TENSIONS BURIAL OF COVID-19 DECEASED RS. 70.00 PAGES 64 / SECTIONS 5 VOL. 03 – NO. 21 SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2021 RISE FOR SRI #STOPFORCED LANKA WITH WCT TOURISM RELIEF: CREMATIONS PROPOSAL TO ONE YEAR TRADITIONAL CONTINUES CABINET EXTENSION LIKELY ALLIES »SEE PAGE 10 »SEE PAGE 5 »SEE BUSINESS PAGE 1 »SEE PAGES 8 & 9 GENERAL PREVENTIVE GUIDELINES For verified information on the coronavirus (Covid-19) contact any of the following authorities Suwasariya Ambulance Service 1999 Health Promotion Bureau Quarantine Unit 0112 112 705 1990 Epidemiology Unit 0112 695 112 Govt. coronavirus hotline 0113071073 PRESIDENTIAL SPECIAL TASK FORCE FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES Telephone 0114354854, 0114733600 Wash hands with soap for 40-60 Wear a commercially available mask/ Maintain a minimum distance Use gloves when shopping, using Use traditional Sri Lankan greeting Always wear a mask, avoid crowded Hotline 0113456200-4 seconds, or rub hands with alcohol- cloth mask or a surgical mask at all of 1 metre from others, especially public transport, etc. and discard into at all times instead of handshaking, vehicles, maintain distance, and wash Fax 0112333066, 0114354882 based handrub for 20-30 seconds times in public places in public places a lidded bin lined with a bag hugging, and/or kissing hands before and after travelling Email [email protected] EASTER PCOI REPORT AND SOC REPORT ON NATIONAL SECURITY Govt. turns to Yahapalana report z Cardinal Ranjith rejects z Demands unredacted PCoI z National Security SOC Chair says z Ministerial Committee awaiting newly appointed committee report to be made public recommendations by moderate Muslims translations to commence work

BY LAHIRU POTHMULLA The Committee will implement and documents which are in English. He said that simply because a like that. Also, these reports have the reports’ recommendations “Sinhala translations are being recommendation has been made sensitive issues, as they relate to The Ministerial Committee appointed to study the reports of the properly, Secretary to the Committee done since the Constitution stipulates does not necessarily mean that national security, which we need Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing the Easter Hariguptha Rohanadeera said. that in case of an issue, we have to it can be implemented as it is, to consider,” he said. Rohanadeera Sunday attacks and the Parliamentary Sectoral Oversight Rohanadeera, who is also the follow the Sinhala version. We hope explaining: “There could be added that they will look at all Committee (SOC) on National Security is scheduled to meet for the Director General (Legal) of the we will get the Sinhala translations practical issues when implementing recommendations one by one and Presidential Secretariat, speaking by Monday morning. We will get the certain recommendations. Some definitely implement them, as first time tomorrow (22) at 3 p.m. at the Presidential Secretariat, to The Sunday Morning, said they two reports, compare them, and then recommendations can be made even instructed by President Gotabaya while Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith lashed out at the Government over are presently awaiting the Sinhala study the recommendations,” he told in violation of laws. We have to find Rajapaksa. the latest move to appoint a committee to study the report. translations of some of the reports The Sunday Morning. out an option and solutions in cases Contd. on page 2 Tourism revival UN CORE GROUP RESOLUTION ON SL DESPITE DIP IN HYDRO GENERATION campaign Focus on reconciliation, CEB rules out accountability, HR emergency power facing issues The widely speculated emergency power z Progress review z Doubts over domestic requirement during the early months of 2021 BY SARAH HANNAN next year mechanisms has been ruled out by the Ceylon Electricity With professionals from the tourism industry Board (CEB), as it assured that the current abstaining from engaging with tourists currently The United Nations (UN) Core 46TH UNHRC SESSION demand could be managed with the existing arriving in , owing to some of their Group on Sri Lanka announced on Won’t be easy for power generation. concerns not being resolved, uncertainty has mounted Friday (19) that it intends to present Contd. on page 2 over the plans in place to revive tourism, it is learnt. a resolution at the upcoming 46th Core Group: Dinesh Contd. on page 2 Session of the UN Human Rights Commenting on a possible ARCHAEOLOGY IN NORTH, EAST Council (UNHRC) to promote vote being taken following VACCINATION DRIVE reconciliation, accountability, and a resolution by the United 500 monuments human rights in Sri Lanka. Nations (UN) Core Group on Priority list revised The Core Group comprising Sri Lanka at the upcoming UN to be gazetted Sri Lanka has changed its initial Covid-19 Canada, Germany, North Macedonia, Human Rights Council (HRC) Archaeological monuments in the Eastern vaccine prioritisation plan where the main Malawi, Montenegro, and the UK, in Session, Foreign Minister and Northern Provinces which have been newly focus with immediate effect would be on a statement, said that more needs to be said that identified are to be announced through a gazette the areas where the highest number of cases done to address the harmful legacies the situation is not going to be notification soon, according to State Minister have been reported over the past two weeks, of the war and to build sustainable that easy for the Core Group. of National Heritage, Performance Arts, and The Sunday Morning learnt. peace in Sri Lanka. Contd. on page 2 Rural Arts Promotion Vidura Wickramanayaka. Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 PAKISTAN PM DUE ON TUESDAY SL’S FIRST FEMALE DIG SC to hear petition Six agreements on 18 May The fundamental rights (FR) petition filed to be inked at the Supreme Court (SC) by 33 petitioners Visiting Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan contesting the appointment of Bimshani Jasin would be welcomed by his counterpart Premier Arachchi from Woman Senior Superintendent at the Bandaranaike International of Police to Woman Deputy Inspector General Airport (BIA) in Katunayake on Tuesday (23) of Police (DIG) is set to be heard on 18 May, evening, the Prime Minister’s Office said. the SC announced. Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 RENEWABLE ENERGY PLANTS IN ISLANDS Government yet to decide between India and China z Chinese tender not cancelled: Dullas BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA hybrid renewable energy whether the project should systems project on three be given to India or China, Sri Lanka is yet to take islands off the coast of The Sunday Morning learnt. a decision on the proposed the Jaffna peninsula, as to Contd. on page 2 2 the sunday morning Sunday, February 21, 2021 NEWS Contd. from page 1

Department (CID) too will find the truth and Lanka Parliamentary Group in the UK, has come that the petition was filed contesting the said DIG’s Morning over concerns raised by the Sri Lanka Govt. turns... continue investigations in a stronger manner. It seems out very strongly in support of Sri Lanka. “He has promotion, told The Sunday Morning: “Having Institute of National Tourist Guide Lecturers “As opposed to what some may think, this is an that they are not conducting some investigations come out with confidential papers and revealed a female DIG in the police force should actually (SLINTGL), alleging that SLAITO would be attempt to properly implement the recommendations. in a satisfactory manner. That is why I even filed certain moves against the country’s interests. So, be considered an adornment. I personally think using staff who do not have sufficient experience That is why the Committee has been appointed to a court case over an important case concerning many other countries have also realised the danger.” that the action the petitioners have taken over her in the field, said: “We can assure that the groups ensure action against perpetrators and that is what 6,000 swords,” he said. He further said: “The UNHRC is acting on appointment might be viewed as an attempt to that arrived in Sri Lanka recently were all managed the President wants,” he said. While assuring the protesting crowd that he country-specific resolutions. This was not what discriminate against women in the police force. by licensed and registered tourist guides and that Committee Chair Minister , would take care of them, the Cardinal further said: it was established for. It was to reach for higher Considering her seniority and the international they have managed these tourists while adhering in response to a question posed during an event “We have requested for the report of the PCoI on ground on principles and for general consensus- awards she has received, we are positive that DIG to the health guidelines and according to the in Hambantota yesterday (20), said that all the Easter attacks and are waiting for it. We do not based agreements to be moved. Now, most of the Jasin Arachchi qualifies to hold her position.” standards that have been set forth by SLAITO.” members will first go through the reports and in any way recognise the principle of selectively countries are reacting to this issue because today, When The Sunday Morning contacted Police He noted that the fact that these tour guides that recommendations. choosing what one wants by appointing committees. it is Sri Lanka while by chance, tomorrow, it could Media Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana for comment are presently working with destination management “Important facts should be highlighted. The What we request is to reveal the report completely be any other country,” he said. earlier this month in connection with promotions companies might not be members of the SLINTGL Committee will make recommendations and future and its content without hiding certain facts. Reveal The Minister was questioned about what option within the police force, he noted that the promotion could be the reason that SLINTGL has raised action that needs to be taken accordingly. We only everything and then we will make a decision as to Sri Lanka has in case a resolution was brought structure for the female cadre of the Police was such concerns. got the report on Friday (19) night,” he said. what should be done. We feel the Government fears against the country and passed with a majority. different and that it should therefore not be taken Meanwhile, SLINTGL Spokesman Manoj The Morning reported that a letter was sent by revealing some of the content in the report because In response, he said: “In Geneva, there are only as a whole with the rest of the police force. Maddage, speaking to The Sunday Morning, Archbishop of His Eminence Malcolm of hardships in implementing. You cannot be afraid 47 members appointed from the General Assembly However, after the petition was filed, DIG Rohana said: “Most of the groups are holding back from Cardinal Ranjith to President Rajapaksa recently, like that. Based on the analyses of the PCoI that was and all are not members of the UNHRC, but all came forth to say: “There are no plans to segregate booking their holidays in Sri Lanka since they requesting an unedited copy of the PCoI report to done for one-and-a-half years, the results should be countries could participate. We have a fair number. I based on gender in the Police.” are aware of the situation, and they are instead be handed over to him without any further delays. revealed as it is put out by the PCoI. Nothing can don’t want to make announcements because things DIG Rohana further noted that he would not waiting for our members to let them know that However, Secretary to the Archdiocese of be selectively hidden. That means hiding the truth. are still moving on.” comment on the matter any further, as the petition we are ready to handle their tour groups when Colombo Fr. Denington Subasinghe said that there “What we expect is not a mechanism that hides He also spoke about Sri Lanka’s efforts related is being heard at the SC, with the next hearing set they arrive in Sri Lanka.” has been no communication from the President’s the truth, but a transparent mechanism that will to the matter thus far. for 18 May. According to Maddage, the reason behind Office since the report had been handed over to bring justice to our people. We do not recognise this “We have given a reply and explained the Meanwhile, the NPC, when contacted in this members of SLINTGL refraining from going the President. However, Co-Cabinet Spokesman Ministerial Committee. What we want is the report situation. This we have circulated to all our member regard, said that their new members had nothing to work is due to SLAITO and the Ministry of Dr. told The Morning that the to be revealed as it is and to find out who caused countries. They know the reality. Most of them to do with DIG Jasin Arachchi’s appointment Tourism still not meeting some of their demands. report would be sent to the Archbishop only after this tragedy. We cannot allow some officials to be know Sri Lanka’s achievements, the process in and that they were not in a position to make any Maddage also noted that their organisation it has been submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers. sent to prison and take the blame while making way Sri Lanka, and the situation inside Sri Lanka. The comments on the matter. is very concerned that most of these visitors Meanwhile, former United People’s Freedom for the real forces behind this to go into hiding.” rest of the report of the UN High Commissioner for – Sarah Hannan coming to Sri Lanka would, if their itineraries are Alliance (UPFA) MP , who Human Rights deals with internal affairs. I don’t mismanaged by untrained personnel, take back a Chaired the SOC on National Security, speaking think that any country would like their internal very bad impression with them. to The Sunday Morning, said they have made Focus on... appointments made under the Constitution or by 500... But SLAITO has noted otherwise, saying that recommendations in the report covering 14 sectors. “We recognise and welcome the progress made by law to be commented on in this manner, virtually He told The Sunday Morning that over 300 such tourists who arrived in Sri Lanka since December He said that each sector was defined in nature the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) in rebuilding on hearsay, with no inspection on the ground or archaeological sites have so far been identified in 2020 have been quite satisfied with the service and then recommendations were given. infrastructure, demining, land return, and resettling visit to the country. When you are expected to the Eastern Province and that nearly 200 sites in that was provided. The report titled “Proposals for the formulation internally displaced persons. However, it is clear hold the scale in balance, you are not expected to the Northern Province have also been identified When The Sunday Morning questioned and implementation of relevant laws required to that more needs to be done to address the harmful prejudge on any matter.” by the Department of Archaeology. Kariyawasam on whether the requests that ensure national security that will eliminate new legacies of the war and to build sustainable peace,” Minister Gunawardena said that Sri Lanka has a “Steps are being taken to gazette all these new were made by SLINTGL in January could be terrorism and extremism by strengthening friendship the statement, which was released through the British very clear neutral non-aligned foreign policy and sites identified in the Eastern and Northern Provinces accommodated, given the present situation, he among races and religions” was submitted to the High Commission in Sri Lanka, noted. that the country has kept its maritime lanes open together with the archaeologically valuable sites said that they are looking at a possible insurance Parliament on 19 February 2020. The Core Group said that the UNHRC will to all countries that are competing in the region. identified in other areas of the country,” the State scheme. Jayathilake said that in the aftermath of the consider an important report recently published by “This is one of the underlying issues which Minister noted. “We are calling a meeting between SLINTGL, Easter Sunday attacks, the said SOC began to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human influence some of these countries who want to When queried as to whether there was military the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority collect information from 17 May 2019 in order to Rights (OHCHR) on human rights, reconciliation, have some kind of influence in Sri Lanka’s future intervention in identifying artefacts in the North (SLTDA), and Tourism Ministry officials this draft the report. and accountability in Sri Lanka. policies. That, we understand. It is not only Sri and East, as has been alleged by several activists, week, and by the beginning of March, we will Some 13 to 15 ministries, apart from other The Core Group noted that they had engaged with Lanka, it is the entire Asian region in which Sri Wickramanayaka said that there was no military take a decision on coming up with a suitable organisations including the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul the GoSL in preparation for the Council Session. Lanka has been a pioneering country that led the intervention but that military personnel are helping insurance policy that would be issued not only to Ulama (ACJU) and other individuals, were consulted “The Core Group restates the ongoing importance non-aligned movement.” he said. the Archaeology Department with the excavations. tourist guides, but also other personnel involved in making the report, he said. of addressing Sri Lanka in the HRC. Informed by the – Lahiru Pothmulla The State Minister said that there was a in the tourism industry. We are discussing with He noted that the concept of “one country, OHCHR report, the Core Group intends to present a requirement of funds for the necessary excavations. several insurance providers and will decide on one law” was highlighted in the aftermath of resolution to promote reconciliation, accountability, He added that at least one vehicle per district should which insurance agent and policy would be most the attacks but that he refused to use it to make and human rights in Sri Lanka,” it said. CEB rules... be given to the Archaeology Department in order suited to cater to our requirements,” Kariyawasam recommendations under the report, as it would According to a draft of the resolution that reached Speaking to The Sunday Morning, CEB Chairman to carry out their excavation work. “I am planning elaborated. target only one community. He cited the existence of the public domain last Friday (19), which could Eng. said the existing power plants, to request such vehicles from Customs,” he added. When further questioned about accommodating personal or customary laws in support of his stance. be amended over the weekend, titled “Promoting together with the already approved 130 MW of Meanwhile, Wickramanayaka also noted that the request to increase their group handling rates, “We cannot propose changes affecting only the Reconciliation, Accountability, and Human Rights supplementary power, are enough as at present to he was looking into the internal audit reports and Kariyawasam said that it is not feasible to entertain Muslims when there are other personal laws as well. in Sri Lanka”, the Core Group has recalled the manage the existing demand. planning to take necessary actions against the alleged such a request at present, but that they will hold We were careful in using correct terms in making responsibility of states to comply with their relevant “The Norochcholai (Coal) Power Plant is mismanagements and financial irregularities that discussions with the relevant stakeholders. the report, including the use of ‘new terrorism’ in obligations to prosecute those responsible for gross functioning at its full capacity and all other power had occurred at the Department. He added that if the earnings improve and the its title,” he told The Sunday Morning. violations of human rights and serious violations plants are also supplying electricity without an Auditor General W.P.C. Wickramaratne had destination management companies agree, they Jayathilake added that a considerable number of of international humanitarian law (IHL). issue, despite there being a reduction in hydropower stated in a recent audit report that the Department could consider increasing the handling rates. the recommendations stemmed from the proposals The draft has stressed the importance of a generation,” Eng. Herath noted. of Archaeology has failed to obtain a sum of Rs. The Sunday Morning contacted Minister of made by moderate Muslims, some of whom had comprehensive accountability process for all As per CEB statistics, 43.93% of the total 2,640.46 million allocated by the Central Cultural Tourism to understand as to been educated at a leading Sinhala-Buddhist school violations and abuses of human rights committed generation is provided by thermal coal and thermal Fund (CCF) for archaeological heritage-related whether the Ministry is aware of these demands and in Colombo, as they were lobbying for progressive in Sri Lanka, including those by the Liberation oil generation, which is 36.27%, while hydropower work for the last four years. what measures are in place to address these issues. changes within the community. Tigers of (LTTE), as highlighted in generation has decreased to 19.07% as at last The National Audit Office had also observed In response, Ranatunga said: “The Ministry The 14 sectors under which recommendations the OHCHR Investigation on Sri Lanka (OISL) Thursday (18). delays in the implementation of projects related is well aware of the demands the tourist guide have been made include education; banning face report of September 2015. “We don’t have an issue as the existing power to the funds allocated for the management of lecturers have made, and we are holding discussions coverings which hinder identification; the national The Core Group has stated that it “notes the plants are functioning in its full capacity. A problem archaeological heritage, delays in execution, poor in consultation with the International Labour defence policy; electronic, print, and social media; persistent lack of accountability through domestic will arise only if there is an issue with the existing physical performance, and also the non-receipt of Organisation (ILO) on addressing human resource empowering Muslim civil society; issuing birth mechanisms and regrets that the domestic plants,” he added. funds in certain cases, due to legal complications. management issues amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. certificates with a Sri Lankan identity number; the Presidential Commission of Inquiry announced Last year, the Cabinet of Ministers rejected the – Maheesha Mudugamuwa We are looking at finalising the insurance scheme establishment of a Ministry of Religious Affairs that on 22 January 2021, lacks independence, and does proposal made by the CEB to extend the existing matter in the upcoming week, and the insurance combines all religions; and the Halal certification not include a mandate to pursue accountability for power purchasing agreements (PPAs) with private scheme will include tour guides, safari jeep drivers, process. past gross violations of human rights, or for serious power companies (PPC). Government... all staff at Tourist Board-approved establishments, Under the education sector, the Committee violations of IHL.” In a similar situation in March 2019, when then It is learnt that India has requested a project and support staff who will have direct interactions recommended to change the names of schools with It has further said that the Government’s decision Minister of Power and Energy proposal from Sri Lanka on the power project with travellers. In terms of increasing the handling ethnic, religious, or communal identity (Sinhala, to mandate cremations for all those deceased from decided to reject emergency power purchasing, the and that the project is yet to be submitted to the charges, we will have to gauge the situation, and Hindu, Tamil, or Muslim vidyala) in a way so as Covid-19 has prevented Muslims and members of CEB had to impose power cuts. Cabinet of Ministers. if the revenues improve, we would be able to to not display any specific community identity. other religions from practising their own burial-based – Maheesha Mudugamuwa The energy deal won by the Chinese company consider accommodating the request.” Another recommendation is that the Ministry religious rites, and has disproportionately affected to set up three hybrid renewable energy systems of Education should formulate a methodology of religious minorities and exacerbated distress and mixed with solar, wind, and other renewables monitoring international schools in order to ensure tensions. Six... on three islands in the Jaffna peninsula came to Priority... the recommendations given to achieve national It has called on the Sri Lankan Government to Prime Minister’s Media Secretary Rohan Weliwita light amid creeping signs of deterioration in the This was done based on recommendations education aims are implemented in registering conduct impartial investigations and if warranted said that Prime Minister Khan would be welcomed relations between India and Sri Lanka due to given by epidemiologists. international schools under the Ministry by amending to prosecute all allegations of gross human rights with a gun salute. the cancellation of the long-awaited Colombo Initially, public vaccination was planned to the Assisted School and Training Colleges Act. violations including for longstanding emblematic Afterwards, the two Prime Ministers will hold a Port’s East Container Terminal (ECT) deal by be conducted based on the age; those who are Meanwhile, under banning face coverings which cases. one-on-one discussion at Temple Trees, followed the Cabinet recently. above 60 years were to be the first to receive hinder identification, it has been recommended While requesting the GoSL to review the by bilateral discussions. It has been decided that the $ 12 million project the vaccination. Nevertheless, it is learnt that to use the phrase “banning face veils and head Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act At the conclusion of the day, Prime Minister will be awarded to the MS/Sinosar-Etechwin joint epidemiologists have now advised the health coverings that hinder the facial identification of (PTA), the Core Group has urged the Government to Rajapaksa is to host his Pakistani counterpart for venture in China. Under the project, international authorities to prioritise those between 30 and 60 any individual” in the official documents in the foster religious freedom and pluralism by promoting a dinner. competitive bids were called to install hybrid years of age, as the majority of cases have so far proposed enactments, instead of terms such as the ability of all religious communities to manifest Weliwita said that at least six to seven agreements renewable energy systems on the three islands, been recorded within that age category. “burqa” and “niqab”. their religion. are scheduled to be signed during the visit of utilising the accessible energy resources to improve When contacted by The Sunday Morning, Jayathilake commended the move to appoint Meanwhile, the Core Group has stated in the Premier Khan. the efficiency of the prevailing energy network. The State Minister of Primary Healthcare, Epidemics, the Ministerial Committee to implement the report draft that it encourages the OHCHR and relevant Prime Minister Khan is also scheduled to meet project is to be funded by the Asian Development and Covid Disease Control Dr. Sudarshini and said the President spoke about it during the special procedures mandate holders to provide, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and other leaders Bank, it is learnt. Fernandopulle said the Government is now Independence Day speech as well. in consultation with and with the concurrence on the following day (24). When contacted by The Sunday Morning, focusing on high-risk areas, especially areas in “This is one of the best decisions he has taken to of the GoSL, advice and technical assistance on During his visit, several other high-level Minister of Power said the Western Province where the highest number implement these recommendations, as the report’s implementing the mentioned steps. engagements are planned, including a business that no decision has been taken as of yet. When of Covid-19 cases were recorded within the last objective is to promote ethnic harmony by making It has also requested the OHCHR to enhance and investment forum, as well as a sports diplomacy queried as to whether the Chinese tender has been two weeks. reforms instead of increasing the gap between its monitoring and reporting on the human rights initiative. cancelled, the Minister said that no such decision “We were advised by the epidemiologists to communities. Many recommendations were based situation in Sri Lanka, including progress on – Lahiru Pothmulla has been taken by the Government. prioritise the high-risk areas so as to control the on ideas of the educated moderate Muslims instead reconciliation and accountability, and to present a He stressed that a wrong impression has been spread of the virus. When we look at the number of enforcing the ideas of a different community,” written update to the HRC at its 49th Session and a given by several media outlets that the three islands of cases, the majority of those cases have been he said. comprehensive report including further options for SC to... are going to be sold, which he claimed is untrue. reported from the Western Province. Therefore, we However, during a protest held in Katuwapitiya advancing accountability at its 51st Session, both The petition is SC (FR) Application Number Meanwhile, Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) will identify the high-risk grama niladhari divisions on Saturday (20) afternoon, demanding justice for to be discussed in interactive dialogues. 354/2020. Chairman Eng. Vijitha Herath told The Sunday and the vaccinations will be given accordingly,” the Easter Sunday attacks, His Eminence Cardinal – Lahiru Pothmulla DIG Jasin Arachchi was promoted to the post Morning that the decision to award such projects Dr. Fernandopulle said. Ranjith said that they don’t recognise the Ministerial of DIG for Welfare after the National Police to develop hybrid renewable energy systems was She further noted that the next vaccine batch Committee and what they want is for the PCoI report Commission (NPC) took the nominations for taken considering the success of a pilot project is scheduled to arrive during the first week of to be revealed as it is, to the people, Parliament, Won’t be... promotions into consideration on 8 October 2020. conducted in Eluvaitivu, an island off the coast of next month. and especially to the victims. The 46th Session of the UNHRC is set to start The petitioners have challenged the decision the Jaffna peninsula, located approximately 22 km The vaccination programme would be continued “I do not think a Ministerial Committee would on Monday (22) in Geneva, Switzerland. made by the NPC by filing an application at the (14 miles) west of the town of Jaffna. without any interruption, she stressed. be able to serve justice to the people, as I see this Minister Gunawardena, in a video interview SC, which has been entered into the Registry of the The country began vaccinating its frontline as an attempt to hide certain facts. We can say the titled “Sri Lanka’s position on Geneva allegations”, SC on 5 January 2021 by Attorney-at-Law Sanath workers late last month after receiving 50,000 Government did justice only if it reveals the report, which was released by the Foreign Ministry over Wijewardena who represents the petitioners. Tourism... free Oxford-AstraZeneca “Covishield” vaccines but we don’t accept trying to hide some facts by the weekend, said that the Core Group has so far With the petition taken up for observation on 16 However, despite such doubts, the Sri Lanka from India. As of now, nearly 200,000 frontline appointing a ministerial committee,” he said. not given a draft of a resolution but that they have February, there was quite an uproar from the media, Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) workers, including police/military personnel and The Archbishop reiterated that they will go to indicated that they would go for one. political parties, the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, has assured that tour guides who are at present health workers, have been vaccinated. international organisations, as mentioned (he had “The situation is not going to be that easy for the and several other organisations that made statements handling the groups that arrive in Sri Lanka under Controversy arose after parliamentarians, who previously made mention of the International Core Group to carry through in this manner,” he said. to defend DIG Jasin Arachchi’s promotion and the bio-bubble tourism concept are both certified were not in the initial priority groups eligible for Criminal Court) before, if justice is not served. Commenting on international support for the position. and trained in the field. the vaccine, were vaccinated last week on the basis “I only ask the President and the Government to country, he said that Lord Naseby, who is also the Minister of Public Security Rear Admiral SLAITO Immediate Past President Mahen that they have frequent interactions with the public. reveal the report. We hope the Criminal Investigation President and Founder of the All-Party British-Sri (Retd.) Dr. Sarath Weerasekera, upon hearing Kariyawasam, when contacted by The Sunday – Maheesha Mudugamuwa the sunday morning 3 Sunday, February 21, 2021 SPOTLIGHT

The Thalangama Wetland area ELEVATED HIGHWAY PROJECT No final decision: RDA and CEA BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA Residents living in and around the Thalangama Wetland are up in arms over the proposed four-lane elevated highway project, stretching from the New Kelani Bridge to Athurugiriya, that is to be constructed over the remaining few green patches of Colombo’s wetland in Thalangama and Averihena. Having no faith over the promises made by the political leadership, the residents, with support of the Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ), are now planning to take legal action against the proposed development project which could possibly cause severe damage to the biodiversity of the wetland area as well as its surrounding. “We can’t trust the words of politicians. What we need is a proper solution. We don’t want to see this area getting polluted by mega projects. If they want a road, they can have it using a different route,” 67-year-old K. Amarasinghe, a resident of Averihena, told The Sunday Morning. “Earlier, this area had many paddy fields and marshlands, but during the past 10-15 years, the infrastructure was changed with rapid development taking place in Battaramulla, after the relocation of a number of state institutions,” he stressed. “New houses were built by refilling most of the wetland areas. No action was taken by the authorities against those constructions. We don’t know whether those constructions are legal or not. But now, we have a very small green patch left for us to at least breathe, relax, and walk in. Therefore, we don’t want to lose that now,” Amarasinghe said. While many residents like Amarasinghe are enraged at the Government’s plans to build a road across their wetland, the CEJ is planning to file a writ petition with the Court of Appeal, seeking to quash the ongoing plans to build a road across the wetland. Speaking to The Sunday Morning, CEJ Executive Director Hemantha Withanage noted that the residents have requested the organisation to involve itself with the matter and take legal action against the Government’s plans. “We need a legal solution now. Even some leaders say they won’t damage the environment; once the development activity starts, we can’t guarantee that they won’t damage the environment. Therefore, the residents don’t want any such development activity to take place. The political leadership can now come to court and say whether they intend to do so or not,” he said. Withanage stressed that the wetland is a protected area and therefore, the authorities should not give permission for any type of construction within that area. He said the Thalangama Wetland is a flood-retention area and the economic damage that would be caused if the environment is disturbed by new development projects would be massive. “This area is one of the last remaining wetlands in the Colombo District. The area has a rich biodiversity despite it being located in the middle of urbanised cities. This is the only remaining green patch the residents have in this area. Contd. on page 5 4 the sunday morning Sunday, February 21, 2021 ROUND-UP SLFP skips Wimal’s meeting The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), a key ally of the governing Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Prez meets (SLPP), has not attended last Wednesday’s (17) sunny meeting convened by the group of SLPP alliance alliance parties partners aligned with National Freedom Front President Gotabaya Rajapaksa side up (NFF) Leader Minister . on Friday (19) evening was to by abilis meet with the leaders of political The meeting was The SLFP, it is learnt, is parties that are constituent partners convened at the Communist yet to reach a final decision of the governing Sri Lanka Party headquarters, and on whether to align itself with Podujana Peramuna (SLPP). representatives from seven Weerawansa, and a group that The group of 12 parties, political parties in the governing is currently engaged in an currently allied with National SLPP had attended. The open confrontation with the Freedom Front (NFF) Leader SLFP, which was previously governing SLPP. Minister Wimal Weerawansa, represented by Party General Several SLFP seniors was to meet with the President. Secretary State Minister had expressed concern over Minister Wimal Weerawansa Former President Maithripala The discussion was to focus on , had not Jayasekara’s decision to Sirisena the current political situation in attended Wednesday’s meeting. participate at the meetings The matter was even raised with decided to observe further the country as well as the existing In fact, the initial group of convened by Weerawansa, since SLFP Leader former President the developments between clash between the SLPP and allied 12 political parties had, by last the party is still trying to iron out . the SLPP and its allies before parties. week, reduced to seven. its differences with the SLPP. However, the SLFP has reaching a final decision.

Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardena (right) invited MP Dr. (left) to a meeting at his Ministry with the officials involved in a project launched by the latter The telling-off Another Lotus Tower Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa Positive vibes Elpitiya Divisional last week unveiled another Lotus Co-ordinating Committee Trade Minister Bandula to be included in the project Tower at the Honda Hith Sithuvili Chairman MP Geetha Gunawardana last following a recent visit to the Mandiraya in Tissamaharama on Kumarasinghe was last week created a positive site. Thursday (18). precedent when he De Silva had noted week criticised by a public invited Samagi Jana that a programme should official over the manner The 1,277-feet-tall Honda Hitha Lotus Balawegaya (SJB) MP also be launched to train in which a meeting was Buddha Tower has a Buddha statue that has Dr. Harsha de Silva farmers, simultaneous to the conducted. been designed by Ven. Ratnapure Nanda construction of the warehouse. Thera. for a discussion at When these matters were The meeting was convened on Elpitiya Divisional Co-ordinating After opening the tower, the Prime Minister the Ministry on the pointed out to the Minister, Wednesday (17) at the auditorium Committee Chairman MP Geetha had also planted a sal tree to mark the occasion. proposed humidity- Gunawardana had said that he of the Elpitiya Divisional Secretariat Kumarasinghe faced a complaint Rajapaksa also participated in the almsgiving and temperature- would convene a meeting with at 10 a.m. over meetings running too long held for the Buddhist monks at the centre. controlled agri- relevant officials on Monday The meeting had dragged on down the Chairperson’s request for The Prime Minister’s long-time ally, Ven. warehouse in (15) morning, and had invited for longer than usual due to the the report. The Chairperson had then Muruththettuwe Ananda Thera, as well as Ven. Dambulla. de Silva to the meeting. many proposals presented by the requested the official to take a seat. Medagoda Abhayatissa Thera had participated “Thank you Bandula G Assistant Director (Development) However, the official had said at the event, along with other leading Buddhist The Minister had invited for ur invite to discuss way on the projects proposed under he had a request to make, and monks. de Silva to a discussion at the forward on t first ever humidity the “Gama Samaga Pilisandarak” reportedly noted that public officials Ministry with the officials n temperature controlled programme, as well as the rural road should not be held at discussions involved in the project, after agri-warehouse I started in development programme. from 10 a.m. till 3 p.m. together the Opposition MP – who had Dambulla. Rare non-partisan Afterwards, the Committee Chair with the local government members. played a key role in launching politics when he and I met had requested for a report on the Local government members at the programme during the stakeholders to iron out issues lands in the Elpitiya area from the meeting had objected to the previous Government – had (sic),” de Silva tweeted after the official representing the Land official’s statement. However, the made some fresh proposals Monday’s meeting. Reforms Commission. official had promptly walked out of The Honda Hitha Premier Mahinda Rajapaksa at the top of The official had reportedly the meeting, bringing the meeting the Honda Hitha Lotus Buddha Tower identified himself and then turned also to an end. Lotus Buddha Tower Ranjan’s cellmates No takers for Parliamentarian Ranjan reportedly said that well-known Ramanayake, it is learnt, underworld figures Julampitiye Dhammika’s tonic? is now enjoying the Amare and Kalu Thushara are now company of several sharing a cell with Ramanayake The tonic concocted to combat Covid-19 by least 128 patients are required interesting cellmates. at the Angunakolapelessa Prison. Dhammika Bandara from Kegalle has now to carry out a successful Ramanayake is currently facing been subjected to the final clinical test. clinical test, while only a jail term after being found guilty around 42 patients have so far (SJB) MP Dilip Wedarachchi had of contempt of court. However, the testing had said that the clinical participated in the process. process is faced with an tests have been affected by The final outcome of the unexpected problem, the lack of volunteers to clinical tests on Dhammika delaying its outcome. consume the tonic to carry Bandara’s Covid-19 tonic Acting Health Minister out the testing process. is thereby expected to get Hard work Prof. He had explained that at further delayed. Prime Minister Mahinda Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa (right) met with former Sports Rajapaksa last week paid Minister (left) last Monday (15) a glowing tribute to his The broken promise younger brother, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, A group of Sri Lanka Amendment was passed in noting the latter’s Muslim Congress Parliament. Tête-à-tête commitment to duty and (SLMC) legislators, According to Cassim, the An interesting meeting played a key role in the responsibility. who had voted in MPs had decided to support of two young ministers development of Sri Lanka’s favour of the 20th the Government in Parliament was witnessed last . The Prime Minister made this Amendment to the on the 20th Amendment only week, when Sports Posting a photograph of observation while participating Constitution, have after receiving the assurance Minister Namal the meeting on Facebook, in the opening ceremony of a recently revealed that the burial of Covid-19 Dissanayake stated that he multipurpose building operating dead would be permitted. Rajapaksa last Monday Former President Mahinda the reason for (15) met with former would extend his support to under the Beruwala Urban Council. Rajapaksa, now Prime Minister, their decision to However, SLMC Leader resurrect Sri Lanka’s cricket, “President Gotabaya is someone tipped his hat to his brother’s MP had said Sports Minister Navin Four Sri Lanka Muslim irrespective of the political who works for about 15 hours a day. willingness to put in more hours of support the piece of Congress MPs were suspended that the four legislators would Dissanayake. differences between him and To be honest, I don’t work that long. work into his role as President, and legislation. fron the Party after defying its have to seek forgiveness from urged citizens to get the maximum While the meeting gave the Government. He executes his plans with a good Four SLMC MPs voted stance to vote in favour of the the public if they wished to use of his commitment 20th Amendment rise to much speculation, it During his tenure as knowledge about all the institutions in favour of the 20th rejoin the SLMC. was later stated that it was Sports Minister in 2015, and local governments’ bodies. So the maximum benefit from the Amendment in violation of they had voted in favour of Soon after the vote in aimed at discussing the current Dissanayake faced resistance we have to get maximum use from Government they elect. the party’s decision not to the amendment since senior Parliament, the SLMC sought state of the country’s cricket when he attempted to set this,” Rajapaksa had said. He had added that if the public is support it. members of the Government explanations from the MPs administration. up an interim committee Addressing the gathering, the not proactive and waits for things MPs Faizer Cassim, M. had assured that permission for violating the party’s Dissanayake’s father, the to manage the cricket Premier had further noted that it’s to happen, it would be a loss for Harees, M.S. Thowfeek, and would be granted to bury the decision, and suspended them late Gamini Dissanayake, administration. the people’s responsibility to get their locality, as well as themselves. Nazeer Ahamed have said Covid-19 dead once the 20th from the party.

National Freedom Front Wimal’s message to Hirunika (NFF) Leader Minister Wimal Weerawansa and Wimal-Namal join forces National Freedom Front ideology represented by us. (NFF) Leader Minister Wimal It has been said that we are planning Minister of Sports and as a result of a discussion held Weerawansa last week on forming a political force by joining Youth Affairs Namal between the two of them on responded to claims by Samagi with them. Apart from her, several Rajapaksa last week making the programme more Jana Balawegaya (SJB) member other Opposition MPs have also made joined forces to discuss effective. and similar statements. the programme of setting Rajapaksa told the gathering several others who claimed We can only respond by saying up a factory in each that this programme would help that we have no intention of engaging the unemployed youth in rural that Weerawansa was planning divisional secretariat in such futile politics. Hirunika area in the country. areas. Weerawansa, meanwhile, on building a strong, broad Premachandra and the rest of the assured that the Industries alliance with the Opposition. Hirunika Ministers Namal Rajapaksa and Wimal Weerawansa Premachandra Opposition politicians engaged in The meeting, under the Ministry would provide its fullest Responding to the statement, worthless politics should realise that patronage of Weerawansa and (18). The programme had and Splendour” policy statement. support to address the issue of Weerawansa had stated in a Facebook post: we are not delusional to stand by such politics. Rajapaksa, took place at the been launched as part of the The two ministers announced youth unemployment in rural “I saw that former MP Hirunika Premachandra We stand by the 6.9 million people who have Industries Ministry last Friday President’s “Vistas of Prosperity that the meeting was organised areas. has commented about me and the political kept their faith in us.” the sunday morning 5 Sunday, February 21, 2021 SPOTLIGHT EAST CONTAINER TERMINAL SAGA WCT proposal to Cabinet z New proposal likely to be sent to z Ministry and SLPA proceeding z No official communication to Cabinet on Monday by CANC with ECT development Indian and Japanese missions in SL

BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA decisions taken on 30 May 2019. three terminals at the Colombo Cabinet decision taken with regard It provides for the formation of Port along with the South to the MoC signed between the Amidst rising pressure from a Terminal Operations Company Container Terminal (SCT) and the three countries to their foreign India to respect the tripartite (TOC), of which 49% is jointly ECT. Each terminal is 1,200 m in missions in Sri Lanka, who have agreement signed between held by Japanese and Indian length and possesses facilities to expressed their displeasure over Sri Lanka, India, and Japan shareholders, while 51% is held accommodate three berths each. the Government of Sri Lanka’s for the development of the by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority The SCT commenced decision and have had discussions East Container Terminal (SLPA). Under the terms of the operations in 2013 under a public- with the Government pertaining to MoC, the TOC was to develop private partnership (PPP) on a the matter, since. (ECT) at the Colombo Port, the ECT based on a Japanese loan build-operate-transfer (BOT) Highly informed diplomatic the Sri Lankan Government to the SLPA, guaranteed by the basis with Colombo International sources told The Sunday Morning is in the process of making Government of Japan. Container Terminals (CICT) and that the Government has not a new proposal for the The MoC was reached soon the SLPA. CICT’s management begun any sort of communications Cabinet-approved West after China was given a controlling is handled by China Merchants with regard to the said tripartite Container Terminal (WCT) equity stake and a 99-year lease of Holdings (International) Co. Ltd. agreement. instead. the Hambantota Port, and concerns The ECT, under the Colombo Meanwhile, SLPA Chairman have been raised as to whether this Port Expansion Project (CPEP) (Retd.) Gen. Daya Ratnayake said The new proposal is scheduled deal is also a result of escalating implemented by the Mahinda official negotiations with the two to be submitted to the Cabinet- geopolitical competition between While local pressure groups keep silent on the WCT offer, it is still unclear whether Rajapaksa Government, is the countries would begin after the Appointed Negotiating Committee regional powers. India will agree to Sri Lanka’s unilateral decision second-largest deep-water project new proposal is finalised. (CANC) on Monday (22). As learnt by The Sunday Furthermore, the Secretary also President. In the letter written to of the Port. Of the planned 1,200 “Once we finalise the new As learnt by The Sunday Morning, neither India nor stressed that the Ministry together the President on 29 January, the m terminal, 400 m was completed proposal, we will send it to the Morning, the new proposal, once Japan have yet officially denied with the SLPA has begun the initial unions had assured that they would in 2015. two countries and they will evaluated by the committee, will be or accepted the Government's process for the development of the withdraw from all union action The Colombo Port currently appoint representatives with sent to India and Japan to appoint proposal. ECT. if six conditions were met. These consists of three main parts. One whom the committee will continue their representatives to continue “We have started the included the handing over of the of them is the Jaya Container negotiations,” Ratnayake, who is the negotiations on the WCT procurement process and all already completed section of the Terminal (JCT), belonging to also a member of the CANC, told development. other related processes for the ECT to the SLPA; completing the the SLPA. The SAGT is owned The Sunday Morning. It is learnt that the committee We have started the development of the ECT,” Jayalal construction work of the terminal by Sri Lanka and international He said the proposal is had already started the initial procurement process and all said. with SLPA funds; completing entities, while a majority of the being formulated by a separate discussions over the negotiations at other related processes for the All required committees have the construction within three shareholding in CICT is owned committee and the committee a meeting held last week. development of the ECT already been appointed in this years; and acquiring control of by China. This terminal is located would submit the proposal to the The ECT was agreed upon in Ministry of Ports and Shipping regard and those committees are the South Asia Gateway Terminal adjacent to the Colombo Port City. CANC this Monday. “We will 2019 through a memorandum of Secretary U.D.C. Jayalal taking necessary steps to begin the (SAGT) after the already-existing As a result, a terminal of sufficient begin negotiations immediately co-operation (MoC) between the terminal development, he added. agreement expired in 2029. If capacity for the SLPA to dock large after the proposal is finalised,” he three countries. Nevertheless, the When asked whether the fulfilled, the unions agreed to ships does not exist within the said. Government was forced to amend Nevertheless, Ministry of Ports Ministry had already applied for a support the Government for the Colombo Port at present. Explaining further on the the controversial ECT deal, mainly and Shipping Secretary U.D.C. loan, the Secretary stressed that if a development mechanisms of the While local pressure groups keep development of the ECT, the due to pressure from trade unions. Jayalal said the committee had requirement arises, necessary steps WCT, to get Cabinet approval to silent on the WCT offer, it is still Chairman stressed that the The MoC for the development initiated the discussions with all would be taken to fill the financial take complete ownership of the unclear whether India will agree to Authority had a development of the ECT was signed between parties concerned. gaps. ECT under the SLPA, and to get Sri Lanka’s unilateral decision. plan for the terminal and it will be Sri Lanka, India, and Japan at the He told The Sunday Morning The handing over of the WCT approval for both the WCT and In the meantime, even if the implemented in the near future. heads of government discussions that the CANC that met last week for a joint development to India ECT in the same Cabinet approval negotiations started within the “We are taking the necessary held during the period from 2017 had discussed the negotiating and Japan was agreed upon by the process. country, the Government has steps and development work will to 2019, and through Cabinet process. trade unions by a letter sent to the The WCT is among one of the not yet communicated even the commence soon,” he added.

