BAD TASTE IN SALT DEAL

DIANA GAMAGE RS. 70.00 PAGES 80 / SECTIONS 7 VOL. 03 – NO. 04 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2020 I HAVE GOVT. PREPARES FOR Q2 GDP POMPEO WHILE SJB HIT DATA ONLY »SEE PAGE 11 BY 20A AFTERMATH IN 2021? »SEE PAGE 3 »SEE PAGES 8 & 9 »SEE BUSINESS PAGE 1 LEGITIMATEPOWEROVER SJB GENERAL PREVENTIVE GUIDELINES For verified information on the coronavirus (Covid-19) contact any of the following authorities Suwasariya Ambulance Service 1999 Health Promotion Bureau Quarantine Unit 0112 112 705 1990 Epidemiology Unit 0112 695 112 Govt. coronavirus hotline 0113071073 PRESIDENTIAL SPECIAL TASK FORCE FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES Telephone 0114354854, 0114733600 Wash hands with soap for 40-60 Wear a commercially available mask/ Maintain a minimum distance Use gloves when shopping, using Use traditional Sri Lankan greeting Always wear a mask, avoid crowded Hotline 0113456200-4 seconds, or rub hands with alcohol- cloth mask or a surgical mask at all of 1 metre from others, especially public transport, etc. and discard into at all times instead of handshaking, vehicles, maintain distance, and wash Fax 0112333066, 0114354882 based handrub for 20-30 seconds times in public places in public places a lidded bin lined with a bag hugging, and/or kissing hands before and after travelling Email [email protected] PCR test success rate 70% z Local lab tests depend on various conditions: Health Ministry z Positive turning negative could be due to antibodies

BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA Ministry of Health Spokesman Dr. swab reached the necessary depth) or specifically positive cases turning out to person tests positive for the virus and Jayaruwan Bandara stressed that the the patient had developed antibodies be negative later on, has aroused much later on tests negative, it means the With serious concerns raised the recent irregularities sensitivity of a test carried out at a local and killed the virus naturally. curiosity among the general public individual has developed antibodies with PCR test results, the Ministry of Health said that the laboratory was dependent on various “A false positive or negative test with regard to the credibility of the and has overcome the virus naturally. sensitivity of a PCR test carried out at a local laboratory conditions including the method could be due to one particular tests conducted, as well as the ability “Similarly, if a person tested negative applied to take the necessary sample reason or several reasons,” he told The of containing the virus based on the today, they can be tested positive stood at around 70%, which means the remaining 30% and whether the sample was taken from Sunday Morning. tests conducted at local laboratories. tomorrow,” he added. could either be false negatives or positives. the right place in the nose (whether the The irregularities of test results, Dr. Bandara also explained that if a Contd. on page 2 Pompeo to Quarantine life Diana and SJB clash discuss MCC? z SJB to take Conflicting claims are being made by the (SJB) General z No denial from the US disciplinary action Secretary and the Deputy Secretary of the With US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s same party MP regarding visit to scheduled for this week, z Diana says the Central Committee members of the SJB, there remains a strong possibility that the following the aftermath of last Thursday's US Millennium Challenge Corporation no action (22) vote on the 20th Amendment to the (MCC) compact will be on the agenda for can be Constitution in Parliament. discussion, despite authorities remaining taken Contd. on page 2 coy about the subject. When contacted by The Sunday Morning, CAPITAL HEIGHTS US Embassy in Sri Lanka Spokesperson Nancy VanHorn said that a wide range of CAPITALRS. 34 MILLION HEIGHTS topics would be discussed at the meeting. RS. 34 MILLION Contd. on page 2 UPWARDS UPWARDS ENVIRONMENTAL ACT CAPITAL HEIGHTS Amendments RS. 34 MILLION VISIT OUR with AG UPWARDSWEBSITE The much anticipated amendments to the CAPITALVISIT HEIGHTS+94 OUR 763112233 Environmental Act were submitted to the RS.35SHOW APARTMENT MILLIONWEBSITE UPWARDSRS. 34 MILLION Attorney General (AG)’s Department by READY FOR INSPECTION UPWARDS the Ministry of Environment, The Sunday Morning learnt. PROJECT NEARING+94 763112233 COMPLETION VISIT OUR Contd. on page 2 SHOW APARTMENT WEBSITE Children who tested positive for Covid-19 being treated at the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH) in Angoda adapting to life in VISIT OUR PVT. BUSES TO HALT OPERATIONS the quarantine centre PHOTO LALITH PERERA +94 763112233WEBSITE READY FOR INSPECTION SHOW APARTMENT www.capitalheights.lk+94 763112233 We have enough READY FORSHOW INSPECTION APARTMENT MEGA DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS PROJECTCoconut NEARING prices COMPLETION READY FOR INSPECTION buses: Govt. controlled: PROJECT NEARINGPROJECT NEARING COMPLETION COMPLETION BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA Cost yet to be finalised Bandula The Government has an adequate number of The Urban Development by the Authority in and around With a steady supply of coconuts, buses to fill any shortages in public transport Authority (UDA) is yet to finalise Colombo next year, The Sunday the prices of coconuts have now been as a result of private buses discontinuing the total cost for the new mega Morning learnt. brought under control, Minister of operations, according to State Minister of development projects to be launched Contd. on page 2 Trade Dr. Bandula Gunawardana Vehicle Regulation, Bus Transport Services revealed. and Carriages, and Automotive Industries Contd. on page 2 . HAZARDOUS CONSTRUCTIONS IN KANDY “If private buses stop operating in the near TNA-MODI DIALOGUE future, we will use Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses to ensure availability of buses for public transport,” he told The Sunday Morning. Postponed Contd. on page 2 Risk zones to indefinitely COPE meetings The discussion that was to take be mapped place between the Prime Minister of to recommence z Conformity assessments to be conducted periodically India Narendra Modi and the Tamil The Committee on Public Enterprises National Alliance (TNA) has been (COPE) would meet next on 3 November BY SARAH HANNAN The decision was reached after the postponed indefinitely. and continue its schedule as before. Governor was presented with the study “Given the present predicament, COPE Chairman Dr. told Central Province Governor Lalith U. report prepared by the 25-member we are unaware as to whether the The Sunday Morning that the Committee Gamage is to look into implementing the independent committee he had appointed discussion would take place any time would meet once again at the very next recommendations to have safe building to investigate potentially hazardous soon,” TNA Leader R. Sampanthan session of Parliament. structures in the Kandy city limits going buildings in the Kandy Municipal limits. told The Sunday Morning. Contd. on page 2 forward. Contd. on page 3 Contd. on page 2 2 the sunday morning NEWS Sunday, October 25, 2020 Contd. from page 1

to who decides if a test should be carried Nevertheless, contradictory remarks were Morning on 16 October whether the MCC difficult but necessary decisions to secure PCR test... out at a private lab or government lab, Dr. made by SJB General Secretary Ranjith compact would be discussed with Pompeo, its economic independence for long-term When asked whether there is a possibility Bandara noted that the decision was made by Madduma Bandara, as he stressed that the said that it was a friendly visit and many topics prosperity, and we stand ready to partner with of positive cases moving freely within society the Epidemiology Unit and that the Ministry Central Committee was appointed recently by could be touched on. Sri Lanka for its economic development and due to the faulty tests, Dr. Bandara stated that of Health was not sending samples to private the SJB members and therefore, disciplinary “We don’t know yet, but obviously they will growth,” Thompson stated. there was a possibility, but as tests were mostly hospitals to carry out the tests. action would be taken against Gamage. raise matters important to them. What matters It was also noted that the US would urge Sri carried out based on contact tracing and if the When asked whether similar action would be to us, we will have to express. But it is a very Lanka to uphold democracy and human rights. suspected case was a first or second contact of taken against the MPs of these three parties who friendly visit,” he said. – Maheesha Mudugamuwa an already positive case, follow-up tests would Diana and... voted for the 20th Amendment, Bandara said Meanwhile, during a media briefing held be conducted. SJB Assistant Secretary National List MP a discussion would be held with party leaders with Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs However, contrary to what Dr. Bandara said, Diana Gamage was among the eight SJB MPs and a decision would be taken afterwards. Assistant Secretary David R. Stilwell and COPE meetings... medical laboratory technicians (MLTs) alleged who voted for the 20th Amendment last week. Meanwhile, when contacted, SJB MP Nalin Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs “The Parliament is next set to meet on 3 that most faulty test results were basically due to Following the voting, vehement opposition Bandara Jayamaha told The Sunday Morning Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Dean R. November and we too will have our next the faulty procedures followed in laboratories. had erupted within the party against Gamage and that the three parties have already been removed Thompson on US Secretary Pompeo’s travel to committee meeting on that same day.” Urging the Ministry of Health to reveal the the other members, while a group of members from the Opposition Whip and they wouldn’t India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Indonesia in He said the Committee would be calling on names of the laboratories that had so far given had written to SJB General Secretary MP be taken into the group meeting and speeches Washington last week, Thompson said Pompeo the individuals as scheduled prior to its sessions faulty test results, Sri Lanka Association of to take disciplinary would not be given under the Opposition Whip will meet with President , being postponed. Government Medical Laboratory Technologists action against the MPs who supported the 20th in Parliament. Prime Minister , and Foreign “We will first take up the matter of the Central (SLGMLT) President Ravi Kumudesh stressed Amendment including Gamage. – Maheesha Mudugamuwa Minister Gunawardena to emphasise the US Expressway and go on for the rest of the week.” that most of these faulty tests had been conducted On Friday (23) evening, the SJB leadership, commitment to a strong, independent, and He said the Committee had to postpone its in laboratories of private hospitals. after discussions with the parliamentary group, democratic Sri Lanka. sessions due to the recent outbreak of Covid-19. Kumudesh stressed that government decided to expel the members who had voted Pompeo to... “We want to partner with Sri Lanka on He further said that the Committee had then laboratories have the capacity to conduct 10,000 in favour of the 20th Amendment. When queried specifically as to whether the our shared goals of sustainable economic decided that Covid-19 could be prevalent PCR tests per day. In such a backdrop, Gamage alleged that the MCC compact is on the agenda, VanHorn, who development and a free and open Indo-Pacific. for a significant period of time and thus the According to him, the current testing system SJB couldn’t take disciplinary action. did not deny the possibility of discussing the In the interest of strengthening our longstanding Committee’s functions should continue as is traditional and it should be improved, and “They are not in a position to remove me MCC agreement, reiterated her earlier statement. partnership with Sri Lanka and reinforcing planned. serum tests, antigen, and antibody tests should just like that; I am the Deputy Secretary of the “A wide range of topics will be discussed and our long-term commitment to the region, we – Skandha Gunasekara be conducted within the country to identify the party and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya is now economic ties between the two governments encourage Sri Lanka to review the options we sources and the intensity of the spread of the elected to Parliament because I allowed them will indeed be a key topic,” she said. offer for transparent and sustainable economic virus within society. to use the political party that my husband and I Minister of Foreign Affairs Dinesh development in contrast to discriminatory and Amendments... When queried by The Sunday Morning as had established,” she told The Sunday Morning. Gunawardena, when asked by The Sunday opaque practices. We urge Sri Lanka to make “Our team has completed the draft amendments to the Environmental Act that would strengthen the powers that will be vested with the Police and would allow the Environment Protection Units to launch investigations immediately when environmental destruction is reported,” Minister of Environment told The Sunday Morning. The amendments will also increase the fines and the imprisonment periods for the perpetrators, and is expected to iron out any disputed clauses that have prevented any legal action being taken against perpetrators. The Minster said that once the AG approves the amendments, it would be presented to the Cabinet for approval, after which they would be able to gazette it for enactment. – Sarah Hannan We have... The Minister stated that it was not a strike but a decision by private bus owners to stop operations in order to mitigate losses faced as a result of the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak. He went on to say the Government was in the process of resolving issues faced by private bus owners, such as formulating a bus timetable. “The new timetable will see a roster where private buses would operate only a few days a week – maybe three days. This way, they will be able to cover their losses.” He went on to say that the National Transport Commission and the Provincial Transport Commission had stopped collecting funds from private buses for the daily logbook. In addition, he said that the Government had facilitated a loan scheme for private bus owners through various financial institutions and banks. All Island Private Bus Owners’ Association President Gemunu Wijeratne said that private buses would stop operating after the Advance Level (A/L) examinations conclude. Postponed... Sampanthan also noted that it was Premier Modi who had reached out to them and they are now awaiting further instructions on rescheduling the said meeting. The TNA is still not clear whether it would be a meeting that would take place using online tools or whether they would be meeting him in person. Furthermore, the topics of discussion too are yet to be arranged, Sampanthan reiterated. – Sarah Hannan Coconut prices... Speaking to The Sunday Morning on Friday (23), Dr. Gunawardana said: “The maximum retail price for coconuts was gazetted based on circumference sizing at a time when coconuts were sold at Rs. 150 per nut. However, with a steady supply that has been secured through the Coconut Development Board, coconuts are now sold at a controlled price of Rs. 65.” The Minster noted that therefore, the Ministry had decided that there was no necessity to once again amend the price points for coconuts that are made available for retail. – Sarah Hannan Cost yet... As per the Cabinet approval received last week for the acquisition of 39 plots of state land to the UDA, as an independent grant under Section 6 (1) of the State Lands Ordinance, and the acquisition of five plots of private land under the Land Acquisition Act, the UDA is initially planning to launch 48 new projects. Speaking to The Sunday Morning, UDA Director General Prasad Ranaweera said the UDA has already identified the 48 new mega development projects in and around Colombo which are to be implemented next year, adding that it has received a large amount of land including in Kirimandala Mawatha and Racecourse. – Maheesha Mudugamuwa the sunday morning 3 Sunday, October 25, 2020 SPOTLIGHT/NEWS

BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA importation is necessary. I emphasised that Lanka Salt Ltd. should once again Questions have been raised over export their products, as they did prior Lanka Salt Ltd. purchasing low- to the year 2015. I note that excuses quality salt from Puttalam in for losses are irrelevant and I’m more 2017, causing additional losses interested in strategies that would lead to to the already loss-making state profit,” the President had stressed. institution. Bad taste in More irregularities uncovered As learnt by The Sunday Morning, Nevertheless, it is revealed that there salt stocks of around 8,000 were numerous other irregularities metric tonnes (MT) purchased by within Lanka Salt Ltd. as per the Lanka Salt Ltd. in 2017, at a cost financial audit report issued by the of around Rs. 284 million, did Auditor General’s Department in 2018. not sell due to its poor quality, According to the audit report, four and was stored at a Hambantota machines for the manufacturing of table saltern for three years until the salt purchased from an Indian company new administration came into at Rs. 24,671,591 in 2011 had remained power earlier this year. idle in the factory. zsalt deal According to the company’s records, After the new administration took over Purchase of low-quality salt by Lanka Salt under scrutiny as at 31 December 2018, 13 heaps Lanka Salt, they decided to sell the salt (3,136 MT) of salt had remained as and recover the losses incurred. According to him, as of now, half of not been discovered by the management for privatisation in 1998, came under non-moving in the Bundala, Palatupana, Nevertheless, this decision taken the stocks have been released. over the past decades.” the purview of the Employees Trust and Maha Levaya salterns. The product by Lanka Salt Ltd. backfired after When asked about the quality of the He elaborated that there were Fund (ETF) with the intervention of is marketed based on demand and the allegations were levelled against the new salt stocks, Sandabarana said Lanka Salt abandoned beds at salterns in then Minister of Labour Mahinda quality of the salt; the prices offered by administration that the state institution did not packet the low-quality stocks and Hambantota, which he said was a Rajapaksa. The organisation, with 90% external buyers and the properties of the was selling low-quality salt to a third sell it to the market, but rather it called surprise to see. of the company’s capital owned by the salt in the market at the time, determine party, in spite of being aware that the an open tender so a prospective buyer “Not only salt production; we are ETF and 10% by the employees, was the supply of salt to the market, the salt is of low quality and not good for could buy the stocks. exploring the possibilities of promoting then transformed into a profit-making report explained. human consumption. “Our intention was to get rid of the eco-tourism in lands owned by Lanka venture. It was also revealed in the report that It is also learnt that during the last salt stocks and to recover the losses,” he Salt,” Sandabarana noted. “Complete termination of salt non-moving items of the value of Rs. three years, as a result of exposure stressed. 11,624,867 were at general stores for to sunlight and wind, the salt stocks “The salt stocks purchased from From losses to profits more than two years. reduced to 6,000 MT, meaning Lanka Puttalam did not meet the quality Meanwhile, during a meeting held Lanka Salt incurred a loss of Rs. Salt had already incurred millions in standards of Lanka Salt, because we with Lanka Salt Ltd. recently, President 2,826,496 at the beginning of 2018 and losses by the time it decided to sell the sell only high-quality salt. However, Gotabaya Rajapaksa put forward a The salt stocks purchased from the corresponding profit in the preceding stocks off to recover the losses. as per tests done by our lab, it was not strict time frame within which the state Puttalam did not meet the quality year amounted to Rs. 324,253,841. The salterns in Hambantota are the mentioned that this salt is not good for institution, which runs at a loss since standards of Lanka Salt, because we Therefore, a deterioration amounting to biggest of its kind in Sri Lanka. The salt human consumption,” he said. 2018, is to earn profits. sell only high-quality salt. Rs. 327,080,337 of the financial result produced there is provided to consumers “Salt can also be used as an ingredient The President has also instructed the However, as per tests done by our lab, was observed in the report. under the label “Lak Lunu”. in fertilisers and for many other Chairman and the Board of Directors it was not mentioned that this The reasons for the deterioration The Hambantota Maha Levaya purposes as well. We didn’t know why to investigate the cause for the losses salt is not good for human are decrease in revenue by Rs. saltern was converted to a corporation the buyer was purchasing it – which incurred during these three years and to consumption 142,285,379, which is a deduction of in 1957 with the amalgamation of the is not our concern. If he is going to transform the entity into a profit-earning Lanka Salt Ltd. Chairman 10%, and increase in cost of sales by Rs. Maha Levaya, Bundala, and Palatupana packet it and sell it to the public for one. Nishantha Sandabarana 253,022,838, which is an increase salterns. human consumption, it is up to the Lanka Salt Ltd., which was earmarked of 28%. health authorities and those who are monitoring the quality to take action,” the Chairman stressed.

We didn’t know why the buyer was Export plans purchasing it – which is not our Sandabarana shared that his main concern. If he is going to packet it objective during his tenure is to make and sell it to the public for human the institution a profitable one. He has consumption, it is up to the health set targets already, he said, including authorities and those who are to increase the production capacity monitoring the quality to take action of Lanka Salt, expand the production Lanka Salt Ltd. Chairman types, as at present, the institution is Nishantha Sandabarana mainly focused on producing table salt, and also to export Lanka Salt products worldwide. Recovering loses As per the statistics available, the Last week, The Sunday Morning top trading partners (importers of “salt contacted newly appointed Lanka Salt [including table salt and denatured salt] Ltd. Chairman Nishantha Sandabarana to and pure sodium chloride, whether or clarify whether there was any issue with not in aqueous solution or containing regard to the quality of their table salt. added anti-caking or free-flowing “When we took over the institution agents; sea water”) of Sri Lanka in this year, we did not have enough 2017 included China, with a share of storage facilities to store our 45% ($ 696,000); India, with a share productions due to the low-quality salt of 31% ($ 483,000); Thailand, with a stocks purchased during the previous share of 14.8% ($ 229,000); Pakistan, Government (taking up space). with a share of 4.66% ($ 72,000); and Therefore, we decided to sell it to a Switzerland, Denmark, Singapore, prospective buyer while following the , Australia and Malta. government-approved tender process,” Meanwhile, Sandabarana said: he explained. “Lanka Salt has huge potential that has

A saltern in Hambantota PHOTO MARK EDWARDS

Contd. from page 1 Kandy city limits (step one); to map out high, Risk zones... medium, and low-risk areas, and once the Speaking to The Sunday Morning on high-risk regions are identified, to identify Friday (23), the Governor said: “The the potentially hazardous buildings that are objective of the investigation was to identify located in such regions (step two); to list the potential risk zones within the Kandy identified potentially hazardous buildings city limits; identify buildings in selected (step three); and to inform the owners of risk zones based on available information such buildings about the potential danger and visual inspection, and assess the the building is causing to its surroundings potential risk; suggest measures to mitigate (step four). potential risks that existing structures A similar approach is to be followed from could cause; propose recommendations for steps two to four for buildings in mid and future development projects; and propose low-risk zones as well. possible amendments to current building Once the findings are shared, the said regulations.” institution should be able to recommend In the recent report that was submitted a suitable contractor to the owner of the to the Central Province Governor, the building so it could be fixed with adequate 25-member independent committee proposed safety measures. An agreement should be that an institution headed by experts in the reached at this stage between the institution sectors of architecture, building regulation, and the owner of the building that they would geology/geotechnical engineering, structural follow through. engineering, water technology, and water Should the owner of the building fail to supply and drainage should be established comply with the instructions, the institution to streamline the process of zoning areas should be able to take necessary legal action based on the geospatial characteristics in the against the owner in question. 4 the sunday morning SPOTLIGHT Sunday, October 25, 2020

RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION PROJECTS However, due to the Amendment made had identified the delays in commissioning to the Electricity Act in 2013, and as per several renewable energy projects already the opinion given by the Attorney General tendered for many years and action was (AG) in 2017, following competitive being taken to expedite those projects as bidding processes was made compulsory for per the instructions given by President all power projects awarded by the Ceylon Gotabaya Rajapaksa. STILL IN Electricity Board (CEB). As explained by the Minister, earlier, As a result, even to get the approval there was a mechanism to award power for the construction of a 10 MW power projects with a capacity of less than 10 MW plant, the investors have to follow a long under a fixed-tariff contract, but in 2017, documentation process, which made it when the AG’s opinion was sought, the impossible to complete the projects as We requested the President to find a AG had stated that the CEB could award THE DARK per the schedules, according to State only least-cost projects and it could not go solution. When we send the project to Minister of Solar, Wind, and Grid Power ahead on fixed-tariff systems. Therefore, BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA get the approval from the Environment Generation Projects Development Ministry, they take around a year to competitive bidding was pursued on all The commissioning of small-scale . approve State Minister of Solar, Wind, projects awarded by the CEB. renewable energy plants has Nevertheless, there has been a debate on and Grid Power Generation Projects Accordingly, out of the renewable energy two aspects – fixed tariffs and tendering. projects tendered in 2016, totalling 60 been held up for many years due Development According to local renewable energy Duminda Dissanayake MW in capacity, tenders were awarded for to delays by state institutions experts, there are pros and cons to both only 35 MW; in addition, only around 13 in approving the necessary systems and therefore, it is difficult to say projects had commenced as of now. For the documentation as per the which system is best suited for the country. the process would get dragged and, as projects tendered in 2017, totalling 90 MW recommended tendering process, They claimed that if opting for the fixed a result, the commissioning of those in capacity, tenders were awarded for only The Sunday Morning learnt. tariff system, there is ambiguity on how projects would be delayed. 70 projects, and out of that, only around the projects would be awarded, as there five projects were commissioned within Prior to 2017, small-scale renewable was no transparent mechanism to choose Bureaucratic delays the past three years. energy power plants with a capacity of the investors, since the tariffs would be the Speaking to The Sunday Morning, “We call for tenders as per the grid around 10 MW were awarded on fixed- same across the board. State Minister of Solar, Wind, and Grid capacity. But practically, the investors have tariff contracts without going through long And at the same time, they argued Power Generation Projects Development to obtain a number of approvals such as tendering processes. that if opting for competitive bidding, Duminda Dissanayake said his Ministry land and environment clearances. At the meeting, we requested the President to find a solution. When we send the project to get the approval from the Environment Ministry, they take around a year to approve. Sometimes, they wanted to get an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). When projects are done in state lands, it consumes more time. For some projects, it takes around a year to get the approval,” State Minister Dissanayake stressed. “We have spoken to all the investor companies and asked them about the issues they faced individually and accordingly, we have taken steps to speed up the process,” he noted.

The CEB Chairman also promised that they will go for tenders, approximately a minimum of 150 MW every six months…At the meeting, the President was very keen on implementing the projects as soon as possible SIA President Kushan Jayasuriya

Plans laid out In President Rajapaksa's election manifesto, a 78-page document named “Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour” released last year (2019), he highlighted the importance of the renewable energy sector of the country, as he stated that by 2030, he expects the country’s renewable energy mix to be 40% of the total portfolio, and he also anticipates that hydro and renewable energy together would account for 80% of the overall energy mix by 2030. Furthermore, in his manifesto, it is stated that 230 MW of power would be added to the national grid by installing the Broadland Hydropower Station by 2020, Uma Oya by 2021, Moragolla by 2023, and Talapitigala and Seethawaka by 2024; 100 MW of wind energy would be added in Mannar by 2021; and 800 MW of solar energy will be added to the national grid by executing a wind and solar power project with a public- private partnership in potential locations around the country including Mannar, Pooneryn, and Monaragala. It was further stated that rooftop solar systems will be encouraged so that households and small businesses would have access to low-cost energy, which will be done in the course of the next five years. The total cost of such investments would be made available through bank loans with low/concessional interest rates. The Government will also introduce a new method to release excess power generation to the national grid in improving solar energy utilisation, it stated. When electing him as President, the people also accepted the detailed policy plan submitted by him for the future development of the country, but concerns have been raised over the delay in the implementation of policies laid down by the President himself in his manifesto. Despite the promises made by the President, no major projects have yet been commissioned during this year. However, the Solar Industries Association (SIA) is hopeful of the government agenda on renewable energy, as they expressed their confidence in fulfilling the Government’s target, and is optimistic that the country can achieve around 70% of the total energy requirement via renewable energy by 2030. Contd. on page 13 the sunday morning 5 Sunday, October 25, 2020 SPOTLIGHT

BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA found out, and it is stated that CENTRAL EXPRESSWAY PROJECT extension does not comply with the The various irregularities bidding principle. of the long-delayed Central Fujita’s bid had been rejected Expressway Project (CEP), due to a lack of capacity and which have caused the had exceeded the engineering country a loss of over estimate by Rs. 24.2 billion, but a billion rupees, have it was to be evaluated once again, been uncovered by the accepting and implementing the Auditor General’s (AG) special request of the Japanese Department, and a further special advisor, contrary to the AG exposes procurement guidelines. examination on the matter The procurement committee is to be conducted by the had again noted that the refusal of parliamentary Committee on Fujita’s bid is correct, contrary to Public Enterprises (COPE). receiving the approval and forcing potholes on the road Taisei (who is entitled to award As per the audit findings, the the procurement) to be joined with Government has incurred a total removed from Section III of the opening dates for the bidding the aforesaid company, which loss of Rs. 1,759 and Rs. 65 million CEP and once again a competitive have been postponed on several also contravenes the procurement for the preparation of the feasibility bidding process has been called occasions and the date of opening guidelines. study to SMEC, the consultant, on for. had not been not specified. Moreover, the bidding 31 December 2014 and on another The 34-km-long Section III, Also, the Minister of Finance documents and the estimates have occasion, respectively. extending from Pothuhera to had objected to the competitive been prepared under a condition Nevertheless, the report is yet to Galagedara, was to be constructed bidding process that had been where by the date of the audit, the be completed. by a Japanese contractor at an followed and attempted to route of the expressway would not estimated cost of Rs. 135 billion negotiate with Fujita on the have been clearly identified and CEP irregularities via a loan obtained from Tokyo bid submitted by Fujita, as therefore the accuracy of the bid The AG’s Department has stated Mitsubishi Bank (TMB) in Japan, mentioned in the cabinet paper evaluation is problematic for the that the procedure applied for the which is still under discussion. of the Minister, which is once auditing process. selection of a consultant, and a However, a cabinet decision again contrary to the procurement To further investigate the contractor for Section I, II, and III was recently taken to revoke the guidelines, it is revealed. irregularities, COPE last week of the CEP had been contravened contract signed with Japan’s Taisei Part of the Central Expressway under construction It is also found that the summoned RDA officials, but it to Section 1.1 of the Public Corporation for the construction of observations made by the had been postponed due to the Procurement Guideline (PPG) Section III of the CEP. and designations of the officers bids from the institutions named then President to consider the prevailing Covid-19 situation in the – 2006, as a competitive pricing Even though the TEC has for preparation; approval for the by the Japan Ambassador, and recommendations of the Cabinet country. system was not followed contrary confirmed that Fujita is a engineering estimates of the project also the non-compliance with the Committee on Economic As learnt by The Sunday to Section 1.2.1 of the PPG. It non-responsive bidder, the and approved date; and the seal of procurement guidelines to send Management (CCEM) and the Morning, no date has been set as has also been revealed that the extension of Fujita’s bid the prepared officers had not been letters to the Japanese Ambassador Ministry before coming to a yet for the next COPE meeting procedure followed in selecting the validity period by the Project mentioned. to nominate the bidders, despite the decision, as the process was to discuss the irregularities of the contractor was contrary to Sections Director has also been found Furthermore, recommendations fact that the informal procurement contrary to the principles of CEP reported in the audit report. 1.4.2 and 1.4.3 of the PPG. out, and it is stated that had not been obtained from the process was being disputed by the the government procurement Meanwhile, when The Sunday Section III of the CEP has been extension does not comply Technical Evaluation Committee Japanese Embassy. process, had been ignored by the Morning contacted RDA Chairman controversial, as it was dragged with the bidding principle (TEC) to call for bids from the It is also identified that the bid authorities. Chaminda Athuluwage to inquire for years due to the inability of the institutions named by the Japanese submission for the CEP Section III The losses incurred due to the what action has been taken by two parties – Sri Lanka and Japan Nevertheless, the losses incurred Ambassador. Even though the had been done by the then Road mismanagement of public the RDA with regard to the – to come to an agreement with due to the mismanagement of Embassy of Japan had shown their Development Authority (RDA) money and other resources irregularities highlighted in the regard to the loan conditions and public money and other resources unwillingness to follow such an Chairman, who is an outsider for the CEP, which is yet to audit report, he noted that the the Ministry of Highways Ministry for the CEP, which is yet to see the informal procurement process, to the procurement process, see the light of the day even report had been sent to the Ministry not following the competitive light of the day even after decades the Secretary to the Ministry of thereby violating the provisions after decades of planning the of Highways and that instructions bidding process but instead of planning the project, is being Highways had not sent the letters of the procurement guidelines by project, is being investigated would be given by the Ministry. going with it as a government-to- investigated. to the Embassy, going against the participating. All attempts made by The government (G2G) project as per It is also revealed that the procurement guidelines. Even though the TEC has Sunday Morning to contact the instructions given by the then estimates had not been revised As per the audit report, the The bidding process confirmed that Fujita is a non- Minister of Highways Johnston Cabinet. accordingly after identifying irregularities that were highlighted Meanwhile, concerns have also responsive bidder, the extension Fernando or Secretary to the After the new Government the actual route of the highway. included the failure to obtain the been raised over the transparency of Fujita’s bid validity period by Ministry R.W.R. Pemasiri were came into power, Japan has been Moreover, the names, signatures, recommendation for calling for of the bidding process, as the the Project Director has also been futile. 6 the sunday morning FOCUS Sunday, October 25, 2020

COVID-19 sources who were residents from Andiambalama, Katunayake. Point at no one While the origins of any of them are not yet determined, there have been many probabilities thrown around by subject Three growing clusters matter experts. National Operation Centre for Prevention of Covid-19 Outbreak Head Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva last week said z Yet to identify source of origin z PHIs note lapses in procedures the apparel worker would have contracted the virus from a person who had returned BY SARAH HANNAN a factory in Welisara, since 9 October, STRICT REGULATIONS IN CURFEW AREAS from overseas, who may or may not have 58 workers from an apparel factory in undergone the quarantine protocols and may Just over 20 days since an apparel Katunayake had tested positive for Covid- Police Media a total of 691 persons were arrested for or may not have been detected possibly due worker affiliated to a factory based 19 after being subjected to PCR testing. A Spokesperson Deputy violating quarantine curfew regulations being asymptomatic. in Minuwangoda tested positive for total of 41 of their close contacts had later Inspector General (DIG) so far, while the number of vehicles taken Meanwhile, Public Health Inspectors’ the novel coronavirus, there have tested positive as well. Ajith Rohana, when into police custody is 92. Union of Sri Lanka (PHIUSL) Secretary M. been three noticeable clusters that The latest cluster sprung up from the inquired about the action DIG Rohana further reiterated that Balasuriya said that there were some lapses have continued to grow in numbers. Peliyagoda Fish Market on Wednesday (21), the Police took vehicles passing through areas that have in the procedures which were not keenly reporting 237 Covid-19-positive persons. against those been subjected to quarantine curfew followed by the public nor the authorities. As at the end of Thursday (22), there This prompted the Government to impose who violated are not permitted to stop their vehicles, He highlighted the incident that took place were 2,894 cases from the growing clusters quarantine curfew in six police divisions in quarantine disembark, or pick up persons. So far, in Matara when the Russian flight crew that were reported. From the Minuwangoda the Colombo District until further notice. As curfew 12 such vehicles have been detained and members had not followed quarantine factory, a total of 1,293 had been tested at the end of Thursday, 75 close contacts of Police Media regulations, the incidents will be dealt with under the regulations. positive, out of which 180 tested positive the Peliyagoda Fish Market cluster tested Spokesperson noted that quarantine law in the future. “The delay in gazetting health regulations DIG Ajith Rohana after they were placed in quarantine centres positive for Covid-19. and then politicians and ministers not (QCs). Close contacts of the Minuwangoda In the case of the Peliyagoda Fish Market, following the health guidelines gave a false factory workers who contracted the virus this is the second time a public space The remaining patients who tested from the National Hospital of Sri Lanka, sense of security to the public for over stood at 1,114. became the ground of infection to many positive were 70 returnees observing a nurse at Lady Ridgeway Hospital for six months. Finally, the health guidelines While only one case was reported from involved in the fisheries sector. quarantine at the QCs, three minor staff Children, and two persons from unknown were gazetted, but that too happened when the cluster that was created from the Divulapitiya (Minuwangoda) incident started to spread like wildfire,” Balasuriya noted. During the period before the health guidelines were gazetted, the PHIs and even the Police had had to face somewhat of a challenge when they had to firmly remind people to follow health guidelines or ask them to self-isolate as instructed. “What is the point if people are not following the basic guidelines of wearing the face mask when they are in public spaces? Some have the habit of wearing it on their chin, or have it in the pocket or bag but would not wear it. Since the latest resurgence of the virus and several clusters, we had to request the public transport providers, shop owners, and supermarkets to constantly remind them to wear the masks properly, or not to take in their vehicles or to their business premises,” Balasuriya added. He noted that if people take necessary precautions and look out for their own safety, many can avoid contracting the virus. He also reiterated the importance of seeking medical attention if one shows symptoms or if they get to know they were in close contact with a person who had the virus. Scientific data no match for military tactics Sri Lanka Academy of Health Professionals (AHPSL) President Ravi Kumudesh stated that there is a lack of fact presentation or explanation about Covid-19 in a community medicine terminology to prove that the virus is not at a community spread level. “We are also faced with doubts in as to how state intelligence mechanisms and military tactics are used to define whether or not the virus has reached the level of cluster spread or community spread. However, since Sri Lanka still does not test for antibodies that are generated in a person who was infected and has recovered from Covid-19, it is not possible to obtain data on naturally cured infections,” Kumudesh elaborated. Even using state intelligence services, patients can be tracked only by the data provided through PCR test reports. So even with such a tracking system, finding the origins of the disease or tracing the patient’s exposure history may turn up some cases to be negative and then there might be sporadic spread of the virus taking place in society. Also, in preparing the public in accordance with the fundamental parameters of the World Health Organisation (WHO) for the control of Covid-19, we must be prepared for the “most dangerous conjecture”. “By repeatedly stating that there is no community spread at present, there is a high probability that the situation will become extremely dangerous, with people turning their attention to the cluster of cases that some authorities continuously harp on and falling back to a relaxed safety policy based on their own general assumptions that is otherwise detrimental in taking some control of the spread of the disease,” Kumudesh opined. This is the best course of action, both scientifically and practically, to treat as a community spread, especially since the general public does not make decisions based on intelligence information or tactics. “About 80% of Covid-19 infections are considered to be asymptomatic or will naturally recover from the virus infection, which PCR tests would fail to identify. Thus, we may have unknowingly missed a significant amount of unrecognised patients in the community due to the fact that patients who may be randomly placed in the community are not subjected to antiretroviral as described above,” Kumudesh added. the sunday morning 7 Sunday, October 25, 2020 ECONOMY/FOCUS COVID-19 Attacks lifeblood of the economy z Several EPZs and FTZs impacted IMPACT OF COVID-19

