highlights Derogatory remarks about Archbishop wednesday 24 june 2020 Sajith should Latest Edition take action Vol: 09/173 Price : Rs 30.00 against Harin In Sports – Gammanpila Ten Pakistan page A4 players test positive for Covid-19 Karuna says unwell to Pakistan Board (PCB) has confirmed that seven more cricketers give statement to CID have returned positive tests for Covid- 19, taking the total count to ten ahead page A2 of their England tour. A16

Former Intelligence Director says Rifkhan Bathiudeen Harin stoops helped Zahran so low – Asgiriya Anunayaka

By K.L. Suraweera and Nadeeka flee to India Daya Bandara Anunayaka of the Asgiriya Chapter, Ven. By Buddhika Samaraweera Vendaruwe Upali Thera, has vehemently condemned the remarks made against the Rifkhan Bathiudeen, brother of former Minister Rishad Archbishop of , His Eminence Bathiudeen, helped National Thowheed Jama’ath (NTJ) Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, by former MP Leader, Zahran Hashim, to flee to India by sea, a former Harin Fernando. Intelligence Director said. He said the Buddhist clergy would It was also revealed that had worked never condone the actions of closely with Zahran’s extremist organisation. Fernando, who had caused severe He made this statement on 22 June, when he testified pain of mind to Archbishop Ranjith, before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry probing the through his remarks made while Easter Sunday Bombings on 21 April 2019. addressing an election rally of the The witness also disclosed that the intelligence unit he had Samagi Jana Balawegaya in worked with had informed former Chief of National Intelligence Service Polonnaruwa recently. The monk (NIS), Sisira Mendis and former State Intelligence Service (SIS) noted that at a time when people of Director Nilantha Jayawardena on nine occasions regarding the different faiths live in close harmony extremist statements and actions of Zahran. and understanding with each other, “Since the speeches of Zahran that were circulated on social media Fernando’s criticism of a religious leader were very similar to Islamic State (IS) views, I urged relevant personnel shows the extent to which politicians to take legal action immediately in that regard,” he added. would stoop to win an election. Story Continued on page 2 Politicians must Insulting Cardinal PCoI on Political Victimisation Boasting of JVP Leader puzzled not defame Harin by summons atrocities is religious leaders apologises By Faadhila Thassim heinous – Wimal Leader of the JVP, Anura Kumara Suggests questioning Karuna – Fr. Fernando Dissanayake, requested Chairman of the Former MP Harin Fernando yesterday Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) By Nabiya Vaffoor By Ruwantha (23) sought on the Political Victimisation of Public Nithulgaspitiya forgiveness from Servants, Upali Abeyratne,... Any person who the Archbishop of was a member of a Head of the Catholic Bishops Colombo, His militant or terrorist Conference of , Rev. Eminence Malcolm outfit has a right to Fr. Winston Fernando, said Cardinal Ranjith reform. However, if politicians should never strive and the Catholic such an individual to defame religious leaders, in community, for is attempting to order to cover their own any pain of mind boast about past shortcomings. that had been atrocities and He said that he vehemently caused by him, project them as condemned the disparaging... through the heroic acts, such remarks where he acts cannot be Story Continued on page 2 had distorted the condoned and word ‘Archbishop’, while referring to His Story Continued on page 2 should be Eminence. considered extremely heinous, Minister He made this statement at a Samagi Jana said yesterday (23). Banks to freeze ‘drug Balawegaya meeting in Badulla yesterday. To permit a solar power plant Minister Weerawansa further said that Fernando also said the remark that the if the intention of was to money’ accounts Archbishop had engaged in politics was his Politician of former get votes of people in the North and the personal view and averred that it was not East by boasting that he killed ... By Ranmini Gunasekara the standpoint of his party, the Samagi regime took Rs 500M Jana Balawegaya. Story Continued on page 2 Acting IGP, C.D. He noted that he was prepared to seek bribe - CEB Chair Wickremaratne has given forgiveness from the Archbishop, if his instructions for banks to freeze recent comments had caused any pain of By Saundarya Wellaboda all accounts related to drug mind. Two more money. All bank accounts that He added that he had cultivated the habit A politician of the former United National have received any amount of of expressing his views in an outspoken Front-led Government, had taken a Rs 500 leopards caught money through drug-related and forthright manner from his parents million bribe from a company to grant transactions, are to be frozen and emphasised that he was not afraid to permission to build a solar power plant, in snares – DWC under the Prevention of Money seek public forgiveness for his comments claimed Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) Laundering Act, along with all concerning the Archbishop. Chairman . By Ranmini Gunasekara tangible and intangible assets of these suspects, said Western Province (North) SDIG Story Continued on page 2 Two more leopards have been found Deshabandu Tennakoon. caught in snares at the Helboda Estate He said this at a Media conference at Police in Nuwara Eliya yesterday (23), said the Headquarters yesterday. Limiting of non-essential imports Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC). Story Continued on page 2 The two leopards were reportedly a Many sectors can commence mother and her cub, and whilst the female leopard had succumbed to its injuries, the cub had survived and is Constitutional production – President currently undergoing treatment in the care of DWC officials. Council meets today With the limiting of imports of several non- Speaking to Ceylon Today, DWC essential items, the opportunity is now open Spokesperson Hasini Sarathchandra Filling vacancies high on agenda to commence production in many sectors, said that henceforth, strict legal action President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said. will also be taken under the Fauna and A Constitutional Council (CC) meeting is The current challenge before industrialists Flora Protection Ordinance against the scheduled to be held at 6 p.m. today at the Speaker’s is to win the domestic and global market, the owners of estates or premises where residence, under the patronage of its Chairman and President observed. snares have been set up. former Speaker, . The President made these remarks during a “Previously, we took legal action Secretary General of Parliament Dhammika discussion with the members of the Inter- against the suspects who have set up Dassanayake said Prime Minister Mahinda Ministerial Task Force on Industrial and snares. But now, we have decided that Rajapaksa and other members of the CC are slated Enterprise Development held at the we will take strict legal action against to attend the meeting. Presidential Secretariat on 22 June,... the owners of the estate or the...

Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 A2 wednesday 24 june 2020 news

COVID-19 prevention programmes PPP with Rakna Arakshaka CASA breached PHIs threaten health regulations By Faadhila Thassim – Avant Garde head Chairman of Avant Garde, Nissanka Senadhipathi, stated that the public- that companies registered under private with Rakna CASA could still operate and provide to withdraw Arakshaka Lanka Limited for ship services other than providing isolation crew changes in Sri Lankan ports facilities to seafarers. The Public Health Inspectors Union Wanniarachchi that they had been lockdown regulations (including during the COVID-19 pandemic has Senadhipathi further noted that of Sri Lanka (PHIUSL) threatened to forced to resort to strict trade union Election guidelines), and the been entered into because the Ceylon CASA has also written to the Ministry withdraw from all COVID-19 action due to the failure of the latter compilation of the necessary legal Association of Shipping Agents (CASA) of Health requesting for the transfer of prevention programmes from next to grant relief to them for most of the provisions to empower them further dealing with such transfers has ships crew on bulk basis to which the Monday, 29 June if their demands issues faced by its officers when under this Ordinance. breached health regulations imposed Ministry replied stating that such were not met by then. performing their official duty. They had explained that since by the Ministry of Health. Addressing approval cannot be granted given the Submitting a letter to the Ministry Among the three main issues March up to June this year, the a Media briefing held yesterday (23), COVID-19 situation. He also added of Health, the PHIUSL has warned highlighted by the PHIUSL have been PHIUSL had held several rounds of he added that CASA had ignored the that another shipping agent had that they would also withdraw from the resolving of issues pertaining to discussions with the subject Minister standard operating procedures for admitted two sea marshalls to Lanka duties targeting the 5 August General the appointment of Inspectors related aimed at finding solutions to pressing setting up and maintenance of safe Hospitals due to an alleged sickness Election as well as dengue prevention to the Quarantine and Prevention of issues faced by its officers, but house for seafarers. These operating without the knowledge of the Navy. He programmes with effect from Monday Diseases Ordinance, No. 3 of 1897, lamented that such talks had been to procedures require that isolation added that this was an extremely (29). the legalization of health guidelines no avail, thus forcing them to resort premises be spacious enough to dangerous act, since had the two The PHIUSL has observed in its concerning the reopening of to trade union action to win their just accommodate a minimum of 100 individuals been infected with COVID- letter sent to Minister Pavithra workplaces and the lifting of the demands. seafarers at a time where one seafarer 19, there would have been a second should be accommodated in one room wave of COVID-19. with an attached washroom. However, ‘’Therefore, based on the reports over a period of month, it had handed over for the establishment of a accommodated 12 seafarers in one public-private partnership to provide Controversial statements room who had to share one bathroom. such services, the Ministry of Health He added that arranging isolation has approved such establishment facilities for seafarers is also not subject to over hundred rules and Karuna Amman says unwell to within the constitution of CASA and regulations. This will be monitored by that they have carried out such the , Ministry of activity without the knowledge of the Health, and Rakna Arakshaka Lanka give statement to CID Navy. Limited which is a registered company “JVP Central Committee Member, under the Ministry of Defence’’ he Karuna Amman has informed the CID that he is Acting Inspector General of Police (Acting IGP) C.D. Wasantha Samarasinghe has stated added. currently unable to provide a statement, CID sources Wickremaratna directed the CID, to launch immediate that Avant Garde is trying to operate He further invited Samarasinghe, said. investigations into the controversial statements made by as a monopoly and make profits, JVP Leader Anura Kumara Leader of the Tamil United Freedom Front (TUFF), Karuna, regarding crimes committed while he was in the whereas the same service had been Dissanayake and former MPs Patali through his lawyers, had informed the CID that he is Liberation Tigers of (LTTE). offered at a rate of USD 100 per , Arjuna unable to provide a statement as he was unwell. However, Karuna Amman, at a meeting in Navadinveli recently seafarer while a greater percentage of Ranatunga and for it is reported that he will record a statement once he made a controversial statement glorifying the killing of Sri these funds goes to the State as a an open discussion on the importance recovers. Lankan soldiers during his time as a LTTE militant. foreign investment’’ he said, adding of this partnership.

Continued from page 1 Boasting of atrocities... Rifkhan Bathiudeen...... thousands of military remarks that challenge the law He stated that while the person who he said that Rifkhan Bathiudeen had before the bombings on Easter Sunday personnel overnight, then we of the country he should be should helm the NIS must be someone assisted him. He also said that there and he said that there was no meeting of don’t need him in our national summoned before the law. It is well-versed in the subject, Mendis, were unofficial reports that Rifkhan the Council and that he had presented politics. irrelevant which political camp however, did not possess such Bathiudeen was trafficking illegal this information at the intelligence review “Such a Karuna Amman is he or she is in,” he added. attributes. substances at that time. meetings held on 20 March 2019 and 2 not needed by the public of this He also said the law has so far Recalling that Zahran had fled Members of the Commission also and 9 April 2019 with the participation of country and definitely, we don’t been imposed fairly against Kattankudy following a clash between queried whether the National Security Fernando. “Although I presented this need him. What we really want anybody irrespective of political the NTJ and another party in March Council (NSC) had been informed of the information, no attention was paid to is a Karuna Amman who could biases. 2017, the witness said that they were support extended by a brother of a them,” he added. The witness said that say that he regrets what he did “We know how the previous conducting an investigation into the powerful Minister, to a person like Rishad Bathiudeen had supported the in the past. The country needs a Yahapalana Government whereabouts of the suspect. Through Zahran who was already posing a threat Sri Lanka Tawheed Jamaath (SLTJ) Karuna Amman who could executed law by telling who those investigations, it was revealed that to national security. organisation in which Zahran had also openly say that he regrets should be arrested or Zahran had been hiding in Mawanella In response, he said that he had been a member. He added that he had abducting youth and children imprisoned after summoning and Kurunegala from time to time, he discussed the matter with the former informed the Chief of the NIS about this and forcibly turning them into Attorney General and Deputy added. Army Commander, General Mahesh in 2017 too. The Commission inquired as terrorists,” he asserted. Solicitor General to Temple “Then, before December 2018, Zahran Senanayake. “I also discussed this to whether the then Minister of Defence He also said whoever works Trees. Today action has been had arrived in Mannar and had gone to matter at an intelligence meeting held on was aware of these matters. The witness against the law of the country taken even against Sri Lanka India by boat.” He also revealed that a Tuesday. On 22 March 2019, the claimed that the former President, who and openly admits to Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Zahran had released another video from matter was brought to the attention of was the then Minister of Defence, was committing atrocities should be politicians. Hyderabad through a YouTube channel the Chief of NIS through then Secretary aware of these matters as the State investigated. A Pradeshiya Sabha member belonging to him. to the Ministry of Defence, Hemasiri Minister of Defence usually attended “It doesn’t matter whether it from Hambantota is still in Members of the Commission then Fernando,” he explained. intelligence review meetings and then is Wimal Weerasansa or Karuna prison for committing rape,” inquired from the witness as to who had Commission members then questioned kept the President abreast of matters Amman. If one has made public Weerawansa said. supported Zahran to go to India. In reply, him as to whether the NSC had met therein.

Politicians must... JVP Leader...... remarks made by former MP Harin Fr Fernando added that Catholics should also said no attention whatsoever should ... for a detailed reason as to why he was summoned to the PCoI as Fernando against Archbishop of Colombo, strive to forgive sinners and reject be paid to the remarks made by such a respondent to a complaint lodged by Chairman of the Avant-Garde, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith. statements made by such persons. He despicable characters. Nissanka Senadhipathi. Senadhipathi lodged a complaint at the PCoI against several former MPs including Dissanayake, Patali Champika Ranawaka, and Dr. Rajitha Senaratne, for allegedly disrupting the operations of Avant Garde. Appearing before the PCoI yesterday (23), Constitutional... Dissanayake said there were two legal questions that have arisen as Politician of... a result of the Commission entertaining such complaints regarding He told the Media yesterday (23) that he Rajapaksa’s tenure. According to Parliament Avant Garde because it is not a State entity and also due to the has documented evidence to back his claims He said the previous Government failed to sources, the CC will discuss Attorney General also writing a letter to the PCoI Chairman stating and added that he was informed of this by a properly operate power plants and as a filling the posts that fell that hearing this complaint is not within the mandate of the PCoI. businessman he met yesterday. Herath said result, the CEB did not get the estimated vacant by the resignation of Deputy Solicitor General, Wasantha Navaratne Bandara said the however that he does not wish to expose profit. Herath added the completion of the Dr. Jayantha Dhanapala. It PCoI has no power to summon him as a respondent, adding that he names of individuals who were involved Uma Oya hydro power plant was postponed will also discuss various was also not given reasons for such summoning. because of the upcoming election. However, year after year, and now the CEB has made allegations and functions of Additional Solicitor General, Rohantha Abeysuriya added that as he further said, due to a number of similar the needed investments. the National Election the Attorney General had questioned the mandate of the PCoI to actions of the previous Government, the However, they suffer an annual loss of Rs Commission and the entertain such a complaint, it is the responsibility of the PCoI to give CEB suffered heavy losses. 9 billion and added that similarly, by not National Police reasons why they could hear this case. Meanwhile, Herath said under President operating the Mannar Island Wind Farm, Commission. Lawyers appearing for Dr. Seneratne and Ranatunga also said the Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the CEB has initiated the CEB suffered an annual loss of Rs 8 The nominations sent by reasons for making their clients respondents in the complaint and a number of mechanisms where the annual billion. President Gotabaya the reason why the Commission has the power to hear the case loss could be minimised. Herath further said that however under Rajapaksa for the two should be provided by the Commission. He said the main reason the CEB suffered President Rajapaksa’s guidance, the CEB vacancies in the Monetary PCoI Chairman Abeyratne however noted that the Commission an annual loss of Rs 85 billion was because has made plans to increase productivity in Board of the Central Bank does not have to respond to the letter addressed by the Attorney the former Government failed to operate all power plants and added that under the of Sri Lanka, will also be General, adding that the decision to hear the complaint has already according to the Least Cost Long Term current strategy, the CEB is estimated to taken into discussion at been made by the PCoI because it is within the mandate of the Generation Expansion Plan put forward reduce the Rs 85 billion annual loss to Rs this meeting. Commission and that any opposition in this regard should be made during former President Mahinda 70 billion. (GW) in writing.

Two more... Banks to... Many sectors...... premises where the snare was found “We were informed that an account in a private bank has been ... stated the President’s Media Division in a Media release. as well. The DWC has done a lot in the credited with Rs 490 million in relation to the drug trade. The CID At present, there are several tasks to be performed by businessmen, which past few months to spread awareness is conducting an in-depth investigation regarding this. We also include satisfying consumer needs, the creation of new industries, and introducing about the dangers of setting up snares, received information that a private bank in Minuwangoda was new technology to the country, the President emphasised, stating also the and all the snares set up in estates like also credited with drug money amounting to Rs 120 million. So importance of maintaining the highest possible level of standards in every product Laxapana have now been removed. But the Acting IGP has clearly instructed us that even if the drug manufactured and every service provided.“The Government apparatus is geared to even with all these activities, we still find money amounting to Rs 1,000 had been deposited to a bank assist the industrial sector. The groundwork, including the provision of loans at leopards caught in snares. From now on, account, to immediately freeze that account and seize all assets of single-digit interest rates has been laid,” he stated. President Rajapaksa said that the owners of estates will also be held the said person and take them into State custody.” SDIG he expects industrialists to show results by manufacturing an array of goods responsible for any snares that are set Tennakoon added that the Police along with the State Intelligence ranging from brooms to medical drugs domestically. “It is not the Government’s up.” Service have launched an operation against organised criminal policy to encourage imports of agricultural products, while giving encouragement to According to the DWC, Sri Lanka has groups. Meanwhile, Police Media Spokesperson, SSP Jaliya farmers to grow locally.” President Rajapaksa further said that as the Government lost up to 50 leopards within the past Senaratne said former MP Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan had moves forward with a steady policy, there is an environment for the farmers to decade due to snare-induced injuries. not arrived at the CID yesterday to record a statement. understand the market demand in a similar manner as industrialists do. news wednesday 24 june 2020 A3