Contd. from page 3 No final... Disturbing the environment could pose a serious economic damage as well when compared to the losses incurred by any other institution as a result of bypassing the area,” Withanage explained. He stressed that there were only around 2,000 hectares of wetland cover remaining at present in Colombo. Diminishing green cover Proving what Amarasinghe said, People from many communities came together earlier this month to raise it was learnt that over 75% of the awareness against the destruction of the wetland land in Colombo was covered with wetlands many years ago, and time period. Other estimates place General (AG), in his opinion, with the development activities the figure at closer to 22% across directed the RDA to avoid the that took place, the wetland cover the city; yet this still represents a wetland when planning the elevated had gradually decreased. From significant loss. What is clear is that highway. Furthermore, the CEA Muthurajawela via Kotte up to wetlands, irrespective of their type, has also met President Gotabaya Bolgoda, the land had been covered continue to be lost and degraded Rajapaksa to discuss the matter with wetlands several decades ago. across the CMR. recently. According to the final report of The development of the four-lane Speaking to The Sunday the Colombo Wetland Management elevated highway, which is 17.3 Morning, RDA Chairman Strategy of the Metro Colombo km in length, stretching from the Chaminda Athuluwage said there Urban Development Project, it is New Kelani Bridge (Orugodawatta) was no decision taken regarding the estimated that wetlands currently to Athurugiriya, was proposed in proposed highway construction. cover approximately 19 km2 (or 2015 to improve the road network “At a meeting held recently, 15.4%) of 121.5 km2, comprising in order to deal with the heavy President Gotabaya Rajapaksa densely urban, peri‐urban, and influx of vehicles into Colombo advised the RDA, Urban rural environments. However, their city limits. Phase I of the project, Development Authority (UDA), former extent was much greater. which is 6.9 km in length, has been Sri Lanka Land Development Freshwater wetlands dominate, planned from Orugodawatta to Corporation (SLLDC), CEA, and accounting for almost 85% of all Rajagiriya, while Phase II, which all other relevant parties to discuss the wetlands. Almost two-fifths of is 10.4 km in length, will be from the matter and give suitable advice the wetlands are dominated by herb Rajagiriya to Athurugiriya. to the RDA,” he said, adding that species, including the extensive According to the Road those organisations had recently active and abandoned paddy lands. Development Authority (RDA), had a discussion but did not yet Complexes of wetland mosaics 45% of the land acquisition for the inform the decisions to the RDA. Debit cards comprising woodlands, tall and first phase of the project has been Athuluwage, on a previous short herbs, and open-water habitats completed. The environmental occasion, said the questionable cover approximately a third of all impact assessment (EIA) trace is one of the suitable traces the wetland areas. Open-water has already been completed. identified by the authorities for wetlands, such as tanks, lakes, and Furthermore, the feasibility study of the construction of the elevated canals, cover just over 20% of all Phase II has also been completed. highway. the wetlands. The Thalangama Environmental “If the trace is changed, the The report also stated that since Protection Area, including the length would also be extended and the days of the Kingdom of Kotte, Averihena Lake, was declared so in parallel, the cost would also be wetlands within the Colombo under the National Environment increased,” he added. Metropolitan Region (CMR) have Act (NEA) No. 47 of 1980, Meanwhile, when contacted been progressively degraded, as amended by the Central by The Sunday Morning, CEA infilled, and lost. Much of this Environmental Authority (CEA) Chairman Hemantha Jayasinghe 0112 343 720 damage is considered irreversible. in 2017, through the Gazette continued to note that discussions The rates and extent of wetland Notification Number 1487/10. were still going on and no final loss across the CMR vary. Some decision was made regarding the estimates suggest that wetlands Top-level discussions elevated highway issue. comprising the Kolonnawa Marsh ongoing “We have not yet taken a final have been reduced in area by as As learnt by The Sunday decision on whether or not to much as 65% since the 1980s. Morning last week, top-level give the RDA the permission to Similarly, as much as 60% of discussions are still going on to construct an elevated highway paddy lands across the wetlands decide whether the approval for the across the protected area. The of CMR may have been converted proposal should be given or not. discussions are still at the initial to non‐wetland use over a similar It is also learnt that the Attorney stages,” he added. 6 the sunday morning Sunday, February 21, 2021 HOTSEAT/FOCUS

BY SARAH HANNAN unclaimed Covid-19 corpses at the morgues, The public are eager to know as to how we will wait a month and then dispose of and when they would be given access Renewed fears and speculation of them accordingly. to the vaccine. When will the other countrywide lockdowns have raised provinces get the vaccine? concerns among the public once Public There is a shortage of equipment such Our initial timeline to commence again, after the detection of the as ECMO machines in the country vaccination was in the beginning of March; highly virulent UK Lineage B.1.1.7 required for Covid-19 critical care. Has however, the vaccines arrived earlier and variant of Covid-19 within the the Government looked at bringing these we have already commenced the rollout. We country. machines down? prioritised the frontline workers from both complacency The ECMO machine was only required the state and private sectors, which was then Meanwhile, with the rollout of the Covid- in one instance so far – to treat the demised followed by the rest on the priority list. 19 vaccine programme last week, the rest of Dr. Gayan Danthanarayana. It is a machine The decision was taken to roll out the the country is eager to get inoculated. that is used to treat infants, and should the vaccine first to the Western Province, as This week, The Sunday Morning took need arise to treat an increasing number there is a high number of cases reported in these concerns to State Minister for Primary will worsen of Covid-19 pneumonia-stage patients, the area, and we want to arrest that situation Health Services, Epidemic Control, and the Government will consider making by vaccinating the people in this Province Covid-19 Prevention Dr. Sudarshini purchases. first. In due course, the rest of the country Fernandopulle, to seek clarity on the present will receive their vaccinations, and as soon situation, and what the future outlook would Are we looking at setting up necessary as the vaccines are available, the area MOH be as we continue to live with the pandemic. situation treatment facilities for Covid-19 long haul will inform the people. Following are excerpts of the interview: patients if required? So far, 16 centres are issuing vaccines Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle The necessity for such a treatment centre for the people from the Western Province. With the new Covid-19 variant being in Sri Lanka has not yet been determined, Once the vaccine drive rolls out to the entire detected, are we going to follow any as we still have not received any reports country, we will have 4,000 centres that will additional health guidelines to prevent of Covid-19 long haul patients that are be issuing the vaccination, with the target of the spread? showing symptoms beyond the standard inoculating up to 600,000 persons per day at All the samples that were sequenced and treatment period, which is 14-21 days. maximum capacity throughout the country. detected came from quarantine centres, However, if the need arises, and if there We have ordered 18 million vaccine doses and there are no reports of the UK Lineage are persons with prolonged symptoms of the to inoculate nine million of the population in B.1.1.7 variant in the community. Therefore, virus, they are required to keep the nearest the first phase. we will not place any additional health hospital informed, and are required to seek guidelines. However, I wish to remind the further treatment for their symptoms. Private hospital frontline staff said that public to once again adhere to the Covid-19 some of the institutions have denied preventive health guidelines that were in access to the vaccine doses that were place since last year. issued. Is there such an issue? Lately, people have fallen back on these The vaccines were issued to be given practices and have become complacent. It all depends on the public for free to all consultants, doctors, nurses, When you are in a public space, wear being responsible. What they support staff, and even minor staff. If any your mask to cover your nose and your should understand is that even of the staff affiliated to private hospitals are mouth, and do not remove it to speak to the being denied access to the vaccination, they person next to you; wash or sanitise your after getting inoculated, they can contact our Ministry with all the details, hands frequently when you enter and exit can still contract the virus and so we could look at conducting an inquiry buildings or vehicles; maintain physical they can still spread the virus to through the Director General of Health distancing when in a crowded area; reduce others that are not inoculated. Services. unnecessary travel and gatherings, and when using public transport, wait for a bus Complacency will only make What steps will you take to ensure that that would have adequate seating capacity; this situation worse, therefore the vaccines, which are issued for free at if you have any symptoms, immediately act responsibly the moment, will not get stockpiled to be consult a doctor or if you have chronic sold to persons willing to pay for them? respiratory illnesses; and limit exposure by The general public should be aware that staying indoors. Given that there is a hold-up in bringing at the moment, the vaccines are issued for down the Sinopharma and Sputnik V free to everyone. We will strictly monitor What is the status of further studies vaccines due to the delay in the clinical this, and it is our firm decision that the on the existing variants that are in trial reports and the authorisation by the vaccine will not be sold to anyone. The circulation? World Health Organisation (WHO) for vaccines that we issued to the private We are continuing studies and have also wider usage, how long will it take to bring hospitals were to be administered to their commenced contact tracing for persons that down the next batch of vaccines to Sri medical, support, and minor staff free of contracted the B.1.1.7 variant, to determine Lanka? charge as well. whether it was imported or whether have the body released from the morgue What do you have to say about patients The National Medicine Regulatory Should there be any incidents where the the variant surfaced within the country due to the delay in getting the PCR test that are treated in the hospitals for a Authority informed that the dossiers public or the staff is asked to pay for the itself. Further studies of other variants in results. How will this be expedited? longer period of time and eventually submitted to register the Sinopharma Covid-19 vaccine, we request the public to circulation too are taking place at present. I am aware of the delays that are taking succumb to their illnesses, but their PCR and Sputnik V vaccines were incomplete notify us immediately, and inquiries will be place in certain hospitals in releasing the test is done only after death? Should this at the review stage. The institutes have conducted to ensure such incidents would Some of the expert committee members corpses from the morgues. The Judiciary even happen, given that there is a virus been informed to resubmit them with the be prevented. are now making statements indicating Medical Officer and the Medical Officer of circulating? completed documentations. that they have already given clearance Health should actually take a call on these Given the present situation, this should We have placed an order for vaccines Can we expect a timeframe as to when to go ahead with burials for Covid-19 matters to reduce the time taken to release not take place. They should be testing the under Covishield once again, which are the country would return to normal? related deaths. Why is there a delay in the bodies. For instance, the earlier protocol patient for Covid-19 when they are admitted scheduled to arrive in the next two weeks. It all depends on the public being adopting this? was that the Grama Niladhari was given the to the hospital, then only if the patient responsible. What they should understand Allowing burials to take place for authority to issue a letter on whether or not has been in hospital for too long, should There was an issue over the is that even after getting inoculated, they Covid-19-related deaths was included in a PCR test was required to be carried out on they be running PCR tests when they are mismanagement of vaccine doses, can still contract the virus and they can the recommendations. However, the final the dead person for Covid-19. pronounced dead. which was brought up last week. What still spread the virus to others that are not decision was to continue with cremations, If a family member had contracted Covid- measures are in place to ensure no inoculated. as it was decided by the Director General of 19, had recovered recently and returned, There are also several bodies of Covid-19- wastage takes place? Therefore, we will have to continue to Health Services, and explicitly stated by the and then the death took place, there is a positive persons that are held at morgues, It was not actually a case of follow the health guidelines and prevent Minister of Health in Parliament. necessity to do a PCR test on the dead with the Kandy National Hospital mismanagement, but an observation that Covid-19 from spreading. Wearing masks, person. The other instance is if the area is revealing there were 14 such bodies still was shared by the nursing staff. A vial holds sanitising/washing hands, maintaining Recently, the acting Health Minister had considered to be a high-risk zone where held in the morgue. What could be the 6 ml of the vaccine, and if they are careful physical distance when in crowded areas, given the directive to carry out Covid- a large number of Covid-19 cases were reason for this? enough, they should be able to draw 11 and adhering to respiratory etiquette should 19-related death rites within 24 hours. detected. This delay can be easily avoided if Covid-19 bodies are disposed of for shots from the vial. We have instruments by now be routinely done by everyone. However, there are occasions where the these steps are followed. cremation only after the family has that allow us to draw the exact amount of Complacency will only make this families have to wait nearly two days to signed the release papers. If there are any solution without wastage. situation worse, therefore act responsibly.

Health authorities continue to assure that NEW COVID-19 VARIANTS that were in place since last year.” the UK variant B.1.1.7, detected recently in She further noted that the general public Sri Lanka, has not leaked into society. The has become complacent, adding that if the sequencing conducted at the Department public is truly concerned about new or even of Immunology and Molecular Medicine existing variants of the virus in circulation of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura infecting them, they should wear a mask to (USJ) on 95 samples showed that 16 Govt. optimistic of cover their nose and mouth and not remove returned results indicated that the new it to speak to someone they see on the road. variant was now present in Sri Lanka. She also reminded the importance of According to lab results, the first sample washing or sanitising one’s hands frequently that indicated the presence of the variant when entering and exiting buildings or goes back to 2 January 2021 and the team vehicles, maintaining physical distancing continued to run further diagnostics on prevention measures when in a crowded area (reduce unnecessary samples that were obtained from persons travel and gatherings; when using public who returned from overseas and were in transport, wait for a bus that would have quarantine centres. z AstraZeneca vaccine effective z Public urged to adequate seating capacity), and if symptoms In addition, the team also ran diagnostics are detected to immediately consult a doctor. on the samples that were collected from persons who had contracted the virus against UK variant B.1.1.7 adhere to guidelines Adhere to guidelines due to coming in contact with previously Meanwhile, USJ Department of infected persons within the country as well. Lanka lineage, and even during the recent Immunology and Molecular Medicine The Sunday Morning spoke to USJ sequencing, this variant was found to be Prof. Neelika Malavige said that before Department of Immunology and Molecular present. the variant was detected in Sri Lanka, at Medicine Director Dr. Chandima least 80 countries had reported cases, with Jeewandara to gain further insights. No additional the earliest detection dating back to 20 “At present, there are three variants preventive measures September 2020 in the region of Kent in in circulation, among which we are When The Sunday Morning inquired the UK. looking at a variant of concern that is the from State Minister of Primary Healthcare, Prof. Malavige reiterated that the B.1.1.7 – this was detected from persons Epidemics, and Covid Disease Control general public need not be alarmed who returned from overseas and were Dr. whether or attempt to draw parallels with the in quarantine centres. We have received any additional measures would be in situation in the UK, as Sri Lanka has an reports that the AstraZeneca vaccine, place, given that a highly virulent variant efficient prevention and control protocol which is being administered at present in of Covid-19 was detected recently, she in place. Sri Lanka, is effective against this variant. reiterated: “All samples that were sequenced Director General of Health Services Dr. Therefore, the impact it could have if it and detected came from quarantine centres Asela Gunawardena, addressing a media enters society can be considered to be and there are no reports of the UK lineage briefing, said that if the public does not less.” PHOTO PRADEEP B.1.1.7 variant from the community. follow the instructions given by the health Speaking of the other variants that were DAMBARAGE Therefore, we will not place any additional sector to protect themselves from the in Sri Lanka during the first and second health guidelines. However, I wish to Covid-19 virus, tough decisions will have waves, Dr. Jeewandara noted that there that were in circulation. The variant that October, which is of the B.1.411 lineage, remind the public to once again adhere to to be taken in the future. were at least three prominent variants was responsible for the second wave in is now identified as the Covid-19 Sri the Covid-19 preventive health guidelines Contd. on page 13 the sunday morning 7 Sunday, February 21, 2021 SPOTLIGHT

Vegetable vendors selling fresh produce at Manning Market PHOTO LALITH PERERA

SKYROCKETING VEGETABLE PRICES CONSUMERS SEEING STARS BY SARAH HANNAN more that will go to waste. In the end, we will still We have to sell it to the first person that comes by, to ensure that the When we harvest our yields, all we want to do is sell The increasing vegetable prices have pushed face a loss if we cannot produce we send to the market is of a good quality. The more we keep the them at whatever the price; so, we could buy provisions the public to turn to supplementary food even make a little money vegetables with us, the more that will go to waste. In the end, we will still for the house, and then get the next batch of seeds and sources such as manioc, breadfruit, jack, and from the crops we grow,” face a loss if we cannot even make a little money from the crops we grow fertiliser to cultivate a different seasonal crop other yams, as they struggle to find a balance Samanthi added. K. Samanthi, vegetable farmer from Welimada S. Yogeswaree, vegetable farmer from Oddusuddan in the nutrient composition of their food plate. State supply chain Meanwhile, farmers, research on the current to be implemented who have been toiling going price. “The lack of a state- away to produce enough “When we harvest our operated supply chain to ensure that the food yields, all we want to do mechanism where the security targets are met, is sell them at whatever produce is directly bought are at the losing end, even the price; so, we could by the farmer and then with prices of vegetables buy provisions for the supplied to the market is on the rise. The reason house, and then get the the main reason behind behind it is said to be the next batch of seeds and the price hike. The farmer middlemen that offer to fertiliser to cultivate a has no knowledge of collect and transport the different seasonal crop,” the market prices that vegetable stocks to the Yogeswaree added. they can fetch for their economic centres and fresh produce and most the Peliyagoda Market, Continuous of them rely on these purchasing the vegetables bargaining middlemen, who will at a low price from these K. Samanthi, a farmer name the price when smallholder farmers so from Welimada, sharing buying vegetable stocks they could make high her woes on not being from these farmers,” State profit margins. able to cover the expenses Ministry of Paddy and that she spent to purchase Cereal, Organic Foods, Buyer-determined the seeds and fertiliser Vegetables, Fruits, Chilli, purchase price recently, revealed that the Onion, and Potatoes The Sunday Morning buyers tend to bargain Cultivation Development, spoke to some vegetable and if the farmer does not Seed Production, and farmers from several agree to dispose the stock Higher Agriculture areas to understand the at the rate they ask, the Technology Secretary difficulties they are facing. farmer is at a loss. L.L.A. Wijesiri told The S. Yogeswaree from “The buyer haggles with Sunday Morning. Oddusuddan said that us to reduce the price of According to Wijesiri, since she does not have our produce when they the State Ministry has enough money to rent a purchase the vegetable set up a mechanism vehicle to transport her stocks from us. My farm where they will allocate produce to the nearest is situated at a halfway a shop space for farmers market, she relies on a point, so by the time he at economic centres middleman that arrives at arrives at my doorstep to such as Narahenpita and her farm. make the purchase, he has Ratmalana, allowing “We live in a small already managed to haggle the farmers to sell their settlement and most of the with more farmers to sell produce at just Rs. 20 people that live here farm at a lower rate.” more per kilogramme vegetables. We all rely on Samanthi further noted of the average selling this person who comes that, even if they are aware price determined by the in a lorry and purchases of the going rate, these Department of Census our vegetable stocks to middlemen put them in a and Statistics and the send to the main markets. difficult situation, taking wholesale price that When we have a bountiful advantage of their inability the economic centre harvest, we do not have to keep the vegetable determines each day. space to stock them, so we stocks stored until a better sell the vegetable stocks at offer comes along. Vegetables at a very low rate.” “We have to sell it concessionary price Yogeswaree, like many to the first person that In addition to that, others, neither has access comes by, to ensure that the Ministry of Finance to the weekly market the produce we send to on Thursday (18) price that is published nor the market is of a good commenced a programme does she have the means quality. The more we keep to sell vegetables at a to be conducting her own the vegetables with us, the concessionary price at 75 Lanka Sathosa outlets in Item Unit Oct-20 Nov-20 Dec-20 Jan-21 Feb-21 the Western Province, to provide some relief to the Okra 1kg 162.96 156.36 163.35 212.36 238.83 consumers. Egg plant 1kg 172.67 168.46 208.57 171 297.5 Twenty-six locations Cucumber 1kg 117.52 112.92 144 149.35 124.44 in the Colombo District, 41 locations in the Red Pumpkin 1kg 152.8 123.96 147.5 196.4 213.04 Gampaha District, and Snake Gourd 1kg 208 184.83 212.09 224.62 226.42 eight locations in the Kalutara District will Green Chillies 1kg 374.33 411.25 450.23 751 781.9 have vegetables sold Capsicum 1kg 425.83 370 420.59 421.39 521.33 at concessionary rates, Limes 1kg 228.62 429.58 440.56 403.9 323.53 as Lanka Sathosa uses its own supply chain to Potatoes - Local 1kg 204.52 250 280 230.77 213.39 procure the vegetables Beans - Green 1kg 251.58 251.91 291.67 240.23 221.5 directly from the farming communities, purchasing Carrot 1kg 207.5 233.27 268.67 202.8 221 the vegetables at a fair Tomato - No 1. 1kg 190.38 167.44 155.29 183.1 241.76 price from the farmers Source: Department of Census and Statistics and making it available Weekly bulletin of open market weekly average prices in to the consumers at an Sri Lankan rupees (second week of each month) affordable price as well. the sunday morning Sunday, February 21, 2021 EDITORIAL/POLITICS The road to Tensions rise for Sri Lanka with traditional allies isolation zGovt. to ‘go it alone’ at UNHRC zIndia-SL relations on tripwire Sri Lanka will face a When 6.9 million voters decided that regime change was the need of the decisive week ahead with hour in November 2019, it is likely that at least some of them based their the 46th Session of the decision on the work programme or manifesto put forward by the Sri Lanka UN Human Rights Council Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and its presidential candidate. What is quite intriguing is that in what appears to be a comprehensive policy document (UNHRC) scheduled to running into 80-odd pages, only a couple of paragraphs, or less than half commence tomorrow (22). a page, has been utilised to spell out the proposed foreign policy, stoking Foreign Minister Dinesh suspicions that no serious thought had been given to the all-important Gunawardena is scheduled subject and that its inclusion may have even been an afterthought. to address the high-level Given Sri Lanka’s geopolitical importance based on its strategic location session on Tuesday (23) and the not-so-secret manoeuvring of global superpowers to gain a foothold where he would officially here ever since the end of the war, the glossing over of what should have announce the Government’s been a comprehensive outline of where the administration stood, at least decision to reject the report with regard to the vultures at the door, may have, in hindsight, helped avert presented by UNHRC High the looming foreign policy crisis that is threatening to shake the mighty Commissioner Michelle SLPP political edifice to its very foundation. Nonetheless, the overwhelming majority decided to gloss over this bit of intrigue in exchange for the goodies Bachelet. promised in the rest of the policy document titled “Vistas of Prosperity and The 46th Session is to see two Splendour”. Now, a good 15 months down the line, a closer look at the resolutions on Sri Lanka presented few lines outlining the regime’s foreign policy makes interesting reading. before the Council – one by the First and foremost is the stated commitment to a friendly and non- Core Group on Sri Lanka and the aligned foreign policy. “We will not fall on our knees before any country in other by the Government of Sri maintaining foreign and trade relations. We will always be mindful of our Lanka. national sovereignty and maintain friendly relations with other countries It is now official that Sri Lanka from a standpoint of equality…We will ensure that ownership of strategic would not be party to a consensual assets and economically important natural resources are not transferred to resolution to be presented to the any foreign country.” Easier said than done it seems, going by the recent Council with the Core Group. controversy surrounding the East Container Terminal (ECT) of the Port “We recognise and welcome the of Colombo, the oil tank farm in Trincomalee, and the divestiture of land progress made by the Government surrounding the Chinese operated Hambantota Port. of Sri Lanka in rebuilding It is to be appreciated that the current imbroglio is one that has more or less infrastructure, demining, land been thrust on the administration given the status quo with regard to these return, and resettling internally assets prior to November 2019, but one that has certainly been aggravated displaced persons. However, it is by the regime’s cavalier approach to diffuse geopolitical pressure. To the clear that more needs to be done to average Sri Lankan, the current operational foreign policy seems ad hoc address the harmful legacies of war at best and dictated by economic compulsions rather than non-alignment and build sustainable peace in the which has served the country well over the last half a century, primarily country,” the Core Group on Sri helping to keep the foraging big boys at bay. The administration is learning Lanka said last Friday. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi the hard way that suspension of such policy, even for the briefest of periods, “It has been important in favour of economic benefits has its share of pitfalls, and if not handled for the Core Group to work highlighted points in the resolution. However, The Black Box was yet Pakistan Prime Minister’s visit well, can quickly and easily snowball into a geopolitical storm. collaboratively and constructively The dialogue between the to receive official confirmation on to Sri Lanka will go ahead as It is in this backdrop that the regime’s stated policy in its political with the Government of Sri Government and the Core Group these facts at the time of going to scheduled, but that a proposed visit manifesto bears significance. “We will adopt a non-aligned policy in all Lanka over the last five years. on presenting a consensual print. to the Parliament complex will not our foreign dealings and work with all friendly nations on equal terms… Consequently, we have engaged resolution dragged on until last The Government is also take place. Given the fact that economic power is now shifting towards Asia, our with the Government of Sri Lanka week, when the Government expected to submit evidence to focus will be on developing strong bonds and reciprocal commercial ties in preparation finally the UNHRC that all those accused Growing concerns and trade relationships with our Asian neighbours…We must work closely for the withdrew of wrongdoing in the UNHRC Meanwhile, civil society and with India to ensure regional security and also engage with other SAARC Council,” the it from High Commissioner’s report were human rights activists as well as and BIMSTEC nations.” Certainly not music to the eager Chinese ears, Core Group consideration. innocent and falsely accused. former diplomats and UN officials but despite the public posturing, it is no secret that Indo-Lanka ties have added. The Meanwhile, the Government is have expressed concerns over hit rock bottom, last experienced during the infamous “parippu drop” in The Core Government, preparing to welcome Pakistani alleged human rights abuses in Sri the run up to the Indo-Lanka Accord that paved the way for the equally Group restates it is learnt, Prime Minister Imran Khan to Sri Lanka. infamous 13th Amendment that spawned the provincial council system. the ongoing the has now Lanka tomorrow (22). Centre for Policy Alternatives Despite the passage of time, the average Sri Lankan still looks at India with importance of black box formulated a Khan is to engage on a two-day (CPA) Executive Director Dr. a jaundiced eye, owing to what continues to be perceived as an indiscretion addressing Sri “homegrown” visit in Sri Lanka during which he Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu last on the part of big brother. Lanka in the by Capt. Vasabha resolution, is expected to meet with members week told The Morning: “We Ever since Sri Lanka opened up its economy in 1977, it has been a Human Rights which is likely of the Government and Opposition. have raised (the issue of) the thorn in India’s flesh which has long prided itself on its regional economic Council. to be announced by Gunawardena However, Khan is facing severe ground-level situation which we dominance. Upstart Sri Lanka trying to one-up its big brother never found The Black Box learnt that the on Tuesday before tabling it at the pressure from Muslim political have experienced over the last favour in Delhi and various interventions have since been launched both Core Group resolution on Sri Council. parties in the Opposition that few years; indeed, the last few overtly and covertly to stifle Sri Lanka’s progress and keep the global Lanka to be presented to the Earlier last week, Co-Cabinet have been exerting pressure on months. We have talked about investment spotlight firmly focused on India. To its credit, unlike its UNHRC is expected to outline Spokesperson Minister Dr. Ramesh the Pakistani Government to push militarisation; about the land easily pliable southern neighbour, Delhi has maintained a razor-sharp timeframes, giving the Sri Lankan Pathirana told the media that for burial rites of the Covid-19 grabbing, particularly with regards focus on its economic and development agenda, more often than not at Government time to address the indications are that a homegrown dead during the Pakistani Prime to grazing lands; and about the the expense of its neighbours, even though governments have come and resolution from the Government Minister’s discussions with task forces. Basically, we have gone. Sri Lanka’s current cold war with India over the ECT is unlikely to would be submitted at the UNHRC the Government. Khan on the been sending information all thaw anytime soon with the Government rubbing salt into the wound by sessions. insistence of China, is currently around with regard to the situation planting China at its southern tip by leasing out three islands off Jaffna for “It is very unlikely that we would playing a crucial role in getting the on the ground. What we will be a Chinese power project. agree to a consensual resolution,” support of Muslim countries for Sri doing now is putting all of this Whether such in-your-face diplomacy is a sign of aggression or naiveté is Dr. Pathirana had said. Lanka at the Council. information into one letter and yet to be seen; but either way, it is likely to get temperatures rising in New However, it is learnt that the In a sudden turn of events, it sending it to the UNHRC. What Delhi while ironically, flying in the face of the Government’s own stated Government has prepared a was last week revealed that Khan’s we want from the UNHRC is policy. One is compelled to wonder what really is going on in the corridors resolution responding to the address to Parliament that was another resolution which will of the Republic Building where the Foreign Ministry is located, on how allegations raised by the High scheduled to take place during require the Government of Sri best to extricate itself from the hole that the Government has decided to Commissioner in her report. his visit to Sri Lanka has been Lanka to report on the situation. dig for itself. If ever there was a case of the right hand not knowing what The 12 to 15-point resolution is cancelled. The speech was to take We also expect a fairly stern the left was doing, this should come out as one. said to include several attachments place on Wednesday (24). resolution pointing out the issues One thing that the previous Government was good at and succeeded in including one on a report by the However, Sergeant-at-Arms of that were raised in United Nations was mending the broken fences it inherited. Strict adherence to the sacred Technical Committee explaining Parliament Narendra Fernando was High Commissioner for Human policy of non-alignment brought with it its rewards, with the easing of the decision by the Government to last week quoted in the media as Rights Michelle Bachelet’s report. international pressure on multiple fronts, most notably at the UNHRC forcibly cremate those suspected saying that the Foreign Ministry A stern but not strident resolution, and on the economic front with the EU and US reinstating the GSP-Plus Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena to have succumbed to Covid-19. had informed Parliament that the which points out the situation on programmes for Sri Lankan exporters. However, within a matter of 15 the ground.” months, Sri Lanka seems destined to head back to square one and with it, As for the resolution on Sri the plethora of accompanying headaches. Lanka that is to be presented The regime can only blame itself for the foreign policy mess it finds to the UNHRC, he said: “If the itself in today owing to the seemingly juvenile, unco-ordinated approach Government is not going to agree to various domestic issues that have been allowed to snowball into issues to a consensual resolution, it of regional and global significance. For instance, the SLPP manifesto states should come to terms with the that it “will strive to develop enhanced trade relationships with the Middle resolution that will be passed. East”, but the cremation-only policy pertaining to Covid-19 fatalities has Hopefully, there will be a ruffled feathers in these predominantly Muslim countries to the extent resolution and those commitments that even their support at the UNHRC, which was considered a given in (will be) fulfilled. I don’t know the past, now hangs in the balance. Ditto with India and Japan, albeit for what the Government is going to different reasons. do with a homegrown resolution In an increasingly polarised world where the mantle of global leadership or what they are going to include is up for grabs thanks to four years of abstinence from the role by Trump’s in one, because, as far as I am America, new contenders have appeared on the horizon and it will be in concerned, the Government has Sri Lanka’s interest to play its cards close to the chest. To revert back to the been lax and has failed in terms SLPP manifesto, “the basis of our foreign policy will be to ensure that Sri of fulfilling its commitments. In Lanka’s territorial integrity and independence are respected and protected light of the support Sri Lanka is in the interests of the citizens and future generations of this country…Our seeking from the Organisation of foreign policy will be based on non-alignment, mutual friendship, and Islamic Co-operation countries trust among nations”. All that the Government has to do to get out of the and possibly China, there are 47 current mess is to revert back to its own manifesto and practice what it has countries who are voting in the been preaching, of remaining non-aligned to any nation, a tried-and-tested Human Rights Council, and I formula that has won the day for the country many a time. On the contrary, think there will be a majority for continuing on the current path will only lead to further isolation and into a resolution on Sri Lanka. India the arms of the waiting dragon. could abstain from voting given No 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7. the tensions between the GoSL and Fax - 011 2 673 441 India.” General - 011 5 200 900 Also, top UN officials and Director Sales & Marketing - 077 3 866 143 those involved in human rights- Circulation Manager - 011 5 978 987 / 076 1 367620 related work have cited alleged E-mail - [email protected] continued reluctance on the part 9 EDITORIAL/POLITICS Tensions rise for Sri Lanka with traditional allies zIndia-SL relations on tripwire zUS, former UN officials take aim zDivisions emerge in ruling SLPP

while ensuring the effective Nepal and Sri Lanka during a close and independent functioning interaction with several members at of the National Human Rights the state guesthouse here,” he had Commission, the Office on claimed. Missing Persons, and the Office for Lauding the union budget of the Reparations. next financial year, he had said: It further requests the Office of “It is a step towards the making of the High Commissioner to “enhance an ‘Atmanirbhar South Asia’. The its monitoring and reporting on the policies and actions of India have human rights situation in Sri Lanka, been able to make Bangladesh, including progress on reconciliation Bhutan, and Nepal self-reliant.” and accountability, and to present a Opposition Communist Party of written update to the Human Rights India (Marxist) (CPM) and Congress Council at its 49th Session, and a demanded immediate action against comprehensive report including Biplab for his “most undemocratic further options for advancing speech” against sovereign countries accountability at its 51st Session, like Nepal and Sri Lanka and called both to be discussed in interactive for a probe into his claim about Shah dialogues.” planning to capture power in the However, the draft resolution, countries. it is learnt, was subject to several Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan changes during the weekend. Government is considering a proposal received from India Soured relations through its High Commission in The ongoing diplomatic standoff Colombo to grant $ 12 million to with neighbouring India that has develop a hybrid renewable energy been dealt with blow after blow system on three islands off the following the controversial East coast of the Jaffna peninsula, for Container Terminal (ECT) saga which it was previously decided at the Colombo Port and with the that the tenders would be awarded issue of Indian fishermen as well to a Chinese company with funds as a renewable energy generation from the Asian Development Bank project in the Northern Province (ADB). that has been assigned to a Chinese However, the Government is company, took a new turn last week. yet to reach a final decision on the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Indian proposal with Cabinet yet to Modi’s speech in Tamil Nadu last approve the awarding of the tender Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi China's President Xi Jinping weekend should definitely serve as to the Chinese company. a warning to the Government that The energy deal won by the of the Sri Lankan Government to Indian Prime Minister Narendra victims, they have added. of Opinion and Expression David New Delhi will play hardball and Chinese company to set up three meaningfully uphold the human Modi’s speech in Tamil Nadu “We therefore recommend Kaye; former Special Rapporteur on that the Indian Premier is eyeing a hybrid renewable energy systems rights of all. last weekend should definitely member states to work with the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful victory for his party at the elections mixed with solar, wind, and other They have called on the serve as a warning to the victims and their representatives Assembly and of Association Maina in Tamil Nadu. renewables on three islands in international community to take Government that New Delhi to pursue justice through universal Kiai; former Special Rapporteur on However, the attitude of the Sri the Jaffna peninsula came to light decisive and immediate steps and will play hardball and that or extraterritorial jurisdiction. Minority Issues Gay MacDougall; Lankan Government towards India amidst the souring of relations action at the international level the Indian Premier is eyeing Existing international avenues former Special Rapporteur on in recent weeks suggests being in the between India and Sri Lanka over towards ensuring justice and a victory for his party at the for accountability such as the Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, dark about the stakes at play. the cancellation of the ECT deal. accountability to end Sri Lanka’s elections in Tamil Nadu. International Criminal Court and Degrading Treatment or Modi last weekend said that the As for the controversial ECT periodic cycles of violence, and However, the attitude of the Sri should be considered, in the face Punishment Juan E. Mendez; former issue of Tamil rights has been taken issue, India has reiterated that it is mass human rights violations Lankan Government towards of Sri Lanka’s opposition to ending Special Rapporteur on Torture up consistently with Sri Lanka yet to reach an agreement with Sri and atrocities, and for sustained India in recent weeks suggests impunity. We also support imposing and Other Cruel, Inhuman, and and that India was committed to Lanka on the new proposal of the reconciliation and the prevention of being in the dark about the targeted sanctions against credibly Degrading Treatment or Punishment ensuring that they live with equality, West Container Terminal (WCT) the recurrence of rights abuses and stakes at play alleged perpetrators of international Manfred Nowak; and Secretary justice, peace, and dignity, Times of touted by the Government since the conflict. crimes and strengthened monitoring General’s Panel of Experts on India reported. Indian mission in Colombo is yet Sri Lanka, they have noted, is the Government had committed and reporting by a dedicated special Accountability in Sri Lanka Marzuki Speaking after the inauguration awaiting any official communication taking a road that, in reaffirming itself to establishing in 2015 rapporteur. We call to establish a Darusman, Yasmin Sooka, and and foundation stone laying on the matter from the Government exclusion and marginalisation, under the Human Rights Council dedicated mechanism to collect and Steven Ratner. ceremony of several key projects of Sri Lanka. weakening the rule of law and Resolution 30/1. The previous preserve evidence and to initiate an in Chennai, Prime Minister Modi Foreign Minister Gunawardena hollowing out independent United National Front (UNF)-led independent study of international No faith in domestic had said: “Our Government has meanwhile last Sunday (14) told institutions, as well as harassing and Government lacked the ability accountability options. We reiterate mechanism always taken care of the welfare and India’s News 18 channel that a persecuting those who seek justice, or the will to achieve sustainable the calls made to the Government to It is in this backdrop that a draft aspirations of our Tamil brothers and proposal was made to give the WCT is sowing the seeds of conflict. progress in the implementation of pull back from its current aggressive UN resolution, made public last sisters in Sri Lanka. It is my honour to India. Whether Sri Lanka continues these commitments. Despite limited policies towards Muslims and week, noted “the persistent lack of to be the only Indian Prime Minister However, Indian External Affairs on its trajectory towards renewed progress in some areas, especially Tamils, to desist from using the PTA accountability through domestic to have visited Jaffna. Through Ministry Spokesperson Anurag violence or finally breaks with its the establishment of the Office of as if it were a basic public order law, mechanisms and regrets that the development works, we are ensuring Srivastava said that discussions on tragic history and firmly embarks on Missing Persons, and the Office of to refrain from instrumentalising domestic Commission of Inquiry the welfare of the Sri Lankan Tamil the matter are still ongoing. the path of sustainable development Reparations, the promised Truth the justice sector, and to cease announced on 22 January 2021 lacks community as well.” “India’s interest for participation hinges now on international action, Commission and Special Court the threats and harassment of independence and does not include Speaking about the development in the Colombo Port is a they have claimed. for International Crimes were Opposition politicians and human a mandate to pursue accountability work for the community, he had longstanding one, since most goods Issuing a statement, they have never established. The current rights and civil society groups, as for past gross violations of human said: “The resources given by handled there are from and to India. noted the country’s lack of progress Government has explicitly rejected these are the triggers or vehicles for rights, or for serious violations of our Government have been much We had, in principle, an agreement on justice and accountability. these commitments,” the statement future violent conflict and rights international humanitarian law.” more than in the past. The projects from the Sri Lankan Government in They have raised concerns has further noted. abuses. Sri Lanka has known not The draft resolution also include 50,000 houses for displaced this regard. The current Government over the militarisation of civilian They have further stated that only inter, but intra-communal expressed its deep concerns over Tamils in north-eastern Sri Lanka has, however, expressed a preference government functions (including instead of completing ongoing violence for decades, with victims what it called emerging trends with 4,000 houses in the plantation in engaging investors directly. I the appointment and promotion of investigations into human rights in every community. This violence over the past year, which represent areas.” understand discussions are still senior military officials identified violations, the President appointed has been the main obstacle to clear early warning signs of a Speaking on the issue of underway,” Srivastava had said. in earlier UN reports as perpetrators yet another ad hoc commission, the country achieving levels of deteriorating human rights situation fishermen’s rights, the Prime The Sri Lankan Government had of alleged war crimes and crimes this time tasked with examining development that reflect ’s in Sri Lanka. It further highlighted Minister had noted that the Indian recently announced that Sri Lanka against humanity during the final the findings and recommendations impressive human and natural “the accelerating militarisation Government will ensure the will not go ahead with the agreement years of the conflict); the reversal on human rights violations of the resources. In 2009, the international of civilian government functions, protection of their rightful interests. to jointly manage the ECT at the of constitutional safeguards (which plethora of previous commissions. community failed Sri Lanka. We erosion of the independence of “My Government will always Colombo Port with India and Japan. undermine, among other things “This is an exercise of meta must not fail again,” the statement the judiciary and key institutions protect the rightful interests of our The Memorandum of the independence of the Judiciary investigation that drives Sri Lankan had concluded. responsible for the promotion and fishermen. We’ve ensured early Co-operation among the three and key oversight commissions on reliance on ad hoc commissions to a The signatories include Nobel protection of human rights, ongoing release whenever fishermen are Governments of Sri Lanka, Japan, the Police and human rights); new point that would be laughable were Peace Prize Laureate Juan Manuel impunity and political obstruction of apprehended in Sri Lanka,” the and India on the development of the sources of political obstruction of it not for the seriousness of what is Santos; former UN Deputy Secretary accountability for crimes and human Indian Premier had said. ECT was signed in Colombo on 28 accountability for crimes and human at stake – the long-delayed respect General Jan Eliasson; former Special rights violations in “emblematic “Over 1,600 fishermen have May 2019. rights violations (including by new for the rights of victims. Meanwhile, Adviser to the Secretary General cases”, policies that adversely affect been released during our tenure. The Ministry of Ports and commissions of inquiry [CoIs] that the Presidential CoI (PCoI) into on the Prevention of Genocide the right to freedom of religion or Currently, there are no Indian Shipping commenced discussions have intervened in ongoing cases); Political Victimisation, after Adama Dieng; former UN Assistant belief, surveillance and intimidation fishermen in Sri Lankan custody. on the development of the WCT an increase in majoritarian rhetoric actively obstructing investigations Secretary General and former Head of civil society and shrinking Similarly, 313 boats have also been on Monday, with a new committee and exclusionary policies targeting into serious cases of abduction, of the Secretary General’s Internal democratic space, arbitrary released and we’re working for the already formed to look into the the Tamil and Muslim communities; disappearance, and assassination, Review Panel on the UN’s Actions detentions, allegations of torture return of all other boats,” he had matter. and unceasing surveillance and has recommended not just that the in Sri Lanka Charles Petrie; former and other cruel, inhuman degrading added. Ministry of Ports and Shipping intimidation of civil society charges against every accused in UN HCHRs Mary Robinson, Louise treatment or punishment and sexual “The problems of our fishermen Secretary U.D.C. Jayalal had told and shrinking democratic space the emblematic cases should be Arbour, Navanethem Pillay, and and gender based violence” while are long standing. Without going The Morning earlier last week (including the continued use of the dismissed and that those that were Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein; former also highlighting the need to review into the history of this problem, that a new committee will begin draconian Prevention of Terrorism accused be given compensation, but Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, the Prevention of Terrorism Act I want to assure our fishermen discussions on the WCT today, Act [PTA]). All of these give rise to that charges should be filed against Summary, or Arbitrary Executions (PTA). community that my Government where the proposed shareholding new and exacerbated human rights complainants, investigators, and Philip Alston; former Special It expressed further concerns is committed to protecting their split of 85% and 15% in favour of concerns that are already reflected prosecutors. The Commission also Rapporteur on the Promotion of about the mandatory cremation rightful interests in Sri Lanka,” the India would be discussed. in reports of ongoing harassment, recommended the establishment Truth, Justice, Reparation, and policy for those who die of Covid- Premier had noted. The shareholding is to be split intimidation, torture, abductions, and of a further, and rarely used, Guarantees of Non-Recurrence 19, stating that it disproportionately However, it was Tripura Chief this way to allow India to match sexual violence, they further note. special PCoI, with the power to Pablo de Greiff; former Special impacted religious minorities and Minister Biplab Kumar Deb who the shareholding that China has in “Agreement has been reached punish ministers in the previous Rapporteur on the Promotion exacerbated tensions. sparked a fresh controversy last Colombo International Container that the brunt of prevention work UNF-led Government, and allied and Protection of Human Rights The draft resolution called upon Saturday (13) when he had revealed Terminals (CICT), where China’s is borne by national institutions. parliamentarians. Those targeted, and Fundamental Freedoms the Government to ensure the BJP’s alleged ambition to form state-owned China Merchants Port But it has been stressed that this who now form the core of the while Countering Terrorism prompt, thorough, and impartial governments in Nepal and Sri Holdings (CMPH) enjoys an 85% presupposes sincere and effective political Opposition, face the Ben Emmerson; former Special investigation and, if warranted, Lanka, Times of India reported on stake. commitment to addressing the prospect of being banned from Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, prosecution of all allegations of Monday (15). Jayalal had said the Government root causes of violations and holding public office for up to seven Summary, or Arbitrary Executions gross human rights violations and “Amit Shah, who was then BJP would reach out to the Governments conflict, including through the years.” Christof Heyns; former Special serious violations of international National President, had told us that of India and Japan after these implementation of transitional Sri Lanka has made its justice Rapporteur on the Promotion and humanitarian law including for the party was planning to expand discussions are concluded. justice measures of the sort that institutions unavailable to its own Protection of the Right to Freedom longstanding emblematic cases its footprint and establish its rule in Contd. on page 14 10 the sunday morning Sunday, February 21, 2021 VIEWS