BY SARAH HANNAN

Facing the most aggressive spread of the novel coronavirus in Sri Lanka and with health Financial experts now claiming that the viral load this time around is at the strength of infecting nearly 500 persons per asymptomatic sector under person, the complacency the authorities are displaying has raised many concerns. The latest outbreak that unfolded on 5 October has pressure now one on to infect over z Master plan in operation to z Financial institutions need time 2,500 persons that directly or indirectly came into contact stabilise institutions: CBSL to build capital: Economist with persons affiliated to the is yet to submit a feasible The Minuwangoda area of BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA apparel sector, which has the Gampaha District under capital augmentation plan. raised doubts about whether curfew conditions With the second wave of the coronavirus CBSL Governor Prof. some protocols were ignored PHOTO PRAEEP DAMBARAGE breaking out in the country, Sri Lanka’s W.D. Lakshman said that at the hand of the relevant financial sector risks facing further pressure there was a masterplan in authorities in the rush to – a clear indication of this is the recent notice operation to stabilise these contain the situation. Letter sent to Minister of Labour institutions. The Sunday Morning, A letter has been sent to to prevent the spread of the issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) “Plans are there to over the past two weeks, Minister of Labour Nimal Covid-19 pandemic and to to several financial institutions which had stabilise them and then received several accounts of Siripala de Silva highlighting make all employees aware weakened in terms of financial capital. inject more capital into mismanagement of persons, the issues faced by of the pandemic On 30 September 2020, them; we are working on not only when they were employees at the trade zones: the CBSL issued a notice those things.” yy Make hostel owners to be referred to quarantine PCR testing is conducted calling on a number of He said that among these aware of the steps to be centres or were required to on trade zone workers in key financial institutions, is also a plan to reduce taken to disinfect the observe home-quarantine as Katunayake, Biyagama, and stating that they had the number of financial hostels to prevent the directed by the public health Koggala, who are then taken been given an extension institutions to a desirable pandemic spread inspectors, but also when they Hostels in the EPZs and to quarantine centres. period to rectify their level. had been asked to arrive at a FTZs house persons from Following the discussion yy Five PCR machines non-compliance with the “There is a masterplan public location to provide their four to five factories, so if of the Tripartite Task Force were randomly assigned minimum capital adequacy which is being one person from one factory nasopharyngeal swab samples Committee on 12 October to each institution. The requirement. implemented and we are in for PCR testing to the relevant gets infected, before long, 2020 on the steps to be taken Government’s decision to Accordingly, the CBSL the process of discussing the virus can spread to the There is a master health authority teams. regarding the infected, to investigate is not enough had found eight financial plan which is being various items. The main The Stand Up Movement other factories through the prevent the spread of Covid- to gauge the current institutions – namely, item is the capital infusion first contacts implemented and we in Sri Lanka Convenor Ashila 19 in the Katunayake FTZ situation, so 10 out of Arpico Finance Co. PLC, are in the process of and reducing the number Dandeniya has been actively The Stand Up Movement in area and other industrial every 100 employees will Associated Motor Finance discussing various of institutions to a more relaying the hardships that Sri Lanka Convenor areas, the collective suggested be randomly assigned to Co. PLC, Bimputh Finance desirable level. When Ashila Dandeniya items. The main item the Free Trade Zone (FTZ) that the following steps be PCR tests in the next two PLC, Kanrich Finance is the capital infusion the Central Bank is and Export Processing implemented or adopted weeks. A decision should Ltd., Merchant Bank of and reducing the ready to publicise further Zone (EPZ) employees are worker being detected as a to protect the Katunayake be made that employers Sri Lanka & Finance PLC, number of institutions information, it will do so.” undergoing at present through Covid-19-positive person, FTZ as well as other EPZs should take responsibility Richard Pieris Finance to a more desirable level He added that the notice to test the employees social media platforms. Dandeniya claimed that the of the Board of Investment Ltd., Softlogic Finance CBSL Governor was issued solely to inform Speaking to The Sunday public was quick to stigmatise (BOI), such as the Biyagama, PLC, and UB Finance Co. customers of the status of yy As four factories in the Prof. W.D. Lakshman Morning, Dandeniya noted: the people who have become Avissawella, Horana, and Ltd. – to be non-compliant these financial institutions. Katunayake FTZ have “The biggest concern that we the lifeblood of the economy. Wathupitiwala EPZs: with the minimum capital “The notice was issued been temporarily closed now have is that some of these She noted that many that adequacy requirement PLC was found to be for the information of the yy Pre-preparation of due to the identification groups have run out of dry come and work at the FTZs and were given a time non-compliant with the customers and it was not quarantine areas for of infected persons and rations and they have not been and EPZs are living in hostels extension. minimum capital adequacy intended to harm any of employees who may be since most of the staff given clear instructions as to that accommodate people from Further, the CBSL stated requirement and the the institutions.” subject to inspection in all working in the hostels are what they should do next. They various factories. that Nation Lanka Finance licensed finance company Contd. on page 14 EPZs located in nearby hostels, are enveloped in uncertainties “Hostels in the EPZs and the relevant companies and we cannot even reach out FTZs house persons from yy Establishment of health must be advised to to them to provide them the four to five factories, so if committees comprising provide them with the necessary psychosocial support one person from one factory employees’ representatives required salaries and other or provide them rations.” gets infected, before long, in each factory to facilities, including food Recalling the first few days the virus can spread to the recommend to the and beverages following the first apparel other factories through the Department of Labour and first contacts. People who the BOI, a timely schedule Contd. on page 13 worked for many of the factories had worked during the lockdown period as well, roommate have been subjected the evening, a group including as the Government had named to PCR tests. the area PHI came and took it as an essential service,” This group had then gone the person who tested positive Dandeniya elaborated. to the school in Amandoluwa away. On their way out, they Sharing one of the providing nasopharyngeal put up a poster on our gate testimonies, Dandeniya said swab samples for PCR testing, indicating that the persons that a company had asked since they were requested in the premises were asked There are some steps that one of its employees not to to turn up if they were close to self-quarantine. The other are not in our control, report to work after they had contacts of anyone that was person who was in the same such as instructing discovered that a hosteller tested positive at the time room with the person who accommodation providers at the Next garment factory or worked or lived in the tested positive is still in the to only house workers was residing at the same same premises. However, the hostel,” Dandeniya noted. from one factory. That is accommodation. Many from authorities had only taken She noted that one of the something we will have to the Next garment factory have samples from the employees hostellers had reported that no consider in the long term. tested positive for Covid-19 who worked at the factory one was sent to even disinfect Other than that, most now, but the public health premises and had asked the premises. “They all use the of the other suggestions inspectors (PHIs) had only the others to return to their same well and the same toilets. can be set in motion with asked the persons at the hostel accommodation. Who can they tell about these immediate effect to observe self-quarantine. So “On 17 October they did issues? On the one hand, they Joint Apparel Association far, none of the persons who PCR tests and by 19 October are afraid for their own lives Forum Sri Lanka (JAAFSL) shared the communal spaces the report of one of those and think that they might be Secretary General at the hostel with the Covid- children turned out to be carrying the virus by now and Tuli Cooray 19-positive patient or his positive for Covid-19. So, in on the other hand, they had no way to go out and were running out of rations.” Factories to adopt additional precautions: JAAFSL Govt. steps in Following the recent “The entire world is still agreed to adopt several extra Dandeniya also said that Covid-19 outbreak which learning about the nature of precautions from now on. they were quite disappointed has hampered not only the this disease and it is unfair “There are some steps about the way the employers apparel sector but even to stigmatise or blame that are not in our control, were not proactively assisting other companies functioning anyone at this point. We are such as instructing the Government's efforts in within the EPZs and FTZs always looking out for the accommodation providers sending people to quarantine situated in the Gampaha wellbeing of our employees to only house workers centres or asking them to and Colombo Districts, the and are constantly subjected from one factory. That is observe home-quarantine, Joint Apparel Association to compliance checks. something we will have to looking after the wellbeing Forum Sri Lanka (JAAFSL) Therefore, within the consider in the long term. of the employees who are agreed to adopt several extra workplace, we always follow Other than that, most of the stuck in isolated zones, or precautionary guidelines. the best practices.” other suggestions can be set even providing the necessary JAAFSL Secretary General The JAAFSL, following a in motion with immediate assistance in conducting Tuli Cooray, speaking to discussion they had with the effect.” sample collection for PCR The Sunday Morning, said: health services authorities, Contd. on page 13 testing. Contd. on page 13 the sunday morning Sunday, October 25, 2020 EDITORIAL/POLITICS

The much talked of 20th Amendment to the Constitution last week received parliamentary Mission approval with 150-plus votes after creating much controversy within the Govt. prepares for Pompeo accomplished? governing Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) After weeks of wild speculation about the fate of the 20th Amendment as well as the Opposition to the Constitution, the controversial piece of legislation comfortably sailed through the legislature with an overwhelming two-thirds majority Samagi Jana Balawegaya giving the incumbent executive near absolute power. (SJB) in the run up to last The latest amendment to the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Thursday (22) night’s vote on Republic of Sri Lanka restores almost all of the powers taken away from the legislation. the executive through the 19th Amendment and vested in independent while SJB hit by 20A aftermath commissions, which has now been consigned to the dustbin of history. The aftermath of the 20th As a result, Sri Lanka once again has an all-powerful Executive as head Amendment has created chaos z ACMC MP Muszhaaraff votes z MS writes to GR and MR of government with sweeping powers that includes the right to make key in the SJB and disunity among appointments including that of judges to the apex court, the Attorney the members over eight errant against 20A but supports Clause 17 explaining inability to vote for 20A General, and Inspector General of Police. MPs who supported the 20th Even though the Speaker announced that the draft piece of legislation Amendment despite an official had received the green light from the Supreme Court, subject to certain SJB decision of not supporting the specified amendments, the main Opposition kept up the pressure to stick legislation. to the 19th until such time a new constitution was drafted. As a result, After weeks of political the draft bill underwent not only those amendments specified by the discussions and arguments, Supreme Court but in total over a hundred others from the originally the 20th Amendment to the presented document, before the final version was adopted 156 to 65 late Constitution was passed in Thursday evening (22). Parliament last Thursday with 156 the However, despite the overwhelming margin, the Government was forced votes in favour and 65 against the black box to double down on its boast of not depending on minority support, as in piece of legislation. the end, the two-thirds majority was achieved with the support of seven The voting got underway at by Capt. Vasabha Opposition minority Members of Parliament. These MPs were in the eye around 7.40 p.m., concluding a of a storm in their own opposition alliance with the main constituent party two-day debate that commenced was noticeable and everyone the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SLB) leadership gunning for the ouster of on Wednesday (21). started to wonder why he was not the rebellious members including the leaders of the two main Muslim Several Opposition present during the vote. parties who they allege were complicit in the strategic manoeuvre to parliamentarians representing Some of the governing party support the 20th Amendment. On Friday (23), the SJB took a decision the SJB voted in favour of the members noted that Sirisena to sack the SJB MPs who had gone against the party’s stand on the 20th 20th Amendment. Among the was occupied since he was Amendment, For all intents and purposes, had the eight members of the Opposition MPs who voted in summoned before the Presidential SJB not voted “yes”, the Government could have only mustered 148 votes support of it were Diana Gamage, Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) and the 20th Amendment would not have seen the light of day. , Faizal Cassim, probing Easter Sunday attacks that The status quo has opened new vistas for both the Government as well H.M.M. Harees, M.S. Thowfeek, evening. as the Opposition. The 20th Amendment has helped polarise power in a A. Aravind Kumar, A.S.M. However, it is learnt that the manner not seen in decades, with the Government becoming all powerful Raheem, and Nazeer Ahamad. PCoI, which had allocated between and the Opposition rendered even more helpless with the loss of support While members of the Sri Lanka 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. for Sirisena’s President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa of eight of its members. The fact that the power equilibrium has shifted Muslim Congress (SLMC) and cross examining last Thursday, had so dramatically in less than three months since the last general election All Ceylon Makkal Congress limited its session for one hour and the clause enabling dual citizens there was a need for the 20th will no doubt be food for thought for the drafters of the new constitution. (ACMC), which are the main concluded hearings at 5.15 p.m. to hold public office in the 20th Amendment to be passed in The successful enactment of the 20th Amendment completes an coalition partners of the SJB, voted Nevertheless, Sirisena refrained Amendment, with nationalist Parliament and to ensure the unity unprecedented 11 months in which the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna in favour of the 20th Amendment, from attending parliament sessions. forces and political parties within of the Government. While he had (SLPP) has acquired and consolidated its power, first by comfortably SLMC Leader MP It is learnt that Sirisena had the SLPP carrying out a continuous said that the 20th Amendment winning the presidential election held last November, then consolidating and ACMC Leader MP Rishad in fact sent a letter to President agitation against what they termed needs to be passed in Parliament that with a thumping victory at the general election held last August, Bathiudeen voted against the Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime as a “contentious clause” in the the following day, he also assured and finally, the icing on the cake, by removing the inconvenient 19th legislation. Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa legislation. that the request of the Buddhist Amendment with a two-thirds majority. The combined effect of all this The irony of the role played by explaining his inability to vote in The nationalist parties in the clergy and parliamentarians puts the party in an unassailable position, the likes of which was last the Muslim MPs in supporting favour of the 20th Amendment to Government represented in would be addressed when the new seen in 1978 when the current Constitution was introduced by the then the Government was not lost on the Constitution. Parliament threatened to carry out constitution is introduced within J.R. Jayewardene-led (UNP) Government. The the public, given the comments He had observed that since he their objections during the vote on next year. irony of it all is that when that Constitution is finally replaced, there will and memes that did the rounds on was instrumental in introducing the piece of legislation. Nanayakkara had been pleased not be a single member of the UNP in Parliament if it continues to leave social media, reminding people the 19th Amendment to the Several discussions held on the with the President’s explanation, vacant its solitary seat. of the anti-Muslim sentiments Constitution, he could not vote matter with the Prime Minister but Weerawansa had continued to Going by what has transpired so far, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa propagated by hard-line Sinhala- consciously in favour of the 20th failed to bring the anticipated push for the removal of the clause. seems to have the Midas touch and everything he has touched has turned Buddhist factions in the SLPP. Amendment. results to these nationalist forces However, after the meeting with to gold. But with power comes responsibility and with absolute power During the third reading of the He had further explained that including several leading Buddhist the President, the pro-nationalist comes absolute responsibility. It is also pertinent to keep in mind that 20th Amendment Bill, Minister the 19th Amendment was initiated monks. Finally, it was the President forces had met and discussed the power is nothing without control. The next four years will no doubt show of Justice Ali Sabry introduced by him with great faith that he who had to intervene to build President’s assurance. how the President chooses to exercise the immense power that is now several amendments to the clauses could strengthen the democratic unity in the governing party and It was finally agreed that all at his disposal in order to work for the betterment of the country and its in the newly passed legislation. institutions in the country and take ensure that all SLPP MPs in the parties would agree to the 20th people who have consistently and overwhelmingly voted to strengthen However, Chief Opposition the country on a progressive path. House voted in favour of the 20th Amendment at present and ensure his hands in the hope of a better tomorrow. Whip called However, he had said that Amendment. that the dual citizens’ clause Interestingly enough, just hours after the 20th Amendment was passed for a vote on Clause 17 of the the actions of then Prime The President on Wednesday would be dropped from the new in Parliament, no less a person than the subject minister responsible for legislation, which enables dual Minister (21), the day prior to the vote on constitution that is currently in the pushing through the legislation, Justice Minister Ali Sabry, posted a message citizens to hold public office. The had obstructed the proper the 20th Amendment, had met with making. on social media that the time has come to deliver what was promised to the clause was passed with 157 votes implementation of the 19th Ministers , Weerawansa, Nanayakkara, people and there was no longer any room for complacency, as all power while 64 cast their votes against it. Amendment, preventing the , and Gammanpila, and Weerasumana was now vested with the Government. It is unclear as to what motivated It was interesting to note that country and its people from as well as convened a news conference on him to post the message but what is clear is that at least one Minister is ACMC MP S.M. Muszhaaraff who experiencing the true benefits of MPs , Thursday at the Parliamentary aware of the burden of power and the resultant pressure that has been voted against the second and third the legislation. Weerasumana Weerasinghe, Complex. brought upon the Government to deliver. readings of the 20th Amendment He had also said he hoped Asanka Navaratne, and . During the news conference, With the evolving Covid-related crisis situation, the road ahead is not voted in favour of Clause 17 when both the President and the Prime The meeting had been convened the MPs explained that they will going to be an easy one. The growth agenda for the entire tenure of the a vote was taken on it. Minister would understand his by Alles and the discussion was support the 20th Amendment Government will be defined by the way it handles the current crisis which All governing party MPs, sans position and not be affronted by it. focused completely on the dual following the assurance given by could pose a huge challenge if and when community spread was to take former President MP Maithripala However, neither the President citizens’ clause. the President. place. Therefore, it is important that the authorities continue to stay on Sirisena, voted in favour of the nor the Prime Minister had The President had given a keen top of the game and mitigate the risks for the country. 20th Amendment. responded to Sirisena’s letter. ear to the concerns raised by the Amending the In addition to the overabundance of domestic issues, the Government group of MPs who have been amendment now has to deal with multiple headaches on the international front with an Sirisena’s letter Reaching agreement objecting to the dual citizens’ Earlier last week, the Cabinet of imminent visit from the US Secretary of State signalling the intensification Sirisena was not present in the The run up to the vote on clause since the drafting of the Ministers reached an agreement on of geopolitical power games in the Indian Ocean region with Sri Lanka Parliament Chamber when the 20th the 20th Amendment saw 20th Amendment. introducing several amendments to at the centre of it. In addition, the Government will have to handle the Amendment was taken for a vote the governing party heading After listening to the MPs, the the 20th Amendment. purported de-proscription of the LTTE by a court in the UK which, if on Thursday evening. His absence towards an internal crisis over President had reasoned out that On Monday (19) evening, not tackled tactfully, is bound to have repercussions in other parts of the the SLPP parliamentary group world, mainly in Europe. The other big headache is the downgrading of met at around 6.30 p.m. at the the country’s international credit rating to near junk status which will Presidential Secretariat under the increase the cost of funds to prohibitively high levels, further impacting patronage of President Rajapaksa. the macroeconomic outlook. Once again, concerns over the On the flip side, the passage of the 20th Amendment has caused similar 20th Amendment Bill were taken headaches for the main Opposition SJB which in less than three months up for discussion. in Parliament has seen its first group of rebel MPs go against the party. However, the Government The party’s reaction to the affront will now define not only its leadership at the meeting had decided to but more importantly its credibility as a potential governing alternative introduce several amendments to in the eyes of its supporters. After all, the rationale for its acrimonious the proposed 20th Amendment Bill breakup with the UNP was the allegation of the party engaging in “deal that was before Parliament. politics”. All too soon, the very same reality has hit home but the party The announcement was made has taken a strong stance in trying to nip the cancer in the bud, lest it meet by Minister of Justice Sabry on the same fate as the UNP. Monday evening during the group As much as the rebellion is a challenge for the young party, it is also meeting. At the outset of the an opportunity to establish itself as a disciplined, dependable political meeting, the Prime Minister had alternative. It is commendable that has taken the asked Sabry to explain to the group opportunity to prove himself a decisive leader by purging the rebels. the amendments that had been Therefore, the fate of the party, and indeed that of the collective Opposition, discussed for the 20th Amendment. is very much in his hands and these tough decisions he makes will It was announced that the potentially define his legacy as a leader. amendments to the proposed new The 20th Amendment has brought with it not only power to the presidency piece of legislation relate to the but also challenges and opportunities for both the Government as well powers vested with the president to as the Opposition. For the Government, it is now a matter of dissolve Parliament, the number of while for the Opposition, it is all about redemption. For both parties, the ministers in the Cabinet, auditing mission is only just beginning. of state institutions, and the No 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7. presentation of emergency bills. Fax - 011 2 673 441 The Government has decided General - 011 5 200 900 to increase the number of years Director Sales & Marketing - 077 3 866 143 Parliament has to function before Circulation Manager - 011 5 978 987 / 076 1 367620 the president could dissolve the E-mail - [email protected] legislature to two-and-a-half years and for the cabinet to be limited to 9 EDITORIAL/POLITICS

and SLFP met on Tuesday (20) to iron out issues faced by the respective party representatives in the constituencies. The meeting was focused on discussing the grievances of the members of both parties at the Govt. prepares for Pompeo district level, along with solutions. SLFP General Secretary Jayasekara said the two parties had discussed how the SLPP and the SLFP could work together in the local government bodies. “We discussed how the two parties together could gain control while SJB hit by 20A aftermath of local government bodies and function as an alliance,” he said. z MS writes to GR and MR z SJB sacks errant MPs; Hakeem zStage set for Pompeo’s visit with According to Jayasekara, the district representatives of both explaining inability to vote for 20A and Bathiudeen told to act advance team arriving on Friday parties have been asked to hold joint meetings in their respective , Gammanpila, have no rule of law. Amendment will be sacked from the constituencies and formulate a Bandula Gunawardana, and Vidura Hela Bodu Saviya Chief Patron party. working mechanism that would be Wickremanayake, as well as MPs Ven. Omalpe Sobitha Thera also The letter also noted that presented at the next meeting in Gevindu Kumaranatunge and Alles. sent a letter to President Rajapaksa while the leaders of the SLMC Colombo. Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thera, regarding his concerns over the 20th and the ACMC, Hakeem and The SLPP group was led by Ven. Bengamuwe Nalaka Thera, Amendment last Monday. Bathiudeen, had stood by the several party seniors including Ven. Medagoda Abhayatissa Thera, Although the 20th Amendment official SJB decision on the 20th party General Secretary MP Sagara and several other leading members which was gazetted and published Amendment, members of their Kariyawasam, Minister of Tourism of the Buddhist clergy have also was to be debated in Parliament, parties had violated the collective , and Minister participated in the meeting. Ven. Sobitha Thera had stated that decision made on the said piece of of Ports and Shipping Rohitha It is learnt that one of the the clergy, who are dedicated to legislation. Abeygunawardena. ministers had pointed out at the the Sasana and social service of Therefore, the SJB MPs called on The SLFP group was led by meeting that the President was the country in various ways, have the SJB General Secretary to request party General Secretary Jayasekara; agreeable to amend the clauses in already expressed their displeasure. Hakeem and Bathiudeen to expel National Organiser and State the proposed piece of legislation The letter had also stated that the MPs who had violated the party Minister of Solar Power, Wind, related to dual citizens and the the 20th Amendment would decision. and Hydropower Generation auditing of state institutions. place the country’s democracy The group of MPs had further Projects Development Duminda However, the Minister had noted in a questionable position, as noted that if Hakeem and Dissanayake; and State Minister of that SLPP theoretician/Founder well as make the Government Bathiudeen fail to act against their Co-operative Services, Marketing was opposed to highly unpopular within the civil party members, they too should be Development, and Consumer amending the said clauses in the community. Ven. Sobitha Thera sacked from the SJB. Protection Alagiyawanna. amendment. requested the President to use the That evening, SJB MP Harsha Another minister had said that trust placed in him wisely and take de Silva announced that the party All set for Pompeo the Justice Minister had told him the public’s concerns over the 20th had taken a decision to sack the While the local political stage Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa SJB and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa that he was not agreeable to all the Amendment into consideration. members who voted against the continues to be a hive of activity, the clauses in the 20th Amendment party stand on the 20th Amendment. Government this week is gearing for 30 members. members. Bill, although he had presented it SLFP urged to reconsider After a meeting held on Friday the official visit of US Secretary of Also, the auditing of state “Given what had been said during to Parliament. The Justice Minister Chaos over the 20th Amendment evening, the party took an State Mike Pompeo to Sri Lanka. institutions is to be carried out in the past few years, how will we had said that Basil had wanted the continued when a group of leading unanimous decision to expel the Pompeo, it is learnt, is scheduled the same manner as previously face the public?” Weerawansa had contentious clauses to be included in Buddhist monks on Wednesday group of MPs from the party’s to arrive in the country on Tuesday stipulated in the 19th Amendment. questioned. the 20th Amendment. (21) requested the main coalition parliamentary group with further (27) and leave the following day The other amendment is to limit Rajapaksa had responded saying It is also learnt that it had partner of the Government, the disciplinary action to be taken later. (28). the submission of emergency bills to the two party leaders – Hakeem and transpired during the meeting that SLFP, to consider the dangers of the Meanwhile, on Friday (23), Further confirming Pompeo’s times of disasters and in the event of Bathiudeen – were unlikely to vote the President, during a telephone dual citizenship clause in the 20th Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) arrival in the country, a group of a threat to national security. in favour of the 20th Amendment. conversation with a leading Amendment Bill. Leader and SJB MP , senior US military officers had However, no decision was “Anyway, what can we do if the Buddhist monk in the country, had Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda through his Twitter account, stated reportedly arrived in Sri Lanka reached to amend the clause on Muslim MPs were to forcibly vote said he was prepared to withdraw Thera, along with Ven. Bengamuwe that he had suspended MP Aravinda on Wednesday (21) to make the dual citizens holding public office in favour of the amendment?” the the 20th Amendment if there was Nalaka Thera and Ven. Elle Kumar who had supported the 20th necessary security arrangements and under the 20th Amendment, which Prime Minister had questioned in a such vehement protest against it. Gunawansa Thera, participated in Amendment on Thursday. preparations for Pompeo’s visit. has gathered much opposition by lighter vein. Finally, Ven. Ananda Thera had the meeting with a group of senior “I hereby suspend Aravindakumar It is learnt that an advance team several coalition partners of the Minister Nanayakkara had reiterated that the Government SLFP parliamentarians. MP from Tamil Progressive of around 16 US military personnel Government. sternly objected to the clause in should not proceed with the 20th During the discussion, the Thero Alliance. He will be sacked from had arrived in a Qatar Airways flight The following day (20), Speaker the proposed piece of legislation Amendment. had discussed the content of the 20th #TPA by the Politburo. The TPA from Doha, Qatar. that enables dual citizens to hold The Thera had further noted that Amendment Bill and commended parliamentary group will discuss The personnel had reportedly announced to Parliament the public office. He had said that it was it was the final warning the monks the Government’s decision to amend this matter in a few hours. His party, been quarantined for a day and been observations of the Supreme Court difficult for some of the governing were going to make over the piece three vital clauses in the legislation. Upcountry People’s Front, will be subjected to PCR tests. (SC) on the petitions that were party members in Parliament to of legislation. However, they had noted that all asked to take further action against Meanwhile, the US last Thursday filed against the proposed 20th consciously vote in favour of the He had added that if the the contentious issues in the 20th him,” Ganesan tweeted. had urged Sri Lanka to make Amendment Bill. 20th Amendment Bill if the clause Government proceeds with the 20th Amendment Bill were not addressed “difficult but necessary” decisions Once the SC observations were on dual citizens was not amended. Amendment without heeding the since the Government intends SJB legitimacy issues to secure its economic independence announced, the governing party Meanwhile, speaking on behalf requests of the Buddhist monks, to continue with the clause that However, the SJB’s attempts for long-term prosperity. announced its decision to introduce of the steps would be taken to surround enables dual citizens to hold public to take legal action against MP Ahead of Pompeo’s visit to other amendments to the Bill at the (SLFP), party General Secretary Parliament as well as to hold office under the proposed piece of Gamage has stirred a hornet’s nest Colombo, Principal Deputy committee stage of the debate in State Minister islandwide protests against the legislation. since both Gamage and her husband, Assistant Secretary for South and Parliament. had said his party could not agree legislation. Ven. Ananda Thera had explained Senaka de Silva, hold the power of Central Asia Dean Thompson had with the clause in the proposed It is also learnt that Ven. Ananda to the SLFP that the dual citizenship the party. told reporters that the US wants Party leaders meet MR amendment that prevented the Thera had invited the governing clause was a danger to the country In an interview with The Sunday to partner with Sri Lanka on The day before the SLPP auditing of accounts of over 100 party members to a lunch after the and should not be passed in Morning, Gamage confirmed that it their shared goals of sustainable group met under the patronage of state institutions. meeting concluded. Parliament. was she and her husband who have economic development and a free President Rajapaksa, SLPP party Jayasekara had further expressed The SLFP was asked to consider legal control over the party. and open Indo-Pacific. leaders on Sunday (18) met with disappointment in the failure on the Warnings the dangers before supporting the In the run up to this year’s The Indo-Pacific is a Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa part of either the Justice Minister Three leading monks publicly 20th Amendment Bill. general election, Premadasa and his biogeographic region comprising to discuss the 20th Amendment or any other member who had warned that the 20th Amendment The SLFP delegation included supporters took over the Ape Jathika the Indian Ocean and the western Bill that was to be taken up in drafted the new piece of legislation led to the creation of a President party Ministers Dayasiri Jayasekara, Peramuna party formed by De Silva and central Pacific Ocean, including Parliament on Wednesday (21) and to respond to the recommendations who would be able to control the Duminda Dissanayake, Nimal and Gamage and converted it to the the South China Sea. China claims Thursday (22). submitted by the SLFP to be executive in an arbitrary manner and Siripala de Silva, Mahinda SJB with Premadasa as the Leader nearly all of the South China Sea, The meeting with the Prime included in the 20th Amendment. bring the judiciary and legislature Amaraweera, , and Madduma Bandara as the though Taiwan, the Philippines, Minister was decided due to the While many party leaders had under his control. , and General Secretary. Brunei, Malaysia, and Vietnam concerns over the new piece of expressed concerns about some of The letter followed the opposition . De Silva was appointed as the claim parts of it. legislation continuously expressed the contents in the 20th Amendment, raised by the Amarapura-Ramanna After taking into consideration Deputy Leader of the SJB while “In the interest of strengthening by governing party leaders that had the Prime Minister had concluded Samagri Maha Sangha Sabha to the all aspects of the 20th Amendment Gamage was named the Deputy our longstanding partnership with intensified following a meeting held the meeting saying he would discuss 20th Amendment, citing it will pave and the assurances given by the General Secretary. Sri Lanka and reinforcing our long- earlier in the month at Temple Trees their concerns with the President the way for an “undeveloped tribal President to address all concerns in However, it is learnt that the term commitment to the region, we on the subject under the patronage and the Minister of Justice. society”. the proposed new constitution, the SJB’s Constitution, which is also encourage Sri Lanka to review the of President Rajapaksa. When leaving the Wijerama Ven. Nalaka Thera, Ven. Ananda SLFP MPs decided to vote in favour the Constitution of Ape Jathika options we offer for transparent and The meeting last Sunday Mawatha meeting, party leaders, Thera, and Ven. Gunawansa Thera, of the legislation. Peramuna, has several bylaws that sustainable economic development was scheduled to be held at the making comments to the media, in a letter to the President, noted that would prevent either Premadasa in contrast to discriminatory and Presidential Secretariat, but said that matters related to the 20th the 20th Amendment would lead to SJB crises or Madduma Bandara from taking opaque practices,” Thompson had the venue was later changed to Amendment were discussed at the the formation of a weak cabinet and The crisis – or more likely, the any stern disciplinary action against been quoted as saying in foreign Rajapaksa’s official residence at meeting, but refrained from giving also weaken the power and stability crises – in the SJB started to get Gamage akin to their removal from media in a veiled reference to Wijerama Mawatha in Colombo 7. further details. of Prime Minister Rajapaksa, who worse towards the weekend with the National List slot. China. Neither the President nor Justice has won the hearts of the people. many young SJB MPs calling for In fact, it is learnt that a majority “We urge Sri Lanka to make Minister Sabry were present at the Monks agitate The Thero added that it would stern action by the party leadership of the Central Committee of the difficult but necessary decisions to meeting held at Wijerama Mawatha. The day after the party leaders’ also allow the President to change against the errant MPs who had SJB are from the committee that secure its economic independence During the meeting chaired by meeting, Abhayarama Temple Chief ministers and their powers as and violated the party decision. was formed by De Silva and for long-term prosperity, and we the Prime Minister, many aspects of Incumbent Ven. Muruththettuwe when he pleases. SJB Leader and Opposition Gamage when registering the Ape stand ready to partner with Sri the 20th Amendment Bill had been Ananda Thera called a meeting The letter noted that there could Leader Sajith Premadasa and Jathika Peramuna at the Election Lanka for its economic development discussed once again. on Monday (19) at the temple be an ulterior motive with regard to General Secretary MP Ranjith Commission. and growth,” he had said. with several governing party lifting the restriction on the number Madduma Bandara were put under Therefore, both De Silva and Pompeo is scheduled to meet Muslim MPs to support parliamentarians from the pro- of cabinet ministers, which is pressure to act against the leaders Gamage wield power over the SJB, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa Rajapaksa had informed the nationalist camp. limited to 30 members. of the SLMC and ACMC since they as they hold majority powers in the and Minister of Foreign Affairs gathering that the Muslim parties The meeting was convened at 11 According to the Thero, multiple had allowed the MPs representing SJB Central Committee. to emphasise in Parliament – the SLMC and a.m. on Monday in the backdrop of responsibilities vested with the their respective political parties Gamage, therefore, has adopted the US’ commitment to a strong, the ACMC – were likely to cast the Prime Minister informing party Prime Minister have been removed to act in contravention to the SJB a “you try your best and see” independent, and democratic Sri their votes in favour of the 20th leaders of the governing party on in the 20th Amendment, and they stand. attitude with regard to any moves by Lanka, Thompson had noted. Amendment when it is taken up for Sunday evening that the Muslim have highlighted the fact that the A group of SJB MPs on Friday Premadasa or Madduma Bandara to “We’ll continue to urge Sri Lanka a vote in the House. political parties in Parliament were people have been deprived of the (23) signed and handed over a letter initiate disciplinary action against to advance democratic governance, National Freedom Front (NFF) going to vote in favour of the 20th right to challenge in court any to Madduma Bandara seeking action her and sack her from Parliament. human rights, reconciliation, Leader Minister Weerawansa had Amendment Bill. unconstitutional act committed by against the errant MPs. religious freedom, and justice which questioned the difficulties the Ven. Ananda Thera had also the person who holds the post of The letter, signed by 22 SJB MPs, SLPP-SLFP iron out issues promote the country’s long-term governing party members would invited Prime Minister Rajapaksa president. called on Madduma Bandara to While the SJB is trying to resolve stability and prosperity and ensure face before the public in such a for the meeting. They had also warned that the keep to the statement made by him its internal crises, the SLPP and the dignity and equality of all Sri scenario, given the statements The meeting was attended by 20th Amendment could pave the on Thursday that any individual SLFP are working at consolidating Lanka’s diverse communities,” made public by them about the two Ministers Dinesh Gunawardena, way for the creation of an unstable who goes against the party decision its political alliance. Thompson had further noted. Muslim political parties and its Weerawansa, Nanayakkara, governance mechanism that would and votes in favour of the 20th The district leaders of the SLPP Contd. on page 14 10 the sunday morning FOCUS Sunday, October 25, 2020

