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For verified information on the Quarantine Unit COVID-19 TOTAL CASES TOTAL CASES coronavirus (Covid-19) contact any 0112 112 705 ACTIVE CASES of the following authorities CASES IN Epidemiology Unit Health THE WORLD 22,121,063 Suwasariya 0112 695 112 PROTECT YOURSELF FROM 2,900 Promotion Ambulance DEATHS CASES DEATHS Bureau Service Govt. coronavirus hotline USA 5,621,396 174,076 COVID-19 DEATHS RECOVERED 1999 1990 0113071073 778,885 BRAZIL 3,363,235 108,654 INDIA 2,732,218 52,280 PRESIDENTIAL SPECIAL TASK FORCE FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES RECOVERD RUSSIA 932,493 15,872 11 2,755 Telephone 0114354854, 0114733600 Fax 0112333066, 0114354882 Hotline 0113456200-4 Email [email protected] 14,854,475 S. AFRICA 589,886 11,982 THE ABOVE STATISTICS134 ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 9.30 P.M. ON 18 AUGUST 2020 SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU

SIDE EFFECTS OF POWER OUTAGE Norochcholai Coal Power Plant Islandwide power cuts for four days z z Accordingly, the power cut will Norochcholai power plant was a post Norochcholai out of order Shortfall in power supply be effective from 6-7 p.m., 7-8 p.m., effect of Monday’s (17) countrywide Operations at the Norochcholai Board (CEB) yesterday announced The islandwide power cut is to 8-9 p.m., or 9-10 p.m. power outage and that it will be ready Coal Power Plant have come to a that islandwide power cuts wil be take place for one hour and will be The CEB yesterday clarified within a few days. standstill and the Ceylon Electricity imposed for four days. imposed in four tiers. that the non-operation of the Contd. on page 2 Ruwan faces Easter GOVERNMENT ANALYST’S DEPARTMENT Sunday probe Former State Minister of Defence yesterday (18) arrived at the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing the Easter Sunday attacks. Contd. on page 2 Internal probe

ISLANDWIDE POWER OUTAGE Losses being on dept. staff assessed z Inquiry after two staffers z Police probe ongoing on The islandwide blackout on Monday (17) has caused losses to the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) arrested with narcotics the arrested persons due to the need to resort to alternate power supplies. BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA He told The Morning that a special team and two other senior officials of the “There is a loss to the CEB because we can’t run An internal inquiry has been launched by a special team of has been appointed after a discussion held Department, according to Jayamanne. the Norochcholai power plant at the moment and we experts attached to the Government Analyst’s Department yesterday and the team will interrogate all As explained by him, the two have to run some expensive power plants and hydro employees who have been working with employees were not working on a full- power plants,” Ministry of Power Development after the arrest of two persons, who have been working the two arrested employees to evaluate the time basis but were called to work when Director Sulakshana Jayawardena said. at the Department’s laboratory, for the possession of possibilities of such an incident occurring. required and when there were not enough Contd. on page 2 heroin on Monday (17), according to Deputy Government The team comprises the Government officials to conduct the relevant task. Sulakshana Jayawardena Analyst D.H.I.W. Jayamanne. Analyst, Deputy Government Analyst, Contd. on page 2 REOPENING AIRPORTS SLBFE to cut Perfect timing? down expenses Final decision The Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) has decided to cut down on expenses of their foreign this week: missions as a measure to support the Government which is currently going through economic crises as a result of AASL Covid-19. BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA

Pillayan gets Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd. (AASL) expects to finalise the procedures for the green light to reopening of the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) this week. Maj. Gen. (Retd.) attend Parliament Contd. on page 2 G.A. Chandrasiri Sivanesathurai REVIEWING PERFORMANCE AT GENERAL ELECTION Chandrakanthan alias has received court permission to attend the inaugural ITAK appoints session of Parliament on Thursday (20). State Minister of Solar, Wind, and Grid Power Generation Projects Development assumed duties Pillayan The High yesterday (18) at the Ministry in . Former President was also in attendance committee Court granted permission yesterday PHOTO ESHAN DASANYAKA (18) to Pillayan to attend Parliament. The Illankai Tamil meets, The Morning learnt. WOMEN’S REPRESENTATION IN GOVT. Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) When contacted, ITAK ISLANDWIDE POWER OUTAGE has appointed a committee Leader Mavai Senthiraja to study the outcome of noted: “We will be selecting PUCSL demands At least a female state minister: WIN the election results of the four to five persons to While criticising the lack of a WIN Executive Director Savithri Minister has experience in the subject,” 2020 general election, appoint for this committee Cabinet Minister for Women’s Wijesekera, speaking to The she said, suggestive of former Deputy with the party losing to study the setback that report in 3 days Affairs, the Women In Need Morning, said that an experienced Minister of Women and Child Affairs popularity during this the party and the Tamil The Public Utilities Commission (WIN) organisation called for an state minister was needed. Dr. Sudharshani Fernandopulle. election. The