’S NAtiONAL NEwSPAPER i SiNCE 1918 MONdAy APRiL 12, 2021 i 36 PAGES i vOLUME - 103 - NO 87i RS. 30.00 i REGiStEREd AS A NEwSPAPER iN SRi LANkA i LAtE City ★ Prince Philip, a friend of Sri Lanka - President President Gotabaya Raja- late Prince Philip had often paksa in a condolence mes- recalled with warmth his sage to Queen Elizabeth II on short stay in Ceylon during the demise of her husband and the world War II. “The people Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Sri Lanka carry fond memo- Philip, yesterday said the late ries of his stay as well as of his Prince had a special affection subsequent visits to Sri Lanka tOURiStS ALLOwEd UNdER qUARANtiNE REGULAtiONS twO-wAy tRAvEL PERMittEd for Sri Lanka. accompanying Your Majesty The President said that the on two state visits” tO PAGE 02 chaMinDa Perera passenger flight will fly from A senior Ministry offi- given its consent for the pro- tion of special international pas- International flights between the BIA to the new interna- cial said the Indian side had posals and both parties have senger flights between the two India and Sri Lanka are sched- tional airport in Kushinagar already submitted a set of agreed to recommence the countries. uled to commence by the end in Uttar Pradesh at the end proposals to the Foreign flights end of this month,” An air bubble is a bilateral of this month under a bilateral of this month. “Both Sri Lan- Ministry and the Tourism he said. arrangement with a set of regu- “air bubble” agreement, Tour- kans and Indians are eligible Ministry for an air bubble Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation lations and restrictions in which ism Minister Prasanna Rana- to travel to and from India and for the commencement of air Ministry of India said that India the carriers of the two countries Plantation workers paid tunga confirmed yesterday. Sri Lanka subject to quaran- travel between the two coun- has established an individual can operate international flights He said the first regular tine regulations of both coun- tries. bilateral air bubble arrangement under pandemic or other spe- post-pandemic international tries,” he said. “The Ministry has already with Sri Lanka for the opera- cial conditions. tO PAGE 02 Rs.1,000 daily now - Jeevan asela kuruluwansa The daily wage of plantation workers was increased to Rs. 1,000 and the government was able Police vigilant to ensure to provide it before the festive season with the sup- AiRMAN SwiMS ACROSS PALk StRAitS ANd BACk. SEtS NEw ASiAN RECORd port of the President and the Prime Minister, Estate compliance with Housing and Community Infrastructure Facilities health guidelines State Minister Jeevan Thondaman said. tO PAGE 02 rakshana sriyantha Police will launch a special operation countrywide to ensure that people BASL appoints committee to preparing for the Sinhala and Tamil study Port City Economic Bill comply with Health Ministry guidelines to The Bar Association presented to Parliament arrest the spread of the COVID-19. of Sri Lanka (BASL) on April 8 following the All police stations have been has appointed a com- cabinet approval. given directives to conduct spe- mittee to study and The BASL Secretary cial operations to ensure that the make recommenda- Rajeev Amarasuriya in people who are preparing for the tions to the BASL in a statement announced New Year do comply with the respect of the that this committee will guidelines to prevent the spread Port City Economic Commis- be chaired by President’s Coun- of the virus through a circu- sion Bill. sel Ikram Mohamed. Other lar issued by Inspector General The Colombo Port City Eco- committee members are; Udi- C.D.Wickremaratne. tO PAGE 02 nomic Commission Bill was tha Egalahewa PC, tO PAGE 02

Air Force Swimmer, leading - man Roshan Abeysundara set up a new Asian record by swimming 59 Low income families kilometers 300 meters across the Palk Straits in 28 hours and 19 minutes 43 seconds. Abeysundara was the to get Rs. 5,000 second Sri Lankan who swam across the Palk Straits from Talaimannar to Dhanushkodi and back. V.S.Kumar allowance from today Anandan was the first Sri Lankan who lahiru FernanDo swam the Palk Straits both ways in 51 hours in 1971. Anandan died of hypo- The Government thermia attempting to swim across the will provide nearly English Channel in 1984. three million low- income families with a cash allowance of Rs. 5,000 in view of the upcoming Sinhala and Hindu New Year festive season begin- ning today. The Finance Ministry announced that Coma patient pronounced dead at Negombo Hospital this one-time payment will be made to D. MihinDukula, Loganathan said a 45-year-old person the ‘corpse’ and noticed that he was families belonging to seven categories kochchikaDe corr. from Negombo had been admitted to alive. including Samurdhi beneficiary families, A doctor who had mistakenly pro- the hospital on April 9 and was later He had been moved back to the low-income families, families receiving nounced a patient admitted to the pronounced dead by the ward doctor. hospital ward and the doctors had senior citizens’ allowance, differently Negombo Hospital as dead has been However, he had turned up alive after revealed that he had fallen into a abled persons, Kidney patients, elders referred to the Director General of being sent to the hospital mortuary. coma due to hypoglycemia (low aged over 100 and those who became Health Services for an inquiry. The patient’s family members had sugar). The patient had been dis- qualified under above six categories Hospital Director Dr. Nirmala visited the hospital to take charge of charged on April 10. after submitting appeals. tO PAGE 02 Government has weakened country’s economy - UNP Jaffna Mayor shiroMi abeysinghe ple of the country to devour this country have collapsed and made scapegoat The government has weakened the poisonous foods. all sources of income of the country’s economy and given poison- Abeywardena expressed people have been lost. Due to ous food to the people as another these views at a discussion this situation, the people of the - Opposition Leader epidemic when the corona epidemic held with a group of UNP country are not in a position to Pahan wijesekera strikes naturally, former Minister activists at the Sirikotha party celebrate the New Year like in Opposition Leader said. headquarters yesterday (11). other years. yes- He said that the inefficient and He said that due to the He also said that due to eco- terday said the gov- weak economic policy of the govern- inefficient economic policy of the nomic difficulties people tend to buy ernment has given ment has opened the door for the peo- present government, businesses in cheap goods. tO PAGE 02 up on the efforts to find the mastermind behind the Easter Sunday attacks that killed more than 270 civilians on April Reckless youth in hot water 21, 2019 while branding the Jaffna Mayor as a terrorist. irangika range tographs of the reckless behaviour of the youth who He said that the arrest of Jaffna Highways Minister said legal were precariously clinging on to the windscreens mayor is an attempt aiming at diverting action will be taken against the of a car on the Kadawatha to Matara section on the people’s focus on real issues facing youth who travelled recklessly on Southern Highway. The photos are being shared on the country. He was speaking at a press the Southern Highway. social media. The Minister has instructed the IGP conference at the Opposition Leader’s He said he had received the pho- to take appropriate action in this regard. office. tO PAGE 02 DN page 2 news monday, april 12, 2021 Construction of Kinniya to Kurunchankarni Bridge begins

The construction of the Kurun- portation between Kurunchankar- chankarni Bridge across the ni and Kinniya.The construction Kurunchankarni Lagoon on the of this bridge will facilitate the Kinniya-Kurunchankarni Road in movement of more than 100,000 the Muthur Divisional Secretariat people. Division in Trincomalee was inau- The bridge will be 120 meters gurated by Rural Roads and Other long and will cross the Kurun- Infrastructure State Miister Nimal chankarni Lagoon. The estimated Lanza last Saturday. cost of the construction is 750 The construction of this bridge million rupees. Construction will was initiated under the Bridge be carried out in three stages. Project, which is in the process of Members of Parliament Kapila realizing President Gotabaya Raja- Nuwan Athukorala, M.Thowfeeq, paksa's Vision of Prosperity's Poli- , Kinniya Pradeshi- cy Statement. ya Sabha Chairman M.Nihar, Vice This bridge will connect the President M.H. Sanush, Chairmen Kinniya Pradeshiya Sabha area of the Pradeshiya Sabha, Members and the Kinniya Municipal Coun- of the Pradeshiya Sabha, Director cil areas. The people of the area of the Road Development Authori- now use boats as a means of trans- ty A.K.D. Tissera were present. New Year bonus for airport staff death of dr. wasantha dissanayake DiNUli FRANCiSCo requested him to provide a bonus for the State Minister said. He stated that Director of the Apeksha Hospital, dered an invaluable service for the The government has decided to pro- the employees to celebrate the New the government had to close all the Maharagama Dr. Wasantha Dissanay- uplift of hospital facilities for the vide a bonus of Rs.10,000 for the air- Year. airports and as a result revenues had ake passed away yesterday. He was 58. patients. Dr. Dissanayake was the direc- port staff for the festive season. "Even though it is problematic to decreased. He was receiving treatment for a heart tor of Kegalle Teaching Hospial earlier. Aviation and Export Zones Develop- provide a bonus with the pandemic The government had to also spend ailment at the Sri Jayawardhanapura He has participated a number of tele- ment State Minister D.V.Chanaka stat- situation, considering the requests of for salaries and allowances of the Hospital for over a week. vision programmes and become popu- ed that the Sri Lanka Podujana Pera- the Trade Unions the government has employees and for airport mainte- He played a pivotal role in installing a lar among the public.He is a father of muna (SLPP) trade union had decided to provide a bonus of 10,000," nance, he said. PET scanner in the hospital and ren- four.

Flights to begin under ‘air Bubble’... From page 01

“India has finalized an air bubble Maldives, Nigeria, Qatar, the UAE, operator told Times of India. “We are agreement with Sri Lanka, making the UK and the USA. waiting for India to sign the air bub- it the sixth such arrangement in the India has already established indi- ble pact with Sri Lanka. We expect SAARC region and the 28th in vidual bilateral bubbles with , to start flight operations within a total,” the Civil Aviation Ministry and the US that will allow week of signing.” There were nearly said on Twitter. airlines of each country in the pact to 100 flights each week before the pan- “All the eligible passengers will operate international flights. demic struck in March last year. be able to travel between the two However, special international pas- Flights from Palaly to Chennai are countries in the near future,” it senger flights have been operating also likely to resume in addition to noted. under the Vande Bharat Mission the flights from the BIA, Colombo to Scheduled international flights since May last year and under bilat- a host of new and existing destina- have been suspended in India since eral air bubble arrangements since tions in India. The worldwide avia- March 23, 2020 due to the corona- July. tion sector has seen a massive down- A meeting held between Energy Minister and Charge d'Affaires of the UAE Embassy in Colombo virus pandemic. India now has such SriLankan Airlines was expecting turn over the last year as most coun- Humaid Darwish Al Tamimi, on Thursday focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in the Energy Sector. (MR) pacts with 28 countries, including an air bubble arrangement to be tries shut their borders and travellers Afghanistan, Bahrain, , signed by India and Sri Lanka by were forced to stay at home, compel- France, Germany, Iraq, Japan, the March-end, a senior official with the ling airlines to slash their flights.

Government has... From page 01 Jaffna mayor made... From page 01 He said the government is trying to take Thus, they buy food the country with poi- the people for a ride by naming a person all of less in quality and son was destroyed. sudden as the mastermind behind the Easter inferior or harmful This government Sunday attacks. goods. “Entrepreneurs took action to re- also try to import export that coconut cheap food items. It is oil. It must be said a great pity that such food that this is a very unfortu- police vigilant to... From page 01 items have been provided to nate situation” he said. our people today” he added. He said the policies of the This circular has forms and in civvies “Recently there was a UNP can only rebuild the been issued as people will be deployed at huge shortage of turmeric in country’s economy and cre- are continue shop- shopping centres, the country. But we saw the ate an era in which the peo- ping to prepare them- supermarkets and government destroying a ple can live without eco- selves for the upcom- public transport to large stock of turmeric in nomic hardship. The time ing Sinhala and Tamil ensure that quarantine public. has come for all parties to New Year in violation laws are maintained Although turmeric was work together to bring to of quarantine rules. by the people. He said that destroyed in this manner, power a UNP government Police spokesman DIG prior approval has to be we did not see that the led by Ranil Wickremesing- Ajith Rohana said that taken from the police for coconut oil imported into he, he added. police personnel in uni- holding new year festivals .

From page 01 plantation workers... prince philip, a friend ... From page 01 He was speak- the plantation The message: On behalf visits.“While we mourn ing at a special companies,” of the Government and the with great sorrow the pass- media briefing Thondaman said. people of the Democratic ing away of His Royal held in Hatton He said that the Socialist Republic of Sri Highness, we recall his last Friday. Ceylon Workers’ Lanka, I convey my deep great service to the British Thondaman Congress intends and heartfelt condolences nation, his distinguished said that all other to negotiate with on the passing away of naval career, and his ser- allowances and the plantation your beloved husband, His vice to the Commonwealth. benefits are companies and Royal Highness The Prince Please convey, Your Maj- included in the plantation workers Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. esty, my condolences and daily wage of Rs.1,000 to replace the current His Royal Highness had those of the people of Sri paid to plantation work- daily wage with another a special affection for Sri Lanka to members of the ers. He said he is against non-loss-making wage Lanka and often recalled Royal Family. any attempt by plantation scheme in line with the with warmth his short stay Our thoughts are with companies to impose con- country’s economy. in Ceylon during the World Your Majesty, the Royal ditions on plantation “My father had a dream War II. The people of Sri Family and the People of workers to be paid a sala- that the daily wage of a Lanka carry fond memo- the dur- ry of Rs. 1,000. “Some plantation worker should ries of his stay as well as of ing this sorrowful time. plantation companies be increased to Rs. 1,000. his subsequent visit to Sri Please accept Your have stated that they will Various parties helped us Lanka accompoanying Majesty,the assurance of stop providing healthcare in this and on behalf of Your Majesty on two State my highest consideration. and welfare services to the Ceylon Workers’ Con- plantation workers. Such gress, I thank all the par- cannot be done.We are in ties that supported us,” From page 01 further discussions with he added. low income families...

According to the area Divisional Sec- circular issued by the retary. Basl appoints... From page 01 Prime Minister’s The programme Office in this regard, is implemented by Chandaka there is ease of a family will be pro- the government on Jayasundera PC, doing business that vided the allowance the instructions of Attorneys Eraj de will attract new under one category President Gotabaya Silva, Manjuka Fer- investments. only. Rajapaksa and Prime Min- nandopulle and This Bill will State Minister Shehan ister Dhanya establish a Commis- Semasinghe told media with the direct involve- Gunewardena. sion to grant regis- yesterday that it is expect- ment of the Chairman of Attorneys Shivan Cooray trations, licences, authori- ed to provide all the select- the Presidential Task Force and Yoshani Demuni will sations and other approv- ed beneficiaries with this on Economic Revival and function as the co-conven- als to carry on businesses allowance through the Poverty Eradication Basil ors of the committee. and other activities in the Samurdhi Bank Branches Rajapaksa. The government has Zone. The Commission before the New Year. Parliamentarians repre- already gazetted the bill will consist of not less than Those who are listed as senting the government titled Colombo Port City five members and not sub families within a fami- had made a request from Economic Commission to more than seven members ly will also be given this the President and the establish a Special Eco- who will be appointed by allowance subject to the Prime Minister to imple- nomic Zone within which the President. recommendation of the ment this programme. monday, april 12, 2021 news page 3 DN Presidential Task Force to achieve DRy RATIONS FOR NEW yEAR goals set in Gama Samaga Pilisadara

President Gotabaya Raja- tha Arambepola, Channa direct all officers at the implemented at the nation- paksa appoints a Presiden- Jayasumana, MPs Cader divisional level, including al level by the Government tial Task Force to effectively Mastan, Kapila Athukorala, the District Secretary, the Institutions in the guide, pursue and review Sanjeeva Edirimanna, Nipu- Divisional Secretary and Pradeshiya Sabha and Divi- the realisation of objectives na Ranawaka, Chamara the heads of all other insti- sional Secretariat areas and needs of the people that Sampath Dassanayake, tutions, based on the under the Budget Provi- the Government seeks to , Gevindu requirement of services, to sions for 2021 – 2023. achieve through the Kumaratunga, Sivanesa- expedite the implementa- The Task Force is Gama Samaga Pilisadara thurai Chandrakanthan, tion of the President's expected to expedite all (Discussion with the Vil- Chinthaka Amal Mayadunne instructions and directives projects financed by local lage) programme. and to address issues and prob- and foreign funds under the It has been named as the are the other members of lems raised by the people Public Investment Pro- "Rural Development Presi- the Task Force. during the "Discussion gramme within the speci- dential Task Force on Dis- Additional Secretary to with the Village" pro- fied timeframe. cussion with the Village". the President Chandima gramne. The President has A 15-member team of Wickramasinghe will coordi- The Task Force is vested directed the Task Force to State Ministers and Parlia- nate the Task Force, provid- with the responsibility of report to him any instances mentarians has been nomi- ing all the necessary infor- speedy completion of pro- of delay or omissions in the nated to the Task force mation related to rural jects such as the develop- tional Educational Institu- performance of the duties chaired by Minister Namal development in line with ment of Roads, Drinking tions, Urban Universities, assigned by the Task Force Over 250 low income families in the Killinochchi District received packs of Rajapaksa. the "Discussion with the Water Supply, Electricity, Land Transfers, Banking to any public servant or any dry rations and stationery for their children in view of the upcoming Sin- State Ministers Nimal Village" programme. Telecommunications, devel- and Financial Facilities, official of a Ministry, hala and Tamil New year. Here a family receiving a dry ration pack from Kil- Lanza, , The Task Force has the opment of Playgrounds, Market, Warehousing and Department, Corporation or linochchi Security Forces Commander Major General Harendra Ranasinghe. , See- primary responsibility to Schools, Hospitals, Voca- Infrastructure facilities, any such institution. Picture by Rasula Dilhara Gamage, Northern Provincial Group Corr.

The winners.

Celebrating 75 years of India’s independence Children from care homes gather in Colombo for painting competition

Celebrating 75 years of India’s independ- ence in Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan children from care homes gathered in Colombo from all across Sri Lanka on April 10-11 for the final round of the nationwide painting competition organised by the Colombo Expatriates Cultur- al Association (CECA) - a voluntary organisa- tion of expatriates consisting of mainly Indi- ans - with support of the High Commission of India, Education Ministry and several other partners. Education Minister Prof. G.L Peiris was the Chief Guest and Indian High Commis- sioner in Colombo Gopal Baglay was the Guest of Honour at the final round. Several other dignitaries including State Minister Piyal Nishantha were also present. The dig- nitaries lauded the effort as a shining exam- ple of strong people-to-people ties between India and Sri Lanka and stressed the enor- mous significance of the enriching experience for the children. The competition was held in three catego- ries – Sub Junior, Junior and Senior. The first round of the competition had seen enthusias- tic participation of 4,375 students from child- care homes across Sri Lanka. Contestants from all provinces who had produced 80 best paintings were invited along with one care- giver for the final round in Colombo on April 10 at the Hotel Taj Samudra. While top three winners in all the three categories were awarded SLR 100,000, SLR 75,000 and SLR 50,000 respectively in addition to various other gifts, certificates and medals, all the 60 finalists received cash awards, desktop com- puters, and other gifts contributed by various sponsors. The event also formed part of ‘India @ 75’ celebrations in Sri Lanka. It comprises events and activities in the run up to completion of 75 years of India’s Independence in August 2022. Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi had launched these celebrations in India on March 12, 75 weeks before the 75th Anniversary of Independence. In Sri Lanka, formal launch of these celebrations had taken place on April 9 with the inauguration of ‘India Corner’ at the Nagananda Institute for Buddhist Studies. Woman arrested with illicit liquor

ASELA KURULUWANSA A woman was arrested in Alawatugoda with illicit liquor by the Central Province Excise Department. The suspect was fined Rs. 15,000 after being produced before the Kandy Magis- trate's Court. Excise officials seized copper coils used to filter alcohol and a stock of illic- it spirits. Another two persons were also arrested for selling beer without a licence, Central Province Excise Department OIC N. N Malawipathirana said. A stock of illicit spirits and beer cans worth around Rs. 100,000 were seized, the Excise Department said.

Disaster Management training in Gintota The Navy conducted a disaster manage- ment training in Gin Ganga in Gintota from April 5-10. The Navy’s Rapid Action Boat Squadron provided theoretical and practical knowledge in life-saving techniques and equipment. The participants were trained in handling small boats and swimming techniques. The Commander Southern Naval Area Rear Admiral Priyantha Perera initiated the pro- gramme. DN page 4 FEATURE MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2021

Celebrating the 60th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s spaceflight and visit to Ceylon

YURY MATERIY Ambassador of Russia to Sri Lanka oday, the world celebrates the 60th anniversary of the first manned space flight. On this day in 1961 Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first human to travel into space. WhenT responding to the ground control if he was ready, he said his famous “Poekhali!” meaning “Let’s go!” in Russian. His Vostok1 spacecraft launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome at 09:07 (Moscow time). Gagarin made a single orbit around Earth at an altitude of 302 Km, proving a human could sur- vive in space and even perform useful tasks. His first report sent to the ground control from space was “The Earth is blue. [...]. How wonderful. It is amaz- ing.” The entire flight took 108 minutes and forever changed the world. Following his historic flight, between 1961 and 1965 Yuri Gagarin embarked on a long world tour A bust of Gagarin at Face Hotel dubbed the ‘Peace Mission’, advocating for global peace and cooperation. He visited 32 countries, met with heads of state, politicians, artists and people in the streets. Gagarin’s first report sent to the On December 7, 1961, Gagarin visited Ceylon where he was warmly received by jubilant crowds ground control from space was who greeted him in many cities across . In his message to the people of the country, he “The Earth is blue. [...]. How won- said: “I would like to express my profound gratitude derful. It is amazing.” to the Government of Ceylon for the kind invitation to visit your remarkable country. I will be happy to Prime Minister hosted a reception at Temple Trees in honour of the world’s first cosmo- be able to convey personally to the Ceylonese people naut Yuri Gagarin warm friendly greetings from my fellow cosmonauts and all Soviet people. I consider this cordial invita- On December 9, Gagarin left for the central part the Dart Herald airplane from Jaffna tion as a manifestation of sincere friendly feelings of the island, visiting Kelaniya, Yakkala, Horagolla, to Ratmalana by himself. towards my country and the Soviet people.” Kegalle, Mawanella, Kandy, Matale and Kurunegala. After spending the night at the residence of the On December 7, 1961, Gagarin On December 7, Gagarin was greeted by Deputy The first Soviet cosmonaut planted a tree in the Governor-General of Ceylon, at Queen’s House in Finance Minister George Rajapaksa at the Ratmala- Peradeniya Botanical Gardens – a Yellow Saraca, Colombo, Gagarin travelled around the capital visited Ceylon where he was na Airport. Later that day, Prime Minister Sirimavo relative of the Ashoka tree under which the Buddha where thousands of people burst into a thunder- Bandaranaike hosted a reception at Temple Trees in was born. Speaking at Queen’s Hotel, Gagarin ing applause and cheered him. warmly received by jubilant honour of the world’s first cosmonaut. There, a local expressed hope that the bilateral relations between He made stops at the Sri Jayewardenepura Uni- award-winning artist Jayantha Premachandra hand- Ceylon and the USSR would grow like a tree that he versity, Colombo University, and the House of the crowds who greeted him in ed over his masterpiece, a life-like portrait of Gaga- had just planted. After Gagarin’s untimely demise, Ceylon–Soviet Friendship Society, taking part in rin, to the Soviet cosmonaut. the tree seemed to wither, but it grew back to its discussions and meetings. In the evening, after many cities across the island. On December 8, Gagarin went on a trip to the original splendour and keeps on growing to this day, speaking with journalists, a reception was held at south of the island, setting free doves of peace along stronger than ever. the Galle Face Hotel. the way. From Colombo he travelled to Moratuwa, On December 10, the Soviet cosmonaut paid a The next morning Gagarin bid farewell to the Panadura, Kalutara, Aluthgama, Ambalangoda, visit to the ancient city of Anuradhapura where he people of Ceylon and continued his Peace Mis- Galle, Weligama, Matara, and Tangalle, where he laid white lotuses at the Sri Maha Bodhi Temple. sion. The beautiful paradise island was one of was greeted by Member of the Parliament D.A. Raja- After proceeding to the country’s North, where the best places he visited during his world tour paksa, father of the Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Gagarin concluded his trip around Ceylon, the first and it remained in his heart for the rest of his Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. man in space impressed everyone when he piloted life.

Yuri Gagarin garlanded by Magilin Nona on arrival at the The Yellow Saraca tree that Gagarin planted in the Peradeniya Yuri Gagarin with Ven. Kaluwamodara Siriniwasa Thera Ratmalana Airport Botanical Gardens

Yuri Gagarin travelled around Ceylon during his visit to the para- dise island Thousands of people burst into a thundering Yuri Gagarin with Valentina Gagarina and Finance Minister Felix Dias applause and cheered Yuri Gagarin Bandaranaike A bust of Gagarin at the Public Library in Colombo monday, april 12, 2021 news page 5 DN Some trying to drag SLPP into racism - State Minister

Rural Roads and Other Infra- discriminate on the basis of the people to have Provincial structure State Minister Nimal race, religion or UNP, SLFP or Council Elections. A Divisional Lanza said that the Sri Lanka SLPP. We want only to develop System will replace the Provin- Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) is the country,” the State Minister cial Council system. But some not a racist party even though said. parties support the old system. some are trying to drag it into The State Minister said that It should be possible to field racism. the Provincial Council Elections three or two candidates in the The State Minister was partic- will be held soon. Divisional System, too,” the ipating in several road develop- “Those ordinances will be State Minister said. ment programmes in Kantale in brought to Parliament to amend State Minister Lanza said the Trincomalee District on the laws in this regard. The Pro- that when a country gives demo- April 10. vincial Council System has been cratic rights to the people none He opened the Kantale-Gan- established. Therefore, it cannot can oppose it. “You can vote for talawa Ananda Mawatha and the be abolished. a party of your choice. You can rehabilitating of the Kantale “The people will be given the choose a candidate of your Rajamaha Vihara Godella Mawa- right to vote at the Provincial choice. We cannot deprive the tha at a cost of Rs. 75 million. Council Elections before long,” people of their rights,” the State “We are not a racist party. We he said. Minister said. work with all races, religions He said that in a democratic MP Kapila Nuwan Atukorala and parties. The SLPP is a party country, democracy cannot be and a number of local politicians of all Sri Lankans. We do not disregarded. “It is the right of were present. State Minister Lanza looking at an opening of a road development programme.

Minister in discussion with US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Alaina B. Teplitz. US envoy calls on Foreign Minister

US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Alaina B. Teplitz called on Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena on April 9 at the Foreign Min- istry. The Minister briefed the Ambassador on the various positive developments taking place in the country under the guidance of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. They also dis- cussed ways and means of enhancing bilater- al cooperation including through develop- ment assistance. Climate change, green ener- gy and information technology were identi- fied as priority areas that Sri Lanka needs US support. Two hydro power plants to generate electricity this year

M.IRFAN ZAKARIYA, Hambantota group corr.

Power Minister yesterday said that two hydro power plants will generate power this year. He was speaking at an event in Tangalle. Minister Alahapperuma said that the Uma Oya Power Plant and the Broadland Power Plant will generate power in this year. Since the Norochcholai power plant was vested in the people in 2013, no power plant has been set up in the country, he said In the third decade of the 21st century, 118,000 families in Sri Lanka are living with- out electricity, the Minister said. Over 30,000 families living under poverty line will be given free electricity before the New Year. We have already provided free electricity to 9,000 families, he said. The Electricity Board will provide free elec- tricity to families who have wired their houses before April 13. Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa, Electricity Board Chairman , General Man- ager Kumuduni Herath and a number of offi- cials were participated.

India supplied 64.51 m doses to 85 countries until April 9 – Indian HC Spokesman

The Indian High Commission Spokesper- son said that in line with its commitment to collectively fight COVID-19 pandemic, India has supplied 64.51 million doses of COVID- 19 vaccines until April 9 to 85 countries, bilaterally and through COVAX and to UN health workers and peacekeepers. The latest of these supplies have been delivered last week to countries in Asia, the Pacific and South America. Three consign- ments of Astra Zeneca COVID-19 vaccine manufactured in India, totalling over 1.2 million doses, arrived in Sri Lanka in Janu- ary, February and March this year - the last one through the COVAX facility. The first of these consignments enabled the launch of COVID vaccination programme in Sri Lanka ahead of the earlier plan. India’s vaccine manufacturing capacity – already the largest in the world – is being enhanced to meet the emergency global demand of duly approved COVID-19 vac- cines. Their ongoing supply is calibrated in view of several factors, which include pro- duction and domestic requirement. India will continue to be in the forefront of the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and will also continue its valuable cooperation with relevant stakeholders," he said. DN page 6 news monday, april 12, 2021 one injured president at almsgiving ceremony in van accident SiVAM PAcKiyANAThAN, Batticaloa Special Corr. A van plying from Colombo to Ampara skidded off the road into a paddy field in Kadawathamadu in the Valaichchenai Police area along the Batticaloa-Trincomalee High- way on Saturday. Of the three passengers in the van, one was injured. The van was severely damaged. Vala- ichchenai Police are investigating.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa arriving at the Kirulapone Siri Allan Mathiniyaramaya. The President offering alms to the Maha Sangha.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday Later, the President participated in the Wimaladhamma Thera, Most Ven. Dr. Niyan- ma Thera, Anunayake of the Malwathu participated in an almsgiving at the Kiru- almsgiving and served alms to the Maha goda Vijitha Siri Chapter presented a souvenir to the Presi- lapone Siri Allan Mathiniyaramaya to mark Sangha. One of the objectives of this reli- Thera, Anunayake of the Asgiriya Chapter dent. the opening of the newly constructed Alms gious ceremony is to bless Ven. Uduwe Most Ven. Veduruwe Upali Thera and Anu- Minister Sarath Weerasekera, Head of the Hall, Gini Hal Geya, Awasa Mandiraya and Dhammaloka Thera and his Mother on their nayake of the Amarapura Culawansika Maha Task Force on Economic Revival and Poverty Sakman Meditation Garden. birthdays. Nikaya, Chief Incumbent of the Siri Allan Eradication , Parliamentari- President Rajapaksa, who arrived at the The almsgiving ceremony was held under Mathiniyaramaya Temple in Kirulapone Ven. an and Defence Secretary Siri Allan Mathiniyaramaya yesterday first the patronage of Anunayake Theras of Mal- Yogiyane Sobitha Thera. General (Retired) Kamal Gunaratne were engaged in religious observances. wathu Chapter Most Ven. Dimbulkumbure Most Ven. Dimbulkumbure Wimaladham- present. Prison escapee Thihagoda becoming ‘Super Village’ arrested; two P. P.G.SuGAThADASA, Thihhagoda Group Corr. Development Programme of the Govern- public and health facilities. Forty houses asinhe said that many of the development The Thihagoda Pradeshiya Sabha (PS) ment. Many development schemes have will be built in the PS area at cost of Rs. 24 schemes have been completed now. The others nabbed is now developing infrastructure and pro- commenced in the PS including road million. Government allocated Rs. 80 million to viding houses under the ‘Supirigamak’ development, constructing houses and Thihagoda PS Chairman Nirmal Samar- develop the PS, he said. KAPiLA SOMARATNE Panadura Group Corr. The special Crime Investigations Unit of the Kalutara Police Division arrested a suspect who had escaped from the custody of the Pris- on Officials, while he was being taken to the Provincial High Court in Embilipitiya in 2019. A woman with a bank saving book with a Bumper cucumber large sum of money, which was allegedly depos- ited by the suspect, was also arrested. Another person was arrested for providing lodging for the suspect. harvest The three suspects have been arrested in Ganemulla in the Gampaha Police area on i.L.RiZAN, Addalaichenai Central Corr. April 9 on a tip off by one of the suspects. Farmers in the Eastern Province have received a The main suspect, a resident of Embilipitiya, bumper harvest of cucumber this time. had a forged driving licence and a National Those who have cultivated cucumber in their home Identity Card, police said. gardens now earn a good income. The Embilipitiya Court had issued 12 war- Farmers in Kirankulam in the Batticaloa District and rants on him as he is not appearing for the Thiraikeny in the Addalaichenai DS division have received cases that had come up for trials against him at a good harvest. A kilo of cucumber is sold at Rs.100. the Embilipitiya Magistrate’s Court and the Provincial High Court in the past. The main suspect was an accomplice of Kos- goda Tharaka, who is in remand now. The suspects will be produced before the Kalutara Chief Magistrate to obtain detention orders, police said. slFs to recruit 40

The Ampara District consumer Affairs Authority (cAA) conducted an aware- ness programme at the Kalmunai Bus Stand and public markets recently new members under cAA Oic Salinda Bandara Navarathna. Ampara District cAA Officers A gazette notification has been issued to A vendor selling cucumber at a junction in the Eastern D.Sutharsan, Tharmalingham Mendis, Z.M.Sajeeth, M.M.A.Subair and recruit 40 candidates to the Sri Lanka Foreign Province. A.S.S.Ajmal were present. Picture by I.L.RIZAN, Addalaichenai Central Corr. Service (SLFS), the Foreign Ministry said. The Gazette Notification No. 2,223 dated April 9, 2021 can be accessed at http://www. documents.gov.lk/files/gz/2021/4/2021-04- 09(I-IIA)E.pdf. Members to the Foreign Service are selected Mobile clinics in Akkaraipattu through an open competitive recruitment exam conducted by the Department of Examinations M.A.PhAKuRDEEN, Addalaichenai Group Corr. as per the rules and regulations formulated by The Olivia Hospital in Akkaraipattu along with the Public Service Commission, which is the Vipulananda Children’s Home conducted mobile appointing authority of SLFS Officers. clinics for children and the public in the surrounding The successful applicants who are selected area on Saturday. to join the Service will have the opportunity to Children’s Home President T.Kailayapillai invited serve in the Foreign Ministry and to represent the Olivia Hospital Management to conduct the clin- Sri Lanka in 67 Sri Lanka Missions abroad. ics. Responding to the invitation, a medical team The Sri Lanka Foreign Service (SLFS) is a headed by Olivia Hospital Managing Director Dr. distinct public service established in 1949. It is M.H.M. Zanoos arrived at the Home for Children the body of career diplomats of Sri Lanka. and checked eyesight of the children and diagnosed their diseases. Dr. M.H.M. Zanoofer, Dr. M.H.M.Safeel and Dr. Rasnith Sabry provided their service at the clinic. The Medical team held clinics for the public as well. Managing Director Zanoos also provided two fans for the Children’s Home. A public clinic in progress. WEERASINGHE - SWANITHA - Beloved wife of Late T.P. (Teddy) Weerasinghe - former Architect of Town and Country Planning Dept, former Chairman of Design Team Three Architectural Company. Beloved daughter of Late Don Peiris development should protect Abhayawardena and Late Beatrice Grace Abhayawardena. Loving aunty of Gamini and Vimukthi Nanayakkara and other close family members. They express their deepest condolences on the bereavement. Remains lie at ‘Restpect’ Jayaratne Funeral environment, earth Parlour at 483, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 8, Today (Monday) 12th April 2021 from 9am to 4pm. Cremation on – Former Minister Mangala same day 12th April 2021 at 4.30pm at Former Finance Minis- the overall growth strate- common humanity. We Borella General Cemetery. Residence: ter Mangala gy. may be Sinhala, Muslim 299, Thimbirigasyaya Road, Colombo 5. Samaraweera on Friday The Former Minister or Tamil, we may be Brit- 0777 758 123. 028453 said that development said that people should ish, Australian or Sri Lan- WIJESEKERA - SHANTHI, Beloved should always go hand in never forget that they are kan. We may be Buddhist, daughter of late Joe and Mary Wijesekera, hand with the protection temporary residents of the Hindu, Catholic, Christian loving sister of late Jayalath, Shirani, of the environment and Planet Earth, hosted by or a follower of Islam. But Nelum, Carmen and Vijitha, sister-in-law the earth – “the path Mother Nature. we must never forget that many advanced econo- Former Minister we are temporary resi- of Tess, Palitha, late Ranjan and Bawanthi. mies have already Samaraweera was speak- dents of the Planet Earth, Remains lie at A.F. Raymond’s Parlour embarked upon, he said. ing at the opening of the hosted by Mother Nature”, from 8 am. onwards on Monday 12th April. He said that his Govern- new Eco-campus at the he said brief stay here and leave Cortege leaves the parlour at 10.30 a.m. ment planned to inte- Thomas Galle School, “That is why it is so that those who come for cremation at the General Cemetery grate the full economic Galle on Friday imperative that we learn after us can also experi- Borella at 11.00 a.m. (Old Crematorium) potential of ocean related “However, it must not to enjoy, respect and pro- ence and enjoy the beauty on same day. 028451 activities in formulating be at the cost of our own tect this planet during our of this planet,” he said. monday, april 12, 2021 news page 7 DN no opposition as hypocritic as ours in other parliaments– minister Johnston Chief Government Whip and phase, we will provide jobs to He said that President Raja- two ranges. That is their political fers. We do not want to increase are under obligation to develop Highways Minister Johnston Fer- 60,000 more and that would paksa will be remembered as a hypocrisy,” the Minister said. the public revenue in that man- this country and serve people. nando yesterday said that other complete the pledge that we leader who fulfilled his promises. “Some opposition MPs are ner,” he said. You could be from any political Parliaments have no opposition made to provide 100,000 jobs,” “In constructing the Ruwanpu- weeping in Parliament that the “It is with those burdens we party but that does not count that could give a match to ours he said. He said that the the ra Expressway, we awarded the Government’s revenue is not up continue to develop this country when you discharge your duties. in terms of political hypocrisy. Opposition will have nothing to tender to a bidder who placed a to the mark. We have not and provide jobs. It is not easy, You are young and capable of He was addressing a ceremony do but repeat the same allegation bid less than Rs. 15 billion,” the increased taxes despite the reve- but we know that we can do this contributing your share to devel- held at the auditorium in his that the Government is doing Minister said. nue being low because we do not and achieve what we have prom- op our Motherland and to make ministry to hand over letters of nothing. “Now the Opposition criticises want to fleece the people. Any- ised to people in the election this a better place,” the Minister appointment to newly recruited “In addition, we are providing us for giving the tender to the one with a little knowledge of time. We have made recruitment said. superintendents of the Road jobs to 67,000 graduates who are lowest bid. That’s their way. economics would understand to the RDA at a time when the Highways Ministry Secretary Development Authority (RDA). still unemployed. We do not con- They would blame us if we give that increasing public revenue economy was facing severe hard- R.W.R. Pemasiri, RDA Director “Our Government under Presi- sider the political background of the tender to the highest bidder, through tax revenue is to take ships, and we hope that you General Sardha Weerakoon and dent Gotabaya Rajapaksa has those unemployed graduates or the lowest bidder or even to a the money out of the pockets of would render your duties to the other senior officials participat- given 40,000 jobs. In the second when giving them jobs,” he said. bidder in the middle of those people to fill the government cof- public keeping in mind that we ed. Underwater Gallery in Youth everywhere pursue same Blue Beach Island opened objectives – Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris SHAVINI MADHARA Vice Admiral Nishantha Vice Admiral Nishantha Education Minister Ulugetenne and Youth and Ulugetenne and Com- Prof. G.L.Peiris said that Sports Minister Namal mander Southern Naval there is no significant dif- Rajapaksa opened the Blue Area Rear Admiral Priyan- ference among our youth Beach Island Underwater tha Perera and Naval per- in terms of race or reli- Gallery in Nilwella beach sonnel designed the gion and that their basic on April 10 at the invita- Underwater Gallery with a objectives are the same tion of Navy Commander. 100m long and 40m wide but sadly many live with- This latest addition in the model town beneath the out realising it and the Southern coast of Nilwella surface. most practical solution in will attract more local and A number of local and this regard is to provide foreign holidaymakers. foreign divers often come effective communication. The project had been here to be mesmerised by He was speaking at the set in motion after taking a the exquisiteness of under- prize giving ceremony of wide array of matters into water. Bringing a whole the Annual Art Competi- consideration. Among new experience to the tion held in conjunction Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa along with Vice Admiral them are preventing harm- avid divers, this latest Nishantha Ulugetenne at the opening. with the International ful effects on marine ani- “Blue Beach Island Under- Mother Language Day mals, plants and corals water Gallery” had been Apart from the scuba The was Commemoration jointly with natural and human created, as an attractive divers, this attractive site, well supported by a num- organised by the Bangla- A winner receiving a certificate from Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris. activities, protecting the prospect of the country. located at the depth from ber of State and private desh High Commission marine ecosystem, creat- The underwater gallery 04 to 10 metres, can be organisations in carrying and the Education Minis- desh and Sri Lanka. He Bangladesh’s support for tion to protect their ing an artificial fish breed- includes sculptures, struc- easily viewed by snorke- out this major project. try. thanked Prime Minister Sri Lanka at the recent mother tongue. ing environment, provid- tures and other artifacts ling and plying by din- The opening ceremony The Education Minis- of Bangladesh Sheikh Geneva Conference was a The Minister said that ing artificial substrates for moulded by eco friendly ghies with glass bottoms. was attended by Southern ter said that there is a Hasina for taking steps testament to the friend- it was our responsibility coral reefing and offering materials, discarded vehi- Transformation of the Province Governor Willie good economic, cultural to strengthen the friend- ship between the two to help children hone a magnificent site for cles and aircraft as well as underwater environment Gamage, Ornamental Fish, and political understand- ship between the two countries and that the their talents by recognis- scuba divers. The mega artificial substrates spe- into a conducive setting Inland Fish and Prawn ing and mutual under- countries. people of Bengal had ing their innate talents project was propelled by cially designed for coral for fish breeding will have Farming, Fishery Harbour standing between Bangla- The Minister said that fought with great dedica- and creativity. the Navy in collaboration growing. Some of the the potential to be of great Development, Multiday with the Fisheries Minis- models were made of benefit in the future, and Fishing Activities and Fish try and the Ornamental small pieces of rock so the Sri Lanka Navy is con- Exports State Minister Fish, Inland Fish, Prawn that seaweeds and corals stantly ready to make its Kanchana Wijesekera, Farming, Fishery Harbour can easily grow on those professional skills and Commander Southern Development, Multiday surfaces to create an envi- capabilities available for Naval Area, Rear Admiral Fishing Activities and Fish ronment conducive to nat- such timely environmental Priyantha Perera and Exports State Ministry. ural fish breeding. projects. Naval personnel. Indians fishing in Sri Lanka’s seas Foundation set for permanent solution - Minister Devananda , cussions with Indian coun- ermen illegally trespassing and the SL Navy is vested Anuradhapura Additional terparts and created a here. with necessary powers for District Group Corr. foundation for achieving an They appealed to Minis- arresting Indian fishing ves- Fisheries Minister Doug- acceptable solution,” Min- ter Devananda and Ministry sels and crews fishing in las Devananda said that ister Officials to intervene in pre- Lanka’s sea waters. He the fisheries Ministry has said. venting such unruly conduct remembered that he submit- set up a foundation for He had discussions with of the Indian costal guards. ted a detailed proposal to achieving an acceptable the representatives of the The Minister said that prevent illegal fishing issue solution for the invasive All Island General Fisher- he will take up these mat- to the Indian authorities conduct of Indian fisher- ies Association and the ters with the President, during the official Indian men after having more Multiday Boat Owners’ Prime Minister and the For- tour accompanied with than four rounds of diplo- Society recently at the eign Affairs Minister Dinesh Prime Minister Mahinda matic discussions with Ministry. Gunawadane for paving way Rajapaksa that was accepted Indian officials Former Hambantota Par- to get a sustainable solution by the Indian Prime Minis- “We have been watching liamentarian Nihal Galapa- to the crisis after the Indian ter Narendra Modhi. the invasive conduct of the tththi was present. elections. He said the fish- It was now dysfunctional Indian fishermen. The The unionists told the ing by bottom trawling has because of the COVID 19 Ministry held over four Minister that it was a com- been suspended until a per- pandemic, the Minister rounds of diplomatic dis- mon thing that Indian fish- manent solution is reached said. Trishaw Dr. Thowfeek appointed EP Health Service Director -tipper M.A.PHAkURDeeN, Medical Superintendent of the Raga- Addalaichenai Group Corr. ma Teaching Hospital, Negombo Dis- Dr. A.R.M.Thowfeek, who has been trict General Hospital and the Labora- serving as the Medical Superinten- tories of all hospitals under the pur- collision dent of the Welisara Respiratory Dis- view of Health Ministry. Former Pro- ease National Hospital assumed duties vincial Director of Health Services Dr. as the Provincial Director of Health Alagaiah Lathakaran , Trincomalee Services (Eastern) at the Office of the Regional Director of Health Services kills one PD in Courts Road, Trincomalee on Dr.V.P.Premananth , Medical Officer Friday. Dr. Dr.Arul Kumaran and several A.A.L.DIAS, Dr.Thowfeek, who is native of Sam- other Medical personnel were pre- Matale Group Corr manthurai, has also served as the sent. A trishaw and a tipper had collided on the Omaragolla slope in Galewela on Friday all expectations cannot be fulfilled killing the Trishaw driver. The driver died after he was admitted to the Galewela Divi- overnight – state minister duminda sional Hospital, police said. NIMAL WIjeSINGHe, Resources Development State Minis- The deceased was identified Anuradhapura District ter said. as Budhdharage Mahindhar- Additional District Group Corr. He was participating in the com- athna, 46, a father of two, a When the Government was mencement of construction of resident of Dabemada, voted in to power, around 6.9 mil- Thambuttegama Kothmalpura Menikhinna. lion people in the country had so Drinking Water Supply Project The body was sent to Dam- much of expectations for the better- recently. bulla Hospital for an autopsy, ment of life. But it seems that major- He said that it was natural and police said. The tipper driver ity of those voted are unsatisfied reasonable that everyone voted for has been arrested. now. the Government expecting to get a Galwela police are investi- The Government does not have job, piece of land, housing, carpeted gating. magical power to fulfill all needs of road for the village, drinking water people overnight, Renewable Energy facilities and samurdhi benefits. DN page 8 FEATURE MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2021