Key government officials, including former President , former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, former State Minister of Defence , former Secretary of Defence Hemasiri Fernando, Key PCoIs nearing and former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Pujith Jayasundara, have all testified before the PCoI probing the 21 April bombings. Last week saw former State Intelligence Service (SIS) Director Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Nilantha Jayawardena informing the PCoI that by 11 end of terms April, up to 15,000 people had been aware BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA of the foreign reports received by the SIS on 4 April 2019 warning of the impending Presidential Commissions terrorist attack. of Inquiry (PCoIs) have been Jayawardena said that by 9 April, former appointed by various presidents IGP Pujith Jayasundara had informed the in the past decades, with the Special Task Force which had about 5,000 most recent ones appointed by personnel. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa “The officers who provide security for concluding their terms at the end VIPs too were informed. There are about 800 such officers. Meanwhile, policemen of this year. of the Western Province too had been The most pertinent of them could easily informed and there are about 8,000 such be considered the PCoI probing the Easter persons,” he said. Sunday attacks, as no official has been Jayawardena went on to say that officials Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and former held accountable for the massive failures from various foreign consulates had called President Maithripala Sirisena were summoned by the in national security that led to the attacks him to inquire over the developments of PCoI probing the Easter Sunday attacks to give evidence occurring. the intelligence report sent by the SIS to the former IGP, and that he wouldn’t be surprised if terrorist mastermind Zahran Hashim had also been aware of the intelligence report. “At this rate, I wouldn’t have been surprised if Zahran Hashim also knew of our report. Given that so many people knew about our report, I am surprised when I hear some senior people feign ignorance,” he said. Jayawardena also noted that, usually, when a security officer of a VIP is informed of a possible threat, the VIP is usually informed. “If my security officer is made aware of a threat, I am always told of this threat. So, it is hard to believe that all the MPs didn’t know,” the former SIS Director told the PCoI. He also said that the foreign intelligence agencies had learnt about the National Thowheed Jamath (NTJ) and its Leader Zahran Hashim through reports submitted by the SIS. “A lot of people now act as if our intelligence agencies didn’t know about the NTJ and Zahran. I would like to set the record straight. We briefed these agencies. We brought officers working on this to meetings with foreign counterparts and sometimes I acted as an interpreter when the English of our officers wasn’t that good,” Jayawardena said. He then refuted notions that the Sri Lankan intelligence services would have been in the dark had it not been for the support of the Indian intelligence information. “I have shown this commission that we had to arrest Zahran and his associates in 2018. Here, many people think anything that comes from abroad is the real deal and ignore the good work done by Sri Lankans over the years,” the former SIS Director said. Jayawardena said that the SIS has also provided crucial information when it came to arresting Zahran and his associates. “A number of top criminals and terrorist leaders were traced by monitoring their families and friends. In our reports about NTJ stalwarts, we had informed the relevant authorities that some of these people visit their families. We had given the addresses and the times the NTJ stalwarts visited the families. This is actionable intelligence,” he said. Secretary to the PCoI investigating the Easter attacks Buwaneka Herath said the Commission hoped to conclude its proceedings by the end of October. “We hope to finish all the sessions by the end of the month.” Herath said that the Commission’s term ended on 20 December and that they would submit a report by then. “20 December is the last date of the Commission’s functions. Our target is to complete all proceedings by the end of this month. Thereafter, we hope to compile and present the report by 20 December.” The other PCoI is to probe instances of political victimisation during the tenure of the former Government. Accordingly, one of the first and notorious cases to be heard by this PCoI was that of Avant Garde Maritime Services and its owner Maj. (Retd.) Nissanka Senadhipathi, who claimed that the former Government and its lackeys had attempted to seize the entire enterprise of maritime security of Avant Garde and discredit Senadhipathi, and that the latter had been remanded unjustly. Meanwhile, Secretary to the PCoI probing political victimisation Pearl Weerasinghe told The Sunday Morning that the term of the Commission ended on 9 November 2020. “Commission sessions have only been scheduled up to 27 October thus far. It has been mandated to hand over its report by 9 November when its term ends.” the sunday morning 11 Sunday, October 25, 2020 hot seat Need a I have person like legitimate Basil in power Parliament: over SJB: S.M.M. MUSZHAARAFF DIANA GAMAGE disciplinary action against the party z Party already members who voted in favour of the 20A? knew my The alliance party decision to Samagi Jana Balawegaya support 20A; no has commented as such. Should it come to that, and surprises if our Party Leader decides to take disciplinary action z Ready to face against those who voted disciplinary 20A, have you not violated How do you plan to steer in favour of the 20A as a the party decision? Are you your future political course?

whole, we will discuss it at action; there’s prepared to face disciplinary I have no reason to leave the that point. a process to be action? WE ARE, AFTER party that I founded. Whatever At the moment, no such The votes were called in as ALL, HERE TO DO A decisions I make in Parliament discussion has been taken followed individual decisions. I exercised PUBLIC SERVICE. SO are always made with a lot of for the ACMC or the SJB. my right for the change that I WHEN IT COMES TO thought towards improving the Last Thursday’s (22) believed in. If it comes to the TAKING A DECISION, livelihoods of this country’s The ACMC and Sri party taking disciplinary action, people. If this Government or debate over the 20th IT SHOULD NEVER Lanka Muslim Congress Amendment Bill, the vote I am ready to face the collective the ruling party fails to deliver (SLMC) had spoken that followed, and the decision. There is a process that BE ABOUT THE on their promises to the people against the Government manner in which certain has to be followed; let’s see PARTY’S BEST and misuse the powers that on many occasions over Opposition Members of when it comes to that. INTEREST BUT have been given to them, then its Sinhala nationalist WHETHER IT come the next presidential hard-line stance. Why Parliament (MPs) voted in The SJB has said it will take election, they will appoint a do you think there was a favour of it, seem to have disciplinary action against WOULD BE IN THE different ruling party. change of heart among baffled many.The Sunday you. Since you are a National BEST INTEREST OF Hypothetically speaking, the Muslim MPs in Morning this week List MP, the party could THE COUNTRY’S should that be an SJB-led Parliament over the 20A? spoke to Samagi Jana remove you. Will you accept CITIZENS government, then the decision BY SARAH HANNAN so many development We are yet to find out Balawegaya (SJB) National if the party decides to remove that I made to vote in favour programmes due to which what made them vote in List MP Diana Gamage, you from Parliament? of the 20A, reinforcing The much-disputed people – regardless of race, favour of the 20A. But who voted in favour of the They are not in a position matters at the end of the day is the executive power of the Clause 17 of the 20th ethnicity, or political party political differences and 20th Amendment (20A), to remove me just like that; I that I be given the necessary President of Sri Lanka, will be Amendment (20A) – benefited in the post-war opinions aside, I believe on her decision and what am the Deputy Secretary of the faculties to serve the people and enjoyed by the next president on dual citizenship years. that whether we are on the she had to say about the party and the SJB was elected address their issues at the policy who gets elected, which may was put to vote Government side or in the to Parliament because I allowed level. be Sajith Premadasa. Did your party not reach Opposition side, we have a feedback that she is now them to use the political party As much as I look up to separately, during receiving from her party. which Opposition an official decision to vote responsibility towards the that my husband and I had There are reports that you Gotabaya Rajapaksa to lead against the 20A? citizens of this country to Following are excerpts of established. met with the President before this country to greater heights parliamentarian the interview. S.M.M. Muszhaaraff, As you know, our Party work towards a common voting on the 20A. Did you of prosperity, I have no Leader goal in developing and The party that was transferred meet the President the night doubt that Sajith Premadasa who voted against was taken into custody taking the country to a You voted for the 20A while to the SJB was originally the before the vote on the 20A too should be elected to be the second and during a crucial time, yet prosperous position. your party decided to vote Ape Jathika Peramuna that Bill? President of this country and third readings of the when he was allowed Given the current against it. Why did you do was under you. Do you still We are close allies, and yes, that he has the same candour new constitutional to attend Parliament on economic turmoil caused that? hold legitimate power of the we talk frequently to discuss to take this country forward. amendment, voted in Thursday (22), we were by the Covid-19 pandemic We have experienced the SJB? matters on how to improve After all, whatever decision favour of the clause. able to have a final round of both locally and globally, worst of having a placeholder Of course. I have legitimate the lives of the people of we make now is going to The Sunday Morning discussions and decided on we have to join hands with presidency, especially after power over the SJB; we have this country. I have always reflect on the future of this spoke to Muszhaaraff how we would exercise our the Government to find what transpired over the past very strong by-laws governing made it known that I am in country. of the All Ceylon vote. It was agreed that we solutions to ensure the years. However, if the president the party. That means my support of President Gotabaya I trust that people see that Makkal Congress would all vote against the wellbeing of the citizens of has no power to make certain husband, who is a Deputy Chair Rajapaksa’s vision to improve my decision will in no way (ACMC), which is a 20A. Sri Lanka. decisive decisions to safeguard of the SJB, and I, have a say in this country. hinder my political journey but The financial stability the country, what is the point the legal decisions that need to With the 20A now passed, open up more opportunities to constituent partner The SJB, of which the of not only Sri Lanka in appointing a president after be made for the SJB. I believe he has the necessary serve the good people of this of the Samagi Jana ACMC is a coalition but even the entire world spending billions of public powers to take forward his country. Balawegaya (SJB), on partner, officially decided is handicapped with funds? I firmly believe that, Do you hold the majority vision. – Sarah Hannan his decision to vote to oppose the 20A. Did the the limitations that are even as an Opposition MP, power of the SJB? Aren’t in favour of Clause 17 ACMC not subscribe to imposed by the global the right amount of support your party members the which enabled dual this stand? health emergency. We needs to be extended towards majority of the SJB Central citizenship holders The common agreement cannot be dwelling in the the ruling party, to govern the Committee? Govi Mithuru by Dialog Axiata Empowers Sri Lankans to hold public office was to vote against the 20A, past and festering age-old country. I very much am (sic). to Grow Their Own Food in Their Home Gardens and enter Parliament. but when the time came to wounds that were caused We are, after all, here to do Dialog Axiata PLC, crop security and yield for crop groups, with Home Following are excerpts cast the individual votes, by events that mushroomed a public service. So when it Will you continue to we witnessed that some had racial and ethnic disputes comes to taking a decision, support the Government in Sri Lanka’s premier farmers across the country. Gardening having been of the interview. connectivity provider, has Launched in 2015, with the one of them since launch. gone against the common and unrest. it should never be about the Parliament? proved its adaptability support of the Department Additionally, the You voted against the agreement, which was quite We need a clear vision party’s best interest but whether As I mentioned earlier, we and resourcefulness by of Agriculture, Govi Govi Mithuru mobile bringing to the fore the Mithuru’s voice service is a 20A after the second and unfortunate. to go ahead and change the it would be in the best interest have to extend our support to app is an extension of the long-standing, revolution- mobile advisory service for third readings, but voted future outlook of Sri Lanka of the country’s citizens. the Government that is elected. original service, designed ary agricultural service farmers under the theme to deliver timely, quality in favour of Clause 17 on Your Party Leader voted as a united force. This is why I voted in favour That was what the people Govi Mithuru. A simple, ‘Secure crop and Family information in tailored dual citizens. What made against the 20A including of the 20A. I believe that of Sri Lanka decided and as farmer-focused agriculture health’, created to access formats according to the advisory service, Govi professional guidance in you do that? Clause 17. Did you inform How will the ACMC and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa people’s representatives, we user’s requirements. A Mithuru is perfectly this sector. The service is Our party had arrived at the party leadership of SJB continue with its will not misuse the powers that need to honour that decision. one-stop hub of updated, placed to strengthen the designed to be used easily timely information in an understanding that we your decision to support political alliance in the are vested with him. He was Regardless of the party that I government’s appeal to the by anyone using even a text as well as rich media will vote against the 20A, Clause 17? future? a public servant and a high- represent, I will give my fullest public to invest in more very basic phone. This formats on topics like crop self-sufficient agricultural service offers advice on 25 which is why I casted my We agreed that we There are certain ranking military officer before support to the Government in protection and expert activities by cultivating vote against it. However, would oppose the 20A; differences of opinion he became President. Is it not all its ventures. home gardening their own food in their tips. Customers Clause 17 in relation to a like I said earlier, Clause among the parties that absolutely necessary that he However, I will also make home gardens. dual citizenship holder being 17 was a completely joined forces to form the is granted sufficient powers to sure that they are kept in check are charged Sri Lanka’s primary Rs. 1 (Plus tax) permitted to be elected to different matter, which SJB. However, I am not the take decisions over his citizens, and I would not shy away if mobile agricultural per day for the Parliament was taken up as a is why I decided to vote best person to answer that given that he is now President? they should be critiqued over information service, Govi voice service, separate matter, for which I in favour of it. However, question at the moment. their shortcomings. Mithuru (Farmer’s Friend, and Rs.2 individually voted in favour. there were some who God willing, our Leader will Did you inform the party or ‘Uzhavar Thozhan’ in (Plus tax) Tamil) helps maximize My honest opinion is supported the Government be freed from his allegations subscription of your decision to support Will you be joining the per day for the mobile that this will pave the way with the passing of the 20A in the weeks to come and the 20A prior to the two-day Government? app with no cost on data for Basil Rajapaksa to in its entirety, and there he himself will be able to debate or even before the I do not have to necessarily charges for Dialog mobile enter Parliament, and at were members from the give you the answer to that vote on Thursday? join the Government to serve users. Currently, the Govi this juncture, we need a Government who opposed question. (SJB Leader and Opposition the people of this country. I am Mithuru app and voice service are being utilized person like him who always Clause 17. As for now, we are very Leader) Sajith Premadasa was the District Organiser of the by over 600,000 users. To takes decisions not based Just because I sit with the much part of the SJB and well aware of my decision. SJB for Vavuniya, and I have avail the voice service, on ethnicity or race, but Opposition does not mean I we will honour the alliance I had communicated my been given the opportunity Powered by users can dial 616 from rather who thinks about the have to oppose every move that we made and the party decision to support the 20A, so to represent the people in any Dialog mobile. Users can also download the app country as a whole. the Government makes. that elected us to Parliament he should not act surprised. Parliament this time; and directly from Google Play. During his political career, to serve the people of Sri whether I sit in the Government he assisted us to launch Will there be any Lanka. By voting in favour of the or the Opposition, what really An advertisement 12 the sunday morning VIEWS Sunday, October 25, 2020

Unsafe to travel Need to impose Roma V. – paralegal islandwide curfew COVID-19 Ever since the guidelines were gazetted, Nimasha Pathirana – receptionist people are following them. But it’s still very I do not feel safe travelling around. I don’t unsafe to travel. However, given that offices think anyone does. Whilst we are being told are still open, we have no choice but to that many people are testing positive, we are report to work via public transport such as also expected to use public transport and go PickMe or Uber and that is certainly unsafe. on about our lives – in reality, we are all at risk. We are putting our families in danger Do we Guidelines not being followed and at risk. I believe the Government is Dr. S. Manoj Kumar – dental surgeon just not taking sufficient action and doing what needs to be done. They need to impose No, the islandwide curfew. guidelines are not being followed. Information from Govt. feel Because they not reliable can’t afford Shehani Fonseka – digital marketer to run buses People don’t feel safe to travel. How at half can we? When there’s so many conflicting capacity, reports coming from the authorities there is themselves and the media too. We have safe? technically no the Health Minister stating there is no social community spread, but then in the news we BY PUJANEE GALAPPATHTHI distancing. Everyone wears cloth masks see so many people testing positive. covering the mouth and not the nose; a cloth It’s a sad day when you don’t know who With new Covid-19 cases being discovered every day in the community, there seems to be a general sense of fear mask is not going to filter any virus and it to trust and can’t believe the Government all round. With the Gampaha District under lockdown, some parts of Colombo too going into curfew as of Thursday won’t make much of a difference if it’s because they’ve not proven to you that (22), and more and more cases coming to light, we spoke to the members of the public to see if they felt safe during aerosolised. Although, it does prevent you they’re reliable in sharing the correct news. this uncertain time, and if they think the general health guidelines are being followed. Here’s what we found out. from scratching your nose and protects There’s no real communication on the part others from sudden coughs. of the authorities. They need to stop with these disingenuous statements and speak to the public truthfully. Govt. is putting us at risk Niranjala Priyadharshani – teacher The Government keeps insisting that there is no community spread of the virus but there are positive cases reported left, right, and centre. I don’t understand what this coy way of handling this situation is going to achieve. A government has a responsibility towards the citizens of a country – they can’t fool us into believing everything is alright and put us at risk every day. I think the best thing to do right now is to lockdown the country and try to trace the cases. As for the health guidelines, I see most people doing their best to protect themselves now. Masks are worn better, people are constantly washing their hands and sanitising, and maintaining social distancing. No point taking action after Covid spreads Mohan Senevirathne – sales representative We are currently under lockdown because we are from the Gampaha District. The situation seems to be getting worse. There are more and more cases identified daily and there seems to be some complications with the PCR tests as well. I don’t understand why the Government is concealing information from the public right now, because it is a very crucial time and the spread is not going to stop. Firstly, I think the public should take this situation seriously and follow the guidelines because we should think about our health and safety – no one else is going to do that for us. Secondly, the Government should reveal all the information to the people without taking us for fools, following which the necessary steps need to be taken to curb this situation; they should make everyone take PCR tests, impose curfew, and trace down the cases. There is no point taking action after everyone gets sick. It is now or never. Can’t go about life like everything is okay Mihiri Wanniarachchi – Attorney-at-Law It is most definitely not safe to travel. It is not safe to go to work, not safe to use public transport, not safe to go to courts, and simply not safe to go about life like everything is okay when it clearly isn’t. We can’t predict what might happen because we are mere spectators of the drama created by the Government. Feel extremely scared and unsafe Asela Perera – street vendor I feel extremely scared and unsafe right now. I get scared every time our children leave the house in the morning. As carrying out our daily business is a big risk now, we have currently halted it, but our living expenses are not reducing. We are all at risk. All of the positive cases popping up daily shows that there is a clear community spread of the virus, but the Government and relevant authorities are refusing to admit this, so I do not know what to believe anymore. I guess the only thing we can do is protect ourselves, be safe, and hope to God that the Government takes necessary steps to stop this spread before it is too late. Contd. on page 13 the sunday morning 13 Sunday, October 25, 2020 FOCUS/SPOTLIGHT

BY DINITHI GUNASEKERA As we continue our series addressing the issue of the undervalued role of unpaid care workers in Sri Lanka, this Who pays for the kids? week, University of Peradeniya Professor of Economics D.N.B. Gunewardena, speaking to The zUnpaid care: An economic perspective Sunday Morning, shed some maternity framework of 84 days into light on the topic through the 41. “The corporate sector undertakes Women are backbone of economy: Eran lens of an economist. a very bottom-line approach and is BY PUJANEE GALAPPATHTHI authorities, simply because of her Her expertise in gender economics concerned with how any decision perceived social status. and the work on unpaid care in Sri made is going to affect profits. The Samagi Jana Balawegaya “We observed how pregnant Lanka is “something that is still in unintended consequence of the (SJB) MP , women with little children were the pipeline”, according to Prof. suggested policy is the reduction addressing Parliament on 20 treated like criminals when they Gunewardena, who is currently of female employment, although October, stated that women are the tested positive for Covid-19. working on a major country study on it would have been on the basis of backbone of the export industry of This is a disease, not a crime. We both paid and unpaid care work. actually boosting female employment Sri Lanka. He said the contributions always say ‘one country, one law’, Adding to the prior discussion, through the reduction of maternity to the main industries such as the but it appears that it is always Prof. Gunewardena affirmed that leave, which is more favourable from textile, tea, and even education one country and two laws. One unpaid care is an invisible service. a corporate lens,” Prof. Gunewardena sectors are dominated by women. for the people of higher class and “It’s happening inside families pointed out. “They are the pulse of our another for those of lower class,” and inside our households, and it is “Almost all human capital experts economy and if you take the he stressed. only noticed if it does not happen or say the years before two years education sector, the majority of Furthermore, he exclaimed that abruptly and completely comes to a noticeable that the value behind the to tend to these needs rather than of age of childhood are the most students getting into state university as the budget is coming close, halt. While it’s happening, we tend to work is quite high. That is precisely undergoing a double burden. crucial, which is why maternity are women; the percentage of the Government should consider take it for granted, which is largely the person’s contribution to the “This is disappointing because we leave is important to the economy. women passing GCE O/L (Ordinary providing women with the maternity what is happening at the moment.” economy, albeit invisible. You only are sending our women in masses to The child that is being invested in Level) and A/L (Advanced Level) benefit that was implemented. He notice it when it is not there,” she schools and universities, but all of a would eventually be a worker in the is higher than that of men. Even the stated that, however, as a result of Value in numbers added. sudden, we will soon be wondering economy, and one can actually argue government services and significant this, the private sector is reluctant to According to Prof. Gunewardena, However, in economics, this why they are not as populous in that the corporate sector benefits by government posts are significantly give jobs to these women, resulting unpaid care work concerns a whole is twofold in the sense that care the world of work. It is largely spending for the long run. However, occupied by women. Amidst all of in over 200,000 unemployed sector of economics that largely work can affect the economy and disproportionate,” stated they aren’t necessarily this, it is extremely sad that gender women in Sri Lanka, a majority of overlaps with gender economics interlinked economic policies affect Prof. Gunawardena. going to see it that way.” inequality and domestic violence whom are between the ages of 20 which alleges that women largely care work. are still in the public domain,” he and 40 years. partake in most of this type of work. How care work Alternatives to pointed out. Wickramaratne urged the Statistically speaking, the figures Impact on labour force affects the move forward Wickramaratne drove attention Government to provide these depicted in numerous household care participation economy Prof. Gunewardena, to the appalling manner in which individuals with said maternity surveys indicate that the time and Because of care work and because Further elaborating from both her Pradeepika Sudharshini Rathnayake benefit, as it is guaranteed to take up effort for unpaid care work is mostly women spend a lot of time tending on the economics economic expertise from Minuwangoda was treated by only about Rs. 4.2 billion from the derived by women and outnumbers to domestic matters – as fuelled by of the issue, Prof. and her experience as the Divulapitiya Police and other country’s budget. the contribution made by men. gender roles – Sri Lanka in particular Gunewardena brought a woman responsible “Although it may not be in a sense has a minimal women’s labour force forth economic concepts for a household, stands Recognising and facilitating that elaborates on its connection with participation. such as the Motherhood . Sometimes we forget for paid care with that it would remain the same in the the GDP, it creates a sense of public Prof. Gunewardena, through an Penalty and the Elderly that women who work necessary allowances foreseeable future.” care work? awareness of its importance.” example used with her students, Care Penalty. in the corporate sector and provisions in place The burden of the state not picking One way, according to Prof. “Its impact on the country’s GDP is shared that this resonates with the The “penalty” is that also largely engage in and mostly for proactive up their systems is put upon the Gunewardena, is to know more about largely underestimated, although it is depiction of an American economist employers are not eager unpaid care, thereby actions taken by the households, essentially on women. it. “I think these surveys undertaken also a valid service. Most of the work called Nancy Folbre in her book Who in the recruitment of undergoing a double State. Prof. Gunewardena added that there by companies and organisations are they are primarily engaging in is to Pays for the Kids? women or women will burden “I feel that one way is a drawback due to the opinion of a great way of putting it out to the map it for Sri Lanka – how much is “The cover of that book depicts be penalised in terms University of to handle the maternity some feminists that declaring unpaid public,” she said. provided by the State and how much an illustration of two conveyer belts. of their wages. This is Peradeniya Professor leave problem is to care work as work should be taken In terms of facilitation, of it is provided by households and The top of the page has factories due to the gender role of Economics Prof. introduce the paternity into national account. mechanisms to make existing systems charitable organisations,” explained and the bottom of the conveyor in play. There is the D.N.B. Gunewardena leave benefit. It would in place to be of more convenience Prof. Gunewardena. belt is connected to a woman who assumption that women definitely take ages Possible drawbacks in is vital in regard to aspects such as “For example, a state-affiliated is cooking, cleaning, and doing would not commit to the for it to actually work, recognition infrastructure. Another sustainable daycare centre that is free, although household chores. You can see job as the domestic arena is a number especially with the more conservative “Some would use this argument to system is mandatory early childhood paid care, relates and complements a stream of people leaving that one priority. elements of our social fabric, but disregard the actual statistic of low education to children, which is a unpaid care and gives an idea of conveyor belt who are heading We know that especially in Sri if introduced, it could definitely female labour participation because project The World Bank Group is the distribution of caretaking across for the factories and coming back Lanka, the adult female literacy benefit in the long run. Scandinavian women staying at home are also a currently undertaking. different sectors in society, which through the factory back towards rate is at 90.8%. In 2015, 60% of countries are the best example for part of creditable work. This could “It allows women who may not sheds a light on how the bulk of that the conveyor belt where the women enrolments in state higher education this. However, it is important not to further negatively affect women’s be apt to give their children an is unpaid care and how much of it is are working. It depicts a kind of institutions and 68.5% of graduating go overboard with it by making it a participation in the corporate world. education to let someone else engage uncredited.” daily process of production,” she students were female. Most mandatory requirement as such, but My feeling is yes, unpaid care in that service as paid labour. It also explained. disciplines currently produce a higher rather making it an option,” expressed workers are engaging in creditable facilitates women who want to work How do caregivers It undoubtedly resonates very much percentage of women graduates with Prof. Gunewardena. work, but my interest is focused on or are in need of financial support to contribute to the economy? in Sri Lanka’s context where, every notable exceptions in engineering She explained that in Sri Lanka, whether it is due to good reasons or work and know that their child is in “A mother who’s cooking, day, somebody – the mother – wakes (21.5%) and computer science if the paternity leave benefit is detrimental and backward reasons. good hands.” cleaning, and also tending to the up at the crack of dawn and does the (41.8%). introduced, fathers will actually take “Sometimes we forget that women children, and ensuring that the family cooking, packs the meals, and sends Prof. Gunewardena elaborated up more household responsibility in who work in the corporate sector also Positive GDP is well fed, healthy, and safe is a the family members out to work. that while the Government utilises a an equal sense to mothers. According largely engage in unpaid care, thereby “There is a definitive increase in valid contribution. The mother in this When they come back in the evening, considerable quota for education, the to her, high-quality government undergoing a double burden,” Prof. GDP expected as we are replacing situation is responsible for caregiving; their clothes are washed and the opportunity behind it becomes null, services have to be further equipped. Gunewardena said. some of this unpaid work with it is unpaid, nevertheless valid.” cycle is repeated. If those chores did as it does not produce results in terms “When education and health She continued that no one is there paid work,” mentioned Prof. Prof. Gunewardena used a number not get fulfilled, then what happens of climbing the ladder. services are of poor quality, if there to look after kids of corporate sector Gunewardena in her final remarks. of examples to convey the correlation in the outside world away from the is no state provided eldercare or mothers magically. They have to Out of all, the most colossal boon between caregiving – with unpaid household would not function in an How economic policies childcare, families have to take up somehow work to make ends meet by would be the release of the burden of care work in focus – and the state equal sense. affect care work that work and fill up that space. In either working overtime in capacity women at home who might possibly economy. The cost would be that women One of the best examples in play Sri Lanka, it’s particularly an issue or getting third parties, who may at be working far below their potential. “If the aforementioned person was would either compromise on their would be the controversy that was as we are facing the time of an times not be equipped, and this is It encourages truly capable women not available and someone else had stable careers and professional goals resulted by the alleged government ageing population, and by looking exactly the cost of unpaid care and its to obtain work and improve the to be paid to assume the role, it is or even give them up completely instruction to slash the existing at the demographics, it is apparent impact on the GDP, she said. country’s GDP. Contd. from page 7 Contd. from page 4 implemented to ensure that the in its attempts to prevent the spread Attacks lifeblood... required information is maintained of this virus,” Cooray noted further. “If each factory owner had “We have a question as to why properly and the BOI should take While it would affect their Still in... arranged for their respective the PHIs have not been notified full responsibility for it Tripartite output at this moment, Cooray employees to undergo the necessary despite so many cases of viral flu committees with representation of explained that it is better to assist SIA President Kushan Jayasuriya told The Sunday Morning that, so health screening and facilitate being reported. We suspect that the public and private parties and trade the Government in their efforts to far, the association had not received any information with regard to the nasopharyngeal swab sample administration may have ignored this unions, with direct involvement reduce the amount of people getting the capping of the rooftop solar energy programme which is solely a submission to the health authorities due to a shipment emergency. Many to inquire into the proper unnecessarily exposed to the virus by community-based programme. at their factories itself, the whole of us presumed that the workers were implementation of the above steps requesting people not to take a risk “The CEB Chairman also promised that they will go for tenders, calamity that happened at the falling ill due to exhaustion of being and instructions, must be appointed and travel through such areas. approximately a minimum of 150 MW every six months,” he said, Amandoluwaschool could have overworked.” When asked about the requirement adding that as of now, the association was optimistic. been avoided. That was the least One of the things that were talked Factories adopt... that the BOI had suggested to get 5% “At the meeting, the President was very keen on implementing the they could have done for the sake of about among the workers who came Elaborating on the measures that of the workforce to be randomly tested projects as soon as possible,” Jayasuriya noted. their employees, who were forced to for the PCR test on Monday (12) are now in place, Cooray added that on a weekly basis through named No amendments to Act Last year, a bill to amend the Electricity report to work even when they were was that they were turning off their factories have now been instructed private hospitals, Cooray explained Act was presented to Parliament but was withdrawn by the then experiencing flu-like symptoms.” phones because some workers were to do temperature checks three times that it is impractical given that their Government based on objections raised by the AG that the proposed Meanwhile, last week, with the asking officials why they had not within a shift. In addition, if any testing capacities would not be able to legislation violated the Constitution, and Opposition criticism that it entire Gampaha District being taken appropriate action. worker shows symptoms of a cold or handle such a large batch of samples, will increase the powers of the subject minister. placed under quarantine curfew, the Workers said that although some has a high temperature, they are to be be it private or state hospitals. It was argued that the bill would provide boundless authority to Government had finally arranged limited measures had been taken to referred for medical attention and are “However, if the health authorities the subject minister to decide the purchasing of power at any price, the distribution of dry ration packs, prevent the spread of the virus after to be isolated until they are moved would make the rapid antigen test overriding the powers of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka a Rs. 5,000 relief allowance, and a the lockdown, almost everything was to a health facility. With concerns facility available which is able (PUCSL). However, in December last year, a special committee was nutrition pack for schoolchildren now relaxed and disinfectant or hand of continuing operations and not to determine whether a person appointed to make amendments to the Sri Lanka Electricity Act by then within the District. washing facilities were negligible. hindering their production work, is carrying the virus or not, then Minister of Power and Energy Mahinda Amaraweera. the Government had also instructed whoever is infected can undergo It was also reported that the Sri Lanka Electricity Act is a key reason Brandix factory lacked Letter sent... that the factory workers be given the PCR test; that would help that new electricity volumes were not being added to the national grid safety measures The manpower agencies that transport to and from the workplace. reduce the work required to obtain and that certain clauses in the Act are an obstacle towards making the About 100-200 workers who have employees in these factories “Many of our members do utilise nasopharyngeal swab samples for decision to generate electricity. contracted the flu in early September must work to implement all of the factory-provided transport facilities testing,” Cooray opined. In the meantime, when The Sunday Morning contacted CEB Chairman went to the factory’s sick room and above steps without any changes for their employees, so this is not The JAAFSL vowed that they Eng. , he said the CEB was waiting for the Cabinet’s complained about it, where they and a decision must be made that an issue or a new practice that are willing to co-operate with approval to award the tender for a 150 MW solar power project while were told that this was a normal the companies they last worked for they have to adapt to. But with the the healthcare authorities and the the cabinet decision had already been granted for the construction of a virus. When those workers asked for should pay and provide the necessary quarantine curfew that is in place in Government in containing this virus 100 MW solar power park at Siyambalanduwa. sick leave, the management refused facilities to those employees as well certain areas, we have now informed and at the same time ensured that “In the meantime, we will go ahead with the LNG (liquefied natural to grant them leave and ordered them With regard to the employees workers who are required to travel to none of their workforce is forced to gas) power plant projects,” he said. to report to work. recruited in these institutions by work from those areas that they are work under conditions that would When asked about the amendments to the Electricity Act, the Chairman In a joint comment made by manpower agencies and other not required to report to work; that risk their health and wellbeing at any stressed that there were no discussions at present with regard to Brandix factory workers, they said: persons, a programme should be way, we can assist the Government moment. amendments to the Act. 14 the sunday morning POLITICS/ECONOMY Sunday, October 25, 2020

Contd. from page 12 Contd. from page 9 Government. She had made these observations during an interview Do we feel... Govt. prepares... with the Virakesari Tamil weekly Responding to a question Modi. News reports last week newspaper. Won’t be able to survive to do it to make a living. People are Balancing economy vs. posed to him, the US official had quoted TNA Leader R. Sampanthan Srinivasan had noted that the another lockdown following health standards, and we people’s safety said the US watches closely the as stating that a request has been arrival of a high-level Chinese Prema Gunathilake – homemaker are also very careful nowadays; we Lakshan de Silva – Arabian Business developments in Sri Lanka on made from India for a meeting with delegation to Sri Lanka following wear masks, wash hands, etc., so I Company (Pvt.) Ltd. Chairman issues related to human rights. Prime Minister Modi. discussions between the Prime We were told the Government really hope the country does not go might impose curfew in the entire From being a country with the The Secretary will, of course, Sampanthan had stated that Ministers of India and Sri Lanka into lockdown because families like be raising issues related to human the Indian Premier had directed confirms that the Rajapaksa island, but I really hope that does us will not be able to cope. bare minimum number of Covid not happen. With all the health cases, to now closing up on 6,000 rights, reconciliation, and the relevant authorities to make the Government is beginning to work precautions and restrictions due to Covid-19 cases, is frankly a hard US’ common commitment to necessary arrangements for the closely with China. Concealment of democracy, he had said. event. She had further stated that China the Covid-19 pandemic, we barely information makes it pill to swallow. make enough to feed our children. While imposing curfew will “Our partnership with Sri Lanka Last month saw Modi engage was violating the North Indian If the country goes into lockdown, scarier be a logical solution, as it was goes back a long way, through a in a virtual discussion with Prime border and was working closely we will not be able to survive. Sera Pathirana – researcher astoundingly effective in the past, lot of different eras, and right now, Minister Rajapaksa where several with Sri Lanka. During the lockdown last time, I most definitely do not feel this time we are balancing the we think they’re at a point to make key issues were taken up for The BJP representative had noted we were told that we would safe when travelling. How can better good of the safety of the some choices about where they discussion. that there is a high possibility that be given Rs. 5,000 from the we feel safe when we get alerts people with the better good of the head,” he had said. During the discussion, the Indian the intense pressure from the Indian Government, but we didn’t get it. on new cases every day? Also, economy and financial situation “During the meetings, the Prime Minister had called for the Central Government on the Indo- We survived with food and money it feels like the authorities are of the people. Secretary of State will also be full implementation of the 13th Lanka Accord and the settlement given to us by our neighbours. concealing a lot of information We have come to a dead end discussing the issues related to Amendment. of ethnic issues would further push My husband plucks coconut and from the public, which makes where we are running out of China,” Thompson had added in It is in this backdrop, Tamil Sri Lanka towards a pro-Chinese does other labour work for a daily it even scarier. I think the solutions. Following the health response to another question. Nadu’s Bharatiya Janata Party stance. fee around our area, and if there’s Government should go for an guidelines and regulations put TNA and Modi (BJP) Vice President Attorney-at- She had added that the Indian lockdown, he will lose work; as immediate lockdown and sort this out by the authorities is no longer Law Vanathi Srinivasan had said Government should focus on it is, people are reluctant to let out, so we can feel safe. We are enough; it has come to a point The that India is keeping a close watch China’s investment in the South people into their houses. aware that this is a global issue, where we need to put in extra (TNA), meanwhile, is looking at on the Chinese activities taking of Sri Lanka, and the role of Tamil We don’t feel safe travelling, but but we absolutely have to do what effort to ensure each one of us is holding a virtual discussion with place in Sri Lanka and the pro- representatives in the Sri Lankan we do not have a choice – we have we can to minimise the spread. safe. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Chinese activities of the Sri Lankan Government.

