Protect yourself from Covid-19 Wishing all our readers Active cases Total cases friday, january 1, 2021 a prosperous

43,123 Inflation Trash the size deaths RECOVERED increases to of an 7,595 4.2% in December elephant The above statistics are confirmed up 204 35,329 »see page 3 »see page 6 until 8.00 p.m. on 31 December 2020 Source: Health Promotion Bureau

Displaced by devt. projects Escape from Gallella Reactivating former provincial councils President urges No legal provision: Govt. rapid solutions Heightened scrutiny z SLFP proposal not provincial councils (PCs) is not practical, says Govt. practical and that there are no President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has such provisions in the law. instructed the relevant officials to provide z No official discussion Ministry Secretary J.J. rapid solutions to the people who were on holding polls Rathnasiri told The Morning displaced due to development projects, the on drug addicts that there are no provisions President’s Media Division (PMD) said. By Maheesha Mudugamuwa whatsoever allowing an extension Contd. on page 2 z of an already expired council. All 13 escapees identified as addicts The Ministry of Public When asked whether the Covid-19 By Hiranyada Dewasiri Services, Provincial Councils, SLFP’s request was discussed, and Local Government said Rathnasiri said that nothing has Persons addicted to drugs would be subjected to heightened scrutiny and the proposal by the Sri Lanka been discussed regarding the PC Deaths surpass 200 observation at quarantine centres as they have specifically been identified Freedom Party (SLFP) to elections. Five more Covid-19-related deaths were reported as a group of “potential escapees” following the escape of five Covid-19- reactivate the already expired Contd. on page 2 yesterday (31 December 2020), the Department of positive detainees from the Gallella quarantine centre yesterday (31). Government Information noted. Damage to Buddha statue Police Media Spokesperson Deputy are mostly persons addicted to drugs. All Ethics Committee Inspector General (DIG) Ajith 13 escapes reported so far were due to drug Rohana told The Morning last addiction,” he said, adding that evidence is being Could be extremism: approves anti-virus tonic evening that drug addiction gathered to identify other potential escapees. The Ethical Committee of the University of Rajarata is the main reason behind The detainees who escaped the Gallella Public Security Ministry has granted approval to the anti-coronavirus herbal quarantine centre and quarantine centre at around 3.30 last morning syrup manufactured by Dhammika Bandara from Police Media hospital escapes. were originally inmates of the Negombo Prison, By Dinitha Rathnayake Kegalle. Spokesperson Deputy “We will be paying and had travelled to the Polonnaruwa bus station Inspector General special attention to from where they had taken a bus to Kurunegala. The damage caused to the glass Recoveries in SL cross (DIG) Ajith Rohana potential escapees, who Contd. on page 2 cover of a Buddha statue in the Hingula area in Mawanella this 34,000 mark Army Chief promoted week could be an act of extremism, The Ministry of Health said 698 more persons according to the Ministry of Public infected with Covid-19 were discharged from hospitals Security. on Wednesday (30) upon making complete recoveries. “We do not take this lightly. Investigations which are being carried out into the incident have make some progress,” Secretary Ward closed at not ruled out the possibility of this to the Ministry of Public Security Ratnapura Hospital being a disruptive act or an act of Maj. Gen. Jagath Alwis told The A total of 14 people tested positive for Covid-19 at extremism. We cannot confirm the Morning yesterday (31). the Ratnapura Hospital on Wednesday (30), forcing cause. However, we are hoping to Contd. on page 2 the closure of one ward, according to a hospital Covid-19 vaccines representative. Three more Ukrainians Opposition takes test positive Three more Ukrainian tourists have tested positive for Covid-19, raising the total number of infections on Govt. moves among the touring group to six, Deputy Director General of Public Health Services Dr. Hemantha Allegations have been levelled Herath said. by the Opposition against the Government’s Covid- 19 vaccination programme, China approves first vaccine claiming that the Government China has approved for conditional use its first is attempting to get the Covid- coronavirus vaccine developed by state-owned 19 vaccine from Russia or pharmaceutical company Sinopharm, dpa news China by avoiding the COVAX reported yesterday (31). organisation affiliated to the World Health Organisation Kattankudy DS area isolated (WHO). MP Patali Champika Ranawaka The Kattankudy Divisional Secretariat (DS) area was General Shavendra Silva, the third Commander of the Army, who was promoted to the rank of Four-Star General during his active MP Patali Champika vaccine before 7 December, the isolated with effect from yesterday (31), Batticaloa service in the history of the Sri Lanka Army, was received by the Army Headquarters at Pelawatte yesterday (31) Ranawaka said that although current Government is acting District Government Agent and District Secretary K. PHOTO LALITH PERERA the WHO had called for indifferently. Karunakaran said. registrations for the Covid-19 Contd. on page 2 Defaulting EPF payments National Mental Health Policy MCB challenges mandatory cremation Minister warns Focus from national The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) is launching a legal challenge to the Sri Lankan Government’s of strict action policy that all people who die of Covid-19 must be Labour Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva to community cremated, even in violation of their religious beliefs, warned of strict legal action against those By Pamodi Waravita opposed to its traditional focus The Guardian reported. employers who have The new National Mental on national-level services, with a defaulted on the Health Policy covering 2020 to more decentralised and accessible See full Stories on page 2 Employees' Provident 2030 would focus on the provision action plan. Fund Act (EPF). of community-level services as Contd. on page 2 He said that non- Minister of Education Prof. G.L. Pieris at the inauguration of the programme INDO-SL FISHERIES MEETING payment was a serious Mahara Prison clash violation of the law 1,000 national schools Enhancing as well as fraud of Report to Cabinet next week working class people. Contd. on page 2 The final report of the five- joint patrolling member committee investigating J’pura College first The fourth meeting of the Sri Lanka-India the Mahara Prison clash will be Labour Minister Nimal presented to the Cabinet next Joint Working Group (JWG) on Fisheries Siripala de Silva was held yesterday (30), where Sri Lanka week, Minister of Justice Ali Sabry to be upgraded conveyed the need to further enhance joint said. Secretary to the Ministry The inauguration of the all children in the country, was patrolling to ensure effective results. M.M.P.K. Mayadunne said the national programme to establish held on Wednesday (30) at the Sri Contd. on page 2 Reopening schools proposals will be implemented 1,000 well-equipped national Jayewardenepura College, Kotte, as soon as possible. schools within the country's with the participation of Minister Human trafficking Minister of No decision Justice Ali Sabry Contd. on page 2 school system, with the aim of of Education Prof. G.L. Peiris. SL-Oman review on WP schools providing quality education to Contd. on page 2 The Ministry of Education is yet to release Covid-19 Marine Drive extension prevention progress instructions on reopening schools in the Sri Lanka and Oman reviewed the Western Province, it is learnt. Reaching Dehiwala progress in streamlining recruitment process Speaking to The Morning, Western Probability of virus of the Sri Lankan female domestic workers Province Department of Education Provincial in 70 days to Oman as well as preventing human Director of Education P.S. Nonis said: “We The 1.2-km-long extension of the Marine trafficking, the Sri Lankan Embassy in had a meeting on 31 December 2020 with in community at 6% Drive from Colpetty Hill Street in Dehiwala Muscat said on Wednesday (30 December). the Minister of Education and other officials will be completed within 70 days, Minister This was discussed at the fourth Joint regarding reopening schools. Given the By Sarah Hannan due to the population density we can successfully prevent of Highways Johnston Fernando said. Technical Committee Meeting under the current situation, we are awaiting clearance Health authorities state that and the increased movement the spread of the virus,” Contd. on page 2 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) from the health services authorities and the probability of the virus that we saw in the recent Health Promotion Bureau in the field of labour and training between once the Ministry of Education issues us being among the community months. We wish to remind Director and Community Sri Lanka and the Sultanate of Oman, the directives, we will be able to make an is now at 6%, it is learnt. the public that the Covid-19 Medicine Specialist Dr. which was held on 23 December via video announcement.” “At present, the Western virus is very much active and Palitha Karunapema told The conferencing. Contd. on page 2 Province is recognised as a it is only if the public adhere Morning. Contd. on page 2 hotbed for the virus, especially to the health guidelines that Contd. on page 2 2 the morning news Friday, January 1, 2021

authorities, to which the Sri Lankan side assured clash that broke on 29 November, handed of Education for 2021, he said his Ministry President urges... Ward closed ... to facilitate the release of arrested fishermen over the final report to Sabry Wednesday (30) hopes to formulate a formal programme in this Among the 14 positive cases were one doctor, early, once the legal procedures are completed. afternoon. regard in the future, including career guidance He gave these instructions during a visit four hospital staff, and nine patients. The relevant authorities have already granted to suit present needs, the education of children, to Kanugahawewa in Kebithigollewa, the necessary facilities, including consular access, and the skills that children acquire, to determine Anuradhapura to participate in the “Gama to the arrested Indian fishermen. Heightened... the most suitable job for them. Samaga Pilisandarak” (a discussion with the Three more... The discussion also focused on Sri Lanka’s Kavidu Madushan, 27, who was one of the He said that 123 schools will be redesigned as village) programme. He said the foreigners had arrived in Sri request for safe passage for Sri Lankan fishermen escapees, was captured in Madampe by the national schools under the first phase, and 673 The village of Kanugahawewa in the Lanka after undergoing PCR tests in Ukraine. to enter the Arabian Sea. Madampe Police and health authorities last schools will be developed in the second phase. Kebithigollewa Divisional Secretariat (DS), They have tested negative from the tests Both sides expressed willingness to convene evening. DIG Rohana said that the detainee will MP Madura Vithana, Sri Jayewardenepura located 73 km away from the Anuradhapura conducted in Ukraine. However, he said that an early Ministerial meeting to continue the first be sent to a hospital for treatment. College, Kotte