n the morning of April 12, 1961, the Soviet news agency Tass began to broadcast one of the great- est announcements in the historyO of mankind. The message began to come through at 0759BST (0959, local Russian time) and opened in the follow- ing terms: “The world’s first spaceship, Vostok (East), with a man on board was launched into orbit from the Soviet Union on April 12. The pilot space-navigator of the satellite spaceship Vostok is a citizen of the USSR, Flight Major Yuri Alek- seyevich Gagarin. NASA’s Apollo 11, the first “The launching of the multi-stage space mission to put people on rocket was successful and, after attaining the moon, landed in July the first escape velocity and the separa- 1969, and the crew left tion of the last stage of the carrier rocket, the spaceship went into free flight on a behind a commemorative round-the-Earth orbit. According to pre- medallion bearing liminary data, the period of the revolution Gagarin’s name. They also of the satellite spaceship around the left medallions for other Earth is 89.1 minutes. The minimum dis- tance from the Earth at perigee is 175km astronauts who lost their (108.7 miles) and the maximum at apo- lives in space or while gee is 302 km (187.6 miles), and the preparing for spaceflight. angle of inclination of the orbit plane to the equator is 65° 4’. The spaceship with the navigator weighs 4,725 kg (10,416.8 lb), excluding the weight of the final spaceship; but the duration of my flight Gagarin’s stage of the carrier rocket.” had been fixed in advance. The fact that this announcement was “The sunlit side of the Earth is visible by no means unexpected in no way quite well and one can easily distinguish detracted from its stunning impact on the the shores of continents, islands, great entire world. Ever since Sputnik 1 went rivers, large areas of water and folds of into orbit on October 4, 1957, manned the land. Over Russia I saw distinctly the spaceflight has been the obvious next big squares of collective-farm fields, and major milestone, and the Soviet Union, it was possible to distinguish which was historic largely as a result of greater available ploughed land and which was a meadow. first-stage thrust and apparently excellent “Before this, I had never been above reliability, has placed in orbit a far greater 15,000 m (49,213 ft). From the spaceship tonnage than the US and has successfully satellite one does not, of course, see as recovered spacecraft of much greater size. well as from an aeroplane, but very well As in all Soviet space launchings, no all the same. During the flight, I saw for details have been given of the location of the first time with my own eyes the space flight: the firing, nor of the recovery area, nei- Earth’s spherical shape. You can see its ther have any particulars been divulged curvature when looking to the horizon. concerning the launch vehicle. The space “I must say the view of the horizon is vehicle itself is certain to be the same as quite unique and very beautiful. It is pos- that used in all the Soviet firings since sible to see the remarkably colourful May 15, 1960. In addition to the five test change from the light surface of the Earth shots preceding Gagarin’s flight, the vehi- to the completely black sky in which one cle was undoubtedly subjected to exten- can see the stars. This dividing line is sive static and systems testing, and the very thin, just like a belt of film surround- overall reliability of the entire booster ing the Earth’s sphere. It is of a delicate and capsule appears to be remarkably blue colour. And this transition from the high. The vehicle is considerably larger blue to the dark is very gradual and love- than the American Mercury capsule, ly. which weighs some 2,100lb loaded. “When I emerged from the shadow of According to the Russian announce- the Earth the horizon looked different. ments, the capsule had “a double wall of There was a bright orange strip along it, thin metal” – Mercury uses two layers of which again passed into a blue hue and 0.1 in titanium alloy – and the cosmonaut once again into a dense black colour. was strapped to a contoured foam-rubber What struck me most remarkably was 60 couch. It may be inferred that it also had how near the Earth seemed, even from a controllable retrorocket system, and a the height of 187 miles. series of parachutes for final recovery. “I did not see the Moon. The Sun in The launch took place at approximately outer space is tens of times brighter than 0907 local time, and one complete orbit here on Earth. The stars are visible very years on was accomplished. The recovery well: they are bright and distinct. The sequence began at 1025 local time. whole picture of the heavens is in much During the flight, Major Gagarin is more contrast than when seen from the reported to have radioed, “Flight is pro- Earth. ceeding normally; I feel well” (over South “When weightlessness appeared I felt America at 0722BST) and “I am with- excellent. Everything was easier to per- standing state of weightlessness well” form. This is understandable. Legs and (over Africa at 0815BST). The landing arms weigh nothing. Objects are swim- was made “safely at a predetermined spot ming in the cabin, and I did not sit in in the Soviet Union” at 1055 local time. the chair, as before, but was suspended Gagarin then said, “Please report to the in mid-air. During the state of weight- Party and Government, and personally to lessness, I ate and drank, and every- Nikita Khrushchev: the landing was nor- thing was like on Earth. mal, I feel well, I have no injuries or “I was working in that state, noting bruises.” Prime Minister Khrushchev at my observations. Hand-writing did not once sent the following telegram: “I change, though the hand was weight- warmly congratulate you. I embrace you. less. But it was necessary to hold the Until our meeting soon in Moscow.” writing block, as otherwise it would On April 13, before his triumphant float away from the hands. entry into Moscow the following day, “I was convinced that weightlessness Gagarin was interviewed at length by has no effect on the ability to work. Tass. The result was a unique narrative, The passage from weightlessness to in some places of a personal and recollec- gravitation, to the appearance of the tive nature but in others containing force of gravity, happens smoothly. straightforward descriptions of sights Arms and legs feel as previously, the never before seen by man. same as during weightlessness, but now “I had,” he said, “no feelings of loneli- they have weight. I ceased to be suspend- ness in space. I knew well that my ed over the chair, but eased myself into friends, the entire Soviet people, were fol- it. lowing my space flight. I was sure that “When I returned to the Earth, I was the Party and the Government would overjoyed. I was warmly met by our Sovi- always be ready to help me if I found et people. I was moved to tears by Nikita myself in a difficult situation. I felt fine, Sergeyevich Khrushchev’s telegram.” and could have spent much longer in the Aged 27 at the time of his historic – and only – voyage into space, Gagarin had first worked as a foundryman, sub- sequently attending a military aviation college and serving as a parachute Over the course of 108 minutes, Vostok 1 instructor before being selected for travelled around the Earth once, reaching a Cosmonaut training. On April 14, 1961, two days after his maximum height of 203 miles (327 kilometres). 108-minute flight, he was named a The spacecraft carried 10 days’ worth of Hero of the Soviet Union by Khrush- provisions in case the engines failed and Gagarin chev. was required to wait for the orbit to naturally “He proved an admirable ambassador for the Union of Soviet Socialist Repub- decay. But the supplies were unnecessary. lics (USSR) on international visits; and Gagarin re-entered Earth’s atmosphere, played an important role in training managing to maintain consciousness as he other cosmonauts,” Flight wrote after his death on March 27, 1968. Undergo- experienced forces up to eight times the pull of ing instruction to become a fighter gravity during his descent. pilot, Gagarin was killed with Colonel Vladimir Seregin when their Mikoyan- Gurevich MiG-15 trainer crashed near Moscow. (FlightGlobal) monday, april 12, 2021 news page 9 DN Minister urges CEA for report on Diyawanna water pollution

Environment Minister Mahinda by the Opposition parties in Parlia- Amaraweera has requested the Cen- ment. A scientific report on the mat- tral Environmental Authority (CEA) ter was called for as the water in the to submit an immediate environmen- Diyawanna Oya had not been pollut- tal report on the water pollution of ed in this manner earlier, the Minis- the Diyawanna Oya. ter said. The Minister said that the The Minister has sent a letter to water discolouring level in the area CEA Director General Hemantha has been increasing for the past few Jayasinghe on Saturday instructing days. It is being investigated whether him to submit an immediate environ- there is any water contamination and mental report on the diversion of whether it could cause any harm to Southern Province Governor Dr. Willie Gamage, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne and others water in the Diyawanna Oya area the aquatic life there. inspecting the bridge. around Parliament and the wetlands The Minister in a letter to the around the three bridges in Battaram- CEA Director General on Saturday ulla. The Minister said that it was this were the dumping of human morning urged that the report be sub- Lankagama Nilwella Bridge vested with public not yet clear whether the reasons for excreta and algae species as revealed mitted soon. The Navy-constructed Lankaga- perity and Splendour by President The Southern Provincial Council ma Nilwella Bridge was opened on Gotabaya Rajapaksa, initiatives were funded the project and the Navy pro- April 10 under the patronage of made to go ahead with this develop- vided manpower. The planning was Southern Province Governor Dr. ment project, fulfilling a long felt made by the Road Development Batticaloa Market re-opened Willy Gamage and with the attend- need of Lankagama and Nilwella res- Authority (RDA). ance of Navy Commander Vice idents as they faced hardships when The bridge will also make the Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne. crossing the Ginganga through a access easy for educational, health SiVAm PACkiyANAthAN, height of the COVID pandemic and in the market. The traders have The bridge connects Lankagama risky and difficult means. The con- and official needs of the villagers. Batticaloa Special Corr. the stalls were set up along the Pansa- requested Batticaloa Mayor Thiagaraja and Nilwella of Neluwa in the struction work of the bridge, which People’s representatives, South- The Refurbished Batticaloa Munici- la Road, Lady Manning Drive and Saravanapavan to grant them permis- Southern Province. is 84 metres long and 1.8 metres ern Naval Area Commander Rear pal Market was re-opened yesterday. Lloyds Avenue. sion to operate the stalls day and night Going in line with the National wide, commenced by Navy on July Admiral Priyantha Perera and resi- The market was closed during the The stalls have been reopened now and to ban selling along the streets. Policy Framework - Vistas of Pros- 28 last year and completed this year. dents were present. EU envoys call on Foreign Minister

Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena met the Colombo-based senior diplomatic representation of the European Union (EU) on April 9 at the Foreign Ministry and apprised them on political and economic developments in Sri Lanka. The Minister updated the envoys of ongoing processes, including the constitutional reform process, the strengthening of democratic Foreign minister Dinesh Gunawardena in discussion with EU representa- institutions, and on progress related to the tives. implementation of reconciliation mecha- nisms, among other issues. The meeting was interactive and also entailed a discussion on EU-Sri Lanka coop- eration, including trade, investment and development cooperation and plans under- way to convene the scheduled Sri Lanka-EU Joint Commission Sub-committees follow- ing the convening of the 23rd Meeting of the Sri Lanka-EU Joint Commission in Jan- uary. Measures in place for the revival of tour- ism in Sri Lanka in the COVID -19 post- COVID context, and the Government health protocols related to quarantine were also discussed. Ambassador of France Eric Lavertu; Ambassador Rita Mannella, Chargé d’Affaires of Romania Ambassador Victor Chiujdea and the Deputy Heads of Mission of Germany, the Netherlands and the EU participated.

Renovating irrigation tanks expedited

Irrigation State Minis- ter has instructed the rele- vant public officers and the institutions to expe- dite the renovation of irrigation tanks in the Anuradhapura, Puttalam and Kurunegala Dis- tricts. The State Minister participated in a special discussion with the officers of the relevant public institutions and the heads of the affiliated institutions recently. State Minister Jayaratne has informed the officers to begin the renovation of tanks in the Anuradhapura, Puttalam and Kurune- gala districts before the end of April this year. The renovation of 400 tanks will be com- pleted in this year and the progress of the ren- ovation was also discussed at the meeting. The renovation is being carried out under the Wari Saubhagya programme of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Bowser catches fire on Southern Expressway i.m.V.C. GUNASEkArA, Elpitiya Group Corr. A fire erupted in a bowser carrying fuel from Kottawa to Meetyagoda near the Kurundugahahethepma Interchange along the Southern Expressway on Saturday morning. The bowser had first hit the rear of a jeep moving to the same direction and toppled when the driver lost control, police said. The bowser had been severely damaged in the fire. The driver and his assistant have been admitted to the Nagoda Hospital with minor burn injuries, police said. Vehicle movement towards Matara was disrupted for about an hour after the accident.

the bowser. DN page 10 EdiTorial monday, april 12, 2021

monday, april 12, 2021 Advent of travel bubbles f there is one industry that has suffered the most from the Coronavirus pandemic, it is travel and tourism. Millions of jobs have been lost in the industry, which has seen revenues plunge to record lows. In a normal year, around four billion Ipeople take domestic and international flights, but in 2020 less than one billion people took a flight. With the pandemic still in a runaway mood in many coun- tries, the world’s airport runways will not get busy anytime soon. In fact, airline traffic is not likely to return to 2019 levels at least until 2024, when much of the world’s population would have been vaccinated. The economic impact of the downturn in travel has been devastating, especially to countries such as Sri Lanka, India and Thailand which depend heavily on tourism dollars to sustain their emerging economies. But travel is in our genes, as is connectivity. We want to The infamous moment: Mrs. World Caroline Jurie removes the crown from Pushpika De Silva explore new places and also renew our bonds with friends and relatives living in far-off places from time to time. This is indeed how the world of travel and tourism runs – exploring new destinations and Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR). Even a pandemic can- not keep us from travelling for too long, as we yearn to break free. This frustration is not hard to fathom, as Beauty and the spending almost one year cooped up inside one’s home without any physical contact with the outside world is no easy task. This is indeed why people fled to various destinations in the country once the lock- down ended towards the latter part of last year. How- ever, international travel is still in limbo, apart from exceptional cases such as repatriation back to home colonial mentality countries, medical travel and family bereavements. The travel and tourism industry is keen to change this picture and return to normality as soon as possible. They have a reason to be optimistic this time – vacci- nation. Around the world, 159 countries have begun vaccination programmes against COVID-19, adminis- BY NADIRA GUNATILLEKE tering close to 400 million doses. Granted, this is nowhere near the eight billion target and rich coun- tries have hoarded or ordered most of the available Last week almost all local and for- vaccines, inoculating their citizens 25 times faster eign media including almost all social media platforms were full of a single than the poor countries. This vaccine inequality has story about a single incident that been characterized by the World Health Organisation took place at Nelum Pokuna Theatre, (WHO) as a “catastrophic moral failure”, but the suc- Colombo. It was the Mrs. Sri Lanka cessful deployment of the UN/WHO COVAX pro- 2021 pageant. There is no point in gramme offers a glimmer of hope that this issue could describing or discussing the ugliest be addressed at least in the next year (2022). incident that took place in all beauty pageants in Sri Lankan history and In the South Asian region, both India and Sri Lanka maybe in all the world. The entire have successfully started their vaccination cam- world saw what happened and even paigns using the ‘made in India’ AstraZeneca Cov- now anyone can watch again and now and then (when she won the Mrs World contest) ishield vaccine. Sri Lanka has vaccinated close to one again that ugly incident that unfolded million people while India has administered more than on the stage of the Nelum Pokuna winner would most likely speak Sin- No matter how hard they try, they 100 million doses. Both countries have a long way to Theatre. It will be available on the hala which is a state language in Sri will be Sri Lankans. go, but there is no doubt that their entire populations internet for centuries. Even children Lanka. Sri Lanka is not a colony It is the responsibility of all rele- who will be born after several dec- ruled by Britain or any other country. vant authorities and all organizers of could be inoculated before the end of this year. This ades will be able to watch it. The We won independence in 1948. Then all future beauty pageants to allow all Susanthika Jayasinghe should give the populations in both countries some only thing missing is the conversa- how can speaking English be compul- Sri Lankan Sinhala-speaking beauties level of “herd immunity” whereby the virus will not be tions and dialogue that took place on sory for anything when the wider from all corners of the country to severely punished for their act. It is a able to find any new hosts to infect. the stage during that ugly incident. world does not consider it as a come forward and compete in all violation of the rights of Sri Lankan This confidence has led various countries to start What only matters now is certain requirement? future beauty pageants. It is the right Sinhalese people. “travel bubbles” where their citizens can visit each facts, details and background infor- Do Chinese speak English all the of all Sri Lankan women. This right The Mrs. Sri Lanka 2021 pageant other’s countries without the need for quarantine at mation revealed during an interview time when they represent China at should be safeguarded from the cur- set an excellent example for all the given by Mrs. World 1985 and the international events? What about rent handful of Colombo-based others who are still trying their best both ends. A negative PCR test obtained prior to current Colombo Mayor Rosy Sena- Japan, Russia, Korea, Germany, women who dominate the decision- in every part of the country to dis- travel could still be required, though. Australia and nayake. The interview was conduct- France, etc.? Sri Lankans need to making levels of almost all beauty criminate against Sinhala-speaking New Zealand will soon be starting a travel bubble. ed by a well-known journalist Cha- learn the Korean language and NOT pageants in Sri Lanka. When select- people, no matter whether they are Likewise, the travel industry in these parts has been muditha Samarawickrama. English before going to Korea for ing judges in future, priority should men, women, adults or children. This buoyed by the news that Sri Lanka and India too will During this interview, the former employment. Almost all nations in be given for the individuals who huge discrimination based on lan- soon be starting an “air travel bubble”. Pre-pandemic, Mrs. World and the current Colombo the world treat their mother tongue speak Sinhala and Tamil, not Eng- guage is almost everywhere in the Mayor revealed to the country how as something to be proud of and lish. English is not a state language country. It was accelerated during there were more than 100 fully-packed flights between certain individuals who staged the always speak in their mother tongue in Sri Lanka. Then how did it become the previous so-called Yahapalana the two neighboring countries and we hope that the ugly drama on the stage tried their whenever they represent their coun- compulsory? regime and may be some are still try- travel bubble, plus the vaccination drive, will enable best to bring forward only English- tries on international platforms. Peo- It is very admirable how Mrs. ing to accelerate it thinking that no the two countries to normalize travel patterns. This speaking contestants and how over ple who represent the US speak World 1985 and the current Colombo voice will be raised against them. Sri should be extended to Nepal as well (India and Nepal 15 contestants were very worried American English and not British Mayor Rosy Senanayake stood by Lankans, especially all the people already have a travel bubble) as Sri Lankan Buddhist about this issue because they were English. The people who represent justice from the beginning and made who speak Sinhala and Tamil should pilgrims usually travel to Buddhist sites in both coun- not fluent in English. During the Britain speak British English and not sure that the state language and not a fight for their right to use their interview she very clearly stated that American English. How about Sri foreign language was given priority. mother tongue. All participants in all tries. Sri Lanka should also consider the possibility of no one can be discriminated against Lankans? They speak broken English Some others judges who stood by the competitions should fight for their having travel bubbles with the Maldives (it already has for not speaking English because the and broken Sinhala with pride but decision of giving priority to the right to use their mother tongue. one with India) and Singapore (which is negotiating World Pageant does not consider those broken languages do not belong state language should also be com- Judges who go against this should be travel bubbles with Hong Kong and Australia). This will such qualifications and there are to any country in the world. Sri Lan- mended for their love for the mother- legally challenged. help increase travel between these Asian destina- interpreters available for all partici- kans should speak Sinhala and not land and mother tongue. All Sri Lan- Unfortunately today we can get tions. pants at all international beauty pag- broken Sinhala. The same goes for kan people praise their stand. things done from the state sector and This brings us to the rather controversial subject of eants. Then she described how the Tamil. It is pathetic to watch how certain the private sector easily and smooth- panel of judges removed that strange Sri Lankans are still trying to be brave women like Susanthika Jayas- ly only if we speak in English and “vaccine passports” which have been touted as a discriminating ‘locally made’ rule. ‘kalu suddas’. ‘Kalu suddo’ will con- inghe bring fame to Mother Lanka most of the time most of the state “cure-all” for all travel ills. In short, a vaccine passport When we watch and listen to this tinue to destroy the progress of Sri and how certain others tarnish the and private institutions simply ignore is a paper or smartphone-based document that interview it is very clear to all that Lanka because they do not like any image of Mother Lanka globally giv- the people who speak in Sinhala. shows your vaccination status. This is not a strange the specific individual or individuals Sri Lankan identity. They like British ing opportunities to international Most of the time the service provider concept per se, as the WHO already issues a Yellow made a special discriminating rule or American identities. Only real Sri media to sling mud on Sri Lanka. It does not even speak English. Broken Card for yellow fever vaccinations, which is required locally in order to achieve their one Lankans who are proud of their is all what matters to a person. Moth- Sinhala is also much respected over and only personal target which is mother tongue will push the country erland or something else. The fame Sinhala. by many African and South American countries. Tak- securing places for their contestants forward. It does not mean that learn- and honour which built up during The Government should make sure ing a cue from this, many airlines and some countries who are fluent in English. The same ing English and using it when several decades can be destroyed that the Sinhala language has the have already said that they will allow in only fully rule could have been used by them to required is not necessary. Speaking within seconds. All the culprits who same treatment, recognition and COVID vaccinated passengers, while some are also eliminate all the other possible win- English will not make any Sri Lankan purposely discriminated contestants respect that Chinese, Russian, Japa- willing to accept those showing a negative COVID ners of the crown who cannot speak an American or a British national. who used Sinhala, one of the state nese, Korean, etc., have in their home test status. Yet, this could be highly discriminatory as English well. This is what was under- languages of Sri Lanka, should be country. Otherwise no one will be well, since some developing countries have not even stood by the people during the inter- interested in learning Sinhala, using view aired over social media plat- it and especially respecting the lan- begun their vaccination campaigns. Is it ethical to forms and websites. guage and language users. If Sinha- deny them the right to travel simply because they Since November 2019 President lese are not interested in protecting have not been vaccinated? How about children, who Gotabaya Rajapaksa is trying his best the continuation of their language are not vaccinated as yet in any country? It is a moral to push forward the brand ‘Sri Lanka’ and heritage, no one else will be dilemma for which the world should find answers at by encouraging products made in Sri interested in doing so. We cannot the earliest. Lanka and promoting its culture, expect any other ethnicity or country religions, history and languages. But to come forward and stand by the it is very sad to see how certain Sri Sinhalese. Which ambassador or Lankans try their best to push Sri high commissioner came forward Lanka backwards using Sri Lankan and spoke the rights of the Sinhalese THOUGHT fOr THe day identities such as speaking Sinhala so far? Which country in the world or Tamil. Usually the majority of Sri has stood by the Sinhalese so far? It Lankans speak Sinhala and others is because of the number, 15 million Exploration is really the essence of speak Tamil. A handful of people of users and the restricted geographi- the human spirit. - Frank Borman speak English. The percentages can cal area (Sri Lanka). This is the bit- be calculated. The result is very clear. ter truth the Sinhalese have to The majority speak Sinhala and the Sinhalese is the majority language only in Sri Lanka remember all the time. MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2021 OPINION page 11 DN COVID-19 Right to equitable access to vaccination NISHANT SIROSHI lawsuit against India’s govern- he COVID-19 pandemic has ment to secure monopoly control exposed profound inequalities over its treatment for leukaemia. in people’s access to healthcare The Supreme Court of India final- and medicines across countries; ly decided this case in 2013. To the distribution of the COVID- avoid legal challenges, the devel- 19T vaccine is a glaring example. oping countries, instead of opting As of April 7, 2021, over 704 million doses of for TRIPS waiver benefits, are COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in now entering into bilateral agree- 153 countries. Sixty-two percent (approximate- ments with industrial countries to ly 401 million) went to the United States, the receive essential drugs. This was European Union, the United Kingdom, and approved by the WTO in 2016, China. In 2021, 70 percent of total available vac- after a decade-long negotiation. cine doses have been secured by 16 percent of Due to these ambiguities, the the world population. Most high-income coun- WTO, in 2002, adopted the Doha tries will complete their inoculation drive by the Declaration on TRIPS Agreement end of 2021. But, nearly a quarter of the world’s which affirms that “the TRIPS population will have access to vaccines only by Agreement does not and should 2022, and in low-income countries, not until not prevent members from taking 2024. In fact, 86 percent of the total COVID-19 measures to protect public health.” vaccine doses have been administered in high- However, obstacles continue to and upper-middle-income countries. Only 0.1 persist for developing countries. percent has reached people in low-income coun- Not surprisingly, none of the tries. drug makers has signed the While discussing the international legal WHO’s technology access pool for framework on the right to health vis-a-vis COVID-19 vaccine technology access to essential medicines and protection of Failure to provide equitable and transfer. Despite multiple reforms, Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs), this piece pharmaceutical companies continue to enjoy argues that equitable access to COVID-19 vac- speedy access to COVID-19 monopoly, which directly impacts people’s cine is a human right and should be upheld. vaccines will prolong the health. The COVID-19 pandemic has allowed us Pharmaceutical companies should adopt the pandemic and intensify social to reflect on how we operate and benefit under rights-based approach and facilitate swift uni- and economic catastrophes in the current IPR regime, in the essential pharma- versal vaccination by relaxing patent rights and ceuticals and drugs segment. cooperating in technology transfer. Failure to middle-and low-income While Governments have the primary respon- provide equitable and speedy access to COVID- countries. sibility to respect, protect, and fulfill human 19 vaccines will prolong the pandemic and rights, corporations also have an obligation to intensify social and economic catastrophes in respect human rights. The 2008 UN Human middle-and low-income countries. sure from developing countries forced the World Rights Guidelines for Pharmaceutical Compa- In October 2020, India and South Africa Trade Organisation (WTO) to restructure and nies in relation to Access to Medicines and the requested the World Trade Organisation (WTO) link IPRs to trade policies. This led to the adop- 2011 UN Guiding Principles of Business and to temporarily waive some provisions of the tion of the ambitious TRIPS Agreement in Human Rights draw a duty on the pharmaceuti- 1995 Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual 1994, which allowed WTO’s least-developed cal companies to respect human rights. In the Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement, to ensure members to evade certain patent restrictions fight to eradicate COVID-19, they are bound to all countries have equitable and quick access to and secure public health. Over the past years, ensure everyone has affordable and equitable COVID-19 vaccines, drugs, and medical prod- many countries have been demanding flexible access to COVID-19 vaccines without any ucts during the pandemic. benefits.” Article 15(1)(c) provides the right Cultural Rights has dealt in detail with the pro- implementation of the TRIPS Agreement, but impediment in supply due to enforcement of The proposal was supported by 140 mem- “to the protection of the moral and material visions related to access to medicines and IPRs, this has been blocked by pharmaceutical giants. IPRs. bers, but despite several rounds of meetings, it interests resulting from any scientific, literary under the General Comments. On the obliga- Even in the production and distribution of remained blocked at the 164-member WTO. or artistic production.” In other words, Article tion of the state parties under ICESCR, General COVID-19 vaccines, the TRIPS Agreement is at Parting note Opponents to the proposal — Australia, , 12 provides for human right to health and a Comment 3 affirms that the states must realise the heart of the process of universal COVID-19 Canada, Ecuador, El Salvador, Japan, the Euro- derivative right to adequate access to essential the rights protected by the Covenant, which vaccination. The World Health Organisation (WHO) Con- pean Union, the United Kingdom, and the medicines when read with Article 15(1)(b), include the right to health and access to medi- stitution states that every person is entitled to United States —argued that waiving IPRs which provides a sick person with a right to cine and vaccination. The states should achieve Is TRIPS effective? the “highest attainable standard of health.” would hamper scientific innovation and discour- benefit from scientific progress and Article these goals either independently or through However, in practice, what is attainable under age drug makers. 15(1)(c), which encourages scientific innova- international assistance and cooperation. Experts argue that the TRIPS Agreement’s the current legal framework remains ambigu- Is there a conflict between the human right to tion and artistic creativity and allows people to General Comment 14 spells out the devel- current flexibilities — parallel imports and com- ous, as access to medicines, vaccines, and medi- access to medicines and the protections on profit from these. oped states’ obligation to provide economic, pulsory licenses — can address the challenge cal technologies remain under the control of a intellectual property? There is no inconsistency. It seems that there is some apparent contra- scientific, and technical assistance to develop- for the production and distribution of COVID- few selected countries and pharmaceutical The treaty provisions relating to human rights diction between human rights to health and the ing countries in immunisation programs and 19 vaccines. However, these flexibilities are giants. and IPRs do not impose mutually exclusive rights of entities over their intellectual property. other strategies of prevention, treatment, and never fully realised in their spirit due to com- The world needs the vaccine today — not obligation. However, there is some borderline But human rights enjoy a superior moral and control of infectious diseases. General Com- plex and burdensome in-built mechanisms. tomorrow — to stop the disease and end the tension among the two rights in practice, which legal claim over the IPRs — distinguished as ment 17 says, “Ultimately, intellectual property Thus, countries have to fight on many fronts to pandemic. We need to embrace the access to has been discussed in the legal theory. temporary monopoly and legally protected is a social product and has a social function” and procure life-saving drugs. It took Rwanda three medicine movement — a movement against pat- interest of lower claim. In its 2000/7 resolution, counsels the states to strike an adequate balance years to process the import of generic HIV/AIDS ent monopoly in life-saving drugs. A TRIPS Deliberating on law the UN Sub-Commission for the Promotion and between obligations under Article 15(1)(c) and drugs from Canada due to conditions imposed waiver, which India and South Africa requested Protection of Human Rights, asserts that human ‘other rights’ as enshrined under various provi- under Canada’s TRIPS national regime. The at WTO, will allow drug manufacturers in mul- The 1966 International Covenant on Eco- rights should enjoy precedence over patents or sions of the ICESCR, including the right to Governments that decided to manufacture tiple countries to produce COVID-19 vaccines nomic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), other economic policies. In the context of the food, health, and shelter. generic drugs at home were sued by the phar- without taking individual legal measures. While ratified by 171 states, recognises and protects HIV/AIDS epidemic, the UN Commission on General Comment 25 states that every person maceutical companies challenging national this alone will not help vaccinate the world, it the right to healthcare and rights on intellectual Human Rights, in its 2005/23 resolution, advo- is entitled, without any discrimination, to the laws. Thirty-nine pharmaceuticals sued the will be a step towards solving the global imbal- property. As per Article 12 of the ICESCR, eve- cates practical action to combat pandemic dis- “best available applications of scientific pro- Government of South Africa in 1998, when it ance in equitable access and distribution of the ryone has a right to enjoy the “highest attaina- eases and “affirms the importance of public gress necessary to enjoy the highest attainable attempted to break the monopolies of foreign vaccine. (Observer Research Foundation) ble standard of physical and mental health.” health interests in both pharmaceutical and standards of health.” firms on anti-retroviral drugs. Some of these (The writer is attached to the Norwegian Article 15 (1)(b) of the ICESCR recognises the health policies.” The mandate to provide affordable and wide- legal battles lasted for over a decade. In 1998, Centre for Human Rights at the University of right “to share in scientific advancement and its The Committee on the Economic, Social and spread access to essential medicines and pres- Swiss pharmaceutical giant Novartis filed a Oslo.)

ater is more than just an important existing water supply systems, toilets for households and resource to Sri Lanka and its people; it schools, and septage treatment plants. makes up an integral part of the nation- Water Resources: The project works to extend access to safe drinking water al identity. A cursory glance of Sri and sanitation, and improved hygiene behaviour for nearly Lanka on an atlas or a globe points to 700,000 people in urban, rural and estate areas in seven twoW distinct features: the tropical nation is an island; and its districts in Sri Lanka. It aims to reach those in danger of unique shape – being juxtaposed with the large Indian sub- being left out of the progress made in recent years and continent, it goes by the sobriquet of teardrop island – Preserving identity, transforming lives potentially being left even further behind by the COVID-19 resembles a teardrop falling from the southern part of India. pandemic’s devastating impacts. Sri Lanka’s economic transformation has been made pos- The Integrated Watershed and Water Resources Manage- sible only by its water resources. From the ancient times, ment Project (IWWRMP) will continue the World Bank’s this vital natural resource has been intertwined with the engagement to rehabilitate aging dams, irrigation canals lives of each and every Sri Lankan. The historical and cul- and manage water resources in an integrated way. The pro- tural links between water and the Sri Lankan populace can ject is expected to help lessen longer-term economic be seen from the country’s agricultural economy. Ancient impacts of climate change and improve agricultural produc- kings built tanks and reservoirs to cultivate acres of paddy tion and livelihoods. fields. As a result, crop yields improved along with the lives “Water is important for Sri Lanka’s development as of farmers and their families. reflected by the share in the GDP, workforce or export These practices have continued to this day, with water earnings of water-intensive sectors like agriculture, textiles, being increasingly used in other industrial sectors like and tourism,” Takuya Kamata, Practice Manager said. power generation and construction as well. The water- “Water supply and sanitation has been clearly prioritised by intensive garment and textile industry is one of the main the government and we will continue to support invest- drivers of industrial growth and the country’s leading ments in this sector.” export sector accounting for more than 40 percent of total Preserving this culturally, historically and economically exports and employing 15 percent of the labour force, which valuable resource, and ensuring that all Sri Lankans can is over half a million people. The tourism sector, which benefit from it will make life easier for people like Sawun- relies heavily on water to run hotels and provide services, is dari from Killinochi and Chandani from Nuwara Eliya, and the third largest source of foreign exchange earnings in the provide more opportunities for their children to grow and country and is estimated to contribute about 4.5 percent to develop in safe environments. Maintaining and expanding the GDP. It employs over 350,000 Sri Lankans. Sri Lanka’s economic transformation has been made possible only by its the infrastructure that supports the water sector is now Over the past decade or so, Sri Lanka has made signifi- more important than ever. (World Bank) cant achievements in the water sector. The development of water resources. From the ancient times, this vital natural resource has been irrigation schemes and dams as well as increasing access to intertwined with the lives of each and every Sri Lankan.

improved drinking water and sanitation have helped to water in pots from afar, we got up at 3.00 am to take care of drive a rural transformation in Sri Lanka and supported the the household chores,” said Chandani Gamage from Nuwara growth of the Colombo megapolis. Eliya. “Now we are not in a hurry. We have water in the “When we moved here in 2013, we didn’t have even a kitchen, we have water to bathe. We can now take care of single drop of water. We used the water from the nearest our household chores very easily. Our suffering is over.” pond for bathing. For other purposes, we obtained water Despite these achievements, challenges such as impacts from neighbouring villages like Umayalpuram. We suffered of climate change, financial uncertainty, aging infrastruc- a lot,” Sawundari from the Northern district of Killinochi ture and water quality issues among others remain. Major said. “Fortunately, the water supply project was imple- investments are needed to overcome these challenges. mented in our district. We are happy now; we have enough Since 1998, the World Bank has supported the Sri Lan- water for drinking and bathing. We can use water whenever kan government in providing drinking water and sanitation we need.” to the country’s 21.8 million people. Sri Lanka’s Water Sup- The people of Nuwara Eliya have also benefited from the ply and Sanitation Improvement Project (WaSSIP), the lat- investments in the water sector. est and third World Bank-financed project in the water sec- “We came here 20 to 25 years ago. As we had to bring tor, finances new water supply systems, rehabilitation of DN page 12 feature monday, april 12, 2021 DishaN Joseph ircraft are synonymous with a nation’s Air Force. However sLaF Regiment: there are many other sections which work behind the scenes Ato augment the overall role and task of the Air Force. Today we discover the great but silent contribution of the SLAF Regiment (also referred to as the Rock Apes) the largest compo- nent of the Sri Lanka Air Force Empowering (SLAF). Operating under the Direc- torate of Ground Operations, this command has 31 specialized regi- ment wings that have consistently enhanced the SLAF’s mission in achieving the overall national securi- ty objective. ground operations I was privileged to meet the air Force Commander air Marshal sudarshana pathirana SLAF’s Director Ground Operations Air Vice Marshal Camillus Labrooy, at Air Force Head Quarters. The his- five officers and 30 men. They were tory of the airmen being deployed given intense training and excelled for ground operations can be traced in small team raids. By 1994 having back to 1956. During this era, two broadened their skills in Close Pro- officers of the Royal Ceylon Air tection duties they became a shield Force Regiment were trained in the around the Air Force Commander. United Kingdom. The unit was This is the first team in Sri Lanka established at the SLAF Base in to introduce the concept of motor- Katunayake. It is recorded that in bike outriders in a security convoy. 1961 there was a trade union strike The SABF – Special Air Borne at the harbour and the SLAF ground Force operates in four areas: VIP troops were called in to secure the protection duties, anti- hijack opera- area. During the 1971 insurgency the tions, rescue operations and urban airmen were once again called upon operations (military operations in to protect Temple Trees, the official urban terrain). residence of the Prime Minister. Joining the SABF is a challenge. During this time the first Serving officers and airmen with armoured personnel carrier (APC) four years of service can apply to from Ireland was inducted into the join. They have to face a difficult regiment. Subsequently six APCs 21-day selection test, at which some were built locally under the supervi- aspiring candidates are dropped out. sion of a SLAF engineering officer. The training requires mental and The new fleet enriched the “dis- physical endurance, with the men mounted operations” capability of air Vice Marshal C.B. Labrooy Wing Commander h.M.M.B.M.s. Bandara Wing Commander h.a.W.p. hettiarachchi having to wake up at 2.00 am before these pioneer SLAF defenders. In Director Ground operations Commanding officer, special air Borne Force Commanding officer Regiment special Force engaging in grueling PT. During the addition to these deployments the 21-days preliminary training at SLAF Regiment sustained the digni- Ampara the men have to do 5Km, ty and decorum of the Air Force by 10Km, 15Km and 25Km marches proudly undertaking ceremonial with full battle pack. guard of honour parades. Even to During the 1976 Robust warriors of Those who survive proceed to this day they take their rotation with Non-Aligned Summit the Regiment Phase 2 where they learn unarmed the ceremonial guard at President’s in Sri Lanka the SLAF Special Force (RSF) combat and the dynamics of Close House, in Colombo. Protection duties for 60 days. Later Regiment undertook can reach the Air Vice Marshal Labrooy ground from a on, the SABF personnel can aug- explained: “Once the international an unprecedented ment their skills by doing the Com- airport began operations at Katunay- helicopter by bat Rider Course. Their special air- ake the SLAF men were positioned security operation rappelling and enter borne capacity enables them to be for security duties. We have a rich for almost 75 a tower or building inducted at a required target within heritage of providing security and Heads of State and the shortest time. The SABF can securing the areas at the airport for by abseiling. also operate as air marshals on civil- many Heads of State over the dec- other VIPSs which ian passenger flights if required. ades. We handled the security at the was a tremendous The men have shared some of their airport for the Pope in 1970. During Special Force (RSF). This is the for- motivational training by building the 1976 Non-Aligned Summit in Sri task at that time. midable ground attack force of the teams from the corporate sector on Lanka the SLAF Regiment under- SLAF with multi-role combat capa- request, enhancing their leadership took an unprecedented security oper- bility. In order to join the RSF offic- skills. ation for almost 75 Heads of State es. The 1983 riots which spread ers and airmen must undergo a PT The SLAF Regiment was duly and other VIPSs which was a tre- across the island saw the regiment’s selection test. Aspiring recruits bestowed with the President’s mendous task at that time.” troops being deployed to maintain endure six months of intense train- Standards for their distinguished As the SLAF enhanced its aircraft law and order. Later on in 1988, the ing in all types of terrain. service to the nation on May 3, fleet and established new bases and experienced airmen were tasked to The RSF also takes pride in its 2009. To this day the men of this airfields, the SLAF Regiment also secure Hambantota and Kegalle capacity to be deployed via para- regiment have undertaken security expanded. areas, which had a large concentra- chutes by day or night in sunshine cover for schools, churches, hotels Since the first armed insurgency in tion of JVP rebels. or rain. RSF commandos are also and diplomatic missions within the the 1970s, the security of all air The exigencies of service created able to engage in rescue missions on Colombo, Ratmalana and Negombo assets fell on this dependable regi- the Explosives Ordnance Depart- land and water. Specialist courses areas, after the deadly Easter Sun- ment. Two other significant addi- ment in 1987 in Colombo, with an promote parachutists to become day attacks. tions in that era were the setting up officer assuming the post of CXO skydivers. The basic fighting forma- The SLAF Regiment can be proud of the SLAF Band (1970) and the (Command Explosives Officer). This tion of the RSF is the eight-man of all its achievements and marches formation of the SLAF Kennels was followed by the addition of the team and their preferred weapon is forward in defence of its assets and (1978). To this day the air dogs Air Defence Wing, which combined the SAR-21. Robust warriors of this the nation under the guiding hand engage in multiple roles with their the use of radar input and anti-air- force can reach the ground from a of the present Air Force Command- handlers. As the SLAF entered the craft guns. helicopter by rappelling and enter a er Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathira- 1980s, it was going to face challeng- As the conflict took on a new tower or building by abseiling. The na. dimension in the 1990s, the RSF has its own divers SLAF Regiment was called increasing their spectrum of in to be deployed in large combat and rescue opera- numbers, to fight alongside tions. The men have shared the Army in Maha Oya some of their motivational (Anuradhapura area) and training by building teams Morawewa (along Trinco- from the corporate sector on malee). The daunting task request, enhancing their lead- of keeping the Main Supply ership skills. Route (MSR) open was thrust upon the SLAF The dynamic saBF ground troops. Having pre- malee road had the most concentra- gave priority for the formation of viously secured airfields and tion of concealed mines. Amidst specially trained commandos. The During the late 1980s ser- base facilities, it took a challenges and ambushes, the gallant pioneer of Air Force commandos is vice commanders and senior while for the airmen to SLAF defenders pushed forward to the late Wing Commander Eksith Defence Ministry officials adapt to their infantry role keep the MSR lines open, enabling Peiris. As a dynamic young Flight were under threat from the in the heavily wooded areas innocent civilians in those areas to he began training a LTTE. The Air Force realized filled with mines. Those receive essential supplies. batch of men on February 25, 1979. this and took action. Air Vice senior officers engaged in By 1997 the empowered troops of In those formative years, the men Marshal Oliver Ranasinghe these duties will recall that SLAF Regiment gallantly displayed proudly brandished their G-41rifles (later Air Force Commander) the Horowpathana–Trinco- their prowess by holding onto For- which had an effective firing range prepared a special group of ward Defence Lines (FDLs), which of 400 metres. were initially secured by the Army. Wing Commander Peiris is fond- Some of the FDLs were spread ly remembered as the founding across 50Km to 60Km in the Puli- father of a Special Forces element yankulam, Mankulam and Poo- within the Sri Lanka Air Force. As varasankulam areas and holding the years went by the high com- them also involved logistics support. mand initiated the formation of Whilst the SLAF manpower was con- ABDR Squadron (Air Base Defence centrated for these duties the and Rescue) with just 40 personnel. remaining airmen played a vital role The squadron was established at in the defence of Colombo. The SLAF Base Hingurakgoda on July 7, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, 2003. Nuclear & Explosive Wing (CBRNE) The SLAFs MI-17 and MI-24 gun- was duly established by the Air ships were stationed here and had Force to mitigate any future threats. to be protected. Fighting in a jungle terrain is one thing but fighting to Birth of the RsF secure an airfield with its air assets requires specialized training. When the threat of airfields and The ABDR was subsequently air assets was identified, the SLAF transformed to be the Regiment monday, april 12, 2021 global feature page 13 DN

prince philip:

Prince Philip with Queen Elizabeth a legendary

e spent seven decades in the shadow of his wife, the UK's Queen Elizabeth II - but his force of personality meant he would never be simply a professional spouse.H So who was the man beside the monarch, and how did he come to marry the Queen? royal First things first: The Duke, also known as Prince Philip, was never in line for the throne - which his eldest son stands to inherit - and never The Duke of Edinburgh, arguably the world's most famous husband, has died at the age of 99. held the title of king. That's because in the UK, a woman who mar- to stay with the Royal Family, a photograph of Philip struggled to find purpose in the limited "If you can get young people to succeed in any ries the monarch can use the ceremonial title of him in naval uniform appeared on her dressing role set out for him. But as a natural pragmatist, area of activity," its founder told the BBC, "that queen - but men who marry the monarch can't room table. It was a decisive gesture from a he was determined to blow fresh air through the sensation of success will spread over into a lot of TRADE MARK use the title king, which can only be used by reserved but determined young woman. stuffier corridors of Buckingham Palace. Some others." male sovereigns. Some aides were sceptical. A famous sneer changes were more personal, and reflected his In his spare time, Philip was a talented sports- CAUTIONARY NOTICE The Queen and Prince Philip had four children (since attributed to more than one official) childlike love of gadgets. Before the Coronation, man. He learned to sail at Gordonstoun, and (In the Territory of the Maldives) together: Prince Charles, 72, Princess Anne, 70, claimed the prince was "rough, ill-mannered, when Philip and the future Queen moved into became a regular competitor in the regatta at Prince Andrew, 61, and 57-year-old Prince uneducated and would probably not be faithful". Clarence House in 1949, he happily installed an Cowes, on the Isle of Wight, where sailing races Notice is hereby given that our Clients Edward. But naysayers could do nothing to deter the array of labour-saving devices, including one in are held each summer. AZIENDA AGRICOLA MASCIARELLI As they tell it, Philip often exerted his will future Queen. his wardrobe that would eject a suit at the push He loved equine sports, including carriage S.A.S. DI MASCIARELLI M. & C. of VIA when they were young. According to biographer Philip Eade, Philip's of a button. driving, and was among the UK's top four polo GAMBERALE, 1 66010 SAN MARTINO Royal biographer Ingrid Seward quotes Prince letters from 1946 reveal an ardent young man The Duke also championed a 90-minute fly-on- players in the mid-1960s. SULLA MARRUCINA, CHIETI, ITALY Andrew as saying of his childhood: "Compassion with a new sense of purpose. the-wall BBC documentary entitled Royal Fami- He was also a committed environmental cam- are the Owners and Sole Proprietors of the comes from the Queen. And the duty and disci- He wrote to his soon-to-be mother-in-law: "I ly, which aired in 1969 and was considered paigner and wildlife advocate, becoming presi- following Trade Mark : pline comes from him." am sure I do not deserve all the good things that landmark television. dent of the World Wildlife Fund (UK) in 1961 - But Andrew also remembered how his father have happened to me. To have been spared in the It featured the Queen feeding carrots to her though he faced criticism when a picture made time to invent bedtime tales, or listen to war and seen victory, to have been given the Trooping the Colour horse, watching TV and emerged of him on a tiger shoot with the Queen MASCIARELLI his children read Rudyard Kipling's Just So Sto- chance to rest and to re-adjust myself, to have discussing salad at a Balmoral barbecue while in India the same year. ries. fallen in love completely and unreservedly, makes Princess Anne cooked sausages. Critics deemed him gaffe-prone and out of The said Trade Mark is used in International Prince Philip lived long enough to see his eight all one's personal and even the world's troubles At Buckingham Palace, Philip had intercoms touch. His defenders saw the prince as a Class 33 in respect of the following grandchildren grow up, and to welcome 10 great- seem small and petty." put in so that servants no longer had to ferry product of his times who was trying to share goods: grandchildren. Curiously, Philip's journey to King George gave Philip permission to marry written messages to his wife. He carried his own a joke. Alcoholic beverages, namely wines Buckingham Palace began back in 1922, in a crib his daughter. But first there were some tweaks to luggage, and cooked his own breakfast in his Insiders said laughter was the glue that and brandy made from an orange box. make. rooms with an electric frying pan - until the kept the forthright Prince Philip and the He was born on 10 June 1921 on the Greek The erstwhile Prince of Greece and Denmark Queen objected to the smell. Queen together. He himself suggested it was Our abovementioned clients have island of Corfu, the youngest child and only son became a naturalised British subject, formally As the longest-serving consort in British his- her tolerance. instructed us and wish to bring to the of Prince Andrew of Greece and Princess Alice of joined the Church of England and abandoned his tory, the prince took on some 22,191 solo The Queen's once-favoured speech-open- notice of the trade and the public that they Battenberg. foreign titles. engagements. er, "my husband and I...", was mocked in the attach singular importance to their above- That heritage made him a prince of Greece and On his wedding day, 20 November 1947, he Accompanying the globetrotting Queen on 1960s and afterwards by satirists who called mentioned trade mark and that legal Denmark, but the following year the family was was made Duke of Edinburgh, a name he was Commonwealth tours and state visits, he visited it archaic and stilted. She retired the phras- action will be taken against any person or banished from Greece after a coup. widely known by for the rest of his life. He was 143 countries in an official capacity, making use ing, but the sentiment remained. persons who act in infringement of the A British warship carried them to safety in 26, and his new wife 21. of his fluent French and German. Her Majesty, now simply "I", summed up rights of our Clients. Italy, with baby Philip dozing in a makeshift fruit The royal couple would have just over four The countries included Vanuatu, a South Pacif- Prince Philip in a heartfelt speech for their crate cot. years (and two children) together before duty ic island nation, where he is revered by one Golden Wedding anniversary. Furthermore, we draw your attention to Philip's childhood was fragmented, and dark- came knocking. rainforest community as the reincarnation of an "All too often, I fear, Prince Philip has the fact that the said Trade Mark is already ened by a series of losses. The fateful news reached them at a game lodge ancient warrior. had to listen to me speaking. Frequently we registered in many other jurisdictions. In 1930, when he was eight years old, his in Kenya, during their 1952 tour of the Com- But one of his most enduring legacies is the have discussed my intended speech before- Any enquiry relative thereto may be mother was committed to a secure psychiatric monwealth. King George VI, Elizabeth's father, Duke of Edinburgh's Award, founded in 1956 at hand and, as you will imagine, his views referred to the following: - centre after suffering a nervous breakdown. was dead at 56. the urging of his former headmaster, Kurt Hahn. have been expressed in a forthright manner. Philip saw little of either parent in the years Commander Michael Parker, the Duke of Edin- Participants aged 14-25 can gain awards by "He is someone who doesn't take easily to JULIUS & CREASY that followed. His father retreated to the French burgh's friend and private secretary, described doing volunteer work, learning physical activi- compliments but he has, quite simply, been my Attorneys-at-Law & Notaries Public Riviera with a mistress, and his mother's rela- the moment he realised his wife was now Queen. ties and skills, and undertaking an expedition strength and stay all these years, and I, and No. 371, R.A. De Mel Mawatha, tives in the UK helped raise him. He would later "He looked as if you'd dropped half the world like a mountain trek or a sailing trip. In 2016, his whole family, and this and many other Colombo 03, adopt their surname, Mountbatten - an angli- on him. I have never felt so sorry for anyone in almost 1.3 million young people were taking part countries, owe him a debt greater than he Republic of Sri Lanka. cised form of the family name Battenberg. all my life. He just breathed heavily, in and out, in the scheme in more than 130 countries and would ever claim, or we shall ever know." A Scottish boarding school, Gordonstoun, as though he were in shock. He saw immediately territories worldwide. (BBC) [email protected] passed for home during his teens. Its founder that the idyll of their life together had come to and headmaster was Jewish educational pioneer an end." Kurt Hahn, who had been forced out of Germany Philip's naval ambitions were curbed. The for condemning the Nazis. new Queen Elizabeth would need her husband The school gave Philip structure, and nurtured by her side. his self-reliance. Its somewhat Spartan regime The Duke of Edinburgh was named as the saw pupils rise early for a freezing shower and Queen's consort. His primary function was to cross-country running, which Hahn believed support his wife. would combat the "poisonous passions" of ado- The Duke never forgot his family's forced lescence. exodus from Greece, and believed monarchies In 1937, one of Philip's four sisters, Cecilie, must adapt to survive. died in an air crash along with her German hus- He set up informal lunches where the Queen band, mother-in-law, and two young sons. She could meet people from a broader range of was heavily pregnant at the time. backgrounds. The footmen - palace servants Cecilie had recently joined the Nazi party, with a traditional uniform - stopped powdering which had near-totalitarian control of Germany. their hair. And when he learned the palace was Grieving Philip, aged 16, walked through the running a second kitchen exclusively to feed the streets of Darmstadt behind his sister's coffin, royals, he had one shut down. past crowds giving "Heil Hitler" salutes. A long-running row broke out in the early "It's simply what happened," Prince Philip 1950s when Philip wanted the Royal Family to later said of that time. "The family broke up. My take his surname, Mountbatten. mother was ill, my sisters were married, my "I am the only man in the country not allowed father was in the south of France. I just had to get to give his name to his children!" he fumed on with it. You do. One does." when the Queen was persuaded to keep Wind- When Philip left school, Britain was on the sor. "I'm nothing but a bloody amoeba!" verge of war with Ger- many. He joined the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth TRADE MARK (the UK's naval acad- emy), where he proved CAUTIONARY NOTICE a brilliant cadet and (In the Territory of the Maldives) graduated top of his Notice is hereby given that our Clients ULTIMA CAPITAL SA of Baarerstrasse class. 25, 6300 ZUG, are the Owners and Sole Proprietors of the When King George following Trade Mark:- VI paid an official visit in July 1939, Philip was charged with entertaining his young daughters, Princesses The said Trade Mark is used in international Classes 35, 43 and 44 in respect Elizabeth and Marga- of the following services:- ret. Class 35 Their governess, Commercial administration of hotels; retail or wholesale services and on-line Marion Crawford retail sale of furniture, cosmetics and beauty products, toiletries, food and beverages, bed linens, clothing, footwear, jewellery and jewellery, horological (employed as a guard- products, spectacles, leather goods, pharmaceutical products, candles, ian for the princess- tableware, silverware (cutlery, forks and spoons), carpets, paintings, works of es), recalled later that art, sporting goods. Philip had "showed off Class 43 a great deal". He Services for providing food and drink; temporary accommodation; hotel made quite an impres- accommodation services; housing agency services (hotels, pensions); hotel, sion on the 13-year-old restaurant, cafe services; rental of chairs, tables, table linen and glassware; rental of transportable buildings; rental of temporary housing; temporary Elizabeth, as would accommodation reservation; culinary sculpture; rental of tents; catering services. soon become clear. Class 44 Prince Philip served Provision of saunas, beauty salons, hair salons and massage parlors; provision with distinction in of spas; plastic and plastic surgery clinic services; aesthetic treatment services; World War Two, see- hygiene and beauty care for human beings; manicure services; medical and ing military action for health clinics; rental of health and medical equipment. the first time in the Our above mentioned clients have instructed us and wish to bring to the notice Indian Ocean. By of the trade and the public that they attach singular importance to their above October 1942, he was mentioned trade mark and that legal action will be taken against any person or 21 years old - and one persons who act in infringement of their rights. of the Royal Navy's Any enquiry relative thereto may be referred to the following :- youngest first lieuten- ants. JULIUS & CREASY The teenaged prin- Attorneys-at-Law & Notaries Public cess and the officer No. 371, R. A. De Mel Mawatha, kept in touch by letter. Colombo 03, Over 1943, Republic of Sri Lanka. after Philip had been [email protected] DN page 14 monday, april 12, 2021 W O R L D Brazil’s covid surge more covid drugs identified sparks regional fears via X-ray sources A team of researchers, including scientists from Almost a year ago to the day, the jungle city of the MPSD, has identified several candidates for Manaus grabbed international headlines after a flood drugs against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus using the of COVID-19 deaths forced gravediggers to dig mass PETRA III X-ray light source at the German Electron burials – catapulting the city into the centre of Bra- Synchrotron (DESY). They bind to an important pro- zil’s coronavirus outbreak. tein of the virus and could thus be the basis for a Those scenes are now being repeated throughout drug against Covid-19. In a so-called X-ray screening, Brazil, where authorities are working day and night the DESY-led research team tested almost 6000 to bury the dead, with experts warning that the known active substances that already exist for the country’s funeral services could be the next to topple. treatment of other diseases in a short amount of Since the start of the year, an uncontrollable second time. After measuring about 7000 samples, the team wave has pushed Brazil over the 300,000 death mark. was able to identify a total of 37 substances that bind As the country continues to hit grim milestones – a to the main protease (Mpro) of the SARS-CoV-2 record 4,247 deaths on Thursday alone – the entire virus, as the scientists report online today in the jour- South American nation is now the global COVID-19 nal Science. Seven of these substances inhibit the epicentre, with experts warning that 5,000 Brazilians activity of the could lose their lives in a single day in April. protein and thus Much of the fear is being directed to the P1 vari- slow down the ant, linked to the Brazilian Amazon. If Brazil cannot multiplication of control its high transmission rate, experts fear the the virus. Two of country’s healthcare tragedy could endanger the them do this so world. If the virus is left to circulate freely, it could promisingly that create the ideal breeding ground for new and even they are current- more deadly variants. ly under further Brazil’s neighbours have sealed off their borders to investigation in the country in a desperate attempt to prevent new preclinical stud- variants from bleeding into the rest of the continent ies. This drug and harming vaccine efficiency. screening – prob- “We’re very concerned. The staggering amount of ably the largest of its kind – also revealed a new bind- deaths in Brazil in just a few months is our biggest Got vaccinated ? ing site on the main protease of the virus to which worry,” virologist and researcher Humberto Debat, drugs can couple. from the National Institute of Agricultural Technolo- In contrast to vaccines, which help healthy people gy told Al Jazeera. to defend themselves against the virus, drug research Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is increasingly is looking for drugs that slow down or stop the repro- being blamed for undermining the severity of the duction of the virus in the body of people who are virus. (Al Jazeera) already infected. Viruses cannot reproduce on their Still wear your own. Instead, they introduce their own genetic mate- rial into the cells of their host and make them pro- duce new viruses. Proteins such as the main protease of the virus play an important role in this process. Protease cuts protein chains produced by the host cell according to the blueprint of the virus genetic mate- rial into smaller parts that are necessary for the maSk – experts reproduction of the virus. If the main protease can be blocked, the cycle can possibly be interrupted; the As more people get vaccinated still be wearing a mask to fulfill what kind of risks they would virus can no longer reproduce and the infection is — and more proof, albeit still your social contract to your fel- experience should they get defeated. (Sci Tech Daily) inconclusive, emerges that the low neighbor. COVID.” COVID-19 vaccines more than “The idea that we'll all be wear- Amoako says it’s worth taking a likely inhibit the spread of the cor- ing masks in public for a short bit more of a cautious approach onavirus — it feels as if the light period of time can be rankling to on COVID-19 transmission post- at the end of the proverbial tunnel some,” Gandhi said. “But I con- vaccine. is near. The U.S. Centers for Dis- sider it … sort of a polite thing to “When we get the data, then, ease Control and Prevention has do.” you know, people will feel more COVID-19 vaccines: relaxed its guidelines for social The way she thinks of it, there comfortable with that,” he said. “If J&J scales back vaccine distancing and mask-wearing, per- are still plenty of people out in you're fully vaccinated, you're mitting fully vaccinated people to the world who have been unable hopefully not going to be transmit- Women experience congregate indoors with one to get the vaccine, especially in ting the virus to other people.” shipments another in small groups, California. “We're in the twilight He points out that a trial backed unmasked. (There’s some caveats: zone,” Gandhi said. “We haven't by the National Institutes of Johnson and Johnson is scaling back shipments more side effects If you’re immunocompromised or all been able to get vaccinated.” Health is currently underway to of its single-dose Covid-19 vaccine by 86% next Reports of COVID-19 vaccine side effects support older, hold off on indoor gather- That issue is exacerbated by vac- determine whether the vaccines, week as it grapples with manufacturing issues at what many have anecdotally observed: women shoul- ings for now even if you’re vacci- cine inequities — in California, specifically the Moderna version, a major plant in Baltimore. der the bigger burden. nated.) A CDC study of health Black and Latino residents are will help stop the transmission of The government has allocated only 700,000 Among nearly 7,000 reports processed through the care workers and first-line less vaccinated than other groups. the coronavirus. J&J shots to states next week, down from 4.9 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Vaccine responders in the United States A USC study also found that Lati- Like Gandhi, he understands million the week prior, according to data from the Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) from Dec. — some of the most exposed to no and Black Californians are the frustration of staying in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 14 to Jan. 13, more than 79% of them came from COVID-19 — found that infec- more likely to die of the virus. “pandemic environment for over a J&J is awaiting regulatory clearance for a Bal- women. The most frequently reported side effects tions, including asymptomatic She acknowledges that some year.” timore facility, which is run by Emergent Bio- were headache, fatigue and dizziness. ones that could lead to transmis- people — whether anti-maskers But for him, the idea of wearing Solutions Inc, and is working with the U.S. Food Women also are more likely than men to experi- sion, have been reduced by 90% who want to take off their face masks post-immunization is about and Drug Administration to secure authoriza- ence some of the vaccine’s more unusual side effects, post-vaccine, while other global coverings post-vaccine, or anti- staying patient until more people tion. such as an itchy red rash that appears at the injection studies found major reductions in vaxxers who refuse to get the shot get vaccinated — and cases begin Workers at the Baltimore plant several weeks site commonly known as COVID arm or Moderna transmission. — will be unhappy with her pleas to decline more significantly as ago mixed up ingredients for the J&J and Astra- arm, as about 95% of the reactions occur with the CDC Director Rochelle Walen- for good manners. new strains begin to pop up. Zeneca vaccines, which led to roughly 15 million Moderna vaccine. Overall, women account for 77% sky also said in an interview that “It’s almost impolite that some “We are almost there, right, we ruined J&J doses. The Biden administration has of the Moderna vaccine’s reported side effects. data suggests vaccinated people of us can run around scot-free and are almost there and we have to put J&J in charge of vaccine manufacturing at These side effects – even if unusual – are a good do not carry the virus. some of us have to wear a face just hold on a little bit longer,” he the plant and stopped production of the Astra- sign the vaccine is working to arm the body’s “These findings should offer mask and so I guess that's how said. “Very soon, the number of Zeneca vaccine there. immune system against the coronavirus. But why are hope to the millions of Americans I'm framing it, and I'm going to be people … who will have received a Once it receives authorization, J&J could women more likely to experience them than men? receiving COVID-19 vaccines each criticized for that.” vaccine will climb very fast, deliver up to eight million doses each week, Health experts say it may be due to biological dif- day and to those who will have But perhaps worth noting is approaching herd immunity, right, White House Covid-19 coordinator Jeff Zients ferences, inconsistent reporting by men and gender the opportunity to roll up their that she can take this approach and more safety will come from said during a press briefing on Friday. And the bias in clinical trials. sleeves and get vaccinated in the because people in the Bay Area, that.” company remains on track to deliver 100 million Women exhibit a greater immune response to vac- weeks ahead,” Walensky said at and specifically San Francisco, He also pointed to pandemic doses by the end of May. cines than men, experts say, which may partially the time. (That said, those com- are getting the vaccine at higher exhaustion and overly lax restric- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan has called explain why more of them have reported side effects ments were met with contention rates relative to the rest of the tions as a key reason to keep mask on the Biden administration to surge vaccines in to the COVID-19 vaccine. by some medical experts — and country or even the state of Cali- mandates in place. “The weather her state, which is grappling with the worst out- “From a biological perspective, women and girls the CDC issued a statement fornia. A recent report found that is getting warmer and … people break in the country. Michigan is expected to produce sometimes twice as many infection fighting emphasizing that evidence 79% of unvaccinated Bay Area res- are getting tired. They want to be receive 17,500 J&J doses next week, an 88% antibodies from vaccines,” said Rosemary Morgan, a remains inconclusive.) idents will consider getting the out,” he said. “And so I think … drop compared to the previous week. research scientist at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Days before, Walensky also cau- vaccine; those numbers go up in people are getting impatient, so The administration said it will continue allocat- School of Public Health. tioned against “impending doom” San Francisco, with 93% of resi- we just have to speed up the vac- ing shots based on population and doesn’t plan Although there’s no data comparing men and wom- as cases steadily rose over the dents likely to be inoculated. cination. It’s been a year and the to surge doses to harder hit states since it can’t en's immune response to the COVID-19 vaccine, prior week. Dr. Anthony Fauci, Compare those numbers to the message has been very consist- predict where infections could rise next. researchers from a 2019 study found women devel- the nation’s leading infectious dis- state and country: A poll by the ent. But states and individuals are “There are tens of millions of people across the oped greater cytokine and antibody responses com- eases expert, blamed the surge on Public Policy Institute of Califor- choosing to do whatever they country in each and every state and county who pared to men after getting the flu vaccine. increased travel and loosening nia found that 61% of Califor- want.” have not yet been vaccinated,” Zients said on (USA Today) restrictions by leaders in states nians have gotten or will definitely While Gandhi, the UCSF infec- Friday. “And the fair and equitable way to distrib- such as Texas, Michigan and Iowa. get the vaccine; a poll by the Kai- tious diseases expert, previously ute the vaccine is based on the adult population B.1.1.7, a particularly infectious ser Family Foundation found that pushed back on Walensky’s com- by state, tribe, and territory. That’s how it’s been strain of the virus originating 62% of Americans will certainly ments about the COVID-19 spike, done, and we will continue to do so.” from the United Kingdom, is the get the vaccine. Gandhi acknowledges that she’s (CNBC) most prevalent one in the United University of New Haven profes- able to make these statements States — and appears to be infect- sor of biomedical engineering because the region she lives and ing kids and young adults at a Kagya Amoako also says it’s worth works in is ahead of the curve for higher rate. wearing a mask after vaccination, vaccines. With all of this in mind, experts but takes a slightly different meth- “I actually think it would be who spoke to SFGATE said that odology. “When it comes to being really hard to be a CDC director, you should still be wearing a mask in public and in large crowds, you because you want to, you know, when out in public settings for a still have to wear your mask,” he advise people to be cautious,” multitude of reasons. As UCSF said, “even if you're fully vaccinat- Gandhi said of her prior com- infectious diseases expert Dr. ed because you don't know who's ments on Walensky. Monica Gandhi puts it, you should in the crowd, and you don't know (SG Gate) lockdownS in many countrieS aS infectionS SurGe Fresh lockdowns and curfews have been of Bogota, as the Colombian capital battled in especially hard-hit areas. But some coun- imposed on tens of millions of people from a third wave of infections, adding to cur- tries were in the process of opening up. India to Argentina as COVID-19 infections fews already covering seven million across Italy was set to end lockdowns from next surged again and vaccine rollouts were ham- four other big cities. week for Lombardy, the epicentre of its cor- pered by shortages and fears of side effects. Argentina entered a night-time curfew on onavirus pandemic, and several other In India, the worst-hit state of Maharash- Friday, running from midnight to 6am every regions with improving contagion statistics. tra was running out of vaccines as the day until April 30. Neighbouring Slovenia announced it health system buckled under the weight of It will be in force in the country’s highest- would ease coronavirus restrictions and sus- the contagion, which has killed 2.9 million risk areas, mainly urban centres, where bars pend a six-month-long curfew starting on people worldwide. and restaurants will close at 11pm. Monday. Having let its guard down with mass reli- Argentina and Colombia have recorded As in India, Europe’s stuttering vaccine gious festivals, political rallies and specta- about 2.5 million coronavirus cases, num- rollout faced multiple hurdles on Friday as tors at matches, the world’s second- bers surpassed only by Brazil in the region. European Union regulators said they were most populous nation has added more than All of France is subject to restrictions of reviewing side effects of the Johnson & a million new infections since late March. some form, while the German government’s Johnson shot and France further limited its Every weekend, from Saturday until the attempts to curb movement and commerce use of the AstraZeneca jab. end of April, Maharashtra’s 125 million peo- have been stymied by several states refusing France has repeatedly changed the rules ple will be confined to their homes unless to go along with the proposals. on AstraZeneca’s vaccine, first over doubts was “no adequate data” to support switch- unusual blood clots had been reported – one travelling or shopping for food or medicine. Now Berlin is changing the rules to cen- about its efficacy, then over fears that it ing COVID-19 vaccines between doses. of them fatal – with the vaccine, which uses Stay-at-home orders were also set to come tralise power, adjustments likely to usher in could be linked to blood clots. As for the J&J shot, the European Medi- similar technology to the AstraZeneca one. into force for the eight million inhabitants night-time curfews and some school closures The World Health Organization said there cines Agency said four “serious cases” of (Al Jazeera) monday, april 12, 2021 sport page 15 DN Dominant Royal falls one- shy of defeating Ananda outright

Chris Dhambarage Royal College continued their outstanding form in the current Inter-Schools Under-19 cricket season with another tremendous performance in their two- day traditional fixture against Ananda College, which ended in an exciting draw at Ananda Mawatha. This annual encounter played for the L. D. H. Peiris Memorial Trophy was com- pletely dominated by Royal who were just one wicket away from pulling off a his- toric outright victory. Royal, who have already qualified for the quarter- finals of the limited over royal wicket-keeper Nethin Panapitiya appeals unsuccessfully for a caught behind. Pix by tournament, extended their hirantha gunathilaka dominance in to the longer version of the game while tional fixture against St. showed that he could bat Trinity vs Wesley dominating their opponents Benedict’s College, which like a top order batsman in both batting and bowling royal’s Kavindu Pathiratne plays a shot ended in a draw at Kota- with a near half-century Bowlers dominated the departments. hena. after Sameer Majeed, Ven- traditional encounter Despite performing away with wicket-keeper batsman ic innings of 66 not out as players for this game per- went on to hit a top score of The Zahirians came out ket and Zaidh Naleem had between Trinity College from home, Royal batted Nethin Panapitiya they sent the pair successfully negoti- formed really well to pile up 63. with their best batting provided an excellent start and Wesley College which just as if they were playing the Ananda bowlers on a ated the rampaging Royal a formidable 277 for five The Peterite first innings effort for the current sea- to the innings. ended in a draw at the in their backyard to amass a leather hunt with an unfin- bowlers during the final declared in their first score of 277 for five was son as they rattled up a St. Benedict’s in reply Asgiriya Stadium in Kandy. massive 386 for six declared ished seventh wicket part- seven overs of the game. innings. made to look like a huge formidable 300 for nine lost half of their side for The match of course, in their first innings. nership of 106 runs. Nevertheless, this was a The match also turned out total following a tremendous declared with their entire 138 runs and eventually ended rather disappointed- Even then, Royal’s deci- But eventually, Royal clinical performance from to be a memorable outing spell of bowling from Danal top order striking form. they struggled to reach ly for both teams as the sion to delay their declara- were made to regret for bat- Royal who made a mockery for Nimathu Gunawardena Hemananda who returned The highlight of Zahira’s 185, thanks to a herculean entire final session on the tion and to extend their bat- ting much longer as they of Ananda’s batting by dis- who had the satisfaction of excellent figures of five for batting was that they batting effort from Skipper second day was washed out ting right into the second missed out a great chance of missing the home side for a completing twin fifties to 58. paced their innings beauti- Pasan Suwahas. due to bad weather. day of the match may have recording an outright victo- paltry 88 runs in the first further underline his reputa- As a result, Thurstan col- fully and went after the The elegant right-hand- The Trinitians could not spoiled their chances of ry against their rivals. innings. tion as a promising batsman. lapsed to 189 runs in their bowling in a calculated er also joined an exclusive get past the 220-run mark recording an outright victo- Had Royal closed their The other significant fact first innings with the major manner without taking select band of players as he with left-arm spinner The- ry. first innings much earlier, Thurstan vs was that he remained contributions coming from any undue risk. had the rare honour of car- nuka Perera capturing five Their motive was very the final outcome would unbeaten in both innings as the bat of Ramesh Silva and In addition, they frus- rying his bat throughout during a controlled clear because they were have been completely differ- st. Peter’s he showed a great deal of Vihanga Jayanama. trated the St. Benedict’s the innings with an spell of bowling. keen to see their overnight ent as the Ananda number St. Peter’s College had the temperament and concentra- bowlers with some solid unbeaten 102. Thereafter, it was the batsman Kavindu Pathiratne eleven Isuru Ayesh held on better of the exchanges in tion to build up the innings. st. benedict’s batting and went on to His performance was turn for the Trinity bowlers complete a well deserved for 30 minutes, facing 17 their traditional two-day fix- Even then, his first innings build their innings ses- even more remarkable con- to impress as Abhishek maiden century for the cur- deliveries without opening ture against Thurstan Col- performance was more vs Zahira sion by session with valu- sidering the fact that the Anandakumar, Dinuka rent season. his account. lege, which ended in a draw important for the Peterites Zahira College produced able contributions coming rest of the St. Benedict’s Thennakoon and Pasan The left-hand middle He was accompanied by at Thurstan Grounds. as he played the sheet a fine all-round perfor- even from their number batting had contributed Kularatne mesmerised the order batsman scored exact- the Ananda Skipper Saviru The Peterites despite hav- anchor role along with mance to claim major hon- eight. only 83 runs towards their Wesley batsmen through ly 100 not out and together Bandara who played a hero- ing rested a couple of key Shanaka Galagoda who ours in their two-day tradi- Mohamad Ruhaim final tally. some accurate bowling. Nikithi Shehara outstanding Bilal Hassan - Triple International athlete and karateka

DilWiN meNDis her first Karate Meet was in rugby, swimming and water polo Moratuwa Sports Special Corr. Puttalam District in 2018 alThaf NaWaZ toured with the same team Thirteen year old up and and she won a Gold Medal It is very rare to find a to Korea. While competing coming yellow belt Karate in Kumite at her first family engaged in one par- there, he was called up for holder and an athlete War- attempt and in the North ticular sport discipline, national duty with the Sri nakulasuriya Nikithi Sheha- Western Provincial Meet while representing the same Lanka team which toured ra Fernando brought hon- too she won a Gold Medal school. Bilal Hassan was Korea in 2008, under the our and fame to her school in Kumite and her teachers one of them who hails from captaincy of Dilanka Sandalankawa Central Col- in Charge of Karate were a rugby playing family Wijesekera who was his role lege. She was born on 4th Mrs. Umayangana and Mrs. where his father along with model in rugby being a 2008 and was Erandima and the coach is other two brothers handled schoolboy. admitted to the Grade One Sugath Kumara. the oval shaped ball don- Dilanka was instrumental of Napokuna Junior School In 2019 she went on a ning the Royal College, in calling him to play for CH Makandura in 2013 and her tour of , India with her club Colombo jersey. Bilal has a and FC while being a school- first class teacher was Mrs. Karate Contingent in 2019 rare record of being a triple boy in 2008. He was also his Lakmini. Nikithi shehara fernando and at the International International representing bilal hassan who played at the When she was in Grade Shotokan ISKU dual meet the country at water polo, Caltex knockouts in the Four of that school she par- in High Jump and third in she won Silver Medals for swimming and rugby Royal College which was same year. After two years, ticipated in the Inter House Long Jump and did not par- Kumite and Kata under 12 respectively. within walking distance in 2010 he moved to CR and which toured India in 1999 underwent a Diploma in Sports Meet in 2016 and ticipate at the Divisional events and it was a fine Bilal was born in 1989 in from his home. His school FC. He was a member of the and 2000. With the National Events and Sport Manage- she won the Skipping Event Meet and in the following exposure for her Karate Colombo and his father career was from 1985 to CR sevens team which won Water Polo team, he toured ment and Named in the and in the following year year too she won places in career. Iqbal Hassan better known 2008 where he went on to the club sevens champion- , Singapore and Dean’s List in 2012 for aca- she came first in High Jump the above mentioned Last year she participated as “Horsy” was a well-known complete his higher studies. ship the same year. In 2012, Pakistan. During his higher demic Northwood Universi- and third in Long Jump in events. In the same year her in an Online Karate Tourna- figure in sporting circles. He launched his sporting he decided to lock horns studies played for the Uni- ty, West Palm Beach, Florida the under nine age group parents Niroshan Fernando ment against India and she Iqbal represented Royal in career at school with the with the Navy team which versity Rugby team that won for his performance. and in 2018 she shifted to and Neela Priyangika Fer- received a merit certificate rugby from 1977 to 1979, swimming team (high won the Rugby League and the East Coast University He is the co-founder and Sandalankawa Central and nando encouraged her to for her performances. She is later played club rugby for school) from 1999 to 2008, the Club Knock-out Champi- rugby championship in head coach of first kid’s fit- there too at the Inter House take up to karate and after well supported by her Prin- CH and FC from 1980, and later appointed as the depu- onship under the captaincy 2013, 2014 and 2015. Played ness academy Sri Lanka Sports Meet she came first strenuous training in 2017 cipal Asanka Chaminda. has contributed for the bet- ty skipper in 2008. He was a of Yoshitha Rajapaksa, He for the Kutztown University called Trooper Elite in 2017 terment of the game serving member of the Royal Col- donned the Navy jersey from sevens team which was which has grown to over 40 in various capacities. includ- lege first XV rugby team 2011 to 2015. He was a ranked second in the United young athletes over the past ing as Secretary of SLRFU. from 2006 to 2008 while member of the Sri Lanka States during his further years. Also the co-founder Bilal’s mother was Shami- leading them in the sevens Navy water polo team from studies. He served as a Col- and head coach of Trooper ron, a housewife who tournament in 2008. The 2009 to 2011 and went on to lege Prefect in 2008 played a Rugby.a youth rugby acade- remained the livewire year 2008 was a quite sig- win the Water Polo Nation- key role in organizing many my for kids age 3 to 12 years behind his success story. He nificant one in his career als for them in 2010. sporting events in the old. which started has four siblings with two where he achieved several His illustrious rugby school. He graduated from in 2017 with 10 kids and brothers Omar and Hamza milestones. career with the National was Kutztown University, Penn- three coaches, which has while Mariam and Zainab Coinciding with these from 2008 to 2016. He sylvania with a Bachelor of grown to over 60 kids and are the two sisters. Bilal sports, he also captained the toured Japan, Korea, Hong Science in Sports Manage- six coaches who are world with a hefty frame was very college water polo team to Kong and with ment and completed the rugby coaching certified. In particular in maintaining remain unbeaten in the 2008 the national rugby team degree with a 3.4 GPA. He his coaching tenure, he was good physique from his season. He was finally under the captaincy of also holds Certifications and Isipathana College Rugby small days. He was very awarded the “Royal Crown” Namal Rajapaksa in 2016 Qualifications Level-1 Aus- under-20 team coach in enthusiastic in engaging in for water polo in 2007 and ably assisted by Ronnie Ibra- tralian S and C association 2017. Was the under-18 sports and following his grabbed the biggest sports him as coach. While compet- (ASCA), Holds a golf fitness head coach of St. Josephs father’s footsteps in sports. recognition by his ‘Alma ing in the National team, certified (NASM- National College Rugby in 2015 and Even though rugby took a Mater’ being adjudged toured with the Sri Lanka Association of Sports Medi- 2016. Royal College Water major share in his sporting Sportsman of the Year in Sevens team for the Asian cine), completed a level 2 Polo under-20 head Coach career, he excelled in water 2008. Games and Commonwealth coaching conducted by from 2016 to date, TAFA polo locally and Internation- While he was a schoolboy, games in 2010. While he World Rugby, holds a S and football academy strength ally bringing honour and he played for the Sri Lanka was representing the coun- C coach level 2 conducted and conditioning coach fame to the country. under-19 rugby team under try in rugby also was a mem- by World Rugby, followed a from 2016 to 2020. Coach of The Karate Contingent which participated at the isKU shotokan international Championship in, Since they lived in Col- the coaching of Sanath Mar- ber of the Sri Lanka Junior Sports Nutrition course con- Sri Lanka Water Polo from india posed for a photograph after their tournament. Nikithi shehara fernando is standing fourth petty, he was enrolled at tis from 2006 to 2008. Also National swimming team ducted by (NASM). He 2017 to date. from left in the photograph. (Picture by – Dilwin mendis, moratuwa sports special Correspondent) Sansala pilots Nugawela Lanka Cavaliers in thrilling Sithumli Nulara a table tennis star in the making

National School to victory four wicket win Fourteen year old m.h.yaKeem Lanka Cavaliers chasing Ambalangoda Masters - Sithumli Nulara of Ratnawa- UPaNaNDa JayasUNDera- et keeper and she may be a Lanka Cavaliers over- this total, Left hand open- 215/9 in 30 overs Saman li Balika Vidyalaya, Gampa- Kandy Sports Special Corr. worthy replacement for came Ambalangoda Mas- ing batsman, Johann Mohan 40, Sriyan Hewa- ha won the Girls under 15 Sansala Wanigasekera of Dilani Manodhara who is the ters by four wickets in their Pieris , stroked a magnifi- wasam 58, Indika Peiris singles title at the Women’s Nugawela National School present wicket keeper of Sri annual 30 overs Masters cent 59 runs with 8 fours 27, R.M.Jayantha 18, Lal Table Tennis Championship became the first girl to score Lanka Women’s Cricket. Cricket encounter, played and a six, with Sujith Ranasinghe not out 18 , held at Gampaha Sports a century and helped the team recently at the Ambalango- Perera 38 runs and Wasan- Manoj Perera 3/35, Asoka Hall recently. The tour school to beat Jayasiripura Scores: da new ground. thalal Fernando 32 proved de Silva 2/45, Krishan nament was held to mark Junior School, Bakamuna by Nugawela National Ambalangoda Masters their talents at this age, Dharmasena 3/41 International Women’s Day a big margin of 256 runs in School 281 for 4 wickets in taking first lease of the Suranjith Dharmasena , Lanka Cavaliers - Sithumli Nulara started the Division III tournament 25 overs. Sansala Wanigase- wicket their main players, with an entertaining 219/6 in 29.5 overs Johann playing table tennis in 2018 cricket match concluded at kera 120 M.Subanya 2 for 80) Saman Mohan, Sriyan knock of an unbeaten 39 Pieris 59, Sujith Perera and has shown vast Mahawali Grounds, Bakamu- Jayasiripura National Hewawasam, Indika Peiris, runs, got past the total 38, Wasanthalal Fernando improvement during the na recently. Sansala the cap- School, Bakamuna 25 all out R.M.Jayantha, and Lal with a grand six .Susan 32, Sudharshana Guruge last three years. Her table tain of the cricket team in 10.5 overs. S.Maheshika 10, Ranasinghe, putting up a Bandara gave an excellent 18, Suranjith Dharmasena tennis coach Lalith Perera sithumli Nulara scored 120 with fourteen Apsara Randiligama 2 for 2, sansala Wanigasekera, fine display of batting, took fielding performance, sav- not out 39, Ruwan Push- is taking great pains to fours and one six. Tharushi Rajakaruna 2 for 8, the centurian of the them to a challenging total. ing more than 20 runs. pakumara 2/29 make her a champion pad- principal of the school Mrs She is an outstanding wick- Maleesha Rathnayake 2 for 6) team. dler with the support of the Hema Jayawardena. M onDAy, APr IL 12, 2021 page 16

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royal-Thomian MIShArA’S Ton steers nCC to from (April 12) May 6-8 LOCAL EVENTS TENNIS Clay Court Nationals at All arrangements for the 142nd SLTA Courts, Green Inter-School Big Match between Path Royal College and S. Thomas’ SLC limited over title vICTory College are currently underway. CRICKET (Inter-Schools U-19 Tournament): The match is scheduled to be St. Anne’s vs Mahanama played on May 6, 7 and 8 at the at Kurunegala DHAMMikA RATNAweeRA were dismissed early, Mishara and he finished with four for 37 from Mahinda Rajapaksa International St. Joseph’s vs S. Thom- Kamil Mishara hit a superb 113 Kavin Bandara (65) added 137 for his six overs while Lahiru Kumara Cricket Stadium in Hambantota as’ at Darley Road as NCC defeated Ragama CC by the third wicket. claimed three for 30. behind closed doors, keeping in FOREIGN EVENTS 145 runs in the Major Club Limit- Thereafter, NCC Skipper Angelo Earlier Ragama CC Skipper line with the COVID-19 restric- CRICKET ed Over Cricket Tournament final Perera also struck 61 in 43 balls Ishan Jayaratne and Binura Fer- tions. Meanwhile, the limited over (Indian Premier League): played at the SSC Grounds in Mait- with four fours and a six and added nando took three wickets apiece. Mustangs Trophy match will be Rajasthan Royals vs land Place yesterday. 98 for the fourth wicket with Fernando ended the tournament played to a T20 format under Punjab Kings at Mumbai NCC made a formidable 286 for Mishara. with a tally of 23 wickets. South Africa vs Pakistan lights on May 10 at the same seven in 50 overs and Ragama CC Ragama CC collapsed to 94 for venue. (2nd T20I) at Johannes- were all out for 141 in 30.3 overs. six after 21.4 overs and eventually Special awards: burg Since the match is played with- Mishara, the 19-year-old left- they were all out for 141 in 30.3 out any spectators, the match FOOTBALL hander, completed his third centu- (Premier League): overs. Best Batsman of the Tourna- organising committee is making ry of the tournament from 132 West Bromwich Albion Janith Liyanage figured in a vain ment: (SSC). arrangements to broadcast the vs Southampton balls with the help of nine bounda- effort and hit a fighting 42 in 71 Best Bowler: Binura Fernando match LIVE. Brighton and Hove Albi- ries to earn the Man-of-the-Final balls with two fours before he was (Ragama CC). Player of the on vs Everton Award. dismissed last man. Tournament: Janith Liyanage (Spanish League): After the openers Nimesh de Paceman Chamika Karunaratna (Ragama CC). Man-of-the-Final: kamil Mishara of NCC plays a shot. Celta Vigo vs Sevilla Silva (1) and Upul Tharanga (10) was the most successful bowler as Kamil Mishara (NCC). Pix courtesy SLC SCORECARD NCC Cricket Team celebrates NCC RAGAMA CC with the trophy. N. de Silva S. Fernando c Hewathantri b Jayaratne . 01 c C. de Silva b N. de Silva . 14 U. Tharanga N. Madushka b B. Fernando...... 10 c Mishara b Kumara ...... 15 Dhawan helps K. Mishara D. Thimodya b B. Fernando...... 113 c Mishara b Kumara ...... 05 K. Bandara J. Liyanage beat CSK in IPL c Aponso b Perera ...... 65 st Mishara b Dishan ...... 42 A. Perera U. Jayasundera b Jayaratne...... 61 c N. de Silva b Karunaratne 13 Last season's runners-up C. de Silva S. Bandara c S. Fernando b B. Fernando 10 c Dishan b Karunaratne ... 01 Delhi Capitals (DC) started C. Karunaratne I. Jayaratne their 2021 Indian Premier not out ...... 12 c Perera b Karunaratne ... 13 League (IPL) campaign with a S. Arachchige S. Sandaruwan comprehensive seven-wicket c Hewathantri b Jayaratne . 04 retired out ...... 02 Y. Dishan B. Fernando win over three-time champi- not out ...... 00 c Mishara b Karunaratne .. 03 ons Chennai Super Kings J. Sampath (CSK) on Saturday. Extras: (lb3, w7) ...... 10 c Tharanga b Kumara..... 21 TOTAL: (seven wickets, A. Aponso Chief scores: 50 overs) ...... 286 not out ...... 01 Fall: 1-7, 2-20, 3-157, 4-255, Extras: (lb4, w7) ...... 11 Chennai Super Kings: 188/7 5-261, 6-273, 7-278 TOTAL: (all out, 30.3 overs) 141 in 20 overs (Suresh Raina 54, BOWLING: I. Jayaratne 10-0- Fall: 1-20, 2-26, 3-40, 4-68, 5-78, Chris Woakes 2/18) 52-3, B. Fernando 10-0-55-3, S. 6-94, 7-104, 8-110, 9-139 Bandara 10-0-43-0, J. Liyanage BOWLING: L. Kumara 6-0-30-3, N. Delhi Capitals: 190/3 in 2-0-16-0, J. Sampath 10-0-46-1, de Silva 7-2-20-1, C. de Silva 8-0- 18.4 overs (Shikhar Dhawan A. Aponso 6-0-52-0, S. Sandaru- 37-0, C. Karunaratne 6-0-37-4, A. 85, Prithvi Shaw 72). (BBC) wan 2-0-19-0 Daniel 3-0-11-0, Y. Dishan 0.3-0-2-1 Oneli storms into Girls’ Thomians amass U-14 tennis final 344/9 against Joes