BY DINITHI GUNASEKERA The blanket policy on cremating the Covid-19 deceased without taking into account the religious preferences, and in turn the human rights, of the Muslim community, is still being implemented, despite evidence that burying the Covid-19 deceased poses no threat in terms of the spread of the virus. Social media continues to be flooded with the hashtag StopForcedCremations, as pained Muslim brothers and sisters, activists, and allies stand together, pleading for a reversal of the policy by the authorities. After a long wait, Prime Minister (PM) Mahinda Rajapaksa, on 10 February, delivering a statement in Parliament, said the Government would allow burials. This gave rise to a new wave of hope within the community. However, the Government backtracked soon after, saying the PM could not make the final call on the matter without the recommendations of the technical committee appointed to study the burial of the Covid-19 dead. Healthcare workers taking a In this backdrop, The Sunday Morning spoke cortege to the crematorium in to a number of diverse individuals about their Borella in November last year thoughts in this regard. PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE BURIAL OF COVID-19 DECEASED #STOPFORCEDCREMATIONS

CONTINUESz A case of systematic cultural racism?

Two sides to the story Local experts making a Prolonging unnecessary ethnic ‘Broke’ and ‘woke’ logic Nimeth Ranwala, 18 – student, United mockery of science tension Faith Fernando, 18 – student, Model United Nations volunteer, and Model UN Ashwin Ganesh Balaratnarajah, 21 – undergraduate Nations Delegate, Adjudicator and Host of Chairperson Muquadassa Wahid, 20 – university ‘Hot Takes’ podcast undergraduate and freelance journalist PM Rajapaksa’s move I’m a Sri Lankan have approved burials, Burying the dead is one of the to allow the burial of Religious beliefs aside, when there is no Tamil Hindu and I’m and above all, so has utmost personal events a family will the Covid-19 dead scientific evidence to support the claims made part of an ethnic the WHO (World ever experience, and the political is commendable. by the Government and some of the medical minority as well. Health Organisation). conservative-libertarian in me has However, the experts, there really is no basis for mandatory My view is that not Apart from denying always advocated for getting the question remains as cremations of the Covid-19 dead. Especially letting the Muslims the fundamental right Government off our backs; this to why they waited when those claims have been debunked by bury their loved ones of allowing burials for remains the same where forced till February to allow world-renowned specialists in the fields of who have passed away Muslims – which is based cremations are concerned. The it, right after Pakistani virology, microbiology, and immunology, in due to Covid-19 is very wrong. on one of their most sacred Government’s decision is purportedly PM Imran Khan said that he was coming addition to the fact that the claims go against It has essentially created a beliefs – I take issue with the “backed” by an “alternative science” that the disease to Sri Lanka, whereas virologists in Sri international health guidelines and scientific racial issue and is only going prolonged unnecessary ethnic could spread underground and pollute waterways if Lanka announced that there was no issue of studies, I don’t understand nor see the to fuel pre-existing racial and tension. The Muslims are going Covid-positive remains are buried, and that it could burying the Covid dead in December 2020. justification for forced cremations. ethnic tensions in the country to start absolutely hating the infect the masses. I’m no expert, but if that were the case, There are still two sides to the story, It’s really disheartening to see some between the majority Sinhalese people who are allowing this to anyone would wonder if burial should ever be the method however. The Muslims’ call for religious scientists and experts in the country making and minority Muslims. happen – the majority. of disposing mortal remains; this broke logic would freedom can be justified, but why is it that a mockery out of science for reasons best The PM and virologists conclude that all water is infected by the remains of those only the majority of Muslims are calling it known to them. This results in Sri Lanka who died of infectious diseases and that, of course, is , and not Catholics and/or Christians? becoming a joke in the international arena, the case. Covid-19 is not the first epidemic of our time. On the other hand, Covid-19 is an ever- and as a Sri Lankan, that’s something I don’t We’ve seen those that are far more fatal than this, and mutating virus about which we do not know like to see. This forced cremation issue has GoSL ignoring scientific evidence looking back at Ebola, the CDC (Centres for Disease everything. Hence, we simply do not have only caused more pain and distress among Buwanaka Perera, 25 – blogger and social media personality Control and Prevention) put out its guidelines for burial. the experience nor time to conduct research people at a time when there are already so After so many world- exercising the notion of It stated: “The body is extremely infectious. People who to know for sure whether burying the bodies many hardships. renowned virologists “One Country, One Law” touch the body or come in contact with blood and body will have drastic consequences or not. like Prof. Malik Peiris on a particular ethnicity, fluids of a person who died from Ebola are at higher and even the expert a particular faith, risk of getting infected,” which is in stark contrast to committee that was is utterly racist and their opinion on the remains of Covid-19 victims, which Should learn and appointed by the discriminatory. We are stated: “Based on what we know now, it is believed there Continuation of move on Ministry of Health not asking to allow only is little risk of getting Covid-19 from a dead body.” oppression of religious Kalindu Dharmapriya, 20 – university itself declared that it the Muslims to bury their The Government’s intervention in this matter was minorities undergraduate is safe to bury Covid-19 dead. We are asking to allow highly unnecessary, but so was the leftist coterie’s whole Amalini De Sayrah – writer and Everyone deserves to exercise their victims, and while 180-plus any deceased Covid-19 victim to charade surrounding the controversy. Their obsession researcher rights. A government exists to ensure countries all over the world be buried, if so they wish. with race and religion was apparent during their carnival people’s rights are not infringed. But if continue to bury their Covid-19 The GoSL made false of “reparations for racism” nonsense we’ve had to On two occasions, the President and PM the government isn’t doing that, then there deceased, the Government of statements on multiple occasions watch. This controversy was stirred by a “broke” and requested that dry land be found for burials. can be only two probabilities. Maybe the Sri Lanka (GoSL) is continuing over the past year on how they will “woke” logic. The former pushed by the Government The public never heard any follow up on rights aren’t being violated or maybe the forced cremations. stop forced cremations. With no and the latter by self-proclaimed “SJWs” (social this. Two committees have been appointed government is incapable of/ignoring dealing By now, it is evident in every solution in sight, it seems they’ve justice warriors), both of which are to blame for this to look into it. One, comprising known with the issue. way that the GoSL is ignoring forgotten one thing – forced unnecessary clown-show altercation. peddlers of fake news targeting minorities This issue should not be made political the scientific evidence and is cremations are a direct violation and without virologists, upheld cremations. and be seen as racial profiling or pushing the “One Country, One of human rights. But in a country The second, comprising world-renowned discrimination. It is more of an example of Law” narrative to support these where “patriotic politicians” virologists, claimed burials were possible. It the distance between the citizens and the forced cremations. But here’s the have demonised human rights Another case of systematic, should be no surprise which of these two the lawmakers of the country. It only took a few problem. We have a mixture of for the past decade, to their own structural racism in SL Government cherry-picked to follow. weeks of pressure from social media outlets laws such as the Kandian Law, advantage, convincing the people Kavindi Gunawardena, 20 – university All of these contradictions come to mind and other such NGOs (nongovernmental Thesavalamai, Muslim Law, etc. – on the importance of protecting undergraduate when we consider the families affected organisations) to make the Government pay all recognised by the Constitution human rights is a Herculean task. Throughout the past year, we by the policy, as these less-than-genuine attention to this. Therefore, instead of trying of Sri Lanka. We must always remember that witnessed how differently the measures to “resolve” the issue have to look at the result of the issue in the worst While the GoSL has done we cannot let anyone infringe our Covid-19 pandemic affected the dragged on. Mainly Muslim families have possible light, it would be more efficient to nothing to change any of these rights and our liberties under the privileged and nonprivileged. In a suffered not just the loss of loved ones, learn and move on. segregated laws, specifically pretext of Covid-19. society where race, religion, and but utter chaos when they interact with the other social constructs determine authorities, and not being able to lay their the basis of our level of privilege, dead to rest with dignity. It is a violation of these forced cremations come as no their fundamental right to religious beliefs, Not a pandemic issue, this is a or close friend, forcefully emotional intelligence, and surprise. Thus, one can say these forced which the Sri Lankan State, on paper at racial issue cremated against your basic human decency. cremations are another case of systematic, structural least, promises all its citizens. Sharan Velauthan – mental health advocate will and against As a Tamil Sri Lankan, racism in our country. Sri Lanka has a dark history of Many will accept this policy – and ask and social media personality your religious I stand by my Muslim systematic racism leading to chaos, and nobody wants grieving families to accept the policy – beliefs. This friends, against forced such a history repeating. uncritically citing Covid regulations, despite it Forced cremations is a individuals issue has been cremations in Sri Lanka. It is evident that burial rituals are a massive part of having no grounding in health or science, and humanitarian issue. As a such as globally looked To be truly Sri Lankan is some religions, especially Islam, and denying people despite burials being practiced in countries Tamil, I feel so much pain Nabeela Iqbal down upon and to celebrate each other’s of this basic right will only make it more difficult to across the globe. This signals that the Sri for the families that are and Amalini it still continues. religion and diversity, contain the virus, as people become hesitant to get tested Lankan Government enacted the policy losing their loved ones to De Sayrah, and This is not a and that includes being or follow the appropriate guidelines. I stand in solidarity of forced cremations not benevolently for forced, unceremonious organisations such as pandemic issue, this is empathetic towards with my Muslim brothers and sisters in their fight to concerns of health, but as another step in the cremations. I believe that if the Hashtag Generation a racial issue aimed at the religious beliefs of what exercise a basic right. Since the Prime Minister approved continued targeting of religious minorities in it wasn’t for the collective were pivotal in raising this minorities of Sri Lanka. cremation means to of these burials, despite the controversy surrounding this country. “Continued” being the key word effort of those on social issue. It goes against Islamic Muslims. the approval, we should be optimistic about a feasible here, as the oppression of religious minorities, media, this would not have Imagine having your beliefs. And the decision, Injustice anywhere, is a solution. As citizens, we should also be aware of all the and Muslims in particular, did not begin or been raised as an issue in baby, your wife, your or lack thereof, comes threat to justice everywhere misinformation being spread through different sources, as will not end with the pandemic. Parliament. Efforts from husband, mother, father, from a lack of empathy, – Martin Luther King, Jr. it can only make the situation worse. the sunday morning 11 Sunday, February 21, 2021 OPINION/FOCUS

BY M.R. NARAYAN SWAMY It is true that Indian fishermen do cross the international maritime zone. Despite a public exhibition of If the violators were to be detained bonhomie, it is more than evident or arrested, it would be one thing. INDIA-SRI LANKA Civilian and even stray uniformed that relations between Sri Lanka and India have hit a new low. intruders from Pakistan and China are Though it may be a coincidence, routinely caught and sent home this has happened just ahead of a keenly expected battle for power that this has been “made very, very clear in Tamil Nadu whose internal to them” (note the two “very”s). With politics often casts a shadow on TIES HIT A Tamil Nadu set to vote to elect a new Assembly, Modi would not like to be seen Sri Lanka. as someone who could not end the killings While it will not be easy to pinpoint of Tamil fishermen on the sea. when the rupturing began, some Sri Lanka has already deferred elections contentious bilateral issues can be easily to the provincial councils, which were an identified. BUMPY ROAD outcome of the now controversial 1987 One is Sri Lanka’s decision not to India-Sri Lanka agreement. While Covid- let India and Japan develop the East 19 was cited as the reason, this could well Container Terminal (ECT), and another be the first decisive step towards moving is linked to the continuing killings of away from the 13th Amendment to the Tamil Nadu fishermen in the narrow sea Sri Lankan Constitution to mark a final dividing the two countries. The third burial of the 1987 accord. If that happens, is the award of a contract to a Chinese then the choppy waters might turn really company to set up a hybrid wind and solar stormy. energy project on three of four Sri Lankan Pressure is mounting on the Indian islands located not far from Tamil Nadu. establishment to be more vocal on Sri The fourth factor, although not the final Lanka’s Tamil issue. “It is in Sri Lanka’s (Colombo has her concerns too), is India’s own interests that the expectations of the decision to speak publicly and loudly Tamil people for equality, justice, peace, about the need for ethnic reconciliation in and dignity within a united Sri Lanka are Sri Lanka. fulfilled,” Jaishankar said in Colombo It is curious that the slide in bilateral recently. “That applies equally to the ties has occurred when both countries commitments made by the Sri Lankan have strong governments led by Government on meaningful devolution charismatic leaders. This makes the issues including the 13th Amendment.” that much more complex and not easy to It is not difficult to understand that resolve. Jaishankar’s appeal would not have been Less than a month after External Affairs music to the ears of the Rajapaksas, Minister S. Jaishankar asserted that India whose overwhelming popular base lies was open to strengthening its friendship in the Sinhalese territory and who clearly with Sri Lanka, Colombo simply scrapped don’t want to be publicly lectured on an agreement signed by the previous the ethnic issue. The Rajapaksas have regime with New Delhi and Tokyo to Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Indian Premier Narendra Modi a grudge against India over the fall of develop the ECT at the Colombo Port. From the time when Shyam Saran, It is not difficult to understand a place so close to India would rile New their previous Government. Jaishankar’s This was done fully knowing that the one of India’s more respected foreign that Jaishankar’s appeal would not Delhi. If Colombo still went ahead, then it appeal is a sign that India is going back investing company from India would be secretaries, India has drawn an unofficial have been music to the ears of the is evidence that India-Sri Lanka relations to megaphone diplomacy when it comes one headed by a friend of Prime Minister red line to the active presence of Rajapaksas, whose overwhelming are in choppy waters. to Sri Lanka. Similar loud advisories in Narendra Modi. The offer by Sri Lankan Pakistanis and Chinese close to its popular base lies in the Sinhalese The killing of four Tamil Nadu the 1980s endeared India to Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime southern borders. A lot of water has flown territory and who clearly don’t want fishermen in January and the discovery Tamils but caused a lot of unhappiness Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa to develop since the acerbic 1980s when India noisily to be publicly lectured on the ethnic of the bodies by the Sri Lanka Navy among the Sinhalese. the West Container Terminal (WCT) looks objected to a Voice of America base in issue. The Rajapaksas have a grudge four days after they went missing in the Where will India-Sri Lanka relations more like a face saver for India. If that Trincomalee. Since then, India has moved against India over the fall of their Palk Strait have provoked widespread go from here? The answer, for now, is the case, it won’t match the loss of the closer to the US and even Israel than Sri previous Government anger in Tamil Nadu. It is true that Indian lies with one man: Modi. The Indian ECT. Lanka ever was. But Pakistan and China fishermen do cross the international Prime Minister is known to forget real The vocal opposition to India’s remain taboo. Indian coastline and it will be naïve to maritime zone. If the violators were to or perceived slight. Some in Tamil Nadu involvement in the ECT has no doubt No wonder India has officially see the Indian objection as a case of be detained or arrested, it would be one feel that the Indian Government may been lingering. But the Rajapaksas, who objected to the award of a contract to a grapes gone sour since the Chinese firm thing. Civilian and even stray uniformed come under pressure ahead of the Tamil wield the same authority in Sri Lanka Chinese company to implement a $ 12 won an international bid. Jaffna is not intruders from Pakistan and China are Nadu elections to do something major. today, which Modi does in India, could million joint venture with the Ceylon Hambantota. routinely caught and sent home. Irrespective of what actually happens, have changed the course of the objection Electricity Board (CEB) to provide power Surely, the Sri Lankan Government This is why Minister Jaishankar told the expect a bumpy, diplomatic road ahead. to the Indian involvement if they wanted. in the Delft, Nainativu, and Analaitivu would have anticipated that the presence Indian Parliament that the January killings (M.R. Narayan Swamy is a long-time It is clear they did not want to. islands. These islands lie close to the of Chinese personnel, in whatever garb, in were “particularly unacceptable” and Sri Lanka watcher based in New Delhi)

instead of controlling it. and sensitive to the needs and AMENDING PRESS COUNCIL ACT “We have already prepared a expectations of its readers, while proposal which would be submitted maintaining the highest standards of to the Mass Media Minister soon, journalism. highlighting the prevailing legal At the same time, the PCCSL issues of the Press Council Law,” provides a voluntary self-regulatory Media she added. method to resolve inaccuracies Meanwhile, the main Opposition, that may occur in newspapers, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), last magazines, journals, and online week, expressed concerns about the editions of newspapers. Government’s attempts to amend The PCCSL is a voluntary self- freedoms the Press Council Law Act of 1973, regulatory mechanism inaugurated calling the move a prelude to media on 15 October 2003 by the media suppression. industry following an international Parliamentarian and former conference at which the outcome Minister of Media Gayantha The Government should was the Colombo Declaration under Karunathilaka said the SJB on Media Freedom and Social not take control over the will oppose the Government media. There should be a Responsibility of 1998, revisited in o n amending the current laws self-regulatory mechanism. 2008 and 2018. that regulate the print media. Media institutions itself It works on the principles of He stressed that what was needed can voluntarily form a self- conciliation, mediation, and microscope was better self-regulation and arbitration under the Arbitration Act regulatory body that applies to professional training for journalists everybody (No. 11 of 1995). The High Court of z Government seeks opinions on amendments and media personnel. FMM Convener Colombo is empowered to enforce “The Press Council Act is over Seetha Ranjanee an arbitration award made under the 50 years old and is outdated. For Act, in the event a newspaper fails to BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA current intense media competition, over 20 years, media organisations publish the decision of the Dispute the need to change the composition have been asking the Act to be today. Some relate to the training Resolution Council of the PCCSL, The Government is facing of the Board of Directors of seven repealed. We have consistently that journalists receive and the should a complainant wish to pursue mounting pressure to abolish the members, which is empowered maintained that the Press Council influence on journalists and the a case where the editor is not abiding Sri Lanka Press Council Law (No. to make decisions and implement Act needs to be repealed and a new press by media outlet owners and by the arbitral decision. 5 of 1973) as media rights activists them, has been identified. law introduced. The Government the Government, but the solution is However, when contacted by claim that the media should not be In such a backdrop, the is trying to expand the existing not amending laws to suppress the The Sunday Morning, Mass Media controlled by a politically appointed media rights activists urged the act to regulate broadcast media, press,” Karunathilaka stressed. Minister said body. Government to abolish the Sri Lanka electronic media, and new media Responding to the Government’s the Sri Lanka Press Council Law is Instead, they highlighted the Press Council Law. outlets. We don’t approve of this. attempts to introduce new laws now outdated and there should be importance of having a self- Speaking to The Sunday Morning, There are issues with the media to control the media, civil rights a proper mechanism to protect the regulatory mechanism which is free Free Media Movement (FMM) activist Gamini Viyangoda said the citizens as well as the media. from all political interference. Convener Seetha Ranjanee said the attempt was purely to control media “We are calling for opinions from Nevertheless, Cabinet approval We are calling for opinions amendments to the existing law are organisations. the public to draft an amendment to has been granted to amend the from the public to draft an a waste of time, as it has a number “What we feel is that there the existing law,” he said. existing Sri Lanka Press Council Act amendment to the of errors already. shouldn’t be a Press Council, as it Explaining further, Minister to cover electronic and new media existing law “There is no need to amend the allows the Government to control the Rambukwella said the new laws in January and has now been opened Minister of Mass Media existing law. We don’t accept the media legally. Therefore, it should would apply to all media including for public views. Keheliya Rambukwella amendments. The Government be abolished and an independent electronic and new media. The Sri Lanka Press Council was should not take control over the regulation should be established to When asked about the time period established by the Sri Lanka Press media. There should be a self- regulate the media,” he stressed. that it would take to complete the Council Act (No. 5 of 1973) with to amend the Sri Lanka Press regulatory mechanism. Media As of now, there are several process, the Minister said there was the objective of preventing any Council Act. institutions itself can voluntarily mechanisms already in place to no need to expedite the process. prejudice to the public through press Meanwhile, the Cabinet also form a self-regulatory body that control the press, and one such “It will take its own time and we coverage and to establish a cordial approved a proposal to amend the applies to everybody,” she stressed. mechanism is a Code of Professional don’t want to expedite the process. relationship between journalists and Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation She went on to say that the The Government is trying Practice (Code of Ethics) of We will seek opinions from all the public. Act (No. 6 of 1982). The Sri Lanka appointments to the Press Council to expand the existing act to the Editors’ Guild of Sri Lanka parties concerned and draft the It has been identified that the Rupavahini Corporation established are made by the Government and regulate broadcast media, adopted by the Press Complaints amendments,” he added. Press Council should be structurally under the Sri Lanka Rupavahini empowering the existing law would electronic media, and new Commission of Sri Lanka (PCCSL). The Minister further noted that reformed and reorganised covering Corporation Act of 1982, has played indirectly allow the Government to media outlets. We don’t The code of practice is binding on the committee was also taking electronic, print, and new media as a significant role in the field of have control over the media, which approve of this. newspaper publishing companies, examples from other countries such a tribunal for journalists and media media in Sri Lanka for the past 38 is bad for a democratic country. Parliamentarian and former editors, their journalists, and as India and Indonesia. “After we institutions and as a centre that years. The FMM Convener is of the Minister of Media contributors both in print format and get all the opinions, a draft of new promotes media education, and as However, it was noted that in opinion that a voluntarily appointed online. It aims to ensure that the Sri laws will be formulated by the such, Cabinet approval was granted order to deal appropriately with the body should regulate the media Lankan press is free and responsible committee,” he said. 12 the sunday morning Sunday, February 21, 2021 FOCUS

Experts in the sector the virus on our export markets. However, have predicted a he also stated that the challenges have positive future for greatly reduced since last year. local exports with fewer challenges National Chamber of Exporters Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shiham Marikar agreed with this and stated that compared to last year, the number of challenges have reduced. He explained that 2020 came as a "double shock" for local exporters, as they faced delays internally and externally. "Internally, Sri Lankan exporters faced delays in terms of factory closures, curfews, and delays in the ports; and externally, it was the closure of many of our international markets which created cancellations and cash flow issues,” said Marikar when speaking to us. He stated that some local companies faced a difficult time when it came to their cash flow due to them receiving orders from international markets, importing the raw materials, manufacturing the products, and readying them for export, only to have the orders cancelled. He went on to state that these companies also had to deal with sensitive issues internally, such as employee pay cuts and layoffs. However, Marikar stated that the local exporters were resilient and managed to adapt to these challenges, leaving only a few remaining. These new challenges are EXPORT SECTOR mainly in terms of logistics, due to high freight charges and difficulties finding clear routes to the export destinations. He pointed out that these issues were mutual to those faced by other countries. Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association Chairman Zuraish Hashim reported similar challenges. He explained: “We Positive future with are currently facing challenges due to the increase in sea and air freight prices, increased prices when it comes to the importation of packing materials, and the increase in the cost of production.” Despite this, he stated that the sector has predicted a positive future, with an even fewer challenges better 2022. BY UWIN LUGODA and Germany, other countries among Sri million) constituting over 50% of exports Predictions for the future Lanka's top 10 export markets showed recorded in the period. De Mel stated that after successfully The Sri Lankan export sector an increase in exports towards the Being the largest single-export exceeding last year's revised export managed to close 2020 with a Despite an obvious drop in exports due end of the year. Exports to China and to Covid-19, our exporters have been destination, the US has absorbed $ 239.73 target, he is confident in setting a goal of revenue above their initially Turkey increased 30.97% and 31.01% quite resilient last year. Therefore, we million worth of exports in December $ 16 billion for 2021. He explained that revised target following the in December 2020 compared with managed to exceed our revised target 2020, recording a decline of 15.33% in this target is fairly achievable, thanks outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic December 2019, respectively. Exports to for 2020, and hope to continue our comparison to $ 283.12 million absorbed in to the new initiatives put forth by the earlier last year. Seeing this the European Union (EU) (4.86%) and CIS growth in 2021 December 2019. industry and the overall resilience of its achievement as proof of their (Commonwealth of Independent States) EDB Chairman Suresh De Mel The services exports estimated by stakeholders. resilience, experts in the sector (5.92%) regions recorded increases in the EDB, which includes ICT/BPM He stated that the EDB has predicted have predicted a positive future for December 2020 compared to December (information communications technology/ a $ 15.68 billion for merchandise local exports with fewer challenges. 2019, while exports to other regions had business process management), and service exports for 2021, with declined. Internally, Sri Lankan exporters faced construction, financial services, and $ 12 billion expected to come from In January, Export Development Board Total merchandise export earnings for delays in terms of factory closures, transport and logistics show exports of $ merchandise exports, which is a $ 2 (EDB) Chairman Suresh De Mel pointed January to December 2020 was $ 9,912 curfews, and delays in the ports; and 2,976 million for the period of January billion increase from last year, leaving out that amidst the outbreak, there had million compared to $ 11,940 million externally, it was the closure of many to December 2020 compared to $ 3,888 the remaining $ 3.58 billion to come been a notable rebound of the export recorded in a similar period of the previous of our international markets which million recorded in the corresponding from service exports. sector, as recorded from mid-2020, with year – a decline of 16.98%. created cancellations and cash flow period of the previous year, which shows a De Mel went on to state that they the proactive measures introduced by the Major exports such as apparel and issues decline of 23.46%. forecast $ 5.4 billion from the apparel Government. He explained that the growth textiles ($ 4,405.84 million), tea ($ National Chamber of Exporters "Despite an obvious drop in exports due sector, $ 1.47 billion from tea, $ 998 in exports was not only due to the effective 1,240.94 million), rubber and rubber-based CEO Shiham Marikar to Covid-19, our exporters have been quite million from rubber, $ 809 million from prevention and control of the epidemic in products ($ 816.17 million), and electrical resilient last year. Therefore, we managed coconut, $ 229 million from seafood, and Sri Lanka, but also the commitment of the and electronic components ($ 328.28 to exceed our revised target for 2020, and $ 173 million from gems and jewellery, export community to support the national million) recorded decreases of 21.01%, We are currently facing challenges hope to continue our growth in 2021,” said for the year 2021. economy by bringing in much-needed 7.83%, 9.66%, and 13.87%, respectively, due to the increase in sea and air De Mel when speaking to The Sunday "We feel very positively about this year foreign currency during a crisis. during January-December 2020 compared freight prices, increased prices when Morning. unlike the last, and it's because we have Sri Lanka’s merchandise exports to the same period the previous year. seen a pickup in exports. However, this it comes to the importation of packing Challenges faced by the sector remained at $ 9.9 billion in 2020, which Furthermore, exports of apparel, one of materials, and the increase in the cost is just a forecast, assuming that there are is a 104% achievement from the revised the economic sectors hit hardest by Covid- of production According to De Mel, the biggest no more unfortunate surprises in store for forecast of $ 9.5 billion, according to EDB 19, was recorded at $ 4,405.84 million, Fruit and Vegetable Exporters challenge he sees local exporters facing us." data. The Board initially set a target of $ which was higher than the revised forecast Association Chairman Zuraish Hashim is their current productivity. He explained Marikar also predicted a positive 13.5 billion for the merchandise export of $ 4.1 billion in April. that due to social distancing, travel forecast for the year 2021, and stated sectors in early 2020. However, the export of coconut and regulations, and some work-from-home that the exporters were thankful to the As per Sri Lanka Customs statistics, coconut-based products ($ 664.54 million), apparel and clothing accessories of plastics scenarios, exporters and their factories are frontline workers for keeping everyone export earnings in December 2020 spices and concentrates ($ 335.47 million), (HS 392620). As a result of the increased still not functioning at full capacity. safe and the Ports Authority for getting amounted to $ 931.65 million, which was and other export crops ($ 67.59 million) export of articles of apparel and clothing Due to this, he stated that many of the things back in order and continuing to 13.75% higher than in November 2020 and recorded positive growth rates during the accessories of plastics, export of plastic exporters are desperate for the vaccine in make improvements. 6.91% lower than December 2019. period. products increased by 139.96% to $ 176.35 order for them to resume their operations at Furthermore, he stated that the exporters The EDB attributed reductions during Earnings from export of PPE (personal million in January to December 2020 full capacity. are also happy with Sri Lanka Customs the October and November period to the protective equipment)-related products compared with the value of $ 73.49 million "We see this in the apparel sector where for digitising their day-to-day processes, second outbreak of cases in Sri Lanka, increased by 47.42% to $ 876.44 million recorded in the corresponding period of the factories are limited in the number of and hopes that there will be further alongside adverse global market conditions in January to December 2020 compared previous year. workers they can house at a time and digitalisation of these processes. for Sri Lanka’s key exports, which were with $ 600.45 million recorded in the The top five export markets during the some factories have had to shut down "We will be working with the EDB to aggravated by the second wave in those corresponding period of the previous year. period from January-December 2020 were temporarily as well. So, everyone is help them achieve the target they have respective markets, leading to a low The strong performance was mainly due the US ($ 2,507.2 million), UK ($ 910.47 anxious for the vaccination." set out for this year. We also expect Sri demand for local exports. to the increased exports of other made- million), India ($ 604.5 million), Germany De Mel also pointed out that another Lanka's foreign missions to help us by Excluding the markets of the US, UK, up articles (HS 630790) and articles of ($ 570.39 million), and Italy ($ 457.32 challenge they are facing is the impact of identifying new leads in different regions."

The Sri Lankan Government released in December 2020. of the Mahaweli Development is well on its way to increase the Instead, it will be utilising Programme in the Central region, country's water storage capacity human resources and machinery and a budget of $ 244 million via the “Vaari Saubhagya” belonging to the Government, has been allocated for irrigation programme, mentioned in together with the contributions of development through the funds the “Vistas of Prosperity and the rural level religious leadership, of the Asian Development Bank Splendour” policy statement. farmer communities, school (ADB) and the Government of Sri The most recent development of systems, youth communities, Lanka (GoSL). this initiative was the launch of and the private sector on a daily “As improper irrigation and development work of Wayamba payment basis when it comes to water supply has been the main Ela on 16 February. labour. reason for kidney failures in The initiative, which Speaking to The Sunday people of the region, this irrigation commenced on 5 February, aimed Morning, an official from the programme will benefit over to increase Sri Lanka's water Ministry of Irrigation stated that 25,000 families in 13 grama storage capacity by expanding the initiative was launched by niladhari divisions, while also the capacities of existing tanks/ President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, providing water to 1,200 small reservoirs, as well as constructing and aims to rehabilitate lakes covering 43,000 hectares,” The launch of construction of South Asia’s longest irrigation tunnel system in Palugaswewa new ones. 5,000 small rural tanks. They the President said during the Issues with maintaining almost VAARI SAUBHAGYA explained that the first step of the initiation of the programme. 50,000 rural small reservoirs, programme is the construction Furthermore, in an earlier dams, irrigation channel systems, of the 28 km irrigation tunnel of statement, Irrigation Minister and Ellanga systems scattered Increasing water storage capacity the 94 km Wayamba Ela project Chamal Rajapaksa stated that throughout the island have been in Palugaswewa, Anuradhapura, 1,000 rural tanks are expected to arising due to the lack of precise by the end of each monsoon every also aims to address these issues, production. North Central Province. This is be rehabilitated this year, with financial supplementation. This year which in turn leads to almost with a goal of economic upheaval The programme will not be said to be South Asia’s longest the entire programme expected to has led to around 1,000 rural 150,000 acres of paddy lands and eradicating poverty in order using the contract methodology, irrigation tunnel system. reach completion by 2025. irrigation systems being destroyed turning barren. “Vaari Saubhagya” to increase the national food according to a media report This was the sixth and final plan – By Uwin Lugoda the sunday morning 13 Sunday, February 21, 2021 FOCUS DEFORESTATION AND DESTRUCTION OF ENDEMIC SPECIES Long-standing issue gone wild z Large-scale land Proposals to Cabinet on conservation Strict action against grabbing with political Minister for Wildlife and Forest the Highway Minister consider on conserving our natural habitat, Species. In addition to that, we anyone aiding influence Conservation C.B. Rathnayake adjusting the layout of the Central should take place through the are also looking at setting up a z had recommended the Cabinet Expressway by considering an education sector as well. teaching hospital in the wildlife deforestation: Minister presents of Ministers consider conserving alternative that would protect “I plan to discuss this matter veterinary care field attached conservation proposals the Crudia zeylanica tree in its the tree in its original location,” with the Ministry of Education to the Defence Secy. original location in Daraluwa, Rathnayake explained. and request that they get as well, which will help us to Cabinet as any attempts to move it might He also reiterated that the the universities involved in protect our wildlife and allow With the increasing deforestation and damage the tree. responsibility of protecting and looking at protecting any flora undergraduates to closely study environmental damage taking place across BY SARAH HANNAN “I have suggested that the conserving the environment, and and fauna that are listed in the the species that are endemic to the country, Ministry of Defence Secretary Road Development Authority and educating the future generations IUCN Red List of Threatened Sri Lanka.” (Retd.) General Kamal Gunaratne recently Ongoing deforestation and the loss shared his remarks with the media, indicating of forest cover to cultivation and Commenting on the matter to The Sunday It has been proposed to establish a Long- that the matter was taken up for discussion development work continues to Morning, Rathnayake said: “These deforestation Range Unit of the Police Special Task during a recent meeting of the Defence be a hot topic, as the Government and land-grabbing rackets did not commence Force (STF) to assist Wildlife and Forest Council. accelerates development and recently. These have been long-standing issues, Conservation officers to take immediate “We are looking at implementing a task continues to encourage citizens to and there are several entities at work in destroying action against deforestation. force with the assistance of the Police, the turn to agriculture in an attempt nature and encroaching into forest land.” In the meantime, the Police is to list out Sri Lanka Army, and the Sri Lanka Air Force to reach self-sufficiency in food Moreover, Rathnayake said that when it conservation areas, wildlife zones, and to monitor the situation. While measures are production. comes to development work, the possibility sanctuaries in the respective police divisions, in place to arrest the culprits, the clearing of that important infrastructure would be built as well as establish wildlife and forest vast areas continue to take place. We have With 2020 seeing the most amount of land over sensitive ecosystems, or could pose a conservation committees in each district. received leads that some of the state officials clearing taking place, even amidst a nationwide threat to endangered species, or disrupt natural too have been aiding these entities to carry lockdown, the Centre for Environmental and habitats and cause human-wildlife conflicts, Organised group behind out such exercises.” Nature Studies (CENS) has estimated that in needs to be looked at during the environment Segments of Crudia zeylanica catalogued at the land grabbing Gunaratne also added that when police, 2020 alone, at least 10 acres of forest land were impact assessment prior to commencing the Royal Botanic Gardens located in Kew, London More than 25 ecosystems, including special task force, or army personnel visit cleared each day. projects. PHOTOS © ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, KEW Wilpattu, Anawilundawa, Ethawetunuwewa, the sites of areas that are subjected to According to the Minister for Wildlife “Even if you look at the more prominent But today, we have a better process in place, Nilgala, Rekawa Lagoon, Vavuniya deforestation, the labourers operating the and Forest Conservation C.B. Rathnayake, large-scale development work that took place and we consider all possible methods to Mamaduwa, Rambakan Oya, Flood Plains machinery had permits in hand to carry out conserving the environment around us is a in Sri Lanka, many sensitive areas, historically ensure there is minimum invasion over the Valley, and Galwalayaya, were destroyed. these activities. He noted that the President national responsibility, and the Ministry alone important sites, and forests were destroyed, ecosystem of the country when development Even protected areas such as Sinharaja Forest, and the Prime Minister have been notified is not in a position to protect the environment. or they were flooded by the reservoir waters. work is carried out,” Rathnayake elaborated. Sri Pada Forest, and the Knuckles Mountain about such incidents, as these deforestation Range, were not left alone – these sensitive incidents have been taking place in the middle ecosystems were disturbed under the guise of reserves and thick forests. Zeylanica in Gampaha not endemic? of “development”. Meanwhile, Gunaratne alleged that a Meanwhile, amidst the Faculty of Science Department at improving or reproducing these herbarium of the Royal Botanic Centre for Environmental Justice Executive Buddhist monk who was considered to be recommencement of work on of Botany Head Prof. K.M.G. trees,” Prof. Jayasuriya noted. Gardens at Kew, for which the Director Hemantha Vithanage and his team a close ally of the governing party is allegedly the Central Expressway Project, Gehan Jayasuriya, who is Even academics are puzzled famous botanist G.H.K. Thwaites have been conducting field visits to hear the involved in environmental destruction in the which was stalled for over a year, currently conducting research on as to why there is suddenly a had collected and submitted villagers out on the issues they are facing Trincomalee area, and he had alerted the it was brought to public attention the endemic species of plants in spotlight over this single tree, specimens of plant parts such in terms of environmental destruction and Governor of the Eastern Province and police that an endangered and endemic Sri Lanka that are on the verge of whereas the matter should have as leaves, stem(s), and flowers/ impact on their livelihoods. officials to look into it and take immediate perennial tree, scientifically named extinction. been raised at the time the field inflorescence in September 1863 Sharing some of his observations and action. Crudia zeylanica, or Sri Lankan “The claims that are made observations were made; had the that were pressed and preserved for the accounts of the people that they met “I urge the media to report such incidents Legume, was under threat of being that the tree that was spotted scientists recognised that this was cataloguing purposes. In the entry, recently, Vithanage explained to The Sunday immediately and work closely with the Police destroyed, as the layout of the in Daraluwa, in the Gampaha an endangered species, they should Thwaites had listed the area of Morning: “There is a large-scale land grabbing to assist in arresting these perpetrators. It expressway was to go right over District, are not true. There are have immediately classified the collection as “Calutara” (Kalutara). racket going on in the Uva and Eastern is quite unfortunate to know that there are the ecosystem that holds the tree several other Crudia zeylanica tree and the surrounding area to With botanists indicating Provinces, which are backed by persons and several divisional secretaries who have in place. that were planted in the Peradeniya be earmarked as a protected area that there might be more institutions with political influence. They are issued permits and licences to such entities. Claims were made that it was the Botanical Garden, and then at the under the Flora and Fauna Act. Crudia zeylanica plants in low well organised, and have managed to forge Regardless of their political affiliations, no sole surviving tree and should not Henarathgoda Botanical Garden as Prof. Jayasuriya also requested wetland areas of the country, the documents and deeds along with the survey perpetrator should be allowed to get away be destroyed. Environmentalists, well. While our research work only that a national programme needs Ministry of Wildlife and Forest plans, and have managed to fabricate files to with such offences,” he explained. forest officers, politicians, and the provides us the necessary means to be in place, if we are eager to Conservation had requested the indicate that they held these lands for over media recently flocked to the site to study the ecosystem in which protect endangered species that are public to supply any information three decades.” of these lands are released for cultivation of the tree to observe and make the tree would grow, and whether endemic to the country and save about surviving Crudia zeylanica According to Vithanage, these incidents with annually renewing permits, there is a statements in an attempt to protect it could survive in an ecosystem them from going extinct. plants by contacting them via had been revealed to them by the participants, separate racket going on where businessmen the endemic and endangered tree. as a singular species, or whether it When we conducted further telephone – 011 367 1490, fax – during a meeting held in Badulla. from other areas are sending people to squat The Sunday Morning spoke has other subspecies that supports research about Crudia zeylanica, 011 287 9051, or email – info@ On a graver note, Vithanage stated that in in these plots that are underdeveloped in an to University of Peradeniya its survival, we are unable to look we came across an entry at the msdw.gov.lk. Pottuvil, there is a considerable amount of attempt to own these lands later on using land grabbing taking place, and since most forged documents.

