www.themorning.lk epaper.themorning.lk www.themorning.lk epaper.themorning.lk www.aruna.lk epaper.aruna.lk www.aruna.lk epaper.aruna.lk THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2020

For verified information on the Quarantine Unit COVID-19 TOTAL CASES TOTAL CASES coronavirus (Covid-19) contact any 0112 112 705 ACTIVE CASES of the following authorities CASES IN Epidemiology Unit Health THE WORLD 18,829,269 Suwasariya 0112 695 112 PROTECT YOURSELF FROM 2,834 Promotion Ambulance DEATHS CASES DEATHS Bureau Service Govt. coronavirus hotline USA 4,934,917 160,804 COVID-19 DEATHS RECOVERED 1999 1990 0113071073 707,087 BRAZIL 2,817,473 96,326 INDIA 1,959,822 40,732 PRESIDENTIAL SPECIAL TASK FORCE FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES RECOVERD RUSSIA 866,627 14,490 11 2,537 Telephone 0114354854, 0114733600 Fax 0112333066, 0114354882 Hotline 0113456200-4 Email [email protected] 12,022,987 S. AFRICA 521,318 8,884 THE ABOVE STATISTICS286 ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 3.10 P.M. ON 05 AUGUST 2020 SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU Prez. and leaders vote!

President , Prime Minister and Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Leader , (UNP) Leader , Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader , Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Leader Anura Kumara Dissnayake, and (TNA) Leader R. Sampanthan cast their votes yesterday (5) Confident of 130- Counting votes plus seats: SLPP The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Covid-19 begins today (SLPP) was confident z Results likely to be released by 2.30 p.m. of attaining above 130 seats in Parliament, BY SARAH HANNAN Election Secretariat Director The Morning learnt. General Saman Sri Rathnayake Senior SLPP Election Commission (EC) noted that in adherence to the health member and former MP Keheliya Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya guidelines to prevent the spread of Rambukwella said the party was fails to keep during the polls day wrap-up media Covid-19, the number of counting certain of winning 130-plus seats. briefing noted that the counting of centres were doubled this time. ballots will commence today (6) “In the 77 main counting centres, at 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. at the main 77 we have appointed 2,820 counting We will be the counting centres. halls, out of which 453 halls will be used for postal vote counting and ultimate victor: SJB 2,367 will be used to count the The Samagi Jana voters away Jaff na 67 ordinary votes. Balawegaya (SJB) Contd. on page 2 asserted that the party z z Vanni 73 would be the ultimate Countrywide voter Peaceful polling with victor as it is a young turnout of 70% minimum incidents Trincomalee party contesting the 73 election. Anuradhapura BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA 70 Polonnaruwa 72 Fear of the coronavirus pandemic did not keep large numbers of Sri Lankans Puttalam 64 ‘Mixed reaction’ by from heading to the polls to vote in the freshly concluded parliamentary Batticaloa 76 election yesterday (5) with a recorded countrywide voter turnout of 70%, Kurunegala voters likely: UNP according to the Election Commission (EC). 65 Matale 72 The United National Addressing the post-election press can even be viewed as 100% as the as violent incidents as Party (UNP) expects a conference held at the elections election was held in a very uncertain there was no such major Kandy 72 Digamadulla “mixed reaction” from headquarters, EC Chairman situation while the whole world was incident recorded with 73 voters in the results of the Mahinda Deshapriya said the facing a pandemic. Furthermore, the Commission or the Kegalle concluded parliamentary country saw a commendable voter the Elections Chief noted that the Police,” Deshpariya said. 70 Badulla election. turnout at yesterday’s elections, election was peacefully concluded Few incidents have been 74 despite the doubts raised by various with a minimum number of recorded from Kelaniya and Colombo 70 Moneragala parties that the country would see incidents relating to election Kilinochchi and the Police 75 Expecting to win a low voter turnout due to the violence recorded yesterday. are further investigating those Gampaha coronavirus pandemic. “The incidents recorded incidents, he added. 68 Ratnapura 71 He stressed that the 70% turnout cannot actually be identified Contd. on page 2 more seats: JVP Kalutara The Janatha 70% OVERALL VOTER TURNOUT 70 Hambantota 76 Vimukthi Peramuna GENERAL Galle (JVP) expected to win 70 Matara more seats at the new Highest turnout in ELECTION 71 Parliament than the last, Nuwara Eliya The Morning learnt. 75 “It’s hard to say this H’tota and Batty early but we are sure z Lowest turnout in Puttalam District of getting more seats than we had POLLS AMIDST COVID-19 in the last Parliament,” former JVP The overall voter turnout ended at 5 p.m. yesterday (5), The parliamentarian Bimal Ratnayake recorded in 12 electoral districts Morning learnt. Health guidelines properly followed: GMOA told The Morning. had crossed 70%, with the highest According to statistics, the lowest turnout of 76% observed in the voter turnout was recorded from the The Government Medical GMOA Vice President Dr. Sagara the country, the election officials have SEE FULL STORIES ON PAGE 2 Hambantota and Batticaloa Districts Puttalam District – 64%. Officers’ Association (GMOA) said Kannangara told The Morning that as followed the health guidelines given at the parliamentary election, which Contd. on page 2 it is satisfied with the level of health per reports submitted by the officials by the authorities, despite few lapses guidelines followed at polling stations attached to the GMOA who had reported in some areas. INCIDENTS RELATED TO 2020 GENERAL ELECTION around the country. visited the polling stations around Contd. on page 2

Improvement from ‘SF Lokka’ killed in EXPLOSION IN BEIRUT previous polls: Monitors Anuradhapura Two Lankans Notorious criminal gang Polling for the general election to yesterday, the Election Commission observation vehicles in all electoral member Eron Ranasinghe alias injured: SL appoint the ninth Parliament of Sri (EC) recorded a total of 758 violations districts. “SF Lokka” has been shot dead Lanka ended at 5 p.m. yesterday (5). of laws, while the People's Action for The Centre for Monitoring Election by unidentified gunmen, the Mission In comparison to the previous a Free and Fair Election (PAFFREL) Violence (CMEV) deployed 1,200 Police said. Two Sri Lankan nationals were elections, the incidents relating to recorded 143 complaints/incidents in observers at polling centres, 175-plus He had been travelling in a reportedly wounded in the catastrophic violation of election regulations and relation to 147 electoral law/general law counting observers at counting centres, car with another person when explosion that shook Beirut, the capital violence against political party offices violations between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. 90 field monitors, and 50 reporting, they came under gunfire near the travelling in the same car of Lebanon, on Tuesday (4), the Embassy and candidates had been less, the The Campaign for Free and Fair operations, and mobile team operators railway crossing at Dahaiyagama sustained injuries in the shooting of Sri Lanka in Lebanon said. election monitoring bodies observed. Elections (CaFFE) had deployed 2,200 at its Colombo headquarters. in Anuradhapura. and was hospitalised. Contd. on page 2 Between the period 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. poll monitors including 80 mobile Contd. on page 2 A woman who was also Contd. on page 2 2 the morning POLLS 2020/NEWS Thursday , August 6, 2020 Election day! PHOTOS PRADEEP DAMBARAGE, LALITH PERERA, SAMAN ABESIRIWARDANA, KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM, ESHAN DASANAYAKA Disinfection procedures being carried out at the entrance of a polling centre in Pamankada

