www.themorning.lk epaper.themorning.lk www.themorning.lk epaper.themorning.lk www.aruna.lk epaper.aruna.lk www.aruna.lk epaper.aruna.lk FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 04, 2020

For verified information on the Quarantine Unit COVID-19 TOTAL CASES TOTAL CASES coronavirus (Covid-19) contact any 0112 112 705 ACTIVE CASES of the following authorities CASES IN Epidemiology Unit Health THE WORLD 26,213,266 Suwasariya 0112 695 112 PROTECT YOURSELF FROM 3,111 Promotion Ambulance DEATHS CASES DEATHS Bureau Service Govt. coronavirus hotline USA 6,291,627 190,014 COVID-19 DEATHS RECOVERED 1999 1990 0113071073 868,143 BRAZIL 4,001,422 123,899 INDIA 3,853,406 67,486 PRESIDENTIAL SPECIAL TASK FORCE FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES RECOVERD RUSSIA 1,009,995 17,528 12 2,889 Telephone 0114354854, 0114733600 Fax 0112333066, 0114354882 Hotline 0113456200-4 Email [email protected] 18,478,692 PERU 663,437 29,259 THE ABOVE STATISTICS210 ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 7.40 P.M. ON 4 SEPTEMBER 2020 SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU

LIST OF APPOINTMENTS TO SL MISSIONS OVERSEAS List sent to President’s Office OIL TANKER CATCHES FIRE BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA appointments to foreign missions made He told The Morning that the new list Nevertheless, the Sri Lanka Bureau of Three crew by the previous Government was already that was sent to the President’s Office Foreign Employment (SLBFE) recently State Minister of Foreign Employment sent to the President’s Office, and the was made by the previous Government, decided to cut down the expenses of Promotions and Market Diversification necessary changes would be done and the new Government did not make their foreign missions. members said the list of accordingly in the future. any changes to the list prepared by them. Contd. on page 2 SRI LANKA FOREIGN EMPLOYMENT BUREAU POLICY ON NATURAL GAS rescued Cabinet approves amendments The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the amended national Probe on policy on natural gases in Sri Lanka. The national policy was amended by a committee appointed to inspect and table the required amendments to the draft national policy on the natural gases in the country. de Silva corruption: yesterday INVESTMENT PROMOTION (3). Reportedly, among the rescued crew Cabinet members, the third engineer of the ship has sustained critical injuries. Preparations have been subcommittee made to admit him to a hospital Ministerz z in the Eastern Province. appointed Irregularities reported since 2015 Officials on foreign postings recalled An oil tanker chartered by The Cabinet of Ministers has BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA appointments have been made The Sri Lanka Navy Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), approved the proposal to appoint particularly to positions overseas. has rescued three crew registered in Panama, caught a Cabinet Subcommittee on The Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau (SLFEB) is to take I have already taken steps to recall members aboard the crude fire 38 nautical miles off the Investment Promotion to provide action on allegations of corruption including steps to recall such appointments.” oil tanker “MT New Diamond” Sangaman Kanda coast. The fire relevant policy and practical officials in foreign postings. He said that in addition, a complete ablaze off the Sangaman Kanda has occurred in the engine room solutions. audit has been requested as well. coast, including its Captain. of the ship. However, the fire has The relevant proposal was tabled State Minister of Foreign of officials posted abroad. “There are allegations of financial They are currently being not spread to the area where the in the cabinet meeting by President Employment Promotions and Market “There have been many fraud as well so we are waiting for brought ashore, stated Navy oil is stored, stated the Navy. Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Diversification Piyankara Jayaratne irregularities in the Bureau since the audit report from the Auditor Spokesperson Capt. Indika Contd. on page 2 said he had already recalled a number 2015. A large number of political General’s Department on that front.” NEW CONSTITUTION Expert panel TO PCOI DISCOLOURATION IN WESTERN SEAS appointed Caused by diatom algae A nine-member experts’ BY SARAH HANNAN “The preliminary observations Initially, fishermen speculated committee has been appointed indicate that this is a phytoplankton that the slimy substance would be to draft a new Constitution, The presumed green dye patch better known as diatom algae. of great harm to them and the area’s stated Minister of Energy Udaya which was deposited on the seabed Further studies are now underway aquaculture; they also speculated Gammanpila. from Panadura to Chilaw was found to understand what caused the algae that the substance originated from The committee has been appointed to be a phytoplankton that has the to occur in this particular beach a capsized barge close to the shore by the Cabinet of Ministers. scientific label Navicula sp., and stretch,” NARA Environmental on the Western seas that hadn’t been is recorded to be one of the most Studies Division Principal Scientist moved for nearly two weeks. common types of phytoplankton. K.A.W. Shyamali Weerasekara As explained by Weerasekara, it Assigning additional The National Aquatic Resources explained. is now clear that the boat-shaped Research and Development Agency Weerasekara reiterated that the diatom is an indispensable food HC prosecutors (NARA) on Tuesday (1) collected algae had no adverse effects on source for zooplankton and many The Attorney General (AG) samples of the said dye patch – as humans that would have come into other organisms higher up on the yesterday (3) assigned new the fishermen called it – and took contact with it or the aquaculture in food chain. additional prosecutors to the it to their labs for testing. the surrounding area. Contd. on page 2 Homagama, Kalutara, Matara, and REPATRIATION OF LANKANS Negombo High Courts. PCOI ON POLITICAL VICTIMISATION MINOR OFFENDERS PARDON Project to Implementing Preliminary report committee handed to PM repatriate via The preliminary services from 2015 report of the Presidential to 2019, have filed recommendations Commission of Inquiry appeals with the sea routes The pardoning of minor offenders (PCoI) probing the alleged PCoI. z AGMSL and Government to to reduce overcrowding in prisons incidents of political The relevant report work together due to Covid-19 continues as victimisation was handed contains details the Department of Prisons has over to Prime Minister of investigations, Avant Garde Maritime Services Ltd. commenced the release of such on observations, and further (AGMSL) is to launch a programme together inmates in batches. Wednesday (2). action on the appeals with the Government to repatriate 15,000 Sri A total of 6,952 submitted by 1,152 Lankans via sea routes every month. individuals, who were