Contd. from page 6

African variant, the Kent (UK) variant, and Covid-19 variants in circulation in SL since the outbreak in 2020 the Brazilian variant are a few rapidly gaining Govt. optimistic... global spread. Lineage Most common Earliest date Description Studies done in the UK have shown that the countries Responding to the allegations that the health reduction in community spread of the disease. AstraZeneca vaccine would provide immunity to authorities failed to manage Covid-19 patients This is in fact very good news, as when we go the UK variant. However, a similar study done B.1.420 Colombia 84%, US 10.0%, 2020-03-11 Colombian lineage, previously and were not taking sufficient measures to on vaccinating more and more people, there on over 2,000 participants in South Africa has UK 4%, Sri Lanka 2% B.1.5.32 prevent the spread of the virus, Dr. Gunawardena would be less and less community spread of unfortunately revealed that this vaccine is not explained that this was not something that could the disease, reducing the burden on hospital effective against the new South African strain. B.1.258.9 Denmark 98%, Sri Lanka 1%, 2020-08-31 Danish lineage be controlled by the health authorities or the medical services. There are more than 150 vaccines against UK 1.0%, Australia 1.0%, armed forces alone, but should be a collective Covid-19 in the production pipeline. Out Switzerland 1.0% effort where the public too take responsibility Efficacy on persons over of those, a dozen are nearing completion towards preventing the spread of the virus. 65 years and awaiting submission of their dossiers to B.1.411 Sri Lanka 96%, Australia 2%, 2020-10-03 Sri Lanka lineage “The Health Department does not have Another issue which surfaced while rolling the World Health Organisation (WHO) for Singapore 1% enough staff to keep up with the 22 million out of the vaccine is the safety and efficacy approval. Meanwhile, official guidance given people. They (the general public) must adhere of the vaccine in persons over 65 years of by vaccine authorities such as the US Food (Source: cov-lineages.org) to these health habits. If we do not follow this, age. Unfortunately, all Phase III trials done by and Drug Administration and the UK’s Joint yy This variant is estimated to have first we will have to tighten the rules. We have no AstraZeneca have not included many persons Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation emerged in the UK during September Media reports of increases in the number of hope of getting there. We kindly request you over 65 years of age. They primarily targeted (JCVI) states that anyone who has already 2020 patients admitted to hospitals, and more serious to follow these rules strictly or we would have the 18-55-year age group. According to the taken a vaccine should get the same brand of illness in children and young people have resulted to take stringent measures in the future,” Dr. data from AstraZeneca’s Phase III trials, only vaccine for the second dose as well. yy Since 20 December 2020, several in public confusion and implicated the B.1.1.7 Gunawardena opined. two out of 660 persons in the trial, aged over countries have reported cases of the variant as a more pathogenic infection within 65, were infected with Covid-19, which is an Combo dosing trials continue B.1.1.7 lineage, including the US this group. 3-month gap will provide insufficient amount of participants to make a It’s only in “very rare circumstances” that yy This variant is associated with increased Between 1 March and 31 May 2020, 20 robust immunity global decision. vaccines of different brands may be used and transmissibility (i.e. more efficient and children and young people (aged 18 years or It is obvious that AstraZeneca has failed to only if one vaccine is available at a certain time, rapid transmission) younger and positive for SARS-CoV-2) were The decision to administer the second dose of provide reasonable data of safety and efficacy or it is not known which one was administered admitted to King’s College Hospital; 60 children the Oxford-AstraZeneca “Covishield” vaccine of their vaccine in the elderly population. They for the first dose. yy In January 2021, scientists from the and young people positive for SARS-CoV-2 manufactured by the Serum Institute of India are already paying the penalty as countries such The initial report with AstraZeneca-Pfizer UK reported evidence that suggests the were admitted between 1 November 2020 and after 10-12 weeks has raised eyebrows, as the as Germany, France, Austria, and South Africa vaccine combination will be available by mid- B.1.1.7 variant may be associated with 19 January 2021. original schedule to administer the second dose of have declined to use the vaccine for persons over 2021. Similar trials will be undertaken soon, so an increased risk of death compared with No significant differences were found in the vaccine was set for 28 days being the latest. 65 years, despite the recommendation made by that the health authorities of countries would other variants age, proportion of patients with comorbidities, In a statement issued by Vaccine and the European Medicines Agency (the governing have a better and competitive option of choosing yy Early reports found no evidence to suggest proportion of patients from Black, Asian, and Infectious Diseases Forum of Sri Lanka body of drug evaluation in EU countries) to use vaccines for their public. that the variant has any impact on the minority ethnicity backgrounds, or deprivation President Senior Consultant Paediatrician Dr. the vaccine for all ages. severity of disease or vaccine efficacy score between groups. H.T. Wickramasinghe, he explained that new However, the UK decided to continue Facts on B.1.1.7 lineage, Disease severity necessitating oxygen therapy observations had surfaced that it would be better vaccination for all ages including persons of aka. 20I/501Y.V1 (Source: World Health Organisation) or ventilatory support was infrequent in both to increase the gap between two doses to 12 over 80. Their interim analysis during the early waves and was lower as a proportion of total weeks (three months) instead of four weeks, part of the vaccination programme shows that yy This variant has a mutation in the receptor Effect of variant B.1.1.7 on admission in the second wave than in the first. as it would offer a more robust 84% immunity. the vaccine is not only effective and provides binding domain (RBD) of the spike children and young people Indeed, the number of adult patients admitted He opined that it will provide greater flexibility the same immunity as for others, but also has protein at position 501, where the amino to King’s College Hospital in the second wave for vaccine rollout, and help the health authorities slightly less side effects. acid asparagine (N) has been replaced As published on the issue of Lancet Child has also increased by about a third. Importantly, deal with any possible supply disruptions, while Considering the seriousness of Covid-19 in with tyrosine (Y). The shorthand for this Adolescent Health 2021 on 10 February 2021, they found no evidence of more severe disease consistently sustaining the maximum immunity the elderly and it’s very high mortality, it is my mutation is N501Y. This variant also has the paper authored by Sarah Brookman, James having occurred in children and young people to the public. considered opinion that even if the vaccine is several other mutations, including: Cook, Simon Broughton, Katharine Harman, during the second wave, suggesting that infection Following are excerpts of his statement: less effective or has more side effects, it is still 69/70 deletion: Occurred spontaneously Atul Gupta of the Department of Paediatric with the B.1.1.7 variant does not result in an A study done by the independent Covid-19 worth giving it to old persons, as it would save many times and likely leads to a Respiratory Medicine and Mark Zucherman of appreciably different clinical course to the vaccine research group in the UK had shown that their lives. conformational change in the spike the Department of Infection Science and Virology original strain. until the time of conclusion of the study at three protein at the King’s College Hospital in London, the These findings are in keeping with early months, a single standard dose would provide AstraZeneca efficacy on P681H: Near the S1/S2 furin cleavage clinical impact of the new SARS-CoV-2 lineage national data. Severe acute respiratory Covid-19 76% protection with no decline of immunity. emerging variants site, a site with high variability in B.1.1.7 on children and young people (aged 18 remains an uncommon occurrence in children The second observation made during the Up to now, globally, there are more than 8,000 corona viruses. This mutation has also years or younger) regarding acute respiratory and young people. rollout of this vaccine is that there was 67% variants. Out of those three variants, the South emerged spontaneously multiple times Covid-19 is yet to be fully defined. – Sarah Hannan 14 the sunday morning Sunday, February 21, 2021 OPINON/POLITICS

BY AJANTHA PREMARATHNA only one side of the true picture. It was not framed for reconciliation among the Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. majority community and minority, but to Jayanath Colombage revealed take a punitive stance towards the whole that the Government was having nation of Sri Lanka. It was not intended discussions with the Core Group Co-sponsorship or designed to address the human aspects for Sri Lanka in a bid to explore of the conflicts but was playing into the possibility of reaching a the hands of geopolitics by poor Tamil consensus on what he described politicians and its Diaspora. Throughout as a “consensual resolution” ahead the whole four years of the Yahapalana of the 46th Session of the Geneva- vs. consensual – term, it was not able to reach any of the objectives set by the UNHRC in a tangible based United Nations Human manner due to it being impracticable in Rights Council (UNHRC) scheduled the Sri Lankan local context. Therefore, for February and March this year. the resolution brought under the pretext It seems that the Government of Sri of “consensual” shall be acceptable to all Lanka (GoSL) is getting ready to submit Geneva Resolution communities in Sri Lanka. another proposal to counter the Yahapalana proposal made by the pro-federal It would be another diplomatic Government led by approach by the new Government and in 2015. after they have withdrawn from The terms “co-sponsored” seems the previous one-sided UNHRC comfortably replaced with “consensual” Resolution 30/1 co-sponsored by by the GoSL. However, it is learnt that the the Yahapalana Government at the replacement does not make any difference expense of national security to Sri Lankans, as long as the objective stands as it was before – creating a federal Sri Lanka is being accused of a state in Sri Lanka. The federalism would crime that was never committed by our be the steppingstone to the so-called soldiers. However, the Tamil Diaspora Tamil Eelam – a monolithic exclusive is manipulating in order to gain their Tamil country in the Northern and Eastern separatist agenda using the western for little over interest of regional geopolitics over Sri 800,000 Tamils, while 70 million Tamils Lanka. In other words, Tamils are victims United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva are living in Tamil Nadu. The state of of the geopolitics game of the West; Tamil Nadu in southern India is considered Throughout the whole four years of incidents, but these have been committed geopolitics. It is a fact that Sri Lankan while the real, poor Tamil civilians in the as the homeland for Tamils, which is the the Yahapalana term, it was not able by individuals on their own volition, security forces did not commit any war North and East of Sri Lanka are suffering ideal location to establish so-called Tamil to reach any of the objectives set by without the involvement of any chain of crimes or genocides. On the contrary, due to TNA politics and due to Diaspora Eelam. the UNHRC in a tangible manner due command. Almost all of these latter cases Sri Lankan security forces carried out a infighting for their existence in the West. It would be another diplomatic to it being impracticable in the Sri have already been brought to book or been humanitarian mission to liberate the Tamil So, the Government should not be approach by the new Government Lankan local context. Therefore, the handled appropriately. civilians from LTTE clutches. trapped in these geographically motivated, after they have withdrawn from the resolution brings under the pretext In that sense, while most Tamils In view of the above, when the so-called war crimes allegations. The previous one-sided UNHRC Resolution of “consensual” shall be acceptable suffered at the hand of the LTTE during Government begins to compile a new set Government should conduct a credible 30/1 co-sponsored by the Yahapalana to all communities in Sri Lanka the conflict in the Northern and Eastern of proposals in the form of a resolution, investigation process based on a locally Government at the expense of national Provinces, the LTTE also inflicted it should take into consideration that formulated mechanism and with a local, security. The Government withdrew ethnic group at the hands of LTTE Tamil violence and terror on other parts of the no compromises on the sovereignty of eminent panel of judges for the alleged from the 30/1 UNHRC Resolution in terrorists. The LTTE carried out over 500 island. So, the people in other parts of the the country should be made. It should war crimes. International bodies like the September 2020 to bring a domestically suicide and terrorist attacks, specifically island too need reconciliation, as they are keep national security as the highest UNHRC, ICC (International Criminal developed mechanism to seek answers for targeting the Sinhalese in various parts affected. priority and maintain the unitary Court), etc. and NGOs (nongovernmental the so-called ethnic issue, power sharing, of the island. Tamil terrorists attacked Taking over 300,000 Tamil civilians status of the state; no devolution of organisations) that are credible, are to and reconciliation in a more consensual strategic locations close to the hearts as human shields during the latter part power of land, police, or finances. The be allowed to participate as observers manner. The 30/1 Resolution sponsored and minds of the majority; the attack on of the war is a gross violation of human implementation of 13A (13th Amendment during the investigation process with a by the Yahapalana Government was Pettah Central Bus Station, Maradana rights by the Tamil terrorists. However, to the Constitution), demand for a new proper regulatory mechanism in order formulated based on a one-sided, punitive and Dehiwala railway stations, the human rights champions, various member constitution, and amending the structure to avoid influencing or interfering in the mechanism against Sri Lanka, while Central Bank, Petroleum Corporation, countries in the core groups, the Tamil of the security forces like internal affairs investigation mechanisms. This way, the party that initiated the violence and and Colombo International Airport are Diaspora, and Tamil politicians never should not be a matter for the UNHRC to Sri Lanka would be able to clear her terrorism, the LTTE (Liberation Tigers just a few. Further attacks on the Sri raised any concerns against the LTTE or consider in the consensual resolution by name from these so-called war crimes of Tamil Eelam), was to be considered Dalada Maligawa and Sri Maha Bodhiya, even demanded the release of the innocent the Government. Furthermore, it should and genocide allegations once for all, the victim as opposed to the accused. the Aranthalawa Bikkhu massacre, the Tamils. In particular, the Tamil Diaspora not leave any room for separatism and the and would be able to keep her future Nine out of eleven allegations made in Kaththankudy mosque, and taking hostage living in the West and North America glorification of terrorism in Sri Lanka. generations from being harassed by the the OISL (OHCHR [Office of the UN of the Madhu Church are to be counted capitalised on the human shield of The Resolution 30/1 brought by the so-called international community. High Commissioner for Human Rights] beyond the war crimes committed by the Prabhakaran for their luxurious existence UNHRC failed and was not workable What ordinary Tamil people need Investigation on Sri Lanka) report were Tamil terrorists and its proxy diaspora in those countries. The UNHRC throughout the four years of the is to be the priority of the consensual directed against Sri Lanka while just three organisations that funded such crimes. has conveniently overlooked such crimes Yahapalana tenure. The Resolution 30/1 resolution, not the tools of geopolitical were for the LTTE. However, there are no records or proof and genocides committed by Tamil had been compiled by Westerners who play by Tamil politicians and their The LTTE grossly violated the human for similar organised institutional attacks terrorists and by its official representative were brainwashed and manipulated by Western masters. rights of all ethnic groups in Sri Lanka. on civilians by the Sri Lankan security of TNA () pro-LTTE Tamil terrorists’ Diaspora living (The writer is a civil society activist The Sinhalese have been the most affected forces. There may be a few isolated parliamentarians for the sake of regional in the western world, who were given involved with the Global Justice Forum)

AROGYA: A LEO HEALTH SECTOR EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE Contd. from page 9

detail today through a press briefing. As indicated Meanwhile, the newly formed alliance has stated Tensions rise... in the Minister’s briefing also, the two governments that Cabinet Ministers Wimal Weerawansa, Udaya Leos lend a hand have consulted each other to explore mutually Gammanpila, and will Back to oil tank farm acceptable modalities for jointly developing and continue to remain in the Government whilst fighting Another development dialogue between Sri Lanka operating the facility in accordance with existing to ensure it stays true to the mandate provided to it to health heroes and India that was last week in the spotlight was that bilateral understandings, including the MoU of by the people. of the Upper Oil Tank Farms in Trincomalee. 2017,” the Indian High Commission stated. “We promised that to the public. We have not Responding to the move to jointly develop the “India looks forward to formal discussions on forgotten our responsibilities and leaving the Upper Oil Tank Farms in Trincomalee, the Indian the matter, and expeditious implementation of their Government would be irresponsible. We do not High Commission in Colombo last week stated outcome to mutual benefit,” it added. foresee the creation of a new coalition by us,” that they are looking forward to continuing the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya Leader Minister of Energy productive engagement with Sri Lanka in this regard. Burial issue had said. A spokesperson from the High Commission said US Ambassador in Sri Lanka Alaina B. Teplitz last When asked about the closed-door meeting held that India and Sri Lanka have identified energy week said that it was disappointing to see that the at Wimal Weerawansa’s residence, he had told The partnership as one of the priority dimensions of their Government and Prime Minister are backing away Morning that it was nothing special, but that any co-operation. from ending the discriminatory cremation policy. talks among the political parties in the alliance are “India is committed to working together with “Disappointed to see that the Government and important and the next meeting will be held on 25 Sri Lanka for the island’s energy security. In Prime Minister are backing away from ending February. Medical equipment was donated by Leo Club of – District this context, consultations and discussions have discriminatory cremation policy. People, including Weerawansa made a statement to the print media 306 C1 to the Covid ward of Colombo North Teaching Hospital, Ragama been undertaken to promote mutually beneficial loved ones recently passed, deserve more respect for recently suggesting that the SLPP leadership be co-operation for the development and operation of their rights from a democratic government,” she said. given to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa when the The Covid-19 pandemic in 2015 by all member states of the Upper Oil Tank Farms in Trincomalee. We look Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress SLPP leadership is currently held by Prime Minister has been the biggest threat to the UN, includes 17 such targets forward to continuing our productive engagement (SLMC) accused the Government of showing scant Mahinda Rajapaksa. public health. It is a tragedy and the goal of creating good with Sri Lanka in this regard,” the spokesperson said. respect to Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. SLPP Secretary General MP that plagues the world today health and wellbeing is the third On Wednesday (17), Energy Minister Udaya SLMC Leader MP Rauff Hakeem told reporters shot back saying that Weerawansa must immediately and confronts all. The global highest priority among them. Gammanpila announced that the Sri Lankan that the Government has put the Prime Minister to retract and apologise for his statement. community has come together to The timely initiative was Government will re-acquire the 99 oil storage shame by not acknowledging his recent statement on Commenting on dual citizens holding office, face this virus without any prior commenced by University of tanks leased to Lanka Indian Oil Corporation permitting the burial of Muslim Covid victims. Gammanpila said that his party had clearly explained experience as it has affected Colombo Leos to strengthen the (LIOC) in Trincomalee after talks with Indian High He further said a small group of people within the the reasons to oppose dual citizenship in its proposals more than 100 million people medical sector which is in dire Commissioner Gopal Baglay on this issue concluded Government are working towards disrespecting the for a new constitution. so far with 2.3 million deaths need of assistance. Among the on Sunday. Prime Minister and disregarding his statement. “President Gotabaya Rajapaksa promised to reported across the world. medical supplies and equipment “I am happy to state that the Indian High They have clearly disrespected Prime Minister introduce a clause which would not allow dual Under the project “Arogya” that were donated to the Ragama Commissioner was very flexible at the talks. He Mahinda Rajapaksa through their actions, MP citizens to contest in presidential or parliamentary by Leo Club of University of Hospital, there were digital ignored the conditions mentioned in the agreement Hakeem said. elections before November 2021. Clearly, this is not Colombo – District 306 C1, pulse oximeters and glucometers signed in 2017 in order to be helpful to us,” about Mr. ,” he added. medical equipment was donated to assist the Covid patients’ Gammanpila said. “He was flexible to agree to all Split in SLPP Gammanpila further noted that if Basil Rajapaksa to the Covid ward of Colombo treatments. In addition to that, our conditions.” While the Government is trying to handle a wanted to come into politics, he could do so after North Teaching Hospital, a number of face shields were However, he added that as a majority of ships plateful of diplomatic issues, President Gotabaya renouncing his dual citizenship just as President Ragama on 9 February 2021. distributed among the hospital which sail around Trincomalee are from India, Rajapaksa had to last week intervene to resolve the Gotabaya Rajapaksa did. “But Mr. Basil Rajapaksa The Leo Club of University of staff to safeguard them from the Indian assistance would still be required. clash between the governing Sri Lanka Podujana himself said that he has no intention to come into Colombo launched the project pandemic. “So, we need India’s co-operation to win their Peramuna (SLPP) and its alliance partners. politics,” said Gammanpila. “Arogya” aimed at achieving the The ward initially lacked market.” The growing dissension between the SLPP and Commenting further on why dual citizens should UN Sustainable Development sufficient digital pulse oximeters However, last Thursday (18), India issued a its allies has now reached a boiling point with 12 not be allowed in key positions in Sri Lanka, Goal of Good Health and and glucometers, thus resulting statement saying there has not been any agreement parties in the SLPP deciding to form an alliance to Gammanpila noted two reasons: “If a dual citizen Wellbeing. The 2030 Sustainable in lower speed and inefficiencies reached with Sri Lanka doing away with the take on the SLPP as well as the issues faced by the holds a key position in Sri Lanka and commits any Development Agenda, adopted in the treatment processes. agreement reached on developing the Trincomalee Government. crime, they can easily escape to another country oil tank farms. It is in this backdrop that State Minister Nimal of residence. The second reason is the lack of trust The Indian High Commission in Colombo Lansa, who is a loyalist of SLPP Founder/National the public has in a dual citizenship holder when it stated that there is no truth in the reports that the Organiser Basil Rajapaksa, claimed that those who comes to agreements or diplomatic missions. For understanding between India and Sri Lanka on want to carry out the role of the Opposition while example, let’s say the minister of ports is a dual jointly developing and operating the Upper Tank being in the Government could walk away from the citizen and an Indian. If that person engages with Farms in Trincomalee has been “scrapped”. Government. an agreement like East Container Terminal (ECT), In a statement, the High Commission said these He charged that making critical statements to people would obviously say that the minister is Among the medical supplies and equipment donated were digital pulse reports did not correctly portray remarks made by the public after reaching a collective decision as partial, as he is an Indian and that he would be oximeters and glucometers to assist the Covid patients’ treatments, and the Minister of Energy at an event on Wednesday. a Government was purely aimed at pleasing the loyal to his other country instead of Sri Lanka,” face shields were distributed among the hospital staff “The Minister has himself clarified the matter in gallery. said Gammanpila. the sunday morning 15 Sunday, February 21, 2021 SPORTS Trinity ready for cricket season

BY HAFIZ MARIKAR IN KANDY four outright wins and one first- innings win. They could hold Trinity College, Kandy will the 104th “Battle of the Blues in feature this time in Inter-school Kandy” Big Match against St. Division I Tier A alongside Anthony’s but their 40th annual Royal College, Wesley one-dayer against them College, and D.S. was called off due to Senanayake College the pandemic. Mathivanan – Colombo, Gurukula Trinity squad 2021: College – Kelaniya, Abhishek and De Mazenod – Anandakumar, Shane Kandana. Gunatillake, Umari is ready to fight back Trinity are certain to Raizan, Matheesha play their traditional Pathirana, Deemantha games too this season. Bandara, Akram z Former Vice President speaks about his Some of such traditional Muthalib, Ranuda camp’s prospects in next SLC election games include those Somarathne, Thevin against Royal College Amarasinghe, Abhishek Anandakumar BY REVATHA S. SILVA (since 1893), Ananda Pasan Kularathne, That time Mathivanan could return College (1898), Wesley College Pasan Ganegoda, Pawan During the last two weeks, as Vice President becoming the only (1903), St. Benedict’s College Pathiraja, Theeraka Ranathunga, The Sunday Morning Sports member of the Dharmadasa faction (1915), Zahira College (1927), Kalendra Abeysinghe, Shenuka published views of current to be elected by the clubs. That time, and St. Joseph’s College (1908) in Illukkumbura, Lasith Dias, Dineka notably, World-Cup-winning Colombo, S. Thomas’ College – Ahelepola, Kaveesha Silva, (SLC) too contested for Mount Lavinia (1898), Dharmaraja Manula Kularathne, Vibhavith President Shammi Silva one of the two Vice President posts College – Kandy (1899), and St. Ahelepola, Rahal Amarasinghe, and its Vice President Ravin but could savour only 72 votes. Ravin Anthony’s College – Katugastota Vihan Mudunkotuwa, Kavinda Wickramaratne. Today Wickramaratne of the Silva camp got (1914), which will also be their Jayasuirya (Head Coach), we will meet Kangadaran 82 votes while Mathivanan took 80 annual Big Match. Naveen Ekanayake and Lahiru Mathivanan, former Vice to enter the SLC Ex-Co of 2019/21. Last year amid the pandemic, Sandakelum (Assistant Coaches), President of SLC, who will Over a year, he was the Vice Trinity played six tournament Tharaka Kalpa (Trainer), and be leading SLC’s opposition President in what was an “enemy matches in their division to have Lasantha Bandara (Physio) camp in its next election set body”, but following incessant for 20 May. reprisals, Mathivanan quit SLC in June last year. Astonishingly, soon In the field of local cricket after his resignation entered the leader administration, which is full of of his faction, Jayantha Dharmadasa, MVL in blunderland unyielding controversies, mudslinging, to SLC to fill Mathivanan’s void. allegations of corruption, and Following are excerpts of the bureaucracy, Mathivanan is one interview. Kangadaran Mathivanan: Throwing down the gauntlet to present SLC administration, now under scrutiny of all quarters THE CHESS individual whose integrity has not been challenged even by his worst Will the election be held as Appointment of an interim I can’t just say a few things. There CORNER detractors. Being in the cricket scheduled on 20 May 2021? committee after all this, with the will be so many things to do to reverse by Dulan Edirisinghe administration for almost two decades, I really don’t know that. I only intervention of the Minister of Sports the disappointing trend right now. he has seen it all and managed to keep know that there is a case filed in the (Namal Rajapaksa), cannot be entirely There will be so many areas we will There is something about “Grandmaster a strong reputation for himself right Appeal Court by some eminent people ruled out too. need to cover. Having a transparent blunders” that makes every chess player feel throughout. requesting an overhaul of the SLC, administration could be our priority. better about themselves. From time to time, including changes to its Constitution. How is the preparation of your We will have our manifesto before a malicious thought in our subconsciousness Only opposition member But I don’t know whether that case camp for the May election? giving nominations. raises its ugly head and implores us to enjoy our to win will have a bearing anyway on the We are ready. We will be giving our idols failing, proving that they too are human The confidence the SLC-affiliated election. nominations on the last day, 24th of If the Sports Minister takes up after all. But also, whenever you feel bad after clubs have had in Mathivanan was this month. The seven nominees for this petition issue seriously and making a huge blunder in one of your games, it evident in abundance at the last Let’s say the Appeal Court is the main posts are ready from our appoints a separate body to run brings a sense of comfort to know that someone SLC election held in February 2019. going to react to this petition. side to give nominations. cricket, will you be part of it? much stronger than you have already done Mathivanan became the only candidate Then what would likely be the Nishantha Ranatunga will be our First of all, I don’t know whether something much worse. from his camp, led by Jayantha outcome? Secretary. Bandula Warnapura will I could be called to be a part of such Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, the seventh highest Dharmadasa then, to be elected into Reportedly that petition (filed be one candidate for the post of a body or such a body will ever be rated player of all time, was the latest player to Yes he missed a checkmate in one, but we the SLC Ex-Co. by 12 former SLC administrators Vice President. All our candidates appointed. But if the authorities are to oblige. In the third place play-off of the Opera can offer two valid reasons for this epic Kramnik In the 2019 election, Shammi Silva, and professionals last Monday in are former national or first-class appoint an interim committee to run Euro Online Rapid concluded last week, “MVL” blunder. While the checkmating pattern that backed by former SLC strongman the Appeal Court of Sri Lanka) has cricketers. the game at least for a short duration, played the worst move by a Grandmaster, ever. ends with Qh7 is common, it is rare to have , received 83 been filed not only on the SLC’s they will have to look for independent the supporting piece ahead of play; the knight out of a possible 142 votes while his Constitution. There are so many things If you are elected, what measures and impartial persons. on f8 in this instance. Also the white knight rival Dharmadasa got only 56. that have been mentioned in that with will you take to change the Now being in the election campaign went to f8 to capture a black rook, and the fact regard to the changes that need to take situation of Sri Lanka’s cricket at leading one camp, I may not be able that a checkmate was threatened was a mere Quit SLC in June 2020 place in our cricket administration. the moment? to fulfil that “impartial” requirement. coincidence. When you are concentrating on the grand scheme of things, it is easy to overlook such uncommon patterns and unintended threats. z Series begins Here’s another famous overlooked checkmate. on how to play matches in various Playing in the wind specific conditions Adjust your serve Part 1 White played 46.Rxg5?? here For the last so many weeks, it has “Slice serves” and “kick serves” Vachier-Lagrave-Radjabov been discussed as to how to play will be quite effective in the wind. To properly comprehend how shocking against various types of players Since the ball will be moving a move this is, one only needs to know the with varying styles of play as well around in the wind, the opponent absolute basics of “king and pawn versus king” as various physical and mental will have trouble reading the serve endgames. Whenever the defending king is characteristics. that way. Importantly, with the blocking the path of the lone pawn, the player From this week onwards, it will change of sides, the effect of the with the pawn must try to bring his king in be discussed as to how to play in wind will also become different; front of the pawn if he is to have any chance certain conditions. Starting the like hitting “with the wind” and of escorting the pawn towards the promotion series this week, we will discuss the “against the wind”. Flat serves will square. Even if the king succeeds in getting in Beliavsky-Johannessen necessary tactics to be adopted when be difficult to control when the front of the pawn, the defending king can still (Linares 2002) the player is playing in the wind. wind is blowing around. draw the game by securing the opposition. White played 69.Kf4?? here, All tennis players would have Since this is indeed the building block upon overlooking 69...Qb8# done it and all tennis spectators Use spin which the whole endgame phase is based on, It is generally accepted that long backward would have seen it. When there The player needs to make sure it is fair to expect every Russian, French, and moves such as 69...Qb1-b8 here are the hardest is a sudden gust of wind blowing that they are playing with plenty even Sri Lankan schoolboy to know about this. to spot, especially when one’s focus is on queen across the court, the players would of spin as the wind is blowing That fundamental nature of the position checks on the opposite side of the board (Qg1+). invariably stop playing and would around. This is because of the fact is what makes MVL’s blunder so inexplicable. We can add the spiritual predecessor of MVL’s wait for the wind to blow over that the player will then be able to 46.Rxg5?? is a horrible move in every sense. blunder for the collection. before they start playing again. have more control over the shot It is not forced (white can move his king to any But what would the players in wind. The same principle of square that guards the rook), it invites the black have to do if there is a constant “different sides affecting the serve king to come to one of the desired squares in wind blowing through the court all Current Sri Lanka national champion Yasitha de Silva (centre) with the men’s in a different manner” will have singles 2020 trophy. On right is his long-time coach Niranjan Casiechetty. De Silva front of the pawn, and at the same time gifts the time. That is when the tactics beat defending champion Sharmal Dissanayake last month in the nationals men’s similar impact on the player’s the opposition. Game over! discussed below need to be taken singles final at the Sri Lanka Tennis Association hard courts in Colombo ground-strokes as well. But is it too harsh on the “Frenchman with into account for the players to play On the other hand, if the player three names” to call his move “the worst-ever a successful tennis match in such players look for, when playing in the is able to impart heavy top-spin by a Grandmaster”? I don’t think so. It’s unique “adverse” conditions. Dinith wind. on the ball, that will make it much in the sense that a vast majority of chess players more difficult for the opponent to in the world will have no difficulty in identifying Focus on footwork Pathiraja Adjust your swing handle. Therefore, a player with it as a blunder, that too in a fraction of a second. The most relevant and the If the player is one with a “big” heavy top-spin will have a real While the history of chess is filled with important thing that happens when ON COURT backswing, such a type of player advantage on a “windy court”. blunders made by elite players, each and every the wind is strong is that the ball will needs to consider shortening the one bar Vachier-Lagrave can be explained in White played 99.Rf4 in response to move in the wind. Therefore, it is wind. If the ball is hit softly, it will backswing. This is because the Master your overhead some way or the other. Let’s have a look at 98...Rf5+ extremely important that the players “wobble” around in the wind. backswing will then have less Finally, the player should be such high-profile blunders and explanations. Spielmann-Duras (1907) always keep their feet moving at all Secondly, when hitting the lines distance to travel so that it will able to hit a good overhead smash White’s 99.Rf4 appears perfectly fine times. If the player is on the toes, or passing shots, the player needs to have a minimal impact on a ball when playing in the wind. This is (99...Rxf4 100.Kxf4 and the black king cannot they will then be able to adjust the make sure that the ball has a bigger that is moving around in the wind. because if the player is attacking reach the desired squares in front of the pawn) footwork as and when it is required. margin for error. This way, even if On the other hand, a player with the net, more often than not the until you spot the tricky 99...Kg5, forcing the Most players make the mistake of the ball moves around in the wind, big backswing will find that they opponent will resort to this shot exchange of rooks on black’s terms. But here, being “flat footed” on the court, the player will be able to make sure tend to miss-time the ball simply since they are unable to trust much white’s mistake is far more excusable owing to especially when the going gets that the ball does not drift out. because the backswing will take a of their ground-strokes because the tricky nature of the position. tough. This would be fatal in this longer time to travel thus giving the of the wind. Therefore, the ability All things considered, it is very hard to kind of situation! Try the drop shot ball more time to move around the to hit this shot proficiently will describe how truly shocking MVL’s blunder is. Drop shots are always effective player. certainly come in handy. Jonathan Rowson, a chess Grandmaster and a Tweak your ground-strokes when hitting into the wind. It is And the player should aim higher All those above tactics can philosopher, hit the nail on the head in his own The ground-strokes need to be effective in two different ways. into the wind especially if they are be used when playing a tennis inimitable way. “If we ever had to create a chess adjusted in the wind as well. This Firstly, the wind will keep the ball playing “against” the wind. Since match in a windy condition. version of ‘do something that communicates to adjustment can be made in two from getting too deep in the court the wind will make the ball land Yet, at the end of the day, what Deep Fritz-Kramnik (2006) the outside world you have been taken hostage particular areas. For example, if the and will force your opponent to run short, the player will be able to will really work for the player, Black played 34...Qe3?? here, in a way that your captors won’t understand’ ball is hit hard, then it will travel further to get to the ball. Secondly, compensate for that by making sure on the given match, has to be overlooking 35.Qh7# this would be it.” through the air faster making it less it will make sure that the opponent that the ball is hit higher. The ball decided essentially by the player likely to be “blown around” in the does not get the rhythm that all will then land deeper on the court. themselves. Osaka beats Brady for ‘Vaasy’ to coach Aus Open title Sri Lanka Japan’s Naomi Osaka remained Chaminda Vaas was undefeated in Grand Slam finals appointed as the Sri Lanka with a 6/4, 6/3 victory over US player national cricket team’s fast- Jennifer Brady at the Australian Open bowling coach for the tour of women’s singles yesterday (20). Osaka, West Indies on Friday (19). 23, became the first woman to win His appointment followed her first four Grand Slam finals since the resignation of David Monica Seles did it in 1990-91 on her Sekar who held the position way to nine total championships. Osaka earlier. A legend of Sri Lanka won the first set yesterday after Brady cricket, Vaas is currently missed an open chance to inch ahead serving at the Sri Lanka and serve for the set. In the second, Cricket High Performance Osaka seized control with a 4/0 lead Centre in Colombo, coaching and held on for the championship with the national and emerging a telling ease. squads.