UNP candidate arriving at SLPP candidate Wijeyadasa the polling centre to cast Rajapakshe arriving in SLPP candidate arriving in Nawala to cast his vote his vote in Battaramulla Nawala to cast his vote

The public wearing face masks at various polling centres across Colombo, SLPP candidate Voters patiently waiting to cast their vote in Voters washing their hands before entering waiting in queue to cast their votes arriving in Narahenpita to cast his vote Ratmalana polling centres in Rajagiriya

Contd. from page 1

crimes and charges. lira (£ 50.5 million or $ 66 million) of male candidates that got the chance to give did not disrupt the polling that took place Covid-19... SF Lokka had reportedly joined the emergency funds. interviews and deliver speeches during the inside the said polling stations. In addition, the EC ruled out any relation Army on 2 March 2007 and had reportedly Family members and relatives of Sri meetings. – Sarah Hannan between the election and the murder of deserted his post at the Special Forces Lankan expatriates in Lebanon, who wish There were several incidents where notorious criminal gang member Eron Regiment on 15 June 2015. to receive information with regard to the candidates and supporters attempted to Ranasinghe alias “SF Lokka”, claiming that He is also the main accused in the murder situation, can contact the Embassy office in influence the voters by the use of fear Confident... it was not election violence. of nightclub owner Wasantha de Zoysa in Beirut on +961 5769585 or e-mail address mongering or bribery, tarnishing the voters’ “We will definitely get more that 130. But However, the EC Chief further 2015. [email protected]. confidence in these candidates. we are hoping for 150. We cannot say yet, commended the support given by the health Alexander Wasantha Wickrama de Zoysa, Meanwhile, National Polls Observation as it is too early to make any predictions,” authorities and assured that all polling an ex-karate champion who is said to be the Centre National Organiser Rasanga he said. stations around the country had followed holder of several Guinness World Records, Highest... Harischandra noted: “Strong regulations He noted that the voter turnout was lower all guidelines given by the authorities at was hacked to death by a gang during a The second highest voter turnout was should be introduced over social media than the last election and blamed the United yesterday’s election. brutal attack at his nightclub. recorded from the Nuwara Eliya and campaigning. We observed a surge of National Party (UNP). Responding to a query, Deshapriya noted Monaragala Districts with 75%. promoted posts from political parties and “I feel the percentages are not in keeping that permission was not given for those who Meanwhile, a 74% voter turnout was candidate pages being boosted during the with the Presidential Election. The reason were under quarantine to cast their vote as Health... recorded from the Badulla District while silent period. The facebook ad campaign is the hardcore UNPers, who didn’t want to there were no legal provisions. The polling stations had also followed the the voter turnout of Vanni, Trincomalee, report had indicated that the total ad cross over or support another party, (who) “We couldn’t go for an advanced voting necessary guidelines, and adequate sanitary and Digamadulla was recorded at 73% in expenditure for the general election in Sri refrained from voting.” system for those who were at quarantine facilities had been provided for voters at all each electoral district. The voter turnout of Lanka had amounted to $ 500,000.” – Skandha Gunasekara centres, as only those who requested a polling stations. Matale, Polonnaruwa, and Kandy was 72%. Even state media displayed somewhat special polling station to cast their vote were He said that overall there was no threat of Ratnapura recorded a 71% voter turnout, of a bias when allocating air time for some to do it within 10 days after the nominations an added risk of spreading Covid-19 due to while Anuradhapura, Kegalle, Colombo, candidates representing the main political We will be... were handed over, and such persons had to the election process. Kalutara, and Galle recorded a 70% turnout. parties. This was more visible through “I think SJB will be happy with either prove that they had a fear of going to the – Maheesha Mudugamuwa Meanwhile, Matara, Gampaha, three private media channels, which had result because it was the shortest time required polling station,” Deshapriya added. Kurunegala, Jaffna, and Puttalam recorded allegedly given ad spaces for free to certain that a political party emerged with a new Meanwhile, speaking to The Morning, voter turnouts of 71%, 68%, 65%, 67%, and candidates of their choice, Harischandra symbol and convinced voters that they are Centre for Monitoring Elections Violence Two Lankans... 64%, respectively. added. one of the biggest forces to be reckoned (CMEV) National Co-ordinator Manjula The massive explosion killed nearly – Maheesha Mudugamuwa Centre for Monitoring Election with. Therefore, we are quite happy with Gajanayake said the entire election process 100 people and injured more than 4,000 Violence (CMEV) National Co-ordinator the feedback we’re getting and the voter was peaceful and there were no major according to the latest figures. Manjula Gajanayake, speaking to turnout. We were trying to defeat one incidents reported during the period of voting. The Sri Lankan Embassy, in a statement, Improvement... The Morning, noted: “All in all, the group which follows family bandism and “Only around 161 minor complaints have said that it is seeking further information The CMEV had recorded a total of 301 Election Commission of Sri Lanka did another party with dictatorship which is been recorded with the CMEV during the from the Lebanese Ministry of Public election-related violations up to 5 p.m. an exemplary job in ensuring that the constantly losing – so we’re trying to beat voting period,” he added. Health with regard to the Sri Lankan yesterday, out of which the highest incidents majority of polling stations followed the two groups even though we’ve existed for Comparing the previous elections, nationals