Principal D.A.D. Wanaguru, city, was chosen for the discussion. PCR tests conducted in Sri Lanka showed that bilateral dialogue. “He may be sent to Kandakadu since that is and a group of senior officials of the Ministry The PMD said Liberation Tigers of Tamil some of them were infected with Covid-19. The Sri Lankan delegation, led by Secretary the most secure place, but I cannot exactly say of Education were present at the occasion. Eelam (LTTE) terrorists frequently attacked to the Ministry of Fisheries R.M.I. Rathnayake, where he will be taken to.” – Sarah Hannan Kebithigollewa during the separatist war and consisted of senior officials of the Ministry The required security officers will be deployed that 68 villagers from Kanugahawewa and China approves... of Fisheries, Foreign Ministry, Department to ensure that such escapes won’t be repeated, the vicinity were killed when LTTE terrorists The approval, announced by the Joint of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Attorney DIG Rohana said responding to questions about Reaching Dehiwala... exploded a passenger bus using a claymore mine Prevention and Control Mechanism of the General’s Department, Sri Lanka High the state of security in such quarantine facilities. He said following a tour of the construction in Halmillawatiya on 15 June 2006. State Council, came a day after Sinopharm said Commission in New Delhi, and the Sri Lanka He added that investigations are being conducted site on Marine Drive on Tuesday (29). Residents of these villages had to live in its vaccine was found to be 79.3% effective in Navy and Coast Guard. to determine how the escape took place. Accordingly, this stretch will consist of four welfare camps from 1995 to 1998 and from preliminary data from the final round of testing. The Indian delegation was led by the Indian “There is a small risk posed by the fact that lanes. “We will spend a sum of Rs. 228 million 2006 to 2008 due to terrorist activities. Although China aims to vaccinate at least 50 million Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and they are criminals, but the risk is mostly the for the proposed new bridge along the road. The the threat of terror is now over, they still face a people before the start of the Lunar New Year Aquatic Resources’ Secretary to the Department spread of Covid-19,” he said when asked about aim of our Government is to ensure the road number of serious economic and social issues. holiday, in mid-February, in order to prevent the of Fisheries Dr. Rajeev Ranjan, who was the threat these escapees pose to society. will be of good quality. We intend to complete The poverty ratio in the village stands at 54% virus from spreading, as hundreds of millions accompanied by representatives from his Ministry, However, when asked whether going into it as soon as possible,” he said. of the total population. of people are expected to travel home for the the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Home quarantine centres would become a prison Fernando further said this will help ease Paddy and chena cultivation is the main source holidays. Affairs, State Government of Tamil Nadu, State break strategy, the DIG stated that “they don’t traffic congestion between Ramakrishna Road of livelihood of the people in Kanugahawewa as The Sinopharm vaccine is an inactivated, Government of Puducherry, and the Indian Navy contract Covid-19 intentionally”. in Wellawatte and the Dehiwala Bridge. well as in many surrounding villages. The loss two-dose vaccine. Sinopharm’s vaccine efficacy and Coast Guard. The Police and Army are continuing operations of traditional habitat as a result of displacement rate is behind those reported by US companies to locate the four remaining Covid-19-positive due to terrorist threat is a major issue. Pfizer, of 95%, and Moderna, of 94%. detainees that escaped the quarantine facility in Probability of... Therefore, farming lands have become residual However, unlike the US vaccines, which need SL-Oman... Gallella. Two escapees were convicted under Dr. Karunapema also noted that random PCR forests. Marking such lands as reserves by the to be stored at temperatures as low as -70℃, the The fourth Joint Technical Committee drug abuse charges while each of the remaining testing that was carried out at Galle Face Green Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Chinese vaccine can be stored at normal fridge Meeting reviewed the decisions arrived at three were convicted for rape, theft, and robbery, among 150 persons had returned results of nine Forest Department during their surveys makes temperature. China has pledged to make its the third Joint Technical Committee Meeting respectively. persons testing positive for Covid-19, indicating it hard for the people to cultivate. The threat of vaccine available to other developing countries. held in Colombo on 3 July 2018. The Police have released the details of the that the probability of the virus being in the wild elephants is another major issue faced by The Embassy said both sides explored ways escapees and seek public assistance to trace the community is now set at a 6% chance. the villagers. and means to further enhance co-operation four remaining escapees. They have requested the Adding to that, the second wave of Covid-19 in Stating that the Government’s and his policy Kattankudy DS... in the field of labour and the promotion of general public to convey any information through Sri Lanka has reached all districts of the country is to develop agriculture on a priority basis, A total of 26 persons tested positive in 549 employment in the areas of mutual interests, the following numbers: HQI Polonnaruwa 071- amounting to 37,889 persons testing positive the President instructed officials not to disturb rapid antigen tests carried out on employees especially in the wake of Covid-19. 8591233 or 119. for the virus from 3 October to 29 December, the daily cultivation activities of the people and owners of business establishments in the Both sides hailed the implementation of the The four remaining escapees are 31-year-old which are still linked to the three main clusters; who make a living from agriculture. President Batticaloa town on Wednesday (30). issuance of the “No Objection Certificate” Dabagallage Buddhika Wimalaratne; 26-year- the Minuwangoda, Peliyagoda, prison clusters. Rajapaksa also said they should have the full Twenty-three of them were identified as (NOC) introduced by the Embassy of Sri old Wijesuriya Arachchige Haritha Kelum “We urge the public that they restrict their support of the political authority. residents of the Kattankudy area. Lanka in Muscat, as a prerequisite to obtain Appuhami of 2nd Cross Road, Parushapara, movement and only venture out for essential It was then decided to hand over the lands In all, the area has detected 50 positive employment visa for the Sri Lankan female Maravila; 52-year-old Imiya Mudiyanselage work, and to keep track of the people they identified as residual forests when marking cases so far. domestic workers as an initiative to curb Nimal Wasantha alias “Gataya” of Ambagaha interact with and the places that they visit. reserves according to the Google map after irregular and undocumented migration. Kolaniya, Angampitiya, Waikkala; and 36-year- Wearing a mask, washing or sanitising hands, 2012 back to the people for cultivation purposes The Sri Lankan side extended its sincere old P.K. Sumith Pushpakumara of No. 1291/A, maintaining physical distance where required, immediately. MCB challenges... appreciation to Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and Jayamawatha Road, Boralessa. and practising respiratory etiquette are the basics,” It was further revealed that a large number They said the insistence on cremation has the Government of the Sultanate of Oman for The escapees are reported to have travelled to Dr. Karunapema reminded. of people have lost their lands due to the caused great distress among the country’s the announcement of “amnesty” for Sri Lankan Kurunegala in a Polonnaruwa-Matara bus (NB- Observing the statistics from the Ministry implementation of Yan Oya project, but no Muslim minority as Islam stipulates that the workers who have overstayed and with expired 9268) that left for Colombo from Polonnaruwa of Health Epidemiology Unit and the Health compensation has been paid. The President dead must be buried. work permits to return back home without at 5.45 a.m. yesterday. DIG Rohana requested Promotion Bureau, it is clear that there have stressed that from now on, priority should be A taskforce set up by the MCB has written paying any fine. the public who travelled in this bus to self-isolate been sub-clusters that were generated from these given to providing alternative lands and that to the Sri Lankan High Commissioner in the and inform their public health inspectors (PHIs) three main clusters that were recorded from the compensation must be made accordingly to UK, demanding an immediate reversal of the immediately and that failing to do so would be Katunayake apparel factory, Fisheries Harbours those who lost their lands in the implementation “forced cremation” policy and its impact on Minister warns... considered an offence. in Galle and Beruwala, Sri Lanka Police, Ports of such projects. Muslim and Christian communities. According to the Minister, around 11,549 Authority, Colombo Municipal Council area, and The MCB said it would also pursue “the cases had been filed by the previous Government Atalugama in the Kalutara District. necessary legal action to end this violation”. against public and private institutions for No legal... The Minuwangoda cluster had 2,452 cases Deaths surpass... WHO guidelines permit the burial or violating the EPF Act until 1 January 2020 SLFP General Secretary and State Minister reported among the factory workers and their close With these five deaths, the total number of cremation of people who die of Covid, but and at present, there are 16,000 cases in the Dayasiri Jayasekara told the media a few days contacts from 3 to 23 October. In addition to that, Covid-related deaths in Sri Lanka increased the Sri Lankan Government adopted a policy Magistrates’ Courts including cases for non- ago that the Central Committee of the SLFP 811 of the close contacts of the Minuwangoda to 204, surpassing the grim 200 mark. of mandatory cremations in March. payment of provident funds. had decided to propose to the Government the cluster that were not referred to a quarantine centre Earlier this month, a 20-day-old baby who Minister de Silva pointed out that the default reactivation of the PCs until the PC elections tested positive for the virus by 25 October when died of Covid-19 was cremated against the on EPF contributions is close to Rs. 12 billion. are held. PCR tests were conducted, and 77 persons who Ethics Committee... family’s wishes. The child’s father said he Further, the Minister noted that steps have He said the proposal will request the were in quarantine centres also tested positive Last week, Minister of Plantation Dr. Ramesh could not bear to witness the cremation. been taken to amend the EPF Act No. 15 of Government to create an environment where for Covid-19 during the same period. Pathirana announced that the Pharmacology “I cannot go into a place where they are 1958 to enable the referring of these default provincial councillors can serve in their Parallel to the Minuwangoda cluster, several Unit of the Department of Ayurveda had burning my baby. My friends and