SPECIAL PRICE Rs. 60.00

Maintain Distance, Stay Safe RS. 80.00 PAGES 64 / SECTIONS 6 VOL. 02 – NO. 37 SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 2020 www.themorning.lk epaper.themorning.lk D-DAY: www.aruna.lk epaper.aruna.lk HEADING GOVT.’S ETHANOL MASSES HIT LACK OF TOWARDS MONOPOLY IRKS BY A DOUBLE TRANSPARENCY AUGUST ALCOHOL INDUSTRY WHAMMY FUELS DOUBTS »SEE PAGES 8 & 9 »SEE BUSINESS PAGE 1 »SEE PAGE 4 »SEE PAGE 5

With our readers’ health in mind a special antimicrobial ink has been used in the printing of our newspaper ELECTION COMMISSION MEETING Polls date decision to be delayed? BY SARAH HANNAN “While Director General of to wait for a response from the WHO. the election will be decided after the coming weeks after discussing Health Services Dr. Anil Jasinghe We are hoping to receive a response next meeting of the EC on Monday. with the various parties that are The date to hold the general election may not be decided did provide us with the necessary from them by noon on Monday,” The EC last week received basic involved. Accordingly, election health tomorrow (8) as the Election Commission (EC) awaits advice guidelines to continue with the Rathnayake told The Sunday Morning guidelines from the Ministry of guidelines will need to be drafted from the World Health Organisation (WHO) on holding election campaigns in the upcoming on Friday (5). Health to be followed when holding for the voters, political parties, EC weeks, and although we have the However, earlier last week at a the election. staff, and the polling centres, to name elections amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, Election Secretariat green light to go ahead and announce press conference, EC Chairman “We have basic guidelines which a few.” Director General Saman Sri Rathnakaye stated. the date for the election, we shall have Mahinda Deshapriya said the date of will need to be fleshed out in the Contd. on page 2

MOCK POLL TODAY ALLEGED ASSAULT ON AUTISTIC BOY At least 1,000 Cleaning up our mess people needed Officers suspended Election Commission (EC) member Prof. Ratnajeevan Hoole for not arresting pointed out that it was critical z No evidence of assault: Police Spokesman the necessary number of people take part in the trial run of the BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA arrest. Instead, they had released upcoming parliamentary election him upon the father’s arrival. to be held by the EC today (7). The three police officers who They had neglected their duty Contd. on page 2 had allegedly assaulted an autistic to write an entry about the arrest teenager in Aluthgama have been and therefore, they have been suspended from duty for failing to suspended,” Police Spokesman LEASING LANDS arrest the teenager. SP Jaliya Senaratne said. “The officers failed to make the Contd. on page 2 Railways lose Rs. 47 b The Department of Railways FIND YOUR DAILY has incurred a loss of Rs. 47 billion over 25 years due to pending lease rent payments on the lands owned ESSENTIALS THROUGH by the Department, The Sunday Morning learnt. Contd. on page 2 topads.lk Environmentalists clean up the polluted Mount Lavinia beach in Sri Lanka's capital Colombo on Friday, June 5, 2020 as the country commemorates World Environment Day. PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE VISIT PROTECT YOURSELF FROM COVID-19 SRI LANKANS OVERSEAS GROWING VEGIES FOR RELIEF www.topads.lk 40,000 to be repatriated Jaffna Uni Health For verified Promotion Suwasariya Around 40,000 Sri Lankans “I believe some 40,000-odd Sri information on Bureau Ambulance students step Service living overseas are expected to Lankans are to be brought back the coronavirus 1999 (Covid-19) 1990 be repatriated, The Sunday Morning in the coming months. However, contact any of Quarantine Unit 0112 112 705 forward the following Epidemiology Unit 0112 695 112 learnt. they would not all be brought authorities Govt. coronavirus hotline 0113071073 Chief Epidemiologist at the Ministry down at once due to the Covid-19 150 families living in the STEPS of Health Dr. Sudath Samaraweera regulations,” he said. vicinity of the University of PRESIDENTIAL SPECIAL TASK FORCE FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES said the process would be staggered. Contd. on page 2 Jaffna were fortunate to receive Telephone 0114354854, Fax 0112333066, fresh vegetables cultivated at the Search for the product 0114733600 0114354882 Hotline 0113456200-4 Email [email protected] University premises last month. In view of the two-month you need on topads.lk TOTAL CASES ACTIVE CASES HEALTH MINISTRY AND GMOA DISPUTE curfew, the Student Union of the Faculty of Arts from the 1800 University of Jaffna repurposed Contact the mobile DEATHS RECOVERED 1,800 delayed doc a 10-acre barren land into a number mentioned 11 vegetable farm. 931 858 Contd. on page 2 THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 6.00 P.M. ON 5 JUNE 2020 below the product SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU appointments COVID-19 Get it delivered to your CASES IN THE WORLD BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA list had resulted in the delayed TOTAL CASES appointments of freshly graduated home through the seller A total of 1,800 new doctors’ doctors who had already completed No stats on appointments are currently on hold their internship. 6,740,320 due to the Ministry of Health's delay As explained by the GMOA, the the cremated DEATHS RECOVERD in finalising the “difficult stations reason behind proposing a difficult The Health Ministry has no 393,847 3,374,351 list”, a concept of the Government stations list for the first appointment statistics on the exact number CASES DEATHS Medical Officers’ Association of doctors based on their merits, of dead bodies compulsorily USA 1,926,269 110,255 (GMOA) to replace the earlier North was the fact that most of these ordered for cremation, according BRAZIL 618,554 34,072 and East list of the war time, The doctors had not voluntarily agreed to Epidemiology Unit Chief RUSSIA 449,834 5,528 Sunday Morning learnt. to work in difficult areas as per the Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath SPAIN 287,740 27,133 According to the GMOA, the usual procedure. Samaraweera. #stayhome #staysafe #groceryitem #vegetables UK 281,661 39,904 manipulation of the difficult stations Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 #fruit #deliveredtoyourdoorsteps 2 the sunday morning NEWS Sunday, June 7, 2020

WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER

COLOMBO AIR QUALITY Sri Lanka open to tourists from August The So Sri Lanka campaign Information required five-star hotels in Colombo Descending seems to be in full swing for visa application or Negombo until the test results are received after the Covid-19 pandemic yy Booking details at certified put a halt to all tourism in accommodation yy A further test will be done the island, with the issuance four to five days after of a list of frequently asked yy Itinerary in Sri Lanka arrival by a mobile unit in questions (FAQs) pertaining yy Return ticket co-ordination with your to travel to Sri Lanka, that certified accommodation to old levels visitors can refer to. yy Proof of medical insurance provider The document stated that Sri Where can I stay and y z Lanka is readying to welcome y Travellers staying for Gains made during curfew being reversed travellers from across the is there a minimum more than 10 days will be BY AGRA RANASINGHE measures, we examined that matter (PM 2.5) levels, the world from 1 August 2020, duration? required to take a third test the pollution levels in air was 24-hour average PM 2.5 levels with safety guidelines and y during their stay. While Several research studies y A minimum five-night stay this may be inconvenient, decreased. Again, after relaxing were comparatively high in March precautionary measures, and in Sri Lanka is required found that pollution curfew, it changed as the polluting 2020. Therefore, it is better if went on to list some FAQs, it is essential to safeguard levels in the air has been levels increased, but again, due to people can use public transport. which we have reproduced yy Independent professional everybody and provide increasing worldwide the continuous rain, we saw slight However, I don’t think this will below. The document then audits will be done to peace of mind during the last few changes. However, the present be the case due to the social concluded with a brief on the certify accommodation yy In case of a positive decades with the increase situation may change when distancing measures. current Covid-19 situation in providers who will be PCR result, quarantine in vehicle density and more people start travelling in “It’s better if people can Sri Lanka. listed on the Sri Lanka in a designated hotel vehicles,” he informed. adhere to short-term precautions Tourism website. Details or hospitalisation will industrial and domestic Who can visit? of bookings made with activities. However, with the According to data from such as wearing an appropriate take place depending on Colombo US Embassy’s mask, staying indoors, limiting All nationalities are certified accommodation the details of the case. outbreak of the Covid-19 “Air Pollution: Real-time Air outdoor activities, reducing and welcome and all types of providers are required for pandemic, these pollution Quarantine would usually Quality Index (AQI)” update on avoiding solid waste burning travellers too, whether groups, the visa application last 14-21 days if symptoms levels started to change Thursday (4), the air quality in and other activities that emit families, or individuals. are detected drastically during the last Pre-departure the Colombo District was good. smoke or air particles into the Covid-19 PCR testing few months as almost The NBRO stated that vehicle atmosphere, reducing traffic Which airports will Moving around in Sri all activities came to a emissions are identified as the congestion and vehicle emissions operate? A negative PCR Lanka standstill. highest contributor to poor air as much as possible, instructing Bandaranaike International (polymerase chain reaction) yy To ensure your quality in urban areas. Traffic on factories to stop generators and Airport (BIA), Colombo test result is required prior to safety, please arrange Colombo, the capital city and roads has significantly increased boilers because they are sources Ratmalana Airport (RMA), boarding your flight and on transportation prior to your commercial hub of Sri Lanka, in Sri Lanka over the past few of emission, and facilitating and Mattala Rajapaksa arrival in Sri Lanka. The test arrival, with your certified has always suffered a relatively years. In many areas, as NBRO the improvement of air quality International Airport (MRIA) should be no older than 72 accommodation provider low air quality compared to the stated, researchers have studied monitoring and management (Hambantota) will be hours prior to boarding. or travel agent. Public rest of the island. According to that vehicle emissions have activities,” Premasiri explained. operating for tourist arrivals transport should not be used research carried out by subject become the dominant source of Experts say the tangible from 1 August 2020. On arrival in Sri Lanka matter experts, air pollution air pollutants including carbon improvements in environmental The airport will have high- yy All tourist sites will be in Sri Lanka’s urban areas has monoxide, carbon dioxide, indicators give a glimpse of how What are the visa intensity sanitation measures open from 1 August decreased by up to 75% during volatile organic compounds, effective lifestyle and economic procedures? in place for all areas and staff. onwards with safety the two-month curfew period. nitrogen oxides, and particulate changes can lead to a lasting protocols and measures yy All travellers will require yy There is no quarantine on However, the National Building matter. The increased duration of reduction in pollution in Sri in place to ensure the a valid visa; this will be arrival unless symptoms are Research Organisation (NBRO) traffic congestion has the potential Lanka. wellbeing of our travellers issued for 30 days and detected said the level of air particles in to degrade air quality, especially On a global scale, researchers extendable for up to six yy There will be no travel the environment of the country near large roadways. in Los Angeles in the US have months after arrival. Online yy A PCR test would be done restrictions between has increased significantly again, Premasiri explained that air found a 40% drop in the levels of visa (can be applied for) on arrival at the airport at districts for tourists following the relaxation of the quality in most of the urban PM 2.5 – a class of microscopic at http://www.eta.gov.lk/ no charge curfew. areas was improved when the air pollutants that has been linked slvisa/ yy What is Sri Lanka’s When contacted by The movement of vehicles was to serious cardiovascular and Currently, it takes 24 hours status with Covid-19? Sunday Morning, NBRO Air reduced. respiratory problems, especially yy Further relaxation for to receive the test results. Quality Unit Co-ordinator/ “When the movement of in children and the elderly, during long-stay guests is currently We are making changes to Being an island, and thanks Senior Scientist H.D.S. Premasiri vehicles was reduced since the the lockdown period. under consideration, have results within four to to the proactive measures explained that the decline in air islandwide curfew was imposed Therefore, environmentalists enabling tourists to six hours by August. In the taken, Sri Lanka has been able quality, especially in Colombo, is to minimise the spread of Covid- and researchers have be granted five-year event it is required to wait to manage the spread of the noticeable. 19, air quality of most of the recommended people to contribute multiple entry visas with a 24 hours for test results, virus. No active community “When the country was urban areas was improved a lot. and co-operate in helping reduce maximum six-month stay you will be able to select clusters have been detected a hotel for a one-night locked down due to strict curfew According to the particulate the levels of air pollution. yy Visa fee is $ 100 in the last 30 days within the stay from certified four or country.

Contd. from page 1

Channa Perera told The Sunday Morning list was rejected twice because some He said that at present, Sri Lanka had Polls date... that it had been mentioned in the guidelines Jaffna Uni... Health Ministry officials had put some sufficient quarantine capacity. Campaigning is allowed for political issued by the DGHS how such bodies The undergraduates cultivated chillies, hospitals in Gampaha and Padukka as “We have enough quarantine centres, parties with only three persons allowed should be disposed of. The Health Ministry green leaves, carrots, and pumpkins difficult stations,” Dr. De Zoysa said, especially since there are no more cases to carry out door-to-door pre-election in January announced that the bodies of during the lockdown period in the pointing out that the GMOA is not arising from society except from the campaigns, with meetings to be held under deceased victims of Covid-19 would be Keerimalai area in Jaffna. responsible for the delay. Navy.” the strict guidelines that are directed. cremated to prevent any potential biological “We undertook this activity to utilise “The GMOA’s only concern is that However, according to Election Secretariat threat. In a gazette notification issued the barren land for cultivation purposes there should be doctors in each hospital and the EC Chairman, guidelines will need last week, Health Minister Dr. Pavithra and to be of assistance to the families in the country, and that can only be done Railways lose... to be amended considering the practicality. Wanniarachchi said that the bodies should that had lost their livelihoods due to the by introducing a difficult stations list Accordingly, a vast amount of land While an approximate budget for their be burned at a temperature between 800- prolonged curfew imposed to prevent for the first appointment of doctors,” he along with the railway line owned by regular activities amount to Rs. 7 billion, 1200°C for a minimum period of 45 Covid-19 from spreading. In addition to noted. the Department had been leased out and additional elements regarding health and minutes to one hour. distributing the harvested vegetables to When asked why the doctors cannot be some lands have been encroached by safety that need to be adopted are to be The Health Minister noted that the these families, we also distributed dry appointed under a general system to each illegal occupants, an official attached estimated in the coming days. cremation shall take place at a cemetery or rations to these families a few weeks hospital, Dr. De Zoysa noted that even if to the Ministry of Transport Services EC Chairman Deshapriya, speaking a place approved by the authorities. ago,” a representative from the Student the appointments were made, they would Management told The Sunday Morning. to The Sunday Morning, noted: “The According to the regulation, the body Union noted. not accept them as they would have to The Department had not received health guidelines that have been issued of the deceased will be handed over only complete four years in such an area to be payments for several such lands for over 25 require us to purchase additional supplies to those involved in the cremation process entitled for a transfer. “They will then go years, and the due amount is now estimated such as hand sanitiser, disinfectants, and and that the ashes of the deceased may be 1,800 delayed... to private hospitals,” he said. at Rs. 47 billion. facemasks, and will see the employment handed over to their close relatives upon Therefore, an incentive-based “All these 1,800 doctors are currently However, Transport Services of additional manpower to be posted at their request. programme has been created to make working in hospitals and they are being Management Minister Mahinda polling centres. We are yet to determine the Furthermore, the attire and non-reusable sure doctors are stationed in each corner paid. The payments made to them are not Amaraweera has given instructions to the costs of these.” personal protective equipment used by of the country, whether it is a difficult a waste. The only issue is that they have Railways Department to conduct a survey The EC noted that the Commission’s persons who handle the corpse shall also be area or not, according to the GMOA. not yet received their appointment,” Dr. on lands occupied by tenants and obtain the main objective is to hold elections no destroyed during cremation. “Mostly, doctors under the usual De Zoysa noted. due amounts. (MM) matter the cost and the approximate – Maheesha Mudugamuwa appointment/transfer mechanism do not However, when contacted by The amounts would be calculated closer to the voluntarily go to work in remote areas. Sunday Morning, a senior official of the election date. Therefore, under the difficult (stations) Ministry of Health who wished to remain At least 1,000... Officers list, the doctors were given different anonymous stressed that the delay in “At least 1,000 people would have incentives and they are supposed to work finalising the difficult stations list had to take part for it to be a meaningful No stats... suspended... only for about a year. Then, they will resulted in a delay in recruiting new exercise,” said Prof. Hoole. Dr. Samaraweera told The Sunday He added that an inquiry was in automatically be entitled for a transfer,” doctors. EC Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya Morning that the decision to cremate a progress and that disciplinary action GMOA Assistant Secretary Dr. Naveen He alleged that the list given by the told The Sunday Morning that the mock dead body should be taken by the officials would be decided thereafter. De Zoysa told The Sunday Morning. GMOA had categorised around 75% election was to ascertain variables such as of the relevant hospital. He said that they would not be penalised Alleging that former Health Minister of the hospitals around the country how long voters would take at a polling He reiterated the necessity of for the assault as there was no such Dr. Rajitha Senaratne had attempted as difficult stations. “After several booth. following health guidelines issued by the evidence. to remove the North and East list and negotiations, it has now been reduced “It will be held on Sunday (today) and Government when handling the deaths of “The footage doesn’t show any form of operate on a general appointment to 50%, and further negotiations are it will determine how much time will be Covid-19 patients and suspected Covid-19 assault. I too watched the footage. Yes, mechanism, Dr. De Zoysa stressed that currently underway,” he noted. needed, how many officials are needed, patients. force was used, but there is no assault,” several officials were still trying to etc.” The Judicial Medical Officer (JMO) he said. sabotage the proposed mechanism to He said that the implementation of the reiterated that they were following He went on to say that the police introduce difficult stations, which was 40,000 to be... Covid-19 health guidelines would also be the guidelines issued by the Director officers had not been aware of the boy’s therefore delaying the finalising of the He stated that the Sri Lankans would tested. General of Health Services (DGHS) when autistic condition. list. be repatriated according to the quarantine “This will also be an opportunity to see conducting post-mortems on deceased “At the time of the incident, the officers “The difficult stations list has been capacity available in the country. how the health guidelines could work on Covid-19 patients and suspected Covid-19 could not determine that the boy was prepared by the GMOA together with the “They will be brought down in batches election day. It will show how much longer patients. autistic. He had appeared to be under Ministry of Health officials. However, and even then, we will bring down only the health guidelines would cause the Attached to the Ministry of Health, the influence of narcotics,” the Police the list is yet to be approved by the so many as we have to make sure there is whole process to take,” he said. Consultant Forensic Pathologist Dr. Spokesman said. Public Service Commission (PSC). The enough space for quarantine,” he said. – Skandha Gunasekara the sunday morning 3 Sunday, June 7, 2020 SPOTLIGHT

WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER

IMPORTING OF DAIRY COWS

They have been infected with the disease and then the virus has been transmitted to the foetuses. The calves were Farmers still born in Sri Lanka and later they were identified as being infected with BVD DAPH Director General taste sour Dr. N. Wedasinghe z Successive governments z Waste of money, z Latest project to import fail to address issue lament dairy farmers cows for breeding bank loan with interest. Surprisingly, through BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA the Budget 2019, the Government had allocated While the Government is preparing to import Asked whether the BVD foetuses. The calves were Failed attempts the second stage of the funds amounting to Rs. thousands of new heifers to Sri Lanka to uplift the was brought into Sri Lanka born in Sri Lanka and were project to bring down 15,000 3 billion for the project, country’s dairy sector, dairy and livestock farmers due to poor quarantine later identified as being As alleged by the AIFF, heifers to Sri Lanka. which had already been have urged the Government to pay compensation processes, Dr. Wedasinghe infected with BVD,” he said. the project had continued Karunaratne alleged that paid. Usually, budgetary to the tune of close to Rs. 1 billion due to the clarified that it wasn’t the Now the question arises even after the heifers and the funds had been paid allocations are made for the financial losses incurred by purchasing unhealthy calves that were brought as to who should take calves tested positive through a loan obtained forthcoming projects and not and infertile heifers. These heifers were imported down, but rather the responsibility for bringing for BVD and were not from a bank in New Zealand for projects already initiated. pregnant heifers. “They down diseased cows all the productive; in fact, the and even though the Therefore, it is a “secret” as to the country under a project initiated by former have been infected with the way from New Zealand and Government had paid a sum Government did not receive to who was behind this mega Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa disease and then the virus Australia, putting the entire of $ 11.3 million to Wellard a single heifer since 2017, deal, he stressed. and continued by former Livestock Development has been transmitted to the dairy industry at risk. Australia to continue with it was currently paying the Contd. on page 12 Minister P. Harrison.

The Cabinet of Ministers from New Zealand on 12 last week approved a May 2017 following the proposal to import 2,500 Cabinet approval obtained dairy heifers to strengthen on 24 March 2017; again, the local dairy industry. in December 2017, 3,000 Urging the Government heifers were imported from to suspend the Cabinet- Australia. HP recommends Windows 10 Pro for business approved project to import heifers, the farmers alleged Unhealthy heifers that they had incurred As claimed by the farmers, massive losses as almost the local dairy sector had all the heifers and their plunged into severe crisis offspring brought down to due to apathy on part of the Sri Lanka from Australia Government concerning the HP ProBook 450 G7 Notebook PC under the previous project importation of heifers from have died. Australia. Speaking to The Sunday Power, style, and value- Morning, All Island Farmers Federation (AIFF) just what your growing business needs National Organiser Namal Karunaratne said the dairy farming sector has plunged into severe crisis due to apathy on part of the Government with regard to the importation of diseased heifers from Australia. The majority of heifers imported from Australia were suffering from bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD), he said, adding that the Poor farmers were previous project was a promised that the new total mess and therefore, heifers would produce the Government should 30 litres per day but discontinue the project. in reality, they produce “This is an absolute waste only about 11 litres per of money,” he added. day. The majority of Thousands of farmers farmers brought heifers were affected by the from the Government unproductive and diseased after obtaining loans heifers imported by the from banks Government, he stressed, AIFF National Organiser and as a result, the farmers Namal Karunaratne had lost their mode of income while some farmers had also lost their lands. “The heifers had been “Poor farmers were brought down to the country promised that the new without being quarantined. heifers would produce 30 They were quarantined Range starts litres per day but in reality, within the first 45 days and from Rs.109,000 they produce only about 11 had failed,” Department litres per day. The majority of Animal Production and of farmers brought heifers Health (DAPH) Director Specifications from the Government after General Dr. N. Wedasinghe th obtaining loans from banks said, speaking to The Sunday • Available in 10 Gen Intel® Core™ i3, i5, i7 Processors • Windows 10 Pro • RAM: 4 GB, 8 GB and as a result of these Morning. • 1 TB HDD • Optional Graphic Card available • 3 Years warranty available. issues, the farmers were left In 2018, the DAPH with no way to pay their had informed the Rural loans,” he said, adding that Economic Affairs Ministry Key features the Government had spent that the calves were infected Rs. 520,000 per heifer and with BVD and a disease sold it to farmers at a lower called liver fluke, following Affordable Security, Performance rate of Rs. 200,000. sample tests conducted and ultra slim durability, and long “It’s been many years in local laboratories. The since the failed project samples were sent to the design connectivity battery life started, but none of World Organisation for the farmers have been Animal Health (OIE) for compensated yet,” he further experiments. The stressed. OIE report subsequently The project was initiated stated that the samples were in 2014 with the aim of BVD-positive, although liver HP Notebook price range starts from Rs. 64,990. enhancing the country’s fluke disease was ruled out. milk production in order DAPH Director General for Sri Lanka to achieve Dr. Wedasinghe told The The best devices in the world run Windows 10 Pro self-sufficiency in milk Sunday Morning that there For more information, visit: https://hp-slcommercialpc.com production by 2020. An were only 22 calves that had agreement worth $ 73 been infected with BVD million was signed to and they had instructed import 20,000 heifers the farmers to isolate the from Australia, under the infected calves. Government in 2014, with “Out of the 433 samples Partner Contact info: Trident Corporation: 0770 037822, The Technocity (Pvt) Ltd: 0773 928424, Redington Lanka (Pvt) Ltd: 0777 215396, Wellard Rural Exports (Pvt.) that have been tested for Abans PLC: 0776 357652, V S Information Systems: 0762 042846 Ltd. of Australia. BVD, only 22 were found The project was then to be positive and further 2020 HP Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. Not all features are available in all editions or versions of Windows. Systems may require upgraded and/ or separately purchased hardware, drivers, software or BIOS update to take full advantage of Windows functionality. Windows 10 is automatically updated, which is always enabled. ISP fees may apply and additional revived by former Minister experiments had been requirements may apply over time for updates. See http://www.windows.com. Screens simulated, subject to change; Apps sold separately, availability may vary. Microsoft and Windows are other registered trademarks Harrison during the conducted by the OIE office of Microsoft Corporation in the United States or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.* Terms and conditions apply. Prices may vary depending on specifications. Yahapalana Government and in London. They confirmed as a result, the Government that those 22 are BVD- brought down 2,000 heifers positive,” he said.

51524-1-3HPPS_SL_ProBook 450 G6_May.indd 1 28/5/20 6:16 PM Client: HPPS Descriptions: SL_Pro450 6G_News_May Bleed: NA

Job Number: 51524-1-3 Trim Size: (228w x 350h) mm_Option 2 Colour Specifications: 4C

Initial / Name: Nicole Type Area: NA Date In / Out & Rev No: 22 - 26 May 20, R1

CMYK Suits: Michelle / Priyanti 4 the sunday morning FOCUS Sunday, June 7, 2020

WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA COST OF LIVING With the weakening of the rupee and a host of import restrictions being imposed by the Government, industry experts and economists expect the cost of living to rise in the foreseeable future. Just two weeks ago, the Government decided to increase the controlled price of Masses hit by a rice in a move they and rice millers believe would safeguard the domestic paddy industry. In addition, as a method to reduce foreign exchange outflows following the global and domestic lockdown of economies due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Government slapped on a number of double whammy import bans and tariffs. The Ceylon National Chamber of completely subdued, so prices will not go Industries Vice Chairman Kevin Edwards up immediately. But once the economy told The Sunday Morning that both these While I accept that it (increase in opens and normalises, people will restart factors would see an increase in the cost of rice prices) is still a burden on the buying and if the goods are not available in living. the market, the prices will tend to go up,” “With the rupee depreciating against the consumer, as a professional in the he said. dollar, the cost of all imported items will industry it was the correct move by Echoing the sentiments of the National increase. Therefore, there will be a definite the Government to increase prices Chamber of Industries, Wijewardena said increase in the cost of living,” he said. as it would have been detrimental that domestic production would take time He added that the Government had for the rice millers if not, and the to restart properly until anti-pandemic jumped the gun in restricting imports and entire local paddy industry could measures are finally removed. that it would take time for the domestic have collapsed He said: “There won’t be a response production to meet local market demands. Sri Lanka Trade Development Council in domestic products because already the “They are expecting the domestic Chairman Roshana Waduge producers – the agricultural producers and production to supply the needs of the the industrial producers – have a huge country but that won’t happen overnight. problem of cash, a problem of demand, and Domestic production will take time to In a short period, the local production will a problem in getting their employees to their be able to supply the demand required. overcome domestic demand and will need workplaces. So right now, there will not Therefore, that gap could have been to reach the global market. Also, I don’t be a positive response from the domestic filled by imports but now with import tax think that by growing turmeric and chillies, sector. But once the system becomes normal increases and bans, the supply will become people can raise their standard of living and people are free to work without this restricted which will in turn result in an to a level of a developed country, nor do ‘physical distancing’, domestic production increase in prices,” he said. I think we can provide employment to can respond to local demand. Edwards asserted that prior warning educated girls and boys using policies such “We have to remember that some of should have been given to the import as import restrictions,” he said. these domestic producers are faced with industry before making changes. detrimental for the rice millers if not, and Nevertheless, Prof. Abeyratne the problem of importing the required “The Government should have given the entire local paddy industry could have acknowledged that under the current raw materials from other countries. One notice of about three months before collapsed. This in turn would hurt the Domestic production will take time circumstances, such economic policies thing is that some imports have been curtailing imports and increasing taxes. economy as we would then have to import to be able to supply the demand were unavoidable. banned under the new import control This would have allowed for a better yet another essential food item. With the “I’m not against these policy measures regulations, while the other problem is transition,” Edwards said. increase in prices, the Government was required. Therefore, that gap could at the moment because the Government that the suppliers from the other side are Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Trade able to balance the situation,” he said. have been filled by imports but is desperate to find some breathing space not able to provide products immediately Development Council (SLTDC) pointed to University of Colombo lecturer and now with import tax increases as there is no foreign exchange coming with the Government’s requirement that a different issue altogether. senior economist Prof. Sirimal Abeyratne, and bans, the supply will become in, but we have to pay the debt obligation they should get three to six months credit. SLTDC Chairman Roshana Waduge said speaking on the issue, said that despite restricted which will in turn result in foreign currency with whatever is left Therefore, all the importers will have to that political instability had also caused a a global recession and a fall in inflation, in an increase in prices in the till. So, in this kind of desperate arrange for three to six months bank credit market downturn. it does not mean that the masses would The Ceylon National Chamber situation, those measures are inevitable and in order to get their goods down. But if “When the Government mechanism isn’t benefit from low goods prices due to a lack of Industries Vice Chairman I’m not against them. But if we are looking the import flow doesn’t work properly, the functioning properly it affects all aspects of purchasing power. Kevin Edwards at the progress of the economy after some domestic producers will be unable to restart of the country, especially the economy,” he “There are two things that happen during time, when the time for economic revival production.” said. this kind of situation. One thing is that if He went on to note that government comes, there needs to be a change.” He said that the Government too had He said that it was the duty of the you look at inflation, it should go down policies of import restrictions may not Further, he said that while there would options to control the cost of living such as Government that is elected through the during an economic recession. You would have the desired economic affect. be economic benefits from coming out of introducing control prices for goods. upcoming general election to ensure that see in Sri Lanka, as well as in the rest of “Whenever there are higher tariffs on the pandemic early, much would depend on “Increasing the cost of living is a matter the cost of living is brought down. the world, that generally inflation is going imported products, people think that it how the global market behaves. for the Government. The Government can “We expect that after the election down. It doesn’t mean that the people are would benefit local products, but we have “We can make a comeback to a limited opt for price controls like it already has or it there will be more stability, which will benefiting as the price of goods are going adopted this strategy for many years – in extent. Take China for example: Their will have to increase the domestic supply by allow economic activities to resume. down as there is another thing that is the ‘60s and ‘70s especially. However, progress is limited by the global situation. allowing selected imports to come into the Whichever government comes into power, happening, which is the decline in income I don’t think there has been impressive China has come back to the production country,” Wijewardena noted. it is their duty to ensure political stability. and loss of jobs. So even if inflation goes progress with those policies,” Prof. process, but they’re not talking about going He said the medium to long-term solution The people of the country are in a very down, it doesn’t give any benefit because Abeyratne said. back to domestic production. China is would be to increase production as well as vulnerable place right now with the lack of the decline in aggregate demand. That However, he also noted that due to the always talking about global production, but productivity. of jobs, lack of salaries, and the increasing is a dilemma we are experiencing in this global impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, that is limited by the global markets such “In the long run, the solution would be for cost of living,” Waduge said. economic recession,” Prof. Abeyratne there was a small window of opportunity as Europe, the US, and the West,” Prof. our production to go up. But we will have Touching on the topic of the increase explained. for domestic production to prosper, but Abeyratne noted. to be mindful of the fact that along with the in rice prices, he said that while as a He said there would be a decline in that too would be short-lived unless Former Central Bank Deputy Governor production, our productivity also should consumer he was disappointed, as a demand for imports as well. domestic production is opened up to the and senior economist W.A. Wijewardena go up. Otherwise, what would happen is member of the SLTDC, it was needed for “There will be a decline in demand too. international markets soon after. said that a hike in prices would not the cost of production would go up and all the protection of local industries. Unless the imports are essential goods, “But given the current situation, because be immediate due to the restriction of the producers will have low profit margins, “With regard to the increase in rice there will be a decline in demand. This the supply channels are disrupted and movements of the people. and this will impact their future growth prices, I believe that it was a good move to is caused by, as I said earlier, the general international trade has come to a halt, “If you look at the Cost of Living Index, prospects. Productivity means the output per safeguard the local industry. While I accept decline in aggregate demand. Secondly, there is something positive for domestic it will not increase because the demand unit of input used. For example, if a garment that it is still a burden on the consumer, the higher taxes on imports – this will also production by imposing import restrictions. is subdued as a result of the curfews and employee has completed one garment as a professional in the industry, it was discourage the consumer. So, these two But it cannot go on for long. The reason is the lockdown of the economy. As a result, previously, now she has to complete more the correct move by the Government to things will affect the fall in import demand that the time period for domestic products people cannot buy whatever they want to than one garment. That is what we mean by increase prices as it would have been as well.” to prosper in the local market is limited. buy and therefore, the demand has been increasing productivity.”

RICE PRICES VS. RICE MILLERS’ ISSUES area, with the second harvest taking place kilogramme of raw paddy was bought at in the Kurunegala side. The third harvest Rs. 44 and a kilogramme of dry paddy was comes from Thoppur, Muttur, followed bought at Rs. 50 by the Sri Lanka Army by the harvests from Anuradhapura, through government agents, who were asked Polonnaruwa, Medirigiriya, and Mahaweli. to store paddy stocks at small and medium- "There is something wrong with the sized rice mills,” he said. Government's paddy purchasing system. The Battling big players Government starts buying paddy when the Upping purchase prices harvesting season begins in the Mahaweli The large-scale rice mill owners, fearing z Small and medium rice Zone. By that time, two and a half months of that they will not have sufficient paddy stocks paddy cultivation in other parts of the country to purchase, decided to increase the prices of mills facing closure has come to an end. A farmer in Kurunegala paddy. They announced that a kilogramme of can never sell paddy at a higher price. paddy will be priced at Rs. 55-56, blocking z Requests price control Large-scale rice mill owners purchase paddy the Government’s efforts in stocking and for paddy purchases at cheaper rates. When the Government purchasing paddy stocks from farmers at Rs. starts buying paddy, it is already too late,” 50. At that time, small and medium-scale Jayamanne explained. rice mill owners were only able to store BY SARAH HANNAN The price of paddy has gone up to Rs. up to 50,000 kg of paddy, Jayawickrama 50; while small and medium-scale rice mill elaborated. Small and medium-scale rice mill owners owners are buying paddy at high prices, the They (large-scale rice mill owners) have expressed their concerns over paddy large-scale rice mill owners have purchased challenged the Government and increased purchasing prices and the controlled price paddy in bulk from other parts of the country the prices of paddy to an unaffordable of rice imposed by the Government. They at low prices. The Government should price. Today, they are unable to sell rice point out that it is impossible for them to understand this situation. Jayamanne added at government prices. When the paddy is sell rice at the Government-stipulated price that this situation has prompted the closure of purchased at Rs. 55-56, it is not possible to due to huge production costs they incur with many small and medium rice mills. sell rice at Rs. 90. If the small and medium- the increase in paddy prices requested by If paddy was purchased at government scale paddy mill owners are provided with large-scale rice mill owners. prices, there would be no such problems, paddy, there will be no such problems. As Speaking about the rice crisis, All Ceylon Singha Rice Mills (Polonnaruwa) Owner much as they challenged the Government Essential Food Stocks and Retailers’ Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) to areas. As a result, large-scale rice mill Suraj Jayawickrama said. then, the large-scale rice mill owners should Association Chairman Bandula Jayamanne regulate prices, pointing out that large-scale owners have enough paddy stocks all year “The paddy harvest has not been reduced take responsibility to provide rice at the said that the rice crisis was aggravated rice mill owners are purchasing paddy round. The first harvest in any season is due to rains, droughts, and pests during Government-stipulated prices. following a special gazette issued by the whilst being harvested in their respective harvested in the Narammala, Polgahawela the Maha Season. The problem is that a Contd. on page 14 the sunday morning 35 Sunday, June 7, 2020 FOCUS

WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER

BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA PETROLEUM STABILISATION FUND Thanks to the global crude oil price reductions experienced in the last few months due to Covid- 19, Sri Lanka now has a Petroleum Stabilisation Fund (PSF) to absorb the shocks in global oil price fluctuations without letting it affect Lack of transparency local fuel prices. However, the PSF announced by the Government two weeks ago has led to some bitter arguments about what the money is for and how it should be managed. The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) trade unions (TUs) were the first to ring the alarm over the PSF, alleging that the objectives of the fund weren’t clear for them, as the taxes collected through petroleum products could have been directly fuelssupported by the gradual recovery in fuel should be a high degree of transparency,doubts transferred to the relevant authorities. demand as the partial reopening of the exposing funds to public vigilance. Product Price (per litre) Govt. tax As pointed out by them, the fund lacks economy gathered pace. Lanka Petrol 92 Octane 137.00 106.00 transparency and it was not clear who The West Texas Intermediate (WTI) Stabilising local prices should be held responsible for the respective prices have also been up and was trading at Meanwhile, when contacted by The Lanka Petrol 95 Octane Euro 4 161.00 113.00 fund – whether it is under the Ministry of $ 30.19 per barrel, after it turned negative in Sunday Morning, Petroleum Industries Lanka Auto Diesel 104.00 58.00 Finance or Ministry of Petroleum Industries. a first, last month. Minister Mahinda Amaraweera assured a It was at the last cabinet meeting held last Nevertheless, the TUs alleged the CPC high degree of transparency in the recently Lanka Super Diesel 4 Star Euro 4 132.00 86.00 month that the Government announced the was still earning huge profits from selling established fund to stabilise the petroleum Lanka Kerosene 70.00 N/A setting up of a PSF that is to be maintained fuel at higher rates and had earned massive prices. under the supervision of the Treasury profits, especially during the coronavirus He noted that the fund would manage the Lanka Industrial Kerosene 110.00 58.00 Officials Committee. lockdown. “The Government did not pass local fuel prices and therefore, the changes Fuel prices By setting up a PSF, the Government any benefit to the public, instead they are in the global crude oil prices would not have expected to implement a programme to using CPC money arbitrarily without any any impact in local fuel prices. reduction experienced in the last few benefit indirectly through the subsidies provide long-term relief to the public accountability and transparency,” Palitha “The fuel prices would not be changed months, he said even though the world provided by the Government,” he said, through the repayment of loans obtained alleged. under any circumstance as the Government oil prices decreased, the fuel usage in adding that if the fuel prices were by the CPC and Ceylon Electricity Board did not reduce the prices even during the the country had also gone down and at reduced, the benefit would only go for (CEB). Taxing more last two months when the global fuel prices present, the income earned by the CPC those who have vehicles. “But currently, Petroleum industry TUs alleged that the The Finance, Economic, and Policy had gone down. The price fluctuation was the only income the Government the Government is using the money fund is being used by the Government as a Development Ministry under Prime would be controlled by the PSF,” Minister had at present where the economy is not earned through selling fuel to provide short-term cushion for state expenditure and Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has gazetted Amaraweera noted. running at all. facilities to the entire country affected by the mandates are poorly defined. levying an import duty of Rs. 50 per litre Commenting on the global oil price “At the same time, we’ve passed the the coronavirus," Amaraweera stressed. on all petrol imports, including 92 and 95 A cash pot Octane, as well as Rs. 25 per litre on all Jathika Sevaka Sangamaya (JSS) CPC diesel imports. A second Gazette issued Branch President Ananda Palitha alleged on the same day, 22 April, imposed that the fund was being used by the surcharges of Rs. 26 on each litre of 92 Government as a cash pot to fund current Octane petrol, Rs. 49 on 95 Octane, Rs. expenditure. 40 on Super Diesel, and Rs. 24 per litre “There is no definition given to the fund on other types of diesel. and its mandate or any representation The earlier duty had been held of CPC or Lanka Indian Oil Company unchanged at Rs. 35 since late 2018 for (LIOC),” he stressed, adding that the petrol and there was no surcharge. For Government could not arbitrarily use the diesel, there was only a duty of Rs. 5.85, funds earned by the CPC without defining a which was raised to Rs. 19.85 in March proper objective. before being increased to Rs. 25 per litre in April. There was no surcharge for diesel earlier as well. To CPC From CPC With the latest increases, taxes on a SriLankan Airlines – To Iran for purchasing litre of petrol have increased from Rs. $ 11 million oil – $ 510 million 59.26 to Rs. 104.81 and on diesel, from Rs. 26.66 to Rs. 57.82, according to the CEB and other power People’s Bank – Rs. companies – Rs. 81 550 billion latest update by JB Securities. billion Running into losses Govt. subsidy from Even though oil is considered a 2006 – Rs. 500 billion lucrative business, the CPC, over the past many decades, has been running at a huge Debt loss while burdened with massive debts. One major reason for the losses As explained by Palitha, the fund is incurred by the CPC was the government applicable to both the CPC and LIOC. subsidies and the payments owed by “The fund is said to be managed by several state institutions including the officials of the Treasury. How could they CEB, SriLankan Airlines, and other manage a fund which has petroleum money power companies. and what are they managing? This is totally As elaborated by the JSS union leader, unacceptable,” Palitha stressed. the CPC had incurred Rs. 45 billion in Highlighting the promises made by the losses during the past six months. Government of passing the benefits of In addition, the SriLankan Airlines global price reductions to the public, he should pay $ 11 million to CPC while the questioned the Government on what sort of CEB and other power companies owe Rs. benefits they had given so far. 81 billion. Furthermore, the CPC should “The global fuel prices kept falling since receive over Rs. 500 billion as subsidies December last year and it went to negative from the Government since 2006. In the rates in April. During all this time, the meantime, the CPC should pay $ 510 Government kept saying the prices would million to Iran for fuel purchasing and be reduced soon and after the Covid-19 Rs. 550 billion to People’s Bank for loans attack; it changed its usual slogan and said obtained by the CPC. the benefits will pass to the public,” he Nevertheless, none of these debts stressed. had been recovered by the Government Brent crude hit a 21-year low with US oil despite the global fuel prices reduction, futures slumping into negative for the first Palitha stressed. “The CPC at least did time in history in April due to Covid-19. not have any account of how much profit While the demand for fuels had almost they earned during last three months,” he vanished with most of the world under added. coronavirus lockdowns, the prices have Urging the Government to look since recovered. to Norway or Alaska as models for The oil prices began to climb by the end maintaining public funds, the CPC TUs of May and it reported higher rates last claimed that for a fund like this, there week, with the international benchmark Brent crude oil trading at $ 33.42 per barrel, 6 the sunday morning FOCUS Sunday, June 7, 2020

WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER

BY AGRA RANASINGHE Has the committee named a closing people's habits and educate them. date for donations or are people On 23 March, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa established the special This is only initial funding, but we free to donate at whatever time No political Covid-19 Healthcare and Social Security Fund to strengthen all will continue to provide funds as they are able to? measures and activities aimed at controlling the spread of Covid-19 required in an emergency. We are not planning to name a within the country along with related social welfare programmes. closing date yet, and there won't be involvement in Rebranded “Itukama” several weeks ago, the fund has now amassed Is the fund being audited? any closing date because anyone can over Rs. 1.2 billion. The Sunday Morning conducted an interview with Of course, the fund is being donate at whatever time. Lanka Sathosa Ltd. Chairman Nushad M. Perera, who is one of the key completely audited. We have the officials overseeing the fund, to ask him about the public and corporate former Auditor General (AG) in our Are politicians involved in the reception to the fund, what purposes it is being utilised for, and the committee. Anyone can visit the management and utilisation of this transparency measures in place. Below are excerpts of the interview: Itukama.lk site and see the governing fund? body. They are all professional This fund is not and will not be COVID Since the Itukama programme was government servants. managed by politicians or ministers started, what kind of a response did but by government-approved you get from the public? Positive or Are there any foreign auditors professionals and high-class negative? This fund is not and will not engaged in the programme? government servants. This includes FUND Their response was very positive. be managed by politicians or No foreign auditors are engaged in the Director General of Customs, the Sathosa Chairman assures fund People who were quarantined, ministers but by government- this. IGP, and the Secretary to the Ministry students from Australia, religious approved professionals and of Health. This is not a fund like the will not be mismanaged institutions, companies, and many high-class government servants Don’t you think even more people Mahapola Fund. individuals have given donations. would be willing to donate if the fund was being audited by a Since the programme was started, By now, how much has the used? Is it allocated for economic foreign auditor? have any politicians contributed to programme been able to collect? purposes, health affairs, and/or any I don't think so because the fund the fund? We have collected over Rs. 1.2 other purpose? is created under the Presidential I think some ministers have billion from donations. We will only be using money to Secretariat. The Presidential donated their salaries and such. prevent or to be ready for another Secretariat is responsible for the fund Was the programme able to collect possible wave of Covid-19 and any and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) What message would you like more donations from individuals or similar kind of viral attack. Ravindra J. Wimalaweera is also the to give to the public about the companies? Secretary of the fund programme. Itukama programme? We received donations from both As of now, for what purpose has This fund is managed by professional I would say that we assure this fund individuals and companies. the money being used? officials, from the IGP (Inspector won’t be wasted or used for anything We have already given Rs. 100 General of Police) to the Central other than its stated purposes. It will For the public's knowledge, for million for PCR tests and allocated Bank Governor, EPF Chairman, and only be used for emergencies in order what purpose will the fund be another Rs. 100 million to build such members. to face any possible health threats.

BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA Sri Lankans could be failing to follow INCREASING COVID-19 CASES AMONG WHO guidelines. With growing public displeasure REPATRIATED SRI LANKANS Highlighting Sri Lanka’s commitment at the high number of Covid- to following the guidelines, Dr. 19-positive cases among Sri Samaraweera said that it was up to other Lankan returnees from abroad, countries to do the same. especially the Middle East, the “Yes, we have done this for foreigners Government acknowledged that who were Covid-19-positive and in Sri foreign nations could do more to Lanka. The Chinese national is one such ensure infected patients were not example. She and several other foreigners BATTLE were kept in Sri Lanka and treated and repatriated while the Ministry of looked after at our own expense. We The problem is that unfortunately, the Health (MoH) urged it to consider AGAINST THE followed the WHO principles in this response from the other side is not in the circumstances of other regard. Likewise, all other countries are the same spirit or form. We are saddled countries. expected to follow these guidelines, but it with this issue but we are trying our Even with the Government claiming is up to them.” best to solve this problem. We are using that there is no community transmission He then pointed out that unlike Sri all our diplomatic connections and in Sri Lanka and even with Army Lanka, some countries only carried out a relations to make this work and ensure Commander Shavendra Silva asserting limited number of PCR (polymerase chain that these countries stick to the health that Covid-19 was no more in Sri Lankan VIRUS reaction) tests and that some of the Sri regulations and guidelines society, the number of Covid-19-positive CONTINUES Lankans being sent back from countries in Government Spokesman patients continues to rise, particularly the Middle East had already violated visa Keheliya Rambukwella due to the high number of cases reported z Spotlight on WHO z Questions over regulations. among expatriate returnees. “We have to think of it from their side. country, but that’s what you see when you Despite specific World Health health guidelines following proper health For example, in some countries testing is look at the situation as it is – you have Organisation (WHO) guidelines, MoH on travelling procedures overseas only done for those who have symptoms to look at the bigger picture. It is quite Public Health Services Deputy Director or those who have been admitted; for mild possible that the coronavirus would spread General Dr. Paba Palihawadana said that cases, they don’t do tests. to other countries, just as how it spread it was difficult for foreign nations to “Another issue is that those who from China. We don’t know the whole determine if an individual was infected returned from the Middle Eastern picture in those countries, so I cannot say before boarding. countries like Kuwait were there illegally what the intentions of those countries are, “Of course, they maybe incubating the and in violation of visa regulations, and but we have to look at the bigger picture.” disease. How do you know? How can you were on the verge of deportation. In fact, say they’re sick? Once they come here, they had been given amnesty due to the Govt. critical they develop the symptoms. How can Covid-19 pandemic. So, these things must Nevertheless, the Government was they make sure that they don’t have the be considered as well. critical of the role played by foreign disease from that end? It is not possible. nations in the repatriation process. There are no WHO guidelines as such. Government Spokesman and former There are international health regulations State Minister of Investment Promotion on sick persons travelling but in this case, Keheliya Rambukwella said that although all are not sick. Some have developed diplomatic channels were assuring that (symptoms) on the way. The incubation due process with regard to the guidelines period can be very short for some was being followed, the situation once people,” she said. expats arrived told a different story. She stated that it was the need of Sri “What we are being told by the various Lankans to come back to their home ambassadors and diplomats is that maybe country that was necessitating the these returnees got it on the flight, which repatriation process. we find quite funny. They all say that “Sri Lankans are coming to their own they do a proper check and put them on country; it’s not that they are being sent board, but the ground reality doesn’t back. Sri Lankans could probably be a appear to correlate with these claims,” burden to these countries; then who would Rambukwella said. take them? A majority of cases developed Of course, they maybe incubating the He said the Government was doing all it symptoms after they came to Sri Lanka. disease. How do you know? How can could to, from its end, ensure Sri Lankans There were a very few cases where the you say they’re sick? Once they come both abroad and in the country were safe. repatriates had fever upon arrival. Other here, they develop the symptoms. How “We are trying to make certain times, they developed symptoms after can they make sure that they don’t arrangements with our embassies over arriving and while staying in quarantine have the disease from that end? It is there with regard to sanitisation, testing, centres,” she said. She said that the returnees had carried where they issue a certificate when not possible etc. It’s a very complicated affair, but we negative Covid-19 antibody test results repatriates are coming from that end, has have not given up. We are trying our best and that Lankan authorities could only not been established. In time to come, MoH Public Health Services to keep to the WHO guidelines.” treat any returnees that tested positive; they have to establish such a system. Deputy Director General However, he said that even though Sri Dr. Paba Palihawadana epidemiological proof would be needed There have been discussions, of course, Lanka was doing its part, other countries to make any allegations of neglect on the on the matter. appeared to have a callous attitude in part of foreign nations. “Globally, such a mechanism is “If the roles were reversed and there reciprocating this goodwill. "We conduct the tests here, and often we being worked out. We will also look were foreigners illegally staying in Sri “The problem is that unfortunately, do the quarantining. That is what we can to recommend getting a certificate Lanka and being a burden in our country, the response from the other side is not in do at this stage for this kind of disease. from those countries, but it is not yet what would we do? We have to think of the same spirit or form. We are saddled "Unless we have epidemiological proof, happening. Everybody wants to develop the bigger picture in such a context.” with this issue but we are trying our best If the roles were reversed and there were we cannot really suspect or point fingers this globally. Such a Covid-free certificate However, while accepting that it would to solve this problem. We are using all foreigners illegally staying in at anyone. They were carrying antibody could indicate that an individual was clear be a violation of WHO guidelines if our diplomatic connections and relations Sri Lanka and being a burden in our negative tests as well,” she reiterated. of the disease 48 hours before getting on countries were allowing infected persons to make this work and ensure that these country, what would we do? She then disclosed that there is an board the airplane." to travel, Dr. Samaraweera cautioned that countries stick to the health regulations We have to think of the bigger picture international conversation being held Jumping to conclusions? we consider the circumstances in such and guidelines, and display the discipline in such a context on the need to have proper screening countries before jumping to conclusions. that we expect. It’s a complicated matter MoH Chief Epidemiologist methods for the global movement of Meanwhile, MoH Chief Epidemiologist “Yes, it is against guidelines if they and we are trying to manage it as best as Dr. Sudath Samaraweera people, including repatriation. Dr. Sudath Samaraweera too was reluctant are sending infected Sri Lankans back we can,” he said. "So far, a globally developed system, to accept that foreign countries sending here solely because it is a burden to their Contd. on page 12 the sunday morning 37 Sunday, June 7, 2020 SPOTLIGHT

WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER

BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA PHOTO SAMAN ABESIRIWARDANA The controversial beach nourishment project of the Department of Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management (CCCRM) has taken a new twist as environmentalists alleged that the artificial CONTROVERSIAL BEACH NOURISHMENT PROJECT deposit was aimed at curtailing the effects to the coastline as a result of the Colombo Port City project, which requires the pumping of thousands of sand cubes from time to time to replace what’s being washed away.

Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) Executive Director Hemantha Withanage alleged that ALL AT SEA one of the main reasons for the coastal erosion witnessed along the southern, western, and eastern PUBLIC DROWNED coasts was the construction of the Colombo Port City, as it had changed the entire physical geology of the country’s coastal belt. “We have fought against IN LOSSES the project since its inception, highlighting the foreseeable z Project approved in 2018; z Statements and damage it can cause to the coastline. Nevertheless, current Cabinet gives OK counterstatements galore governments decided to go ahead with the project and now, the for making contradictory The regular programme is huge amount of sand extracted during this period, and probably authorities are spending millions BEACH NOURISHMENT statements about the project. aimed at preserving the coastline offshore and deposited along the even longer, no additional of rupees of the innocent public’s Beach nourishment, or beach “Initially, he said the project and protecting against flooding. coast in a single operation to form nourishment is needed. money to pay for the damage to replenishment, is the practice was aimed at protecting Mount The Sand Motor also has the a hook-shaped peninsula. By The first complete assessment nature,” he alleged. of adding sand or sediment Lavinia Beach and once the purpose to create (temporarily) making use of natural processes of how this solution has been to beaches to combat erosion sand washed away, he changed space for leisure activities and to redistribute the sand over time, working was formulated in Misusing public finance and increase beach width. It his stance and said the sand was nature development; it also the Sand Motor is a buffer against 2016, after the first four years of The CCCRM cannot deny is viewed as an alternative to deposited aiming at (protecting enables a better understanding sea level rise, also mitigating monitoring, indicating success in its misuse of public finance armouring. the) Wellawatte (beach). But what of the behaviour of the coastal the impacts of storm surges and coastal protection, particularly in as a result of violating entire Nourishment can kill or we think is that the sand was system. These multiple purposes coastal flooding. the vicinity of the Sand Motor. procedures that should have been scare away critters that live deposited aiming to curtail the make it an example of a Building The implications of this A new habitat for local flora and be adhered to by the Department on the beach, change the type negative effects to the coastline with Nature (BwN) solution that intervention are to be equivalent fauna was created and a new while protecting the coastal belt, of sand that many animals caused by the Colombo Port City uses natural processes to fulfil to the amount of regular sand large sand shoal is offering new Withanage stressed. depend on, and make the (project),” Withanage alleged. multifunctional purposes in nourishment in the region over 20 opportunities for recreational The project launched by the nearby seawater muddy, which He also noted that the CCCRM coastal management. years; this implies that, except for activities, meeting the initial CCCRM was aimed at building can smother marine life. This DG could not take arbitrary The intervention involved a possible exceptional situations, expectations. artificial sand barriers to prevent added sand can also smother decisions over the coastal belt erosion along the 4 km stretch rocky reefs, kelp forests, and of the country, especially if it between Angulana and Mount seagrass beds and can clog the damaged the environment. Lavinia, and the 2 km stretch of mouths of estuaries as it moves Highlighting a success story Calido Beach in Kalutara at a cost along the shore. in the Netherlands, Withanage of Rs. 890 million. Beach nourishment is stressed that the Dutch authorities Accordingly, a Danish company not a long-term solution; had conducted their “Sand Motor” received the contract for the eventually, waves and storms project in a proper manner project early this year to build will erode away the additional by getting all the necessary a 70-metre barrier between the sand and nourishment will approvals, and also amending the coast of Angulana and Mount have to be repeated. project according to suggestions Lavinia, and a 40-metre barrier at given by experts. Calido Beach. “But the CCCRM did not even In January this year, the stretch was around Rs. 110 seek approval from the Central Cabinet of Ministers approved million, compared to the total cost Environmental Authority (CEA) the awarding of a € 4.4 million of the project, which was Rs. 890 for extracting sand from land that contract for beach nourishment, million. was under the CEA’s purview, based on a proposal submitted The Director General said there for filling Mount Lavinia Beach; by the Minister of Environment was no truth to the allegation that this is in addition to not doing a and Wildlife Resources. It was sand worth Rs. 890 million had proper EIA,” he stressed. planned to dredge sand from been washed away. the deep sea to nourish the According to the CCCRM, the aforementioned stretches of purpose of the programme was to beach. artificially nourish the stretch of The Cabinet decision to go Last week, images of the the eroding beach extending from ahead with this project was Mount Beach stretch showing the Mount Lavinia to Dehiwala. taken on 22 January this sand that was filled earlier this According to Chandrakeerthi, year…It was rushed during year being washed away, began Cabinet approval for the project the curfew because there to circulate on social media, was received on 8 May 2018 and would’ve been opposition bringing to light the blatant the current Cabinet approved the from the local fishing inefficiency of the project. awarding of the contract to the community Danish company in January this CCCRM Senior Engineer year. (Coastal Design and Research) Meanwhile, CCCRM Senior Sujeewa Ranawaka Engineer (Coastal Design and But the CCCRM did not Research) Sujeewa Ranawaka even seek approval from said the project was planned and Therefore, environmentalists the Central Environmental finalised by the CCCRM when alleged that the Department Authority (CEA) for it was under then Minister of couldn’t just wash their extracting sand from land Environment, former President hands of it and shirk their that was under the CEA’s Maithripala Sirisena. responsibility; instead, they owe purview, for filling Mount He added: “The Cabinet a comprehensive explanation Lavinia Beach; this is in decision to go ahead with detailing the grounds on which addition to not doing a this project was taken on 22 they launched the project and the proper EIA January this year by President connection to the Colombo Port CEJ Executive Director Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime City project as well. Hemantha Withanage Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa’s When inquired by The Government, and it was carried Sunday Morning, CCCRM DG out in March through Rohde Chandrakeerthi denied any Allegations have been levelled Nielsen (Danish company). It connection between the beach against the CCCRM for wasting was rushed during the curfew nourishment project in question public finances as the project because there would’ve been and the Colombo Port City seems to be a huge failure. opposition from the local fishing project, and claimed its aim was community,” Ranawaka noted. to only protect the beaches from ‘Not a failure’ In response to the Department’s coastal erosion. While defending the project, the justification, environmentalists Department denied the allegations claimed that the Department Dutch success levelled, and claimed that only the should be held liable for The Sand Motor is a sand on the Mount Beach stretch the environmental damage “mega-nourishment” project had been washed away. and financial loss caused as implemented in the Delfland CCCRM Director General (DG) a result of implementing a Coast, in the North Sea coast of B.K. Prabath Chandrakeerthi project without conducting a South Holland, the Netherlands. denied allegations that the entire proper Environmental Impact An innovative pilot project, it project had failed. He also Assessment (EIA) or feasibility was launched to test the upscaling claimed that the government study. of regular sand nourishment funds spent on the Mount Beach along the Dutch coast and was stretch had not gone to waste. Contradictory statements carried out by the Dutch Ministry According to him, the cost of Furthermore, the CEJ lashed out of Infrastructure and Water filling the Mount Lavinia Beach at CCCRM DG Chandrakeerthi Management Works. the sunday morning Sunday, June 7, 2020 EDITORIAL/POLITICS

WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER Ball in people's court The Supreme Court decision last Tuesday (2) to dismiss the 2020 GENERAL ELECTION fundamental rights (FR) petitions challenging the date to hold the next general election surprised no one, and now it is up to the Election Commission (EC) which meets tomorrow (8), to decide as to when it can conduct the long-delayed poll. Less than 24 hours after the court verdict, the Health Ministry handed over a copy of the health guidelines for conducting the poll to the EC Chairman, indicating the urgency with which the Government is awaiting the polls, given the fact that austerity measures in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic are slowly but surely beginning to bite. Although it is all systems go for the polls, the EC in its submissions D-Day: Heading towards August to the Supreme Court, stated that it would take a minimum of 10 weeks to make necessary arrangements given the health guidelines that need to be followed. Therefore, it could be safely assumed that The much-anticipated It is now evident that even the Commission would most probably be looking at a date in August. verdict of the Supreme with the health authorities giving What that means is that for the first time since Independence, Sri Court (SC) on the clearance to hold polls, the EC Lanka would be without a sitting parliament for six full months, double fundamental rights (FR) would require 60-70 days to the constitutionally provided period for conducting a general election petitions filed challenging conduct the election – making and the envisaged date for the first sitting of the new parliament. the date of holding the 2020 August the preferred month to With no parliament to approve funds to keep the government running, general election, finally hold the general election. on Friday (5), the Government unveiled a second mini budget in excess came through last week The EC is currently studying of a trillion rupees to carry it through to August by presidential decree, after a marathon 10-day the health guidelines handed citing provisions contained in Article 150 of the Constitution which period where the court over last Monday by the health provides for the President to utilise funds from the Consolidated authorities. Account. The first mini budget, which ran into a heftier Rs. 1.2 trillion, heard submissions from all “After studying this, we will covered the period after the dissolution of Parliament on 2 March to stakeholders. meet next Monday to decide end May. The second mini budget covers the three-month period from The SC bench comprising Chief on the election date. The June to August and is around Rs. 200 billion less than the previous Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, Commission has neither the one, indicating the scarcity of funds. Justices Buwaneka Aluwihare, desire to postpone elections nor Of the Rs. 2.2 trillion that has been budgeted since the dissolution Sisira de Abrew, Priyantha to get the blame for spreading the of Parliament, Rs. 1.3 trillion is for current expenditure while Rs. 910 Jayawardena, and Vijith virus,” Deshapriya had said. billion has been allocated for capital expenditure. For all intents and Malalgoda finally dismissed all Meanwhile, the EC is to also purposes, the Government today is a caretaker one and was handed petitions last Tuesday (2), thereby seek the opinion of the World over the reins of power while being a minority in the last Parliament, getting the process of holding the Health Organisation (WHO) over largely on recognition of the results at the last presidential election by 2020 general elections back on the holding of the elections. the then ruling United National Party (UNP) Government. track. Prof. Hoole told The Sunday Given these credentials and in the absence of an elected parliament, Nevertheless, it was evident to Morning that professional questions are bound to arise as to the nature of the spending of funds so all stakeholders that the general bodies including the WHO will far amounting to Rs. 2.2 trillion after an election was announced. The election be consulted unprecedented command of resources in the unprecedented environment could not when setting the in which the election is to be held will no doubt warrant the attention be held on election date. of election monitors sooner rather than later. 20 June “The clearance On the monetary aspect aside, questions are also being raised over as earlier of the Health the setting up of a presidential task force mandated to “build a secure declared. Ministry is not country, disciplined, virtuous, and lawful society”. The problem is In fact, the the the deciding who decides as to what constitutes “security, discipline, virtue, and Election factor when a lawful society”. If that critical job is left to the 13 members of the Commission black box setting the date task force, all of whom are serving service personnel including the (EC) has by Capt. Vasabha for the election,” heads of all the state intelligence agencies directly responsible to the informed Prof. Hoole said. Executive, then that is cause for concern. the SC that The EC it What has got eyebrows raised is that expression of dissent is bound to it would take between nine and 11 seems is committed to leaving PHOTO LALITH PERERA take place, especially during the time of an election, and such expression weeks to hold the general election no stone unturned when it comes could well be construed as being within the ambit of posing a security from the date of receiving to holding the 2020 general threat, an act of indiscipline, unvirtuous conduct, or simply unlawful in clearance. election in line with strict health the eyes of the task force. In the absence of a legal definition of what Following the SC ruling on guidelines. Election monitors have Printer Gangani Liyanage exactly these words mean and encompass as well as what constitutes the eight FR petitions and 15 Deshapriya has already said expressed concern over last week announced that the exact mandate of the task force, these grey areas could well be intervening petitions, the EC that the Commission expected to the holding of the general the Government Printer had leveraged for political advantage even though the right to dissent is a is now looking at holding the deploy at least one health officer election under the present commenced the printing of 17 fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution. election as early as possible in to each polling station and a team circumstances since it might million ballot papers for the The fact that leaders of civil society, religious leaders, academics, keeping with guidelines issued by of officials to monitor a cluster of not provide a level playing general election. and people of accomplishment have been left out in place of service health and security authorities. polling stations at the forthcoming field for all political parties She told the media that the personnel, given the wide scope of the mandate, will no doubt open up the The Commission met last parliamentary election. concerned typesetting and other preparations Government to a barrage of criticism which could be counterproductive. Monday (3) to decide on the However, Monday’s meeting were carried out during the Given that the task force has also been vested with power to order any future of the parliamentary would be a hold-your-breath are Panadura, Balapitiya, previous week and subsequently state institution or official to carry out the requests issued by it, no election. The Commission also moment since it will also see the Akmeemana, and Weligama. the official printing commenced matter what noble intentions justified its creation, the general perception received the health guidelines Commission deciding on issuing The mock poll is expected last week. is that it is simply a means of militarising government. from the health authorities on how the preferential numbers to the to help the EC decide on the The printing of ballot papers Be that as it may, the biggest challenge before the EC today is to to hold general elections amidst candidates that was postponed preparations required and the time commenced as soon as the SC create a level playing field for all parties and the 7,000-odd candidates Covid-19. several times last month. frame to put things in place and ruling dismissing the FR petitions in the fray. It also has the added responsibility of creating a conducive Given the additional measures the cost for holding the election. was announced. environment for the candidates to campaign and canvass votes in a that are to be put in place during Election work begins However, the 2020 general However, election monitors situation where the threat from Covid-19 is far from over. In fact, the the period of Covid-19, the As the first step of getting the election will have to be held have expressed concern over the number of positive cases have spiked over the past couple of weeks Commission maintains that it general election process back following social distancing, holding of the general election although the active clusters have been identified and are being monitored. would require between 60-70 days on track, the EC is to hold a hand sanitising, and wearing under the present circumstances Nevertheless, it is election season once again with the Government, to hold the 2020 general election. mock poll today (7) at a selected face masks, which are the since it might not provide a level first off the blocks, hitting the Opposition where it hurts. When former EC member Prof. Ratnajeevan location in order to determine the three main components of the playing field for all political President Maithripala Sirisena launched his first salvo on the Bond Hoole said the meeting to make actual time required to conduct health guidelines issued by the parties concerned. Scam, and the Easter Sunday tragedy was being resurrected elsewhere, a final decision would be held the polling process according to authorities. The Campaign for Free and one could smell the election months ahead. tomorrow (8). the health guidelines. Also, during the election Fair Elections (CaFFE) Executive The Opposition, broken and fragmented, will be hard-pressed to Even at the outset of the SC It is learnt that the mock poll campaign period, pocket meetings Director Manas Makeen told The put up a decent fight. The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) of former hearings on the seven FR petitions would be conducted at a town are to be limited to only 30 Morning that there is a serious Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa could end up as a gamble gone challenging the general election in the coastal belt with the members each and rallies are shortcoming with regard to wrong by trying to duplicate the success of the Sri Lanka Podujana date, EC Chairman Mahinda participation of around 250 voters to be permitted only when the hosting a fair election. Peramuna (SLPP). Support for the SLPP is essentially based on the Deshapriya maintained that the and will be conducted between leaders of the respective political “The Covid-19 pandemic has Rajapaksa political capital and brand value in the rural hinterland, Commission would need a certain 10.30 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. parties contesting the election are made it even more unbalanced whereas Premadasa alone has no such residual brand value. period of time to prepare the Among the locations being to attend. as the ruling party enjoys and Whatever the political capital that accrued to Premadasa at the last groundwork for holding polls. considered for the mock poll Meanwhile, Government abuses its power,” he said, election was essentially that of his former party, but with its visionless highlighting the politicisation of leadership and the leader’s sole occupation being his self-preservation, the distribution of the Rs. 5,000 whatever that was remaining of that brand value is also on the decline voucher during the lockdown. which means that the party too will have to struggle for survival. Makeen stressed that the EC This may well be the last opportunity Ranil Wickremesinghe and needs to ensure a free and fair his UNP will get in a long time to come to get its act together and election. present itself as a potent alternative to the Rajapaksa juggernaut. Meanwhile, the People’s Action Wickremesinghe, a past master in the cat-and-mouse game of survival for Free and Fair Elections politics, may delight in the prospect of winning the home and home (PAFFREL) had also expressed battle against Premadasa but is destined to lose the war against the real their doubts about a level playing political opposition unless at least a semblance of a united outlook is field for all political parties. projected at the hustings. He has certainly succeeded in once again “Even during past elections, it pulling the rug from under the feet of his challengers who ended up has never been equal. But with the gum tree in their Supreme Court rendezvous. Both parties have the pandemic, this situation has only themselves to blame for the situation they find themselves in worsened,” PAFFREL Executive today. Having had four years to consolidate their political standing, Director Rohana Hettiarachchi although continuously undermined by the wily Sirisena right along, had said. it is no one else but Wickremesinghe who must take the blame for the “The wealthy candidates will party's dismal performance in the last couple of elections. always have an advantage as In the final analysis, it is the people who will be called upon to decide a consequence of not having who should serve them in government come August. Covid-19 has legislation on campaign finance provided them extended time to reflect on the past 72 years of self-rule, regulation,” he added. that has caused more burdens and problems to them than providing The Centre for Monitoring the success and prosperity that should have been their heirloom years Election Violence (CMEV) had ago. The ball is once again in the people’s court. also added to the chorus, saying that the pandemic would create No 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7. conditions that would benefit the Fax - 011 2 673 441 wealthier candidates. General - 011 5 200 900 CMEV National Co-ordinator Director Sales & Marketing - 077 3 866 143 Manjula Gajanayake had noted Circulation Manager - 011 5 978 987 / 076 1 367620 that financially weak candidates E-mail - [email protected] would be at a significant disadvantage due to the limited campaign freedom as a result of 9 EDITORIAL/POLITICS

WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER 2020 GENERAL ELECTION D-Day: Heading towards August

nomination papers on Thursday While the UNP-SJB battle rages WC once the suspended members Former MP and senior UNPer (4) to contest the upcoming on, the SLPP had expressed its received written notifications. Lakshman Kiriella had also told general election under the SLPP pleasure at the ongoing battle, The SJB also discussed moving the media that the SJB will not in the Nuwara Eliya District noting the positive benefits a No-Confidence Motion against let UNP provincial councillors replacing the slot that fell vacant the SLPP would experience as the UNP Leader. who aligned with the SJB be following his father’s untimely a result. According to the SLPP, “We heard that a small group intimidated by a few in the party. demise. it will be beneficial since it will met at the UNP headquarters Kiriella has pointed out that help the party secure a and convened a WC meeting. the UNP Leader was present and UNP-SJB battle intensifies two-thirds majority at the However, a majority of the WC party to all WC decisions on the While the SLPP is in the general election are with the SJB. Out of the 66 creation of the SJB, appointment process of oiling its election members of the UNP WC, a of Premadasa as SJB Leader and machinery, the United National every leader of the UNP has been majority of 37 met at the SJB Madduma Bandara as its General Party (UNP) led by Ranil the country’s political leadership head office today,” SJB General Secretary, and that Premadasa Wickremesinghe and Samagi bar Ranil Wickremesinghe. Secretary Ranjith Madduma was to be the prime ministerial Jana Balawegaya (SJB) led by “What happened to the UNP? Bandara told the media soon candidate. Sajith Premadasa are now at Young leadership from grassroots after the UNP WC announced “Therefore, legally speaking, no war following the UNP Working level was not allowed to come the decision to suspend the one there can threaten the SJB,” Committee’s (WC) decision to up the ranks, a few handpicked membership of 99 UNPers for he had noted. suspend the memberships of 99 friends and children from elite joining forces with the SJB. UNP members including several families were put in place instead. “We discussed this decision; a SLPP’s gain former office bearers after they Ordinary UNP supporters were small group cannot suspend our While the UNP-SJB battle rages aligned themselves with the SJB. not given the opportunity to rise,” party membership; the decision on, the SLPP had expressed its Senior UNP politician Imthiaz Bakeer Markar stressed. is illegal,” Bandara charged, pleasure at the ongoing battle, Bakeer Markar, who was As for the UNP WC decision pointing out that the SJB was noting the positive benefits the also among the UNPers to be to suspend the members who had founded on a directive of the WC. SLPP would experience as a suspended, last week, charged sought nominations from the SJB, result. that the UNP is today being run Bakeer Markar had said it was It is now evident that even According to the SLPP, it will by a small group who are aiming illegal, owing to the fact that the with the health authorities be beneficial since it will help the to carry out the Government’s SJB was formed on a directive giving clearance to hold polls, party secure a two-thirds majority agenda. of the WC, and as such, all UNP the EC would require 60-70 at the general election. Bakeer Markar, addressing a members who support the SJB and days to conduct the election – The SLPP maintains that the news conference last weekend, the candidacy of Sajith Premadasa making August the preferred division among the UNP would said that the current struggle should not fear any repercussion month to hold the general likely deteriorate its vote base and within the UNP is a long-standing from the party. election encourage disillusioned voters to one and the journey of the SJB is “This decision is a joke. We either stay away from the polls a legal one that has the support of are standing on solid ground; “We have a public statement or turn towards the SLPP. The a majority of UNP supporters. we (SJB) were formed on a WC issued by UNP General Secretary split between the UNP and SJB “We can’t look at this in decision. We need to free the Akila Viraj Kariyawasam stating will reduce the chance of a strong isolation, we need to look at this UNP from the control of a small that the WC has issued a directive campaign by those parties at the decision in the context of the group who are bent on doing the for Sajith Premadasa to be election, he predicted. bigger picture, the background, Government’s bidding. A majority appointed the Leader of the SJB, “The rift between the UNP Covid-19. parliamentary group in the these tactics have been employed of the WC are with us; the heart for him to be the prime ministerial and SJB will lead some of their “Those who have the finances evening. by some in the UNP for some and grassroots support of the UNP candidate, and for me to be loyalists to hold neutral positions will be able to campaign on However, the meeting was later time, it involves a long-standing is with the SJB,” he had charged. appointed the General Secretary of and a considerable number of both print and digital media, but cancelled and a meeting was issue,” Bakeer Markar had said, The SJB members maintain that the SJB,” Bandara had said, adding conventional UNP supporters candidates who cannot afford such instead scheduled with Prime noting that he had been suspended the UNP decision was aimed at that the SJB was in possession of will not even cast their votes at platforms are now handicapped Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and by the WC thrice before. scaring away the support base of an official letter written by UNP the election. Others may decide as traditional methods of the government parliamentary “These tactics of planting the SJB ahead of the election. Leader Wickremesinghe to the to change their party. Therefore, campaigning such as house-to- group. stories in the media has been used “A party is not a building, it is same effect. this time, we have a better chance house campaigning cannot be The discussion was focused on before, it is being employed by not Sirikotha, it is not a symbol; “Therefore, the legitimacy is of getting a two-thirds majority,” done,” he added. the impending general election. a small group within the party; it is the principles of a social with us, with the SJB; the WC SLPP member S.B. Dissanayake After the exchange of hundreds of party members and democratic journey. The party took a decision that they would had speculated. MR meets the team pleasantries between the members leaders have left the party due to leadership was never decided face the elections as a coalition. He has further analysed that While the EC and others were who participated in the meeting, action such as this in the past,” in the homes of the elite, it was Now, they have said that they when a political party splits, about trying to get the general election the discussion focused on how he stated, arguing that the party decided by the people,” Bakeer will face the election under the 25% of its supporters could leave back on track, political parties the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna had long suppressed upcoming Marakar had noted. elephant symbol which is in out of frustration and 10% could have also started to get their acts (SLPP) could secure the desired community leaders and replaced violation of the WC decision remain neutral while the rest of together. victory at the impending polls. them with a hand-picked group of Action against RW taken before. We are planning the 65% is likely to split between Last Tuesday (2), President Meanwhile, Jeewan individuals who had no grassroots The SJB last week announced to take legal action against these the two groups, which will be Gotabaya Rajapaksa was to Thondaman, son of the late support. plans to take legal action against illegitimate decisions,” Bandara beneficial to the rival political meet with the government Arumugam Thondaman, signed “The fact of the matter is that the decisions taken by the UNP had said. party.

BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA SC DISMISSES PETITIONS CHALLENGING DATE OF GENERAL ELECTION that day with the announcement that it would decide on granting leave to The Supreme Court (SC) last week proceed with the hearing on Tuesday (2) quashed the fundamental rights (FR) afternoon. petitions challenging the date of the On Tuesday, the SC pronounced general election by refusing to grant Elections back on track the ruling around 3.15 p.m. and Chief leave to proceed with their hearings. submissions. Justice Jayasuriya informed the court These included the seven FR All preliminary hearings were that the initial objections raised by the petitions and 13 intervening petitions concluded by the SC by 1 June. respondents regarding the petitions had challenging the election date to hold On Monday (1), the petitions were been rejected by a majority of the five- the parliamentary election (20 June), as taken up once again for the 10th member judge bench. assigned by the Election Commission consecutive day by the SC bench headed He then said the bench had (EC), and the President’s gazette by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya unanimously decided to dismiss the notification dissolving Parliament. and comprising Justices Buwaneka petitions and therefore refused to grant The FR petitions were filed by Dr. Aluwihare, Sisira de Abrew, Priyantha leave to proceed with the hearings. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu of the Centre Jayawardana, and Vijith Malalgoda. Sumanthiran (PC) with Counsel Ermiza for Policy Alternatives (CPA), Attorney- Making final counter submissions Tegal appeared for the petitioner Charitha at-Law Charitha Gunaratne, journalist before the court adjourned to meet the Gunaratne; Senior Counsel Viran Corea Victor Ivan along with seven others, next day to decide on the fate of the with Counsel Bhavani Fonseka and Ranjith Madduma Bandara of the Samagi petitions, M.A. Sumanthiran (PC) told Luwie Ganeshathasan appeared for Jana Balawegaya (SJB), and former the court that the proclamation made the CPA and Dr. Saravanamuttu; and Parliamentarians Kumara Welgama and by the President on 2 March dissolving Geoffrey Alagarathnam (PC), Pulasthi Patali Champika Ranawaka. former Parliament ceased to function and Supreme Court Hewamana, Lasantha Garusinghe, and The petitions were first taken up for that a new proclamation must be made by Anurangi Singh instructed by Ishara hearing on 18 May at the Ceremonial the EC to hold the election. was no election date and Parliament conduct parliamentary polls. Gunewardane appeared for petitioner Hall of the SC in an unprecedented “Now, the President’s proclamation has had gone into complete sleep mode. At Peiris also urged the bench to take into S.C.C. Elankovan. move by the court to following health expired as the new Parliament cannot be this point, if the Government is trying consideration the fact that the EC had Romesh de Silva (PC), Ali Sabry (PC), guidelines and ensure social distancing convened in the mandatory time limit of to hold a general election, it would be always intended to hold a free and fair and Counsel Ruwantha Cooray appeared was maintained due to the Covid-19 three months. Thus, a fresh proclamation a violation of the Constitution because election. for Secretary to the President Dr. P.B. pandemic. by the President is needed. As the whole the time bar of three months to convene “The Election Commission is in Jayasundara while Saliya Peiris (PC) and At the outset of the hearings into the proclamation has become invalid, so does the new Parliament has already passed the process of preparing guidelines to Counsel V.K. Choksy appeared for the seven FR petitions, the Attorney General the dissolution of the former Parliament,” in accordance with the Constitution. hold elections and it would be released EC. (AG) raised preliminary objections on Sumanthiran said. As such, the President and the Election soon. After issuing the proclamation, Attorney-at-Law Ashtika Theivendra the sustainability of the petitions. Sumanthiran pointed out that with Commission must work together to the Election Commission had advised appeared for Prof. S. Ratnajeevan Hoole Subsequently, the counsels appearing the expiration of the President’s gazette conduct a free and fair election,” Secretary to the President Dr. P.B. of the EC. for the petitioners began making their notification dissolving Parliament and the Sumanthiran said, noting that the EC had Jayasundara to counsel the President to Additional Solicitor General Indika submissions, after which the attorneys three-month time period being exceeded, failed to act under Section 24 (1) (b) of seek the opinion of the Supreme Court Demuni de Silva alongside Senior representing the respondents made their it would be an infringement of the the Parliamentary Elections Act. on the holding of elections during the Deputy Solicitor General Nerin Pulle submissions. Constitution if the Government held the The counsel appearing for the EC, Covid-19 pandemic, as the election appeared for the AG. Thereafter, the SC gave time for the election. Saliya Peiris (PC), also making counter could not be held within a period of three Meanwhile, Sanjeeeva Jayawardena counsels who appeared on behalf of the “According to the gazette notification submissions on that day, said that the months,” Peiris said. (PC) appeared for intervenient petitioner 13 intervening petitioners to make their issued by the President in March, there Commission was preparing guidelines to The court adjourned proceedings for Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda Thera. 10 the sunday morning VIEWS Sunday, June 7, 2020

WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER

FOLLOWING HEALTH GUIDELINES A case of ‘back to square one’

PHOTO SAMAN ABESIRIWARDANA Trying their best Harshani Weerakkody – housewife Most people before the Covid-19 were not too concerned about personal hygiene. However, when Covid-19 came into the scene and the Government issued guidelines, I noticed that people were more cautious. I experienced this with my own family. So even now I see that there is some sort of discipline. However, there are instances where certain people do not abide by these guidelines. For instance, some old people do not wear the mask for health reasons. On the authorities’ side, what I feel is that they are doing the maximum they can, but sometimes it falls short. In my case, when a relative of mine came from another country, we were trying to inform 119 but could not get in touch with them no matter how many numbers we tried. Therefore, we informed the PHI who gave us a paper to fill. However, once the quarantine period ended, he gave instructions over the phone for her to stay another week, enabling them to give the certificate. And he ended up delaying to submit the certificate. But we need to keep in mind that these people are handling several individuals and mistakes are bound to happen. Of course, they are trying their best. Mixed feelings Chandima Binduhewa – Managing Director at Posa Tech (Pvt.) Ltd. regularly sanitising hands. These BY DIANDRA ANNE I do think people are following the safety guidelines have been guidelines, but to a certain degree. I see As the spike in the number of Covid- issued in order to further curb the people wearing masks, but sometimes 19 cases seem to be controlled, situation. they do not maintain the one-meter gap, life here in Sri Lanka too is slowly However, the question of whether especially in marketplaces. Also, if you Wake up call to take offices, some of them I have visited but gradually returning back to these measures are followed as normalcy. Most of the schools aren’t following the guidelines. For me, I well as whether the authorities take personal have mixed feelings about people following and universities, companies, food are doing enough to ensure these guidelines; some do while some don’t. The outlets, shops, etc. are reopening. measures are abided by is yet to be responsibility authorities have been following through by However, even though things answered. The best way to answer Thanzyl Thajudeen – MCIM issuing these guidelines and enforcing them. are going back to base, there are However, I do feel the Government has their these questions is to look at a Director at Mark & Comm Ltd. own agenda. still stringent guidelines set by variety of perspectives. Hence, The It’s everyone’s the authorities that need to be There is an imbalance between collective Sunday Morning took to asking the and individual responsibility towards the followed, such as maintaining general public their stance on the pandemic in Sri Lanka. While it claims to responsibility distance, wearing masks, and current state of affairs. have succeeded its fight against the virus Tyrone Smith – sales and strategy among society as a whole, people need to development consultant wake up to their personal responsibility – to relate emotionally to others, their hopes It is a yes-and-no situation here. There Able to go about and fears, their pain and suffering. This will is a certain set of people following the greatly help in avoiding a potential second guidelines, but not fully, and another set of our daily lives wave. Despite numerous legal measures, people who have just completely forgotten guidelines, and expert warnings, emotions that there is a pandemic and walk about Amithe Gamage – CEO, coach, such as hope, shame, and pride play an freely. Initially, the educated people followed and sales trainer important role. Sadly, these emotions are the guidelines, but now the pandemic has People are following the guidelines. Of never instilled. Only when these are instilled become just another thing in the daily course, I wouldn’t know what is going on in can we truly succeed in overcoming just lives of people and not many are taking other parts of the country apart from where I about any calamity or challenge. We only it seriously. They do wear masks and go reside. But from what I see, they are abiding look at solutions on a short-term basis. We out, but they still are not cautious enough. by them. In fact, I did not see a single person need to stand together by standing apart, Sometimes I even see the Police without without a mask; even the beggars on the yet this sense of responsibility has not masks. While some are with their masks, on street were wearing masks. This means the materialised in some people. This is well certain occasions, I have noticed that some message has most definitely reached the reflected in the tens of thousands arrested When power comes aren’t with theirs. So this shows that there people. Also, wherever I went, there were during curfew. Even after it being lifted, we is no seriousness and no one is policing it temperature checks and such. see the reckless and the inconsiderate not into play properly. The authorities are trying hard; they On the authorities’ side, I think they too maintaining social distance, for instance. have somewhat brought the situation under Hype for are doing their job. Otherwise, we would It’s high time for Sri Lanka to invest Alaska Wanniarachchi – musician control. However, it is not the authorities not be seeing even the beggars on the street in education, specifically on personal who can do the job – it is up to the rest of awareness dying wearing masks. The reason for people to responsibility. There are certain people of a certain the general public who are knowledgeable adhere to these rules probably is that the class who do follow the guidelines. enough to follow these guidelines. down Police and security forces have been granted However, there are those who do not. permission to question a person if they are People who are in gangs and get together Irshad Akthar – CEO at L&S without a mask. So people are probably Events transpired are the types of individuals who do not Engineering (Pvt.) Ltd. dead-scared. Furthermore, I also observed abide by these guidelines. There are also that the authorities too follow the guidelines diluted importance vendors selling food items and vegetables Honestly, I would say 25-50% as I always see them wearing masks and on the streets who lack this discipline. of people are really following the plastic guards. So, thanks to what they have of guidelines They are more concerned about selling guidelines and are careful. It may be done, we are able to go about our daily lives. their goods rather than maintaining due to personal interest or because they D.G. Wickramasinghe – DGM at hygiene. Additionally, I have still noticed are worried about their family’s safety. that there are people who eat betel and spit Even in office, what I have noticed is Arpico Finance Company PLC it out, even though it is clearly stated not to that people are very careful. There are Majority of the people in Colombo, do so. They seem not to care. of course those with the mindset that suburbs, major towns, and cities are Furthermore, once the curfew was lifted they are healthy enough to not follow the following health guidelines issued by the briefly, people forgot that such a thing guidelines. However, I still believe the authorities. However, most people living called Covid-19 existed. Again, there are majority is following the guidelines. away from major towns and cities are those that listen and those that do not. The However, even though people seem not adhering to the guidelines seriously. authorities are also trying their level best to be following the guidelines, I feel as Certain incidents that transpired in the to do the maximum they can. However, no though the authorities can do more in recent past have diluted the importance matter how they try, in certain instances terms of raising awareness. When the of these guidelines issued to the public, they have to forget the guidelines when The authorities’ take pandemic was at its peak, there were which may pave the way to a second people in power come into play. This is the Dr. S. Sridharan – various programmes on the TV. Now, wave, unless recurrence of such incidents way I see it. Deputy Director General of however, I feel that it has died down, are controlled with tightened regulations. which should not happen. These regulations must be applicable to all Planning at Ministry of Health citizens without any bias. After this curfew was lifted, the Ministry The efforts of the medical staff, tri-forces, of Health published a guideline, which protect themselves, largely because of other designated authorities, and appointed is on the official Ministry website. As Dampening the the strict implementation of law by the committees, who are trying their best to far as I have seen, in supermarkets and authorities. For example, when liquor control and eradicate the pandemic, are such places, people are maintaining spread of Covid-19 and wine stores were opened for a day, commendable. It is important that any their physical distances, wearing masks, people rushed to them without thinking political influence or breaching of guidelines washing their hands, using sanitisers, and Chandana Fernando – of social distancing or the fact that they issued in any manner that is detrimental to so on. However, this is mainly in the city, head of commercial were exposing themselves to risk, which the safety and healthcare of the general public so I am not too sure about the rural areas. I think is very irresponsible on their part. must be strictly dealt with. Overlooking or People also seem to be well aware of these I see that a large percentage of people The authorities have definitely played ignoring such behaviour of a privileged few guidelines. I also believe the authorities initially got a bit frightened on how to a large part in dampening the spread of would take away the importance of the grave have done their best in educating people deal with such a situation, but they were Covid-19 in Sri Lanka, and we should be situation we are faced with from the mindsets by using signage, mass media, posters, and eventually made to stay at home and thankful for that. of the common man. billboards. the sunday morning 11 Sunday, June 7, 2020 hot seat WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER FROM A HEALTH PERSPECTIVE BY AGRA RANASINGHE Tomorrow will be a decisive day. The tomorrow, following a crucial meeting. spread over the next few weeks.The to a few leading stakeholders of the Supreme Court (SC) clearing the path After much toing and froing between EC has been in consultation with the health sector to understand their view for the election has put the ball firmly the Opposition parties and the health authorities over the past few on the current state of Covid-19 in Sri in the court of the Election Commission Government, it appears this would be days on the ideal date for the election Lanka and the possibility and suitability (EC), which is scheduled to announce the conclusive date of the election, and the manner in which it should be of holding an election under the current the new date to conduct the election barring an unexpected community conducted.The Sunday Morning spoke circumstances.

Below are the excerpts of the Below are excerpts of interview of Government Ministry of Health Chief Medical Officers’ Association Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath (GMOA) Assistant Secretary Samaraweera’s interview Dr. Samantha Ananda with with The Sunday Morning. The Sunday Morning. Do you think Sri Lanka is at a Has the Election Commission satisfactory level now in terms of (EC) consulted you on the ideal the number of Covid-19 patients, date for holding the election? compared to the situation we The GMOA is not an were in? organisation which gives Of course. No cases were recommendations to institutions reported from the community after like the EC. We give our 30 April. It is only spreading within opinion for public safety but as the clusters now; only the family an organisation, we don’t get members of the infected patients involved in political matters. We were contaminated. Other than that, do everything from a health aspect. it didn’t spread within society. What we say is that we don’t have Then, the main burden was that community transmission; we only Can’t rely on an unexpected amount of people see two clusters. It is the Health who came from the Middle East People not Ministry that should give expert were infected. But it is possible to opinions to the EC. manage that as well. Police and Then, two Army officers were In your opinion, around which contaminated from that place, date should an election be held? because we didn’t believe that adhering to We are not against holding the a high amount of people were election. We see the importance Army alone contaminated among the returnees. of maintaining the administrative Actually, if Sri Lankans from and legislative governance of a other countries were not allowed country. No country can be run DR. SAMANTHA ANANDA to return, then the present situation guidelines without democracy. It’s the right of would be different. the public and it is the obligation Physical distancing is very voting areas. It is the Government’s of the Government and the EC to important. That is a mandatory duty to do so. Without educating Do you think people are adhering DR. SUDATH SAMARAWEERA conduct the election and give the thing that should be taken into and changing the behaviour of the to the health guidelines properly mandate to the people to elect their account whenever the election people, we can’t just rely on the after the country has reopened? election, the health sector and the own representatives. It is important is held, until Covid-19 is totally Police and Army alone. No, they don’t adhere to it forces can control the people? to adhere to the Constitution. eliminated, which will not be Therefore, community properly. Although we say that The election is just another Therefore, we believe that the in the near future. In addition, participation is important. It is a we are at a satisfactory level, we While there is no community activity in the country, same as election should be conducted, and everybody should wear masks and part of normalising the lives of should continue to adhere to control transmission of the virus reopening of schools, etc. If a case it should be conducted in a manner hand washing must be carried out. people. As we know, most of the measures for longer. For example, (Covid-19), we don’t say that is reported in this process, what where people are not at risk. Moreover, the equipment that is ex-MPs are trying to become MPs we have eradicated polio; although the virus is not spreading we do is investigate the patient Therefore, that decision should be used should be used according to and take political power and so, we have done it, every time a child within society. Someone and find out whether there are taken with the advice of the health health guidelines. If we are going many agendas are going on among below 15 years is reported with within society, who doesn’t more people infected by the spread sector. to keep the election, these measures the politicians. We need to restore possible symptoms, we get samples show any symptoms, may or whether we have missed any should be applied until Covid-19 is normalcy and democracy in the and do a full investigation. We do it have the virus. Therefore, patients. Then, if we identify such Is there any risk of the virus completely eradicated. country. An election is not for the to ensure that polio does not infect we should adhere to health a case, we investigate from where spreading through campaigning, politicians but for the public. society again. Similarly, while there guidelines properly and when the virus was reported. meetings, and discussions? Do you think that in the heat of is no community transmission of Sometimes, some areas will have In our "Towards New an election the health sector and What message would you like to the virus (Covid-19), we don’t to be locked down again and the Normal” document, that has the forces can control people? give to the public? say that the virus is not spreading meetings and campaigns. It should people will have to be quarantined. been considered. In it, we have If we consider the public reaction We support the Government within society. Someone within be maintained in every possible given clear guidelines on how to to the health advice, actually it is and the Health Ministry and all society, who doesn’t show any way in the office, library, market, What message would you like to conduct any gathering, which may at a satisfactory level. We can’t say the authorities to the maximum symptoms, may have the virus. etc. Wherever there’s a gathering, give to the public? be a meeting, campaign, or an that they are not supportive because possible level to control the Therefore, we should adhere to distance should be maintained Until the virus is controlled educational programme. We saw the general public is educated disease and as soon as possible, health guidelines properly. and participation of the minimum globally, we are at risk. We can’t a VIP funeral recently where there to a level where they are taking to normalise the country. From number of people is essential. keep the airports closed every were so many recommendations care of themselves. There are the public also we request support Has the Election Commission day and by now, there’s ample being violated. We advise that this certain situations where the health to reach this aim. Definitely, the (EC) consulted you on when and What are the guidelines that you air traffic; therefore, there’s a kind of thing should not happen in recommendations were violated, public should not take all these how to conduct the election? have suggested to the EC? possibility of infected patients the country, because ultimately, it but overall, the people support the measures for the benefit of the The Director General of That should be asked from the arriving. endangers the public. Therefore, forces, the health staff, and the politicians, but for the benefit of Health Services already gave the DG. So, what we should do is, live a for the election campaigns, other regulatory bodies. The spread the country. Therefore, people guidelines to the EC with regard “new normal” life by preventing everyone should follow the health is at a minimum level. Therefore, if should not go behind politicians how to conduct the election. To be safe, what kind of measures overcrowding, maintaining guidelines. we are going for an election, rather to normalise the country, but should people adhere to when physical distance, avoiding than using the law enforcement, they should adhere to their Is there any risk of the virus they participate in voting? public gatherings, maintaining To be safe, what kinds of it is always important to educate own measures and support the spreading through campaigning, I didn’t see the guidelines, so I hand hygiene, and if anyone has measures should people adhere people about how they should authorities and ministry officials, meetings, and discussions? can’t comment. suspected symptoms, they should to when they participate in behave at such a time of an election disregarding the views of the Physical distancing should immediately get medical advice. If voting? and how they should behave in politicians. always be maintained, not only in Do you think in the heat of an not, another outbreak may occur.

Below are the excerpts of together. And when it comes to having campaigns and crowded the interview of Academy an election, many people gather. meetings. of Health Professionals Coronavirus has given a great Sri Lanka President Ravi message to us, which is the Do you think in the heat of an Kumudesh with The Sunday behaviour of the people is not election environment, the health December tolerated by nature. sector and the tri-forces can Morning. control people? Has the Election Commission If consulted, what are the Clearly, if more than 2,000 (EC) consulted you regarding guidelines you would suggest people are admitted to hospitals, the impending election? is most the EC? we can’t control this. We always As an organisation, we have By now, the Director General shame some countries such as the our own opinion with regard to of the Health Services (Dr. Anil US, saying that their health sectors the election. What we can see Jasinghe) has already given the are not good. But what really is, when there’s an upcoming guidelines. When they come to a happens is that with the increase in election, society divides up appropriate final decision, our part is to give the number of patients, no country along party lines. Then, a society our fullest support to them. There is able to control the situation. The which is fragmented cannot face were certain circumstances that strength we have is that with all our a pandemic and prevent it. But we understood where the rules officials in the health sector, we are with an election, it automatically for election that were in place no longer exist able to control the number of the happens. because they were violated by patients. responsible persons. Our health sector capacity is In that case, around which RAVI KUMUDESH In campaigning also, social low, so we can only continue it if date should an election be distancing should be well adhered the number of patients stay below held? to. Although there was an 2,000. If it exceeds that, we will It is decided with the facilities election held in South Korea, it suffer with a lack of facilities, ICU we have. Now, the EC Chairman campaigning by just talking to the held differently. Our opinion Is there any risk of the was different to our mechanism. beds, doctors, and much more. says that he can amend some media, the election can be held is that if the pandemic can be virus spreading through They use far better technology Therefore, we have no idea what election rules. Hence, we have even tomorrow. Looking at the controlled by December, it would campaigning, meetings, and and different methods to get the could happen. If this situation to keep faith in him that he will funeral of Minister (Arumugam) be the most appropriate time to discussions? votes. Therefore, there should changes and exceeds 2,000 active do his duty properly on the day Thondaman, we can say that hold an election. We should make Of course. There is always a be a method where politicians patients, then people will start of the election. If they can plan if there wasn’t an upcoming sure that a second wave won’t be risk of being infected when even can still have their voters talking in a different way about our to do the election work without election, that would have been a threat to us. a minimum of two people gather gathered around them without health sector as well. 12 the sunday morning FEATURE Sunday, June 7, 2020

WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER

BY CHENELLE FERNANDO Foundation, Green explained the organisation runs an The removal of a cluster evidence-based mass sterilisation of stray dogs around the programme in Negombo, Katana, Viharamahadevi Park led and Ja-Ela. While stressing on the to a recent stir, following need to vaccinate 70% of the dogs a protest near Colombo Live and let live to reach herd immunity yearly, Mayoress Rosy Senanayake’s large-scale regular sterilisation the remaining 60% is a large she indicated that the organisation residence. Rescue Animals Sri programmes that happened up to enough volume to cause so much sterilises approximately 35 dogs about four to five years ago had reproductive output this year that a day, that are microchipped, Lanka Trustee Anusha David unfortunately been stopped in many next year, you are back to square and the details are entered into a told The Sunday Morning areas. The programme done by the one,” she explained. mobile phone app which enables that according to her inquiry Blue Paw Trust in the Colombo The Blue Paw Trust currently subsequent follow-ups. from the Colombo Municipal area, which was very successful, engages in population-level “We repeat this 28-30 times a Council (CMC), the dogs was unfortunately stopped as well.” animal management. “Our aim month, moving from community were originally removed The Sunday Morning spoke is to eradicate rabies and see to community,” she added. from the premises due to the to Blue Paw Trust CEO Dr. significant reductions in street The organisation’s flagship aggression displayed by the Nalinika Obeyesekere and dog populations in the city programme in Negombo has dogs towards parkgoers and she commented that the CMC of Colombo and now we are currently sterilised 8,969 dogs pedestrians. The protest led sterilisation programme, which was working in the Colombo District,” and taken the overall sterilisation conducted from 2007-2012, came Dr. Obeyesekere said. rate of dogs from 7.9% in January to the subsequent release PHOTO ©ADADERANA.LK to a standstill with the change of Meanwhile, Embark, as 2015 to 86.2 % in January 2020. of the dogs from the dog officials within the CMC. Gunewardene indicated, has As indicated by Dr. pound, which as David As Dr. Obeyesekere indicated, Stressing on the effectiveness conducted more than 28,000 Obeyesekera, the requirement indicated was unsuitable for during its operation, the programme of sterilisation, Green stated: sterilisations across the country of a minimum of four animal the wellbeing of dogs. sought to cover 80% of female There are regular programmes “Sterilisation programmes are a during its 13 years of operation. handlers, three vets, and a driver dogs and the vaccination of 80% Embark carries out especially critical part of the dog population “There are regular programmes a day consecutively to attain a Speaking on behalf of the CMC, of all dogs. Upon completion, when we get requests from the management process, and tackle Embark carries out especially 70-80% target comes with a hefty Chief Veterinary Surgeon Dr. Colin a controlled environment was community, but it does not the breeding part of the overall when we get requests from the financial and logistical burden. Perera told The Sunday Morning maintained from 2012 to 2016, cover the extent of what is problem.” community, but it does not cover “The tough part is the balance that it was only two dogs that which was however not long-lived. actually required. We do the Gunewardene noted CNVR the extent of what is actually 60%, because these dogs are shy; were removed from the premises Dr. Obeyesekere shared that the best we can with the funds or Catch, Neuter, Vaccinate, and required. We do the best we can they are difficult to catch, that upon the request of the public. numbers have begun to peak again we have as we also do a lot Release to be the most viable with the funds we have as we is why they didn’t get caught in “There were two vicious dogs, due to the lack of a consistent and of rescue work with regard to and humane method in stray dog also do a lot of rescue work with the first place. That is why these and as authorised persons, we long-running programme. injured dogs, together with population reduction, as when regard to injured dogs, together programmes are so important, yet it removed them, vaccinated them, Our attempt to obtain a statement adoption stray dogs discontinue to breed, with adoption,” she explained. doesn’t happen across the country.” and released them back. This was from the CMC in this regard, things remain more peaceful. “It Gunewardene echoes In order to see population-level done mainly because of the public’s however, proved futile. Embark and Otara Foundation also creates communities where coexistence between humans results, it is a must to first do a Founder/CEO request,” he commented. Speaking to Dogstar Foundation Otara Gunewardene both people and animals can live and animals within a community dog count and then ensure at least However, the whole incident Founder and In-country Director in harmony. We have seen the as she believes dogs are much 70% vaccination of all dogs and sparked a debate on the existence Samantha Green, we found out that success of this in many areas,” she happier on the street where the 70% sterilisation of all female or non-existence of appropriate although the actual dog population welfare impact but do not keep continued. community feeds them daily. dogs (although 80% is ideal). programmes for dog sterilisation across the island remains unknown, roaming dog populations at bay or In order to see long-term “Turkey is an amazing example The blinding truth appears to to manage the stray dog population the figures are quoted at a control rabies within the county. results, Dr. Obeyesekere of a country where street dogs be that despite welfare efforts, in within the country. David stated: staggering 1-3 million. She further Explaining the difference, Dr. identified the need to work on and cats are looked after and reality, it is only a portion of stray “The sterilisation programme stated that the human-dog ratio and Obeyesekere stated the former the whole stray dog population treated by the Council, where dogs that receive sterilisation which was carried out by the CMC dog density per kilometre is likely caters to individual animal needs, so as to attain 80% female they roam free in parks, streets, and vaccination. According to has stopped, and that is why there to vary in urban and rural areas, although the latter considers dog sterilisation and 70-80% and even in restaurants and many Dr. Obeyesekere, such efforts are so many dogs. The Government while unneutered male and female the whole group of animals at a vaccination of all dogs. “Say I go other places. Sri Lanka should be may have zero impact in terms of had a programme with the Blue dogs would breed from as young as population level. “The methods to Maharagama and I only focus leading the way with this type of translating to a holistic approach Paw Trust which was nullified.” six months, and that too often with used to address those two problems on 50% of the dogs or 30% and co-existence, instead of creating at reducing the population of Also speaking to The Sunday siblings or offspring. are significantly different. You need say I go to Hatton and I conduct situations of great conflict street dogs and rabies in its Morning, Embark and Otara Small to medium-scale to understand the distinction when a programme on 40% of the between people and animals,” she respective locality, although she Foundation Founder/CEO Otara sterilisation programmes as mostly you are working in the field,” she dogs, from a population point of averred. stressed on its undeniable and Gunewardene stated: “The done now, have a great animal said. view, it has zero impact, because Reflecting on the Dogstar important animal welfare value.

Contd. from page 3 Contd. from page 6 Farmers... Battle against... However, the previous Government vicinity (e.g. those within same row, blood spills, secretions or others), yy Interview and initial management: had suspended the project last year and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa last and two rows in front and two rows practice environmental cleaning and A separate space should be designated an investigation was launched by the Thursday (4) instructed the Presidential behind) for the needed follow-up upon spills-management; for the initial assessment of suspected Presidential Commission of Inquiry Task Force on Covid-19 to look into arrival cases and the interview of contacts (PCoI). facilitating PCR tests to be conducted yy Handle all waste in accordance with on Sri Lankans in the relevant countries yy In case suspected cases are detected regulatory requirements or guidelines; yy Fast-track pathway and transport: Heifers not for farmers on the aircraft, the cabin crew A separate pathway should be they’re returning from. yy Notify the health authority at the should inform and seek advice from delineated to rapidly refer suspected Soon after the allegations were During a meeting with the Presidential point of arrival. The health part a ground-based medical service cases to the designated hospital/ levelled against the new Government’s Task Force and medical consultants, of the aircraft general declaration provider at the point of entry of facility for further evaluation to avoid attempt to continue the heifer the President instructed to explore the (Annex 9 of IHR [International Health arrival through the control tower. In contact with the other passengers. importation project, the authorities possibility of carrying out PCR tests Regulations]) can be used to register cases of severe illness, the pilot in Arrangement for safe transportation rushed to explain the changes they had in the foreign nations through the Sri the health information onboard command may consider diversion for of suspected cases to the designated made to the new project. Lankan consulates in those respective and submit to point of entry health the unwell passenger to the nearest hospital/facility should also be in place According to National Livestock countries. authorities, when requested by the point of entry receive the required Development Board (NLDB) In addition, the President also directed country; yy Contingency plan: A functional treatment. Chairman Prof. Manjula Magammana, that a laboratory be set up at the airport public health emergency contingency yy Ensure the flight crew maintain the heifers to be imported to the premises in order to expedite the process yy In the event of a respiratory illness en plan at point of entry should be in continuous operation of the aircraft’s country under the Agriculture of obtaining the PCR test results. route, the following immediate steps place to respond to public health air recirculation system (HEPA filters Ministry’s “Saubhagya Project” were may be taken to reduce exposure and events WHO guidelines are fitted to most large aircraft and not to be distributed among dairy limit transmission to other passengers will remove some airborne pathogens, yy Disinfection of the aircraft: In and livestock farmers but rather to WHO measures to be adopted or aircraft crew: farms under the NLDB for breeding before embarkation depending on the size of the particulate accordance with the aircraft make and purposes. yy Designate one dedicated cabin crew or microorganism). model, usage of preferred cleaning yy Advanced bilateral communication, As explained by the Chairman, the member to look after the ill traveller, Upon arrival at the chemicals and methods should be importation of 2,500 milch cows was co-ordination, and planning with preferably one who has previously consulted to properly disinfect the one of several proposals put forward the responsible authorities before interacted with the passenger; point of entry aircraft. A segregated space at the PoE departure (point of entry) and trained personnel through a cabinet paper. yy Use appropriate PPE when dealing yy Entry screening: Temperature should be available to clean the The 2,500 cattle are to be yy The aircraft should be properly staffed with symptomatic patients (medical or screening alone may not be very aircraft after disembarking passengers imported after renegotiating the loan with sufficient medical personnel to surgical mask, hand hygiene, gloves); effective as it may miss travellers assistance programme extended for accommodate the number of nationals incubating the disease or travellers yy In all cases, the adjacent seat(s) of the Non-suspected passengers’ the importation of milch cows by anticipated, and that they are outfitted concealing fever during travel, or arrival into the country the Australian Government that was with appropriate PPE (personal patient should be left unoccupied, if it may yield false positive (fever of implemented during the tenure of the protective equipment) and equipment/ feasible; a different cause). If temperature yy Risk communication: Prepare previous Sri Lankan Government. supplies to respond to illness en route yy Passengers seated in the close vicinity screening is implemented, it should be countries to communicate rapidly However, Prof. Magammana said should have their information on accompanied with: and transparently with the population that the Government will review yy The non-medical crew of the aircraft itinerary and contact details recorded and ensure the involvement of a project initiated by the previous should be properly briefed and yy Health messages: Dissemination of for further follow up, as potential media to support the spread of the Government to import and distribute outfitted, as well as aware of the signs health messages and travel notices contacts, using a passenger locator right messages and avoid rumours. dairy cows. and symptoms to detect symptomatic informing persons on signs, symptoms, form. This information may be Countries should communicate with Responding to the allegations passengers for nCoV and where to seek medical support if collected on a voluntary basis for the their public early and effectively to levelled against the importation of needed yy Exit screening, for example remaining passengers; mitigate stigma or discrimination and heifers, Co-Cabinet Spokesman Dr. temperature measurement and a yy Primary questionnaire: Development avoid panic, in line with the principles Bandula Gunawardena alleged that the questionnaire, should be conducted yy The patient on the aircraft should and use of forms to collect information of Article 3 of the IHR. programme on the importation of heifers adhere to respiratory/cough etiquette on symptoms, history of exposure, and before departure for the early detection yy Health measures: If there is evidence of had been conducted in an ill-advised either by wearing a medical or surgical contact information of symptoms. Screening results should an imminent public health risk from the manner by the previous Government, be shared with the receiving country mask (if available and tolerated) or with disastrous repercussions for the the patient could contain his cough yy Data collection and analysis: arriving passengers, the country may, cows and farmers alike. yy It is advised to delay the travel of or sneeze by using disposable tissue. Establishment of proper mechanisms in accordance with Article 31 of the He told The Sunday Morning that the suspected ill travellers detected If the patient cannot tolerate a mask, for collection and analysis of data IHR and in alignment with its national around $ 312 million was spent through exit screening to be referred healthy travellers adjacent to the ill generated from the entry screening for law, deeming the extent necessary to annually for the importation of dairy for further evaluation and treatment traveller may be offered masks; the rapid evaluation and response control such a risk, compel the traveller products to Sri Lanka and with the to undergo additional health measures Onboard the aircraft yy Practice hand hygiene (hand washing Suspected cases launch of the new programme, the that prevent or control the spread of or hand rub); detected at arrival Government was expecting to uplift yy The seating location of passengers disease, including isolation, quarantine, the local dairy industry. inside the aircraft should be duly yy Handle any blankets, trays, or other yy Personnel and supplies: Trained or placing the traveller under public Meanwhile, the dairy farmers who noted/mapped in case a passenger personal products used by the patient personnel should be available for the health observation. In the absence of an have been affected by the previous begins to display symptoms, so they with respiratory symptoms carefully; early detection and initial evaluation established quarantine law, countries project have urged the Government to can be isolated, and to furthermore of cases and equipped with the needed should ensure emergency contingency yy In case of the presence of spills (vomit, pay compensation. take note of those in the immediate supplies protocols to support quarantine. the sunday morning 133 Sunday, June 7, 2020 FOCUS

WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER

MANAGING WASTE AMID COVID-19 Health Ministry issues guidelines BY SARAH HANNAN Prior to Covid-19, Sri Lanka struggled with managing its clinical waste with illegal and irresponsible dumping observed #LPGDAY ON 7 JUNE on several occasions with outsourced private companies failing to adhere to the guidelines that were agreed upon. With a highly infectious virus still LPG’s role in threatening to derail the country’s day-to- day activities, it has also presented more challenges that need to be tackled, with short-term and long-term plans. Most of clean energy the general public seem to have opted against the use of reusable face masks, Not many of us experience having to light regional air pollution. even though the disposable surgical a hearth in the wee hours of the morning to As a low-carbon, low-polluting fuel, LPG is masks and other personal protective boil a pot of water or keep the embers alive recognised by governments around the world equipment (PPE) are to be spared for the of the 107 secondary and tertiary care Waste minimisation and to continue the days’ cooking. But prior to for the contribution it can make towards use of the healthcare workers. institutions. Apart from that, incinerators segregation the 1980s, almost all houses in Sri Lanka had improved indoor and outdoor air quality and The Sunday Morning spoke to are to be provided for selected hospitals Recycling procedures should be an outdoor kitchen which had a covering to reduced greenhouse gas emissions. the Western Province Solid Waste so their clinical waste need not be implemented to minimise the quantity protect it from the rain, so the cooking could In many applications and regions, LPG is Management Authority Director Nalin transported all the way to Muthurajawela of HW generated. All non-contaminated continue even during the rainy season. among the most attractive energy options for Mannapperuma to inquire whether they for processing. Solid waste management plastic items should be collected Cooking was a task of its own in any the minimisation of greenhouse gas (GHG) have monitored an increase in waste at hospitals is to be strengthened with separately to be picked up by local household with sourcing firewood to light the emissions. generation over the past two months the adoption of guidelines. The Ministry contractors capable of recycling them. hearth and mastering the skill of lighting the owing to Covid-19. is also looking to upgrade sewerage All non-contaminated and unbroken hearth being left to the housewives. LPG’s contribution to mitigating “The waste generation for the Western systems in 45 line ministries and 42 glassware which are not reused should be Exposure to outdoor air pollution by emission is twofold: Province alone has significantly provincial hospitals and in addition to segregated and sent for recycling. Broken cooking this way is found to cause premature 1.Reduced CO2 emissions reduced; from the average garbage that that, to inculcate behavioural change glassware should follow the stream of deaths of an estimated 4.3 million people, Whether used for cooking, transport, is generated in the province, we saw a and community support for personnel sharp waste. annually, from lung cancer, cardiovascular heating, or industrial applications, LPG is a drop of 40%. When people stay at home, measures – hand washing facilities are to Segregation consists of separating disease, pneumonia, chronic obstructive clean burning fuel that will reduce carbon the amount of garbage that is generated be built in field clinics. different types of waste based on the pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as ill- dioxide (CO2) emissions compared to seems to have significantly reduced, type of treatment and disposal practices. health and the loss of productivity among biomass, fuel oil, and, in many countries, partly because they are not bringing in Managing healthcare waste It should take place at the point of millions more. electricity. single-use plastics to the city and there The Ministry agrees that the healthcare generation of waste. Different colour With the introduction of liquefied LPG is also among the lowest carbon- was a reduction in people going outdoors waste (HW) generated by the institutions coded containers should be used. petroleum gas (LPG) for domestic usage, emitting fuel sources for cooking in many and ordering takeout.” is on the increase and as sources of gradually, many households are able to do regions of the world. In India, for example, We asked whether there was an infections, this waste needs to be Colour code used in health away with the outdoor kitchen and move LPG emits 60% fewer GHG than electric coil increase in disposed single-use properly managed. Therefore, a guideline waste management the kitchen indoors, saving time in having to cooktops, 50% fewer emissions than some face masks and gloves, to which on this aspect is essential to develop yy Infectious waste – yellow fetch wood or having to struggle lighting the biomass stoves, and 19% fewer GHGs than Mannapperuma noted that it was only plans and implement them to manage hearth. kerosene stoves. during the month of March and April that this problem effectively. yy Sharp waste – yellow with a red stripe From a global perspective, LPG currently When used as a transport fuel, LPG emits they observed a significant number of HW generated by medical institutions yy General waste – black provides about 3% of all energy consumed less CO2 than other hydrocarbon fuels when disposable face masks and gloves being could transmit infectious diseases globally and is used by over a billion people in combustion. Driving on autogas (common disposed from households that were to people who are exposed to them. yy Biodegradable waste – green on all continents. Approximately 45% of the name for LPG) leads to a reduction of observing home quarantine. Improper disposal can have harmful yy Glass waste – red total global consumption of LPG is used for 10-12% in CO2 emissions, in comparison to a “With community clusters reducing effects on the environment as well. domestic applications, primarily cooking. petrol-powered car with an identical engine. yy Paper waste – blue and no more isolated areas in effect, we While every healthcare facility (HCF) is Reducing air pollutants Regardless of the application, switching to do not see much of the PPEs disposed responsible for the proper management yy Plastic waste – orange LPG will help reduce CO2 emissions. from households. The waste that is of waste it generates until its final Dial back 30 years, and the amount of time 2.LPG and black carbon generated from hospitals and quarantine disposal, the Ministry of Health has Waste collection and on-site and energy spent by a person who spends a Black carbon or BC are microscopic centres around the country as well as the listed guidelines to be used in any state transportation lot of time in the kitchen would be doubled. airborne particles commonly known as soot, Western Province is managed separately or private health facility. i. Waste collection Such persons would have to tend to the hearth which some experts rank as the second- according to the guidelines issued by a) Hazardous waste should be collected and watch over the pot of rice that was to be biggest contributor to climate change after the Ministry of Health,” Mannapperuma The medium-term needs in yellow polythene bags of boiled. The fire needs to be controlled as too CO2. added. with an estimated budget minimum 300 μm gauge with the much fire at the wrong time could burn the BC is emitted from incomplete In April, the Ministry of Health and of $ 131,440,000 will look at international biohazard symbol rice. With an LPG cooker, one can regulate combustion in diesel engines, industrial Indigenous Medical Services published strengthening IPC measures placed in yellow bins. the strength of the fire from low to mid to smokestacks, residential cooking fires, and their Preparedness and Response Plan based on detailed assessment in b) Sharp waste should be placed in high, at any point, with a turn of a knob. heating stoves, among other things. But for Covid-19, in which special attention each of the 107 secondary and specific cardboard or plastic boxes The carbon emission would be higher because BC stays in the atmosphere for only was given to clinical waste management tertiary care institutions which are puncture proof and leak from a wood-fired stove in comparison to an days or weeks, moving quickly to expand on this plan and the authorities noted that proof. Sharps boxes should be LPG cooker. Which means the amount of air access to already existing clean technology further improvement was required with HW can be broadly categorised into designed with a small opening so pollutants that is generated with a simple task can be an effective rapid response to reduce the waste disposal methodologies. hazardous and non-hazardous (general) that items can be dropped in but no like cooking can now be greatly reduced. BC emissions. waste. Non-hazardous waste includes item can be removed. Box should be Fine particulate matter is associated with BC warms the planet by absorbing heat Solid waste management all waste that has not been contaminated of yellow colour with red stripes and a broad spectrum of acute and chronic in the atmosphere and reduces albedo – the Most of the time, clinical solid waste is with infectious or hazardous substances have the biohazard symbol on it. illnesses, such as lung cancer, COPD, and ability to reflect sunlight – when deposited taken away from the hospital by a private such as blood, body fluids, and chemicals c) General waste should be placed in cardiovascular disease. Worldwide, it is on snow and ice. BC stays in the atmosphere company and is often not monitored to (e.g. paper, leftover food, fabric). black polythene bags of minimum estimated to cause about 16% of lung cancer for only several days to weeks, whereas CO2 ensure proper disposal. Clinical waste General waste can be managed by the 200 μ gauge. For recyclable non- deaths, 11% of COPD deaths, and more than has an atmospheric lifetime of more than 100 from Kandy, Karapitiya, and the National local authority. While hazardous waste hazardous waste refer DGHS 20% of ischemic heart disease and stroke. years. Institute of Infectious Diseases (IDH) is categorised as infectious, pathological, circular of 01/12/2006. LPG emits virtually no black carbon and Thus, reducing BC will deliver immediate is brought to the incinerators located sharps, chemical, pharmaceutical, and if spilled, will not pollute the ground. In the cooling more quickly than reductions in at Muthurajawela for disposal, the radioactive. ii. Onsite transportation event of a leak, LPG does not contaminate the CO2 and will buy time to keep temperature publication indicated. Infectious waste: Blood, body fluids Waste should be collected from each soil or aquifers. This is especially important increases below a critical value, while long- Liquid clinical waste management also or items contaminated with them, ward on a regular schedule. When when operating in environmentally sensitive term strategies to reduce CO2 emissions are needs improvement. Greater attention microbiological waste, and waste from handling waste for transportation, areas such as farms, nature reserves, or on implemented. is required to bringing in remedial isolation wards. sanitary staff should wear protective water. LPG emits virtually no particulates and measures to prevent contamination, Pathological waste: Human body clothing at all times including face In a study carried out by the World Health switching to LPG can thus have an immediate environmental pollution, and spread of parts, foetuses; similar waste from masks, aprons, boots, and heavy-duty Organisation (WHO) in 2006, in a scenario impact on global warming. Covid-19 infection through improper surgery and autopsies; animal carcasses, gloves. All yellow bags should be in which 50% of the people using solid waste management. organs, and tissue infected with human sealed with appropriate adhesive tape fuels worldwide switch to using LPG, the Benefits of LPG usage The Ministry has estimated a budget pathogens. and removed from the bins. The sharps total economic benefits amount to roughly yy 3.7 million deaths in the world are of $ 515,000 to attend to the immediate Sharps: Syringes with needles, boxes should be closed when ¾ full. $ 90 billion per year, compared with net attributable to ambient air pollution needs of infection prevention and control scalpel blades, razors, infusion sets, Waste should be collected in a trolley or intervention costs of only $ 13 billion (i.e. a (IPC). The funds are to be utilised to train contaminated broken glass, blood tubing, cart which is easy to load and clean. The benefit-cost ratio of 6.9), with time-saving yy 1,600 cities worldwide are reporting air staff in IPC measures, waste (clinical) and other similar materials. trolley should not be used for any other accounting for half of the gross economic pollution levels management, training on PPE use – Chemical waste: Could be in the form purpose. The collection route should be benefits and health-related productivity gains yy 96% autogas-fuelled cars generate 96% how to put on (donning) and remove of solid, liquid, and gaseous chemicals direct from the point of collection to the for most of the rest. less NOx than diesel and 68% less than (doffing) (specifically removal of PPE generated in the laboratory by the use central waste storage facility. In a pro-poor scenario, in which priority is petrol after work) – and shall provide training of solvents, reagents, disinfectants, and given to households using the most polluting on logistics to improve supply chain other chemicals, which may be toxic, Waste storage fuels, the economic benefits are even higher, yy Autogas emits 120 times less small management. Waste disposal (clinical) corrosive, flammable, explosive, or A separate central storage facility at $ 102 billion, with a net intervention cost of particle emissions than diesel vehicles methods are to be strengthened with carcinogenic. should be provided for storage. Non- just $ 15 billion. yy The carbon footprint of LPG is 50% lower training, and the Ministry will assess IPC Pharmaceutical waste: Outdated or hazardous waste which is to be taken It also entails a waste of productive time than coal measures in each of the hospitals that residual medications of all kinds. away by local government authorities and energy, as traditional fuels usually are identified to treat Covid-19 patients. Radioactive waste: Solid, liquid, or should be stored separately from have to be collected and transported to the yy Driving on autogas leads to a reduction of An IPC monitoring tool and an external pathological waste contaminated with hazardous waste. The central storage home, and cooking with biomass is slow. 10-12% in CO2 emissions, as compared assessment system as part of quality radioactive isotopes of any kind. Faeces, facility should be totally enclosed The local and global environment may also to petrol assurance too is to be developed in the vomit, and urine from patients treated and sealed from unauthorised access. be degraded, as the demand for biomass Next week The Sunday Morning will coming months. with radioactive substances. It should be inaccessible to animals, encourages deforestation; the use of animal discuss the benefits that Sri Lanka is reaping The medium-term needs with an Safe HW management procedures aim insects, and birds. It should be easy to waste degrades soil quality and, to the extent from the use of LPG with an industry expert estimated budget of $ 131,440,000 will at containing infections and reducing clean and disinfect. It should have a good that it is used unsustainably, burning biomass and a pioneer in the LPG industry. look at strengthening IPC measures public health risks both within and water supply, drainage, and ventilation contributes to global warming and local and – Sarah Hannan based on detailed assessment in each outside the HCF. systems. 14 the sunday morning OPINION/FOCUS Sunday, June 7, 2020

WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER A new deal for Sri Lanka BY MANGALA SAMARAWEERA policy. We need a clear plan, including some third, in addition to audits by the Auditor of the ideas below. General, SOEs will be legally required to The worst economic crisis since comply with the Colombo Stock Exchange Independence is upon us. For some decades 3. Asset transfers to citizens (CSE) disclosure guidelines. now, the grim clouds of debt, waste, and Sri Lanka cannot and should not be like Sri Lanka’s economy is also greatly held corruption have been gathering over our the vain inhabitants of a “walauwa” who back by archaic laws. Our Customs Act island. Now – as this fearsome storm of the – so proud of their thousand-year name – dates from 1869, when Queen Victoria coronavirus unleashes its fury – anguish and refuse to pawn the family silver or lease part still reigned. We keep talking about single desperation, grief and sorrow, fear and rage, of their estate. As a result, their children go windows, digitisation, and eliminating will engulf us all. hungry, are unable to go to school, or do not corruption. Why then do we still have this Hundreds of thousands of our countrymen have medicine they desperately need. ancient act? Because inefficiency serves and women are likely to lose their jobs. When people are jobless and hungry, what the corrupt, creating opportunities for Hunger will visit countless families. The is the use of the Government owning assets bribes. The solution is not to place officers debt collector’s dreaded shadow is looming in competitive industries such as hotels, of integrity in charge, for they too will over millions. port concessions, oil farms, and plantations? succumb to the corruption. The solution is to This tempest has only just begun. Yet, Assets which are often more of a drain than change the system. It is hard, unglamorous, portends of its destructive fury are already a boon to the public purse. Who wouldn’t and often unseen work. But it must be done. evident. Recently, three mothers of Lanka sell or lease part of their estate to provide Similarly, production of high-value died because they were desperate for a Rs. for their children, especially if, as part of crops – including fruits, vegetables, spices, 1,500 donation. Now, with the suspension PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE the deal, the purchaser agrees to profit share and flowers – could be swiftly and greatly of the Rs. 5,000 relief scheme, hunger could (that is pay taxes) and provide employment enhanced if more land was available in soon give way to starvation. According fact, many of the successful reforms of the Why should bond-holders agree to take a to the “walauwa” family’s unemployed, the Wet Zone. Why then has the Paddy to UNICEF (United Nations International 1978 to 2004 era were reversed between haircut if we refuse a $ 500 million grant? malnourished children? Lands Act not been amended so that it Children’s Emergency Fund), even prior to 2005 and 2015. We became closed, insular, What does it say about how seriously we For Sri Lanka lived beyond its means doesn’t apply to the Wet Zone? In fact, a the current calamity, nearly one in five small and uncompetitive. For a while, the returns care about the hunger and anguish of our and did not undertake the reforms significant share of land under the Paddy children already suffered from stunting. of past reforms still flowed. And when own citizens? If we don’t care about our needed to build the export-oriented Lands Act in the Wet Zone was never The recent Reuters report writes that “Sri they were exhausted, we took on more countrymen, why should anyone else? economies that have catapulted really used for paddy in the first place. But Lanka’s finances were fragile long before and more debt to fuel a consumption and The ability of donor agencies – such as countries in East Asia and Southeast political opportunism and a lack of courage the coronavirus delivered its blow...” white elephant construction boom. Much the IMF (International Monetary Fund), Asia from third-world to first mean that these fetters on our economy But there is hope. Much of this suffering of this debt was toxic dollar-denominated, World Bank, ADB (Asian Development continue to persist. We could not afford can be avoided. We need to understand short-maturity commercial borrowings from Bank), and AIIB (Asian Infrastructure Selling or leasing these state-owned such chains before this crisis. To continue the causes of this calamity, devise radical international capital markets. This is why Investment Bank) – to support Sri Lanka enterprises (SOEs) and using the money with them in the face of this calamity is plans, and act decisively. There is no other markets expect Sri Lanka to default – which will also greatly depend on adhering to the for relief or to settle public debt, will be an unconscionable. alternative. will be, should it come to pass, the first rule of law, especially in relation to public asset transfer from the State to the citizen. time in our post-Independence history. As finance. I warned earlier that failure to put That is precisely what we need at this time. 5. Just taxation The birth of tragedy we have seen in Greece and Argentina, any government expenditure and borrowing on Even if prices are low at this point, such Sri Lanka has a highly unfair tax system. Sri Lanka’s economy today is like a grand such event will greatly exacerbate what will a legal footing would cause delays in aid. I assets can be placed in a Constitutional Direct taxes, which are paid for much old “walauwa” whose proud inhabitants, soon be unbearable hardship. fear the Government’s unfortunate policy Council-appointed holding company with more by the middle class and the rich, are despite hardships and imminent poverty This crisis has been long in the making. of placing the family’s interest over public an explicit legal mandate for their disposal one-fifth of total taxation. Indirect taxes, live on stories of the heroic deeds and the Coronavirus is only a catalyst. It is these interest is leading to precisely such delays. within a five-year time period. which place a much greater burden on the prosperity of their aristocratic lineage. From two fateful decisions – stopping reform This is also clear from such irresponsible There is also a great deal of land that poor, account for four-fifth of total taxes. In afar, the elegant roofs, ornate woodwork, and borrowing from international capital statements implying that Sri Lanka the State acquired through land reform. addition to moving towards direct taxation, and sweeping verandas shine of prosperity, markets, made between 2005 and 2007 – will leave the UN. Such talk and, more However, unlike in many East Asian we also need to reassess property taxes. stability, and confidence. It is only when that are the real birthplace of the coming importantly, failure to uphold human rights countries, that land was never redistributed Many people have been made millionaires one is invited in for tea that the leaky roof, tragedy. and the rule of law could again lead to the to citizens. Consider the case of the through land value appreciation arising termite-infested trellises, and moth-eaten discontinuation of GSP+, which would be plantations. We know that small-holder from public investment in infrastructure curtains become apparent. The worst can be avoided a death blow to our already gasping apparel plantations have higher yields. So why then like highways. It is only right that some of If one stays a few days, the venerable The newspapers are filled with ideas for sector. are not plantations broken up and given that value is shared with the broader public, edifice’s sorry secrets slowly become relief plans. Such debate and discussion to the people of those areas, especially as especially less fortunate citizens at such a apparent. One son stays at home, is good. Nevertheless, the cold, hard, Our Customs Act dates from 1869, they are some of our poorest citizens? The time of hardship and suffering. unemployed. His parents cannot afford to and unavoidable fact is that only the when Queen Victoria still reigned. We wealth effect alone could help restore some pay for university. The other son, a school Government can provide substantial relief. keep talking about single windows, consumer confidence. We need to act now dropout addicted to heroin amply made This is an unprecedented crisis. We digitisation, and eliminating These are unprecedented times. Calamity available by the media mogul “uncle” next are yet to fully understand or internalise corruption. Why then do we still have 4. Reforms is upon the world and upon Sri Lanka. We door in the gleaming fairy tale mansion, is the suffering and anguish it will bring. this ancient act? Because inefficiency From 1978 to 2004, Sri Lanka will be worse affected than many other always on the wrong side of the law. The It calls for a radical, far-reaching, and serves the corrupt, creating continuously pushed through productivity countries. We need all the help we can get. parents hide the fact that they survive on decisive response. Half-measures cannot opportunities for bribes enhancing reforms: Tariffs declined But in order for others to help us, we need to the remittances sent by their only daughter be tolerated. Hundreds of thousands of jobs over that period, foreign investment was help ourselves. Much sorrow, grief, and pain working as a housemaid in West Asia. Food and the welfare of many families are at 2. Borrowing liberalised, we signed free trade agreements, can be avoided if we act now. Politicians is scarce; especially on the days preceding stake. This is not a time for petty political and we privatised. As a result, Sri Lanka often say the future of the country depends the debt collector’s arrival. The plantation debates and scurrilous token patriotism. We We need relief and stimulus now. was able to maintain a very creditable on this reform or that policy. At this dire behind the house, once the fount of need a clear plan combined with decisive, Therefore, the Government needs to borrow. growth rate despite wars, insurgencies, and time, it is not our future that depends on a prosperity, lies forlorn and decrepit – half- courageous leadership that places the public But to borrow today, it must credibly no access to foreign markets. clear economic relief and revival plan, but heartedly managed by a few withering old interest above anything else. Here is such a commit to saving tomorrow. The main We need relentless focus on productivity rather our present. We need to act now. retainers. The methods are equally ancient, framework. way it can convince official and private and competitiveness. The proof of that are The Government must take the above and replanting last took place an age ago. creditors that it is solvent is to establish a exports. If exports climb, it means that our measures in order to: Sri Lanka too is in such a sordid state. An 1. Foreign aid robust system of fiscal rules that ensure the productivity is rising. At this critical time, 1. Ensure that the Rs. 5,000 relief continues eagle flying over the island sees great ports There are only two viable ways for the Government saves in good times, so that it we need to restart the reforms that stopped throughout this crisis period and increase and airports. But swooping down, discovers Government to raise funds at this time. can spend in bad times. in 2004. These reforms can be structural it to Rs. 10,000 for the most vulnerable their cavernous emptiness. As he casts his One is to borrow and the other is to obtain The Treasury has been preparing a system reforms or they can simply be updating families. eye over the city, grand condominiums aid. The interest rate Sri Lanka will have to of fiscal rules for some time. These need archaic laws for present needs. Here are 2. Supply banks with the necessary funds contain people who cannot afford the pay for overseas borrowing today is over to be made robust and enshrined in the examples of both. to effectively implement and extend the lifestyle they live. Flying uphill, he sees 6%. Therefore, until we can implement the Constitution for them to be credible. A One example of structural reforms relates moratorium on loan payments, especially plantations reaching exhaustion and garment measures outlined below, we need aid. system of fiscal rules that brings down Sri to the management of SOEs. Other than in microfinance and leasing. factories that cannot compete. Sri Lanka must fast-track the MCC Lanka’s debt-to-GDP ratio to 70% by 2030 disposing inefficient assets in competitive 3. Provide firms with further concessionary For Sri Lanka lived beyond its means (Millennium Change Corporation) grant. will greatly restore creditor confidence, as sectors, the State needs to eliminate loans and other relief, subject to the and did not undertake the reforms needed Worth $ 500 million (which is roughly equal will the passing of the Monetary Law Act. corruption and waste for SOEs in monopoly condition that they do not lay off workers. to build the export-oriented economies that to a Rs. 20,000 grant to every household in However, the credibility of these rules sectors. The root of this mismanagement 4. Commence a labour-intensive public have catapulted countries in East Asia and Sri Lanka), it can kick-start the relief and will also depend greatly on the courts is politicisation. And politicisation can be works drive in productive infrastructure, Southeast Asia from third-world to first. recovery programme. The grant, after all, is enforcing public finance provisions of greatly reduced through a single, simple especially public transportation. The truth of the matter is simple. Like the designed to deliver urgently needed public the Constitution. Failure to ensure these reform act. This act will, first, ensure the 5. Reskill workers who are made owners of the “walauwa”, we failed to learn transportation and roadwork improvements safeguards are enforced could undermine directors of all SOEs are appointed by and unemployed, making them employment lessons from our mistakes and change with and bring jobs, money, and ultimately Sri Lanka’s borrowing ability. responsible to a holding company board, ready for new generation and export the times. In fact, on the economic front, productivity improvements. Credibility will also depend on having which is appointed by the Constitutional industries. we have unlearnt the wisdom we have so More importantly, how can we ask for a clear roadmap to solvency. Currently, Council; second, all directors’ appointments Then, I pray, the three scourges of dearly purchased. Since 2004, Sri Lanka relief from others if we refuse to accept the Government has come to the farce of are subject to “fit and proper” criteria, as is unemployment, debt, and hunger can be has not had a major economic reform. In the largest grant in Sri Lankan history? replacing knee-jerk policy, with ad hoc already the case with bank directors; and kept away.

Contd. from page 4

to be repurposed for cultivation. This means Mas Season. With the help of the Paddy come into play when the harvesting begins. the farmers will cultivate more paddy lands Marketing Board, the Army was deployed It takes a while. In the meantime, large- Battling big... for which they would need extra fertiliser. to go and buy the paddy. They had bought scale rice mills have already visited many Jayawickrama is of the view that it is Jayatissa was among several other Until this stock arrives, there is sufficient 25,000 metric tonnes of paddy and it was farms and purchased paddy at lower rates. insensitive to increase the rice prices at this farmers who launched a fast unto death paddy stored to produce rice stocks for the also said to be sufficient for a period of nine People like us have little chance. There is time as the general public is already facing demanding justice for their paddy harvest next six weeks. months. The farmers also commended the no shortage of paddy in the country. Large- financial difficulties due to loss of jobs. The in August 2000 in Polonnaruwa. He was Harvesting of paddy for the 2019/2020 Government for this. scale paddy millers and large-scale paddy mill owners should also stop pretending that hospitalised when his health conditions Mas Season began in late March. It was collectors have already stockpiled the there is a rice shortage. deteriorated. Even after 20 years since that done throughout April and in early-May. The Selling rice at a loss paddy in the country. These stockades sell protest, farmers like Jayatissa seem to be agricultural authorities said that the country The mill owners argue that they cannot a kilogramme of paddy at Rs. 56. If we buy Profiteering mill owners constantly battling to receive a fair price had a harvest of 300 million metric tonnes of sell rice at the controlled price by purchasing them, and by the time it reaches the mill, “What happened to the paddy stocks for their hard labour. paddy this season. Hence, there is no chance paddy at Rs. the cost of it becomes Rs. 59. So, we are to they purchased at the beginning of the While the farmers are driven to the point of a shortage of rice. According to the Central 50. It is well known that to produce incur a loss if we are to sell rice at controlled year? Did they just vanish? Large-scale of taking their lives since they are burdened Bank of Sri Lanka's 2019 Central Bank a kilogramme of rice, one and a half prices,” All Ceylon Small and Medium- rice mill owners have stockpiled paddy with debt, the rice mill owners seem to be Report, the total yield of paddy harvest in the kilogrammes of paddy are required. In Scale Rice Mill Owners’ Association under different names. Every day large- making millions of rupees in profits by country for the year 2019 is over 40 million addition, transportation, shorting, hires, President B.K. Ranjith said. scale rice mill owners make unlimited selling the rice that is milled out of the paddy metric tonnes. Therefore, it is unlikely that the operating and maintenance costs, taxes, Like rice traders, large-scale rice mill profits. Keeri samba is still making a lot which is bought at a lower price. country could suffer a shortage of rice in such manufacturer profits, and trade commissions owners are trading on a profit basis. If selling of profit. It is the responsibility and duty At the end of the Yala Season, in about a short period of time. too need to be added under the production rice at the controlled price is unprofitable, of the Government to provide the rice at a one and a half months, there will be a supply The Government has increased the cost. It is only after calculating these costs and if the retailers are being raided by the stipulated price. It is the Government that of paddy stocks. The Government, realising guaranteed price of paddy to Rs. 50 per that the price of rice can be determined. CAA continuously for selling rice at higher has granted large-scale loans to paddy mill that there would be a possible imbalance in kilogramme in order to meet the supposed Should the rice mill owner sell a kilogramme prices, the small and medium rice mill owners,” Kaudulla, Polonnaruwa farmer the country’s food supply due to the Covid- food shortage and provide a good market of rice at Rs. 85-90, they will incur losses. owners have no choice but to shut down leader K. Jayathissa said. 19 lockdown, arranged for additional land for paddy farmers' harvest during the “The guaranteed price system will not their rice mills. the sunday morning 15 Sunday, June 7, 2020 SPORTS

WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER

BY REVATHA S. SILVA AND VERNON TISSERA (IN MELBOURNE) As published in last week’s (31 May) edition of The Sunday Morning Sports, Suranjith Silva provided a classic example of how a Sri Lanka may lose prominent first-class cricketer with almost two decades of experience unfortunately missed out on appearing in the highest national level at least once. The following is the second and final part to even Afghanistan! of The Sunday Morning Sports’ interview with Suranjith Silva, now based in Australia: After performing well for St. Sebastian's z Suranjith Silva: Trials and tribulations of a first-class cricketer College, Moratuwa during the early 1990s, you were picked to play for SL Under- the meantime, the first-class player of the 19 against England for a home unofficial PART 2 country leaves for other countries without Test series. Then, you were selected for enough money to live. The players need to the SL Board President's XI along with be the priority. You can't say you don't have players like Mahela Jayawardene and Thilan money, because you have money. It is a Samaraweera for a game against touring problem in prioritising. Pakistan. You said a couple of chances were missed in that match by Kumar How did your playing career come to an Dharmasena and Romesh Kaluwitharana end? off your bowling? In 2005, I started playing in the English Yes. That match at Kurunegala could have counties without letting it affect my Sri Lanka made all the difference. That was the closest domestic cricket. In 2009, I retired from first- I got to making the national team. It was class cricket in Sri Lanka and started playing unfortunate. in both England and Australia. In 2013, I came I should say that those were different times. to settle down in Australia while representing The Sri Lanka Board had only 20 staffers then. Essendon in Melbourne, Victoria. I received only Rs. 1,500 for that entire match. Looking back, Murali played as the lead There were only newspapers, no social media spinner for Sri Lanka then, and Ruwan Kalpage then like today. So, if there were injustices and Dharmasena followed. I couldn't play for taking place in terms of selections, they would my country but have no regrets whatsoever. I have easily gone unnoticed. made a lot of friends.

What happened thereafter? What can you say about the present Kumar Dharmasena established his place Australian cricket structure? as the permanent off-spinner in the Sri Lanka It is very well organised. The five States side. Jayantha Silva also played some time as have five superb teams. Below, there is district a left-arm spinner. SURANJITH SILVA: level cricket. The States have the best 75-odd There were groups and factions as always, The leg-spinner playing in Australia players of the country. One player earns and there was favouritism too. I was invited by An impressive first-class career about a minimum of Aus. $ 5,000-10,000 the then Sri Lanka skipper Arjuna Ranatunga to for instance, scored over 10,000 runs and took Full name: Sella Hannadige Suranjith Madushan class cricket structure in Sri Lanka? (approximately Rs. 6-12 lakhs) per month. It play for his club SSC (Singhalese Sports Club). more than 250 wickets for Colts during the Kanchana Silva Now it has definitely lost its standard. Still is extremely competitive. Probably the best I became the best bowler 1990s without playing a single * The right-handed batsman and right-arm leg-spinner there is talent but the good players can't survive. first-class cricket structure in the world. The for SSC in my first year. I game for the country. Nimesh played in 127 first-class matches during 1993-2009 (over I stopped my first-class career in Sri Lanka in emergence of Marnus Labuschagne from continued to play seven more Perera, another leg-spinner and 16 years) for nearly seven teams, namely Sebastianites 2009. First-class cricket is a professional job. Queensland State recently is a case in point. years for SSC and my friends all-rounder who once held the Sports and Athletic Club, Singhalese Sports Club (SSC), They have to look after their families. But used to say, you are the only record for the highest number Burgher Recreation Club, Badureliya Sports Club, Lankan what we can earn in Sri Lanka is not sufficient Your thoughts on resuscitating Sri (permanent) SSC player who of wickets in a school cricket Cricket Club, SL Board President's XI, and Western Province for that. Even a Bangladesh first-class player Lanka's cricket? never played for Sri Lanka. I season, has been in the shadow South. can earn more. Now, after the Indian Premier Wherever we live in, we are concerned with think I was inexperienced and of Upul Chandana and never Matches: 127 League (IPL), the Indians are not going out to our country. We still have the natural talent, somewhat unlucky too. played for Sri Lanka. Bowling: 379 wickets at an average of 24.01 runs per play club cricket in other countries. but positions should be given only on merit. They also said I was too wicket (gave away 3.09 runs per over), best in an innings But we continue to seek greener pastures. From the school level, the game has become a early to reach that level Why does the leg-spinner is eight wickets for 130 runs, five or more wickets in an Everybody is compelled to seek out the best business. But even for the coaches, they are not and faced the same fate as get the stick always? innings – 15 times, 10 or more wickets in a match – twice option available. Here in Australia, you can find getting paid enough. This has led to corruption. another similar leg-spinner I feel the leg-spinners were Batting: 2,488 runs at an average of 20.56 per innings, about 150-200 Sri Lankan first-class players Next, the obvious problem is our cricket Sanjeewa Weerasinghe (whom Suranjith with his wife Shayanika not very well managed by the highest 92, scored seven 50s playing the domestic season here. administration. They are divided and fight we featured in these spaces on coaches and the senior players in Fielding: 53 catches In addition, players like Sajith Fernando, each other at every election. Their main focus our 10 and 17 May 2020 publications), who Sri Lanka. There was, and still is, a tremendous Pasan Wanasinghe, Jeevantha Kulatunga, is winning the next election. Every other thing also couldn't play longer for Sri Lanka in the amount of natural talent. In our days, wrong invest sufficiently on right-arm leg-spinners. Malinga Bandara, Kaushalya Weeraratne, comes in second. 1980s in spite of his early talent and good coaching methods destroyed the careers of They can win matches for Sri Lanka. Kaushal Lokuarachchi, Ian Daniel, Chinthaka If we don't make use of our former performance at the club level. many good leg-spin bowlers. Shane Warne Traditionally in our home matches, we used Jayasinghe...they all left the country. generation of world-class players like Sidath was the star leg-spinner then. So everyone to go with one fast bowler and three spinners. As a result, domestic cricket began to lack (Wettimuny), Roshan (Mahanama), Mahela, You put the blame entirely on the wanted us to bowl like Warne. I was also told Among those spinners, there was a place for experienced players within the system. That and (Kumar) Sangakkara and change this system? to bowl like him. I tried but I couldn't. It is a a left-arm spinner but there was no place for affected the next generation. Automatically, system soon, Sri Lanka is going to lose No. The system also played a part, definitely. totally wrong coaching technique. a right-arm leg-spinner. these things resulted in dropped standards. consistently against Afghanistan as well. Leg-spin bowling has been a very difficult art Sometimes, there are board officials who Look at England who were far-sighted in Andy Flower and co set up a plan some time to master. Experience is essential for a leg- don't like our bowling action. They prefer nurturing Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid as an Who is responsible for that? ago for England to become number one in two spinner. So, in my case, it was about giving various other styles of leg-spin bowling. It is off and leg-spin combination. They got help Definitely our Cricket Board. The officials years. They worked according to that plan and some early opportunity but not being looked not the style but one's effectiveness and his from leading former Pakistan spinners Saqlain are divided and fight each other. It is like achieved the target in one-and-a-half years. after properly thereafter. records that should be taken into consideration. Mushtaq and Mushtaq Ahmed in nurturing the UNP (United National Party) and SLFP After cleaning up the management and putting The club circuit then knew very well that We have a big percentage of leg-spinners the two. (Sri Lanka Freedom Party) fight within some good, genuine cricket brains there, we there were great cricketers who could play at coming in to the system, but we don't have a our government. There are officials who need something like that for the future to bring the national level anytime. Sajith Fernando, good leg-spin culture. The administration don't Your observation on the current first- receive very big salaries from the Board. In Sri Lanka's cricket back on track.

master playing white gave queen-odds. rook-odds to a fellow passenger while 16.Bxg8 Kxg8 17.Qg6 Kh8 18.Ng5 odds-giving even today. The World As the seventh move was played, he travelling on a train. His opponent hxg5 19.fxg5 Ne7 Champion Magnus Carlsen regularly announced a checkmate – as was the didn’t recognise Alekhine and was a plays exhibition TV games where he custom those days – in eight more bit offended. Alekhine was asked how gets only 30 seconds for the whole moves. he could be so brazen as to remove game. During one such occasion, he William Potter – Amateur (1870) a heavy piece against someone he famously checkmated Bill Gates in Remove white’s queen doesn’t even know? Alekhine replied just nine moves while using up only 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.Nc3 that he could afford to give rook-odds 12 seconds. It is highly instructive how Na5 5.Nxe5 Nxe4 6.d3 Nc5 precisely because he doesn’t know Carlsen played an irregular opening in about his opponent! order to improve his “odds” of finishing In 1872, Johannes Zukertort the game within the 30 seconds. produced what is widely considered as Bill Gates – Magnus Carlsen the best combination in an odds game. (2014) Zukertort – Epureanu (1872) TV exhibition game Remove white’s knight on b1 1.e4 Nc6 2.Nf3 d5 3 Bd3 Nf6 4.exd5 1.f4 e6 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.b3 d5 4.Bb2 c5 Qxd5 5 Nc3 Qh5 6.O-O Bg4 7.h3 Ne5 5.e3 Nc6 6.a3 a6 7.Bd3 Bd6 8.Qe2 What is white’s best move? 8.hxg4 Nfxg4 9.Nxe5 Qh2# Magnus Carlsen gives O-O 9.g4 Nxg4 10.Qg2 Nf6 11.h4 h6 Zukertort ignored the attack on “time-odds” and plays a TV 12.h5 Kh8 13.O-O-O Ne8 14.Rdg1 his queen and executed the stunning exhibition game with Bill Gates Rg8 sacrifice 20.gxf6!! Nxg6 21.hxg6+ Kg8 22.Rh8+! Kxh8 23.f7. Now a checkmate is unavoidable. This whole game is a stunning illustration White announced a mate after playing of the odds-giver using a strategy that 7.Bxf7+ Odds and ends maximises his chances. The absent The concept of “odds” or a handicap necessary evil, for the simple reason 7.Bxf7+ Ke7 8.Bg5+ Kd6 9.Nb5+ knight meant the queen’s rook can in sports is something that is generally that there was no other way to bridge Kxe5 10.f4+ Kf5 11.Nd4+ Kg4 12.h3+ join the kingside attack a move earlier. used to balance the playing field by a considerable difference in strength. Kg3 13.Ne2+ Kxg2 14.Bd5+ Ne4 The introduction of chess clocks compensating for the difference in Back then, chess was often played for 15.Bxe4#. The announced mate was gave rise to time-odds, one that is skill among competitors. This works money stakes, and handicaps served as longer than the actual game! considered the preferred mode of particularly well with sports like golf the only way to “hustle” the amateurs. In fact, the odds system can even be and polo. The vast majority of recorded games considered the earliest rating system. In classical board games like of François-André Philidor (the best Amateurs were graded according to chess where each player starts off chess player of the 18th Century) and what handicap they needed to compete THE CHESS with identical forces, material odds about 15% of all the known games of against a master, and were referred to as White played the stunning 15.Bh7! inevitably spoil the inherent harmony the great Paul Morphy (1837-1884) a “rook player” or a “pawn and move 15.Bh7! f6 (if 15...Kxh7 CORNER The start (on top) and the end of the game. Yet in the 18th and were played with various odds. player”. The fourth World Champion 16.Qg6+ fxg6 17.hxg6+ Kh8 by Dulan Edirisinghe (bottom) of the Bill Gates – 19th centuries, it was considered a In the following infamous game, a Alexander Alekhine once offered 18.Rxh6#) Carlsen game 16 the sunday morning Sunday, June 7, 2020 sports NBA playoffs reduced to No 100-day Tamás Aján is bad 22 teams countdown More than $ 10 million (Rs. 1.8 billion) is unaccounted The National Basketball Association (NBA) Tokyo 2020 confirmed yesterday for, 40 doping positives have been covered up, and plans to restart its 2019/20 season on 31 July (5) that it will not stage any one- vote-buying was rampant at the past two electoral in Orlando, with just the 22 teams in playoff year-to-go celebration events congresses of the International Weightlifting Federation contention competing. The NBA Board of for the postponed Olympic and (IWF), an independent investigation concluded on Governors approved the 22-team format by Paralympic Games due to the Thursday (4). IWF General Secretary and President for 29 votes to one, with the Portland Trail Blazers coronavirus pandemic. Inside the Games said the organisers will 44 years, Tamás Aján and his “autocratic, authoritarian the only team not in favour of the proposal. consider what they can do to show solidarity with the people. leadership” were blamed by the investigators.

WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER ‘Plant a tree for a Cristiano Ronaldo breaks new lease of life’ z Olympic Day celebrations 2020 Now you too can be a part of the “#UnitedbyEnvironment” campaign initiated by the National Olympic Committee (NOC), headed by Suresh Subramaniam, in their $1 billion milestone celebration of the Olympic Day, falling on z 23 June. The celebrations are carried out this The soccer star’s wealth is more than a quarter of SL’s budget deficit of 2019 year while adhering to the physical distancing requirements in accordance with the Covid- Cristiano Ronaldo is the first football star 19 countermeasures stipulated by countries. to break the milestone of $ 1 billion in You can plant a tree in the vicinity of your earnings (Rs. 185 billion), international media place during the period from 5 to 15 June, highlighted yesterday (5). take a photo of you planting it, and send that to the following web link: https://forms.gle/ The Portuguese superstar 2016. He’s only the third HLPtgSkrNsNfsHZy8. has now become the first athlete to sign with the brand The participants of the football player in history to for life, joining Michael #UnitedbyEnvironment campaign will be earn more than $ 1 billion Jordan and LeBron James. issued a token of appreciation or a “TreE- during his playing career, Certificate”. according to Forbes. Impoverished Meanwhile, NOC General Secretary early life Maxwell de Silva said in a media communique On and off the pitch Ronaldo, born in 1985, yesterday (5) that a demonstrative celebration Ronaldo is a member of was the fourth and youngest of the Olympic Day will be held on Tuesday, one of Europe’s football child of the late José Dinis 23 June from 10 to 11.30 a.m. at the Olympic clubs, Juventus in Italy, Aveiro, a municipal gardener House in Colombo, with the participation playing in it as a forward. and part-time equipment Young Cristiano Ronaldo of a maximum of 25 persons. The event Forbes also stated that manager or “kit man”. His with his beloved parents, will include a teqball demonstration and on the day of his first Ronaldo has made $ 650 mother Maria Dolores dos communion in 1993 a performance of “deshabimani gee” or million (Rs. 120 billion) Santos Viveiros da Aveiro patriotic songs. through football alone, with worked as a cook, and Ronaldo has been involved The International Olympic Day was first the rest – $ 350 million or Ronaldo grew up in an in lucrative moves to some introduced in 1948 to commemorate the birth Rs. 64 billion – coming from impoverished home, sharing of the biggest clubs on the of the modern Olympic Games which began an array of endorsement a room with all his siblings. planet, including Manchester on 23 June 1894 in Sorbonne, Paris. The deals off the pitch. United, Real Madrid, and goal of this day is to promote participation Equal to quarter of his current team, Juventus. in sport across the globe regardless of age, Lifetime deal SL’s budget deficit gender, or athletic ability – the true spirit with Nike Rs. 185 billion of Most popular on of Olympics. He has various Ronaldo’s worth is equal to social media endorsement deals with about 27% of the estimated He is also the most Electronic Arts, Altice, budget deficit of Sri Lanka followed athlete on social DAZN, Herbalife, MTG, for the last year (2019), media with 222 million Egyptian Steel, Nike, Jorge which stood at Rs. 685 Instagram followers. Mendes, etc. and “it’s almost billion. Tennis star Roger Federer impossible to keep track of He became only the third is the highest paid athlete in them” as Forbes claimed. athlete to break the billion- the world, according to the He also has his own clothing dollar milestone whilst still said Forbes report. brand known as CR7 and playing, joining Tiger Woods The 38-year-old earned Here is Sri Lanka’s Ranatunge Karunananda has hotels that are branded and Floyd Mayweather in a total of $ 106.3 million (1936-75) finishing last in the 10,000 metre under the CR7 Line through that illustrious club. over the past 12 months, finals at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. He became the Pestano Lifestyle Hotels Ronaldo was the second- making him the first tennis an icon of Olympic spirit by resolving to company. highest-paid athlete over the player to top Forbes’ “The complete the race even after the rest of the participants had finished it as many as four Ronaldo has a lifetime last 12 months behind only World’s 100 Highest Paid laps before him deal with Nike, signed in Roger Federer. Athletes List”.

analyse the opponent after the match has started. Analysing during warm-up Mental planning for a tennis match While the shots and the ability of the opponent could perhaps be gauged within the first few are that the player will be successful in that taken together contributes to a strong mental games of the match, none of the junior players particular match more often than not. position for any player. use the warm-up to analyse the opponent. But Dinith if thought out properly, the warm-up time is Pathiraja Self-mental toughness Solid fitness, solid defence perhaps the best possible time to gauge the What is self-mental toughness or simply The next two points – solid fitness and solid opponent mentally. This is because of the fact ON COURT your mental toughness? It could be described defence – mostly go together. If any player is that the player would have the opportunity to in the simplest of terms as “a cross” between able to get to any ball and then put everything try things out without fear since the player confidence and belief in yourself. Then the back, it would then immediately create pressure would not be losing any points by trying them There are four aspects to the game of tennis: question arises as to how a player achieves that for the opponent. Since the object of the whole during the warm-up. Technical, tactical, physical, and mental. If state of mind. Whilst it sounds mysterious, it exercise is to make sure that pressure is put What are the things that the player can gauge any player is to win a tennis match, that player is simply something which can be achieved on the opponent without it affecting yourself, during the warm-up? should prepare in all four of these aspects. through hard work. it would put any player in a winning position. Preference of the opponent regarding the While the first three of these aspects and This can be broken down into the following Finally, in terms of being mentally tough, baseline and the net their preparation are well known, the fourth five points: if any player knows that the player has a “go Preference of the opponent regarding the which is the mental aspect and its preparation (i) Solid technique to” shot which he/she can count on under height of the ball remains a mystery to most players as well as (ii) Solid second serve and return of serve pressure, that would be most valuable indeed. some coaches. (iii) Solid fitness The difference between good and great players Preference of the opponent Here, we will discuss as to how players can (iv) Solid defence is always that the great players would have regarding power successfully prepare for the mental planning (v) Having that “extra something" something a bit more “extra” than the good The first point in this list is self-explanatory. which needs to go into match preparation. This All of the above points enunciated will players. In addition, the fact that that player While the warm-up is going on, the player aspect and its preparation, if done properly, obviously contribute towards the mental knows that him/herself is an invaluable aspect can use a drop shot or even use a change of would certainly give a player the “edge” over toughness of any particular player. If any in a tight match situation. pace to determine if the player will use those the other player simply because of the fact that player is going to play under pressure, the opportunities to come up to the net or whether the mental preparation is neglected by many. very first aspect that is going to be tested is Analysing your opponent the opponent stays back. In the same manner, In the mental preparation for a successful the technique of the player. If the technique If the player is mentally confident in his/her the player can hit balls of varying height to the tennis match, the following aspects need to be will hold up under pressure, that will provide own ability, fitness, and preparation, the next opponent and observe how the opponent reacts taken into consideration: a considerable solace to the player at any stage step in looking for a successful conclusion in to various heights of the ball. The same tactic of the match. a tennis match is the mental ability to analyse could be used with power as well. yy elf-mental toughness And even on that point, the most important Frank Sebaratnam employing an overhead the opponent. All of the above can be done during the yy Analysing your opponent technique is the second serve and the return of smash shot. A national champion and Davis Cup Of course, in a small country such as Sri warm-up itself. This is an area which is serve. As any player would attest, if the second player in the 1980s, Sebaratnam is considered Lanka, all the players are aware of their absolutely lacking in the junior players now. The yy Overcoming your nerves one of the most stylish and tactful men's players serve is good and the opponent finds it “not produced by Sri Lanka's tennis in recent history opponents and know them inside out. But for responsibility of using the warm-up to analyse yy Playing crucial points better easy” to attack the second serve, that would the sake of this discussion, let’s assume that the opponent lies solely with the player itself. y be a considerable comfort because that takes then immediately transfers the pressure back the player does not know about the opponent Next week: y Making the opponent play worse away one of the most potent attack points for to the opponent as then the opponent has to and has not had the opportunity to observe the The other aspects of how the player should If the above five points are approached the opponent. And when the opponent serves, make his own points and win as he is not opponent in action either. Therefore, the next mentally plan to have a successful conclusion scientifically before any match, the chances if you are able to consistently return well, that getting any “free” points. These two points question that arises is how the player should for a tennis match will be discussed.