of these AGMSL Chairman Nissanka Senadhipathi SEE FULL STORIES ON PAGE 2 Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias “Pillayan” arrived at the Investigation purportedly subjected to persons. told The Morning that cruise liners would be Unit of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) yesterday (3) to record administrative retaliation Contd. utilised for this purpose. a statement regarding the 2019 Easter Sunday terrorist bombings PM Mahinda in public and semi-public on page 2 Rajapaksa Contd. on page 2 PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE IMPROVING FOOD PRODUCTION SLTB BUS DRIVER SHORTAGE Mahaweli zones to be repurposed 600-odd The Government has announced that inch of land in the Mahaweli zones should be Mahaweli settlers and its share for the national the Mahaweli zones and give them freehold Mahaweli lands that are underutilised by its used for food production and similar projects, economy,” Gamalath explained. lands as soon as possible. drivers to be residents will be reacquired to be allocated for thereby reserving such lands to strengthen the Noting that Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka The State Minister also instructed the food production investors, The Morning learnt. lifestyle of Mahaweli residents. (MASL) officials should ascertain whether officials to solve other land disputes of the State Minister of Mahaweli Zones, “When Mahaweli lands are released for the targeted productivity is achieved by the people in the area. recruited Waterways, Settlements, and Public investment, a broadened study should be current investors who have already obtained In addition, he said the wild elephant threat Some 600-odd new recruits will be added Infrastructure Development Siripala Gamlath conducted to ascertain to what extent such Mahaweli lands and set up projects. has also become a menace to the Mahaweli by the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) as stated that the Mahaweli zones would be projects would be important to bring benefits With the aim to maintain systematic food settlers, making it a social issue. He said he drivers, The Morning learnt. converted into full-time worksites to extend to the settlers. When land is released for some production in the Mahaweli areas, Gamlath wants to discuss this matter with the line SLTB Chairman Kingsley Ranawaka said that support to strengthen the national economy. investment, the main purpose of it is the is also looking to settle the prolonged land ministries and find a solution. the recruitment will be done in the coming weeks. The State Minister pointed out that every prospective benefits that it creates for the ownership disputes of the people living in – Sarah Hannan Contd. on page 2 2 the morning NEWS Friday , September 04, 2020 Don’t try to change appointments: President Pressure is being mounted against of the “Saubhagyaye Dekma” policy the Government can move forward in a pressure. expressing opinions against these certain appointments recently made by the statement. Also, the President emphasises successful manner. As such, the President politely appointments will not only make the President and the Government. All these such appointments have been made after The President stresses that he has no requests everyone not to pressure him appointees unable to carry out their duties appointments were made with the utmost careful scrutiny of loyalty to the nation, intention of changing such appointments or the Government to change these and responsibilities properly, but will also consideration of our country’s sovereignty, and the qualifications and background made after thinking deeply or to replace appointments. will weaken the Government’s process by national security, and implementation of these individuals so that policies of them with different persons in the face of The President is of the view that underestimating them in society.

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Fernando pardon. These prisoners were sentenced List sent... yy Minister of Industries Wimal over minor offences and were given This was done as a measure to support Weerawansa presidential pardon. the Government, which is currently going “The initiative was proposed in March through economic crises as a result of yy Minister of Environment Mahinda when a seven-member committee Covid-19. Speaking to The Morning, Amaraweera was appointed by President Gotabaya SLBFE General Manager W.M.V. yy Minister of Lands S.M. Chandrasena Rajapaksa to explore the possibility of Wansekera said measures had already been reducing congestion in the prison system taken by the Bureau to reduce additional yy Minister of Water Supply Vasudeva given the present global pandemic. expenses of the staff, such as travelling Nanayakkara This is a result of the series of meetings and other expenses. yy Minister of Energy we had where it was determined that Labour Minister Nimal Siripala de minor offenders would be pardoned,” Silva recently said the SLBFE employees yy Minister of Plantation Ramesh Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) working at foreign missions should be Pathirana President Kalinga Indatissa PC told The repatriated, as around 120 employees were yy Minister of Tourism Prasanna Morning. staying in different countries without work Ranatunga Indatissa also noted that for prisoners as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. who are serving long terms based on their Furthermore, he said the SLBFE is yy Minister of Ports and Shipping Rothitha good behaviour, the Department of Prisons spending over Rs. 970 million a year Abeygunawardena grants one month of leave and that time to maintain these employees and since yy Minister of Justice Ali Sabry period has now been extended to three the SLBFE is currently facing financial months. GRADUATE EMPLOYMENT difficulties, the additional expenses should Cabinet approval was also granted to get “These inmates have, at the completion be cut down. the assistance of the following state ministers of the three-month period, returned for the activities of the subcommittee: back to their respective prison institutes, without any reports of further offences. yy State Minister of Solar Power, Wind, We would also like to reiterate that at no Three crew... and Hydro Power Generation Projects Seeking active point will we propose presidential pardons Development Nineteen crew members – Greek and to inmates who were sentenced for rape, Philippine nationals – had been rescued yy State Minister of Warehouse Facilities, child abuse, discharging firearms, causing earlier by a passing merchant vessel. Container Yards, Port Supply Facilities injury or death to a person, and serious Three vessels of the Sri Lanka Navy and and Boats, and Shipping Industry crime,” Indatissa explained. contribution to a B200 Beechcraft and a M-17 helicopter According to Commissioner General Development of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) were yy of Prisons Thushara Upuldeniya, the deployed to help in the rescue effort. State Minister of Vehicle Refutation, suggestions that were made by the According to SLAF Media Spokesman Bus Transport Services, Train seven-member committee are taken into Group Capt. Dushan Wijesinghe, the two Compartments, and Motor Car Industry consideration when listing out the names development aircraft have already returned to the island. of those who require pardoning. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has Meanwhile, two Russian warships, yy State Minister of Aviation and Export Statistics shared by the Department of handed over letters of appointment to a docked at the Hambantota Port, are to Zones Development D.V. Chanaka Prisons indicated that 26,000 individuals selected group of graduates symbolising join the Sri Lanka Navy in the rescue y are currently placed in remand at prisons the recruitment of 60,000 graduates to the operations. y State Minister of Urban Development, across the island, while the capacity is public service in order to create a culture The fully loaded New Diamond, a very Coast Conservation, Waste Disposal, only able to handle 15,000 inmates. With of “Rata Wenuwen Weda” (Work for large crude carrier (VLCC), was heading and Community Cleanliness Nalaka the ongoing initiative, the prisons will the Country) as envisaged in the “Vistas to the Port of Paradip in India where state- Godahewa be able to bring down the capacity to its of Prosperity and Splendour” policy run IOC operates a 300,000-barrels-per- yy State Minister of Money and Capital optimum levels. statement. day refinery. It had sailed from Mina Al Market, and State Enterprise Reforms – Sarah Hannan The simple ceremony that lasted just Ahmadi in Kuwait, Refinitiv Eikon ship- Ajith Nivard Cabraal 25 minutes was held at the Presidential tracking data showed. Secretariat on Wednesday (2), the The Marine Environment Protection The Government has prioritised the President’s Media Division (PMD) said. Services, Regional Irrigation Offices, Authority (MEPA) said steps will be taken expansion of local and foreign investment Caused by... Even though applications were initially Department of Wildlife, government to prevent any possible oil leaks from the facilities for an export and import The Navicula sp. genus comprises called to recruit 50,000 graduates, the ayurvedic hospitals, rural hospitals, tanker carrying 270,000 tonnes of oil. substitution manufacturing economy that more than 1,200 different species that all Government later decided to recruit 60,000 dispensaries, and the Department of Minor Meanwhile, Lanka IOC Managing will benefit all parties while eradicating have a similar shape. With new species of on the directives of the President. Export Crops. Director Manoj Gupta expressed the poverty through the National Development Navicula still being discovered, it was in The number of graduates who joined The President has requested the following: “Certainly this will not at all Programme in the Policy Framework 2015 that two new species were found off the public service on Wednesday stands at appointees to actively contribute to the have any impact on our presence. The “Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour”. the French and Flemish coast. 50,177, out of which 38,760 are females. development process. He emphasised that vessel was carrying crude oil for Indian Diatoms are protected from predators by The number of employed arts graduates the newly appointed employees should do Oil Corporation (IOC) and it had sailed a sort of “glass house” around their cell, is 31,172. According to the graduate justice to the salaries they earn and avoid from Mina Al Ahmadi in Kuwait and yes, which acts like strong armour made of classification, 29,156 internal graduates being a burden to those who are engaged there was an explosion of fire which was Expert panel... silicic acid. The armour’s skeleton is made and 20,322 external graduates have been in the agriculture and fisheries sectors who convened at the engine room of the vessel. Minister Gammanpila mentioned this of two glass bowls that fit together like a recruited. Appointments were also given to earn money to pay salaries of the public With the strongest intervention of our tri- while joining the press conference held box and its lid. Navicula is known for its 1,000 monks, the PMD added. sector, the PMD’s release read further. forces; the Sri Lanka Navy, the Sri Lanka yesterday (3) to inform the Cabinet’s unique method of locomotion. Among other graduates, 1,839 are from The President has highlighted that the Air Force; and the continuous engagement decision. Romesh de Silva PC has been There is a slit all the way around its the commerce stream, 7,278 are from responsibility lies with the newly recruited from their side during this fire, it has been appointed to head the committee. glass armour which has slimy strands management, 4,494 are from science, to enhance their knowledge in the selected brought under control. The members of the committee protruding from it. These strands grasp 143 are from indigenous medicine, 161 field and to pursue postgraduate studies “To my understanding, there have been are as follows: Romesh de Silva the underlying surface and allow Navicula are from allied health science, 989 are and computer training for the furtherance no casualties reported. There has not PC, Manohara de Silva PC, Gamini to pull itself ahead, functioning very from computer technology, 233 are from of their careers. been any oil spillage. A vessel from the Marapana PC, Sanjeewa Jayawardena similarly to the threads on a tank. engineering and law, and 1,906 are from Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa; Indian Coast Guard is coming and will be PC, Samantha Ratwatte PC, Prof. getting a Diploma in Accounting, according Ministers , Prof. reaching the site today (3) and another Sri Nadeema Kamurdeen, Prof. G.H. Peiris, to the PMD. G.L. Peiris, Dr. Bandula Gunawardana, Lankan naval ship will be reaching the site Prof. Wasantha Seneviratne, and Dr. A. The job recipients will be directed to a Janaka BandaraTennakoon, Keheliya carrying the firefighting equipment. Sarveshwaran. Project to... leadership, skills, and attitude development Rambukwella, , “As far as this particular ship is “We will be using cruise liners to bring training programme. At the end of the and Namal Rajapaksa; Presidential Task concerned and as far as our country is down Sri Lankans from the Middle East. one-year training period, appointees will Force on Economic Revival Head Basil concerned, it does not have any relation Some can carry up to 4,000 passengers,” be employed in institutions directly related Rajapaksa; several state ministers; and with the supplies.” Assigning... he said, adding that they hope to bring to the rural sector such as rural and state ministry secretaries were present at the AG’s Co-ordinating Officer State down around 15,000 Sri Lankans a month. schools, the Department of Agrarian event. Counsel Nishara Jayaratne said this The individuals being repatriated decision was taken in view of the large will also