Samarawickrema Yasiru Rodrigo struck an wadana (54), Ryan Fernando Chief scores: got off to a flying start unbeaten 97 as S. Thomas’ Col- (71) and G. Camston (53) also and won the first set 6-2 and went on to lege hammered 344 for nine in completed half-centuries for S. Thomas’: 344/9 (Anuk add the finishing their first innings on the open- the Thomians. Palihawadana 54, Ryan Fernan- touches with a 6-3 win ing day of their two-day tradi- Skipper Dunith Wellalage do 71, Thenuka Liyanage 36, in the second set tional cricket fixture against St. was the most successful bowler Yasiru Rodrigo 97 n.o, G. against Oneli de Silva Joseph’s College which began for St. Joseph’s with figures of Camston 53, Dunith Wellalage in the semi-finals at Darley Road yesterday. three for 111 while Shenuka de 3/111, Shenuka de Silva 2/12) The Results: Earlier, opener Anuk Paliha- Silva captured two for 12. vs St. Joseph's (D.R) Boys’ Under-18 Sin- Yasiru Rodrigo (S. Thomas') gles quarter-finals: Dilvan Herath beat Zaidh Zihar 6-0, 6-1. Thehan Wijemanne beat Hasal Ahangama Pavan lifts Sonego ends Italian drought in 7-5, 6-4. Vichinthya Nilaweera beat Matheesha Nettasing- Mahanama to 169 he 6-1, 7-5. Cagliari ATP tournament Girls’ Under-18 quarter-finals: Daham- HAFiz MARikAR well placed at 79 for one na Methnadi beat Pavan Rathnayake hit a wicket at stumps. Cagliari, Sunday: Italy's Lorenzo to his title in Antalya, Turkey in 2019, Dewmini Warnasuri- top score of 81 but Mahanama: 169 Sonego rallied past defending champion having lost his previous final appearance ya 7-5, and retired. Mahanama College, (Pavan Rathnayake 81, Laslo Djere of to win the second in Vienna last October. Colombo were dismissed Sachira Weliwatta 23, ATP title of his career in Cagliari on Sun- Sonego completed a double on the Oneli Samarawickrama in action Dinethya Dhar- maratne beat Nesangi for 169 in their first Sadishan Chamodya 22, day. Mediterranean island having partnered Hemakumara 6-4, 6-4. innings on the opening Pasindu Tennakoon 4/51, Sonego, the third seed, won 2-6, 7-6 Andrea Vavassori to doubles victory on Saajida Razick beat Vishmi Serasinghe 7-6 day of their Inter-Schools Kalindu Wijesinghe 2/28, (7/5), 6-4 in just over three hours to Saturday. Oneli Samarawickrema powered her way (6), 6-3. Hasali Gajaba beat Tania Doloswa- Under-19 traditional fix- Manaan Muzammil 2/49) become the first Italian to lift a trophy at Djere, ranked 57, had been hoping to into the final of the Girls’ Under-14 Singles la 6-2, 6-1. ture against St. Anne’s St. Anne’s: 79/1 (Dil- home since Filippo Volandri in Palermo in claim his third title in as many finals after event at the HNB-Hutch Clay Court Tennis College which began at Girls’ Under-14 Singles semi-finals: Oneli hara Deshabandu 35 n.o, October 2006. Rio de Janeiro in 2019 and Cagliari last Nationals, which continued at the SLTA Kurunegala yesterday. Kavindu Ekanayake 29 Samarawickrama beat Oneli de Silva 6-2, The 25-year-old, who reached the fourth year. Courts in Green Path yesterday. St. Anne’s in reply were n.o). 6-3. (C.D) round in Roland Garros last year, added - AFP

Printed and Published by The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd., at No. 35, D.R.Wijewardene Mawatha, Colombo 10, on Monday, April 12 2021 monDAY, APril 12, 2021 17

we wish all our readers a happy and safe sinhala and tamil new year. new sri lanka tourism we will be back on Monday 19. authority on the cards world’s first PAGE Cabinet approval to repeal Tourism Act of 2005 honey tea launched 21

Tourism stakeholders express concern Russian Tourists in Sigiriya last year

ShirAjiv SirimAne unless otherwise there is a hidden dent said that for the past one year The silent scuffle between travel agenda behind it.” not much was done by tourism industry stakeholders and Sri Lanka Meanwhile, SLAITO President authorities to bring down tourists. It Tourism erupted and came into the Thilak Weerasinghe said: “We have was only the former Ambassador open with Tourism Minister Prasan- gone through many natural and Udayanga Weeratunge, Aitkin Spen- na Ranatunga last week obtaining manmade calamities like tsunami, ce Travels and Lanka Sportreizen Cabinet approval to repeal the Tour- LTTE and JVP terror, Black July which brought some CIS based tour- ism Act of 2005 and to draft a bill and Easter Sunday attacks and have ists to Sri Lanka and the Ministry or for a new Tourism Act. come out of them since we all the Board can’t take credit for it. The Minister said that the entire worked in one direction in one Chairman THASL Sanath tourism sector is divided into four voice,” Ukwatte, said that it’s the Tourism institutions: Tourism Development Thilak Weerasinghe, Sanath Ukwatte and Shanthi Kumar. “We need the authorities to push Development fund (TDL) contribut- Authority, Sri Lanka Tourism Pro- for a debt restructuring for the ed by the industry which even helps motion Bureau, Sri Lanka Federa- Association of Inbound Tour Opera- process. We are baffled to under- industry, bring about a model to the Rs.2 billion tourism promotion tion Bureau, and the Sri Lanka Insti- tors (SLAITO) and many other stand as to why the private sector support the livelihoods of our budget. The 2018 TDL contribution tute of Tourism and Hotel Manage- stakeholders said that priorities at was not consulted and not engaged employees, fiscal support for the from the private sector alone was ment which was a wastage of this hour was not a new act but in such a serious and important industry and a cash flow support for over Rs. 1.3 billion. “The very same resources . work towards the development of area of change which impacts the the sector and not new acts.” people contribute 1% of their turno- The new Act will look at estab- Tourism in one voice. entire industry,” these representa- “The authorities should focus on ver to the authorities used to pro- lishing a new authority as “The Sri “It is shocking to note that there tives said. the critical issues which impact mote and develop Tourism governed Lanka Tourism Authority” by merg- was no consultative process done “Why is this done in such a almost 3 million people dependent by the 4 boards.” ing the four bodies. with the major stakeholders of the hurry whilst we have other impor- on Tourism. Changing the Act is not He also pointed out that the total However Tourist Hotels Associa- private sector or has the authorities tant burning issues facing the going to increase even one foreign investment from the private sector tion (THA), The Hotels Association obtained the approval of the respec- industry?” they asked. “This is not visitor to the country!!” with hotels and travel agents exceeds Sri Lanka (THASL) and Sri Lanka tive Boards in this decision making a time to change the Tourism Act Another former SLAITO Presi- over Rs. 3,000 billion. to page 22

state Minister cabraal meets sultan’s CBSL to regulate foreign currency deputy prime Minister for int’l relations in oman borrowings of finance companies

State Minister of Money and- DineSh PererA Finance companies will also will also require a rating grade of ment development projects. Capital Market and Public Enter- The Central Bank by way of be limited from short-term bor- BBB- or above. Companies looking to borrow prise Reforms Ajith Nivard directive dated 9 April has placed rowing and will have to borrow Companies looking to borrow over 15% of total assets will Cabraal and Sayyid Assad bin additional regulation on foreign on horizons exceeding 2 years. over 15% of total assets shall require the prior approval of the Tarik al Said, Deputy Prime Min- currency borrowings of the There will also be a maximum have to make such borrowing Monetary Board. ister for International Relations licensed financial companies. amount of foreign borrowings subordinate to the claims of All foreign currency bor- and Cooperation Affairs of the Under the new directive finance proportionate to the total assets depositors. In the instance, the rowing shall be hedged as set Sultanate of Oman held a special companies will have to submit to of the company. company was to fail, the deposi- out by the Central Bank. In meeting recently. the board of directors for approval Companies looking to borrow tors would be paid back before the early 2005 period, the Minister Cabraal conveyed any foreign currency borrowing. over 10% of total assets in a for- the foreign lenders. Companies Central Bank had actively greetings from President and The move aims to stabilize eign currency will have to meet borrowing over 15% shall also promoted foreign currency Prime Minister of Sri Lanka and any unwarranted macro-econom- an additional capital conserva- have to ensure that the subse- borrowing of the Non-Bank delivered a special message from ic financial sector volatilities cre- tion buffer of 1% over the stipu- quent lending of funds is for for- Financial Institutions. This Prime Minister Mahinda Raja- ated by foreign funding exposure lated existing capital adequacy eign revenue-generating, foreign represents a deviation from paksa to Sultan Haitham bin of the finance companies. requirements. The companies revenue saving, and/or govern- the earlier policy. Tarik of Oman. Sri Lankan Ambassador to Oman Amir Ajward was also present on the occasion. “Made in sri lanka’ brand built with strong hopes”

The government has a responsibility to take for- ward a journey that was cse extends gri relationship for 3 years built with the strong hopes of the people of this country DineSh PererA Bandaranaike was speaking longer some elitist thing. We in mind and to move for- The Colombo Stock in a joint webinar on 9 April need to be sustainable if we are ward more robustly and this Exchange will continue its rela- titled ‘Leadership Forum on the to achieve the Sustainable is the reason ‘Made in Sri tionship with the Global Business Benefits of Sustaina- Development Goals of the UN.” Lanka’ brand was intro- Reporting Initiative (GRI) for bility Reporting using GRI 75% of the largest 250 com- duced said Wimal Weer- another 3 years. Companies list- Standards’ organised by the panies in the world use GRI awansa, Minister of Indus- ed on the stock exchange are GRI and the CSE. reporting standards. 168 poli- tries. encouraged to use the GRI GRI South Asia Director Dr cies in 67 different countries He was speaking at the framework when reporting on Aditi Haldar noted that in terms refer to the GRI specifications. opening of the Made in Sri their impacts on society. of sustainability the metrics 450 organisations in 68 coun- Lanka Trade Fair organ- local and foreign market Made in Sri Lanka Author- The GRI is an international chosen by the GRI are very rel- tries exist for the promotion of ized by the National Enter- opportunities to the SME ized Stores.” organisation that sets a ‘com- evant to any country. She noted the GRI community. There is prise Development Author- and the manufacturer, and “Local SMEs are not able mon language’ that companies that without a global standard ample opportunity for compa- ity at Anuradhapura on the National Enterprise to compete with the prod- can use to report globally on the information provided by dif- nies to educate themselves on April 10. Development Authority ucts of large scale manufac- their impacts. The framework ferent entities would not be rel- GRI with over 100 training “With Made in Sri under our Ministry has turers not only because of scales well depending on the evant or trustworthy to all partners in over 57 countries. Lanka, we took the initial already taken steps in this the lack of quality in their scale of the business and the stakeholders. Consultant on sustainability steps on December 15 last regard, the first of which is products but also because geography in which it is report- Haldar said, “If the informa- issues Elaine Cohen noted how year to create a culture that to hold such ‘Made in Sri they are not able to spend ed. Through the GRI the report- tion is not relevant or trustwor- BlackRock CEO Larry Fink is affiliated with the brand. Lanka Trade Fairs’ the huge amount of money ing of a company in South Asia thy then it comes back to the was changing the allocation of Under this, the Made in Sri throughout the country.” they need to promote and can be compared with the GRI.” global capital. BlackRock with Lanka brand has been “The second is to com- market their products.” reporting of a company in Latin Haldar advocated that compa- its USD 8.7 trillion in assets awarded in two phases to plete and maintain the “We are promoting this America. nies provide full access to their under management is putting the highest quality prod- madeinsrilanka.org e-Com- ‘Made Sri Lanka brand’ as a The GRI framework has been sustainability disclosures. Haldar pressure on the companies it ucts of small and medium merce portal, which will be step towards collectively made mandatory in many said, “If it is not in the public owns to follow sustainable busi- scale entrepreneurs in this available to all local and overcoming the challenge exchanges. CSE Chairman domain it defeats the purpose. ness practices. country, as well as local foreign customers directly. that local small and medium Rajeeva Bandaranaike noted The information has to go out.” Cohen noted that GRI is a small businesses.” All of these are expected to scale manufacturers cannot that the GRI was an excellent Sustainability reporting has mechanism for companies to do “We have taken a num- be completed by the middle overcome on their own,” partner with a truly global pres- become increasingly important business in a better way. Cohen ber of initiatives to provide of this year. The third is the the Minister added. ence. He commended the quali- in the last decade. Haldar said, said, “It helps businesses meet ty of their training materials and “We all got together as one the expectations of all stake- the robustness of the reporting human race and decided it was holders. Even shareholders are framework. important. Sustainability is no deeply concerned.” icra lanka assigns [sl]BBB+ with stable outlook for lotus hydro power ICRA Lanka Limited has assigned the in the power sector since 2000, comforta- issuer rating of [SL]BBB+ (Pronounced SL ble capital structure, healthy financial pro- triple B plus) with Stable outlook for Lotus file supported by comfortable profitability Hydro Power PLC (LHP or the Company). and healthy coverage matrices and the ICRA Lanka has taken a consolidated potential growth opportunities in the view on Lotus Hydro Power PLC and its renewal energy sector. subsidiaries, given the significant opera- LHP currently operates four Mini tional and financial linkages among them. Hydro Power Plants (MHPPs) accounting The rating primarily factors in the Com- for a total power generation capacity of CSe Chairman rajeeva Bandaranaike, Gri South Asia Director Dr Aditi haldar, Consultant elaine Cohen pany’s satisfactory operational track record 4.9 MW. 18 BUSinESS monday, april 12, 2021 EDUCATION SLIIT perfect choice for students seeking careers in Engineering - SLIIT Dean

SLIIT, Sri Lanka’s leading higher sent, students have the option of choos- education institute, established its Fac- ing from a range of degree programs ulty of Engineering (FE) in the year with the Bachelor of Science of Engi- 2007 to produce world-class graduates neering being provided in four disci- who can step into the corporate lime- plines; Electrical and Electronic Engi- light with confidence, according to the neering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical vision of the institute to offer excel- Engineering and Material Engineering. lence in higher learning, research and These degree programs are categorized other Engineering centred activities. into over eight specializations including “The Faculty of Engineering has the specialization in Mechatronic Engi- state-of-the-art infrastructure facilities neering. Students can avail themselves provided by the parent institute SLIIT, of these valuable degrees at a minimum which began its journey as a pathway to cost. higher education as far back as 1999 by “Our graduates will find that the identifying the need for high-quality qualifications they earned at SLIIT are education for global careers. For the fully recognized as all the engineering laboratories and other infrastructure education and career opportunities. To ment provided in the SLIIT Malabe munication skills and other inherent tal- past 20 years, SLIIT has produced over degrees awarded by SLIIT are approved facilities, students are guaranteed to assist this process, our undergraduate campus and the other infrastructure ents through various extracurricular 27,000 success stories that have by the Ministry of Higher Education of emerge as world-class professionals curriculum is prepared according to the facilities such as a library, internet, and activities such as the RoboFest which is enriched many lives and created a high Sri Lanka under the Universities Act. with the ability to reach their maximum outcome-based education system to sporting facilities give the students the a national level competition organized demand for those who seek globally Moreover, the Department of Quantity potential on par with global standards. comply with the Washington Accord best learning experience in the Faculty by the Department of Electronics and acclaimed educational standards. The Surveying in the Faculty of Engineering During their undergraduate studies, Accreditation through the Institution of of Engineering. After a thorough review Electronics. In addition to that, ‘Gan- institute provides quality education and offers the highly recognized three-year they are provided compulsory 6-month Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL)” added of its capabilities, the faculty of Engi- thera’, ‘Bridge fest’, ‘SLIIT’s Got Tal- it is evident by the prominence that the BSc Hons degree in Quantity Surveying on-the-job training, which will give Professor Saman Thilakasiri. neering was granted permission to ent’, Young Engineers Expo, IEEE Day, SLIIT alumni have gained in all parts of in partnership with the Liverpool John them valuable hands-on experience The quality system adopted in the award postgraduate research degrees IMechE, Pitstop, and Esala Pandol are the world through their outstanding Mores (LJMU), UK and the Quantity within their respective fields in the degree programs offered in the Faculty leading up to MPhil and PhD by the organized by SLIIT Engineering Facul- achievements in all spheres,” stated Surveying degree we offer is RICS industry. “Much like extracting a dia- of Engineering is governed by the same Ministry of Higher education, Sri ty. Students are also encouraged to Professor Saman Thilakasiri, Dean- accredited in the UK.” mond from the rough, our full-time lec- system adopted in the parent institute Lanka. develop a strong sense of compassion Faculty of Engineering. With a highly qualified full-time aca- turers bring out the best in each of their SLIIT under the guidance of a well- SLIIT’s Faculty of Engineering is through numerous charitable activities The Faculty of Engineering compris- demic staff to offer guidance at all students and trained to assist a student reputed quality assurance expert. Fur- further structured to promote unity organized by the Faculty of Engineering es five academic departments. At pre- times, state-of-the-art well-equipped in making the best choice in terms of ther, the complete university environ- among students and enhance their com- and SLIIT.

O Level syllabus complete despite C-19 Nestlé, Hatch announce winners Leeds International School A-Level batch to start May 2021 Leeds International School shall With the challenges imposed by of Open Innovation Idea Hackathon commence their A-Level batch from the COVID 19 viral outbreak in May 2021 onwards. A statement from 2020, Leeds has taken every meas- Nestlé and Hatch announced the the school states; ‘We will commence ure to immediately transition all of winners of its first-ever Open Innova- our Advanced Level classes from 4th its subjects from Preschool to A Lev- tion Hackathon Challenge 2021, May 2021 offering Science, Mathe- els to an online platform ensuring awarding two teams for their break- matics, Commerce and Art streams to that student learning and evaluation through ideas on healthy products students who have completed their O is not hindered in any way. ‘We are using local ingredients and green initi- Level examination by this date. We proud to say that our hard-working atives. have declared attractive payment teachers took up the change as a “We shortlisted 12 applicants from schemes and scholarships for 8As and challenge and successfully continue close to 200 entries and found it above students.’ to provide a smooth online learning incredibly difficult to pick just one Leeds International School is one of experience along with weekly online winning idea from this highly compet- the most prominent and leading inter- examinations to check student pro- itive group. After an intense two-day Winners of the hackathon. national schools in the country. ‘Our gress along with a variety of extra- hackathon with the teams, where we humble inception was in August 1999. curricular activities offered to ensure mentored and guided them on how to ners of the Nestlé-Hatch Idea Hacka- launch an Open Innovation Hacka- In the past 21 years, Leeds Internation- that our students gain an all-rounded convert good ideas to workable proto- thon. thon Challenge for local innovators, al School has successfully made its education despite the challenging types, we were extremely pleased with “It was a rewarding experience with the goal of bringing good ideas mark on Sri Lanka by expanding its times.’ the final results,” said Fabrice Caval- working with Nestlé on the Hacka- on sustainability and nutrition to mar- network of schools across 11 major cit- ‘We are proud to state that we lin, Nestlé’s Managing Director. thon and bringing in Hatch’s process ket more quickly. ies and providing an exceptionally bal- were the 1st school in Sri Lanka to Dulanja Gamanayake, Ashan Kotta- for ideation and problem-solving. Through the programme, it helped anced education program to its stu- complete the National Curriculum goda and Sachinthi Wirasinhawon for Having partners that are purpose-driv- local innovators connect with experts dents.’ 2020 O Level syllabus by July 2020, presenting a waste management solu- en and ready to embrace Open Inno- and mentors to help to take their ideas The students at Leeds Panadura have despite all challenges posed by the tion for the company’s packaging vation, coupled with great ideas, hun- from concept to prototype, applying the opportunity to continue their educa- COVID 19 pandemic. Since August waste, while Sameeha Jabeer, Keshala gry entrepreneurs, and passionate design thinking, and lean-agile meth- tion from Play Group to Advanced 2020, we have been conducting Jayawickrama and Shanitha Mirihana mentors, fuelled the fires that led to odologies. Levels. comprehensive revision for all sub- won for presenting a product made not just one but two big ideas being The company aims to combine the Highlights of the academic achieve- jects and continued with a series of with purely local ingredients and picked. I look forward to seeing these insight and ingenuity of external inno- ments of the Leedians (Alumni of the seminars from January to February catering to local nutritional needs, ideas implemented by Nestlé, to vators, with its scale and expertise as school) are witnessed in them securing utively who continue to secure high 2021, to further support the stu- with the potential to make a positive change the landscape of Sri Lanka the world’s largest food and Beverage World Prizes, Island 1st Places and District ranks and gain admissions to dents.’ The school requests students impact on the rural farming communi- forever,” said Jeevan Gnanam, Co- Company to launch projects that will High Achiever awards from Edexcel both local and foreign ranked universi- interested in joining Leeds to pursue ty. The two winning teams said they founder of Hatch. make a genuine difference for Sri whilst producing many 9As students at ties to pursue their higher education in their A-Levels to inquire before 29th were excited to be the inaugural win- Nestlé partnered with Hatch to Lanka. National Curriculum O Levels consec- a multitude of areas. April 2021. RIC hosts Convocation at BMICH SLIM elects first female The 23rd Annual Convoca- ence of Justice A. H. M. D their role in shaping the tion Ceremony of The Royal Nawaz, Justice of the future of the nation. Institute of Colombo (RIC) Supreme Court of Sri Lanka The occasion witnessed President at 51st AGM was held recently at the as the Chief Guest for the the high spirit of the students BMICH. The convocation Law session and Prof. Emeri- as they graduated with flying The Sri Lanka Institute of Chinthaka Perera, Sales Direc- proceeding was held for 113 tus W. D. Lakshman, Gover- colours. Among this year’s Marketing (SLIM) held its tor - Hemas Pharmaceuticals LLB and LLM graduands, 97 nor of the Central Bank of graduating batch, 5 law stu- 51st Annual General Meeting, (Pvt) Ltd and Hemas Surgical BSc. Graduates, 48 Certifi- Sri Lanka as the Chief Guest dents received Certificates of which saw the induction of its and Diagnostics (Pvt) Ltd. was cate of Higher Education in for the Economics, Manage- Excellence; 3 law students new President Thilanka Abey- elected as the Vice President - SLIM President Social Science (CHESS) ment, Finance and Social received Level 4 Achieve- wardena, who will spearhead Projects, Gayan Perera, Senior Thilanka Abeywardena Recipients/ Diplomats of the Science (EMFSS) session. ment Award; 5 BSc/CHESS the Institute as its 43rd Presi- Brand Manager - Singer (Sri University of London (UoL) Chief Guest - Justice A. H. students received Three dent. This appointment is a Lanka) PLC and Dr Jayantha Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, Niyas programmes and 24 students M. D Nawaz, emphasised the Country Prizes (the highest milestone in the history of the D.N, Senior Lecturer - Univer- Mohamed Shiraz, Assistant from Deakin University’s need to engage in lifelong performer in Sri Lanka, Paki- introduced to honour 5 stu- ally by the dignitaries of the Institute as Abeywardena sity of Sabaragamuwa were General Manager Sales & STEM (Science, Technology, learning. Prof. Emeritus W. stan and India); 11 BSc/ dents who scored the highest UoL and Deakin University. became the first-ever female to appointed as the Honorary Marketing - FENTONS Limit- Engineering and Mathemat- D. Lakshman shed light on CHESS students received the marks in Mathematics glob- G.T. Bandara - the Chair- hold the position of President. Secretary and Honorary Treas- ed; Dr Thesara Jayawardane, ics) programme. RIC’s journey as a pioneer Letter of Commendation and ally. Nethma Atapattu – a man of RIC emphasised the The Annual General Meet- urer respectively. Sathika Head/Senior Lecturer Depart- Addressing the gathering institute with humble begin- 5 best performers for the BSc. Economics and Finance importance of taking control ing was held on 7th April 2021 Wickremasinghe, Category ment of Industrial Manage- of the graduands, parents and nings, to becoming a world- Academic Achievement student was the RIC Valedic- of one’s own life while mov- at Marino Beach Hotel, Manager - Fonterra Brands ment and Director Business esteemed dignitaries, Dr class education provider with Award on their degree/diplo- torian 2021. This year’s Stu- ing ahead in the new era of Colombo. Both a new Council Lanka was elected as the Hon- Research Unit - University of Nirodha Bandara - the Aca- strong international affilia- ma programme. Moreover, dent of the Year award was personal freedom. Bandara of Management as well as an orary Assistant Secretary for Moratuwa and Kavindra Raja- demic Director applauded the tions in the present day. 13 brilliant EMFSS students presented to Aysha Sameeha highlighted the need for Executive Committee were the year 2021/2022. paksha, Vice President/Head of hard work and determination While congratulating the new were the recipients of the Siddeek – an LLB student at one’s determination to suc- appointed during the meeting. The newly appointed Execu- Marketing - Softlogic Life of students in completing graduates, the Central Bank Highest Marks Worldwide RIC. ceed despite the countless Thilanka Abeywardena, who tive Committee comprises ten Insurance PLC. their studies. The graduation Governor reminded them of Award. This year, a new This year, the convocation futile efforts that one may was appointed to the helm, experienced marketing profes- Commenting on her ceremony witnessed the pres- ‘Special Topper Award’ was ceremony was attended virtu- encounter along the way. currently holds the position of sionals: appointment, she stated, the CMO Lead, South East Nuwan Thilakawardhana, “SLIM is built on the solid Asia Emerging Markets at Marketing Manager, Union foundation laid by the past Microsoft Sri Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. Bank of Colombo PLC; Dr Presidents, Council Members, and leads marketing and com- Dilhan S. Jayatilleke, Director Executive Committee Mem- munications across nine Asian - Northwood Consulting Pri- bers as well as SLIM employ- ICON Business School produces ACCA World Winner countries; Bangladesh, Bhutan, vate Limited and Head – Busi- ees. As we embark on the Icon Business School has their success are the main pro- exams they teach and nail how ahead with new opportunities, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, the ness Development & Market- ‘Future-ready Sri Lanka’ produced an ACCA World Prize moters of Icon Business School to pass. We create a very friend- thanks to ACCA and of course Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal ing - Arogya Life Systems national vision to drive Sri Winner. The ACCA world prize that comprise Dilshad Jiffry, ly and engaging teaching envi- ICON. The support and guid- and Sri Lanka. She was the Lanka Private Limited; Chara- Lanka towards a knowledge winner for December 2020 ses- Rakitha Jayatunga, Dasun Men- ronment that aids learning and ance provided by ICON Busi- former Head of Marketing at ka Perera, Executive Director - economy, we look forward to sion was Mohamed Fahim dis and Farheen Salahudeen. development and encourage stu- ness School was a great contrib- Etisalat Sri Lanka and Corpo- FUCHSIA Retail (Pvt) South elevating the national body for Farhan Ahamed, for the subject They stated “Whilst we’re dents to start thinking about utor to me winning this award, rate Brand Manager at EWIS. Asia; Asanka Perera, Chief marketing through a 3-pronged Financial Management. always very proud of our high their exams early and doing especially as this particular Abeywardena has been with Executive Officer - Arugam- strategy; internal upliftment, This amongst others has pass rates at ICON, it’s particu- mocks, followed by lots of exam was quite challenging. I Mohamed Fahim Farhan SLIM for over a decade and bay Beachwear (Pvt) Ltd; stakeholder transformation and resulted in ICON holding the larly pleasing to see our stu- question practice in the revision was thrilled to have passed with Ahamed has undertaken various honor- Manthika Ranasinghe, Director national advocacy. I firmly ACCA Gold Approved Learning dents awarded the top honours phase. 95%, which also incidentally ary roles and chaired some of - WeddinGoDestinationz and believe that the diverse and Partner (ALP) status, a formal by ACCA continuously, every Excited about his award, was the highest mark globally.” their learning and training the key projects of the Insti- Managing Partner - Marketing- dynamic Executive Committee recognition that ACCA awards year. It partly comes down to prize winner Farhan endorsed With a journey of challeng- experience by providing com- tute. Go Consultancy; Channa with multi-disciplinary expo- to leading tuition providers for having some excellent students these statements by commenting es that has also been one that petent tutors, comprehensive Nuwan Gamage, Head of Jayasinghe, Senior Brand sure will further raise the bar providing high-quality tuition joining our institute but it also when I started ACCA, I didn’t has resulted in a journey of material and an organized pro- Corporate Affairs and Commu- Development Manager - Kela- of SLIM”. She also thanked and support to ACCA students really can be attributed to some have any idea about the journey successors, ICON looks for- gramme with full educational nications - Arinma Holdings ni Cables PLC; Asela C. everyone who contributed to as well as achieving pass rates. excellent tutors at ICON who I was about to embark on, but ward to continuing its quest of and administrative support and (Pvt) Ltd. was elected as the Gunasekara, Brand Develop- the progress achieved by Outlining the mantra behind work hard to understand the now I can see a bright future helping students maximize in equipping students. Vice President – Education, ment Manager - Metecno SLIM. monday, april 12, 2021 BUSinESS 19 advertorial People’s Bank opens self-banking Traditional Avurudu Ganudenu with NSB on 14-15 To increase the awareness of against COVID-19 especially dur- and promote e-commerce trans- ing the festivities, the customers unit at Nugegoda main branch actions National Savings Bank can shop while in the safety of (NSB) has planned to launch a their homes and make their daily cashback promotion for Avu- purchases online using NSB People’s Bank cele- cient banking service. rudu Season. Debit Card. Hence the promo- brates its 60th Anniver- Mayor of Sri Jaya- Accordingly, a 10% cashback tion will encourage our custom- sary opening its 251st wardenapura Kotte I.V. will be offered for e-commerce ers to celebrate the New Year self-banking unit at Premalal, Deputy transactions or local online pay- safely without undergoing the Nugegoda main branch, Mayor Primalal Athu- ments made using NSB Debit hassle of visiting shops with face facilitating faster bank- korala, Finance Manag- Card on April 14, from 8.00 am masks on and encountering ing service with more er, the Open University to 9.00 am. crowds. facilities to its custom- of Sri Lanka Anura The maximum cashback Further, the customers who ers. Wickramasinghe, Peo- value is LKR 1000/- per card look forward to visiting our T.M.W. Chandra ple’s Bank Colombo per day during the promotion branches for “Avurudu Kumara, Assistant Outer Regional Manag- period and the cashback will Ganudenu” on April 15, when General Manager er Lal Peiris, Assistant appear on the customer’s the Bank is reopened after the Branch Management Regional Manager Pri- account in due course. New Year, can receive a recipe were present at the yanka Ratnasiri, Even if the Bank is closed for book or a set of exercise books as opening. Vinodika Peiris, Man- the New Year, often being “Avurudu Ganudenu” on the a gift. This self-banking ager Nugegoda Main thoughtful of the requirements of New Year Day. The Bank invites all Sri Lan- unit is facilitated with Branch, Senani Raja- the customers, we have made it a In a backdrop where the kans to join hands with NSB, the two ATMs and one paksa were accompa- People’s Bank Assistant General Manager Branch Management T.M.W. point to enable the customers to healthcare authorities instruct safest bank in the country, to cash deposit machine nied by many custom- Chandra Kumara opened the Self Banking Unit at the Nugegoda Main make a digital transaction during the public to continue the prac- enjoy a safer banking service this (CDM) with 24 x 7 effi- ers. Branch. Lal Peiris and Senani Rajapaksa are also in the picture. the auspicious time allocated for tice of healthcare measures Avurudu. NDB Wealth celebrates seasonal People’s Insurance launches Solar Panel Insurance

To support the ongoing electrical extra covers. Much joy for Avurudu national-level initiatives of to the customer’s benefit, the fostering sustainable and insurer has also pledged environmentally friendly more additional covers at no This year expert finan- energy production methods, extra charge. cial planner NDB Wealth Sri Lanka’s foremost non- These include the labour Management celebrates life insurance firm, People’s costs of debris removal if Avurudu 2021 by encour- Insurance, has announced panels are damaged by an aging a wealth of seasonal the launch of a special insur- insured peril, the cost of joy for their valuable and ance coverage for solar pan- removing and repositioning loyal customers. els mounted in homes, offic- the solar panel system if the The Sinhala and Tamil es and solar parks across the building or structure is dam- New Year herald a season country. aged and the cost of trans- of joy, happiness and pros- As the number of solar porting damaged panels to perity uniting families and panels installed in buildings the service agent’s work- friends to celebrate the and solar products in the shop. age-old traditions and ritu- country has seen a trend of Known for its efforts in als which have been a part exponential growth, year on being an insurer that always Royce Delpechithra receives the solar panel policy from People’s Bank CEO of the country’s culture for year, the timely introduction goes the extra mile by keep- Ranjith Kodithuwakku. generations. of this insurance coverage ing the customer’s best inter- The Aluth Avurudha is seeks to mitigate the risk ests in mind, People’s Insur- a special time for financial factor associated with roof- ance will also cover the Those customers who Speaking at the launch of because of the high cost and renewal and strengthening mounted solar panels and damages caused to panels by wish to have their losses this cover Manager Fire and risks such as damage associ- signified by the tradition solar products, as they are of malicious acts of other indi- covered in case of an Miscellaneous Uvindu Pathi- ated with solar panel usage.” of “Ganu Denu”, the first high-value investments. viduals. Additionally, if a untimely theft of panels rana said, “Many Sri Lan- As a socially responsible financial transaction of the their family and them- tivities such as Avurudu as The Basic Cover provides customer loses income due involving forced entry, riots, kans are looking towards insurer, this special scheme season. It’s that specially selves,” commented Vice it works like a savings protection against fire, light- to the perils mentioned terrorist activities or electri- producing and sustainably is expected to fulfil the designated time of the President of NDB Wealth account. Currently, the ning, storms, cyclones, above, that loss of revenue cal extras without visible using energy. While Solar hopes of an environmentally year to gear up for the new Vindhya Jayasekera, . Money Plus fund yields floods, earthquakes and acci- will also be covered by this burn marks can do so by Panels are the ideal choice and energy-efficient Sri dawning ushering in pros- NDB Wealth offers well- 5.50% per annum as of dental damage, inclusive of special insurance scheme. paying a minimal premium. for this, people often hesitate Lanka. perity and abundance. designed wealth plans that March 25. With the income Managing wealth and sav- will help you prepare for being credited daily, NDB ing for the future is that your future by allowing Wealth Money Plus is secure step towards pros- you to benefit and maxim- proving to be the ideal perity, ensuring financial ise your returns. The account for busy individu- Revisiting traditions of Ridhi Aththama security for you and your Money Plus Fund is an als who have limited time family. ideal wealth plan for new to keep track of their ongo- The concept of Aththa- to help each other in sition centred on the con- how Sri Lankan people trust- “This is the time of the beginnings. It is a reward- ing finances. ma was once the founda- times of need. cept of Aththama. ed and did year where you thought- ing investment account NDB Wealth is a fully tion of how Sri Lankan With this concept in Pan Asia Bank has everything as a collective. fully reflect upon the that allows you to enjoy owned subsidiary of the people trusted and did mind, Pan Asia Bank, the understood that now Life was ideal and harmoni- bygones and make deci- your monthly interest or NDB Bank, one of the fast- everything as a collec- truly Sri Lankan bank has more than ever, the peo- ous as the entire community sions for your future suc- even capital withdrawals - est-growing financial ser- tive. decided to enrich and ple of this country need came warm and generous tradi- cess. Taking that positive whenever the occasion vices conglomerates in Sri Life was ideal and har- renew local society by to be reminded of this together as an extended tion of helping each step in the right direction, calls. Lanka, with the strategic monious as the entire bringing back these long- truly Sri Lankan value of family to help each other in other, so why not try and everyone aspires to be able Money Plus will espe- mission to be the leader in community came togeth- forgotten values via a helping each other. times of need. revive it among our- to make the Avurudu sea- cially help you to plan for the financial services sec- er as an extended family unique borrowing propo- The concept of Aththama “We have grown as a selves,” an official from son a memorable one for future celebrations and fes- tor. was once the foundation of society because of this the bank said. Sathosa Motors Service Complex to service Farmchemie wins CNCI all vehicle brands Sathosa Motors and its Sathosa Motors PLC Achiever Award again vehicle service complex, guarantees its customers services not just Isuzu but reliable and convenient ser- Farmchemie Private also any brand of vehicle. vice and will undertake Limited, a market leader in Pioneering automotive spe- vehicle inspections, period- animal health products cialist, Sathosa Motors is ic maintenance, body and won the CNCI Achiever the sole authorized agent undercarriage washing, Awards for Industrial for the world-renowned interior cleaning and beau- Excellence 2020, Manu- Isuzu Brand, but the newly tification, engine tuning, facturing Sector, Extra developed Service Com- error diagnosis, accident Large Category, National plex will now undertake all repairs, Air Condition Level award for the second kinds of services required repairs, and many more at consecutive year held at for any brand of vehicle. a highly affordable rate. Hotel Galadari, Colombo. The internationally Also, genuine spare , trained specialists are ready parts, as well as lubricants Sathosa Motors aims to lines due to the prevailing has decided to keep all Minister of Industries was to serve you at the Sathosa and industrial services are provide high-quality ser- COVID-19 pandemic situa- branches of the Sathosa the chief guest and pre- Motors Service Complex, available at discounted vices at all times and all tion. Motors service network sented the award to Uditha at Vauxhall Street, Colom- prices at the Service Com- services are carried out Sathosa Motors is open to continue to serve Wanigasinghe, Managing bo 02. plex. strictly under health guide- pleased to announce that it its customers. Director Farmchemie. With a successful histo- ry exceeding 15 years, Farmchemie saw a remark- able growth extending to the international market. Seylan Bank offers discounts for the Avurudu season The company manufac- With Avurudu just around “At Seylan Bank, we 30% off on fresh meat dur- Cardholders will tures and markets animal MD Uditha Wanigasinghe and Manager Business the corner, Seylan Bank is want to make your Avurudu ing the weekends, Cargill- now be able to receive health products, veterinary Development Senitha Wanigasinghe with the award. offering amazing discounts an unforgettable experi- sproviding 20% off on total offer notifications via pharmaceuticals, animal to customers purchasing ence,” said Assistant Gener- bills during selected week- smartphone on a feed additives in several and identify problems and plant for manufacturing daily essentials. al Manager, Marketing and ends, Glomark offering 20% respective day with brands including ‘Farm- requirements at animal export products which has The bank celebrates the Sales at Seylan Bank Gami- off on the total bill on every the recently introduced star’ their flagship brand. husbandry and provide ISO 9001:2015, GMP+ New Year with “Ratatama ka De Silva. “These two Sunday for a limited time, new feature called Since 2018 Farmchemie solutions on time.” said and FAMI QS standards.” Super, Avurudu offers with promotions underscore our Laugfs Super providing ‘Add to ’ on has been exporting its Wanigasinghe. Farmchemie has been Seylan Cards” and “Seylan customer-centric approach 20% off on a range of goods the www.seylanoffers. leading minor’s savings products to India, Uganda, “Today, Farmchemie is recognized with many Tikiri Season of Gifts and which focuses on providing on every Monday, and Pre- com website. brands in the market and Bangladesh, Pakistan, the first and only animal accolades in its journey to Laughter.” products and services that masiri Supermarket offering Seylan Tikiri, the most has always provided innova- Nepal and UAE. health products company success including National The bank with a heart, enhance the overall custom- 20% off on vegetables & beloved Children’s Savings tive and fun-loving offer- ‘‘Having started in a in Sri Lanka to have been Enterprise Excel- commenced these exciting er experience and conveni- 10% off on fruits on every Account from April 1 to ings to kids, throughout the very small scale with just accredited with ISO lence-2013 (Merit award), offers and promotions to ence, adding value to your Wednesday & Thursday May 31 will gift a stylish, year. At a time when the three employees, Farmche- 9001:2015, WHO GMP Gold Award at Agribusi- provide the best Avurudu experience with the Bank during the promotion peri- handy “Sporty Bag” to its whole island was put under mie has been able to quality certifications. In ness Awards-2014 organ- experience to its customers with a Heart.” od. customers under the age of lockdown, Seylan Tikiri record a speedy growth to addition to a comprehen- ized by the department of young and old and to The Bank has partnered This festive season, Sey- 15 who deposit LKR 10,000 continued to focus on chil- become the market leader sive manufacturing facility agriculture, APEA-2014 reward them for their con- with leading supermarket lan cards have offered a or more into their existing dren by offering new expe- in animal health products with sophisticated machin- (Emerging Entrepreneur) tinued loyalty to the bank, chains on selected promo- host of exciting deals on or new Tikiri account. riences through a host of sector because we are ery the company has an and CNCI Achiever in the spirit of festivity. tions; with Keells offering essential categories. Seylan Tikiri is one of the social media activities. committed to investigate exclusive BOI approved Awards 2019. 20 BUSinESS monday, april 12, 2021 news Sri Lankan envoy in Republic of Korea holds bilateral discussions