Printed by the Kalukodayawa, Malwana Press & Published by Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 WILL SRI LANKA GO BACK IN? »SEE PAGE 5

JUST GIVE OUR FARMERS THEIR LANDS »SEE PAGE 3

Sunday, June 7, 2020 businessWITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER Banks get relief from moratorium BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR zCompromise reached on interest waiver zNow allowed to charge interest up to 7% After several weeks of discussions, the permitted to charge interest up to 7% per customers. for selected industries due to the financial and waive off interest payments for at least Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) last week annum, which has to be paid in Equal Monthly The industry made a request from the CBSL struggles endured as a result of the islandwide six months for the aforementioned sectors. granted a request by the banking sector to Instalments (EMI). a couple of weeks ago to be allowed to charge curfew. According to JB Securities estimates, allow them to charge interest from lenders “During the moratorium period, banks at least a component of the interest on loans Issuing a circular on 24 March, a few around 30% of loans to the private sector from who are under the Covid-19 moratorium, The can apply a 7% interest rate per annum. This that was completely waived off under the days after the imposition of the islandwide the banking sector will be under moratorium. Sunday Morning Business learns. applies to any moratorium,” the banker added. moratorium. curfew, the CBSL announced a six-month debt Based on the current weighted average The moratorium that was announced in Even though it is less than what banks This request was made to ensure banks have moratorium for affected industries comprising lending rate of 13%, the day one loss on March after the local spread of the coronavirus actually requested and would not cover the sufficient cash flow to pay interest income that of small and medium enterprises (SME), the carrying value of these loans, assuming pandemic, had waived off interest rate full exposure of the moratorium, it is learnt to their depositors, as the moratorium as it tourism, apparel, plantation, IT, and related an average moratorium period of 4.5 months, payments, depriving interest income earned that banks have agreed to this compromise. stands deprives banks of interest income for logistics service providers. will be Rs. 94 billion. This goes up to Rs. by banks, thereby leading to cash flow issues. Nevertheless, according to the banker, banks half a year, creating severe cash flow issues. In the same circular, the CBSL instructed 125 billion if the average period increases A senior bankerHow confirmed Open to The is Sunday Sri Lanka’swill still endure Budget? the financial impact of this Following the local spread of Covid-19, the financial institutions to provide working to six months. Morning Business that banks are now moratorium, but have agreed to support their CBSL announced financial relief in late March capital requirements at an interest rate of 4% Contd. on page 2 What does the Open Budget Survey (OBS) assess in the budgetary process, and how does SL score for each measure?

1 Disclosure in Budget 47 In 2019, Sri Documents 100 Lanka ranked 2 th Budget Oversight Govt.’s ethanol 54 50 (Out of 117 countries) (by Legislature and Audit globally across Institution) 100 measures of 3 budget Public Participation in 17 openness monopoly irks Budget Process 100

What does the Open Budget Survey (OBS) assess in the budgetary process, and how does SL score for each measure? SRI LANKA’S BUDGET OPENNESS alcohol industry z Alcohol manufacturer z Prevented from buying z Comes on top of Improved but still given rude shock from local company January’s import ban

BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR Excise wants them to, which would probably change the not up to the mark A leading alcohol taste of their product, thereby manufacturer in Sri Lanka depriving their customers. BY UWIN LUGODA role of budget oversight Research Assistant Analyst has been barred from “These alcohol manufacturing institutions such as the Lahiri Jayasinghe, the purchasing ethanol from companies are private entities, Sri Lanka has been legislature and auditor in primary aspect the OBS a local private company, not state-owned institutions. placed 54th out of 117 the budget process. covers is a country’s owing to the Government’s The palate of the product has nations in terms of The OBS is conducted budget transparency, in recent attempts to create a to be maintained and for that, budget transparency and every two years, and the terms of the disclosure in state monopoly in ethanol respective companies should accountability, according 2019 survey showed that Sri budget documents, which production, The Sunday select quality ethanol. But by to the Open Budget Survey Lanka’s score when it comes is measured by the Open forcing manufacturers to buy from (OBS) 2019, which was to budget transparency had Budget Index. She stated Morning Business learns. state distillers, the Government recently released. increased to 49 out of 100, that secondly, the survey After the ban on ethanol is going to forcibly reduce their The survey, conducted from the scores of 39 and covers two smaller elements imports since 1 January this year, excise revenue,” the manufacturer by International Budget 44 from the years of 2015 which are budget oversight manufacturers were purchasing In the letter, Commissioner at them. Alcohol manufacturers noted. Partnership (IBP) is the and 2017, respectively. by legislature and audit ethanol from Royal Casks General of Excise A. Bodaragama have been allowed to purchase According to industry sources, world’s only independent, However, despite this institutions and the public Distilleries (Pvt.) Ltd., the only has directed the manufacturer from any local ethanol distillery, this decision by the Department comparative, and fact- increase in the country’s participation mechanisms distillery that produces ethanol to purchase ethanol either from at least until last week. of Excise interferes with the based research instrument score, Sri Lanka still that are there for the budget closest to the quality of imported Pelwatte Sugar Distilleries (Pvt.) Furthermore, the manufacturer company’s rights and excise that uses internationally falls below the minimum process. ethanol, well-placed industry Ltd. or Lanka Sugar Company noted that Royal Casks is a regulations. Nowhere in the excise accepted criteria to assess benchmark score of As the primary researcher sources noted. Ltd. – Sevanagala, two state- legitimate company with valid regulations does is a manufacturer public access to central 61, which is needed to who worked on the survey, Nevertheless, last week, in owned ethanol distilleries. licenses to manufacture and forced to purchase necessary raw government budget be classified as having Jayasinghe presented their a letter to the aforementioned This move by the Department sell ethanol locally and that the materials from distilleries that information, formal a “sufficient” level of findings to the media on manufacturer, the Department of Excise has baffled the Department of Excise is well are suggested or directed by the opportunities for the public budget disclosure under 4 May, via a virtual press of Excise had turned down a manufacturer as the restriction aware of this. Department of Excise; it instead to participate in the national international standards. conference. request from them to purchase was neither officially announced The manufacturer is now gives a manufacturer the freedom budget process, and the According to Verité Contd. on page 2 over 347,000 litres of ethanol nor pre-communicated, and is forced to buy ethanol from the to decide. from Royal Casks. also being particularly targeted distilleries the Department of Contd. on page 2 Telcos restart disconnections BY MADHUSHA customers’ outstanding payments. otherwise users will have to pay THAVAPALAKUMAR Nevertheless, now that curfew big bills; they already have bills has been eased islandwide and in large sums. Throttling the data Several leading customer lives are returning to speed is a measure that we used even telecommunication normalcy, service providers have during the curfew. Once the data is service providers started disconnecting services, in a throttled, slow speed data used by have begun bid to encourage customers to settle the consumer would be given free,” disconnecting their long-outstanding bills. the official noted. Laptop and smartphone voice services that The Sunday Morning Business The official added that after the have exceeded spoke to an official from Mobitel, lifting of curfew, some customers sales increase their credit limit, a subsidiary of Sri Lanka Telecom have settled their outstanding ending over a two- (SLT) and the second biggest mobile payments but most of them are yet to The “work/study from demand during this post-curfew month period of a “no telecommunication service provider settle and the company is concerned home” concept necessitated time period for laptops and disconnection” policy. in the country. about it. by the Covid-19 pandemic has smartphones as the pandemic The official noted that Mobitel “Some are not paying their bills boosted sales of laptops and has made them must-have As per a directive issued has been disconnecting voice even after curfew, as we expected, smartphones during and after devices in every household. to them by their regulator, the connections that have exceeded the and it is going to be a major financial the curfew period. “Laptops and smartphones Telecommunications Regulatory assigned credit limit by two times, issue for the company. Corporate Abans Group Chief Operating have become like washing Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL), while the company is throttling data businesses are not fully open yet. We Officer (COO) Channa machines and refrigerators. service providers provided connections that have exceeded the expect corporate clients to settle their Pathirana told The Sunday They are not luxury items uninterrupted services throughout the credit limit, thereby slowing down bills in the near future, hopefully,” Morning Business that his anymore. curfew period without disconnection, the data speed. the official noted. company certainly expects a Contd. on page 2 despite the accumulated total of “We have begun disconnections, Contd. on page 2 2 the sunday morning business NEWS Sunday, June 7, 2020

WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER

RESIGNATION OF MONETARY BOARD MEMBERS Governor should have stood up to Government: Eran

BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR Wickramaratne said last week. “I am shocked that an academic has not stood former Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) Wickramaratne, the former State Minister of up. I am very disappointed in the Governor. When Chairman and veteran banker Nihal Fonseka Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Governor Finance, told The Sunday Morning Business they are outside the Central Bank they talk about and Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) Executive Prof. W.D. Lakshman should have stood up that he was astounded that an academic like freedom, but they do not practise those principles,” Director Dr. Dushni Weerakoon from the to the political pressure that resulted in two Prof. Lakshman did not stand up against the Wickramaratne stated. Monetary Board, as first reported by The of the Monetary Board members tendering Government to protect the independence of These statements from the former State Sunday Morning Business last Sunday (31). their resignation recently, former MP Eran the Monetary Board. Minister came following the resignation of Contd. on page 4

Contd. from page 1

under the circular issued in March, along with a and how the international best practices have Oversight Govt’s ethanol... number of relief measures for sectors affected Telcos... improved, becoming more stringent. The OBS also examines the role that When inquired about the reason behind his by Covid-19, all of which involve assistance Meanwhile, The Sunday Morning Business She stated that the OBS first commenced in legislatures and supreme audit institutions directives, Commissioner General of Excise from financial institutions. learnt that Dialog Axiata PLC, the country’s 2006, at which time Sri Lanka got a 67 for the (SAIs) play in the budget process and the extent Bodaragama refused to disclose any information Financial institutions were instructed to leading mobile telecommunication service country’s performance, and was ranked 13th to which they provide oversight. Essentially, and requested we contact him on Monday (8). implement a debt moratorium on capital and provider with the largest market share has out of the 94 countries that were considered. what the survey looks at is how the budget Nevertheless, the alcohol industry alleges interest, which includes a six-month moratorium begun disconnecting individual services that She explained that what they can see is that as process is being monitored and if the checks that this restriction is another move by the on leasing rentals of all three-wheelers, school have exceeded the assigned credit limit. budget transparency standards and practices and balances system is working in terms of Government to cover up the losses state-owned vans, lorries, small good transport vehicles, Since mid-May, Dialog has announced a improve, Sri Lanka is lagging behind with its ensuring accountability. ethanol distilleries are making due to poor and buses operated by the self-employed, and a 100% cashback programme, up to Rs. 1000, standards, while other countries move ahead. In this regard, Jayasinghe stated that Sri management and operations. moratorium until 30 May on personal loans and for the first bill payment that is made through Jayasinghe claimed that one of the biggest Lanka’s composite score for the two aspects is Prior to this restriction, Royal Casks was lease rentals valued at less than Rs. 1 million. their app, after adding and verifying a payment reasons the regional countries are yet to achieve a 50 out of a 100, which is below the required selling ethanol to local distilleries at Rs. 450 Around 3% of private sector credit was card to their app, in a bid to encourage people a score of 61 is due to the comprehensiveness score of 51 and below the global average score per litre, but the Treasury had intervened and outstanding to the tourism sector as at the to settle their bills. of the budget documents they publish. of 54. Individually looking at the performance forced Royal Casks to sell ethanol at a minimum end of 2019, totalling Rs. 240 billion. Of this Speaking to us in April, Dialog Axiata PLC She stated that there are eight key budget of both legislative oversight and audit oversight, price of Rs. 500 per litre so as to match the amount, Rs. 100 billion is under a one-year CEO Supun Weerasinghe stated that Dialog was documents tracked by the survey when it comes she explained that what they saw was that audit price of ethanol sold by the aforementioned moratorium. considering providing their corporate customers to transparency. These are the Pre-Budget oversight, which has a score of 78, performs state-owned distilleries. a grace period until September where before the Statement, Executive’s Budget Proposal, better than legislative oversight, which has a “Earlier, the procedure for bidding on a tender end of this grace period, it will not levy penalty Enacted Budget, Citizens Budget, In-Year score of 36. She went on to state that audit was on open allocations, where we quote the Laptop... charges for outstanding payments. Reports, Mid-Year Review, Year-End Report, oversight improved from the last cycle, which prices and Royal Casks decides on the tender They are necessities now. I would say it’s really “We are dealing with the corporate customers and Audit Report. was a score of 67, while legislative oversight and gives it to the highest bidder. This tender good for a developing country like Sri Lanka on a case-by-case basis. We give them flexibility. Out of these eight, Sri Lanka produced six went down from its score of 42. procedure was discontinued on instructions by to have increased and improved technology in We have to work out payment and instalment documents for the 2019 cycle, which was an Jayasinghe attributed the improvement the Treasury, which then imposed a standard every household,” Pathirana stated. plans with the customer based on the bill value. improvement from the previous year, during of audit oversight in the 2019 cycle, to the price of Rs. 500, but there is nothing in writing,” He further added that currently children are Still we have not looked at that,” Weerasinghe which only four were produced. Jayasinghe independent reviews of the audit process. As industry sources added. attending online classes and schools from the added. stated that the country additionally published for legislative oversight, she stated that it fell The Government on 1 January this year comfort of their homes and there is a need either Soon after imposing the islandwide curfew, the Citizens Budget and the Audit Report, because there was less time for the Parliament announced a ban on ethanol imports with for a smartphone or laptop for them too. This is the TRCSL asked service providers not to which was previously only published for to examine the budget proposals and certain immediate effect. It was a decision taken by the expected to support the expected demand further. discontinue any telecom services due to non- internal use. requirements by the committee on public Government with no stakeholder consultation. Pathirana stated that they received online payment to ensure communication during the Meanwhile, Afghanistan, the best performing finances were not made publicly available. Following the ban, the local liquor industry orders for laptops and smartphones, but they were prolonged curfew period. country in the region, has produced all eight She recommended that there should be voiced their opposition as they were neither not able to complete all orders due to several To comply with the directive, service providers key documents and has made them publicly higher accountability for changes made to consulted nor pre-informed about this decision; challenges during the curfew period. However, sustained large sums of unsettled bills as they available. the approved Budget, and that the Ministry of they also stated that it is impractical to follow, Abans has begun completing those orders now. could not make any disconnections even though Jayasinghe explained that each of these Finance can strengthen oversight by consulting given that the local production of ethanol was On a different note, he appreciated the move customers’ outstanding payments exceeded their key budget documents that were assessed the Parliament before funds are shifted from of low quality and lower in capacity than actual by the Government to exempt smartphones credit limits. This instilled a fear among service individually were scored in terms of their its allocation in the enacted Budget. market demand. and laptops from the negative list of imports. providers over possible bill defaults after the content. She stated that out of these, the Enacted “In cases of shifting funds between The Government remained firm in its decision He added that the electronic industry is one of curfew, which could have been under control Budget scored quite well, scoring 84, while the administrative units, like ministries or to ban imported liquor, but assured that steps the biggest industries in Sri Lanka and that it if not for the directive. Executive’s Budget Proposal also performed departments and cases where there is spending would be taken to produce adequate ethanol contributes significantly to the national economy. It should be noted that Sri Lanka does not reasonably well, scoring 60. of unanticipated revenue or a reduction in locally and that manufacturers would be allowed Meanwhile, speaking to The Sunday Morning have an industry-wide credit rating system for However, she stated that the Citizens spending due to revenue shortfalls, international to purchase ethanol from any local distillery with Business, Softlogic Holdings PLC Group subscribers. Therefore, subscribers can freely Budget, 25, In-Year Reports, 33, and Audit best practices stipulate that the legislature no restrictions. The Government also assured Director of Marketing Desiree Karunaratne default to one company and then move on to Report, 33, had scored poorly in terms of should be consulted before shifting,” Jayasinghe that ethanol containers that were pre-ordered stated that Softlogic sold smartphones and another network. how comprehensive they are when measured explained. before the ban would be allowed to be cleared especially laptops online during the curfew period against international standards. and used in production. as almost everyone was working from home When it comes to the Mid-Year Review, Public participation Nevertheless, according to industry sources, and every household felt the need of a laptop. Improved... Jayasinghe stated that the documents published Jayasinghe stated that transparency alone these assurances have been broken by the She added that with their stores being She presented a comprehensive look at how to the survey were the ones from the Mid-Year is insufficient to improve governance, and Government, at least in the case of the said physically open in all districts from 26 May Sri Lanka has performed in each of the three Fiscal Position Report, which is done by the inclusive public participation is crucial to realise manufacturer. onwards, sales of smartphones and laptops areas, how the scores changed from the last Ministry of Finance, and was not considered the positive outcomes associated with greater It is learnt that the manufacturer has about might further increase as traditional customers cycle, and what recommendations Verité has for the survey because it did not meet the budget transparency. 70 containers with over one million litres of prefer visiting stores instead of buying online. for the country going forward. minimum requirements of what is expected “This looks at how the public can provide imported ethanol at Sri Lanka’s ports, but the “We had a fair number of laptop and by the OBS. their input to the Ministry of Finance, the manufacturer is not allowed to clear these as smartphone sales during the curfew period. Transparency Jayasinghe, together with Verité, Parliament, or the audit institution in the budget authorities claim that allowing this would be Consumers bought online. But now, they can Transparency measures the public’s access recommended that the comprehensiveness process,” she said. a violation of the ban. visit our outlets and speak to our agents, get to information on how the central government of the documents produced should be better In this regard, Sri Lanka has scored 17 out According to sources, local ethanol production product specification, and purchase physically. raises and spends public resources. and there should also be better consistency of 100, which indicates few opportunities for is estimated to be 24 million litres per annum, We have product details online too, but still “When we consider the Budget, the across documents. public participation in the budget proposals. while the country’s leading alcohol manufacturer there is a segment of customers that prefers information that is contained in it includes Taking the Mid-Year Report into However, the country has improved from the alone requires about three times this amount. If talking to a sales representative,” Karunaratne things like what taxes are going to be levied, account, which comes six months after the last cycle’s score of 11, and is above the global the Government is sticking to its initial ban and added. what kind of expenditure is going to be made implementation, she stated that what the survey average of 14. recent restriction, manufacturers are expected According to her, the expected increase in for the public; which are decisions that are requires is a forward-looking projection of While countries around the world are to reduce production, which would result in a sales will also be due to people still working going to affect the public. So in order to get the fiscal estimate for the rest of the year, and struggling to meet the best practices in terms major drop in the Government’s tax revenue. from home, despite the curfew being removed public engagement in the budget process, there the revised macroeconomic forecast should of public participation, Jayasinghe stated that Sri According to the Ministry of Finance, as most of the companies prefer this concept needs to be adequate budget transparency and be included in the Mid-Year Fiscal Position Lanka currently has numerous mechanisms to the excise revenue target in 2019 was Rs. in the long term. disclosure of information about the Budget to Report and it should also cover the first six help provide public input in the budget process, 130 billion, out of which Rs. 68 billion had On a further note, Karunaratne added that the public,” said Jayasinghe. months of the year, because currently, the such as the “citizens engagement” programme, been achieved as at the end of July last year. Softlogic has not increased prices of smartphones The OBS looks at three main aspects when Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report only covers stakeholder meetings with Chambers, and During the financial year 2018/2019, the said and mobiles as they were exempted from import it comes to transparency: the availability of the first four months. additional mechanisms as of last year. manufacturer paid Rs. 58 billion in taxes, and restrictions two weeks ago. certain key budget documents, the timeliness As for the In-Year Report, she suggested However, she stated that when they looked Rs. 64 billion in taxes a year ago. “Anyways, there is no need for a price increase of publishing, and how comprehensive the improving its comprehensiveness by disclosing at public participation in the budget stage, the in laptops or smartphones because what we documents are. individual actual revenues per individual country’s scores were quite weak when it came are selling now is the stocks we would have Jayasinghe stated that while Sri Lanka source, like showing how much revenue is to approval and implementation. She went on Banks get... sold during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year if has improved its score from 44 from the last from income tax and how much revenue is to state that essentially, the country does not not They have also estimated that Rs. 50 billion there was no curfew. We have enough stocks,” cycle to 47 in 2019, putting the country in the from VAT (Value-Added Tax); this way it have any public participation mechanisms for of this loss can be offset from the reduction in Karunaratne added. category of “limited information disclosure”, would give a more detailed picture of where the public to give their input in implementing the tax burden from 52% to 40%, due to the The trend of increased laptop sales amidst the score still does not meet the sufficient the revenue is coming from. She went on to the budget, with only a few being available at recent tax cuts computed on last year’s post-tax the pandemic is being witnessed around the standard of information, which requires a state that it should also include a comparison of the budget approval stage. profits; the balance will have to be borne by world since the outbreak of the Covid-19. As minimum score of 61; this indicates sufficient revenue and expenditure either to the original “This again highlights weak legislative a combination of labour cost savings (cuts to international media reports state, demand for new budget disclosure. estimate or the figures in the same period for oversight, because again, the legislature gets bonuses), other cost savings, higher margins, laptops has been rising online and in retail stores, “Out of the 117, there are 36 countries in the previous year. involved in the budget approval and budget and lower profits. causing many models to be sold out faster than the ‘limited information disclosure’ category “What this does is it gives you an idea of implementation stage,” Jayasinghe noted. A week after the announcement of the never before, also making them one apparent with Sri Lanka, but there are also 31 countries how well the budget implementation is going In order to change this, she suggested that moratorium, the CBSL announced a Rs. winner of the pandemic, along with groceries. that actually meet this minimum score of 61,” because you can track the implementation the Ministry of Finance pilots mechanisms 50 billion refinancing facility to financial Microsoft Chief Product Officer (CPP) Panos she said. figures of this year against what was either to include the opportunity for public input institutions, to implement the debt moratorium Panay in a BlogSpot article noted that over a However, the country has managed to score estimated or what it was in the past,” said noted. during budget implementation, where the on capital and interest, and a working capital trillion minutes are being spent on Windows 10 above the global average of 45, and placed Lastly, Jayasinghe stated that they have public can engage in the monitoring of budget loan for Covid-19-hit businesses and individuals. a month at the moment, which is a year-on-year third out of the six countries in South Asia seen certain instances where even reports implementation and also have mechanisms However, last week, the Cabinet has expanded increase of 75%. In March, during when most which are tracked by the survey. Sri Lanka from the same year like the Annual Report that enable disadvantaged and vulnerable this refinancing facility to Rs. 150 billion. of the countries the world over entered into long was only surpassed by Afghanistan, which and the Mid-Year Report, may not be directly communities to proactively engage with any Licensed commercial banks (LCBs), licensed lockdowns, Microsoft reached one billion active scored 50 and India, which scored 49, showing comparable in categories because of the stage of the budget process. specialised banks (LSBs), licensed finance Windows 10 devices. that none of the regional countries met the different ways they disclose information. “Countries like Mexico, from the 2019 survey, companies (LFCs), and specialised leasing However, global demand for smartphones sufficient standard of information. This would create a deficiency in terms of show that they have a mechanism implemented companies were made eligible to participate during the pandemic has been different to that of Sri Lanka’s score has varied over time, being able to perform an analysis or make for their budget proposals that benefit certain in this refinancing facility which commenced laptops, international media reported. Early May, depending on both what the county does and meaningful use of that information. Therefore, disadvantaged communities and there are in late March. Samsung and LG reported weak mobile sales does not do in terms of budget transparency. she suggested that when disclosing any committees established within those communities In addition to this moratorium, banks are and Apple reported plunged revenue compared Jayasinghe explained that this also depends on information, data reporting should be done to provide feedback on the implementation of instructed to provide two other debt moratoriums to last year. how methodology has evolved over the years in a consistent format. those proposals,” Jayasinghe said. the sunday morning business 3 Sunday, June 7, 2020 ECONOMY WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER

RICE MAFIA AND PRICE CRISIS Just give our farmers their lands it to foreigners, which in turn challenges rice. The cost of utilising land hasn’t been By our sovereignty. However, the government factored. Fertilisers have been provided ownership of farmlands for nearly a century with a subsidy and that cost needs to be Dhananath does not change the destination or quality added to our final cost if we are to create Fernando of life of our farmers. Making things worse, a comparable and competitive costing the regulation is such that the paddy lands structure. cannot cultivate anything other than paddy Rice, the main source of and even if the farmer wants to move for Solutions carbohydrates for the majority of a better high-yield crop, a license needs to The decade-long series of solutions are Sri Lankans, is a sensitive political be obtained via a cumbersome procedure at well known by most of us. For example, rice topic. I am sure we have all been government offices. millers impose price controls on the selling experiencing this in the recent past. Given these challenges, how likely is it price following raids by the Consumer Most often, it is a political football that anyone would enter paddy farming even Affairs Authority (CAA) at the retail level, where everyone passes the blame to if they have a disruptive agricultural idea? and the list goes on. That has been the same one another without unpacking the Loopholes in costing structure response by most governments and it is economics behind the rice problem. pointless to further elaborate on what has Many Sri Lankans believe that we can happened. As a solution, we need to have Increasing the harvest easily upscale our farming for rice exports. an easier regulatory system and allow the I sincerely wish we could do that too, but farmers to own their land. The draconian If you ask any Sri Lankan the question unfortunately this is far from the reality. regulations have trapped farmers in a never- “what is the problem with the rice market?”, price or for the government to impose a smaller harvest, the farmer’s earnings Sri Lanka cultivates mainly short grain rice ending cycle of poverty for decades. there will be a few common answers. “A minimum selling price for farmers as well remain consistently low. Hence, farmers in comparison to long grain rice where the From the supply and demand end, the rice mafia/monopoly or oligopoly by rice as a minimum buying price for rice millers. are not given an incentive to increase their world’s demand mainly lies. Even following only buyers are rice millers. When there is a millers” is the most popular. The second Rice millers have two main solutions to harvest and overall yield. Playing to their a good season and excess rice production single buyer in the industry, they inevitably most common answer is the fact that the this issue: Either they stop buying seed rice advantage, rice millers have created an after domestic consumption, it is not get higher bargaining power. It is important intermediaries are earning more, resulting in as they cannot sell it at a competitive price oligopoly and so decide on prices in line exportable and will further drive the prices to diversify our buyer category and the only farmers being at the losing end. because their cost is higher, or they still buy with their modern and expensive storage down due to excess supply. Furthermore, way to do it is to make rice an industrial The third most frequent response is it which results in rice prices in the market capacity. water is becoming a scarcity due to product. Today, rice is not only used as a the lack of modern technology in paddy skyrocketing to Rs. 110-120. environmental challenges and currently we source of carbohydrates; alcohol products, fields which decreases our yield. Many The high price is not only difficult for Land issues do not calculate costs for water consumed in rice bran, rice perfumes, rice-based milk, economists and politicians support this consumers to afford but is also a price that Then comes the question of why farming. and rice antioxidants are produced at a argument with a popular statistic which political parties pay, which dilutes their technology is out of reach for most farms. commercial level, which offer far higher states that agriculture contributes only to political capital. As a result, the Government The preliminary reason is that most paddy prices to farmers at the buying stage. This is 8% of our GDP in comparison to 25% of intervened in the market with limited and lands are fragmented for small lands, so it the solution to increase revenue for farmers our labour force involved in farming. In my poor storage capacity and in some cases, is not possible to run a commercial-level and help them escape the vicious cycle of opinion, the aforementioned concerns are rice was stored in airports. After a few operation with superior technology. The poverty. just the tip of the iceberg. weeks and months, the Government sold more significant reason is that 82% of Sri The day our farmers have access to their Sri Lankans consume approximately 108 these rice seeds to large-scale millers for Lankan land is owned by the government own land will be the day the market is open kg of rice per annum per person while the a lower rate than what they initially paid (out of which approximately 30% is for many categories of buyers, which will be global rice consumption average is 54 kg. the farmers, incurring a massive loss of covered by forests) and the remaining 18% revolutionary for farmers. Until then, we as The conundrum is that in a country where taxpayers’ money. Some of the harvest is is available for people’s private usage. by the consumers need to patiently experience consumption is twice the global average, wasted due to the lack of storage facilities A small proportion of government- the price controls, higher prices for rice, and farmers continue to be relatively poor. and logistics failure. As a result, farmers owned land has been given to people for the political blame game. The main question with rice is: Should lose out on their income and taxpayers’ cultivation, but their ability to take loans (The writer is the Chief Operating farmers increase the harvest or if the harvest money is lost. from banks to invest in technologies such Recent research has found that 1 kg of Officer of the Advocata Institute and can drops due to external weather conditions, The second scenario is the reduction in as greenhouses is far beyond their reach. rice requires 2,500 (1) litres of water and be contacted at dhananath@advocata. will they earn the same amount? At times harvests due to harsh weather conditions Construction on paddy land is illegal, more than half of that is consumed by org. Learn more about Advocata’s work at when rice harvest is high, the prices which decrease supply and subsequently which means there is a lack of space for any the plant itself. If we consider the cost of www.advocata.org. The opinions expressed plummet due to ample supply. During this increase prices of seed rice. Since the total transaction or technological investments. water to be Rs. 0.20 per litre, the water are the author’s own views. They may not period, we can frequently observe farmers quantity of the harvest is low, the money Land issues are a sensitive political issue, consumed by the paddy plant itself adds necessarily reflect the views of the Advocata protesting as they urge the government to earned by farmers too continues to be low. but many believe that if farmers are given up to about Rs. 280 which is almost three Institute, or anyone affiliated with the purchase their seed rice for a guaranteed Regardless of whether there is a large or full ownership of the land, they will sell times the current controlled price of 1 kg of institute) Tourism industry starts thinking local z Getting back on its feet with the aid of domestic tourism

BY UWIN LUGODA He explained that this was a good opportunity for the Sri It has been more than two months Lankan hospitality industry to since Sri Lanka’s tourism industry market to locals and go beyond went on hiatus due to the Covid- discount strategies; to really look 19 pandemic, making it one of the at marketing and having a specific worst affected industries from the strategy for the local market every outbreak. However, the country’s month. tourism industry is now set to begin “For example, we can target their recovery by developing and people who are celebrating their promoting domestic tourism. anniversaries each month and give In an interview with Al Jazeera them romance packages. There on 11 May, Sri Lanka Tourism are a lot of opportunities like this Development Authority (SLTDA) to go beyond the discount aspect Chairperson Kimarli Fernando and really look at the segmented stated that the Government is explained that the local tourism travelling domestically than the APAC region is key for their industry should be the most eminent market,” he said. sorting out the Covid-19 protocol to industry will reopen its hotels to internationally post Covid, and recovery. She explained that due segment, which is the domestic For now, Perera suggested that welcome guests from July onwards, local tourists before it opens to are more likely to travel via buses to this, TripAdvisor together with traveller. He explained that due the industry should make sure all and has attracted the interest of international tourists. He stated and trains, rather than planes. She Singapore has already launched a to the airport not receiving any their local offers are published and European and high-end Indian that this was to help the hotels, explained that the surveys showed campaign, “#LoveYourLocalSG”, arrivals, local hotels should take available online, their reservation travellers. especially with regard to resorts and that in many of the APAC markets, in order to help their local tourism this opportunity to focus on the teams are briefed, and their stories She explained that the industry hotels in Colombo, which usually consumers wanted to take shorter industry stakeholders. The campaign domestic clientele. and advertisements are going out has seen a lot of inquiries for new depend on locals to patronise their trips than before; ones that would allows restaurant owners to mark “Cinnamon Hotels is currently on social media sites like Facebook; bookings for the months of July restaurants and use the properties take them between zero to three out their restaurants that can provide focusing on F&B (food and so that they will be ready when and August, coming in from travel for weddings and other functions. hours to complete. the service and is set to feature beverage) operations, which opened bookings pick up again. agents in Germany and India. “We have to first start with The survey titled “The state of walks and parks in Singapore, once only recently after being closed Joye added to this and stated that She attributed this interest to the the locals and then see how the travel in APAC: Identifying trends the country’s preventive measures for two months. We are looking at brands really need to think about country’s low number of Covid-19 Government is going to allow to prepare for the road ahead” done ease up. out-delivery services and banquets, how they communicate on digital cases and casualties, making it a tourists to come into the country. by Think with Google, showed According to Mathews, and are also excited to host the platforms, as they are now allowed preferred destination for high-end Even if the Government opens that travellers want to travel within TripAdvisor also launched a project upcoming weddings,” he said. to have low-budgeted content and holidaymakers. it up for international markets in the next six to nine months. It also called #RoamFromHome, creating Having done some research of ads on their online platforms. “Our island is perfect post Covid July, those tourists will still have to stated that 25% of respondents from over 100 “virtual experiences”, their own, Mudadeniya stated they “Given that budgets are tight, simply because of the pristine be quarantined for two weeks, as countries like India, the Philippines, which range from home cooking have seen that the most interested brands can use this opportunity to beaches and everything else we suggested by the health authorities,” Indonesia, and Vietnam expressed courses to digital walks around segments for domestic travel are make low-budget content, because have to offer. So, we are profiling Ukwatte noted. plans to travel domestically in the cities, centres, or landmarks. millennials, between the ages of consumers do not expect cinema- ourselves and we have got the next three months, compared to She suggested that Sri Lanka 25 to 35, and the family segment. quality content. This could even Covid protocol sorted; we are seeing Demand for domestic countries like Australia and Japan, should launch similar campaigns, He explained that the latter was mean creating content like YouTube a lot of traction and have already travel where less than 14% of them plan in order to get both domestic and mainly due to schools being closed, videos and stories on Instagram, received inquiries for bookings,” According to data presented at a to do so. foreign audiences interested in making most weekdays open for telling people about your hotels,” Fernando noted. webinar held on 29 May organised The study indicated that in the travelling the country again and travel as well, and the work from she said. However, the Hotels Association by the SLTDA, the sentiment and overall APAC region, 25-35% retaining their interest in local home concept, which is enabling She stated that it was also of Sri Lanka (THASL) President encouragement to travel has only of consumers’ first trips will be tourists’ sites. locals to travel while they work, important to have updated rates, Sanath Ukwatte stated in a separate increased during the lockdown to nearby destinations such as provided the hotel has enough photos, and ads online, since that online forum, organised by the Sri period, globally. The data also staycations or places within driving Sri Lanka’s domestic bandwidth. is the first place people will go Lanka Tourism Alliance (SLTA) on showcased the increase in demand distance, as these consumers have market According to Antyra Solutions to in order to inquire about travel 15 May, that international tourists for domestic travel. short-term preferences. During the forum, Cinnamon Chairman and CEO Niranka Perera, destinations. are only expected to start returning Google APAC (Asia Pacific) TripAdvisor Destination Life Mall CEO, John Keells Group a review of about 70 hotels have “People are currently dreaming to the country in late December this Travel Sector Lead Hermione Joye Marketing APAC Group Head Vice President, and Cinnamon showcased that the interest from about travel and this has created a year. stated that according to surveys Sarah Mathews agreed with Joye’s Hotels Brand Marketing Head the domestic market is steadily lot of pent up demand, so it is all When speaking to The Sunday done in 17 countries in the region, research findings, stating that the Dileep Mudadeniya stated that one increasing post 11 May, and is about how Sri Lankan brands get Morning Business, Ukwatte consumers are more comfortable domestic market for countries in of the main focuses of the local expected to continue to rise. the most out of that demand.” 4 the sunday morning business EDITORIAL/HR Sunday, June 7, 2020

WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER

Arumugam Thondaman’s funeral was notable not just for defying pandemic laws but for being a not-so-subtle launch pad for his son’s political ambitions. The Leading by birthright fourth generation Thondaman was merely continuing a South Asian be admired for raising such upstanding an attraction, built through first-hand have for years generated a God-like aura practice of taking on the family principled children. But reality tells us observation, to abuses of power. around themselves by granting jobs and political mantle; of claiming what otherwise. Those original family values The fundamental structures within other benefits to their voters. The strength he must believe is his birthright. It become diluted and warped along the way. the main parties also support the rise of of such patronage lies in its ability to wouldn’t be the first time a funeral There is definitely an attraction to the powerful families. Intra-party democracy engender years of goodwill long after the perks of office, the trappings of power, becomes flawed when the lines are blurred original benefactor has passed. That’s launched a career – we’ve had and of course, the lucrative business that between allegiance to the party and loyalty how these politicians remain incredibly prime ministers and presidents politics has become. to powerful members. The insidious rise resilient – winning election after election, borne out the same way. That the right surname derives an of a handful of strong families within a holding their power bases and preventing Birthright and democracy sound enormous showing of support and trust party can weaken the party. But for those any other political leadership from diametrically opposite but familial power by voters is also an indictment on the seeking to secure their own political emerging. bases are an accepted reality almost THE polity’s inability to judge performance existences, it is more important to align Hereditary entitlement in politics everywhere in the democratic world. In over lineage. Do we honestly believe that themselves with powerful families that robs a democracy of new talent, across the business world, there’s no surprise HEADLIGHT their family background makes them more can open doors for them, because not party lines. When members of a few that a founder would naturally expect capable? That it somehow gives them doing so may close those doors forever. clans consider politics their birthright, control to be retained within generations a greater capacity to serve the people? As in the case of the plantation Tamils the opportunity for deserving, diligent, of his own family. But the new reality is opportunities available to those outsiders Admittedly, a political family lays claim represented by the Thondamans, people educated professionals to enter that even strong family-centric businesses who don’t swear allegiance to them. to stronger networks built over the years, represented by many of our political clans mainstream politics proves frustratingly are seeing great value in transitioning What is the incentive for learned, have better access to resources, and hardly ever hold them accountable for difficult. Parties must recognise how their executive leadership to non-family; such worldly, professional (or not) progeny the intrinsic knowledge to navigate the their continued lack of progress. Take the own strength is weakened when they outsiders bring in new perspectives, fresh to clamour to hold close their fiefdoms? system. And what of their tacit political cases of many of the family-dominated allow family power blocs to rise. The onus thinking, and professional judgment, Surely they can’t all be driven by the exposure from a very early age? We seats, and there is plenty of evidence of is on them to address the elephant in the and help avoid intra-family conflict. But sincere resolve to serve the people by can only hope that inspiring political soaring poverty, perennially unresolved room, and do something meaningful to politics is on the opposite course – with committing themselves to a lifetime of discussions over dinner have built solid issues, and continued inequality. In a broaden political participation. New blood powerful families consolidating their service? Great if they are – in which political intellect and strong principles political culture that is unashamed to in politics doesn’t mean younger versions power within their clan and limiting case, our older politicians must certainly and ideas; sadly what’s more likely is practice clientelism, political dynasties of the same blood.