committee Mavai Senthiraja National Alliance (TNA) of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has called on experienced state minister, at the least. “I’m not sure if the current State Contd. on page 2 will be appointed on 29 August faced during the recent election. the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) when their working committee Contd. on page 2 to submit a report on the reason for the islandwide power failure within COVID-19 PREVENTION three days. Temporary In the letter addressed to the General Manager of the CEB, the PUCSL Over 5,000 under quarantine approval to pointed out Clause Condition 30 (10) of the Electricity Transmission and Bulk BY SARAH HANNAN still following the 14-day quarantine 17 August (Monday) and 10 a.m. on 18 Supply License issued to the CEB. period and should anyone of them test August (yesterday) with a total of 134 import turmeric The National Operation Centre positive for Covid-19, the entire batch persons confirmed to have contracted The Government is to temporarily permit for Prevention of Covid-19 Outbreak will have to observe a further 14-day the virus, out of which only one foreign the importation of turmeric to the country in (NOCPCO) reported that at present, a quarantine period from the day the national was recorded, and the rest were order to avoid a shortage, State Minister of total of 5,347 persons were observing patient is detected,” NOCPCO Head and Sri Lankans. Development of Sugarcane, Maize, Cashew, quarantine at 44 quarantine centres as Commander of the Lt. A total of 79 persons were discharged Pepper, Cinnamon, Cloves, Betel Production and of yesterday (18). Gen. Shavendra Silva told The Morning. after recovering from the illness, of Promotion of Allied Products and Export Janaka “A total of 5,347 returnees The Epidemiology Unit in its Covid- which 72 had been discharged from the Wakkumbura said. The Minister explained that are observing quarantine at 19 Situation Report published yesterday Kandakadu Treatment Centre and seven steps would be taken to import turmeric for SEE FULL STORIES ON PAGE 2 44 quarantine centres as (18) at 10 a.m. noted that seven new from the Welikanda Base Hospital. about one-and-a-half years. Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva of yesterday (18). We are cases were reported between 10 a.m. on Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 2 the morning OPINION/NEWS Wednesday, August19, 2020

BY COL R. HARIHARAN With the Rajapaksas getting a resounding win in the general election in Sri Lanka, they will be able to get rid of the The burden of victory 19th Amendment which curbs presidential powers. But getting under him, while his brother, Prime Minister export and import has been disastrous. The back to the unitary state could pose Rajapaksa, controls Finance and the country is facing a serious money crunch problems. eldest brother Chamal is Irrigation Minister. and has to depend upon assistance from both Two Rajapaksas belong to the third generation India and China. The Rajapaksa clan is back at the helm in – Namal, son of PM Rajapaksa and his cousin, President Rajapaksa’s vision statement, Sri Lanka after the people gave them a huge Shasheendra. Second-time parliamentarian “Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour”, has been thumbs-up in the just-concluded general Namal’s inclusion as the Cabinet Minister adopted by the SLPP as its manifesto. Its vision election. While is the for Sports and Youth Affairs could be viewed for a prosperous nation aims at a productive President, his brother, , as grooming an heir apparent to Mahinda. citizen, a happy family, a disciplined society, is the Prime Minister. Shasheendra, son of Chamal, the eldest of and a prosperous nation. Its key policies While this was not unexpected, their Sri the Rajapaksa brothers, has an “innovative” include priority to national security; friendly, Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) party led portfolio – state minister for a “grocery list” – non-aligned, foreign policy; administration free by Mahinda won 145 seats, 15 more than Paddy and Cereals, Organic Food, Vegetables, from corruption; a disciplined, law-abiding, what they had forecast. This was 59.09% Fruits, Chilli, Onion, and Potato and Seed and value-based society. Can the President of the votes cast. With three minor allies Production and High-tech Agriculture! manage to at least partly deliver on these adding six to the tally, the SLPP alliance Other state ministers also have such promises? Sirisena failed because he could not will be 151-strong, which is two-thirds of responsibilities in detail, showing a extricate himself from his political priorities. the 225-member house. A distant runner-up thoroughness (or is it an over-working Coming to the swearing-in of the PM and his was Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), led by bureaucracy?) not known before. But it ministers, there was a lot of Sinhala-Buddhist , former deputy leader of shows the President’s serious intent in laying symbolism in choosing the venues. This was the (UNP) and son of emphasis on agriculture, education, and similar to the time when President Gotabaya the late President Ranasinghe Premadasa. development of small industry using a new Rajapaksa was sworn in at , a historic It secured 54 seats, polling 23.9% of the SLPP Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the ceremony at generation of politicians as state ministers. site of consolidation of the Sinhalese. He was votes. Then came the Temple on 9 August when Mahinda Rajapaksa took his oath as the