family asked cases to the Labour Tribunals and recover them respective councils until an election is called for. sub-clusters which were reported from other given approval for the anti-coronavirus syrup the authorities how they can go ahead with expeditiously, considering the current caseload such factories were bunched up together; out of produced by Bandara. the cremation when neither of the parents had at the Magistrate’s Court. He also said that laws which the Katunayake apparel factory that had 99 signed any document giving consent. They will be introduced to make it compulsory for Could be... cases between 9 and 22 October was a significant said because the baby is a Covid-19-positive an employee to join an institution and register Secretary to the Ministry of Buddhasasana, cluster that went unnoticed, although there was Recoveries in... patient, they can cremate,” MFM Fahim told with the EPF within a specified period of time Cultural, and Religious Affairs Prof. Kapila outcry from the employees who were not given This brought the total number of recoveries Al Jazeera. and that the period would be six months. Gunawardana too told The Morning that proper instructions by health authorities and from the virus to 34,623. – Maheesha Mudugamuwa this could be a disruptive act. However, had to face a difficult lockdown and quarantine A majority of the recoveries were recorded by Enhancing... Parliamentarian Manusha Nanayakkara alleged period within their accommodations without the Bindunuwewa Treatment Centre (TC) (180), No decision... that this incident may have been politically much food to ration. Kopay TC (47), Warakapola Base Hospital The JWG was held virtually and paid close driven. Just as the Minuwangoda cluster was subsiding, Schools will reopen for this year on Monday, (43), Panideniya TC (42), Punanai TC (38), attention to several bilateral issues pertaining “These incidents are not normal and occur the Peliyagoda Fish Market cluster was recognised, 11 January across the island except for the Polgolla TC (32), and Dr. Neville Fernando to the fisheries industry, the Government said. due to the personal agendas of politicians who which reported the first case on 21 October, Western Province and schools that are in Teaching Hospital (31). The Indian side elaborated on details regarding want to create another ethnic war like the one we totalling 2,298 cases of Covid-19 reported from isolated zones, as the areas have been identified Sri Lanka has confirmed a total of 42,063 the legal action taken against such practices, suffered with for years. This is pure extremism the employees of the fish market and their close as high-risk zones for Covid-19. The Ministry novel coronavirus infections to date, out of and the initiatives to encourage South Indian which will intensify closer to an election. We contacts. That generated the sub-clusters of the will meet with the Western Province Department which 7,245 are still under medical care, fishermen to engage in deep sea fishing and need to find ways to prevent this type of violent Galle Fisheries Harbour, the Beruwala Fisheries of Education officials next week to review the according to the Epidemiology Unit. alternative livelihoods. extremism in Sri Lanka,” he told The Morning. Harbour, and their close contacts who tested possibilities of reopening schools for 2021 in The country has also witnessed 199 deaths The Sri Lankan delegation conveyed the “Characters like Namal Kumara, the police positive from 23 to 24 October, amounting to the Western Province. from the virus outbreak. need to further enhance joint patrolling and – Sarah Hannan informant who revealed an alleged plot to 49 cases. Last week, Minister of Plantation Dr. Ramesh operationalisation of the hotline between the Law kill former President Maithripala Sirisena and The Department of Prisons was once again Pathirana announced that the Pharmacology Enforcement authorities of the two countries to National Organiser of the Nawa Sinhale Dan affected by the second wave of Covid-19 when Unit of the Department of Ayurveda had ensure effective results. Focus from... Priyasad are not individuals that emerge out the first case was recorded on 6 November at given approval for the anti-coronavirus syrup The Indian delegation also called on the Sri Speaking to The Morning, National Institute of of the blue. They are created through political the Welikada Prison Complex; it had spread to produced by Bandara. Lankan Government to ensure the early release Mental Health (NIMH) Consultant Psychiatrist influence.” Prisons in Bogambara, Boossa, Kuruvita, Mahara, of recently arrested fishermen by Sri Lanka Dr. Pushpa Ranasinghe said: “We have increased Dalupotha, and Negombo. the focus on community mental health and From 6 November up until 27 December, a to make services more easily accessible to Opposition takes... total of 1,471 cases were reported from the said the public.” The new National Mental Health “Our medical experts have also confirmed prisons. Policy has been approved with an emphasis on that the Covid vaccine is being provided free of Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Police also got Cartoon of the day leadership, research, extended mental health charge to nearly 90 countries already identified caught in the second wave of Covid-19 with services, human resource development, and as poor. However, the present Government Police constables who were deployed on duty community empowerment. Speaking in response is not interested in this matter,” he stressed. to handle the Covid-19-positive patients in the to the recent announcement of the National “We are also informed that the present vulnerable areas contracting the virus. From 30 Mental Health Policy 2020-2030, medical Government is trying to get the Covid vaccine October to 22 December, 455 police officers anthropologist and practitioner in the field of from Russia or China by avoiding the COVAX from various departments and police stations psychosocial support Dr. Ananda Galappatti organisation affiliated to the WHO. The quality had contacted the virus. said that the previous policy was in need of an of vaccines in Russia and China is probably The Colombo Municipal Council area and update to meet the current requirements. internationally guaranteed, but we need to get some of its employees also tested positive for “I cannot comment on the new policy as I these international certifications from a place Covid-19, which resulted in 198 testing positive have not yet studied it, but I hope that it builds like the WHO,” Ranawaka added. from 2 to 29 November. on the vision, principles, and still incomplete – Maheesha Mudugamuwa The Sri Lanka Ports Authority was also achievements of its predecessor. In the 15 years impacted when an employee from the Colombo since the formulation of the last National Mental Harbour tested positive on 4 November, which Health Policy, there have been significant shifts J’pura College... accounted for 109 cases by 28 November. in the field of mental health globally, not least “Sri Jayewardenepura College, Kotte has Atalugama in the Kalutara District was once in relation to the full participation of persons a history of 200 years. Although it is located again placed under isolation when a person tested with psychosocial disabilities with regard to in the Colombo District, many development positive for Covid-19 on 1 December and within decisions around their own care and the shaping needs have emerged in the school at present. 48 hours a total of 198 residents from Atalugama of services.” We are looking to develop language learning tested positive for Covid-19 when PCR tests facilities, and introduce computer technology were conducted. and information technology to these schools, Persons referred to quarantine centres during the Report to... as all new national schools that have been second wave of Covid-19 totalled to 466, while Former High Court Judge Kusala Sarojini selected for development will be equipped persons arriving in Sri Lanka through repatriation Weerawardena, who is the Chairperson of the with similar facilities,” Prof. Peiris explained. flights or for work who tested positive for the virus committee appointed to look into the prison Commenting on the goals set by the Ministry totalled to 289 from 3 October to 28 December. 3 the morning Friday, January 1, 2021

People’s Bank Chairman People’s Bank CEO/GM Sujeewa Rajapakse Ranjith Kodituwakku business People’s Bank denies Inflation increases being refused by international banks People’s Bank clarified that while providing the affected not a single Letter of Credit individuals and businesses with to 4.2% in December (LoC) facility issued by the over Rs. 300 billion worth of Headline inflation, CCPI, measured on an bank has been refused by any financial relief. as measured by the annual average basis, international bank to date, People’s Bank was ranked year-on-year (YoY) remained unchanged at amidst politically motivated among the Top 1,000 banks in change in the Colombo 4.6% in December 2020 negative comments being the world in 2018, 2019, and Consumer Price Index for the third consecutive perpetuated in the market 2020 by the Banker magazine. (CCPI, 2013=100) month. The CCPI’s monthly that state banks are facing The bank also possesses a Rs. increased marginally change was recorded at difficulties in conducting their 2.3 trillion asset base, with over to 4.2% in December 0.66% in December 2020. international trade-related Rs. 1.8 trillion in customer 2020, from 4.1% in This was due to price banking activities. deposits. The bank granted increases observed in items Issuing a statement, People’s more than Rs. 400 billion worth November 2020. This of both Food and Non- Bank noted that it facilitates in loans in 2020 alone, and paid was driven by the Food categories. Moreover, the country’s import/export over Rs. 11.3 billion in taxes monthly increase of monthly changes of Food activities via the issuance of and dividends. prices of items in both and Non-Food categories LoCs and guarantees to a large Furthermore, in 2020, Food and Non-Food were recorded at 0.45% number of private and state- People’s Bank raised Rs. 20 categories. and 0.22%, respectively, in owned institutions. billion in a debenture issue that December 2020. “While certain parties are was the largest-ever BASEL Meanwhile, food inflation Accordingly, within the seeking to undermine the III-compliant debenture (YoY) decreased to 9.2% Food category, prices of role of state banks by stating issue in the Sri Lankan in December 2020, from coconut, vegetables, and the recent downgrade in the banking industry, which was 10.3% in November rice increased in December country’s credit rating by oversubscribed on the opening 2020. However, non-food 2020. Meanwhile, prices increases observed in the (YoY), which reflects the However, annual average three international rating day itself, according to the inflation (YoY) increased of items in the Non- Transport (bus fare) and underlying inflation in the core inflation declined agencies has hampered state bank. to 2% in December 2020, Food category recorded Health (private medical economy, increased to 3.5% marginally to 3.1% in banks’ ability to facilitate In light of the above, the from 1.6% in November an increase during the doctor fee) sub-categories. in December 2020, from December 2020, from 3.2% international trade activities, bank categorically denied 2020. The change in the month, mainly due to price The core inflation 3% in November 2020. in November 2020. the factual situation is that not having faced any difficulty in a single Letter of Credit or conducting its international guarantee issued by People’s trade-related banking activities, Bank has been rejected by any and advised customers, international party,” the bank businesses, and all other INSEE sponsors International Conference stated. stakeholders that it remains During the pandemic, strongly positioned to facilitate People’s Bank stated that any business activity that on Sustainable Built Environment it kept 70% of its branches contributes to the country’s INSEE Cement sponsored the vision “to drive innovative research the importance of the natural and to date, especially with the rapid open to serve customers, economic development. 