant into Bavuma are some playing countries looking Rowman Powell space than winning at renowned names that forward to play in the Pakistan: Haris Sohail, soccer. have registered for the LPL, which is a very good Waqas Maqsood, There is also a lot to second edition of the sign for the League and Muhammed Hasnain, be done by relevant Sri Lanka cricket.” Mohammed Irfan, Shoaib authorities to work (LPL). Anil Mohan, CEO of Maqsood, Shan Masood, more on the grass root Mitchell McClenaghan, Innovative Production Anwar Ali and Ammad level; to cultivate a new , Group FZE, the official Butt generation that could put Mohammed rights holder of the Lanka South Africa: Rilee Sri Lanka in the upper Mahmadullah, Sherfane Premier League (LPL) for Rossouw, David Wiese, echelons of Asian football. Rutherford, Ravi 2020-2024, said: “It is an Jon Jon Trevor Smuts, Development at grass root level Rampaul, David Wiese exciting list and I am sure Morne Morkel, Rassie is undoubtedly the most and Calum Ferguson are fans can look forward to Van Der Dussen, Keshav important initiative, and bringing few others who have some scintillating Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi in good coaches for younger made themselves performances from them and HardusViljoen players will also play a crucial available ahead of the in this edition of LPL too.” Afghanistan: Asghar role in further popularizing the Players Draft. Brendan Some other Afghan, Mohammed sport. Taylor of Zimbabwe, International players who Shahzad, Najibullah Until that happens we will be Sandeep Lamichhane have registered for LPL-2 Zadran, Naveen UlHaq, stuck in a state of limbo - a from Nepal and Ali Khan are: , paralysis. Sri Lanka Football is of USA are also in the Bangladesh: Tamim Rahmanullah Gurbaz, sick and it needs to take hard fray. India’s Yusuf Iqbal, Mehdy Hasan Hazratullah Zazai, steps to fight the root cause of its Pathan, brother of Kandy Miraz, , Naveen ulHaq and Qais problems. Tuskers all-rounder Irfan and Soumya Ahmad

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