21/4 ES terror attack PCoI probing Easter Sunday bombings Harin could be held for withholding Insaf got tickets for family evidence to go to Malaysia on 22 April – Wijeyadasa By Buddhika who gave information to the of a message for his wife was Responding to a question by By Jatila Karawita to the law, all State Samaraweera Intelligence services about also played before the members of the Commission officers, if they are aware Ibrahim Moulavi being an Commission. Through that as to whether he had left on a Sri Lanka Podujana of a crime being Mohamed Ibrahim Mohamed extremist. Even the All Ceylon message, Ahmed educates his flight, CI Wimalasiri said that Peramuna (SLPP) committed under their Insaf Ahmed, who carried out Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU) wife on how to divide it had been revealed that Colombo District watch and if they were to the suicide bombing at the organisation does not practise properties and other assets. It Ahmed, on the same day Candidate Dr. ignore it, they would be Cinnamon Grand Hotel in religious activities in the also states that the ownership evening had arrived at his held as guilty as those Colombo on 21 April 2019 proper way. Therefore, they of the companies belonging to house in Mahawila Gardens, said that Samagi Jana who commit the crime or Easter Sunday, had arranged should not be respected. him would be given to her. In Dematagoda, and that his Balawegaya National List crimes and similar air tickets and other Under the Prevention of the voice recording, he had family had gone to Mannar. Candidate Harin punishments should be necessities for his wife and Terrorism (Temporary also provided his wife with “According to CCTV footage, Fernando could be meted out to them. children to travel to Malaysia Provisions) Act (PTA), anyone information about his bank he goes to a restaurant in apprehended on charges Fernando told the media on 22 April 2019. can be arrested even without accounts and payments to be Kollupitiya around 10 p.m. on of withholding evidence within hours after the This was revealed yesterday proper evidence. Do not give received. that day. related to the 21 April Easter Sunday carnage (23) when Chief Inspector of up the religion due to any “Keep these pen drives safe. Then he had gone to 2019 Easter Sunday that he had been saved by Police (CI) of the Criminal obstacle. Even if I don’t do If this goes to someone, they Dehiwala and from there to terror attacks. God as he had not gone to Investigation Department this, Intelligence officers can use it as evidence against Panadura with another person Appearing in a political the service at the (CID), Y.R. Ravindra would chase after me. So it’s you. Sell ​​the vehicle as soon in a car,” he added. programme aired by a Kochchikade Church Wimalasiri gave evidence never going to be over. I have as possible. Don’t sell it to a He said that Ahmed had television channel on 22 because his father had before the Presidential to obey Allah’s command. Muslim since that would be gone to the Cinnamon Grand June, President’s warned him not to visit Commission of Inquiry There are certain things I unfair to them so sell it to a Hotel around 7.06 p.m. on 20 Counsel (PC) Dr. the Church as a bomb probing the bombings on cannot explain here. I love you Sinhalese or a Tamil. A loss of April, and had got a room Rajapakshe claimed that was due to go off. Hence, Easter Sunday. all. But I can’t avoid doing Rs two or three million is all reserved. He added that the actions of Fernando he gave the message to He presented a few audio this. A person who hates right, but sell it and buy Ahmed had then gone to the should force the Police to the country that he was recordings of Ahmed that had death will never like jihad. another vehicle as soon as Span Tower apartment arrest him on charges of saved but that he has no been recorded before 21 April But only those who like jihad possible. complex in Mount Lavinia at manslaughter in remorse over the deaths 2019. According to CI will go to Allah. I have got visa to go to about 8.12 p.m. on the same connection with the of other Catholics from Wimalasiri, Ahmed had This is not an ordinary Malaysia and prepared air day. According to CCTV Easter Sunday blasts of the blasts. At the time, he recorded one message for his suicide. This is a great tickets too. I will not be there to footage, he had returned to 2019. was also a Minister. So wife, one for his family and sacrifice in the name of Allah. go there. So if you think it is safe the room at the Cinnamon “According to my what action has he taken another consisting of general He can only be reached by to go there, go. If you feel there Grand Hotel on the morning of knowledge, this person to prevent the blast at the matters. He noted that these doing this. Islam is jihad. We is safety here, stay here. Do not 21 April 2019. (Harin Fernando) should Kochchikade Church? He audio recordings were found have to accept every part of make phone calls anywhere. “Investigations have also be apprehended by the did nothing. Fernando on 25 April 2019, when it. We cannot accept only the There is software that cannot be revealed that copper had been Police on charges of has to be accorded the Ahmed’s wife was arrested. parts we like. The ACJU does monitored. Use them and then supplied to the factory in withholding evidence same punishment that is In the recording, Ahmed not represent the Muslim no one will be able to monitor. Wellampitiya owned by Ahmed related to the terror being meted out to those says: “Not only will my family, community. It was they who Learn about them.” through the Industrial attacks,” he said. behind the heinous but the whole Muslim handed over a petition with CI Wimalasiri also said that Development Board without “As far as I know, Easter Sunday terror community be in trouble as a Muslims’ signatures to then Ahmad had gone to the following due procedure and withholding evidence attacks.” result of what we are doing. President Bandaranaike International with the knowledge of former related to a terror attack Dr. Rajapakshe also But I have to go on the way to release Bodu Bala Sena Airport with his family on 19 Minister Rishad Bathiudeen”. is as grievous and charged that during the that Allah has showed. General Secretary Ven. April 2019 saying that he would On a number of occasions, serious as the charge of previous United National Muslims would oppose this Galagodaaththe Gnanasara be flying to Zambia for a he has obtained large sums of manslaughter. In our Front led regime, a coterie too. For example, when the Thera. They also made a business matter. They had money from companies owned village, if a person lodges of former Parliament- Buddha statues were donation of Rs 3 million when arrived at the Airport between 2 by him for extremist activities a complaint regarding the arians with the blessings vandalised in the Mawanella there was a flood in Nepal, but and 3 p.m. on 19 April according and in fact once he had killing of a cow, in less of then Prime Minister area, a mosque there gave a they keep doing nothing when to Closed-Circuit Television obtained Rs 40 million without than 24 hours, the Police list of names of those involved. there is a threat to Muslims.” (CCTV) camera footage, he following proper procedure, CI will file a B Report. I had the Government It was the Muslims themselves A voice recording consisting added. Wimalasiri added. waited for a week until a according to their dictates B Report was filed by the while disregarding the Police against the Easter rule of law at will. Sunday mass killings but He alleged that former it was not filed. My MPs such as Mangala Blind to their promotion rights Inspector, they informed representatives had Samaraweera, Dr. Rajitha Court. handed over complaints Senaratne, Patali However, the petitioners signed by me to five Champika Ranawaka, Sergeants take NPC, AG and claimed that they had not Police Stations in the Arjuna Ranatunga and received the relevant areas where the Easter Anura Kumara promotion to date. The Police Sunday blasts took place. Dissanayaka, and Acting-IGP to Court Sergeants had stated that they I lodged a complaint with elsewhere J.C. By Kavindya Perera Inspector, as they have have completed three decades had appealed to the National the then President. I Weliamuna PC, had completed 30 years of service. of service and are now over 50 Police Commission (NPC) and lodged a complaint with operated a cabal through A petition was filed with the Several others, including the years in age. the Acting IGP on the issue, the then Attorney which they had called the Court of Appeal yesterday by Acting IGP Wickremaratna and A circular had been issued but to no avail. General, that under shots after having 366 Police Sergeants seeking a Attorney General Dappula de by the Acting IGP on 9 May The petitioners have thus, certain Sections, charges brushed aside the views writ order issued on the Acting Livera, have been named as 2019, calling for the promotion requested Court to issue a writ should be filed against and orders given by Inspector General of Police respondents in the petition. of the Police Sergeants who order to promote them as Sub- the then Inspector former President (Acting IGP) Chandana D. The 366 Police Sergeants have completed 12 years of Inspectors, considering the General of Police (IGP) Maithripala Sirisena. Wickremaratna, to promote who have filed the petition service as at 31 December injustice caused to them by and the then Secretary to Being queried by the them to the rank of Sub- have pointed out that they 2018, to the positions of Sub- the NPC and the Acting IGP. the Ministry of Defence. electronic media channel Moreover, I said that moderator, on why he both the IGP and the decided to contest the 5 Defence Secretary should August General Election be nabbed. After eight under the SLPP ticket days, a case had been when he had already filed by the Police with served in both the major the Colombo Chief political parties the UNP Magistrate’s Court and the SLFP. Dr. stating that some people Rajapakshe PC answered; had died following a he did so upon being bomb blast at a Church invited by the President in Kochchikade, that I to serve the people under had lodged a complaint a clean SLPP in this regard, and that administration to be as a result this Report headed by Premier was being submitted. . He This was the conduct of affirmed that he had the Police during the never hankered after situation where over 300 Ministerial posts or perks lives had been taken by as a politician and vowed the terrorists. that if the people were to They (former IGP and reject his candidature at former Defence the August Poll, he will Secretary) were only gladly head home and arrested later. According mind his own business.

Welisara Navy Camp reopens The Welisara Navy Camp confirmed that the Navy reopened yesterday (23) can recommence its after the two-month- duties. Considering the lockdown due to the health guidelines, Navy spread of COVID-19. officials have decided to Navy Media Spokesman, recommence the Lieutenant Commander operations of the Welisara Isuru Sooriyabandara Navy Camp in several pointed out that out of the stages. As the first stage, 898 infected Navy we have opened the personnel, 786 has essential services and already been discharged related duties department after being completely of this Camp,” added cured and that only 112 Sooriyabandara. remained under He further added that treatment. the Navy is looking “The Health Ministry has forward to recommence confirmed the Welisara other operations as soon Navy Camp as a COVID-19 as possible. free environment and (NV) A4 wednesday 24 june 2020 news Reopening cinemas Handing over Vedithalathivu Reservation to prawn farmers Dr. Jasinghe Bimal protests to PM Former JVP Parliamentarian instrumental in its formation. , submitting a However, he alleged that the letter to Prime Minister Mahinda Cabinet, under the stewardship of Rajapaksa, has expressed his Party’s the Premier, had taken a decision to vehement protest at the decision hand over parts of the Reservation to issues guidelines taken by the Cabinet to hand over companies engaged in prawn parts of the Vedithalathivu cultivation. He had charged that the Reservation in the Mannar District present regime is also in the process Director General of Health Services, cinema halls among the steps taken to these guidelines. The cinema halls can to firms engaged in prawn farming. of invalidating the Gazette Dr. Anil Jasinghe issued guidelines for prevent the re-emergence of COVID-19 be opened only after handing over the He has informed that the Notification which had been ratified cinema halls with regard to resuming pandemic,” Dr. Jasinghe said. declaration of consent completed by Reservation is a most precious by the former Parliament last year. screening. The instructions were The guidelines are published on the the head of the hall administration to environment and that even a Rathnayake added that though published in response to a request official website of the Ministry of the Public Health Inspector of the area, Strategic Environmental Assessment many environmentalists had warned made by the Secretary to the Ministry Health, a statement issued in this ensuring that each cinema hall had highlighted its importance of the serious consequences that of Buddha Sasana, Cultural and connection read. adheres to the health guidelines towards the maintenance of would befall the biodiversity of the Religious Affairs, Bandula Although the focus is on opening provided and a copy of the same should biodiversity in the area. area if firms are allowed to carry out Harischandra. “It is imperative to cinema halls on 27 June, cinema halls be furnished to the respective local Rathnayake stated that the prawn cultivations at the establish a systematic programme for should be opened only by adhering to authorities. Vedithalathivu Reservation had been Reservation; he stated that such dire gazetted last year in recognition of warnings had fallen on deaf ears. its value and significance and He, therefore, urged the Prime insisted that many State institutions Minister to reconsider the decision in the Northern Province, Divisional taken to allow firms to engage in Preventing spread of COVID-19 during Election Secretariats and the Northern prawn cultivation at the Reservation Provincial Council, along with civil before it is too late. Norwegian Embassy inks agreement with PAFFREL society groups, had been

The Norwegian Embassy in Colombo entered into an agreement to support the People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) to follow Derogatory remarks about Archbishop health and safety regulations relating to the preventing of the spread of COVID-19 during the upcoming Election and also to empower more Sajith should take action women to get involved in the Election and Election monitoring process. PAFFREL Executive against Harin – Gammanpila Director Rohana Hettiarachchi and Chargé d’affaires of the Norwegian Embassy, Monica By Ranmini Gunasekara Cardinal Ranjith addressed the Svenskerud signed the agreement. country. He did not just speak on Leader of the Samagi Jana behalf of himself, but on behalf of Balawegaya (SJB), the entire Catholic community. If not should take disciplinary action for his timely address, Sri Lanka against SJB Candidate Harin would have had to face another wave Abduction and disappearance of 11 children Fernando’s remarks against of riots like during 1983. We should Archbishop of Colombo, His be thanking the Cardinal for this, from Colombo and its suburbs,12 years ago Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, not insulting him and the entire said former MP Udaya Gammanpila Catholic community. Premadasa’s yesterday (23). apology on behalf of Fernando is Further hearing of writ He said this at a Sri Lanka insufficient. We want to know what Freedom People’s Alliance Media sort of disciplinary action will be briefing. “After the 21 April 2019 taken against Fernando,” said petition put off for tomorrow Easter Sunday Attacks happened, Gammanpila.

By Kavindya Perera Judge bench of the High Court, which had given a statement to the Police had been constituted by Chief Justice three years ago and based on that The Court of Appeal yesterday (23) Jayantha Jayasuriya PC. Jayamanna statement, the petitioner had been Until Archaeological Dept Case is concluded commenced the perusal of the writ PC said that in the recent past, no named as a suspect in the case. He petition filed by former Navy petition has been filed challenging the added that after the change of Commander Wasantha Karannagoda, indictments filed by the Attorney administration five years ago, the probe 13 families on Temple where he has prayed the Court to issue General in a legal case. into the case had been taken over by an order to invalidate the indictments Romesh de Silva (PC) appearing for the Officer-In-Charge of the Organised that have been filed against him by the Karannagoda told the Bench that Crimes Division of the Criminal land in Pottuvil can stay Attorney General in the case where he though the Police had probed the Investigation Department (CID), has been charged with the abduction alleged incident over the past decade or Nishantha Silva, on the advice of then By Lakshmi Jayakody and Court. He also pointed out that 13 and disappearance of 11 children from so, they had to date failed to uncover Director of the CID, Shani Abeysekara. Hasini Sachintha Induwarie persons are in residence on the 30 Colombo and its suburbs, 12 years any evidence to implicate his client He said that Silva has already fled the acres land described as belonging to ago. with regard to the said incident. He country and noted that he is presently The Pottuvil Magistrate on 22 June the Viharaya, and since they have The petition was heard before a two- further informed that though the Police hiding in Switzerland. De Silva PC ordered that the surveying of lands been awarded Jaya Bhoomi Permits, Judge bench consisting of Justice had interrogated over 150 persons pointed out that the decision taken by belonging to the Muhudu Maha their residing there is legal. A.H.M.D. Nawaz and Justice Sobitha connected to the case and had the Attorney General to name his client Viharaya in Pottuvil be suspended If it is confirmed that the 13 Rajakaruna. recorded their statements, they had as a suspect in the case sans any until the report on surveys done in residents who are alleged to have Senior Additional Solicitor General, still not uncovered any evidence to evidence after more than 10 years had relation to a case filed by the settled down on this land of 30 acres Sarath Jayamanna (PC) making allege that his client had been behind lapsed after the alleged incident had Department of Archaeology against are in unauthorised settlement and submissions on behalf of the Attorney the disappearance of the children or taken place, was contrary to the law. 13 persons who were living at the in constructed buildings, and do not General at the outset said that the even their murder. He then moved the Court of Appeal to Temple premises around the live within the borders of the above- petition had been filed sans any legal De Silva PC then said that Travis issue an injunction against the trial surveyed areas sans authorisation, is mentioned land, permission to foundation to it. He further said that Sinniah, who had left the Navy, before being heard against his client at the received. continue building should be granted the Court has no legal authority to serving as a Security Advisor to the High Court. Due to the dispute which broke out to them and officials of the intervene in the trial, which is United States Embassy in Colombo Further hearing of the writ petition when surveying the lands of the Department and the Police should presently being heard before a three- before becoming the Navy Commander, was put off for tomorrow (25). Viharaya, the Department filed a not go to the area where these people plaint in the Pottuvil Magistrate’s are residents and make threats and Court in November 2019 and when intimidate them, Kariyapper further the case was taken up for hearing, requested. Pottuvil Magistrate M.H. Mohammed Accordingly, the Magistrate ordered 21/4 terror attacks was to disrupt the anti-drug campaign Rabi issued this order. officials of the Department and Police Nizam Kariyappar (PC), and officers not to threaten the residents Former President Maithripala drug campaign was successfully Attorneys Ariya Samsudeen and who have settled down in the alleged Sirisena yesterday (23) alleged that launched in his tenure as the – Sirisena Mohammed Kadir representing the disputed land and not to intimidate the 21 April 2019 Easter Sunday President and added that he implement the death penalty and defence. them. Although the case was ordered terror attacks was carried out to attempted to implement the death stressed that he was the first Kariyappar requested the Court to to be called up for hearing on 5 disrupt the anti-drug campaign penalty for drug trafficking in a President to face such an incident. allow only the land of 30 acres August, when it was pointed out that launched by him during the term of move to eradicate drugs. He claimed He further claimed that after high submitted by the Department which the Election will be held on that the previous United National Front led that for the first time in the history profile drug traffickers such as are said to belong to the Viharaya to particular date, the Magistrate said regime. of the world, drug traffickers had Makandure Madush was arrested be surveyed by that organisation. He that he would review the date as to Speaking at a meeting in filed a case in the Supreme Court and remanded, drug dealers have said that subsequent to the surveys, when the case can be taken up for Hingurakgoda, he said that the anti- against the President’s move to been plotting to kill him. documents should be presented in hearing again.