Contd. from page 7 Financial sector... According to veteran international credit ratings agency Fitch Ratings, a second wave of the coronavirus has put further stress on Sri Lankan finance and leasing companies’ credit profiles. “The risk of a second coronavirus wave, together with weak borrower sentiment in an already fragile operating environment, would put further stress on Sri Lankan finance and leasing companies’ (FLCs) credit profiles, adding to existing pressures on asset quality and profitability,” Fitch Ratings said in a special report issued last Monday (19). It goes on to say that it expects most of the Fitch-rated financial institutions would be protected by profit buffers, but expects Sri Lanka’s economy to contract by 3.7% in 2020 due to the Covid-19 global outbreak. “These risks will test FLCs’ loss-absorbing capacity, but Fitch Ratings believes that the capital and profit buffers of most Fitch-rated standalone-driven FLCs (except for Bimputh, which will experience material capital erosion due to losses) will be adequate to cushion against moderate asset-quality shocks. Fitch expects Sri Lanka’s real GDP to contract by 3.7% in 2020 due to the pandemic.” Former CBSL Deputy Governor and senior economist Dr. W.A. Wijewardena said that the weakened financial institutions have several options to pull through, including seeking further capital from investors and merging with larger financial companies. “They should be given time to build up their capital. Non-compliance with the minimum capital adequacy requirement doesn’t mean that these companies will collapse tomorrow. As long as they will receive deposits from the members of the public and if they are profitable, they can maintain their business and they can also rebuild it. This warning has in fact given a message to the managements of these companies that they should build up their capital by bringing in additional capital from other sources or else they will have to merge with a big company.” He went on to say that the CBSL’s hands are tied, and all they can do is give time extensions and assist in stabilising the financial sector, and individual institutions should not expect to be bailed out by the CBSL. “The Central Bank cannot do anything. Its mandate in terms of the law is to make sure the financial system is stable, not to preserve any particular financial institution. That’s the mistake made by many people in Sri Lanka; they think that the Central Bank’s job is to protect individual financial institutions. No, that is wrong. It is there to protect the system. Therefore, the Central Bank cannot do anything here. The Central Bank can give them time to build up, otherwise the Central Bank will cancel their registration. The Central Bank cannot inject capital. It cannot play the role of the referee as well as the player. It cannot do that and it should not do that.” He further noted that this was also a warning for customers to be mindful in the companies they make deposits in. “What you have to look at is if it will have a systemic impact. At the moment, these are very small finance companies, so there won’t be a systemic impact. It is of course an advance warning for depositors to be careful; customers must now be mindful when they want to put their money into these businesses.” He then assured that as long as these companies managed to find capital they would survive and that it would not have too much of an impact on the economy in its entirety. “These are small companies and even if they close down, it would not have a big impact on the larger economy as a whole. If it is a systemic issue, then there will be a problem. The most appropriate course of action for these companies is to merge with a big company, if they want to protect their business.” the sunday morning 15 Sunday, October 25, 2020 SPORTS

SL vs. England at Lord’s, London from 23-28 August 1984 Two captains: David Gower (England) and (SL) Umpires: Dickie Bird and David Evans Toss: England Brief scores: SL 491/7 dec. in 166 overs (Sidath Wettimuny 190, Duleep Mendis 111, Arjuna Fourth-day Ranatunga 84, 32, 20 n.o., Aravinda de Silva 16; Pat Pocock 2/75, Jonathan Agnew 2/123), and 294/7 in 80 overs (Amal Silva 102 n.o., Duleep Mendis 94, Roy Dias 38, Ashantha de Mel 14, Sidath Wettimuny 13; Ian Botham drama of first 6/90) England 370 all out in 147.1 overs (Allan Lamb 107, Chris Broad 86, David Gower 55, Richard Ellison 41, Graeme Flower 25; Vinothen John 4/98, Ashantha de Mel 4/110, D.S. de Silva 2/85) Test and the Result: Match drawn Man of the Match: Sidath Wettimuny Notes: Though the match was drawn, SL got away with all the honours

past time was to kick their national team when glory at Lord’s they were down,” Sunil writes in his book. “Other commentators, however, and writers who ought to know better, cynically suggested that the Sri Lankan straight-bat strokes and This classic z A comparison by Sunil Wettimuny as cover drive a classic sideways stance was a sign of their by Sidath naïveté, their lack of sophistication, and artless described in his book ‘Cricket the noble art’ Wettimuny, approach to . A cynical comparison during his to the days of yore when purer techniques memorable 190 against prevailed. It was a left-handed compliment.” England Sunil has further added that facts without at Lord’s comment have told their own tale. Sri Lanka in 1984, as without winning had the better of that first seen through Lord’s Test and earned the praise and respect the lens of renowned of the cricket-playing world. photographer “We have arrived on a grand note, not merely Patrick Eagar to participate but to share creditably in the contest. “The long-dedicated innings of Sidath BY S. TILAK DE SILVA Wettimuny and the punishing stroke play The inaugural Test of SL seven for just eight runs, sliding from of Duleep Mendis have given rich colour to Three brothers representing 167/4 to 175 all out, against the right-arm this match,” wrote Tony Lewis. “The tourists a national team in cricket and Sri Lanka (SL) was admitted as the 5/28, Ian Botham 3/28, Bob Willis 2/46) off-spin bowling of John Emburey (took five have brought to the game a pleasing instinct opening the innings for their International Cricket Council’s (ICC) seventh and 175 all out in 83.5 overs (Roy Dias 77, wickets that day) and left-arm orthodox spin to attack with the bat – yet concentrate on country must be a unique feature. full member on 21 July 1981. However, 38, Duleep Mendis 27; of Derek Underwood (two wickets that day) technical excellence.” One wonders whether it’s a nearly a earlier, on 13 October 1882, John Emburey 6/33, Derek Underwood 3/67) “The style and high quality of their batting world record. They are the three the England team, en route to Australia and England 223 all out in 86.5 overs (David were a revelation to those not familiar with Sri Wettimuny brothers in Sri Lanka: Captained by Sir Ivo Bligh, played the first Gower 89, Keith Fletcher 45, Bob Taylor Lanka cricket. Sidath Wettimuny’s lasted 636 Sunil, late Mithra, and Sidath. international match in SL, then named Ceylon. 31 n.o., Graham Gooch 22, Ian Botham 13; minutes but it never lost its aesthetic appeal.” The Colombo Cricket Club (CCC), founded Ashantha de Mel 4/70, D.S. de Silva 3/54, “Mendis was brilliantly belligerent, the We know that the Chappell brothers in in 1863, represented the All-Ceylon team. Ajith de Silva 2/12) and (target 171) 171/3 in strongest memories of this Lord’s Test, historic Australia, Ian, Greg, and Trevor played Test SL vs. England at P. Sara Stadium, Colombo 53.1 overs (Chris Tavare 85, David Gower 42 to Sri Lanka, will be the cover driving of cricket for their country and, at the moment, the from 17-21 February 1982 n.o., Graham Gooch 31; Ajith de Silva 2/46) Sidath Wettimuny and Mendis’s hooking famous Curran brothers – Sam, Tom, and Ben – Two captains: Keith Fletcher (England) and Result: England won by seven wickets off Botham; the ball crashing into the stands are playing for the England county Northampton. Bandula Warnapura (SL) Man of the Match: Johan Emburey The two faces of the special 33.5-diametre silver high and handsome. Not far behind were Tom also represents England. Umpires: Herbie Felsinger and K.T. Francis Notes: 19 February was the rest day of the souvenir coin issued on 10 February 1982 to (Arjuna) Ranatunga and Roy Dias: The one Sunil Wettimuny, 71, played three ODIs for Toss: SL match. The game was over on the fourth day commemorate SL’s inaugural cricket Test. It neat and confidant, the other flowing into Sri Lanka in the World Cup tournaments of 1975 Brief scores: afternoon. SL were 152/3 at the end of third was made by one of the oldest gold jewellers elegant strokes. The immense promise of and 1979 as an opening batsman. Mithra, who SL 218 all out in 81.5 overs ( day’s play enjoying a lead of 147 with seven in SL, Pattakannu Subbiah Achary & Sons. The Aravinda de Silva was a source of special joy engraved name D.B. (Donald) Carr was of the played two Tests in 1983, died in January 2019 65, 54, Mahesh Goonatilleke wickets in hand, Duleep Mendis (16 n.o.) then Secretary of the Marylebone Cricket Club and appreciation of the talent so abundantly aged 67. Sidath, the most prominent opening 22 n.o., Ashantha de Mel 19, Duleep Mendis and Ranjan Madugalle (0 n.o.) at the (MCC) and the Test and County Cricket Board displayed.” batsman of the country in the 1980s, played 23 17, Ajith de Silva 12; Derek Underwood . On the fourth day morning, SL lost (TCCB) who was present to witness the match. Sunil had this to state as he was summing Tests and 35 ODIs during 1982-87. up that series: “A very sad season for England and a bright English introduction for Sri Lanka ‘Cricket the noble art’ this fact in his “Cricket the noble art”. that good beginning. The second half batting in our memory. who made many friends in that country by her With that “speciality” in mind, we will now “It was our very first Test match; the venue shambled, too ludicrous even to try to explain Sunil recalls what the English critics had to players’ refreshing approach and scintillating look at the somewhat unknown yet highly was the Colombo Oval. ‘Well begun is half a total and utter collapse mentally and morally. say then: “England humiliated by Sri Lankan batting performances, and the high aesthetics informative book written by Sunil Wettimuny done!’ Ironically speaking, that was just the A glorious opportunity squandered in abject amateurs”, a banner headline had screamed. they brought back into a game commercialised in 1985, titled “Cricket the noble art”. trouble with Sri Lanka in her first-ever Test, defeat.” “Shambles – Day of Lord’s shame,” Jim Laker and, therefore, too professional for artistry.” Published by Felix Printers in Colombo, the against England. Sunil further adds that if, with the wisdom wrote. “(Sidath) Wettimuny and (Duleep) Mendis book, considered the autobiography of Sunil, “We began so well; we were halfway of hindsight, one could have transported the deepen England’s gloom,” The Telegraph had (The writer was the of Ananda was out about three years after Sri Lanka played there at the end of the third day. A little more Lord’s Test innings to that first Test in 1982, said. College, Colombo, cricket team for its 37th her first Test and roughly a year after Sri Lanka consolidation and the match would have been wonderful results might have been achieved. “A host of other comments derogatory to annual Big Match against Nalanda College played that famous Lord’s Test in August 1984. ready for the final execution and victory. Sunil emphasises that the Lord’s Test will English cricket appeared in all the national in 1966. Sunil Wettimuny was a member of Batting has been our “bugbear”: Sunil elaborates “But unfortunately there was no follow up of remain in the record books while also lingering press. It has appeared that the English reporters’ that Ananda team)

of the pre-move. Somewhat ungainly? yes. after 2...Kxa3 3.Kxb5. Clever? also yes. It is clear to see that there’s a spectrum of Understanding of chess psychology is a risk in pre-moves and that in some positions critically important part of pre-moving. Even it is downright reckless. It works best as a Pre-move shenanigans the World Champion once ended up on the desperate measure in a hopeless situation. In wrong side of a pre-move con by a shrewd the following online bullet game, a Sri Lankan THE CHESS whole game becomes a huge time scramble. will only be played if black plays the expected when it becomes obvious that the outcome online opponent. Fide Master, who shall remain nameless, has This effectively makes “pre-moving” the most 3...cxd4. But one has to be careful when pre- will be decided purely by the clock. At times, just obtained a decisive advantage with the CORNER important technical feature of online bullet moving opening theory. Most bullet players with a couple of seconds on the clock, such white pieces by promoting a pawn on g8. by Dulan Edirisinghe chess. sense when the opponent is pre-moving in games effectively become pre-move wars with The pre-moving option itself is simple and the opening and are wired to exploit it in whoever manages to “block” a pre-move by intuitive. All you do is input your next move cruel ways. the opponent ending up victorious. Hikaru Classical chess training often breaks down when it is your opponent’s turn to move, and Consider the simple position that occurs Nakamura, arguably the best bullet player in the components of chess positions into if that move is legal, it will be made instantly from the Reti Opening after 1.Nf3 d5 2.g3. the world, is quite adept at this. categories such as piece activity, material, and once your opponent completes his move. If it is space. One of the most important features of not legal, no harm is done. The pre-move gets chess strength is evaluating the consequences cancelled and you have to make a fresh move. of giving up something in one category in The sole aim is not losing even a millisecond return for an advantage in another. But when it of your own time. comes to faster time controls, there is another Here’s a basic example of using a “safe” key element that should be factored into the pre-move to save time after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 equation. Time! d6 3.d4. For a long while, blitz chess with five minutes Black to move for each player was considered the norm for Unknown player-Magnus Carlsen Black to move fast casual chess. The advent of digital clocks Online bullet game (2020) Black correctly anticipated white’s next move opened up all kinds of fresh possibilities, from Carlsen was winning the game easily and (Qxc8) and, instead of moving his king, played increments to even shorter time controls. Online played 1...Ka4 and pre-moved 2...Kxa3, the smart 1...Be6. Brutal but effective, and chess platforms embraced this scenario, and expecting white to play 2.Kxd5. White cleverly somewhat hilarious. at the turn of the millennium, three-minute Black to play Black to play (chess.com Grand Prix played 2.Kc5 instead, earning himself a draw chess became popular online. Soon afterwards, Despite the several good options at black’s Finals 2020) faster servers and ever improving hardware disposal, the move that gives the highest Tabatabaei-Nakamura made “one-minute bullet chess” possible. winning percentage in online bullet chess, Nakamura, playing black, quickly anticipated Today, it’s the default option for the online quite astonishingly, is 2...Bh3. Wait, what? that his opponent (with little more than a chess community. How? The reason is quite simple. Most pre-move second on the clock, but with an increment of In bullet chess, the players must addicts unsuspectingly play the natural 3.Bg2 one second for each move) is likely to pre-move fundamentally change their mindset about after playing 2.g3. Re3+ here. So he went with the clever Bd3, the role of time in chess. Playing a decent chess Black to move The pre-moving option really comes into its forcing white to lose on time because he had game in 60 seconds is almost impossible. The Here, white can pre-move 4.Nxd4 which own in the very last moments of a bullet game to regroup unexpectedly after the cancellation Kapil Dev hospitalised Bach doesn’t expect In an unfortunate turn of events, ‘opt-outs’ former India Captain Kapil Dev International Olympic Committee suffered a heart attack and underwent (IOC) President Thomas Bach does not angioplasty at a hospital in Delhi. The expect any country to “opt out” of next 61-year-old legendary World Cup- year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games winning cricketer suffered a massive in Tokyo because of the coronavirus heart attack on Friday morning (23), pandemic. Bach made the comments after which he was reportedly rushed during an Instagram chat with German to the hospital. However, javelin thrower Johannes Vetter. He there was no update also suggested all athletes would be about his health able to compete at Tokyo 2020, even from his family as of if they come from a country with Friday evening, but a high number of Covid-19 cases. Dev has reportedly “Athletes do not bear responsibility undergone for the virus,” Bach said. angioplasty.

Sunday, October 25, 2020

television broadcasting sportsrights holders. Play tennis, but do so safely Sony gets LPL Sources told The Sunday Morning There has been another outbreak of the dreaded outbreak has been happening in places where there have Sports on Friday that terms of the coronavirus again in the country. This was always going been a lot of people congregated in small areas such as agreement were being made. LPL's to be an inevitable consequence since this disease is still factories and markets. But what this has shown all of us event rights are owned by Dubai- raging unchecked around the world in most countries. This is the fact that it is time for all Sri Lankans to learn to television rights based company Innovative Production particular outbreak is more serious than the other outbreaks live with this disease. Group (IPG). The five-team league is as there have As an inevitable consequence of this particular outbreak, BY REVATHA S. SILVA expected to be held from 21 November been patients there have been various restrictions put on all sporting Sony Pictures Networks to 10 December in Hambantota and Dinith from around activities as well as the temporary cancellation of Kandy. However, the escalating Covid- the country. Also competitions. This leaves all sportspersons in the lurch. India, or Sony TV, on Friday 19 situation in the country is expected Pathiraja another aspect Whilst it is unfair on the part of sportspersons for such (23) finalised its deal with to be a great stumbling block for the of this which decisions to be taken, on the other hand, with a global the Lanka Premier League organisers of the LPL, the Sri Lanka ON COURT is concerning emergency going on around the world and the necessity (LPL), becoming the league’s Cricket (SLC) and IPG. is the fact that to be mindful of the fact to make sure that the Sri Lankan this particular health service is not overwhelmed, it is important that such considerations be taken into account when taking these tough decisions. When taking a look at all the countries which have had lockdowns, especially in the western world, there have been extremely unfortunate cases of people, especially young people, suffering from various and serious mental health issues. This is an especially heinous by-product of this health emergency. What has been truly heart breaking is the fact that in some of those countries, there have been cases of suicide and such mental health issues reported. Thankfully, in Sri Lanka, so far there have been no such cases, at least reported cases. Sri Lankans, this writer firmly believes, are much more resilient than that. Perhaps this could be attributed to the adversity that this country has had to face in the recent past. This writer is old enough to remember the insurrection that gripped the country three decades back, then the height of the war and its uncertainties, then the very unfortunate consequences of the tsunami. All these natural manmade disasters that the Sri Lankans have had to face has made the Sri Lankans a very resilient people, which is standing them in very good stead at this particular moment of time. The question that then arises is whether under the current circumstances, the players, especially the young schooling kids, should be playing the game of tennis these days under the present circumstances. It has been verified scientifically that tennis is one of the safer sports that can be played under the present circumstances. It has been proven, and in fact there is literature out about this particular subject, that tennis is one of the safest sports to partake in at this particular moment of time. That does not mean that tennis players, unless they take the necessary safety precautions, are immune to the disease at this time. This was conclusively proven by the fact that Novak Djokovic, the No. 1 ranked tennis player in the world, contracted the disease after taking part in a tournament which he organised with unhygienic conditions. At the time of writing this article, even Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the leading football players in the world, contracted the virus. But having said that, it has to be mentioned that both the postponed French Open as well as the US Open were conducted safely with no reported untoward consequences. But of course, those tournaments were conducted with the highest possible precautions being taken by all parties concerned. What that showed the world is that tennis can be played safely with the necessary precautions being taken by the players, coaches, parents, and other stakeholders of the game. This writer also believes that mental health, which is anyway a rather neglected part of the system in Sri Lanka, is better served by the game of tennis being continued with the necessary safety precautions being taken. This will give a chance to not only the players but even the parents, to have some time to relax when they bring their children to the tennis court. At the end of the day, it is better to have young tennis players of the country continuing their tennis practices for at least some semblance of normalcy. But what is most important is the fact that it should be done with all the safety precautions being taken and with no corners being cut. Please play tennis, but do so safely.

Printed by the Kalukodayawa, Malwana Press & Published by Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 DEBT TRAP: MADE IN CHINA OR MADE IN SRI LANKA? »SEE PAGE 7

BIRTH OF THE 20TH AMENDMENT AND DEATH OF A BASKETBALL LEGEND »SEE PAGE 3 Sunday,business October 25, 2020 Q2 GDP data only in 2021? z CBSL, Finance Ministry asks Stats z Department says understaffed Dept. to study figures further due to Covid-19

BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR figures have not been published by a she stated that no changes would be government and termed it a “disgrace”. made to existing methodologies used Sri Lanka is facing the very When asked whether the DCS had by DCS to capture the data. real possibility of not being been influenced or pressured to hold In a second tweet in response to the able to release second back the GDP data or to manipulate press release issued by the DCS, MP quarter GDP (Gross Domestic the figures to produce more favourable de Silva stated: “Come on DG! You Product) data for 2020 within data, she gave the following reply. cannot give such lame excuses that you the year, even though it is “The DCS is still in the process of need a foreign consultant to calculate usually released every year collecting data for the second quarter GDP. India, Thailand, Vietnam, and so and we have been advised to study the many others have already published before mid-September. gathered data further by the Central 2020 2Q. You have now completely In mid-October, issuing a press Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) and the lost your credibility.” statement, the Department of Census Ministry of Finance.” Responding to de Silva’s tweet, and Statistics (DCS) said that second In the mid-October press release, Bandara stated that it is not necessary quarter GDP data will be released on the DCS also said that international for Sri Lanka to consult international 15 December, along with GDP data of consultants are required to achieve consultants and that the consultations the third quarter of 2020. The reason accurate data. so far have been merely for knowledge- provided for the delay was the seven- “It is imperative to discuss with sharing purposes. In terms of de Silva’s week-long curfew imposed through half international consultants the methods latter claim that India, Thailand, and of the second quarter, which resulted in of estimating the output value of certain Vietnam have released their GDP some economic activities taking place industry and services activities. It was estimates, she noted that these countries in ways different to their norms. also decided to collect data on some have a statistical business registry When The Sunday Morning Business of the above economic activities from where businesses are registered. contacted the Department to confirm other sources,” the release stated. “With the statistical business registry, if the 15 December deadline would The Department of Census and Statistics building Meanwhile, Bandara noted that the it is easy to capture GDP data. We have be met, DCS Director General Dr. too on a rotational basis. to release it on the said date somehow, parliamentarian Dr. , DCS had a number of webinars with already prepared a cabinet paper to set I.R. Bandara said that it is uncertain, “Our ability to release GDP data by but it may be further delayed,” Bandara in a tweet on 17 October, charged that international consultants on how other up a similar registry in Sri Lanka. We as only 50% of DCS employees are 15 December, as promised, depends added. this is the first time since quarterly countries are calculating their GDP are working on it,” Bandara added. currently reporting to work and that on the ongoing situation. We will try Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) publishing where Sri Lanka’s GDP amidst the pandemic. Nevertheless, Contd. on page 2 BIA’s Terminal 2 to Investigations into begin despite Covid z Construction to z Years of delays commence on 30 under successive rice scam halted November governments z Rishad Bathiudeen z Private companies BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR involvement? get off scot-free After running into numerous BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR The permit to import rice under he was charged with criminal with the support of state obstacles that delayed the the PSFTA has now been given misappropriation of public funds institutions, which were provided implementation of the project The Government has abandoned to Lanka Sathosa, a state-owned and the violation of election laws the necessary permits to import for years, construction of investigations into a large-scale retail network business in Sri with regard to the transportation rice from Pakistan. Terminal 2 at the Bandaranaike rice scam which had taken place Lanka. of internally displaced persons “The permit to import rice was International Airport (BIA) is continuously by exploiting the When The Sunday Morning (IDPs) in Ceylon Transport with several state institutions. finally set to be launched on Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Business exclusively reported Board (CTB) buses to vote at The private businesses had got 30 November this year. Pakistan, while the Pakistan-Sri the rice scam under the FTA on the 2019 Presidential Election. together and ordered rice through Speaking to The Sunday Lanka FTA (PSFTA) fell under 27 August, a ministry official The PSFTA permits the these licences. When it arrived in Morning Business, Airport and the purview of former Minister of told us that the Ministry had importation of an annual quota Sri Lanka, they would sell it to Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) 3D illustration of Terminal 2 at the BIA Industry and Commerce Rishad launched an investigation into of 6,000 metric tonnes (MT) of the wholesale and retail rice sellers, Ltd. (AASL) Chairman Maj. Bathiudeen, The Sunday Morning the scam and is in the process PK385 variety of basmati rice or mainly in Pettah. So they have Gen. (Retd.) G.A. Chandrasiri years. Meaning by November withdrew from the Light Rail Business reliably learns. of obtaining the names of the super kernel basmati from Pakistan misused the FTA to maximise noted that despite any obstacles 2023, the BIA would be able to Transit (LRT) Project which The investigations, which were private businesses that were part on a duty-free basis. profits by importing sub-standard they may face on the way, handle a combined passenger was to be funded by JICA, specifically focused on several of the scam. However, a recent quality rice and misrepresenting it as construction of the terminal capacity of 15 million. leading to damaged relations private companies which had The Ministry also alleged that verification test conducted on basmati,” a Ministry of Trade will be launched on the The Japan International between Sri Lanka and long- profited from this scam, have not the scam had taken place under rice, which was imported from official told us last month when scheduled date. Co-operation Agency (JICA) term ally Japan, according to even been discussed of late, well former Minister of Industry and Pakistan last year but is still stuck the scam came to the surface. “We are having discussions is the concessionary loan certain observers. placed sources at the Ministry of Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen, at the Port, has been found to be According to the official, the back to back and we are getting provider for the new terminal After years of delays driven Trade told us last week. under whose purview the PSFTA an inferior basmati lookalike rice sole purpose of the scam was to ready to launch as planned. at BIA. The loan agreement by tender-related issues, the “There has been no discussion came into being during this five- variety. Although the rice that achieve a wider profit margin by At the moment, we are doing of Rs. 56 billion was signed project was finally set to launch about the investigation into the year period. All our attempts to had been imported is of inferior selling a kilogramme of inferior- some preliminary work such over four years ago on 24 at end-August and was expected scam that was exposed about a contact Bathiudeen proved futile quality, it has an appearance quality rice for the price of a as soil testing,” Chandrasiri March 2016. The continued to be completed by August month ago. The authorities have last month. similar to basmati or super kernel kilogramme of basmati, which added. involvement of JICA in this 2023 as a measure to mitigate proceeded with new plans to Thereafter, he was arrested basmati. is generally an expensive rice He added that Terminal 2 project is interesting, as the Sri passenger congestion issues. import rice under the said FTA,” following a six-day manhunt The scam had been conducted variety. will be completed in three Lankan Government recently Contd. on page 2 our source said. involving six police teams as by a group of private businesses Contd. on page 2 Havelock City commercial Local attractions for complex opening in September local tourists z Bolstered by DFCC’s Rs. 9 b z 50% of mall and 10% of office z Sri Lanka Tourism Train ride to Ella plans domestic financing arrangement tower pre-leased campaign BY UWIN LUGODA (22) that the 50-storey office tower entity of Overseas Realty (Ceylon) z Sri Lankan public and 200,000 sq. ft. shopping mall and the owner of the World Trade relations agency to Bolstered by a recent financing was set to finish construction by Center (WTC) in Colombo. get the job arrangement with DFCC Bank, March 2021. However, with the DFCC Bank Director and CEO

Havelock City’s commercial initial outbreak of the Covid-19 Lakshman Silva, commenting on BY THE SUNDAY MORNING complex, Mireka Tower, is set to pandemic in Sri Lanka and the long the financing facility, said: “This BUSINESS DESK finish construction on 31 July 2021 curfew that followed, the project got transaction further stands testament and officially open to the public by pushed back to July 2021. to the ability we have to close large With the reopening of the September the same year. On 14 October, DFCC Bank transactions and manifests our strong Bandaranaike International Overseas Realty (Ceylon) PLC entered into a Rs. 9 billion and continued commitment to support Airport (BIA) likely to be Covid-19 wave, Sri Lanka destinations to domestic Group Director and CEO Pravir revolving financing arrangement in navigating the current financial further delayed due to the Tourism is planning a tourists. Samarasinghe told The Sunday for the Havelock City Commercial uncertainties and challenges posed.” emergence of a second campaign to promote local Contd. on page 2 Havelock City Morning Business on Thursday Development Project, a fully owned Contd. on page 2 2 the sunday morning business TECH/NEWS Sunday, October 25, 2020 Sri Lanka’s first supermarket tracker z SRL unveils SuperTrak to monitor shopper parameters