11th International Conference on for tomorrow’s development” built environment. This conference pace of population growth and Sustainable Built Environment collaborated with local and is a platform where so many urbanisation.” (ICSBE) 2020, which was jointly worldwide universities and research experts have gathered to share their He opined that as a resource- organised by the engineering institutions with special sessions knowledge and innovation, and intensive industry, the company community of the University of related to current concepts and many imminent researchers will has been forced to be more Peradeniya, University of Moratuwa, practical ideas in a sustainable built present their papers and findings.” innovative in its approach towards University of Ruhuna, and Open environment. In a message to participants, sustainability across its operations University of Sri Lanka. Over 2,500 local and international Chief Guest Prime Minister in order to meet the escalating This international conference, also delegates including academics, Mahinda Rajapaksa noted that demands and expectations of branded as the “Kandy Conference” researchers, engineers, industrial introducing and maintaining a consumers and the country. and organised as a virtual two-day professionals, and students sustainable built environmental “Today, we have identified five event, is a platform and forum for the participated. Featured during the policy is one of the key focus areas mega trends across the world exchange of ideas as well as sharing event were six keynotes speeches, 13 of the Government in the journey that are shaping the construction of knowledge and experience. The special sessions, and two lively panel of striving for a prosperous nation. industry and our approach event also provided the ideal forum discussions. INSEE Cement Executive Vice to reimagining and delivering for the dissemination of information Welcoming participants, President and Director of Sales, sustainable construction solutions. about the built environment among Conference Co-Chair Prof. Ranjith Marketing, and Innovation Jan Along with these mega trends, iPay Head Charitha Jayasingha handing over a prize to one of the winners academics, professionals, and Dissanayake stated: “Our aim for the Kunigk stated: “Construction has we see the global cement and of the Cash Wasi Draw policymakers on the management of conference is to share knowledge in always been a fundamental element concrete demands continue to rise the built environment globally. the built sustainable environment, in human advancement. It is also exponentially and unfortunately at a Held annually since December relevant and vital for us today. The one of humanity’s oldest businesses rate that we cannot sustain the natural iPay’s ‘Cash Wasi’ 2010, this year’s conference’s Covid pandemic has also heightened that continues to evolve and adapt resources,” Kunigk elaborated. concludes Season One of the iPay iPay is a simple, easy- “Cash Wasi Draw” concluded to-use, real-time payment at the LOLC head office platform designed with a host premises in Rajagiriya of features. The payment recently, with three customers platform is powered by LOLC. emerging victorious to receive With LOLC Finance operating cash prizes. Senior officials as its merchant acquiring of LOLC Finance PLC graced partner, iPay is acclaimed the occasion. internationally as a mobile Prizes were given to iPay app that has been developed users who performed the most on an advanced software number of transactions during architecture. The app includes the months of October and a host of features designed to November this year. Only securely integrate the customer successful transactions were and merchant ecosystem, considered for the draw, while making it a fintech (financial iPay customers could increase technology) application. their chances of winning by Speaking at iPay Cash performing a higher number of Wasi Draw Season One, transactions. LOLC Finance Director/ From left: CBC Finance Ltd. Senior Director Dr. Janaki Kuruppu, Chairman CBC Finance Ltd. Chairman Dharma Dheerasinghe, Commercial Bank Managing Director Speaking about the draw, CEO Conrad Dias said: Dharma Dheerasinghe, and Manager – Colombo Branch Prasad Baduwatta at S. Renganathan, Chief Operating Officer Sanath Manatunge, Dr. Janaki Kuruppu, and CBC iPay Head Charitha Jayasingha “iPay has revolutionised the launch of CBC Finance Ltd. Finance Managing Director/CEO Upul Dissanayake at the launch said: “The tremendous success the fintech space for both of this initiative reflects customers and merchants. the rising interest amongst Today, iPay has reached consumers for cashless and beyond Sri Lanka to many ComBank launches CBC Finance digital transactions. We will other regional countries as Commercial Bank into the Commercial Bank from Rs. 1.95 billion in that its parent company, of vehicles and equipment, continue to explore new ways well, and is steadily becoming of Ceylon (ComBank) Group. The restructured 2014 to Rs. 8 billion as Commercial Bank of fixed deposit facilities to provide our customers with a regional platform. In the recently launched CBC company operates under at end of November 2020. Ceylon, would provide with attractive interest more rewarding experiences. post-Covid era, contactless Finance Ltd., the bank’s its new name and new CBC Finance operates support if required. CBC rates, and loan facilities For example, we have already digital payments play a major fully owned licenced non- corporate logo from 30 10 branches islandwide, Finance is a licensed finance including business loans, launched iPay Cash Wasi role in the economy. To bank financial institution December 2020, the bank delivering a wide range of company approved by the mortgage loans, and Draw Season Two, where promote digital payments and (NBFI), formerly known as said. financial services including Monetary Board of the pledge loans. Its branches users are required to invite support the Central Bank’s Serendib Finance and Indra Commercial Bank vehicle leasing, mortgage Central Bank of Sri Lanka are located in Kandy, their friends and family to Digital 2020 vision, iPay has Finance. renamed Indra Finance as and business loans, and under the Finance Business Colombo, Anuradhapura, iPay using a referral link. The also introduced the digital The formal renaming of Serendib Finance Ltd. after fixed deposits. Act No. 42 of 2011. Kaduruwela, competition will take place bank account with attractive the entity acquired by the the company’s acquisition. CBC Finance’s Fitch Products offered by CBC Dambulla,Embilipitiya, until 10 January, once again interest rates, and it can be bank in 2014 marks the Total assets of the rating AA(lka) is driven by Finance include leasing Matara, Kiribathgoda, with exciting cash prizes on created without ever visiting a completion of its transition company have increased the rating agency’s view solutions for a wide range Kurunegala, and Negombo. offer.” physical branch.” 4 the morning RECOGNITION/CORPORATE Friday, January 1, 2021 CAL launches new logo Roo Siththam Investment bank the ideal partner on their Capital Alliance (CAL) journey.” recently launched a new CAL won a total recognised by Premier logo to reposition itself of four awards at the as a future-oriented Global Banking and Fashion Bug’s “Roo company catering to Finance Review Awards Siththam” was family-owned businesses, 2015, including “Best The new CAL logo recently recognised whilst providing financial Investment Banking by Prime Minister expertise to institutional and security for CAL’s not only about financial Company Sri Lanka”, Mahinda Rajapaksa, clients and high-net- clients who can rest transactions, but an “Best Investment as the Premier worth entrepreneurs. assured that they have emotional investment Banking Solutions awarded an award of The core belief of entrusted their financial that defines past and Provider Sri Lanka”, the value of family is affairs in capable hands,” future generations. “Best New Asset appreciation for Roo represented in CAL’s CAL added. “Our own Management Company Siththam to Fashion new logo, which depicts Commenting on the transformational new Sri Lanka”, and “Fastest Bug at Parliament. the interwoven layers of new brand identity, logo is also a way of Growing Unit Trust The “Sisu Dirimaga” a nest that symbolises CAL Group CEO Ajith showing our clients that Manager Sri Lanka”. arm is the key corporate protection and trust, Fernando said: “Our change is necessary CAL first entered the social responsibility and the spherical egg new logo brings out to meet the complex market in the year 2000 (CSR) platform of which evokes wealth, our empathy towards evolving needs of the as a registered debt Fashion Bug, and continuity, and endless our clients, which is markets, while our record dealer. Thereafter, it was Roo Siththam is one possibilities to prosper, a core value we are for nurturing long-term appointed as a registered of the main events CAL noted in a release. known for. At CAL, we relationships across primary dealer by the carried out under this “The new logo of a understand that for a multiple generations of a Central Bank of Sri platform, initiated in nest egg promises care family, their business is family business makes us Lanka in 2003. 2011 with the objective of identifying the Fashion Bug CEO Shabier Subian and Assistant General Manager – Operations Dinesh Ekanayaka receiving the award from Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa creative talents of schoolchildren. A has even launched a the Advanced Level children of our country specific category for programme focusing (A/L) examination. should be prioritised Consumer Technology children with special on career guidance for Similar career guidance and nurtured, which is needs was introduced students. Aiming to programmes were why we developed the in 2017, the entries conduct career guidance conducted to advise Sisu Dirimaga initiative. Association awards Samsung of which are judged programmes covering Ordinary Level (O/L) We are deeply grateful by teachers from the 100,000 students, they students on important to Prime Minister Ceylon School for have conducted a series exam and study Mahinda Rajapaksa for the Deaf and Blind in of islandwide career techniques. recognising the value Ratmalana. guidance workshops Commenting on the of this initiative and we Fashion Bug developed through collaborations recognition of their will strive to continue its own scholarship with the provincial efforts, Fashion Bug focussing our efforts on programme as part of education offices for CEO Shabier Subian uplifting the youth of its CSR initiative and students who are sitting said: “We believe that the Sri Lanka.”