The Mayor of the City of Ansan in the mencement of the Special Lecture at the City of the GDP, despite the total number of Sri This was stated in the con- Republic of Korea, Wha-Sub Yoon, extended Hall. The Special Lecture was attended by an Lankan migrant workers are only 22,000, rela- text that there are over 2,000 an invitation to Ambassador of Sri Lanka, Dr. audience of well over 100 and lasted over 60 tively a much smaller number compared to Sri Lankan migrants, who A. Saj U. Mendis, to deliver a Special Lecture minutes followed by Q&A Session. the Sri Lankan migrant workers in other have already pursued and to Members of the City, Council Members, During the bilateral discussions as well as countries such as in Middle East. passed the Korean proficiency- Legislatures and Ansan Migrant’s Counselling during the Special Lecture, Dr. Mendis During the lecture, Dr. Mendis touched examination and undergone Support Center at the City Hall of Ansan. expressed appreciation and gratitude to the upon the education system of Sri Lanka the required trainings and Ansan is amongst the largest industrial cities Government of the RoK and in particular to impressing the advancement of education familiarization and are await- in the RoK with a large foreign multi-cultural the City of Ansan for hosting and facilitating a with particular focus on STEM (science, tech- ing for an extended length of population including a large contingent of Sri large number of Sri Lankan migrant workers. nology, engineering and math) subjects as time in Sri Lanka without Lankan migrant workers. The Special Lecture Dr. Mendis enunciated to Mayor Wha-Sub well as other liberal arts disciplines. being able to travel to the RoK The Mayor of City of Ansan, Wha-Sub Yoon, greeting focused on culture, education, economy, tour- Yoon that in year 2019, the total foreign With regard to migrant Sri Lankans, Dr. to assume their new employ- Ambassador Dr. Mendis ism and most importantly the criticality and remittances of Sri Lanka were approximately Mendis earnestly implored and entreated His ment. seminality of migrant workers for Sri Lanka, USD 7.2 billion or 9% of the total GDP of the Worship the Mayor of Ansan and other digni- Dr. Mendis further stated amongst others. country. Dr. Mendis further accentuated that taries to seriously consider receiving new that the COVID-19 pandemic has been rea- migrant workers in the RoK has ever con- Mayor Wha-Sub Yoon conducted bilateral the total foreign remittances from the RoK entry migrant workers, known as new- sonably well controlled and contained in Sri tracted the COVID-19 out of a total of well discussions with Dr. Mendis, before the com- alone in 2019 were USD 520 million or 0.65% entrants, to the RoK. Lanka and less than a dozen of Sri Lankan over 20,000. MTI to advice on Pakistan’s accession Commercial Technologies Plus wins to WTO Agreement National Ingenuity awards MTI Consulting has been retained to independently advice Pakistan’s Minis- Commercial Technologies Plus Pri- appreciate and thank each and every try of Commerce on Pakistan’s acces- vate Limited, aSmart Mobility Enter- one of my team for their indefatigable sion to WTO’s Information Technology prise Solutions provider, a forerunner dedication.” stated Supun Mayushan, Agreement (ITA). in SAAS Enterprise platform develop- CEO & Head of Innovations of Com- The mandate to MTI calls for an ment was recognized as the National mercial Technologies Plus. independent evaluation of the oppor- Winner for the Best Innovation in Commercial Technologies Plus Pri- tunities and threats of the ITA to Paki- Business Process Management catego- vate Limited, was founded as a start- stan, with special attention to its con- ry at ‘National Ingenuity Awards’ 2021 up company in technology in mid- tribution toward the nation’s ICT organized by the SLASSCOM (Sri 2016 by Supun Mayushan Senarath, industry’s long term objective of Lanka Association for Software Ser- current CEO & Head of Innovations of becoming a major ICT player among vices Companies) for their flagship the company. In its short history, Com- global value chains. Hilmy Cader, CEO, Naush Beg, MTI’s Pakistan Consultant and Svanthi platform, Billa Cloud. mercial Technologies Plus has per- The project has been initiated under Jayawickrema, MTI’s South Asia Projects Coordinator The company was also the winner formed tremendously well in building the Pakistan—Regional Economic Inte- DAI (under one of their integrated solu- covers 97 per cent of world trade in IT of the same title in Western Province up innovative multi tenancy enterprise gration Activity (PREIA). PREIA is a tions, i.e. ‘Economic Growth’. products. 2015 saw the expansion of the category in addition to the National SAAS Platforms development. Supun Mayushan Senarath, CEO USAID funded activity/project which The ITA Information Technology ITA. The agreement was expanded to Award. The winners were chosen via The company’s flagship platform, & Head of Innovation of Commer- intends to further the development of Agreement, initially implemented in include an additional list of 201 prod- an all-island competition conducted Billa Cloud–business management cial Technologies Plus. the country’s trade sector by improving 1996 is most significant tariff liberali- ucts. and the SLASSCOM Ingenuity system has been previously recognized Pakistan’s competitiveness in interna- zation arrangement negotiated in the In the last 24 years, MTI has carried Awards recognizes and rewards inno- and appreciated at e-Swabhimani Order management platform, Driver tional markets. PREIA is implemented WTO after its establishment in 1995. It out 670 projects across 49 countries – vations that fuel ingenuity. The grand Awards 2020 by ICTA and Ministry of app and many services in one tap reg- by the private development company, has 82 signatories. ITA’s IT product list covering both public and private sector. awards ceremony was held recently at Technology under the Business and istration. the Shangri-La hotel, Colombo. ‘’As a Commerce category as well. Billa Commercial Technologies Plus also startup we are much delighted to have Cloud is all in one, business manage- helps the clients with data driven and been recognized as National Winners ment services platform for SME busi- strategic marketing via their subsidiary and this achievement greatly owes to nesses which provides Cloud POS, Brand Cubes (Pvt) Ltd to guide their Request for Bids (RFB) the hard work of our dedicated team. I Mobile POS, Ecommerce websites, businesses to extraordinary levels. Ministry of Irrigation Thalpitigala Reservoir Project CENTRAL PROVINCIAL COUNCIL Improvements to the Invitation for Bids Project Manager Offi ce Purchase of Micro Water Supply Systems and Parachute Plates in Kandaketiya Irrigation Camp Financial Provisions from the State Ministry of Paddy and Bid No - PD/TRP/Infra/06/2018 Grains, Organic Food, Vegetables, Fruits, Chillies, Onion and 1. The Chairman of the Project Procurement Committee on behalf of the secretary to Potato CulƟ vaƟ on PromoƟ on, Seed ProducƟ on and the Ministry of Irrigation now invites sealed bids from eligible and qualifi ed bidders for Advanced Technology Agriculture Improvements to the project manager offi ce in Kandaketiya Irrigation camp in Kandaketiya Divisional Secretary Division, Badulla District. Construction period is 3 months. Central Provincial Department of Agriculture 2. Bidding will be conducted through National Competitive Bidding procedure (NCB). Bids are invited by the Chairman, Central Provincial Chief Secretary’s Procurement Committee, from interested 3. To be eligible for contract award, the successful bidders shall not have been blacklisted Suppliers having ability and qualifi cations, for the purchase of the equipment required for the projects stated and shall meet the following requirement. below, implemented by the Central Provincial Department of Agriculture. Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding Procedure. CIDA Registration Grade C 5 or C6 The receipt received from the Finance Assistant of the Central Provincial Department of Agriculture for 4. Qualifi cation requirements to qualify for documents, contract award include: Additional the payment of the non-refundable fee, stated in the table below, should be submitted to obtain the bid documents. details are provided in the bidding documents. As for the refundable Bid Security is can either be submitted as a Bid Security obtained from a reputed commercial bank approved by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka to the value as stated in the table, valid up to 04.08.2021, or paid 5. Interested bidders may obtain further information from Thalpitigala Reservoir Project, by cash of the value stated in the table, made to the Finance Assistant of the Provincial Department of Agriculture. Project Engineer Irrigation Department, Kandaketiya, T. P. / Fax No. - 055 - 2245626, Bidders should submit separate bids for the equipment for which quotations are submitted. Bid documents can be E-mail - [email protected] and inspect the bidding documents at the address inspected free of charge, from 15.04.2021 up to 05.05.2021 on weekly working days, between 9.00 a.m. and 3.00 given below from 0900 hrs. to 1500 hrs. during weekdays. p.m. from the Finance Assistant of the Central Provincial Department of Agriculture at No. 64, Sarasawi Mawatha, Peradeniya. All details relevant to the Supply of Equipment are stated in the bid documents. 6. A complete set of Bidding Documents in English language may be purchased by interested Refundable Bid Security bidders on submission of a written application to the address below from 12.04.2021 Required Non-refundable S/No Project until 03.05.2021 from 0900 hrs. to 1500 hrs. upon payment of a non-refundable fee of Quantity By Bank By Cash Fee Rs. Rs. 7500.00. The method of payment will be by cash for set of documents. Security Rs. Rs. Purchase of 1/4 Acre Micro 540 7. Bids shall be delivered in duplicate to the address below at or before 1300 hrs. on Water Supplying Systems 01 2,593,500.00 1,296,750.00 35,000.00 04.05.2021. Late bids will be rejected. Bids will be opened soon after closing in the Purchase of 1/2 Acre Micro 157 presence of the bidders' representatives who choose to attend at the address below at Water Supply Systems 14.00Hrs on 04.05.2021. 02 Purchase of Parachute Plates 225118 95,000.00 47,500.00 3,000.00 8. Bids shall be valid up to 91 days Relevant Pre-bid meeting is scheduled to be held on 28.04.2021 at the Central Provincial Department of Agriculture 9. Pre bid meeting will be held on 22.04.2021 at 10.00 a.m. at Thalpitigala Reservoir Project, at No. 64, Sarasavi Mawatha, Peradeniya. Bids should only be submitted on bid documents obtained making the Irrigation Department, Kandaketiya. relevant fees. Duly perfected bid documents could either be sent by registered post addressed to Central Provincial Department of Agriculture, No. 64, Sarasavi Mawatha, Peradeniya or placed in the Tender Box kept at the offi ce to 10. All bids must be accompanied by a "Bid-Security" of Rs. 225,000.00. Bid security shall be be received at or before 2.00 p.m. on 06.05.2021. Bids received late will be rejected. Bids received will be opened valid up to 31.08.2021. immediately after closing of acceptance of bids, at the Central Provincial Department of Agriculture at 64, Sarasavi Mawatha, Peradeniya. Bidder or one of his authorized representatives can be present at the opening. 11. Duly fi lled and sealed bids marked "Improvements to the Project Manager Offi ce in Bids should be prepared in two copies as the “Original” and “Duplicate” and should be placed in separate covers, Kandaketiva Irrigation Camp" and Bid No. - PD/TRP/Infra/06/2018 on the top left hand marked accordingly and then should be placed in a single sealed cover marked, “Purchase of Micro Water Supply corner of envelope. Systems” or “Purchase of Parachute Plates” at the top left-hand corner, as the case may be, and sent. Further details can be obtained, during offi ce hours, on Telephone No: 0812384153 from the Finance Assistant of The address referred to above is: the Provincial Department of Agriculture.

Project Director, Chairman, Thalpitigala Reservoir Project, Chief Secretary’s Procurement Committee, Irrigation Department, Central Provincial Chief Secretariat, Kandaketiya. Provincial Councils Complex, Pallekelle, Kundasale. T. P. / Fax No. - 055 - 2245626 12.04.2021 monday, april 12, 2021 BUSinESS 21 NEWS Premier Ceylon Teas launches Midea breaks the electricity cost barrier

Midea the worlds world’s first honey Tea No 1 Air Treatment Company introduces In a bid to earn more foreign Teas and Spices is a specialized an air conditioner that exchange to Sri Lanka, Premier handmade products company that consumes as low as Ceylon Teas and Spices has intro- also offers a large range of spices one unit of electricity duced the World’s first hand made and also Ceylon Cashew, Coconut per night’s sleep for as ‘honey tea’ to the market opening up Treacle, Kithul Treacle, Traditional low as what it costs for a new chapter in the Sri Lankan tea Ceylon Coffee, Premium Arabica half a pound of bread, exports. Coffee, and Premium Robusta Cof- says Telesonic, the Founder of Premier Ceylon and fee & Premium Coffee Beans to the global giant’s exclu- inventor of the Golden Line Honey market. “With our patented ‘Honey sive partner in Sri Teas, Jagath Wijesekara said that Tea’ we hope to take our entire Lanka. world leader in Air Treatment, com- they have registered the product range to the global market,” he Touted as the most mitting a colossal investment into with Patent Rights, No 21449 after said. advanced inverter air research and development resulting extensive research and tasting teas Golden Line Tea Range now conditioner, the Midea in numerous patents in world-lead- for almost a decade. Dr Tissa Jayaweera, Selvarajah Krishnakumar includes a selection of fruits and Xtreme Save Inverter ing technological innovations. The and Jagath Wijesekara “We have already talked to lead- spices as Strawberry Honey Tea, Air Conditioner boasts Midea has brought the cost of Midea Xtreme Save Inverter Air ing high-end supermarket chains in Apricot Honey Tea, Kivi Honey of an adjustable Gear running an A/C for a whole Conditioner stands out for three Europe, UK, Japan, Australia and District and carefully hand-rolled “In addition to Honey Tea, we Tea, Orange Honey Tea, Pineapple Shift power function night to the price of half a core factors, its Gear Shift technolo- the Gulf to export Golden Line and baked in the cinnamon wood- also follow this same process and Honey Tea, Mango Honey Tea, that makes it ultra-effi- loaf of bread. gy bringing adjustable intelligent Honey Teas from next July.” fired hearth and fermented and pre- offers an exotic selection of fruits Apple Honey Tea, Cinnamon cient by reducing cooling while its innovative triple The product is exclusively hand- served in pure and natural bee’s and spices varieties such as Straw- Honey Tea, Cardamom Honey Tea, power consumption filtration and self-cleaning technolo- made from the finest of high-grown honey at their factory in Badaraga- berry Honey Tea, Apricot Honey Clove Honey Tea, Green Honey while at the same time not compromising on gy creating healthy buildings with advanced Ceylon tea buds, hand-picked from ma. “The process takes are two Tea, Kivi Honey Tea, Orange Tea and Nutmeg Honey Tea. cool comfort. smart technologies and voice command fea- private tea gardens in Nuwara Eliya weeks.” Honey Tea, Pineapple Honey Tea, Premier Ceylon Teas and Spices The new air conditioning sensation is storm- tures bringing value beyond performance with Mango Honey Tea, Apple Honey is chaired by Dr Tissa Jayaweera ing the Sri Lankan market with technological Telesonic’s illustrious track-record spanning Tea, Cinnamon Honey Tea, Carda- and Selvarajah Krishnakumar a firsts that shatters operating costs, assures bet- well over four decades. These are extraordi- mom Honey Tea, Clove Honey leading business personality living ter indoor air quality (IAQ) with its triple fil- nary features on the cutting-edge but to ensure Tea, Green Honey Tea and Nutmeg in the United Kingdom as the Dep- tration system while allowing you to talk to it! returns on investment and optimal perfor- Honey Tea and the range will be uty Chairman and Jagath Wijeseka- Dramatically, its revolutionary triple filtra- mance professional and timely after-care is continually added on.” ra as the founder Managing Direc- tion introduces air filtration of a higher grade exceedingly important. This is the lasting leg- “Our next range would be add- tor of Premier Ceylon Group. than an N-95 mask, making Midea Xtreme acy of Telesonic. ing an array of European fruits as Save Inverter Air Conditioner the ideal choice Meanwhile, while leading the forays in air Blueberry, Raspberry in a post-pandemic world, says Telesonic MD conditioning in Sri Lanka, Telesonic is also and Cranberry, Black- Arun Mahtani. investing in ensuring a cooler climate out- berry, Cherry and a As temperatures keep rising, the need for air doors as it helps fights climate change with a selection of wild ber- conditioning is felt more than ever. However, commitment to growing bio-diverse forests ries to the Honey Tea the exorbitant operating cost has kept it with its conservation partner Geo Explore range.” beyond the majority until now, says Mahtani Foundation. “Ours is an unwavering commit- Premier Ceylon who believes in total ownership rather than the ment to Sri Lanka in terms of cool air, both initial investment. indoors and out. That’s why we have emerged Midea is the world’s largest manufacturer of as a forest-growing company, not merely put- white goods ranked as a Forbes Global For- ting plants into the soil but ensuring the tune 500 company and while it’s also the growth of bio-diverse forests”, says Mahtani.

MINISTRY OF TRADE Mahapola Higher Education Scholarship Trust Fund VACANCIES

Applications are invited from suitably qualifi ed citizens of Sri Lanka for the following post in Mahapola MILCO (PRIVATE) LIMITED Higher Education Scholarship Trust Fund. Offi cers in Government or Semi-Government institutions should channel their applications through the (Affiliated to the State Ministry of Livestock, Farm Promotion and respective heads of institutions with their recommendation as to whether the applicant can be released Dairy & Egg Related Industries) fulltime. MILCO is the pioneer in local dairy industry with a wide network in milk collection, production and sales throughout the island with "Highland" brand. It has four milk processing factories located in Colombo, Digana, Ambewela and Polonnaruwa. We are DIRECTOR (C.E.O) looking for dynamic & competent individuals to join our team. Asst. Manager - IT (MM 1-1) 1. Educational Qualifi cations & Experience : Qualifications :- 1.1 External : Bachelor’s Degree in Management, Finance, Commerce, Law or IT from a University recognized by UGC with a minimum of 10 years’ post qualifying experience in Administration, Finance, Managerial 1. Degree in Information Technology/Computer Science or equivalent from a University recognized by UGC of Sri Lanka and 05 years post qualifying executive Level out of which 05 years’ experience in Government Department/ Corporation Board/ Statutory Board. experience in the IT field in a recognized establishment. OR -OR- 2. Having obtained a Certificate of Proficiency not below than the National Vocational Corporate membership of a recognized professional institute in Accounting, Management, Finance with Qualification Level 7, issued by a Technical / Vocational Training Institute accepted minimum of 10 years’ post qualifying experience in Administration Finance, Managerial Level out of which by Tertiary and Vocational Educational Commission with 05 yrs. post qualifying 05 years’ experience in Government, Department/Corporation Board/ Statutory Board. Executive experience in the IT field in a recognized establishment. 1.2 Internal/Candidate from Secondment Basis: (Applicants should have outstanding Administration & Management capabilities and communication skills) Bachelor’s Degree in Management, Finance, Commerce, Law or IT from a University recognized by UGC with a minimum of fi ve (05) years satisfactory service in a post in the manager category Grade I in the Asst. Manager - Finance (MM 1-1) subject area relevant to the post. Qualifications :- Note: 1. Degree in Business Administration/ B.Com from a University recognized by UGC of Preference will be given to Internal Candidates. Sound English & IT Knowledge will be added qualifi cation. Sri Lanka with partly qualified of ICASL/CIMA/ACCA and 05 years post qualifying executive experience in Finance field in a recognized establishment. 2. Salary Scale : -OR- HM 2-3 : Rs. (98,215 - 12x2,700 - 130,615) 2. Degree in Accountancy from a University recognized by UGC of Sri Lanka with EPF - 15% ETF - 3% Cost of Living, Attendance Allowance (Rs. 10,000/-) with Health Insurance Cover. 05 years post qualifying executive experience in Finance field in a recognized establishment. Other : -OR- 3. Intermediate certificate of ICASL/CIMA/ACCA with 07 years post qualifying Every Applicant, executive experience in Finance field in a recognized establishment. � Age should be not less than 45 years and not more than 57 years. The upper age limit will not apply to the (Applicants should have outstanding Administration & Management capabilities. internal candidates or the candidates applying on secondment basis. communication skills and Computer literacy) � Should be a Sri Lankan citizen, should be physically and mentally fi t to discharge the duties of the post well Engineering Assistant (Electrical / Civil Engineering) (MA 2-3) and to serve in any part of the island. Should be of excellent moral character. Has a good command of English and Sinhala, Tamil would be an added advantage. Qualifications :- • Having obtained a certificate of proficiency in Electrical or Civil Engineering not � Selection will be made by structured interview. below than the National Vocational Qualification Level 5, issued by a Technical/ � Application giving full name, date of birth, age, nationality, educational qualifi cations, experience and any Vocational Training Institute accepted by the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission and one year experience in Engineering field in a recognized other details with names and addresses of two referees should be sent to the Secretary, Ministry of Trade, establishment. CWE Secretariat Building, 27, Vauxhall Street, Colombo 2 under registered cover along with copies of relevant (Computer literacy will be considered as a required qualification) certifi cates to reach on or before 25/04/2021 indicating the post for which the application is made on the top left hand corner of the envelope. Boiler man (PL 2) � Qualifications :- Applicants who have already submitted their applications as per the paper advertisement published on 15th February, 2021 will be treated as valid application for the above purpose. • Passed GCE (0/L) Examination with Class I Boiler Certificate from a recognized Institute. � The Mahapola Higher Education Scholarship Trust Fund reserves the right to shortlist the applications. Age :- 18-45 yrs. Salary & Benefits :- According to the Government approved Salary Scales & Benefits � Applications received after the closing date and incomplete applications will not be entertained. applicable to the Posts. � Travelling or any other expenses incurred by you in this connection will not be reimbursed by the Mahapola Applicants may forward their CVs with names and contact., numbers of two non-related Higher Education Scholarship Trust Fund. referees by registered post to reach the undersigned within 07 working days of this advertisement. Please indicate the "Post" on the top left hand corner of the envelope. Secretary, Manager - Human Resources & Administration Ministry of Trade, MILCO (PVT) LTD., CWE Secretariat Building, Millennium Tower, No. 345-7/1, Galle Road, 27, Vauxhall Street, Colombo 03. Colombo 02. 22 BUSinESS monday, april 12, 2021 LOGISTICS Sri Lanka Ports Authority TESS donates shell of Cessna 152 launches ‘Theertha’ Magazine aircraft for underwater sea museum TESS (Pvt) Ltd a company that has pio- neered the canning industry and focused on innovative technologies and safety equipment donated a shell of a Cessna 152 aircraft to the Sri Lankan Navy for the Sea Museum which is underway at the bottom of the Nilwella Sea Fishing harbour. “We hope that our contribution will increase marine habitats and improve the tourism The first copy of ‘Theertha’ magazine being pre- industry,” said Shevan Fernando Director of sented to the Chairman SLPA, General Daya Rat- Marketing & Special Projects. nayake (left) by the Chief Manager (Communica- Fernando commended the Commander of tions and Public Relations), Chitral Jayawarna the Navy Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne (Middle). Upul Guruge is also in the picture. and Admiral Priyantha Perera for their efforts to enhance and develop the reefs of Sri Lanka ‘Theertha’, the official Lanka to cover ports and for future generations. newspaper of the Sri Lanka maritime affairs. Taking Ports Authority, was recent- into consideration the feed- ly published and launched back received from the as a magazine. The first readers and with the aim of copy of ‘Theertha’ maga- popularizing the newspaper SriLankan Catering appoints Mangala Wijesekera as CEO zine was presented to the to a new target group, Chairman of the Sri Lanka ‘Theertha’ newspaper was SriLankan Catering is the former Chief Operating knowledge of the industry, Oman. He has a Bachelor’s agement from Cornell Uni- Ports Authority (SLPA), redirected to the magazine pleased to announce the Officer for overseas hotel project management, hotel degree in Science from the versity, USA, and has under- General Daya Ratnayake format. appointment of Mangala operations of Aitken Spence management, finance, admin- , a gone Executive Training in by the Chief Manager ‘Theertha’ Magazine is Wijesekera as Chief Execu- Hotels Group, and counts istration, and property opera- Master’s degree in Business International Management (Communications and Pub- published and distributed tive Officer of SriLankan over 23 years of corporate tions gained by working in Administration from the Uni- from Stanford Graduate lic Relations), Chitral Jaya- by the Communications Catering, a subsidiary of experience, in the hospitality different countries and with versity of Southern Queens- School of Business, Califor- CEO SriLankan warna. Launched in 2006, and Public Relations Divi- SriLankan Airlines. industry in Sri Lanka and industry professionals in Sri land, Australia, Master Cer- nia, and NUS Business Catering Mangala ‘Theertha’ is the only dedi- sion of the Sri Lanka Ports Mangala Wijesekera was overseas. He has extensive Lanka, Maldives, India, and tificate in Hospitality Man- School in Singapore. Wijesekera cated newspaper in Sri Authority (SLPA). New Sri Lanka NCE, SL Embassy in Washington host webinar Tourism To improve market access to the US Authority ... The National Chamber of agreed to conduct sector spe- and in 2019 had a share of also encourage greater US Exporters of Sri Lanka cific dialogues, where the Sri 26.3% of all exports, the investment in to Sri Lanka. From page 01 (NCE) is partnering with the Lankan exporters will be products basket to the US In the discussion that fol- Sri Lanka Embassy in Wash- provided with the opportuni- had seen very little diversifi- lowed led by Chairman of “There seems to be a ington D.C. (SLEMB/DC) to ty to engage in discussion cation. Apparel has been the the NEC Shiham Marikkar, Some of the move to amalgamate the better inform Sri Lankan with the business community dominant export item focused on obstacles faced participants at four boards citing excess exporters regards the evolv- of the particular sector, in accounting for 74.5% of the by importers when importing the webinar expenditure. This can be ing trends in the US market order to foster mutually ben- total value, and did not bene- from Sri Lanka including done by the back office and and strategies that could help eficial trading relationships. fit from GSP facility. quality assurance, pricing, Aruna Abeykoon from Las er quantities, Udeni Exporters of Sri Lanka administrative areas working navigate challenges and Further a separate event is The rest which enjoyed promotion and communica- Vegas discussed obstacles Abeykoon from New York (NCE) is the only private on shared services but we overcoming bottlenecks. proposed as a dialogue to GSP, were mainly rubber tion and shipping and logis- faced by importers when focused on the selling of sector Chamber which exclu- see no reason for the Boards At a webinar held recently, enhancing long term trade based products which tics. The need for adaptation importing from Sri Lanka, Apparel Products in the US sively provides services to to be amalgamated nor the over 40 Sri Lankan regis- related relationships such as accounted for 7%, and the to the largely e-commerce Jeevaka Fernando from Los market online and marketing Sri Lankan Exporters, who need to keep the private sec- tered exporters, engaged with partnerships, Franchise and other products included tea, marketing strategies to Angeles shared his experi- strategies to increase exports. make a vital contribution to tor out of it,” said President 10 selected business entre- Investment opportunities iron and steel articles, acti- increase exports. ence on aspects related to Former Director General/ the economy of Sri Lanka Colombo Hotels Associa- preneurs identified by between the two countries vated carbon, precious and SLEMB/DC Minister quality assurance, pricing, Department of Commerce of earning valuable foreign tion, Shanthi Kumar. SLEMB/DC, following its Inaugurating the session, semi-precious stones and sea (Commercial) Sumedha Pon- promotion and communica- Sri Lanka Nimal exchange. “Though there is an official State level interactions of the Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to food. The Embassy was namperuma shared insights tion. Karunathilake also shared his The Chamber would like document of a draft in circula- recently constituted Overseas the USA Ravinatha Aryasin- reaching out to the OSL on the introduction of the US Anjana Aluthwatte provid- experience regarding the reg- to invite Sri Lankan export- tion, the authorities are for Sri Lankans (OSL) Network. hasaid, while increasing the community in the US and to market, import system and ed insights on sales and mar- ulatory aspects of the USA ers to hold hands with the some reason keeping away The event was also live value of apparel exports to Americans who are interest- current trends. keting strategies in the USA, market. The discussion also chamber’s initiative to ena- officially sending the private streamed through social the US, a concerted effort is ed in doing business with Sri The participating Sri Lan- Rick Miller from Virginiaex- focused on the prospects for ble expanded market sector a draft of the proposed media of the Chamber, mak- presently being made to Lanka and helping them in kan professionals residing plained about the shipping collaboration between the access, whereby the desti- new Tourism Act though it has ing the discussion accessible diversify the export product identifying the products and doing business in USA and logistics including the NCE and the re-activated nations where proud Sri been requested in writing.” to a broader base of those basket to US. He noted that which they could import shared insights regarding the including the potential to US-Sri Lanka Chamber of Lankan brands reach are Sri Lanka Tourism Chair- interested in exporting to the while the USA has remained from Sri Lanka to the US. current market conditions increase warehouse facilities Commerce. Dilan Ariyawan- expanded. person Kimarli Fernando has USA. the largest single buyer of Sri The increased production of and the opportunities availa- to help mainly the SMEs sa of the US-Sri Lanka Interested Sri Lankan stated that new thinking is Moving forward, it was Lanka’s exports since 1979 some of these products could ble. exporting to the US in small- Chamber, elaborated on the exporters are encouraged to needed to move the industry role they proposed to play in contact the chamber via forward and a new Act was the future in the furtherance [email protected] to indicate your needed. She also did not of two way trade and invest- interest in participating in respond to SRI LANKA RAILWAYS ment between the US and Sri future event, where the Buisiness calls, SMS or Lanka. Chamber will register you Whatsapp requests for fur- The National Chamber of accordingly. ther comments. PROCUREMENT NOTICE CEYLON Procurement for the Supply of 1 No. Crawler Excavator with PETROLEUM Hydraulic Breaker & 1 No. 9000kg GVW 120hp Dump Truck to CORPORATION Sri Lanka Railways (MINISTRY OF ENERGY) INVITATION FOR BIDS 01. The Chairman, Department Procurement Committee (Major), Sri Lanka Railways, Olcott Mawatha, Colombo 10, Sri Lanka will receive sealed bids Supply & Installing of Aluminium from Manufacturers/Suppliers for the Purchase of 1No. Crawler Excavator Composite Cladding Work to the with Hydraulic Breaker and 1No. 9000kg GVW 120hp Dump Truck. Roof Top of CPC, Head Offi ce B/31/2021 02. Bids will be closed at 2.00 p.m. (Sri Lanka time) on 05.05.2021. 1. The Chairman, Departmental Procurement Committee (DPC) on behalf of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation invites sealed 03. Bids should be submitted on the forms obtainable from the Office of the bids from eligible and qualifi ed bidders for Supply & Installing of Aluminium Composite Cladding Work to the Roof Top of Superintendent of Railway Stores, Olcott Mawatha, Colombo 10, Sri Lanka CPC, Head Offi ce as described below and estimated to cost Rs. up to 3.00 p.m. (Sri Lanka Time) on 04.05.2021 on payment of a non- 3.0 Million (approx). refundable document fee of Rs.8,000.00 only. 2. The period of construction of this work is one (01) month. 3. Bidding will be conducted through National Competitive 04. Bids will be opened immediately after the closing at the Office of the Bidding Procedure. 4. To be eligible for contract award, the successful bidder shall not Superintendent of Railway Stores, Olcott Mawatha, Colombo 10, Sri Lanka. have been blacklisted and shall meet the ICTAD Registration Bidders or their authorized representatives are requested to be present at the C8 or C7. opening of bids. 5. Qualifi cation requirements to qualify for contract award include : Bidders applied for this tender should have ICTAD Registration C8 or C7. Interested bidders may obtain further 05. Sealed bids may be dispatched either by registered post or hand delivered information from Manager (Procurement & Stores) and to: The Chairman, Department Procurement Committee (Major), Sri Lanka inspect the bidding documents from the CPC offi cial website: http://ceypetco.gov.lk/public-tenders/. Railways, Office of the Superintendent of Railway Stores, P.O. Box. 1347, 6. A complete set of bidding documents in English language may Olcott Mawatha, Colombo 10. Sri Lanka. be purchased by interested bidders on the submission of a written application to the address given below from 0900 hrs to 1500 hrs until 04.05.2021 upon payment of a non-refundable 06. Bidding documents may be inspected free of charge at the Office of the fee of Rs. 2,000.00 (i.e. Rs. 1,851.85 + 8% VAT). The method Superintendent of Railway Stores, Olcott Mawatha, Colombo 10, Sri Lanka of payment will be by cash. and for further details, please contact: 7. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the bidders can download the bidding document from CPC website, i.e: http://ceypetco.gov. lk/public-tenders/, and all the payments can be made to the Superintendent of Railway Stores, Account No. 004100110208633 of Ceylon Petroleum Corporation Account in People’s Bank (Head Offi ce). Please submit the Railway Stores Department, original of the bank receipt along with the bid. Olcott Mawatha, 8. Bids shall be delivered in duplicate to the address given below at or before 1400 hrs on 05.05.2021. Late bids will be rejected. Colombo 10, Sri Lanka. Bids will be opened soon after closing in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend. Telephone Nos.: 94(11) 2438078 or 94(11) 2436818 9. Bids shall be valid up to sixty three (63) days after the deadline for submission of bids. Fax No : 94(11) 2432044 10. All bids shall be accompanied by a Bid Security obtained from a E-Mail: [email protected] Bank or Treasury approved insurance company to a value of Rs. 50,000.00. Bid Security shall be valid up to 05.08.2021. Web site: www.railway.gov.lk The Address referred to above is:

Chairman, The Chairman, Departmental Procurement Committee, C/o Manager (Procurement & Stores), Department Procurement Committee (Major), Procurement & Stores Function, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, Sri Lanka Railways. 1st Floor, No. 609, Dr. Danister De Silva Mawatha, Colombo 09. Tel: 5455331, Fax: 5455424 Ref. No.: SRS/F.7724 monday, april 12, 2021 BUSinESS 23 CSR

With Abans and KFHI ComBank funded CISCO LG Ambassador ‘Challenge virtual IT courses benefit many students

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon in collaboration with the Programme’ commences rural CISCO Networking Academy has enabled around 500 stu- dents from government schools to follow IT courses of their choice on a virtual platform free of charge in 2020. This collaboration was launched as part of the Bank’s IT education-related CSR initiatives, to make optimal use of the IT labs donated by the Bank to schools to educate students in an up-to-date ICT curriculum with CISCO Networking development projects Academy, the world’s leading technology skills and career development programme. It provided an opportunity to tran- scend traditional classroom limitations during the pandemic The ground-breaking initiative benefitted and this will be a to enable students to obtain industry-leading certifications to uplift rural communities, and great opportunity to bring value from CISCO. help in the development of vil- to the youth of the village, by While the bank covered the lecture fee for these students, lages, The LG Ambassador Chal- preventing them from engaging the CISCO Networking Academy provided the courses free lenge, commenced its four in dangerous and harmful activi- of charge. Upon completion of these courses, students have selected community projects. ties such as drug addiction and the opportunity to win Scholarships for CISCO career-ready With the partnership of world- alcohol abuse, cyberbullying and certifications such as CCNA, CCNP and Cyber Operations. renowned electronics giant, LG, such. These certifications have a high demand in the industry. and trusted Sri Lanka conglom- The final chosen village con- In 2021 the Bank invited students above the age of 13 erate, Abans Group; along with cern came from the Batticaloa interested in becoming the next generation technology Korea Friends of Hope Interna- district, where the villagers of experts to choose from five IT courses offered online by the tional, Sri Lanka (KFHI), this Sandiweli (over 8000 families) Academy. massive programme allowed Sri face an extremely life-threaten- These courses are ‘Get Connected,’ a beginner course that Lankan youth to bring forward ing situation because they cannot explores essential skills such as how to use a computer, con- solutions to the issues in their travel to the next village, forcing nect devices, and access search, email, and social media; villages. them to cross the large river in ‘NDG Linux Unhatched’ that allows students to wade into The first selected village prob- an electric boat. The boat carries the shallow end of Linux, the back-end operating system lem came from the Sasthrikool- a capacity of 80 persons per trip, used by global titans such as Facebook, Google, Microsoft, ankulam village in Vavuniya, regularly. Therefore, school chil- NASA, Tesla, Amazon and others; ‘Introduction to Cyber which is inhabited by over six dren, teachers, farmers, patients, Security’ that explores cyber trends, threats and the broader hundred families. These people and the rest of the villagers must topic of cybersecurity; ‘Introduction to Internet of Things’ are unable to get unpolluted, travel to the next village without that helps students learn about transforming any business in clean water for their daily needs. any safety measures, which plac- any industry, and ‘Entrepreneurship’. They stated that the water cur- es their lives at great risk on Under its education-related Corporate Social Responsibili- rently consumed by them is every journey. ty initiatives, which emphasize IT literacy on a national very unhealthy and poisonous Hence, the villagers requested scale, the Commercial Bank of Ceylon has donated 200 IT for consumption. This issue life jackets as the first step in Labs to schools and other institutions and is a partner in the has caused serious kidney and children below 5 years are midwife and mothers with their sport. These people are forced to offering some kind of protection government-private sector ‘Smart Schools’ project currently problems amongst the villag- unable to attend their check- children, plus safe storage and play with two temporary head- on their daily boating travels, as encompassing 65 schools in the Western Province. ers. This project titled ‘The ups and get the right advice sanitary facilities. lights on the playground due to a it is a huge life threat when The Bank is also supporting a project to set up 100 Smart Drop of Life’ will see the pro- and medicines for themselves The third selected village con- lack of resources. crossing the river on the boat, classrooms that focus on STEM subjects and is funding pro- vision of a RO water purifica- and their unborn children. The cern was reported from Ampara. Due to the high level of dan- especially during the rainy sea- jects to set up math labs in schools and to enhance vocational tion/filtration system plant current building is highly dam- According to the villagers of the ger during night-time sports, the son, when the river floods and training opportunities for students that do not qualify for which will be constructed in aged and the walls are close to Muwangala area in Ampara, stu- youth have brought the damaged the people are at high risk. They higher education. The Bank has launched ‘Sipnena’ – it’s their village, so they may get falling apart, putting every dents who come home from nets of the fishermen from the have also requested for safety own innovative online educational website that brings the purified, clean water for their expecting mother and young school and are interested in Kalmunai area and repaired them boards to be put up, to create universe of knowledge closer to Sri Lankan children. daily consumption. child at high risk. The toilet sports, spend their time on a tem- to cover the area around the awareness among all the people. Additionally, Commercial Bank is funding a 150-hour IT The Handagiriya village’s facility at this building is also porary ground as a way to prac- field. By initiating this project, This project named ‘Every Life hardware course conducted in collaboration with the Acade- public midwife centre was the unusable. tice their volleyball skills. Young titled ‘Uplifting the Youth for a Matters’ will see the provision of my for ICT skills and Development and CISCO Networking second selected problem, This project named ‘Nurturing people who are engaged in agri- Better Tomorrow’, over 2000 life jackets and safety boards to Academy in selected schools to offer an ‘IT Essentials’ where the midwife centre is the Future Generation’ will see cultural activities also come to people in two neighbouring vil- put up near the river. course for teachers and students free of charge. beyond any kind of usable the renovation of the building to play and release their day-to-day lages will condition. Pregnant mothers include a meeting place for the pressures and stresses in the be highly MULTI PURPOSE CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY LIMITED, ALAWWA Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka INVITATION FOR BIDS Ministry of Trade InvitaƟ on of Expression of Interest for the Supply of EssenƟ al BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Consumer Goods at a lesser price than the market price for year 2021 Chairman, Multi Purpose Co-Operative Society Limited Alawwa, Narammala Road, Expressions of interest is being invited from direct importers and local producers who Alawwa, now invites sealed bids from eligible and qualifi ed bidders for Construction can supply on ready cash basis (Payments will be settled within 7 days) following items & Completion of proposed new building stage 1 at Giriulla Road, Alawwa. Stage 1 for three (03) months from May to July 2021 at reasonable, competitive fi rm prices for consists of completion of lower ground fl oor and fi nishing works of Ground fl oor. the sales outlet network under Lanka Sathosa Limited, Sri Lanka State Trading (General) Corporation, Q-Shop and Department of Cooperative Development that operate under the Bid guidance of the Ministry of Trade. Duration Estimated Tender CIDA Project Security (Days) Cost (Rs.) Fee (Rs.) Grading • 5 kilo Rice Packets (Kekulu, Nadu, Samba) • Chicken (Rs.) • Wheat Flour • Powdered Milk • Sugar • Cowpea Proposed Commercial 80 Mil- C4 or • Red Lentils • Ulundhu (Black Grams) Building for MPCS - Alawwa 180 1.2 Million 5,000.00 lion above • B Onions • Biscuits - Stage I • Potatoes • Coconut Oil • Grams • Soaps Bidding will be conducted through National Competitive Bidding Procedure and • Dried Chillies • Soya priority will be given to contractors who are registered in Kurunegala District. The • Tinned Fish • Noodles Chairman, Multi Purpose Co-Operative Society Limited Alawwa, Narammala Road, • Sprats • Green Grams Alawwa, reserves the right to accept or reject bids received or part thereof. Applicants who wish to submit Expression of Interest should self-prepare an application giving all the undermentioned information and may either be sent by registered post addressed to To be eligible for contract award, the successful Bidder shall not have been blacklisted “Additional Secretary (Administration), 5th Floor, CWE Secretariat Building, Vauxhall Street, and shall have the ICTAD registration as a main Contractor for building works under Colombo 02” or hand delivered between 9.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. on working days of the week the category of C-4 or above. to receive on or before 22.04.2021 . The caption “Invitation of Expression of Interest for the Supply of Essential Consumer Goods for The Bidding Document in English Language can be purchased from the Multi three (03) months at a lesser price than the market price for year 2021 (Type of Goods)” should Purpose Co-operative Society Head Offi ce, Narammala Road, Alawwa on submission be mentioned on the left hand top corner of the envelope containing the application. of a written application together with ICTAD/CIDA registration book original, upon i. Name of Applicant / Name of Company a payment of non refundable tender fee in cash from 9.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. on any ii. Address working day during 12.04.2021 to 02.05.2021. Each bidder shall have one bid. iii. Telephone No. / Fax No. iv. Email Address Bids shall be accompanied by a Bid Security of Rs. 1,200,000.00 (refundable fee). v. Whether Direct Importer or Local Producer (Documentary Proof should be submitted) vi. Types of Goods for which Expression of Interest is submitted Duly perfected bids marked “Title of Tender” on the top left hand corner of the envelope, sealed bid deposited in the tender box located in Head Offi ce, Multi Purpose Applications received up to the specifi ed date will be opened at 3.00 p.m. on 23.04.2021 at Co-Operative Society Limited Alawwa, Narammala Road, Alawwa. the 9th Floor of the CWE Secretariat Building and the applicants may be present at the time of opening of applications. Secretary of the Ministry of Trade reserves the right to accept or reject Bids will be opened at 3.00 p.m. on 03.05.2021 and incomplete or late bids will be any proposals. rejected. Further inquiries : Assistant Secretary (Administration) 0112304078 / 0762566047 Secretary The Chairman Ministry of Trade Multi Purpose Co-operative Society Limited Alawwa, 05th Floor Narammala Road, CWE Secretariat Building No. 27 Alawwa. Vauxhall Street, Colombo 02 Date: 12.04.2021 Te1: 037 2278131, Fax: 037 2278613. 24 BUSinESS monday, april 12, 2021 TRAVEL

To build the regions first hotel apartments Ru Boutique to revolutionize Kandy’s hospitality landscape

Pinning another luxury boutique hotel to the Hill Country tourism catalogue, Ru Boutique was launched recently in Sangaraja Mawatha, Kandy. Owned and operated by the newly formed Kings Lake Hotel Management Company in association with the Dina- pala group, Ru Boutique Hotel offers a mixture of modern and stylish accom- modation of 14 rooms including two suites, courtyard rooms, family rooms, lake view rooms and a single apartment targeting long stayers all with luxury amenities and service. Ru Boutique Managing Director, MD Ru Boutique Ruvini Gamage Ruvini Gamage said that they combined es, cable TV, internet, and tea and cof- cialty of this restaurant is that all food “We have bought a 41 room hotel two residences on an 80 perch land and fee and 24-hour room service. items offered including ice creams, pas- almost adjoining RU Boutique and will ury hotels each in Upper Lake Road in re-built Ru Boutique, leaving a large “In a bid to provide more luxury to tries and fruit juices are handmade.” convert this to a 40 room luxury hotel. Kandy and another location we plan to space for a garden and sitting and the property we also have a rooftop Gamage said that they planned to “Over 70% of the refurbishment has build two more hotels in lands which She also spelt out plans to have their relaxing areas. swimming pool and also a pool table open the hotel last October but was put been completed and we hope to do it they have acquired last year. travel arm and own over 100 ‘keys’ by Ru Boutique has invested heavily and special facilities to host mini-con- on hold due to the COVID-19 pandem- next January under the brand name, She said that with the C-19 vaccinat- the end of 2022.” in high-quality kitchen, bathroom, ferences. We also plan to introduce ic. Kings Lake Hotel.” ing process and the pandemic subsiding Resident Manager, Ruwan Mahaga- furniture and other fittings maintain- High tea and other activities soon.” Commenting on the future develop- Kings Lake Hotel Management is we expect the tourism to pick and this mage said that they have started mar- ing the ancient kingdom culture. The hotel also offers a mini cafeteria ments she said that they have acquired also building Kandy’s first ‘long stay is why they are investing. “We are keting the RU Boutique through local Each room comes complete with facing the Sangaraja Mawatha, (oppo- land and two abandoned properties and apartment hotel’ in the heart of the city upbeat about the future of tourism and and foreign travel agents and the feed- amenities like air conditioning, hot- site the lake) Kandy which could are in the process of o converting them offering 20 apartments. “Our third and we believe this is the right time to back is encouraging especially from US cold water, a Safety box, mini-fridg- accommodate around 30 guests. “Spe- to hotels offering diversified hotels. fourth projects would be 20 room Lux- invest in the future.” and Scandinavian markets.