complete their mandatory Cabinet approves... number of cases pending in the relevant 14-day quarantine period in the vessels, The committee, comprising 17 intellects, courts. thereby overcoming the problems posed was appointed at the Cabinet meeting held Over 600 cases are currently pending in by the lack of quarantine facilities to Cartoon of the day on 17 February. each of these high courts, she added. accommodate them in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the amended policy was He said that a floating hospital would submitted to the Cabinet by Minister of also be set up near the Port of Dubai for Energy Udaya Gammanpila. Preliminary... quarantine purposes. Subsequently, the Cabinet decided to The Prime Minister has emphasised that “The floating hospital will be for grant approval for the amended policy. it is the responsibility of the committee anyone who tests positive before leaving to bring justice to all those who were the Middle East. That way, they can be subjected to political victimisation, adding quarantined at sea and then later be taken that if the committee’s recommendations via cruise liner.” Cabinet... to the heads of institutions are not carried – Skandha Gunasekara The subcommittee, chaired by the out properly, the Cabinet should be President, will comprise the following informed and justice should be sought for ministers: the victims through the subject ministers. The committee was previously chaired yy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; 600-odd... by current Speaker of Parliament Mahinda “We have trained around 600 new Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Yapa Abeywardena, and Attorney-at- drivers and we will be recruiting them in Affairs; and Urban Development and Law Chathurika Wijesinghe holds the about a week or two.” Housing Mahinda Rajapaksa position of Secretary while Ariyaratne The new drivers had been training yy Minister of Fisheries Douglas Arumapperuma and Mahinda Seneviratne during the Covid-19 lockdown period. Devananda serve as the members. Secretary to the PM “Now that their training has been yy Gamini Senarath and Additional Secretary completed, we can hire them to fill the Minister of Transport to the PM Chaminda Kularatne were also driver shortage we have been suffering yy Minister of Trade Bandula present at this occasion. from.” Gunawardana A shortage of bus drivers has resulted in yy fewer SLTB buses operating on the routes. Minister of Power Dullas Implementing... “Even now we are facing a shortage of Alahapperuma On Binara Full Moon Poya Day (1) 444 passengers on long distance routes.” yy Minister of Highways Johnston inmates received a special presidential – Skandha Gunasekara the morning Friday, September 04, 2020 3 business Citrus Leisure’s SLT Group to improve hotel portfolio bags trifecta of connectivity at accolades In an unprecedented feat among the titans of the hospitality industry in Sri Lanka, all three properties Lankagama Village owned and operated by Citrus Leisure PLC secured three international travel accolades. Citrus Waskaduwa, Citrus Hikkaduwa, The Steuart by Citrus, and &Co Pub and Kitchen were recognised by Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards, Agoda’s Customer Review Awards, and Booking.com’s Traveller Review Awards. Agoda 2020 Service Review Award Based on millions of reviews and opinions from travellers from around the world, the annual Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards Mobitel checking coverage in the Lankagama-Neluwa area after few hours of the Ongoing implementation of the proposed solution recognises the very best President’s arrival tourism establishments in terms of service, quality, Following the President’s implement a detachable guyed internet service providers (ISPs), customer satisfaction and visit to the Lankagama- mast solution (supplied by a local public sector institutions, and more, across a range of Neluwa village on 29 August company) to establish superior domestic customers. SLT has laid categories. Citrus Hikkaduwa, 2020, where he stated that connectivity and broadband facilities out nearly 50,000 km of optical fibre Citrus Waskaduwa, The Booking.com Traveller Review he will direct the Sri Lanka to the area by 20 September 2020, throughout the island to extend fibre Steuart by Citrus, and &Co Award 2020 Telecom (SLT) Group to thereby empowering the village with access through FTTH (fibre to the Pub and Kitchen bagged this provide a solution to establish digital capabilities and bridging the home) technology. sought-after award for the year high-speed broadband digital divide. The project will be “In 2017, Mobitel’s innovative 2020. and voice facilities in the implemented without any negative deployment of the first Sub-1G Additionally, The Steuart Lankagama village, SLT- impact to the environment of the Mobile Broadband Network in Sri by Citrus secured two area, the company asserted. Lanka, based on it Sub-1G spectrum, more awards, the Agoda Mobitel announced yesterday SLT Group Chairman Rohan significantly improved coverage Customer Review Award (3) that it immediately took Fernando, commenting on the in rural areas of the country and and the Booking.com on the task of digitising the initiative, said: “In line with connected the rural communities Traveller Review Award. Lankagama Village with high- the Government’s vision of to high-speed mobile broadband, Both these awards are annual speed connectivity solutions. digitalising Sri Lanka, the SLT enabling the global reach to uplift appreciation programmes that Following the instructions of Group feels privileged to take their day-to-day lives. As the recognise partners for their the President, the engineers on the venture of powering rural national mobile service provider, exceptional hospitality and from SLT-Mobitel visited areas with superior connectivity Mobitel will continue to deliver celebrate service excellence the village on the same day solutions. As the country’s and bring value to the country. The better capacity and coverage, reflected in quality peer-to- Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice 2020 to assess and identify the telecommunications service implementation of this detachable especially during the prevailing peer reviews. implementation mechanism provider, it is our responsibility to guyed mast solution is another step conditions at this time where These awards are only 2014, Citrus Waskaduwa ensure that we not only provide towards reaffirming our mission of networks and connectivity have presented after analysing is a five-star resort in the for a detachable guyed mast connectivity to all Sri Lankans care, share, and deliver and we will become the most basic of human the review scores left by west coast of Sri Lanka solution. but also empower them with the continue to empower Sri Lankans needs than ever before,” the group travellers after their stays or comprised of 150 rooms Situated amidst lush mountains, right knowledge and know-how to by providing connectivity solutions said. experiences and these