BY UWIN LUGODA and highest education of the know what percentage of shoppers household’s main wage earner. The buy the category of products they Retail today is being shaped organisation has currently collected produce, the system expresses it by the empowered customer, more than 6,000 bills a month and as a percentage of consumers that who demands convenience, gives at least 80,000-100,000 entries purchased a particular product customisation, collaboration, of purchase history. category, compared to the total and consistency. One of Every product in the supermarket shoppers. the key ways for retailers to display is captured this way, and It showcases the volume share of a address this demand is by makes them achieve more than 95% company’s product by showing the becoming more data driven. accuracy. percentage of a brand’s purchased “We are currently working with weightage compared to its category’s Relying on retail analytics and around 800 households who send us consumed volume. Moreover, a hard data rather than guesswork SRL CEO Mihirani Dissanayake 75% of their purchase data, so that product’s value share is expressed as enables retailers to make smarter we can create a clearer picture for our a percentage of a brand’s purchased decisions toward higher profits, first-ever supermarket tracker to clients,” said Dissanayake. market price compared to its better customer satisfaction, and a monitor shopper parameters. This When looking at what percentage category’s consumed price. more successful store overall. This relaunch happened during the of consumers are purchasing a SRL SuperTrak also gives the has become the trend globally, with research and consultancy firm’s 31st certain brand, SRL SuperTrak volume and value-wise percentage retailers in countries like the UK and anniversary, at which time they also information related to modern trade services have been used by several expresses it as a percentage of of product brand movement at each the US employing retail analytics unveiled the revamped SRL website retail business; a collective report big name brands, whose data they consumers who purchased a supermarket chain and represents in order to get insight into how with a new and improved data-driven management system to know the keep private. particular brand’s product, compared the number of families buying at a well marketing is working, what site, a new standalone platform for consumer and product-related data in The system uses the invoices to the total consumers who supermarket. This data also includes customers actually do when they the existing SRL NewsTrak which Sri Lankan supermarkets. collected from an immense number purchased the particular category of the spending power of the consumers enter a store, and whether there is an tracks all TV, print, radio, and digital Speaking to The Sunday Morning of households around Sri Lanka as the product; for example, if 45% of towards the respective company’s end result to their visit, such as a sale. news and SRL CosNet which helps Business, SRL CEO Mihirani the primary data source to generate shampoo buyers from supermarkets brand. Sri Lankan retailers are now given assess the effective and efficient use Dissanayake stated that SRL the reports. The panel of consumers are purchasing company ABC’s Retail analytics tools such as SRL this same opportunity to become of above the line (ATL) marketing SuperTrak was the first of its kind in span across all the Social Economic shampoos bearing the brand name of SuperTrak provide invaluable insight more data driven, thanks to Survey budgets. Sri Lanka, and was first initiated by Classification (SEC) classes of Sri “XYZ”. to retailers and retailers need them to Research Lanka (SRL), which SRL SuperTrak acts as a the organisation in the late 2000s . Lanka, which is a classification using If Fast-Moving Consumer Goods thrive in the future and make data- relaunched SuperTrak, Sri Lanka’s comprehensive system to track She explained that since then, their parameters such as the occupation (FMCG) manufacturers want to driven decisions. Central Bank keeps policy rate unchanged The Monetary Board of the Central Bank the globe are expected to continue their external sector, as reflected by the incoming the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI)- Private sector credit of Sri Lanka (CBSL), at its meeting held on accommodative monetary policy stance in data, are indicative of the resilience of the based headline inflation due to the rise Following the contractions recorded in 21 October 2020, decided to maintain the the foreseeable future. external sector amidst growing worldwide in food prices. Meanwhile, core inflation the preceding three months, credit disbursed Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and Sri Lankan economic trajectory uncertainties triggered by the outbreak based on both CCPI and NCPI continued to the private sector expanded notably in the Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR) The release of GDP estimates for the of Covid-19. Alongside the improvement to remain low, reflecting subdued demand August 2020, reflecting the impact of low of the Central Bank at their current levels second quarter of 2020 by the Department in earnings from merchandise exports, conditions. The CBSL said it expects lending rates as well as concessional credit of 4.50% and 5.50%, respectively, thereby of Census and Statistics (DCS) has been restrictions imposed on the importation the recent increase in food prices to be schemes. continuing the prevailing accommodative delayed. It is likely that the second quarter of non-essential goods and low crude short-lived, supported by domestic supply “The expansion of credit to the private monetary policy stance. of 2020 has recorded a greater contraction oil prices helped narrow the trade deficit side developments as well as the recent sector is expected to continue in the period Announcing the decision, the Central than in the first quarter, followed by a substantially during the nine months reduction in prices of several essential ahead, despite the recent rise in Covid19 Bank noted the decline in overall market recovery in the third quarter of the year, ended September 2020. Services exports, goods. Accordingly, inflation is expected by infections, which is expected to be short- lending rates, following the unprecedented CBSL said. excluding the tourism sector, continued to CBSL to remain broadly within the desired lived. Meanwhile, the overall domestic monetary easing measures taken by the “However, as per the DCS, the record a healthy growth led by computer range of 4-6% in the near term and over credit continued to expand sharply, driven Central Bank thus far during the year, and unemployment rate, which was estimated and logistic services-related activities. the medium term with appropriate policy by the substantial increase in credit to the said it expects the broadbased downward at 5.7% in the first quarter of 2020, has Workers’ remittances continued to record a measures. public sector. Accordingly, the growth of adjustment in market lending rates to declined to 5.4% in the second quarter. The notable acceleration since June 2020. In the broad money further accelerated in August continue, thereby ensuring affordable credit level of employment has also remained meantime, Sri Lanka successfully settled Interest rates 2020,” CBSL said. flows to productive sectors of the economy broadly unchanged in the second quarter the International Sovereign Bond (ISB) In response to the monetary easing In consideration of the current and in the prevailing low-inflation environment. compared to the large decline reported of $ 1 billion matured in early October measures effected to bring down borrowing expected macroeconomic developments The specific reasons provided for the for the first quarter. These suggest that 2020, continuing the unblemished record costs of businesses and households, both highlighted above, the Monetary Board decision are as follows. economic activity has remained without on debt servicing. The exchange rate market deposit and lending rates adjusted of the CBSL had been of the view that much deterioration in the second quarter. remained stable and the depreciation of the notably so far during the year. The Average the current accommodative monetary Global monetary policy Other developments observed in leading Sri Lankan rupee against the US dollar is Weighted Prime Lending Rate (AWPR) policy stance is appropriate. Accordingly, The global economy, as per the indicators and high-frequency data since limited to 1.5% thus far during the year. In declined to historic lows in recent weeks, the Board decided to maintain the SDFR World Economic Outlook (WEO) of the relaxation of the countrywide lockdown this background, the Central Bank said it while new lending rates also adjusted and the SLFR of the Central Bank at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), measures suggest that Sri Lanka is on a path continued to purchase a sizeable volume of downward in line with the expectations of their current levels of 4.50% and 5.50%, released in October 2020, is projected to towards economic revival. The unexpected foreign exchange from the domestic market. the Central Bank. The imposition of lending respectively. The Central Bank said it contract by 4.4% in 2020. The outlook for Covid-19 cluster that has emerged recently Gross official reserves were estimated at $ rate caps on selected financial products in will continue to monitor domestic and growth in 2020 is less severe than the IMF’s could somewhat affect this momentum in 6.7 billion at end-September 2020, which August 2020 has also helped bring down global macroeconomic and financial previous forecast, supported by large-scale the near term, but the expeditious measures provided an import cover of 4.6 months. the overall lending rates in the market. market developments and take further policy stimuli implemented worldwide. that are being taken by the Government to Furthermore, CBSL said space remains for measures appropriately to ensure that the However, the recent surge in Covid-19 cases contain the spread could limit this impact,” Inflation market lending rates to decline, particularly economy promptly reverts to a sustained globally has prompted several countries to it said. Headline inflation, based on the Colombo with the high level of excess liquidity in high real GDP growth path, while reimpose lockdowns, which may dampen Consumer Price Index (CCPI), decelerated the money market, which is deposited with maintaining inflation in the 4-6% range global growth prospects. Against this External sector in September 2020 on a Year-on-Year (YoY) the Central Bank at the Standing Deposit under its flexible inflation targeting background, most central banks across Better than expected outcomes in the basis, while there was some acceleration in Facility Rate (SDFR) of 4.50% at present. framework. Contd. from page 1

Q2 GDP... access on 102 products in the Sri Lankan scheduled to be launched in January 2021 to 71,370 compared to the 244,328 arrivals the airport experienced heavy congestion in market, including oranges, basmati rice, and is now expected to be delayed further by during the same period last year. the arrival and departure zones, as well as The reason for the absence of a statistical engineering goods. several months. vehicular traffic, particularly during peak business registry all these years is mainly the The agreement mentions that during the Following the closure of the airport in hours; all while passenger arrivals grew inconsistency of registered businesses in Sri month of October every year, the Department March for international travellers and the BIA’s... 5-6% Year-on-Year (YoY). Lanka, according to her. of Commerce would publish a newspaper subsequent islandwide lockdown after However, in early August, the construction De Silva also stated that internal sources advertisement in all three languages on the local outbreak of the virus, tourism was postponed to early September due to had informed him that the GDP contraction the availability of the annual quota of the businesses were facing severe financial complications in importing workers from Havelock City... for the second quarter is a shocking -17%. 6,000 MT of the PK385 variety of basmati issues as neither international nor local Japan, China, Malaysia, Singapore, and He explained that none of their plans A World Bank report compiled prior to the rice or super kernel basmati for duty-free travellers could travel within the country. various other countries amidst Covid-19. for the project has since changed, with detection of the new and largest Covid-19 importation during the following calendar However, after the lifting of the seven- Maj. Gen. Chandrasiri confirmed that the company proceeding with the Urban cluster in Sri Lanka projects ’s year (January-December). Importers who week long islandwide lockdown, local changes were not made to the original design Development Authority (UDA)-approved economy to contract by -6.7% this year, were willing to import rice under the PSFTA tourism began to pick up, giving hope to of Terminal 2 or to the earlier decision to design. which would point to a far more severe registered with the Department and imported tourism businesses. By end-September, award the tender to Taisei Corporation, a “Sri Lanka’s current Covid-19 status will contraction if the ongoing situation in the rice under a duty waiver. according to The Hotels Association of Sri Japanese construction company. AASL not impact us since 95% of our staff are country is taken into account. Lanka (THASL) President Sanath Ukwatte, signed the contract agreement with Taisei on living on the project site itself. We have 600 National economic data of Sri Lanka for occupancy rates of most of the hotels were 12 March. contractors staying on site and they do not the first quarter of 2020 was released on the Local... around 20%. Accordingly, the new terminal will be built move around, and we do not plan on hiring night of 4 August, a day prior to the general Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Nevertheless, after the recent “second at a cost of $ 800 million and is expected to any new people.” election, and it showed that the economy had (SLTDA) Chairperson Kimarli Fernando wave” of the virus, which began on handle a passenger capacity of nine million Samarasinghe added that the property contracted by 1.6%. As the data was released told The Sunday Morning Business recently 4 October with the detection of the as initially planned while the existing will be for leasing only, and has already following a highly unusual delay, this led to that the SLTDA is in the process of selecting Minuwangoda cluster and the subsequent terminal handles about six million passengers managed to lease 50% of the shopping mall intense speculation as to the reasons for said a public relations (PR) firm to undertake the curfews, local tourism too has been largely annually. space and 10% of the office tower space. delay. Many opined that data was being held promotional campaign. paralysed, The Sunday Morning Business The new terminal building would feature Moreover, the tower will also provide back intentionally till the end of the election, “Because of Covid-19, we have decided to learns. the addition of 96 check-in counters, eight its residents with several other facilities which was on 5 August, so as to prevent any go for a local campaign. We put out a tender Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is among the baggage claim belts, seven baggage makeup including a gymnasium, training rooms, political disadvantage. However, both the for a PR agency and we are in the final top three foreign exchange-earning sources carousels, 16 contact boarding gates with meeting rooms, and an executive club/sky DCS and the CBSL denied this allegation in stages of selecting one,” Fernando stated. of the country. Even before the closure of 28 passenger boarding bridges, and six bus bar. August and attributed the delay purely to the Speaking further, she added that tourism the airport, Sri Lanka was struggling to gates. The scope also includes a capacity Mireka Tower was first announced for pandemic. authorities together with the Ministry of attract tourists, mainly due to stringent travel enhancement of the incinerator, water pre-leasing in 2019 and the development Health and Indigenous Medical Services restrictions imposed in China in the early treatment plant, and sewerage treatment last announced the completion of the have prepared a detailed health protocol for weeks of this year to mitigate the spread plant. tower’s roof slab last August. The tower is Investigations... local travellers, and the PR firm would play of the virus. China is among the top five The BIA has been in dire need of another set to be a 600,000 sq. ft., premium “Grade The PSFTA became operational from a vital role in educating the general public to tourism-generating markets of Sri Lanka. terminal for years now. It had more than A” office space that is LEED Gold-certified 12 June 2005 onwards. Under the FTA, follow this protocol. Tourism arrivals had been gradually 170 aircraft movements per day, including and is being designed by Singapore- Sri Lanka and Pakistan had agreed to offer The local tourism campaign also comes recovering after the Easter attacks and the an average of more than 60 movements of based P&T Group, while construction preferential market access to each other’s amidst the absence of the global tourism reported arrivals into the country stood at heavy aircraft per day in 2018. The existing work is being done by the China Harbour exports by way of tariff concessions. campaign. The airport closure necessitated 1.9 million in 2019, compared to 2.3 million six million-passenger terminal handled 10 Engineering Company (CHEC). Accordingly, Sri Lanka enjoys duty-free further delays to the already long-delayed in 2018. This year, January arrivals were million passengers in 2018, resulting in hours The development is part of Havelock market access on 206 products in the global tourism campaign of Sri Lanka. 228,434, a year-on-year drop of 6.5%, while of delays, particularly as passengers were City which claims to be Sri Lanka’s largest Pakistani market, including tea, rubber, and After years of delays under consecutive February arrivals were 207,507, a year-on- trying to collect their baggage. mixed development project, built on 18 coconut. Pakistan in return has duty-free governments, the campaign which was year drop of 17.7%. March arrivals dropped According to the annual reports of AASL, acres of prime land Colombo. the sunday morning business 3 Sunday, October 25, 2020 INSIGHT Birth of the 20th Amendment and death of a basketball legend z Why planes, and countries, must have two pilots and warning systems field in order to ensure that hard than what “powers” we install in By work is incentivised and rewarded. one single position. In exercising All constitutional reforms have power, we need a system to make Dhananath to be in the view of what is in it for sure we exercise it in the right way. Fernando people to make their own choices Sri Lankans’ experience in the and how it affects the creation of a economic context over time is After much elaborate drama, level playing field. that the powers granted by people vehement opposition, As highlighted in this column have not been utilised for the right and toing and froing, the less than a month ago on 27 objectives, and in many cases, the September, the importance of the same power they have provided 20th Amendment to the Auditor General having the ability have limited people’s own right Constitution has been to audit state-owned enterprises and freedom to enjoy a prosperous passed with a resounding (SOEs) has to be appreciated. economic life. majority in Parliament. The However, just the powers for After the 20th Amendment, with contents of this amendment the Auditor General will not new powers installed, “economic and the seismic shift it Sri Lankan Parliament in session ensure SOE governance as the freedom” is a concept that we can creates to our governance corruption in SOEs is systemic start building into our country. system reminds me of a the destination of prosperity in political power franchised by the and incredibly pervasive. The It has been shown that countries story from early this year, their own lives. So we have to people to develop their economies? Government has to consider with higher economic freedom, before global headlines have systems in place where the This is the vital question. The three greater reform and should where people are provided with had begun to be dominated aeroplane can be landed safely, arms of the executive, legislature, consider steps such as listing the independence and opportunity even if key decision-makers in the and judiciary are the governance strategic SOEs at the Colombo to earn higher incomes, generally by Covid-19 – namely, the cockpit get disoriented. equivalents of a dual pilot and the Stock Exchange (CSE) and experience a higher quality of life. tragic helicopter crash on The discussion on the 20th TAWS safety net: The “executive” establishing a “Temasek model” Poverty levels reduce and the most 26 January in Los Angeles Amendment has been evaluated as the chief pilot and “legislature”, for the governance of all SOEs. vulnerable sections of society are which caused the death of Basketball legend in that spirit, in particular from lead by the Prime Minister, as The general Sri Lankan able to have economic security. basketball legend Kobe Kobe Bryant in action an economic perspective. That the core pilot have to work hand sentiment is that merely appointing Sri Lanka has been ranked 83rd Bryant and his daughter. is why the checks and balances in hand in ensuring that there are a political leader or moving a on the Economic Freedom Index 2004. The simple reason to have are vital and a mechanism has measures to recheck whether we constitutional reform would provide and we have a long way to go. The National Transport Safety a dual pilot operation is simply to be established to minimise do the right thing. Then there has solutions to all problems. When Let’s hope that with checks and Board (NTSB) of the US has come a check and balance mechanism the probability of human error, to be an independent judiciary to the amendments were brought to balances and executive powers, up with a 1,700-page report on the to minimise the probability of similar to the dual pilot model resolve any conflict. If Sri Lanka increase female representation Sri Lanka will establish systems crash. While it provides no final human error in decision-making and the TAWS system. Otherwise, is to prosper, it is essential that we at local government level, many and guidelines such as dual pilot conclusion, many aviation experts in flight. it is natural that in a cloud of protect these checks and balances. were of the opinion that it would systems in aviation and TAWS believe the pilot got disoriented, 2. The second reason was that the “political power”, individuals may Sri Lankans’ experience in the solve the problem of female in the form of institutions to confused the pitch altitude, and helicopter that hit the ground did disconnect with the ground reality economic context over time underrepresentation. Unfortunately, incentivise people to work harder thought he was ascending when not have a Terrain Avoidance and make decisions to accelerate is that the powers granted by what happened in reality was and become prosperous, so that we he was descending. This is not a and Warning System (TAWS) the momentum in the wrong people have not been utilised far different, with some women can prosper as a country. novel phenomenon in the field of installed. direction. for the right objectives, and contesting elections simply to (The writer is the Chief aviation and is always a possibility A dual pilot operation and Our economy is already at a in many cases, the same enable their husbands to effectively Operating Officer of Advocata as you are in the air without visual installing a TAWS are simply critical stage where we can’t afford power they have provided take over once elected. It is required Institute. He can be contacted references. At least, that was the just guidelines. Operating a flight to make any miscalculations. For have limited people’s own that Sri Lankan political leadership via [email protected]. reasoning at surface level. But without following those guidelines example, there has been a rise in right and freedom to enjoy a initiates a comprehensive economic The opinions expressed are the when we go a little in depth, there were not illegal, but the cost of bond yields in secondary market prosperous economic life reform plan if we are to have any author’s own views. They may not are two main factors highlighted by not following the guidelines was bonds of Sri Lanka following the hope of development. necessarily reflect the views of experts and the report (1). proven to be human life. announcement of the changes It has been proven multiple What we do with the “powers” the Advocata Institute or anyone 1. The helicopter Kobe Bryant When I think about Sri Lanka’s in the 20th Amendment. One times in Sri Lanka and across we have in hand is more important affiliated with the institute) flew (Sikorsky-S76B) is Constitution and the proposed possibility for this could be the the world that when citizens are operationally a hi-tech machine constitutional reforms which affect uncertainties created by the 20th empowered to make their own Per capita income and economic freedom quartile with a sophisticated flight-deck the economy and our structure of Amendment with regard to checks decisions and choices, the chances for two pilots. However, on this governance, I think of a helicopter and balances for the broader for success and prosperity are unfortunate day, it was operated operation and the tragic crash Kobe economy. greater. A single government by only one pilot. According to Bryant had to face. The executive powers vested trying to understand the needs NTSB guidelines, any helicopter Checks and balances and with the President have to and aspirations, motivations, that carries more than five processes are in place for a reason, be looked at in the spirit of behaviours, lifestyles, etc. of passengers must be a dual pilot and till things go wrong, we may “responsibility”. Political power 21 million people is simply operation, but in this case, nine not see the importance of their provides the decision-making impossible. That is why the innocent passengers died in the presence. In Sri Lanka’s context, ability, and yet we should not structure has to be organised in a crash. A guideline for dual pilot our pilot is the policymaking unit underestimate the “responsibility” way where people are empowered operations was imposed post and the 21 million population factor that is interconnected with to make their own economic the investigations of a similar are the passengers who have to power, which may impact millions decisions and competition has to be crash in the Gulf of Mexico in be safe onboard and flown to of lives. What do we do with in place along with a level playing A time to revisit Sri Lanka’s tourism product z Key changes needed to boost our chances on the global stage

BY STAX INC. centred around regulations, infrastructure, the premises. The industry together employment opportunities in the market. travellers to the country, we find merit in and processes. Whilst implementing with the Government must provide Certification and minimum standards must granting visa-free entry to some countries With tourism taking a nosedive due changes could result in some costs to the necessary infrastructure, marketing, be made mandatory for tourism-related with which Sri Lanka has long-standing to the Covid-19 pandemic, globally, the Government in the near-term, it would and tax incentives to attract experiential facilities and activities. Government relations. Countries with high numbers of industry and its dependents are hard- result in greater revenues and returns for franchises to the country, plus, focus on officers must be given continuous training tourists to Sri Lanka each year should also pressed to upkeep facilities and provide the nation over the longer term. niche areas like adventure. on updated laws and regulations via be considered in the visa-waiver list along welfare for staff and families of those The industry together with the We also underscore the importance of e-based learning platforms in addition to with nations that belong to organisations connected. Following the double impacts Government must provide necessary encouraging self-check-in counters and improving co-ordination amongst central such as the South Asian Association for of the Easter attack and Covid-19, Sri infrastructure, marketing, and tax enhancing budget and domestic airline and local government bodies dealing with Regional Co-operation (SAARC), the Lankans have begun to appreciate the incentives to attract experiential operations from Ratmalana and Mattala. tour operators. Association of Southeast Asian Nations real reach of the tourism value chain and franchises to the country, plus, focus Global surveys show that younger age Countries with high numbers of (ASEAN), or the European Union (EU). its impact on thousands of livelihoods on niche areas like adventure groups will be the first to travel once tourists to Sri Lanka each year should In a 2019 analysis, The World Travel & islandwide. Covid-19 restrictions are lifted, so also be considered in the visa-waiver Tourism Council (WTTC) estimated that Sri Lanka for decades – and even Regulatory changes needed boosting facilities and routes for budget list along with nations that belong the average impact of visa-free travel recently – won global acclaim as a airlines into the country is a must. Online to organisations such as SAARC, was 16.6% growth in travel demand. preferred destination for tourists. Despite Sri Lanka must revisit industry ticketing for buses and railways, clean ASEAN, or the EU Indonesia’s 2015 move to grant a 30-day this, the country has never come close regulations in a number of spheres, toilet facilities, and Wi-Fi zones are the visa waiver for 169 countries led to a 24% to reeling in the revenues as some of its including the re-evaluation of criteria – otherwise basic but lacking – facilities New developments globally include uplift in inbound travel and the creation regional counterparts does including the used to confer “grade” status for tourist we identify as those the country must beach clubs that are conceptualised in of an estimated 400,000 jobs in tourism Maldives, Malaysia, Thailand, and even facilities by the Sri Lanka Tourism invest in. innovative ways to attract chic travellers by 2018, while India’s introduction of the Bhutan. We have on multiple occasions Development Authority (SLTDA), as some and Sri Lanka needs to showcase more eVisa for over 40 countries in 2014–2015 discussed diverse strategies to enhance of the criteria are no longer relevant as per From old to new of these to compete with the likes of increased tourist arrivals by 21% and our tourism position, but these efforts modern requirements. The SLTDA should Technology must take over Bali and Phuket. The main idea behind created 800,000 jobs. have fallen by the wayside for numerous also revamp and simplify its registration licensing taking into account domestic these is luxury – reflected in proximity to The above form merely a clutch of the reasons. process to encourage industry players to considerations, in order to streamline the beach, fine dining, and high-quality recommendations drawn up by Stax as part In this current milieu, the global travel register and increase revenue. Sri Lanka licensing processes and remove entertainment. With Sri Lanka’s beaches of an extensive study on the local tourism and tourism trade will likely need another must consider reducing its Embarkation unwarranted barriers to operations. Most dotted with cabana offerings, it is difficult sector, with a view to grow and enhance year – if not two – to return to some Tax at the airport, as destinations like developed and even developing markets for tourists to gauge quality when many of our product offering on the global stage. semblance of normalcy. Whilst this spells Singapore and Malaysia with high-quality have made technology a significant part them are not even registered or rated. The As alluded to above, there is opportunity distress for the industry, it also provides innovative facilities charge $ 35 compared of operating processes and delivered truly luxurious beachfront businesses in in this time of downturn to review and a window of opportunity to review and to our $ 50. significant value to operators and tourists Sri Lanka that can compete with the best restructure our tourism position as a whole revive our national tourism product and alike. The Government must also strictly establishments in the region should receive and be ready to take on the post-Covid policies, in order to secure larger and Upgrade infrastructure codify and enforce beach zoning laws, the “A” grade rating from the SLTDA. milieu with added vigour. Sri Lanka should longer-term growth. With the Galle Fort remaining one dedicating specific areas for private and invest now and capitalise on future growth. We have identified a number of high- of the hottest tourist attractions in the tourist activities. There is also a need for The visa-free solution (Stax Inc. is a global strategy focus areas that require a rethink to country, we recommend policymakers the State to hire more competent personnel Tourism contributes immensely to consultancy with a footprint in Sri Lanka reposition our tourism product, taking into consider pedestrianising the location for the Tourist Police to provide relevant revenues and livelihoods; it is the third- which aims to provide actionable, data- account developments and trends amongst alongside other similar sites to increase resources and combat rising issues with largest contributor of foreign earnings for driven answers to its clients’ critical travellers and destinations. They are footfall and manage congestion within harassment, which would in turn boost the country. Given the need to attract more strategic questions) 4 the sunday morning business EDITORIAL/INDUSTRY Sunday, October 25, 2020 Yes sir, yes sir, three bags full The 20th Amendment sides of the divide; a protest vehicle which goes all too predictably that over 50 of the parliamentarians whatever reason. has been pushed through parade, Third Reich-inspired arm along party lines. In which event, who voted to effectively repeal the Which brings us full circle to one with the same haste as bands, and embroidered protest parliamentarians need do little to 19th Amendment voted “for” it in of our favourite topics – the quality its predecessor, with masks courtesy the Samagi Jana make rousing, eloquent speeches 2015. Twenty of our senior MPs of those that represent us. Long gone little consideration of Balawegaya (SJB); the stars and fluent in the subject matter. MP Dr. have in fact, voted for all four of the are those representatives who voted public opinion and those stripes raised inside the chamber; , commenting recent constitutional amendments in representation of their electorate represented by the public and the arrival of one Member on the experience of watching her – the 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th – and in keeping with their conscience. to represent their opinion, of Parliament (MP) straight from peers, said: “The debate descended unconscionable as that may seem. The collective responsibility held choosing to tow their prison, this time clad in personal to the level of a bunch of boys trying In the run up to the debate, there by Parliament has given way to respective party lines. No protective equipment (PPE) to boot. THE to be macho, hurling insults at each had been enough said publicly a culture of yes men (and a few And too few sane voices appealing other across the aisle; talking utter and privately to suggest there women) whose parliamentary surprises anywhere. to their fellow MPs to stand by their HEADLIGHT rubbish.” was considerable discomfort actions are in sole allegiance to their The debate and vote, in the principles. Meanwhile, former Prime One wonders how many of even within the ruling party over party and/or their political masters. midst of rising cases of Covid-19, Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe’s parliamentary seat. the 225 had actually read the some clauses at least. That in the How far do they realise that in those lockdowns, and even the first Covid- United National Party (UNP), which The damp squib of the two-day amendment in full, and of those, end, even those vocal politicians hallowed halls, they represent far 19 death in more than a month, propelled the 19th Amendment in debate preceding Thursday (22) how many have the faculty to submitted to the amendment is a more than their narrow political had all the circus-like hallmarks of part to create a stronger premiership night’s vote showcased another make sense of its contents in the sad indictment of their inability to ambitions? That in their hands lies present-day parliamentary politics for Wickremasinghe, is now reduced feature of our present parliamentary context of the very serious job of take a principled stand for or against the future trajectory of not just the – catcalling and insulting slogans to a toothless farce, unable to culture. Debates, good or bad, constitution making. It says a lot what they believe in. Or that they country’s development but also the amid juvenile behaviour from both even appoint a member to its sole do little to impact a final vote about our elected representatives may be battered into submission for country’s morality and conscience?

BY UWIN LUGODA and the relevant authorities, and will be further extended to the employees’ A fresh new cluster of Covid-19 cases immediate families. is sweeping through Sri Lanka as new According to the company spokesperson, positive cases are found each day in since the resurgence of the virus, there has different parts of the island. The resurgence been a drop in employee attendance. of the virus came when an employee of “We have the technology and visibility Brandix, one of the country’s leading to assess who is unable to report to work apparel manufacturers, tested positive for under these conditions. Following the the virus on 4 October. police curfew imposed in some high-risk Further aggressive testing of their areas, we have decided and instructed our other employees confirmed that the employees in these areas to remain safely disease had spread through their plant in at home, and the company has granted paid Minuwangoda, Gampaha; as of Thursday, leave to these employees.” 22 October, the cluster had grown past They stated that their initial assessments 2,500 positive cases, making it the single indicate that there could be slight delays largest cluster in the island. in the completion of a few orders due to However, according to Joint Apparel facilities located within high-risk zones Association Forum Sri Lanka (JAAFSL) being closed by the company as a safety Secretary General Tuli Cooray, this is measure. However, they explained that something that could have happened in their teams have proactively utilised almost any industry. Speaking to The available capacity within the group to Sunday Morning Business, he explained minimise these potential delays. that the current pandemic is spreading “These are unprecedented times, but amongst people and has nothing to do with it’s encouraging to note that our strategic the company’s practices. customers have been extremely supportive “Brandix and its employees have during these difficult times.” been unfairly targeted due to this virus, The company spokesperson stated that it but people need to understand that the is still a little too early to assess the impact company is part and parcel of our society, on their final quarter of 2020. Despite this, and a very important one at that. Brandix they stated that the situation in the country currently provides jobs to 50,000 Sri has not affected the demand from their Lankans, which is more jobs than all the customers. companies in most industries combined.” “Provided we are able to keep to our The industry provides a means of delivery commitments, we do not envisage employment to nearly 350,000 people any significant adverse impact for the final directly and twice as many indirectly. Apparel quarter of 2020.” These employment figures make up around 15% of the nation’s workforce. Hirdaramani Cooray stated that all the big apparel Speaking to us, Hirdaramani Group companies had adopted the health and Director Siddarth Hirdaramani stated that safety practices dictated by local health the company has been following extremely authorities and the only reason this new stringent health and safety regulations ever cluster spread from the sector was due to heavyweights since the first Covid-19 case in the country the factories providing jobs for thousands was recorded in February this year. He of people who congregate in their premises. explained that following the most recent “This has nothing to do with our developments, they have further reinforced practices; it’s a problem everyone in Sri these working practices by constantly Lanka is facing, but fortunately, it did not communicating with their workforce on the stem from any other sector. This is because importance of following these practices. we account for more local livelihoods than “From our end, we ensure that they are those sectors.” soldier on followed and inform their superiors of In the last few weeks, the country’s other any symptoms. We have also created a two major apparel companies, MAS and Too early to forecast impact on December quarter very enabling work environment where Hirdaramani, also reported that some of individual associates feel that they their workers had tested positive for the employees have also been trained by the additional controls in the recruitment MAS Holdings can reach out to their supervisors, HR virus. companies and have been told to avoid process which includes comprehensive A spokesperson from MAS stated that teams, and other management to address According to Sri Lanka Apparel social events. screening and PCR testing are some of before the first outbreak of Covid-19 in the their needs, questions, and even ask for Exporters’ Association (SLAEA) In light of the prevailing situation, we the new practices they currently working country, the company already implemented help. This puts us in a position to better Chairman Rehan Lakhany, this has caused reached out to all three of these apparel towards implementing. health and safety protocols to prevent its understand the sentiments within each a panic among Sri Lanka’s largest export manufacturers to learn how the situation Speaking on the impact the current spread. Following the months after the factory and to support our teams. All markets such as the US and Europe. He has impacted them and what they have environment has had on their pre-existing lockdown in March, these practices were companies across the apparel industry have explained that this was due to the local done to mitigate it. orders, the spokesperson stated that as a continued without any deviation, reducing worked towards creating this supportive situation being blown out of proportion result of the curfew implemented across the possibility for any incidents to take environment, and this has certainly helped by the media and social media, despite the Brandix areas adjacent to Minuwangoda, several place. Constant awareness was given to us in this time.” country’s competitors like India being in a According to a Brandix spokesperson, of their plants in these areas have been employees and the communities in which Hirdaramani stated that they have worse situation. the company has put in place health and impacted and that their teams are working they operate, with the assistance of the had a few expected delays owing to the The industry exports faced a setback safety protocols based on the regulatory in order to reschedule the impacted orders public health inspector (PHI), the Ministry current situation, and that there are many last April and May during the initial authorities of Sri Lanka, including the and minimise the impact to customers. of Health, and local government health challenges the industry has had to address outbreak and saw the country’s protocol for the prevention and control of “We are extremely grateful to our authorities. as a result of the pandemic. He explained apparel exports fall by 82% and 49%, Covid-19 across all their facilities. They customers for their understanding and They explained that following the second that they are currently working with respectively, month-on-month (MoM) explained that the disease is new and extensive co-operation throughout this cluster of cases, these health and safety customers and stakeholders on how best to compared to 2019. However, according to evolving, and that they are still learning period as well.” measures were further tightened with the navigate and overcome them together, so as the JAAFSL website, the industry reduced about the efficacy of their processes. Furthermore, they stated that there has support of MAS Technology Services. to support the industry as a whole. its MoM deficit to 12% in August, and “Our independent investigation will been an impact on employee attendance “We have the technology to track He stated that the second cluster has controlled the annual cumulative decline help us understand if there has been a across the plants within the curfew information of our employees and their also led to a higher rate of absenteeism to 24% while strictly adhering to the lapse on the part of our Minuwangoda restricted areas and in plants where close associates. A continuous relationship in the company and that they have had guidelines given by the Government plant in following the standards employees are residing in curfew areas or is maintained with PHIs, MOH, and local to constantly reiterate their teams and together with the health authorities. mentioned, and also the new controls that are required to travel across such areas. government health authorities. In addition employees, so that they should not be “We do not know the impact this would be needed to augment our current They explained that since the outbreak, to this, we are conducting PCR tests on a reporting to work if they are experiencing has had on our apparel exports yet, but processes to ensure the prevention and their main focus has been to support their weekly basis. This is the new normal and any Covid-19-related symptoms or even there will definitely be an impact going control of Covid-19. The emphasis at all affected employees and their families, we continue to embrace it. Furthermore, have been in contact with anyone else forward. We are all working to mitigate our plants has been and will continue to ensuring their recovery and return MAS’ Covid Response Team continues to expressing those symptoms. the situation, but unfortunately there be strict adherence to the protocol.” to normalcy. Teams across the group review the situation on a daily basis. As “Recent negative sentiments about has been an unnecessary panic created The company is currently working with have rallied around to give their time always, our first priority is the safety of our the industry have also added to this, amongst our customers,” said Lakhany. the regulatory authorities of Sri Lanka to by manning the many call centres and employees and we will continue to focus unfortunately, and this is why we recognise Lakhany stated that most apparel implement the new recommendations to supported the relief efforts for their team on these areas at any cost.” the importance of addressing unfounded manufacturers have already been facilitate a sustainable operating model members in hospital, quarantine centres, Moreover, they stated that the group misconceptions.” following the Government’s safety for the apparel industry in a Covid-19- and home quarantine. also came up with an emergency plan in Hirdaramani stated that while it is protocols and are even taking down the prevalent environment. Adoption of “Once these efforts are completed, the event where if one of their employees still too early to tell, they are expecting information of each of their employees continuous random PCR testing at all we will assess the wider impact of the test positive for Covid-19, he/she would be there to be some financial impact due to help the authorities when it comes their plants, the recommended hostel situation and determine the next course of directed to the company’s own quarantine to late shipments, factory closures, and to contact tracing. Moreover, these operating model for their associates, and action for our business.” centres which are approved by the MOH absenteeism. the sunday morning business 5 Sunday, October 25, 2020 VIEWS

By Dr. Nicholas Ruwan Dias and Niresh Eliatamby

“Parliament is not categorised in the gazette as a public space” – Health Minister in Parliament.

The country needs people to work and earn money, for themselves, for the government, and for the nation. But people use this as an excuse to gather around, shop, and attend weddings and religious events, and thus increase the risk of exposure to Covid. We know we have to prevent public gatherings and so we have blanket curfews in our most populous districts, effectively cutting off most of our revenue- generating capabilities.