Contd. from page 2 Governor... HR management: Sri Lanka Fonseka told The Sunday Morning Business on 31 May that he had submitted his resignation due to a request by the Government. “Yes, a few weeks ago I was informed that the Government would like to finally looks to catch up reconstitute the Board so I thought I would step down voluntarily to provide BY UWIN LUGODA is compensation determined by them that opportunity,” he said. employee performance, so that Wickramaratne said that while he was The coronavirus pandemic the organisation can sustain the disappointed with the fact that Fonseka has brought about a cost associated with employing a and Dr. Weerakoon submitted their fundamental change in person. resignation when they could have stayed the way people work and He went on to state that while on, he understands the pressure that was how businesses operate. remuneration is the foremost faced by them. This change has forced factor when it comes to employee “I understand the pressure that has companies to reform and mindsets, a lot of organisations come from the private sector and civil restructure in order to adapt will try to do reductions due to the society and they would have naturally to the new realities that will particular economic problems they wanted to maintain their professional might face. However, he explained integrity. This violates fundamental emerge post Covid-19. that employees themselves will principles,” Wickramaratne added. Many entities have re-evaluated have to co-operate with this in The former State Minister further noted the types of employment and order to ensure the survival of the that under their governance, which ended employment contracts they offer organisation. in November last year, the then CBSL both new and old employees. While “In these remuneration Governor Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy many countries had already begun matters, there should be greater had always expressed his disagreements this change in the years prior to co-operation and understanding on and stood up to protect the independence Covid-19, Sri Lanka is only now both sides on how to do it in a way of the CBSL. adapting to this new normal due to that causes the least harm to the “Having been the former State the virus acting as a catalyst for this organisation,” he added. Minister of Finance, we tried very hard change. In terms of rewards, not to interfere with the independence Emerging employment types Tillakawardana stated that going of the Central Bank and I do not think During a webinar hosted by the For example, companies should organisations are set to try and forward, there would be more anybody could point a finger. But we Ceylon Chamber of Commerce on understand that their staff will have control their fixed cost associated rewards tied to productivity had disagreements and we voiced our 27 May, titled “Managing HR in more than one stream of income with it by looking for more short- enhancements, which will in turn disagreements,” Wickramaratne added. the New Normal: Challenges and These leaders will also and the clauses they have in their term employment or employment motivate employees to come out Furthermore, he noted that it is Opportunities”, Fairway Holdings have the job of building contract letters against any other that is more casual or task-based. and improve their practices and troubling as it looks like the current (Pvt.) Ltd. Group Director of individual resilience within earnings will have to be re-adjusted When it comes to remuneration, improve the organisation’s ability regime is moving in a direction of trying Human Resources (HR) Chinthaka teams in order to help to be more flexible. however, Tillakawardana stated to compete in the marketplace. At to have only like-minded people to work Premaratne stated that organisations employees keep their focus When it comes to employees that any changes to the existing the same time, organisations can under their governance. need to identify roles for different and achieve their given tasks working from home, Premaratne remuneration, if permanent, need approach things like sales rewards, “This simplistic idea of when employment types and revisit what without getting distracted suggested that organisations look to be done in a legal way, with incentives, and collection rewards somebody says go left, you go left; it jobs they can assign to gig workers, Fairway Holdings Group into investing on HR technologies, the consent of the employee in so that the payment is connected to looks like Sri Lanka never learnt,” he part-time workers, cross-functional Director of HR ICT platforms, and information question. “If the organisation a certain outcome or result. added. teams, and agile teams, as that Chinthaka Premaratne security systems. This is so that cannot afford to stick to the Speaking on benefits, he When we contacted Governor would be the trend of employment organisations learn to assign work formerly discussed remuneration, explained that most organisations Lakshman to get his comments on in the future. He explained that full- to complete the assigned tasks. to their employees and know what such as increments and bonuses, will try to control the cost Wickramaratne’s statement, he refused time employees will no longer be Similar to outsourcing companies, KPIs they should set. they will be compelled to associated with the benefits they to comment on the matter. the new normal moving forward, organisations are set to use gig Finally, he stated that this new renegotiate things with the offer, and instead will try and Nihal Fonseka was appointed in July because organisations will require worker companies to reach out normal will require organisations employee,” he added. convert some of the benefits into 2016 and resigned before the completion employees for different businesses to gig workers based on their to have leaders with compassion, He stated that there will a cash-based mode. This way, of four years, while Dr. Dushni Weerakoon and operations. capabilities and ensure the given empathy, and understanding in time spent on managing these was appointed as recently as July 2019 According to Premaratne, things tasks are completed. order to build resilience within the benefits and administering certain and resigned within her first year. like company outsourcing will Most importantly, Premaratne organisation. This will include them connected matters would also be The third Non-executive Monetary increase a lot more and go beyond stated that organisations will have going beyond the technical aspects reduced, and employees will have Board member is Sanjeewa Jayawardena janitorial and security services, to rethink the position of project of their jobs and learning to manage . In these remuneration a choice as to how they could best PC, who was appointed in February also including more routine tasks managers as they will be the ones people, especially when it comes to matters, there should be utilise that cash. this year. He is expected to remain on like HR. He stated that this was overseeing all the above mentioned gig employees and remote working. greater co-operation and However, Tillakawardana stated the Board. similar to countries like India where job roles. “These leaders will also have the understanding on both sides that the most important thing In terms of the Monetary Law Act, 90% of their HR teams are already “Moving forward, project job of building individual resilience on how to do it in a way that coming out of this crisis would the corporate status is conferred on the outsourced to other companies. managers will be responsible for within teams in order to help causes the least harm to the be retaining and motivating the Monetary Board, which is vested with He went on to state that another managing gig talent, CFT, and employees keep their focus and organisation current teams. He suggested that all powers, functions, and duties. As the emerging employment type would part-time workers to ensure the achieve their given tasks without Commercial Bank of Ceylon in order to do this, organisations governing body, the Monetary Board is be cross-functional/agile teams different types of projects that getting distracted,” he noted. DGM of HRM can start by helping employees responsible for making all policy decisions which are set to play a major role organisations have are managed Rethinking employment Isuru Tillakawardana by restructuring the work, such related to the management, operation, and in the future of many organisations. effectively. This includes attending contracts as giving them transport or work- administration of the CBSL. These are groups of employees the issues and grievances of According to Commercial Bank from-home capabilities if there are The Monetary Board of the CBSL with different functional expertise different work groups. This type of Ceylon Deputy General Manager also be a trend of reducing salary cuts. consists of five members; the Governor, working towards a common goal. of project managers is where true (DGM) of Human Resource the number of casual and “Organisations should help the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, “Organisations can continue leadership skills will be required,” Management (HRM) Isuru contractual employees as much employees weather the storm if and three non-executive board members. to carry out their regular tasks he explained. Tillakawardana, a lot of uncertainty as possible in order to serve the they are going through salary cuts; The Governor is the Chairman of the while using CFTs to help achieve Change in mindset has come into the labour market obligations the organisations have this is because it would allow for a Monetary Board and also functions as additional objectives, and the Premaratne stated that these new and employment itself in the towards permanent employees. better employee net cash position,” the Chief Executive Officer of the CBSL. leaders of these teams can be emerging employment trends will last few months. Due to this, Furthermore, he stated that some he said. The Governor and the non-executive assigned until the task is over,” he also require a mindset change in corporations are currently looking organisations might even consider While these changes in board members are appointed by the added. organisations. Factors like new at controlling their fixed cost voluntary retirement schemes to employment may seem new, they President, on the recommendation of the Premaratne pointed out that work ethics with more flexibility connected to employment and also bring down the total compensation have been growing in popularity Minister of Finance. The approval of the another trend he sees arising is “gig and trust will come into play for at how to manage the compensation cost. throughout the last decade in other Constitutional Council is also required talent”, which entails freelance or organisations in terms of both cost, while employees at large When it comes to contracts, parts of the world. Sri Lanka’s slow for the appointment of the non-executive contract jobs. He explained that current and future employees. will be worried about job security Tillakawardana explained that adoption of these methods has now board members. The term of office of the these gig employees will be given He explained that this will and how to sustain their current most organisations will look at been accelerated due to the current Governor and the non-executive board very clear-cut objectives, key include changes to their company lifestyles. making contracts more short economic situation in the country, members is six years. performance indicators (KPIs), and policies and employee guidelines He stated that when looking term; less about a fixed pay and and interestingly, it may help the deliverable time frames for them to make them more flexible. at employment contracts, most more towards variable pay, which very survival of businesses. the sunday morning business 35 Sunday, June 7, 2020 MONEY WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER EU’S MONEY LAUNDERING BLACKLIST Will Sri Lanka go back in? z Government’s tax haven plan raises concerns

BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR EU in 2015 and after years of stringent under the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). measures, it finally exited the list in October They worked on bringing in laws to monitor Stringent import restrictions and last year. Malta was no different as it too areas with possible money laundering and a new tax on Lanka Indian Oil made it to the 2015 list and had to outlaw supervision of casinos and gem businesses, Corporation (LIOC) to prevent them letterbox companies that are used for tax into which black money is pumped most of taking colossal sums of profit out avoidance and hiding the identities of wealth the time. of the country in US dollars (USD) tax payers. Dutch Caribbean island Curacao Sri Lanka was given time until March are two of the many measures that was grey-listed by the EU in 2017 for lack 2019 by the Commission to fulfil the were taken by the dollar-deprived of transparency. requirements and somehow, the country Sri Lankan Government in late The negative effects of being blacklisted managed to exit the list after almost two- March and early April to mitigate a can be quite considerable, with huge and-a-half years last month, while the FATF inconveniences being the least of them; delisted Sri Lanka from its Compliance possible foreign exchange crisis in the more severe effects include loss of Document (aka. “the Grey List”) at its the country. credibility and goodwill, a decline in Plenary held during 13-18 October 2019 in However, the most noteworthy, and business and clients, and financial hardship. Paris, and removed Sri Lanka from the EC’s controversial, measure the Government took Despite many advantages of being a tax blacklist last month. was to invite expatriate Sri Lankans and haven, naming and shaming by the EU is The negative effects of being local and foreign investors to deposit foreign alone powerful enough to make investors blacklisted can be quite considerable, currencies in any approved commercial lose confidence over the country. with huge inconveniences being the bank in Sri Lanka under a Special Deposit Being blacklisted certainty discourages least of them; the more severe effects Account (SDA) scheme that provides 2% and regulation of foreign exchange and to Apple Inc. is an American multinational any possible financial transaction or include loss of credibility and goodwill, extra interest rate per annum. vest the responsibility of promoting and technology company that has $ 214.9 billion investment. If a company tries to send or a decline in business and clients, and This proved controversial because it was regulating foreign exchange in the CBSL. offshore money and the company uses receive money to or from a blacklisted financial hardship. Despite many said that no questions will be asked about As per the eligibility requirements issued Ireland as a tax haven. CFI states that Apple country, the transaction is highly unlikely to advantages of being a tax haven, the money, no tax will be charged from by the CBSL, any Sri Lankan resident – would have owed the US Government $ be successful. This is because the processing naming and shaming by the EU is alone accountholders, and the money will be free foreign or local, dual citizens, citizens of 65.4 billion in taxes if tax haven benefits bank and/or funding bank will almost powerful enough to make investors from foreign exchange regulations. The other states with Sri Lankan origin, non- were not used. certainly reject the transaction, in line with lose confidence over the country Sunday Morning Business learns that this national resident in or outside Sri Lanka Nike, a footwear manufacturing company, rules on sanctions against the blacklisted invitation has received a positive response, – funds, corporate bodies, associations holds $ 10.7 billion offshore. It uses country. “It is expected that the de-listing by with many foreign investors depositing their incorporated or registered outside Sri Lanka Bermuda as a tax haven. It would have paid Therefore, the pertinent question now (the) FATF and EU will negate the adverse money in Sri Lankan banks. or any other well-wishers, are eligible for $ 3.6 billion in taxes if tax havens were not would be how can Sri Lanka become a tax consequences that prevailed during the The idea is clear. The Government wants this scheme. The aforementioned act does used. haven without being listed on the money previous two years and further strengthen to position Sri Lanka as a tax haven, or not mention “well-wishers” in any place. laundering blacklist or the EU’s tax haven the positive economic outlook and financial an “offshore financial centre”, and benefit Furthermore, the SDA does not comply The drawbacks and dangers blacklist? integrity of the country,” the CBSL noted in from the potential flood of foreign currency with a minimum deposit threshold imposed According to an International Monetary The secrecy offered by tax havens a statement soon after delisting. that it would bring in, especially at a time by the Act as it does not have a prescribed Fund (IMF) report, the problems created and provides advantages for non-residents its foreign reserves are dwindling. While limit. The maximum period of the deposit constraints imposed by the tax haven status by shifting income away from its actual Concerns expressed being a tax haven is not illegal, it leaves should be a minimum of six months and the vary according to the degree of development geographical source, and as a result reduces Several bodies expressed their concern the door open for certain illegal activities. interest is paid upon maturity. In terms of of the country, the size and composition of the tax base in the country in which they are over the Government’s move to announce Furthermore, there are certain moral the interest rate, 1% additional per annum is its tax haven sector, and the kind of benefits tax residents. This key feature also provides the SDA which has possibilities of complications associated with tax havens. paid for six-month fixed deposits and 2% for granted to this sector. Nevertheless, leeway opacity not only for tax purposes but also for attracting black money. The most notable Coincidentally, exactly a week after the 12-month fixed deposits. given by tax haven countries to depositors illegal and criminal activities such as money institution amongst them was Transparency Government’s invitation to depositors, Sri The acceptable foreign currencies are have the potential to attract black money laundering and a range of criminal activities. International Sri Lanka (TISL), a national Lanka was removed from the European the USD, Euro, Sterling Pound, Australian into the country. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) chapter of Transparency International, a Commission (EC)’s list of High-Risk Third dollars, Singapore dollars, Swedish krona, Black money has serious repercussions is an intergovernmental body that sets the leading global movement against corruption. Countries with Anti-Money Laundering Swiss franc, Canadian dollars, Hong in an economy as it gives life to a parallel global standards for anti-money laundering TISL Executive Director Asoka (AML) and Countering the Financing of Kong dollars, Japanese yen, Danish krone, economy powered by black money, and this and counterterrorist and proliferation Obeyesekere said that at a time when there Terrorism (CFT) Strategies Deficiencies. Norwegian krone, Chinese renminbi, and economy might ruin the entire economic financing, and the EU refers to the FATF is an unprecedented lack of parliamentary This was achieved after over two years New Zealand dollars. development of a country. Furthermore, it when preparing a blacklist of tax haven and judicial oversight on government of serious efforts and a commitment to would result in underestimation of the true countries or money laundering blacklists. actions, coupled with limited proactive transparency. Now, this new tax haven plan Why are we doing this? size of an economy as unreported economies Tax evasion is a predicate offence for disclosure of information, corruption has raised concerns that Sri Lanka could end The Government is in dire need of foreign will be excluded from the national data. money laundering under these standards. risks and vulnerabilities are exacerbated. up back on this list. exchange earnings for its external financing Moreover, black money is largely That means that implementing the FATF Therefore, it would be unwise for a So is this a good idea or not? Let’s as its usual dollar-earning streams have attributed with tax evasion and it would standards supports efforts to stop tax caretaker government to implement policies explore. been completely or mostly cut off due to result in a government failing to achieve evasion. which could encourage money laundering, the ongoing pandemic. Export earnings, the desired tax revenue; meanwhile, black The FATF standards include criminalising with potentially far-reaching detrimental What is a tax haven? worker remittances, and tourism earnings money would certainly widen the gap money laundering on the basis of the Vienna effects to the Sri Lankan economy. A tax haven is a country that offers little are the top three dollar income sources of between the rich and the poor and deteriorate Convention on the Law of Treaties and It is notable that an invitation was or no tax liability for investments from Sri Lanka. However, since the closure of the the moral standard of that particular society. the Palermo Convention (United Nations extended by then Finance Minister Ravi foreign individuals and businesses, and Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Karunanayake in late 2015 to local and shares limited or no information about mid-March and strict restrictions for foreign foreign investors to deposit foreign exchange investors with tax authorities. citizens on air travel by their respective in Sri Lanka in special accounts with Characteristics of tax haven countries countries, Sri Lanka tourism plunged to zero premium interest rates. generally include: no or low-income taxes, level, effectively not recording any earnings TISL’s opposition came exactly a week minimal reporting of information, lack up to now. after the Government’s invitation to of transparency obligations, lack of local Meanwhile, worker remittances dropped depositors and on the exact day of delisting presence requirements, and marketing of tax drastically as global lockdowns necessitated of Sri Lanka by the European Commission. haven vehicles. by the global pandemic have either forced Therefore, the major concern of TISL was As European Parliament notes, tax havens companies to layoff their employees or that Sri Lanka was only removed from have one thing in common: They make send them home on compulsory no-pay the “Grey List” of the FATF late last year it possible to escape taxation. Distinctive leave or to slash their salaries. Furthermore, after serious measures and steps. They characteristics of tax havens include low export earnings too is expected to witness a also mentioned that “no questions asked” or zero taxation, fictitious residences (with massive drop this year due to the hardship policies on foreign deposits could have had no bearing on reality), and tax secrecy. The in getting down the required raw materials a negative impact on the country’s ability to last two are key methods for hiding ultimate from other countries and sending exports to attract bona fide investment. beneficial owners. international markets as most of them are Furthermore, TISL noted that this There are several regulatory bodies that either still closed or opened only partially. contravenes FATF recommendations which monitor tax haven countries, including the These myriad difficulties compelled the In March 2018, it was revealed that the Convention against Transnational Organized set the international standards on combating Organisation of Economic Co-operation Government to think of alternative options amount of Indian black money currently Crime [UNTOC]). Countries should apply money laundering, requiring reasonable and Development (OECD) and the US for dollar income and they finally came up present in Swiss and other offshore banks is the crime of money laundering to all measures to be taken to ascertain both Government Accountability Office (U.S. with a controversial SDA offering higher estimated to be $ 1,500 billion. According serious offences, with a view to include sources of wealth and sources of funds. GAO). interest rates and so much freedom, that to the 2015 Financial Secrecy Index – a the widest range of predicate offences. In its report “Covid-19-related Money A list of some of the most popular tax could potentially make Sri Lanka a tax comprehensive survey on global financial Furthermore, Countries have to ensure Laundering and Terrorist Financing: Risks haven countries includes: Andorra, the haven, providing long-term solutions to secrecy – Switzerland ranks number one that financial institution secrecy laws do and Policy Responses”, published last Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda, the British foreign exchange issues. in the list of countries with black money, not inhibit implementation of the FATF month, the FATF continues to recommend Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Channel followed by Hong Kong and the US. recommendations. risk-based supervision of transactions, Islands, Cook Islands, Island of Jersey, Hong The benefits of being a tax haven These countries deposit most of their The EU suggests regulatory measures which would be contrary to any “no Kong, Isle of Man, Mauritius, Lichtenstein, Being a tax haven can result in enormous black money in offshore accounts and this allowing traceability and the sharing of questions asked” policy. Countries with Monaco, Panama, St. Kitts, and Nevis. benefits for developing economies, including SDA is believed to present an easier option information concerning the movement of escalating money laundering exposure risk Tax havens are mostly islands and their the possibility of achieving a higher for them and any individual with black financial transactions and other relevant FATF blacklisting, which has far-reaching tax structure is different from one another. employment level as tax incentives attract money. information, within the framework consequences on domestic banking and Luxembourg gives benefits such as tax businesses to invest in the country. This Money laundering allows drug traffickers, of anti-money laundering efforts, in economic activity. incentives and zero percent withholding tax is particularly attractive to countries with smugglers, and criminals to expand particular through customer due diligence while Singapore charges reasonable nominal a narrow resource base that tend to have their operations and effectively transfers obligations as they are appropriate tools for Conclusion corporate taxes. The Channel Islands have chronic unemployment problems. economic power from the government to counteracting these practices. Tax havens by nature are a great way of no capital gain taxes and no council taxes. According to the Corporate Finance criminals, according to reports. Black money nourishing an economy that is in dire need Mauritius has low corporate tax and no Institute (CFI) in Canada, tax havens benefit is money earned through any illegal activity How did we get in, and of foreign exchange and they are certainly withholding tax while Switzerland has full by way of attracting capital to their banks controlled by country regulations. get out last time? not illegal but are certainly controversial. or partial tax exemptions depending on the and financial institutions that can be used to In February 2018, Sri Lanka was As a coin has two sides, tax havens too bank used. build a thriving financial sector. Possibilities of being blacklisted added into the European blacklist along have their own pros and cons and in its Some of the 50 biggest US companies that Almost all of the tax havens have made to with Tunisia, Trinidad, and Tobago. entirely dependent on the way respective The SDA and loopholes have stashed approximately $ 1.6 trillion the European Union (EU)’s blacklist of tax The Commission re-published their list governments handle tax haven regulations. According to the Central Bank of offshore include Microsoft, IBM, General havens at least once, due to non-compliance in February 2019 with Sri Lanka being If Sri Lanka is to make sure that they Sri Lanka (CBSL), the SDA will not be Electric, Pfizer, Exxon Mobil, Chevron, and with EU regulations and increased black included amongst 23 countries with strategic are not getting back into the European subject to any foreign exchange regulations Walmart. These 50 companies earned over money into the economy. Seychelles, a deficiencies in their money laundering Commission’s blacklist for money published in Gazette Notification No. $ 4.2 trillion in profits globally, but used top tax haven, was listed amongst the 30 and terrorist financing regimes that, as the laundering, the European Union’s blacklist 2045/56 dated 17 November 2017 and it is offshore tax havens to lower their effective countries blacklisted as tax havens by the EU believed, might cause troubles to their of tax havens, or the FATF’s “Grey List” anyway in contradiction to the provisions of overall tax rate to just 25.9%, which was well EU in 2015 and so did Nauru, a small financial system. of money laundering, the country needs to the act. below the US statutory rate of 35%, and even pacific island tax haven. Soon after the listing, the CBSL take stringent actions before the European The new Foreign Exchange Act was lower than the average levels paid in other Mauritius, home to more than 32,000 headed by then Governor Dr. Indrajith Commission or the European Union issue introduced to provide for the promotion developed countries, according to the CFI. offshore entities, was blacklisted by the Coomaraswamy, implemented measures warnings. 6 the sunday morning business TOURISM Sunday, June 7, 2020

WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER

By Suranimala Senaratne Best chance to make We have been reading extensive articles and following a multitude of discussions led by tourism authority officials and influencers in the tourism tourism truly Sri Lankan industry via different forms of media, be it TV, radio, or newspapers as well as zPresent the island in its simplest, most authentic and best form online platforms like Zoom, Facebook, etc. They all discuss and upgrade our services. This will that will give the guest or traveller how the industry should mean training and re-evaluating a really authentic experience. As an pave its path to recover post our human resources starting industry that is a proud earner of from the tour executives, airport foreign exchange into the country, Covid-19. From what I have representatives, and hotel staffs to we spend most of these earnings gathered so far, everyone is guides, chauffeurs, shop owners, on building large-scale hotels and of the understanding that site guides, site staffs, and all other furnishing them using imports. If the industry will be back to service providers who interact with we can design and make our new normal and operate the same our tourists. Our human resources projects suit their environment, we way as in the past (or before can either make or break this would be able to provide ample the pandemic). entire industry. We as a nation are opportunities for local craftsmen hospitable by nature and by culture. and labour, giving them much- In comparison to most parts However, with time, this important needed job opportunities. of the world, Sri Lanka has been and victorious trait has been Another important aspect of our fortunate to have a low mortality forgotten and people have become way of life is the “Hela Wedakama” rate by Covid-19 and this is purely overly materialistic and merely practised by our traditional doctors due to our dedicated medical staff, money-motivated. This training and in unison with Ayurveda. It can the tri-forces, the Police, and other development must be an ongoing be a great attraction to promote essential services personnel. This process for the entire tourism our country. The Europeans pandemic has changed our lives industry to remain unharmed. and Americans have embraced and the way we live, forever. Even beyond the industry, different practices such as meditation, yoga, Considering this dramatic change Sri Lankan Ayurveda can be a great attraction to promote our country types of media must be used to and Ayurvedic medication and in our daily system, we will not be educate the general public on how therapies. Ironically, they are better able to operate in the way we did for their sincere smile and warm should realise the current trend, the were more harmful than beneficial they should be treating tourists. They practitioners of these self-healing during the 30 years of war and after hospitality. This new direction situation of the world, and what the to our island’s positioning in the should be educated as to how they techniques than most of us. These the tsunami devastation. will allow us to make a mark in eager traveller truly needs from a world tourism map. That is my can identify the so-called authentic aspects of our culture and historical world tourism and also improve the destination like ours. personal observation in the last two tourist from the others who are knowledge on these techniques New but old ways livelihood of the people involved in This pandemic has brought to decades. bound to take advantage of them. need to be passed down to the next During the two months of tourism. light how interdependent we are as I have seen the deterioration Schools should incorporate tourism generation by experts in order to lockdown, we have come to countries and how globalisation has in the quality of our services into their curriculum so that the next propagate them in the world. witness the dramatic lifestyle Points to ponder intertwined our economies together. by our DMCs (destination generation can know what kind of Our agricultural systems and changes in ourselves. We have Some changes need to happen in So, as large economies of the world management companies), hotels, job opportunities they will have in our farming techniques – be it rice seen how dependent we have order for this shift in direction and came to a virtual halt, the borders travel management services, tour the industry. They can be taught as or other traditional crops – are become on imported foods and system. The following points need of such countries were closed. And guides and chauffeurs, and shop to how they are expected to behave, a great attraction to the western other consumer products. Also, to be taken into consideration by the much like most other industries, experiences such as spice gardens socialise, and treat the foreign travellers. Our traditional methods we have noticed how much we government tourism regulators, the tourism worldwide felt the impact and jewelleries, etc. They offer traveller. of fertilising, plowing, germinating lack in self-sufficiency. Due to this leaders in the tourism industry, and too. World travel and tourism will clients substandard, low-priced tours fields, and many such methods must awakening, people have started every industry stakeholder: have a slow restart with all the and services and then in turn make Quality over quantity be introduced and incorporated into growing their own little garden 1. Do we need millions of tourists restrictions and precautions taken up for the losses. The guides, shops, In 2018, we received a record the travellers’ experience. This will patches among their flower pots coming into our country, to prevent another such wave of and even travel agents themselves Rs. 2.3 million tourists into the give them the chance to interact and taking a serious interest in like those visiting Thailand, the pandemic. During this recovery expect the client to pay a 30-40% country. Our goal is to reach a with the locals and also give them a being self-sufficient in certain basic Singapore, and Malaysia? stage, many companies may declare commission on product purchases number that is close to 10 million hands-on experience of these unique requirements in day-to-day life. It 2. Does the tourism industry need to bankruptcy and so many people will they make at tourist shops. Whether tourists a year. The question here is activities. Sri Lankan cuisine and is evident that most have begun to be the highest foreign exchange lose jobs. Furthermore, it can be the product is gems, spices, wood whether it is really necessary and food culture are also much loved by understand our old but gold simple earner of the country? guesstimated that tourism will not carvings, silks, batic, or even simple wise to try and attract such a large many who have indulged in them all way of life. This understanding will 3. Do we need more “concrete come back to its original state for ayurvedic head massage, the tourists number of visitors when we have a over the world. lead us to a much uncomplicated, jungles” as development or the next two years, at least. are sometimes sold low-quality limited capacity in terms of hotels, healthy, and fulfilling life and shouldn’t we make development products or services not worth the infrastructure, and other much- Authentically Sri Lankan livelihood. in unison with nature while Low cost, low quality money that they spent. Tourists needed facilities to cater to such Our little island has so much These new but actually old preserving our natural In my 40-plus years in the Sri have been coerced or even forced a large crowd. This will of course to offer the world, in terms of ways need to be reflected in how environment? Lankan tourism industry, I have by guides and chauffeurs, and even have its adverse effects on our nature, historical value, culture we promote our destination and 4. Are we not learning anything witnessed many tough situations – DMCs, to shop in order to make wildlife parks, rainforests, natural and traditions, and of course our establish our stand as one of the from Covid-19 and its may it be civil unrest, the civil war these commissions and this becomes habitats, etc. and also increase the lifestyle. This is a reminder to all most loved holiday destinations in repercussions? of 30 years, tsunami, and political a bigger priority than providing wear and tear of our historical sites. involved in the industry to take the world. We as a destination must It is an opportune moment for us unrest – but we have survived them the guests with the wonderful To meet these numbers, the industry a step back and re-evaluate your envision ways to show our close ties to use this time in which we have all thus far. Industry authorities experience of Sri Lanka. will have to expand its number of products and services, and renew with the natural and simple way of slowed our pace to step back and responded by spending large rooms in the different parts of the your ideas and ways to approach the life. This may start from us growing reflect on all the things that really amounts of money on promotional Fixing past mistakes country with all those monstrous ideal tourist. With this change in our our own vegetables to an eventual matter to us as an island nation. campaigns using international Tourism authorities must take concrete structures. world and our ways of life, it is the larger picture where the country We have the chance to revamp media. Industry players cut down corrective actions on these harmful The authorities must instead ideal time to present Sri Lanka in its will be self-sufficient in its basic and uplift our great and beautiful prices in order to be competitive habits existing in the industry. The encourage thematic resorts and simplest, most authentic, and best needs where people are healthy, eat country into a destination truly and have offered rock-bottom deals policies and principles regarding small to medium-scale hotels which form to the rest of the world. well, and are tuned in to nature and meaningful for travel and tourism. to attract as many tourists as they these matters need to be addressed are built in unison with nature (The writer is the Chairman a simple natural way of life. These This will have an overall ripple could. This in turn made Sri Lanka and changed for the better in order and the history of the place of of Yathra Travels [Pvt.] Ltd. and are the aspects the traveller wishes effect on people involved in the a low-cost, low-quality destination to sustain our industry. During construction. This will allow us to Blackpool Holdings. He holds over to see and deems an authentic industry and also on the country which attracted the minimum- this “reset period”, we must be in sync with our natural habitat 40 years of experience in the experience. Sri Lankans are known as a whole. Our tourism industry spending attraction-seekers who implement the relevant changes and also bring out unique products Sri Lankan tourism industry)

FROM MARKETING TO HUMAN RESOURCES What changes should the tourism industry make? as many countries at present are putting documentation and payments. By restrictions on and refusing Chinese people Also, rather than having a common pool, Sameera and their products due to the fact that they can have private pools or separate Covid-19 was originated in China. their existing pools into mini pools using Jayathilaka The traditional way of greeting one temporary partitions without allowing the another saying “Ayubowan” is becoming water to mix with the other sections of the Tourism is one of the largest industries popular rather than hugging and shaking pool. Even the beaches can be partitioned in the world and contributes heavily to Sri hands. This can be used as a cultural strategy with removable partitions to keep social Lanka’s GDP. The industry is currently to promote Sri Lanka as this is a unique distancing (Figure 2). Furthermore, air facing its worst crisis ever. With the Sri Lankan way of greeting. Buddhism conditioners could be purified from time to Government now planning to reopen Sri has become more popular as a philosophy time with air sanitisers, and common area Lanka for tourists soon, here are a few among the world community and Sri Lankan air conditioners could be kept switched strategies to overcome post-Covid industry can get the advantage as a country with the off or alternative solutions can be used as challenges under different areas. majority of Buddhists. This can further be air conditioners can spread the virus. And Marketing and promotions promoted with wellness tourism concepts linen such as curtains could be changed and Tourists who have a higher purchasing such as yoga and Ayurveda. sanitised on a guest-to-guest basis. capacity could be the target market as they Accommodation Food and beverages can afford to hire a vehicle and separate Tourists may prefer cruise ships as they have more space for social distancing than airplanes rooms or villas during their stay in Sri Accommodation is a key area to be When it comes to food and beverage, the Lanka, rather than the backpackers who cruise has more space for social distancing Promotional campaigns could be considered in tourism, and therefore there buffet might have less demand as many use public transportation and share rooms. than airplanes. Even the airfare might launched by focusing on less affected are a number of factors to be considered people are gathering around the same This will be an advantage for the tourism increase since the cost of PCR tests and countries by Covid-19 as it would relevant to the post-Covid environment. time. Therefore, hotels can have a limited industry since they can earn high income the number of passengers might reduce minimise the probability of spreading There will be a greater demand for separate number of participants for the buffet by from just a few tourists, which will be due to social distancing rules. Sri Lanka the virus locally from tourists. Therefore, rooms or villas since guests will be more allocating different time slots for different helpful to maintain the social distance of is surrounded by a crystal blue clear countries like Germany and New Zealand concerned about social distancing. In rooms or they can focus more on room the customers as well. ocean; this is a very good opportunity for can be targeted initially for healthy order to reduce the connection between service. Additionally, this will reduce the Furthermore, tourists may prefer cruise policymakers and the industry marketing trade. Also, the Chinese market would front office employees and tourists, cost and minimise food wastage. ships for their transportation needs, as a professionals to focus on cruise travellers. be attractive for Sri Lanka in the future the management could focus on online Contd. on page 8 the sunday morning 7 Sunday, June 7, 2020 TECH/INTERNATIONAL

WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER

BY UWIN LUGODA to increase their following or keep their current followers entertained.” TikTok has become the newest trend in social media, boasting an What part does Tikable play? impressive 800 million monthly Liyanapathirana explained that they users worldwide and average wanted to create an agency that could daily usage of 52 minutes; the get the platform to work for any brand, platform is almost on par with long- whether in dentistry, a fashion brand, or standing social media platforms like even a marketing manager for a blue chip Instagram. brand. He went on to state that they want to help brands use TikTok as a new marketing Released in 2016 as a video platform channel that can be added into their where people could share and edit videos marketing mix. that are between 15 and 60 seconds long, Tikable acts as a strategic partner the app is currently present in over 150 for brands by helping them develop a countries, with over two billion downloads TikTok comprehensive marketing strategy for in both Google Play Store and the App TikTok. Liyanapathirana stated that they Store; it has now caught the attention of bring their creative expertise from having brands and social media marketers. Not just for dancing worked with 30 brands in Blendmedia’s Internationally, brands have begun two years of operation so far. considering TikTok as a viable marketing “We will first create the strategy based tool to reach younger audiences. Fast food zThe ad agency that is taking the app to companies and brands on the brand’s goals, depending on whether brands like Chipotle, a US-based franchise challenges are unique to the platform and they want to drive brand exposure, drive with a target market predominantly of have the potential to go viral. sales, or just share a message. We ideally 35-year-olds and above, used the app to Liyanapathirana explained that these start with a three-month strategy for brands make videos targeting a younger audience. challenges have already been utilised and then develop it into a six to 12-month The franchise has now gone to become a locally by brands such as Dettol, which strategy as we go forward.” regular content creator on the platform, hosted the “handwash challenge”, and He stated that Tikable’s second job is to attracting a whole new target market. Maggi, which hosted the “papare kottu create the content for TikTok, generally challenge”. He stated that the TikTok videos between 15 to 30 seconds. Using A TikTok agency community is big on adopting trends, and one of their current restaurant clients as an This trend has now given rise to Tikable, therefore when brands introduce something example, he explained that they would visit Sri Lanka’s first TikTok-centric marketing fresh and interesting, everyone will start their client once or twice a month, plan the agency dedicated to using the platform as a engaging. content, and shoot all the content with the marketing tool to help brands reach out to He pointed out that internationally, necessary models, props, and music. Gen Z and Millennial consumers. brands can also initiate a hashtag challenge Thirdly, Liyanapathirana stated that the Tikable is an arm of Blendmedia, a as a paid event, so brands can pay the agency will take care of the brand’s TikTok marketing start-up that launched in 2018, platform and place the challenges in platform, similar to how most agencies that caters for 30 brands in both digital and consumers’ explore feeds depending on the handle brands’ Facebook and Instagram traditional marketing. demographics they are targeting. However, accounts. According to Blendmedia Chief since the feature is not available in Sri “We will be on top of the brands’ Executive Officer (CEO)/Co-founder Nipun Fast food brands like Chipotle, a US-based franchise with a target market of consumers predominantly Lanka, he stated that brands have to rely on platform, handling comments, messages, Liyanapathirana, TikTok is currently the aged 35 and above, used the app to make videos targeting a younger audience organic traction. and overall community management fastest-growing platform in the world right “The platform was built to target depending on the brand.” now, and products and services ideally use a smartphone to create a short video people who like to dance and be creative; In addition to activating brands and targeted at the Gen Z and Millennial market that gets the same amount of reach and challenges that incorporate some sort of a businesses on TikTok, Tikable also partners – aged between 14 and 30 – can have much penetration, or higher, in that target market. dance routine or an attractive sound track with talented content creators on the better traction there than any other social Liyanapathirana stated that the platform into the mix can help brands benefit from platform to get them brand partnerships for media platform. opens up brands to a mix of consumers, the platform.” content. They act as a bridge between the “The reason people use TikTok is because with segments such as SEC (Socio Taking the hashtag challenge posted by brands and content creators. it’s a short video-based platform, where Economic Class) A and SEC B upper, Dettol as an example, Liyanapathirana According to Liyanapathirana, the they can create content in any way they like; which are classifications used for the high stated that the campaign was done to share agency currently has 50-plus content they are only limited by their imagination. socioeconomic classes in the market, the company’s message of keeping the creators, with more signing up every The app is all about promoting everyone to coming into the platform following public’s hands constantly clean during day. These include the likes of high-end become a content creator; brands can use the Covid-19 pandemic. He explained this pandemic. He went on to state that the influencers, micro influencers, and nano this as a new way to put themselves out that following the imposed lockdown, brand saw more than a 1,000 entries from influencers. there.” consumers had enough time to get their that one campaign. He went on to state that since its launch Speaking to The Sunday Morning hands on the app and start regularly using it. He stated that the campaigns created at the start of May, Tikable has already Business, Liyanapathirana explained that the “While initially there were mixed depend on the brand objective, i.e. whether managed to sign up four brands – one current digital advertising sector is used to a perceptions about the app in Sri Lanka, they want to use the platform to drive sales footwear brand, two restaurants, and a lot of scripted advertisements and high-end in January, we began to see it pick up and or drive people to their websites and other beauty brand. commercials, which consumers in that age we saw what international brands were social media. However, Liyanapathirana When asked if the platform will continue group do not always relate to. He went on doing with it. So when the country was in suggested that right now is the best time for to grow post-Covid, Liyanapathirana stated to point out that this is where TikTok stands lockdown, people downloaded the app and brands to gain exposure through the app, by that while the pandemic gave the app some out, as it is more raw and authentic for the saw the short, dynamic, and simple videos, creating campaigns that would organically momentum, pushing its total downloads up consumers. and realised that it was something unique, create traction and drive exposure. form 1.7 billion to two billion, TikTok was “Even if you take social media and kept going back.” Speaking on what sectors the platform anyway a fast-growing platform pre-Covid. advertising on platforms like Facebook and He stated that brands already targeting would be ideal for, Liyanapathirana stated Drawing comparisons with other social Instagram, you see a lot of brands put out consumers in this segment can prosper by that the main sectors would be apparel and media platforms, he explained that TikTok advertisements similar to what they would introducing TikTok into their marketing Blendmedia CEO/Co-founder food and beverages (F&B), while SMEs has a much higher growth rate than the put out on TV. What this app has done is plan, and other brands can expand their Nipun Liyanapathirana (small and medium enterprises) in most likes of Instagram. disrupted this social media advertising target markets too include this segment sectors would benefit from it too, as they Social media analysts have stated that landscape, and now brands can activate using the app. does not have the ability to run paid ads have diverse markets. TikTok is set to eventually beat Instagram themselves to a massive audience which is “TikTok does not demand high-end on the platform, like bigger markets such Another area he mentioned seeing a lot due to more people moving from Instagram very young, at a much lower cost.” production or content, so it is a great as the US and India. Instead, he stated that of traction is the automobile sector, due to TikTok each day. TikTok’s growth is As an example, he pointed out that opportunity to roll out their marketing plans what local brands can do is run “hashtag to content creators utilising their vehicles currently not slowing down, as its 800 fashion brands that usually spend a lot on the platform at almost no cost at all.” challenges”. for their videos, opening up the app for million users is only 200 million less than of their budget on professional photo The general idea of “hashtag challenges” automobile brands. that of Instagram. Due to its symbiotic shoots, sponsored posts on Facebook and Types of campaigns is that users create videos that benefit your “From what we have seen, even relationship with TikTok, that will certainly Instagram, and hire influencers, can instead According to Liyanapathirana, Sri Lanka brands’ reputation and awareness. These celebrities and artists can use the platform please Tikable. India reopens, but not ‘business as usual’ zRecession looms as the largest lockdown in world history ends