reviews with luxury amenities. The the Lankagama village is located evolve and move forward towards and contributing towards Sri Lanka’s The SLT Group added that provide vital feedback to Steuart by Citrus is the latest at the southern boundary of the an informed and knowledge-rich digital upliftment and literacy.” together, its fixed and mobile benchmark services and make luxury business boutique Sinharaja Rainforest, which society. We would also like to thank SLT operates in the fixed ICT solutions (SLT and Mobitel) are at improvements in terms of the hotel comprised of 50 falls into the Neluwa Divisional the Director General of TRCSL business and provides telecom the forefront of driving the national hospitality offerings at any rooms, situated in the heart Secretariat, Galle District. Despite (Telecommunications Regulatory networks and ICT services to agenda for economic prosperity by property. of , coupled with the geographic obstacles and Commission of Sri Lanka) for organisations of all sizes across connecting the rural mass to the Citrus Hikkaduwa is a “traditional Scottish charm transportation difficulties, SLT- encouraging and setting the right all economic sectors, other economic main stream to transform 100-room hotel situated in and embedded by history Mobitel said it will promptly strategies for operators to innovate telecommunications operators and them to a productive workforce. the heart of Hikkaduwa. dating back to 1835”, Citrus Ceremoniously opened in said. Oceanpick donates Roshanie Moraes first female President sea bass fingerlings of Council for Business with Britain John Keells Holdings PLC Council for over 15 years. Presidents, Inter Air & Executive Vice President During this time, the CBB Sea Logistics Managing to smallholder Roshanie Moraes has has funded the training of Director Tania Polonnowita become the first woman 2,300 teachers countrywide Wettimuny as the Treasurer, to be elected President of and positively impacted over and Prothero as the fishing communities the Council for Business 300,000 students. Immediate Past President. In an effort to bolster national is positioned with a geographical with Britain of the Ceylon Reading a statement Newly appointed fish production as well as to advantage, nestled amongst a Chamber of Commerce issued on behalf of High committee members improve the livelihoods and food major aquaculture hub alongside (CCC). Roshanie Jayasundera Moraes addressing the membership. Also Commissioner to Sri Lanka include: MAS Holdings security initiatives of smallholder India and Bangladesh. However, She was formally elected in the picture are VP Linda Giebing, CCC Secretary Dinithi Dias, VP from the UK Sarah Hulton, Chief Operating Officer farmers in Sri Lanka, oceanic the sustainable marine fish farm at the 20th Annual General Ameena Ziaudeen, and CBB Treasurer Tania Polonnowita Wettimuny Deputy High Commissioner (COO) Shirendra farming operator Oceanpick has taken the lead in seabass Meeting (AGM) of the Mark Prothero said: “As committee members – for the UK Lisa Whanstall Lawrence, Unilever Sri (Pvt.) Ltd. recently distributed and barramundi culture, having Council for Business with we all know, it has been an including some of the largest said: “I would like to thank Lanka Chairperson Hajar free fingerlings to small-scale fish recently being awarded the Global Britain (CBB) which was unfortunate and difficult domestic corporates and the outgoing President Alafifi, Hayleys PLC farmers across the island. The Aquaculture Alliance’s Best conducted on 27 August period for Sri Lanka with multinationals – for their Mark Prothero and the CBB Director Sarath Ganegoda, distribution was undertaken in Aquaculture Practices (GAA BAP) 2020. two ‘Black Swan’ events support and senior-level Committee for all their hard Commercial Bank MD S the presence of officials from the certification for barramundi in “Moving forward, our in a row in 2019 and 2020 engagement in the CBB. work and for the time they Renganathan, Hirdaramani National Aquaculture Development South Asia; highlighting Sri Lanka efforts will primarily be which brought with it Over the past year, the have spent sharing insights Group Director Nikhil Authority of Sri Lanka (NAQDA). on the map as having the first BAP- focused on enhancing unprecedented challenges to CBB organised multiple and working together Hirdaramani, London Stock A joint venture between certified aquaculture facility in the business and trade between our economy and particular discussions and events with me in my first year Exchange Group SL Head Aberdeen Holdings (Pvt.) Ltd., region. the UK and Sri Lanka as hardship for our tourism and focused on relevant and in Sri Lanka. I also wish of Shared Services Arjuna Kames Fish Farming Ltd. of Seabass farming has proven to part of wider government- leisure sector. timely topics, covering to congratulate incoming Nanayakkara, Oceanpick Scotland, and other investors, be an effective and sustainable led efforts to support post- “However, it is financial and forex markets, President Roshanie MD Irfan Thassim, Etihad Oceanpick was founded in 2011 economic activity; one that has the Covid economic revival. We encouraging to see that responsible marketing, Jayasundera Moraes, Airways Country Manager with the aim to narrow the demand- capacity to increase the income of believe that women will also despite these unique urban development together with the new office Dougie Douglas, Aitken supply gap of premium quality fishing communities owing to its play a greater role in driving challenges, there are other and the significance of bearers and other committee Spence Travels General seafood without compromising on low environmental and operational this recovery, and to that end, sectors of Sri Lanka’s architecture, and sustainable members, with whom I Manager Indika Abeykoon dwindling species numbers. Having costs. we will also be launching an export economy which development. Among the look forward to working and Finlays Group SL MD started off as South Asia’s first-ever At the Oceanpick facility, seabass initiative to improve female have rebounded sharply in other key highlights in the closely in the year ahead Gihan Jayasinghe. commercial-scale offshore oceanic fingerlings are first allowed to hatch labour force participation a strong v-shaped recovery. CBB’s calendar over the to support UK businesses British High Commission farm for finfish, and currently out and grow in the company’s and gender parity across This serves as one of many past year were the launch in this challenging time. I DIT Head of Trade and still the only offshore aquaculture onshore nursery located close to the Sri Lanka’s business indicators as to the resilience of the SL-UK trade and understand that we have Investment Michael operation in Sri Lanka, the Bank sea sites, and are then transferred environment,” she stated. of the Sri Lankan people investment report and a first for the CBB on the Fernandopulle, the Head of Investment (BOI)-approved to sea cages anchored to the ocean Exports