affected by this calamity. were relating to illegal campaigning which health guidelines that were stipulated quite a short time,” SJB stalwart and former Gajanayake noted that yesterday's election In the meantime, it is reported that stood at 151 incidents, while incidents of to prevent the spread of Covid-19. parliamentarian told The was the most peaceful out of all the years. minor damages were caused to the Sri intimidation and influence (57) and illegal Our observers reported that overall the Morning. Lankan Embassy building in Beirut and posters/cutouts (21) were also prominent. situation had been satisfactory in most of However, he said it was too early to make the residences of its diplomatic mission. The scattering of chits bearing party the electorates. Even the duty officers had predictions about how many seats they Counting... However, embassy officials have not been symbols and candidate preferential numbers been very co-operative to make sure that would attain in Parliament. Each main counting centre will have a injured in the explosion. is by far the most common election violation the guidelines were followed to the best of “It’s too early for me to comment. We senior presiding officer and eight assistant According to foreign media, the explosion committed by candidates from a range of their abilities,” Gajanayake noted. practised the principle of a free and fair presiding officers, and each counting hall has struck with the force of a 3.5 magnitude political parties across the country. The CMEV believes that campaign election where people are not forced to side will have 20-30 counting officers.” earthquake. According to CMEV monitors, the financing and social media campaigning are with one party and we want to see how the The EC is hopeful of releasing results by Lebanese authorities have launched highest number of election-related two aspects that need to be heavily regulated people have chosen. Either way, we are the 2.30 p.m. today. investigations to determine the exact violations committed by a political party to ensure that future elections would provide victors because we’re a party that is just Rathnayake also noted that this time, in cause of the explosion. However, was recorded by the Sri Lanka Podujana a level playing field to all candidates. emerging, compared to the UNP (United addition to the regular duty officers, health Lebanese officials have begun to look into Peramuna (SLPP) which stood at 86, PM’s motorcade in Nikaweratiya National Party) which has been there from service professionals too will be deployed 2,750 tonnes of confiscated ammonium which was followed by 20 incidents Following the incident in Nikaweratiya the start and the SLPP (Sri Lanka Podujana to assist in taking temperature readings nitrate that was stored in a warehouse for reported against other minor parties, and involving Prime Minister Mahinda Peramuna) which is governing the country.” and health screening for the officers before six years near the port where the incident then 18 incidents against the Samagi Jana Rajapaksa and his supporters, Jathika Jana – Skandha Gunasekara entering the premises. happened. Balawegaya (SJB). The highest number of Balawegaya (JJB) Kurunegala District The final result of the general election The officials expect the death toll to rise district-wise incidents was observed from candidate Nilantha Bandara had lodged is scheduled to be announced before further as emergency workers dig through the Kegalle Electoral District which stood at a complaint at the Nikaweratiya Police ‘Mixed... midnight today, while the preferential the rubble to search for survivors, foreign 16, followed by the Kandy Electoral District Station, while JJB Kurunegala District “I think it will be an open situation, a votes announcement will be made before media reported. Furthermore, over 200,000 (13), and the Badulla and Galle Electoral candidate Dr. P.M. Wickramarathna had rather mixed reaction,” UNP Assistant midnight tomorrow (7). people have become homeless, Beirut Districts (12 incidents each). lodged a complaint at the Kobeigane Secretary and former parliamentarian Ravi Governor Marwan Abboud has said. Police Station under complaint no. Karunanayake told The Morning. Lebanese President Michel Aoun Monitoring bodies’ perception 142/02. He said it was too early to make a call on ‘SF Lokka’... meanwhile declared a three-day mourning Meanwhile, The Morning spoke to some In a statement released to the media, their election outcome. The 33-year-old underworld figure had period and stated that the Lebanese of the election monitoring bodies that were JJB Kurunegala District candidate Namal “Now that the election is over, it is a been wanted by the Police over various Government would release 100 billion involved during this general election, to Karunaratne noted that the behaviour pretty hard question to answer, but we inquire about their overall perception of the displayed by the Prime Minister had expect a decent representation this time polls that were held yesterday. violated the election regulations and had around.” Mothers and Daughters of Lanka (MDL) jeopardised the voters’ right to vote in a free He then lauded the peaceful election Co-ordinator Padmini Weerasooriya said and fair manner. process. Cartoon of the day that election monitoring duties in eight Samagi Jana Balawegaya Permanent “What we could reflect is that the polls districts – Gampaha, Colombo, Kurunegala, Representative Keerthi Tennakoon, have been lower than normal expectations, Kandy, Batticaloa, Polonnaruwa, and releasing a statement, had requested that the but it was a peaceful election as reports Galle – were conducted by their all-female election be held again on a different day for claim.” monitoring team. the two polling stations that were disturbed – Skandha Gunasekara “There was an incident in Matara where by the Prime Minister’s motorcade. the names of spouses had been mixed in Commenting on the Nikaweratiya their polling card, the husband’s identity incident, Gajanayake said that the Expecting... card had been printed on the wife’s polling candidate in question had used a motorcade He said that it was likely that certain card, and vice versa. They had only noticed of 12 vehicles which had about 50 of his political party supporters had intentionally it when they had gone to cast their votes. supporters roaming in a motorcade and not voted. They were later allowed to vote under the disrupting traffic flow in the Nikaweratiya “I believe that not only the UNP (United SPO (Senior Presiding Officer) form. area. The incident had been reported when National Party), but also the Government Further, a lady from Wellawaya who had a CMEV long-term observer had spotted supporters would have refrained from a temporary identity card was not allowed to the motorcade at the Kobeigane area. voting.” exercise her voting rights and our observer “According to election regulations, a He said that the pandemic along with had to mediate and inform the Election candidate can only use one vehicle with voters’ disappointment with the Government