For bravery in saving life of drowning woman… CP Governor fetes Thalawakele OIC and PC

Central Province Governor Lalith U. Gamage Police Constable Selvaraj Kandaruban also of a woman who had fallen into the a tributary of to the family of Hamid Rizwan who lost his life had taken action to fete the Officer-In-Charge of attached to the same Police Station over the duo the Kotmale Reservoir. Gamage handed over while attempting to save the life of the woman who the Thalawakele Police Ruwan Fernando and having risked their lives on 31 May, to save the life certificates and also made a financial contribution was rescued by the two Police officers. News wednesday 24 june 2020 A5

Reparation for Harin’s outburst Sajin case Sajith seeks postponed Sirisena can’t Cardinal’s to 25 June absolve himself forgiveness By Kavindya Perera Leader of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Sajith Premadasa said that if the Colombo High views expressed by SJB Candidate Harin Court Judge Gihan Fernando recently at a propaganda Kulathunga, from the Easter meeting regarding the Archbishop of yesterday (23), Colombo, His Eminence Malcolm postponed further Cardinal Ranjith had caused any hearing of the disrespect to the latter, he begs for evidence in the forgiveness and expresses his regret to case filed against carnage – SJB the Cardinal. former Premadasa said that if there is any Parliamentarian wrong committed anywhere, he would not Sajin Vass By Saundarya Wellaboda the Media that when the Easter United Freedom Front Leader hesitate to correct it. Gunawardena, on bombings took place, Sirisena Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan charges of Former President Maithripala held positions as the President alias Karuna Amman who accruing a sum of Sirisena should take full and the Minister of Defence as claimed that he killed 2,000- over Rs 300 million responsibility for the Easter well as being in charge of Public 3,000 Sri Lankan soldiers when while serving as a former MP, to 25 June. Sunday bombings that took Security and noted that therefore in the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Selling chicken at inflated prices The hearing of the evidence in the case place on 21 April 2019 which Sirisena cannot claim that he is Eelam, which makes him far has already commenced and resulted in the death of more not responsible for the bombings more dangerous than COVID-19, Gunawardena, who had been previously than 200 Sri Lankans, opined that took place. former MP , Legal action incarcerated in connection with the case, former Parliamentarian further alleged that addressing the same media had been enlarged on bail by the Attanayake. while holding those positions, briefing, noted that even now Colombo High Court. During a recent interview, Sirisena failed to summon the there is still uneasiness between taken against The Attorney General has indicted Sirisena said that he will not take National Security Council the ethnicities and added that by Gunawardena at the Colombo High responsibility for the Easter adequately and due to this making such comments, Court on charges of the accruing of this bombings and added that he was reason, it is obvious that Sirisena Muralitharan could pave the dealers sum through means other than his MP not aware of the attacks prior to should admit to his faults and path for a major ethnic conflict. Legal action was taken against eight salary and for having flouted provisions the events that took place on take responsibility. He further noted that this is not poultry shop operators by provincial contained in Sections of the Prevention Easter. Meanwhile, with regard to a the wish of the Sinhala and consumer authorities in the Valaichchenai of Money Laundering Act through his Attanayake on 22 June told recent comment made by Tamil Tamil community. Police division, for allegedly selling actions. skinless broiler chicken above the maximum retail price (MRP) stipulated and imposed by the Government. Deputy Director for the Eastern Province of the Consumer Affairs Authority and in Due to poor sales charge of the Batticaloa District, R.F. Anwar Sadath, said that raids were Poultry farmers compelled to dispose of animals – ACEPA conducted in Oddamavadi, Meeravodai and Valaichchenai on 22 June, following By Dilanthi Jayamanne Further, they even provided stocks to corn. He said that currently one But now there is an effort to complaints. quarantine centres and the Armed kilogramme of corn, which was import wheat to be included into The Government has set the MRP for one The All Ceylon Egg Producers’ Forces. formerly retailed at Rs 45, was now the preparation of chicken feed by kilogramme of skinless broiler chicken at Association (ACEPA) stated that At the time, poultry farmers even being retailed for Rs 80. poultry farmers and feed mills. Rs 500, but it had been sold at Rs 650, poultry farmers had been compelled sold live poultry at Rs 80 per There had been several appeals But local poultry farmers are not according to Sadath. to sell their animals and close down kilogramme, whereas the normal made to the Government for used to using wheat in the Consumers are asked to lodge their farms, as they had been unable price ranged from Rs 320 to Rs 350. permission to import corn stocks formula used to prepare chicken complaints on the hotline in case essential to sell their stocks of eggs during the However, egg producers would be solely for feeding the animals in feed. The ingredient is different commodities are sold above the MRP COVID-19 crisis. able to increase their production poultry farms. He said that the and may constitute a change of stipulated and imposed by the authorities. Secretary of the Association, R. within at least eight-16 months. Association had met with the the percentage which has to be (NJ) Alahakoon, said that at least 15 per Alahakoon said that it takes at least Chairman of the Presidential Task used in preparing chicken feed, cent of farms had been closed down. 18 weeks for a chick to grow big Force to Coordinate and Monitor the which our local farmers do not The Association had urged farmers to enough to start laying eggs, unlike of Continuous Services for know. reduce the number of animals at the process in broiler farms. the Sustenance of Overall Alahakoon said that it would be least by 20-50 per cent in a bid to He said that currently, poultry Community Life, more beneficial to import broken CMEV urges EC enable farm owners to run their farmers were having a hard time due recently, to discuss the issues faced rice as opposed to wheat. Our local farms during the time. With major to the unavailability of corn in the by them. He said that permission farmers know the percentage of Introduce buyers of egg stocks not purchasing market to produce chicken feed for had been granted on the occasion to broken rice that should be eggs at the time and little demand the animals. The situation came to a import 80,000 metric tonnes of corn included in food preparation for from other bakery owners, the climax when the Government for producing animal feed. However, poultry. Broken rice comprises at accessible owners of those farms had been stopped importing corn stocks, later the Association had been least 30-40 per cent of the meal, forced to take their stocks onto the thereby giving an upper hand to a informed that there was a high while corn comprises 50 per cent of polling stations streets and sell the eggs at Rs 10. few businessmen involved in retailing import tax on corn. animal food preparation, he said. By Ruwan Laknath Jayakody

The Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) urged the Election Payment of fines Commission (EC) to introduce accessible, 242 Indians repatriated on special flight geographically convenient polling stations and enable advance voting for voters who Number of male are unable to access polling stations. The EC should also increase the profile convicts released of the Election dispute resolution mechanism. declines by 0.70% Minimising the percentage of rejected postal vote applications, facilitating the By Paneetha Ameresekere voting rights of Buddhist female monks (with the collaboration of the Departments The number of male convicted prisoners of Buddhist Affairs and the Registration of released on the payment of fines declined by 71 Persons, the Human Rights Commission (0.70 per cent) to 10,143, 2019 over 2018, while and if required the Chief Prelates of the the number of female prisoners released on the Sects), and the clarification of the legal payment of fines increased by 38 (19.49 per cent) framework for social media companies and to 233 in the same period, data in a Prisons its due enforcement (with the coordination Department report dated March 2020 showed. of the Police, Election observation On an overall basis, the number of convicted organisations and other interested prisoners of both sexes released on the payment stakeholders), too should concern the EC. of a fine decreased by 33 (0.32 per cent) to The EC and other relevant Government 10,375, 2019 over 2018. institutions including the Police should Meanwhile, on the whole, the discharge of disclose information of transfers, the convicted prisoners belonging to both sexes provision of leave and other administrative increased by 1,353 (5.77 per cent) to 24,801, decisions relating to Government officers 2019 over 2018. Of this number, females involved in the Election process. comprised 583, a year-on-year (YoY) increase 86 These recommendations for the 5 (17.30 per cent) and males, 24,218, an increase August General Election were made in the of 1,267 (5.52 per cent). A group of 242 Indians stranded in Sri Lanka were repatriated on a special Air India (AI02802) flight from CMEV’s 2019 Presidential Election The number of convicted prisoners belonging to Colombo to Delhi-Lucknow-Gaya on 22 June. The flight was scheduled as part of the ‘Vande Bharat Observation Report authored by its both sexes released on special occasions Mission,’ a Government of India initiative to undertake the largest ever repatriation from all over the world National Coordinator Manjula for the return of Indians stranded abroad due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly 1,500 Indians have been increased by 396 (39.32 per cent) to 1,403. Of repatriated from Sri Lanka so far. Gajanayake, its Senior Researcher, this number, males comprised 1,371, an increase Thusitha Siriwardana, and its of 364 (36.15 per cent) and females, up 16 (100 Researchers, Hirantha Isuranga and per cent) to 32. Pasan Jayasinghe. However, the main cause of the discharge of They urged each political party and convicted prisoners was either on the completion ‘No Sri Lankans stranded in UK,US and Europe’ independent group to manage campaign of sentence, or for minor offences, with this finances in a transparent manner and for number for both sexes increasing by 977 (819 By Sulochana Ramiah who have been considered to repatriate around 28 persons their candidates to disclose their assets per cent) to 12,913. Of this number, males Mohan be repatriated. who are stranded. and liabilities. comprised 12,602, an increase of 946 (8.12 per He added that there was no In the meantime, he also The CMEV also pointed out that the EC cent) and females 311, an increase of 31 (11.07 There are no Sri Lankans major demand from the UK, said that seafarers from India and the Police should publicise actions per cent). stranded in the UK, the USA, the US or Europe from Sri are coming to Sri Lanka to taken by them against persons involved in The total number of convicted prisoners Canada or in Europe, said Lankans to return. board their vessels from Galle Election related violence and violations. discharged on bail, 2019 over 2018, increased by Additional Secretary to the He told Ceylon Today that and in the Colombo Port. “Last Further, the EC should prevent religious 13 (15.38 per cent) to 110. Of this figure, males President for Foreign Affairs, the Government will repatriate week, we had around 1,000 of leaders from using religious premises to comprised 103, an increase of 14 (15.38 per cent) Admiral and Professor those stranded after losing them arriving at the promote Election campaigns, while the and females, seven, an increase of one (16.67 per Jayanath Colombage. their jobs and those on short- Bandaranaike International EC, along with the Ministry of Women and cent). He added however that term travel plans and cannot Airport, who underwent the Child Affairs and the National Child Sri Lanka had a total of 115,325 un-convicted approximately 25,000 Sri continue to stay in those polymerase chain reaction Protection Authority, should prevent the prisoners in its prisons in 2019, an increase of Lankans (holding Lankan countries. tests and were isolated at use of minors for political campaigning. 7,072 (6.52 per cent) over 2018. passports) were stranded in He further said that there is special centres before they Also, the EC should immediately Of this number, males comprised 109,413, a the Middle East, the Maldives a flight that would take off soon boarded the ships.” approve the Amendments submitted by YoY increase of 7,062 (6.52 per cent) and females, and , and are yet to to the UK to repatriate Sri These persons who want to them to the Registration of Electors Act, 5,912, a YoY increase of 147 (2.55 per cent). be repatriated. Lankans. “The cargo flights return basically have registered No. 44 of 1980. The EC and the The Prisons Department defines an According to him, there are that are in operation will fly with our missions overseas Department of the Registration of Persons un-convicted prisoner as a person who is still around 20,000 Lankans in back with some Sri Lankans in and also online and we are should make the process of issuing awaiting trial, where, at the end of the trial he/ the Middle East, around 4,000 the UK,” he added. He also checking on those priority lists temporary identification documents more she may be either convicted or discharged, based in the Maldives and around pointed out that from Milan, before making the final systematic and broaden the scope of the upon the verdict delivered. 500 persons in Bangladesh Italy, there is a call to arrangements, he pointed out. accepted identification documents. A6 wednesday 24 june 2020 news

To decide GCE A/L Examination date ‘Ali Roshan’ case HC acquits four

By Hansi Nanayakkara The Court also said that Education Ministry there has been sufficient The three-Judge Bench of evidence presented to the Colombo High Court on prosecute the case against 22 June acquitted and the main defendant ‘Ali released from all charges four Roshan’ as well as against to conduct survey of the eight defendants in the Assistant Director of the By Thameenah Razeek case, involving the Wildlife Conservation Examination. While insisting that most then we will decide on the date. However, possession and smuggling of Department Upali Padmasiri, of the requests to postpone the in the end, it is the students who are four unlicensed elephant and two others, Uchitha The Ministry of Education hopes to Examination were from teachers who are sitting for the Examination and we calves. This Bench comprised Nishan Dammika and P.G. conduct a survey, involving the students conducting tuition classes and other should listen to them and not to other Judges Vikum Kaluarachchi, Jayalath. The Attorney who are sitting for the General Certificate private institutions, Chandrasekara opportunists,” he added. Dhammika Ganepola and General had indicted ‘Ali of Education Advanced Level pointed out that it is not fair to consider When queried as to whether State Adithya Patabendige. Roshan’ and seven others, Examination in 2020, to decide whether their request only because State teachers teachers had made any request on The quartet, who were under the Offences against the students are comfortable with the and many parents urge to conduct the amending the date of the examination, acquitted and released from Public Property Act, over the date of examination that the Government Exam on 7 September, without Chandrasekara stated that they did not the case, comprised a Clerk possession of four elephants has announced or whether they want the postponing further. receive any letter or request from State in charge of the registration without licenses and being date amended. The Ministry has decided to listen to school teachers or principals. He added of elephants with the Wildlife engaged in racketeering. The date had previously been students who are sitting for the that State teachers had previously been Conservation Department H. The Court also decided to announced as 7 September and the Examination and to make sure whether advised to complete the syllabus by 31 Priyanka Sanjeewani and seek oral submissions from Examination is set to conclude on they actually need more time to study. March. three others, Chandana the defence at the next 2 October. He said that parents had requested not Meanwhile, the Ceylon Teachers’ Kumara, Sashika Gamlath hearing which is set to take Secretary to the State Ministry of to postpone the examination further, Service Union claimed that due to the and Damith Chathuranga. place on 6, 7 and 8 July. Education, Ranjith Chandrasekara since children were studying hard Ministry’s vacillation concerning the date stated that the Ministry considered regardless of the date of the examination. of the Examination, students have faced requests made by parents and other “We will conduct the survey in the very a huge loss, while some have even parties regarding the date of the first week after starting schools, and experienced mental breakdowns. PCoI cannot CGE tells Public Admin Testifying before PCoI probing Easter Attacks investigate AG or Act against Fatima Farida Umma his officers– AG Comm. of denounces By Hansi Nanayakkara Attorney General Dappula de Livera, on 22 June, objected to daughter’s actions summons and notice being issued on Senior State Counsel Southern PC Janaka Bandara, to appear before the Presidential Commission By Buddhika Samaraweera did not influence Jiffri since she of Inquiry (PCoI), appointed to probe political victimisations was spending a successful family under the previous United National Front regime, stated the By J. T. De Silva I do not worry about my child, life. Attorney General’s Coordinating Secretary, State Counsel but I am deeply saddened about "On the morning of 21 April Nishara Jayaratne. Commissioner General of Election Saman Sri those who died in the bombings on 2019, she called me and asked me The Attorney General had raised objections in terms of the Ratnayake has informed the Secretary of Public 21 April 2019 Easter Sunday, said to come to her home. I went there Commissions of Inquiry Act and in connection with the Avant- Administration in writing to take disciplinary action Fatima Farida Umma, mother of between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. By Garde arms trafficking case, she said. against the Commissioner of the Southern Fatima Jiffri, who exploded a bomb the time I went there, she was In a letter addressed to the PCol, the Attorney General had Provincial Council who has allegedly put up a post at her house at Mahawila Gardens reading the Quran. She told me said that the mandate granted to the Commission does not on Facebook regarding a decision taken by the in Dematagoda in 2019. that she needed to finish reading extend the scope of inquiry of the PCoI to involve the Attorney Election Commission (EC). She said this when she testified the Quran, so I took care of the General or his officers. He has said that this act by the Commissioner of before the Presidential Commission children," she added. The Attorney General said that the PCoI has been appointed the Council was a hindrance to the procedure of of Inquiry probing the bombings on She added that shortly to look into alleged acts of political victimisation of public holding an election, adding that this has been Easter Sunday, on 22 June. thereafter, Ibada Ibrahim, a sister officers, employees of State corporations, members of Armed subject to consideration by the EC. "I don't even like to call her my of Ilham, called me to have lunch. Forces and the Police, stated Jayaratne. The letter adds that a wrong precedent has been daughter anymore. She committed When I went down, everyone in the The Attorney General added that therefore Chairman of set to other Government officials through this action such an unforgivable crime. Many house was in one room and they Avant-Garde, Nissanka Senadhipathi, who is a plaintiff, has no and that the Commissioner under reference must lost their parents and children, all seemed to be sad about something. legal standing in light of the above, she said. be questioned about it. because of Jiffri's husband, When I asked why, Ijaz, a brother The letter had also specified that in terms of Article 4 (c) read Mohamed Ibrahim Ilham Ahmed of Ilham said that there was a voice with Article 105 of the Constitution, the PCoI has not been and others' actions," she said. recording of Ilham and he asked us empowered to review any decision of the Attorney General and She also said that Jiffri lived a to listen to it. That's when the only the Court of Appeal as per the Constitution could exercise normal life before getting married Police came. Then some Police such circumstances. General Election amid and that she noticed some changes Officers went upstairs and the The Attorney General stressed that summons and notice in Jiffri between 2017-2018. bombing happened shortly served on Bandara to appear at the PCoI is contrary to the law COVID-19 outbreak However, Farida added that they afterwards. and is invalid, added Jayaratne. Health Ministry gazettes health Rajeewa Jayaweera’s death guidelines No doubt it was suicide – Sibling By Kavindya Perera By Dilanthi Jayamanne handed over the excess goods that he had He then said that as he had drawn a blank brought along to him. in the search for his sibling, and he had The Ministry of Health on 22 June midnight Sanjeewa Renuka Jayaweera, Rajeewa He then said that on the request of his returned to his house at around 1 a.m. and gazetted its health guidelines for holding the 5 Prabath Jayaweera’s sibling, giving evidence brother, the latter’s briefcase had been had again looked into his brother’s briefcase August General Election amidst the COVID-19 before Colombo Chief Magistrate Lanka brought along after he had visited his sibling’s and said that he had noticed that there was outbreak, Ministry sources said. Jayaratna on 22 June, at the inquest into the house and stated that on the morning of 11 another letter inside it. Sanjeewa Jayaweera The Gazette includes details on conducting death of Prabath Jayaweera, stated, that there June, he had phoned his brother to inquire stated that browsing through the contents of propaganda meetings, the distribution of was no doubt that his brother had committed from him whether he needed any help. that letter, he had understood that his brother propaganda materials to households, the opening of suicide on 12 June in the Cinnamon Gardens Sanjeewa Jayaweera then stated that his had purchased a firearm priced at over Rs election offices, conducting training sessions and area of Independence Square. brother had said that he did not need any help 151,500 and that he had also bought six postal voting, polling booth etiquette, conducting Sanjeewa Jayaweera stated that his and added that Prabath Jayaweera had bullets for the weapon. the election in quarantine centres and counting deceased sibling had resided in the Colombo 5 spoken to him at that point in a very He said that the letter had mentioned that centre etiquette, they said. area and noted that his third legal spouse had endearing manner. his brother had used one bullet for testing and Sources said that the guidelines for conducting been residing in Britain and that he had a son He told that when he had checked his cell had maintained that the firearm had been the Election had been issued earlier this month and from his first marriage. He stated that the son phone at around 9.15 p.m. he had noticed purchased not with the aim of contravening that measures were being taken to gazette it of his sibling was currently living overseas and that his sibling had sent him a Short Message the law or with the sinister aim of harming following several appeals made by election due to this reason, his sibling had been living Service (SMS) text at around 8.45 p.m. anyone. Sanjeewa Jayaweera said that his the observers. alone with his servants in Colombo. Sanjeewa Jayaweera said that the SMS read late sibling had further mentioned in his letter Some of the salient features of the instructions He informed the Court that the deceased “Through the secret number that is sent by that if there were to be any confusion that have been given stress on the need to reduce had been supplying political articles and me along with my briefcase, try to open it. regarding his death to furnish it promptly to the number of agents from political parties to the features to mainstream local English Inside it will be a letter addressed to you the Police. minimum possible. “All voters should be informed newspapers as a hobby. Sanjeewa Jayaweera specifically. In that letter I have explained my He then said that on the morning of 12 that anyone having fever with or without respiratory then informed that though he too had written decision. It would also explain to you what June, the Police had arrived at the house of symptoms to report for voting only as the last voters such articles to newspapers, neither he nor future action you must take in this regard.” his sister in Rajagiriya to inform about his of a particular session,” sources said, quoting the his sibling had ever been threatened regarding He said that after reading the SMS, he had brother and that afterwards he too had gone guidelines. All voters are expected to wash their the content in their articles. opened the briefcase and read the letter that with the Police to Independence Square. hands before entering the voting place, while their He stated that on 9 June at around 7 p.m., had been encased in it and noted that while Chief Magistrate Jayaratna inquired from identity cards are to be checked without being his sibling had rung and informed him that he reading through it, as he had suspected that the witness whether the signature contained touched. However, if it is touched, the officer is to was coming to meet him the following (10 his sibling was planning to take his life, he in the letter was that of the deceased Prabath sanitise his/her hands immediately. June) morning and therefore, on 10 June at had gone in search of his brother to several Jayaweera. Voters are also to be encouraged to use their own around 10 a.m., Prabath Jayaweera had come places. Sanjeewa Jayaweera then told that Sanjeewa Jayaweera maintained that the pen or pencil to mark their vote. to meet him. though he had informed the Bambalapitiya signature was not an official one which is used The voting cubical is to be sanitised every hour, Sanjeewa Jayaweera then stated that his Police, too, regarding his sibling going by his sibling to sign cheques but that it was while all voters have to wash and sanitise their brother had intimated to him that he was missing, neither he nor the Police had been only the signature used by him for writing or hands after casting their vote, they said. going to reside at a new house alone and had able to locate the deceased. signing in greeting cards.