to the UK from and we can be confident the hosting of a special gender representation front, of the British Council, company’s operations are highly floor, where strict biosecurity Sri Lanka are around $ 1 that under a united president event to felicitate former which is also very exciting, and Spillburg Holdings sustainable, harnessing the strong standards are maintained and the billion and imports from the and government, there is Sri Lankan cricketer and and I am keen to explore MD Shaameel Mohideen currents and high quality of waters are consistently monitored UK, around $ 370 million. still strong opportunity for Captain Kumar Sangakkara activities and initiatives representing SMEs (small seawater off the northeast coast of for temperature and salinity. In UK is one of Sri Lanka’s two Sri Lanka to develop and on his appointment as the around this as well.” and medium enterprises) will the island to allow the fish to breed 2019 alone, Oceanpick facilitated largest apparel buyers. prosper in the years ahead,” Chairman of the Marylebone The 2020/21 committee be invitees to the Committee. and thrive in its natural saltwater the growth of over a million Commenting on he said. Cricket Club (MCC). comprises of Hilton Representatives from the environment. fingerlings, and as a result, were developments during his Having served as Additionally, the council Colombo Residences Board of Investment (BOI) Operating from its main seabass able to produce a surplus that is tenure, outgoing President President during the 20th has also been actively General Manager Linda and Export Development and barramundi hatchery and now able to benefit the growth of and HSBC – Sri Lanka anniversary of the CBB, supporting the training Giebing and Norfolk Foods Board (EDB) too attend the farming facility in the untouched the fisheries sector in more ways and Maldives Chief Prothero went on to express of English Language in Development Director meetings as invitees every waters of Trincomalee, Oceanpick than one. Executive Officer (CEO) his gratitude to fellow partnership with the British Ameena Ziauddin as Vice quarter. the morning 4 Friday, September 04, 2020 brunch

certainly an out-of-the-box creative endeavour, has since amassed an impressive amount of views on their YouTube channel. Describing their style of music, Sithija stated that if you are looking for a genre, they feature sounds that are essentially contemporary pop rock. However, he said that DOT they are rather confident that they have a unique sound which would be a refreshing experience for audiences. Their lyrics too, even while discussing serious topics, remain humorous. Sithija shared that their vocalist and so far lyricist Hiddayath who comes from a DOTAY theatrical background bring that flavour of theatricality to their music and performances. “If you watch us live, it would definitely be sure to be a well-rounded experience of audio LIVE IN CONCERT and visualm,” he added. This unique flavour is quite evident in their promotional campaign leading up to the release of their first single, which features AT BAREFOOT their chosen mascot the “gamarala puppet”, and the song itself is a Enjoy the taste of the humorous blend of pop rock humorous blend of nonsensical at their own expense is largely opportunity has come at a great waste any time but to go ahead sounding lyrics and a fresh take on because, being an outfit that plays time, he said. with recording some music. They performance and musicality. their original music, there weren’t About the origins of DotDotay, went ahead with a song written by many who were willing to sponsor Sithija shared that it was originally their vocalist Hidaayath, which them, considering cover music is put together by their vocalist then became their first single to be Catch DotDotay live in concert what is able to draw in a crowd. Hidaayath Hazeer and Mewan released immediately, after which at Barefoot Adding that they have taken Kaushike (lead and rhythm) as they they released their official music nEntry by donation somewhat of a risk in deciding to were jamming together one day, and video that was received extremely play only original music, he said since then, Sithija himself has joined well, catapulting the band into nLimited passes available that as many artists would have as a the drummer and Riyal Riffai a happy medium where they’ve experienced, Covid-19 has been a joined as their bassist. acquired a comfortable fan base. nEmail [email protected] BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE difficult time and they have been He said that as they played Sithija said that the warm or Instagram DM your name and antsy at best, figuring out what together, they noticed their reception was quite unexpected telephone number to reserve DotDotay, a local contemporary pop rock band that is their next step should be. This chemistry and decided to not and the music video, which is currently making waves with the release of their new music video Gamaralata Kotuwak Thibuna (.urd

Speaking to Sithija Dilshan of they have only ever played as DotDotay about the event to come featured artists and it’s an honour to and what audiences can come to be able to have their own event. expect, he stated that this gig is Speaking candidly about their actually quite special for them as experience, he said they wished to it would be their very first concert be transparent in their journey and featuring just themselves as a band. the reason why they have chosen to Sithija said that up until this point, put together an event by themselves Good news for start- ups and food trucks BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE food trailers built to solid engineering standards,” Working together to Ishara Engineers and adding: “Apart from standard Lorry Body Builders (Pvt.) lorry bodies, we build half Ltd. in Pitakotte has beds, flat beds, and vehicle prevent suicide on World introduced a brand carriers as well.” new low-cost Speaking about the truck food truck body being used as a food truck, Suicide Prevention Day for those who Manamendra said that eating World Suicide millions of people. It has in 2019. These included are looking to street food from a truck is a Prevention Day (WSPD) is also been suggested that decriminalising the act of get into their different kind of experience an awareness day observed for every suicide there are suicide (1998), a Life Skills own food- which includes not only the on 10 September every 20 attempts that are not Programme introduced by inspired start-up. food that is being prepared year since 2003, to provide successful. the Ministry of Education The budget vehicle but also indulgence in the worldwide commitment and Suicidal ideation or (1998), and banning the use is ideal for food experience, with all your Ishara Engineers and Lorry action to prevent suicides. suicidal thoughts, is thinking of extremely toxic pesticides. businesses that Body Builders (Pvt.) Ltd MD senses heightened while The IASP (International about, considering, or Unfortunately, no records are looking