As the country goes into a vicious tailspin with authorities battling valiantly to contain the latest spread of the Covid pandemic, let us examine whether the country really needs to go into a full lockdown, if existing inexpensive technology is utilised in a practical manner to continue working on a limited scale, while also limiting the spread of the disease until the vaccines expected within the next few months deliver humanity from this evil. Unnecessary gatherings Why does Parliament have to meet at all? Why can’t we take a cue from some of the more rational global cultures and use yy Send automatic messages to clients, online technology for our lawmakers to Can technology including appointment information, meet and discuss? Many companies have planning notes, cancellation or switched to this, using Zoom, MS Teams, reschedule links, and other actions. Slack, Trello, Houseparty, Skype, and many Maintain automatic records. These other software that were quickly put on the recalls can be printed when the market or already existed. You can interact appointment is scheduled or emailed/ with people any place in the world that save our economy sent as an SMS a couple of hours before has internet connectivity. Individuals do it; the appointment small, medium and large-sized businesses do it; other governments do it. So why isn’t yy Microsoft Exchange/Outlook data everyone who practically can, doing so? integration appointment Of course, you can’t move all activities yy Scalable for all departments, offices, online. A factory with a thousand employees from Covid? services, and officers cannot produce rubber tyres through Zoom. So there are clear limitations, which can applications allows users to make their own Current problem normal” is already emerging in the case yy Each setup is parameter-based, does not only be partially mitigated through the appointments. The online scheduler helps yy Streamline process: An organisation of banks and credit unions. Almost every require programming, takes place over use of physical distancing of two metres, constituents to easily make, amend, and needs an overall evaluation of its customer has been forced to switch to remotely secured network connections, wearing masks, constant washing of hands, cancel their own appointments at the click activities to optimise work processes online and mobile banking for its most and directly affects all offices and sites regular temperature checks, frequent of a button from virtually any place that they and to improve the workflow. The frequent transactions because branch Solution advantages disinfection of surfaces and objects that would have to visit. It is a cost-effective use of office paper by government lobbies are shuttered and dramatically people touch, etc. way to tackle multiple goals simultaneously, sectors, including the use, scanning, and restrict personal services, other than yy Maximises the potential of appointment But you can certainly mitigate matters and greatly enhancing time management and archiving of forms, should be assessed. branch closeups. planning by offering a clear and uniform curb the rapidity of the pandemic’s spread. efficiency as well as disease prevention. The financial services industry must As a customer’s experience gets faster, timetable for all customer engagement You simply need to target locations where Implementing an appointment and define areas for change that contribute quicker, and more stable than traditional platforms, including self-service people tend to gather in large numbers; scheduling system for the government banking, with these types of digital to digitisation of manual processes and yy Reduces running costs by simplifying e.g. fish markets, vegetable markets, police and the private sectors also appeals to the physical paperwork elimination from banking, the impact will become more stations, banks, supermarkets, government general public and squashes bureaucratic permanent. scheduling and improving the order forms, onboard documents, and performance of operators offices such as the Pensions Department, inefficiency, all the while allowing staff the agreements. The digital age of recent decades has etc. Look into what methodologies and flexibility to concentrate on community- shaped all facets of our lives, including yy Improves customer loyalty and technologies can be effective, and can enhancing non-administrative tasks. There yy Covid risk: How do government and our banking practises. Over the years, experience by simple-to-use, self-service be implemented both rapidly and cost are conditions for co-ordinated reservation local authorities respond to Covid-19? banks and credit unions have adopted scheduling that takes into account agent effectively. of appointments everywhere. What emergency management steps and ATMs, online banks, mobile banking, etc. skills and service availability Lethargic bureaucrats may argue Whether at the Immigration Department risks should be considered from public But many still favour the personalised that parliamentary standing orders or or at a hospital, unrestricted numbers of health initiatives to personnel guidelines? experience of a branch visit even with yy Allows, if possible, to match customers and inquiries to individual agents; to constitutional stipulations require Members guests and visitors can not be permitted, yy Cramped waiting rooms: The problem this development. Even today, over half of Parliament (MPs) to gather together. The in order to ensure the health and safety of of those using a bank or a credit union provide visitors with messages and with public offices across the globe is directions prior to their arrival at an simple answer to that is that Parliament is all people. This is especially true of places the old system of people who come, plan to visit their branch for their own empowered by the people to make laws and where more elderly people gather, such as business. However, digital banking is appointment, and to schedule agents for queue up, or take tickets, and then wait their appointment change laws. If that’s too complicated, then retirement houses. The management teams in a crowded area. In most countries, going to play a greater role in this new party leaders can simply consult each other must assign special spaces for visits so it is now compulsory for anyone on era than before. Indeed, most financial yy Adds value if agents are needed as part online, brief their party lawmakers, and that after each appointment, disinfection is their premises to comply with social institutions would almost definitely of local and federal policies to comply have an electronic vote. Get into the 21st encouraged and cleaned up to avoid viral distancing criteria of one or even two concentrate on the digital future. Whereas with performance standards Century, people! This isn’t some village infections from causing havoc. social distance and homestay intervention metres. But having people waiting half Conclusion council two thousand years ago where Researchers have suggested that you an hour, even tow metres apart, increases may gradually have taken place, the everyone has to gather and raise their hands. should eliminate long queues and vulnerable the risk considerably in contrast to having transition is quickly accelerated. To sum up, many prominent and Appointment and people, even before you switch to expensive each person in the building for just five Practical solutions important businesses haven’t acted ventilating solutions, in order to avoid the minutes. forcefully enough to protect their daily scheduling system spread of Covid-19. Holding virtual queues yy Term scheduling of agent schedules and workflows through social distancing. The Why do organisations make people is also the best way to maintain the social yy SOP implementation: The key main resource availability tools for setting up, use of the appointment and scheduling wait, gathering them in large numbers in distance in order to minimise physical reason for the increase in Covid-19 configuring, and controlling them systems (mobile and web solutions) will the midst of a pandemic? Simply have an waiting and excessive crowds. The risk of cases was complacency in keeping with substantially reduce the risk of infection. online system to schedule appointments. spreading the virus is minimal if there are current standard operating procedures yy Use an app that provides mobile users This would lead to a drop in the number Remember that Sri Lanka is a nation with no clients standing in line. The facilities (SOP). with the option of scheduling and of virus cases. It is therefore vital for checking-in appointments and locating more active mobile phones than people. can still be provided without contact; and Corporates/banks organisations to quickly test out a queue You also don’t need smartphones – an the correct queue structure can also be offices, and viewing queue information management system; secure the workers automated SMS-based system can give out maintained. As far as an agent can accept yy Has the private sector really done and other functions can be introduced to and customers and act to stop Covid-19 in appointments. That way, people will spend email and telephone requests, he/she can enough to protect their own staff and a management app every possible way. Find the most practical the minimum amount of time inside your add visitors to the virtual queues and their customers? Has the waiting time yy Operating time, availability, way to provide the best quality and building. maintain the workflow accordingly by using of customers been reduced to the overbooking, the form of appointment maintain a satisfaction rate to the customer. The appointment and scheduling system the queue management system. bare minimum? Experience says no. and period configuration interface for (The writers are Managing Partners of is an excellent solution for government The advantage of the queue management Customers still have to queue up inside the manager, schedule ownership, Cogitaro.com, a consultancy that finds offices, public agencies, and corporates system is that it efficiently handles the banks. access and management permissions, practical solutions for challenges facing which actively enforce measures for social customer traffic. It lets you know how yy and more society and different industries. Dr. Dias distancing imposed by the Government due many rental slots you have and gives you Banks need to encourage consumers is a digital architect and educationist to the Covid-19 virus. It is Ideal for other power over the guests simultaneously. to use ATMs, and mobile and online yy Calendar owner interface for calendar based in Kuala Lumpur. He holds a public and social authorities such as nursing One important point is that managers banking services instead. opening and closing, agent updates, BSc in Computing from the University homes and more. must identify points in their offices that yy Relationship managers must work rescheduling appointment blocks, etc. of Greenwich, a Masters in Computer are in high consumer demand and assign Software Engineering from Staffordshire yy Of course, many people are used to towards establishing relations without yy Call centre agent interface focused on employees according to consumer demand University and a PhD from the University human contact. But this needs to be meeting each other. customers’ requests and location for and availability. In addition, tracking is of Malaya. He is completing a second shelved in the face of a pandemic. More y national scheduling also a vital part of deciding the number of y Reduce the number of persons required doctorate in Business Administration than half, 53%, of clients in corporate visitors awaiting their turn. But with the for unnecessary validation and yy A web interface, which can be tailored from Universiti Utara Malaysia [ruwan@ banking choose to go to a branch or queue management system, all this becomes authorisation. Don’t keep customers to respective corporate or government cogitaro.com]. visit a banker to open a bank account. seamless. It provides data like open waiting in your bank. Automate. websites. It can be incorporated into Eliatamby is a lecturer in marketing, Furthermore, 58% said they would prefer counters, availability of workers, number of Streamline. the website’s office locator as well as human resources, and mass to apply in a face-to-face meeting for a counters, etc. y online campaigns by using an online communications based in Colombo. He loan (Greenwich Research, 2020). y Reduce the number of common Examples from Malaysia: In partnership surfaces used – pens, books, counters, appointment programme for the clients, is an author and was formerly associate Appointment and scheduling with Queuemed, EncoreMed, Bookdoc, etc. through the company website or a editor of a newspaper and editor of various system for government and DoctorOnCall, an appointment system system-hosted web server industry magazines. He holds an MBA from is now in operation and has been extended The behavioural improvements in each yy Lock mechanism prevents simultaneous London Metropolitan University and an The development of public and private to selected health clinics in the federal area of life are certain once the outbreak bookings from separate networks on LLM from Cardiff Metropolitan University sector appointment and scheduling territories of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. of Covid-19 is reopened. And a “new double requests [[email protected]]) 6 the sunday morning business TOURISM/TRADE Sunday, October 25, 2020

BY UWIN LUGODA “We have also recently developed a travel bubble with Sri Lanka’s dreams of seven of our core markets, so reopening the country to that even if these markets have international tourists seems to Tourism amidst Covid: a higher level of risk, we allow move further out of reach as the them into the country with stricter country’s confirmed Covid-19 measures instead of moving them cases keep rising at an alarming to the not-permitted list.” rate and curfew is being imposed Francis stated that these high- in several districts. This is further Lessons for Sri Lanka risk tourists have a short list of confirmed by officials in the specific hotels from the list of local tourism industry, such as certified hotels, where they have the President of the Sri Lanka to stay for a minimum of five Association of Inbound Tour days. She explained that these do Operators (SLAITO), Mahen from Seychelles not count as quarantine facilities Kariyawasan, who claimed that because they are not confined to there is still no fixed date for the to most countries, went into nature, which is something they country we could deal with the their rooms, and instead can walk country to reopen its borders. lockdown; and their cases peaked took for granted before. We are current situation, so in June we around the hotel premises. Staff in While Sri Lanka’s tourism on 6 April with a case total of 11. a small island nation, so we are started welcoming private plans, these special hotels are trained to industry suffers under the weight However by 1 June the country highly dependent on tourism, and and on 1 August we opened the handle these high-risk tourists. of the Covid-19 pandemic, some experienced a lower number of because of this we had to meet the country for international flights. “After the five-day stay, we test competing markets have already cases and announced a move to aspirations and the requirements This is when we introduced a again and if it is negative, then we opened their borders and are reopen the country to tourists of these new travellers.” few more risk managers, and put let them enjoy the destination as welcoming international tourists. from 19 selected countries, with Francis stated that their strategy money into safety measures.” they would normally do but with Seychelles, a competing tourist another 17 countries put under was built on three pillars, with She stated that a PCR test 48 some simple steps and measures destination to Sri Lanka in the consideration. the first being the health of the hours before coming to Seychelles for them to follow to keep region, opened its borders to These countries varied from population. The country’s first was a mandatory requirement themselves and everyone safe.” a select group of international nations in the Middle East, Asia, effort was to ensure that they had from all the travellers, and will Furthermore, she stated markets in August; and received Europe, and the South Pacific, the capacity and the facilities be vetted by the country’s public that they have a Covid task over 3,000 international tourists but they all shared something in to deal with the pandemic, and health authorities along with the force which meets once or within the last two months. common; they were all considered that the population was safe travel applications, to check its twice a week, overseeing all The 115-island nation in the “low risk” by Seychelles and healthy; therefore, they authenticity. Prior to arriving these procedures, and work western Indian Ocean attributes authorities, due to low incidences decided on going into immediate at the airport, the travellers will closely with all the current its quick recovery to the low of cases. lockdown. be required to download the airlines entering the country to number of positive cases and zero As of 1 October, this list The second pillar came in the country’s travel app, which is ensure that the tourists’ travel deaths, with the country having no includes Australia, Austria, form of the Seychelles cohesion, accessible online, and this will be experience to their destination active cases since May. According Cambodia, Canada, China, which aimed to build a strong used in their screening procedure is as seamless as possible. She to officials in the country, this has Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, community which was prepared once they land. went on to state that their current motivated several international Estonia, Finland, Germany, for the eventuality of a second Another major risk filter the airport procedure is smoother airlines to begin regular flights Iceland, Ireland, , Latvia, wave or a reintroduction of the country has introduced is that than it was pre-Covid, due to the to the island destination. These Liechtenstein, Lithuania, virus in the islands. tourists can only stay in certified level of attention they pay to the include airlines such as Emirates, Malaysia, Mauritius, Monaco, Their main concern was “As of May, we have no active establishments and have access customer service part. Ethiopian Airlines, Edelweiss, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, whether our destination was cases but of course opening to safe certified services on the “The journey to our destination and, as of October, British Portugal, Qatar, Singapore, South safe, so we had to prove to our borders means exposing islands. Francis stated that all the is a pleasant one, because these Airways and Kenya Airways. Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, them that we were safe; and our country to a certain level personnel in these establishments tourists are coming for a holiday In 2019, Seychelles hosted a Thailand, Vietnam, and even Sri secondly, our research shows of risk. So we set up a national and services are sent through and not to a clinic or hospital. total of 384,204 tourists according Lanka. that the people want to get out framework to deal with the rigorous training to ensure that So we are being very mindful of to the island nation’s National During an international of their homes and experience reopening of our borders.” the procedures they have in place our customers’ journey, because Bureau of Statistics data, with webinar held by the Centre for nature, which is something The first layer of foundation are followed. Each establishment it is a very important part of the around 70,000 of the tourists Excellence in Travel, Tourism, they took for granted before of this new framework was to comes up with their own standard process.” being from Germany, followed and Hospitality in Sri Lanka Seychelles Tourism Board CEO ensure that all the sectors across operating procedure, according Francis explained that their by France, the UK, Northern themed “Tourism Now and Sherin Francis the country were ready for the to guidelines given by the goal is to attract tourists for long Ireland, Italy, the United Arab Then” held on 16 October, the reopening. This meant that every Seychelles’ Ministry of Tourism stays, and they have launched a Emirates (UAE), and Switzerland, Chief Executive Officer of the establishment, from local shops and public health authorities. marketing campaign to promote respectively. This has resulted in Seychelles Tourism Board, Sherin that fit the current needs of the to churches, had a procedure to This is further reinforced by long stays. The country’s Tourism the country’s tourism industry Francis stated that the first thing tourists. operate in this new normal, and regular training to boost the Board is now encouraging visitors contributing 55% to its GDP they did before reopening for “Their main concern was according to Francis, all these confidence of the public, so that to use the island nation as a (gross domestic product) and tourists was to do research on whether our destination was establishments have embraced they can handle themselves. home office, combining a bit of amounts to 75% of their foreign their target audience. Based on safe, so we had to prove to these new procedures, such as Moreover, the establishments also work with a holiday visit during exchange earnings. this research, she explained that them that we were safe; and social distancing, and it has have to conduct daily symptom a time when much of the world Since the first positive case of a lot of international tourists still secondly, our research shows become a part of their daily checks on any in-house visitors is embracing work-from-home Covid-19 was announced back had travel in their minds, and all that the people want to get out operations. until they leave, and report daily policies as part of Covid-19 in 14 March, Seychelles, similar they had to do was make plans of their homes and experience “We were confident that as a to the public health authorities. prevention measures. 2020 export earnings dip amidst global chaos The total exports earnings, at the export figures from for a similar period in 2019 – a both merchandise and service, January through September, it drop of $ 620 million (2%). The totaled $ 9,693 million from is remarkable to see that our service sector exports include January to September 2020, Sri Lankan exporters have both sea and air transport, as against $ 11,784 million performed well during the construction, financial services, recorded for a similar period current global Covid-19 crisis. and the IT/BPM sector which in the last year. This is a $ January to September exports covers the telecommunication 17.74 million decline show a strong resilience, services and the computer with a reduced gap in and merchandise and services. The services exports comparison, which was service sectors have affected severely due to Covid- termed by the Export both performed well. 19, and the only subsector that Development Board “In the service sector, recorded a growth is the ICT/ (EDB) as “signaling the ICT/BMP sector BPM sector. that Sri Lanka is for has performed well The ICT/BPM subsector a stronger recovery and in merchandise is estimated to increase by amidst unprecedented exports, agri products around 8% from January to global economic and food products have September as it has a conducive downturn”, when it EDB Chairman done extremely well. environment globally with the announced the figures Prabhash We are hopeful that this rising demand for technological (Sources: Central Bank of Sri Lanka, EDB) Subasinghe on Thursday (22). trend will continue, and solutions and due to Covid- up to June and therefore, the petroleum products ($ 257 Sri Lanka is not an exception we can see a strong recovery related consumer product comparisons are made with million) performed well by in the decline in trade reported through the end of the year. developments. the estimates for the rest of the 4%, 2%, 148%, and 6%, globally due to factors such as I commend all our exporting The most affected service period. respectively. Exports of spices weakened demand in the main companies and their loyal sectors are construction (47% Merchandise exports, and concentrates remained at $ major import markets, disrupted staff for their commitment to decrease), and transport and foreign exchange earnings 234 million – the levels lifted in supply chains, capacity and support the national economy logistics (36% decrease). The decreased by 16.85% during 2019. logistical constraints, social by bringing in the much-needed estimated performance of the the period between January However, the major exports of distancing issues, etc. On foreign currency.” sectors for the period are $ 30 and September, with a recorded the country reported reductions average, the country’s monthly The total services exports million and $ 1,175 million, figure of $ 7401 million. drastically, the figures being exports, both merchandise and stood at $ 2,292 million during respectively. The total estimated Manufactured goods such as apparel ($ 3274 million)), tea services, are in the range of $ January to September 2020 decline of the service exports coconut based products ($ 490 ($ 920 million), rubber-based 1,000-1,300 million. with the estimated figures for is around 21% for January million), food and beverages products ($ 587 million), EDB Chairman Prabhash the last three months, as against to September this year. The ($ 275 million), other export and electricals and electronic Subasinghe said: “Looking the $ 2,911 million recorded actual statistics available only crops ($ 61 million), and components ($ 246 million). (Sources: Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Customs, EDB)

(Sources: Central Bank of Sri Lanka, EDB) (Sources: Central Bank of Sri Lanka, EDB) the sunday morning business 7 Sunday, October 25, 2020 DEBT/TECH Debt trap: Made in China or made in Sri Lanka? Should our worry be a repeat of Hambantota Port or repaying our sovereign bonds?

BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR of a lender country. International Studies (CSIS) Reconnecting In fact, several countries have been Asia Project Director Jonathan Hillman, A 222 km-long expressway studying Sri Lanka to avoid becoming the Sri constructing a port at Hambantota has been connecting Colombo and the Lanka of China. part of Sri Lanka’s official development plans South, a state-of-the-art theatre since at least 2002. called Nelum Pokuna in the heart of DEBT-TRAP DIPLOMACY In 2003, SNC Lavalin, a French Colombo with a seating capacity of Debt-trap diplomacy is when the lending engineering firm, completed a feasibility over 1,200, a largely dysfunctional country intentionally extends excessive study for the port. A Sri Lankan government- Norochcholai Power Plant, the iconic credit to the borrowing country, inducing appointed task force reviewed and ultimately but yet to be fully operational Lotus the borrower into a debt trap. The intention rejected the study, faulting it for ignoring the Tower, an international airport once is to extract either political or economic port’s potential impact on the Colombo Port, concessions from the borrowing country which in recent years has handled roughly globally recognised as the “world’s when the country is unable to service the 95% of Sri Lanka’s international trade. emptiest airport”, and a port in debt. “Hambantota’s port did not appear Hambantota which has been leased Even the term “debt-trap diplomacy” has overnight, but resulted from a series of to the financier of the project; these been around and applied to many lending Sri Lankan government decisions. Many are among the most prominent practices of various countries; in recent years Chinese-funded projects in Sri Lanka have symbols of China’s financial influence it has been increasingly associated with been unsolicited, but Hambantota’s port is China. The term was in fact coined initially to not one of them,” he stated in a publication on Sri Lanka over the past 15 years. Hambantota Port describe China’s lending practices. on this topic. In spite of the fact that the majority of Under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), The construction work of the port with the Sri Lanka’s external debt is in the form of tendency to lend easy, addictive money as borrowing from the Chinese Government, China’s loans to developing countries grew loan from China began in 2008 and it was International Sovereign Bonds (ISBs), Sri opposed to western nations and multilateral and with this included, China’s entire stake considerably. It invested billions of dollars opened for operations in November 2010, Lanka is often globally portrayed as an lenders which attach stringent conditions to in Sri Lanka’s international debt portfolio including in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and even in identifying itself as the second largest port in example of China’s controversial “debt-trap their assistance. climbs to 9.6%. South Africa. Sri Lanka. However, it wasn’t fruitful for the diplomacy”, particularly after the leasing of In the past 15 years alone, the country has Therefore, Sri Lanka’s external debt as Government as the port made an operating the Hambantota Port. Whenever Sri Lanka borrowed over $ 34 billion from various of end June 2020 was Rs. 6.55 trillion and WALKING INTO A TRAP? profit of just $ 1.8 million in 2016, even after turns towards China for a loan, almost international financial organisations and China’s share in the total debt was around It would not be incorrect to say that the six years of operation. always, the answer from the lender has been countries, and 33% of these total loans were 9% at the end of last year according to the Hambantota Port is the most notorious This made Sri Lanka’s debt repayments a hearty “yes!”, even when its other Asian obtained from China followed by the Asian Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) data. example of debt-trap diplomacy by China to China extremely difficult to fulfil. As neighbours have turned down credit requests. Development Bank (ADB), Japan, the World Nevertheless, a report compiled by the in Asia. The Sri Lankan Government built such, in July 2017, then Prime Minister In this context, The Sunday Morning Bank (WB), and India. International Monetary Fund (IMF) stated the port despite a government-appointed Ranil Wickremasinghe signed a 99-year Business decided to take a look at China’s Sri Lanka’s debt can be put into three that as of November 2019, China contributed task force rejecting a feasibility study on lease agreement with China Merchant Port loans to Sri Lanka, the diplomatic strategies categories, namely multilateral, bilateral, to about 15% of Sri Lanka’s total external the project. A few years later, a debt-ridden Holdings for $ 1.12 billion. It is notable that attached to these loans, whether we should and financial markets. The share of the debt. Sri Lankan Government ended up leasing a this amount is lower than the sum obtained worry about China’s “unwavering” support, multilateral loans in Sri Lanka’s entire While the largest share of Sri Lanka’s debt controlling stake to China due the country’s from China for the construction of the port. and whether we are in danger of seeing external debt portfolio is 23%, bilateral is in financial market loans, constituting inability in paying back the loan. In the end, Sri Lanka had neither the port another Hambantota Port scenario. loans are 17.7%, while loans from financial 59.4% of all debt, the lion’s share of these Today, Sri Lanka has neither the port nor nor the relief from the $ 1.5 billion loan it markets make up the bulk of it with 59.4%, market loans are in dollar-denominated ISBs, the relief from the loans it borrowed from borrowed from China for this purpose. Game of Loans according to a study done by Advocata amounting to 42.7%. Therefore, Sri Lanka China. The port in Hambantota, known as the The Government headed by current Prime Institute, an independent policy think tank in has colossal sums of ISB debt payments Magampura Mahinda Rajapaksa Port, was Another Hambantota? Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa aligned himself Colombo. coming up annually for the next 10 years. built utilising Chinese financial assistance to China cannot singlehandedly pull Sri with China early on, and strengthened this In terms of bilateral debt, loans obtained Even though the borrowing procedure the tune of $ 1.5 billion. This particular credit Lanka out of its large pile of debt. In the relationship after China came forward to from Japan constitute 9.7% of the total in terms of Chinese loans is quite easy, facility is the main reason for Sri Lanka’s case of Sri Lanka falling into a state where support Sri Lanka in ending its decades- bilateral loans while loans from India are according to Verite Research, Chinese loans recognition as a victim of China’s debt trap. it cannot service its debt in time, requesting long civil war and rebuilding the nation’s 2.4% and loans from China are 2.2%. These have the highest interest rate with an average The Government felt the need to develop a moratorium for the loans it took from infrastructure in the post-war period. figures suggest that China is a negligible part rate of 3.3% per annum compared to other the infrastructure of the country, particularly China or China restructuring Sri Lanka’s Since then, every single time, the Sri of not just our entire external debt portfolio, lending nations such as Japan and India. in the South, and building a port was debt may not help as Sri Lanka’s exposure Lankan Government turns towards China but our bilateral lenders. In terms of the maturity period, loans part of the plan. Initially, the Sri Lankan to loans from China is in single-digit levels for financial assistance; the Government However, the Export-Import Bank of from China again prove to be unfavourable Government turned towards India, its closest (according to CBSL statistics) while over successfully secured the money, be it in the China (EXIM Bank), which is owned by with an average maturity period of about 18 neighbour, for financial assistance. However, 40% of the external debt is in the form of Rajapaksa Government or the Maithripala the Chinese Government, contributes about years while WB loans and loans from India as India turned down the request, Sri Lanka ISBs. Which means the country would still Sirisena Government. 7.4% of Sri Lanka’s debt. In a tightly state- have maturity periods of 24 years, ADB reached out to China, by whom the request have to find a way to repay its ISBs. Geopolitical and economic analysts have controlled nation such as China, borrowing loans have 25 years, and loans from Japan was happily accepted. With the state our economy is in at the attributed this willingness of China to its from a government entity is as good as have 34 years, the highest maturity period According to Centre for Strategic and moment, that is a daunting challenge.

By Ann Johnson Covid has changed how we think

Covid-19 sent shockwaves across about cybersecurity forever industries, touching every person on companies will continue their remote combination of low-level automation Bolting on tool after tool creates the planet. Overnight, organisations work policies going forward. Some and human attention. Better data new attack surfaces – gaps between that people depend on for will operate under a hybrid model allows us to train the system to tools and weaknesses caused by employment, healthcare, education, where certain roles are based in automatically identify and remedy integration efforts – that hackers infrastructure, and services had to the office and others remain home. low-level incidents while prioritising understand well. And synchronicity rapidly transform just to function. Some will stay entirely virtual. The critical or complicated issues problems, caused when a vendor Some maintained continuity by question becomes how to protect the requiring human intervention. upgrades and the organisation moving entirely online in a matter of organisation while also nurturing doesn’t, can exacerbate any security weeks, creating demand for virtual productivity and collaboration. Cybersystems’ resilience is issues. processes and remote collaboration Technology’s role is to support fundamental to business The solution is having a fully on a scale we’ve never seen. how people work. Security’s role resilience integrated set of tools built into Microsoft’s Satya Nadella said the is to safeguard the digital assets Even under best practices, the overall technology stack. The company had seen two years’ worth they’re using with as little impact as disruptions occur. And global cloud was built for power, scale, of digital transformation in two possible. And although people are events like the outbreak of Covid- and integration, and on-premises months. working in unanticipated ways under 19 or widespread civil unrest solutions simply can’t match its Any time a process or function stressful conditions, IT systems must create incredible complexity level of integrated security. The goes digital, it creates a potential allow for this diversity of work styles for cybersystems that attackers cloud also streamlines the software Microsoft Cyber Defense Operations Center operates 24×7 to defend against cybersecurity vulnerability, and scenarios – and embrace human cyberthreats will constantly try to exploit. So supply chain, minimising the risk of especially when so many systems error – more than ever. having a full cyber resilience plan vulnerabilities introduced by bolt-on are implemented so quickly. Security This is digital empathy. or machine. Under a zero trust The location, the device, intel from is absolutely fundamental to an tools. teams have been forced to adjust to Security pros used to say that model, the identity and access threat feeds, and other resources like organisation’s ability to quickly The lessons of Covid-19 have new paradigms, find new ways to controls were built because humans system does not just interrogate the Office 365, GitHub, LinkedIn, and absorb the blow and bring systems permanently changed society and, triage threats, and simplify tools and were too casual. We need to change user. It interrogates the machine, Xbox, to name a few. back online. to a lesser extent, the way we think processes – rapidly. that point of view. Going forward, the network signal, the data Diversity of signal allows us to We talk a lot with customers about cybersecurity. In a world where With our technologies in the hands we must improve controls to support being accessed, and whether the triangulate and synthesise the data about identifying essential business people are simply trying to keep their of billions and serving as the digital and empower people amid the new applications being used are patched into real threat intelligence. During systems and ensuring they can business in business, our practices platform for much of the world’s challenges they are navigating. and updated. the pandemic, a blend of AI (artificial be revived swiftly through some must evolve. By making the entire infrastructure, Microsoft in many If you trust nothing, you can intelligence) tools and human based- type of redundancy. Fortunately, system easier to protect and manage, ways has been at the epicentre of this Companies should actually allow access to everything, insights has helped identify new in our cloud-based world, building it’s also much easier to recover. disruption. Like everyone else, as the empower everyone by secured based on its level of risk. Covid-19-themed threats targeting redundancy into critical systems is (Ann Johnson is CVP of the pandemic initiates waves of digital trusting no one When people are working remotely health systems, government aid, easier than ever. Cybersecurity Solutions Group at transformation, we’ve been learning Historically, organisations have on their own devices, a zero trust delivery apps, and more. Microsoft. In addition to leading continuously from customers and our trusted a finite set of apps and architecture is essential. This also illustrates how important The cloud is a security Microsoft’s security and compliance own experiences. devices they own and manage, having contextually relevant threat imperative road map across industries Here are five observations from largely behind their firewalls, mostly Diverse threat intelligence data is to security operations centre Organisations often react to a worldwide, Ann is a frequent that vantage that we think are here in their offices. Today, to meet is key (SOC) admins. No two companies security event by buying a tool, speaker and author on the topics of to stay. employees where they are, they must Microsoft tracks more than eight or environments are the same, so resulting in a proliferation of tools resilience, online fraud, cyberattacks, secure apps and devices anywhere. trillion daily signals from products, there is no one-size-fits-all threat that don’t talk to each other. It compliance, and mobile security. Security is key to The concept of “zero trust” is services, and feeds around the globe. intelligence feed. becomes unwieldy to manage and This article is being published digital empathy about enabling employees to access But the number of signals isn’t Instead of overwhelming SOC actually can make security less exclusively by The Sunday Morning It’s safe to say that many their work regardless of location actually as relevant as their diversity: admins with false leads, the key is a effective. Business) 8 the sunday morning business ADVERTORIAL Sunday, October 25, 2020 First John Deere tractor SLIC remains sole showroom opened in ISO-certified Polonnaruwa insurer in Sri Lanka The Sri Lanka Insurance The SLIC Head Office management system when 116 billion, the largest in Corporation (SLIC) and all branches meet the an organisation needs to the local insurance industry. announced that it requirements of the ISO demonstrate its ability to The company is also the has been certified by 9001:2015 standard and consistently provide products first and only local insurer are certified till 2023. This and services that meet customer to secure a AAA (lka) rating SGS Lanka again to The showroom was declared open by Singer Sri Lanka Director of Marketing Shanil Perera be compliant with the international standard is based and applicable statutory and by Fitch Ratings for its long- prestigious International on the quality management regulatory requirements, and term financial stability and For the convenience This is the first of the country’s farmers, Organisation for principles described aims to enhance customer sustainability. SLIC is also of all John Deere tractor the planned showroom with the main objective Standardisation (ISO) in ISO 9000, inclusive satisfaction through the ranked as the “Most Valuable users in and around network by Singer of uplifting Sri Lanka’s of customer focus, leadership, effective application of the General Insurance Brand”, Polonnaruwa, Singer to cover all the main farming community. 9001:2015 quality engagement of people, process system, including processes “Most Loved Insurance Sri Lanka, the sole agricultural zones where “Excellent after sales standard and remains approach, improvement, for the improvement of the Brand”, and the “Third Most agent for John Deere, farming is practised in service, ample availability as the only insurer in evidence-based decision system and the assurance Loved Consumer Brand” in opened its very first Sri Lanka. Apart from the of spare parts, and Sri Lanka to obtain the making, and relationship of conformity to customer the country by Brand Finance. “super showroom” in showroom, it stocks all provision of required stringent certification. management. and applicable statutory and The company said that it is Jayanthipura recently. the spare parts needed and technical know-how SLIC obtained the ISO The scope of the certification regulatory requirements. on the mission of being a It was declared open does all running repairs and service camps held 9001:2008 certification in covers life and non-life Established in 1962, SLIC customer-focused company by Singer Sri Lanka and servicing as well. throughout the country 2009 and transitioned to underwriting, claims settlement, is the largest government- which constantly innovates in Director of Marketing Singer Sri Lanka said it have made John Deere the latest ISO 9001:2015 and support services of the owned insurance company in providing insurance services to Shanil Perera under has introduced a number tractors extremely certification in October Head Office and its branches. Sri Lanka, with a managed customers and is now serving the patronage of Singer of John Deere tractor popular and much-loved 2017. ISO 9001:2015 specifies asset base of over Rs. 211 customers through an extensive officials and John Deere models compatible with by Sri Lanka’s farming requirements for a quality billion and a life fund of Rs. network of 158 branches. dealers. the agricultural needs of community,” Singer said. People’s Bank UB Finance announces empowers Rs. 1.6 b rights issue UB Finance Co. Ltd., a capital guidelines of the Central of Colombo PLC in 2011 it is optimistic about the future subsidiary of Union Bank of Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) by and has established itself as a of Sri Lanka as a commercial, senior citizens Colombo PLC, announced last 31 December 2020, as approved financial services provider in the financial, and transshipment hub week that it has committed by the CBSL. island. Despite the challenges and is geared with innovative to a rights issue amounting to The company has recorded faced by the financial services products and technological Rs. 1.6 billion to strengthen significant growth since its sector due to the Covid-19 platforms to leverage on and its balance sheet and meet the acquisition by the Union Bank pandemic, the management said support this economic growth. AIA CTO Umeshi Vallibel Finance opens de Fonseka wins branch in Ambalantota appreciation award