Two injured in SL Embassy in Doha Jaffna sword attack distributes supplies Two persons were critically injured in a sword attack on 22 June at a funeral house in Madathadi, Irupalai, Jaffna. A suspect was arrested by The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Doha, Qatar continues to distribute dry the Kopai Police in this connection. According to eyewitnesses, an food rations and essential items to needy Sri Lankan expatriates. argument had erupted between two factions who attended the funeral The Ministry of Foreign Relations in Colombo has dispatched 6,700 house, which had in turn ended in a sword attack. The injured persons kilogrammes (1,000 packs) of support kits which have been received by the were rushed to the Teaching Hospital Jaffna. The suspect will be Embassy on 21 June. SriLankan Airlines has collaborated with the produced in Court after the formal investigation. Ministry in carrying these support kits on a cost-free basis, on a special (NJ) cargo flight to Doha on 21 June. COLUMN/ Appreciation Wednesday 24 June 2020 A7

Time for a new Green Revolution By Anuradha Yahampath responded and recovered from closed economy. Sri Lanka had the results in devastating floods and Sri Lanka. For example, we speak of a crises throughout history, experience of working towards self- droughts in every continent. The Amba Wanaya (mango forest) during It was the ‘Green Revolution’ that sometimes with a long-term vision, sufficiency in the ‘70s but the closed agriculture industry that came to the rule of the King’s, where mango came to our rescue immediately after sometimes not. Currently, countries economic policies failed the light as the ‘Green Revolution’ has orchards were integrated in to the World War II to increase global food are fast adjusting their policies and administration of that time. Options contributed drastically to climate existing natural forest. Thus production when famine was looming trying hard to respond to the need to be open for imports as change by anthropogenic emissions protecting the existing ecology whilst across the world. The Global powers COVID-19 threat. Out of many well, if any food shortage arises of greenhouse gases, by its fulfilling the agricultural requirement. or winners of World War II knew lessons that could be learnt from the due to climatic conditions or for food continuous use of chemicals as Furthermore, the European another great depression may cause COVID-19 pandemic, the most critical that does not grow in Sri Lanka. Of fertilisers, weedicides and pesticides. Commission by its ‘Green Recovery another world conflict. Therefore, it is the evidence of the extent of course, there will always be a niche Also, loss of biodiversity is a result of Package’ is taking steps to make was important to take every step pollution that was caused by market for luxury foods which too can excessive land clearing. Therefore, the consumers better informed about to overcome the food scarcity. humans; especially anthropogenic be imported. limited arable land needs to be the quality of food they purchase, Increasing the yields of crops to pollution in agriculture to air, water managed by precision agriculture its nutritional value, and its feed the surge in population that and land. Though this is already at a Green Agriculture with good practices. environmental footprint. This is an naturally increased with the end of threatening level, very few actions are Food self-sufficiency is also the Reaching food self-sufficiency using important step to provide safer food to the war was a challenge. being taken by most countries. But availability of food of nutritional ‘Green Agriculture’ will require the consumer. Food security also There was yet another important during this pandemic, when the value, to all. With the support of identifying opportunities for means safe food consumption which reason for the Green Revolution of the whole world was under quarantine, policy decisions, the country’s sustainable energy efficient in Sri Lanka most unfortunately has late 1940s. As the two main global the Earth gave us hope by quickly agriculture, fisheries and milk investments in agriculture, working been the given least priority. Some of powers during the cold war, USA recovering back some of its natural production can be improved to hand-in-hand with traditional the chemicals which are used by the and USSR were ideologically splendour. achieve this. Importance of food self- precision agriculture and a revival agriculture industry have proven to different and their competition to sufficiency is that it will not only of the ancient irrigation system. It have resulted in long term health establish individual influence in the Post-Covid-19 era bring economic advancement to the also requires the fostering of “agro- related issues. world was becoming aggressive. It Policy makers from all over the country but also will establish ecology” the integration of Sustainable food consumption and was during this time that President world have recognised the present era political sovereignty and national agricultural practices with affordable healthy food for all has to Truman of USA came up with the as a turning point in world affairs. security. This is crucial for a ecological, environmentally friendly be the normal practice in this plan of expending American foreign They have already started planning a sovereign country in this day and era. processes. Our traditional home forthcoming ‘green revolution’. aid and transferring technology Post-Covid-19 era. Environmental Sri Lanka has a long history of garden (or what we had seen Traditional varieties of agricultural especially in the agriculture sector. issues are being taken into ‘Green Agriculture,’ unfortunately generations ago in most of our products which are available in Sri This was also an important consideration more than ever. Inter- forgotten by many in recent years. grandmother’s home gardens), is the Lanka with high nutritional value opportunity for USA to spread connectedness between countries in The concept Wevai Dagabai of Sri best example where food required is have to be presented to the capitalism in the world while at international trade or travel is Lanka which is the foundation of a produced in a balanced ecological consumer as new innovative the same time, USA could also becoming limited; therefore many 2,500 year old civilisation where the environment. products. Virgin coconut oil and contain USSR’s communist ideology. countries including the European agriculture practices based on an jackfruit are good examples. Whilst Most countries in the developing Commission are changing their intricate irrigation system are not Good agricultural encouraging such innovations, the world and the countries in the third existing plans and policies only an economic practice but also a practices environmental impact of food world welcomed the idea of accordingly. These changes are practice of sustainable livelihood processing, transport, storage, implementing science and technology bringing new phenomena to the which protect the environment and all This is a marvellous opportunity for packaging etc. Have to be in agriculture. The ‘Green Revolution’ liberal world. beings living in that environment. The Sri Lanka to embrace good considered. The relationship soon established itself throughout the Connectivity has been the key in concepts of ‘do no harm’ or ‘live and agricultural practices which rely on between the farmer and the end world. the world’s agricultural industry for let live’ or ‘every life matters’ are being natural fertilisers and native consumer needs to closer and of Mexico became the birth of the centuries. Last year, around four- familiarised by environmentalists as strains of crops rather than more understanding to gain more Green Revolution, which was more fifths of food has been imported the basis of such practices. genetically modified ones in its confidence between the two. an experimental ground for the world-wide spending 1.5 trillion The environmental harm by age- farming. This would ensure that In Sri Lanka it is possible to United States, using new technologies dollars. The food industry has been old, traditional agricultural practices people have healthy food to eat and achieve the energy required for the in seeds, irrigation, fertilisers and global. Even in Sri Lanka only the is minimal. The sustainable practices make our agricultural products food Industry by renewable energy pesticides. This programme was farmer, the land and the water may of precision irrigation and water attractive to foreign countries which which has not yet been harvested backed by the United Nations and be local; but seeds, fertilisers, management, precision agriculture are desperately looking for such fully. Identifying opportunities for the Food and Agriculture machinery and fuel which is required and organic farming need to be alternatives. sustainable, energy efficient Organisation. By the 1960s the Green to run them are imported. In addition the global standard for The ‘Green Recovery Package’ investments in agriculture, hand-in- Revolution started to transform Asian to this Sri Lanka is still dependent on sustainability in the Post-COVID-19 introduced by the European hand with traditional precision Traditional Agriculture practices into the importation of many staple food world. If Sri Lanka uses its inherited Commission for the recovery of agriculture and irrigation systems is high technological and scientific items. knowledge with Science and COVID-19 ravaged economies, the new green revolution. This will practices. New high yielding rice The current situation has shown Technology that ‘do no harm’, Sri emphasises countries to adhere by ensure safe, healthy and affordable and other crop varieties were how vital it is for countries to be Lanka can be one of the pioneers of the green oath ‘do no harm’ when food to every person, whilst introduced doubling the agriculture self- sufficient in food. This is not an the next “Green Revolution”; but this investing in economic recovery reducing environmental impacts of production but, after many decades easy task. Sri Lanka is one of the few revolution should be green; in the projects. The European Commission the overall food industry; which will of such practices, effects of countries that can accomplish not true sense and not only for its name. is investing in plans that lead to the bring Sri Lanka back to the golden continuous use of agrochemicals on only food self-sufficiency but also Food production in the world using use of sustainable practices, such as era of Parakum Yugaya. Sri Lanka Earth has posed a threat to the become an exporter of agricultural the technology which was introduced precision agriculture, organic has the knowledge and the resources very survival of humans, all other produce, if it uses its resources after World War II has resulted in farming, agro-ecology, agro-forestry to become the pioneers of the new living species and the environment wisely. It has to be understood that air, water and soil pollution and stricter animal welfare standards. green revolution and make it greener. itself. food self-sufficiency at any point causing global warming. This has This is very much in line with (Anuradha Yahampath is the Human beings have always does not work in countries with a caused climate change which traditional agricultural practices of Governor of the Eastern Province) Appreciation – Mrs. Sithy Ossman It is with much grief and profound (Barrister–at-Law, London, Australia inspiration to her late husband in all to whoever sought her benevolence Grant her the eternal Bliss of sorrow that we received the sad news and Sri Lanka) who pre-deceased her. his political, social and cultural and kind generosity. She was quite Jennathul-Firdouse. of the untimely demise of Sithy Even though she was domiciled in affairs with her invaluable humble, genial and affable to all her Aunty Sithy is no more but her fond Ossman who passed away after a London for the past 25 years, the contributions and proposals. erstwhile friends, colleagues and memories will be etched forever in our brief illness on 26 March 2020 at her affluence and immense popularity She invariably shunned the glories relatives. hearts and will linger long in our home in London. Aunty Sithy was the she achieved did not deter her. She of exalted office in whatever services I must also voice my sincere lives. daughter of the reputable, leading invariably went out of her way to and activities she ungrudgingly appreciation and heartfelt gratitude Her funeral took place in London in and world famous Gem & Jewellery extend a helping hand (physically and imparted to the under-privileged, the to my Late Aunty Sithy for the the midst of her family members, dealer of that era, the Late O.L.M. financially) to whoever sought her needy and the poor. Even though she motherly care, affection and devotion close relatives and friends. Macan Markar (MMC), and dearly assistance. She did not falter in her was brought up in the ‘Lap of Luxury’ bestowed on me after my operation She leaves behind her daughters beloved wife of the Founder and onerous duties and always and was blessed with all the comforts for cardiac arrest, and today, thank Zuliha, Haniya and sons. Architect of the All Ceylon Muslim maintained the common touch of her and pleasantries in life, she never God, I am still alive because of her Ameer A. Sanoon Congress, who served as its First fellow countrymen and women. She hesitated in her sincere endeavours kindness. I will never fail to raise my A4 F5 Bloemendhal Flats, General Secretary, M.S. Ossman was a ‘Tower of Strength’ and an and efforts to extend a helping hand arms in prayers to Almighty Allah to Kotahena, Colombo-13 A8 wednesday 24 june 2020 editorial

Sirikotha !

Ceylon Newspapers (Pvt) Ltd. No: 101, Rosmead Place, Colombo 07. Editorial Tel: 0117566522, 0117566526, 0117566527 Fax: 0117566545 Marketing Manager: 0117566550, 0117566551 Circulation Manager: 0117566580, 0117566581 E-mail : [email protected]

Geopolitics After COVID-19 Conflict or Cooperation?

By Andrés Ortega scenarios. 2nd Wave In doing that, I am fully aware of the Geopolitical rivalry, and the reasons that dangers of simplification. But one way or The World Bank (WB) on Tuesday approved another sustain it, has not stopped with COVID-19. another, we need to attempt to get a grasp of US$ 88.86 million aid package to Sri Lanka to fight the Depending on its depth and duration, the a reality that is enormously complex. COVID-19 pandemic. The package comprises two crisis could lead to a more cooperative or a components: A soft loan of $ 87.24 million and grant more divided world. Or it could lead to Scenario 1: Each for himself aid of $ 1.72 million, respectively. The WB said that ongoing tension between these two The United States, the self-ascribed richest the soft loan of $ 87.24 million is payable over 30 years alternatives for an indefinite period. country on earth, has already reached with a grace period of five years. ‘The project will help staggeringly high unemployment levels. But boost Sri Lanka’s capacity to prevent, detect and The current geopolitical it certainly isn’t just there that the lure of respond to the threat posed by COVID-19 and environment deglobalisation (“my country first”) is offered strengthen national systems for public health up as a way out. preparedness in the country.’ This additional financing Here are some core tenets of the current Social unrest can further strengthen the of $87.24 million will finance temporary cash transfers geopolitical environment: populists and authoritarian regimes. to high-risk populations to enable them to stay at In absolute terms all states or groups of Presumably well-established democracies home as a preventive measure against the spread of states are going to emerge weakened from will possibly have to contend with the COVID-19, the WB said. this crisis. We may witness greater or lesser collapse of the middle classes. If not global Further, the grant financing of $ 1.72 million under geopolitical rivalry, but based on weaker chaos, the forces of de-Westernisation and a Pandemic Emergency Financing Facility will give a powers. This could possibly result in de-Europeanisation will find further fuel. boost to the ongoing health system preparedness temptations to overreach. However, they efforts, especially with the reopening up of Sri Lanka’s come along with reduced abilities to act Scenario 2: Collective economy, it added. This new aid package complements upon them. international intelligence an earlier WB aid package of $ 128 million approved • The UN has been completely absent nearly three months ago on 2 April to fight this during the crisis. Only a restoration of This is the rosy scenario. While the health pandemic, increasing WB’s total assistance to Sri trust among the great powers will be crisis persists over the mid-long term, the Lanka since then to subjugate COVID-19 to $ 216.86 capable of establishing the centrality of White House from January – likely with a spirit and logic of real international million. the UN Security Council. female Vice President who could replace cooperation kicks in, both in the fight It may not be coincidental that this new aid package • The WHO has proved inadequate. A him at any time, if needed – could drive a against the virus and in the recovery from of $88.86 million was approved on the back of Sri much better equipped global health more multilateral approach. the economic crisis. Lanka reporting zero COVID-19 detections for three system is needed. That would imply more attention being The G20 provides useful fiscal stimulus consecutive days beginning from Saturday 20 June to • The G20 worked in 2018 because there given to the importance of allies to the measures and there are moves towards a Monday 22 June, in the 24 hours ended at 10 a.m. on was U.S., British and French United States, while the U.S. distancing to global health system. There is a gentle each of these three days, a record, discounting the leadership. Now, with the Saudis in the Russia and China would be maintained. reform of capitalism, providing for a greater period from 27 January, when the first case was chair not so much. At the present time, role for the public sector. Social protests are detected, that of a Chinese, and up to 10 March, a the G20 is being reduced to a framework The U.S.-Chinese rivalry limited thanks to direct aid and lines of total of 43 days, during which period no other case was lacking genuine capacity for will continue credit for companies. detected, before the status quo was changed with coordination. Thus, there is limited de-globalisation. We virtually new cases being detected on a daily basis The existing structures do not work. Here This rivalry will become a structural factor even see greater European integration, with since, ie from 11 March to 19 June, a total of 100 days. are some of the most likely structural in the (new) world order, especially with the financial and political institutions However, a solitary case was detected by the developments: regard to the struggle for technological and working in the same direction. Trust in authorities in the 24 hours ended as at 10 a.m. on ideological domination. governments recovers. Tuesday, 23 June (yesterday). Acceleration of the process of China, following its management of the Geopolitical confrontation between the With the Epidemiology Unit reporting no new de-Westernisation health crisis, has seen an opportunity to United States and China, and with Russia, is community-based cases detected since 1 May, bolster its international image (and utility). considerably lowered. At times, it seems as if meaning that that the last community-based case was This was already underway owing to the However, as more becomes known about the spirit of a single humanity could thrive. detected on 30 April, with the current cases being rise of the East (which could, nonetheless, what actually happened with the outbreak, based on Naval clusters or overseas returnees, the be slowed down, although not reversed by China’s currently rather good image may Scenario 3: Step-by-step Navy being a victim of amateurish orders given by the the crisis) as well as because of the internal change. muddling through authorities to seize suspected COVID-19 drug addicts divisions within the West. In addition, China has major internal with no proper protective cladding given to the Navy, One of the intriguing questions: Will we economic and social problems, which may Here is the middle scenario: The crisis other than protection to fight terrorists by being armed become more “Asiatic” in terms of a general undermine the financial capabilities it has persists over the short-medium term. There to the teeth in these operations, nonetheless the mindset, and therefore more community- earmarked for some of its geopolitical is a degree of international cooperation in success of containing this virus may be attributed to minded and less individualistic? instruments, such as the Belt and Road the healthcare field, but there is no subsequent action as a whole being taken since 14 Initiative. coordination in the fiscal-economic realm. March, ie 43 days after the first detection was made on Accelerated Even so, the world’s centre of gravity will The economy in the EU as a whole starts to 27 January by the authorities to curb the spread of de-Europeanisation continue shifting towards the East, recover slowly, but it does not revert to its this virus. including in ideological terms. position prior to the crisis, remaining for a Sri Lanka has been able to defeat the first wave of The decline of Europe has been described time in depression. the COVID-19 attack. Now it should be prepared to for a long, long time. Currently, there are A very full global agenda Social protests rise due to the high levels of repulse a possible second wave with the country even real concerns about the collapse of the There are many other pressing issues to be unemployment which show no sign of reopening itself up for tourism from 1 August (Ceylon EU if it is not able to react in a concerted dealt with. On most of them, trend lines are abating, but the system does not collapse. Today of 9 June). fashion post-COVID-19. not moving in a positive direction. While there are localised COVID-19 events, Starved for US dollars with remittances and Conversely, the reality shock of, and the For example, the need to prioritise national we do not see a reactivation of global flows. garments, Sri Lanka’s single and second largest pressures from, the COVID-19 crisis may aid for the underprivileged will reduce What we see is more nationalism and sources of foreign exchange (FX) earnings respectively, be strong enough to bring about new development aid even further and also cast protectionism. The EU remains half-built. having taken a hit because of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic and geopolitical progress towards even greater doubt on the attainment of the The ECB, the EIB and the Commission all the island is now relying on its third largest source of European integration. 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. function, but the European Council does not FX earnings, namely tourism, to revive the economy. And, of course, we are back at a time succeed in coordinating itself and acting in With the peak tourism season beginning in November U.S. absenteeism: where countries only a short while ago being an integrated way on the joint fiscal stimulus and reaching a crescendo in December, while slowly How much longer? deemed as emerging may well be issue. dissipating afterwards, culminating by the end of the submerging. That isn’t just true for Africa Conclusion peak tourism season by April of the following year. As During the pandemic, U.S. global and Latin America. Due to the steep fall in It is clear that the second scenario is the reported by Ceylon Today on its 9 June issue, Sri leadership has been completely absent, in the oil price, Russia faces severe problems. most advantageous, while the first is the Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has marked contrast to the Obama least advantageous. The likely outcome of a said that tourists will not be subjected to quarantine if administration’s reaction to the Ebola Three scenarios for ‘new normality’ is a mix. they pass the PCR test. epidemic. the path ahead Editor’s note: This article is based on SLTDA has no right to decide whether tourists One factor that will weigh decisively on an analysis published at Elcano Royal should be quarantined or not. That decision lies solely scenarios over the medium term is whether Amidst this convoluted and heavily Institute: Coronavirus: trends and with the health authorities and not anybody else. Donald Trump is re-elected in November. burdened global landscape, let me set out landscapes for the aftermath. A Democrat such as Joe Biden in the three illustrative examples as base (www.theglobalist.com) column wednesday 24 june 2020 A9 Post-COVID-19 Imperatives of Sri Lanka Management of International Assistance