Samsung Electronics announced yy Best of Innovation, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5G Headphones, and Personal that 44 of its new product and yy Innovation Honoree in Mobile Audio – Samsung Galaxy service innovations received CES Devices – Samsung Galaxy Buds+ BTS edition 2021 Innovation Awards honours, A51 5G ComBank Chairman Dharma Dheerasinghe speaking at the event including four “Best of yy Best of Innovation (Mobile yy Innovation Honoree in Software Innovations” accolades, from the Devices) – Samsung Galaxy and Mobile Apps – Samsung Consumer Technology Association Note20 5G/Ultra 5G (CTA). Wireless DeX – Samsung DeX ComBank reopens in Galle Fort yy Eco-Design Award The awards recognise yy Innovation Honoree in The Galle Fort branch of (Sustainability) – Samsung outstanding design and engineering Streaming – Samsung TV Plus Commercial Bank of Ceylon in cutting-edge technology, and Galaxy Buds Live (ComBank) was reopened recently this year, the Galaxy Note20 5G/ yy Innovation Honoree in Health The CES Innovation Awards is at its original location this week, in Ultra 5G and Galaxy Buds+ BTS and Wellness – Samsung sponsored by the CTA, the owner one of the last events of the bank’s edition were among Samsung’s Galaxy Watch3 and organiser of CES. CES 2021 100th year. Best of Innovation award winners. will be the organisation’s first-ever, ComBank Chairman Dharma Samsung’s award-winning yy Innovation Honoree in Mobile all-digital event taking place 11-14 Dheerasinghe, Managing Director honorees span a range of categories. Devices and Digital Imaging – January. S. Renganathan, Chief Operating Officer Sanath Manatunge, and members of corporate management graced the occasion when the Seylan Bank early 19th-Century edifice at No. 22, Church Street was formally declared open after its installs new refurbishment. One of the oldest buildings owned by Commercial Bank, and ATM in one of the oldest buildings in the Southern Province, this building is listed as being the property of Dehiwala George Henry Boggar, who is Seylan Bank recently installed a new ATM recorded as its first owner. It was unit at No. 207, Saranankara Road, Dehiwala. also once a hotel named “Old The area is heavily populated with many Mansion”, and was the home of Present at the reopening of Commercial Bank’s refurbished Galle Fort branch were businesses that have ample footfall, and Seylan the Galle branch of the Mercantile guests and staff who participated in the ceremony is the first bank to install an ATM on this road, Bank of India (MBI) in 1973 when further enhancing customer convenience. ComBank acquired three branches architecture of the era, also houses As part of its centenary The bank has a growing clientele of SMEs, of MBI and came into possession the bank’s southern regional office, celebrations, the bank has retail, and corporate customers, and has of this heritage building. a mini auditorium, a mini museum undertaken a programme expanded its footprint with 173 branches The building’s refurbishment displaying historical artifacts to establish 100 science, across the country. Seylan Bank has been was carried out in consultation from the bank, and a staff holiday technology, engineering, and endorsed as a financially stable organisation with the Galle Heritage bungalow. mathematics (STEM) classrooms with performance excellence across the board Foundation and the Department of ComBank’s own history dates that provide students a novel by Fitch Ratings. Archaeology, preserving the old back to 1920 when its forerunner learning experience in the The bank was ranked second among public structure wherever possible. The Eastern Bank was established in above subjects, complete with a listed companies for transparency in corporate three-storey building, complete Ceylon. The present Commercial digitised curriculum, and another reporting recently by Transparency Global and with wooden floors, windows, Bank of Ceylon was incorporated programme to reforest 100 is now part of the S&P Dow Jones SL20 Index. and doors that showcase the in 1969. hectares of land. LB Finance celebrates digital Christmas LB Finance celebrated and adults, as well as to opportunity for many Christmas by initiating foster a lifelong love for competitors to showcase a competition on the creativity. Over the past their creative talent and digital media platform. few years, LB Finance win prizes from LB The competition, open has carried out several Finance. Ten winners to both children and forms of campaigns to were selected, with adults, was to design a build on the vision of their designs printed on Christmas card through creating all-rounded the annual LB Finance any form of art, such youngsters. Christmas cards and as drawings, paintings, The competition gifted out. The winners collages, digital art, etc. embraced the spirit of were also awarded The aim of this the Christmas season savings accounts at initiative was to develop even in the pandemic, LB Finance for their Christmas card designs sent in for the competition the intellect of children which provided the achievement. 5 the morning Friday, January 1, 2021

BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE 2021brunch is here, and whether the pandemic leaves us this year or not, the last year has taught all of us valuable lessons. We spoke to a few well-known faces and asked them what the most important lesson they learned in 2020 was. Here’s what they had to say: It is integral that you learn to 1 respect yourself According to Stigmata frontman Suresh de Silva, it’s difficult to pinpoint any singular thing as the whole of 2020 has been a year of challenges, loss, hardship, and lessons learned. “However, I looked at it as a period of potential for personal growth, and completed my higher academic and professional studies. Work wise, I won some and lost some, but overall, as a Creative Consultant and Brand Strategist, I was able to do some fine work. Music wise, Stigmata has always been very progressive and we adapted pretty quickly to the changes of the industry and while taking a hit with a lack of concerts and overseas tours, we released new music on all leading streaming platforms globally and released some cool merch thanks to Empire Clothing Inc.” The band was able to ascertain engagement and interaction with their supporters by embracing the advent of digital technology and having a disruptive and quirky presence on social media. “I also launched my voice artistry channel during the first lockdown, my podcast S & M and my writing is ongoing; hoping to release a collection of short stories and a novel next year if all goes to plan.” So, in a way, de Silva looked at finding opportunities through the hurdles and 10 LESSONS own online fitness programme which they are obstacles this year. “It was a lot of hard work. now operating out of a studio space. I made a lot of personal changes and decided She said that if not for the pandemic to get into shape and to make the most of my − as it really sort of pushed them into a talents and what I have been blessed with in corner − they never would’ve started up the 2020.” He shared that perhaps, the one major programme online, and it has been a great lesson though was to be able to identify how WE LEARNED benefit to them. If anything, they have learnt integral it is to learn to respect yourself: “Not to really appreciate the silver lining in things. taking things personally and to channel my efforts and energy into making the most of Things don’t always go according each day and night, as time is scarce and life is really feeble and short.” 8 to plan IN 2020 THAT Musician Soundarie David Rodrigo said De Silva said he’s learned to gauge that that the most important thing she’s learnt we all have our shortcomings and struggles this year is that things don’t always go as we and loss is subjective. “Pain is universal but plan, and amidst all the challenges, there is a personal to each of us. And this pandemic silver lining. “There is a blessing and to me has taught many of us to appreciate what personally, there is a God above who walks we have, instead of stressing over what we WE CAN TAKE with you guiding you along the way. So, don’t.” adapting to change, compassion, love, and The value of sobriety and empathy have been some of the lessons I’ve 2 personal contact learnt this year.” Sri Lankan INTO 2021 Do not take life for granted science fiction author February, I was hardly in Colombo because in our place. He also creations from little things we had around us. 9 Personality Development and and researcher I was travelling around Sri Lanka to attend added that while of It was a silver lining in an angle not everyone Corporate Etiquette Trainer Kumar De Yudhanjaya to my bridal clients. Then March happened course he has learnt is willing to see through.” Silva shared with us that 2020 has reinforced and everything came to a standstill. My to be more mindful Wijeratne, best Think outside the box and be his belief that one must never take life for known for his books research showed me that my industry will be of the way he treats granted. “You and I could be dead right now, Numbercaste and The one of the worst hit and the pandemic was his surroundings, the 6 open to new opportunities and especially with Covid-19 and its effects, Inhuman Race, shared going nowhere in the near future. So I had to time in quarantine Musician Ishan we know so many thousands who lost their with us that one thing make viable and yet difficult decisions,” said curfew has brought De Lanerolle of The Yudhanjaya lives all around the world,” he said, adding he would certainly Fernando. Tymeron great perspective, in De Lanerolle Brothers that he is thankful to be alive and waking up Wijeratne Carvalho take away from She said that she decided to adopt some realising that “we shared they have come day after day. this year is to value changes: “I closed the physical salon and let don’t have to spend to learn that we need to personal contact, while sober. my 15 staff go in order to cut my overheads. colossal amounts of money to do something adapt to the new way We must make being safe a He shared that so much of our I realised my home studio was sufficient to therapeutic to our minds; doing something of things; we have to practice because we will connection with people is based on alcohol, attend to my clients. Weddings take place on at home can be more therapeutic such as learn to think out of 10 it seems almost ritualistic as a result. We location anyway so I didn’t need a salon for gardening, cleaning, etc. And we can spend the box and if we are have to learn to live with Covid-19 have all acquired many acquaintances, but the purpose of dressing brides. more time talking and sharing our thoughts able to do that we will Ishan De Sri Lankan Lanerolle very few of them whom we can call true “I also give my clients the option of with our loved ones, who we have missed discover an abundance actress Chathurika friends – those who actually know the depths visiting my studio or me visiting them at talking to in our busy lives”. He added that of opportunities Pieris, who was of our hearts, people with whom we have their home which increased my clientele. in realising the connection we must establish waiting to be had. diagnosed with very few meaningful conversations with, Clients felt safer and it was more convenient with Mother Nature, we must also have one He said that in their case, what used to Covid-19 this year, giving way to meaningless chatter which for them as well. For bigger events, I hire with ourselves. “Everything comes within be was they would have sit-down dinners and said: “I think you takes prominence. Wijeratne has learned freelancers for that specific event so I can you, which includes happiness, sadness, perform for about 500 people, but now with should practise being we should focus a little more on cultivating pay them per service,” she said. strength, and weakness. Nothing is stable, so this current situation they were able to reach safe. We should take those personal one-on-one conversations not Fernando