Commission, after which she was allowed stickers displaying the candidate’s number would have also affected the voter turnout. to cast her vote,” she noted. and symbol. However, the regulations “We expected a lower turnout than at the MDL also observed that female prohibit a procession of such a large number presidential election and with the people candidates who contested during this of vehicles, which can be seen as a violation disappointed in the Government, a division election had been overshadowed by the of the calmness of the election.” in the UNP, and the corona pandemic, all male candidates, and it seemed that the Gajanayake also noted that according to these things would have affected the voter woman’s voice was not heard even during their on-ground observers, the group never turnout.” the campaigning period. It was always the entered a polling station, and as such, they – Skandha Gunasekara the morning Thursday , August 06, 2020 3 business YALA LAND DISPUTE Court refuses Lanka Realty injunction against SLTDA The District Court of Colombo made an order refusing an steps to give the land to a third The court identified in its order The court also identified that the The court did however prevent the injunction sought by Lanka Realty Investment (formerly Ascot party. It was revealed in the action that Lanka Realty had failed to allegations against the Chairperson SLTDA from acting upon specific Holdings PLC) in an action filed by it, in respect of a land in the that the Government had taken a commence operations by March of the SLTDA were without merit, documents (P12, P13, P22) in Yala Tourism Zone, originally leased to Ascot where commercial decision to lease the said land to an 2018 and had also failed to satisfy noting that she took office only terminating Ascot. The SLTDA said operations were required to commence by 19 March 2018. international investor by ejecting the court that it had applied for in December 2019, and all steps it maintains that the lease has been the non-performing lessee Ascot an extension of time, unlike all taken since then were in line with terminated in terms of the law as Ascot Holdings PLC sought to from taking possession of the land, Holdings, which stood in the way of other lessees, some of whom were a previous Cabinet decision, based well as the lease agreement for non- prevent the Sri Lanka Tourism carrying out development activities the said development, according to now successfully carrying out on the defaulting of the non- performance, and that there is no Development Authority (SLTDA) on the land, and also taking any the SLTDA. commercial operations. performing lessee. need to rely on the said documents. 99X Technology helps Dentsu Aegis’ Chamith joins undergraduates get Drum Awards industry knowledge judging panel Understanding the importance of minimising Dentsu Aegis Network Sri the impact Covid-19 has on the education of Lanka Isobar & Response Lankan undergraduates, 99X Technology’s Director Chamith Buthgumwa university outreach programme “Dotitude” is has been invited to act as a jury conducting webinars for universities and higher member for the Drum Digital education institutes across the country. APAC Advertising Awards 2021, "In a time where almost every industry and a key annual event in the global even simple daily activities have been disrupted advertising industry, organised and are struggling to enter the digital arena, the by The Drum, one of the world’s emergence of a pandemic has been no deterrent largest marketing platforms. to the “Xians”, as the employees of 99X The Drum Awards run Technology call themselves. They’ve harnessed throughout the year to identify best a method already second nature to them, thanks practices, companies, and people to years of development for European clients, in the digital advertising industry quality and calibre, and personally, and fine-tuned it to reach out to undergraduates across the globe. The Drum this is a great achievement for across the country," 99x said. is Europe’s largest media and me; I’m looking forward to A screenshot from a webinar for the University of Moratuwa, featuring 99X Technology Senior Software The online sessions commenced shortly after Engineer Yasas Wickaramasinghe (right) marketing website and the fastest witnessing the most deserving the Xians began working from home and have growing in the US and APAC. This work get awarded and celebrated,” covered topics ranging from introductions to a multitude of activities. In the last year alone, originally conducted for the undergraduates renowned platform attracts over commented Buthgumwa. basic programming to soft skills development the volunteer-based initiative reached out to over of the University of Colombo School of 1.4 million unique users and has Buthgumwa was the first- and curriculum vitae (CV) writing. It has 3,500 undergraduates through collaborations Computing (UCSC) and then made available over 200,000 social followers. ever Sri Lankan to represent Sri included topics geared to current times, such with 12 universities and higher education online for public viewing. Topics covered within The Drum enables its readers Lanka as a judge at the MMA as webinars on “post-Covid challenges and institutes, and supported 15 research projects, the series included “Continuous Testing” by to make informed decisions by Smarties Awards – considered opportunities”. among other activities. Aravinthan Ramraj, “Cypress” by Maheesha presenting them with the best the Oscars of mobile marketing. “We have always been dedicated to working University of Moratuwa Head of Division of Lunuwila and Chanaka Uduweriya, “Security of effective digital advertising He himself clinched numerous closely and sharing our knowledge with Lankan Information Technology Kalpana Galappaththi, Testing” by Pranieth Chandrasekara, and executions. Advertising agencies, global accolades including the academia and undergraduates. It has been commenting on a recent session, said: “Thank “Performance Testing” by Chamath Didulanga. in-house marketing teams, design WARC Media Gold Award and the inspiring to see that despite limitations faced, you very much for accepting our invitation and “Our focus through such sessions has been consultancies, digital agencies, PR Smarties “Top of the Category” our employees continue to work together to doing a very good educational and motivational to educate them about new developments in companies, integrated agencies, Award. share their skills with these students,” noted 99X session for our first batch of NDT (National the tech space and to also show them the many and anyone else that has carried In his role as the Head of Isobar Technology Senior Technical Lead and Dotitude Diploma in Technology) students with your career paths available to undergraduates in the out marketing over the eligibility & Response at Dentsu Aegis Manager Anura Adhikari. “In fact, I believe we team from 99X Technology. Keep up all your IT industry. Our “Quality Engineering” series, period can apply for the Drum Network Sri Lanka, he leads will end up reaching out to