to get Ishara Manamendra having the food. That is the Association for the Study of planning suicide. The range of attempted suicides are their business off ambience and the different Pain) collaborates with the of suicidal ideation varies available so it is very difficult the ground or even for those nature that street food offers World Health Organisation from fleeting thoughts to to conclude whether suicidal who have been in the industry overall, and as a result, she (WHO) and the World extensive thoughts to detailed ideation by the people of for some time and are looking stated that they have designed Federation for Mental Health planning. Most people who Sri Lanka has reduced since to expand, and perhaps reach the kitchen in these trucks to spread awareness around have suicidal thoughts do 1995. The lives of people a different market. with that customer experience the world. The theme for this not go on to make suicide who attempt self-harm are Ishara Engineers and in mind. year is “Working Together attempts, but suicidal also being saved due to Lorry Body Builders (Pvt.) “A truck can occupy a to Prevent Suicide”. This is thoughts are considered a quicker transportation and Ltd., the company that is minimum of two persons to the third year that this theme risk factor. Suicide contagion better or improved healthcare manufacturing the product, operate the truck which is is being used. It has been is the exposure to suicide or available in hospitals. is a second generation fully fledged to include high- chosen because it highlights suicidal behaviours within On 10 September, join company with over 35 years pressure stoves and grills, a the most essential ingredient one’s family, one’s peer Sumithrayo and many others of experience in the field of prepping area, fresh water for effective global suicide group, or through media across the world playing truck body manufacturing tanks, waste water tanks, prevention – collaboration. reports of suicide and their part in the prevention of with a range of time-tested, kitchen canopies, generators, All of us have a role to can result in an increase suicide. Light a candle near a quality products. world of self-employment income and unable to support solar power, refrigerators, play and together we can in suicide and suicidal window at 8 p.m. on WSPD Speaking with Ishara and entrepreneurship. She either themselves or their CCTV cameras, necessary collectively address the behaviour. as a symbol of support for Engineers and Lorry Body elaborated on the company’s families. Covid-19 has plumbing, etc.,” she said. challenges presented by Sri Lanka had a suicide suicide prevention. For many Builders (Pvt.) Ltd Managing innovation which was drastically affected many and Moreover, she added that they suicidal behaviour in society rate of 6.9/100,000 in 1950 it is a means of remembering Director and mechanical intended to inspire such while some have been lucky are able to customise designs today. which dramatically increased a loved one. engineer Ishara Manamendra persons who have decided to enough to either acquire within the space desired by Genetic, psychological, to 47/100,000 by 1995 to “Every day, we lose with regard to the novel take matters into their own loans to sustain themselves or the customer, while ensuring social, and cultural factors clock the highest in the many lives to suicide, and initiative, she said: “Even hands and test their luck at return to their jobs, there are high safety standards. combined with some world. But suicide prevention many more are profoundly though these kind of food carrying out and starting their a majority of those who are Manamendra also shared experiences of trauma and strategies implemented on impacted by their deaths. trucks are popular in other own business. “Shifting our left to fend for themselves, that she believes it’s a great loss results in suicide. It has recommendations by the We acknowledge all who regions of the world, they businesses to a mobile sphere and this initiative is poised to victory for them to be able to been estimated that globally Presidential Task Force of experience the challenges of have been introduced in Sri has become more important be a helping hand in the right introduce these food trucks over 800,000 people die 1997 succeeded in bringing suicidal ideation, and those Lanka for the first time by our than ever, therefore, we have direction. in a timely manner. “During by suicide which means the rate down to 24/100,000 who have lost loved ones company.” introduced a range of products About the lorry in this time, when it is mostly a suicide happens every in 2004, 18/100,000 in through suicide,” shared She also spoke of their to suit our customers’ question, Manamendra needed, Sri Lanka can take 40 seconds and impacts 2014, and 16/100,000 Sumithrayo. company’s motivation behind budgets,” she said. provided the specifications of pride in the fact that (the producing the product in such With the effects of the what they offer: “We provide trucks are) designed and The Sumithrayo Centre is open all 365 days from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. at 60B, Horton a way that it is affordable pandemic, there have been height-extendable food trucks fabricated in our country by Place, Colombo 7. Sumithrayo can be contacted on 0112 692 909/0112 683 555/0112 to those who are just now many who were laid off and size-expandable food our own technical staff,” she 696 666 or email: [email protected]. dipping their toes into the suddenly without a steady trucks using hydraulics and said. the morning 5 Friday, September 4, 2020 sports Yorkshire is utterly racist Tour de France heats up Gawli's fatal fall Now it is former England U-19 cricketer and Yorkshire Belgium cyclist Wout van Aert triumphed Shekhar Gawli was a 45-year-old former Captain Azeem Rafiq who has claimed his experiences in a sprint finish on the fifth stage of the Maharashtra cricketer playing for India’s main first- of extreme racism at English county Yorkshire that had 21-stage Tour de France 2020 on Wednesday class tournament, the Ranji Trophy. Gawli suffered left him on the brink of committing suicide. He told (2) as Britain’s Adam Yates moved into the a tragic death yesterday (3) after reportedly falling media yesterday (3) that the Asians are overlooked in race lead. That was after Julian Alaphilippe, in a 250-foot-deep gorge or abyss in the Nashik team selection there and he had lost faith in humanity who held the yellow jersey before Yates, was District, Maharashtra. Gawli, who played his first- after his reporting on such racist behaviour to the club handed a 20-second penalty for an illegal class cricket chiefly in the 1990s, had gone trekking authorities were conveniently ignored. feed within the final 20 km in the fifth stage. with friends when he had faced the fatal fall. In Brief LOCAL * Major Club Youth U-23 cricket is to begin on 16 September, (SLC) announced yesterday (3). It will be over on 11 October. Those who are eligible to participate in this will be the 26 clubs that LPL dates to be played in the Major Club League Tier A and B season 2020-21 that ended last week INTERNATIONAL altered again! z Pakistan players can’t come here as LPL and PSL are to begin on the same day