shared that she moved her we must enjoy it while it lasts.” over 2,000 people from over 20 countries. the Government- issued health Chathurika surrounded by alcohol. permanent makeup services to Ninewells “Mind you, these are Rs. 1,000 tickets for Pieris Hospital and the skin clinic to ensure Learn to take pride in your online concerts,” he said, adding that now guidelines and what There is opportunity in adversity that her clients were afforded maximum 5 values they have released those videos in parts for they have suggested 3 Pro- protection from risks of the virus. In making TV presenter their 12 days of Christmas project and it has seriously. certified makeup these changes, she found that although her and musician resulted in increasing that reach even more. The authorities have proposed that artist and owner of revenue is less, her profits have increased, Hirushi Jayasuriya Ishan added that one of the main lessons you steam and drink kottamalli and other The Wax Museum and a perk being she has much less shared with us the they have learned this year is to think outside home remedies like that to boost your Nadiya Fernando said: paperwork to deal with. “I’m also working on one lesson she will the box and look beyond the norm for immunity and I think you should take “There is opportunity a new model for salon services based on my be taking with her opportunities and if everyone is to do that, those suggestions to heart.” She continued: in adversity and belief that the traditional salon concept will to 2021: “I think then almost all industries will have a solution “If I protect my family and you protect therefore it’s important not be valid as we enter the new normal,” she to me the most waiting for them. your family, then we can stay safe”. As to be versatile. Some said. a Covid 19 survivor, during her time as a important things Hirushi situations are out of Nadiya Sometimes getting backed into patient and her time of quarantine at the Fernando Mother Nature always about 2020 are the Jayasuriya our control so it’s up simple values we a corner is a good thing Dr. Neville Fernando Teaching Hospital, 7 the one thing she learned was that a part of to us to adapt to that 4 has the power over us if we mess learned to carry in Fitness instructor Tarja de Silva living with Covid is not ostracising those situation.” this complex world. Caring for our health shared that while there was of course a lot The same time last year, Fernando with her who contract the virus. She said that it is Fashion designer and runway model and building meaningful connections with of negativity borne of this year and it was thought 2020 was going to be just like any immensely stressful for those who have it Tymeron Carvalho shared with us that one people even though we couldn’t even meet a difficult time for a lot of us, one really other year but better. Her business was and they feel mentally defeated as they thing he certainly learned was not to mess them. Creating meaningful moments through positive thing that came out of it was that the doing very well. “We had record numbers are helpless and worried for the safety of with Mother Nature, because she will put us even a message or a phone call. Making situation really pushed them to set up their of pre-booked weddings. In January and their families. 6 the morning ARTS Friday, January 1, 2021 Trash the Reviving the creative size of an industry post pandemic BY VENESSA ANTHONY We need to focus on our there’s always something that current opportunities: you can focus on, even in The pandemic has been a isolation. In terms of filmmaking, tough time for all of us. Almost Shaun Perera it’s a bit difficult to go out elephant every industry has been affected Shaun Perera is there and shoot. We have by its wrath. The Morning the frontman for had time to work on pre- Brunch spoke to a few renowned the well-loved production.” Lalith Senanayake personalities that work in the band Magic He added that creative industry about what they Box Mixup. He despite whatever think Sri Lanka needs to focus on started off simply challenges that come uses art to spread an when it comes to reviving their carrying speakers our way, there’s always respective field post pandemic, to clubs, and slowly a workaround. “With important message and what needs to be focused on but surely formed technology evolving, this year. Magic Box and rose to fame. people are becoming even more The band has now made quite connected, and we’re finding We will need the support of the impact on Sri Lanka’s music ways to work from remote BY VENESSA ANTHONY They picked an elephant to patrons, authorities, and industry since their performance distances, even though it might sculpt because they thought it at TNL Onstage back in 2006, be a little complicated at times.” Art is a very effective method of self-expression. Lalith would appeal to kids; they wanted art lovers: Jehan Aloysius where they won two awards. He concluded that it’s all about to educate kids on plastic waste Jehan Aloysius is Perera mentioned that the finding a loophole and being Senanayake, an immensely talented sculptor from Wattala, a full-time theatre uses his art to spread a message that needs to be heard by all and show them that by polluting, pandemic has cost them a lot productive. “We need to adapt to they are endangering these majestic practitioner, change. The world is changing, residents of our planet: Stop plastic pollution. of opportunities to perform animals. “I wanted to highlight as well as and earn money. “We do technology is changing, and we Senanayake excels in the field the fact that we collected trash the a visiting miss connecting with our need to keep up with the times,” of sculpting and is specialised in size of an elephant, so they would lecturer at the audience, but we think he stated. metalwork. He used to work as a understand the significance.” University that having the chance political cartoonist for a newspaper They displayed it at the beach of Visual and to do our music through Through dedication, we for 20 years before he began in hopes that kids will look at the Performing social media opened up will return to normalcy: focusing on his talent. He taught sculpture and think “that could be Arts. Over the many avenues for us,” he himself sculpting with the help of my plastic bottle”, so they would last two decades, said. Perera looks at the Natasha Jayasuriya former University of Visual and understand that they shouldn’t just he has been involved with over pandemic in a positive Natasha Performing Arts Vice Chancellor be discarding their waste anywhere. 60 productions of the English light. “We now have Jayasuriya is Prof. Sarath Chandrajeewa and and Sinhala language theatre. the time to get our an experienced eased his way into clay sculpting. Sparking conversations In addition, Jehan has been music out there, and dancer, and is the Senanayake explained the associated with The Royal work on our originals. Principal of Deanna It all began at a garage challenges they had to overcome Court Theatre of London, We want to focus on Dance School. Speaking to The Morning to create this piece of work: “The ART of Bangalore, Theatrum the opportunities that we Having started her Brunch, Senanayake shared his plastic wasn’t as easy to stick to Botanicum of Edinburgh, Brave have, instead of focusing on training at the age of two, Natasha has since journey into metal sculpting. He told Lalith Senanayake the metal as I thought it would be, Theatre Festival of Poland, what we can do to make up what us that back in 2009, the Professor’s so we had to find alternate ways Rikskonsertene of Norway, and we lost.” He plans to collaborate exposed herself to a myriad house had a garage with a lot of the beach every weekend, and they to attach them. We thought about The British Council, as well as with smaller artists and hopes of dance styles (both locally scrap metal, so he began inculcating see discarded ice cream wrappers, melting the plastic to attach it, but the National School of Drama of to help get the name of our Sri and overseas). Her impressive the scraps into his sculpting, and plastic bottles, bags, and other quickly realised that the fumes from India. Lankan artists out there next portfolio includes classical ballet, thus his first scrap metal sculpture waste. They had then planned to burning plastic are harmful to the He shared his thoughts on the year. hip-hop, street jazz, tap dancing, was born. start an organisation to prevent this environment, and people living theatre industry being affected Spanish dancing, and ballroom He displayed this sculpture at pollution, but that idea fell through. around. Instead, we attached it with by the pandemic: “I believe We need to keep up with and Latin dancing. Through an exhibition that was visited by Instead, they picked up all the various other means.” He added that many aspects of life have been the times: Akash years of dedicated learning renowned architect C. Anjalendran plastic waste on the beach and took plastic isn’t as malleable as metal altered by this pandemic. Those and practice, Natasha has who adored the sculpture. He it home. or clay, so they had to work with its who are full-time practitioners Sunethkumara expanded her plethora identified Senanayake’s gift and “There were so many bags of original form. in the performing arts have not Akash of qualifications to advised him to continue with waste. We didn’t know what to do Their efforts have been had any projects since February Sunethkumara range from being sculpting. with it. Then we thought, since we successful, as this sculpture is being this year. As we don’t have is a filmmaker, a Gold Standard make sculptures out of metal, why talked about everywhere, and the regular salaries, insurance, or writer, and lecturer, Ballroom and Latin Elephant in the room not try out of plastic. So I had the message to protect our environment bonuses, this pandemic was a and is also the American dancer to Recently, Senanayake took part idea to infuse the plastic into a metal has been taken seriously. challenging period indeed. We Founder of High being a qualified ballet in a large project where he created sculpture.” Senanayake noted that the waste on need to see that performance School Junkies, an teacher of the Royal a jumbo elephant out of the plastic Senanayake has taken part in the beach has actually significantly spaces can reopen safely, while independent production Academy of Dance, UK. waste that washed up at the beach. many environmental awareness reduced. The elephant can be seen also providing funding for company. It has always been She talked about how the He has always had a liking towards programmes, both in Sri Lanka and standing tall at the Uswetakeiyawa artists and their new projects his dream to produce films that dance industry will survive post sculpting animals and birds, so abroad, so he applied the knowledge beach, behind Hotel Club House. which contribute to culture are on par with international pandemic. “The dance industry he settled on an elephant for this he garnered from these events to Apart from this jumbo and literature, not merely standards, and it’s safe to say post the pandemic will face a sculpture. build this sculpture. elephant, Senanayake has entertainment.” he has successfully achieved few challenges, but we hope the “I took my wife and my He and his wife plan to use all also created many other metal He added that he believes these dreams. To date, his films foundations set in place, and the two kids to the Uswetaekiyawa they learned to start an initiative sculptures. They source the metal 2021 will also be a period of have won international awards, dedication our students have, beach during the first wave of the against plastic use next year. They from scraps they have at home, and challenges and recovery. “As we with early effort EIDETIC will encourage them to return to pandemic. The beach looked nothing hope they can encourage people depending on the requirements of work on healing the economy winning Best Action/Thriller normalcy soon.” like it used to years