more students than good work to educate younger generations. for example, has created a lot of awareness Awards. innovations across the company’s ever, thanks to these online sessions! A great We received very positive comments from our about quality assurance career opportunities,” “Every year, the winners of digital processes and structure to effort by the team who continue to do all this students.” observed 99X Technology Quality Assurance the Drum Digital Advertising unleash creativity shaped through from their homes.” With nearly 200 students joining per session Engineer Jayashani Gunarathne, who helped Awards act as the barometer in a clear strategy. Previous work The 99X Technology university outreach sometimes, these webinars have been quite spearhead this particular online series. the APAC region, identifying assignments include Associate programme Dotitude has been in operation for popular, especially during a time when studies Headquartered in Sri Lanka, 99X Technology truly groundbreaking work that is Director (Digital Strategy) and nearly a decade and has reached out to over have been disrupted for many. A popular online is a product engineering company co-creating defining the industry landscape. Head of Digital for Team Unilever 50,000 undergraduates during this time through series has been one on “Quality Engineering”, digital products for the Scandinavian market. The jurors are of the highest at GroupM. Viber to fight world hunger amid Covid Rakuten Viber, one are at risk of going hungry can support the cause of the world’s leading in 2020, according to an financially by downloading apps for free and easy estimate made by the UN the sticker pack dedicated communication, announced World Food Programme to the campaign – the Malabe branch opening ceremony inaugurated by Chief Guest Siyapatha Finance PLC Chairman Sumith Cumaranatunga along with Siyapatha Finance the launch of its campaign (WFP) in April. That’s profit from which will be PLC Deputy Chairman Rushanka Silva, Siyapatha Finance PLC Managing Director Ananda Seneviratne, and Siyapatha Finance PLC Director Shiran Perera to help organisations nearly twice as many as donated to charities which fighting global hunger in last year. Reversing the battle food hunger. On top the wake of widespread downward trend means of that, Viber is giving an Covid-19-induced food literally saving lives, and option for people who do Siyapatha Finance expands shortages. Viber is positioning itself to not have the availability to With a brand new sticker take part in doing so. donate now, to support by pack and community The initiative includes an joining the newly created dedicated to the cause, educational “Fight World community and inviting Viber’s campaign will Hunger Together” Viber- family and friends. When to Malabe and Nittambuwa engage its users, employees, owned community as well the community reaches one As part of its islandwide mentioned branches to the sector. This new business well-planned products and and humanitarian and as a Viber sticker pack in million users, Viber will network expansion plan, public subsequently. attraction establishes the services. As we complete and development partners English and Russian. The donate $ 10,000 towards Siyapatha Finance PLC recently The suburb of Malabe has Nittambuwa area as a “sought celebrate 15 years of such such as the Food and first-of-its-kind community the cause, encouraging opened its 38th branch in the been identified as a rapidly after” residential location. dedicated service, we are Agriculture Organisation will inform users on how individuals to show their suburb of Malabe and another progressing area with a number Siyapatha Finance PLC extremely proud to be able to of the United Nations changing habits, such personal example which is branch in the Nittambuwa area of emerging corporates, Managing Director Ananda include the two new branches (FAO), International as eating, shopping, and essential for the topic. in March 2020. educational institutes, and Seneviratne stated: “Our to our vigorously expanding Federation of Red Cross cooking, can reduce “The world is changing The branches are located residential projects. This has corporate mandate is to network.” and Red Crescent Societies food waste and can help more rapidly than ever, respectively at 793, C. been a result of the expanded make available our services Both the Malabe and (IFRC), World Wide Fund vulnerable people have and Covid-19 is making Kaduwela Road, Thalangama road network, which has in the most approachable Nittambuwa branches are (for Nature) (WWF), more stable access to food, vulnerable populations even North, Malabe and at 195. transformed the suburban town and reachable manner to our geared to offer all forms of UNICEF, U-report, and UN on top of learning more more vulnerable. One of Colombo Road, Nittambuwa. into a potential business hub. customers. At every instance services including leasing, Migration. about the hunger crisis. the biggest challenges the Siyapatha Finance Chairman The town of Nittambuwa, we strive to provide financial loans, gold loans, factoring, Covid-19 has disrupted The content will be pandemic presents is global Sumith Cumaranatunga belonging to the Gampaha solutions in the most creative fixed deposits, and savings. nearly every institution and managed by Viber’s food shortages and growing together with Managing District has also been able and innovative ways that Siyapatha Finance PLC is industry, including the food humanitarian partners, hunger, and Viber can’t Director Ananda Seneviratne to attract small and medium suit the requirement of the one of the leading financial supply chains necessary who have their own sit idly by and do nothing graced the occasion of the business entities and factories customer by understanding organisations in Sri Lanka with to sustain human life. At channels on the platform, about it,” said Rakuten inaugural ceremony and and has shown potential their specific need and thereby a network of branches across least 265 million people too. Moreover, people Viber CEO Djamel Agaoua. declared opened the above- growth in the agricultural catering accurately with our the country. the morning 4 Thursday , August 06, 2020 brunch Will consumerism survive Covid-19? Mahod Soysa a.k.a. BY PUJANEE GALAPPATHTHI An article by Mckinsey & Company on ‘Mavvwa’ gets a consumer sentiment and behaviour post the Covid-19 crisis, published on 8 July, states that consumer behaviour shows five common themes around the world: The shift to value and essentials, the flight to prize from Sir Ivan digital and omnichannel, a shock to loyalty, an increase in the health and “caring” BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE economy, and an increase in the homebody economy (1). This, however, is evident in American recording artist the fact that we live in a world dictated by and songwriter Sir Ivan the terms of our consumers – they demand, Wilzig pledged $10,000 in challenge, and impact the major decisions of every industry. Hosni imitiaz Tashiya Rajasingham a MegaMix Competition In an