Swiss Hotel Management Academy launches VET by EHL

The Swiss Hotel Management Advisory Services Aman Aditya Academy (SHMA) launched VET by Sachdev said ‘Sri Lanka is a key EHL, a Vocational Education Training global tourism destination and programme by Ecole hôtelière de despite the ongoing challenges I’m Lausanne (EHL), Switzerland recently very convinced that Sri Lanka tour- at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo. ism will bounce back much sooner Education Minister Prof G L Peiris and stronger. This launch is a land- was the Chief Guest. mark initiative for the hospitality and EHL is the world’s first and number tourism industry in Sri Lanka and we one hospitality management school are excited to be a part of it.’ with over 25,000 alumni worldwide SHMA, one of Sri Lanka’s leading boasting a 96pct employment rate hospitality academy since 2012, is among recent graduates. Based on one now licensed by EHL to deliver the of the best education models in the VET programme in 4 distinct world - the Swiss Competency Frame- streams; Culinary Professional Education Minister (Prof) G L Peiris and A Baur and Company Direc- work, the VET by EHL programme is Diploma, Service Professional Diplo- Capturing traditional cooking of the Northern Province tor/CEO Rolf Blaser speaking at the event. characterized by a strong learning out- ma, Rooms Professional Diploma comes approach and a competence- traditional thinking and embrace more All certificates and diplomas are and Hotel Administration Diploma. oriented structure of training. innovative and ground-breaking ways signed and issued through VET by The apprenticeship model is an Sri Lanka Tourism‘s hosts Int’l Travel Blogger, SHMA is the first hospitality man- that will enable students to have the EHL and all trainers and lecturers at inclusive curriculum with an intense agement institute in Sri Lanka to offer required practical experience and SHMA comprise renowned top weekly 2-day theoretical and practi- Journalist Program to support SME’s an apprenticeship model through the industry relations upon completion of industry professionals. Jens-Henning cal learning followed by a compre- VET by EHL programmes, heralding a their study. We are challenging the sta- Peters, Head of VET by EHL said hensive 4-day ‘on-the-job’ training at The “Visiting Travel revolutionary change to the hospitality tus quo together with VET by EHL ‘The team at SHMA has tirelessly select-star classed hotels that will Blogger and Journalist industry. A Baur & Company Pvt Ltd and taking this bold initiative for the worked to reach to where we are distinct SHMA graduates as trail- Programme” an annual Managing Director/CEO Rolf Blaser greater good of our hospitality sector today.’ blazers and game-changers in the project in which Sri stated, ‘We are proud to break through and the country as a whole.’ Director and Regional Head- EHL industry. Lanka Tourism hosts to diversify and spread the visitation of foreign trav- ellers visiting the country and also generate income for Micro, Small and The Karnivore opens offering gourmet meat and BBQ dishes Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Sri Lanka The Sri Lankan culinary mary sauce that stands out on Negombo and plans for open- was relaunched. landscape is set to experience a its own. ing in Japan are also on the Through the visiting new concept that aims to The choicest ingredients cards. blogger and journalist Janet Newnham receives an award from Tour- rewrite the notion of a meat such as extra virgin olive oil Outlining the concept behind programs, interest has ism Ministry Secretary S. Hettiarachchi for her and barbecue restaurant with are used for cooking to ensure the restaurant, Nalinda stated been created to popular- outstanding contribution to the Sri Lanka Tour- the launch of ‘The Karnivore food quality while delivering that “We have recognized a ize the lesser-known ism Industry. at Nawala’. health benefits. market gap in high-end BBQ attractions such as the The dishes served at The Some of the most signature and meat dishes, thereby, it is Jaffna Peninsula, International Travel the run’, started blogging Karnivore also include abun- dishes at the restaurant are the with this in mind that we have Pidurangala, Wilpattu, Journalists and Travel about Sri Lanka, com- dant health benefits. The meat Jumbo prawns and Combo decided to introduce fine dine Riverstone-Matale, Bloggers were identified mented that “I never is cooked in its natural essence dishes among the famous sea- culture into a menu of meats Seelogama – Belihuloya, based on their engaging expected to find some of with no added sauce or pre- food Paella that has been given and barbecue loved by people Bandarawela, Monaraga- content creation skills for the most beautiful hotels servatives and is hand-picked a unique Lankan twist with the of all ages. The founders of Karnivore; Nalinda and Hasitha with la, Maligathenna-Gampa- travel blogs, popular in the world in this small, and marinated with a curated inclusion of the renowned The Karnivore offers Dine- their team at the launch of the Restaurant. ha, Ridi Viharaya- social media platforms but perfectly formed touch and customers can enjoy Kochchi chilli. Their star dish in, Take Away and Delivery, Kurunegala, Diyaluma (such as YouTube, Insta- South Asian nation”. the meat without any added is the Karnivore combo which with 100% compostable con- Falls, Kondagala-Kandy gram, and Facebook). Travel Bloggers, jour- flavouring which is an experi- features a whole range of tainers made from Bagasse and Tangalle in Sri Previously, locations nalists and tourists are ence of its own. meats and seafood. which is a by-product of Sugar Lanka. Thus, more expe- like Jaffna, Kilinochchi, now unearthing places This means that each of the The key investors are Hasi- Cane and is 100% environ- rience-driven opportuni- Passikudah, Badulla, Riv- like Pettah, venturing into dishes is grilled or cooked and tha Kalansuriya, Nalinda mentally friendly. Seating at ties and diversity will be erstone, Bandarawela, the unseen spice markets are accompanied by a collec- Bamunusinghe and Roshan The Karnivore, is in two tiers, created and added to a Wilpattu and Belihuloya to buy spices from local tion of homemade sauce on the Gunawardane, a computer sys- with the downstairs section set visitor’s expedition in Sri and Monaragala, hardly wholesalers, then expand- side, that is put together with tems analyst, senior chartered for family dining. The restau- Lanka. saw tourists, which were ing their trip to River- carefully chosen ingredients. accountant and a Sri Lankan rant also has two private rooms “So Sri Lanka”, the not on the regular guided stone in Matale for hik- The collection includes a businessman from Japan. that could be used for events, theme that was used to tourist routes before. ing trails. Tourists are delightful BBQ sauce, onion They also hope to open The private parties and functions. The restaurant in Nawala. provide travellers with a However, now these loca- now stumbling upon sauce, tartar sauce and rose- Karnivore in Colombo and lasting taste of authentic tions are part of the cam- waterfalls like Diyaluma, Sri Lankan life; from paign to enhance their Sera Ella, Bopath Ella, authentic local food, visibility and also ensure Bambarakanda Ella, nature, rich cultural val- that these areas which Duwili Ella and stopping ues and lifestyle. Most contain small and medi- over at homestay accom- travellers are now look- um enterprises, become a modation in the areas. Emirates reaffirms care for customers, extends ing for unique experi- beacon for more travel- Another highlighted ence-based options which lers. activity planned to uplift Sri Lanka can provide, Ireland based Female the local community with the support of the Travel Blogger, Janet was “Day with the complimentary multi-risk travel insurance cover rapidly increasing micro, Newnham who has an locals” which was con- small and medium busi- international travel blog ducted in Selagama, a Emirates has announced the suing any ticket will be waived, now extending this facility nesses. site called ‘Journalist on remote village in Beli- latest updates to its already gen- and vouchers or unused portions beyond 31 March 2021 until huloya and Kilinochchi erous booking policies, offering of Emirates tickets may be further notice, offering added (North). This program customers even more confi- refunded without penalty. value and peace of mind for its offered to create a com- dence and flexibility to make Customers who hold tickets customers. munity based rural tour- their travel plans. issued directly by Emirates, For its loyal frequent flyers, ism experience for for- Customers holding tickets whether via emirates.com or the Emirates Skywards is extending eigners. issued before 30 September airline’s retail and contact cen- the Tier Status of its Silver, The captured content 2020 for travel before 31 tres, do not have to contact Gold and Platinum members over these journeys was December 2021, can now Emirates as the tickets are auto- until 2022. shared and published on rebook to travel anytime within matically extended. Customers The validity of any Skywards popular travel blogs, 36 months, an extension of 12 who purchased their tickets via Miles due to expire since April online and print publica- months from the previous poli- a travel agent will need to con- 2020 has been further extended tions and social media cy. tact their agent before the expi- until 31 August 2021, providing platforms which reached Those holding tickets issued ry date to reissue their tickets. Skywards members with more the masses of people after 01 October 2020 for travel Emirates was the first airline opportunities to utilize them for from different demo- before 31 December 2021, can to provide global multi-risk an extensive range of flight and graphics of travellers utilise their tickets anytime travel insurance cover for all partner rewards as well as other Paddy fields in Jaffna around the world. within 24 months. Fees for reis- passengers, and the airline is privileges. MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2021 PAGE 25

PRAMOD DE SILVA who are flagged he Sinhala and Tamil New down for these tests Year or the Aluth Avurudda must cooperate with the authorities. (shortened to Avurudu) is our Even while at home celebrating the Avurudu, way of connecting with Nature Times”) of celebrations the health guidelines must be kept in mind. The and thanking the Sun for shin- of any given national frequent washing of hands is a must. It is also ingT on our lives 365 days a year. Based on the festival, unless the advisable to invite one’s relatives to visit at astrological phenomenon of the Sun’s transi- virus completely dissi- separate times instead of having them all at tion from Pisces (Meena) and Aries (Mesha), pates, which might not once. Yes, this could be more expensive, but one it is actually a harvest festival that expresses happen this year. Thus cannot take chances with this runaway virus. our gratitude to nature in expectation of a the freedom that we This arrangement could ensure physical dis- bountiful year ahead. It is celebrated in India, have gained through tancing and some leeway in case one or more of Sri Lanka, Thailand and many other coun- the hard work of our them have the virus. The health authorities tries and their Diasporas in many Western healthcare and Defence must be informed immediately if one or more countries. sectors must be enjoyed persons in your household develop any symp- with responsibility and toms associated with COVID-19 following such What makes Avurudu unique is the sense prudence. visits by relatives and friends. of community participation – an entire coun- First, we must make By a happy coincidence, the start of Ramadan try engaging in one act such as lighting the sure that we follow all for the Muslim Community also falls on April hearth, partaking meals and worshipping the COVID-related 13. This is one of those juxtapositions that we elders at one moment in time. This paves health guidelines at all experience in our multi-ethnic, multi-religious the way for a sense of oneness that one can- times. It is best if milieu. Ramadan, based on the Five Pillars of not feel at any other national or religious including Sri Lanka resorted to lockdowns to crowded venues can be avoided altogether. Islam Faith (Sahada), Prayer (Salat), Alms and event. It brings families – and a nation – contain the spread of the disease which can be Many people were seen heading to crowded Generosity (Zakat), Fasting (Sawm) and Pil- together in a spirit of harmony. It is also a spread by airborne particles transmitted from shopping centres to buy Avurudu gifts, which grimage (Hajj) is a holy period for Muslims the time to let bygones be bygones and start person to person. many doctors frowned upon. As one prominent world over where they engage in activities con- anew with our lives. Yes, it is time to for- doctor said “you have to select what is more nected to the above. Just like their Buddhist and give one’s enemies and renew bonds with AVURUDU IN THE TIMES important for you – new clothes for the family Hindu brethren, they will have to face certain one’s friends and relatives. or their very lives”. That sums up the equation restrictions in terms of religious activity this OF COVID 19 rather bluntly. In the same manner, we must year, but that is the price we have to pay to NATIONAL FESTIVAL avoid crowded Bak Maha Ulelas (New Year ensure the health and well-being of all. Around 12 months ago, the entire country – Festivals) where it will be next to impossible to All communities in Sri Lanka are still reeling While the Avurudda is theoretically lim- and the world – was in such a strict lockdown. maintain physical distancing (at least one meter from the shock generated by the dastardly ited to Sinhala and Tamil, or rather the One of the biggest casualties of this strict lock- apart from the next person), even though the Easter attacks that took place exactly two years Hindu communities, it has become a down was the biggest national festival of Sri attendees are supposed to be capped to 100. But ago. It is thanks to the Sri Lankans’ inherent national festival in scope with all commu- Lanka – the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. It was this is more like to be observed in the breach belief in religious values that a massive blood- nities and religious groups coming on strange, almost eerie, to herald Avurudu in once the festivities get going. bath was averted on that occasion. Religious board. This is how it should be in a multi- without the traditional firecrackers, Raban There could also be a tendency to let go of the leaders worked hard to ensure that the attacks ethnic, multi-religious country such as Sri sounds and festivities. Avurudu this time last mask in the midst of Avurudu revelry. Health did not harm our very socio-religious fabric and Lanka. Avurudu sweetmeats are freely year was a strictly family affair, sans relatives authorities have warned against such compla- they have succeeded to a great extent. In this shared among the neighbours, no matter and friends. Yes, the entire nation did celebrate cency, noting that stern action would be taken context, the fact that all three major communi- what their ethnicity is. Avurudu Games Avurudu, but at household level, not as a nation- against those who violate the health guidelines ties and religious groups in Sri Lanka are having are open to all, regardless of race and al ceremony per se. and laws. We have to take a cue from neighbour- a new beginning more or less on the same day religion. That is the very spirit of the This time, things look much more promising. ing India, where people let their guard down is a happy omen for the future. Sinhala and Tamil New Year whose The pandemic is still raging around the world during several recent national festivals, leading underlying theme is harmony among all. (some countries have actually seen a massive to a massive spike in cases and deaths. This is a LOOKING AHEAD WITH But even Avurudu cannot escape eve- increase in cases that is even worse than last situation which we have to avoid at all costs as ryday realities. The world is currently in year), but Sri Lanka has managed it remarkably the Government already spends a massive OPTIMISM the grip of a dreaded virus called the well even after a second wave back in October amount of money on PCR Tests and other pre- Coronavirus, which has infected 135 last year that saw an exponential increase in the ventive measures. Any surge in cases at this This is the very premise and promise of the million people worldwide, whilst caus- number of cases and even deaths. The credit for point would place a huge burden on the health- Avurudda – an all-new beginning. Granted, the ing close to three million deaths. This is this success (Sri Lanka was placed 10th in a list care system which has allocated most of its previous year was a bad one, but we can look a once-in-a-century event, the last such of countries that had managed the pandemic resources to fighting the pandemic. Thus organ- ahead with optimism to a brand New Year that contagion (the Spanish Flu) having best by the prestigious Lowy Institute of Aus- isers of all Avurudu festivals must strictly will hopefully be a much better one. Let us hope appeared exactly 100 years ago, killing tralia) should go to the political leadership, the observe the restrictions and guidelines in place that the Government’s vaccination campaign more than 50 million people. Medical healthcare sector and the Security Forces/ to ensure that the virus is kept at bay. can fully inoculate all adults within this year (if science has moved on since then, so we Police, who collectively devised very effective We must also be careful in visiting home- all goes well at the current clinical trials abroad, have been able to keep the death count strategies to contain the runaway contagion. towns and other areas from the Western Prov- schoolchildren too will be able to get the shot down, but there is still no cure per se ince. There could be asymptotic carriers among this year) so that we can achieve herd immunity for viral diseases. Instead, we have FOLLOW GUIDELINES us who could ‘gift’ the disease to the elderly and and defeat the virus at its own game. That will vaccines, several of which have come vulnerable relatives. Again, the Government has make this Avurudda the most meaningful one in on to the market in less than one year. AT ALL TIMES arranged random Rapid Antigen Tests for those years, if not decades. Remember, the first case of the virus leaving the Western Province to the other prov- was officially recorded only in late Thus Sri Lankans have earned the freedom to inces. Those December 2019 (Hence the moniker celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year this COVID-19), but it took less than time around, albeit under the “New Normal” three months for it to go around circumstances. This means that we can- the world and paralyse life not still go back to 2019-level as we knew it. Most (now referred to as countries “Before TOWN COUNTRY page 26 & DN MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2021 SAVOUR THE SPLENDOURS OF SWEETNESS AND SPICES

RUWINI JAYAWARDANA people can’t reserve one day in their hectic holiday in a hotel with your spouse and things that a mother can teach her daugh- espite the ongoing global schedule each year to prepare for this cele- kids,” she said. ter,” she opined. pandemic nature is in bloom! bration. It encompasses of many important She notes that the essence of the season The Avurudda also evokes blessings on With April approaching and traditions which need to be handed over to begins well ahead of the actual date. During the country as everyone boils a pot of milk the dawn of the Sinhala and the next generation. The mother in every her childhood elders used to make a swing in their home at the same time. Tamil New Year, it seems as household should take the lead and guide for the children as soon as they announced “We used to prepare the stove in advance thoughD the environment itself is preparing these youngsters in performing each ritual school holidays. They also engage in other using cow dung. This symbolized dressing Culinary expert Sunethra Ekanayake to welcome the festive season. according to traditions,” Ekanayake activities like rolling dices and Pancha Kelai- the stove with a new outfit. Even the oil pan Avurudu dawns on April 14 each year and expressed, questioning why people make ya. The households smell of treacle through- was placed on the fire first on days which they have kept their differences aside,” she the Sinhala and Tamil New Year is charac- time to go on trips but fail to allocate a few out these days as family members get are considered as prosperous. A tree is said. terized by the many traditional Avurudu hours to prepare for the festival. together to make sweetmeats. planted on Avurudu day so that the person Puddings are one category which can be food prepared for the occasion. These treats She says that many of the traditions are “Everyone lends a hand in making these who planted it can tend to it throughout the made in advance. If one is concerned about inevitably have their own place in the Sri now passed over by the youth today. If each sweet treats. So the burden of making these year,” Ekanayake added. health issues he or she can reduce the Lankan food scene. ritual is followed according to the norms, it delicacies at home does not fall on the Reflecting on her past experiences Eka- amount of sugar used to make a cake or pud- The smell of cooking, frying, baking and enhances their future. mother alone. Oil cakes, kokis, athirasa, nayake says that they used to prepare all the ding. Likewise it is a good idea to steam the hustle and bustle that is characteristic of “This is actually one of the gifts that a mung kevam and aluwa are emblems of the Avurudu food a couple of days earlier and instead of bake. the season is evident in many households as mother can give to her children. If rituals Avurudda. Therefore, each of these are a store them in clay pots. These are kept “Prepare a cake using 50g sugar, 125g flour, everyone tries to do their bit to welcome a are followed properly, the children step into must for the Avurudu table. If you buy these sealed well before the celebration. 125g butter, 1 tea/so baking powder, two eggs New Year. Our culinary expert Sunethra a brand new year armed with their mother’s from a shop, the kids do not get the oppor- The first financial transaction too had and a few drops of vanilla. Steam fish. You can Ekanayake dishes us with some pointers to and elders’ blessings. During our childhood tunity to learn how they are made. Getting more importance then. Some people used to stir fry as well. Make small changes like these keep in mind when we get pounding, grind- people used to visit their villages during this together to make these at home also pro- drop a coin or betel leaf into their well and instead of fearing it,” she advised. ing, sifting, and seeping all those amazing time of year to celebrate this occasion with vides them with a mental and physical satis- take a pot full of water. This would be kept Ekanayake is attached to the Asian Lanka delicacies. their families, relatives and loved ones. faction. These are invaluable lessons that a aside till the year. Hotel School. She also has her own catering “The Sinhala and Tamil New Year comes Today it has become a fad to spend this mother can teach her children and house “People exchange a plate full of Avurudu service named Fun City Caters in Thala- only once every 365 days. I don’t see why management is one of the most precious food with their neighbours to signal that wathugoda and Kegalle.

4 cardamom pots PILAU RICE 10 black peppercorns (Lightly crushed) DATE BALLS SOFT RAISIN COOKIES - Ingredients Chicken stock 900 ml - Ingredients - Ingredients Basmati Rice 500g 100 g cashew nuts 1 cup sugar 2 cup raisings 1 small onion, nely chopped Fresh coriander sprigs to garnish ½ cup butter 1 cup water 1 garlic clove, crushed - Method Pinch of salt ¾ cup butter 2-3 tsp vegetable oil Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes. Heat the oil 1 ½ cup chopped dates 2 cup sugar 1 tsp fennel seeds in a saucepan, add the onions and garlic and fry gen- 1 cup chopped cashew 3 eggs 1 ta/sp sesame seeds tly for 5-6 minutes until softened. 2 cup rice cereal (Habala Pethi) 1 tea/sp vanilla 1 tea/sp ground turmeric Stir in the fennel and sesame pods. Add the tur- Desiccated coconut 4 cup  our 1 tea/sp cumin seeds meric, cumin seeds, salt cloves, cardamom pods and - Method 1 tea/sp baking powder 2-3 whole cloves peppercorns and fry for about a minute. Drain the rice Heat rst the three ingredients: sugar, butter and salt. well. Add to the pan and stirfry for a Add dates and bring to boil, 5 minutes stirring constantly. Cool. 1 tea/sp baking soda further 3 minutes. Soak rice cereal in little water. 1 tea/sp cinnamon powder Pour on the chicken stock. Bring Add rice cereal and chopped cashew, dates mixture and make balls. 1 cup chopped nuts to boil. Then cover, reduce the heat Roll in desiccated coconut. Pinch of salt to low and simmer gently for 20 - Method minutes without removing the lid. Add 1 cup water to raisins. Do this until all the liquid has been Cook for ve minutes. Set aside absorbed. to cool. powder, baking soda salt, and cinnamon powder. Add a alter- Remove from the heat and leave Cream butter and sugar. Add nately with raisin liquid to creamed mixture. stir in raisings and to stand for 2-3 minutes. Fork up the eggs and vanilla and beat well. nut. rice and stir in the cashew nuts. Gar- Sift together  our, baking Chill dough 4-5 hours. nish with coriander sprigs. Drop by tea/sp on to greased cookies tray. CARAMEL DATE PUDDING Bake at 180C about 12 minutes.

- Ingredients 250g pitted dates 1 tea/sp grated fresh ginger 315 ml water 1 tea/Sp bicarbonate of soda POTATOES WITH CASHEW NUTS 125g butter 225g sugar GINGER CUP CAKES - Ingredients Cashew 100g 3 eggs 1 kg potato peeled and cut into three pieces Curry leaves 250g plain  our 2 tea/sp cumin seeds - Method 1 tea/sp vanilla 2 tea/sp mustard seeds Boil the potatoes until tender. Drain and - Ingredients 1 B onion nely sliced leave to steam dry. For the caramel 150 g butter 4-5 large garlic cloves, crushed. Heat the oil in a large lidded pan oven a sauce 1 cup golden syrup 1” ginger nely chopped medium low heat. Add the cumin seeds and 125g butter ¾ cup brown sugar 2 large tomato mustard seeds and fry for 1 minutes or until 175g brown sugar 1 cup ginger beer 1 tea/sp coriander power they start to sizzle. Add the onions garlic, gin- 300 ml fresh milk 2 tea/sp baking soda 1 ta/sp chili powder ger, tomatoes, spices and ta/sp water. Cook - Method * 2 ½ cup plain  our ½ ta/sp turmeric powder oven low heat for 5-10 minutes until softened. Place dates, ginger and water in 1 ta/sp ground ginger 2-3 tab/sp vegetable oil Add boiled potatoes and stir to coat. a saucepan and bring slowly to the 2 tea/sp mixed spice 1 ta/sp red chili pieces Add curry leaves and cashew nuts. boil. Stir in bicarbonate soda and Paper cases Salt to taste cool Preheat oven to 180 C. Pour batter in to a greased and paper lined Icing sugar for dusting Cream butter gradually adding round cake tin. Bake for 50 minutes or until - Method sugar until light and  u y. risen, golden and cooked when tested with a Melt butter, golden syrup Add vanilla and eggs, one at a skewer. If padding browns too quickly, cover and brown sugar in a saucepan time. Beat well after each addition. with a sheet of brown paper. large enough to mix all the in- Add  our and grated ginger into - To make sauce gredients. Remove from heat and creamed mixture. Combine butter, sugar and milk in a saucepan add ginger beer and baking soda and bring to the boil stirring to dissolve sugar. while the mixture is frothing mix Boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and serve in  our, ginger and mixed spice warm with pudding. until mixture is smooth. Place paper cases in mu n pans. Pour mixture in to three quar- ters to ll the cases. Bake at 180C for 15 minutes. Dust with icing sugar. POL CAKE - Ingredients Brown sugar 150g powder. Add this mixture to the cooled co- ½ bottle kithul treacle conut mixture. Add the spice powder, vanilla CHICKEN AND PINEAPPLE CURRY HOMEMADE MEAT BALL CURRY 1 scraped coconut and rose essence. Now add the cashew nuts Dates 250g and dried fruits. The mixture should resemble a cake mix- Cashew 100g - Ingredients Mixed dried fruit 100g ture. If it is too dry, add around 1 cup water. Put the mixture in a 10x10 tray which has 1 Kg chicken cut into 2 Semolina 200g inch cubes Rice  our 50g been covered with oil paper. Bake at 160C for about 60 minutes. 1 large onion, chopped Baking powder 2 ½ tea/sp 2-3 ta/sp oil Butter or margarine 50 g 2-3 ta/sp curry powder Cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg 2 cup chicken stock in equal portions, ground into powder 2 Salt and pepper to taste tea/sp 1 small pineapple, cut into A pinch of salt chunks Vanilla 1 cup yoghurt. Rose essence 1 ts/sp chili powder - Ingredients butter ¼ cup  our - Method Hand full of curry leaves 2 tea/sp curry powder. Put the brown sugar in a pan and heat. Ginger and garlic 1 ta/sp For meat balls 1 ¼ cup chicken stock When it is caramelizing add 2 cups water Desiccated coconut 50g for 750g chicken minced meat ½ cup fresh milk. and treacle. Add the scraped coconut and garnishing 2 onions nely chopped - Mehod salt when the mixture starts to heat. - Method 2 green chilies nely chopped To make the meat balls, mix the meat with the rest of Let the mixture cook for about 10 min- Fry the chicken, onion, 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs the ingredients adding enough beaten egg to bind. Form utes and then add the dates. Cook for a ginger and garlic in the oil Salt and black pepper to taste the mixture into small balls and fry them in the hot oil until further 2-3 minutes. until the chicken and onions Pinch of ground cinnamon and golden brown. Drain on kitchen paper. Take o the heat and add the butter cloves To make the sauce, melt the fat in a large pan. Blend in or margarine and keep aside to cool for are brown. The ginger and garlic needs to be tender. Stir in the curry powder, chili powder salt 1 egg beaten the  our and curry powder and cooked for ½ minutes. Stir in about 10-15 minutes. and pepper and cook for a further 3-4 minutes. Oil for deep frying the stock and bring to the boil, stirring, cook gently, stirring Combine semolina,  our and baking Blend in the stock and yoghurt. Add the yoghurt mixture, cover and simmer 30 minutes. Add For sauce until the sauce has thickened. Add the milk and seasoning. the pineapple and simmer for a further 10 minutes. 2 ta/sp ghee or Place the meat balls in the sauce and simmer gently for Sprinkle coconut over the curry and serve with rice. 10 minutes. Serve the home made meat balls curry with pilau rice. TOWN & COUNTRY page 27 MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2021 DN FAST TIPS TO TURN YOU INTO AN AVURUDU KUMARA OR KUMARIYA

dictates how we look and feel. There are a few things to consider before decid- ing the hair you want. Start with your own natural hair to assess your personal goals, confi dence level and style. Then, couple that with the division, age hen it comes to the pageant world, looking your best is vital. If you group and overall style of the particular pageant are new to the pageant scene, you may need some guidance. If you you are participating in. have been on the pageant circuit for a while it is always good to have Long hair is the traditional standard for a refresher on the most important things to consider for your beauty pageants. If your tresses are long and you routine. are entering a pageant, you should con- WWith Avurudu around the corner, many youth are setting their sights on nabbing the sider a few things when styling long Avurudu Kumariya or Avurudu Kumara crown. Read on for our guide to beauty for this hair. You should always consider your Avurudu pageant scene. attire for each category. Up, down, straight or curly? Remember it’s a pag- eant so volume is your friend! are other things you can do to enhance your glow. If you don’t have naturally long hair SKIN CARE First, make sure you remove unwanted body hair. and want to achieve long hair for your Beautiful skin is a must for pageants. To ensure Hairy armpits or hairy legs will not make you stand pagean - never fret! Thanks to modern that your body looks fi t for the event you need to out in a good way. You can choose different meth- fabulousness in hair technology with sew- eat healthy, exercise and drink plenty of water. The ods to do this: shaving, waxing or hair removal ins, extensions and clip-ins you won’t have same goes for your skin! Also, make sure you have creams. Waxing is a great option because it leaves to worry as it can be a seamless transition. a good skin care routine started at least a month your skin smooth and bump free before your competition. At the very least you MAKEUP should use a gentle cleanser and a good moistur- izer to ensure your skin glows. EMPHASIZE EYES Going heavy with foundation is okay for If you have any skin issues like acne or oily skin This is a big part of pageant preparation. It can pageant makeup since people aren’t going to get products that specifi cally address those issues. hide fl aws and accentuate your best features. High- be close to you. First, make sure to pick the right To enhance your beauty or if your skin isn’t looking lighting your eyes will really make them pop. Make foundation for your skin type and skin tone. When as perfect as you’d like, use makeup. It is important sure that your cosmetics coordinate with your fi nding the perfect match, keep in mind that to do some research to fi nd the best concealer and outfi t or choose neutrals colors that go well with you are looking for a colour that is more foundation for your skin. Try a couple different any look. You really can’t go wrong with an elegant dramatic than everyday wear. You want types or see a makeup artist for advice on brown or black smoky eye. the coloru to be close to your skin, picking the best formulations for but you also want something that your skin. In the pageant world, ALL SMILES will make you stand out on stage it is also important to have and will show through the stage beautiful skin on the rest of Your smile is one of your competitive advantages lighting. Once you decide on the your body, not just your face. so make it look great! Many girls choose a stand foundation, apply it evenly over As I’ve mentioned above, out lip colour, like a classic red, to make their smile your face using your favorite appli- eating right, working out and stand out. If you are planning to wear a col- cator. Apply a heavier layer on drinking loads of water ourful lip than make sure you prepare pimples or discolorations to helps give you beautiful beforehand. Exfoliate your lips make your face look more skin but there in advance so they are smooth even and healthy. For ex- and soft and colour is uniform. tra coverage on stubborn Also, do not forget that lip liner areas, opt for a good con- is your assistant, not the star. cealer. In addition, make Dark lip liner with pale lips sure to blend the founda- should stay in the 90s! Use tion around your hairline lip liner to help your lip and jawline so it looks more colour stick and prevent natural and smooth! feathering. Apply a Compiled by colour that matches Ruwini Jayawardana your lipstick or the colour of your lips. And always remember smile, PAGEANT TIPS smile, smile! Current or former, contestants HAIR are by far some of the most reliable people to give you insight into a prospective pageant CARE system. The current contestants will be able It should to tell you exactly what they are experienc- come as no ing and they’ll be able to give you advice surprise that hair about the system, the director and the other completes the entire out- fi t and gives us an un- contestants. These ladies and gent are very canny confi dence on helpful because they are currently person- our best hair days. ally invested in this pageant so they will Perfectly coiffed likely be quite upfront about their take on the hair inspires and whole thing, good and bad.

AT HOME BEAUTY HACKS FOR THE NEW YEAR SABRINA K SAHNI  Rosacea used in replace of cuticle oil, or even shaving gels! Replacing  Reduce overall blood sugars removes excess residue and moisture allowing for your base ach year we take time to re ect on the  Eczema shaving gels with coconut oil in the shower actually reduces  Help support a healthy gut micro-biome coat of nail polish to adhere better; thus leading to a longer changes that help us become our best In fact, in certain cultures, turmeric is actually mixed the amount of cuts and razor burn. One of my favorite uses lasting manicure with fewer chipped nails! selves in the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. with other spices in addition to our and honey to create a of coconut oil is as a simple makeup remover – it is a great - Skin We may spend time and/or good money mask that is applied to brides and grooms before their wed- chemical free way to get rid of stubborn waterproof eye ACV contains alpha-hydroxy acids that help remove - Gut on items that promise us youthful looking ding day to help their skin glow! Try adding a half-teaspoon makeup! dead skin cells and help reveal bright, vibrant skin. Regular use of ACV can aid in improving absorption of skin, less joint pain, and even whiter teeth. E of turmeric to a honey for a simple DIY mask. Even try Combine ACV with warm water to create a certain nutrients, which can help improve overall immunity We are often led to believe that looking and feeling your squeezing a little lemon in it for a little extra glow! - Hair toner to help minimize the appear- and digestion. best comes at a high cost. Did you ever stop to think what If you have sensitive skin, you may want to try incorpo- As mentioned above, coconut oil con- ance of pores. Adding a splash Try adding a tablespoon of ACV to a glass of warm wa- products could be right under your nose – or at least in your rating it in your diet. Adding a half-teaspoon of turmeric to tains fatty acids, which are essential of lemon can help minimize ter every morning to maximize the e ects. It’s important kitchen cupboard? Let’s talk about three common house- a smoothie that is rich in fruits and vegetables is a great way for healthy hair growth and can help sunspots or areas of hyper- to dilute the vinegar so it doesn’t ruin the enamel of your hold items and how they can help you look and feel your to not only look good, but also feel great! keep locks silky and smooth. It is pigmentation. teeth! best in the coming Avurudu season. particularly bene cial in treat- Whether you want clearer skin, longer lasting mani- - Joints ing and preventing dry, dam- - Nails cures, or want to shed a few pounds, be sure to take a TURMERIC Studies have shown that because of its anti-in amma- aged hair because it actually Soak your  nger- moment to stop and check your kitchen cupboard. You’ll Turmeric is a common household spice that has long tory properties, turmeric can help in ailments such as os- penetrates the hair shaft and nails for 1 minute in be surprised how many items you have in your home that been studied for its scienti c and medicinal bene ts. It’s teoarthritis. Studies have shown that turmeric is superior to repairs from within. If you ACV before your next you can use to step up your beauty routine this New Year. active ingredient, curcumin, is a polyphenol and has been placebo in improving joint pain secondary to osteoarthritis su er from split ends, dry or manicure. The vinegar Speaking of Women Health shown to have several health bene ts. Here is how you can when taken daily. Turmeric can also be found in capsule damaged hair, try creating use turmeric to help your skin and joints. form and is easily purchased over the counter at most drug- a hair mask with coconut oil. stores. Though e ective on its own, you - Skin The recommended dosage for powdered turmeric is can try adding an egg or mixing in 1800mg per day or if you are taking the extract, be sure not an avocado to help lock in moisture Turmeric has anti-in ammatory and anti-oxidant prop- to exceed 90 drops per day. If you are on any blood thin- and increase shine! erties, and when applied directly on the skin can help calm ners or have a history of gastrointestinal bleeding, speak to certain skin conditions like: your healthcare provider before taking daily turmeric sup- Acne - Weight loss plementation. Coconut oil is rich in Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which some studies have been shown to increase calories COCONUT burned in a given 24 hour period by as much as 5 percent, OIL leading to long term weight loss and maintenance. You can even use coconut oil topically in conjunction Coconut oil is one of the most with co ee grounds to create a body scrub to help minimize versatile beauty products and is (not eliminate!) the appearance of stubborn cellulite! a proven hydrator, anti-oxidant, and skin moisturizer. Because it APPLE CIDER VINEGAR contains several medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), it has several Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has long been studied as a: therapeutic bene ts on the whole  Weight loss supplement body, both inside and out.  Means to improve cardiovascular function  Way to treat dandru - Skin Drinking this regularly has several health bene ts, though, not widely supported by the current literature. Not only can coconut oil be What we do know however, is that ACV can do the follow- used to moisturize dry skin dur- ing: ing the winter months, it can be  Improve insulin levels TOWN COUNTRY page 28 & Dn MOn D ay, april 12, 2021

a traditional new year table a Colourful tamil new year decoration pillow fighting not allowed this year welCOMing new year with a sense OF tOgetherness

Disna MuDalige thoroughly advised to follow the golden rules of wear- he people across the country are suf- ing face masks, keeping social distance and washing fused with celebrative moods as the hands. eagerly-awaited time of the year has Face mask is not a must for the contestants of “Avu- dawned giving them a much-desired rudu Kumari” (New Year Queen), “Avurudu Kumaraya” break from the humdrum of life. (New Year Prince) and Fancy Dress Competition when TThe traditional Sinhala and Tamil New Year, known they are performing, but it has to be worn while lining as “Aluth Avurudda” or “” in the two lan- up and waiting for their turn. guages, is a perfect time for the people to renew family This year, many people enjoy a five-day holiday bonds and friendly connections. It allows the people to period as the Government declared today as a special freshen up their hopes and purposes in life and get public holiday. Most of the people, especially those back to work with a new found vigour. who return to their homes in outstation areas from The traditional New Year is celebrated in many Colombo during this holiday, must have been done households in Sri Lanka, and it is a time-honoured with their New Year shopping by now. Buying new cultural festival that allows all communities to come clothes for family members as gifts is a special feature together to celebrate as one family. attached to our traditional New Year. The apparel Koha or asian Koel This time of the year is marked with a series of cus- shops, whose revenue plummeted down last year own- toms and activities handed down from generation to ing to the Coronavirus pandemic, have got a new lease playing the rabana generation such as preparing traditional sweetmeats, of life with satisfactory sales during the “Avurudu” gift-giving, visiting relatives, religious observances, season. Last minute shoppers will continue to patron- worshipping elders to pay respects and seek blessings ize the clothing shops today as well. Health authorities and also various fun activities known as “Avurudu have requested shop owners to be mindful about the kreeda”. These events help to nurture a sense of health guidelines and avoid too much crowd. togetherness keeping aside ethnic, religious and many More buses and trains have been added to the sched- other petty differences among the people. ule from April 9 for those who travel to their home- The last year’s celebrations of the traditional New towns and villages during the festive season and simi- Year were largely hampered due to the sudden out- lar arrangements will be in place for their return. break of the novel Coronavirus and the people were Overcrowding in public transport is a real risk when it strictly advised to observe the New Year rituals with comes to the spread of COVID-19. Controlling this their immediate family members without moving out problem was also seen challenging for the authorities of their homes. given the sorry state of affairs in public transport Children taking part in a new year event Unlike the last year where police curfews were in modes in Sri Lanka. force in many parts of the country, the people are many households on the New Year’s Day and it will allowed to celebrate the New Year in good spirits this Family time serve as a perfect breakfast as this year’s “Nekatha” for year under a somewhat relaxed environment. Going by partaking of the first meal falls at 7.41am. Previously the official statistics, the situation in the country has One may have already noticed that the call of ‘Koha’ prepared mouth-watering sweetmeats such as “kevum, a new year game very much improved compared to 800 plus COVID-19 or ‘Asian Koel’, a migratory bird in the Cuckoo bird kokis and mun kevum” will decorate the New Year cases reported daily several months ago. family also regarded as the harbinger of the traditional the traditional New Year recently with the intention of table as usual. Having said that, health authorities have repeatedly New Year, is at a peak during this year’s “Avurudu”. cultivating environment friendly habits among the In essence, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year is all cautioned the public not to let their guards down as the This enhances the feeling of this season and is cer- public, especially the younger generation. This year, about spending quality time with your family. It is a country is not out of the woods yet, reminding that the tainly a good omen. the Environment Ministry, under its national pro- chance to show gratitude for the people whom you love irresponsible behaviour of a few could anytime wake The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is woven with the gramme “Husma Dena Thuru”, distributed many sap- and care for their part in your life. Lose yourself in the up the hibernating COVID-19 monster. solar cycle, where the Sun crosses from ‘Pisces’, the lings to plant at the auspicious time of 6.40am on April joys this season offer, but do not forget to give due last of the 12 zodiac signs, to the first zodiac sign 16. regard to health guidelines. adjust to ‘new normal’ ‘Aries’ in an astrological perspective. The beauty of the Health authorities request the public to observe the The rest of the days of the year will be “happy and New Year’s Day that adds value to this cultural event is New Year rituals only with a small intimate group of prosperous” true to the common New Year greeting if The Health Ministry early this month issued a set of that the pre-announced auspicious times, familiarly people one frequently meets. They also request the all of us behave in a socially responsible man- health guidelines to celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil known as “Nekath” in Sinhala, make the whole country people to engage in religious observances during ner to prevent the spread of COVID-19. New Year in a safer and responsible manner. While perform the same rituals at the same time. “Punya Kalaya” or “Nonagathaya” (a transition period immersing in the joys and true meaning of this cultural The auspicious times are set for the lighting of the with no auspicious times) in their homes and take all event, one should not forget to follow those ‘New Nor- hearth, commencing work, doing first transaction, and health precautions if visiting places of worship is mal’ guidelines at all times to keep COVID-19 at bay. partaking of the first meal on the New Year’s Day, necessary. While large scale New Year carnivals or musical which usually falls on April 14. More rituals performed As is customary, milk rice shows are not allowed, small scale regional festivals widely at auspicious times on days that follow the New will be cooked in with less than 100 participants at a time are allowed Year’s Day include anointing oil and leaving home for under the guidelines. “Avurudu Pola” (fair for the New work. Year) and “Avurudu Kreeda” (traditional games for the A new auspicious time for New Year) are also allowed except the games of tug-of- planting a sapling was war and pillow fighting (Kotta Pora), but organizers added to have been asked to choose an open area and also to often disinfect the items used in them. The partici- pants have been