ago; it was to recycle or reduce their plastic the artwork, they buy metal from and the damaged arts sector, Short Student at the Hollywood She added: “In 2021, we are polluted and no one could come and consumption. The family is also on metal manufacturing companies. we will need the support of Boulevard Film Festival in Los thrilled to resume classes in the relax on the shore anymore.” a journey towards zero-waste – to He told us that since many patrons, authorities, and art Angeles, and being the very studio and be in a position to He shared that they usually visit live a more sustainable and eco- people know he is in this business, lovers to support new types of first Sri Lankan short to screen give students their full training conscious life. they drop off their metal scraps performances, so the culture can at the world’s largest geekfest, once again. Through dance, we They began sorting through at his house too. Not only are his survive and thrive in 2021.” He San Diego Comic-Con. His hope to motivate our students to the waste to find which bits they pieces breathtakingly beautiful, but concluded: “As performers, we subsequent films have also been have a more positive attitude in could use and which were unusable. they also help reduce a lot of waste. always know that the ‘show must screened in multiple countries. day-to-day life.” She concluded He told us the sculpture took over One man’s trash is another man’s and shall go on’, so hopefully we Akash told us how he is that we also need to focus three months to make, but due to the treasure, after all. shall find innovative new ways currently managing his career. on building confidence and lockdowns that happened, they had His sculptures are mostly sold of reaching our audiences and “Despite whatever circumstances empowering students to be the time to give their complete attention to foreign countries, but right now, paying our bills.” are happening in the world, best they can be. to their piece. The two little ones too they are not importing any due have had fun helping their parents to the restrictions caused by the spin their magic and bring life to pandemic. Even though most of his this magnificent work of art, he said. sculptures are not in the country, They were very effective in using you can still see two of his famous the pandemic for some healthy ones near the Gangarama Temple, family bonding time, instead of so next time you’re in the area, keep English Nursing Care celebrates focusing on the negative aspects. an eye out for these beauties! the season with compassion Celebrating Christmas this year has had many challenges. Ace Connekt launched as Nevertheless, the team at English Nursing Care Sri Lanka (ENC) advocates the need for revolutionary new online job portal compassion and kindness more Ace Connekt (www.aceconnekt. Connekt Founder Naomi De Silva. than ever. Sharing the season’s com), an innovative new recruitment As a one-stop shop recruitment spirit, special home visits to platform that seeks to connect hub, an employer has the ability to their clients, home nurses, and Special home visits with gifts were made to ENC’s clients, companies to talented job-seekers, hire at any level, from clerical staff care companions with gifts were home nurses, and care companions was launched recently. to the CEO. Moreover, job-seekers, made with a gentle reassurance The main objective of the including differently abled and that they appreciate all their platform is to provide an effective persons with special needs, can create efforts for making the year a and reliable recruitment tool Ace Connekt Web Ace Connekt a profile for prospective employers positive one. Developer Kirushan Founder Naomi English Nursing Care is a ensuring recruiters and corporates Kirupamoorthy De Silva to view. Even small business owners have easy and quick access to the or service providers can hire through Sri Lankan home nursing care approach to recruitment. The new largest human resource talent pool, this platform with ease. service, bringing 35 years of platform will ensure the recruitment earning recognition as the ultimate Ace Connekt was envisioned nursing experience from the UK process becomes a lot more efficient recruitment hub in the future. under the wings of Amarion Career and embedding best practices in and effective for both employers and Launched as a novel concept Consultancy Firm (Pvt.) Ltd. after the Sri Lankan community since job-seekers. We firmly believe it in Sri Lanka, the platform links job- discovering the need for such a 2017. The team of nurses work will provide a one-stop shop for all seekers with employment providers, platform to provide a win-win closely with your loved ones to job-seekers who need to find the right and also provides an open platform situation for both the employer and manage their health, medication, job, whilst also enabling employers For further information on ENC, visit their website at for job-seekers to gain employment. job-seeker and also to create new job mobility, and be their companion to reach the best talent,” said Ace www.englishnursing.com or call +94 11 4500117. “This is an exciting new opportunities. when you are far away. the morning 7 Friday, January 1, 2021 SPORTS

16 Dec: Jaffna Stallions beat Galle Gladiators in the final to win the inaugural LPL. Stallions' skipper Thisara Perera received the LPL trophy from Youth and Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa

10 Nov: Mumbai Indians (MI) beat Delhi Capitals in the final in Dubai to win a record fifth IPL title. MI star Hardik Pandya with the IPL trophy IPL, LPL, and ICC Awards amid bio bubbles 28 Dec: Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, and Ellyse Perry, who won major awards at the ICC Best Players of the z Cricket in 2020 under shadow of coronavirus Decade Awards

From the successfully launched Lanka Premier League (LPL), the Instagram handle. for Covid-19 in Dubai including India fast as Karachi Kings beat Lahore Qalandars by five International Cricket Council (ICC) Awards of the Decade, and India’s Test The 39-year-old’s last outing in India colours bowler Deepak Chahar. wickets in the final to win its maiden Pakistan win at the Melbourne Cricket Grounds (MCG) after they were bowled was the 2019 World Cup semi-final against New Super League (PSL) title. out for the lowest runs (36) in their history, to the postponement of the Zealand. Minutes after Dhoni’s announcement, 13 September men’s T20 World Cup, here is a look back at the key cricketing events of Suresh Raina, one of India’s prolific white-ball Fast bowler Shanthakumaran Sreesanth’s 6 December the year that passed by. players, also quit international cricket. ban – initially a life ban – had been revised England’s South Africa tour was called off to seven years in 2019 and officially ended after a Covid-19 outbreak among both teams’ 25 August in September this year. He was subsequently camps and staff at their hotel. restrictions, making the competition’s ambition England’s James Anderson became the named in Kerala’s 26-strong probables list for 9 February to feature world-class players and coaches first fast-bowler to claim 600 Test wickets. next season’s Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy. 16 December Bangladesh won the ICC Under-19 World unattainable in 2020”. He achieved the landmark with the wicket of Jaffna Stallions beat Galle Gladiators in the Cup, beating India in the final in Potchefstroom, Azhar Ali on the final afternoon of the third 10 November final to win the inaugural Lanka Premier League South Africa. It was Bangladesh’s maiden 24 June Test in Southampton. Mumbai Indians beat Delhi Capitals in the (LPL) at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium at World Cup win at any level and sent its fans Clare Connor, the former England Captain, final in Dubai to win a record fifth Indian Hambantota. Cricket returned to the island in into raptures. will become the first woman President of the 29 August Premier League (IPL) title. Mumbai became a big way giving a huge boost to north and Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in 2021, it Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) Suresh Raina the first team after CSK to defend the title. east cricket. 8 March was announced. and Harbhajan Singh pulled out of IPL 2020 Australia emerged victorious at the ICC for “personal reasons”. Earlier, at least 10 17 November 19 December Women’s T20 World Cup, beating India in 8-28 July members of the CSK contingent tested positive Babar Azam struck an unbeaten half-century Josh Hazlewood took five for eight as the final. The match, played on International England beat West Indies 2-1 in their Test Australia bundled out India for its lowest Women’s Day, was watched by 86,174 people series at home. The opening day of the series in innings score in 88 years of Test cricket, at the MCG. It was a maiden T20 World Cup Southampton marked Test cricket’s return after 24 July: ‘Thanks. Thanks dismissing the team for 36 at the start of day final for the Harmanpreet Kaur-led India. a 129-day hiatus because of the coronavirus a lot for your love and three of the day-night first Test in Adelaide. support throughout. pandemic. It was also the time when the Black From 19.29 hrs consider 13 March Lives Matter (BLM) movement started gaining me as retired.’ Legendary 24 December England’s Test team under Joe Root flew ground. Mahendra Singh The BCCI approved a 10-team IPL from back home from Sri Lanka in the middle of Dhoni retired from 2022 at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) their tour match in Colombo, after the tour 20 July international cricket in Ahmedabad. was called off amid the coronavirus pandemic. The T20 World Cup, scheduled to be played Among other key developments, Chetan in Australia in October-November of 2020, was Sharma was appointed as the Chairman of 15 April formally postponed to 2022. Besides deferring the Indo selection committee, while Abey The Board of Control for Cricket in India the T20 World Cup, the ICC also shifted the Kuruvilla and Debasish Mohanty were the (BCCI) formally informed the eight Indian 2023 Men’s World Cup from the February- other members in the panel. The trio will join Premier League (IPL) franchises that the 13th March window to October-November that year. the pair of Sunil Joshi and Harvinder Singh. edition of the T20 league had been “indefinitely postponed” due to Covid-19. 24 July 28 December The BCCI decided to hold the Indian Steve Smith was named the ICC Men’s Test 30 April Premier League (IPL) from 19 September Cricketer of the Decade, while India Captain The first season of “the Hundred” has been to 10 November in the United Arab Emirates Virat Kohli received the Sir Garfield Sobers pushed back to 2021 following an England (UAE). Award for ICC Male Cricketer of the Decade and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) board Former India Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and the men’s ODI Cricketer of the Decade meeting. In a media release, the ECB said announced his retirement from international award. Ellyse Perry won the Rachael Heyhoe that a number of reasons led to the decision, cricket. “Thanks. Thanks a lot for your love and Flint Award for ICC Female Cricketer of the including “operational challenges caused support throughout. From 19.29 hrs consider Decade, while also claiming both the ODI and by social distancing alongside global travel me as retired,” wrote Dhoni on his official T20I Cricketer of the Decade honours. 29 December Ajinkya Rahane's 12th Test hundred coupled with an all-round bowling performance powered India to a series-levelling eight-wicket win against Australia at the MCG. Needing a modest 70 to win, Shubman Gill (35 not out) and skipper Rahane (27 not out) got India over the line in 15.5 overs. 30 December New Zealand’s bowlers produced a late final session surge to guide their side to a tense 101-run victory over Pakistan in the first Test in Mount Maunganui and kept alive their hopes of reaching next year's World Test Championship final.