attempt to analyse the impact of to help out-of-work consumerism in the apparel and fashion stores worldwide due to low purchasing DJs around the world industries post-Covid-19, we spoke to power. More importantly, fashion styles affected by the Covid-19 a few experts in the fields. Joining us are seasonal. Hence, they tend to be out pandemic in a project at The Morning Brunch were fashion of date as opposed to food and medicine. which reached over eight design student and stylist Prabhashana This will have a huge impact on the apparel million people. Hasthidhara, Imitiaz Designers Director industry due to low consumerism. Hosni Imitiaz, Kokos Apparel Founder and When asked if they think Covid-19 With the help of an Creative Director Tashiya Rajasingham, will propel a decrease in consumerism, esteemed “A-list DJ” panel and House of Lonali Founder and Head Hasthidhara said: “Covid-19 and the visible of judges comprising Paul Designer Lonali Rodrigo. economic downfall of the middle class as Oakenfold, Bassjackers, Consumerism is defined as the protection well as the lower end of the socioeconomic DJs from Mars, Tenishia, or promotion of the interests of consumers. spectrum in Sri Lanka will slow down and Exodus, Sir Ivan Wilizig This is simply fulfilling the demands, fast fashion at least for a while, not announced the recipients maintaining the satisfaction amongst because people don’t want to indulge in of the cash prize and an produced the track. road that paved the way music and that the whole consumers. their consumerist fantasies, but rather additional top five runners- He said he gave it his for his current occupation process has been a dream. We asked our experts what the main because they can’t afford to. Therefore, up list. Amidst these best shot, concentrating on as a fulltime DJ. He stated However, coming from a triggers on consumerism were regarding retailers will have to resort to things like winners were artists from mixing it for a good two to that he is a self-taught DJ, middle-class background, the fashion and apparel industries, to which heightening prices, laying off workers, around the world including three days, and it appears in that he bought himself he said that things were Rodrigo stated that consumption comes etc. But I doubt high-end retailers would Turkey, Scotland, Portugal, that his dedication paid off. a setup right out of school not easy. Nevertheless, he about with buying power. “I believe as see a huge impact.” Mexico, and Sri Lanka’s very He is honestly quite excited and practised and taught plucked up the courage to an industry, we are driven by consumer Imitiaz added: “Buying power of the own homegrown talent to receive his prize. himself the works. speak to his parents and demand. Since the pandemic, it is quite consumer has reduced by 40% for the past “Mavvwa” i.e. Mahod Soysa. However, as most Subsequently, he come clean with what he apparent that buying habits have changed; three months. Since the outbreak began, The runners-up were things go these enrolled himself wants to pursue and he people spend little and try to spend only on the global apparel industry as a whole awarded a copy of Dance days, the packages at the academy hasn’t looked back since. basic needs. Although I believe there are no has felt the negative impact. With people Music Manual, signed by are being delayed for legitimacy He said that it has significant changes to people’s lifestyles as losing jobs and businesses not flourishing the author, which is revered due to the purposes and certainly been a journey, a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, these due to restrictions on imports and exports, as “the Bible of electronic pandemic. to be granted one step at a time, and yet little changes do matter, especially in the people are mainly focused on fulfilling music production” by top Having a certified he was adamant not to be retail industry. their day to day needs. dance music producers. performed at qualification. deterred by the roadblocks “Therefore, this change of circumstances How should the industries retaliate? Mahod Soysa, who shared numerous gigs He spoke of how that came his way. Patience has caused us a significant change in Rajasingham further stated that the with us his involvement in since his debut, he has always been and hard work have been his business processes. We are currently aiming industry does support consumerism to the project, also journeyed Soysa spoke of the passionate about mantra; he recalled his very at getting rid of stock and making fewer a certain extent. With fast fashion being as a DJ in Sri Lanka, having first gig in which his nerves products. All the extra costs. Even from a popular concept in the industry, it has worked the circuit for the got the best of him and he my end, we go at a per-product rate, so we increased consumerism due to its price past three years, starting shared that he messed up are trying to see what products that move point. fresh out of school at the his set. However, despite fast have less cost, and we make those We, however, asked for suggestions age of 19. his very first experience not products more. Keep the stock moving,” from our experts on how the fashion and Soysa shared that going down too smoothly, she added. apparel industries can retaliate the Covid- he heard about the Soysa was determined not Agreeing with these points, Rajasingham 19 pandemic and the change of pace on competition through the to give up. Since then, he stated that the first thing that comes to consumer powers. Sri Lankan DJ Academy, has performed at hundreds mind when talking about consumerism is Rodrigo stated that the industry should where he is enrolled, and of gigs, and although the value. “If you think you’re getting a good work on shared services to consumers to proceeded to register and pandemic has thrown a deal, you’re more likely to purchase the meet their needs, or on merging services follow through with the wrench in the progression product. We’ve all been triggered by ‘buy in a manner to support each other. competition. He said that of his career at present, three get one free deals’,” she pointed out. Imitiaz shared that as an industry, we the requirements posed he is hopeful that things She further stated that another factor that need to look into alternative strategies quite a challenge at first as will pick up soon enough, triggers consumerism is “trend-setting”. to sustain in the market, also noting that his own personal brand of having already received an As we live in a world where social media as responsible businesses, it is our duty music that he often plays invitation to perform next encompasses a large portion of our lives, to switch to sustainable manufacturing is progressive house music year. On a closing note, we chase a certain style or trend if someone practices in the long run. and the tracks they were he shared that despite famous follows it. www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/ given for the challenge the hardships, he is truly Imitiaz, talking on the triggers of marketing-and-sales/our-insights/a-global- were old school beats. thankful he pursued his consumerism, stated that most popular view-of-how-consumer-behavior-is- However, he persevered and Mahod Soysa (Mavvwa) passion. brands have shut down most of their changing-amid-covid-19 74% of endemic freshwater species in Sri Lanka threatened with extinction BY PUJANEE GALAPPATHTHI a species of aquatic life that is in Galapitamada in the Warakapola to these problems. However, due considered most susceptible to its Divisional Secretariat. Initial studies to the heavy time consumption and A recent conservation assessment environment. The assessment identifies on this fish done in 1991 showed a funding taken up by these activities, conducted by the Ministry of Mahaweli 139 freshwater fish species, out of population of about 2,000, whereas the feasibility is a bit of a question.” Development and Environment, its which 61 are considered endemic only research done on the fish in the year As the main recommendations of Biodiversity Secretariat, and the to the Indian Ocean island. 