Sunday, February 21, 2021

All Sold Players In IPL 2021 Auction

Akila Dananjaya Dilshan Madushanka Ashen Bandara Kamindu Mendis Pathum Nissanka Cricket selectors Mumbai Indians Punjab Kings yy Adam Milne (3.20 Cr) y Nathan Coulter-Nile (5 Cr) yy Dawid Malan (15 Cr) y y Piyush Chawla (2.40 Cr) yy Jhye Richardson (14 Cr) y y James Neesham (50 L) yy Shahrukh Khan (5.25 Cr) y go for youth yy Yudhvir Charak (20 L) yy Riley Meredith (8 Cr) yy Marco Jansen (20 L) z z z yy M. Henriques (4.20 Cr) Akila Dananjaya KJP, , Udana, Asitha Dasun Shanaka appointed yy Arjun Tendulkar (20 L) back in SL squad F. among ‘big names’ dropped permanent SL T20I Captain yy Jalaj Saxena (30 1) yy Utkarsh Singh (20 L)

BY REVATHA S. SILVA with Sri Lanka Head Coach Mickey after serving an International Cricket will not play in the T20I series there. yy Fabian Allen (75 L) Arthur after his omission from the limited- Council (ICC)-imposed ban for suspect Meanwhile, it is also understood yy Saurabh Kumar (20 L) The Sri Lanka squad for both over side. It is also said that as a result of bowling action. reliably that veteran spinner Dilruwan T20I and ODI series against the incident, the player has not requested Meanwhile, players like will be dropped from the Sri Lanka the West Indies was picked on to play in the practice match for the Dickwella, Lahiru Kumara, Wanindu squad for the West Indies Test series. Friday (19), sources revealed national squad held yesterday in their Hasaranga, and Ramesh Mendis have preparation for the West Indies series. been named in both limited-over and Another fitness test for to The Sunday Morning Sports Thirimanne, Dhananjaya Delhi Capitals yesterday. The new names included Tests squads of the tour. About 20 players will leave for the West Indies Both Lahiru Thirimanne and yy Steve Smith (2.20 Cr) In a major move, the so far officially Among the young blood included white-ball series on Tuesday (23). Dhananjaya de Silva will have to Rajasthan Royals y Umesh Yadav (1 Cr) unnamed national selection committee in the limited-over squad for the undergo another round of fitness test y Dilruwan dropped for Tests yy Ripal Patel (20 L) has made drastic changes by dropping Windies are Dilshan Madushanka before the Sri Lanka Test squad leaves yy Shivam Dube (4.40 Cr) “big names” such as Kusal Janith Perera (medium-fast bowler, 20 years), Ashen Dasun Shanaka will lead the Sri Lanka for the West Indies. yy Vishnu Vinod (20 L) yy Chris Morris (16.25 Cr) (KJP), Kusal Mendis, Isuru Udana, Asith Bandara (middle-order batsman and T20I side and the appointment has been Sri Lanka will play three T20Is (on yy Lukman Meriwala (20 1) yy Mustafizur Rahman (1 Cr) Fernando, and Bhanuka Rajapaksa from spinner, 22 years), Kamindu Mendis made not only for the Windies tour, but 3, 5, and 7 March in Coolidge Cricket yy M. Siddharth (20 L) the SL limited-over side for the series. (spin-bowling all-rounder, 22 years), until the T20 World Cup coming up later Ground), three ODIs (10, 12, and 14 yy Chetan Sakariya (1.20 Cr) yy Tom Curran (5.25 Cr) The sensational omissions have been and Pathum Nissanka (right-handed in the year, it is also learnt. March at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium), yy Kc Cariappa (20 1) yy Sam Billings (2 Cr) made allegedly due to their fitness and batsman, 22 years). Sri Lanka Test and ODI skipper and two Tests (21-25 March and 29 yy Liam Livingstone (75 L) injury issues, it is learnt. On Friday, Meanwhile, 27-year-old spin-bowling Dimuth Karunaratne too will join the March-2 April at Sir Vivian Richards y Kuldip Yadav (20 1) Bhanuka Rajapaksa has allegedly been all-rounder Akila Dananjaya has been Sri Lanka limited-over squad going Stadium) in the Caribbean island of y involved in a long and heated argument included in the squad as he is now free to the West Indies this Tuesday, but Antigua and Barbuda. yy Akash Singh (20 L) Chris Morris, IPL, and Chennai Super Kings Rc Bangalore yy Moeen Ali (7 Cr) world cricket realities yy K. Gowtham (9.25 Cr) Rajasthan Royals (RR) roped in the yy Glenn Maxwell (14.25 Cr) yy Cheteshwar Pujara (50 L.) South African right-handed fast-medium yy Sachin Baby (20 1) yy M. Harisankar Reddy (20 1) bowler Chris Morris for a whopping yy Rajat Patidar (20 L) yy K. Bhagath Varma (20 L) Indian Rs. 16.25 crore at the Indian yy M. Azharuddeen (20 L) yy C. Hari Nishanth (20 1) Premier League (IPL) 2021 Player yy Kyle Jamieson (15 Cr) Auction in Chennai on Thursday (18). That is the biggest price a player got in yy Daniel Christian (4.80 Cr) the 14-year history of the tournament. yy S. Prabhudessai (20 1) Chris Morris record yy K.S. Bharat (20 L) yy Christopher Henry Morris, 33, is easily the biggest South African beneficiary of the IPL Sunrisers Hyderabad yy He has played for IPL franchises Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Delhi yy Jagadeesha Suchith (30 L) Capitals (DC), Delhi Daredevils IPL 2021 Auction held at Grand Chola in Chennai on Thursday (18) Chris Morris played for RCB in IPL 2020 yy Kedar Jadhav (2 Cr) (DD), Rajasthan Royals (RR), held in the UAE yy M. Uj Eeb-Ur-Rah Man (1.50 Cr) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (36.58) scoring 467 runs yy It also means the amount Chris tennis player can earn by winning (RCB) before (20.30) Morris got on Thursday was Sri one of the four Grand Slams of Lankan Rs. 440.25 million or 44 yy He is a bowling all-rounder often the year) Kk Riders bowling at a speed past 140 kmph IPL’s financial strength crore yy What Morris earned on yy Chris Morris is also an attacking yy Morris first came under the yy The amount is higher than what Thursday’s IPL Auction is said yy Shakib Al Hasan (3.20 Cr) lower-order batsman spotlight in the 2012 South either the men’s or women’s to be enough to pay his country’s yy Sheldon Jackson (20 1) Africa domestic T20 league (the singles champion of the 2021 minimum wage to a citizen yy Morris is son of former South yy Vaibhav Arora (20 L) Champions League) playing for Australian Open (let’s say Noavk working for eight hours a day for Africa first-class all-rounder yy Karun Nair (50 L) the Lions franchise Djokovick and Naomi Osaka) will seven days a week for “more than William Francis “Willie” Morris yy Harbhajan Singh (2 Cr) y take home ($ 2.13 million) 500 years” who played for Northern Transvaal y At the 2013 IPL Auction, Morris yy Ben Cutting (75 L) was sold for $ 625,000 for CSK yy Interestingly, Morris has not yy This “Chris Morris Issue” also yy Morris has played in 23 T20Is yy Venkatesh Iyer (20 L) (more than 31 times his base price played any cricket for South reveals the fact that the IPL can between 2012 and 2019 for South of $ 20,000) Africa since March 2019, for only be beneficial to its organisers yy Pawan Negi (50 L) Africa taking 34 wickets (at 20.50) almost two years India. Other Test countries may while scoring 133 runs (14.77) yy Then he was sold for $ 1 million at the 2016 IPL Auction, for DD yy The above fact is going to indicate lose their best players due to it yy An ideal T20 expert, Morris has that a cricketer today can succeed yy Yet on the other hand, the Indian played a total of 218 T20 matches yy On Thursday, RR roped Morris financially without fulfilling any cricket board is NOT allowing any so far taking 270 wickets (22.09) Indian Rs. 16.25 crore or $ 2.24 national commitment million (1 crore = 10,000,000 = 10 of their players to participate in any yy With the bat, Morris has scored million) Its overall impact league cricket in any other country 1,764 runs (21.00) in T20s yy In other words, the amount is yy This also establishes the fact that yy When other countries lose their yy He has played four Test matches equivalent to Indian Rs. 1,625 IPL has now become one of the best players because of the IPL, during the period from 2016 to lakhs or Indian Rs. 162.5 richest sports competitions in India organises it in such a way 2017 and 42 ODIs during the million (Indian Rs. 1 crore is the whole world (a professional that the annual tournament acts period from 2013 to 2019 for South approximately Sri Lankan Rs. 26.9 cricketer by merely taking part in as the biggest breeding ground of Africa. In ODIs, Morris took 48 million) the IPL can earn more than what a India’s future players

Printed & Published by Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 WHY IS THE PRESIDENT BEING ‘LANDED’ WITH THIS REQUEST? »SEE PAGE 3

WHY DON’T INVESTORS LIKE US? »SEE PAGE 5 Sunday, February 21, 2021 business Yala tourism land Tourism relief: One issue drags on z Court case enters 2021 BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR According to the arguments from the plaintiff company, One Nature (Pvt.) Ltd., the even though they were behind year extension likely lessee of a plot of land in the schedule in developing the land Yala Palatupana Tourism Zone they leased for 99 years, the has not yet been permitted to SLTDA was willing to provide z Tourism sector will take longer to recover: Tourism Min. develop the leased land as a another chance before the legal battle over the said land, appointment of Fernando as the BY YAKUTA DAWOOD end of this month since we are the worst between Lanka Realty Leisure Chairperson. impacted industry due to the Covid-19 (Pvt.) Ltd. and the Sri Lanka The plaintiff has charged The debt moratorium on capital and interest for the tourism pandemic, therefore we hope that things Tourism Development Board that Fernando then decided to industry, which will expire on 31 March 2021, is most likely to will work out,” Ukwatte added. (SLTDA), has been dragged into terminate the contract arbitrarily. be extended further by another year as the country’s tourism The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) this year as well, The Sunday However, the defendant sector still struggles to overcome pandemic disruption in the extended the debt moratorium by six months Morning Business learns. SLTDA in their submission stated wake of new variant detection, The Sunday Morning Business from 30 September 2020 until 31 March As the lessee entered into the that the plaintiff’s allegation learns. 2021. This moratorium was issued by the lease agreement about one and a against the Chairperson of the CBSL in April 2019 after consideration half years back but still has not defendant is “mischievous Minister of Tourism Prasanna of Sri Lanka (THASL) President Sanath of the Easter Sunday terror attacks. been given the approval to build and devoid of clean hands for Ranatunga, speaking to us, stated that Ukwatte said that the industry has requested However, attempts to contact CBSL its proposed hotel in the said land, collateral purposes”. currently discussions are being held for an extension from the Government proved futile on Thursday (18). it is questionable whether One The SLTDA stated that Lanka with relevant government authorities and added that Prime Minister Mahinda The CBSL requested banks to provide Nature would remain on board Realty maliciously, fraudulently, to extend the debt moratorium. Rajapaksa in his budget speech noted that it a debt moratorium to Covid-19-affected until the legal issues are cleared. and wrongfully made the “The tourism sector has just begun and might be extended till September this year. businesses and individuals in the tourism SLTDA Director General (DG) allegation and misrepresented Minister since it will take time to get back to normal, “Until we fully recover it will take at sector for a further period of six months Dhammika Wijesinghe told us to the court that the decision to of Tourism discussions are being held to facilitate the least another year, so we have requested commencing from 1 October 2020, to 31 that the other party had gone to terminate arose due to a conflict Prasanna tourism industry,” Ranatunga said. the Government to consider for one more March 2021. the Court of Appeal and the case of interest in the Chairperson and Ranatunga Meanwhile, The Hotels Association year. We are hoping to finalise this by the Contd. on page 2 is still being heard and as a result, stated that the SLTDA and the One Nature has to wait longer. Chairperson reserve the right to “The investor who was seek appropriate remedy against VERBAL ABUSE FOR CARD PAYMENTS already found and approved the plaintiff for the damages EXIM Bank plan to be by the Cabinet of Ministers to caused. lease this land out is waiting as According to the defendant’s Consumer Affairs they cannot go ahead with the submissions, the decision taken revived after 5 years project,” Wijesinghe added. to terminate/cancel the leasing Meanwhile, Lanka Realty agreement the plaintiff entered z Delays were due to pandemic: Trade Min. to take action Director Hisham (Hardy) into with the SLTDA was prior Jamaldeen told us that they to December 2019. The current BY KAREN HAPUARACHCHI will wait for the next date of the Chairperson was appointed on against Uber hearing as it was postponed due 12 December 2019 and the The proposal to set up an to Covid-19. Jamaldeen refused appointment was accepted on EXIM Bank in Sri Lanka, z CAA encourages to give further information on 20 December 2019, and thus, all which was in limbo for over this matter, citing that it is an decisions in any event pertaining five years, is expected to be complaints to be ongoing court case. to the cancellation and the discussed this year after the Sri made to them The said land is owned by subsequent decisions to grant Lankan Government begins to the SLTDA and was leased to the lease to another investor was shrug off the pandemic burden z Uber says it is Ascot Leisure Ltd. (as Lanka done before her appointment, the by vaccinating its population, ‘deeply upset’ Realty was earlier known) in SLTDA said. The Sunday Morning Business 2014. Jamaldeen filed the case The SLTDA further said that learns. BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR against the SLTDA in May 2020, after the presidential election in Setting up an EXIM Bank alleging that SLTDA Chairperson November 2019, the President in Sri Lanka was included in American ride-hailing app Uber Kimarli Fernando is attempting to and the Cabinet of Ministers almost every budget proposal in Minister of Trade Dr. Bandula Gunawardana is expected to face regulatory give the seven-acre plot of land had not changed the previous the past few years; nevertheless, Board (EDB) in collaboration EXIM Banks are recognised action locally from the Consumer promo codes for discounts. in question to another investor Cabinet’s decisions to endorse the plan was kept on the with the Ministry of Trade at as government or semi- Affairs Authority (CAA), the Such complaints have been on arbitrarily. the termination of the lease of backburner by consecutive the NSBM Green University government agencies that apex government organisation the rise in the past year and the The plaintiff company in the Lanka Realty and award the governments, regardless of in August 2020. ensure the safety and growth of that protects consumers, as many gravity of these complaints has lawsuit alleged that Fernando was lease to a foreign investor. the growing need for export With regard to the 2018 a country’s foreign trade. Also, drivers in the platform verbally been exaggerated by the fact that doing this to support her husband Furthermore, they stated that financing. Budget, Verité Research’s EXIM Banks are particularly abuse passengers who choose card Uber does not have a customer Malik Fernando’s hotel business, the Board of the SLTDA and Speaking to The Morning study of spending proposals focused on foreign trade and payments to settle the ride fare, The representative office in Sri Lanka, Wild Coast Tented Lodge Ltd., the Ministry of Tourism do not Business, Minister of Trade Dr. at the time noted that the are often not involved with Sunday Morning Business learns. according to these posts. which is situated in a property have faith in Lanka Realty and do Bandula Gunawardana stated latest proposal was for a domestic transactions. CAA Chairman Maj. Gen. In fact, at one point last year, a adjoining the said land. The not desire the company to be in that the project was postponed development bank with an An EXIM Bank of a country (Retd.) D.M.S. Dissanayaka passenger who was on a ride in plaintiff stated that there was a possession of this land anymore. due to issues caused by the Exim window. is also expected to work stated that such abuse should not Uber had been physically abused conflict of interest. Contd. on page 2 Covid-19 pandemic, and did It is believed that an EXIM closely in accordance with the be tolerated and that the CAA will and as a result, the passenger was not divulge the reasons for the Bank will also support concerned departments of the look into these issues and take hospitalized in the Intensive Care delay in the pre-pandemic time businesses venturing overseas. Government, overseas logistics stern actions against the company. Unit (ICU). period. In addition to this, other companies, and Customs, “Passengers who face such When asked a few drivers in “The plans have not been benefits of having an EXIM to ensure the central export abuse should complain to the CAA the platform the reason why many made, but discussions will Bank in the country would policies are being followed, rather than complaining on social drivers increasingly refuse card definitely take place post involve meeting customers’ and the interests of the people media. Then we will take necessary payments, several drivers, who vaccination, and after the needs for export financing, in the trade are safeguarded. action against the company,” Maj. wished to remain anonymous, activity of the pandemic attracting new customers, In addition to this, the EXIM Gen. Dissanayake told The Sunday noted that when passengers pay decreases,” Dr. Gunawardana increasing profits, limiting Bank of India, which is a Morning Business. the fare for the ride in debit/credit stated. country and buyer risks, specialised financial institution Taking onto social media, card, the money goes into the Uber The pledge to establish the satisfying bank regulatory fully owned by the Government passengers have been complaining account, where Uber deducts EXIM Bank was renewed by requirements, and selling, of India, is responsible for over verbal abuse by Uber drivers dues and a commission from that Dr. Gunawardana at the Sri transferring, and assigning setting up financing, and for reasons such as passengers amount and takes a couple of days Lanka Export Promotion Vision EXIM-supported loans to facilitating and promoting choosing to pay for the ride in to realise the fare back to the driver. Forum organised by the Sri third parties. India’s foreign trade. credit/debit cards and using Contd. on page 2 Lanka Export Development Export Import Banks or Contd. on page 2 Land data system complete within 4 years

BY YAKUTA DAWOOD until the loan is received, the project since the project is for four years, require the relevant information,” project parts of surveying. In order system, information can be accurate, would be at a halt. The delay of the international developers will Sivanantharajah said. to deposit everything in a systematic services available can also be checked, The land data infrastructure and receiving the loan is due to the Korean give all the relevant information, Adding further, he said that this way, we need to have a very good and from whom land approval land information service system is Government’s investment on another including the source code, to the initiative will benefit as system. Hence, that’s why we are must be obtained, and other such scheduled to be completed within current project in Sri Lanka,” he said. local developers who can maintain well as the general public. “The going to develop this in our country,” valuable information can be obtained the next four years (2025), Sri When inquired regarding it later.” transaction data will be clearer Sivanantharajah emphasised. by this system,” Gamage said. Lanka Survey Department Deputy the developers of this project, Accordingly, after four years, the and through this, we are expecting to Meanwhile, speaking to The Sunday Adding to his comments, Gamage said Surveyor General (SGO – LIS) S. Sivanantharajah said that the software international developers will be have a general system in a systematic Morning Business, Information that due to this project, business will Sivanantharajah said. development team will be from working remotely for maintenance way; then we can disseminate this and Communication Technology be improved, security of information Speaking to The Sunday Morning abroad. “Developers are coming and to look after the system, he added. information to different agencies Agency (ICTA) Chairman Prof. Lalith can be highly maintained, and most Business, Sivanantharajah said from overseas and they will form Commenting on the benefits, where the Land Registry issues title Gamage said that the ICTA is ready importantly, investors will benefit that only Cabinet approval has a local developing team, consisting Sivanantharajah said that the benefits to the land parcels, which could be to provide any services required by as they would be able to check and been granted and that the project members of our ministry department.” of this project will outweigh the expedited further,” Sivanantharajah the Ministry of Lands. see the attributes available in lands. is scheduled to start after the total Adding further, he said that drawbacks because through this added. “Land data is very important as “After this development is loan of $ 60.33 million is granted currently, capacity building is going initiative, Sri Lanka will be able According to Sivanantharajah, this investors sometimes have to wait for launched, all relevant information by the Korean Government. on under this initiative. “We have to have all land data in one system. will be one of the most important a while to get accurate information will be uploaded into the Lanka “Agreements will be done by a training school which they can “What we have at present is not projects conducted by the Ministry on land. There are other people who Government Cloud Network and the relevant department and the utilise for developing training. In flexible, but with this initiative, all of Lands. “Department wise, we claim ownership for lands which are also on the National Spatial Data proposal will be signed in order to simple words, local developers will data will be available to all relevant did not have any projects during the not officially theirs and there are Infrastructure,” Gamage concluded. commence this project. However, be trained beforehand. However, departments and persons who last 7-8 years and this is one of the several other issues. Hence, by this Contd. on page 2 2 the sunday morning business ECONOMY/NEWS Sunday, February 21, 2021 SL anticipates ‘economic revival’ in 2021 BY YAKUTA DAWOOD “If we consider the earnings of inflows, a very rare thing which happened, although The year 2021, as predicted by being affected by Covid-19, is that we countless economists and market We expect further improvement and achieved a decline in the current account experts, is going to be economically we are indeed expecting a marginal deficit; in the third quarter, there was daunting and overall challenging surplus in the current account by the a surplus in the current account. If you end of this year, and also to be able for countries the world over. go through past data, current account to achieve the rare surplus again surpluses were observed in Sri Lanka in Being a developing nation, Sri during this or at least by next year. But Lanka certainly has a long way 1951,1954,1955, and 1977 and nothing after conditions will further improve in the that. Throughout we have been experiencing for economic recovery, and the medium term Government is seen to be taking negative in the current account deficit till they become extremely large in more recent measures to “revive” it. base, the low interest rate environment, and times,” he explained. Speaking at a press conference held also forward-looking business confidence During this year, the improvement will on 12 February 2020, Central Bank indices, purchase managers businesses at continue under careful administration of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Governor Prof. present. as well as careful surveillance of W.D. Lakshman stated that Sri Lanka is developments. Accordingly, it is expected expecting a growth rate of 5.5% to 6% Inflation for the trade deficit to come down and in 2021 following the negative growth The rise in general price level in Sri services exports to grow – particularly recorded at 3.9% during 2020 due to the Lanka has remained stable and subdued due tourism, IT, and logistics with the additional adverse impact of the first and second to the large output gap in the country. “So incentives provided recently and workers waves of Covid-19. far, the inflation rate is estimated at 3% in remittances through the formal channels. “This positive thinking is due to a January 2021, although one could see the Furthermore, commenting on Sri Lanka’s number of reasons. Firstly, unlike in the volatile crude prices,” Prof. Lakshman said. cash inflow and outflow, he mentioned that first wave of Covid-19, in the second wave, Adding further, he said that it is crucial to the import restriction on unnecessary or it appears to be the decisions of the health note that the Government is interested and unessential imports will be continued as authorities and the Government to limit determined to move away from the existing long as the BOP requirements dictate. “No the closure of the economy. Secondly, heavy dependence on food imports. This one should be thinking of a complete long- the vaccination process has started giving is indeed a significant long-term policy term import restriction regime, but some positive signals to the entire population approach, in spite of the fact that in the short import restrictions or a system of import that they will get this facility sooner than run there could be some adverse impacts on rationalisation has to continue as long as the later. Thirdly, it is also due to the change the prices. BOP so requires,” he emphasised. in policies, which will be adapted in the “We expect further improvement and we following year,” he noted. Interest rate are indeed expecting a marginal surplus In accordance with the International As we are aware, the interest rate is an in the current account by the end of this Monetary Fund (IMF), there is an expected extremely significant component in regard year, and also to be able to achieve the rare Central Bank Governor Prof. W. D. Lakshman global recovery of 5.5%. Adding to this, to promoting economic growth in the surplus again during this or at least by next Explaining the policies that will be rationalisation than foreign financing of Prof. Lakshman said that for Sri Lanka, country. In this context, Prof. Lakshman year. But conditions will further improve in implemented, he noted that there is a foreign deficits. However, these are all there is also the so-called “base effect”. said the prime rate last week was at 5.59%, the medium term,” the Governor assured. deliberate policy of reducing debt-related being changed and we expect better results,” “We started off from a negative growth rate adding that “in any case, almost all interest inflows or debt-creating investments. he noted. in the previous year, so that low base will rates are at single-digit levels and this has “Whenever there is excess foreign exchange Commenting further, Prof. Lakshman give us the benefit of achieving a higher been there at that level for quite some time”. liquidity in the market, CBSL will purposely said that a number of negotiations currently positive rate by the end of this year 2021,” Commenting on this subject, the Although we have heard of a couple purchase that foreign exchange liquidity and ongoing with overseas agencies to raise he added. Governor said that Sri Lanka has an excess of difficulties in the (financial) sector add into the CBSL official reserves. This the required foreign exchange inflows Sector-wise growth amount of liquidity in the market estimated in the recent past, we find that the we have been doing for the last several days through swaps and loans mechanisms with at more than Rs. 100 billion. He attributed financial institutional sector is resilient over the last week.” overseas central banks and other multilateral The tourism sector, which was this to be a positive factor in their attempt and remains stable right now Accordingly, the official reserves remain agencies, except for the IMF. inactive after the local outbreak of the virus to promote lending to private sector parties, at $ 4.8 billion at the end of January 2021. “We are hopeful that these policies, in March 2020, is currently picking up. In particularly business lendings by the banks. Debt in order to fill the gaps negotiations for this regard, the Governor said that various Meanwhile, adding to this section, Prof. FDI foreign loans and other swaps and other incentives have been provided to the sector Lakshman said that another important policy Debt servicing is another key priority in arrangements, will enable us to move to come up with the reopening process. CBSL looks into is financial sector stability. In regard to foreign direct investments any economy. Commenting on this, Prof. through these couple of years to go in for According to Prof. Lakshman, one of “Although we have heard of a couple of (FDIs), Prof. Lakshman said that direct Lakshman revealed that Sri Lanka has the required rapid-shared growth kind the most important sectors that is likely difficulties in the sector in the recent past, investments are likely to grow as a result already paid large chunks of due debts. we expect to establish by 2024-2025,” he to generate a lot of foreign exchange in we find that the financial institutional sector of some opportunities available within “We will be continuing to maintain our added. the time to come is the information and is resilient and remains stable right now,” he the domestic economy, such as “Port City unblemished record in debt repayment. Giving the concluding remark, the communication (IT) sector, as it was the added. infrastructure investment and various These doomsday predictions are based on CBSL Governor said that this is the period least affected sector during the Covid-19 manufacturing investments that are their dependence on some of the second- of which something different has been outbreak. BOP currently being opened up, money that has half of the 2010s period developments like adopted in order to change the way this Commenting on the domestic investment Commenting on balance of payment already come for several investments in decline in growth, low level of growth, country has moved over the last 40 years, environment, Prof. Lakshman said that (BOP), Prof. Lakshman highlighted an manufacturing activities – for example, high interest rates, high depreciation rates adding that it is going to be a different, there are clear signs of domestic industrial important, rare component which had the recently opened up rubber-tire factory, on exchange rate, and high fiscal deficit market-oriented approach guided by the investments picking up due to low tax happened in the year 2020. etc.”. in spite of high of all the rhetoric of fiscal State.

Contd. from page 1

commenced. They have gone to the Due to the long delay in the country in facilitating and “Uber continues to remain includes a Safety Centre, Share My Tourism... court and said there is vested interest, developing the land, a proposal was financing U.S. exports of goods and committed to safety. By leveraging Trip option, and 119 assistance. The The CBSL directed the banks to but there is no vested interest. made by then Minister of Tourism services. our technology and global expertise, Safety Helpline is in addition to the amalgamate the capital and interest This decision was taken in 2019,” Development, Wildlife, and Christian In addition to the US EXIM Bank, we have striven to provide the safest existing in-app SOS button found in fall due during the period from 1 Wijesinghe noted. Religious Affairs the bank intervenes in instances possible rides to drivers and riders. the Safety Toolkit,” he added. April 2020 to 30 September 2020 Another allegation made by Lanka to lease this land to One Nature (Pvt.) where private sector lenders are Riders can easily access Uber’s However, passengers have been with the capital and interest fall due Realty is that Fernando should have Ltd., a Dubai-based wildlife hotel unable or unwilling to provide Safety Toolkit which includes a complaining that the local contact during the period from 1 October kept completely out of this matter, chain that has hotels in Tanzania. financing, equipping American Safety Centre, Share My Trip option, number of Uber is either not 2020 to 31 March 2021, except for considering her personal connection. The proposal was approved by the businesses with the financing tools and 119 assistance. The 24x7 Safety answered or not helpful if answered. Equal Monthly Instalment (EMI) However, Wijesinghe noted that Cabinet of Ministers on 9 August necessary to compete for global sales. Helpline is in addition to the existing All our attempts to reach the local loans for which the interest rate for this was not possible as during 2019. Additionally, The Export-Import in-app SOS button in the Safety safety team proved futile as the calls the moratorium period is capped at the interim period between the Accordingly, the SLTDA Board Bank of China is a state-funded Toolkit. Based on feedback from were not answered. 7% per annum. resignation of former DG Chandani at the time had terminated the and state-owned policy bank with drivers, we introduced an on-demand Uber entered the Sri Lankan Sri Lanka’s tourism sector Werapitiya and the appointment of lease agreement and taken physical the status of an independent legal cash-out feature last year. This makes market in 2016. Uber, which marks is among the top three foreign Dhammika Wijesinghe as the new possession of the property under entity. It is a bank directly under payments seamless and helps eligible its fifth anniversary in Sri Lanka this exchange-earning sources of the DG in March, Fernando had to attend Clause 12 of the agreement, which the leadership of the State Council drivers cash out their earnings any year, has served 1.8 million riders, country. Even before the closure of to matters which would otherwise was given to One Nature in August and dedicated to supporting China’s day of the week after they’ve earned completed more than 53 million trips, the airport to mitigate the spread of have been handled by the DG. 2019 for an investment of $ 15 foreign trade, investment and a minimum amount of Rs. 100.” and created livelihood opportunities the virus, Sri Lanka was struggling million. international economic cooperation. Meanwhile, during an interview for 110,000 drivers. to attract tourists in the early weeks Background Although the project of establishing with The Sunday Morning Business of this year, mainly due to stringent The seven-acre land plot in the an EXIM Bank remains controversial, last month, Uber Sri Lanka Head travel restrictions imposed in China, Yala Palatupana Tourism Zone was EXIM... initiation of such a project would Subodh Sangwan, responding to the Land... which is among the top five tourism- leased to Lanka Realty (formerly The EXIM Bank of India’s vision involve a large sum of investment. question whether Uber is planning to According to Sivanantharajah, generating markets of Sri Lanka. known as Ascot Leisure Ltd.) for has evolved from a product-centric establish a customer representative this project was planned in 2013. 99 years on 13 May 2014. Lanka approach with export credits and office in Sri Lanka, stated that they However, due to several issues, the Realty made a down payment of export capability creation, to a more Consumer... already have a locally based safety final agreement was approved by the Yala... Rs. 29.3 million for the land and has customer-centric approach, offering a However, when we questioned team for urgent, non-emergency Cabinet of Ministers in September Meanwhile, SLTDA DG settled taxes for the period until 20 comprehensive range of products and officials attached to Uber on the issues in Sri Lanka. 2020. According to the Cabinet Wijesinghe, defending the December 2020 and has been paying services to empower businesses at all delay in remitting payments to the “Riders can easily reach out to the release, the establishment of a Chairperson, told The Sunday an annual fee of Rs. 10,000 every stages of a company’s business cycle. driver and whether they have taken team by clicking on the shield icon control network of the Department Morning Business a few days ago year, according to the plaintiff. Furthermore, prominent countries any action to prevent such verbal representing the ‘Safety Toolkit’ and of Survey would speed up the process that this matter is beyond the control However, a Cabinet memorandum such as the US and China also abuse from happening in the future, accessing the on-trip 24x7 ‘Safety of its survey activities and enhance of Fernando and if there is a Cabinet dated 18 July 2019 stated the operate their own EXIM Banks as an official of Uber stated: “What has Helpline’. This could include issues productivity in Sri Lanka. decision, the SLTDA is obliged to company failed to pay any single well. been described is deeply upsetting. such as reporting a dispute, fare “The requirement to establish a pursue it. monthly payment. Furthermore, even The Export–Import Bank of the Such behaviour has no place on review, or a breakdown while on a land information service system with “The investor was supposed to as of 26 February 2018, when the US acts as the official export credit our platform and is completely trip and up to one hour post the trip. modified infrastructure facilities is commence commercial operations implementation time frame given agency (ECA) of the United States against our community guidelines. Among a variety of other safety identified to enable those that utilise by 2018, within 24 months. All for Lanka Realty by the SLTDA had federal government. Also, operating Following an internal investigation, and feedback features available the services to use those resources this time, they have been more or expired, no construction work had as a fully owned federal government we have removed the driver’s access on the app, customers can easily conveniently,” the Cabinet statement less silent. No development has begun on the site. corporation, the US Bank supports to the Uber app. access Uber’s Safety Toolkit which added. the sunday morning business 3 Sunday, February 21, 2021 OPINION/FINANCE

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in Kebethigollawa for the “Discussion By with the Village” programme Dhananath Fernando

The “Gama Samaga Pilisadarak” is the President’s most recent engagement programme. Positives and negatives of the programme have both been openly discussed on mainstream and social media. As per media reports, the programme is structured in such a way that officials of key ministries, such as Land, Education, and Road Development, visit villages with the President. People are then requested to put forward their problems before this entourage of officials. They try to solve the problems at the location itself, directing the state officials to act faster. The President mentioned that following such a course of action has helped build local infrastructure and helps him understand people’s problems better. On the contrary, on social media, views have been expressed on forest destruction concerning areas where the President has been visiting, and describing this as an attempt to prioritise development at the expense of our green cover. The objective of today’s column is not to provide a commentary on “Gama Samaga Pilisadarak”, but an effort to put things into coordinates. It will increase Government perspective regarding the most common efficiency drastically, release the dead concerns people have been putting before capital of land among farmers, and Sri Lanka’s First Citizen. Secondly, we aim investments will start kicking off. Most to explore why the very same issues are of the back-end work has been done, and being repeated in most of the villages. In Why is the President cases for the need for a digital land registry my understanding, the problems presented have been developed. to the President are just symptoms of The question is: how are we going a bigger problem, and it looks like the to find money to implement the survey solutions instantly provided by the officials and purchase the technology? We have are just temporary solutions without being ‘landed’ with to seek out multilateral donor agencies, understanding the problem at its root. or a potential bilateral loan, to secure Most frequent requests made to the the funding, as this will create massive President, as have been telecast in the economic potential. Setting up a digital news, are requests for land to conduct land registry will be significantly agricultural activities. The fundamental impactful, rather than just developing a question is why solving issues surrounding this request? road or incurring another massive capital land has become a common-priority expenditure. request, as we saw on television, with z A digital land registry could help our rural masses This is an action which will move us people screaming and pleading the upwards in the Ease of Doing Business President to get their land matters solved. For example, look at what happens has become a vicious cycle. These worsen the situation. Food prices will Index, and build investor confidence. At As indicated multiple times in this when the original land of five acres is circumstances have led to a scenario go up, and more farmers will attempt the same time this will fall perfectly in line column, about 80% of Sri Lanka’s land is provided to a farmer, which in turn is where a combination of factors continue to do agriculture by practicing their with the President’s manifesto of “Vistas of owned by the Government. Out of that, divided among his four children. This will to make our farmers poorer and our unproductive farming methods. Prosperity and Splendor” under a digitised about 30% is our forest cover. As a tiny get subdivided after the next generation. agriculture unproductive, while trapping The rising prices will punish all our economy. island, land is obviously a limited resource Now, instead of five acres, only about 25 our farmers in informal loans and poor consumers already suffering from The ripple effect will trickle down to in economic terms. Therefore, if we fail perches of land will now be available, creating severe social concerns such as the high cost of living. At the same time, smaller cases at courthouses, as well as to to optimise the utilisation of land, all the and this has limited scope for agriculture. suicide. There is the additional issue of our tourism will suffer, as it needs some micro and small business enterprises when natural beauty and biodiversity we brag As a result of these smaller land plots contributing to the loss of our forest cover imported agricultural products to prepare the project unfolds. about is most likely to fade away from us. over generations, industrialisation or and destroying our biodiversity. the cuisine. However, it is understandable Since there have already been many land Creating land, like what we did with commercialisation of cultivating lands is If we look at countries that are in deep that balancing such a dilemma when deed programmes such as “Jayabhoomi” the Port City, is extremely expensive and unfeasible. poverty, one of the common denominators foreign reserves are depleting is going to and “Swarnabhoomi”, this will not be a environmentally costly. The problem lies Employing technology and machinery is that the people of those countries do not be a serious challenge. simple and easy project. Having the simple in the fact that most of the land our farmers to increase productivity on a 25-perch have their land and property rights. There digital infrastructure ready is the first step cutivate is only under a licence, and they land plot is not feasible. As a result, is no magical formula for an economy What is the solution? to address these issues, both at present and do not have a title. As a result, the farmer people ask for more lands from the to take off without establishing property The President has a greater opportunity in the long term. has to visit the Divisional Secretariat to Government, or encroach on forest cover rights for their citizens. to capitalise on this matter economically The main opposition comes from obtain a license, renew the license, or even to do their farming. The President expressed his displeasure as well as politically. We have to have a lawyers, as they are the main beneficiaries to obtain approval to change the crop they On the other hand, these lands do at rumours circulating on social media on digital system and a digital land registry. of delayed court proceedings. If cultivate. not have titles. So farmers are unable the destruction of forest cover, but until As soon as the “digital land registry” is the President focuses on this single to optimise the maximum usage of the we provide a permanent solution to this spelled out, many associate it to the three- reform, it will not only be the best-ever Smaller and smaller portions land using technology, because they problem, we will lose out on every front. letter “MCC” agreement. That is now gone, environmental conservation reform to Most of these lands our farmers cultivate have no source for capital. They don’t The President will have to hear the same and there is very little value in debating it protect our green cover, but also a historic are provided under different land and have other assets to use as collateral to complaint at every location he visits. now. economic reform to unlock our dead agricultural projects. Over generations access finance, nor are the banks willing On top of that, the Government has But over the next four years, the capital, and reactivate capital markets and when the original land is divided among to provide them loans without any valid decided to stop all agricultural imports President can prioritise the digital land agriculture. Most importantly, it will be a family members, the land plot becomes collateral. for the next four years, as per reports registry, which will mark forest cover on big relief for our farmers and fellow Sri smaller and smaller. As a result, the land problem by The Morning. This will most likely the cadastral survey system with GPS Lankans. NDB records Rs. 5.5 b PAT in first 9 months of FY2020 National Development Bank impairment increased by 113% to best in the industry. If the impact less attractive in a low interest (NDB) has recorded a profit after Rs. 3.8 billion and Rs. 2.4 billion, on the regulatory moratorium rate climate, the bank recorded tax (PAT) of Rs. 5.5 billion for respectively. Provision charges reliefs on interest servicing is an impressive growth of 21% in the last nine months ended on 31 increased in line with the growth in excluded, the cost-to-income ratio deposits, which translated to a December 2020, which is a year- the loan book and provisions made would have further improved to quantum growth of Rs. 85 billion. on-year growth of 8%, according to at both collective and individual 35.8% for the year. Within this Current Account the financials released by the bank levels in response to elevated The total tax charge of the bank Savings Account (CASA) deposits on Thursday (18). risks caused by the pandemic and for FY 2020 was Rs. 3.7 billion grew by 53%, an equivalent of Gross income growth moderated other stresses. The regulatory non- (2019: Rs. 4.9 billion), whilst impressive Rs. 42 billion. The to 3% in 2020 compared to performing loan (NPL) ratio for the effective tax rate was 39.9% resultant CASA ratio was 25%, 2019 (YoY) to Rs. 60.7 billion, 2020 was 5.35% (2019: 4.77%) (2019: 49.2%). During 2020, nation the highest recorded in the last reflecting reduced business which is on a gradual increase, building tax (NBT) on financial five years. Meticulous efforts to volumes in the year, impact of reflecting the wider industry NPL services and debt repayment levy drive CASA and the contribution interest rates concessions, and behaviour. The bank also made were abolished. from the retail and SME segments interest deferments stemming from significant provisions for financial primarily contributed towards the moratoria granted – phenomena investments owing to the decline in Balance sheet growth and CASA growth. experienced across the industry macroeconomic indicators. funding Furthermore, the bank’s loans due to the effects of the pandemic. NDB Director/Group CEO Dimantha Seneviratne and Chairman Eshana De Silva Despite the hive of operations NDB’s total assets crossed the to advances ratio (ADR) also The bank also accounted for carried out, operating expenses Rs. 600 billion mark in 2020, with improved to 90%, the best in modification losses on such interest rate concessions on loans gains from trading for FY 2020 recorded a marginal reduction in the asset base closing at Rs. 627 the bank’s history. The bank moratoria where significant brought the ratio down to 3.1% was Rs. 967 million a marginal 2020 compared to 2019 and was billion by end-2020, resulting in historically accounted for a higher interest concessions were given, (2019: 3.5%). decrease of 2% YoY. However, the Rs. 9.4 billion. The Organisation an impressive YoY growth of 18% ADR owing to the fact that NDB as prescribed by SLFRS 9: However, net fee and bank realised capital gains from the Efficiency and Effectiveness which translated to a quantum has been in commercial banking Financial Instruments. As a result, commission income bolstered government securities portfolio, Improvement programme growth of Rs. 97 billion. Gross operations for just over 15 years, net interest income (NII) was Rs. overall income with a growth as reflected under net gains from launched, the migration of a large loans and receivables however with a development banking 17.7 billion, with a narrow growth of 9% YoY to Rs. 4 billion. derecognition of financial assets number of processes to automated moderated in growth at 8% YoY background close to 30 years, compared to 2019. Interest income Exponential growth in the use of amounting to Rs. 1.5 billion. platforms (using workflow and to Rs. 444 billion (quantum wherein the business model was slightly dipped over that of 2019, digital banking services, driven Accordingly, the total operating Robotic Process Automation), growth of Rs. 34 billion). Growth less focused in deposit canvassing. to Rs. 53 billion, whilst interest by the pandemic impact and the income recorded a healthy growth and the conversion of transactions stemmed from all business sectors, NDB has effectively reversed this expenses reduced by 1% to Rs. 35 user-friendly features available in of 7% to Rs. 25.4 billion. performed by customers to including the hard-hit small and stance within a relatively short billion, largely attributable to the the NDB NEOS digital banking Impairment charges for loans digital platforms (80% of total medium enterprises (SME) sector, span of time since becoming a fully rate reductions led by the Central platform together with the bank’s and other losses for FY 2020 was transactions) supported this cost which drew relief from the CBSL’s fledged commercial bank in 2005 Bank of Sri Lanka as stimulus to continued focus on enhancing Rs. 6.8 billion, an increase of management drive. Resultantly, the Saubhagya Covid-19 Renaissance and now stands equal to its peers economic growth. Pressure exerted fee-based income, were key 63% YoY. Individual impairment cost-to-income ratio improved to Facility priced at 4%. in this key performance indicator on the net interest margin (NIM) by contributors in this aspect. Net increased by 41%, whilst collective 37.0% (2019: 39.9%), one of the Despite bank deposits becoming (KPI). 4 the sunday morning business EDITORIAL/STRATEGY Sunday, February 21, 2021 Woes of the working woman The conversations around barriers to women progressing balance with women and men career for family commitments commitment and diligence being in their careers have picked up pace as Deputy Inspector on par in both qualifications than a man. And a mother who questioned, while being accused of General of Police (DIG) Bimshani Jasin Arachchi faces and competence. It is mid- keeps working, especially out being unable to establish a healthy a challenge from male colleagues to her celebrated career that the gap begins to of personal choice and not just work-life balance. promotion to DIG. Much has been said about the petitioners widen, leaving women trailing. necessity, faces being made to feel What must be appreciated and their fundamental rights petition, but the challenge is It cannot be denied that almost both a not fully present mother is that women leaders face a upon the basis on which the appointment has been made, every woman faces pay gaps and and a not fully present worker. multiplicity of obstacles in each promotion bias versus their male Career breaks to care for families of their individual experiences. In allocating a place out of a male-only quota in what is an counterparts throughout their often spell the end of a woman’s the case of DIG Jasin Arachchi, archaic set of regulations instead of initiating much-needed careers. Eventually, this results professional life; CV gaps are THE the obstacles come from within changes to those statutes themselves. in dwindling numbers of women hardly ever tolerated, even where the laws that govern her chosen In this instance, whether c-suite positions because of how making their way to the c-suite women are willing to re-enter HEADLIGHT career. Other women leaders like outdated or not, the discriminatory extraordinary and phenomenal that and boardrooms. This is a pattern at lower levels, and accept the her, in both the public and private practice is coded in the laws achievement continues to be, even that also holds true in the civil depreciation of skill levels. clock and be geographically sectors, face discrimination and that govern the Police. The in 2021. That a significant number service. Availability and mobility are mobile, which are naturally more unfair treatment through the many public outcry must also amplify of those rare women leaders The cultural expectations of two key aspects of the argument challenging expectations for tacit codes and regressive cultures the equally misogynistic but are second (or third)-generation women over household care against advancing women in the women. Perhaps the work-from- that perpetuate holding women unwritten and implicit codes and family members speaks volumes is perhaps the strongest factor modern corporate establishments. home arrangements of the past back. Real action is what matters – cultures within our own corporate of the barriers self-made Sri holding women back from For a long time, flexible working year have forced employers to intellectual debates and idealistic sector that sees so few women Lankan women face in climbing pursuing their ambitions. Where hours and remote working had appreciate the value of greater rhetoric must be converted to progressing to the highest levels the employment ladder. two partners’ careers are equal, been unheard of in Sri Lanka. The flexibility. But demanding fundamental changes, however of leadership. We celebrate At entry-level executive it is entirely likely that a woman expectations are that managers flexible hours has long been a small, that ease us out of this every woman who makes it to positions, there is far greater would choose to sacrifice her must be available around the stigma for women, who find their complex issue.