AIA Insurance Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Umeshi de Fonseka has won a “Special Jury Appreciation Award” at the Innovation Heroes 2020 Awards powered by DynamicCIO and presented People’s Bank said last week that they location, the “People’s Web” internet at the Enterprise Innovation Vallibel Finance Managing Director Jayantha Rangamuwa ceremonially have an array of products, services, and banking portal, and the “People’s WIZ” Summit 2020. This award opened the new branch in Ambalantota facilities on offer for senior citizens. account which allows digital agents to was in recognition of de Expanding its outreach for financial services among the “People’s Bank has continued to onboard customers in less than one hour Fonseka’s efforts in technology across Sri Lanka, Vallibel people of this region. empower the lives of senior citizens of and offers paperless retail loans. innovation that resulted in Finance opened its latest branch “The new branch will create Sri Lanka by providing them a wide The bank also made history creating business value to the in the deep southern city of vast opportunities for the array of products and services that recently, becoming the first state bank organisation. AIAs CTO Umeshi de Fonseka Ambalantota recently at No. 141, progressive and innovative ensure they are able to live life to the to accept fingerprints of pensioners This recognition comes hot Technology and digitisation Tangalle Road, Ambalantota, business community of fullest,” it said. for verification purposes in lieu of on the heels of de Fonseka’s efforts play a critical role here offering a diverse product mix Ambalantota and suburbs with The bank introduced the “Parinatha” the conventional life certificate. In upgrade of membership at AIA, and we are happy aimed at developing the financial the multifaceted financial services account several years ago to provide keeping with the “Vistas of Prosperity status to that of “Fellow” at to have Umeshi’s efforts needs of Ambalantota. Vallibel delivered by our courteous and financial stability to senior citizens so and Splendour” manifesto of the the British Computer Society and contributions to the Finance said it established this efficient staff ensuring customer that they can enjoy their retirement Government, which aims to utilise (BCS), the chartered institute organisation be recognised new fully fledged branch with satisfaction.” years in a happy, carefree manner. technology to enhance the efficiency for IT and the community externally. At AIA, we are spacious and modern facilities Vallibel Finance deals primarily Parinatha is a specialised account for and output of the state sector, the representing the most committed to having the best together with a team of highly in leasing, fixed deposits, three- senior citizens who are looking forward Department of Pensions recently influential professionals in the processes and systems in dedicated customer care officials. wheeler leasing, gold loans, to living life to the fullest after they introduced a facility that enables IT industry. This is the highest place to ensure efficient and Vallibel Finance Managing mortgage loans, education loans, retire. The account can be opened by pensioners to use their fingerprint professional grade within outstanding output and the role Director Jayantha Rangamuwa auto drafts, and microfinance anyone over the age of 55 years. as verification instead of the time- BCS and is achieved after of technology will continue to graced the occasion of the products. The name-bearer of the Customers receive a free VISA consuming process of obtaining and multiple rounds of reviews grow to deliver on our vision.” inaugural ceremony and declared highly diversified Vallibel Group, International debit card which gives submitting a life certificate to the and recommendations in areas AIA Sri Lanka said it has had open the branch to the public Vallibel Finance has been among them 24-hour access to funds through Department. of eminence, authority, and many firsts under de Fonseka’s amidst a gathering of loyal the fastest growing companies People’s Bank’s extended local network Accordingly, with this new facility, seniority. leadership, including the rapid customers and well-wishers. and recognised as the Finance of over 4,000 ATMs as well as the any of the nearly 650,000 pensioners AIA CEO Nikhil Advani digitisation of its processes, “Ambalantota is a vibrant city Brand of the Year 2020. VISA ATM network internationally. in the country, irrespective of whether commented: “Congratulations analytics, and robotic process with a rich history of maritime Also, Vallibel Finance brand They are able to obtain loans of up to they are People’s Bank customers or to Umeshi for these well- automation (RPA). These and agriculture trade. With has been rated as “A+”, further 90% of the account balance at one of not, can walk into any of the selected deserved awards and solutions were both tactical and prosperity rapidly seeping into all enhancing its reputation and the lowest interest rates in the market. People’s Bank branches and provide recognitions that reiterate being industrialised for the long corners of the country, we have respect within a relatively short They are also entitled to receive a bonus their fingerprint on a specialised Umeshi as an industry leader. term. experienced a rise in demand period of time. interest of 1% over the normal savings electronic device. rate, making it the highest interest rate With the aim of helping government in the market, as well as concessionary pensioners and senior citizens rates for overseas pilgrim tours through with matters such as their medical People’s Travels. treatments as well as children’s Western Union partners Seylan Bank “Furthermore, senior citizens have the housing, higher education, and Western Union announced customers who were the first peace of mind as they enjoy the security nuptials, People’s Bank has also that it has partnered with few Western Union money of a state bank for their deposit,” the introduced a special loan scheme Seylan Bank at a ceremony recipients were also present at bank said. for senior citizens. The loan scheme held recently at the Seylan the occasion. People’s Bank said it also believes in allows them to borrow an amount Bank head office. “As the ‘Bank with a educating and encouraging Parinatha where the monthly loan instalment The launch ceremony took Heart’, Seylan Bank continues account holders to experience the bank’s can go up to 75% of their monthly place with the participation to place customer convenience world-class digital banking services. As pension with a repayment period of up of both Seylan Bank at the heart of their operations a result, the bank said its staff is always to 10 years. For loan periods of five officials and Western Union by constantly showcasing ready to help these customers to try years, the interest rate is 9.5%, while representatives, with Western exceptional service quality, out the revolutionary “People’s Wave” it’s 10% for loan periods of 10 years. Union Country Manager for and offering products and mobile app through which they can The age limit for the loan scheme is Sri Lanka and the Maldives services that support the use the internet on their mobile device up to 75 years and no guarantors are Noor Elahi joining via video financial needs of all their to carry out their banking from any required. conferencing. Seylan Bank customers,” Seylan Bank said. Seylan Bank customers who were the first few Western Union money recipients

Printed by the Kalukodayawa, Malwana Press & Published by Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 MMDA REFORMS SANDUN YOUTH ENGAGE SENEVIRATNE’S IN Q&A VIKAARI AT »SEE PAGE 5 SCREAMFEST 2020 »SEE PAGE 2 Sunday, October 25, 2020 brunch PHOTO KEVIN KELLY

Funny Boy on Netflix SOMETIMES I HAVE TO PINCH MYSELF BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE The film is directed by Oscar- will be distributed internationally ÄÄ How involved were nominated , best via Netflix on 10 December. you in the process of Sri Lankan-born Shyam Selvadurai’s first novel, the highly Sometimes known for the element-title trilogy A highly anticipated writing the script and acclaimed Funny Boy, was first published in 1994. It won I have to pinch Fire (1996), Earth (1998), and adaptation and an important literary the subsequent filming myself as if it Water (2005). Mehta co-wrote masterpiece very close to our of the movie? Funny Boy with Shyam, and it was hearts, Funny Boy is sure to be a the WH Smith “Books in Canada First Novel Award” and feels so unreal, The genesis of the movie was my that one, my filmed on location in Sri Lanka. hit amongst Sri Lankan audiences. the “Lambda Literary Award” in the US, and has since been The film stars Brandon Ingram, In anticipation of the film’s release writing the screenplay of Funny Boy. novel was I had seen a number of attempts to translated into other languages and has been adapted into a adapted into a Nimmi Harasgama, Ali Kazmi, at the end of this year, we reached Agam Darshi, Seema Biswas, out to Shyam to share with us his adapt the book, but those screenplays, film, and two, it I felt, tried to put too much of the book feature film. Set in Sri Lanka in the ‘70s and ‘80s, the story is was so perfect! Rehan Mudannayake, and Shivantha thoughts on Funny Boy getting Wijesinha. adapted into a movie nearly three into the film and also weren’t able to a coming-of-age story through the eyes of young protagonist Shyam balance the violence along with the Selvadurai Funny Boy has since been decades after its first release to Arjie (portrayed by Arush Nand and Brandon Ingram), set to acquired by Ava DuVernay’s be viewed by thousands of young personal stories. Often, the violence the background of escalating political tensions between the ARRAY and is set to have a audiences who have an entirely new in those screenplays overplayed the theatrical release in Canada and perception of life than his imagined personal stories. Tamils and the Sinhalese. selected cities in the US, while it protagonist. ││Contd. on page 2 2 the sunday morning brunch ARTS Sunday, October 25, 2020

their off hours, which resulted Sandun Seneviratne in the process taking a very long time. “This lockdown period was actually when we finally managed to finish the project,” he added. Seneviratne also shared that some of the topics they addressed in the story, such as racism and the cost of prejudice, while always issues at hand, did not garner this level of attention back when he started to film the project as it does now in 2020; the awareness of social issues has allowed the film to age quite well and remain relevant. The filming of Vikaari was done primarily in Sri Lanka, leaving a few scenes which were shot in the UK, and Seneviratne Charlie Bray shared that the cast was pretty much a no-brainer; he went with his long-time friend Dias and Premaratne, with whom he had worked before. As for the child actors, he shared that he held an extensive auditioning process through which he came across the wonderful cast of young actors – Nethuli Adihetti, Nithila Goonetilleke, and Thinuga Adihetti. We also spoke to both Dias and Premaratne. The latter shared her filming experience with Seneviratne, stating that while they could not ever have said for sure Dias also shared his thoughts He said Sri Lanka is a small country that it would be an award-winning about the project, stating: “Working and therefore it is difficult to sustain film at its inception, she always in a sci-fi genre was definitely a new a large film industry. knew it was going to be special. and unique experience, because this While art house films are doing She said that the recognition is sort of genre has not been common very well here, commercial cinema owed to the film’s subject matter in Sri Lankan cinema so far. Having is yet to make its mark, but he and the fact that Seneviratne did not said that, we always ask, ‘why not?’ believes that the future of cinema is compromise on his vision despite And Sandun Seneviratne finally progressively more democratised as the obstacles. answered that question when he people are realising it is a lot cheaper She said they filmed largely in took this leap of faith. now to make a film, and similarly, front of a green screen and with a “Sandun has always been it is easier now to reach an audience Sandun Seneviratne’s lot to be done in post-production someone who questions the norm without a big production company and they too did not have a and aims for pinnacles that we behind you. “Making a good film is clear picture of the end product. as Sri Lankans usually wouldn’t not about the budget, the big stars, Regardless, she said that it was an dare to. I knew this about him, but the type of story you are telling,” enjoyable process as they were all as I knew him before this, and I he said. friends working together – both knew his background and where “There is a lot that needs to directors knew what they wanted and how he did his professional be fixed in our local industry if but they were gentle about directing training, so I knew this was we are to at least ‘sustain’ it in and were very easy to work with. going to be something special. It this age of digitalisation and the VIKAARI Premaratne also shared that was indeed an eye-opening and internet. But I feel like we cannot at Screamfest 2020 most actors would prefer for rewarding experience to work on achieve any sort of progress until their work to come out as soon as this project with him.” the older generation of filmmakers possible and that she too would On a closing note, both actors relinquish their monopoly and BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE American supernatural horror often text Seneviratne and ask and the director shared their work towards establishing a system franchise Paranormal Activity was whether it is actually getting thoughts on the Sri Lankan cinema where everybody is equal and has The Sri Lankan short film Vikaari, co-directed by Sandun discovered. released. However, she added that industry. Seneviratne stated that equal opportunities if they have Seneviratne, won “Best Short Film” at Screamfest Horror Film “All credit must go to my she is glad the director did not he himself has an ultimate goal to the talent. I hope this win Sandun Festival 2020 on 15 August. collaborators,” said Seneviratne, compromise on his creative vision make a feature-length film – a sci-fi Seneviratne brought to Sri Lanka as he spoke about the filming and and persevered and utilised the action film with an international cast will in some way motivate this line The event is America’s largest We spoke to Seneviratne, who production process for Vikaari. full-time frame he required to put that is Sri Lankan and also from the of thinking, so we can resurrect a and longest-running horror movie wrote, produced, and directed the He said it was actually filmed five the project together. Asian region and all over the world. dying industry,” Dias said. festival, awarding the year’s top film together with fellow London years ago and spent many years in Premaratne also added that genre movies, filmmakers, actors, Film Academy alumni Charlie post-production. the future is definitely promising. and screenplays. Bray. Seneviratne shared that while Stating that he has always With Netflix and a lot of animated Vikaari was the first Sri he has been making short films for aspired to make a Hollywood features and such making their way Lankan film to be screened at nearly two decades now, Vikaari storytelling style-inspired film into the mainstream, it has opened the festival and stars Sri Lankan was his second big project, with the of that very same calibre, and up way more avenues for youths actors Ashan Dias and Bimsara first being a web series he created, as they did not quite have the to explore their art, and Sri Lanka Premaratne, along with British titled Seer: Death Sight and funding to have the level of visual undoubtedly has the potential. actor Richard de Roberts. Produced available for viewing on Facebook. effects (VFX) bigger films tend Especially when it comes to genre as a science fiction short film, He shared that it has been an to have, he said that instead of films and the future, all you really the story draws attention towards incredible honour to be screened at compromising on the quality, they need is a vision, a good concept, children born with the same type of Screamfest, especially considering decided to ask for favours from and a strong drive, and we are sure deformity around the world and the the significance of the festival for their friends in the industry who to see some exciting things ahead, fears that result from it. genre films; the festival is where agreed to work on the project in she said. A scene from the short film

PHOTO KEVIN KELLY ÄÄ The film is being directed by So she knew firsthand that Colombo Tamil Oscar-nominated Indian film milieu and turned to her mother to get the SOMETIMES... director Deepa Mehta. Did you Tamil right. Like for me, 1983 was very personal for her because of all her beloved the script to her. have any concerns at all with Contd. from page 1 your story based in Sri Lanka aunts and uncles and cousins who were Her first reaction would always be affected by it. In the novel, you have Arjie’s narrative enthusiastic, like “it’s fantastic!” But being handled by someone consciousness that knits together the then, within hours, she would come back who is not Lankan themselves? ÄÄ Have you had an opportunity disparate stories, but in film you don’t have with suggestions for change and I would No, none. She had made two films in to screen the finished that interiority and so one must focus on incorporate those. It truly was a great Sri Lanka already and knew the place well, product? What do you think Arjie’s personal story that is contained in experience working with her. She was and also the Colombo milieu the film (and of the overall movie? Does it the first and last stories. always open to suggestions and would novel) takes place in. She’s also really good capture what you intended So I decided to try and do the adaptation always consult me on casting. She listened at melding the political and personal, and so when I suggested Nimmi Harasgama and I knew she would do all that justice in the through your novel? myself. I was looking for a new writing Yes, I have seen it; Deepa arranged a challenge and this seemed like a good one Brandon Ingram as well as other cast film. I was there working on the screenplay members and tried them out. So I was very and writing scenes to show the political special screening in a theatre for me, my to undertake. So I read a few books by Syd partner, and a few other people. Despite Fields, the great writer on screenplays, and involved in the whole process from start to and social reality of Sri Lanka, and taking finish, and was very grateful she allowed a request of hers and writing the scene in a being so close to the film, I found it almost read a whole bunch of screenplays and then unbearable to watch towards the end during did the adaptation myself. me to be. It’s not necessary or required that way that was very authentically Sri Lankan. the writer be involved; it’s quite the norm the riots scenes, and nearly left the theatre. I sent it to my agent on a lark and This told me that we have made a great much to my surprise, he really liked it and for the writer to hand in the screenplay ÄÄ Was it important for you and that’s it. Next time you know anything to cast Sri Lankan actors film. When I saw my name in the credits, said: “Let’s send it out.” Deepa was first it was magical. I turned to my partner on my list. I knew she loved the book and about it, you’re sitting in the cinema in the main roles? What watching it. and whispered: “It’s real, it’s real.” Most we had already done a radio play based are your thoughts on the performances of the leads? writers never get their novels made into on the Radha Auntie story. So we sent it ÄÄ Were there any specific I really wanted the leads to be Sri film. Most adaptations are a disappointment. to her and she said she was interested, but Lankan as far as possible. But not I really wanted the leads to be Sri Sometimes I have to pinch myself; it feels she wanted a “big change”. I met with her, requests you insisted Lankan as far as possible. But not just any on when it came to the just any Sri Lankans. I wanted actors so unreal, that one, my novel was adapted nervous about what this “big change” might who were familiar with the Colombo Sri Lankans. I wanted actors who were into a film, and two, it was so perfect! be, and after we had ordered our coffees, adaptation? cosmopolitan – the multi-ethnic milieu familiar with the Colombo cosmopolitan she leaned towards me and said: “Shyam, No. There didn’t seem to be a need to in which the film (and novel) takes place – the multi-ethnic milieu in which the film ÄÄ Speaking of your general put in specific requests as I was involved you’ve gone too far from the book. You Shyam Selvadurai (and novel) takes place. It still feels like a thoughts on book-to-novel need to come closer to it.” Well, after that from beginning to end. Also, if you want dream come true that we were able to get adaptations, do you believe I trusted her completely and we worked on to be a screenwriter, you must accept that actors familiar with this milieu and I loved what an author intends the screenplay, draft by draft. Deepa is an film is a director’s medium. I accepted that to Sri Lanka for pre-production, I handed their performances. There is an authenticity excellent editor. She knows how to give from the beginning. After all, I have my the screenplay over to her and backed off. to gesture and accent and movement that via their novel can truly be a note in such a way that it leaves room novels in which it is my singular vision. In I wanted the best possible film and that you can’t find any other way. And for them, captured through a different for the writer to come up with a creative the end, my job was to shape the screenplay meant leaving her to live and dream in the this is their story. Nimmi’s mother is Tamil, medium such as film? solution. So I would go away and work on to the director’s vision, and this I accepted film, without my voice like an annoying fly and since we’re raised in our mother’s Yes, it can be captured. Funny Boy is whatever it was that she required and email and believed in. And when Deepa went buzzing around. culture, this makes her effectively Tamil. proof!

the sunday morning brunch editorial [email protected] 011 5200900 the sunday morning brunch 3 Sunday, October 25, 2020 NIGHTLIFE

BY NAVEED ROZAIS One for the road The second wave of Covid-19 has sent many of us reeling. Following the first wave of Covid- 19 and the subsequent lockdown, Sri Lankans were more or less returning to their normal lives when the second wave hit. There were those of us complacent and COLOMBO’S those of us very concerned about a potential second wave. For the We have always encouraged social distancing in our establishments most part, people tried to resume BARS AND NIGHTCLUBS and are now following regulations normal activities while paying more closely. Before, you couldn’t attention to their health and really stop people from staying away safety, adhering to the guidelines from each other once they come in, issued by the Ministry of Health but now we’ve made sure all chairs as much as possible. IN THE WAKE OF are placed at least one metre apart The Irish Bar & Grill Owner Bars and nightlife were very heavily Sasha Jayasundera hit by the pandemic. In general, once the lockdown was lifted, things were picking up, but now with the second wave having space and we have arranged it in hit, bar and club owners look to be in for such a way that people will adhere to another time of hardship. The Sunday social distancing and have taken out Morning Brunch spoke with some of some furniture to aid in this. We also Colombo’s favourite establishments for COVID-19’S encourage our guests to wear masks as their views on how they’re adapting. much as possible and to use greeting methods that don’t require physical Dealing with the first wave RESURGENCE contact. We also place a heavy focus on frequently sanitising hands.” The islandwide lockdown that was Fernando explained that in the case instituted overnight hit restaurants hard. of R&B, and his other venture, The Selling alcohol was also prohibited Chiller Room, they have been following during the lockdown, and even once the guidelines strictly, only accepting 50% lockdown was lifted, general medical of their occupancy at any given time. opinion discouraged bars and clubs In terms of managing regulations in a selling alcohol for fears of breeding nightclub setting, Fernando explained infection. that this has meant taking steps that Many restaurants and bars turned have impacted the nightclub experience. to delivery during the lockdown, and “The dance floor has not been active. the delivery business began to boom. We’ve been operating as a bar, with The end of the lockdown in May meant only background music playing and that people were now able to go back to no dancing allowed. It isn’t the same restaurants. The first few weeks after the nightclub experience as it used to be.” lockdown were slow, but gradually the general public started coming out of their shells and started going out on the town Hope for the future? again, although in significantly fewer The future is looking quite bleak for numbers than before. establishments in the bar and nightlife Harpo’s Hotels, Cafes, and scene. While these are circumstances Restaurants Founder and Chief Executive that are uncontrollable, there is still an Officer (CEO) Harpo Gooneratne impact felt on businesses in addition to noted that August and September saw the general uncertainty caused by the things moving positively. “Most of the pandemic. restaurants were seeing approximately “We’ll have to wait and see how it 70-80% of the activity they saw at the goes,” Fernando said, adding: “At the same time last year, which was after the moment, it’s really bad. If people don’t Easter attacks. Some restaurants were go out, we’ll need to close for sure. The doing quite well in the sense that they market is also very small. From the whole were breaking even and keeping their of Colombo, approximately 1,500 people heads above water.” maximum go out on a Friday night. Since we can only focus on locals, everyone is trying to get a piece of this pie. With fewer people going out, you maybe have 500 people going out, which means one establishment may receive only about 30 or 40 people visiting at most.”

The first wave saw businesses shut down because there was zero business. With the second wave, people are actively not coming to restaurants anymore. They’re obviously worried. The fear psychology is quite strong Part of the responsibility is on us Harpo’s Hotels, Cafes, and to be mindful and avoid large Restaurants Founder/CEO Harpo Gooneratne congregations for now. We have stopped all live entertainment for now, and for those who dine in, we are focusing on following the The second wave health and safety regulations as The second wave took people quite strictly as possible by surprise. After months of no internal Taphouse by RnR Operations spread of infection, there was a new Manager Sampath Perera cluster that quickly grew, with over 2,000 active cases to date. For many industries, the second wave has come as a huge blow at a time PHOTO A-N-V-E-S-H ON UNSPLASH The upcoming Christmas and New when things were just starting to pick Year season, which normally is a time up. When news of the new cluster of that sees a lot of traction in the dining and while business was steadily picking up, for now, and for those who dine in, we Covid-19 infections broke, the Ministry nightlife circuit, also looks very uncertain. the second wave has resulted in almost are focusing on following the health and of Health stressed the importance “We don’t know yet if there will be a no footfall. “Before October, things safety regulations as strictly as possible.” of following the health and safety Christmas or New Year season. Two were coming back to normal. We were The dance floor has not been active. The Irish Bar & Grill Owner Sasha regulations to minimise the spread of the weeks ago, no one thought we would be experiencing maybe a 20% drop from our We’ve been operating as a bar, with Jayasundera shared that in the case of infection. in this current scenario,” Gooneratne, who normal attendance. Now, with the second only background music playing The Irish Bar & Grill, as well as her But how badly is the second wave is also the President of the Colombo City wave, it’s really bad; we may even and no dancing allowed. It isn’t other venture, the karaoke bar Sopranos, affecting businesses like bars and Restaurant Collective (CCRC), said. need to close temporarily. In the long the same nightclub experience as it health and safety regulations are being nightclubs? In many cases, this second “We will plan things on paper for term, it all depends; if cases were only used to be followed very closely, with small wave seems to be having a worse impact December; plans will be less extravagant being reported in quarantine centres, it changes also being made in layout and than the first. R&B Managing Director and I feel it will be a very toned down wouldn’t matter, but if it’s happening in furnishing to promote social distancing. “From a restaurant point of view, Russell Fernando season across the board. I don’t think the community, then it’s different. Who “We have always encouraged social this wave is worse,” Gooneratne said. restaurants and bars will be spending a wants to go out and spend money on distancing in our establishments and are “The first wave saw businesses shut lot of money on decor and entertainment. having a good time at the risk of catching now following regulations more closely. down because there was zero business. Obviously, people from overseas, even Sri the virus?” Before, you couldn’t really stop people With the second wave, people are Manager Sampath Perera. “The second Lankans living overseas, won’t be able to from staying away from each other once actively not coming to restaurants wave has affected footfall heavily. We come back into the country. We also need they come in, but now we’ve made sure anymore. They’re obviously worried. Adapting to the second wave are trying to focus more on food sales to be mindful about the disposable income all chairs are placed at least one metre The fear psychology is quite strong. We and delivery, working with delivery apps people have. Salaries are being cut.” With no choice but to adapt to the apart. We’ve also taken away our bar don’t know exactly where we’re going to get more going on that side.” Some still hold out hope. “Sri Lankans second wave, some restaurants, as they stools for the moment. The Irish Bar and when this is going to end. Every day, From a dine-in perspective, Perera are very fast to get back to their day-to- did in the past, are turning towards & Grill is a large area and we’re using there are more reports of cases being explained that Taphouse has scaled down day lives, and they also try not to let the strengthening their delivery systems. this to our advantage. We also have discovered. It’s a matter of looking and operations significantly to ensure that negativity affect their positive attitudes,” “This time around, people are much more an outdoor area on the roof, and many seeing.” large gatherings are avoided. “Part of Jaysundera said, adding: “Once everything cautious about stepping out than they customers prefer to eat outdoors at the Rhythm and Blues (R&B) Managing the responsibility is on us to be mindful is sorted, and the infections are under were before. It’s starting to hit home,” moment. Director Russell Fernando shared that explained Taphouse by RnR Operations and avoid large congregations for now. control, it will give them the confidence to We have stopped all live entertainment “With Sopranos, it’s an indoor get out once again.” 4 the sunday morning brunch MUSIC Sunday, October 25, 2020

The WMA Executive Committee 2019/21. Standing from left: Trevine Joseph, Timal Jayamanne, Judy De Silva, Asst. Secretary Suraj Gunawardane, Neranjan De Silva, Kris Kara, Neomal Peiris, and Niroshan De Silva. Seated from left: Treasurer Janappriya Weeraratne, Vice President Donald Pieries, President Fabion Bonnie Paul, Vice President Rajitha Rupasinghe, and Secretary Hasanjalie Seneviratne PHOTO © SAGARA LAKMAL DE MEL

THE WESTERN MUSICIANS’ ASSOCIATION STRENGTHENING THE FIELD FROM WITHIN BY NAVEED ROZAIS with the Government, but with the country’s overall current situation, it is a The entertainment industry has been one of the hardest hit by Covid- difficult task, even though a similar loan 19. The first wave saw a nationwide lockdown instituted for nearly three was given before. months, as well as the need to majorly scale back on all public events. Building a sustainable future The intervening months between the lockdown and the second wave of The future does look bleak for Covid-19 infections earlier this month was something of a respite, with musicians, particularly in the short many industries beginning to bounce back. term. “Personally, I don’t see any light at the end of the tunnel for musicians,” The last two weeks have shattered schemes, etc.,” Rupasinghe shared. “The Rupasinghe said. “Every day, you see our fragile – if somewhat complacent WMA came into the picture in 2013 hundreds of active cases being reported. – sense of security. With parts of the in order to actively look at musicians’ Musicians are directly hit in a crisis like island under lockdown when required, needs, especially if they get sick or have PHOTO KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM this because the first response is to stop and public events being massively other needs, and to move the industry public gatherings and events. This directly curtailed, if not outright prohibited, the forward as a strong entity.” impacts the music industry because we are entertainment industry is back to a virtual The WMA serves as a platform to performers at such events.” standstill. uplift the standards of western music in Paul shared that the WMA has The Sunday Morning Brunch Sri Lanka and help western musicians The second wave Bands are easily Original music that proposed some initiatives with hotels for sat down with a few members of the grow. changed all this... thrown out of hotels western musicians people to come listen to music. “When Western Musicians’ Association (WMA) “We organise knowledge-sharing Popular bands were with little to no create comes under things relaxed after the first wave, we for a look at how western musicians are initiatives that can help bring musicians sustained for a bit. notice, and even international weren’t careful. We went with the flow being impacted by Covid-19, and how up, and give them access to training But the smaller when engaging copyright laws. – pubs became dances, dances became the Association and the western music programmes and other initiatives they bands have little to in services, there It is normally ballroom events, and we have put industry as a whole are responding to the can’t access by themselves. We also no hope. We can’t is extensive implemented by third ourselves in a position which we can’t pandemic. work to set standards across the industry go to the ministry bargaining with parties. The law even control because we destroyed it and avoid undercutting and musicians level for another the understanding doesn’t get involved. by not being careful when things were The WMA being taken advantage of in the relief loan. Options that the venue can If someone steals improving between waves.” Sri Lanka’s western music industry marketplace,” Paul said. are more limited this always easily find your music, it is WMA Executive Committee is quite strong and diverse, and includes Paul spoke about the lack of time around another musician to up to you to pursue Member Neranjan De Silva noted that bands, duos, soloists, symphonies, and standardisation in the western music WMA Vice President play in their space legal action, and there has been a shift to virtual in the choirs. “There are over 1,300 musicians industry, particularly in the case of how Rajitha Rupasinghe WMA President may not have the industry as a response to Covid-19, in the western music industry across hotels and other venues engage bands Fabion Bonnie Paul resources to do so and one of the benefits of this is that all forms of music and all skill levels. for entertainment. “There are no real WMA Executive copyrighting music will be easier. Around 60-70% of these musicians are valid contracts in place most of the time. Committee Member “Copyright for western music is an full-time musicians. This is why the Bands are easily thrown out of hotels Neranjan De Silva issue in Sri Lanka. With oriental artists WMA was formed – to cover all these with little to no notice, and even when and Sinhala music, copyright is seen too. different types of musicians and look engaging in services, there is extensive For western music, we don’t own rights after them and help them grow,” WMA bargaining with the understanding that collaborations between the western western musicians was a big step because because it is usually someone else’s. Vice President Rajitha Rupasinghe the venue can always easily find another music industry and other industries. there is no industry for musicians in Sri Original music that western musicians explained. musician to play in their space. This They have currently formed over 40 such Lanka. “There is a recognised cinema create comes under international copyright WMA President Fabion Bonnie leads to a lot of undercutting. One of strategic partnerships with companies industry, but not a music industry. We’re laws. It is normally implemented by third Paul shared that Sri Lanka’s western the things the WMA is working towards including JAT Holdings, Dynamic AV, slowly building recognition and getting parties. The law doesn’t get involved. If musicians predominantly produce is the standardisation of how bands are and, most recently, telecom company there, but we are not yet a recognised someone steals your music, it is up to you English music, although there are engaged by entertainment venues and GENXT. industry.” to pursue legal action, and may not have musicians who produce in other hotels. The second wave of the pandemic the resources to do so. languages as well. “One of the main advantages of Responding to Covid-19 has left musicians feeling worse than “In the UK, this is policed by the “Many Sri Lankan bands get an association like the WMA is that as an industry before. “People found solutions after Performing Right Society. Sri Lanka contracts that see them playing in issues that have the potential to affect all “Not just musicians, everyone the lockdown,” Paul explained, adding: doesn’t have a society of this nature, and Europe, the Middle East, and Australia. musicians can be addressed formally,” was struggling to start with when the “Musicians were slowly starting to get it is not something the WMA can take We have many bands that are on par with Paul explained, speaking of an incident pandemic hit. One of WMA’s immediate their livelihoods back on track. From on. By going virtual through platforms the best in the world. Like any industry, where one of Colombo’s five-star hotels forms of action was to distribute July, there was very slow progress, and like YouTube, the platform itself policies we have different levels of musicians, implemented a rule saying that local rations to members of our community by September and October, we were for copyright infringement, protecting the and while we have lots of established bands and musicians could no longer with the help of Manusath Derana. starting to receive more inquiries and the musicians’ rights,” De Silva said. bands, there are also bands that are enter the hotel through the main entrance, We also initiated discussions with the country was also stable. Popular bands The WMA’s main objective now is struggling. The WMA wants to prop but only through the service entrance Government on a relief loan for western were getting gigs, hotels were booking to raise funds and create a secure fund to these bands up and bring them up to a reserved for suppliers. musicians, speaking with various entertainment, and clubs were packed. help musicians. It had several fundraisers level that Sri Lanka as an entity can be “The WMA took this matter up ministers, the Prime Minister, and finally, “The second wave changed all this. lined up to raise funds before the second proud of.” with the hotel in question. It was a rule His Excellency, at which point we and 15 Smaller bands that were still hoping to wave, including a virtual concert. “There Established in 2016, the WMA exclusive only to local musicians and other musician associations were given pick up after the lockdown haven’t had are musicians who really struggle. This was formed in response to a dire need musicians were helpless. The WMA a relief loan. The WMA was the sole the chance. Popular bands were sustained is so in every industry. We haven’t been to be able to bring the western music was able to give musicians a voice, and representative for western musicians in for a bit. But the smaller bands have little able to do any of the fundraising events community together and look into this rule was withdrawn. The hotel also this respect, while the other associations to no hope. We can’t go to the ministry we had initially planned because of the issues that affected the welfare of the issued a formal apology.” involved all represented different fields level for another relief loan. Options are second wave. The industry is a good community as a whole. The WMA also works towards like oriental music,” Rupasinghe said. more limited this time around.” industry to be in, but it has been hit badly “Because of the nature of our work, forming strategic partnerships He shared that being able to obtain Rupasinghe commented that the by Covid-19. This is a situation beyond we don’t have steady jobs, retirement with corporates to enable greater relief funds from the Government for WMA has reactivated loan discussions anyone’s control.” the sunday morning brunch 5 Sunday, October 25, 2020 SOCIETY