Many facts of the New Year festival in villages are taken care of by the village temples. The document setting down the auspicious hours for ritual- items is distributed by the village astrologers. But, when everything is said and done the most humane aspect of the New Year, is the family reunion – which is decidedly a ‘core’ ritual of the Sinhala New Year. KalaKeerthi Dr. eDwin ariyaDasa Most persons from the deep South, display a marked proclivity kokis are staples. Various pickles, fish-preparations and curries, f a person has had the good fortune of spending one’s to leave home, and seek success at distant destinations. (One can- supported the main rice-dish. childhood in the bosom of a traditional Sinhala vil- not help but wonder whether this is a vestigial residence of the Of all these Sri Lankan food items, I count ‘Kiribath’ as my dis- The children have a bewildering variety of choices. They invari- lage, he or she will invariably feel a keen and pleasant Aryan “wanderlust ”). tinct special choice. Please allow me, present a minor ode to kirib- ably receive fresh garments. Games galore. Throwing cadjunuts at tinge of nostalgic ache, when the word “Avurudu” is The Sinhala New Year, is primarily a children-focused festival. ath, that adorns the New Year table everywhere. a hole in the ground, is a favourite New Year pastime for the young. mentioned. Each household is keen to nurture the ‘Avurudu’ spirit, in the young In the culinary psyche of all races, a special dish is enthroned as A thrillingI sensation will touch his inner being, however much ones. A vivid memory I cherish, is the urge I had as a child, to amass their mass delight for all seasons. The favourite item may not nec- Unity that person is now advanced in years, from those early, free and as many fire-crackers as possible, ahead of New Year’s Day. When I essarily be a five-star goodie that could swoon elite gourmet untrammelled days. am taken to visit a household, I am quite certain the host will pre- foodies. But, on the other hand it could very well be humble, sim- Adults have their own share of New Year fun. Swings allow even In those far off days-the joy and the feel of which, have now sent me boxes of crackers. In those early days, fire-crackers came to ple or just plain-like Sri Lanka’s milk-rice kiribath. In Sri Lanka, kiri- young women to have a free outing. Rabana – a round drum on vanished into thin air - New Year was a highly engrossing folk-fes- us from China, in elegant packs. I had an urge to hoard them, bath comes into its own, during the New Year season. It is pre- wooden supports, summon the ladies to display their drumming tival. Months ahead of the festival, nature’s heralds keep the rural before firing. At this stage, it is quite apt to take a historical view of sented with embul-thiyal fish dish, pickles, or sambol, fiery salad skills. Most of these New Year games have their accompanying community informed of the arrival of the New Year. the New Year festival. Initially, the New Year festival possesses a leavened with Maldive-fish. When I was young, my mother had a recitals. But, today, we just cannot recapture the old ‘New Year’ that In the early years of the Twentieth Century, the Sri Lankan vil- hoary past, since it is one of the oldest festivals of mankind. way of presenting kiribath, with a spicy dried-fish preparation. enlivened the total rural community. Efforts are made today, to lagers were innocent of sophisticated modes of communication. The ancient Man lived in great intimacy with Nature. In sum- Although this particular preparation is still deeply embedded in my revive the vanished glory of the New Years past. But, that archaic Even if a stray newspaper made its way into the village, its use was mer, the world around him offered him all the things he needed, inner taste-portfolio, I have no memory of its recipe. spirit can in no way be fully brought back. strictly restricted. with overwhelming lavishness. The earth was fertile. Streams In its sociological implications, the Sinhala New Year Festival is I remember reading about a remote Irish Village, where the folk The traditional villager’s trust in nature was unflinching. The flowed, at a pleasing rhythm. Birds were always on the wing. Game a unique mechanism of pragmatic social integration. The specific perform a ritual to revive the age-old origins of the New Year Ritu- Erabadu tree blossomed forth in red, signalling that the New Year was widely available. Hunger and thirst fully satiated, the ancient When God has reawakened they rejoice in the New Year. Bou- ritual – moments associated with New Year, are held at various als. The village folk gather together. Enacting an ancient ritual, is nigh. The koel – flitted through the village, announcing the good man felt happy. But, in the fall – Autumn – the green leaves turned quets and lavish repasts are held. All transactions are newly initi- pre-planned times, by the total population, simultaneously. they mime the death of Nature’s God and his diminished progress. tidings of New Year’s arrival. colour and fell to the ground. The trees withered. The whole world ated. Games, both indoor and outdoor, articulate the newly won When the auspicious moment arrives to partake of the New Year To enact this, the women-folk of the village tie-up sturdy young The villager kept track of these nature’s messages and went was covered in snow. Game was gone. Streams were still. Ancient New Year joy. This is the ‘secret’ of the so-called ‘Nonagata’ period of Meal, the totality of the nation, begins the ritual at one specific men in the village, to mime the loss of God’s power. about setting the stage for the festival in the offing. man was devastated. Tormented by hunger and thirst, the ancients austerity. We in our ultra-modern way, relive the experience of moment. Such auspicious moments brought the whole community Fortunately, after a brief enactment, the young men are untied. The regularity of the koel is exceptionally surprising. Even in the thought, the God of Nature was dead. They wept, lamented. those ancient proto-humans. together, all performing the rituals exactly at the same time. In Ropes gone, they live their New Year joys. In our own land there are city, I could not help but feel pleasantly amazed, when the koel But, gradually, the Earth began to green. Trees flourished. Food In the traditional villages, the preparation of the New Year those by-gone eras, bereft of such mass media as the Radio and the efforts to give new life to the vanished glory of traditional New Year awakened us to the festive season with its soothing tones. was once again available. The ancients, rejoiced at the new birth of repast, assumed the sanctity of a sacred ritual. TV, the masses were alerted by the temple bells. rituals. The efforts are praiseworthy but, the past is now beyond (strangely enough, this year the city koel was a wee-bit late for the God of Nature. With the risen God, they started a new life-cycle. The women-folk take charge of the food department. The com- A morally exalting facet of the New Year Festival is the worship recall, I feel. The only option is to appoint a responsible group of duty – I assumed that even he is too busy nowadays, distracted by plicated process of food preparation, brought out the whole range of the elders. Offering a sheaf of ritual betel leaves, the young ones eminent men and women, to record those wholesome eras and the the unusual hum-and-buzz that overwhelms urban life). Rituals of culinary skills of the women folk of the village. The artificial rip- honour their seniors. Old simmering grudges are forgotten. Unity lively New Year pageants that were a pulsating part of the life of The toilers of the soil, have their harvest brought home, in time ening of the banana, in a hole dug in the ground, was a display of is, wholesomely restored. In the traditional village home, the New those times. for the New Year repast. Folk rituals associated with the propitia- In our New Year rituals, we still have those twin aspects. In the a kind of rustic science. Year joys begin with the arrival of the invited chief guest, who is This could, very well be our collective New Year Wish. tion of Gods for the bounty of a bumper harvest, are at times old year, hearths are not kindled. Food is not taken. The moderns The New Year Sinhala smorgasbord offers a bewildering range offered the privilege of taking part in the New Year repast. He (This article first appeared in the Daily News on April 11, 2020. deemed part of the New Year festival. do not weep and lament. But, at shrines they perform rituals. of indigenous cuisine. Kiribath – (milk-rice), Ke-um, rice-cake, engages in transactions with the host family. Reproduced here as a tribute to late Dr.Edwin Ariyadasa. )

Printed and Published by The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd., at No. 35, D.R.Wijewardene Mawatha, Colombo 10, on Monday, April 12 2021 MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2021 ADVERTISEMENTS page 29 DN TENDER AND OTHER ADVERTISEMENTS

SALE OF TODDY RENTS 2021/2022 Northern Provincial Department of Education MUNDEL DIVISIONAL SECRETARIAT DIVISION - INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) PUTTALAM DISTRICT Procurement of Computer Items, Electronic Items and Furniture

Tenders will be received up to 10.30 a.m. on 22nd of June 2021, for rent sales to the following The Chairman Departmental Procurement Committee (Major) invites sealed bids from interested eligible and toddy taverns in the Mundel Divisional Secretariat Division of Puttalam District for the period quali ed bidders for the supply of following items to three Computer Resource Centers in Northern Province. Brief from July 01st 2021 to 30th June 2022. details are given below.

Please refer to the Gazette of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on 16th April 2021. Non- No. of Estimated Bid Date & Time Tender Refund- Hour of Hour of Procurement No. Item Category Cost in Security Division Village of Close of Deposit able Fee Opening Closing Items Rs. Mn. (Rs.) Tender (Rs.) (Rs.)

Mundel Divisional 1. Mundel 11.00 a.m. 2.00 p.m. 10.30 a.m. dsfgadfddafsdfddddasdfasdfasdf1000.00 NP/20/05/PROC/COMP/2021/04 Computer Items 04 35 500,000 5,000 Secretariat Division 05.00 p.m. 8.00 p.m. 2021.05.17 NP/20/05/PROC/ELEC/2021/05 Electronic Items 03 3 50,000 1,000 11.00 a.m. 2.00 p.m. 10.30 a.m. 2. Madurankuliya NP/20/05/PROC/FURN/2021/06 Furniture 11 7 100,000 2,000 05.00 p.m. 8.00 p.m. 2021.05.17 1000.00 1. Bidding Procedure will be conducted through National Competitive Bidding Process. 3. Mukkuthoduwawa 11.00 a.m. 2.00 p.m. 10.30 a.m. 05.00 p.m. 8.00 p.m. 2021.05.17 1000.00 2. A complete set of Bidding Documents could be purchased from 12/04/2021 till 03/05/2021 during 0900 Hours to 1500 Hours on working days, 4. Udappuwa 11.00 a.m. 2.00 p.m. 10.30 a.m. a. upon submission of Bank Paid Slip received from the Bank of Ceylon for the non-refundable fee paid 05.00 p.m. 8.00 p.m. 2021.05.17 1000.00 as shown above to the bank Account No. 0005932043 of “Northern Provincial Director of Education”, b. copy of Business Registration and c. “Application for Bid Documents” available in the Department. Date : 30th of March 2021 J.A. Vijani Wasanthika 3. Completed Bids must be delivered to the below address or deposited in the tender box available in the Chief Divisional Secretary, Accountant’s Room on or before the closing time of bids 1100 Hours on 05/05/2021. Bids will be opened Mundel. immediately after the closing of the bids in the presence of the bidders or their permitted representatives. 4. All rights are reserved to the Chairman of DPC to cancel the bidding process at any stage without paying any compensation to any party or to accept the part of the bids in this bidding process.

Name: S. Uthayakumar. Designation: Provincial Director of Education / Chairman – DPC (Major). Northern Provincial Department of Education, Chemmani Road, Nallur. TP No.: 021 2242806 / 021 2242804 / 0212242800, Fax No.: 0212242646, E-mail: npedu [email protected]

INVITATION FOR BIDS DISTRICT SECRETARIAT - KEGALLE Strengthening of Local Authorities (Capital) Programme-2021 RECALLING OF BIDS REGARDING A CONSTRUCTION PROJECT OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF 01. The Procurement Committee of the District Secretariat Kegalle has decided to cancel all bids LOCAL GOVERNMENT, TRINCOMALEE submitted in response to the advertisement published in the Dinamina, Daily News and Thinakaran newspapers dated 08.02.2021 relevant to the project mentioned below and recall for 1. The Chairman, Regional Procurement Committee on behalf of below mentioned Local Authorities quotations. invites sealed bids from eligible and qualified bidders for the construction works described in the table below. 02. As such, sealed bids are accepted up to 4.00 p.m. on 03.05.2021 by the Procurement Committee from contractors possessing the CIDA registration for the construction work mentioned below. 2. Bidding will be conducted through National Competitive Bidding (NCB). Since the Estimated value of work to be performed under this procurement (Excluding VAT and other taxes) is Rs. below 50 Mn, regional preference and CIDA grade preference shall apply as stipulated in Public Details of Work Estimated Period of CIDA (Non- (Refundable) Finance Circular No. 04/2016 (iii). Value of Comple- Grade refundable) Bid the Work tion (Should be Tender Guarantee 3. To be eligible for contract award, the successful bidder shall not have been blacklisted and shall (Rs. Mn.) of Work valid for Form Fee have been registered in the field and grade mentioned in the table below with the Institute for (Months) the Year Construction Training and Development (ICTAD) / Construction Industry Development Authority 2021) (CIDA). 4. Qualification requirements are indicated in Section 4 of the Bidding document. Additional details Construction of the 25.05 07 months C-5 & C-4 Rs. 2,000.00 Rs. 260,000.00 are provided in the Schedule (Section 5) of the bidding documents. Deraniyagala Divisional Secretariat Building 5. Interested bidders may obtain further information from Regional Assistant Commissioner of Local Stage V Government, Trincomalee. (TP No: 0262222427, Fax No: 0262223639) and inspect the bidding documents at the same place on any working day from 9.00 hrs to 16.00 hrs.

03. I. The bidder should be eligible, not have been blacklisted and should submit documents in 6. A complete set of Bidding Documents in English language may be purchased by interested proof of validity of the CIDA registration for the year 2021. A copy of the relevant letter bidders on submission of a written application to the Regional Assistant Commissioner of Local issued by the Department of Inland Revenue for being an active VAT tax payer should be Government, Trincomalee from 12th of April 2021 until 29th of April 2021 from 09.00 hrs to 15.00 submitted if VAT registration has been obtained. hrs upon payment of a non-refundable fee of Rs 3,000.00. The method of payment should be by cash. II. The bidder should have completed one construction equivalent to or more in value, similar to the projects mentioned above in state, local government or a semi-government institution 7. Bids shall be delivered to The Chairman, Regional Procurement Committee, Office of the Assistant within the last 05 years. (The relevant evidence should be submitted in proof of this). Regional Commissioner of Local Government, Trincomalee at or before 15.00 hrs on 30.04.2021. III. A regional preference of 5% will be granted to Regional Contractors according to the Public Late Bids will be rejected. Bids will be opened soon after closing in the presence of the bidders or their representatives who choose to attend. Finance Circular No. 04/2016 (III) at the Bid Evaluation. 04. A letter obtained from a commercial bank registered at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka in proof that 8. Bids shall be valid up to 77 days (Seventy Seven) after the deadline for bid submission. this institution is able to obtain a loan to the value of 1/5 or more of the estimated cost, should be 9. Bids shall be accompanied by a Bid security as per the information given in the Table. submitted. 05. A set of bid forms printed in English could be obtained on working days from 15.04.2021 up to 10. A pre-bid meeting will be held at the Office of the Regional Assistant Commissioner of Local 30.04.2021 between 9.00 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. after paying a non-refundable fee of Rs. 2000.00 to Government, Trincomalee on 21st April 2021 at 10.00 hrs. Interested bidders may participate in the Shroff of the District Secretariat. Further details could be obtained from the Chief Accountant this meeting at their own expense. of the District Secretariat (Tel. No. 035-2223112). Estimated Required Bid Security 06. Bids should be valid for 91 days from the last date for accepting bids. Contract Description of Cost / (Rs Contract Required No Work in Period Grade Security Valid 07. All bidders should submit the bid guarantee by submitting an unconditional Bank Draft obtained millions) Amount Period from a recognized commercial bank or by depositing the money with the shroff of this offi ce. Construction of The Bid Security should be valid up to 06.09.2021. Any bid sans the valid bid guarantee will be From Shopping Complex rejected. C7 & C6 01.05.2021 EP/C-IG/01 at 9.26 150 Days 100,000.00 Buildings To 08. Bids should be prepared in two copies as original / duplicate and inserted in separate envelopes Kachchakoditheevu 13.08.2021 and sealed and the name of the project should be marked on the top left-hand corner of these in Kinniya envelopes and sent by registered post to be received at or before 4.00 p.m. on 03.05.2021 or could Construction of be inserted in the Tender Box kept in the Chief Accountant’s room of the District Secretariat. Kawanthissapura Tenders received after this stipulated time will be rejected. Tenders will be opened at 4.15 p.m. on Water Tank and C7 & C6 From this day and the bidder or his authorized representative could be present on this occasion. Extension of Water 01.05.2021 EP/C-IG/02 9.15 150 Days Water 100,000.00 09. The full right of selecting a suitable bidder rests with the Departmental Procurement Board. supply distribution To line at Thissapura Supply 13.08.2021 Canvassing in any form will be considered as detrimental for selection. The Kegalle District New Water Supply Secretary retains the full right in taking decisions relevant to any matter not covered by either Scheme this Bid Invitation or bid documents. The District Procurement Committee retains the right of the

fi nal decision regarding selection of a suitable contractor, cancelling a bid or all bids. Chairman, Mahinda S. Weerasooriya Regional Procurement Committee, District Secretary / Government Agent, Office of the Assistant Commissioner of Local Government, Procurement Committee Chairman - Kegalle. St. Anthony's Road, Trincomalee. 12.04.2021 12.04.2021 DN page 30 ADVERTISEMENTS MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2021 Ratnapura District Balangoda AGA Division Invitation for Bids Sri Kandam Sri Rajaram currently resided at Climate Resilient Integrated Water Management Project 16 F/1 Layards Tower 324/6 Havelock Road Ministry of Irrigation Colombo 06 will henceforth wish to inform the public that I (National Competitive Bidding) have changed my name to Srikandam Sri Rajaram IFB No. : CRIWMP/NCB/VIS/2021/Packages from 12 to 30 Ramanayake. Yours Date : 12.04.2021 faithfully Srikandam Sri Rajaram Ramanayake. Invitation of Bids for : Rehabilitation of village irrigation systems in Trincomalee District as listed below: 1. The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka with the accredited agency of UNDP has secured funding from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) towards the cost of Climate Resilient Integrated Water Management Project. Part of this funds will PROCUREMENT NOTICE be used for payments under the contracts indicated below. The Project Director, on behalf of the Project Procurement CHANGE OF NAME Site Supervisor Con- Committee, Climate Resilient Integrated Water Management Project (CRIWMP) invites sealed bids from eligible and DEPARTMENT OF I, GAYARANJINEE struction require- quali ed bidders for the contract packages listed below: of 17, School Road, N - 100 GOVERNMENT PRINTING Jeyanthipuram, Batticaloa ments - Should (N.I.C. No.: 636742090V) have at least 3 years Approx Bid The Chairman, Procurement Committee, Department of Pkg CIDA hereby inform the working experience Description of Package IFB No. Engr Guarantee Government Printing, Sri Lanka, invites bids from suppliers in No. Grade Democratic Socialist minimum NVQ Estimate Rs Sri Lanka for the supply of following item. Republic of Sri Lanka that, Level 4 in Site Su- Trincomalee District, Morawewa DS Division, Ethabendhiwewa Cascade (01-10) I have changed my name to Item 01 - be read as JEYARANGINI pervising preferred Strapping Rolls for Fully Automatic Heavy Duty Strapping 01 Rehabilitation of Rota Wewa, Ihala CRIWMP/NCB/ 19.9 Mn 250,000.00 C6 & C5 in English with effect from an applicant living Timbiri Wewa Village Irrigation Systems ETHA/2021/12 Machines - 700 Rolls today and hereafter I shall close proximity,​ use my new name in all Closing Date of Bid : 30.04.2021 - 2.00 p.m. 02 Rehabilitation of Miris Wewa, Ulpath CRIWMP/NCB/ 20.3 Mn 250,000.00 C6 & C5 documents and also shall please forward your Wewa, Peniketiyawa Amuna Village ETHA/2021/13 Bid Reference No. : SCP02/NCB08/STR/2021-9 place my signature in the CV to: s​p​l​a​n​k​a​c​o​n​s​ Irrigation Systems Bidding documents relevant to this notice will be issued on offi cial same manner. t​r​u​c​t​i​o​n​@​g​m​a​i​l​.​c​o​ working days from 9.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. by the Supplies Division, JEYARANGINI m​ on or before 31/​ 03 Rehabilitation of Illuppaikulam Podi CRIWMP/NCB/ 16.5 Mn 250,000.00 C6 & C5 Department of Government Printing, 118, Dr. Danister de Silva 04/​2021. Further Wewa Illuppaikulam Loku Wewa, ETHA/2021/14 ’ Mawatha, Colombo 08 on written application along with a non- clarification Call: Kirigallewe Mamage Wewa Village refundable fee of Rs. 2,000/= per each Bid. Bidding documents Irrigation Systems 0112178278 Site will be issued by the Supplies Division itself before 2.00 p.m. on or Location Passara 04 Rehabilitation of Wew Ihala Amuna, CRIWMP/NCB/ 24.2 Mn 300,000.00 C6 & C5 before the day prior to the closing date given above. Road,​ Matigahath- Magurupetiyawa Wewa Village Irrigation ETHA/2021/15 Further particulars could be obtained from my offi ce during anna. Salary nego- Systems working days from 8.30 a.m. to 4.15 p.m. tiable. 028097 05 Rehabilitation of Kaduru Wewa, Kuda CRIWMP/NCB/ 25.4 Mn 350,000.00 C5 & C4 Gangani Liyanage, Ethabendi Wewa Village Irrigation ETHA/2021/16 Systems Chairman, Procurement Committee 06 Rehabilitation of Ihala Wewa, CRIWMP/NCB/ 17.8 Mn 250,000.00 C6 & CS Department of Government Printing, Pahala Wewa, Aluth Wewa Village ETHA/2021/17 118, Dr. Danister de Silva Mawatha, Irrigation Systems Colombo 08. 07 Rehabilitation of Pahala Timbiri CRIWMP/NCB/ 25 Mn 300,000.00 C6 & C5 12.04.2021 Wewa, Meda WewaVillage ETHA/2021/18 Telephone / Fax: 011-2694898 Irrigation Systems Pharmacy Sales Website: www.documents.gov.lk Asst. Males/​Fe- 08 Rehabilitation of Ihala Pealabendi Wewa, CRIWMP/NCB/ 13.5 Mn 200,000.00 C6 & C5 males with experi- Udayarathnage Amuna, Pealabendi Wewa ETHA/2021/19 Amuna Village Irrigation Systems ence from Negombo Ministry of Industries area. Good sal- 09 Rehabilitation of Muthubandage CRIWMP/NCB/ 16.7 Mn 250,000.00 C6 & CS ary extra allowance. Amuna, Chandradasage Amuna, ETHA/2021/20 0717508485. 027863 Meda Wewa Amuna Village PARANTHAN CHEMICALS Irrigation Systems COMPANY LIMITED 10 Rehabilitation of Ethabendhiwewa CRIWMP/NCB/ 42 Mn 600,000.00 C5 & C4 Village Irrigation Systems ETHA/2021/21 INVITATION FOR BIDS Trincomalee District, Gomarankadawala DS Division, Kumbukwewa Cascade (11-19) Sealed Bids are invited by the Chairman, Department Procurement Committee 11 Rehabilitation of Wahakanda CRIWMP/NCB/ 14.6 Mn 200,000.00 C6 & C5 from manufacturers or principals or their accredited agents for the following, Wewa, Weli Wewa Village KUMBUK/2021/22 Irrigation Systems 1) Bid No: PCCL/06/V&S/2021/01:- 12 Rehabilitation of Achiri Wewa, CRIWMP/NCB/ 18.3 Mn 250,000.00 C6 & C5 Wanted Lady Teach- Supply of 750 Cylinder Valves for 68Kg Capacity Chlorine Cylinders er for Grade - 5 Nikiyagala Wewa Village Irrigation KUMBUK/2021/23 and 250 Nos Spare Monel Spindles for Valves Systems Cambridge Maths English to home 13 Rehabilitation of Gomarankadawala CRIWMP/NCB/ 15.9 Mn 200,000.00 C6 & CS Note : Bid Closing on 24th May 2021 at 10.00 a.m. Maha Wewa, Village Irrigation System KUMBUK/2021/24 visit at Dehiwela. 2) Bid No: PCCL/07/CYL-900Kg/2021/01:- Tel. 07773619909. 14 Rehabilitation of Alexander Wewa / CRIWMP/NCB/ 19 Mn 250,000.00 C6 & C5 Supply of 98 Nos Brand New Cylinders Each of 900Kg Capacity 027433 Kaduru Wewa, Ihala Kaliya Wewa, Kaliya KUMBUK/2021/25 Wewa Village Irrigation Systems Filled with Liquid Chlorine 15 Rehabilitation of Kuda Wewa, CRIWMP/NCB/ 22.1 Mn 300,000.00 C6 & C5 Note : Bid Closing on 24th May 2021 at 10.30 a.m. Thirappane Wewa Village Irrigation KUMBUK/2021/26 Systems Those who wish to apply, should download the Bidding Document from following website or send an email requesting the Bidding Document. 16 Rehabilitation of Sagini Wewa, CRIWMP/NCB/ 15.6 Mn 200,000.00 C6 & C5 Thimbiri Wewa Village Irrigation KUMBUK/2021/27 Website: Email: Systems http://www.pccl.gov.lk/ [email protected] 17 Rehabilitation of Helamba Wewa CRIWMP/NCB/ 13.9 Mn 200,000.00 C6 & C5 (Near Thirappane), KUMBUK(/2021/28 Koongodayagama Wewa Village Irrigation Bids will be opened immediately after closing of bids. Systems Bidders or their authorized representatives will be permitted to be present at the 18 Rehabilitation of Kumbuk Wewa, Village CRIWMP/NCB/ 34.8 Mn 450,000.00 C5 & C4 Irrigation System KUMBUK/2021/29 opening of Bids. Late Bids will be rejected. 19 Rehabilitation of Indikatuwa Wewa, CRIWMP/NCB/ 14.3 Mn 200,000.00 C6 & C5 Chairman Healamba Wewa (US of KUMBUK/2021/30 Department Procurement Committee, Kudawewa) Village Irrigation Systems PARANTHAN CHEMICALS COMPANY LIMITED No. 100/25, Sri Ramanathan Mawatha, 2. The works which consists of tank bund forming, desilting tank bed and construction of spill & sluice structures (Headworks) Colombo 13. and Anicuts have to be completed within 120 days. Tel. No. 0112 437 557 3. Bids will be initially evaluated contract package-wise. Bidders have the option to bid for any one or more contract packages. Bidders should indicate their order of preference as indicated in Paragraph Ten (10) below when submitting bids for more than one package. In a case of submitting bids for more than one contract package, the bidder shall submit separate bid security for each contract, as given above, and shall exclusively include the quali cation/eligibility criteria indicating machinery, equipment, resource allocation for each contract package listed separately. During  nal evaluation process, PROCUREMENT NOTICE cumulative total of all substantially responsive evaluated bid packages will be considered to decide on the most economical combination to the Project. If a bidder is recommended as the successful bidder for more than one package his order of preference may be given due consideration if it falls within above most economical combination. Bids for other packages STATE MINISTRY OF LIVESTOCK, from such successful bidders will be evaluated based on their cumulative capacity and remaining quali cation /eligibility FARM PROMOTION AND DAIRY AND criteria/resource allocation & award will be restricted to maximum of two contract packages. EGG RELATED INDUSTRIES 4. Bidding will be conducted through National Competitive Bidding Procedure. 5. Interested bidders may inspect Bidding document free of charge prior to collection if desired and obtain further information DEPT. OF ANIMAL PRODUCTION AND HEALTH from the Project Director, CRIWMP, Ministry of Irrigation, contact No: 0112672228 and Email: tendercriwmp@gmail. The department of Animal Production and Health invites sealed bids from qualifi ed bidders for com the purchase and sale of below mentioned items required for this department. 6. While the detailed requirements of quali cations are provided in the bidding document, some key quali cations are as 1. Purchases mentioned below. Non a. Bidders shall have CIDA (ICTAD) registration as given in the table above in the  eld of Irrigation and Drainage Canals. Refundable Bid Bid b. Construction Experience: Speci c experience in successful completion of at least one contract of similar nature within Activity Bid Bond Bid Documents Subject Receiving last ten years. No. (Rs.) document Issuing period fee period 7. A complete set of Bidding documents in English language may be purchased during the of ce hours (from 0900 hrs to  (Rs.) 1500 hrs) from 12.04.2021 to 30.04.2021 from the of ce of CRIWMP, Ministry of Irrigation, 12th  oor, No.500, T.B. Jayah Mawatha, Colombo 10 on the submission of written request on the contractor’s business letterhead addressed 1.1 Purchasing of Chemicals, 250,000.00 to the Project Director, CRIWMP and upon payment of a non-refundable fee of LKR 4,000.00 per one set (package) of Consumables and documents. Equipment. 1.2 Purchasing of Automatic 700,000.00 8. Bids shall be valid for a period of 91 days (Bid security valid period 119 days) after date of bid opening and must be Bioreactor 20L & 200L for accompanied by a Bid Security of amount as mentioned in table above drawn in favour of Project Director, CRIWMP, FMD Vaccine Production Ministry of Irrigation. Project - AVL Polgolla. From On 12.04.2021 03.05.2021 2500/= Each 9. A pre-bid meeting will be held at the address given in paragraph Seven (7), commencing at 1000 hrs on 22.04.2021. 1.3 Purchasing of Triple / 270,000.00 to Till Prospective bidders are encouraged to visit and inspect the sites and obtain information for preparing the Bid, at the Bidder’s Tandem Quardrupole 30.04.2021 11.00 a.m. own expense before attending the pre-bid meeting. LC/MS/MS/ system 1.4 Purchasing of Autoclave 80,000.00 10. The bidder shall seal the original and the copy of the bid in two inner separate envelopes and one outer envelope which to (125L, 15L Capacity) be clearly marked package number on top of the left corner and duly marking the inner envelope as “ORIGINAL” and Hot Air Oven with Drying COPY”. In case of submitting bids for more than one contract package, the bidder shall prepare separate such envelopes Cabinet and Mixing for each package & include all such envelopes in a “MASTER ENVELOPE”. “Order of Preference List for all submitted Vessel. packages” duly signed by the contractor should also be included in “MASTER ENVELOPE”. 11. The duly  lled bids can be deposited in the tender box kept in the of ce of the Project Director or can be sent by registered 01. Relevant Bid Documents may be obtained from the Director (Finance) Offi ce of the Dept. post to reach of ce of Project Director at or before 1400 hours on 03.05.2021. Late submission will be rejected and of Animal Production and Health during offi ce hours (from 9.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m.) Bidders received bid shall be opened immediately after the closing time in the presence of the contractors or their representatives at should clearly state the relevant name of the item on the top left corner of the envelope the address given in paragraph Seven (7). enclosing the bid document. 02. Sealed bid documents may be deposited in the relevant Tender Box placed in the Finance 12. The Employer will not be responsible for any costs or expenses incurred by bidders in connection with the preparation or Division or may be sent by registered post to the below mentioned address to reach on or delivery of bids, including costs and expenses related to site visits. before the closing date and time of the bid receiving date. On behalf of Chairman 03. Further details of relevant bid documents in respect of purchases are given in the webpage Project Procurement Committee of the Dept. o' Animal Production and Health. (Web: www.daph.gov.lk) Project Director Director General/ Chairman (Dept. P. C.) Tel: 081-2388197/081-2388227/081-2385701. Climate Resilient Integrated Water Management Project, Dept. of Animal Production and Health General: 081-2388120 / 081-2388189 Ministry of Irrigation, No. 1020, P.O. Box. 13, Gatambe, Extension: 290/291 12th Floor, 500, T.B.Jayah Mawatha, Colombo 10. Peradeniya. MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2021 ADVERTISEMENTS page 31 DN 1000 KW SOLAR POWER PROJECT TEACHING HOSPITAL, MAHAMODARA - GALLE AMENDED BY THE LAND WYCHERLY INTERNATIONAL Solar Installation Companies are ACQUISITION AMENDMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY LIMITED invited to bid for 1000 KW rooft op INVITATION FOR TENDERS FOR MAINTAINING CANTEEN ACT NO. 28 OF 1964 Solar Installation, in Hambanthota. LOST SHARE CERTIFICATES 01. Applications are invited from eligible bidders for maintaining the canteen at the Teaching Closing Date 19th April 2021 Notice Under Section 7(1) of Share Certificate bearing distinctive Numbers Hospital, Mahamodara, Galle from 01.06.2021 up to 31.05.2022. the Land Acquisition Act. 1881946 to 1897847 and 613934 to 620074 02. A non-refundable sum of Rs. 2000/- will be charged as application fee. Tender applications Chief Executive Offi cer, of Wycherley International Management could be obtained (from 9.00 a.m. up to 2.00 p.m. on normal working days) from 15.04.2021 up Lanka Salt Limited, The Government intends to acquire the Company Limited previously known as Regent to 05.05.2021 from the Accounts Division of the Mahamodara Teaching Hospital by submitting land described in the following schedule International Management Company Limited the National Identity Card and the receipt obtained for payments made. Mahalewaya, Hambanthota. for a total of Twenty Two Thousand and Forty 047-2220208/ 047-2220847 / 077-9195499 for development. For more details see Three only (22,043) ordinary shares in the name 03. The words “Provision of canteen services for the year 2021/2022” should be marked on the top Part 3 of the GazeƩ e No. 2220/231 of the of John Paul Irugalbandarage Kamal Kithsiri of left-hand corner of the envelope containing the Bid application and sent by registered post to Email: [email protected] No. 170, Inner Flower Road, Colombo 07 is the Chairman, Regional Procurement Committee, Teaching Hospital, Mahamodara, Galle to be Republic of Sri Lanka dated 23rd day of deemed lost. An Application has been made received at or before 10.00 a.m. on 06.05.2021 or could be inserted in the Tender Box kept in March 2021. to the Directors of the Company for issue of a the Director’s Offi ce. duplicate thereof by Mr J.P.I.K. Kithsiri. 04. Bids should be prepared in 02 copies and marked appropriately as original and duplicate and Schedule inserted in separate envelopes and thereafter, these two covers should be enclosed in a single District : Kurunegala NOTICE is hereby given that if within two envelope and submitted. Divisional weeks from date of publication no claim is : Polgahawela made to us, the Directors shall deal with such Secretariat 05. Bids will be opened immediately after closing of accepting bids at 10.00 a.m. on 06.05.2021 and Application for the issue of duplicate Share the bidder or a representative could be present on this occasion. Village : Walagammulla Certificates and the original Share Certificates 06. Bids will not issued to persons who have defaulted Government Contracts and have been will be deemed cancelled. Name of blacklisted. : Wekumburehena and the Land Paraddarahena BY ORDER OF THE BOARD 07. The Procurement Committee has the right to accept or reject the relevant bids in entirety or a Company Secretary part of same. Plan No. : Ku. 2483 WYCHERLEY INTERNATIONAL 08. You may contact the Accountant of the Mahamodara Teaching Hospital for further details. 091- Lot Nos. : 1 and 2 MANAGEMENT COMPANY LIMITED 2222261. Extent : 0.1044 Hectares previously known as REGENT Chairman, INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT Regional Procurement Committee, Divisional Secretary/Land Acquisi� on Offi cer, COMPANY LIMITED - (PB549) Teaching Hospital, Mahamodara, Divisional Secretary Division, "Ceylinco House", Galle. Polgahawela. No. 69, Janadhipathi Mawatha, Colombo 01.

EXTENSION OF BID SUBMISSION DATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PERADENIYA

01. Invitation for bids notice published on 31.03.2021 for the purchase of goods, for paddy, chillies, maize undu / ulundu, green gram kawpea, soya gingelly Ministry of Education, Isurapaya, Battaramulla kurakkan and peanuts cultivation promotion project by the Chairman, Regional Procurement Committee, Extension and Training Centre, Department Technological Education Development Programme of Agriculture Peradeniya has been amended as follows. 02. Period of obtaining bidding documents and bid forms has been extended up to 2.00 p.m. on 28.04.2021. Validity period of each bid and of the bid security Funding - OPEC Fund for should be extended by 07 days ahead. International Development & GOSL 03. Bids will be closed at 10.00 a.m. on 29.04.2021. Bids will be opened on the same day at the extension and training centre, Department of Agriculture at Loan No: 13170P the times mentioned according to the relevant procurement works. Construction of Proposed Three Storied Technological Faculty Buildings 04. All other terms and conditions given in the previous notice published on 31.03.2021 remain unchanged. for � Sri Sumangala M.M.V., Wariyapola (21/06/E/Wari/OPEC/NCB/C3) Chairman, Regional Procurement Committee, � Al-Aqsha National School, Kalpitiya. (21/07/E/Put/OPEC/NCB/C4) Extension and Training Centre, � Dhammissara National School, Nattandiya (21/08/E/Wen/OPEC/NCB/C5) Department of Agriculture, Peradeniya. � Vijayaba National College, Maho (21/09/E/Maho/OPEC/NCB/C6)

Telephone Nos. 071-8047509 1. The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka has received a loan from the OPEC fund for international development (OFID) towards the cost of Technological Education Development Programme and intends to apply part of the proceed of this loan to payments under 081-2389127 the Contract for Construction of proposed Three Storied Technological Faculty Buildings for Sri Sumangala. M.M.V. Wariyapola (21/06/E/wari/OPEC/NCB/C3), Al-Aqsha National School, Kalpitiya. (21/07/E/Put/OPEC/NCB/04) Dhammisssara National School, Nattandiya (21/08/E/Wen/OPEC/NCB/C5) and Vijayaba National College, Maho (21/09/E/Maho/OPEC/NCB/C6) 2. The Chairman, Department Procurement Committee on behalf of the Provincial Director of Education (NWP) now invites sealed bids from eligible and qualifi ed bidders for Construction of Proposed Three Storied Technological Faculty Buildings as described below.

Engineer's Required Estimate Bid Divisional Contract CIDA (without Security Bid Code No. Title of Proposed Contract Engineer's Period Grade VAT) Amount Offi ce (Days) (Buildings) (Rs. (Rs.) Million) NATIONAL YOUTH CORPS 21/06/E/Wari/OPEC/ Construction of Proposed Three Storied Wariyapola C4 or C3 280 56 650,000/= NCB/03 Technological Faculty Building for Sri UNDER THE MINISTRY OF YOUTH AND SPORTS Sumangala M.M.V., Wariyapola. 21/07/E/Wari/OPEC/ Construction of Proposed Three Storied Puttalam C4 or C3 280 55 650,000/= NCB/04 Technological Faculty Building for Al- INVITATION FOR QUOTATIONS FOR SALE OF Aqsha National School, Kalpitiya. CONDEMNED VEHICLES NO. 03 21/08/E/Wen/OPEC/ Construction of Proposed Three Wennappuwa C4 or C3 280 54.8 650,000/= NCB/05 Storied Technological Faculty Building DETAILS OF VEHICLES AND CONDITIONS for Dhammissara National School, Nattandiya. 1. Sealed bids are invited for sale of the undermentioned vehicles parked at the Yakkala Training Centre belonging to the National Youth Corps. 21/09/E/Maho/OPEC/ Construction of Proposed Three Storied Maho C4 or C3 280 56.4 650,000/= NCB/06 Technological Faculty Building for Refundable Vijayaba National College - Maho. Serial Vehicle Year of Bid Category Model No. No. Manufacture Deposit 3. To be eligible for contract award the successful bidder shall not have been blacklisted and shall meet the above grade of the Construction (Rs.) Industry Development Authority (CIDA) registration. 01 53-4583 Mitsubishi L200 1992 15,000.00 02 18-1895 Nissan BBAB 13-Sunny 1992 4,000.00 4. Qualifi cation requirement to qualify for contract award include following criteria, 03 18-1896 Nissan BBAB 13-Sunny 1992 4,600.00 a) The average of the annual volume of construction work performed in the last fi ve years shall be at least Rs. 11.00 Mn. b) The minimum amount of liquid assets and/or credit facilities net of other contractual commitments and exclusive of any advance 2. Inspection of vehicles will commence from 12.04.2021 up to 10.05.2021 during payments which ay be made under the contract shall be not less than Rs. 18.00 Mn. working days of the week from 9.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. at the Yakkala National c) The staff shall include 01 no. of Technical Offi cer having NDT (Civil) or equivalent with 5 years experience or NCT with 10 years post Youth Corps Training Centre. qualifying (full time basis) experience. 3. Quotation should be submitted on application forms prepared for purchase of d) Bidder should have experience in single building with similar nature undertaken within the last fi ve years of at least 42.00 Mn condemned vehicles and could be obtained by paying a non-refundable fee of Rs. e) Bidder should be registered under the Public Contract Act No.03 of 1997 and submit the certifi cate. 1000/= to the Shroff in the Accounts Division at the Youth Corps Headquarters from 12.04.02021 up to 10.05.2021 between 9.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. as above. 5. Bidding procedure will he conducted in accordance with the National. Competitive Bidding (NCB) Procedure. 4. Sealed bids should be sent to the Chairman, Departmental Procurement 6. Interested eligible bidders may obtain further Technical information and inspect the bidding documents during offi ce hours up to 6th May 2021 from Director, NWP Engineering Department, 2nd Floor, Provincial Council Offi ce Complex, Kurunegala. Tel - 037- Committee (Minor), National Youth Corps Headquarters, No. 420, Bauddhaloka 2222700 / 037-2222057, Facsimile 037-2223186. Mawatha, Colombo 07 by registered post or could be hand-delivered to the Bid Box near the National Youth Corps Main Auditorium to be received before the 7. A complete set of Bidding Documents in English language may be purchased by interested bidders on the submission of a written last date and time for accepting quotations at 11.00 a.m. on 11.05.2021. application and upon payment of a non refundable fee of Twelve Thousand Five Hundred Rupees (Rs. 12,500/=) for each construction to Provincial Director of Education (NWP) from 12th April 2021 to 6th May 2021 during the offi ce hours on working days. (09.00 hrs 5. Accepting of bid will close at 11.00 a.m. on 11.05.2021 and they will be opened to 16.00 hrs). The method of payment will be in cash. immediately after closing of accepting quotation. 8. A pre bid meeting will be held on 29th April 2021 at 10.00 hrs at Provincial Department of Education (NWP). 6. Further details concerning this matter could be obtained from the Additional 9. Sealed bids marked "Bid for Construction of Proposed three Storied Technological Faculty Building for (School Name) on top left hand Director (Administration & Finance) on Telephone Nos. 01126888885 / corner of the envelope & Bids must be delivered under registered cover to the address given below or deposited in the "Tender Box" 0112690294. provided for the purpose, at the Chief Accountant's offi ce at the Provincial Department of Education (NWP), Kandy Road, Kurunegala Chairman, at or before 10.00 hrs on 7th of May 2021. Bids will be closed at 10.00 hrs on 7th May 2021. Late bids will be rejected. Bids will be Departmental Procurement Committee (Minor), opened soon after closing in the presence of the bidders or their representatives who choose to attend in person at the Chief Accountant's Offi ce at the Provincial Department of Education (NWP). All bids must be accompanied by "Bid- Security" as mentioned above. National Youth Corps Headquarters, No. 420, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, 10. The address referred to above is: Colombo 07. A.S.K. Jayalath 12.04.2021 Chairman, Departmental Procurement Committee, Provincial Department of Education (NWP), Kandy Road, Kurunegala. Telephone : 037-2222422 Facsimile Number : 037-2222422 Web address : www.nwpedu.lk Date: 12th April 2021 DN page 32 ADVERTISEMENTS MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2021 REVOCATION OF HAPUGASTENNE PLANTATIONS PLC POWER OF ATTORNEY Know all men by these presents that I, KAMANI Calling Tenders For Sale of Trees OSAKA KARUNATHILAKA (NIC No. LADY RIDGEWAY HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN 655970185v) formerly of Palathota Estate, Meda Details of Trees to be sold Mawatha, Kalutara South and presently of 12 Sienna Court Roxburgh Park Victoria 3064 Australia, do Maintaining the Canteen and Grocery 2021/2022 hereby notify, the Government of the Democratic Total Tender Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the General 01. Sealed tenders are invited by me, Chairman, Regional Procurement Estate & Telephone No. Division Field No. Specie Nos. of Document Public, that I hereby cancel and revoke the Power Committee of the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children Colombo 08 Trees Fee (Rs.) of Attorney No. 3633 dated 20.01.2015 attested by up to 10.00 a.m. on 06 May 2021 for maintaining the Canteen and Ajitha C. Samarasekera, Notary Public of Kalutara, by Hapugastenne (Rubber) which I have appointed Pamithawijaya Samantha the Grocery of this hospital for a period of one year from 01 June Estate, Lellopitiya, GNK R/20 Rubber 2200 1,000/- Karunathilaka (NIC No. 640961090v) of No. 9/1, 2021. Tender documents could be obtained up to 2.00 p.m. on 05 May Ratnapura. De Alwis Place, Kalutara South in Sri Lanka, as my 2021 from the Chief Accountant’s Offi ce of the Childrens Hospital. 045-4924706 true and lawful Attorney and henceforth the said Power of Attorney shall have no effect and or force Galbode Estate, Gallella. LW 1,7 Eucalyptus 600 1,000/- in law. 02. The Tenderers or their authorized representatives could participate 045-4923624 at the Tender opening. Tenders will be opened immediately after Issue of Tender : From 16th April 2021 to 20th April 2021, from above estate offi ce closing of accepting same at the Director’s Meeting Hall of the Lady Documents and the Head Offi ce, during the offi ce hours, upon paying the tender Ridgeway Hospital for Children, Colombo 08. document fee in cash. REVOCATION OF POWER OF ATTORNEY 03. Tender documents could be obtained from the shroff of the Chief Refundable Tender : Applicable refundable tender deposit fee to be paid in cash as Deposit Fee prescribed in the tender document. Know all men by these presents that I, KAMANI Accountant’s Offi ce at the Children Hospital after paying a non- OSAKA KARUNATHILAKA (NIC No. Tender Closing Date 655970185v) formerly of Palathota Estate, Meda refundable fee of Rs. 2000.00. : 2.30 p.m. on 20th April 2021 & Time Mawatha, Kalutara South and presently of 12 Sienna 04. Tenders could be sent by registered post or could be inserted in the Court Roxburgh Park Victoria 3064 Australia, do Tender Submission : Sealed tender could either be deposited in the tender box placed in our hereby notify, the Government of the Democratic Tender Box kept in the Chief Accountant’s Offi ce. head offi ce or sent under registered post, mentioning, “Sale of Trees” on Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the General top left corner of the envelope to the below Head Offi ce Address. Public, that I hereby cancel and revoke the Power 05. The Procurement Committee of the Hospital retains the right of the of Attorney No. 3169 dated 20.01.2015 attested by fi nal decision regarding this tender. Further Details : Contact Forestry Division (Tele: 011-4899251 or 0344945660) Ajitha C. Samarasekera, Notary Public of Kalutara, by which I have appointed Pamithawijaya Samantha Karunathilaka (NIC No. 640961090v) of No. 9/1, Chairman, The Finance Director, De Alwis Place, Kalutara South in Sri Lanka, as my Regional Procurement Committee, Hapugastenne Plantations PLC., true and lawful Attorney and henceforth the said Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children, Power of Attorney shall have no effect and or force No. 95A, Nambapana, Ingiriya. in law. Colombo 08. Tel: 034-4297500