BY YAKUTA DAWOOD strategy you would be wasting your energy rather than cater to Even though the topic of the the actual people’.” Covid-19 pandemic essentially Secondly, it should be falls under the health sector, competency-focused. According the impact of the virus has had to Dr. Dissanayake, competency consequences in every sector in is required to do better with core the world, be it economic growth, strength, for example, technology. education, businesses, or leisure. “If you believe your competency Speaking at a webinar on the is the best to drive the business, topic of “Rational Thinking for you probably don’t see the change Remodeling Business Strategy in in the environment and industry. Covid-19 Pandemic Outbreak”, For instance, what you believe hosted by the Central Bank of as technology will never remain Sri Lanka (CBSL), Dr. Ravi as the same technology for the Dissanayake said that more than next five years, as they’ll be health-related indications, the competitors coming up with new pandemic’s impact on society, innovations.” corporates, businesses, and the Thirdly, it should be economy are at the moment flying collaborative-focused. According here and there. to Dr. Dissanayake, you need to Giving an opening remark, Dr. change your mind today rather Dissanayake said: “Businesses than changing your mind by come to strategic execution; it defining others as competitors. doesn’t mean we are not supposed It is essential to maximise to focus on human emotion the business opportunity. For aspects. We have to drive the instance, “there are situations human capital of an organisation, where companies work together which is the most precious asset to maximise the business of an organisation, more than opportunities in a given limited technology. However, there needs opportunity framework; hence, to be navigation that has to be when you work together, you can set as a plan, which has to come PHOTO © PEXELS avoid unnecessary competition”. through the rational thinking Adding to this, Dr. Dissanayake process.” said that it is important that the Now, can a business work company comes together, stays or think of a different strategy together, and finally grows during this uncertain period of Rethinking business strategies together through a business time? Giving a solution to this partner model. “We need to problem, Dr. Dissanayake said it inculcate this new shared strategy is essential to pave the industry within ourselves to overcome roles to clients as a partnering situations, and as soon as the organisation, rather than a decision is taken, the company can traditional client base. also be a winning partner within a amidst pandemic limited opportunity framework,” Strategy implementation he said. In the Sri Lankan context, Thirdly, what companies manager, you would think about Conclusion it is important to note that the believe is that execution should be reducing employment benefits, strategies and plans used during guided by the top level. However, marketing budgets, research and What we successfully applied During a crisis period like the first wave of Covid-19 are not according to Dr. Dissanayake, the development budgets, and even as a strategy in the first half of this, managers and all other valid to be used during the second world is moving in the bottom- customer benefits.” the issue at the very beginning stakeholders hit a panic mode in wave of Covid-19 because the to-top-level management style, Explaining this comment, he of last year and the same terms of decision-making. If you second wave came with different which means execution has to said that Covid-19 has given excavation excellences do not had noticed, many people lost features and a different behavioral be given to lower levels or even the opportunity to revamp our exactly match with the second their jobs during the past year impact on the economy, society, the middle level through an thinking and our normal practices half of the case because managers make decisions and of course human life. empowered culture where they towards progressive methods. that are in fact supposed to be “What we successfully applied act as their own bosses for the The strategy should be a mindset considered as the last resort, such as a strategy in the first half of spectrum. to relook the incidents by being you’re going to find the solution as salary cuts, etc. the issue at the very beginning of Finally, strategy drives dynamic, going with the trend with a negative zone of tolerance, In regard to this, Dr. last year and the same excavation responsibility with responsible rather than panicking at the then this may have a long-term Dissanayake stated that an excellences do not exactly people with designation who situations. negative impact on the company, evaluation should be made based match with the second half of are questioned for progress or Suggesting a solution, Dr. which means you’re going further on the decisions the relevant the case. Maybe in the next few achievement. “I do specifically Dissanayake said the solution to a much worse scenario.” stakeholders make and the months, we will have to rethink say that during the pandemic of preventing being a single Concluding this section, he outcome it will produce. “You of the strategies and how we situation, where everything is loop is to change the attitude said it is important for people develop a brand where you claim are going to make our public being challenged drastically, the into a “multiple-loop-thinking in the authority to be updated premium price in the market. ready to face the strategy and term ‘responsibility’ should be or 360-degree manager”, which about everything and to think Whatever the situation may be, challenges comes out of it,” Dr. ‘accountability’,” Dr. Dissanayake means to access the real impact of many other options which you think that prices should be Dissanayake said. explained. to the net profit and evaluating are generally out of the border reduced to increase sales. But As we know, the first thing a the zone of tolerance and then because this is where you can find have you ever thought about project, business, or any other finding alternative strategies with radical solutions to the prevailing claiming that higher margin price related matter would have at the Dr. Ravi Dissanayake collaborative models, with an situations. for your band and the years you initial stage is a plan. Hence, addition of also trying to reduce have put to make this brand to be adding to this, Dr. Dissanayake belief, Dr. Dissanayake said A strategic plan should be the cost factor via radical process/ How to think differently? positioned as a premium product? noted that a business without a that firstly, a strategy should be redefined and could be focused value chain options. Remodeling a business strategy Decisions such as this make you plan and only with a strategic rethought when a company faces for three to four months as “There are a lot of instances doesn’t mean you shouldn’t focus lose your stance in the market. set of senior managers is a rather turbulence in a time of crisis it should be related to the where even competitive on long-term decisions or long- Hence, it is important to keep the documented thing which will the one faced at present. “For scenario. If we can’t measure companies work together in a term plans, but it focuses on long- bottom line and outcomes as it result in the company driving instance, a strategic plan should and predict what would collaborative manner in order for term outcomes and the ways and is and to do the changes as much without a clear vision and a clear be redefined and could be focused happen in the next four value chain sharing – this is not needs which have to be flexible as possible within the system by outcome. for three to four months as it months, then the long-term just in Sri Lanka, but globally and dynamic. making sure you wouldn’t harm Further elaborating the topic should be related to the scenario. strategy might not work to get down the marginal cost The first method would be your most valuable business of strategy, Dr. Dissanayake If we can’t measure and predict incurred by the company. Hence, to focus on the company goal. partner. mentioned that a lot of companies what would happen in the next if you could do that, you could Indeed, goals differ from one When the decisions are made, believe some myths such as that four months, then the long-term Single loop probably mitigate the problem company to another and right it is vital that the impacts of those a company should have a long- strategy might not work,” he said. A “single loop” is the way faced by the company,” he noted. now, with this pandemic, a decisions are considered; as Dr. term focused plan, should be Secondly, companies should be managers think during times of It is essential to note that a model to rethink strategies could Dissanayake said, every second competitive, needs a big picture, thinking big, which means it has a crisis. Speaking in this regard, single loop of thinking could be changed. For instance, Dr. this business world is changing the execution should be always to be a precise picture, adding: Dr. Dissanayake said that this is negatively boomerang in your Dissanayake said that if a main because it is challenged by guided by the top level, and the “When we come to action focus, something managers or owners organisation, so this where goal of a company is to be better consumers and employees because fact that a strategy drives with we have to focus and look at the should avoid as this makes you managers shouldn’t panic. than other companies, then the they are human beings, so nothing responsibility. focal picture rather than thinking think how to recover from the “When a situation comes with main focus is on competitive in this world remains in terms of Counterarguing this popular of the big picture.” loss. “For instance, if you’re a very shocking information and if strategy. “This is good, but by this strategy. the sunday morning business 5 Sunday, February 21, 2021 ECONOMY

BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR sorting this issue as well,” he added. “We need new investments for that, we If investment is water, a country need new laws and we are planning to is a land and plants are the submit a new set of investment laws to the respective country’s resources and parliament in the coming weeks. SMEs infrastructures. A country without are the backbone. We are taking measures investment is basically like a land to revive them. To do that, the country’s full of withering plants longing economic indicators have to be in a stable to be watered and nurtured. If a position and for that measures have been country is to be developed and taken already such as maintaining low reach its full economic potential, interest rates, strengthening the currency, introducing payment facilities for example there is no second question: It Lanka QR, and digitalising stock market.” requires investment, be it public, private, domestic, or foreign. What more should be done ideally? Investors are undoubtedly a crucial part A World Bank article suggests Sri Lanka of a developing economy. In particular, a couple of ways it can improve its FDI such economies require Foreign Direct flows into the country. They are: Investments (FDIs) as companies yy Reworking trade policy in developing countries often need multinational funding and global expertise More trade will help diversify the if they are to reach international markets. economy and exports and lift a burden Further, FDIs increase the standard of off of the public sector to drive growth. living as recipient businesses receive “best It can also actively promote technology practices” management, legal guidance, absorption, skill upgrading, and increased and accounting guidance from their foreign competitiveness; workers, consumers, investors as The Balance puts it out. By producers, and the State will benefit in the adopting these practices, employees’ long-run as a result. lifestyle gets enhanced and improved. yy Promoting investments and enabling In addition to this, one of the main Why don’t regulations while avoiding policy advantages of FDIs as economists opine uncertainty is that it offsets volatility created by “hot money”. According to Investopedia, “hot Reforms are needed to address critical money” signifies currency that quickly and challenges in areas like land ownership. regularly moves between financial markets Currently, land is primarily state-owned in that ensures investors lock in the highest investors like us? Sri Lanka, and land administration is weak available short-term interest rates. and cumbersome. Anecdotal evidence Being a developing nation, all these and providing services to prospective legality of tenure entails the cumbersome the standard and special regimes in points to discouraged FDI projects due benefits in every way applies to Sri investors. examination of a series of transactions a single competitive regime, as few to land issues. A large share of exports Lanka. Gifted with abundance of In fact, promotion is only one of several spread over decades. The Registration of regional competitors have provided and most export innovation has occurred indigenous natural resources, jaw-dropping tools available to countries eager to attract Title Act (1998) provides an appropriate special regimes, with the exception of in a few Export Processing Zones, landscapes, and a geostrategic location, foreign investment. Governments offer tax legal framework, according to UNCTAD. Singapore. primarily in the Western Province, that are attracting FDIs into Sri Lanka would be a incentives and grants; provide industrial Further, UNCTAD adds that investor yy In regional logistics, Sri Lanka has now generally at capacity, new Special piece of cake you might say. But the reality estates, export processing zones, and other interviews suggest that there are some a special regime for Export Trading Economic Zones (SEZs) are being planned. proves otherwise as still we are lagging infrastructure; and attempt to simplify the areas of relatively poor governance as Houses, including re-exporters. Long-term policy strategies can serve as behind many other developing countries bureaucratic procedures facing potential revenue administration – both income tax However, this scheme does not capture path-setters and expressed commitment in the region in terms of FDIs. This week, investors, for example. and customs – was singled out. the exceptionally low tax regime to policy continuity in support of the The Market Mine of The Sunday Morning “They negotiate bilateral tax, trade, and “The BOI was created in part to provide required to be competitive in freeport Government’s vision. Business is taking a look at FDIs into Sri investment treaties with countries from an alternative solution to governance activities. Location of these activities yy Addressing labour-related issues and Lanka, what has been holding them back, wherever investments might come. They issues that seemed intractable at the time. is highly tax sensitive and competitive, getting women to work and what are the measures taken by the attempt to create a favourable environment However, it is not sufficient to provide a and Sri Lanka should review its current and preceding governments of Sri by guaranteeing repatriation of profits, solution only for BOI clients. All private approach – possibly in conjunction Efforts are also needed to expand Lanka. assuring access to imported components, investors ought to be able to function in a with the proposed development of a the pool of labour, relax constraints in and promising not to expropriate climate of good governance,” it added. transhipment port on the south-east labour laws such as lengthy and costly Stats prove FDIs into SL have not property without compensation. Further, coast. termination procedures, and equip Sri been really ‘impressive’ governments recognise the importance of 3. Inefficient taxation / tax structure Lankans with skills in demand in the political stability, realistic exchange rates, As the UNCTAD report points out, a yy In international financial services, marketplace. In particular, Sri Lanka can Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and rapid growth in attracting foreign minimum investment is usually required Sri Lanka does not have a specially benefit tremendously from boosting its and Indonesia are a couple of developing investment. Although attracting foreign in order to qualify for incentives and calibrated fiscal regime designed to female labour force participation rate countries in the Asian region. According investment requires efforts in many areas, tax benefits announced by a respective attract such services, compared to by addressing issues such as a lack of to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) promotion techniques provide an important government. Eligibility is assessed by the countries that have seriously attempted quality childcare, skills mismatch, unsafe classification, Malaysia is an emerging mechanism for communicating all these BOI, which directly administers the import to develop an offshore financial sector. transport, and poor working conditions that and developing nation. As per World efforts to potential investors,” the book and excise duty concessions and monitors Sri Lanka has permitted foreign keep women away from the labour force. Bank statistics, FDIs and net inflows as a stated. adherence to the investment obligations currency banking units for many years, yy Providing enabling logistics and the percentage of Malaysia’s Gross Domestic Sri Lanka has always been keen in that give rise to the incentives. but these have not developed fully into right infrastructure environment Product (GDP) in 2019 was 2.09%, while promoting its tourism. Likewise, it is true offshore services. it was 2.3%, 2.9%, 4.4%, 3.2%, and 3.1% imperative for the country to market itself yy In regional headquarters schemes Nationally, Sri Lanka needs to address respectively in 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, for potential investors as well. (RHQs), Sri Lanka has a dedicated transportation shortfalls, which have seen and 2014. special regime, but this is probably not inequitable development with some regions Meanwhile, Indonesia, another 2. Lethargic and cumbersome bureaucracy disconnected from growth, increasing and regulations competitive with aggressive alternative developing country in the Asian region locations. issues of congestion, and inadequate safety with a population of over 270 million, The Ease of Doing Business Index for women. Different areas face different received FDIs and net inflows of 2.2% as (EDBI) explains it all. The Doing In addition to these three main issues, transportation gaps in roads, air travel, and a percentage of GDP in 2019 while it was Business project by the World Bank In terms of comparative tax survey there are also corruption-related issues marine transportation infrastructure while 1.8% in 2018, 2.0% in 2017, 0.4% in 2016, provides objective measures of business implications, UNCTAD had the following coupled with lack of labour and skills rail infrastructure is outdated and limited, 2.2% in 2015, and 2.8% in 2014. regulations and their enforcement across to survey: available locally for foreign investments to especially for the transport of goods. On the other hand, the Philippines’ FDIs 190 economies and selected cities at the incorporate them into their projects. yy In manufacturing,Sri Lanka’s standard and net inflows as a percentage of GDP subnational and regional level. Under this Why should we care? regime is highly competitive with the in 2019 was 2.04%. It was 2.86%, 3.1%, project, in 2020, Sri Lanka was ranked 85 Measures taken so far by the current Answers for this question have been comparator standard regimes. Corporate 2.5%, 1.8%, and 1.9% in 2018, 2017, in terms of starting a business, 66 in terms thoroughly explained by World Bank taxes are moderate, and customs duties Government 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. In of dealing with construction permits, 89 in Programme Leader for Sri Lanka and on industrial plants and machinery are terms of Thailand, it was 1.1% in 2019 getting electricity and a shocking 138 in During a recent Parliament session, Maldives Tatiana Nenova, in a World low. However, many countries have while it was 2.6% in 2018, 1.8% in 2017, terms of registering property, 132 in getting responding to a question raised by a fellow Bank blog post. First, it is because FDI introduced a special regime for export 0.6% in 2016, 2.2% in 2015, and 1.2% in credit, 142 in paying taxes, and 164 in parliamentarian, State Minister of Money, and domestic investment are at the heart of manufacturing that includes extensive 2014. enforcing contracts – these numbers are not Capital Market, and State Enterprise economic growth. customs duty relief and, sometimes, When it comes to Sri Lanka, FDIs and something Sri Lanka should be proud of. Reforms elaborated “FDI could help accelerate Sri Lanka’s lengthy tax holidays. Sri Lanka has net inflows as part our GDP was merely The United Nations Conference on Trade a couple of measures taken by the current arrival at upper middle-income country broadly followed suit, although it 0.9% in 2019, the lowest among these and Development (UNCTAD) said that Government in attracting FDIs into the status. Annual real GDP per capita growth is relatively more reliant on taxing five countries. In 2018, it was 1.8%, the sanctity of contract and the rule of law country. averaged a bit above 4% in Sri Lanka over dividends than corporate profits. There less that Indonesia, Malaysia, and the are generally accepted in Sri Lanka and The aforementioned fellow the past three decades. Accelerating this is no scope for increasing the tax burden Philippines achieved in the said year. In disputes can be taken to the courts, and Parliamentarian was Hesha Withanage and to 6% would speed up reaching upper- on export manufacturers. 2017, Sri Lanka’s FDIs and net inflows as the judiciary is independent in business his first question from the State Minister was middle-income status – imagine reaching a percentage of the GDP was 1.5%, again matters. It adds that however, justice yy In hotels, competitors frequently whether necessary infrastructure to attract Singapore standards of living roughly the lowest of all these countries. In 2016, it is slow and investors report that court provide special regimes with low direct FDIs in Sri Lanka has been improved over a generation early. To get there, higher was 1.0%, highest only to that of Indonesia proceedings are fraught with injunctions, taxes but high indirect taxes. Sri Lanka’s the years. The response from Cabraal was investment is needed,” Nenova stressed. and the Philippines while in 2015 and postponements, and other delaying tactics. standard and special regimes are more that the infrastructure has been developed In addition to this FDI undoubtedly boost 2014, it was 0.8% and 1.1%, lowest of all Thus, business generally prefers to avoid competitive in this regard. There could compared to how it was 10 years ago but economic growth, drive technology, and five countries. this route. be scope to remove the income and added that at some places, investors get innovation. UNCTAD adds that retention of strong dividend tax holiday, possibly in return discouraged due to a couple of pitfalls and “Sri Lanka’s public investment is Here is where we have gone wrong powers of the Government to compulsorily for improved buildings depreciation, even those pitfalls are analysed thoroughly still low when compared to its peers. 1. Lack of global promotion acquire land for the purposes in current while remaining competitive and by Ease of Doing Business Index. The island’s fiscal budget is rigid with vogue is another factor foreign investors making the scheme available to all The next question was asking whether almost 60% of the expenditure being As a local blog mentions, many people are not very fond of. investors. quick services have been introduced for predetermined. Public investment is low do not know what Sri Lanka is and where “The Land Acquisition Act remains yy investors. The response from Cabraal for and private investment needs to take up it is. I have seen videos of Sri Lankans in place. It authorises the Government In business and professional services, this particular question was a yes. its share of the burden. FDI and private overseas asking foreigners whether they to acquire land from private holders for the standard and special (services “You might have seen recently that investment from domestic sources can help know about a country named Sri Lanka. any ‘deemed’ public purpose. There is exports) regimes are competitive the President himself has appointed a accelerate growth and create jobs. FDI can While many opt for “I do not know”, no right of appeal (except in relation to within the region. The principal special commission directing them to investigate enable the introduction of new technologies some of them presume it is some sort of compensation), although an aggrieved scheme for export services is aimed bureaucracy that hinders further and innovative ways of production and an annexure to India possibly because of party can seek judicial review of the largely at the garment and transportation progression of an investment or a business. service provision, which can then be shared cultural values. But strangely, many administrative action taken. Compulsory industries. Services exports could also He has also asked the committee to come replicated by local firms increasing their of such people seem to be familiar with the land acquisition powers have been aim to attract foreign investors to base up with viable alternatives for laws that productivity and competitiveness and name “Ceylon”, mainly due to Sri Lanka’s extended to statutory bodies,” it added. themselves in Sri Lanka in order to obstruct investments into the country,” plugging them into domestic and global world-famous Ceylon tea. For foreigners, The Board of Investment (BOI) provide services in the region. There added Cabraal, a former governor of the value chains. Greater FDI would enhance Sri Lanka is more of a “place to go for a can compulsorily acquire land for any should be scope for harmonising the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. the access of Sri Lanka’s producers to vacation” rather than a “place to invest”. deemed public purpose. Moreover, the taxation of domestic sales and exports of He went on to say that the committee global production networks and facilitate In short, this proves Sri Lanka lacks global compensation for the unimproved land business and professional services at a comprises Presidential Advisor Lalith the development of new activities within promotion. value is fixed as at the date of the inception lower common corporate tax rate. Weeratunga and John Keells Holdings existing value chains, thereby increasing Marketing a country plays a paramount of the BOI in 1978. The 2003 amendment yy In information and communication Chairman Krishan Balendra to ensure that added value in production and accelerating role in strategically positioning the to the BOI Act extends this power to technologies (ICT), India has led both private and public sectors are covered economic growth,” Nenova’s list of respective country amongst potential the Regional Economic Development the race, providing exceptional ICT under this committee. According to him, benefits to Sri Lanka goes on. foreign investors. According to “Marketing Commissions. incentives. In Sri Lanka there is no a Cabinet Sub-Committee on Investment It is high time for Sri Lankan governments a country: Promotion as a tool for attracting A second constant in the history of land minimum investment threshold, Promotion too has been appointed. to work on addressing pitfalls in attracting foreign investment”, written by Louis T. regulation is a lack of proper records and although 15 technically qualified people “Even though they are given direction to FDIs into the country instead of the usual Wells, Jr. and Alvin G. Wint, promotional clear title, especially in rural areas. It must be employed or 300 students follow, impracticality issues appear only blame games. Again, it is unavoidable for techniques consist of providing information appears that successive governments have enrolled in training. when following those directions either a developing country to attract FDIs if it is to potential investors, creating an attractive lacked the capacity to issue adequate titles. y because of those directions being unclear to become a “developed” country decades image of the country as a place to invest, The current system of ascertaining the y In health, there is scope for rationalising or not implemented properly. We are down the line. 6 the sunday morning business CERAMIC/FINANCIAL Sunday, February 21, 2021

BY YAKUTA DAWOOD more production. years,” Makeen said. “Secondly; the raw material Commenting on the current Removal of the ban on concerning clay. Clay is also a ban imposition, Makeen stated ceramic imports, re-imposing bit of an issue in Sri Lanka and if that the Government is proposing the exact ban within 24 the Government regularised and to relax imports with a duty. hours from the removal brought efficiency in this industry “This is going to be enough to announcement, and again for raw materials then yes, Sri motivate the local manufacturers removing selected ceramic Lanka can be self-sufficient within to get into the industry. However, items from the import ban a three years,” Hussain explained. I think there’s a demand which couple of days after the initial Lanka Walltiles is the market currently the local manufacturers “removal announcement” leader in wall tile manufacturing cannot fulfil. Hence, I think what in Sri Lanka and can produce the Government is planning is to have made ceramic imports a 2.3 million square metres of tiles release the imports with adequate hot topic in the local business annually, and exports to several protectionist measures to protect world. countries. In May 2020, Lanka local manufacturers.” Amidst this ban removal, Walltiles stated that it believes the Meanwhile, Makeen stated an re-imposing the ban, and partially restrictions imposed on imports if important point, mentioning that re-removing the ban saga, many persisted by the Government, will currently there’s this confusion local ceramic manufacturers and serve to minimise the impact of the among the people that there importers opine that Sri Lanka is in Covid-19 pandemic on its business. is a conflict between the local a position where its local ceramic Speaking to The Sunday Morning manufacturers and the importers, manufacturing does not even come Business, Lanka Walltiles PLC which is not true. “What is close to the local demand, therefore Managing Director J.A.P.M. important is that importers have to ceramic imports have to be Jayasekere stated Sri Lanka cannot look at manufacturing in the future permitted, while some nationalists be self-sufficient, not now and not and, collectively, we all have to say that Sri Lanka does not need anytime sooner because it is not get together and improve our local ceramic imports and it should be easy. manufacturing and this is what is able to self-sustain. We are taking “We can’t be self-sufficient important for the country in the a look at whether Sri Lanka can be because to make tiles, the factories future,” Makeen emphasised. self-sufficient in terms of ceramic will have to increase the production Additionally, he also stated that if needs. Can Sri Lanka rate of the factories and expand it by the energy used for manufacturing three times and for that, Sri Lanka tiles switches from LPG to Local ceramic industry does not have the capacity, such liquefied natural gas (LNG), then Sri Lanka is a developing nation. as in terms of raw materials, etc.,” the cost of production would be The infrastructure growth rate of Jayasekere said. reduced, leading to manufacturing building hotels, apartments, houses, Commenting on the current firms gaining higher benefits. and such other developments is be ceramic ongoing situation, Jayasekere said “The Government is planning on evolving at a rapid pace and due to that the Government will have to lift providing liquefied natural gas the modernised interior designing, the ban as it is not practical because to the industry in the future and the demand for and usage of wall local manufacturers cannot meet this has to be expedited. With the tiles, floor tiles, and roof tiles, the current demand placed in the reduced cost of energy, I think Sri etc., are also increasing in Sri self-sufficient? industry. Lanka will also be able to export Lanka. It is also known that in “However, the ban should tiles in the future,” Makeen noted. Sri Lankan building construction ceramic products such as porcelain restrictions imposed on ceramic Importers’ Association President essentially be lifted after an According to Makeen, the local applications, ceramic floor tiles tableware, ornamental ware, and imports, as a new instruction was Kamil Hussain said that due to the introduction of appropriate duties manufacturers can only cater to show a significant contribution utility ware, tiles including wall issued by the Department of Import import restriction, the entire value and tariff rates. In Budget 2020 all about 50-60% of the country’s in comparison with other floor tiles and floor tiles, sanitaryware and Export Control for Sri Lanka chain has collapsed, which has a import duties were reduced so if we requirements and thus, Macktiles development materials. and bathware, earthenware and Customs and all commercial banks huge impact on the import industry. allow imports at that reduced tariff has ordered new machinery to Another significant reason is stoneware products, cement, glass to suspend the implementation of “It’s a huge impact because more rate, local manufacturers will have increase the production capacity. that Sri Lanka’s ceramic industry and refractory, and also redbrick, the said Extraordinary Gazette until than 100,000 people are depending to sell tile prices at unimaginable “The problem in the tile industry boasts a history dating back roofing tiles, and terracotta further notice. on this trade and as an association, rates which could result in some is that the production cannot be several centuries and it’s known products. After a week, issuing a gazette we also have bank commitments factories not operating at all, leading increased very fast because the to be the leader of traditional notification, the Ministry of Finance and we have not terminated to the closure of such facilities in machinery is a bit complicated and ceramic products since then Ban and recent changes has exempted a number of ceramic anybody as we have been basically the future,” Jayasekere emphasised. it has to come from Italy and it will due to its unique, distinctive, Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, items from its prolonged stringent maintaining all the people for the Explaining further, Jayasekere take at least up to 5-6 months until elegant, and illustration of the the Sri Lankan Government import restrictions. last 10 months,” Hussain said. noted that if the import ban is lifted, we get the machinery and install influence of ancient craftsmanship brought in import restrictions on importers will start importing at and start the enhanced production.” products compared to other Asian non-essential items in mid-March Questions surrounding lower prices which would make it Giving a concluding statement, competitors. last year to avoid a possible foreign self-sufficiency harder for manufacturers to compete Makeen said that the ban being Sri Lanka is enriched with raw exchange crisis. However, on 1 I think there’s a demand Due to this current situation with that price rate in the industry. released “will make it (the industry) materials used in the ceramic April 2020, this was revised to which currently the local in the country, one of the vital “Lanka Walltiles will be affected a level-playing field for everyone”. industry such as graphite, ilmenite, include all import items except manufacturers cannot fulfil. questions we come across is, will only if the Government does not Our attempts to get a comment rutile, zircon, quartz, feldspar, pharmaceuticals and fuel. Despite Hence, I think what the Sri Lanka be self-sufficient in introduce a proper duty structure from Royal Ceramics Lanka PLC clay, kaolin, apatite (phosphate the restriction, the necessary Government is planning terms of manufacturing ceramic as the current duty structure that and Naveen Ceramic proved futile rock), silica sand, garnet sand, raw material required for export is to release the imports and tile ware in this current is imposed is very much in favour on 6 February 2021. mica, calcite, and dolomite. “The purposes were allowed to be with adequate protectionist booming industry? To gain more of imports and I have no doubt the Conclusion excellent quality and purity of brought into the country. measures to protect local insight into this subject, The local manufacturers will have to these materials, which is available Last week on 2 February 2021, manufacturers Sunday Morning Business spoke to reduce production if they allow the As of now, accomplishing self- in abundance, contribute to the Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa several local manufacturers in Sri importation of tiles at those tariff sufficiency in Sri Lanka is said to Macktiles Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd. high standards of the products. in his capacity as the Minister Managing Director Lanka. rates,” he noted. be hard due to the unavailability Being over 60% value addition, of Finance, issued a gazette Mohamed Mizver Makeen Commenting further on Sri Lanka Further, we also spoke to of production capacity to local the ceramic industry ranks high notification which “deleted” the being self-sufficient, Hussain said Macktiles Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd. manufacturers. The question of amongst the locally manufactured ceramic items from “Schedule that right now it is not possible as Managing Director Mohamed whether the import ban is going export products,” the Sri Lanka I” of the Imports and Exports Extraordinary Gazette No. the local manufacturers cater only Mizver Makeen, who stated that the to be in effect or not is yet to Export Development Board (EDB) (Control) Regulation No. 4 of 2020, 2214/56 dated 11 February, with to 50% of the demand, resulting in tile industry in Sri Lanka could be be determined and currently, states in its website. published in Gazette Extraordinary the signature of Prime Minister surge prices of tiles everywhere. self-sufficient within one year. it’s the responsibility of local One of the key advantages of No. 21841/21 dated 16 July 2020, Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Minister “Firstly, we need to plan to bring “In the tile industry, with manufacturers to cater to demand this industry is the research and and included them in “Schedule II” of Finance, includes products of new factories into the industry with additional factories coming in, which is demanded. development facilities available in of the said Gazette. Accordingly, ceramic pipes, conduits, guttering government incentives and we need local manufacturers increasing their Self-sufficiency is not an easy Sri Lanka along with highly skilled Schedule II stipulated that items can and pipe fittings, ceramic sinks, to look at a lot of other aspects production capacity, and also with task as everything should be done labour availability with competitive be imported only on a minimum washbasins, wash basin pedestals, such as the tile and sanitaryware the availability of raw material to improve efficiency, production, labour costs, top management 180-day credit facility provided by baths, bidets, water closet pans, industry being mostly energy (80% to 90%) in Sri Lanka, self- and whatnot, but if the Government at factory levels, state-of-the-art the foreign supplier, from the date flushing cisterns, urinals, and driven and India manufacturing at sufficiency could result as soon as gives incentives to the necessary technology, extraordinary ethical of Bill of Lading or Airway Bill of similar sanitary fixtures, and a more competitive price than Sri possible. However, with regard to industries, new local manufacturers standards, and confidentiality of said goods. exempts all forms of tiles, wall tiles, Lanka. So, if we change liquefied the sanitaryware, we need more would come into the market and design integrity. However, the Government swiftly and floor tiles. petroleum gas (LPG) energy into manufacturers coming into the this might help the country in According to EDB, the Sri revised the decision within a few Speaking to The Sunday Morning some other option, then the cost will industry and this will take a little achieving ceramic self-sufficiency Lankan ceramic industry supplies hours after relaxing stringent import Business, Tile and Sanitaryware come down, which could result in longer for at least two to three in the long run.

LOLC Group records Rs. 45 b PAT for nine months LOLC Holdings PLC (LOLC) The flagship finance company trust the depositors place in these contributing Rs. 970 million and Rs. company and holds a stock of 12.2 (CIFC), a mixed development releasing its nine months results, of LOLC, LOLC Finance PLC companies, considering the group’s 325 million respectively, as profits million litres of ENA/RS to be sold, project in the Colombo Port City records a PAT of Rs. 45 billion (LOFC) recorded a PAT of Rs. financial stability and strength. in the nine months up to December. while the sales concluded stands at (CPC). This project comprises a after adjusting for corporate tax on 4.2 billion compared with Rs. 961 The global expansion strategy for LOLC’s trading and 5.8 million litres of ENA. land area under development of a PBT of Rs. 48 billion. The group million achieved in the comparable the financial services sector remains manufacturing businesses made a The leisure sector was directly 6.8 hectares with an investment records Rs. 4 billion as profits for period last year. a key focus, with plans being made profit contribution of Rs. 2 billion affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, value totalling $ 1 billion and the quarter, a healthy performance Commercial Leasing and Finance for further investments in Africa and compared with a loss of Rs. 1 however, due to the group’s timely represents important long-term considering the Covid-19 pandemic PLC (CLC) recorded Rs. 1.9 billion in Asia. billion recorded in the previous year. conversion of these properties implications on the economic situation negatively affecting the as PAT for the current nine months LOLC currently operates in Brown and Company PLC made into repatriation hotels, the loss growth of Sri Lanka. financial services and leisure sector compared with Rs. 1.2 billion made Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Myanmar, Rs. 1.2 billion as profits in the nine was contained at Rs. 2.8 billion. LOLC Group Managing directly and other sectors indirectly. in the previous year. The profit of Indonesia, the Philippines, Pakistan, months. The group continues with the Director/CEO Kapila Jayawardena The group’s financial services LOLC Development Finance PLC Nigeria and Zambia in Financial The plantations and power construction of properties in Sri commenting on the performance sector contributed Rs. 3.5 billion (LOLCDF) was Rs. 216 million services, the Maldives and Sierra generation sector improved their Lanka and in the Maldives, which said: “We are pleased with the as profits and these results were compared with a Rs. 124 million Leone in Non-Financial Services loss position, reducing losses will enable commencement of performance achieved by our achieved allowing a strong level recorded in the last year. businesses. to Rs. 1.6 billion from Rs. 2.3 operations when the leisure business companies in the nine months up to of risk mitigating provisions LOLC’s foreign financial services Despite the global economic billion during the nine months. returns to normalcy. December 2020 despite the Covid- amounting to Rs. 23 billion (Rs. entities contributed well to the downturn, LOLC Group has a Maturata Plantations Ltd. made Anticipating strong growth in the 19 pandemic affecting businesses 10.3 billion in 2019) for bad and profits of the Group, with LOLC strong pipeline of multilateral a significant contribution to this leisure business in the medium to globally. The sale of PRASAC doubtful debts being made, over Cambodia leading the way with a funding available to LOLC and reduction in losses with a strong long term and the resultant capital Micro Finance Company at the and above the regulated levels. Rs. 5.7 billion PAT, followed by its operating companies both profit contribution with tea exports appreciation of the properties, opportune time made the Group Conservative provisioning was LOLC Myanmar Micro Finance locally and globally. This clearly generating increased revenues. LOLC’s leisure subsidiary, EDEN stand strong during tiring times. made considering the potential risks Ltd., the greenfield business demonstrates the confidence The operation in Sierra Leone, Hotels Lanka PLC acquired the LOLC has been resilient to the arising from the pandemic and the operation of LOLC, making a profit these institutions have placed in Sunbird Bio Energy Ltd., shows controlling interest of Serendib negative effects of the pandemic dull economic environment across contribution of Rs. 554 million as the LOLC Group, due it’s long strong potential in the medium Leisure for Rs. 798 million. with the diversification and the all countries in which the group PAT. The rest of the companies also unblemished track record and the term with the company achieving In December, Browns timely expansion into the region and operates. Due to the current crisis made healthy progress, despite the potential for growth, even during its primary goals in the short span Investments PLC, LOLC’s beyond. We are well geared to face situation, the livelihoods of all global impact of Covid-19. this turbulent period. of time since the investment. The Strategic Investment Arm, entered the challenges in the coming months sectors have been badly affected and The three finance companies in LOLC’s two insurance company achieved its plantation into an agreement to partner and have aligned our mid-term to at the request of the regulators of Sri Lanka experienced a strong level companies, LOLC General target of 5,400 hectares of sugarcane with China Harbour Engineering long-term strategies to stay strong each country, the group’s financial of deposit inflows despite the all- Insurance Ltd. and LOLC Life being planted. The factory operation Company Ltd. (CHEC) to and to reap the benefits that will be services companies have extended time low interest rates. The deposit Assurance Ltd., recorded a is running well for the second commence the Colombo present during the recovery period moratoriums to affected customers. books grew, demonstrating the strong level of business growth year since our involvement in the International Finance Centre and after.” the sunday morning business 7 Sunday, February 21, 2021 INVESTMENT/FUNDING