Prime Minister Fourteen members of the SLFP, including sworn in at the site of the victory pillar of (TNA), winning 10 seats, but polling only in 2010, his bid for a third term as president to the Sinhala nationalist lobby. Sirisena, have been elected. The Rajapaksas , the Sinhala king who defeated 2.82% of the votes. It was followed by the failed. While the SLPP campaigned hard, the President Rajapaksa would like to draw up seem to have marginalised the SLFP within the last Tamil king in Kandy. On 9 Marxist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-led backlash from voters who had brought the a new constitution that fits in with his concept the alliance by keeping Sirisena out of power. August, Mahinda Rajapaksa was sworn in as National People’s Power (NPP) alliance and SLFP and UNP coalition to power helped of building a strong unified state. But it may Only two cabinet posts and three state minister PM at the Kelaniya Maha Viharaya Buddhist other parties which could count their seats in Rajapaksa’s runaway victory. The voters not be an easy exercise as it rouses ethnic posts have been offered to the SLFP. In temple, near the capital. According to Buddhist single digits only. punished both parties for their failure to passions and chauvinism. It would be more contrast, four of the eight members elected lore, the Buddha is supposed to have visited As the headline of an article by former fulfil their promise of good governance. prudent to build a consensus to draw up a from President Rajapaksa’s “Viyathmaga” the temple. Equally significant was the venue diplomat Dr. Dayan Jayatilleke said, it was Their National Unity Alliance spent more draft constitution, acceptable to all sections. group of professionals have been made state chosen for swearing in cabinet ministers and a “Battle of Breakaways”. Both the SLPP time with President Sirisena plotting to pull Can the president meet this tough challenge? ministers. This group acted as foot soldiers state ministers – at Magul Maduva, the hall in and the SJB had broken away from the Sri down Prime Minister of Rajapaksa during his presidential election the Dalada Maligawa, the Temple of the Tooth, Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and the UNP and vice versa than deliver on their promises. The new team campaign and are viewed by politicians with the most sacred Buddhist site in the country. (respectively), which had dominated national There were other factors too which led to The President has appointed 25 cabinet some trepidation. The symbolic gestures were only a politics from the early years of Independence. their defeat. Wickremesinghe’s alleged links ministers, 39 state ministers, and 25 district Marginalising the old war horses of the reiteration of what President Rajapaksa said The SLPP came into being after the defeat of to two bond scams in which the Central Bank co-ordinating committee chairpersons (who SLFP and SLPP while accumulating power in his maiden speech in Parliament on 3 Mahinda Rajapaksa in the presidential poll in incurred losses were not investigated fully. are supposed to wield a lot of influence in within their clan, could lead to discontentment January 2020: “We must always respect the 2015 after his long-term acolyte Maithripala The horrendous Easter Sunday bombing by affairs of their district). Thus, 64 members against the Rajapaksas. How adroitly the aspirations of the majority of the people. It is Sirisena deserted him to become a challenger, suicide bombers in 2019, resulting in the death out of the 150-strong ruling alliance (if we President manages the competing priorities only then that the sovereignty of the people and ultimately the victor. of 259 people, in spite of the Government exclude the Speaker) will be holding office of family and party could become a litmus will be safeguarded. In accordance with our The UNP, the 74-year-old party, appears to receiving advance information, exposed the as ministers. According to a media report, test for his leadership ability. Constitution, I pledge that during my term be heading for the old-age home after Sajith abysmal state of governance and the people though 40 state ministerial posts have been On the other hand, President Rajapaksa has of office, I will always defend the unitary Premadasa broke away. It fared badly, losing opted to bring the Rajapaksas back to power. gazetted, only 39 state ministers were sworn to be commended for appointing a National status of our country, and protect and nurture its traditional support base in Colombo, and With a two-thirds majority in Parliament, in. Dr. , designated as List member Ali Sabry PC as Minister of the Buddhasasana, whilst safeguarding the managed to secure just one seat, that too on the the Rajapaksas would be able to get rid of one of the four state ministers of education, Justice in spite of opposition from the Sinhala- rights of all citizens to practice a religion of National List, as against a whopping 106 seats the inconvenient 19th Amendment to the had refused to accept the appointment as he Buddhist lobby. This should be of some their choice.” it had in the last Parliament. Its vote share fell Constitution, legislated by the previous wanted a cabinet minister’s post. There is some consolation to the Muslim minority community President Rajapaksa has to probably tone to an all-time low of 5.1% from over 45% it Government to curb presidential powers. discontent among other senior members also as their representation in the new Parliament down the Sinhala-Buddhist rhetoric, lest secured just five years back. The UNP’s exit President