BY REVATHA S. SILVA revealed another hitch. The Abu Dhabi T10 League will also take place from The glamour of the Lanka 18-28 November, that too clashing Premier League (LPL), which is “head-on” with the LPL. to be held from 14 November Making things worse for the LPL, the Abu Dhabi T10 League features to 6 December, will be reduced a team named Qalanders owned by * Emirates Airline is #BackIntheGame. considerably as its Pakistan the PSL franchise Lahore Qalanders. As the official airline of the 2020 US Open Tennis stars now have a barrier. This further cast doubt over the Championships, Emirates returned to the Grand Slam The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) participation of more Pakistani players tennis event for the ninth year in a row with online on Wednesday (2) announced that the in the LPL. experiences to connect fans to the game. remainder of its national T20 cricket * The English Premier League terminated its £ league, the No decision yet by PCB 564 million contract with its Chinese licensee (PSL), will resume on the same day, When “Cricket Pakistan” had with immediate effect. China was the English top 14 November. This may cause LPL contacted a PCB representative flight’s most lucrative overseas television rights organisers, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), to Nadeem Omar, owner of both Quetta PCB Chief Ehsan Mani on the matter, the representative Gladiators in PSL and Galle Gladiators in LPL territory, with a three-season deal agreed in 2019, the change dates of the league which they in the PSL. mentioned that still no player had BBC said yesterday (3). It is understood the reasons for announced on also Wednesday. that those matches will now be held Incidentally, the owner of the Quetta requested the required “No Objection the termination are financial rather than political, it on 14, 15, and 17 November, clashing Gladiators, Nadeem Omar, is the owner Certificates” from the PCB to stressed. PSL clashing with LPL seriously with the first four days of the of one of the eight franchises/teams of the participate in either the LPL or Abu * In US Open Grand Slam tennis, women’s singles top Earlier, the LPL was scheduled to be 23-day LPL. LPL, the Galle Gladiators. Dhabi T10 League. seed Karolina Pliskova was knocked out in the second held from 28 August to 20 September, but Former Pakistani wicket-keeper Moin Galle Gladiators Owner Nadeem round with a heavy defeat by France’s Caroline Garcia. the start of the tournament was postponed Afridi, Sarfaraz in doubt Khan is named as Coach of the Galle Omar has reacted, saying: “If the Pliskova, runner-up in 2016, lost 6/1, 7/6 (2) to the till mid-November on 11 August. Well-known Pakistani players who Gladiators. board (PCB) decides to release the world no. 50. Czech world no. 3 Pliskova was the The PSL, which was halted by the were expected to play in the LPL, Shahid players, then we will try to have as highest-ranked player here in the absence of Australian outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic on 17 Afridi and , will now Abu Dhabi T10 League too many Pakistani cricketers in our team Ashleigh Barty and Romania’s Simona Halep. March, needs to finish four more matches miss at least the first few days of the LPL clashing as possible. However, the final call and the PCB announced on Wednesday because the two will have to play for the Pakistan media yesterday (3) will be made at the draft.”

New SLR Head Rizly Illyas New Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa Rugby is having a fair share now. Rizly Fernando, Clifford Elhart, Shafie Illyas, the newly elected President of Sri Jainudeen, and G.B. Gunadasa. Lanka Rugby (SLR), is determined to make a change. Namal a rarity Taking the reins from Lasitha Gunaratne, This we recall not for nothing. Sri Illyas should be aiming high; to do Lankan sports, not only rugby, need to Captain Indrajith Coomaraswamy (extreme left in No. 6 jersey) and the Lankan team in action in the 1974 Rugby Asiad held in Colombo something like bringing back the Asia Cup come up, and come up soon. It is now or which the country hosted for the first time never. way back in 1974. The hosts became the Irrespective of many a political divide, runners-up too then. it is a rare thing that a man with great, Adding to Illyas’ entry into the big top-notch national as well as international picture is the appointment of Namal sporting experience comes into the political Rajapaksa as the country’s new Sports Winning combo fold; such a person ending up as the Sports Minister. Never forget: He was former Sri Minister is an absolute rarity. Lanka Rugby Captain and an ardent sports follower! Time to make a change In the meantime, Rizly Illyas needs to Second to only Japan take the mantle and carry on from where If we are to revisit that memorable found in SL rugby? Lasitha Gunaratne has stopped. So, a 1974 Rugby Asiad, we can recollect the winning combination has already been biggest-ever rugby tournament to be made, one can say. From SLR and the held in Sri Lanka at the time. It was the z Former SL skipper is country’s Sports Sports Ministry’s side, now it is time to first-ever Rugby Asiad to be held in our deliver. country. Minister; Rizly Illyas is in SLR top seat At least in a year’s time or so, when That time, Sri Lanka enjoyed one of its sports become more frequent in the finest moments in international sporting to Japan in that fourth edition of the crowd. It was Sri Lanka who drew first rugby squad comprised players such as post-Covid-19 “new normal”, a glaring achievements. We finished second only tournament, at Longden Place in Colombo. blood, through a penalty coming from Nizar Hadji Omar, Alphonso Rodrigo, difference has to be shown and the ardent Charles Wijewardene. In the first half, the Jeyer Rodriguesz, Lanil Tennakoon, Maiya sports followers need to feel that things are That memorable finale Japanese had scored 18 points against Sri Gunasekara, Indrajith Coomaraswamy, on the right track. KANDY In that Asiad, Indrajith Coomaraswamy Lanka’s three. Jeffry Yu, Anton Benedict, Hanzil Samad, It’s a do-or-die battle. Let’s wish Rizly led the Lankans while late Colonel Bertie At the final whistle, though, the scores Hafi Abdeen, Jeffrey de Jong, Didacas Illyas, a leader with a lot of promise, and MUSINGS Dias, one of the finest rugby coaches in the read as Japan beat Sri Lanka 44/6. de Almeida, Omar Sharif, Mahesh the youngest-ever Sports Minister of Sri country, was in charge of the Lankan team. Sabaratnam, and Charles Wijewardene. Lanka, Namal Rajapaksa, all the very best! by Hafiz Marikar The final of the 1974 Asiad was played A bunch of greats Others in the squad included Nimal Come on, show your colours! It's now or at Longden Place in front of a massive The historic 1974 Sri Lanka national Malagamuwa, Brian Baptist, M.F. never!