Private sector involvement in developing ports became a A PATHFINDER BRIEF critical necessity in the 1980s due to a host of reasons. The bottleneck effect caused due to congestion in ports had a considerable strain on Understanding the role of the efficiency of distribution chains, which is an important factor that needed attention. In this backdrop, government investments into port development FDI in port development were seen as “White Elephant Syndrome”. Capacities of other regional hubs and their utilisation levels during 2019 Amplified by recurring port Regional hub ports Capacity CY 2019 throughput Utilisation % congestion, consequent chronic Singapore 38,000,000 37,195,636 98% service failures were mainly Hong Kong 23,000,000 18,300,000 80% attributed to the deterioration of Dubai 22,600,000 14,111,000 62% service quality during this period. Salalah 6,100,000 4,109,000 67% Inadequate port services are phenomenal in this context, owing Calendar year 2019 (Jan-Dec) volume of terminals in the Port of Colombo (“POC”) compared to the inability of governments against their respective capacities: to invest in port infrastructure PoC terminals Total throughput Capacity available Utilisation capable of catering to the needs SAGT 2,052,141 2,200,000 93% of international shipping. Hence, JCT 2,282,609 2,600,000 88% many port complexes became CICT 2,893,544 3,200,000 90% virtual “white elephants”. Total POC 7,228,294 8,000,000 90% Secondly, the centralised control by the governments in the port sector hindered adequate responses to overwhelming demands. Particularly during the 1960s to 1980, central planning in the port sector and elsewhere prevailed in the socialist economies and in many western and developing countries where state-held ports were often promoted by international development banks. The third was the restrictive labour practices, and the denial of institutional reform and technological advances that frequently precede rapid modernisation of port-handling Contribution of FDI towards the timely expansion of the Colombo Port equipment. Initially, labour unions often refused to accept reductions and lack of flexibility to attract consisted of a 600 m quay wall, in the workforce, ignoring the need main shipping lines. These are part container yard, and a 440 to upgrade skills. vital factors that Sri Lanka seems m deep-water berth. In 2016, a The World Bank has classified to have ignored in its decision request for a proposal was floated port terminal ownership to develop the East Container to develop the ECT on a build- The world’s largest shipping hubs and administration into four Terminal (ECT). The Port of operate-transfer (BOT) basis. This models based on public-private Colombo has reached its capacity was terminated in 2017 when the partnership. Port did not adapt. Colombo Port International Monetary Fund cannot discount the relevance of and is losing its market share. Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) cannot offer the additional operating (IMF) projected India to grow by India, to remain as a prospective As of 2018-2019 we have contracted with India and Japan to Gaining a share in the Indian capacity required to compete for the 11.5% in 2021 and Sri Lanka is hub port. As explained initially, reached the maximum capacity develop the ECT. Based on these subcontinent transhipment Indian subcontinent transhipment well positioned to benefit from this transhipment hubs were created as levels and had failed to gain an discussions, a Memorandum of market or the depth required to growth. domestic economies were unable annual increase of at least 5-6% of Co-operation (MoC) was signed in market post Covid berth the latest generation container India has 12 major ports and to sustain longer shipping routes. transhipment volume (see table), May 2019. This was overturned in Transhipment emerged in ships. Colombo Port will have around 200 non-major ports. In this backdrop, what we need undoubtedly lost to regional peers. February 2021 to develop the ECT the 1970s as trade with Asia to develop additional container In FY20, major ports in India to realise is that expansion of the Shippers’ Academy Colombo as a public service port. increased. However, volumes berths with the required depth to handled 704.82 million metric Colombo Port is unsustainable in Chief Executive Officer (CEO) were not sufficient to justify direct address this capacity and depth tonnes (MMT) of cargo. Cargo the absence of Indian transhipment Rohan Masakorala in his article Contribution of FDI towards connections to many ports in Asia. infrastructure constraints if it is traffic at non-major ports reached containers. published in the Daily FT the timely expansion of the Nevertheless, Kaohsiung emerged to remain a transhipment hub 447.21 MMT in FY20. Since ports captioned “Shipping and Ports as the first transhipment hub. As port.” Transhipment and India’s handle almost 95% of the trade Importance of links between in crisis”, clearly articulates an Colombo Port container ships grew larger on contribution towards hub status volumes in India, the rising trade port operators and shipping opportunity cost of 10% growth in Only 20% of the ECT has been improved designs, setting up of of the Colombo Port is a fact that has contributed significantly to transhipment volume lost due to developed up to now. It can service pure transhipment hubs along cannot be ignored. the country’s cargo traffic. Given lines delays in developing the ECT. only 200,000 TEUs annually at its major shipping routes, including South Asia has suffered the most the positive outlook, proposed Major port operators have The ECT was to be operational best now. An investment of another Colombo, became a necessity. during the pandemic with a 10% investment in major ports was established links with main by 2017, which would have added $ 550 million is required to develop The Colombo Port expansion dip in forecasted volumes. The expected to reach $ 18.6 billion shipping lines to plan routes, approximately three million TEUs the ECT to handle three million project was funded by the Asian region will play catchup in the by 2020, while those in non-major which are strategically important to annually to the Port of Colombo TEUs annually. This needs to be Development Bank (ADB) owing years to come. ports, around $ 28.5 billion. shipping lines. The shipping lines (POC) capacity. Sri Lanka has lost done immediately to develop the to the country’s ailing domestic Meanwhile, Singapore has lost Indian transhipment is the main schedule their routes considering a golden opportunity to capture terminal within two years. Duration economy. In ADB’s 2007 report, the its top slot to Shanghai in the last business of the Port of Colombo. the services and pricing offered market share due to inconsistent is crucial in maintaining market rationale for the expansion is stated 14 years. Zhoushan, Shenzen, and With terminals being developed, by the port operators. This and government policy. The Sri Lanka share for the entire port. FDI is as: “Colombo Port is the natural Guanzhou have been developed the total capacity of Colombo can a host of other reasons compel Ports Authority (SLPA) completed the need of the hour. It brings a transhipment hub for the South as very close competitors to be projected to an estimated 14-15 governments to refrain from port development of the first phase package of capital and also market Asian region. However, in recent Singapore. Growth in these new million TEUs (20-foot equivalent development, including inability of the ECT by early 2015. This access and technology transfer will years, Colombo Port lost its market ports was driven by Chinese unit) annually. As of now, 85% ensure timely development without share in the regional transhipment economic growth. Similarly, Sri of this will be transhipment stressing the GoSL financially. The market because the fundamentals of Lanka cannot ignore the growth containers, over 70% of which will GoSL will find it very challenging the market changed, and Colombo in the Indian economy. The be to/from India, hence Colombo to invest $ 550 million to develop the ECT based on their financial capability. Only time will tell if the decision to develop the ECT as a public service port would be implemented in a timely and cost- effective manner, as articulated by the trade unions. On a positive note, the GoSL’s initiative to hold discussions with India and Japan to develop the Western Container Terminal (WCT) as a private service port on a 35-year concession is a welcome Categorised port terminal ownership The top 10 terminal operators with their respective market shares in 2019 change under these circumstances. NSB raises international funding of S 35 m National Savings Bank (NSB) has performance in reaching a highly in expanding the bank’s balance The duo also supported NSB in announced that it has recently raised satisfactory agreement. sheet and steering it towards this obtaining a $ 100 million loan a $ 35 million loan facility supported “We are delighted to announce goal. NSB is committed to the facility in 2018. NDB Investment by Indian Bank and Indian Overseas that we have been successful in development of the country and its Bank is the market leader for Bank. raising funds, especially during these citizens, as a trusted financier with a investment banking in Sri Lanka The relationship that NSB enjoys difficult times. I would like to thank track record nearing 50 years. with over 23 years of operating with its banking partners has allowed the funding banks for supporting A pioneer state bank that is geared history, offering an array of financial NSB to access the international debt our growth strategy and our to support government policies of products and services in the areas market at a competitive interest rate. advisors, NDB Investment Bank and economic growth, NSB has won of debt and equity structuring The facility was arranged jointly by Alpen Capital, for facilitating this local and global recognition for its and distribution, mergers and NDB Investment Bank of Sri Lanka transaction,” said National Savings efforts. In October 2020, the bank acquisitions, and corporate advisory and Alpen Capital of Dubai. Bank General Manager/CEO Ajith raised Rs. 5 billion via an Additional services. Alpen Capital (ME) Ltd. Having followed a transparent Peiris. Tier I Capital Bond Issue. Further, is incorporated as a limited liability Seated from left: NSB Senior DGM K. Raveendran, Indian Overseas Bank Country process, Indian Bank and Indian NSB is presently focused on it has raised Rs. 26 billion via company in the Dubai International Head Shameer, Indian Bank CEO Basheer Ahamed, NSB GM/CEO Ajith Peiris, NSB Overseas Bank were identified as an ambitious mid-term strategy debenture issues in 2016 and 2019 Financial Centre, Dubai, UAE and DGM – Credit and International Banking Christine Jesudian, NDB Investment Bank the most appropriate international targeting 2021 as part of diversifying and an unprecedented $ 1 billion is licensed by the Dubai Financial CEO Darshan Perera, and Alpen Capital (ME) Senior Director Dilip Samanthilake. lending partners. NSB was able to its sources of finances to spearhead through a Sovereign Bond Issue in Services Authority. Alpen Capital Standing from left: NSB Chief Manager – Corporate Finance Janaka Herath, NSB leverage on its unique strengths of government initiatives in critical 2013. offers a full range of investment Manager – Corporate Finance Jayanka De Silva, Indian Bank Senior Manager Satheeshkumar, Indian Overseas Bank Senior Manager Gangadharan, NDB having a local credit rating of AAA post-Covid revival of enterprises NDB Investment Bank and Alpen banking advisory services in the Investment Bank COO Kaushini Laksumanage, NDB Investment Bank Assistant Vice (Ika) along with a strong financial and entrepreneurs in the country. Capital (ME) Ltd. acted as the sole areas of M&A, debt, equity, and President Eshani Thenuwara, and NDB Investment Bank Assistant Manager Sarala and operational track record of This loan will provide much impetus financial advisors to the transaction. capital markets. Gunawardena 8 the sunday morning business ADVERTORIAL Sunday, February 21, 2021 SLIC emerged as market leader in 2020 Sri Lanka Insurance (SLIC) The company recorded 6% growth among the many pillars behind this was once again awarded to SLIC to emerged as the market leader in the general insurance sector despite triumph. The leading motor insurance facilitate 4.3 million schoolchildren by of the general insurance sector the 1.5% negative growth rate of the brand redefined the motor insurance providing financial assistance to ensure From left: Digital Marketing Specialists Rumesh Prabath Udayanga and at the end of year 2020, the overall general insurance industry. The experience by introducing multiple uninterrupted education. Anushka Kothalawala, Head of Digital Marketing Keith Madampage, Homelands Holdings General Manager Lanka Jayasinghe, Head company noted in a recent non-motor insurance segment of SLIC innovative motor insurance products Despite the volatility created by of Sales and Marketing Operations Anushi Hettiarachchi, Digital statement. Sri Lanka Insurance recorded a phenomenal growth of 38% catering to unique needs of customer the Covid-19 pandemic, Sri Lanka Marketing Specialist Thilina Guruge, and Assistant Manager – Digital commands a market share of achieving Rs. 8,357 million GWP while segments in the motor insurance Insurance General Sector has achieved Marketing/Corporate Communications Mariam De La Zilwa 20.3%, leading the General the motor insurance segment achieved market. commendable results confronting the Insurance market and recorded Rs. 11,806 million GWP leading the Further the “Suraksha” insurance challenges through innovative insurance Homelands Skyline a total GWP (Gross Written motor insurance segment. scheme which was initiated as a solutions and process streamlining to Premium) of Rs. 20,163 million The premier motor insurance brand collaboration of the Ministry of ensure efficient and uninterrupted service moves to digital as at 31 December 2020. “Sri Lanka Insurance Motor Plus” is Education and SLIC in year 2017 to customers. Homelands Skyline has made briefed the team in accordance its mark by claiming to be the with brand guidelines and first real estate company to move marketing strategies that had The Flemington lays BOC’s HR efforts to digital. been implemented in the past. “To stay on par with “Realising the growing need the changing marketing to create an online presence foundation stone for ensure strength environment, we were able and being able to predict Persisting with the purpose- objective included the protection to successfully reorganise our the influence it will have designed HR plans BOC of all employees, and secondly resources to create and boost a on awareness and sales, we third apartment project implemented at the height of ensuring business would go on as strong online presence. Since decided to put together a team the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, normal even with the restrictions. most people hunt for houses of individuals to take us into Following the success of The the bank has managed to ensure Therein, employee adherence to online and are looking for all the the next phase,” Jayasinghe Flemington’s first and second a safe and dynamic environment all Health Department enforced information they need with one noted. “However, although condominium development for the successful mobilisation of regulations and orders remained click, we took the initial risk and we have shifted our focus projects at Rajagiriya and staff plus continuous provision a key HR goal, complemented invested into digital marketing,” from traditional marketing to 103 Campbell, the dynamic of services, despite ongoing by its own initiatives to drive Homelands Group Chairman digital marketing, we continue property developer recently restrictions and safety concerns. employee safety and continuity and Managing Director Nalin to invest moderately into all hosted the ground-breaking In managing the early part of operations. Herath said. tiers and marketing methods ceremony and commenced of the pandemic, BOC’s HR The bank continues to bear all The digital marketing team to ensure that we are visible construction of its third function proactively engaged all costs for quarantine procedures was formed under Herath and at 360o,” she added. condominium complex at employees, drawing on a novel and PCR tests to be performed Homelands Holdings General The digital marketing team is 20, Vajira Road, Colombo 4. EliSh Development (Pvt.) Ltd. method of delegation, seeing that by employees. Apart from Manager Lanka Jayasinghe, and led by Madampage and comprises The ceremony was headed by Managing Director Shamitha it would be the most effective essentials such as providing Ganegoda was subsequently taken over by digital marketers Thilina Guruge, EliSh Development (Pvt.) Ltd. and efficient way forward in PPE for all employees, BOC Head of Digital Marketing Keith Anushka Kothalawala, and Managing Director Shamitha the convenience of city living,” handling an unprecedented also adopted a roster system and Madampage. Rumesh Prabath Udayanga, Ganegoda and was followed said Ganegoda. situation posing similarly offered free transport, to ensure The team worked alongside alongside Assistant Manager by religious activities to The condominium is unseen challenges. This draws its 8,000 strong staff have been Jayasinghe and Head of Sales – Digital Marketing/Corporate commemorate the milestone. situated in a prime location 20 Vajira by The Flemington from BOC’s culture of smart able to progressively resume and Marketing Operations Communications Mariam De The piling contract for the on Vajira Road, Colombo hospitals, and parks. Whilst the delegation, a core component work. Anushi Hettiarachchi who La Zilwa. project has been awarded 4 in close proximity to location is central, the property of its HRM and operational Accounting for the many to San Piling (Pvt.) Ltd., a leading schools such as is also situated in a residential philosophy. impacts of Covid-19 on the subsidiary of Sri Lanka’s Visakha Vidyalaya, Royal area and the management To mobilise a team exceeding bank’s HRM function, BOC premier construction service College, and Holy Family has taken care to design the 8,000 staff members in the has adopted numerous changes Singer partners with provider Sanken Construction Convent as well as Sirimavo condominium with utmost initial months of the global in its of HR services (Pvt.) Ltd. Bandaranaike Vidyalaya, privacy, comfort, and serenity pandemic, required the bank’s including digitalisation. From The Flemington 20 Vajira Mahanama College, Thurstan in mind, it is claimed. HR department to give trust and unique methods of showing Anoma’s Kitchen follows in the footsteps of College, Hindu College, The Flemington 20 Vajira confidence, to all employees appreciation to employees Singer Sri Lanka PLC highly successful Flemington St. Peter’s College, and St. offers apartments starting across the organization, in in overcoming challenges to announced its partnership with projects in Rajagiriya and 1O3 Paul’s Milagiriya, making it from Rs. 27.3 million for their capabilities and decision- meeting in person, remote hiring Anoma Wijethunga, the founder Campbell, both of which particularly convenient for two-bedroom apartments making power. The system of and recruitment with video of Anoma’s Kitchen, a cooking are already sold out. It is parents with young children. As and three-bedroom apartments delegation adopted was driven platform-based interviews to YouTube channel in Sri Lanka scheduled to be completed with the previous projects, The starting from Rs. 38.4 million. by this empowering of staff, save time and ensure safety, to for a product awareness video by the first quarter of 2023. Flemington 20 Vajira claims to Currently, the condominium where managers and employees restructuring of time-off policies series. The Memorandum of “The Flemington 20 Vajira follow EliSh Development’s has several mid-to-high floor at every level were instructed to and leave to reflect government Understanding signing which is a modern condominium knack for offering modern apartments available for sale, take decisions in their respective provided guidelines, the bank’s happened recently at the Singer influenced by our signature living solutions in the heart starting from Rs. 31.7 million positions, using their discretion HRM department has been Mega Colpetty store officially Australian concepts and of Colombo, with emphasis for two-bedroom apartments to act and delegate as necessary. keen to create an environment declared the partnership between styling. It features minimal on location and access to while three-bedroom BOC adopted a two-tiered conducive to high-impact work the two parties. From left: Anoma’s Kitchen and spacious interiors without conveniences and necessities apartments start from Rs. 40.8 strategy, where the primary and growth. Founder Anoma Wijethunga, Anoma Wijethunga, the Singer Senior Brand Manager compromising on privacy and such as banks, supermarkets, million upwards. culinary expert behind the (Kitchen and Small Appliances) YouTube channel Anoma’s Gayan Perera, and Singer Assistant Brand Manager (Kitchen Union Assurance Kitchen, will conduct a video Appliances) Lakshika Gamage series educating the audience on SLT-Mobitel powers launches self-service app her take on more than 10 state-of- video series.” the-art kitchen appliances from While most other cooking Speedup – Southern Union Assurance recently world-renowned brands, on tips YouTube channels only focus launched a self-service app, for usage, proper maintenance, on food recipes, Anoma’s Kitchen Clicklife, to meet the increasing cleaning, and many more useful stands out among the rest to Eliyakanda Hill Climb 2021 demand for mobility and remote insights, while treating them with deliver highly important tips and SLT-Mobitel has joined accessibility to policyholders. delicious recipes. tricks for households to make hands with the Southern Motor The Clicklife mobile app is Anoma’s Kitchen is one of the their life in the kitchen easier. Sports Club (SMSC) to launch part of an end-to-end digital most viewed YouTube channels in “It is indeed a pleasure to the 25th edition of the SLT- insurance solution offered by Union Union Assurance Assurance Chief the category of cooking with an partner with Singer, a highly Mobitel Speedup Southern Union Assurance, and now Chief Technical Marketing active subscriber base in excess acclaimed company, for a Eliyakanda Hill Climb. This allows consumers to manage Officer Rumesh Officer Lucille of 450,000 which consists of refreshing campaign that undertaking of the renowned and be updated in real-time on Modarage Diaz both local and overseas food will allow us to educate the motor race by SLT-Mobitel their policies including balances, information such as address enthusiasts. The channel has households on a wide range will be conducted for the sixth dues, claim status, and loan or contact change, claims accumulated Sri Lankans of highly versatile kitchen consecutive time. From left: SLT Deputy Chief Marketing Officer Rohana Ellawala, submission. submission, loan submission, SLT Chief Marketing Officer Prabhath Dahanayake, Southern around the world who continue appliances. Most of the people The racing spectacle will Motor Sports Club (SMSC) President Dr. Sanjaya Sedara Senerath, The Clicklife app allows and balance statements. But to embrace the cooking recipes are unaware of their versatility comprise 16 motorcycle SMSC Immediate Past President Ashhar Hameem, and SMSC customers to connect with now, the app will offer all and tips presented by Wijethunga. and sometimes even though they events and 17 motor car events Assistant Secretary Sarindu Isuranga Gamage Union Assurance anywhere, these services, empowering the Many viewers have praised buy a kitchen appliance, they are that will face an uphill course entities in particular. The of Sri Lankan motor sports at anytime, managing policies, customer to have 100% control Anoma’s Kitchen for the highly unable to make full use of it due to covering a distance of 600m, thematic highlight of this its finest. and making claims as well as over their portfolio.” reliable content and additional lack of knowledge on usage. This performed in three stages. The event being “SLT-Mobitel Sharing his thoughts on premium payments conveniently, Union Assurance Chief tips shared by her on the kitchen video series will bring solutions Bike Race will be held on 27 Speedup” was instigated in the upcoming racing event, efficiently, and securely. The Marketing Officer Lucille appliances used in her videos. to most of their concerns and I February and the Car Race tandem with SLT-Mobitel’s SLT Chief Marketing Officer Clicklife app goes one step Diaz noted: “Part of this digital Commenting on the new recommend this to everyone who will take place the following ultra-high speed broadband Prabhath Dahanayake stated: further by enabling consumers transformation journey was to partnership, Singer Sri Lanka aspires to be clever at the modern day, on 28 February, 2021. Internet experience that “SLT-Mobitel is delighted to carry out digital policy loan address our customer needs PVT. LTD. Marketing Director kitchen,” stated Wijethunga. The event will be held under the company brings to its to have had the privilege submissions, which previously and eliminate bottlenecks, Shanil Perera said: “We are Hailed as the new food strict conditions adhering to customers through its superior of coming on board once consumed time and required paperwork, and legacy systems. delighted to partner with network, YouTube has already all guidelines issued by the Fibre technology. again this year to support tedious paperwork. Commenting Claims and follow-ups were Anoma’s Kitchen to launch a become the most preferred health authorities to ensure The SLT-Mobitel Speedup the Southern Eliyakanda on the digital initiative of Union deemed by consumers to be video series which will enhance platform among the youth, the safety of all stakeholders. Southern Eliyakanda Hill Climb. As a pioneer Assurance, Chief Technical extremely time-consuming and product awareness of more than especially among women to The event, which is being Hill Climb is a national in providing high speed Officer Rumesh Modarage labour-intensive processes. Now 10 modern kitchen appliances. learn about cooking and new food held under the theme ‘SLT- championship event which broadband services, becoming stated: “We are disrupting legacy with the launch of our Clicklife This video series will provide a recipes. In the present context, Mobitel Speedup’ is regarded has been functioning under a part of an initiative of this systems to make transactions self-service app, we have created wealth of knowledge on Singer’s where households are pressed for as yet another initiative the approval of Sri Lanka calibre which resonates with 100% transparent. Policyholders a seamless user experience, wide range of kitchen appliances time in their day-to-day work, it is through which SLT-Mobitel Automobile Sports (SLAS), the speed in the services we can now access real-time eliminating delays and affording including tips for long-term of utmost importance for them to aims to support and empower the governing body for motor offer, it only feels right that information on their policy at real-time updates to consumers, usage. Anoma’s Kitchen YouTube be equipped with cuisine tips and the local sports segment and sports in Sri Lanka. Motor SLT-Mobitel gets to support their fingertips. Call centres and meeting the challenging demand channel has a growing subscriber proper management of kitchen take it up to the next level of and bike racing enthusiasts this event and bring this agents have been the frequent of today’s rapidly evolving base and we will be able to grasp appliances, which enhance their their categories, with motor from across the island will no exciting racing experience touchpoint for customers to consumer lifestyles and current a wider audience through this productivity in the kitchen. racing being one of those doubt get to experience a taste a step closer to the public.” change or request policy-related reality.”

Printed by the Kalukodayawa, Malwana Press & Published by Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 ‘HAPPINESS IS A SKILL’ TOOLS TO REFORM OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM WITH DR. SENERATH DAYATHILAKE »SEE PAGE 5

CARGILLS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAYFESTIVAL 2021 »SEE PAGE 8 Sunday,brunch February 21, 2021 A new model of collaborative conservation The Peak Ridges Forest Corridor Collaboration

BY NAVEED ROZAIS

“Protect Sri Lanka’s wildlife” is a refrain we hear again and again from both state and private conservationists. As of 2015, Sri Lanka contained a total of 26 national parks which collectively cover 5,734 km2, almost 9% of Sri Lanka’s total area (65,610 km2). Inside these national parks, the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Forest Department hold sway, observing and protecting We cannot just ask the the flora and fauna within. Government to protect our But outside these protected biodiversity. We must do what areas, flora and fauna receive we can too. Companies have very little support, which often large extents of land within sees land being reclaimed their purview, and it is a duty and something that just requires without permission and animal sympathy, coordination, and a welfare ignored, save for the sense of responsibility efforts of private environmental Dilmah Tea Director and welfare organisations and Resplendent Ceylon Managing welfarists. Director Malik J. Fernando ││Contd. on page 4

You can’t call someone out and not expect them to fix it Anomaa on filmmaking – then and now A look at call-out culture and calling for change responsibly ‘For all the films I couldn’t make, I wrote poetry’

BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE

©️CHRISTOPHER OTT ON UNSPLASH OTT ON ©️CHRISTOPHER Anomaa Rajakaruna is the Festival Director of the Jaffna International

PHOTO Cinema Festival, Founder of Agenda 14 Short Film Festival in Colombo, BY NAVEED ROZAIS To say that social media Artistic Director for the Colombo International Women’s Film Festival, and has transformed our lives is an curator for the European Film Festival in Sri Lanka for the past decade. The internet is a many- understatement. Many of the splendoured thing. Yes, that tools we use all day every day, She has served as a juror at countless national and international film was a bad pun, and yes, for all like WhatsApp for instance, don’t its splendour, the internet, like even strike us as social media festivals, and most recently served as part of the international jury at the all of us, has a dark side that platforms (unless, of course, 25th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK). can leave you reeling if caught there’s an internet blackout) unawares. ││Contd. on page 4 ││Contd. on page 2 2 the sunday morning brunch PEOPLE/PLACES Sunday, February 21, 2021

advancement of mobile phones, and what regular occurrence. For such persons, the She also added that the gender gap she termed “this whole digital revolution”, opportunity to stream is a great service”. really must be addressed, particularly with is a great positive she has seen and is Sharing her personal experience with regard to equal pay for equal work and grateful for how accessible it has made the some advantages of things going digital creating equal opportunity. ‘For all the... process of filmmaking. due to the lockdown, she shared how last She spoke of the campaign launched Contd. on page 1 Judging films and being She shared that she is currently year they were forced to postpone the four to five years ago, called 50/50 by part of a jury working with several young filmmakers annual Colombo International Women's 2020 – although its goal was not totally With all this experience under her When you are making a film, as the who are making films about their lives Film Festival. However, before the end achieved, they are at least on the track belt, who better to talk about film now director or producer, you are during this Covid-19 of 2020, they were able to host it online. to increasing opportunities for women and film in times gone by, than someone on the same side. However, pandemic using their mobile Another such instance was the 10th edition filmmakers. She said that in all the who has paved the way for so many and phones. She said that it is of the European Film Festival of the programmes she has been conducting judging a film at a festival is continues to educate and share her wealth a different experience, said important to note that even Agenda 14 Short Film Festival, which too since 2011, she has allocated a quota of knowledge and experience with the I have met children film production is a lot was held online. for women. In the case of Agenda 14, Anomaa, adding that despite who have never been young and upcoming filmmakers in the the difference in role, as a to the cinema...some different now, adding that She said that after the screening with the help of the British Council, they island. filmmaker you always bring have to travel 50 miles there are many international online, there was far more communication were able to put together the programme with you your experience, up and 50 miles back platforms providing funding following its run than there would have “Female Filmmakers First”. She said that Filmmaking then where you are not just a to visit the nearest and other opportunities, and been had it been a physical event, with it is important that women be given the A mother, filmmaker, and critic, as that experience cinema hall anyone with a good project many people expressing their views and platform to tell their stories through their photographer, Anomaa shared that she helps understand where the from any part of the world can sharing their opinions. “We had a lot of unique lens. has been making films since the age of 17, filmmaker is coming from. make an appealing pitch and young mothers reach out and share that Anomaa said that as a 17-year-old and has been at it for nearly 40 years now. At IFFK, she recounted, they came win themselves these opportunities. these films are about their lives,” she said, girl from Panadura coming to Colombo, Back when she was getting started, there across films from three continents – Asia, adding that had it not been streamed online, she can speak of the discrimination weren't a lot of women in the industry, and Africa, and Central South America – and To stream or not to stream? they would not have been able to go watch she experienced firsthand. She shared a young girl coming out to say she wanted looking at these films from the developing Due to the pandemic, many things the movies due to a multitude of reasons – how when she reached out to Sri Lanka to be a filmmaker was something society world, she said she understood the have gone online, and a prominent family responsibilities, the unlikeliness of Rupavahini for broadcasting, they laughed at. struggles they may have gone through, discussion amongst film enthusiasts travelling to Colombo, etc. restricted her project, stating that she She said that her first film was shot adding that typically independent films, has been how moving films to a digital Anomaa said that it is a positive thing should be making films about children, not on Super 8, a recording medium that be it from the developing world or from platform affects the art form. Sharing her to adopt the availability of streaming as a about women’s issues. isn’t used anymore, and that she went the big industries, still struggle somewhat thoughts on the matter, Anomaa said that service as a future strategy for those who However, referring to the unique about it on a very limited budget, buying similarly to get their projects off the there really is no definitive answer to this, enjoy cinema but are simply perspective that a woman’s expired film stock, which was basically ground. noting that there are some films that were unable to make it physically to struggle can bring to the big all that she could afford, as “retailers simply made to be watched on the big the theater. screen, she said that as a Anomaa said that she enjoys being in would sell film stock that was nearing its juries, as it is often an opportunity to watch screen, which rely on that particular picture filmmaker she always drew expiry date for less”. quality, sound, etc. It is the intention of the Women in cinema brand-new content, and as a film curator, Women in film – is something we all from her own experiences, She said that back when she she is always curious about fresh content. filmmaker that counts here, she added. discussed to death, but talk about; not only letting her life bleed into was starting out, there were no such Being in an international jury together with If your film was prepared to be in Sri Lanka, but in her work, and even as an opportunities where young filmmakers screened at the theater, then you likely have things changed? Hollywood, Bollywood, adult, she finds this to be prominent filmmakers, critics, and others, “Women in cinema is could either apply for a grant, or write to she said, makes for jury deliberations to be cannot enjoy it the way it was intended if Kollywood, in all the the case. She shared that the State or an organisation to be set up you watch it any other way. However, the something we all talk about; big film industries, less as someone who comes an interesting occasion, where each person not only in Sri Lanka, but with a helping hand for young filmmakers brings their perspective and expertise to opportunity to stream being made available than 3% of women from a background in social like nowadays. She said, thinking is important, she said. in Hollywood, Bollywood, are in the industry sciences, with her work in a collective platform, having consumed Kollywood, in all the big film back, looking at the technological the media individually. She said it is an She spoke of her programme “Cinema academia and related to advancements and the changes in the on Tour”, where she started a travelling industries, less than 3% of displaced women, etc., her enriching process where “you always learn women are in the industry,” she said. industry, it has progressed greatly, and something in a jury”. film programme, taking films to youths life’s experiences would often reflect in her she is happy to see it. around the island who would otherwise While the industry is considered male work. Having to struggle greatly as a young Filmmaking now – is it any never have the opportunity to watch a film. dominated, most content is female centric Anomaa said that one thing she would female filmmaker, Anomaa said she She said: “I have met children who – you often see female protagonists and like to say, especially to women, is that if is pleased to be able to be a part of the different? have never been to the cinema,” adding male content creators narrating those you feel like you are not seen, then take Anomaa shared that during her upcoming young filmmakers’ journey, that “some have to travel 50 miles up stories. However, Anomaa said that the initiative to tell your story. “For all the generation, resources were scarce and sharing how she has been involved in and 50 miles back to visit the nearest women are able to bring a unique, more films I couldn’t make, I wrote poetry” – if the filmmaking process was extremely producing around 100 films with Agenda cinema hall, and for children like that, nuanced perspective to these stories that you have a story to tell, then tell that story expensive. However, in the present day, the 14 and several film festivals. visiting the cinema is not likely to be a are being told. in whatever medium you can.

and help resolve this issue.” plantation companies themselves Once it was clear that the are on. They have an actual Peak Ridge Forest Corridor was presence, which makes it easier A new model... a haven for leopards, the 13 for them to look at issues like this Contd. on page 1 Plantations, Maskeliya estates abutting the Peak Ridge themselves and put in some form Plantations, Dilmah Tea Estates, Forest Corridor were identified of conservation. Animals cannot The Peak Ridges Forest and Kelani-Braemar Estates and approached to form a be bound strictly to protected partnership for the conservation areas under the purview of state Corridor (Pvt.) Ltd. – the WWCT, and Resplendent Ceylon Tea of the area. Fernando shared that stakeholders like the Department The Peak Ridges Forest getting these different estates of Wildlife Conservation, and Corridor is an upland ridge in Trails, supported by Dilmah Conservation, the Whitley Fund and large companies on board as such, different models of Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands was a process, but everyone very conservation are necessary. that lies between the adjacent for Nature, and Alliance Finance PLC. readily supported the cause and Castlereagh and Maussakele understood the importance of Building a stronger future Reservoirs. The corridor is an An unknown leopard haven the leopard as a ketone umbrella “The fact that this ridge undulating piece of land that runs The Peak Ridge Forest species in the area. came to light because of the fact c.18 km between Kew Estate Corridor focuses (for the The launch of the that leopards are residing here, in the southeast along to the moment) on conserving leopards. collaboration was initially and because we know there’s a Ballapennumgala Forest Reserve WWCT Ecologist and Managing scheduled for October 2020, but larger problem here means that in the northwest, connecting two Trustee Anjali Watson said that was postponed in favour of a we will be looking specifically at prongs of the Peak Wilderness leopards are what is termed an digital signing in the wake of the identifying the other connecting Forest Reserve. This particular “umbrella species”. “By leopards new wave of Covid-19 infections ridges in the Central Highlands,” ridge connects two sections of being umbrella species, we that hit Sri Lanka in October, and Watson said, commenting on the peak wilderness areas which mean that the land under its use the formal physical ceremony long-term aims of the Peak Ridge makes it an area that wildlife both harbours many more species of took place on 3 February this Forest Corridor Collaboration inhabits and moves through. wildlife,” Watson explained, year. from the perspective of the The Peak Ridge Forest adding: “For example, there WWCT. “These ridges make Corridor is home to approximately are prey and other mammalian A new model of up the masses of the Central eight to 12 resident leopards wildlife. Leopards require cover, conservation Highlands and rivers flow on which are part of a larger, area so some forest is required, or at The Peak Ridges Forest either side. Looking at the next population of approximately you find in Yala (when calculating least patches of forest with those These ridges make up the masses Corridor Collaboration is a ridges as we go along is really 30 leopards; a remarkable the number of leopards found natural forest ecosystems plus of the Central Highlands landmark partnership in that it is what our long-term hope is and population for a compromised per 100 km2). Given that Yala is other diversity.” and rivers flow on either side. the first time a coalition of this then trying to identify these land unprotected area and an important almost like a perfect habitat for With the leopard being one Looking at the next ridges as nature has been made among areas using leopard presence and part of Sri Lanka’s islandwide leopards, the fact that leopards are we go along is really what our of Sri Lanka’s most charismatic private stakeholders for greater movement and seeing where we population, which itself numbers thriving in the way that they are in long-term hope is and then trying creatures, the Peak Ridges Forest conservation. can put in protection.” approximately 1,000 mature the Peak Ridges Forest Corridor is to identify these land areas using Corridor Collaboration provides Fernando commented that Fernando shared a holistic leopards. significant and speaks to the need leopard presence and movement an opportunity to promote this landmark move to approach view on the long-term impact of The Peak Ridge Forest for this area to be conserved. WWCT Ecologist and conservation of not just leopards conservation within the private the Peak Ridges Forest Corridor Corridor Collaboration Managing Trustee in the area. Watson shared that sector “absolutely will and Collaboration tying in the impact initiative sees tea companies, A springboard for larger Anjali Watson there are presently 16 leopards should catch on”. He further of preserving biodiversity on other supporting partners, and along the corridor, explaining conservation mentioned: “Everyone is now tourism. “Resplendent Ceylon is a the Wilderness and Wildlife this wildlife is of great importance, that the number of leopards in the The Peak Ridges Forest focused on sustainability and the tourism company. We have been, Conservation Trust (WWCT) and it is important to cultivate this area fluctuates because of their Corridor Collaboration addresses importance of our biodiversity; I would say, pioneers in luxury coming together in a landmark outlook for a brighter tomorrow. movements in and out of the area. conservation on multiple levels. something that we are losing at a tourism with small boutique partnership covering 13 tea The seeds of the Peak Forest The total population of leopards In addition to identifying tremendous rate. We cannot just resorts away from cities and estates, between leading plantation Corridor Collaboration began in identified is close to 39 leopards, key wilderness and mixed ask the Government to protect clientele who are very keen on management companies – 2016, when luxury hotel group which when considering the size landscape areas of importance our biodiversity. We must do biodiversity. Part of our success, Madulsima Plantations, Horana Resplendent Ceylon noticed an of the area, results in a leopard to leopard conservation in this what we can too. Companies and of Sri Lankan tourism’s Plantations, Bogawantalawa unprotected Central Highlands alarming number of leopard deaths success is our biodiversity,” density that is roughly half of what in the area surrounding their have large extents of land within area, the collaboration also their purview, and it is a duty Fernando explained, adding: “If focuses on community outreach, boutique hotel Tea Trails. Dilmah you look at why tourists come Tea Director and Resplendent and something that just requires understanding that long-term sympathy, coordination, and a to Sri Lanka, it’s because of conservation is not practical Ceylon Managing Director Malik our animals like leopards and J. Fernando noted: “We saw a sense of responsibility to send a without the support and powerful signal.” elephants, and because of our cooperation of the people that spate of leopard killings in the forests and our pristine scenery. If area around Tea Trails in Hatton This collaborative model actually share space with wildlife. of conservation is one that has the corridor is further cut down, As such, numerous education and in mid-2016, mainly through the leopards will essentially not being caught in snares. Four to been practised internationally. awareness projects in and around Watson explained that this kind be able to cross the ridge and will the tea estates that comprise five of these leopards were killed go into human areas, disrupting accidentally, being caught in of intervention is necessary the Peak Ridge area are being because, at the end of the day, the whole ecosystem. For us, conducted by all partners to this snares, being set for wild boar, because the hotel and the Dilmah and so on. It got me alarmed. We governments can’t do everything. initiative. They are strapped for resources, Tea estate are on the ridge, it’s Schoolchildren are particularly reached out to the WWCT to set important for us to enhance the up a mini leopard research centre. for personnel, and have other receptive to the idea that the constraints as well. With the Peak ridge, and reforest denuded areas wildlife with which they share the The idea was to do some research and build a vibrant pathway and community outreach and Ridge Forest Corridor specifically, land is of value and that preserving it’s a huge landscape that where leopards and their prey can identify the issues facing leopards thrive.”

the sunday morning brunch editorial [email protected] 011 5200900 the sunday morning brunch 3 Sunday, February 21, 2021 TRAVEL

PHOTO SUDARSHA KANNANGARA

HIPPIE MARKET TAKING CENTRE STAGE IN HIKKADUWA Hugely successful run in Arugam Bay

BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE who were vendors at the market were they have gone ahead and participated rather safe and many people have been simply there to make some pocket money in the event which has been quite widely utilising their space to hold weddings as You may have noticed that, despite to continue to live the simple lives they’ve publicised, there is an underlying fear they were able to allow bookings at half the Covid-19 concerns not being become accustomed to. “They are not amongst them with regards to attracting capacity at first. However, he said that particularly cleared, the general establishing a shop or a brand here, they too much attention. Many of the vendors with this new variant of the virus being are selling handmade crafts and baked we reached out to stated that they do not discovered, the limitations to the number of public has been making efforts to goods just enough to get by,” he said. wish to attract the wrong kind of attention, guests that can be accommodated has been return to a modicum of normalcy. Similarly, Ocean Sky owner Sujith for example the authorities, i.e. for them extremely troubling. We’ve seen these changes most Perera shared that the “hippie market” to notice, and, by some unfortunate He said that they have had guests noticeably in the South, with the numerous was actually a much-needed sigh of relief circumstance, they decide to shut down calling and constantly questioning what gatherings and events that have been for everyone in Arugam Bay, and that or restrict their operations, despite the they should do with regards to their popping up. One notably consistent event everyone who relied on the annual traffic precautions they are taking; they are bookings. “If we have to limit it to 50 being the “hippie market” concept, which that came to them for six to seven months worried that they would lose the little hope people for our banquet hall which holds brings together vendors from around the every year starting April when the waves they have created for themselves. 300, then there really is no point in having island to a central location Down South. are perfect and the weather beautiful, were Particularly with the new variant of it open,” he said. He said that amidst all The market sets itself apart in allowing simply at a loss, not having any idea how the virus, it is an underlying fear that many these limitations, they have also had to vendors looking to market homemade, to keep their heads above water with the of these vendors are experiencing – the battle the spreading of misinformation on handmade crafts, particularly those who draining of visitors. possibility of having to go into another We spoke to some business owners social media which has caused many last- relied on tourist traffic to make sales and He said that the hippie market brought lockdown, which they are not certain that along the Hikkaduwa coast and those minute cancellations by guests who panic are now left with no revenue. a substantial amount of business to their they would actually survive. One vendor nearest to where the market is taking place. at the first sight of a WhatsApp thread or While several marketplaces have come town – people driving to the coast from all shared: “We have been attending these Just 50 metres away from Mambo’s, Hotel fake Facebook post. and gone, attracting varying degrees of over the island, visiting their restaurants, markets for the past six months, and there Refresh Blue Manager Sisira Nanayakkara While they will wait and see, hoping crowds, the most steady “hippie market” frequenting the surfing spots and rented have been no issues, no cases of the virus Withana shared that they have offered up for the best, he said that for the time being, has been the “Aliya Hippie Market” guest houses, generating much-needed spreading, because we all understand the parking space for everyone visiting the locals attempting to generate revenue for organised by Aliya Souldmade, which revenue for the locals. importance of staying safe. And because market and that they are grateful for many their communities by organising events consists of Ahmed Aslan and his Italian They all shared that they persisted we are a close-knit community, we respect of the bookings they have received as a like the hippie market, has been what’s wife Nichole Constantino. amidst the challenges in hosting a public that and can guarantee that we will not be result. kept their spirits up. He shared that they are event during pandemic times, including reckless. However, from the perspective happy to co-operate in any way necessary obtaining permission from the public of the authorities, they may have trouble to continue to experience some foot traffic health inspectors (PHIs) and local police taking us at our word,” they said. to their forgotten coast. who require that you guarantee all safety With the monsoon season hitting precautions are adopted and that every Arugam Bay, the hippie market has moved Next edition of the Aliya Hippie Market vendor’s details are communicated and its way down to Hikkaduwa. Several VII – registered with the authorities prior to markets have already taken place at 27 February from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. launching the event; all was adhered to Mambo’s Hikkaduwa, attracting a large At Mambo’s Hikkaduwa without question, as they were all in dire crowd of nearly 200 to 300 people. Entrance: Free need of generating funds to live. For vendors: Rs. 2,000 to register and Perera stated that they didn’t run into receive a table and shade any complications during the actual event, as they were able to plead with all the Sisira shared that their establishment’s 0779 432 152 guests and vendors to stick to the rules. banquet hall, with a capacity of about 300 https://www.instagram.com/ Because there was mutual respect and guests, has been a saving grace for them, aliya.soulmade/?hl=en understanding of how significant it was as the area from Bentota to Galle has been to be able to continue to host the event, he said that the mindset is Speaking to Aslan, he said that the very clear along the coast. “We idea was entirely his wife’s and that the have to do what we can do to reason why they decided to host this event, survive and everyone was on the which had its first edition in June 2020 same page,” he explained. just after the first lockdown, was that as Aslan also shared that the people from the South, they witnessed the markets have attracted many devastation that befell everyone along the tourists who were settled coast – how many lost their livelihoods, more inland to come out and how travellers who were left stranded in rent homes on the beach, the island struggled to stay afloat, and deciding to settle down how the usually vibrant coastline became for a little longer lifeless and began to fade. here. Especially According to Aslan, while borne of considering it is good intentions, their venture was not winter where they without challenges. He stated that the first come from, many time around, when they hosted the market foreigners have in Arugam Bay at Ocean Sky Beach Hotel, opted to rent there were concerns raised with regards to local homes and the tourists making sales at the market – many locals have issues regarding the lack of a business visa. moved out to smaller living spaces to earn some revenue for themselves. Speaking to some other vendors who took part in the hippie However, they were able to overcome market, it was The ‘Aliya Hippie Market’ is organised by Aliya this issue by appealing to authorities’ made clear to Souldmade, which consists of Ahmed Aslan humanity, said Aslan, as those persons us that while and his Italian wife Nichole Constantino 4 the sunday morning brunch TRENDS Sunday, February 21, 2021 Contd. from page 1 You can’t call someone... PHOTO ©️DOLE 777 ON UNSPLASH