BY NIKHIL INAMDAR data, which contracted for the second few companies that have labour on Meanwhile, the rising number month in a row. payroll as opposed to daily wages,” of Covid-19 cases has put Prime By all accounts, reversing “Production is down by 50% said Executive Director Nayan Minister Narendra Modi’s the disruption caused by India’s and demand is very weak,” said Raheja. Government in a Catch 22-like lockdown will be a long haul, and Kshitij Ghai, who owns a textile mill But he said this will cause delays situation. the price businesses, especially small that produces acrylic fabric in the and extend the project’s timeline. “Increased economic activity firms, have paid is just starting to northern city of Ludhiana. will come at the inevitable cost of become clear. He said he is unable to bring Bleak months ahead elevated risk of higher infection “At least 20% of neighbourhood operations back to optimal capacity. None of this bodes well for a quick rate,” said Sonal Verma, an analyst at mobile shops that sell smartphones “I haven’t even received payments recovery, especially for an economy Nomura Global Research. may never reopen again,” said for goods sent back in January and that was already reeling from a Most economists have been Arvinder Khurana, President of the February. It is very difficult to ask slowdown. disappointed by the Government’s India Mobile Retailers Association. dealers for money because they India’s economy grew at 4.2% in economic response. India’s Central The reasons are many, he added; themselves haven’t had any sales.” the 2019/20 financial year, its slowest Bank has announced a raft of on the one hand, owners have fled the But expenses have shot up pace in nearly a decade, according measures including rate cuts and cities and are yet to return, and on the Production costs have soared with social distancing, screens, and PPE suits in workplaces due to compliance costs such to data released by the Government moratoriums on loans. And the other, with job losses mounting and for businesses that are reopening, In a recent interview, the CEO of as disinfectants, sanitisers, last week. For the first three months Government has announced a $ banks averse to offering consumer so sales are expected to slide further one of the world’s leading motorcycle thermometers, and masks for of this year, which overlapped with 266 billion (£ 212 billion) stimulus, loans, there is no demand for high- down, even as high-street shops, manufacturers also said there isn’t workers. the first week of the lockdown, including a range of liquidity end phones. malls, and other commercial markets enough clarity from the Government. The exodus of migrant workers the country’s GDP expanded by a measures and reforms. According to India’s retail are scheduled to reopen next week. “I am not seeing that smooth, from cities during the lockdown has measly 3.1%, partially the result of But, by most calculations, what association, sales of non-essential Not all businesses were closed concerted, rhythmic movement also meant severe labour shortages businesses closing. they will end up actually spending items such as clothes, electronics, during the lockdown; those deemed towards unlocking,” said Rajiv Bajaj, for some businesses. But economists predict a further amounts to a minuscule 0.8-1% and furniture fell by 80% in May. essential, from agro products to Managing Director of Bajaj Auto. At a construction site in the capital slide downward; India’s GDP for of GDP. The consensus is that this Even sales of essential goods such as power, food supply, and healthcare, Bajaj, a vociferous critic of the Delhi, where one of the country’s the 2020/21 financial year is likely isn’t sufficient to boost demand, groceries and medicines dipped by continued operating. And more lockdown, was speaking to India’s largest real estate firms, Raheja to contract between -7% and 0%, spur growth, or avert a spate of 40%. businesses have been allowed to Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi. Developers, is erecting a residential the worst technical recession since bankruptcies. The near future looks uncertain as reopen since early May. But they are “An aligned approach is required...I building, the labour strength has the 1970s. While the easing of And it seems to be a widely held infections rise – India has recorded all bogged down by low demand, am really distressed because it is a dropped by 40% since the pandemic restrictions will lead to a recovery, opinion – ratings agency Moody’s nearly 200,000 cases so far, with falling exports, labour shortages, Herculean task to open up,” he told hit India. they expect it will take up to three downgraded India’s sovereign rating several record single-day spikes in and new rules of operation requiring Gandhi. “This is still a better situation than months for economic activity to reach to the lowest investment grade for the the last week. But the Government is social distancing and other safety And the effect on production is other construction sites around Delhi even half the level it was at before the first time in 22 years. yet to announce uniform procedures measures to curb the pandemic. evident in India’s manufacturing and Gurgaon, as we are among the outbreak. (BBC) 8 the sunday morning business MARKETING Sunday, June 7, 2020

WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER

By JUMPSTARTING TOURISM Dr. Nicholas ordinary people who do not have an Ruwan Dias agenda. and Niresh Virtual reality and video Eliatamby Why Digital Marketing Virtual reality technology offers city marketers a unique benefit, as Last week, in the first part it provides the power to allow your of this two-part article, target audience to explore facets we discussed restarting of your city, virtually. This can tourism in Sri Lanka under be achieved by virtual 360° tours the headline “When and should be priority of hotels or experiences in virtual how we should jumpstart reality that include local attractions. tourism”. This week, we focus of statistics in the digital world. Less traditional video marketing Part 2 City and stakeholders’ marketing material can also be effective for on the role of marketing, and organisations can obtain data on the visual display of your region. that too specifically digital and language with neighbouring all aspects, such as recognising This can be very quickly added to marketing, in the revival of countries. those who visit individual hotel YouTube, and then posted through tourism. When global travel or restaurant web pages by using social media, the city marketing slowly commences, the battle Target China Google Analytics to gather data. website, other channels, as video to attract the limited number Going by global statistics on Hotels can identify their most content. of international tourists will Covid, China is likely to be the prominent demographic markets Booking engines on be won by countries that do largest and most stable tourism- and times. Other tour operators can generating market for a while, as gather demand trends. Marketers own websites of hotels, the best job of executing restaurants digital marketing strategies western markets such as Europe can also figure out how people that match their target and the US are staggering due to the use their favourite apps. All this A hotel booking engine for safe pandemic. So it makes a lot of sense information can be collected, online bookings uses a software markets and products. to have China as the main target analysed, and used at the right application. This helps guests to And your digital marketing market, instead of scattering your moment in order to create a laser- book directly on the hotel’s website campaign needs to be a marketing efforts across the world. focused urban marketing campaign and on websites such as Facebook 360-degree campaign that Marketers must know that western domestic tourism destination; it can i.e. there’s no use using Facebook in targeting the right people. whenever the hotel is mentioned. encompasses all aspects of social media sites such as Facebook, be helpful to recognise a few main China, but there are many Chinese Data is urgently needed now that Most people use a lot of time to digital publicity. YouTube, Twitter, etc., are audiences to help you focus your social media platforms that dominate the preferences for destinations have browse social media platforms and prohibited in China. With companies local marketing strategy. that market that you can use. shifted. The industry’s strategy is so it’s already a good choice to Tourism marketers, what are your worldwide using Facebook/ now digital, with data now a vital list your hotel on Facebook. But if target markets now? They’d better Instagram to reach new customers, it SEO and keywords YouTube part of the recovery as a response you use the reservation system that not still be the same as before the would appear impossible to enter a What are the keywords that your YouTube isn’t just a place where to Covid-19. Destinations will allows guests to make a reservation pandemic, because global markets new market without these. However, target customers use when looking people share videos. It’s also one simplify and enhance the processes, via social media conveniently, this is have changed drastically. So to new a range of additional channels are for vacations? You need to develop of the most frequently used search communications, and product by even better. markets you must go, or perhaps available for businesses to use in your content for those keywords and engines in the world. It’s also a transitioning from conventional data to markets that existed earlier but China for digital marketing. People the use of a variety of other methods place where travel vloggers provide to big data. Mobile and web apps weren’t your focus. But whatever in China spend a significant amount to boost search engine placement. massive amounts of publicity for Transaction data could be Indeed, if the rapid growth of your markets may be, you need of their daily life on social networks Marketers can also promote videos destinations. Find out who the most used to monitor airport capacity, web-based mobile systems goes digital marketing in a huge way. No such as WeChat. and images by using Search Engine popular travel vloggers are and market sources, booking trends, on as expected, cell phones and longer can you visit international Optimisation (SEO) principles. make sure that they’re giving your programme impacts, and sentiment tablets may be used by consumers to travel fairs in London, Berlin, and One ‘go to’ app An on-site blog can be useful, as it destination lots of publicity. analysis in real time, as a solution. browse the internet, find information Dubai to drum up business. In the Countries such as Sri Lanka have provides marketers with a place to These data sources can improve for travel, schedule vacations, make travel and tourism industries, none scattered their tourist information put new content to optimise their Attract influencers the interpretation of people’s reservations, and pay for travel can deny technology’s impact. about attractions all over the place strategy. In the modern era, so-called understanding of destinations and goods and services. The mobile It is technology which shapes and it’s difficult for a tourist to “influencers”, who have loyal social allow them to monitor patterns, internet is the core of e-tourism people’s way of exploring and know where to search. So have Travel blogs media followers, are very important insights, and forecasts. There is now support and promotion. The digital their choice of destination. one app that provides links to city/ Besides creating your own in terms of marketing. After all, a great chance to use data for future world is expected to dominate Customer satisfaction must be the attraction sites that can also be used website to help promote your many people are wise to some of the destination development and to plan all aspects of the industry in the main objective of any travel and for bookings, enabling a tourist to destination, other trusted and valued more conventional advertising and the way ahead. medium term as a driving force of tourism company as they serve find all the information on hotels, travel websites like TripAdvisor marketing platforms while others are tourism growth. customers every day. The up-to-date airlines, city travel, trains, busses, should also reach your audience. now becoming more cynical about User-generated content technological trends in the travel and national parks, cultural sites, etc. in For example, marketers can add corporate or group marketing. While When you think of the occasions Foreign tour operators/ tourism industries must therefore be one place. pictures, stories, or videos on these Instagram is the obvious option, that you visited different cities partnerships maintained. People can conveniently All these locations may not be sites and track country visitor Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and across the globe, you would Identify partnerships with book vacations and fly almost under one authority, but for purposes feedback. Make sure each review even their personal blogs are other recall that you definitely wanted organisations with an interest anywhere in today’s interconnected of digital tourism marketing, they made by visitors has a response examples. By partnering with them, to learn something on each of in building trust and obtaining world. It is necessary to stand out need to be on one app, even if from you, irrespective of whether people who otherwise would be those journeys. This is why the new resources. This relationship from competitors and city marketing they continue to be under different your target country or city has been out of reach are seeing information urban marketing strategies must may include hotels, restaurants, can be beneficial to this for your city administrative departments, positively or negatively rated. about your area, and they also find also concentrate on encouraging tour operators, tour managers, and in the local tourism industry. ministries, etc. But remember that an these efforts more trustworthy. interactions and making tourists recreational agencies, or even local Marketers will be able to execute app must be simple. Don’t make it Facebook ambassadors. Remember that those authorities in the country. Marketers city marketing strategies and reap too complicated to use. Since people have been socially Adopt data analytics visitors can create their own content will need to build country marketing the rewards by using the suggested isolated lately, time spent on social City marketing strategies are at that we term “user-generated”. This strategies to persuade these parties to aspects. Persona identification media has increased significantly. their best when they concentrate can be used to promote a social support them and contribute to their You need to provide a website Social networking is a great place on facts. You need to understand media hashtag or have a video campaign to get started. They will be Product, audience, strategy for every tourist-oriented town to connect with past visitors and that your traditional knowledge is or photo section on a website. able to execute marketing campaigns Marketers must first understand and attraction in Sri Lanka that a engage followers with motivational incomplete or simply wrong. But This type of indirect marketing is in addition to their patented the product that they are selling, tourist could obtain all the required material about trips and destinations. data analytics is a simple method more convivial to many potential promotional strategies and create who their target audience is, and information from. Do you have sites Ask followers to share their pictures of finding out the real situation travellers, because it comes from visitor interest in the target country then develop the right marketing for Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, from their past stays at hotels, by thinking about the goals and Rank Online Channel Company Logo Online Channel Company Logo strategy. They must also understand Arugam Bay, Trincomalee, share inspirational pictures of No. Global Sri Lanka brand concept with these groups. why people would want to visit Negombo, Bentota, Yala, Wilpattu, their property or destination, and There’s a whole new world of their country. Does their country or etc.? ask followers what their favourite 1 Booking.com Booking.com exciting opportunities in the digital destination appeal to the younger Next, there is a specific target activity was in the destination, and world. Go for it, marketers! generation, families, seniors, groups demographic or a range of big give incentives for them to do so. 2 Expedia Expedia (Dr. Nicholas Ruwan Dias of friends, travellers for companies, target groups for a successful city For example, marketers can create is a Digital Architect at Aegon students, business travellers or marketing plan. It allows you to Facebook campaigns using the city Asia, based in Kuala Lumpur. He couples? Do they draw tourists who give careful consideration about ads on their page, and participants 3 Agoda Agoda holds a BSc in Computing from want thrills or those who want a who is most likely to be involved can be given 5-10% discounts for the University of Greenwich, a relaxing beach break? Marketers in travelling to your city and their meals based on their participation. Master’s in Computer Software must create a marketing plan that reasons for doing so. You may 4 Traveloka EME Engineering from Staffordshire is most suitable for each target have to split this into a variety of Other forms of social media University, and a PhD from group. Look at domestic tourism if customer profiles. For instance, Ever heard of Twitter, LinkedIn, 5 GOMMT GOMMT the University of Malaya. He is international travellers are sparse. your town might be modern and TikTok, Instagram..? These are completing a second doctorate Then, consider how to explore prosperous, allowing it to attract simply different types of digital 6 STAAH STAAH (DBA) from Universiti Utara the markets of the neighbouring younger people; be rooted in history media and your digital marketing Malaysia. Niresh Eliatamby, MBA, countries and encourage local and culture, building on old trends; campaign needs to utilise every 7 Ticket.com HOSTELWORLD LLM, is a specialist in destination people to visit their area. That can or a bustling hub for business single one of them. You also need marketing and a lecturer on be achieved by emphasising your travellers; it can be a shopping to utilise social media methods that 8 Hotel Beds Ctrip travel trade management and nation’s similarities in culture centre, a shoppers’ choice, or a are popular in your target markets, hospitality management in Sri 9 Hostelworld Met GLOBAL Lanka for London Metropolitan University. He was a consultant 10 Travelguru AirB&B for SriLankan Airlines, editor of Homestay a travel magazine, and authored 2019 top online channels: Global and Sri Lanka several books related to Sri Lanka’s tourism industry)

Contd. from page 6 king coconut wine can be promoted as an the social distance while travelling. They redesign the existing employees’ jobs and alternative to foreign wines. might prefer a cruise over air fights, as give them a new designation with a new job mentioned above. Furthermore, the number role without depriving them of their jobs. It MICE activities of passengers could be limited as per the is the management’s responsibility to train What changes... Sri Lanka can promote and organise more capacity of each vehicle and type of vehicle. its employees well to face post-Covid-19 outdoor events and increase the number of This could give more preference to private challenges, such as by training tour guides Outdoor buffet and catering can be health guidelines. Demand for meat may small events rather than larger events with transport by discouraging public transport and drivers. Introduce new safety uniforms promoted as there is enough space for reduce in future and alternative foods can be more participants, which will be helpful for tourists. and invest in safety and infrastructure, such social distancing. Tables can be partitioned offered; vegetarian and organic foods might in keeping with social distancing. Some as introducing sterilisation chambers. by allowing guests to eat keeping the be in demand. countries have started large outdoor events Human resources If measures such as these are adopted by social distance. Tourists might be more Furthermore, this situation can be utilised by utilising large grounds and car parks for Economists predict that millions of people Sri Lanka’s hospitality and leisure sectors, interested in having high-temperature food to promote Sri Lankan-made products to entertainment activities. might lose their jobs in the tourism industry. there could be hope for a resurgence of and drinks since it is believed that the grab market opportunities. Sri Lankan black However, some new positions can be tourism post Covid. virus cannot survive in high temperature. tea can be promoted as it is believed by Transportation created related to the same industries related (The writer is the Marketing Manager Most importantly, the virus-free restaurant some to prevent Covid-19 (or rather boost Transportation is another important to health and safety, sanitary labourers, of Maga Neguma Road Construction concept can be introduced by practising the the immune system). Also, Sri Lankan area, since tourists will have to maintain drivers, etc. Therefore, employers can Equipment Company [Pvt.] Ltd.)

Printed by the Kalukodayawa, Malwana Press & Published by Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 ‘DISTANCED SHAKESPEARE’ THEATRE FOR THE PANDEMIC SEASON WITH NEIDRA WILLIAMS »SEE PAGE 3

THE SAREE LIBRARY INTRODUCING AN ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY SOLUTION »SEE PAGE 4

Sunday, June 7, 2020 brunchWITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER

Exploring new frontiers in travel experiences SriSri Lanka’sLanka’s onlyonly virtualvirtual AirbnbAirbnb experienceexperience

PHOTO LEOPARD TRAILS

BY NAVEED ROZAIS Many travellers are no longer from their schooldays and both during this time of restricted travel. A close happy to visit an exotic nation with extensive experience in the The Sunday Morning Brunch partnership and spend their time lounging by travel and hotel industries, Sensory caught up with the Sensory “Travel experiences” is a relatively new with Leopard the pool at their hotel. They want Indulgences is Sri Lanka’s newest Indulgences and Leopard Trails Trails has to interact and learn about the innovation offering diligently teams to learn more about this latest industry, and one that often needs a bit brought this places and people they are visiting customised and deeply personalised innovation. vision to life, in a more meaningful way than experiences for the discerning of explaining. Travel experiences are conventional tourism allows. traveller. Bringing Sensory with Sensory This is where travel experiences Working closely with Radheesh Indulgences Indulgences to life essentially curated programmes and come in, with especially curated Sellamuttu and the team from Sensory Indulgences started now offering itineraries and activities that give Leopard Trails – Bespoke Tented because of Wijeysooria and itineraries (large or small), that focus Sri Lanka’s travellers an immersive experience Safaris, Sri Lanka’s first dedicated Wickramage’s mutual passion to only virtual Sri based on their interests. high-end travel experience showcase the true essence of Sri on giving a traveller an interactive and Lankan Airbnb Launched in 2019 by company, Sensory Indulgences, is Lanka to the world. experience Brindley Wijeysooria and Udaya working to create inspiring virtual immersive cultural or travel experience. Wickramage, who were friends travel experiences for travellers ││Contd. on page 2

BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE being an entrepreneur and launching SMKYA, and what her brand can do SMKYA is a newly launched for you. online platform that provides exercise and nutritional ÄÄ What is SMKYA? How programmes for their subscribers. does it benefit people The programme stands out in who subscribe to the that it does not limit itself to just brand/service? “fitness goals”, said Co-founder Samaakhya Gajanayake, a SMKYA is an online platform decorated athlete and fitness that strives to provide people coach, sharing also that they with more than just exercise and “believe in helping people nutritional programmes. We help achieve their life goals by individuals build a fit body and a HOLDING YOUR helping them build a fit body strong mind, to achieve not only and strong mind!” Oshara De Silva their fitness goals, but also life goals Samaakhya guarantees through exercise, nutrition, and HAND THROUGH that through SMKYA, platform extends beyond the context support. anyone anywhere can get of the pandemic to the usual hectic Our group classes are ideal for access to the help and lifestyles and busy schedules even those who like working out in groups YOUR FITNESS support they need to after. or don’t have the motivation to get work on their health We spoke to Samaakhya about going by themselves. The classes are and fitness goals. With how she got started, how she went on weekdays at 7 p.m. and include JOURNEY digital transformation from the country’s youngest Rowing a range of fun workouts suitable for taking place globally, National Champion and the only beginners as well as those at more the convenience woman in Sri Lanka to be selected advanced levels. Samaakhya Gajanayake and ease of this for the Olympic Qualifier Regatta, to ││Contd. on page 2 2 the sunday morning brunch NEW VENTURES Sunday, June 7, 2020

WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER Sri Lanka’s only... Contd. from page 1 travel experiences come alive in a and over the years, the Leopard virtual context. Trails team has come together A close partnership with to conduct intensive safari guide Leopard Trails has brought training for the industry, focusing this vision to life, with Sensory on developing guides who are Indulgences now offering Sri strong and competent not only with Lanka’s only virtual Sri Lankan the science involved in guiding Airbnb experience. guests on safari, but who can Leopard Trails, or Leopard also give guests an interactive, Trails – Bespoke Tented Safaris as informative, and memorable travel it was initially called, was launched experience worthy of the global in 2012 and was the first company hospitality industry. to look at the travel experience as a Working together, Sensory whole, curating immersive luxury Indulgences and Leopard Trails safari experiences where travellers have launched an interactive online Sensory Indulgences Director Operations could not only go animal spotting travel experience giving guests Brindley Wijeysooria but also interact with rangers in an the chance to learn about leopards informative setting. in the Yala National Park, their After years working at Jetwing In addition to traditional safari habits, and how to identify them. Hotels, Wijeysooria struck out on experiences, Leopard Trails also PHOTO SENSORY INDULGENCES his own and curated his first travel curated experiences like guided experience in partnership with bushwalks, where guests explore Airbnb, the Colombo Food Coma, during the pandemic, is that it is no Lankan “learn to cook from home” buffer zones around national longer defined by region, but rather experience. giving travellers an inside look parks looking at native fauna and into the amazing street food of Fort by genre, which gives a wider Leopard Trails hopes to offer learning to recognise different audience the chance to engage. their ranger experiences to local and Hulftsdorp. Wickramage is animal tracks. Guests could also no stranger to the travel industry travellers, including their popular learn about local cuisine through Looking to the future “Junior Rangers” experience with a decade of experience in guided tasting menus explaining designing bespoke itineraries in Udaya Wickramage shared which focuses on teaching younger different local delicacies. that it is very likely that global guests how rangers observe their Sri Lanka for luxury, high-end In addition to curating travellers during his tenure at Sri tourism will take a while to environment and track animals, luxury safari experiences locally, bounce back from the pandemic, while parents get a chance to relax Lanka In Style and Authenticities. Leopard Trails also curates Following the success of the with travel restrictions very likely while on safari. Leopard Trails luxury outbound safaris in staying in place for the next six also hopes to focus on bushwalk Colombo Food Coma (Sri Lanka’s various locations across Africa. Leopard Trails Safari Guide only Airbnb experience offering Dhanula Jayasinghe months or even longer. With this experiences as well as curated at the time), Wijeysooria, with in mind, Sensory Indulgences dining experiences like bush “Identify Leopards With A and Leopard Trails will look at Leopard Trails Sales and Marketing Director dinners across various safari and his old friend Wickramage, Daksitha Karunarathne Safari Guide” takes place in the adding value to local tourism in the non-safari locations. decided to go all in and launch format of a Zoom conference. coming months. the discerning local traveller. The Sensory Indulgences, offering Dhanula Jayasinghe, one of digital uptake of information and Moving forward a small portfolio of curated Leopard Trails’ most seasoned how it comes into play will play a Resilience is a recurring theme experiences hosted by various safari guides, greets guests and large role in this aspect, explained that has emerged through the local personalities like Chef talks them through leopard Leopard Trails Sales and Marketing pandemic and its aftermath. While Dush Ratnayake, artist Chinthaka behaviour. Director Daksitha Karunarathne. many industries are still planning Thenuwara, and food blogger Through presentation and Experiences that Sensory how to tackle the future post Yashasvi Kannangara, to name video, guests are introduced to Indulgences hope to offer locals Covid-19, the teams at Sensory a few. the leopards of Yala and given include the “Colombo Food Coma”, Indulgences and Leopard Trails background information on Building experiences post giving local foodies the chance have come together and found each leopard. The experience to discover some of Colombo’s a way to keep their businesses Covid-19 Leopard Trails Managing Director also teaches guests how to spot best-kept street food secrets; an dynamic. Like all tourism and leisure Radheesh Sellamuttu leopards’ unique identifiable overnight travel experience in the Globally, via Airbnb, there businesses, Sensory Indulgences Leopard Trails Managing features, using popular Knuckles mountains, that gives has been lots of traction for virtual took a big hit in the wake of the Director Radheesh Sellamuttu identification methods like the guests the chance to hike through cultural and travel experiences, pandemic. From the effects of explained that what set Leopard whisker-spot identifying technique. picturesque mountain rainforests and now, with Sri Lanka being international travel being entirely Trails apart was the interactive The one-hour session gives big cat Sensory Indulgences Managing Director Udaya Wickramage rich with endemic plant life; and able to contribute on this platform, suspended, to Sri Lanka being in element built into the experience, enthusiasts a wealth of insight into “Arts Walk”, an experience that perhaps this is a way for the beauty complete lockdown, the team at with specialist guides who the secret lives of leopards. Having successfully adapted gives guests the chance to interact of Sri Lankan tourism and culture Sensory Indulgences has had to accompany and interact with “Identify Leopards With A to being able to offer a travel with local artists and Colombo’s art to become more accessible on halt operations and look at ways guests, sharing knowledge and Safari Guide” has been available experience virtually, looking to the scene. a broader level, and potentially forward in “the new normal”. creating the feeling of being shown online for a little under a week and future, both Sensory Indulgences Sensory Indulgences also hopes take Sri Lankan culture to the Disruption breeds innovation, around by a friend. has received glowing reviews from and Leopard Trails are looking to to launch a cooking experience with mainstream. and with more or less the whole The interactive and hospitality nearly all participants. expand their virtual offerings as an Italian partner that they feel will world going virtual, Sensory elements of travel experiences are An important aspect of Airbnb well as offer curated experiences to be very popular as well as a Sri PHOTOS PRADEEP DAMBARAGE Indulgences looked at how to make very important to Leopard Trails, experiences, particularly now

balanced nutrition. Healthy, nutritious and if there are more people out there eating combined with challenging providing this support, I believe that’s a SMKYA HOLDING... workouts will deliver noticeable results good thing! which will in effect motivate you to reach While it is important for people to Contd. from page 1 ÄÄ What do you genuinely higher and perform better. focus on their health and fitness, it is ÄÄ Is this your first fitness- hope to achieve from this Oshara is a qualified nutritionist and an also important that they are cautious related business venture? The workouts from Monday to Friday initiative? What would you Australian-accredited clinical dietician. She when they choose a programme or coach How has the experience been include: say to anyone who would believes in empowering people to make because without the right guidance, you so far and what can you say HIIT Mondays like to join your programme great food choices that fit in with their busy can do more damage than good about the things you have Circuit Tuesdays but might be hesitant? lives without the stress of unrealistic goals. learnt? Winddown Wednesday (for muscle I genuinely want to help people She and I work as a team to give our Yes, this is my first fitness-related recovery and flexibility) become the best version of themselves. clients the best outcome for their effort. business venture! However, I have Ab Thursdays And this is possible through health, fitness, When an individual selects a plan, both ÄÄ Do you think there is an been in the industry almost my entire Dance-fit Fridays and the right attitude. I want to not only of us will first spend time talking to them urgent need for the service life, starting from the age of five when Our personalised options include a help people achieve their goals but also to about what their aim/goal of taking up the that you provide? If we I started sports in school, to becoming seven-day body reset, a 12-week elevate build a community that helps each other, programme is, in order to really understand were to say it is somewhat a 17-year-old double national colours plan, and a 24-week revolution plan which using fitness as a tool. As the famous quote our clients. Then Oshara and I will come of a saturated market would woman in rowing and water polo, and consists of both exercise and nutritional goes: “You don’t have to be great to start. up with a fitness and nutrition plan that you agree, and if so, how finally to being a coach and fitness guidance. We will guide you in picking out But you have to start to be great!” will suit them best. We work together trainer. I first started coaching my school a plan that works best for your individual So if you’re waiting for the perfect to personalise the plan and make it as do you hope to set yourself apart? rowing team in 2016 and then the junior goals and guide you through the journey. time to start working on your goals, effective as possible to get the best results. rowing team of the Colombo Rowing Yes, I strongly believe personal health remember, there is no such thing! The Club from 2018 to January 2020. I ÄÄ You have gained a is an essential need. It has been so in the ÄÄ What was your inspiration perfect time is the time you start, and that also have over two-and-a-half years of past and will continue to be relevant and behind creating this should be right now. significant following on experience in coaching non-athletes in essential in the future. platform; was there social media over the years. fitness and personal training. It’s true that there are many individuals a particular eureka How has your audience and The experience has been so fulfilling. out there who are providing a number of experience online influenced There is always room to improve but most moment that triggered its programmes, schedules, training advice, Taking care of your body and striving your brand and ultimate who have come on board are enjoying the conception? etc. But I don’t see this as a negative to be strong and healthy is crucial no journey and right now, that is my biggest I knew I wanted to pursue my career mission? because the need for health and fitness matter where you are or what situation motivator! It’s great to have celebrities in this field as I have always enjoyed I wouldn’t say it is a large audience. support is massive. It is a vital area that is you are faced with. Being confined to like Yohani and Hirushi messaging me coaching and helping people, especially Social media has such high potential to often neglected by many because of the your home shouldn’t prevent that and asking me when the next session is, or through fitness and exercise. Then reach out to people globally and there’s a kind of hectic lifestyle we lead. However, sending pictures of them trying to stick to suddenly, with the outbreak of Covid-19, lot more room for me to grow in that sense! while it is important for people to focus on the lifestyle changes and giving feedback gyms closed, fitness classes stopped, So far, my marketing and branding their health and fitness, it is also important on how it’s helping them in their day-to- and with people being confined to their have spread completely organically, and the that they are cautious when they choose a day life! homes, companies had to rethink their ÄÄ You have created the audience I have currently has certainly been programme or coach because without the entire business model. Life just took a programmes you offer around one of the key factors that helped me with right guidance, you can do more damage 180-degree turn overnight! promoting my brand. Engaging with people ÄÄ At the end of the day, what a partnership with nutritionist than good, especially because of injuries, are your dreams for SMKYA? That’s when I realised that taking care on social media has helped me understand bad posture, etc. It is each person’s of your body and striving to be strong and Oshara De Silva. How different requirements and perspectives Do you wish for it to be a important is that element to responsibility to select the right trainer healthy is crucial no matter where you through questions and feedback I receive, with the right expertise. household name; what’s the are or what situation you are faced with; fitness and what does Oshara which is very helpful when creating a Another thing people often forget is end goal? being confined to your home shouldn’t bring to the table? lifestyle brand such as this. It has helped me that in order to build a healthy lifestyle, SMKYA aims to inspire people prevent that. Then I had the idea to create a build programmes and provide information you need to first master skills like around the world to be unstoppable and platform that didn’t limit people to a place SMKYA believes in taking a on where their interests lie. commitment and self-discipline, which more! We want to build a community or time. To make the idea more holistic and holistic approach to health and fitness. I am also so thankful that many have leads to self-confidence, motivation, and across the globe that helps people to be the sustainable, I reached out to our nutritionist The strongest driver of success is the been so supportive towards my journey and good mental health. So building health and best version of themselves. This isn’t just a Oshara and worked out the details. combination of physical training and the brand. fitness requires overall self-development, programme. This is a lifestyle!

the sunday morning brunch editorial [email protected] 011 5200900 the sunday morning brunch 3 Sunday, June 7, 2020 ARTS WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER ‘DISTANCED SHAKESPEARE’ Theatre for the pandemic season with Neidra Williams

BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE about which she said she was not referring to the skill level, because “if Celebrating 20 years of theatre in you take any of these companies and give Sri Lanka, Silent Hands Theatre them a broadway setup, they can give Company, together with Sri them a run for their money”. However, the title of “amateur” comes from the Lanka’s premier podcast hub fact that they are not full-time theatre Podhub.lk, will be organising the professionals and because primarily it is first-ever online Shakespeare not original work that is shown. But that competition titled “Distanced is not the case with every company. Shakespeare”. If you take the well-known Workshop The organisers are extending an Players, their goal is to bring to Sri invite to all schools/alumni to participate Lanka productions from abroad which in this brand-new venture; as of now, all Lankans would otherwise not have the details including criteria and excerpts opportunity to see. However, you have have been shared with schools and upon plenty of original playwrights creating confirmation of participation by 15 shows these days, but there remains one June, which will be the closing date for fact about Lankan audiences, which she applications, the competition will go live said is a generalisation, but for the most from 1-3 August. part they tend to “like what they know”. If 2020 was just as any other year, at They are not likely to pay Rs. 5,000 and this time in the school calendar, students watch a show they have never heard of; would be gearing up for the Inter-School the already established stories and titles Shakespeare Drama Competition hosted are a better bet. by the Colombo YMCA and Rotary Club Would there be positive growth? of Colombo North or “Drama Comp” Finally, on a closing note, hosted by the Interact Club of Royal considering all of the many issues faced College. The pandemic, and therefore by the English theatre scene and also the times that we live in, has made it so with the global pandemic very much at that such extracurricular activities are no large, we asked Neidra whether she sees longer an option, and the organisers of a positive growth in the industry at all in the event are hopeful that this would be the coming days, to which she said that it a satisfactory alternative to keep those can certainly go one of two ways. theatre enthusiasts in touch with their She said that with the Shakespeare craft and provide a creative outlet. What’s the future of English theatre? Considering that a major concern drama competitions, along with the We spoke to Silent Hands Theatre Since we had Neidra on the line, we seems to be that the audience is limited, education system going through review Company Co-founder Neidra Williams thought it apt to get her opinion on the when asked why the theatre scene has and opportunities being offered to well- on this new venture and their partnership future of English language theatre as a not collaborated with the Sinhala and/ rounded individuals, the interest in fine with Podhub, where Neidra and Jehan whole, in reference to the current state of or Tamil theatre groups to create for a arts has been seeing a revival. When once Bastians have been hosting a podcast the world and also the journey it has had larger, more integrated audience, she students were encouraged to focus only titled “On the Boards”, discussing in the island. said that it is owing to the very different on their grades, they are now encouraged English theatre “from the point of view Having started Silent Hands as part cultures surrounding the two/three theatre to seek out diverse extracurriculars – of the actor, director, audience, and of a group of theatre lovers working environments. sports, arts, etc. – and so there has been crew”. Neidra stated that in furthering backstage providing their services to other She said that while Sinhala theatre a resurgence in interest in theatre and their relationship with Podhub.lk, they directors who needed services such as is often full of professionals who have with that, there are more artists bitten by conceptualised this venture and have since stage management, lighting, and sound adopted theatre as a full-time job, this the theatre bug entering the workforce, created all the necessary criteria and are in management, she shared that eventually is not the case in English theatre; they and not just actors but directors, lighting, the process of putting together the demo they moved into bringing down plays are people who maintain day jobs and makeup, and other professionals who will to finally jump into it. which they will then produce. However, simply cannot assimilate to the schedules be looking to get involved in the theatre She said that while this will not she said that while it still was not an easy and culture around rehearsals and outing scene. replace the experience students have in task, back in the day, things have got together a show. “A Sinhala production As someone who does a lot of a live theatre setting, it would be a new far more difficult with regard to putting is often something in which the actors directing for school-based competitions, medium, allowing those young thespians together an English theatre production. would gather and rehearse from nine she is aware of the trends that school and directors who would have otherwise She shared that speaking only for to five and then do it four days a week, culture has adopted when it comes to been involved in the drama competitions the English theatre side of things, she whereas the English theatre folks simply theatre. “It is now cool to do theatre; have a chance to showcase their skills. can say that there’s a limit to where a cannot do that,” she said. all the hot people and confident ones Adding to this, she said that there is will take part, whereas back in the day, also an issue in infrastructure; there is the athletes, tennis players, and ruggerites Lionel Wendt, then there is the Bishop’s who would not have even come close to College Auditorium, and “of course there the scene are looking to be a part of it – is the Nelum Pokuna, but who can afford A Sinhala production is often to have even a non-speaking role,” she that?”. And the way English theatre said. something in which the actors would works, it would run for three days in gather and rehearse from nine to Therefore, with this newfound total and then that’s the end of the show, interest, the industry is either going to five and then do it four days a week, whereas Sinhala theatre productions whereas the English theatre folks simply be highly saturated, which could be both would run on for several weekends, a good and bad thing, or there will be cannot do that therefore it is not so profitable to either Silent Hands Theatre Company a wonderful growth where it creates a party to invest in English theatre as it broader audience either way. Theatre Co-founder Neidra Williams stands now. is here to stay, and with the youth Neidra also touched on Lankan showing some real interest, the pros are theatre company can go without corporate English theatre being eternal “amateurs”, outweighing the cons. sponsorships, and for the past five years, things have got more and more difficult in obtaining such support, owing to the fact that there has been a saturation in the industry and the reach is just so limited. Those who consume English theatre are largely Colombo-based and the audience is numbered. For corporate sponsors to gain interest, there must be a quid pro quo and that simply does not spell favour for the sponsors, and those who do secure sponsorships are often those who have loyal supporters who have pledged their support no matter what. 4 the sunday morning brunch ENVIRONMENT Sunday, June 7, 2020 WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER

BY JITHENDRI GOMES I think the main reason for that is that we have an extremely superstitious culture. The idea of being environmentally We sometimes associate tangible things to friendly and sustainable when it one’s fortune or misfortune. Say a bridal comes to fashion and clothing is saree is worn by a woman who is married no more; there would be some hesitation to rent quite a new thought process for that same saree for one’s own wedding. us here in Sri Lanka. What is great The Oftentimes, these are sentiments however, is that there are many shared by the older generation which then initiatives being launched to address Saree get passed on to the younger generations. this problem and The Saree Library is I don’t agree with this kind of mindset. I a perfect example. think sharing clothes responsibly brings The Sunday Morning Brunch spoke women together in many ways; it empowers with Afrah Saldin, the owner of this venture, and forms a strong bond of sisterhood, to learn more about it and how it all came to strength, and confidence no matter what the being. circumstances may be. Sarees especially, have no size or shape and it’s a one-size-fits- donated them through what we call the ÄÄ Tell us a bit about yourself. LibraryIntroducing an environmentally friendly solution all kind of garment, which to me is really the “Suppliership Initiative”. This allows them I studied interior design and that’s my beauty of it. to rent and earn profits on their own sarees passion. I worked at Surath Wickramasinghe Instagram in July 2019. It was a unique way Society also uses clothing to represent that have gone into a state of neglect. These Associates (SWA), which is an architectural for me to help other girls like myself gain class and status. Therefore, wearing second- are sarees that would otherwise sit in closets practice, for almost six years before I access to more sarees without having to hand or borrowed clothing would often for years on end after merely one or two decided to start my own venture. I now break the bank on new ones. give the impression that you don’t have the wears, and then end up nowhere with really run an interior design consultancy called While there were many rental outlets means to buy them new. Again, this sort of not much benefit or much use made out of it. ASID, which I started a few months ago. I for bridal wear, there was no market for mentality really needs to change. Borrowing If your sarees are rented through the am also the Director at Saladin International occasion-wear sarees in Sri Lanka, and this or buying second-hand are concepts that platform, we share 50% of the profits with Enterprises (Pvt.) Ltd., a metals business is why the concept excited me at first. Word are now becoming more relevant given the you. In many ways, we encourage this idea established by my father. So you could say, of mouth did the rest, and we are immensely current environmental context. More and of circulating clothing responsibly for as business was bound to become a part of who grateful to our 3,500 or so strong collective more people don’t want to waste money long as we can share them among multiple I am at some point. following garnered on our social media anymore or consume unnecessarily as they users, which increases the useful life of a platforms. did before. I find that more young people saree, thereby making the entire process ÄÄ With a background in interior are supportive of these new concepts much sustainable. design, what made you ÄÄ How does the process work? more, but I am also starting to see many If a saree gets damaged to a point it decide to start The Saree The customer would usually send us a older generations embrace such concepts and cannot be used, it is donated to the Sari Library? message on either Instagram or Facebook, I couldn’t be happier. Connection – an organisation that uses old Although one may not directly see a customers style their sarees, and that’s or call us. Once the saree’s availability is sarees to produce new merchandise, thereby connection between interior design and The something that I truly enjoy. confirmed for the date required, we send once more prolonging the normal shelf life Saree Library, to me, the link between the them an online order sheet to be of a saree. two is creativity and business. Prior to The ÄÄ Share with us your filled out with their particulars. We Saree Library, I also co-owned a business story of how The Saree then send them an e-invoice for ÄÄ How has your business been called Stickfigure Peace, that specialised in Library was formed. payment (which includes a 30% affected by Covid-19? And custom-made flower crowns. Trends come The idea came about while refundable deposit) as well as a what are some of the steps and go, and unfortunately that business could being attached to an office for saree rentals policy which needs to you have taken on the road not stand the test of time. Ever since the almost five years. When you be signed by them to safeguard the back to normalcy? business venture ended, I knew I wanted to work at an office, you’re invited sarees during the rental period. With the outbreak of Covid-19, we move on to a new chapter. to several colleagues’ weddings This again is done via an put all our orders on hold given the unique Being a designer also led me to design attended by the same group of online service provider for digital nature of our business. We are in the process The Saree Library home studio in an people. Being the typical girl that signatures, avoiding the need for of fine-tuning the details to meet better safety affordable and simple way. I always wanted I was, and I’m sure many other Afrah Saldin paper waste. Once we receive the requirements for our customers, service to colour my life and never wanted to be a women would share the same payment, we release the saree for providers, as well as ourselves, and are one-trick pony, which is perhaps why you cleaning to Jet Wash, our laundry service currently working on a set of guidelines that plight, I would often avoid wearing the same I believe that The Saree Library has can find me meddling in a lot of things! providers, who have strictly ensured us our customers would be required to follow saree more than once to weddings attended in fact made renting fashionable, and from Through The Saree Library, I find that I am that the sarees are cleaned as per the safety during the rental period. by the same crowd of people. Five years and what I’ve seen with our customers, they still able to be creative even when helping guidelines. Prior to Covid-19, we used boxes to a string of weddings later, I had collected are proud and not ashamed to say that they Our courier service, Prompt Xpress, store and deliver our sarees. However, over 20 new sarees of my own. support a conscious local renting business handles the deliveries to and from the given the current situation, we are currently But, as you grow older, your priorities like ours. shift and you end up wanting to save more customer and also adheres to the current working on a reusable bag which can be and spend much less. That was when I began safety standards. Once the saree is returned ÄÄ How do you think The cleaned before and after every order. The to entertain the idea of borrowing sarees to us, we ensure it is in good shape and send nature of the business might also have it back once more for cleaning. We then Saree Library contributes to from friends, but that too left me feeling sustainable fashion? scared off potential customers, but we assure refund the deposit back to the customer. them that the sarees, once received, would uncomfortable. Borrowing clothes was a Being sustainable can mean many be impeccably clean and ready to wear. I habit to be shared with really close friends or things; one is being able to truly utilise what ÄÄ There is a stigma around encourage potential customers to support family. I couldn’t ask just anyone at work if I you already have and get the most out of it borrowing clothes and us, and opt to rent out sarees through The could borrow a saree because after all, some before going into a state of disrepair. We wearing second-hand clothes Saree Library for a fraction of their original sarees don’t come cheap, and it would have truly live by this sentiment at The Saree in Sri Lanka. What are your purchase prices. been unfair of me to ask to use it for free. Library. We currently have over a 100 pre- That’s when the idea popped into my thoughts about that and how have you managed to loved sarees in our library, most of which head; I used the 23 sarees that I already are owned by women who have temporarily owned to open The Saree Library page on overcome this challenge? thesareelibrarylk Bringing yours and mine together BY PUJANEE GALAPPATHTHI consumers make, such as how we growth – for instance, extending buy quality items. I not only believe buy and use these products and what the lifetime of products so that the that Colombo is ready for it, but also With the Covid-19 pandemic we do with them once we can’t use value of materials and their use in the that there is also a growing need and causing changes to world economies, them any longer, are what make a economic system is increased. demand for it.” various discussions have taken difference. The environmental impact ‘Our ancestors preserved fabric’ place about the shift of economic With the European To give us an idea of Looking at an ever-evolving statuses, which has fuelled the Commission’s action plan detailed the environmental effects of industry that was and is rather shaken need for optimum use of products in their strategy “Leading the way circularity, we spoke to Centre as a result of the pandemic, we and services offered to consumers. to a global circular economy”, and for Environmental Justice spoke to House of Lonali Founder Traditionally, we consume in a the buzz about the transition towards (CEJ) Executive Director and and Lead Designer Lonali Rodrigo linear manner where we take, make, a green economy, this week, The environmental activist Hemantha on the possibility of incorporating Sunday Morning Brunch decided to Withanage. He said the popularity circularity into the local fashion a filling for walls. Our ancestors consume, and throw. But now, the Although there will be a ‘new world is moving towards circular start a dialogue on this concept. of linear consumption – a result industry. She believes that fashion in preserved fabric and managed to use We spoke to Himali de Silva, normal’ and life will continue, of the neoliberal economic model Sri Lanka is very ingrained with the it sustainably. consumption, which involves these are unprecedented, reusing, sharing, leasing, etc. the Founder of Apé, an initiative to – is due to its ease and short cycle concept of circular consumption. “The buying culture is raise awareness and provide a resale uncertain times for all of us, allure. However, the world is now “This dates back to ancient something we have embraced due Circular consumption is a concept which highlights the importance through which products are handled platform, playing a small part in moving towards the responsible and times; the white cloth that used to western influences. However, we helping our planet consume more of moving our purchasing conscious use of products leading to to cover dead bodies were turned seem to have a slightly increased more consciously and responsibly patterns towards more conscious in order to keep items in circulation, wisely in a circular manner. people reusing, mending, improving, into or reused as Buddhist robes; consumerism because of our Bringing Obé and Magé together ways sharing, and leasing of products. when the robe was used up, it was transforming fashion industry, thus minimising waste as much as Apé Founder Himali de Silva possible. The tagline of Apé, which “The significance of this type recommended to cut and use as which might be feeding into this However, products themselves means “ours”, is “Apé – Bringing of consumption is the increase buying culture. are not circular; the choices we as Obé & Magé Together”, which added. Furthermore, Apé runs on the in recycling and reuse capacity “Nevertheless, we as a country translates to “Bringing Yours and premise of anonymity, therefore only of products. In a country with an have moved towards upcycling and Mine Together”. As the concept is the Apé team will know the identity abundance of nature and natural downcycling in order to prolong based on building a community that of both the seller and the buyer. ecosystems, we came to realise the life of our fashion items. Thus, resells and rebuys from each other, De Silva believes that Apé the importance of foot-mile cycles I believe circularity in the fashion de Silva stated that she felt the name supports the community by raising in reference to waste and energy industry can be achieved rather “Apé” was fitting and had a nice ring awareness on circular consumption consumption in the time of the effortlessly if strategically planned to it. and providing a platform to sell and corona crisis. I believe this in fact is in Sri Lanka,” she pointed out. Currently, Apé is run via its buy preloved items. Through this, the best time to make a change in the Sharing a bit more on the Instagram platform (@apelk1010) they are enabling the move towards economic status to benefit everyone,” subject, the folks at Apé told us that where a batch of items is shared more sustainable lifestyles. In said Withanage. they support the fashion industry by

weekly. “Buyers message us addition, 50% of Apé’s helper’s fee We then asked the folks at Apé if extending the life cycles of items, if interested in purchasing and for every item sold is donated to the they thought Sri Lanka is ready for a We as a country have moved towards upcycling and thereby enabling more people to providing the items with a new AMITSU Children’s Foundation for dialogue about circular consumption, enjoy a good-quality item. More We came to realise the abandoned children. downcycling in order to prolong importance of foot-mile cycles in home,” shared de Silva. Interested to which they said: “Although there so during Covid-19 times, when sellers can contact Apé via the When the majority of Europe will be a ‘new normal’ and life will the life of our fashion items. reference to waste and energy Thus, I believe circularity in foreign travel will be limited and page and they will list the agreed is moving towards circularity to see continue, these are unprecedented, thus access to foreign fashion items consumption in the time of the positive changes in waste production the fashion industry can be corona crisis. I believe this in items and manage all logistics for uncertain times for all of us, which reduced. a helper’s fee, of which 50% is and environmental pollution, it highlights the importance of moving achieved rather effortlessly if fact is the best time to make a strategically planned in Sri While applauding the upcycling donated to charity. is believed that more efficient our purchasing patterns towards and sustainable initiatives taken change utilisation of resources will become Lanka CEJ Executive Director “As we evolve, we have plans more conscious ways. Apé provides by our businesses in coping post an increasingly important factor for House of Lonali Founder and Hemantha Withanage to expand the product range and a platform for people to resell their Lead Designer Lonali Rodrigo Covid-19, here’s hoping the best move to physical platforms,” she competitiveness and sustainable items and earn some money and also trends catch on. the sunday morning brunch 5 Sunday, June 7, 2020 HEALTH WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER

BY DR. DINESHANI HETTIARACHCHI SIRISENA culture system, for nine days, the cells began to deposit hydroxyapatite. A tooth enamel protein has been They determined that the protein discovered in eyes with dry age- amelotin, encoded by the gene AMTN, related macular degeneration. is strongly upregulated after extended starvation and is responsible for the This finding may lead to a novel mineralisation of hydroxyapatite in their therapeutic target for blinding cell culture model. Blocking this pathway disease. We spoke to the principal in their retinal pigment epithelial cell research scientist of the discovery, line also blocked the production of these Dr. Dinusha Rajapakse (PhD), a drusen-like deposits. They then verified Prior to this study, nobody really visiting research fellow at the their findings from the cell culture model knew how hydroxyapatite was National Eye Institute (NEI), which by examining human cadaver eyes with accumulating in dry age-related is part of the National Institutes dry age-related macular degeneration, macular degeneration drusen. of Health (NIH), in the Section on wet age-related macular degeneration, or Finding this tooth-specific protein in Molecular Structure and Functional without age-related macular degeneration. the eye, this protein that’s linked to Genomics, regarding this discovery. They found hydroxyapatite and amelotin hydroxyapatite deposition – that was only in the eyes with dry age-related Age-related macular degeneration, really unexpected macular degeneration, and not in the Dr. Dinusha Rajapakse, PhD a major cause of blindness in ageing other eyes. While amelotin was found populations worldwide, is a degenerative sometimes in areas of dry age-related understanding and treating this condition, disease of the macula. The macula is the macular degeneration without drusen, it was this is an exciting time to be working in this central area of the light-sensitive portion primarily present in soft drusen areas with area to bring together new technologies to in our eyes (retina). Macular degeneration large deposits of hydroxyapatite. harness therapeutic strategies and better often leads to progressive central vision In a press release from the NIH, Dr. understand retinal physiology. loss. According to the World Health Dinusha Rajapakse said: “Prior to this study, Organisation (WHO) global eye disease nobody really knew how hydroxyapatite survey report, 14 million people are blind was accumulating in dry age-related or severely visually impaired due to age- macular degeneration drusen. Finding this related macular degeneration. This disease tooth-specific protein in the eye, this protein has an early and a late stage, with visual that’s linked to hydroxyapatite deposition – impairment occurring during the late that was really unexpected.” stage of the disease. WHO has identified Types of macular degeneration (Source: iovs.arvojournals.org) Dr. Rajapakse and colleagues say it is Sri Lanka in particular as an area in need unclear why retinal pigment epithelium cells of further investigation regarding this in dry age-related macular degeneration condition in keeping with the aims of the begin depositing these hydroxyapatite Vision 2020 project. Sri Lankan scientist spherules, but they think it may be a Age-related macular degeneration protective mechanism gone wrong. They falls into two broad categories: Growth speculate that these protein, lipid and of new blood vessels breaking through mineral deposits may help block blood into the retina, known as choroidal in the forefront of vessels from growing into the retina, which neovascularisation or “wet” age-related is a key feature of wet age-related macular macular degeneration and progressive degeneration. But when the hydroxyapatite atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium, deposits get too extensive, they may also and photoreceptor layers, known as block nutrient flow to the retina cells geographic atrophy or “dry” age-related leading to cell death. macular degeneration. Currently, there The study shows that amelotin looks are effective therapies for choroidal a novel like a key player for the formation of these neovascularisation, but none for geographic very specific hydroxyapatite spherules. atrophy. One of the early signs of age- That is amelotin’s main function in tooth related macular degeneration is the enamel formation, and now it is performing observation of drusen. Drusen are yellow a similar function in the back of the eye. deposits under the retina and are made up As amelotin is not normally present in the of lipids, a fatty protein, and minerals. An discovery eye, the scientists believe they could come increase in the number and size of these called spherules, were found in drusen normally deposits mineralised calcium in up with a drug that specifically blocks the drusen deposits with age are believed to from people with age-related macular tooth enamel, may also be responsible for function of amelotin in the eye, and that this impair delivery of nutrients and removal of degeneration. When the build-up of calcium deposits in the back of the eye might delay progression of the disease. waste to the retina cells including light- hydroxyapatite increases, the drusen further in people with dry age-related macular However, good animal models for sensing photoreceptors and eventually lead develops and the retinal pigment epithelium degeneration. According to the study from testing dry age-related macular degeneration to age-related macular degeneration. and eventually the photoreceptors die, researchers at the NEI, part of the NIH in therapeutics are urgently needed. Therefore, Recently, researchers found a leading to blindness. The photoreceptors the US, this protein may turn out to be a based on the findings from this study, Dr. calcium-containing mineral compound cannot grow back, so the blindness is therapeutic target for the blinding disease. Rajapakse and the team at the NEI are Macular degeneration (Source: iovs.arvojournals.org) called hydroxyapatite in drusen deposits permanent. The findings were published in the journal creating a new mouse model for the disease. in dry age-related macular degeneration. In a new study, researchers have now Translational Research. The future plan of the team is to use their About the writer Hydroxyapatite is a key component of identified a protein called amelotin, that Using a cell culture model of retinal cell culture model, which mimics features The writer, tooth enamel and bone. Small balls of pigment epithelial cells, the researchers of dry age-related macular degeneration, Dr. Dineshani hydroxyapatite filled with cholesterol, were able to show that amelotin expression to potentially perform high-throughput Hettiarachchi gets turned on by a certain kind of stress drug screening to find molecules that slow Sirisena, is a family and causes formation of a calcium deposit or prevent the development of soft drusen physician with a also seen in bones and teeth. When they and eventually test these drugs on the new special interest in rare looked in human donor eyes with dry animal model they are creating. genetic diseases and age-related macular degeneration, they saw These advances will undoubtedly regenerative medicine the expression of the amelotin protein. She have a large impact on the success of currently working explained, in the study, they discovered that clinical trials in the hope of finding a cure as a lecturer at the Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, OCT image of eye with dry AMD, showing soft if they starved retinal pigment epithelial for this blinding disease. While there HAP spherules (pink) and amelotin protein (green) drusen beneath the retinal pigment epithelium cells grown in transwells, a type of cell are many challenges and unmet needs in University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. in soft drusen from eye with dry AMD (Photo Dr. Dinusha Rajapakse, NEI) Genetic testing offers clues to how the Ceylinco Healthcare partners body may respond to antidepressants ÄÄ Dear Mayo Clinic, I’ve with Kings Hospital Colombo heard that genetic Ceylinco Healthcare Services Ltd. testing can help and Kings Hospital Colombo have determine which announced a collaboration to provide antidepressant comprehensive medical care at would be best for concessionary rates to benefit patients me. How does this of both institutions. work? With the new partnership, Ceylinco Genetic testing is available Healthcare will provide state-of-the-art to help narrow down your cancer-related treatments to patients Ceylinco Healthcare Services Ltd. (CHSL) Chairman R. Renganathan (third from right) and Kings antidepressant options, of Kings Hospital and the latter will Hospital Chairman Dr. Palitha Abeykoon exchange the agreement in the presence of (from left) ideally reducing the need for provide comprehensive medical care, Kings Hospital Director – Ethics and Governance Dr. Upali Banagala, MD Prof. Srinath Chandrasekera, a sometimes prolonged trial- including top-end diagnostics, surgery, CHSL Director Thushara Ranasinghe, and CHSL Medical Director Prof. Rohan Jayasekera and-error period while settling and rehabilitation programmes to in order to ensure seamless medical ophthalmology, dental surgery, on an antidepressant regimen. patients through multidisciplinary your body metabolises a drug symptoms is still the standard care to patients. transplant surgery and dialysis, Although these tests can’t teams of highly trained and competent too slowly, the drug might build that healthcare providers Kings Hospital Colombo is an gynaecology and obstetrics, paediatric tell you specifically which specialists and doctors in Sri Lanka. up in your body and increase the use when prescribing these ultra-modern, multi-specialty corporate surgery, and cardiology. All ancillary antidepressant would work best, “We believe that patient outcomes likelihood of side effects. While medications. Routine genetic hospital with 120 beds. With a patient- services such as the ICU (intensive care they offer clues about how your must take precedence over everything the drug still may be useful testing isn’t recommended at this centric contemporary design, it is unit), dialysis service, physiotherapy, body may respond. else, and to that end seek to collaborate for you, lower doses may be time. Still, the testing may offer committed to providing compassionate and rehabilitation facilities are set to This testing – known as with likeminded institutions,” Ceylinco appropriate. On the other hand, important clues to aid in drug and high-quality medical care of the highest standards to ensure the best pharmacogenomics – looks Healthcare Services Chairman R. if testing suggests that the drug selection and dosing, especially international standards with a focus on possible care to patients. for changes or variations in Renganathan said. “We have also would leave your body quickly, for people having trouble finding providing the best clinical outcomes at A wholly owned subsidiary of genes that determine how recently entered into a partnership it may not have a chance to work an effective option with few side optimum cost. Kings Hospital Colombo Sri Lanka’s leading life insurance quickly a drug is processed, or with the Apollo Proton Care Centre in properly or would require a dose effects. is the newest addition to private company Ceylinco Life, Ceylinco metabolised, in your body or Chennai to facilitate treatment for our that is larger than normal. (Adapted from Mayo Clinic healthcare in Colombo and is equipped Healthcare Services Ltd. operates two whether you might have side patients at the only proton beam therapy However, genetic testing has health letter) with the most modern diagnostics radiation treatment units – the Ceylinco effects from a certain drug. centre in South Asia. It is expected limits. Most of these tests focus (Richard Weinshilboum, such as digital mammography, MRI Radiation Treatment Centre which Pharmacogenomic tests that the Ceylinco Healthcare-Kings on how your body metabolises MD, Pharmacology, Mayo (magnetic resonance imaging), CT offers treatment via linear accelerator check your DNA – obtained by a Hospital collaboration will enhance the a drug rather than on how the Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota) (computed tomography), and laboratory and the Ceylinco TomoTherapy blood draw or a swab for saliva quality of treatment and patient comfort, drug influences the cause of © 2020 MAYO services. Centre, which is the only tomotherapy – for genes that encode certain especially when dealing with issues disease – although some tests FOUNDATION FOR All operating theatres are modular unit in the country. Ceylinco enzymes, and the results can be such as cancer.” address that issue as well. Cost is MEDICAL EDUCATION type conforming to highest standards Healthcare Services has successfully classified according to how fast Kings Hospital Colombo has also an issue as not all insurance AND RESEARCH. in the healthcare sector. Kings Hospital administered radiation therapy to over your body metabolises and gets allocated a special counter and a help companies cover this type of DISTRIBUTED BY provides a comprehensive range of 7,000 patients in Sri Lanka over the rid of certain medications, such desk at its consultation lounge that testing. TRIBUNE CONTENT services including in gastroenterology, past decade. Customised care packages as particular antidepressants. For will enable the two institutions to co- Choosing antidepressants AGENCY, LLC. ALL urology, orthopaedics, chest medicine will be available through this initiative example, if testing indicates that ordinate with patients and oncologists based on your health history and RIGHTS RESERVED. and thoracic surgery, plastic surgery, as a value addition to patients. 6 the sunday morning brunch INNOVATION/CAUSE Sunday, June 7, 2020 WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER Imagining the post-pandemic workspace BY NAVEED ROZAIS variety of designers and creatives, theorised that workplaces are likely to become The nature of work has changed more intentional and destination places drastically over the last few of collaboration and connection where months. From switching to remote employees come together while otherwise working independently. working to optimising essential services, all industries need to Co-working spaces in the reinvent and reconsider not only new normal how they work, but also where they Co-working spaces, where multiple work. offices or companies share the same space, The traditional workplace model are also gaining popularity in Sri Lanka. has been under review for years, with These spaces are designed to foster a sense various alternative workplace models and of community and productivity while still alternative workspaces being considered maintaining privacy. and experimented with. In 1994, American With more people no longer working telecom giant AT&T made headlines when from their offices, there may be an 32,000 AT&T employees stayed home and increased demand for co-working spaces telecommuted as part of an experiment on for when employees want to get out of alternative workspaces, moving the work to their homes but not necessarily go into the worker instead of the worker to work. their company’s brick and mortar, be it for In the years since, the concept of the logistical or productivity reasons. alternate workspace with non-traditional Co-working spaces have the chance work practices, settings, and locations to build a niche for themselves in this but has become more and more relevant, and PHOTO LADY NEON would need to adapt in terms of design to has never been more relevant than now minimise concerns of health and safety. in the wake of the pandemic. People’s evidence to suggest that the Sri Lankan companies – to see how alternate periods of time when and as mindsets regarding health and safety are workforce will also adapt with more people workspaces can work for them, required. Bringing it all together also changing, to prioritise health over working from home than ever before. not just from a workforce and Gooneratne explained that What really are the key things to productivity. efficiency perspective, but also while reducing the size of in- consider when designing workspaces post Does the workplace need from a sensory and aesthetic house workforces could result in Covid-19? While what the future will bring Biggest changes to the workplace redesigning? perspective. smaller overall office spaces being is by no means uncertain, a few potential Even when transforming required – and in turn mean lesser key trends to emerge in the coming months we can expect With the staggered lifting of curfew and spaces temporarily to overhead costs in terms of rent in the space of workplace design is the Based on recent events, overcrowded regular movement resuming, workplaces accommodate interim health and and utilities – it is also important likely need for spaces that allow employees offices are well set to become a thing have put temporary measures in place, safety guidelines, special care to consider the extra space that to circulate comfortably and healthily. of the past. Not only can crowded work following the safety guidelines issued by the should be taken to make these will be required for things like The use of materials in new environments be stressful, but can also health authorities. As time goes on and the Lady Neon Founder changes look attractive and easy technology and storage that will workspaces will also need careful contribute to spreading illness. In the wake post-Covid-19 “new normal” establishes, and Principal Designer to do, as opposed to being clinical Marianne Gooneratne be needed when accommodating a consideration, with non-porous materials of the pandemic, and beyond, it is likely that workplaces will need to make conscious and imposing. This sensitivity, larger workforce that works out of that are easy to keep clean taking public health will become a bigger concern. decisions to adapt to the needs of their particularly from a design and aesthetic the office. precedence over materials that are more to Due to the forced shift to almost employees and customers when it comes to point of view, can go a long way towards This being said, there is a strong difficult to maintain for health and safety in entirely working remotely, it is also the use of their physical workspace. boosting both employee morale as well as a opportunity for designers to become the longer term. very possible that a larger portion of the In light of this, The Sunday Morning business’ reputation. creative with how functions like storage and Sustainable thinking and practice will workforce will continue to work from home, Brunch reached out to Marianne technology infrastructure play a part in the also come into play more when considering either at their own request or that of their Gooneratne, the Founder and Principal What to expect in the design of the space, building these things into the overall workspaces, with intelligent designers employers. Designer of Lady Neon, an interior design space organically yet effectively. creating pieces that last and that impact A survey conducted in April 2020 practice that deals with commercial retail, future workspace From a social perspective, the stakeholders positively in the long term as by leading research company Gartner hospitality, and commercial spaces. Given the likely increase in employees workplace is also likely to change; there is well the short term. showed that 74% of chief financial officers Currently reading for her MA in Design choosing to work from home in the long a chance that it will take a while for social Colour palettes will vary greatly based on a global level expect that at least 5% at Northumbria University in Newcastle, term or permanently, there will be spaces interaction to take place on the same level as on the outlook and aesthetic of specific of employees who started working from Gooneratne shared that although the concept in offices that will be underutilised. The it did, taking into account the long periods companies, but on the whole, it is likely home during the pandemic will continue of alternate workspaces and practices is not creation of flexible or rotating workspaces of social distancing and the reasoning that restrained, neutral calming palettes will to work from home permanently. While new, and much research has been done on within a workplace will be a powerful way behind needing to distance socially. rise to the fore of workplace environments, these statistics will not apply to Sri Lankan how far companies could go in transforming of adjusting a workplace to the needs of UK magazine Mix Interiors, in an with an emphasis on nature and natural workforces in the same way, there is their workspaces, it is now in the hands of employees who work away from the office article published in May consulting a motifs in the “new normal”. companies – particularly small to medium most of the time and only come in for short Love from home: Ghedora-Connects BY BERNADINE RODRIGO one family happy and comes with a surprise toy inside. These toys aren’t made out of Five years ago, a few good seemingly harmful plastic but instead are handmade out ordinary people got together and formed of paper by a few little kids who get paid for Ghedora-Connects, a platform which began the toys they make in order to raise money as an online community to share the stories for their education and help teach them to of the voiceless struggling but don’t ask save for a rainy day. This is also a way for for help and instead do the best they can these kids, most of whom come from very to survive. This platform’s aim was to sad circumstances and family backgrounds, voice these stories in order to create a more to heal through art. compassionate community because they While Ghedora finds business simply believe kindness is contagious. This opportunities for their clients; they also help network of sorts focuses on encouraging them in many other ways such as medical random acts of kindness consistently in order issues and operations, where they channel Foundation, Keells Super, Endurance Labs, to create a more compassionate community; doctors for them, take them for appointments, many influencers, and a whole new bunch it focuses mostly in Colombo but has a few and ensure they understand what has been of angels in disguise and volunteers stepped projects in other parts of the country as well. prescribed. Mainly, they are encouraged up to use their voice for the voiceless, which They started out as a small second-hand not to worry too much, which most tend has been a dream come true for us. Our stall at the Good Market and as time went to do due to a lack of awareness and main mission is to connect those from well- on, they began to form into a more solid and understanding. to-do homes with those who are struggling directed organisation. Through this, within Most of their donors like to remain in order to reduce poverty and empower five years, it has been able not just to do anonymous, as do their volunteers, as they single women.” one-time charities, but also to provide sure all believe in not letting the left hand know Ghedora-Connects’ volunteer team is sources of income to those who previously reality already entrepreneurs; they simply ‘Ghedora Kaama’ what the right hand does, and pray daily to growing and their Founder is delighted to see barely had any way of earning. What they don’t know how to manage their finances One of their new projects this year, be a blessing to someone in need every day. the interest she is getting from the younger do at Ghedora is primarily identifying and conduct a business in a sustainable which they launched during lockdown, is When it comes to purchasing brand-new generation of Sri Lanka, who are largely individuals struggling in life and finding manner. What she does with her movement called “Ghedora Kaama”, meaning home- items, however, what they did during this enthusiastic and genuine about helping those out what they can do to keep earning. They is teaching them just that and lending them cooked food; this is cooked by ladies lockdown period as an extension of their in need. “Those who help each other grow essentially help those who do not ask for help a helping hand to get through their daily from low-income homes or single moms project “Gifts of Love” was to buy groceries together” is what this extraordinary team but certainly need it. struggles in life as most have been shunned struggling but doing their best to survive. for those who needed it and give it to them as believes in and are extremely hopeful for the The Founder, who wishes to remain or forgotten by society and their own families They began every Sunday and now have presents, which is something they usually do future post Covid-19; if we all continue to be anonymous, shared that these people are in and are in need of a friend. a larger menu and are able to provide more during festivals such as Christmas. as kind in true Sri Lankan spirit. She spoke about how some of these food weekly as they have more cooks too. “This year was the year we were Ghedora, just like its name, focuses on people have little shops of their own or, Every item is contributed by many families to launch a few new projects and didn’t connecting all classes of people together while most of them are women, provide a and they encourage eco-packaging with the realise how timely they would be,” shared through consistent random acts of kindness to few extra snacks to shops near their homes use of banana leaves too. These leaves are the Founder in regard to the work they did create a more compassionate community of to make an extra income to support their sourced by another “brave soldier” – as the this year. “It was heart-warming to see human-“kinds” and not “unkinds”. families. These ladies already have so much Founder said they like to term those they help the support we have got for our corona talent, but they are shy and/or afraid as most – who earns income through a small home relief work. Special mention to PickMe To learn how you can help achieve women are in Sri Lanka, and so they need business of selling the banana leaves, which Foods riders who we used for deliveries their goals, you can follow their to be patiently guided to think outside the is certainly sustainable both economically to individual homes; we booked Sathosa pages @ghedoraconnects on box and develop their small businesses to packs and paid them extra for the delivery and environmentally. Facebook or Instagram and achieve their dreams. This is where Ghedora These weekend special lunches include to those we could not do ourselves as only links them with Good Market clients who a truly unique surprise. They are called two of us (one in Gampaha and another in send them a direct message, generally value supporting small businesses “#BathHappyMeals”, as it is somewhat like Colombo) were going out for distributions. or email them on and are aware of social enterprises in order to happy meals available at fast food outlets but The Disaster Management team also [email protected]. develop their own businesses. perhaps even better, as it makes more than played a huge role in helping us. Sakeenah the sunday morning brunch 7 Sunday, June 7, 2020 GAMES/TOONS

WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER

13 Drive-thru device 68 Biblical scribe SOLUTION FOR 24 MAY 14 Truckers’ cargoes 69 Magistrate who Crossword 15 High-hat challenge of a specializes in agricultural CROSSWORD CLUES 48 Home of the Big 12’s 100 Plate crossings conviction? litigation? Cyclones 101 Blow a gasket 16 Freud disciple 70 “Cheers” bartender Across 50 Actress Ward 102 Justice Kagan 17 Little shavers 71 URL element 1 Jouster’s wear 51 “The Great” detective of 103 Aggressive stingers 20 Goes for oil 72 “Ta-ta, Thierry!” 6 Language of 100,000+ kid-lit 107 __ one’s time: wait 24 Foster with Oscars Canadians 73 Big ship 52 Polite argument on behalf 108 Tennis great Steffi 29 Bounder 74 “I can do that” 10 “Waterloo” group of the accused? 109 Action brought by a 30 Tiler’s calculation 14 Jr. challenge 77 Carefully timed operation 56 Ins. giant cowardly plaintiff? 32 Sickly 78 E-file org. 18 Early “Masterpiece 57 Bar group 112 Links org. 34 Flaxen, as hair Theatre” host Alistair 79 Awkward sorts 59 Toyota logo shape 113 In __: unmoved 35 Speed gauge 80 Title for Gaga 19 Got the news 60 Chaucer works 114 Spot cost 36 Question in Matthew 21 Champagne word 83 Pole, for one 62 Prompts on stage 115 “Neon” fish 37 Heart and soul 86 Farm workers of old 22 Toy owner in “Toy Story” 63 Steam up 116 After that 38 Morales of TV’s “Titans” films 88 Canterbury’s county 65 Vanishing act word 117 Scientist __ deGrasse 39 Not as much 89 Companion of Dorothy 23 Bailiff who keeps the jury 67 Send (to) Tyson 42 Female lobster in stitches? 90 Camel cousin 70 Do the crawl, e.g. 118 Alan in old films 43 “Would __ to you?” 91 O’Connor who played 25 Hotel unit 71 Cause of ruination 119 “My bad, Francesca” 44 Pesters 26 Egg-white omelet’s lack 75 Action film shooter 46 Refreshes, with “out” Gabrielle on “Xena” 27 Close friends, say 76 Cartoon dialogue Down 47 Walgreens rival 93 Italian treats 28 Dramatic technique introduced as evidence? 1 Clemson’s NCAA div. 48 Way over yonder 94 Handy 30 “The Sandbox” playwright 81 Garfield’s foil 2 Large cross 49 Filmmaker Gibson 95 Selling for, with “at” 31 Frigg’s spouse 82 Place for a nest 3 Pouty face 52 So-so mark 96 Waited in hiding 32 Parade features 84 Vishnu’s quartet 4 Often-fried veggie 53 Firm belief 97 First appearance 33 Bull alligator sounds 85 Solemn promise 5 Upgrade technologically 54 Genesis matriarch 98 “Fighting” Indiana team 34 Music played between 86 Get a hard copy 6 __ blanc: Loire Valley 55 Town across the Thames 99 Lofty home attorneys’ arguments? 87 Persian hunting dogs wine from Windsor 103 World Cup org. 39 Faithful spring? 89 Sing the praises of 7 Take exception to 58 Composer Weill 104 Tiny bit of a min. 40 Pal played her in early 91 Turn into cash 8 Digs in 61 Makes available to 105 Ballet attire films 92 Scott in an 1857 case 9 Prior to, in verse 63 Hole-making tools 106 Titles of respect 41 Invitation encl. 93 Satisfaction for a 10 Out of the country 64 Pen part 108 “Family Feud” reruns 42 First of an alley’s 10 prosecuting attorney? 11 Literary Yorkshire family 65 Milne creation channel 45 Tribute creator 97 Mustard town name 110 “Good” cholesterol initials 46 Palm species 66 Control 99 __ Fables 12 Channel markers 67 Wagon road features 111 Mai __

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 17 June, 2020. Write ‘The Sunday Morning Brunch’, on the top left hand corner of the envelope. Name: ...... Address: ...... Contact No: ...... Bank account details: ...... (account number, bank name, branch name, and name as per bank account)

This week’s winners will be announced on 21 June

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, June 7 , 2020 WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER he Dilmah “History of Ceylon Tea” website is a matchless platform www.historyofceylontea.com for a unique story, from mythical beginnings to Tthe present day. Scotsman James Taylor, with a few tea seedlings planted on a bare hillside on Loolecondera Estate in Hewaheta in 1866, A tribute to both the also sowed the seeds for an economic and social revolution that eventually reshaped the landscape of this remote island that he had made his home. With that inconspicuous beginning, he unwittingly wrote the first page of a long and fascinating history as well. Finally, the great industry brew and the industry Taylor birthed, sculpted the contours of this country, and today positions it globally. Tea is an industry traditionally defined by the statistics that it generates; extents under cultivation, yield per hectare, price per kilogramme, annual national production volumes, and export earnings are some of the numbers that are constantly placed in the public eye. But this overpowering mass of commercial intelligence does not reflect the human side of the industry, the stories of the individuals who have made those numbers possible, or the various actors who have over the decades played such decisive roles on a fascinating stage. Nor does it reflect, even faintly, the romance, the mystery, the charm, and the legend that is tea. And that is exactly what Dilmah’s History of Ceylon Tea sets out to do – to meet that need, to fill a yawning vacuum in the history of Ceylon of the industrial age so that the initiated can both refresh 1965 Ceylon Tea ad in the Australian Womens and expand, and fill their knowledge base Weekly. A simple advertisement proclaims the whilst the novice is introduced to a new and exclusivity of Ceylon tea fascinating theatre. Why this preoccupation with tea? A tea planter family portrait What is its allure? To billions of people the world over, it towns into cities. The needs of is represented by a simple the plantations generated an but refreshing brew, drunk intricate network of motorable in street corners, hole-in-the roads crisscrossing the island, wall eateries, and upscale connecting hitherto isolated restaurants, and in hovels communities. Fishing harbours and palaces, sometimes with became great ports. The support ceremony but most often as services to the plantations, an unconditioned reflex to an shipping, material supply, inner compulsion. packaging, and engineering The truth of the splendour services evolved into separate of tea lies in the legend of industries with their own the brew. When we speak of dynamism. It produced wealth herbalist Chinese Emperor Brooding over this historic in the country and within the Tea factory An estate in the 1880s typical of the first decades of and enchanting collage is local society gave rise to a new the industry Shen Nung’s discovery of tea, the stern, bearded visage of The truth of the splendour supposedly in 2732 BC, it is the founding father, James class of the affluent. Taylor, dismissed by his employer, dies of Taylor, gazing steadfastly Schools, offices, hospitals, of tea lies in the legend dysentery and his body is unceremoniously difficult to discern between in to a future which he myth and history. The mystery unwittingly created and other public service centres of the brew. When we speak and laboriously hauled down from the estate behind its cultivation in proliferated along with banks of herbalist Chinese Emperor to Kandy by the simple estate workers Colombo-Kandy Railway. A steam train to serve a new generation of who toiled for him. It took another century chugging round a precipitous mountain China and the exclusivity of its ritualistic Shen Nung’s discovery of tea, illustrates the development in this country consumption, confined as it were to the elite entrepreneurs. Tea propelled the expansion supposedly in 2732 BC, it is for him to be recognised publicly for his which the industry fostered of a fabled empire, enhances its lustre. The of commerce in the country. The industry contribution, by both the industry and the difficult to discern between information seeker with an incredible story of its surreptitious transmission to represented development, unplanned country. myth and history repository of material to draw from and other lands in a genuine “cloak and dagger” perhaps but vital to the making of the new The Dilmah History of Ceylon Tea a platform for sharing interesting facts, operation, and its early history in the West Ceylon. history. Thousands of men and women website (https://www.historyofceylontea. personal anecdotes, points of view, and as a beverage of the nobility invests tea, The plantation industry also changed of all classes, many ethnicities, of diverse com/) is a tribute to both the brew that made even technical data. Its beauty is that history yet again, with a mantle of singularity and the ethnic demography of plantation races, a few prominent enough to go its name an international brand and to the is being written, by public contribution, superiority. And so it persists to this day. regions and ushered in a new sociopolitical down in history but the many unknown great industry which fosters it. Conceived whilst it is being made. It will forever be Coffee first, briefly, but then primarily dimension with lasting impact on electoral and unnamed contributed in both small by Merrill J. Fernando and his sons Malik unfinished though and always a work in tea was the catalyst for the modernisation outcomes. It also enabled sustainable and large ways to the story of tea in this and Dilhan, it is driven by the same passion progress, and that is another aspect of its of Ceylon. With the advent of tea, the economic growth in a country, hitherto country. Some of these were larger-than- that still nurtures the “Dilmah”, single attraction; there is something new every day bullock cart and the jungle-fringed, rutted, without governable industries and provided life figures around whom narratives and origin, pure Ceylon tea brand, now a global to look forward to. village paths gave way to the railroad, a steady contribution to the gross domestic legends have been woven. In their stories symbol for purity and authenticity. The site The accompanying images depict the the steam train, and the lorry. Plantation product, for over a century unmatched by there is sadness and joy, failure and success, is also an acknowledgement of a debt that evolution of tea in Ceylon in the early stages activity fuelled the growth of remote any other industry sector. and accolade and rejection, the latter as all those who are in the business of tea owe of development. villages into towns and the expansion of In the course of its evolution in the demonstrated in the final chapter of the life to the industry. country, it also created its own fascinating of the founding father; a disillusioned James The history site provides the (Article by Anura Gunasekera)

Northshore Campus partners with Liverpool John Moores University, UK Northshore Campus recently announced Nalaka and his team to hopefully deliver our a historic partnership with Liverpool John qualifications to our students studying in Sri Moores University, UK (LJMU). This Lanka,” said LJMU VC and CEO Prof. Ian partnership would explore the potential for G. Campbell. “We look forward to working jointly developing academic and educational with Northshore Campus and look forward needs such as the exchange of research to welcoming them as a partner college.” materials, publications and information, Through the proposed partnership, and students and academic staff between LJMU and Northshore Campus will be LJMU and Northshore Campus as well as the initially working towards the development Northshore Campus VC Liverpool John Moores development and operation of collaborative and CEO Prof. Nalaka University, UK, VC and of programmes in the areas of engineering, programmes and development of common Jayakody CEO Prof. Ian G. Campbell technology, computing, and science. curricula in areas of mutual interest. Vice Chancellor (VC) and Chief Executive “Northshore Campus is fully prepared Through this proposed partnership, Officer (CEO) Prof. Nalaka Jayakody, DSc. to deliver these qualifications through online students enrolled at Northshore Campus “We at Northshore Campus are deeply lectures, utilising our existing infrastructure would have access to pursuing foundation, committed to continuing to provide our and would be offering online as well as undergraduate, and postgraduate students with the best possible academic blended learning opportunities moving qualifications from LJMU right here in Sri experience and knowledge and look forward forward, considering the effects of the Lanka. This historic moment was reached to a long and mutually beneficial partnership recent Covid-19 epidemic worldwide, and with the signing of a Memorandum of and exchange of knowledge and expertise.” would be working closely with LJMU to Understanding (MoU) between LJMU and University and feel that LJMU shares many both academic and industrial expertise and “We are delighted to sign this MoU provide the best possible experience for our Northshore Campus on 22 May 2020. of the values that Northshore Campus places knowledge, and providing the latest tools and with Northshore Campus and are excited students, including featuring LJMU faculty “We are extremely pleased to sign in delivering qualifications that prepare technologies for our students to be leaders in about the prospect of working with Prof. in delivering guest lectures and vice versa,” this MoU with Liverpool John Moores students for the real world through a blend of their chosen fields,” said Northshore Campus Prof. Jayakody commented.

Articles to 5. Count on us to rock your world – 6. We’re on Twitter! Recruitment in the Lanka’s first digital Island Pulse check out age of Covid-19 wellbeing assistant 1. Will Covid-19 redefine Sri Lanka’s wedding culture? Log onto our YouTube Log onto our 2. Are Sri Lanka’s turtles heading channel for the full YouTube channel for into extinction? 3. Nasi goreng video the full video 4. Scotch eggs

WEEK ON Facebook: slpulse Instagram: @pulse_lk YouTube: Pulse.lk

Printed by the Kalukodayawa, Malwana Press & Published by Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7