SRI LANKA THRIPOSHA LIMITED Purchase of Local Maize by Sri Lanka Thriposha Limited required for production of Thriposha PROCUREMENT NOTICE Arrangements are underway by the Sri Lanka Thriposha Limited for purchase of local maize required for the production of Thriposha, according to the specifi ed DEPARTMENT OF standards mentioned below from suppliers and farmers at a tax-free price of Rs. 65.00 per kg. N - 103 GOVERNMENT PRINTING

The maize should be very clean, locally cultivated, well dried, free of waste The Chairman, Procurement Committee, Department of Government Printing, Sri Lanka, materially unspoilt, fungus free, without insects like weevils. invites bids from suppliers in Sri Lanka for the supply of following item. Parties who are presently capable of supplying maize at the above price should 1. Item - Digital Printing Machine fi ll an application form as shown below and send it to the Chairman, Sri Lanka Quantity Required - 01 No. Thriposha Limited, P.O. Box 17, Kapuwatta, Ja-ela by registered post or could hand-deliver same to this address. The left-corner of the envelope containing Closing Date of Bid :- 06.05.2021 - 2.00 p.m. the application should be marked “Supply of Maize to Sri Lanka Thriposha Ltd”. Bid Reference No. :- SCP07/D.P.M./2020-25 SPECIMEN APPLICATION Bidding documents relevant to this notice will be issued on offi cial working days from 9.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. by the Supplies Division, Department of Government Printing, Institute / Farmers’ Organization / Name of Owner ...... 118, Dr. Danister De Silva Mawatha, Colombo 08 on written application along with a ...... non-refundable fee of Rs. 5,000.00 per each Bid. Bidding documents will be issued by the Address ...... Supplies Division itself before 2.00 p.m. on the day prior to the closing date given above...... The pre-bid meeting will be held on 22.04.2021 (10.30 a.m.) at the Auditorium of the Registration No. or National Identity Card No...... Department. Telephone No...... Further particulars could be obtained from my offi ce during working days from 8.30 a.m. Stock of maize able to supply (Minimum 100 M.Tons i.e. 100,000 kgs) ...... to 4.15 p.m. Period of Supply ...... Location for inspection of the stock ...... Gangani Liyanage, Chairman, Procurement Committee, Further details regarding this matter could be obtained, if necessary on Tel.No. Department of Government Printing, 0112-236588 / 0112-237418 / 0112-228533. 118, Dr. Danister de Silva Mawatha, Chairman, Colombo 08. Sri Lanka Thriposha Ltd 07.04.2021 P.O. Box 17, Telephone / Fax: 011-2694898 Kapuwatta, Ja-ela. Website: www.documents.gov.lk

INVITATION FOR BIDS Supply of Janitorial & Labour PROCUREMENT NOTICE Services to the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited PANADURA PRADESHIYA Bid No. LPA/03/2021 SABHA Sealed bids will be received by the Chairman, Procurement Committee of the Sealed bids are invited from potential service providers for supply of daily Panadura Pradeshiya Sabha, from eligible and qualifi ed bidders, for the "Renovation Janitorial Services and Labour Services to the Associated Newspapers of the Keselwatta Public Market of the Panadura Pradeshiya Sabha". of Ceylon Ltd. 1. Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding Procedure. Bid documents can be obtained between 9.30 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. during weekdays up to 28th April 2021 from the Procurement Dept. of The 2. The full estimated cost of this project will be Rs. 108,390,594.39 (without VAT). Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd, on a written request and payment Only those possessing the Registration at the Construction Industry Development of a non-refundable fee of Rs. 500/= per set. Authority (CIDA) in Grade C3 and C4 in the Building Construction fi eld, as per the Public Finance Circular No. 04/2016 (ii), can submit bids. The services provider shall be able to employee 75-100 labourers per day. 3. To qualify for granting of contract, the successful bidder should not have Bid shall include a reference list of similar contracts performed by the been blacklisted and should fulfi l the qualifi cations required as per the bid bidder in the recent past and all supporting documents to be attached to documents. prove the contracts performed by the bidder. 4. Interested bidders can obtain further details required from the head offi ce of All bids should be submitted in a sealed envelope marked as "JANITORIAL the Panadura Pradeshiya Sabha at Galle Road, Wadduwa (Tel No. 038-2294567 & LABOUR SERVICES" on the top left-hand corner addressed to Head of Procurement, The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd., No. 35, D.R. Fax - 038-2294566). Wijewardene Mawatha, Colombo 10 to reach on or before 29th April 5. Relevant sets of bid documents can be purchased from 12.04.2021 up to 2021 at 2.30 p.m. 03.05.2021, on working days, between 09.00 hrs and 15.00 hrs by bidders or their authorized representatives on payment of a non refundable fee of Bids may be sent by post under registered cover or may be deposited in Rs. 10,000.00 and on submission of a written request, made to the Panadura the bid box kept in the Procurement Dept. of the Associated Newspapers Pradeshiya Sabha. Payments should only be made by cash. of Ceylon Ltd., Lake House, No. 35, D.R. Wijewardene Mawatha, Colombo 10. 6. Sealed bids with a copy, the relevant cover marked name of project at the left side top corner, should be submitted to "Chairman, Procurement Committee, Bids will be opened immediately after closing time of the bids. Bidders or Panadura Pradeshiya Sabha, Galle Road, Wadduwa" to receive before their authorized representatives will be permitted to be present at the time 10.30 a.m. on 04.05.2021. Bids received late will be rejected. Bids received will of opening. be opened immediately after closing of acceptane of bids in the presence of However, The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd., reserves the right to bidders or their representatives who choose to attend. accept or reject any or all offers without assigning any reason whatsoever. 7. All the bids submitted should be accompanied with a bid security for Rs. 1,500,000.00. Head of Procurement 8. The Procurement Committee of the Panadura Pradeshiya Sabha retains all the THE ASSOCIATED NEWSPAPERS OF rights to accept or reject any bid. CEYLON LTD. No. 35, Lake House, Chairman, D.R. Wijewardene Mawatha, Procurement Committee, Panadura Pradeshiya Sabha, Colombo 10. Galle Road, For details: 2429422, 2429451 Wadduwa. MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2021 ADVERTISEMENTS page 33 DN INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) BOARD OF STATE MINISTRY OF GEM AND JEWELLERY INVESTMENT OF RELATED INDUSTRIES SRI LANKA RENOVATION OF EXISTING BUILDING NEW YEAR HOLIDAY NOTICE AT THE STATE MINISTRY OF GEM AND JEWELLERY RELATED The General Public is hereby notifi ed that the Board of Investment INDUSTRIES, of Sri Lanka will be closed on COLOMBO 05 - PHASE 1 15th April 2021 (Thursday) as well CONTRACT NO: SMGJ/ADM/05/01/02 on account of Sinhala & Hindu New 1. The Chairman, Ministry Procurement Committee (MPC), on behalf of the State Year. Ministry of Gem and Jewellery Related Industries, now invites sealed bids from eligible and qualifi ed bidders for the Renovation of Existing Building at the State Ministry of Gem and Jewellery Related Industries, Colombo 05 Director General, –Phase 1 as described below and estimated to cost Rs. 25 Million (excluding Board of Investment of Sri Lanka. VAT). The Works consist of Complete Renovation of First Floor Lobby, Second Floor Balcony area including extension of Roof, Waterproofi ng of Roof slabs with provision of necessary M&E services of existing Building. The Works are to be organized accordingly to avoid any interruption or disturbance to regular function of the State Ministry of Gem and Jewellery Related Industries, since normal offi ce works of the State Ministry and other offi ces located in the building are to be functioned while the renovation works are going on. The site is located at the premises of State Ministry of Gem and Jewellery Related Industries, No.561/3, Elvitigala Mawatha, Colombo 05. The construction period is 84 Days 2. Bidding will be conducted through National Competitive Bidding Procedure. 3. To be eligible for the Contract award, the successful bidder shall not have been blacklisted and shall meet the following requirements: - Registered with the Construction Industry Development Authority (CIDA) for Building Construction Works – Grade C4&C5 - The Bidder shall possess a valid certifi cate issued by the Registrar of Public Contracts in accordance with the Section 8 of Public Contracts Act No.03 of 1987 for every Bid which exceeds the bid price of 5.0 million Rupees [Vide Section 2 of the Act].

4. Qualifi cation requirements to qualify for Contract award include:   OAverage of the annual turnover of construction work performed in last fi ve years shall be at least Rs. 50 million.   OSuccessful completion as a main contractor/ sub contractor of a building renovation project of similar nature and complexity with a project value at least Rs. 25 million or a higher project value completed within a reasonable time period, completed during last fi ve years.   OThe minimum amount of liquid assets and /or credit facilities exclusive of any advance payment which may be made under this Contract shall be not less than Rs. 15 million. 5. Interested bidders may obtain further information from Director Planning,State Ministry of Gem and Jewellery Related Industries, No.561/3, Elvitigala Mawatha, Colombo 05 (Telephone: 011-2589087, Fax: 011-2369790, E-mail: [email protected]) and inspect the bidding documents during 09:00 hrs to 15:00 hrs from 15.04.2021 until 30.04.2021. 6. A complete set of Bidding Documents in English language may be purchased by interested bidders on submission of a written application to the Administration Offi cer, Administration Division,State Ministry of Gem and Jewellery Related Industries, No. 561/3, Elvitigala Mawatha, Colombo 05 from 15.04.2021 until 05.05.2021 from 09:00 hrs to 15:00 hrs upon payment of a non refundable fee of Sri Lankan Rupees Eight Thousand (Rs. 8,000.00). The method of payment will be by cash. 7. Bids shall be delivered in duplicate to the address below at State Ministry of Gem and Jewellery Related Industries, No.561/3, Elvitigala Mawatha, Colombo 05 on or before 14:00 hrs on 07.05.2021. Late Bids will be rejected. Bids will be opened soon after closing in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend. 8. Bids shall be valid up to 05.08.2021 9. All bids shall be accompanied by a Bid Security of Sri Lankan Rupees Three Hundred Thousand (Rs. 300,000.00) obtained in favour of The Secretary, State Ministry of Gem and Jewellery Related Industries, No. 561/3, Elvitigala Mawatha, Colombo 05. Bid Security shall be valid up to 02.09.2021 10. Pre-Bid Meeting will be held at 10:00hrs on 28.04.2021 in the Conference Room, 2nd Floor, State Ministry of Gem and Jewellery Related Industries, No. 561/3, Elvitigala Mawatha, Colombo 05 and will be followed by a Site Visit.

The address referred to above is: The Chairman, Ministry Procurement Committee (MPC) State Ministry of Gem and Jewellery Related Industries, No.561/3, Elvitigala Mawatha, Colombo 05. - HOUSES - LANDS - COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES - APARTMENTS  Buy & Sell  Rent or Lease  Wanted House & Property Section DN page 34 ADVERTISEMENTS MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2021

STATE MINISTRY OF RURAL & REGIONAL DRINKING WATER SUPPLY PROJECT DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL COMMUNITY WATER SUPPLY PROCUREMENT NOTICE INVITATION FOR BIDS

The chairman of the Department Procurement Committee invites sealed bids from eligible and qualified bidders for following works.

Place of Issuing of Place of Issuing of Minimum Value of Bid Minimum Value of Bid Non Document & Contact Non Document & Contact ICTAD Bid Validity ICTAD Bid Validity # Description Refundable Person # Description Refundable Person Registration Security period Registration Security period Fee (Rs) And bid closing date Fee (Rs) And bid closing date & Experience (Rs) (Days) & Experience (Rs) (Days)

Ratnapura District Construction of 60m3 capacity 12m height elevated Vikasitha CBO, Construction of 100m3 Ferrocement 25 C7 and above 70000 3500 Ground Tank- 02 in Waleboda CBO, Koswaththa South, Naththandiya 1 C8 and above 50000 2500 Waleboda, Balangoda. DNCWS/PRO/2021/CV/01/PU/12 DNCWS/PRO/2021/CV/01/RT/01 Construction of 60m3 capacity 12m Construction of 100m3 Ferrocement height elevated with plant room Ground tank - 02, Pump House-01 in 26 Bogahakaduwa CBO,Yatakalana, C7 and above 80000 3500 2 Samanala CBO, Wikiyawatha, C7 and above 70000 3500 Mahawewa Balangoda. DNCWS/PRO/2021/CV/01/PU/13 DNCWS/PRO/2021/CV/01/RT/02 Kurunegala District Construction of 100m3 Ferrocement Construction of 3m x 3m pump house, Ground Tank - 01, 6m Dia 8m Depth 3 dug well concrete, Pump house 60m capacity 12m height elevated, 3 C7 and above 80000 3500 60m3 capacity Ferro cement ground 4.5m*5m for Ayagama CBO, Ayagama, 27 C7 and above 95000 3500 Ayagama. tank Rambawa Paniya Jala CBO, DNCWS/PRO/2021/CV/01/RT/03 Rambawa 285 , Rasnayapura DNCWS/PRO/2021/CV/01/KN/01 Construction of Dug well 6m dia x 8m depth,Pump House, 3mx3m in Construction of 3m x 3m pump house, 4 Hindurangala CBO, Hindurangala, C8 and above 45000 2500 Dug well (6m dia and 8m high) 60m3 Eheliyagoda. capacity 12m height elevated, 60m3 DNCWS/PRO/2021/CV/01/RT/04 28 capacity Ferro cement ground tank C6 and above 140000 5000 Construction of 100m3 Ferrocement Ganthiriyawa Paniya Jala CBO, Ground tank, 6m Dia 8m Depth Dug Ganthiriyawa 1230, Bammunakotuwa well, 4.5x5 Pump House in DNCWS/PRO/2021/CV/01/KN/02 5 C7 and above 80000 3500 Mudunkotuwa CBO, Mudunkotuwa, Construction of 3m x 3m pump house, Kiriella. 40m3 capacity Ferro cement ground DNCWS/PRO/2021/CV/01/RT/05 tank, 50m3 capacity 12m height 29 C7 and above 85000 3500 Construction of 6m Dia 8m Depth Dug elevated Ulpothagama CBO, well, 4.5m*5m Pump House in 6 C7 and above 55000 3500 Ulpothagama 061, Galgamuwa Haldola CBO, Haldola, Elapatha DNCWS/PRO/2021/CV/01/KN/03 DNCWS/PRO/2021/CV/01/RT/06 Jaffna District Construction of 100m3 Ferrocement Ground tank, 6m Dia 8m Depth Dug Construction of 30m3 -12m height well, 4.5m*5m Pump House in elevated tank, 3m * 3m Pump House, 7 C7 and above 80000 3500 Jathuwangoda CBO, Jathuwangoda, type 1 valve chamber in Chulipuram 30 C7 and above 60000 3500 Kalawana. Central Water User Association CBO, DNCWS/PRO/2021/CV/01/RT/07 Chulipuram Central,Valikamam West Construction of 6m Dia 8m Depth Dug DNCWS/PRO/2021/CV/01/JF/01 Place of Issuing of well, 4.5m*5m Pump House in Construction of 30m3 -12m height Document & Contact 8 Kapuhenthota CBO, Kapuhenthota, C7 and above 55000 3500 elevated tank, 3m * 3m Pump House, Person Pelmadulla. type 1 valve chamber in Director (procurement) DNCWS/PRO/2021/CV/01/RT/08 31 Marisankoodal Water User Association C7 and above 60000 3500 Department of National Construction of 6m Dia 8m Depth Dug CBO, Marisankoodal J/154, Valikamam Community Water well, 4.5m*5m Pump House in Supply, No. 1114, 9 C7 and above 55000 3500 South West Madampe South CBO, Godakawela. DNCWS/PRO/2021/CV/01/JF/02 91 Pannipitiya Road, DNCWS/PRO/2021/CV/01/RT/09 Thalawatugoda Construction of 30m3 -12m height Construction of 100m3 Ferrocement elevated tank, 3m * 3m Pump House, Ground tank, 6m Dia 8m Depth Dug TP 0112774927 type 1 valve chamber in Irupalali East 10 well,4.5m * 5m Pump House in C7 and above 80000 3500 32 C7 and above 60000 3500 Bid closing date and Water User Association CBO, Irupalali Pothupitya CBO, Pothupitya, Kalawana time East, Valikamam East(Kopay) DNCWS/PRO/2021/CV/01/RT/10 4th of May 2021 , DNCWS/PRO/2021/CV/01/JF/03 Construction of 6m Dia 8m Depth Dug 10.00 a.m. well, 4.5m*5m Pump House in Place of Issuing of Mullaitivu District 11 C7 and above 55000 3500 Miyanadeniya-Ovitigama CBO Document & Contact Construction of 60m3 -12m height DNCWS/PRO/2021/CV/01/RT/11 Person elevated tank, 3m * 3m Pump House, Director (procurement) Construction of 6m Dia 8m Depth Dug 33 type 1 valve chamber in Alampil Water C7 and above 80000 3500 Department of National well, 4.5m*5m Pump House in User Association CBO, Mu/47, Alampil Community Water 12 Opathagama Swarna Nadee CBO, C7 and above 55000 3500 South DNCWS/PRO/2021/CV/01/MU/01 Supply, No. 1114, Opatha, Godakawela. 91 Pannipitiya Road, Construction of 60m3 -12m height DNCWS/PRO/2021/CV/01/RT/12 Thalawatugoda elevated tank, type 1 valve chamber in Construction of 100m3 Ferrocement Kuravil Udayrkattu Water User 34 C7 and above 70000 3500 Ground tank, 6m Dia 8m Depth Dug TP 0112774927 Association CBO, Udayrkattu South, 13 well, 4.5m*5m Pump House in Saliya C7 and above 80000 3500 Bid closing date and Puthukudiyirippu CBO, Kongahamankada, Balangoda. time DNCWS/PRO/2021/CV/01/MU/02 DNCWS/PRO/2021/CV/01/RT/13 4th of May 2021 , Construction of 60m3 -12m height Puththalama District 10.00 a.m. elevated tank, 3m * 3m Pump House, Construction of 60m3 capacity 12m type 1 valve chamber in Sirradikulam 35 C7 and above 80000 3500 height elevated tank with plant room Water User Association CBO, Mu/15 14 Sahayogitha CBO, Rathmal agara, C7 and above 80000 3500 Sirradikulam, Manthai East Madampe. DNCWS/PRO/2021/CV/01/MU/03 DNCWS/PRO/2021/CV/01/PU/01 Vavuniya District Construction of 60m3 capacity 12m height elevated Mahagama south Construction of 60m3 -12m height 15 C7 and above 70000 3500 CBO, Mahagama South, Madampe. elevated tank, type 1 valve chamber in DNCWS/PRO/2021/CV/01/PU/02 36 Ananthapuram CBO, Samalankulam, C7 and above 80000 3500 Construction of 60m3 capacity 12m Vavuniya. height elevated with plant room DNCWS/PRO/2021/CV/01/VU/01 16 Shakthi CBO, Galmuruwa-North, C7 and above 80000 3500 Madampe. Construction of 60m3 -12m height DNCWS/PRO/2021/CV/01/PU/03 elevated tank, type 1 valve chamber in 3 Construction of 60m capacity 12m 37 St. Joseph Rural Water Supply Society C7 and above 70000 3500 height elevated Ekamuthu CBO, 17 C7 and above 70000 3500 CBO, Achhankulam, Nanattan Athuwana, Madampe. DNCWS/PRO/2021/CV/01/Mn/01 DNCWS/PRO/2021/CV/01/PU/04 Construction of 60m3 -12m height Construction of 60m3 capacity 12m elevated tank, type 1 valve chamber in height elevated Eksith CBO, 18 C7 and above 80000 3500 Galamuna Kalimulla , Mahawewa 38 AVE Mariyal Rural Water Supply CBO, C7 and above 70000 3500 DNCWS/PRO/2021/CV/01/PU/05 Mullikkulam, Musali DNCWS/PRO/2021/CV/01/ML/02 Construction of 60m3 capacity 12m height elevated with plant room General instructions and conditions for above subject 19 Katupuliyankulama CBO, C7 and above 80000 3500 Katupuliyankulama, Wanathawilluwa. Instructions DNCWS/PRO/2021/CV/01/PU/06 1. Bidding Documents will be issued on submission of a written application on the applicant’s letterhead and Construction of 60m3 capacity 12m deposited slip of non-refundable (Director General, Department of National Community Water Supply, height elevated with plant room Account No:-0007040440 BOC) to the Department of National Community Water Supply. 20 Ekamuthu Srama Shakthi CBO, Kola C7 and above 80000 3500 rd eliya, Pallama. 2. Bidding Documents can be collected between 09.00 hours and 15.00 hours up to 3 of May 2021 on normal DNCWS/PRO/2021/CV/01/PU/07 working days (please make an appointment to collect documents via telephone). Construction of 60m3 capacity 12m 3. Interested bidders may obtain further information from Department of National Community Water Supply height elevated Pubudu CBO, and inspect the bidding documents free of charge at the place of issuing documents during normal working 21 Maningala Dunkannawa Gurugodella, C7 and above 70000 3500 hours. Naththandiya. 4. Duly completed bids shall be either deposited in the Tender Box placed in the 2nd floor of the department or DNCWS/PRO/2021/CV/01/PU/08 dispatched by registered post or courier to the address given below at or before 10.00 a.m. on 4th of May Construction of 60m3 capacity 12m 2021. height elevated Budula CBO, 22 C7 and above 70000 3500 Lihiriyagama, Dankotuwa. 5. Pre bid meeting will be held on 28/04/2021 at 10.00 am at the department. DNCWS/PRO/2021/CV/01/PU/09 6. All bids will be opened at the same address on 4th of May 2021at 10.15 a.m. in the presence of the bidder’s Construction of 60m3 capacity 12m representative who chooses to attend. Late bids will be returned unopened. height elevated with plant room Siya 7. Bid security should be addressed to Director General, Department of National Community Water Supply, 23 Shakthi CBO, Thummodara West, C7 and above 80000 3500 Naththandiya. No. 1114, Pannipitiya Road, Thalawathugoda. DNCWS/PRO/2021/CV/01/PU/10 Chairman, Construction of 60m3 capacity 12m Department Procurement Committee, height elevated with plant room Department of National Community Water Supply, 24 Wendakaduwa CBO, Wendakaduwa, C7 and above 80000 3500 N0. 1114, Pannipitiya Road, Pallama.w Thalawathugoda DNCWS/PRO/2021/CV/01/PU/11 12/04/2021 MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2021 ADVERTISEMENTS page 35 DN PROCUREMENT NOTICE

Promotional Rates for Classifi ed Advertisements (Only 15 Words) (NATIONAL COMPETITIVE BIDDING PROCEDURE) DEPARTMENT OF GOVERNMENT Any Single Newspaper Two Newspapers Three Newspapers N-97 PRINTING MINISTRY OF IRRIGATION y¥. 300/- y¥. 500/- y¥. 650/- The Chairman, Procurement Committee, Department of Government Printing, Sri Lanka, (Except Thinakaran Varamanjari) (Except Thinakaran Varamanjari) MORAGAHAKANDA - KALUGANGA DEVELOPMENT invites Bids from Suppliers in Sri Lanka for the supply of following item. PROJECT-MORAGAHAKANDA, KOONGAHAWELA Hot Melt Glue for Perfect Binding Machine BQ 470 COLOMBO DISTRICT Sealed quotations will be received for the provision of the dry rations for the months of May and June, 2021, for the families resettled in Guruwela and Wellewela Divisions under the Moragahakanda Kaluganga Development Project of the Ministry of Irrigation. These prices should be valid for 60 Item Qty Bid Reference No. Bid Fee days from the bid opening date. Side Glue (HM 409) 100 Kg Description of Dry Food Items to be supplied: SCP02/NCB13/S/B/Glue/2019-20 Rs. 1500 Back Glue (HM 225) 600 Kg ŒBid Invitation No : MKDP/SUP/Q/5204 ŒType of Dry Food Items required - Rice (Local Badabath) Nadu - 125310 Kg Sprats - 4115 Kg Closing Date of Bid : 05.05.2021 - 2.00 p.m. Dhall - 8235 Kg Bidding Documents relevant to this notice will be issued on official working days from Sugar - 8235 Kg Tinned Fish (400gr) - 7875 Tins 9.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. by the Supplies Division, Department of Government Printing, Tinned Fish (200gr) - 715 Tins 118, Dr Danister de Silva Mawatha, Colombo 08 on written application along with a non- Milk Powder - 200 Pkts refundable fee of Rs. 1500/= per each Bid. Bidding Documents will be issued by the Supplies Division itself before 2.00 p.m. on or before the day prior to the closing date ` ŒPlace to be Supplied - To the Moragahakanda Main Stores given above. Instructions and Conditions: Further particulars could be obtained from my office during working days from 8.30 a.m. Obtaining of Tender Forms: to 4.15 p.m. 1. Relevant bid documents containing description of goods to be supplied and the bid forms can be

obtained from 15.04.2021 up to 10.05.2021, between 9.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m., on weekly working Gangani Liyanage days, on submission of a written request, from the Procurement Section of the Offi ce at the address Chairman, Procurement Committee below and on payment of a non-refundable fee of Rs. 1000.00, made to the Accounts Section. Department of Government Printing 118, Dr. Danister de Silva Mawatha, Submission of Quotations: Colombo 08. Quotations sealed and prepared in accordance with the quotation forms could either be sent by Telephone / Fax : 011-2694898 registered post or placed in the Tender Box kept at the offi ce, to be received at or before 2.30 p.m. on 11.05.2021. Website : www.documents.gov.lk 12.04.2021 ŒThe covner containing the quotation should be marked the Tender Number at the left-side top corner. ŒBids received will be opened at 2.30 p.m. on 11.05.2021 and bidder or one of his authorized representatives can be present at the opening. For further details: 01. Procurement Engineer, Procurement Section, Moragahakanda Kaluganga Development Project, Project Director, Moragahakanda - Kaluganga Development Project Moragahakanda, Koongahawela. Invitation of Proposals for the Development of Tele No: 066-2053601 National Education Policy Framework – 2020-2030

STATE MINISTRY OF PADDY AND GRAINS, ORGANIC FOODS, VEGETABLES, FRUITS, CHILLIES, ONION, AND POTATO CULTIVATION PROMOTION, SEEDS PRODUCTION AND ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT OF AGRARIAN DEVELOPMENT National Education Commission (NEC) was established by an Act of INVITATION FOR BIDS Parliament - Act No. 19 of 1991. The main functions of the NEC are: I. to make recommendations on National Education Policy in all Construction of One Stop Shop at its aspects, with a view to ensuring continuity in educational Kurunduwaththa ASC Area in Kandy District policy and enabling the education system to respond to changing 1. The Chairman, Department Procurement Committee, on behalf of the needs in society, Department of Agrarian Development invites sealed bids from eligible and qualifi ed bidders for “Construction of One Stop Shop at Kurunduwaththa ASC Area in II. to review and analyze periodically the National Education Policy Kandy District” and plans in operation and where necessary to recommend The site is located at Kurunduwaththa Agrarian Service Centre, Kandy District changes in such policy and plans, and and the construction period is 90 days. III. to advice the President on any other matter relating to education 2. Bidding will be conducted through National Competitive Bidding Procedure (NCB). Since the Total Cost Estimate of this procurement is below Rs.50 Mn, regional preference and which may be referred to it by the President, for its advice. CIDA grade preference shall apply as stipulated in Public Finance Circular No. 04/2016(ii). To be eligible for contract award, the successful bidder shall not have been blacklisted NEC has undertaken this mandate since 1991 and formulated education p{lv ûƒ¨k¨ áp‰þK [£~ˆlª...{ap 15Y‰ ~qƒ£ 3. and shall be registered in the fi eld of Building Construction for C6 and C5 with the policy proposals in periodic intervals on key sub-sectors of education Construction Industry Development Authority (CIDA), valid until the date of closing - early childhood education, general education, higher education and of the bids. Further the registration should be valid at the date of award. * ÜpYyp‰ {£yvp‰cù ƒ¥y * ÜpYyp‰ {£yvp‰cù ƒ¥y technical and vocational education, and submitted to the President 4. Interested bidders may obtain further information from Deputy Commissioner, and also made many recommendations the President on many matters Agrarian Development District Offi ce, No.60, Gatambe, Peradeniya and inspect the Bidding Documents at the same address on any working day from 9:00hrs to 16:00 hrs. pertaining to education. Yû»t¤ýz ...... 011 2 767 259 Contact numbers are: Phone: 081-2388138, Facsimile: 081-2388138 195,»y¤ƒz r£y, Yû»t¤ýz. NEC has commenced the formulation National Education Policy 5. A complete set of Bidding Documents in English language may be purchased by Framework - 2020-2030, with a view to developing policies and strategic r‹z‹xp‰nz ...... 011 2 609 359 interested bidders on submission of a written application to the Deputy Commissioner, activity plans to reform the education sector to cater for present and 88/1, vƒy[v r£y, v£K»r, r‹z‹xp‰nz. Agrarian Development District Offi ce, No.60, Gatambe, Peradeniya from 12.04. 2021 until 27.04. 2021 from 9:00 hrs to 15:00 hrs upon payment of a non-refundable future needs. fee of Three Thousand Five Hundred Rupees. (Rs.3500/-) vƒy[v ...... 011 2 745 895 119/A, ý»p¤à R¥H{Mfõ~‹p‰, vƒy[v. 6. Bids shall be delivered or sent by registered post in duplicate to the address below at Herewith, the NEC invites proposals from the general public, institutions Deputy Commissioner, Agrarian Development District Offi ce, No.60, Gatambe, and organizations for consideration of the NEC in the ongoing policy v£z»J ...... 077 2 017 409 Peradeniya to reach on or before 28.04.2021 at 14.00 hrs. Late bids will be formulation process.Written submissions are requested for eight sub- rÜy¥ ëN~ˆ Wcp‰~š~ˆ, Rlªy¥[Œùx r£y, v£z»J. rejected. Bids will be opened soon after closing at the same address mentioned above in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend. sectors of education, namely, Early Childhood Education, General Education, Higher Education, Technical and Vocational Education, »[£h[v ...... 011 3 418 649 Bids shall be valid for a period of 90 Days from the date fi xed for receiving of Bids or 170, ~šl£{Y W‰cp‰~š~ˆ, »[£h[v. 7. any extended period. Pirivena Education, Special Education, Non-formal Education and International & Private Schools under the following 12 core areas: i) 8. All Bids shall be accompanied by, An original Bid Security which shall be; »ƒ¤v£[v ...... 077 7 304 046 Access, Equity and Inclusiveness, ii) Curriculum Design, Content and 76/2/1, ãKùx»r£z r£y »ƒ¤v£[v. • In the form included in the Section 09 in the Bidding document. • In favour of Deputy Commissioner of Agrarian Development, Kandy District, Learning Outcomes, iii) Teaching—Learning Process and Assessments, • For an amount of Rs. 110,000.00 iv) Learning Environment and Learners Welfare, v) Benchmarking and Uhƒv¨zˆz...... 011 2 810 042 • Valid up to 28.06.2021 138, ãKùx»r£… r£y, Uhƒv¨zˆz, p§»[‰»[£h. Quality Assurance, vi) Knowledge Creation, Technology Transfer and • Issued by one of the agencies indicated in the Clause 16.0 of the Schedule OR Nurturing of Art & Culture, vii) Personality Development, viii) Promotion vl‰»l‰»[£h ...... 071 8 619 448 • A refundable cash deposit for an amount of Rs.55,000.00 should be paid to the of Patriotism and Civic Consciousness, ix) Financing of Education, x) vl‰»l‰»[£h ëN~ˆ »rˆrM~ˆ, 102/179 ~š, r±o£p þn™x, Agrarian Development District Offi ce, Kandy and attached the original receipt. Quality of Human Resources, xi) Quality of Physical Resources and xii) Commissioner General of Agrarian Development, Rlªy¥[Œùx ...... 071 8 021 724 Regulations, Governance and Effi ciency. 267, ýl£p»[‰ ~ˆ»f¤M~ˆ, »[£h[v r£y, Rlªy¥[Œùx. Department of Agrarian Development, No. 42, Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha, Written submission must be presented in the following format: Sub- Colombo 07. »Y£Gf£{ ...... 077 5 121 887 sector, Current Context and Issues/Gaps and Recommended Policies 72, ƒõ»z{zˆ r£y, »Y£Gf£{. 12.04.2021 and Strategic Activities and the length of the submission should not r‹f»Y¤G»G ...... 075 4 009 648 exceed more than 5 (A4 size) pages.NEC may invite proponents of 435,»r£l‰[ªz »r£l‰ƒz, r‹f»Y¤G»G. written proposals that need further elaborations for oral submissions.

Written submissions may be sent by e-mail, fax or by post addressed to the Secretary, National Education Commission, 126, Nawala Road, Nugegoda on or before 30th April 2021. Please indicate ‘Proposals for National Education Policy Framework (2020-2030)’ on the top left-hand corner of the envelope/cover page. The Country’s Breaking largest For E-mail : [email protected] Fax: 0112816178 boundaries recruitment jobseekers database Website : http://www.nec.gov.lk

[email protected] Chairman 011 2 429 342 | 011 2 429 343 National Education Commission www.observerjobs.lk Fax - 011 2 429 375 / 011 2 429 380 5th April 2021 DN page 36 ADVERTISEMENTS MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2021 STATE MINISTRY OF RURAL AND DIVISIONAL DRINKING WATER SUPPLY PROJECTS Procurement Notice DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL COMMUNITY MINISTRY OF ENERGY WATER SUPPLY CEYLON PETROLEUM CORPORATON (CPC) Invitation for Bids (IFB) Disposal of Dispensing Pumps, Air National Institute of Education EXTENSION OF THE LAST DATE FOR Compressors, Hibouys, Used Tyres & Rims, ACCEPTING PROCUREMENT DOCUMENTS Batteries, Floating Hoses, Scrap Iron etc.. GENERAL MAINTENANCE WORKS FOR BUILDINGS OF (B/30/2021) The last date for accepting procurement documents was extented NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION BUIDINGS AT up to 10.00 a.m. on 27.04.2021 as published in the Procurement Sealed bids are hereby invited by the Chairman, Procurement Committee, MAHARAGAMA & MEEPE 2021/2022 Notice dated 29.03.2021. Ceylon Petroleum Corporation for the Disposal of following items available at RDD Yard at Ex-Nylon 6 premises, Sapugaskanda. Further, it is hereby informed that a pre-bid meeting will be held at 1. The Chairman, Department Procurement Committee on behalf of the National Lot A : 127 Nos. Dispensing Pumps Institute of Education invites sealed bids from eligible and qualified bidders 10.00 a.m. on 21.04.2021. 32 Nos. Air Compressors for Repair & General Maintenance Works for buildings of National Institute of Other terms and conditions remain same. 29 Nos. Hibouys Lot B : 256 Nos. Used Tyres & 12 Nos. Vehicle Rims Education at Maharagama and Meepe and their surroundings in the year 2021/2022 Chairman Lot C : 123 Nos. Non-Hybrid Batteries & 18 Nos. UPS Batteries as described below and estimated to cost accumulating up to the ceiling of SLR Departmental Procurement Committee, Lot D : 07 Nos. Hybrid Car Batteries 30 Million without Value Added Tax (VAT) within the period of one year. The Department of National Community Water Supply Lot E : Floating Hoses (includes hoses, chains, wire rope, iron scraps, etc works include Civil, Mechanical & Electrical Works. No. 1114, Pannipitiya Road, received from off shore SPBM facility Talawathugoda. Lot F : Scrap Iron 2. Bidding will be conducted following National Competitive Bidding (NCB). Bidding Documents can be obtained after payment of non-refundable fee of Regional preference and CIDA grade preference shall apply as stipulated in Public Rs. 500/= (i.e. Rs. 462.9) + 8% VAT) to CPC on working days between 0900 Finance Circular No. 04/2016 (ii). hrs. and 1500 hrs up to 04.05.2021 from the offi ce of Manager (Procurement & Stores), Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, 01st Floor, No. 609, Dr. Danister De 3. To be eligible for contract award, the successful bidder shall not have been Silva Mawatha, Colombo 09. blacklisted and must be registered with the Construction Industry Development Bids will be closed at 1400 hrs on 05.05.2021 and opened immediately Authority (CIDA-successor to ICTAD) for Building Construction Grade C5 and thereafter at the Offi ce of Manager (Procurement & Stores). C4. Items to be disposed under Lot A to Lot F are presently available in the Ex Nylon 06 premises, Sapugaskanda and CPC Head Offi ce and inspection 4. Qualification requirements to qualify for contract award include; of the items could be arranged on prior appointment with the Manager (Procurement & Stores), until 04.05.2021 The Bidders shall have previous experience at least in one construction project of Clarifi cations (if any) shall be sought from Manager (Procurement & Stores), value not less than SLR 10 Million within last three years. over the Telephone No. 5455331 or Facsimile No.: 5455424. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the bidders can download the bidding 5. Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Director (Engineering document from CPC website, i.e- www.ceypetco.gov.lk, and all the payments Services), National Institute of Education, Maharagama (Tel 0117601600) and can be made to the Account No. 004100110208633 of Ceylon Petroleum Corporation of People’s Bank (Head Offi ce). Please submit the original of the inspect the bidding documents at the address given below from 0900 hrs to bank receipt along with the bid. 1500 hrs on working days. Chairman, 6. A complete set of Bidding Documents in English language may be purchased Ceylon Petroleum Corporation by the interested bidders from the Director (Engineering Services), National 1st Floor, No. 609, Dr. Danister De Silva Mawatha, Institute of Education, Maharagama (Tel 0117601600) on submission of a written Colombo 09. application to the Director General, National Institute of Education, No 21, High level road, Maharagama from 16.04.2021, until 05.05.2021 from 0900 hrs to 1500 hrs upon payment of a non-refundable fee of SlR 7,000.00 made to A/C No 607628 Director General, NIE (Bank of Ceylon branch situated in the NIE premises). 7. Sealed bids may be delivered to the Chairman, Department Procurement Committee, National Institute of Education, Maharagama to reach before 2.00 p.m. on 06.05.2021. Bids could also be placed in the tender box kept at the office of the Deputy Director General (Administration, Finance and Support Services) before the date and time mentioned above. The title of the bid and contract number should be clearly mentioned on the top left hand corner of the envelope. 8. Bids shall be valid up to 02.09.2021. 9. All bids shall be accompanied by a Bid Security of SLR 450,000.00, which should be obtained from a Commercial Bank accepted by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka valid until 30.09.2021. The Bid Security should be "On-demand" & NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION "Unconditional" and as per the format given in the Bidding Document.

MAHARAGAMA Director General, National Institute of Education, No. 21, Invitation for Bids High Level Road, Maharagama. Tenders are invited by the Chairman, Departmental Procurement Committee of the National Institute of Education from eligible suppliers in Sri Lanka for the Supply and Installation of Auditorium Chairs in the Auditorium in the fi ve storeyed building of the National Institute of Education.

Value of Non- Value of Bid Publish your Classifi ed ad Tender File No. Item refundable Security Bid Form Fee (Rs.) in our Newspapers (Rs.)

Supplying and at a NIE/ bearable amount 01 Installation of 1500.00 77,500.00 LP/2020/73 Auditorium Chairs * For 15 Words Tender documents with all other details could be obtained during working days of the week between 9.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. from the Procurement Offi cers by submitting the receipt obtained after depositing the non- + Rs. 500/- refundable fee to Account No. 607628 (Bank of Ceylon, Maharagama) in - Rs. 15/- for each additional word favour of the Director General. Issuing of Tender Documents will close at 3.00 p.m. on 03.05.2021. A pre-bid meeting relevant to this matter will be held at 10.00 a.m. on + Rs. 350/- 22.04.2021 at the Deputy Director General’s (Administration, Finance & - Rs.15/- for each additional word Supportive Service) Offi ce. Duly completed sealed bids should be sent by Registered Post addressed to the Chairman, Departmental Procurement Committee, National Institute of + Rs. 350/- Education, Maharagama to be received before 2.00 p.m. on 04.05.2021 or - Rs.15/- for each additional word should be inserted in the Tender Box kept in the Deputy Director General’s (Administration, Finance & Supportive Services) Offi ce. The relevant Tender No. should be marked on the top left-hand corner of the envelope containing + Rs. 400/- the Tender. Tenders will be opened at 2.00 p.m. on 04.05.2021. - Rs.15/- for each additional word The decision of the Director General of the National Institute of Education regarding this procurement is deemed fi nal. Rs. 400/- You may contact on : 0117601797 or 0117601799 for further details. + - Rs.15/- for each additional word Director General, National Institute of Education, Maharagama. + Rs. 250/- 12.04.2021 - Rs.10/- for each additional word + Rs. 250/- - Rs.10/- for each additional word E-Mail your Classified ad to classifi [email protected]

The convenient way to make your payment:- Green light for BOC - Acc.No. Online Transfer LAKE HOUSE BRANCH 000000377 For more Details - Piyumi - 011 2 429 383 / Ramani - 011 2 429 347

Printed and Published by The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd., at No. 35, D.R.Wijewardene Mawatha, Colombo 10, on Monday, April 12 2021