By Dr.C.G.Ilangakoon mechanism to be structured by The Methodology expert international financial The COVID-19 crisis seems to have institutions.Simultaneously, the made the diplomacy of debt trap the disclosure of all public sectors talk of the town. The antecedent UNP currently facing the COVID-19 crisis middle-income and credit-worthy financial commitments in the form and SLFP Governments have Sri Lanka must look forward to poor countries. IDA is one of the of debts, while respecting obtained loans from alien actors, negotiating with the above Therefore, it is the largest sources of assistance for the commercially sensitive information, unfortunately, being constrained by international creditors to get world’s 76 poorest countries and is would be a must. unacceptable terms and conditions, permission for a suspension of the responsibility of the single largest source of donor In relation to the latter, the imposed by creditors, who were debt service. Apart from this, there is the entrusted right funds for basic social services in required technical assistance shall interested, not in production also the possibility of debt obligations these countries. IDA lends money on be procured by reputed financial promoting and development suspension as well. Neither the World experts of the concessional terms. This means that institutions, recognised by the World conducive investments, but in Bank nor the IMF will issue funds, IDA credits have a zero or very low Bank. consumption-oriented and relief and without an inception report and right present interest charge and repayments are The World Bank grant or the welfare rooted projects. Besides, assessment of the country’s overall governance, to stretched over 30 to 38 years, concessional loan would comprise a during the time of many UNP régimes, picture, including Sri Lanka’s debt including a 5- to 10-year grace limitation that no new loan with or for the most part, though the loans profile and repayment implications. devise a customised period. IDA also provides grants to without concessional rates would be were taken, no final result could be The inception report is prepared by fiscally sustainable countries at risk of debt distress. contracted, during the period of the found, as to what was done with the the person who will be evaluating the Hence, Sri Lanka can make use of operation of the debt, save for obtained colossal sums. The final project and its progress. The policy response these spaces of global concessional instruments under the World Bank result of all these deceptions of evaluators establish the conceptual finance. This support can be tailored approved initiative or in compliance corrupt politics is, Sri Lanka is framework of the evaluation, that nourishes to the health, economic and social with constraints, under the IMF ensnared in a dangerous debt trap. including important evaluation weathering the shocks Sri Lanka is facing. In Debt Limit Policy or World bank The Motherland is overly indebted. questions, data sources, sampling addition, the operation could be Policy on Non-concessional We have borrowed too much. We have and key indicators. The right crisis in the short initiated towards social protection, Borrowing. financed ourselves in to troubles with assessment is to make certain that poverty alleviation and policy-based Sri Lanka is a highly indebted multilateral agencies like the measurement in each unit of study is term and an financing. The IDA provides grants – country. Hence, for international International Monetary Fund (IMF), powerful, integrated and 'fit-for- economic recovery rather than loans – to most countries creditors, it is really risky to extend the World Bank and the Asian purpose. Hence, it is the duty of the at high risk of debt distress. The grants and issue finance on Development Bank (ADB). Sri Lanka responsible finance experts to in the medium term interest rates on World Bank lending concessional rates. Why? The fiscal has to pay them back with interest. structure a detailed report on the are extremely low and the maturities space, exploited for the execution of Finally, the ablution of sins, above said components. and the grace periods too, are long. debt service, needs to be re-oriented, committed by the UNP and SLFP The IDA, automatically adjusts in response to the pandemic crisis Governments has been ascribed to Management of Grants the terms of assistance, when the management and economic the present governance under the It is noteworthy that the World indebted countries of the development. Otherwise, a Rajapaksa leadership. Now, at a Bank has a plan to deploy as much as pertinent category encounter significant Government spending global crisis, engendered by COVID- $160 billion over the next 15 months, increasing difficulties in response on the COVID-19 crisis 19, which has disastrously impacted, of which $50 billion will be in either servicing their external management, could mean damaging not only developing countries, but grants or highly concessional terms debts. The crises like prosperity attainment and the also economically and militarily well from the International Development COVID-19 included. disregard of debt servicing would be advanced super powers, what is the Association (IDA) - the World Thus, the countries get tantamount to increasing in the rationality that Sri Lanka should be Bank’s fund for the poor. The the opportunity to access already unsustainable Government rightly guided by? It is the intelligent International Development further funds and debt. management of debt service! Association (IDA) is the part of technical assistance Therefore, it is the responsibility of the World Bank that helps without increasing the the entrusted right experts of the Debt Service Suspension the world’s poorest debt. There is also the present governance, to devise a There is a favourable space, created countries. The IDA aims to principle of recycling customised fiscally sustainable by the COVID-19 pandemic. While it reduce poverty by funds, the IDA gets, as policy response that nourishes wreaks havoc on the global economy, providing loans (called debt service payments, weathering the crisis in the short poorer countries, which are the “credits”) and grants for in crises periods, going term and an economic recovery in hardest hit by the virus, will also face programmes that boost to the indebted the medium term. However, the a debt crisis. Hence, an economic growth, reduce countries as bundling emergency financing, provided by encouragement was granted with its inequalities, and improve finance with technical the World Bank is not a property to official recognition and in the people’s living conditions. assistance. be underestimated. It comprises operational spirit of the World Bank, IDA complements the same safeguards as regular the IMF and the G 20 leadership to World Bank’s original The Governmental financing. allow poor countries to suspend lending arm – the Duty That is to say, it includes Sri repayment of their official bilateral International Bank for Lanka’s adhering to existing policies, credit. This is an initiative, which can Reconstruction and It is all crisis directed. The reporting requirements and strict safeguard lives and livelihoods of Development (IBRD). fiscal space, to be created by oversight, along with fiscal millions of the most vulnerable The IBRD was grants and concessions should transparency, operative in all World people. What Sri Lanka, at present is established to be used only for the improvement Bank financing. in need of is a fast-acting measures, function as a self- and maintenance of health or which would profit its economy and sustaining economic spending in response to About the writer: the people. Lacking the required business and the crisis. It will have to Dr. Gamini Ilangakoon is a financial resources to respond to the provides loans be operative under a Lawyer, specialising in repayment of its huge loans and and advice to Smart ways for borrowers to get out of a debt trap (Courtesy Financial Express) tight monitoring International Treaty Laws.

By Michael Gregson be surprised. The Prime Minister has a long history of There’s an old trick in The Politics of Distraction being economical with the politics. Take the minds of truth. voters off how bad things are That’s alright then Prime about Johnson’s performance, could be forced into more being admitted to intensive Critics say sceptical voices with bogus good news and Minister. You have presided not only over the chaos of embarrassing U-turns in the care with COVID-19. “I rarely make their way to the waffle. It’s the politics of over the greatest loss of life in U-turns but also the Prime weeks and months ahead if he definitely think Boris’s ear of Johnson, who prefers distraction. British Prime Britain since the Second Minister’s health, that some fails to listen to his own party. absence set things back: it not to hear from what he calls Minister Boris Johnson has World War, the economy is senior members of his own It comes after a chaotic week was different before he fell ill,” “the doomsters, the been attempting to pull off the crashing and the spectre of party are going so far as to for Downing Street which said one concerned MP. gloomsters”. trick, but he’s not fooling slavery is haunting political wonder openly whether he will included, aptly, a real-life car Their voices Will Johnson now focus on anyone. discourse once again. But at stay the course until the 2024 crash when the PM’s vehicle tackling real issues such as Britain is in the middle of a least voters can look forward election. was shunted outside are barely heard the nosediving economy and COVID-19 disaster. It has one to slightly cheaper biscuits in “There are doubts about Parliament. the expected further waves of of the highest fatality rates in a trade deal of negligible value Boris’s health, his competence Most embarrassingly, the Many of these critics feel the pandemic – or continue to the world, with at least 52,000 to Britain – especially and his judgment,” said one Prime Minister abruptly their voices are barely heard, rule by stunt? Britons dead from the disease. compared to the cost of former Minister. “He might not changed his position on free let alone heeded, inside the According to historian But Boris Johnson is brushing crashing out of the European be the statesman that some school meals after a high- Prime Minister’s 10 Downing Robert Saunders, there are off the catastrophe with Tim Union. Well done Boris. had hoped he could become. profile campaign by the Street office. Johnson’s No 10 one of two routes the UK could Tam diplomacy and publicity Budgets are being squeezed Throw Cummings into the mix footballer Marcus Rashford. team of staunch loyalists, go under Johnson’s stunts. ever tighter. Living standards and you start getting MPs Up to 30 Tory MPs had been many veterans of the Vote leadership. “The public’s While the death toll are falling and tax revenues openly talking about the fact threatening to vote with the Leave campaign, pay “patience for these stunts continued to mount and the are collapsing as the Bank of that he will have to go before opposition Labour party on a scrupulous attention to focus might diminish” and Johnson Government’s track and trace England pumps money into the next General Election.” motion calling for the weekly groups and opinion polls, but focusses on “talking about app was scrapped at the the economy to try to keep it In the nearer term, restive voucher scheme to be MPs say they are rarely jobs, employment, and health estimated cost of more than afloat, so of course this is the members of the ruling Tory extended over the summer. consulted, and in many cases, policy,” he said. “Or the £100 million, the Prime perfect time to announce a party – even those who are There have been worries, neither are ministers. stunts are going to have to Minister released a bizarre new paint job on the Prime normally sympathetic – are too, about whether Johnson For example, the decision to become nastier and more video in which he waved Ministerial plane – because warning that their leader has recovered his “vim” after roll the Department for divisive to hold the public’s around a packet of Tim Tams – Boris doesn’t like the grey International Development attention.” the Australian chocolate camouflage used by the Royal (DfID) back into the Foreign Ironically, while Britain biscuit. Air Force. So that’s the annual Office after two decades, flounders with the pandemic salary of 30 much-needed foreshadowing a major shake- at home, the UK High How long can the nurses’ spaffed up the wall on up of foreign policy priorities, Commission in Colombo is British be deprived red white and blue paint. In had not been discussed by now urging all Britons in Sri the meantime, another Cabinet. Lanka to return home on of Tim Tams Government Minister suggests That decision brought down commercial flights or run the “I want a world in which we cheering up the Nation with the wrath of three former risk of being stranded. As send you Marmite, you send not one, but two Royal Yachts. prime ministers, but was also Ceylon Today reported, it us Vegemite. We send you Thank you taxpayer. greeted with dismay by some warned that “the Sri Lankan Penguins and you send us, It’s hard not to laugh at of Johnson’s supporters. health care system will come with reduced tariffs, these such crass ineptitude – but it Andrew Mitchell, the former under significant further wonderful Arnott’s Tim Tams,” distracts people from the development secretary who strain”. he said, while launching trade lamentable job the Prime had backed Johnson for the Really? Not a very tough talks with Australia. “How Minister has made of tackling leadership, said the Prime choice between a country long can the British people be the pandemic, so it at least Minister had “sat in my office where the pandemic has killed deprived of the opportunity to has some political value for and looked me in the eye and 11 people or one where more have Arnott’s Tim Tams at a baffled and blustering Boris. told me DfID would be safe. than 50,000 have died from reasonable price?” Such are the rising concerns But then again he shouldn’t COVID-19. a10 wednesday 24 june 2020 world

As coronavirus cases mount Mexico City, Mexico 15 killed in brutal attack Beijing testing to on indigenous village enter ‘fast track’ Beijing’s mass testing for the new coronavirus will soon enter a ‘fast track’ as the city’s testing capacity expands, a senior municipal health official said on Tuesday (23), following a sudden return of COVID-19 nearly two weeks ago. The city of more than 20 million residents reported its first case in the Members of the Mexico’s National Guard patrol a road after assailants killed 15 latest outbreak on 11 June. The inhabitants of an indigenous village that has been plagued by local disputes, in infections were linked to the sprawling San Mateo del Mar, 22 June 2020. (Reuters) Xinfadi wholesale food centre in the southwest of Beijing, which had until Assailants killed 15 inhabitants what sparked the violence in then reported no new cases for nearly of an indigenous village in Huazantlan del Rio, a local village two months. southern Mexico that has been of Ikoots indigenous origin. In the 12 days since, 249 people plagued by local disputes, Officials are still investigating have been infected in the worst authorities said on Monday (22), in whether the attackers had guns. outbreak in Beijing since the novel one of the most brutal attacks to The two women killed had been coronavirus was identified at a seafood shake the countryside in recent protesting against abuses by one of market in the central Chinese city of years. the suspected attackers, who Wuhan late last year. State prosecutors in the State of described himself as a representative Beijing can now administer more Oaxaca said the bodies of 13 men of Huazantlan del Rio, the Municipal than 300,000 nucleic acid tests per and two women were identified as Government said. The conflict day compared with 40,000 in March, victims of the attacks over Sunday stemmed from road blocks organised Zhang Hua, deputy director at the (21) night and Monday morning in in recent weeks by people claiming Beijing Municipal Health Commission, the municipality of San Mateo del to represent Huazantlan del Rio told reporters. Mar, east of the Pacific port of authorities who wanted to stir up Beijing took samples from 2.95 Staff members in protective suits work inside a mobile laboratory for nucleic acid Salina Cruz. trouble for their own ends, the million people between 12 and 22 testing, at a sports centre in Daxing district in Beijing. (Reuters) San Mateo del Mar Municipal Municipal Government said, without June, Zhang said. Government said in a statement giving more details. “The strategy of Beijing’s nucleic he said. in restaurants, supermarkets, that the attack was orchestrated by The attackers tortured and acid screening is mainly based on the “We’ll give priority to testing high- marketplaces, as well as residents in at least six armed people with the burned alive a number of their level of risk and on severity,” Zhang risk groups in Xinfadi and other high-risk neighbourhoods. Food support of a suspected local crime victims, the Municipal Government said, when asked if everyone in Beijing markets involved in the outbreak as delivery workers and parcel couriers boss. said. Photos of some of the victims’ would be tested. well as surrounding communities,” have also undergone large-scale In a separate statement, Oaxaca partly burned corpses were Testing will be done in batches and Zhang said. testing.” State prosecutors said published on social media. according to the profile of individuals, “On this basis, we’ve tested workers (Reuters) investigations are under way into (Reuters)