2000 showed a drastic drop in the the assessment included the launch International Union for Conservation The red list classifies 24 of them population of this species. Thus, the of islandwide surveys and population (IUCN) on the threat status of to be endangered, 12 to be critically importance of assessments of this assessments, we asked Dr. Pradeep freshwater fishes of Sri Lanka endangered, and nine to be vulnerable. nature for conservation cannot be Kumara his opinion on the feasibility has grabbed the attention of all Furthermore, it also lists two as stressed enough. of these recommendations and what, environmental conservationists and data deficient, five species as near- “Creating awareness is another according to him, can be further done enthusiasts. threatened, and the rest as being key purpose of the assessment. Most to improve the quality of freshwater The assessment provides that 74% of least concern in terms of their endemic and indigenous species live fish and fauna and flora in Sri Lanka of endemic freshwater species in Sri conservation status. in closed ecosystems surrounded by in general. Lanka are threatened with extinction. While this systematic study has put villages, and informing the residents “As I said before, systematic studies With the research of expert freshwater fish and their conservation of these areas of the existence and are the key to developing feasible committees for different fauna groups, into the spotlight, to gather more the threat status of these species will solutions. However, we have to be data compilation and preparation of insights into this assessment, we help protect and conserve them,” he able to create systems in which we can maps, and draft evaluations carried spoke to Dr. Sampath Goonetilleke, further explained. continue the development processes out by the Species Conservation Unit a co-author of the documentation. Also speaking to Marine of the country while maintaining the and presented to individual expert Goonetilleke stated that the aim databases and update the relevant are usually three main categories: Environment Protection Authority biodiversity of the country. There groups for the final evaluation, Sri of the assessment was to include information, respectively.” Critically endangered, endangered, and (MEPA) General Manager Dr. Terney has to be a certain balance made Lanka produced the National Red endangered species into the global We asked Goonetilleke why a vulnerable. Priority in conservation Pradeep Kumara, we found out that – that line between development List of 2012. This study evaluates red list. “The last research we national systematic assessment projects should usually be given to Sri Lanka lacks comprehensive studies and protection of the environment all flowering plants, ferns, mammals, carried out in this regard was done of threat status is necessary, the species categorised as critically of the behaviours of plant and animal and its resources should be drawn. birds, reptiles, amphibians, and major in 2012. Thus, there were a lot of to which he said that there is a endangered, and in order for us to species of the island. He was of the Focusing on the subject of study in groups of invertebrates, including species we had to study and include common misconception that do this, clear identification of these opinion that given the circumstances, this regard, freshwater fishes are a various insect groups, in the country. in the global list. This was a research these assessments evaluate the species would be crucial; this in this is a brilliant initiative. species restricted to a small stretch Sri Lanka is regarded as a biodiversity conducted by the Ministry of Mahaweli conservation status of certain fact will also help global funding “We need thorough studies of the of water and thus are vulnerable to hotspot, but authorities and experts Development and Environment (and) species, which is incorrect. initiatives to fund the conservation fauna and flora of the country, and climate change and other external have been adding species into this the Biodiversity Secretariat, to which “It is the threat status that we try to of the critically endangered species. systematic research is the only way in factors. Therefore, the conservation list over the years. the IUCN supported, which was the classify. When categorising species For example, the ‘bandula pethia’ which we can identify problems and of this species is a very challenging The 2020 assessment dives into best way to make use of the global based on their threat status, there is an indigenous species found only come up with systematic solutions and delicate process.” 5 the morning sports Thursday , August 6, 2020 Nadal shuns US Open Olympics costs Japan $ 25 billion Ireland’s biggest chase It is now the title-defending Rafael Nadal, 34, who has The Tokyo 2020 Olympics will be held “with the Ireland skipper Andrew Balbirnie (on right) and his decided not to play the US Open, to be held from 31 coronavirus”, Organising Committee (OC) Chief deputy Paul Stirling put on 214 runs for the second wicket August in New York. That is because “the health situation Executive Toshiro Muto has told the media. By 23 to give them a historic seven-wicket win on Tuesday (4) is very complicated around the world” as the pandemic July 2021, when the postponed Games will begin, at Southampton. Scores: England 328 in 49.5 overs (Eoin is “not under control”, he has said. Nadal thus joins Roger the virus may not be a thing of the past, Muto has Morgan 106, Tom Banton 58, David Milley 51; Craig Young Federer, who suffered an injury, and women’s world no. predicted. Even a “slimmed down” Olympics will cost Japan $ 25 billion 3-53, Joshua Little 2-62) and Ireland 329 for three wickets 1 Ashleigh Barty in the list of “big names” that which will also be a challenging target for the OC, he added, pledging in 49.5 overs (Paul Stirling 142, Andrew Balbirnie 113; Adil will miss the Grand Slam this year. that the Games’ new budget will be out in October. Rashid 1-61). England won the series 2-1.