8-28 July: England met West Indies in a Test series at home when the Black Lives Matter (BLM) (With input from Sportstar) movement started gaining ground Edinson Cavani banned Manchester United’s Edinson Cavani has been given a three-match ban and a fine of £ 100,000 (Rs. 25.2 million) for a social media post containing a Spanish phrase that is offensive in some contexts. The Uruguayan, 33, pleaded guilty to the Football Association Asian Beach Games postponed again (FA) charge of using insulting and/or The Asian Beach Games in the Chinese city of Sanya have improper words. Cavani sent the message been postponed for a second time because of the coronavirus after scoring a winner at Southampton pandemic, Inside the Games said on Wednesday (30). In a on 29 November. The striker has statement, the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) confirmed the subsequently deleted the post and event would not be held on its scheduled dates of 2-10 April apologised when the meaning 2021. The Games had initially been due to take place from 28 that could be attached was November to 6 December before being pushed back to 2021 as pointed out. a result of the Covid-19 crisis. Friday , January 1, 2021

British F1 sports legend is now ‘Sir’ Lewis Arise Sir Hamilton Lewis! z F1 legend and BLM promoter Hamilton knighted z First Black driver to reach such heights in the sport zRob Burrow becomes MBE for charity

Formula One (F1) world champion Lewis Hamilton was fantastic the way he calls out to all the working to raise awareness of the knighted in the Queen’s New Year Honours list yesterday young kids. He’s going to ignite a whole degenerative condition, which affects (31). The Briton, 35, who is the first Black driver to reach army of Hamilton wannabe emulators how nerves in the brain and spinal cord unprecedented heights in the sport, sealed a seventh drivers’ and he deserves his knighthood. He’s function. title at the Turkish Grand Prix in November 2020 to equal always been an exceptional talent but Greaves too Germany’s Michael Schumacher’s championships record. it’s incredible what he’s achieved this year (2020). It’s not been a good year Others made an MBE include former for most of us on the planet but it’s been Tottenham and Chelsea striker Jimmy The knighthood honour for Hamilton and his half-brother Nicolas, who is also a pretty good year for Lewis.” Greaves and ex-Wolves midfielder Ron by Queen Elizabeth II holds a special a professional racing driver. Flowers, both World Cup winners with symbolic significance as the F1 driver Rob Burrow made an MBE England in 1966. has always voiced vehemently for Seventh title last year Meanwhile, rugby league legend Rob Greaves, who later became a popular social change, human rights, diversity, BBC remembered yesterday that Burrow was made an MBE (Member television personality, suffered a severe and environmentalism. Hamilton was Hamilton won his first world title with of the Order of the British Empire) for stroke in 2015 and his son Danny said also actively participating in the Black McLaren in 2008, with further successes his services to rugby and his awareness of the MBE: “We are very, very proud Lives Matter (BLM) movement last in 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2019. He campaign since being diagnosed with of dad. Always have been, always will year following the brutal killing of clinched a seventh World Championship motor neurone disease. be. At almost 81, to receive an honour US African-American George Floyd. to become the most successful F1 driver British tennis player and their Billie from Her Majesty the Queen is just ever when he won the Turkish Grand Jean King Cup (formerly Fed Cup) something very, very special.” Family background Prix in November. Captain Anne Keothavong also became Born and raised in Stevenage, The Mercedes driver had already an MBE. The 37-year-old former British Rob Baxter can’t believe it Hertfordshire, Hamilton rose in surpassed Schumacher’s record number No. 1 represented Great Britain in the Former Exeter Chiefs’ rugby stalwart competitive motor racing since he was of race wins the previous month Fed Cup before becoming Captain in Rob Baxter who helped the club win signed to the McLaren Young Driver (October), with Hamilton’s total now 2016. domestic and European titles last Programme in 1998. This resulted in a standing at an incredible 95. season was made an OBE (Order of F1 opportunity for him with McLaren Recognised for charity the British Empire) while Captain Joe in 2007. Hamilton thus became the first Always wanted a change Several sporting names have earned Simmonds became an MBE. Black driver to race in the sport. After the Istanbul victory in their place on the Honours List through “I couldn’t quite work out if it was He was born on 7 January 1985 November, Hamilton said he felt like charity work, with their contributions real or whether it was spam or someone to father Anthony Hamilton who is he was “only just getting started”, during the coronavirus pandemic being having a bit of a prank,” Baxter said Black. His mother Carmen Larbalestier adding: “To all the kids out there, dream recognised. of the moment he received the news. is White, making him mixed-race. the impossible.” He said he would Burrow, who made 493 appearances “It turned up by email and not in Hamilton has always identified himself “love to stay” in F1 and wanted to for Leeds Rhinos, was diagnosed with an official letter. You download it, as Black. His parents separated when he continue to campaign for change when motor neurone disease in 2019, two read it, and check who it has been was two, after which he lived with his it comes to human rights, diversity, and years after retiring from playing. emailed from with a Google search. I mother and older half-sisters, Samantha environmentalism. With the support of his former club sat there with my wife, both of us in and Nicola, until he was 12. Hamilton Former world champion Damon Hill and the rugby league community, the a slightly bemused state. My family Lewis with father Anthony Hamilton in 2008 then lived with his stepmother Linda told BBC Radio 5 Live yesterday: “It’s 38-year-old has spent the past year are delighted.” KANDY MUSINGS BY Heavy international schedule HAFIZ MARIKAR The Sri Lanka national cricket team for Sri Lanka cricket in 2021 will have a heavy international schedule, both home and away, this Asia Cup organised by the Asian Cricket organise the second season of the Lanka T10 league scheduled for December this year. year for sports due to the coronavirus outbreak. year (2021). Council (ACC). The T20I tournament will Premier League (LPL) in July-August before With the hope that 2021 will be a prosperous Let’s hope for the best this year! May God be held here in Sri Lanka in June this year. the inaugural T10 league, now set to be held and peaceful year for sports, a Happy New Year bless all sports lovers with happiness, peace, Sri Lanka is to host England, Bangladesh, However, the most attractive event set for this in December 2021. to all our sports lovers reading The Morning strength, wealth, beauty, patience, simplicity, Ireland, India, South Africa, Afghanistan, and year will be the International Cricket Council Overall, Sri Lanka will play a total of eight Sports. success, prosperity, attitudes, and health from Scotland, respectively in one or more formats, (ICC)-organised seventh T20 World Cup, to Tests, 15 ODIs, and 12 T20Is in bilateral We’re sad to say that last year was a bad the very first hour of the new year! according to the tentative schedule which is be held in India in the October-November series during the year. The 2021 calendar now out for the New Year. window this year. also includes the LPL Season 2 scheduled Sri Lanka will also be the venue of the 15th Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) will for July-August, and the inaugural Sri Lanka

Dec 2020-Jan 2021: Against (Away) – three T20Is South Africa (Away) – two Tests 2021 SCHEDULE FOR SRI LANKA Dec 2021: Against Bangladesh Jan 2021: Against England May 2021: Against Ireland July-Aug 2021: Lanka Premier (Away) – two Tests (Home) – two Tests (Home) – one Test** League (LPL) T20s Season 2 in Sri Nov-Dec 2021: Against Feb 2021: Against New Zealand May-June 2021: Against Lanka Afghanistan (Home) – three ODIs (Away) – three ODIs and three Bangladesh (Away) – three ODIs* Aug-Sep 2021: Against South Dec 2021: Inaugural Sri Lanka T20Is June 2021: Asia Cup in Sri Lanka Africa (Home) – three ODIs, three T10 League Feb-Mar 2021: Against West (12 T20Is and the Final) T20Is Indies (Away) – two Tests, three Jun-Jul 2021: Against England Sep-Oct 2021: Against Scotland Notes: ODIs, and three T20Is (Away) – three ODIs and three (Home) – three T20Is * Postponed from 2020 schedule Mar-April 2021: Against T20Is Oct-Nov 2021: Seventh ICC T20 ** May be held in either May or Bangladesh (Home) – three July 2021: Against India (Home) World Cup (in India) December 2021 Tests* – three T20Is Oct 2021: Against Australia The dates are subject to change The sixth T20 World Cup in India was launched in December in Dubai by Indian cricket board President Sourav Ganguly and its Secretary Jay Shah