Beijing, China Daredevil! Washington, United States Beidou Navigation network… Would only Final satellite meet Maduro put into orbit to discuss exit China on Tuesday (23) successfully put into orbit the final satellite of its Beidou navigation – Trump network, rival to the US-owned GPS. The mission was originally set for 16 June, US President Donald Trump on but was cancelled at the last minute due to Monday (22) walked back comments that technical problems detected during pre-launch he would consider meeting Venezuelan tests of the Long March-3B carrier rocket. President Nicolas Maduro, saying he The Beidou-3 satellite is the 35th and final would only do so to discuss Maduro’s satellite of the Chinese navigation system – an departure from office. estimated USD 10 billion project meant to be In an interview published on Sunday Beijing’s answer to the US-owned Global (21), Trump said he would consider Positioning System (GPS). meeting Maduro and played down his The idea to develop Beidou, or the Big Dipper earlier decision to recognise opposition in Chinese, took shape in the 1990s as China’s leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela’s military sought to reduce its reliance on GPS, legitimate leader. which is run by the US Air Force. The Republican President changed Coverage was limited to China when the first tack in a tweet on Monday. Beidou-1 satellites were launched in 2000. “My Admin has always stood on the (Reuters) side of FREEDOM and LIBERTY and against the oppressive Maduro regime! I would only meet with Maduro to discuss one thing: a peaceful exit from power!” Trump said. Trump told the news site Axios on Swiss acrobat Freddy Nock balances on a bicycle on the cable of the Glacier 3000 cable car during the Airshow, Friday (19), however, that he was open to marking the reopening of facilities after the COVID-19 lockdown in Les Diablerets, Switzerland, 23 June 2020. (Reuters) a meeting, a move that would upend his ‘maximum pressure’ campaign aimed at ousting Maduro, a socialist who has presided over a deep economic crisis in the South American nation. Brasilia, Brazil “I would maybe think about that. ... A Long March-3B carrier rocket carrying the Maduro would like to meet. And I’m Beidou-3 satellite, the last satellite of China’s never opposed to meetings,” Trump said. Beidou Navigation Satellite System, takes off from Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in Sichuan Global investors demand to “But at this moment, I’ve turned them Province, China 23 June 2020. (Reuters) down.” Maduro told Venezuelan State news site AVN on Monday that he would be meet Brazilian diplomats open to meeting with Trump. “I am willing to talk respectfully with Dubai, Over Amazon deforestation President Donald Trump. In the same way that I spoke with Biden, I could Yemen’s Houthis A group of 29 global speak with Trump,” Maduro said, citing investment firms that manage a brief 2015 meeting with then-U.S. Vice attack deep in Saudi USD 3.7 trillion are demanding President Joe Biden following the meetings with Brazilian inauguration of Brazil’s President at the Arabia - al Masirah TV diplomats around the world to time, Dilma Rousseff. call on right-wing President Trump expressed an openness in 2018 Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement Jair Bolsonaro’s Government to meeting Maduro, who had also made carried out a ‘large-scale attack’ deep in Saudi to stop soaring deforestation in overtures for talks, but nothing Arabia, the movement’s Al Masirah television the Amazon rainforest. materialised and the United States said on Tuesday (23), without elaborating. The investors, led by instead ratcheted up the pressure. The Saudi-led coalition battling the group for Norwegian insurance and Trump’s comments to Axios were five years said it had intercepted a ballistic pension firm Storebrand Asset possibly the clearest sign yet of what missile fired by the Houthis towards Riyadh, Management, sent letters to some US officials have privately said is the Saudi capital, on Tuesday. Brazilian embassies in seven growing frustration over his A Reuters witness in Riyadh heard two loud countries, calling for meetings administration’s failure to unseat blasts and saw billows of smoke in the sky over and expressing concern that Maduro through sanctions and the city close to dawn. Brazil is rolling back An aerial view of a tract of Amazon jungle after it was cleared by diplomacy. Violence between the two sides has surged environmental protections, farmers, in Itaituba, Para, Brazil, 26 September 2019. (Reuters) The United States and most other after the expiry last month of a six-week according to a statement that Western countries have recognised ceasefire prompted by the coronavirus included a copy of the letter. Environmental advocates Brazil’s Foreign Ministry did Guaido as the OPEC nation’s interim pandemic, with the Houthis launching missiles “The escalating deforestation blame Bolsonaro for weakening not respond to a request for President since January 2019, regarding and drones towards Saudi cities and the in recent years, combined with protections and causing a comment. Storebrand Asset Maduro’s 2018 re-election as a sham. coalition responding with air strikes. reports of a dismantling of surge in deforestation and Management CEO Jan Erik The White House said on Monday that Al Masirah said the Houthi’s military environmental and human forest fires since he took office Saugestad said in an interview Trump continued to recognise Guaido as spokesman would make an announcement in rights policies and enforcement in 2019. that while previous initiatives the leader of Venezuela. the next few hours. Coalition spokesman Turki agencies, are creating Bolsonaro has argued Brazil focused on pressuring “Nothing has changed,” White House al-Malki said its forces had intercepted and widespread uncertainty about is a model of conservation, Brazilian companies, this new Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany told a destroyed a Houthi missile launched at Riyadh the conditions for investing in while calling for more mining effort is aimed squarely at the news briefing, adding that he “has not in a “deliberate hostile action designed to target or providing financial services and farming in the Amazon Government. lost confidence at all” in Guaido. civilians”. (Reuters) to Brazil,” the letter said. region. (Reuters) (Reuters) wednesDAY 24 june 2020 b11 JKH acquires $175M from IFC for expansion efforts John Keells Holdings (JKH) has position significantly strengthened. as always, we have the strength acquired US$ 175 million through a As a member of the World Bank and resolve to keep moving forward long-term financing agreement with Group, the IFC makes this with our investment pipeline the International Finance investment as part of its efforts to despite the current period of Corporation (IFC) that was signed stimulate job growth in Sri Lanka unprecedented challenges where yesterday (23), marking IFC’s and the Maldives. JKH’s expansion the outlook is now more positive.” largest investment in Sri Lanka is expected to help achieve this by “IFC support will enable JKH, as to date. creating direct and indirect one of the largest and most In a letter to the Stock Exchange, employment opportunities through reputable businesses in Sri Lanka, JKH Group Finance Director/ its expansion in the tourism sector. to continue to invest, and Deputy Chairman, Gihan Cooray It also plans to open a chain of ultimately create more jobs and stated that the Group would use around 100 supermarkets in Sri work for small- and medium-sized the funds in the expansion of its Lanka over the next three to five businesses, despite the challenging supermarkets business, recent years, with focus on less-developed economic headwinds and investments in hotels in the regions, which should benefit uncertainty over COVID-19,” said Email: [email protected] Maldives and Sri Lanka, and for MSMEs and farmers by adding IFC Country Manager for Sri Lanka general corporate investments. them to its supply chain. and the Maldives, Amena Arif. The facility comes under a ten- “I believe partnering with an “It will also send a strong and year tenure with a four-year grace internationally-reputed financial positive message to the investor period, with capital repayments institution such as IFC, particularly community that capital Bullish run commencing in December 2024, at this juncture of time, is a vote of investments in Sri Lanka and and at the rate of six-month LIBOR the initial interest rate at 4.21 per confidence for JKH and the Maldives are viable at this plus a margin of 380 basis points, cent per annum. country, at large,” said JKH challenging time and are important continues despite with a step-down pricing Considering the length of the Chairman/CEO, Krishan Balendra. to help the economies and the mechanism to a margin of 355 tenure and grace period before “Sri Lanka’s growth prospects in community to build resilience for basis points by March 2024. The capital repayments commence, this the medium to long-term remain the future.” foreigners fleeing current six-month LIBOR will set facility will see the Group’s liquidity positive and we are confident that, (SV) for 15th day By Mario Andree The bullish run at the Colombo Stock EDB initiates digital Exchange continued for the sixth consecutive market session on Tuesday (23) as the benchmark index rose to record a new three- promotions to and-a-half-month high on a high turnover despite continued foreign exits. The benchmark All Share Price Index (ASPI) revitalise exports gained 0.72 per cent (36.57 points) to close at 5,083.07 points, its highest since 11 March, A digital export promotion while the more liquid S&P SL20 representing programme was implemented last the top 20 shares gained 1.63 per cent (36.22 week by the Sri Lanka Export points) to close at 2,257.57 points. Development Board (EDB) to The daily turnover at the Colombo Stock address the negative impact on Exchange stood at Rs 1.6 billion on Tuesday exports caused by the outbreak of (23), higher than Rs 1.2 billion recorded during COVID-19. Excess liquidity will not the previous market day. EDB’s scheduled physical export Nearly 83 million shares changed hands on promotion programmes are on hold cause inflation in current Tuesday (23) during 14,924 trades taking due to the global pandemic, and so place. new promotional activities are – CBSL Asst. Governor Shares of 251 companies were actively being accelerated instead. Hence, a context traded, of which 100 emerged as winners new plan of action has been drawn By Rajiesh Seetharam The Standing Deposit Facility ahead of 68 losers. up to carry out digital promotions Rate (SDFR) and Standing Foreigners were net sellers for the 15th during the next two quarters of Personal Protective Equipment The recent increase in money Lending Facility Rate (SLFR) were consecutive session on Tuesday (23). Net 2020. (PPE) is shared through a series of supply by means of special refi- brought down to 5.50 per cent foreign outflow during the day amounted to Rs The digital export promotion market specific webinars. A nance schemes and reduction of and 6.50 per cent, respectively, to 310 million as foreigners sold shares worth Rs programme includes provision of webinar on USA Food and Drug the Statutory Reserve Ratio (SRR) encourage banks to grant loans to 261 million as against purchases worth Rs 51 market information, organising Authority (FDA) requirements for will not lead to inflation in the customers and discourage them million. webinars on market requirements Personal Protective Equipment current context, says a senior from parking their excess funds The top gainers during the day were SMB and current trends, organising (PPE) for USA market was central banker. in Central Bank’s interest earning Leasing (non-voting), Blue Diamonds, virtual B2B meetings, and conducted for the apparel sector in Central Bank of Sri Lanka facility, he explained. Mackwood Energy, Trade Finance, Serendib participation in virtual trade fairs. collaboration with USA Embassy in (CBSL) Assistant Governor, “Normally, Central Banks work Hotels, Horana Plantations, Lion Brewery, The EDB disseminated extensive Sri Lanka, USAID and Joint Ananda Jayalath, addressing a according to monetary policies. Samson International, HNB Finance, and market information in April this Apparel Association Forum, Sri webinar hosted by the Federation Monetary policy works with a e-Channelling. year, giving updated information Lanka (JAAF). of Information Technology transmission mechanism. It takes Top losers during the day were Tess Agro, on the foreign markets in the Webinars on USA standards Industry Sri Lanka (FITIS), said at least one year to make an Browns Investments, Lighthouse Hotel, context of the COVID-19 pandemic. applicable for PPE products and that despite the general percep- impact due to monetary policy Beruwela Resorts, Browns Beach, Property The information includes current Post-COVID economic recovery tion that increase in money sup- changes. However, to fast-track Development, Bimputh Finance, Ceylon market scenario, export logistical with experts views from Japan are ply leads to inflation, this may not economic growth, the SRR was Guardian, Serendib Engineering and Agstar. readiness, new regulations, new scheduled to be conducted on 24 be the case for Sri Lanka for the also brought down. With the market opportunities and emerging and 30 June for USA and Japan time being because of the existing reduction of SRR from 4 per cent distribution/supply channels. market respectively in low inflation and the low-growth to 2 per cent, another Rs 115 bil- A new web page has been created collaboration with Sri Lanka rate the country has been experi- lion would be added to the mar- in the EDB website www. Missions and the Ministry of encing for the past few years. ket,” he said. srilankabusiness.com and 59 Foreign Relations. “In many developed countries, “Now, Banks have to think out reports have been published on the EDB is in the process of creating there is nothing called SRR and of the box to lend to the custom- main markets for Sri Lankan an enabling environment inflation is adjusted through ers to boost the economy by fuel- export products. These are being conducive to organising new monetary policy,” he said. ling economic activity, but at the updated frequently using the business linkages between Sri “Monetary policy relaxation was same time they also need to be information received from the Sri Lankan exporters and foreign taken as a measure to speed up cautious about the credit quality Lanka Missions overseas through business parties through virtual the economy. The special refi- of their customers,” Jayalath the Ministry of Foreign Relations. B2B meetings. Comprehensive nance scheme that was offered to pointed out. This information was also engagement is being conducted to commercial banks to overcome When questioned with regard to circulated to the export companies arrange a series of virtual B2B issues arising from the COVID-19 risks arising due to currency fluc- through Trade Chambers, Product meetings for potential sectors in crisis injected a total of Rs 150 tuations during the credit period, Associations and by direct close coordination with Sri Lanka billion into the market. Despite which the Government has asked emailing. missions overseas, covering reducing Central Bank official importers to renegotiate, Jayalath The industry gap on required potential markets globally. rates, commercial banks’ lending suggested hedging and forward- standards, certifications, and The first virtual B2B meeting was rates did not come down, but booking as the best tools for procedures for catering to new held with a Brazilian company on interbank rate and treasury bills importers to overcome these opportunities particularly on 11 June. rates fell immediately.” issues.

Dialog named Most Valuable Brand by Brand Finance Dialog Axiata PLC had the Valuable Telecommunications distinction of being awarded the Brand’ for the 13th consecutive title ‘Sri Lanka’s Most Valuable year. The awards are a Brand’ for the second representation of the world-class consecutive year by Brand services and solutions that have Finance, the world’s leading enriched lives of over 15 million independent brand valuation Sri Lankans’ and their continued consultancy, at the 17th edition trust and confidence placed in CURRENCY of its annual review. us to always deliver the Future. RATES Dialog also retained its brand Today. rating of AAA for the sixth This recognition also embodies consecutive year and the title of the Dialog team’s ongoing ‘Most Valuable commitment to placing the USD B 184.12 S 188.82 Telecommunications Brand’ for company at the forefront of ...... the 13th consecutive year, innovation while delivering reaffirming the brand’s ethos of service from the heart.” GBP B 228.81 S 236.84 empowering and enriching Sri inclusivity, affordability and customer experience has paved Brand Finance Lanka MD, ...... Lankan lives and enterprises. accessibility to technology for all the way to create value and Ruchi Gunewardene commented, The ‘Most Valuable Brand Sri Lankans, whilst creating ensure it continues to lead in the “Dialog’s core success has been EUR B 206.28 S 214.03 2020’ and ‘Most Valuable unparalleled experiences. respective business its ability to bring new ...... Telecommunications Brand’ The strength of the Dialog verticals with unique technologies into the country accolades recognise Dialog’s brand has been attributed to its experiences, resulting and by implementing unique JPY B 1.7040 S 1.7811 passion to deliver ‘Service from commitment to empower and in enhancing its brand equity. marketing strategies which ...... the Heart’ and its commitment to enrich lives in a connected Commenting on the awards, enable rapid customer adoption. AUD B 125.78 S 132.07 create ‘The Future. Today’. This world, whilst positioning itself as Dialog Axiata Group CEO, This, together with the single ...... is a testament to the company’s a trusted digital companion in Supun Weerasinghe said, “We brand approach, which straddles salient and meaningful efforts to the hearts of over 15 million are honoured to once again be many digital interphases, 23.06.2020 differentiate and drive the customers. awarded the coveted title of ‘Sri enables them to drive a nation’s digital transformation Dialog’s strategic focus on Lanka’s Most Valuable compelling brand proposition Central Bank of Sri Lanka through a range of products and organisation and digital Consumer Brand’ for the second across many customer services underpinned by transformation, culture and year running and the ‘Most touchpoints.” B12 Ceylon FT Wednesday 24 JUNE 2020 Advertorial HNB FINANCE gets Fitch Lanka Hospitals rating upgraded to ‘AA-(lka)’ celebrates 18 years