BCB President Nazmul Hassan Papon Bangladesh (Test) tour (almost) confirmed? The Morning Sports reliably in the past months, there were learnt yesterday (5) that the two attempts to play a shortened cricket boards of Bangladesh (two) Test series and an and Sri Lanka have come to an additional T20I games. understanding where they could settle for three Test matches in No such mid-October. arrangement: SLC Before the outbreak of But a senior Ex-Co official the Covid-19 pandemic, from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) the Bangladesh Cricket told The Morning Sports Board (BCB) headed by yesterday that there is no parliamentarian Nazmul settlement as such to play a Hassan Papon was to send their series in October. national team here for three Test “There may be some reports, matches, as part of the ongoing probably in the Bangladesh International Cricket Council media, that the series will be (ICC) Test Championship to be on in October. But there is no played during the three weeks such arrangement so far,” the LPL rights sold for starting from July last week. official, who is in the know Later during a few rounds of of the developments of the talks between the two boards discussions, said.

Babar Azam on close to Rs. 363 m his way to an unbeaten 69 z yesterday (5) IPG hopes they can make event one of world's best leagues

BY REVATHA S. SILVA won on Wednesday included “franchise IPG Founder and CEO Anil Mohan as ownership rights, global media rights, on saying: “We at IPG are enthralled with We reported in our yesterday’s ground sponsorship, and event (audio- this opportunity and are confident of (5) sports page that Innovative visual) production rights”. making LPL one (of) the most premier Production Group (IPG) based cricket leagues in the world.” in Dubai bought television Close to $ 2 m Additionally, it said: “IPG has roped broadcasting rights to the It further added that IPG has been in sports and entertainment marketing scheduled Lankan Premier the highest bidder from “more than 25 professional Sangeet Shirodkar as a League (LPL), now slated from companies across the world”, who had Director in IPG, who has managed Pakistan well 28 August to 20 September. expressed their interest in “the RFP for the players like Harbhajan Singh and M.S. sale of rights floated by Sri Lanka Cricket Dhoni, among others. He has worked Yesterday, it was further (SLC) in the month of July (2020)”. closely with the Indian Premier placed at 139/2 revealed that the IPG has A senior SLC official, who is aware League teams such as won LPL’s television rights of the LPL rights awarding process, Royal Challengers Babar Azam (69 n.o.) and 139/2 after 49 overs on day as well as its entire event yesterday said: “The total package was Bangalore and opener Shan Masood (46 n.o.) one of their first cricket Test rights at a sum of $ 1.96 close upon $ 2 million.” Rajasthan were sharing an unfinished against England at Manchester million (Rs. 363.3 million). Royals.” 96 runs for the third wicket yesterday (5). Bad light had IPG ropes in Sangeet as Pakistan, opting to bad delayed play at the time this A communiqué issued on 5 August from Shirodkar IPG Founder and first, were well placed at update was posted. Colombo stated the LPL rights IPG has The above communiqué also quotes CEO Anil Mohan Cricketers make history in Sri Lankan politics! There were 40 political parties and 313 independent groups that contested the country’s 16th parliamentary elections ended yesterday (5). Interestingly, there were at least 10 former and current Sri Lanka cricketers who actively participated in the election campaign this time, almost everyone backing only one party. yy Remarkably, all those players had sought to support candidates from the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) yy There could have been no such election in the history of Sri Lanka where so many leading Dhammika Prasad, Jeevan Mendis, and Thisara Perera taking part in the campaign Sanath Jayasuriya and Muttiah Muralitharan with cheerleader Gayan Senanayake of MP Namal Rajapaksa in the Hambantota District participating in Muttiah Prabhakaran’s campaign in Nuwara Eliya cricketers actively and openly Tillakaratne Dilshan receiving his took part in a pre-poll campaign candidature from the SLPP before the yy Meanwhile, Muttiah 1. Muttiah Muralitharan / (his 6. Lahiru Thirimanne / Namal supported SLPP) yy It is unlikely that any sport- election Muralitharan and Tillakaratne brother) Muttiah Prabhakaran / Nuwara Rajapaksa / Hambantota yy Gayan Senanayake (cheerleader) related national policy had to be one or more of the below: Dilshan might wish to do some Eliya 7. Jeevan Mendis / Namal Rajapaksa / Muttiah Prabhakaran / Nuwara caused them to join the general re-entering/establishing their payback for their fans by getting 2. Sanath Jayasuriya / Muttiah / Hambantota Eliya election campaign place in the national team, having political power on top of their Prabhakaran / Nuwara Eliya 8. Dhammika Prasad / Namal yy Sanath Jayasundara (former SL yy They are evidently governed by its captaincy, getting a high cricket popularity 3. Ajantha Mendis / Susil Rajapaksa / Hambantota team computer analyst) / Susil the intention of currying favour position in the coaching staff of LIST OF “POLITCAL Premajayantha / Colombo 9. Ramith Rambukwella / (his father) Premajayantha / Colombo with the next Government, to be the cricket board, or to dodge CRICKETERS” AT 2020 GENERAL 4. Chamara Kapugedera / Udith Kehliya Rambukwella / Kandy yy Arjuna Ranatunga (contested formed most likely by the SLPP various allegations that have ELECTION CAMPAIGN Lokubandara / Ratnapura 10. Tillakaratne Dilshan (one of from the Opposition – Samagi yy The expectations of these been levelled against them by the (Key: Name of cricketer / SLPP 5. Thisara Perera / Namal Rajapaksa SLPP’s National List candidates) Jana Balawegaya – from the “political cricketers” are likely authorities politician he supported / District) / Hambantota 11. Dasun Shanaka (openly Gampaha District)