The power that lies within time, with all humans being fallible, Balancing out the dark side of then; evolved beings who have learned this reality needs to be factored in when and changed. So stop gatekeeping,” each of us judging and condemning any individuals cancel culture Fernando said, adding: “Let people evolve. The power we now have online makes with a public profile – whether performing A dark side of call-out culture Uncancelling is possible; people can it easier for us to be able to call out people artistes, sportspersons, politicians or that Fernando drew attention to was change and once they’ve done something of influence on their privilege and their others. ‘Cancelling’ someone means that with social media and calling out, for the better, acknowledge it. There’s biases, especially when they perpetuate trying to end the public career of a situations can sometimes get blown out nothing wrong with that. You don’t need negative social narratives, stereotypes, person who has been accused of some of proportion, especially when the people to hate an entity if they’re willing to make and exclusion or discrimination of misdemeanour. This action needs to be involved have the power of visibility those changes. The whole point of calling communities, marginalised or otherwise. preceded by careful assessment, and and don’t share grounded information, out is so that people can be uncancelled. So As a connected mass, we also now have judgement should be contextual”. which is then taken as gospel truth by they can educate themselves.” the power to actively dissociate from a Gunawardene explained that most I agree that there must be zero tolerance their following which can become quite Explaining further, Fernando spoke personality and their work and call out calling out and cancelling happens on for major offences such as (proven) sexual detrimental for the person doing the of an instance of positive change where for people the world over to join us in social media, where discussions can harassment and embezzlement of public calling out because of the backlash they funds. Yet, at the same time, we need she called out a popular Chinese restaurant making a statement in the hope of driving rise and fall rapidly, with conversations may face from the audience of the person where an employee was repeatedly to guard against excesses of political they’re holding accountable. Fernando positive, more inclusive change. often being heavily emotionally driven, correctness and “digital era witch hunts” harassing women walking by the Social media has amplified our and measured discussions something of stressed the importance of taking restaurant. Calling out the situation led to Media analyst Nalaka Gunawardene responsibility for what you’re calling out, voices, and, by extension, our power. We a rarity, which can sometimes become the restaurant dismissing the employee, explaining that in a lot of cases, this is not now have the power to call for change. problematic. “I agree that there must issuing a public apology, and putting always something that takes place. This is not to say we didn’t have this be zero tolerance for major offences training systems in place that made all Speaking on the effectiveness of call- power before, but that this power is now such as (proven) sexual harassment their employees more knowledgeable on out culture and the impact it can have on much easier to harness through social and embezzlement of public funds,” ensuring that does not happen. Calling the people being called out or cancelled, media. Through social media, we are Gunawardene said, adding: “Yet, at the out the situation also helped more women Velauthan stressed caution. “Some people able to drive social change and educate same time, we need to guard against who had faced similar harassment to come might be ignorant of the fact that some ourselves on our words and actions, and excesses of political correctness and forward and highlight the severity of the people’s mental health can be affected. the impact it has on those we interact ‘digital era witch hunts’.” issue. “If you do it right, with evidence and We need to be careful about what ‘holding with, both online and off. reasons to back your claim, it can go a long people accountable’ even means. Just This culture that has formed, of being Call-out culture and the good way,” Fernando said, adding: “But doing it because you can, does not mean you able to call out those in power from a responsibly is important.” it can achieve should. There is always a better way. That safe space, has led to great change, most The visibility of social media means Gunawardene commented on notably with the #MeToo movement said, if the person concerned is highly that it is a means of drawing attention to influential and purposefully ignorant of uncancelling, acknowledging that there is sparked by actresses coming forward to issues where people aren’t even aware of indeed room for error when calling out or speak out about sexual harassment they what they have said/done, and conversing things that are problematic, and allows Uncancelling is possible; people can change cancelling, especially as the online process had faced at the hands of big-time film privately has not worked, I believe calling discussion and reflection on problems that and once they’ve done something for the them out plays a role. However, again, is driven by emotion and rhetoric. “Former producer Harvey Weinstein. The #MeToo weren’t even being considered in people’s better, acknowledge it...The whole point US President Barack Obama himself movement saw a huge amount of actresses being careful of people’s mental health is mindsets. of calling people out is so that they can be important. Cancelling someone to oblivion highlighted this in December 2019 during (and many actors) in Hollywood standing uncancelled; so they can educate themselves Mental health resource organisation could cause more damage than you or I an interview about youth activism at the in solidarity against sexual harassment Samana Head of Community and Public relations consultant Obama Foundation Summit. ‘This idea in the industry. This coming forward of Jessica Fernando could possibly imagine.” Content (and dude on the internet) Gunawardene too underlined the of purity and you’re never compromised people sharing their experiences led to Sharan Velauthan explained that social and you’re always politically “woke” and Weinstein being held accountable for his importance of calling out responsibly, media and call-out culture holds people explaining that call-out culture is good all that stuff…You should get over that actions while also laying the foundation accountable. “It is 2021. We can’t say the quickly,’ he told his youth audience. ‘The for a more inclusive entertainment for holding people (and institutions) in things we used to say as kids. Especially power accountable, but that it is very world is messy; there are ambiguities. industry. as South Asians, we think that we can People who do really good stuff have flaws. Call-out culture can also lead to much a double-edged tool that can harm use racial slurs. But we often don’t know as much as it can help, because the process People who you are fighting may love their cancel culture, which is effectively a mass the meaning behind it and how much kids and share certain things with you…’” boycott of a person or product because can sometimes be emotionally driven to oppression and history it carries. So, the point where evidence and reason can Gunawardene stressed that we need of the values they promote or endorse in some instances, yes, it can be used to pay attention to these words of caution, (whether implicitly or explicitly). But become secondary. for good. There are people who lose “Call-out and cancel culture reduces as Obama himself is a former community what does call-out culture and cancel themselves in the process of gaining status activist. “I would say social activism culture mean? And when can it cross the human behaviour and relationships to and popularity, but it does not mean you an all-or-nothing kind of binary choice. and feminism are a vital part of the line and become something darker than a are exempt from saying the wrong things.” 21st-Century social justice movement,” voice for change? Human beings are complex, and human Public relations consultant Jessica societies are complex too. Yet the social Gunawardene shared, adding: “But all Defining the two Fernando agreed that the accountability media mentality is either unable or activists must walk their talk, and that that call-out culture brings is a huge Some people might be ignorant of the fact unwilling to deal with that complexity – includes holding themselves accountable Call-out culture and cancel culture positive. “It makes people be wary of that some people’s mental health can be online activists seem to want either outright even as they seek to hold others are often used interchangeably because how they behave and makes them take affected. We need to be careful about what villains or outright heroes, and nothing in accountable.” they are related. Media analyst Nalaka steps towards educating themselves “holding people accountable” even means. between.” Velauthan too agreed that coming back Gunawardene shared his take on the – unlearning and relearning things Just because you can, does not mean you from being cancelled is more than possible. difference between the two, explaining they possibly never thought would be should. There is always a better way Undoing cancel culture “The world is a big place. We as humans that in his understanding, “call-out problematic in order to be inclusive for Samana Head of Community So can someone be uncancelled? are great at forgetting. I would only hope and Content Sharan Velauthan culture is not the same as cancel culture. everybody.” Fernando shared that a large con of cancel the person cancelled learns from their There are differences in what these two Gunawardene also commented culture lies in the fact that a lot of it can mistake,” Velauthan said, adding: “And if public institutions,” he said, adding: terms mean. Calling out entails holding on the power of call-out culture but be gatekeeping, which is incidentally they were mistakenly cancelled, we have individuals (as well as governments cautioned that this accountability comes “But once such accountability is clearly the worst form of cancel culture. “You failed as humanity and I hope we learn and corporations) accountable for with its own issues. “The pros of call- established – that is when allegations are can’t call someone out and not expect better. There is always recovering and their actions, current and past. Such out culture include the heightening of proven with evidence – the reaction that them to fix it. Say they do something in hope, given time. I believe everyone should accountability is essential for modern accountability at all levels, which serves follows should be proportionate to the 2020 and you bring it up in 2025 – they be given the chance to change. If not, we societies to function well. At the same as a good ‘cleanser’ of public lives and misdemeanour or offence proven.” could be completely different entities by aren’t any better than our painful past.” the sunday morning brunch 5 Sunday, February 21, 2021 EDUCATION

‘HAPPINESS IS A

SKILL’ JOSEPH ON UNSPLASH © LOREN PHOTO Tools to reform our education system with Dr. Senerath Dayathilake

BY DINITHI GUNASEKERA My personal belief is that it is purely religious sense. Around two million students. The students, therefore, are also constructive criticism, and practical happiness and good wellbeing. Americans are currently practising the not experiencing optimum wellbeing – application. This week, The Sunday Morning If we take simple examples into meditation practice non-religiously and that is two of life’s most important jewels account, look at Steve Jobs. He was experiencing its great results. lacking. ÄÄ Explain to us how inculcating Brunch reconnected with Dr. meditation into our Senerath Dayathilake, a spectacular worldwide renowned, and had the wealth However, meditation is not as simple and knowledge in the world. He might as a virus scan or an anti-virus guard of a ÄÄ What are the major flaws you education system brings personality who, despite his have also been happy and satisfied with computer. The brain is a complex structure see in our education system? about best results. vast panoply of internationally what he had accomplished. However, he with 100 billion neurons in the cortex of The true meaning of intelligence is not It is scientifically proven that the renowned accolades, is spoken of lived a short life. the brain itself. One neuron consists of recognised by many in the country. There mediation practice improves the memory much lesser than deserved locally. There is no one who has not heard 2,500-25,000 axons. But it is one of the are numerous definitions of intelligence. drastically; plays a role in enhancing Recognised for his multidisciplinary of Michael Jackson, the “King of Pop”. best parallel answers to get rid of “mind Educational psychologist Howard better understanding and also grasping expertise in cognitive psychology, However, due to various factors, he was poisons” that inflict the brain, enabling not Gardner, who won the Grawemeyer and absorbing subject material and Buddhist psychology, neuroscience, and unable to lead a happy life and he too only happiness but also good wellbeing. Prize in 1990, for which I myself was concepts; and improves vitality and biophysics, Dr. Dayathilake has thus far passed before his time. nominated, introduced the “Theory of peacefulness among students. It is also been recommended for the Rolex Awards Dhammapada Verse 204 reads “arōgyā ÄÄ What are your thoughts on Multiple Intelligence” which talks of eight proven to boost emotional intelligence for Enterprise in 2006, Lagrange-CRT paramā lābhā, santuṭṭhiparamaṃ dhanaṃ” Sri Lanka’s current education types of intelligence: Linguistic, logical/ and even prevents and reduces the risk of Foundation Prize in 2009, Bower Award (good wellbeing and happiness are the system? mathematical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and dementia. and Prize for Achievement in Science most important things in life). This is the Us, as a country very self-righteously musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and On the contrary, our country is presently of the Franklin Institute in 2010, and fundamental rule that applies to everything like to claim that our system is one of the naturalist. in a miserable state. Heineken Prize for Cognitive Science in in life. The question is, how far has our best. I challenge you to recall a lesson you Furthermore, I would like to stress that In PubMed, the MEDLINE database 2010. Above all, he has been nominated education system prioritised these tools of learned for your Ordinary Level (O/L) our education system does not teach our of references and abstracts on life no less than 10 times for the Grawemeyer life? examinations. I doubt you remember students sufficient emotional intelligence. sciences and biomedical topics, which Awards (five awards presented by the For my research paper titled “The anything you learnt. Most of what the There are highly “educated” and qualified is also maintained as the database of the University of Louisville to individuals Evolution of Human Intelligence”, I have students learn then, we do not even apply individuals in society with credentials Entrez system of information retrieval at who are exceptional in the fields of music, conducted research on the limitations of anymore. So an “A” in one of those in front and after their names on paper. the US National Library of Medicine at education, ideas in improving world order, human intelligence and how to overcome subjects doesn’t guarantee true knowledge. However, their emotional intelligence is the National Institutes of Health, there religion, and psychology, usually presented those drawbacks. Intelligence, according Our goal has not been met. null. are approximately 17,750 researches to individuals like Nobel laureates and to my personal definition, is the ability to The main aim of education is to indeed Emotional intelligence is a long-term on mediation and its psychological world leaders). live the best life for the longest period of aid in the pursuit of a career. However, good. It is far-sighted and good for not implications. It is disheartening to note Dr. Dayathilake, with his never- time in happiness, with the best possible a totally feasible education with true just the students, but also for those around that not a single Sri Lankan scholar is ending thirst for knowledge and arsenal standards of wellbeing. intelligence garners the best of happiness them like their families, teachers, as well as mentioned or involved in this work. of new ideas to restore the best possible Let us take into consideration a and total wellbeing. society at large. The total research cost for all this world order, spoke to us in an exclusive computer system and the human brain. Is our path to education correct? The work is granted, probably more than interview about Sri Lanka’s ability to The computer system, once infected with World Health Organisation (WHO) report ÄÄ What can Sri Lanka learn Sri Lanka’s GDP. This is the level of move forward towards education reforms a virus, is faced with gradual deterioration suggests that 43% of school students from the world’s best- dedication of foreigners without the added that could potentially place us on par with and ultimately collapses. The human are under the condition of severe stages ranking education systems? advantage we have. It is almost as if we high-rankers such as Finland and Japan. brain is much more complicated than this of “stress” that lead to the final stage of The most successful primary are going backwards in time in terms of With the disclaimer that his ideas are in example. Similarly, however, when it is depression. Sri Lanka’s staggering suicide education system is in Finland. They progress in education. Our investment is no way politically motivated, he added preoccupied with negativity and “mind rates were once at 653 a year and 50% do not conduct examinations till the truly wasted. that Sri Lanka is met with a great and rare poisons” (kleshas), mental states that cloud were below the age of 20. Is it illogical to age of 13. The child is not exerted opportunity to reform our education system the mind and manifest in unwholesome draw a connection to the success of our and pressured but is rather allowed ÄÄ Do you really believe that with the current leadership we have. actions such as anxiety, fear, anger, education system in this manner? It shows to learn freely. There is a great sense Sri Lanka has the potential Following are excerpts of the jealousy, desire, delusion and depression, that our current approach to education is of happiness and curiosity that is to rank among Finland and interview. the human too ultimately ends up ruined not successful. The students who are under cultivated. The most important elements Japan in terms of education? and dismantled. it are unhappy. to consider in the creation of an The most forward-thinking countries ÄÄ Elaborate on the studies you A look at today’s student population education system is nature and the due Ä of the world are dominated by the UK, have conducted to gain such Ä How do we unlock our full also shows rampant numbers of diabetic nurturing, and Finland has succeeded Japan, Germany, Singapore, and South knowledge on education potential of intelligence that patients. To qualify as successful in our in the cultivation of both, creating a Korea and we are only at 59th. With systems of the world. enables a better product of current education system, students have motivated student body. regard to the world’s happiest countries, My background and multidisciplinary the education system? to compromise in their sleep schedule, However, we should also note Finland, Denmark, and Switzerland take scholarly specialisations primarily circulate Meditation is an excellent remedy. and physical activity is not prioritised. that these countries utilise the latest the cake and Sri Lanka trots behind at around one thing: Mind and behaviour, Mind you, I am not at all speaking in a There’s rabid levels of malnutrition among technology in their endeavours and the 170th. which is ultimately located in the brain. best we can do is look at our own roots Sri Lanka has the potential to maybe Through my specialisations, I had the and resources we already have. reach even greater heights than Finland privilege of gaining a better understanding It is not that Sri Lanka has always to increase the feasibility of education of the brain’s functions on the human been this way. We have a proud history and positively impact our own economy mind and behaviour, and many of my of ancestors who built 40,000 lakes in equal measure, but we have a long research work too primarily focuses on that in this country, the best medicinal way to go. (including the internationally acclaimed Happiness is all practices, and so on. Our ancestors We are treading on a gem of a research paper titled “Nature of Human created wonders such as the Sigiriya country with prosperous golden soil; Intelligence”). we have. Even on and the great lakes through their good rivers patterned perfectly islandwide, Likewise, what I define as a good our deathbeds, it health and strength as well as their enough and more lakes, and plentiful education system is a system that own happiness and vitality. Happiness rain; perfect climate; and a dazzling integrates the fundamental workings and is not money or is fundamental for curiosity and self- history. Like I said, if we analyse our understandings of the human mind and our property that learning, and we should revive it again. roots and realise the added advantage we behaviour. We are also lacking strong, trained have and execute it properly, this country we take with us. professionals with good knowledge to may give rise to a 100 Charles Darwins ÄÄ What is the true purpose of If we do not have enhance the longevity of our education. and at least 10-15 Einsteins in the years education, according to you? I have come to understand through my to come. The modern definition of education is happiness, what is experiences that there are enough and Intelligence and knowledge can that it’s purpose is to mould a student into a the point of having more teachers in the country without prevent wars and eradicate chaos, and specific specialised field in order to pursue even the knowledge of what a basic cultivating happiness takes us one step a career in the future. One might say that lived so long a life? “mind map” is. There is a large gap and closer towards that goal. Happiness is all they do a job to earn a living. Why do disparity between the teaching methods we have. Even on our deathbeds, it is not you earn a living? To survive. What is the and the ways of knowledge retainment money or our property that we take with purpose of life? Is it money? Your personal and learning of the students. Parotting us. If we do not have happiness, what is property? is encouraged instead of analysis, the point of having lived so long a life? 6 the sunday morning brunch HEALTH Sunday, February 21, 2021

BY DR. DINESHANI HETTIARACHCHI SIRISENA a systematic and explicit method that involves several senses (hearing, seeing, Dyslexia is one of the most touching) at the same time, stated Dr. common language-based Rohanachandra. They may also need learning disabilities the world personalised help on a one-on-one basis tailored to their own pace. Schools can over. However, its exact numbers also help these students by giving them are elusive and its prevalence is extra time to complete a task and by difficult to determine precisely. modifying assignments according to As symptoms could range from their individual capabilities and even mild to severe, the majority of incorporating different assessment dyslexics may not be identified methods. Proper counselling by a mental and might never receive the healthcare provider can help overcome necessary treatment to overcome some of the struggles associated with their impediments. However, dyslexia in order to prevent these many who had dyslexia have gone children from developing any long-term on to accomplish great things in psychological issues. life. Among the many success Facilities available in Sri Lanka stories are those of Thomas If a child is suspected to have Edison, Stephen Spielberg, F. Scott dyslexia, the child should be brought Fitzgerald, and Charles Schwab to for assessment as soon as possible. name a few. Such assessments are available at child We spoke to Colombo South and adolescent mental health services Teaching Hospital Consultant Child and at teaching hospitals. Assessments for Adolescent Psychiatrist and University dyslexia may also be carried out by of Sri Jayewardenepura Department psychologists in the private sector. of Psychiatry Senior Lecturer Dr. Children with dyslexia are managed Yasodha Rohanachandra to understand within mainstream classrooms. However, the basis and shed light on the available they need extra support in reading and interventions for early diagnosis and writing. Some schools have resource treatment of dyslexia. centres where such extra support is It is important to note that dyslexia provided. Unfortunately, not many is not a disease. It is a specific learning schools have this facility and this gap disability that one is born with. needs to be bridged in order to provide Sometimes it runs in families. optimum support for these children. According to the International Children with dyslexia can have Dyslexia Association, “dyslexia is special provisions at examinations. a specific learning disability that This may include having extra time is neurobiological in origin. It is at examinations, having an invigilator characterised by difficulties with accurate to read out the exam paper, making and/or fluent word recognition and by provisions to answer questions orally poor spelling and decoding abilities. Dyslexia rather than in writing, or allowing These difficulties typically result from the child to use a computer to answer a deficit in the phonological component questions. Special provisions should in a nutshell be requested from the Department of of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and Examinations at the time of application the provision of effective classroom that dyslexia is purely a reading who are suffering from the condition Impact of dyslexia and should be recommended by a instruction. Secondary consequences disorder. In actuality, dyslexia can also tremendously. In preschool and The impact it has on an individual psychiatrist or psychologist. may include problems in reading affect writing, spelling, and speaking elementary school kids, some signs has great variability and differs from comprehension and reduced reading abilities. They also exhibit difficulties of dyslexia include difficulty with the person to person, as the symptoms can Take home message Dr. Rohanachandra emphasised that experience that can impede growth of in processing and manipulating the following: range from mild to severe children with dyslexia are not “stupid” or vocabulary and background knowledge”. sounds in a spoken language, and as a yy Learning to talk with core difficulties with “lazy” and punishing these children for Research has also shown that in result, can have trouble with spelling. word recognition and yy Pronouncing long words their learning difficulties does not help those with dyslexia, the brain processes While this certainly makes reading more reading fluency, spelling, in any way. Rather, it would make the information differently. Dyslexia has difficult, with the right support, almost yy Rhyming and writing. Some may also child dislike education and suffer from no relationship with their intelligence. all individuals with dyslexia can learn experience difficulties with yy Learning the alphabet low self-esteem. These children need an Their intelligence quotient (IQ) is to read. Since there is no cure for this spoken language and as a sequence, days of the individualised educational plan that is in normal and even above average in condition, individuals who overcome result, may find it difficult to week, colours, shapes, keeping with their abilities. They do not certain instances. However, their ability the associated learning disability usually express themselves clearly, and numbers do well in settings with many children as to process information seems to differ. adopt certain coping strategies. or to fully comprehend what such settings do not provide such one- Brain imaging has shown that when they Early educators must be aware yy Learning letter names and others mean when they to-one attention. That is why contrary to read, they use different parts of the brain of how to identify dyslexia in order sounds speak. As such, these subtle the popular belief, children with dyslexia compared to people without dyslexia. to take corrective steps. With the y communication problems are correct knowledge, they can help those y Learning to read and write find tuition classes with many children There is a widely held misconception his or her name Dr. Yasodha Rohanachandra often difficult to recognise, but can have a lasting unhelpful. Children with dyslexia may yy Learning to identify syllables (cow– impact. Dyslexia can also affect a person’s thrive in other areas of life, such as sports, boy in cowboy) and speech sounds self-image and self-esteem. They may feel music, art, etc. It is important to identify (phonemes like b-a-t in bat) in words inadequate and may even feel discouraged and focus on the child’s strengths and what to continue school. they can do rather than their weaknesses yy Sounding out simple words and what they can’t do. This strengths- yy Reading and spelling words with the Arriving at a diagnosis based approach will help the child achieve correct letter sequence (“top” rather Even though salient features might be the best outcome. than “pot”) apparent during elementary school, they can only be formally diagnosed through a yy Handwriting and fine-motor co- About the writer comprehensive evaluation by a child and ordination The writer, adolescent psychiatrist or a psychologist. Dr. Dineshani Older kids, teenagers, and adults might Hence, detecting early can guide families have these same signs of dyslexia and will to get proper help. Hettiarachchi probably also exhibit the following signs: Sirisena, is a family yy Read and spell far below grade level Overcoming dyslexia physician with a special interest in y Since dyslexia is a lifelong y Avoid reading and writing condition, getting proper help is the first rare genetic diseases yy Work slowly on reading and writing step. Most children with this condition and regenerative assignments and tests need help from a teacher, tutor, or medicine currently working as a lecturer therapist specially trained in using at the Department of Anatomy, Faculty of yy Struggle with learning a foreign a multisensory, structured language Medicine, University of Colombo, language approach. The main strategy is to use Sri Lanka.

Weight gain often an issue as women move into menopause Dear Mayo Clinic, I recently turned If your parents or other close relatives Though things may seem a bit 50, and I walk about one mile daily and experienced weight around the abdomen overwhelming as you move into this new work out two to three times per week. as they got older, you're likely to do the stage of life, keep in mind that positive I believe I am beginning to go into same. lifestyle changes can reap many health menopause, as I have not had a period Considering all these changes, rewards as you get older. Staying at a in a few months. Also, I have noticed the maintaining the same level of exercise and healthy weight lowers your risk for a number on my scale rising, even though calorie intake you have always had may no variety of health concerns, including high I have not changed my diet or activities. longer be enough for weight maintenance blood pressure; heart disease; Type 2 I've heard weight gain is common in as you head toward menopause. You may diabetes; and certain kinds of cancer, such menopause. As I enter this stage of life, need to add more exercise to your regular as breast, endometrial, and colon cancers. what can I do to maintain my weight routine. In addition, avoiding excess weight as you other than continuing to work out and For most healthy adults, experts age can make it easier to stay active over eat well? recommend moderate aerobic activity, such time. And that can help you look and feel You are certainly well on your way as brisk walking, for at least 150 minutes better in the long run. to a warding off midlife weight gain with a week or vigorous aerobic activity, such If you have questions about menopause your healthy lifestyle. Weight gain is often as jogging, for at least 75 minutes a week. symptoms or changes you experience in an issue as women move into menopause, Strength training is recommended at least perimenopause, talk with your healthcare even for those who eat well and exercise twice a week. If you want to lose weight or provider. You also can seek out a women's regularly. Over the next several years, you meet specific fitness goals, you might need health specialist who can offer details may find it more difficult to stay at your to exercise more. about possible treatments that may ease current weight, and you'll need to increase Check your eating habits too. Choose symptoms and make this significant life your activity level and be more diligent fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, transition easier to manage. about your eating habits. particularly those that are less processed and of symptoms that come with menopause, where fat is stored, leading to a tendency (Adapted from Mayo Clinic Health A woman is considered to be in contain more fibre. Avoid or limit sugar- including weight gain. for fat accumulation around the midsection. Letter) Jacqueline Thielen, M.D., menopause when she's gone a year without sweetened beverages, such as soft drinks, This weight gain happens in part due In addition to hormone changes, Women's Health Clinic, Mayo Clinic, a period. Menopause usually happens in the juices, energy drinks, flavoured waters, to hormone changes. Declining levels of other symptoms of menopause, such as Jacksonville, Florida late 40s or early 50s. The final years leading and sweetened coffee or tea. Cookies, pies, the hormones, oestrogen after menopause, hot flashes, sleep problems, and mood ©️2020 Mayo Foundation for Medical up to menopause are called perimenopause. cakes, doughnuts, ice cream, and candy and testosterone with aging, contribute changes, can interfere with a woman's Education and Research. Distributed by They are characterised by menstrual should only make occasional appearances in to a loss of muscle mass, which leads to ability to adhere to healthy lifestyle Tribune Content Agency, LLC. All rights irregularities. During perimenopause, your diet, if you include them at all. Limit fewer calories being burned at rest and with measures. That can contribute to weight reserved. many women start experiencing a variety exercise. The hormonal changes also affect gain. Genetic factors also may play a role. alcohol, as it also adds empty calories. the sunday morning brunch 7 Sunday, February 21, 2021 GAMES/TOONS

SOLUTION FOR 7 FEBRUARY

CROSSWORD CLUES Crossword while in class, e.g. 73 Musical workout, at times Across 61 Bound to be 117 Subject of many a watch 23 MIT offerings 74 Singer’s perfect pitch, say 1 Playground game 62 “I, Claudius” role 119 Family film feature 27 Boxing div. 75 “... chips-down” link with hoops 63 Collapsed 123 Enthusiastic to a fault 30 Suspects 77 “Ciao” 6 Blobby sci-fi villain 66 Like some fried food 124 Elicit a chuckle 31 Jordanian queen dowager 78 Swedish auto 11 Biker’s protective wear 68 Letters on a bathroom tube 125 A detective may act on one 32 José’s hand 79 Bit of optimism 19 In the know 69 Absolutely zero 126 Spoofs 33 A light bulb may 80 Lotion additive 20 Fitness motto starter 72 Dealer-busting org. 127 Minibike kin symbolize one 82 Fuzzy memory 21 Removes faded 75 Meter starter 128 __ music 35 “It’s clear now” 83 One taking a class over flowers from 76 Compared with 38 Multi-lingual Irish singer 87 Juice with a lizard logo 22 Fit 77 Places where quiet is Down 40 First golfing U.S. president 89 Picard’s counselor 24 Brand with a often demanded 1 Clues for DNA analysis 41 Pulitzer-winning author 90 Jon of “Mad Men” Jumpman logo 78 Cut of the loot 2 Accept the blame James 91 Checkout action 25 Regret 81 River past Logroño 3 Wild party 42 __ standard 94 Stamps 26 School near Windsor 84 It’s raised at a circus 4 “No seats” sign 43 Bowl, say 98 Figure with a cape 27 Stiles of “Whose Line Is 85 Obligation 5 Job listing abbr. 44 Was highly regarded 100 __ kit: Ancestry.com item It Anyway?” 86 Many surfers 6 “Precisely like this” 45 Formal wear item 101 Signed off on 28 “Friends” friend 88 Ignore mistakes, say 7 “Take __ at it” 46 1983 Indy 500 champ Tom 102 Speechless player 29 Arrives like a brainstorm 92 Letters on a GI’s letters 8 Bingo cousin 47 Fancy moldings 104 Like morning fields 34 A, to Beethoven 93 Absorb, as a spill 9 Marcel Marceau clown 49 Throw very hard 106 Stimulate 36 Fair 95 Twitter rampage persona 52 Berkshire racecourse 107 Memory miscue 37 Formal talk 96 Hale-Bopp, for one 10 Snacked 53 Deadlocked 108 Pass-rushing group, briefly 39 Deer sir 97 Alphabetically first V8 11 Princess with cinnamon- 54 Alleged creation of Buffalo’s 109 Prevention amount 43 Droid from Naboo, ingredient bun locks Anchor Bar 110 Strength familiarly 99 Yawning cause 12 Not kidding 56 Wray of “King Kong” 111 Inventing middle name 46 Volume unit 101 Place to make a rial deal 13 Asleep in Eng. class? 60 Herd mentality output? 112 Card holder, maybe 48 Go inside 103 Some tributes 14 Cause of sticker shock 64 Golfer’s gouge 114 Pub mugfuls 50 Long, long tail? 105 Disney theme park at the florist? 65 Pasta restaurant closing? 117 Jazzy genre 51 Start of a hopeful chant 111 Part of many a plot 15 They may be unsung 67 RPI and NIH 118 Yokohama yes 55 Tower engineer 113 Bristol bye-bye 16 “CSI” actor George 69 Cards, for short 119 Omelet filler 57 Simone’s state 115 Bit of politeness from 17 Old food label figs. 70 Tiberius’ tongue 120 70-Down trio opener 71 Blessed __ 121 Bright students’ org. 58 Dagger of yore a hat-tipper 18 I-9 ID Entries should be written clearly and addressed to: The Features Editor, The Sunday Morning, 59 Mosque official 116 That guy, to Guy 21 Thoughts of the beach 72 Casual Friday fabric 122 “How obvious” No. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 to reach us on or before 12 noon on 3 March, 2021. Write “The Sunday Morning Brunch”, on the top left hand corner of the envelope. Name: ...... Address: ...... Contact No: ...... Bank account details: ...... (Account number, bank name, branch name, and name as per bank account)

CROSSWORD WINNERS OF 7 FEBRUARY First prize (Rs. 5,000) Consolation prize winners Thanushke Kothalawela, 1. M.M.M. Shiraz, Matale Kelaniya 2. Dharshini Fernando, Gampola Second prize (Rs. 3,000) 3. Sean Morais, Gampola 4. D.J.M. Jayatissa, Radhawana Manuel Victor, 5. Gayathri Kirupa, Kalmunai Monaragala

This week’s winners will be announced on 7 March

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

Agency. All (Answers next week) rights reserved. (Last week’s) 8 the sunday morning brunch PEOPLE/EVENTS Sunday, February 21, 2021

We are a frustrated country, Such invitations of Set Wemuda aren’t we? We regularly top the or Athal Gamuda were the only two COLOMBO CONFESSIONS: Google Search ranking for the snippets of vocab I heard that day. BY ROHITHA PERERA term “sex” year after year. Now Batu moju aside, quite possibly the with the advent of smartphones, biggest Athal for me was to extend Privilege and Perversion these frustrated Neanderthals go all my hand and deliver a Kaney, Colombo Confessions is all HDR on their victims whether it be which would have echoed like a bad about having a laugh. I’ve had island folk who really have too much public transport or five-star hotels. memory for the poor fella. the misfortune of associating time on their hands. Ironically, these subpar masculine Yet all in all, what can I say with a wide cross-section I remember a time when I went entities are married. One wonders except that all of this dysfunction on a food-inspired jaunt with one if these are marriages of reason or makes up the beautiful mess that of Colombo denizens. This of my besties around town. What column is a look at the lighter marriages of sexual frustration. Colombo is. And it is indeed greeted the poor girl was a litany But sexual intrigue is aplenty a right royal mess. You can’t side of Lankans in the capital of wolf whistles, claps, winks, and in Colombo these days. Whether teach the old perverted dogs new of Sri Lanka. raucous yelps with guttural emits of it be a plastic surgeon’s wife who tricks, but, maybe, education can, Privilege and Perversion – it “Nangi!” It was traumatic for me to finds some respite in the collagen- hopefully, lead to a new and more has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? see and hear this, but I could only deficit arms of a 77-year-old well-behaved future generation Men perving on women seem to imagine what it was like for her. She it. You’d be forgiven to think that platform (belonging to prettily retired engineer, or myself who that can redefine the term civilised be a running theme these days. But shrugged and said she was used to it; this abuse unfolds from a certain dressed girls) lifted our hopes to one Sunday had to avoid the grins, behaviour. actually it has been a running theme this girl is a tough nut being a former sub strata of society. It unfolds the heavens above, the frustrated glances, and lascivious inquiries (Rohitha Perera is a writer, ever since the patriarchy decided that army general’s daughter and all, (I from every section. I’ve had the male-dominated congregation lifted of a dude on a bike who took blogger and content marketer everything had to be their way or the pity the man who lays a finger on misfortune of being at church one their eyes to catch a glimpse or particular interest in my purchase from Colombo, Sri Lanka. He highway. I wonder if this pastime of her.) glorious Sunday a good decade two of the thighs and beyond of of aubergines or batu. He asked used to be an editor at a lifestyle perving away at hapless women is That experience was a stark or so ago. As the choir of angelic the choir girls who were blissfully politely, a fervent request to tickle magazine, and now works in the somehow a jobless happenstance of reminder of how easy we guys have voices residing on an elevated unaware of such attentions. his pickle. IT industry)

Celebrating International Table by Taru and Kaleidoscope with Savithri Rodrigo presents Women’s Day in March, Cargills International Women’s Day Festival – The Changemakers will Cargills International be held at Taru Villas – Lake Lodge in Colombo over four Mondays in the month of March. Designed to celebrate Women’s Day women who are championing change, and thought leaders who prompt dialogue through their work, impact, and actions, the festival upholds women’s ability to transform, adapt, Festival 2021 and be the change, while also who have chosen to challenge stimulating debate, building conventional career paths and knowledge, expanding now lead their disciplines Varuni networks of champions, and with tenacity and purpose. advocating gender equality. Panellists are Triad Joint The festival is a Managing Director Varuni collaboration between Amunugama Fernando, Hemas online digital programme Holdings Group CEO Kasturi Kaleidoscope with Savithri Chellarajah Wilson, and Sri Rodrigo, and Table by Lanka’s first hip hop artiste Taru at Lake Lodge, Ashanthi de Alwis. a small luxury ShoutOUT.AI, one of the pillars of ShoutOUT Labs, received the Silver award for Marketing Solutions in Sarah Day 3: 15 March Kasturi the Business Services Category at the NBQSA competition boutique hotel Ashanthi – The Creative in the heart of the Forces: This session city. Each day will celebrates those who begin with dialogue have revolutionised and discussion and the creative arts. ShoutOUT Labs conclude with aperitifs Panellists are author and and canapés. publisher Ameena Hussein, Socially conscious interdisciplinary artist and corporate steward Cargills represents SL at Pro Helvetia awardee Layla Yamini is the festival title partner, Amalini Gonaduwa, and principal while the United Nations dancer of the Chitrasena Dance Population Fund (UNFPA) Company Thaji Dias. Asia Pacific ICT comes on board as the event Day 4: 22 March – The partner. Additional partners Disruptors: This concluding are, Wineworld (beverage), day will be the finale with two Healing Island (wellness), sessions and a networking Alliance Awards Lite 87 (exclusive event. The session 1 ShoutOUT Labs which enables businesses Colombo, Sri Lanka, radio), and Hi Online, Thaji panellists are GoodLife was recently selected to use a convenient and also has a sales Layla Online, Ameena Accelerator Co- to represent the country and effective customer office that is based in and Daily Mirror Founder/CEO and at the Asia Pacific ICT relationship platform. Lagos, Nigeria. The Weekend Online Hatch Works Director Alliance (APICTA) Currently, ShoutOUT company is headed by (official digital media Randhula de Silva, Ape Awards in Malaysia, Labs services are used Chief Executive Officer partners). Founder and COLLAB and was vying with by over 9,000 users in Tharindu Dassanayake, The festival will Co-Founder and COO contestants from 17 more than 50 countries who won the award be held across the Himali De Silva, and Good countries. The selection worldwide including Sri for the Best Young four Mondays falling Market Co-Founder Achala comes on the back of Lanka, Nigeria, Nepal, Entrepreneur in 2016. on 1, 8, 15, and 22 March, Samaradiwakara. ShoutOUT.AI, one of and the UK. ShoutOUT ShoutOUT Labs’s target featuring curated panels of Achala Randhula Session 2 brings through the pillars of ShoutOUT is used by leading brands market is primarily changemakers and moderated an unusual discussion with Labs, receiving the Silver such as DSI Tyre, Vision small to medium- by host, director, and executive two young people who award for Marketing Care, Dilmah, and scale businesses in the producer of Kaleidoscope truly disrupted the comedy Solutions in the Business Sampath Bank as well emerging markets. Savithri Rodrigo. realm, Gehan Blok and Dino Services Category at the as the Prime Minister’s ShoutOUT Labs “Renowned for her Corera. Their discussion NBQSA competition – a Office, and many more. has enjoyed meteoric unusual and innovative on the portrayal of women remarkable achievement ShoutOUT is growth within a few events, Taru hopes in disruptive comedy given that the solution headquartered in short years thanks to that this will be the Gehanand guarantees the prompting was developed just 10 their advanced software genesis of an annual Himali Dino Savithri of lively discussion. months ago. The awards solutions. The company event in breaking An extract of ceremony of this annual currently offers three new ground with each discussion will event organised by BCS product pillars, namely the focus of inspire, also be featured in the Sri Lanka was held on 3 ShoutOUT – a customer empower, and “Let’s Talk” segment on April at the Bandaranaike communication platform connect,” said Taru Kaleidoscope with Savithri Memorial International (CPaaS), ShoutOUT. Management Brand Rodrigo that week. Conference Hall AI – a conversational Communications Specialist on women, as the focus on Prompters: Features women Seating is limited as (BMICH). AI framework, and Mahika Chandrasena. “This is women’s achievements, activists who have been stringent Covid-19 guidelines ShoutOUT Labs was ShoutOUT Loyalty – a why we have collaborated with their determination, and fighting to advance peace, are being followed to create founded in 2015 with the loyalty management Kaleidoscope with Savithri commitment to instigate reconciliation, and nation a safe environment for all objective of developing platform. Rodrigo and these festival change is rarely spotlighted in building. Panellists are author participants while maintaining customer communication partners, as they share the same the media. In this collaboration and researcher – peacebuilding the intimate ambience Taru is software solutions to ShoutOUT Labs Chief Executive philosophy with a focus on with Taru, Cargills, and our and reconciliation Sarah Kabir; renowned for. engage with customers Officer Tharindu Dassanayake helping forge a more gender partners coming in to support writer, researcher, and activist Tickets are priced at Rs. via different channels equal world.” us, we are augmenting our Amalini De Sayrah, and 20,000 for the Festival Pass and building winning Savithri added: “From focus on that singular mission National Christian Evangelical (which gives access to all relationships with its inception, Kaleidoscope of showcasing the important Alliance Sri Lanka (NCEASL) events of the festival) and Rs. those customers. has highlighted achievers, roles women have played Director – Legal and Advocacy 6,000 for the Day Pass to an This gave birth pioneers, disruptors, peace and continue to play in this Yamini Ravindran. individual event. For more to ShoutOUT builders, and entrepreneurs, country.” Day 2: 8 March – The information, services, placing the spotlight primarily Day 1: 1 March – The Peace Pioneers: Features women call 0768 119 191.

Asha de Vos The F Word with Content to check out 3. Cowpea curry – http://www.pulse.lk/ pulse-recipes/cowpea-curry-cooking- embarks on Smriti Daniel | 1. Nilu Anandappa recognised as Asia’s with-aunty-d/ Outstanding Teacher of The Year – global sea Brandon Ingram and http://www.pulse.lk/everythingelse/ 4. Chickpea curry – http://www.pulse.lk/ nilu-anandappa-recognised-as-asias- pulse-recipes/chickpea-curry-cooking- expedition Nimmi Harasgama with-aunty-d/ Log onto our Log onto our YouTube outstanding-teacher-of-the-year/ 2. Smoking kills and here’s how – http:// 5. Send in your requests to +94 (70) 707 YouTube channel channel for the full www.pulse.lk/everythingelse/ 8573 and hear your favourite tunes smoking-kills-and-here-how/ instantly on www.islandpulse.lk! for the full video video Send in your requests to +94 (70) 707 8573 and hear your favourite tunes instantly on www.islandpulse.lk! THIS WEEK ON Facebook: slpulse Instagram: @pulse_lk YouTube: Pulse.lk

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