BY DINITHI GUNASEKERA With the appointment of a new Cabinet of Ministers recently, especially following the open promises made towards numerous reforms by Minister of Justice Ali Sabry, the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act (MMDA) is yet again in MMDA reforms the limelight. Amidst such major developments, communities throughout Sri Lanka are hopeful and prominent groups that are vocal on the issue are breaking their silence like ever before. The discussion on the MMDA hosted by the Sisterhood Initiative in collaboration with the Muslim Personal Law Reforms Youth Action Group (MPLRAG) on 11 October 2020, which also corresponded with the International Day of the Girl Child, is a prime example of the conversation still ongoing among the public, even in the midst of a Covid-19 relapse. The session was also the first live engage discussion on the MMDA reforms and it took the form of a question and answer (Q&A) session, which provided the general public the freedom to inquire to aid the informative discussion. MPLRAG and Sisterhood Initiative The event kick-started with moderators Sisterhood Initiative Founder and grassroots volunteer Nabeela Iqbal and Shamla Naleer, in Q&A one of the media representatives of the initiative, introducing the distinguished panel. It comprised of MPLRAG Co- Founder, Co-author of “Unequal Citizens: Muslim Women’s Struggle for Justice and Azwer elaborated on how the MMDA is marriage was married off as her father had the act, institutionalised hundreds of women problematic on different levels within the placed his signature on her behalf. into their courts system. Equality in Sri Lanka”, and activist and researcher on women’s rights and Muslim Muslim community as an internal problem, Additionally, marriages do not require Primarily, the difference of opinion in family laws in Sri Lanka Hyshyama Hamin; and from the perspective of the Muslim registration in order to be considered valid. jurisprudence towards the issue has nothing It’s safe to say that child Attorney-at-Law Ermiza Tegal, who has community being a minority in Sri Lanka. The MMDA also has no conditions for to do with the Islamic law, which is the It is evident that specific provisions polygamy and there are instances the newly Quran, explained Hamin. marriages still occur within had over 20 years of experience working communities. However, on human rights, governance, and social in the act discriminate against women and wedded wife would not have known that the justice; journalist, editor, and researcher girls explicitly. Additionally, it enables the husband has other wives. Lived realities Muslims don’t have the legal The general narrative of young girls Maryam Azwer; and writer, researcher, and Quazi Court System not to be in favour Islamically speaking, the husband who are forced into marriage is not much grounds to criminalise and women's rights activist Sumaiya Pallak. of women, which makes it difficult for is expected to provide for his multiple different from the tragic tales that ultimately The MPLRAG is a lobby group of equal access to justice and creates an wives, if any, equally. However, there are invalidate them end up on the headlines. There are many voluntary activists, lawyers, and researchers environment and culture of impunity. no conditions within the mandate of the Attorney-at-Law Ermiza Tegal unheard, untold stories of countless girls working towards reforming the MMDA. MMDA explicitly stating so. Husbands are who are moulded into women by force. This “Our primary motivation is the reform Forced and child marriages allowed to divorce at a whim without stating “A woman, they say, always becomes an issue largely in outstation areas of discriminatory laws and practices that legitimate reasoning. Sunni wives are only remembers her wedding night. Well, and even rural pockets of Colombo. Writer apply to each of us as Muslim women and granted divorce based on harm, the return of maybe they do; but for me there are other and researcher on women’s rights Sumaiya Most of the time, the men to our sisters in Sri Lanka,” shared the Mahr, or mutual consent. On the frontlines nights I prefer to remember; sweeter, Pallak revealed a series of woeful narratives members of the MPLRAG. of the issue, women are also not allowed don’t even have the financial fuller, when I went to my husband matured Muslim women on our very own home soil Equivocally, the Sisterhood Initiative, to be Quazis or to hold other positions in mind as well as in body, not as a pained have undergone. capacity to take care of headed by Iqbal, is a budding youth group within the courts, which is something the and awkward child as I did on that first “Something that women and victims their wives. Physical or of “vibrant young women”, according MPLRAG has been pushing for. night.” – Kamala Markandaya, Nectar in a or survivors of these child marriages to Hamin, which strives to create safe There are a number of specific practical psychological violence from Sieve commonly go through is getting married to spaces for Muslim women in Sri Lanka issues women face within the structure of The minimum legal age for a civil men that already have two to three wives the husband as a response to come together and share experiences, the Quazi Court System itself. There are marriage in Sri Lanka is 18 years of age. without their knowledge. There’s a lot of engage in curated discussions, and build differences in procedures for women in of anger to the questioning However, through the combinational result conflict when they get to know later on how a certain sense of community. Within the divorce, due to all-male Quazis; there are of the wife is a very common of a vast array of social problems and to divide money or property and most of the community, Iqbal revealed the surging numerous reported incidents of intimidation, many loopholes in the country’s legal and time, the men don’t even have the financial incident interest of many regarding the MMDA, mistreatment, and even harassment. justice system, child marriages persist at an capacity to take care of their wives. Physical which contributed to the purpose of the live Writer, researcher, and women’s rights alarming rate even today. or psychological violence from the husband session. activist Sumaiya Pallak Iqbal, in conversation with The Sunday as a response of anger to the questioning of The MMDA and the Quazi Morning Brunch, stated: “Child marriage the wife is a very common incident.” has always been an issue for Muslims and Child marriage has always There are incidents in which a Quazi “She was too young to understand Court System non-Muslims in Sri Lanka. For Muslims, court judge has claimed that the value of a things like sex or child birth. The husband it’s a systemic issue and for non-Muslims been an issue for Muslims girl decreases after 17 years of age. Pallak was much older and she mentioned how Attorney-at-Law Tegal was eager it’s not.” and non-Muslims in Sri also related the stories of a 15-year-old girl he forced a pregnancy on her. She was to elaborate on the legal perspective who was given in marriage to a 35-year-old basically forced to carry a child because regarding the issue, relating from its Lanka. For Muslims, it’s a Laws that allow child brides man in Oddamavadi, Batticaloa and faced she did not know how any of these things history dating back to when Sri Lanka was It was unravelled that many use the systemic issue and for non- severe physical violence on her wedding worked.” With this pregnancy, she was colonised by the Dutch and how a code 2012 Consensus Report, a misinterpreted night; and a 14-year-old who did not know allegedly not able to go to school and her of law was imported to the country from Muslims it’s not document, to say that child marriages is not she was married until the night of her requests to do so were constantly delayed. Batavia (Indonesia) in 1770, which was Sisterhood Initiative Founder a Muslim issue but a Sri Lankan issue, when wedding when she was locked up into a Then another pregnancy would happen soon then accordingly codified many times and Nabeela Iqbal in fact, it is a problem faced gravely by the room with her husband. after the birth of the first child. made into an ordinance. Muslim community. Research also revealed how polygamy, “A lot of them want to continue with In 1951, the MMDA, which had The primary loophole as observed a common practice among Muslims, at their education but in the case their families been drafted by an all-male committee, by experts is that there is no requirement times happens without knowledge and are not financially capable, they are married was enacted. It included provisions based for written consent from the bride in the consent, leading to cases of abandonment, off. This girl is now a young mother of on interpretations of Islamic Sharia law, marriage certificate. emotional and economic abuse, domestic three children. She described herself as a Roman Dutch law, and local customs and “It’s safe to say that child marriages violence, blackmail, and family woman with dreams but she was used as the practices such as “kaikuli”, the dowry still occur within communities. However, disharmony. A case in Puttalam tells that a scapegoat. She said that this is not only her system – not a concept known to Muslims, Muslims don't have the legal grounds to young woman with a two-month-old baby story but the story of many others.” it was incorporated into the MMDA. criminalise and invalidate it,” said Tegal. found out that the husband had taken a The essence of childhood along with The MMDA is essentially a family law According to Section 23 of the MMDA, second wife only through a letter from the the vitality of youth is accordingly lost in and special act that only applies to Muslim it is even permissible for a girl under the age mosque. these girls. inhabitants who marry within the faith. It of 12 to be married with the discretion of The inequality in divorce procedure “Islam says every girl and every boy covers marriage, divorce, and maintenance. a Quazi. Even the statutory rape provision is another cause of concern, said Pallak, should go to school. In the Quran it is There is also no choice for Muslims to in the Penal Code (363) does not apply to Women have also reported that they are not referring to the husband of a young woman written, God wants us to have knowledge. marry outside the MMDA. married Muslim girls between 12 and 15 allowed to elaborate their side of the story in Mannar with two young children who He wants us to know why the sky is blue There are 65 Quazi courts around Sri years of age. in court. Cases of obvious bias where the filed for talaq (divorce) as he has found and about oceans and stars.” – Malala Lanka. Memon and Bohra communities The completion of some formal level male counterpart is favoured are not rare someone “pretty and fair” to marry during Yousafzai have a specified Quazi and Puttalam has a of education and a basic understanding of occurrences and there are also reported his trip to Trincomalee. The Quazi had “This is a law that allows bad men to do Quazi for internationally displaced persons how the world works are crucial elements in cases of bribery and extortion due to lack of reportedly granted a divorce within a few bad things. That allows bad people to do bad (IDPs). marriageable parties. They should somehow monitoring. days, leaving the mother and children things,” Iqbal reinstated, quoting Hamin. The MPLRAG does not look at the be of a certain capacity to manoeuvre and abandoned. Stay tuned to this space. We will be MMDA only from perspectives of the negotiate within the marriage. What does the Quran and Sunnah Through her experiences in discussing the impact of social setbacks, Constitution but also through Islamic “While we are struggling with this volunteering, Iqbal herself related the story reforms, barriers and challenges to reforms, law, jurisdiction for reforms, international issue, other communities are attempting say about women as judges? According to Hamin, the Quran does of a girl who opened up to her about her how we can get involved, and more next human rights, and primarily the lived to tackle child marriages as a social not differentiate between the value of men experiences as a child bride. Sunday (1 November). realities. issue and are even thinking about and women and does not refer at any time “We want to see all our Muslim sexual education within the school to biological differences justifying unequal brothers and sisters enjoy the same rights curriculum and equipping young treatment. There are multiple verses in the as other citizens of this country.” individuals,” expressed Tegal. Quran that specify that there are no fixed Maryam Azwer further gender roles in society that deny women A plethora of problems explained how the MMDA positions as leaders in society. “Allah orders justice, kindness, is problematic through There are many examples of Islamic and good conduct. He forbids an example from the women in positions of power as judges in injustice, immorality, and Eastern Province – Quazi or Sharia courts in Singapore, the oppression.” – Al-Quran the bride’s signature Maldives, Malaysia, Indonesia, Yemen, 16:90 is not mandatory Bangladesh, Sudan, Palestine, Egypt, Many are aware that in the marriage and Pakistan. Singapore appointed its the MMDA needs reform, documentation, which first woman senior president to head the but not so much about enables possible non- Syariah Court starting from October 2020. the specific nooks and consensual marriages. Indonesia, during the time the MMDA was crannies that make it A girl who had not introduced in Sri Lanka and the country flawed. Activist Maryam consented to the Shamla Naleer which was essentially the very source of Sisterhood Initiative 6 the sunday morning brunch HEALTH/WELLNESS Sunday, October 25, 2020

BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE Former strategy consultant turned classical hatha yoga instructor Rekha Krishnamoorthy founded Sathya Yoga and Wellness here in Sri Lanka and has since been sharing the classical yogic practices primarily through Life after yoga monthly or bimonthly workshops, private consultation sessions, Sathya Yoga and Wellness wellness retreats, and corporate programmes. want to offer tools for wellbeing here.” as there are no prerequisites on the path Having once worked in Sri Lanka of yoga, but a commitment to one’s The use of the word “classical” refers for Stax Inc. in Colombo as a consultant, wellbeing. What it really does is allow you to a system of hatha yoga that has been she was familiar with the country and its to return to your true nature by bringing a handed down by a master teacher/Guru and people, and has come to love the island certain inner balance and ease to the body taught in its purity for self-transformation over the years. She said that when she first and mind. and complete inner wellbeing. came here, there were very few classical There’s an abundance of benefits you Rekha shared her journey that led her yoga studios in the island, adding that will experience once you adopt the practice to discover the path of yoga and leaving the teaching of eastern sciences such as of yoga into your lifestyle, including behind the corporate world. “I went yoga, qi gong, and tai chi is a market that physical fitness, inner peace, control through a difficult time under sudden and is highly saturated in Malaysia, India, over your daily compulsions, increased challenging circumstances. As per my and Thailand. However, in Sri Lanka, we energy levels, and better mental clarity usual coping mechanism, for the most part were yet to embrace it. She also added that and focus, and all of these benefits stem I immediately buried myself in work, and overall, she just felt a natural affinity to Sri from the practice of yoga restoring your my role as a strategy consultant in Chicago Lanka. inner system to its natural state, which then meant that I was engaged and buried in Rekha shared that Sri Lanka, however, allows your body to function from a state work most of my days,” she shared. is now starting to make positive strides in of balance and ease, changing the way you However, she said that things soon the wellness space with sustainable balance respond to and manage external forces and changed and distracting herself proved of self-care and spirituality, adding that challenges such as stress. to be exhausting and unsustainable. “As she was thrilled to see the recent initiative Rekha carries out her teachings life has it, distracting myself from the adopted by Minister of Sports and Youth primarily through workshops for primary and secondary education primarily trauma of the tragedy, in conjunction with Affairs Namal Rajapaksa in making yoga employees of organisations such as Perigon in Europe, and finally having worked with corporate burnout, caught up with me, and and meditation mandatory for all national Lanka, select University of Kelaniya Stax Inc. for nearly a decade in Sri Lanka less than a year later I started experiencing sports squads in the country, which she medical trainees, Persistent Systems and the US, we asked Rekha why is it that severe anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, believes to be a step in the right direction Lanka, and Unilever; wellness retreats she chose Sri Lanka to invest in Sathya and other physical ailments,” she said. as Sri Lankan athletes only stand to benefit at Soul Resorts, The Fortress Resort and Yoga and Wellness, to which she said: When her physical and mental from this decision. Spa, Santani Wellness Resort and Spa, “I chose to come and share the ancient wellbeing started to take a toll was when For those who feel that ‘yoga is not Aditya Resort, The Kingsbury Colombo, science of yoga in its purity in Sri Lanka, the turning point came in her life, which for me’ and Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions; as well as I believe there is a need for classical kick-started her journey into self-care and There is a misconception that yoga as collaboratively work with Workout. yoga to help people overcome stress, spirituality. is purely a physical practice, but physical lk and Spa Ceylon to conduct wellness trauma, and anxiety, and for their overall “I resigned from the corporate world benefits such as weight loss, flexibility, and programmes. wellbeing. The sheer amount of tragedy the and left for India to undertake a yoga toning are just the wonderful byproducts She added that these programmes people of Sri Lanka have undergone just teacher training programme, where I spent of yoga, said Rekha, sharing that just about are tailored to give the people the in the last 30-40 years alone inspired me to five months engaged in a residential yoga When I discovered the potential anyone can pursue yoga as a practice opportunity to disconnect and reset their teacher training programme at the Isha of yoga as a self-transformation body, mind, and souls. Typical wellness Yoga Centre founded by Sadhguru,” she and healing tool, I was retreats encompass holistic health sessions said. determined to share this including yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, and She shared that during this teacher healthy eating. training, she experienced significant ancient and sacred science with transformations, both physically and on others. As a result, I decided many other levels, many of which cannot to embrace the path of yoga quite be put into words. However, they’ve wholeheartedly and help others Upcoming programmes all had an undeniable positive impact on embark on their own journey 24-26 October: A beginner’s yoga workshop her physical and mental health. She stated Classical hatha yoga instructor to learn the Sun Salutation practice (Surya that the way she experienced life changed Kriya) fundamentally – her interactions with others, Rekha Krishnamoorthy her perception of her own self, the lightness 7-10 November: The ultimate yogic workout in her body, and the intensity of joy that was – learn Angamardana within her. wellbeing,” she explained. 21-24 November: Learn a series of “When I discovered the potential of Rekha’s training was in classical hatha classical asanas yoga as a self-transformation and healing yoga, under the guidance of Sadhguru. The 28-29 November: A holistic wellness retreat tool, I was determined to share this ancient practices she teaches empowers one with the and sacred science with others. As a result, tools for inner wellbeing, and, according to at Soul Resorts, Dickwella – an immersive I decided to embrace the path of yoga her, this is what differentiates her teachings. healing experience into the ancient sciences wholeheartedly and help others embark Malaysia-born, having completed her of Ayurveda and yoga on their own journey towards complete

BY DR. DINESHANI HETTIARACHCHI Thus, the NCCP is hopeful that this initiative Going forward with anticipation will herald a conversation around cancer Cancer is a major global public health prevention, early diagnosis and treatment, problem and is the second leading cause cancer care, and palliative care concepts of death in Sri Lanka and worldwide. by removing the stigma attached to them According to 2018 Globocan (Global Cancer and creating an open forum for a conducive Observatory) statistics for Sri Lanka, there dialogue. The ‘Aayuplus’ initiative They also hope social media may be the were 23,530 new cases, which amounted to 64 new patients diagnosed with cancer per of the United Nations Population Fund improve the knowledge of services available place everyone can open up and discuss their day. The number of cancer-related deaths (UNFPA) and the Rotary Club of Colombo to enhance the quality of life. Without being queries. Furthermore, the NCCP may be able was 14,013 for that year, which is 38 deaths North. restricted to traditional, official web pages, to get everyone involved in this cause and per day. Community awareness and promotion messages can be communicated to the they might feel that it’s their job to spread The National Cancer Control of positive behaviour are essential for the public in a factual and attractive style, using the message. Broad reach, low or no cost, Programme (NCCP) of the Ministry of prevention and early detection of cancer celebrities and other numerous methods. and high scalability make social media an Health is a public health programme that while mitigating the myths. These platforms Through this, it is expected that people ideal platform to disseminate knowledge implements programmes and develops include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and using social media will show their active and create awareness. Given the enormous necessary policies and guidelines to reduce YouTube which will be a novel experience participation and enhance their knowledge, number of lives affected by cancer, this is a cancer incidence and mortality in Sri Lanka. for Sri Lankans. Dr. Vidanapathirana stated. great opportunity to optimise wellbeing and The opening of Aayuplus social media campaign by inculcate lifestyle changes through digital It aims to improve the quality of life of When utilised responsibly, social media Additional Secretary Dr. Laxmi Somatunge The primary goal of Aayuplus, cancer patients through the systematic and can assume a role in activism by enabling according to its meaning, is to increase solutions, thus enhancing patient care and equitable implementation of evidence- the powerless to voice their grievances, gain resources; and for the remaining third with longevity and enhance the quality of life broadening the preventing efforts. Timely based strategies. The strategies of cancer new knowledge, and provide a platform to advanced disease, pain relief and palliation of the people. The platforms used in the implementation of social media-based prevention and control include primary improve access to information on cancer- can be provided to improve quality of life Aayuplus project (Facebook, Twitter, activities could help to improve the quality of prevention, early detection, screening, related services with regard to prevention, until death. It is estimated that one-third YouTube, and Instagram) have the digital life of Sri Lankans for prevention and early diagnosis and treatment, rehabilitation, early diagnosis, treatment, and care. The of these cancers can be prevented through infrastructure to enable millions of Sri diagnosis of cancer, and provide information palliative care, surveillance, research, aim of selecting social media is to easily healthy lifestyle choices. As such, Aayuplus Lankans to connect, share, and collaborate on treatment, care, and palliative care. and training. All activities are based on and speedily capture the attention of a large aims not only to extend the lifespan on cancer prevention and care. Aayuplus You can also be a part of the project by the National Strategic Plan of Cancer number of individuals and directly address of cancer patients, but also to improve includes a variety of colourful items lined joining the Aayuplus programme through Prevention, Control, and Care for 2020- individuals to modify their attitudes. This their quality of life, an area that is often up to improve knowledge while entertaining their website at www.aayu.plus or the 2024. will enable to create awareness among overlooked. It also aids in the prevention the community. Featured on this platform Aayuplus Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram Given the number of lives affected by the general public on practising healthy of cancer by encouraging the public to are poems, news items, songs, interviews, handles and improve your knowledge and cancer and the great potential for digital lifestyles; promoting mental health, adopt a positive lifestyle, change behaviour and short messages from celebrities and adopt positive behaviours to fight cancer. solutions to enhance patient care and broaden prevention of cancer, and early identification patterns correctly, and increase the required professionals; short films; and case scenarios This endeavour was brought to light through prevention efforts, a new initiative was of cancer symptoms; seeking early treatment knowledge for this change. with useful information designed to attract, the tireless efforts of Dr. Thusitha Kahaduwa, recently launched. In this light, we spoke to and care; and supporting cancer patients. When cancers are detected early on, it is educate, and maintain the target audience. Dr. Sashiprabha Nawaratne, Dr. Irosha NCCP Director and consultant community Aayuplus has several objectives. possible to provide information on available It also consists of information to promote Nilaweera, Dr. Chathurika Kariyawasam, physician Dr. Janaki Vidanapathirana According to literature, around 30% of clinical services and the importance of health and care services through social media and nursing officer Sunethra Kasthuri, who regarding this timely venture. cancers are preventable; for another third, taking approved treatment, and also to avoid platforms. have contributed to make this vision a reality. The “Aayuplus” health promotion effective treatment is possible, depending being prejudiced by myths. Through care The strategies laid down by the campaign aims to disseminate the concepts on the early detection and availability of and support programmes, it is possible to World Health Organisation (WHO) are About the writer of cancer prevention, early detection, important to create public awareness for The writer, Dr. Dineshani Hettiarachchi treatment, and palliative care innovatively cancer prevention. Covid-19 has shown Sirisena, is a family physician with a through popular social media platforms. us the power of social media as a tool to special interest in Aayuplus is a new project, launched on disseminate health-related information, with rare genetic diseases 14 October 2020 with the patronage of many organisations relying heavily on these and regenerative Ministry of Health Additional Secretary of platforms to reach their audience. Similarly, medicine currently Public Health Dr. Laxmi Somathunga and the cancer care and palliative care concepts working as a lecturer the participation of a few key officials from can be popularised through social media. The at the Department of the Ministry. Due to the current Covid-19 involvement of the audience at an individual Anatomy, Faculty of pandemic, it was launched as a hybrid event level is key. Certain topics related to cancer Medicine, University of with the majority participating virtually. The carry social stigma, with many shying away Colombo, project was launched with the partnership From left: Sujeewa Gunaratne, Dr. Thusitha Kahaduwa, Dr. Janaki Vidanapathirana, Dr. Chathurika from expressing their views on social media. Sri Lanka. Kariyawasam, Nilakshi Halapitiya, Saman Lenin, Dr. Sachintha Dilhani and Dr. Kalpani Wijewardena the sunday morning brunch 7 Sunday, October 25, 2020 GAMES/TOONS

7 Pepsi Challenge feature coming SOLUTION FOR 11 OCTOBER 8 Uruguay’s Punta del __ 67 They may be torn on Crossword 9 Chinese dog breed the field: Abbr. CROSSWORD CLUES 10 Waiter’s disappointment 70 Augusta National shrub Across 52 Pride letters 106 Simplify 11 Like many an injured arm 71 Musical motif, to Verdi 1 South American rodent 54 Skyline feature 107 Family reunion attendee 12 Brewed 72 Firewood units 5 “Little Man __”: 1991 55 Store 108 Arcade game word 13 Star Wars initials 73 Finishes up on the green Foster film 57 Rice, e.g. 110 Preferred group on the 14 Places to walk with best 74 Stands sound 9 Minor cuts 60 Sushi serving field friends? 75 Eagle’s home 14 Blot with a tissue 62 K2 locale 112 Do a rest stop machine’s 15 Be of use to 76 Records 19 God with a quiver 63 “Wanna bet?” job 16 It’s often passed at 80 Biblical peak 20 Times often named for 65 Southernmost 114 You, in Germany family meals 81 Not a dup. music genres of the Marianas 117 Dark-colored cigar 17 On the protected side 82 Takes in and keeps 21 Refined, as skills 66 Goddess of marriage 119 Freegan’s activity 18 Melanie’s “Working Girl” 84 Poetic contraction 22 Seed-to-be and family 122 Cell terminal role 87 Improve, as an urban area 23 One 68 LBJ beagle 123 Anaheim athletes, in 28 Secondhand 88 NFL “sixes” 24 It’s rarely paid to a 69 Where many scenes local sportscasts 29 Quick movement 91 Determined by the stars, car dealer are presented 124 Banned orchard spray 30 “__ the One”: 1996 as time 25 Big game name 74 Cornfield call 125 Kendrick of “Pitch Perfect” Aniston/Diaz movie 93 Pancake-making aids 26 Richest person in the 77 Up start or follower films 36 “We’re good to go” 95 Brother of Peter, briefly world before Bezos 78 For fear that 126 “Holy moly!” 38 Long cold spell 98 Early smartphone 27 Many an investment 79 Apply forcefully, as 127 Big name in violins 40 Tizzy 100 Doesn’t bother to check 30 Treats with malice the brakes 128 It can smell 42 First female Nobelist the water first 31 Sr.-supporting component 83 Subway fare? 129 Announced 43 Asparagus unit 101 Hightails it 32 Encl. with postage 85 West Coast pro 130 Undo, in a way 44 Kiss, in Cancún 102 Fashion’s Gernreich 33 i-opening company? 86 Newspaper supplement, 131 It’s about 30 kilometers 45 Bk. before Job 105 Chair titles 34 Revolutionary War name maybe from Düsseldorf 46 Monopoly props. 109 Invasive vine 35 Cambodian cash 89 Fern seed 132 Exude 47 The Rebels of the SEC, 111 Ham it up 37 Flag 90 First of 12 133 Relationships familiarly 113 Rub off 39 Slothful sort 92 Zap 49 Eco-conscious org. 115 Anatomical button type Down 53 Thai dough 116 “Yipes!” 41 Some colas 94 Cab category 1 “Goodfellas” Oscar winner 44 MTV Video Music 96 Corporate honcho 56 Expressions of skepticism 117 Uxmal denizen 2 Loudly cheering 58 Regular hangout 118 Auth. unknown Award category 97 Meat-curing compound 3 Formal outfit accessory 48 Invited to the penthouse 99 Used one’s clout 59 Encumbered 120 Summer shades 4 “Just __ ... “ 61 __ West, wife of DC 121 Grand Canyon adjective 50 Loss nos., perhaps 103 Summer wear 5 Fudge, perhaps 51 British Isles tongue 104 69-Across presentation Comics’ Flash 123 “Scots Wha __”: patriotic 6 La Scala solos 64 One who gets what’s song Entries should be written clearly and addressed to: The Features Editor, The Sunday Morning, No. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 to reach us on or before 12 noon on 4 November 2020. Write “The Sunday Morning Brunch”, on the top left hand corner of the envelope.

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CROSSWORD WINNERS OF 11 OCTOBER First prize (Rs. 5,000) Consolation prize winners Padma Shanthi Wijesooriya, 1. M Saheed, Kandy Kelaniya 2. N C Dayaratne, Pitakotte Second prize (Rs. 3,000) 3. M Prasanna, Valaichchenai D B Ekanayake, 4. J A B L Ranasinghe, Ganemulla Kundasale 5. Gerard Peiris, Seeduwa This week’s winners will be announced on 8 November

Sudoku LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit www.sudoku. org.uk. Distributed by Tribune Content

Agency. All (Answers next week) rights reserved. (Last week’s) 8 the sunday morning brunch PEOPLE/EVENTS Sunday, October 25, 2020 Serendib Leisure’s Priyal Perera re-elected THE BIRTHPLACE as President of CHSGA A new take on the Veteran hotelier Priyal He managed Perera was re-elected projects, procurement, President of the Ceylon and operations during a universe and evolution Hotel School Graduates’ crucial time following Association (CHSGA) at of the origins of life on planet Earth and the tsunami, facilitating BY NAVEED ROZAIS their 49th annual general evolution. a complete restoration meeting (AGM) held Science fiction is a rising genre Without revealing too much of the and reopening of the then recently at Taj Samudra in Sri Lanka’s literary scene. First plot, let me just say that I noticed certain Hotel Serendib, Bentota Colombo. discrepancies in our understanding of within a period of six gaining popularity as a literary Having graduated evolution – certain blanks that couldn’t be months. Resigning from genre among local authors with from the Ceylon Hotel rationally explained, and The Birthplace his role in 2006, Priyal the work of Arthur C. Clarke, School and School of attempts to fill them. I also take a jab at pursued his own business Sri Lanka now boasts a select Tourism in 1991, Priyal the concept of immortality, and the true for 14 years before number of serious science fiction has diverse experience boundless horizons of mankind, if we rejoining Serendib Leisure authors whose work has been well in the hotel industry were only able to comprehend how to in 2018. spanning from food/ received on both the local and unlock our fullest potential. “I must thank Serendib beverage management international stage. Re-elected CHSGA President Leisure for providing ÄÄ Is The Birthplace your first and operations to The Birthplace is Sri Lanka’s Priyal Perera me such an incredible book? Are there any others hotel management and latest science fiction offering. Written opportunity within the operations. With over Management Ltd. by veteran Attorney-at-Law Nanda in the works? hotel industry, which has 30 years of experience Starting his career Senanayake, The Birthplace is a thought- I was always interested in writing. I added incredible value to in the hotel industry, back in 1986 as a trainee, provoking piece of science fiction that started writing when I was 13 years old. I my career,” said Serendib Priyal currently offers Priyal worked his way up explores alternate origins to our universe only started publishing my work recently; Leisure Management Head his expertise in senior in the industry and joined and life as we know it. my published works include articles in the of Procurement Priyal management capacity the Serendib Leisure hotel The Sunday Morning Brunch sat law journals. Perera. at Serendib Leisure chain in 2004. down with Senanayake to find out more My ongoing works in science fiction about The Birthplace and get some insight include a sequel to The Birthplace, a book into Senanayake himself and what drew I call The Devil’s Dictionary in the 21st him to the field of science fiction. Century. I have also been working on a Below are excerpts from the book about legal maxims and phrases interview. During the school vacation, I would which may constitute around 7,000-plus CSE partners with Metatechno return to my village where there was pages. ÄÄ Tell us about the man hardly any electricity. I would spend most Lanka for RPA implementation behind The Birthplace. nights gazing at the stars, preoccupied ÄÄ As a new author entering I was born to a middle-class family in with the mysteries and possibilities hidden the realm of Sri Lankan The Colombo Stock end digital onboarding and intervention. It has helped a rural village near Kegalle. I received my in the vast skies. science fiction, what are Exchange (CSE) and online account opening to speed up the process early education in St. Anthony’s College My interest in the stars guided me your thoughts on the genre? Central Depository feature that removes with zero human error, in Kandy before my further education at towards books and writings related to I think that this is a genre that has not Systems (CDS) joined the barriers to entry for improve efficiency, and Royal College Colombo. I then went on to astronomy, which included science seen many Sri Lankan writers, and that hands with Metatechno new investors, along deliver better return on gain admission to the Faculty of Science fiction. I became fascinated with science this needs to change. Lanka to automate with e-contract notes investment (ROI). at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura fiction because it constantly tries to look Science fiction has the unique their key operational and e-dividends. This A fully owned to read for a degree in physical science beyond the limits of the present towards attribute of allowing the imagination of process with robotic initiative also facilitates subsidiary of Metatechno while also simultaneously entering Sri the future, and attempts to find answers to the scientific mind to explore the very process automation business continuity with Inc. in Japan, Metatechno Lanka Law College. the unknown. edge – and sometimes – over-the-edge (RPA) in their historical zero downtime, in addition Lanka is a Board of My parents were more partial to me theories that can forge the way forward move in digitalisation to making trading more Investment (BOI)- ÄÄ What inspired The pursuing law and a legal career, and under for the future of mankind. by introducing a fully accessible. approved pioneer their persuasion, I gave up my university Birthplace? Science fiction may be imaginary, but automated CDS system One of the critical software solutions education and focused only on my law The storyline of The Birthplace has it is based on scientific fact, theories, and and share transaction core backend processes provider for the Sri lanka studies, becoming an Attorney-at-Law in existed in my head for a long time. I had a principles. The only difference between system for the first time of the customer account and Japan markets in the April 1988. long-standing interest in the gap between science and science fiction is that the in Asia. opening process of the last two decades. One of I settled down in Kandy with my single-celled and multicellular beings. I latter doesn’t exist yet. It is important to The CSE, the CSE involved manual, the core focuses of the wife Rupika, pursuing a career in law read the history of the Earth about three remember that man is only limited by his country’s sole stock time-consuming, and company is to introduce and raising a family. I have two children, years ago, and this brought together own imagination, and imagination based market operator, has reparative activities popular and moving one of whom is a doctor, and the other, a various scattered ideas and impressions on science are dreams that really have the initiated a holistic before introducing the Japanese technologies medical student. I had together and gave me a setting in potential to come true. I would love to see digitalisation strategy RPA, and Metatechno into the Sri Lanka market, which to base my novel. more contributions by Sri Lankan authors across all stakeholders Lanka has developed blending with Japanese Ä along the lines of science fiction. Ä What got you interested in Ä including investors, and deployed the UiPath exposure as well as science fiction? Ä What are the themes The The Birthplace is published by brokers, and listed software platform to with the Japan-trained, My childhood was spent shuttling Birthplace examines? Jam Fruit Tree Publications and is companies by manage the process qualified, and highly between the rural village in which I was The Birthplace takes a serious look available for purchase at their bookshop implementing an end-to- with minimal human skillful team. born and the busy and urban Colombo 7 at the alternate origins of the universe – in Colombo. The Birthplace is also where I was boarded. and, more close to home – what we know available for delivery islandwide.

Classic Travel first New look Chagall opens at Park Street travel agent to introduce Chagall opened its doors on Park Street, e-healthcare facility Colombo 2, with Gerald Solomons personally welcoming all his clients and the media to the Classic Travel, the International Air Transport brand new Chagall salon. Association (IATA)-accredited subsidiary of Solomons, who established Chagall Expolanka Holdings PLC, entered a strategic as Sri Lanka’s most elite and fashionable partnership with leading digital healthcare solutions salon, despite the prevailing situation with provider and Dialog-backed MyDoctor in a bid to the pandemic and the existing restrictions, ensure the safety of its travellers as the sector shifts to displayed his usual flair and panache, greeting a new normal. everyone with the socially correct “ayubowan”, Classic Travel will be the first travel agent in Sri ensuring that each and every one present was Lanka to introduce complementary and e-healthcare made to feel special and welcome. subscriptions in order to help ensure traveller health. Continuing the bold colour scheme of The company will offer a one-year subscription to red, black, and white, Solomons, like his a family of three whether they are in Sri Lanka or Chagall Owner Gerald Solomons cuts the ribbon, opening his salon at their new muse Marc Chagall, has a wide range of Gerald Solomons and Nadiya overseas. location at Parkland 2, Park Street, Colombo 2 Mrs. World 2020 Caroline Jurie styles that can cater to an eclectic clientele. MyDoc will connect domestic and international Mrs. World 2020 Caroline Jurie, clients, travellers who require medical assistance in non- and well-wishers, keeping in mind the health emergency conditions, minimising the need to visit a guidelines in the face of Covid-19, made their hospital. way to Chagall at Parkland on 20 October, The online platform will allow patients to tap where Solomons and his team reaffirmed into a network of doctors that fit their location, their commitment to their clients and the language, speciality, and cost needs. Other benefits beauty industry, to continue upholding the include pharmaceutical delivery and in-clinic or at- highest standards and maintain all safety home PCR testing for customers based in Colombo. measures and health protocols. “The health and safety of our customers remain Chagall was set up in New Zealand our number one priority. Classic Travel has been where Solomons lived for over 20 years and working to create and implement a set of standards then moved back to Sydney where Chagall that will solidify a Sri Lankan’s most crucial travel continued. Solomons has also worked in needs, no matter which part of the world they’re Hawaii, Australia, and London. travelling to. We are happy to ensure 24/7 healthcare as we offer our services 24/7,” said Classic Travel For more information General Manager/Director Sabry Bahaudeen. 0777 353 177 or 0112 335 555 The brand-new Chagall Shanthi and sisters Asanka de Mel

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