HNB FINANCE recently deliver exceptional financial its opening day in February, a figure in private healthcare had its National Long-term services over the past 19 which indicates a high level of investor rating upgraded to ‘AA-(lka)’ years. As our country’s confidence. Lanka Hospitals celebrated its with a negative outlook economy begins to recover HNB FINANCE has been on a 18th anniversary and its success following the recalibration from the disruptions caused continuous trajectory to reinvigorate in delivering quality healthcare of Fitch’s rating scale for Sri by the COVID-19 pandemic, business operations by streamlining as a leading private hospital in Lanka. we will remain committed to workflow and optimising the efficiency of Sri Lanka. The recalibration was fostering continuous growth its team. The company has also Lanka Hospitals is a 270-bed conducted to reflect and uplifting communities successfully introduced an array of new multi-specialty tertiary care changes in the relative across the island,” HNB financial products to a highly-researched hospital spread over 350,000 creditworthiness among Sri FINANCE Managing Director, target market and made a significant square feet, complete with a Lankan issuers following Chaminda Prabhath stated. impact through rebranding and strategic helipad and is the only private Fitch’s downgrade of the The revision of HNB investments in technology and medical facility in Sri Lanka sovereign rating after a FINANCE’s rating follows the innovation. equipped for air-ambulance comprehensive industry Chaminda Prabhath - MD, company’s shares being Today, HNB FINANCE has gained services. The hospital offers analysis. HNB FINANCE’s CEO, HNB Finance listed on the Colombo Stock significant market share and has state-of-the-art features that are revised rating reflects the Exchange under the Diri-Savi established itself as a trusted and complemented by cutting-edge Lanka Hospitals’ Chairman, outlook on the ratings of its parent Board. The first to be listed in over two respected finance company. Hatton technology and staffed by a well- Dr. Bandula Wijesiriwardena company HNB PLC. years, HNB FINANCE’s Initial Public National Bank PLC’s financial and experienced and trained team, addressing the crowd “The upward revision of HNB Offering (IPO) via an Offer for Sale on the business strength and stability places including some of the best FINANCE’s National Long-Term Rating is Colombo Stock Exchange, was HNB FINANCE Ltd. at an advantageous specialists and doctors in Sri Sri Lanka,” Lanka Hospitals a reflection of our proven ability to oversubscribed by a significant 32% on position to pursue greater heights. Lanka. It also provides a Group Chairman Dr. Bandula complete range of the latest Wijesiriwardena stated. “Lanka diagnostic and high-end medical Hospitals strategically aims at technology. realising four core objectives. Lanka Hospitals was initially This is to offer the best medical established as Apollo Hospital in care, the best customer care, Nippon Paint launches anti-microbial coating 2002 and reached a historic continuous improvements and turning point in 2009 when its affordability aimed at By Rajiesh Seetharam ATS labs USA,” majority ownership was accelerating our journey towards “When you use a normal transferred to the government. becoming a hospital that is truly Nippon Paint recently coating or sanitiser, the The designated Chairman of world-class,” Lanka Hospitals launched an anti-microbial microbes come after some Lanka Hospitals at the time was Acting Group CEO cum Director coating product Nippon time, but when you use current President Gotabaya Medical Services, Dr. Wimal Medifresh, a third layer Nippolac anti-microbial Rajapaksa, a visionary leader Karandagoda stated. protection which can be coating on surfaces, who used a strategic approach Lanka Hospitals is the first used on different types of microbes will stay away for a and systems thinking in hospital in Sri Lanka to be surfaces that require an minimum of 6 months.” management to rebrand the awarded some of the most additional layer of “During the Covid-19 hospital as Lanka Hospitals and prestigious accreditations in the protection. pandemic, it is an ideal converted it to the successful, world for its healthcare service Head of Marketing of product to safeguard quality-driven organisation that standards including the Joint Nippon Health Care ourselves from the growth of it is today. Commission International (JCI) Solutions Mihiran Opatha to be used in different types the market, but Nippon pathogenic microorganisms “As a leading hospital we accreditation 6th edition and the told Ceylon FT that it was an of surfaces like reception Medifresh is the only anti- such as bacteria, virus, and persist towards delivering world-respected Medical extremely proud moment for tables, walls, carpets, car microbial coating product fungi. We have already excellence and dependable Tourism Certification from the Sri Lanka as the anti- seats and ship cabins, certified by world recognised exported samples of this patient care with quality Medical Travel Quality Alliance microbial product for multi Opatha said. industry certification bodies, product to the NHS in standards at the highest level. (MTQUA). surfaces was developed “When buying anti- including Industrial England and the feedback Reaching this level of excellence Furthermore, Lanka Hospitals here. “The Anti-microbial microbial coatings, the Technology Institute (ITI) Sri states that it is proving to be would not have been possible Diagnostics (LHD) is the only Sri solution was developed by public should check if the Lanka, the Ministry of a product worthy of being without the support of our Lankan laboratory to be Nippon Paint in Japan along brands are certified by Health and Indigenous used during this global dedicated team that has served accredited by the prestigious with the University of Tokyo. reputed organisations. Medicine Sri Lanka, Japan pandemic,” Opatha further through the last eighteen years laboratory accreditation body, The Nippon Paint in Sri There are several such Food Research Laboratory, stated. to bring Lanka Hospitals to the The College of American Lanka developed it further coating products available in PSB labs Singapore and (Pic by Nuwan Amarawansa) forefront of private healthcare in Pathologists (CAP). news wednesday 24 june 2020 ceylon ft B13 Google, Amazon and Tesla slam Trump’s immigration crackdown Tech leaders have criticised Pichai “is right,” she continued, executive order. President Donald Trump’s latest before adding YouTube would “join The Internet Association – founded immigration crackdown on the visa Google in standing with immigrants in 2012 by several companies, programmes that their companies rely and working to expand opportunity including Google, Amazon, eBay, and on to employ thousands of staff. for all.” Facebook – focused on the H-1B Trump signed an executive order on The Migration Policy Institute program, which allows 85,000 people Monday that suspends foreign work predicted that up to 219,000 workers with “highly specialised knowledge” to visas including the L-1 visa that would be blocked as a result of move to the U.S. with their families. allows firms to transfer staff from Trump’s executive order. “The diverse and accomplished overseas offices and the H-1B visa Musk said that he disagreed with H-1B visa holders in the U.S. create that enables companies to hire highly the action “very much” on Twitter. “In American jobs and help our economy skilled people in certain fields. my experience, these skillsets are net grow,” said Sean Perryman, the Google’s Sundar Pichai, YouTube’s job creators,” he wrote. “Visa reform association’s director of social impact, Susan Wojcicki and Tesla’s Elon makes sense, but this is too broad.” in a statement. “All industries benefit Musk were quick to condemn the Trump said the executive order had from a visa system that allows U.S. restrictions, as were representatives been introduced to help the U.S. companies to attract the best and from Amazon, Facebook and Twitter. economy recover from the brightest no matter where they’re “Immigration has contributed coronavirus, adding that it will free up from.” immensely to America’s economic jobs for Americans. The executive order could also hurt success, making it a global leader in However, Amazon, which received smaller tech companies and the U.S. tech, and also Google the company it more H-1B visas than any other start-up ecosystem. is today,” Pichai said via Twitter. company in 2019, described the move Matt Turck, a venture capitalist at “Disappointed by today’s as “short-sighted” in a statement. FirstMark, pointed out that overseas proclamation - we’ll continue to stand “Preventing high skilled entrepreneurs may start their with immigrants and work to expand professionals from entering the of the U.S. will make our country’s company and support our country’s companies outside the U.S. if they opportunity for all.” country and contributing to America’s recovery even more difficult. Highly- critical infrastructure. They are can’t get a visa. The restrictions on the visas will economic recovery puts American’s skilled visa holders play a critical role contributing to this country at a time “I was on an H1B visa for 10 yrs,” he come into play on 24 June and global competitiveness at risk,” the in driving innovation – at Facebook when we need them most.” wrote on Twitter. “Started a company remain in place until at least the end company said. and at organisations across the Unbelievably bad policy with co-founders also on H1Bs. Hired of this year. Facebook also condemned the country – and that’s something we Box CEO Aaron Levie described the American employees, served U.S. Wojcicki, YouTube’s CEO, said on move. “President Trump’s latest should encourage, not restrict.” executive order as an “unbelievably customers. This was our American Twitter that immigration was “central” proclamation uses the Covid-19 Microsoft President Brad Smith bad policy on every level” adding that dream. But today the same company to America’s story and her own pandemic as justification for limiting said: “Now is not the time to cut our it will not make America better or could be started anywhere. Why family’s story. “My family escaped immigration,” a Facebook nation off from the world’s talent or more competitive in any way. would the next generation bother if danger and found a new home in spokesperson said. “In reality, the create uncertainty and anxiety. Organisations representing the tech they can’t get a visa?” America.” move to keep highly-skilled talent out Immigrants play a vital role at our sector also took issue with the (CNBC) South Asia Textiles Banking on Resilience Partners with in Recovery Mode By Guruprasad Gaonkar pace with customers’ needs and bank employees work remotely – a stay ahead of the recovery curve. change in operational management HeiQ Materials AG We are witnessing unexpected Traditionally, banking CFOs have that was once impossible with the and dramatic changes in the relied on preliminary estimates and decentralised approaches and banking industry. On top of stiff approximate figures when it comes disconnected systems. This Collaboration on special fabric competition from new digital to risk management. However, this represents a shift in CFO’s challengers, traditional banks are type of analysis is no longer mindsets because banks are now for mask manufacturing now being forced into a digital-first sufficient in today’s economy of starting to re-architect their core business model, as they have had uncertainties. finance processes and explore to shut down branches for an Moreover, CFOs who want to remote capabilities that benefit its South Asia Textiles Limited, a Sri science organisation with offices, R&D extended period due to strict social drive digital sophistication in the business and ultimately Lankan textile manufacturer centres and manufacturing facilities on distancing measures implemented finance function are often slowed customers. For example, Asia specialised in producing exceptional four continents continues to serve by governments worldwide. down by their own hairball Commercial Bank, one of the quality weft-knitted fabric for leading brands and textile mills globally. To remain relevant and continue architecture and legacy processes largest retail banks in Vietnam, brands across the globe, and HeiQ The company’s latest innovation, to serve their customers, banks – that are costly and tough to deployed Oracle Cloud Enterprise Materials AG, a Swiss-based global HeiQ Viroblock is an antimicrobial/ including digital banks – have maintain. With the emergence of Resource Planning (ERP) to leader in textile innovation creating antibacterial/antiviral textile taken on responsibility that helps remote working, the reality for streamline its finance, durable, high-performance textile technology specially engineered to address their customers’ needs most major banking players is that procurement and project expense technologies currently available across work against enveloped viruses, such from an economic point of view. In they’re simply unable to deploy the management processes. As a the world, are collaborating to produce as influenza viruses and human Singapore, where SGD 4 billion in right remote-working architecture result, the bank has been able to a specially-treated fabric to be used for coronaviruses. HeiQ Viroblock is loans are being distributed to overnight because it’s just not how accelerate its month-end close and masks exported to USA. among the first textile finishing SMEs to help them overcome their systems have been set up. reporting cycles by 50 per cent. South Asia Textiles’ knitted jersey technologies that have been economic shocks to their business, Once thought to be more secure Moving to the cloud also meant it fabric combined with HeiQ’s recently successfully tested against the virus banks are digitising their loan and stable, the decentralised no longer had to manage these launched anti-viral and anti-microbial that causes the COVID-19 disease, application processes to ensure operating model between finance applications in its own data centre, agent, HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03, was SARS-CoV-2, in the laboratory, using funds can be disbursed to and risk functions does not offer which minimised the need for commissioned by a high-quality US the Viral Stability and Persistence test customers in as little as a week. the transparency, effectiveness, employees to be on-site and brand working in close collaboration method. In Australia, banks have also and cost-efficiency needed to enabled the finance team to work with partners in the US. HeiQ Viroblock treated fabrics announced credit-easing measures function. Instead, the processes from home without any operational Commenting on the partnership, showed over 99.99 per cent reduction for small businesses that extend require extra costs and time, disruption. South Asia Textiles MD/CEO, Prithiv of SARS-CoV-2 viruses after 30 repayments for six months, as the hampering banks’ ability to In another instance, Westpac, Dorai stated, “We are excited about the minutes. In the case of Sendai viruses, Government prepares to expand its manage operations seamlessly. one of Australia’s largest banks, partnership with HeiQ and are hopeful over 99.2 per cent of viruses are stimulus package to weather the Banks now understand the leveraged Oracle Banking Platform that we can positively contribute deactivated within two minutes based economic storm. urgency to digitise their finance for its unified Customer Service towards the need of the situation. on the modified ISO 20743 method. While there is a heavy focus on operations as this is the only – and Hub to provide bankers with a “Our versatility and the ability to Compared to untreated face masks, how banks are doing their part to fastest – way to manage risk, single view of all customer manufacture new technology enabled HeiQ Viroblock treated FFP2 face help customers ride through this improve controls and enhance interactions. As an established material within a short span of time is masks showed greatly reduced virus difficult time, banks themselves insights to create more resilient bank with a long history, Westpac our key strength. The fact that we were infectivity of key virus types: H1N1, also require support to cushion the and adaptable businesses. The use turned to the cloud to simplify its nominated and selected for this project H5N1, H7N9, Coronavirus (229E), and impact they are facing. of cloud technologies are now a IT infrastructure and create a is a testament to consistency and RSV in face mask testing. Building pressure on banks must-have on banks’ technology consistent customer-centric superior quality standards that we BrandForce VP South Asia, Musa The finance industry has its fair roadmaps and in business experience across the multiple maintain at South Asia Textiles.” Raibin stated, “The team at South Asia share of ups and downs, but it has continuity plans. brands they operate in Australia South Asia Textiles, a subsidiary of Textiles is one of most skilled in the never experienced the current level Digitising operational and New Zealand. Ambeon Holdings PLC, commenced its region, with the necessary openness of uncertainties. To face these processes The writer is the JAPAC SaaS commercial operations in 2004. The and eagerness to pursue innovation at challenges, banks are making Moving core business systems to Leader – Enterprise Resource company also specialises in Knitting, the right time. We had a seamless deeper organisational and the cloud has proven to be even Planning & Digital Supply Dyeing, Finishing, Printing, Brushing, onboarding process with the finishing operational changes to help keep more valuable today as it enables Chain at Oracle Sueding and Pre-shrunk fabric for team going above and beyond to leading global brands such as Victoria ensure that every requirement was met Secret, Next, Marks & Spencer, Tesco, perfectly. It has been a pleasure Calvin Klein, Decathlon and Adidas. working with the team so far and we "At a time when the world is battling hope to continue this smooth to create a better place amidst current collaboration for many more years to Arugam Bay hoteliers briefed on global pandemic, the Ambeon Group is come.” pleased to be able to continue support towards the betterment of the people of maintaining guidelines Sri Lanka and the world,” stated Surge in tourists expected once airports recommence operation Murali Prakash, Group MD of Ambeon Capital PLC and Ambeon Holdings By M.A.P. Deen from organised by the Pottuvil Medical and the Government is working PLC. Ampara Officer of Health to provide towards providing the necessary “As a member of the Ambeon Group, necessary safety instructions when support to the industry by South Asia Textiles is one of Sri With the Government planning to recommencing operations. providing low-interest loans and a Lanka’s leading manufacturer of commence operations in the three Joufer said that Arugam Bay has massive overseas promotional textiles supplying to global brands, International airports, namely been corona-free largely due to the initiative. The workshop became a innovating products to suit various Bandaranaiake International efforts of the Health Authorities reality when Jaufer requested requirements that arise. As such it is Airport, Mattala International and security forces, as well as Superintendent of Police in with great pleasure that we partner Airport and Jaffna Palaly Government officials’ instant Ampara, H.M.A.P. Herath, to with HeiQ, our trusted innovation International Airport, a action, for which the general public provide support to educate partner who created HeiQ Viroblock, tremendous increase in tourist extended their fullest support. He hoteliers in the area. Upon his for these specialised masks, which we arrivals to the island is expected in urged that hoteliers adhere to the request, the Regional Director of believe will make a difference in this the near future. guidelines provided and keep up Health Safety of Kalmunai made global fight against the Coronavirus The hotel trade must be ready to the good work. arrangements to conduct the pandemic,” concluded Prakash. receive them while operating under He further said the Chamber has workshop. HeiQ is the global leader in textile the guidelines set by health already briefed the Ministry of Medical Officer of Health for innovation specialises in research, authorities, said Chamber of Tourism Development and the Pottuvil, Dr. Abdul Samad, SPHI, manufacturing and marketing of high- Tourism and Industry President, Tourism Development Authority on M.S. Malik, PHI Arugam Bay, quality, high-performance textile A.M. Jaufer, addressing hoteliers the problems faced by hoteliers in M.A.L.A. Bari and hoteliers in the finishing. The Swiss-based material in Arugam Bay at a workshop the area after COVID-19 struck, area participated in the workshop. B14 Ceylon FT wednesday 24 june 2020 advertorial CIPM, OUSL in HRM collaboration CIPM Sri Lanka signed a contribution to the world of business. Memorandum of Understanding However, world HR bodies including (MoU) with the Faculty of CIPM are doing a great job in this Management Studies of the Open regard. Unlike in previous calamities University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) on and situations, it is heartening to 17 June for institutional note that during this Covid-19 collaboration leading to pandemic, businesses embraced a implementation of higher academic people first agenda with people programmes of study in Human management coming to the fore in Resource Management (HRM) and the decision-making process,” he other specific subject areas. added. The collaboration will cater to HR “The primary and secondary development needs of potential education sectors in Sri Lanka are clientele in industry belonging to compatible with any developed different sectors of the economy. country. However, at the tertiary level The MoU was signed at the CIPM we are far behind with only a 20% head office ‘HR House’ in Colombo 5 graduate enrolment ratio in the 18 – by Dhammika Fernando-President, 24 years age category with 80% not CIPM and Prof. S.A. Ariadurai-Vice acquiring higher education Chancellor of OUSL in the presence qualifications including vocational of Dr. Neil Bogahalanda-Council qualifications. As you can see, there Member, CIPM and Chairman- is a lot to be done for tertiary Academic and Professional Affairs education sector in Sri Lanka, and if Committee, CIPM, U. A. C. The CIPM President and OUSL Vice-Chancellor exchanging agreements we are to develop as a nation the only Obeyesekere–Chief Executive Officer/ solution is to strengthen our Director Business School-CIPM, G. Lecturers of OUSL Dr. L.P.S. Gamini, years ago, which has benefitted the of people management is being position,” said Prof. S.A. Ariadurai- Weerathunga-Director, Professional K.P. Nishantha, Asanka nation and that the MoU signed today elevated to the next level and it will Vice Chancellor, OUSL. and Academic Affairs-CIPM Business Senevirathna, CIPM management will formalise a deeper understanding open up another path for our PQHRM “It is difficult to hire intellectuals of School, Jayantha Abeyratne-Council and staff from organisations. between the two institutions that will Graduates to follow Masters high calibre for us to expand our Member-CIPM, Vindya Jayasena- Welcoming the dignitaries, Dr. no doubt add value to the students. Degrees,” said Dhammika Fernando- programmes and hence the way Registrar OUSL, Prof. V. Bogahalanda said that OUSL is one “This is a historic landmark where President, CIPM Sri Lanka. forward is with partnerships and Sivalogathasan- Dean, Faculty of of the very first State-owned the understanding and commitment “The people management sharing of resources,” he added, Management Studies OUSL, Prof. academic institutions to accept of the OUSL and CIPM in the area of profession is yet to be duly thanking CIPM for the collaboration Nalin Abeysekara and Senior students with CIPM qualifications 10 institutional collaboration in the field recognised for its immense with his institutions.

AIA Insurance launches ‘Healthy SLIIT to organise milestone Cook-Off’ for corporates virtual orientation programme Understanding that the safety and health of students, faculty and staff are its highest priority post Covid-19 outbreak, SLIIT is set to organise its first-ever virtual orientation programme for orientation students ensuring an experience that is personal and engaging, marking the first chapter in their new academic life. The traditional SLIIT Orientation for new students is hailed as a vibrant programme for First-Year students setting a firm foundation for their 3-4 years of university life. Students are welcomed and separated into mixed teams, which has proven successful in Healthy Cook Off at HealthReCon creating an environment of understanding and unity, not just among their own groups but across AIA Insurance stated that it participants innovate, collaborate healthy meal in a quick and fun other faculties. During last year’s extended its ‘Healthy Cook-Off’ and create, not only building a manner. We were also delighted to orientation programme an invigorating competition to external corporate, sense of team spirit but also see the great enthusiasm and Freshers’ Night and ComicCon were following the success of the encouraging the creation of engagement from the team held to welcome the new entrants. internal competition. The ‘Cook- healthy recipes, which they took members of HealthRecon Throughout the time of the pandemic, Off’ is part of the broader ‘Little home to their families. Connect.” SLIIT has achieved remarkable success Changes Challenge’ (LCC) AIA’s Head of Marketing, HealthRecon CEO, Denver in conducting lessons online, and launched by AIA to encourage Shevanthie De Alwis pointed out, Fernando commented, “This was a earned a track record for engaging people to make little changes that “Results from our Healthiest first of its kind, engaging activity students. In adapting and following the Wijesundara, Dean, Faculty of can make a big difference. Workplace Survey show that Sri carried out by AIA for our staff and ‘new normal’ SLIIT’s first-ever virtual Humanities and sciences said, “The The Cook-Off, which was Lankan employees can do much it was immensely effective in orientation for new students will take Orientation Programme is designed for organised just before the COVID better in terms of eating healthier. helping our employees strengthen on a different look with all orientation new students to ease the transition into crisis occurred, was arranged for 2019 results that surveyed 47 their belief in the importance of programmes to be conducted in a academic life at SLIIT. Our goal remains the staff at HealthRecon Connect companies with a combined making healthy lifestyle decisions. hybrid mode. the same even as we go online; to help and saw the participation of 10 workforce of 2,137 employees saw It was a fantastic event that Despite the new batches of students new students feel connected and teams with six ‘chefs’ per team, a staggering 89 per cent of created a sense of excitement and joining SLIIT being unable to experience confident as they prepare for their first sweating it out to whip up some respondents admit to not eating a team spirit while also giving them the physical aspects of the orientation year and to successfully navigate their fresh and healthy meals, which healthy diet. the opportunity to be creative. programme, SLIIT remains confident way through the first few weeks and were judged by renowned local “Overall, it was found that 100 Hats off to the AIA team and I look that the designed activities will be able settle into studies.” Chef Chathurika Anuradha. per cent of employees are at risk of forward to their next activity.” to convey its essence online and achieve Through the orientation programme Winning teams also won valuable at least one nutritional element, The AIA Healthiest Workplace success engaging new students from students will be able to connect with gift vouchers. which is surveyed by the amount Survey, now in Sri Lanka for the the time they enter the university as other students, meet teaching and The competition was intended to of fruits and vegetables, whole second consecutive year, is a new students. support staff, understand other remind employees about the grain and added salt in their diets. pioneering science-backed The institute also plans to approach valuable resources and services importance of nutritious food. For example, we found that many workplace survey that examines the programme in an entirely alternative available to them, learn about campus HealthRecon and AIA wanted to people didn’t consume enough employee lifestyle, clinical way, one that is more web-friendly life and receive academic advice for their emphasise the point that despite fruits and vegetables and had too indicators, stress and mental through a collection of video recordings, first semester, with the overall objective busy schedules, there are many much added salt. That is why we health, to understand the webinars and live online workshops. of successfully introducing the new ways to find healthy, tasty ways of organise these ‘Healthy Cook-Offs’ associated impact on well-being Explaining the novel orientation entrants into SLIIT’s unique learning meal preparation. It made to show employees how to make a and productivity. programme planned Dr. Malitha environment.

Walkers Tours carbon neutral for seven consecutive years A subsidiary of John Keells Walkers Tours, stated, “Being Carbon Tours as they are recognised for this Holdings (JKH), Walkers Tours conscious in conducting its business monumental environmental Limited celebrated yet another year of operation has always being a core achievement. Carbon Neutrality. principle of Walkers Tours and since Not content on being the first in History was made in 2012 when 2012 we have looked at ways of Asia to achieve this status they have Walkers Tours’ core business element strengthening this further. In addition remained the only internationally - their vehicle fleet - became the first to expanding our fleet of hybrid certified fleet of vehicles for a period in Asia to go CarbonNeutral®, and to vehicles and training our chauffeurs of 7 years – thus earning them further date remains the only local company on industry best practices on global accolades. This recognition in their sector to hold this status. sustainable driving, we are from Natural Capital Partners further This significant effort in continuously looking at ways to cements their sustainability environmental consciousness and the ensure this concept is passed through credentials, and we are proud to be reduction of their operational impact our entire value chain and hence now their partner in this endeavour”. on global emissions was recently we have looked at ways of sharing Walkers Tours has regularly recognised by the developer of The knowledge and influencing our monitored and managed its fleet’s Carbon Neutral Protocol, Natural partners too to adopt these good operational carbon footprint for the Capital Partners of the UK, who practices. This would assist us in the past seven years, demonstrating that presented their long-standing global (From left to right) Keerthi Ekanayake – Manager, Walkers Tours; Kishan Thomas – future to provide a wholesome becoming a sustainable business is at climate champions with special AVP, JKH; Vindya Cooray - AVP, JKH; Sanith de Silva - CEO, CCC; Nalaka Amaratunga product in a carbon conscious the epicentre of its values, long-term commemorative plaques. – VP, JKH/ CEO, Walkers Tours; Lakmini Senadheera - Head of Sustainability manner and be proud of our goals and business strategy. As a The assessment was conducted by Assurance and Advisory Services, SFG ; Sajeewa Ranasinghe – AM Sustainability responsible contribution to the company that dedicates itself to The Carbon Consulting Company Assurance and Advisory Services, SFG; Ruwanthi Halwala - AM, Client Relationship environment at large. contributing towards economic, Management CCC; Yudesh Gunaratne – AM, Walkers Tours; Prabath Harshakumar – (CCC), who has assisted and directed VP, JKH Having worked with over a hundred ecological and social development in Walkers Tours from the beginning of local and international corporates to their region, they have focused on their sustainability journey in Organisational and Project-level consecutive year. The certification develop solutions for sustainability new product development in less- managing and mitigating the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions process included an extensive issues that companies currently face, developed parts of the country. operational emissions of their vehicle Inventories according to the official analysis of the GHG emissions of the CCC is well aware of the challenging Equipped with ISO 9001 & 14001 fleet. Walkers Tours’ certification was GHG Reporting ISO Standards, ISO vehicle fleet, followed by the company nature that sustainability certifications, Walkers Tours has also awarded by the Sustainable Future 14064 Parts 1 and 2. SFG is also the supporting a Renewable Energy certification poses for clients. been recognised as one of the best Group (SFG), Sri Lanka’s only regional partner for Natural Capital Project in return for internationally Speaking on the occasion, Sanith de performing ‘TourCert Check’ accredited sustainability verification Partners, who was recently recognised registered Carbon Credits to offset the S. Wijeyeratne, the CEO of CCC, Companies and is a member of the and certification body that is as the best carbon offset retailer in fleet’s Carbon Footprint. commented, “It gives us great ‘Responsible Tourism Partnership Sri authorised to verify and validate the world for a record ninth Nalaka Amaratunga, CEO of pleasure to stand alongside Walkers Lanka’ initiative. sports wednesday 24 june 2020 A15 U-19 Division One Cricket Boquillet Muditha first to pass appointed 1,000-run milestone Head of Global Only batsman to pass milestone in two consecutive seasons Development keeper in 2017 and was deputy batsman A.M. Muditha skipper of the Player Premadasa, skipper of Kurunegala District – Muditha Premadasa Maliyadeva College team in 2018. Kurunegala, is the first He started his career • School – Maliyadeva College, Kurunegala batsman to pass the by playing in the under- • Date of birth – 2001.07.23 1,000-run milestone in 13 ‘B’ team (Division 3) • – Left Hand this season’s ‘Singer in 2013. He then led the • Position – Wicket Keeper Trophy’ Under-19 under-13 ‘A’ team in • Matches - 15 Division One inter 2014 and was • Innings - 26 Schools Cricket (Two adjudicated best player • Not Outs - 3 day) tournament. in the under-13 inter • Runs – 1226 He scored 1,226 runs -schools Division One • Ave - 53.30 with 3 centuries and 6 cricket tournament • Highest Score – 197 (Devapathiraja half centuries in 25 when scored 1251 runs Rathgama) Laurent Boquillet innings with a highest and claimed 34 victims • 100s - 3 (Ananda Colombo 119, score of 197 against as wicketkeeper. Devapathiraja 197, St. Servatius Matara Devapathiraja College Muditha led the 183*) World Athletics has to grow the sport of athletics Rathgama. He is the under-17 team in 2018. • 50s – 6 (Dharmasoka Ambalangoda 62, announced the appointment across the world. second highest run Muditha wishes to Mahinda Galle 79, Thurstan Colombo 86, of Laurent Boquillet as Head “This new role excites and scorer this season. express his gratitude to Mahanama Colombo 99, St. Servatius of Global Development. inspires me and I join World He also achieved the his mentors who Matara 67*, St. Anthony’s Wattala 84) The Frenchman, a former Athletics at a time when it is 1000 run milestone in include Nalin, Rohan triathlete who won the showing great leadership, 2018/2019, when he Deerasooriya, Bandara, European title in 1986, joins innovation and drive and I scored 1017 runs with Arnold, Champika Stats this Season the governing body, after a am looking forward to being a highest score of 153 Siriwardana, Mahinda worldwide search was part of this.” runs against Richmond Uduwaralla and Ananda Colombo 119 & 1 launched in January to fill Boquillet has also worked College Galle. He was Suranga Karunathilake. Dharmapala Pannipitiya 12 & 8 the new position. as Vice-President of event adjudicated best fielder Muditha Premadasa He also conveys his Dharmasoka Ambalangoda 62 & 26 He will start work in marketing for the French in the ‘Battle of the thanks to Principal Mahinda Galle 4 & 79 Monaco in July after most Track and Field Federation, Rock’ annual limited Lanka. Rathnayake, teachers Devapathiraja Rathgama 197 recently serving as Chief where he chaired the overs cricket encounter He has represented Thilakarathne, St. Sylvester’s 2 & 29 Executive of the 2020 Development Commission. in 2019. the college first XI team Indrarathne, Thurstan Colombo 86 European Athletics He is a former director of With his consistent for 4 years. He was also Jayasudara, OBA, Gurukula Kelaniya 2 & 33 Championships in Paris. the Diamond League performances, he was selected to play in the Cricket OBA, all Isipathana Colombo 9 The event in the French meeting in Paris. among the final 35 under-19 Inter students, family Mahanama Colombo 6 & 99 capital was due to be held in “Laurent’s experience, selected for the Under- Provincial tournament members, relations and St. Servatius Matara 183* & 67* August, but was cancelled in relationships and track 19 pool for the Indian in 2017. He was all members in the St. Anthony’s Wattala 14 & 84 April because of the record across many aspects tour of Sri Lanka. He adjudicated best fielder college cricket Nalanda Colombo 00 coronavirus crisis, and of our sport made him a was also a member of in the ‘Battle of the team who encouraged St. Anthony’s Kandy 14 & 39 Boquillet has now moved on. stand-out choice for this the U-19 squad for the Rock’ annual limited and guided him to Richmond Galle 45* & 10 World Athletics has new role,” said Helen Bangladesh tour of Sri overs cricket encounter success. introduced his role as part of Delany, World Athletics’ a vision to ‘use the power Director of International and accessibility of athletics Relations and Development. and our athletes to create a “Development right across healthier and fitter world’. our sport is an important Women’s World Cup soccer Boquillet developed and priority. delivered coaching and kids’ “Our member federations, programmes in a number of elite athletes and our elite Aust-NZ PM’s submit joint bid different countries across competition rely on a strong the world. base of coaches, technical (Reuters) - The Prime Australia (FFA) President For the last five years, he officials and volunteers as Ministers of Australia and New Chris Nikou and New Zealand has chaired Entente Sarthe well as clubs and school Zealand have sent a letter to Football’s Johanna Wood said Athletisme - the largest programme structures that FIFA, emphasising their the joint bid had picked up athletics club in France with create pathways from the support for a joint bid to host steam in the last week. 2,500 members - while he playground to the podium. the 2023 Women’s World Cup “We are doing everything we has been an active volunteer “We are accelerating our as soccer’s global governing can in this crucial last phase in track and field for more efforts across all these areas body prepares for the final to communicate just what a than 20 years. over the next four years with vote this week. game changer our hosting “Development underpins the introduction of an FIFA’s Executive Council concept would be for women’s competition at every level of e-learning platform for all will make a decision on football - across the Asia- athletics,” Boquillet said. skill-based and certification- hosting rights on Thursday. Pacific region and beyond,” “This role is a fantastic based learning, including Colombia is the only other they said in a joint statement. opportunity for me to bring management and gender bidder after the Japanese The joint bid was rated 4.1 together my previous leadership programmes. Football Association withdrew out of five in a FIFA evaluation experiences from a number “We will also be on Monday. report, Japan was awarded of different aspects of the introducing a kids’ athletics Australian Prime Minister 3.9 while Colombia scored 2.8. sport to drive development programme that can be Scott Morrison and his New The head of the Colombian with our member federations tailored and adapted by our Zealand counterpart Jacinda Football Federation told and the six area 214 member federations to Ardern wrote in an open letter women’s football and proud The joint bid is the first from Reuters on Monday that the associations. support their goals, their to FIFA on Tuesday that the commitment to equality and across confederations and report, which highlighted that “The development needs of national sport agendas and two countries would host a fairness, creating a profound would be the first Women’s security could be an issue if all the 214 members will be provide children around the tournament to be proud of. and enduring legacy for the World Cup to be held in the Colombia hosted the event, different and we need to world with the opportunity “An Australia-New Zealand future of women’s football southern hemisphere and the was based on a preconceived respect that, but there is a to participate in athletics. FIFA Women’s World Cup within the region and beyond,” Asia-Pacific region. bias rather than reality. single goal common to each “Laurent already has a full would embody our passion for they said in the letter. Football Federation (Agencies) member federation: which is in-tray.”

Because of concerns over ‘racist legacy’ Art museum removes bust of former IOC President The Asian Art Museum in San place in sport claiming: “The Olympic “Only by publicly condemning Much of Brundage’s collection was Francisco has removed a bust of Games belong to the athletes and not Brundage’s racism and examining based upon stock he had bought former International Olympic to the politicians.” the foundation of our Museum can which had originally been owned by Committee (IOC) President, Avery In December 1935, the Amateur we become an even greater source of Japanese dealers in the US that was Brundage from its foyer because of Athletic Union of the United States healing and connection. impounded during World War Two. concerns over his ‘racist legacy.’ voted to send a team to Berlin 1936, “Addressing this history is only a He agreed to donate parts of his The bust was unveiled by the Asian with Brundage playing a key in modest beginning. collection to the City of San Art Commission in 1972 and has sat swinging the vote in favour of “We must ensure that anti-racist Francisco, and in 1966 the Asian Art in the foyer since in honour of the participation. measures are foundational to all Museum was opened to showcase it. institution’s founding patron, as The Museum benefactor also Museum work and processes, and to Brundage continued to make reported by The New York Times. expelled African American athletes the experience of every visitor. donations to the new Museum and Brundage, who had represented the Tommie Smith and John Carlos from “Our Museum is still learning how left the remainder of his collection to United States in 1912 Olympic the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico we can nurture the kind of inter- it in his will. Games in Stockholm in the City after they raised their fists in sectionality that allies us to larger Today, the museum has 7,700 pentathlon, served as President of the support of the Black Power movement movements and promote change from pieces from Brundage among the IOC from 1952 to 1972, having joined on the podium after winning Silver within our own institution. 17,000-plus objects which make up it as a member in 1936. and Bronze medals in the 200 “We must engage our communities its collection Brundage, who died in 1975, metres. for guidance, insight, and The bust, which has now been opposed the boycott of the 1936 Brundage deemed the pair’s actions partnership, and welcome all moved into storage, was unveiled on Olympic Games in Berlin, during his to be a domestic political statement comments, suggestions, and the occasion of Brundage’s 85th time as President of the American unfit for the Olympic Games. criticisms. birthday, and had an inscription Olympic Committee. Asian Art Museum Director Jay Xu “In this way, we can evolve into a which read: “It is evidence of the Bust of former International Olympic There were calls, led by politicians claimed they had not been fully Committee (IOC) President Museum that is truly for all.” lasting appreciation of the people of in the US, to boycott the Games aware of Brundage’s controversial Avery Brundage Brundage, whose wealth was based San Francisco for the magnificent gift because of concerns around the past until 2016, when staff were upon his construction business, had to San Francisco of his collection of morality of supporting an Olympics preparing for the Museum’s 55th contend with the very history of how first become interested in Asian Art Asian art. in a country led by a Nazi regime. anniversary celebrations. our Museum came to be,” Xu wrote. after a visit he made to an exhibition “The Avery Brundage collection is There was concern in the United In an open letter earlier this month, “Avery Brundage, whose collection of Chinese art at the Royal Academy the nucleus of the city’s collections of States about Nazi Party leader Adolf published in response to the killing of forms the nucleus of this institution, in London in early 1936 after the Asian art and is the foundation of the Hitler’s treatment of Jewish people, George Floyd in Minneapolis, which espoused racist and anti-Semitic Winter Olympics in Garmisch- centre of Asian art and culture. his belief in the superior race and has Black Lives Matter marches all views. Partenkirchen, which had also been “The lives of untold millions of men, how Jewish and black athletes around the world, Xu addressed the “We have removed his name from organised by the Nazi regime. women and children of this and representing the US at Berlin 1936 thorny issue of the Museum’s history. Museum initiatives, but have yet to In 1960, it was estimated that future generations will be enriched by would be treated. “If we pride ourselves as guardians address this history in a fully open Brundage’s collection was worth $15 his generosity.” Brundage argued politics had no of a historical art collection, we must and transparent way. million (£12 million/€13 million). (Agencies) A16 wednesday 24 june 2020 sports

Ten Pakistan players test positive for Covid-19

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has Deacon have not yet been tested. have tested positive, we will continue who test negative in that second confirmed that seven more cricketers That means more than one third of to monitor and support them, round of testing will depart for have returned positive tests for the 29-man squad the PCB including conducting antibody tests, Manchester on a chartered flight on Covid-19, taking the total count to announced for a three-Test, three- and as soon as they test negative, they 28 June, and be tested upon arrival in ten ahead of their England tour. On T20I tour of England are currently will be flown to join the squad in England. They will then have to Monday, Shadab Khan, Haider Ali, positive for Covid-19, and will have to England. At the moment, they have quarantine for a period of 14 and Haris Rauf had tested positive. self-isolate for 14 days. The PCB CEO been advised to go into self-isolation days in the country in line The new names on the list are Kashif Wasim Khan announced plans for the so that they not only recover quickly with government Bhatti, Mohammad Hasnain, Fakhar team to travel to England on 28 June but also prevent their other family regulations, but will be Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, remained unchanged. members from being infected. permitted to train in a Mohammad Hafeez, Wahab Riaz, and “The tour to England is very much “In the meantime, Misbah-ul-Haq is bio-secure facility Imran Khan. In addition, the PCB on track and the side will depart as reviewing the training schedule in during this time. Those announced one member from the per schedule on 28 June. Fortunately, England and is firming up plans for who have tested player support personnel had also all the first-choice red-ball squad, reserve players to be tested as a positive will self-isolate tested positive for the virus. According barring Mohammad Rizwan, are backup.” at home for two to the PCB CEO Wasim Khan, all negative, which means they can start The PCB announced that all players weeks, and will only seven players who tested positive are - training and practicing immediately who tested negative will assemble in a depart for England like the three who returned positive after they have been tested and given bio-secure environment on 24 June in after returning two tests yesterday - asymptomatic. the all clear when they arrive in Lahore, and undergo a second round negative Covid-19 Shoaib Malik, Waqar Younis and Cliffe England. As regards the players, who of testing the following day. All those tests. Mohammad Hafeez

Foreign based Sri Lankan Players PDC T10 league No National cricketers Tochokwu Francis, will play: SLC (SLC) matches will be live stated that no national streamed on an Indian contract cricketers will play digital platform called next high profile player in the upcoming PDC T10 ‘Sportstiger’. league, which is scheduled According to reports, the to start tomorrow. 12-day tournament will be “Recent Media reports played at the historic and stated that several Sri world heritage site to join Squad Lanka players will take part Anuradhapura, and will in a tournament called comprise former cricketers ‘PDC T10 League,’ which, including the likes of according to the said , Chamara FFSL working on his dual citizenship reports, will be held in Sri Silva, , Lanka starting 25 June. , By Mustaq Sydeen since he is married to a Sri However, SLC wishes to Sachithra Senanayake, Lankan. We are working on announce that none of the , The Football Federation of his documents to obtain dual SLC contracted players and Sri Lanka (FFSL) in recent citizenship and his inclusion have sought permission to Ishara Amerasinghe. times has been raiding for- will be a big asset for the Sri take part in such a contest The tournament will eign nests in search of young Lanka team. We expect to nor has SLC endorsed such include a total of eight talented players who have a complete his paper work a tournament,” stated SLC teams: namely - Hurricane Sri Lankan background to before the upcoming World in a media release. Blasters, Spartan Heroes, join the National team with Cup qualifiers.” Earlier several media Power Gladiators, Chilaw the idea of taking the sport in Tochokwu Francis is doing reports from India stated Warriors, Puttalam Stars, the country to the next level. very well at the moment for that PDC T10 league will be Global Riders, Royal Lions The latest high profile Java Lane SC and has been a played from 25 June in and Giant Legends. The full player FFSL is in talks with revelation in the 2018 Dialog Anuradapura with the schedule of the tournament is Tochokwu Francis, a Champions League, where participation of several ex- has been published in Nigerian footballer of Sri- his excellent form brought National players. Also that several websites. Lankan descent who is cur- success for his club in many rently in Sri Lanka playing matches. The reliable and for Java Lane SC. Francis prolific player does not only qualifies to play for the island score goals, but also sets up since he is married to a Sri his team-mates to score with Lankan. FFSL revealed they many assists, as was seen in are working on his dual citi- the Dialog Champions zenship paper work and he is league. expected to join the National His finishing is strong, squad once the procedure is while his style of play shows finalized. Born in he likes to do layoffs; is a Nigeria, Tochokwu Francis is massive counter attack expected to join the squad threat; indirect set-piece before the upcoming world threat; likes to play long balls cup qualifiers, according to and is also a very good drib- FFSL President Anura de bler. Ceylon Today learns Silva. Commenting Tochokwu Francis can actu- on Tochokwu Francis’s avail- ally bring a lot to the Sri ability the President said: Lankan national team due to “Since 2012 Tochokwu his versatility on the field, Francis is in Sri Lanka. He is and is equally adept at mid- eligible to play for the Island field despite being a defender. Tochokwu Francis

Novak Djokovic Olympic Day Djokovic tests Ronaldo penalty positive for COVID-19 Novak Djokovic, the Djokovic organised Celebrations held men’s world number one nights out in Belgrade for tennis player, has tested the players and pictures sets up Juve win positive for COVID-19, the and videos of him dancing in grand fashion Cristiano Ronaldo converted a 66 points from 27 games and Serbian said in a with the other participants The Olympic Day first-half penalty as leaders chasing a ninth successive title, statement on Tuesday. at his event were posted on Celebrations 2020 were held Juventus resumed their Serie A extended their lead to four points Croatia’s Borna Coric, social media. with a difference (as a result campaign with a 2-0 win at over Lazio, who visit Atalanta on Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria With both Serbia and of the Covid-19 pandemic Bologna on Monday, lifting some Wednesday. Bologna are 10th. and Viktor Troicki have Croatia easing lockdown devastation) at the National of the pressure off coach Juve’s failure to score in two previously tested positive measures weeks before the Olympic Committee Sri Maurizio Sarri. Coppa Italia games following the after playing in Djokovic’s event, players were not Lanka Headquarters in After missing a spot kick in a end of the new coronavirus Adria Tour exhibition obliged to observe social Colombo, yesterday. Coppa Italia match against AC stoppage, coupled with their tournament in the Balkan distancing rules in either The celebrations were Milan 10 days ago, Ronaldo defeat on penalties to Napoli in region. country. fashioned by the Japanese made no mistake in the 23rd Wednesday’s final, raised “The moment we arrived Djokovic said the idea Ambassador to Sri Lanka minute and Paulo Dybala curled questions over Sarri, who has in Belgrade we went to be behind his tournament his Excellency Akira in a brilliant second before struggled to impose his style of tested,” the 33 year old was noble and he wanted Sugiyama by planting a halftime to give the Turin side a play in his first season at the said in a statement, adding to raise funds for players ‘Mee’ tree (Madhuca comfortable win. Juventus, with club. There were no questions that he was not showing in need. longifolia) - a tree that about the Juventus defence, any symptoms. “My result “Everything we did in the provides Oxygen to the however, which kept a fourth is positive, just as Jelena’s past month, we did with a atmosphere; under the straight clean sheet in all (wife), while the results of pure heart and sincere theme ‘Plant a tree for a new competitions. our children are negative. intentions,” said Djokovic, lease of life’. President NOC “I think there’s been too much “I am extremely sorry for who is also the head of the SL Suresh Subramaniam, talk. We have to square up and each individual case of players council of the Secretary General NOC SL respond with facts like tonight,” infection. I hope that it will men’s ATP Tour. “Our Maxwell de Silva and K.D.S. said defender Leonardo Bonucci. not complicate anyone’s tournament meant to unite Ruwanchandra, Secretary “It’s normal to talk about what health situation and that and share a message of Ministry of Sports also happened after defeat, especially everyone will be fine. I will solidarity and compassion graced the occasion. This in a final. We had a discussion remain in self-isolation for throughout the region. drive saw over three and traced a plan, which has the next 14 days, and “The Tour has been hundred athletes and others been seen today.” repeat the test in five designed to help both planting over 300 trees Navaratnam were the guests After fielding Ronaldo in an days.” established and up-and around the island during of honour. unfamiliar centre-forward role The tournament -coming tennis players the past two weeks. The Olympic Day against Napoli, Sarri returned the witnessed packed stands from South-Eastern Olympic Silver medalist Celebrations per se was Portuguese to his more during the opening leg in Europe to gain access to Susanthika Jayasinghe, studded with some virtual comfortable position wide of the Belgrade, players hugging some competitive tennis former Cricket sessions and contained a centre. at the net, playing while the various tours are Cristiano Ronaldo and couple of congratulatory (Agencies) basketball, posing for on hold due to the COVID- former National sprint messages from around the pictures and attending 19 situation.” champion Summa globe. press conferences together. (Reuters)

Published by Ceylon Newspapers (Pvt) Limited, 101, Rosmead Place, Colombo 7 and printed at its press at No. 302/1A, Minuwangoda Road, Ja-Ela.