Rajapaksa is also likely to tinker for ignoring them for a cabinet post. has been whittled down. their fringe elements take it as licence to go is due to its leader Ranil Wickremesinghe with or even remove the 13th Amendment Five members of the The biggest and immediate challenge the berserk against Muslims, just as they did losing touch with traditional supporters. This that provided for the creation of provincial are now occupying positions of power – President faces is managing the economy during his brother’s rule. This could draw was aggravated by his inability to understand councils to give a level of autonomy to the President, Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, wrecked by Covid-19, especially tourism adverse international attention, the last thing the groundswell of discontent brewing in his . It came as a result of the India-Sri and Minister of State. They control Defence, and allied services which have come to a the President would want as he manages the party rank and file. Lanka Accord in 1987 and has met some Finance, Internal Security, Home, and not the grinding halt, and the return of over 40,000 Sri country through difficult times. Prime Minister Rajapaksa bouncing back to of the minority aspirations, through partial least, Buddhasasana and Religious Affairs. Lankans working abroad. Though Sri Lanka (Visit Hariharan's intelligence blog at: power is no mean achievement considering that implementation. It continues to be a red rag President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has Defence has managed to control Covid, its impact on http://col.hariharan.info) Contd. from page 1

said the Norochcholai breakdown functions, businesses, as well country has Covid problems, have a cabinet minister for the subject. However, he added that the statement Internal... was not a new breakdown that had as government operations. so the list has to reconfigured.” “Almost 52% (of the Sri Lankan) should be amended as the payment of “They joined (the Department) around occurred after the power had been According to the Ministry of Power, the He said the authorities were looking population are women so it is of utmost around Rs. 900 million has been spent one-and-a-half years ago,” he added. restored, but a post effect of Monday’s power supply throughout has at reopening BIA by mid-September. importance to have a Cabinet Minister for all expenses including medical, However, the Deputy Government power outage which kept the country been disrupted due to a technical fault for Women’s Affairs, especially with repatriation, travelling, and salaries; Analyst was of the opinion without power for around six hours. at the Kerawalapitiya Grid Substation. the continuous rise in abuse cases,” not to pay only the salaries. that it cannot be possible. As learnt by The Morning, Monday’s Due to the hours-long power ITAK... she said. Minister of Labour Nimal Siripala Nevertheless, he said that since a restoration efforts after the blackout outage, the public has been severely From the date of appointing the – Skandha Gunasekara de Silva recently said that the SLBFE separate police investigation was had failed more than five times and inconvenienced and heavy traffic committee, we will allow them a employees working at foreign missions going on, an internal inquiry will be that was the reason for the stoppage congestion has occurred on several period of one week to submit the should be repatriated, as around conducted to assess the possibilities. of machines in Norochcholai. roads in the capital city of Colombo report to us, after which we will take Temporary... 120 employees currently staying in “The Police should inform the Head Once the power plant is shut down, due to the non-functioning road signals. a decision on the way forward for Furthermore, he noted that legal different countries are without work of the Department when they arrest it takes a few days to restore back to A committee was appointed by Minister ITAK and TNA.” action would be initiated against traders due to the coronavirus. a government employee. So we are normal, a senior engineer who wished to of Power Dallus Alahapperuma to Speaking further, the former MP selling turmeric above the approved Further, he said the SLBFE is waiting till the Police confirms,” remain anonymous told The Morning. investigate the root cause for the said: “Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi price of Rs. 700 per kilo. spending over Rs. 970 million to Jayamanne said. The Athurugiriya “The machines at Norochcholai are countrywide outage and the committee (ITAK) Founder P. Selva thought that According to the Minister, local maintain these employees per year and Police has arrested a laboratory running at very high heat conditions met yesterday morning and briefed the he will be able to win the demands production of turmeric could be since the SLBFE is currently facing employee of the Government Analyst’s and once they are stopped, there Minister afterwards. of the Tamil people through his increased to meet the local requirement financial difficulties, the additional Department in the Moratuwahena is a process to be followed and to – Maheesha Mudugamuwa party, while the deceased Veluppilai in about one-and-a-half years. expenses should be cut down. area in Athurugiriya with nearly Rs. follow the process, the machines Prabakaran presumed that the freedom “However, the import of turmeric 300,000 worth of heroin. should be cooled down. This fight would manage to win the trust in unlimited quantities as in the past The Police have seized 18 process takes a few days,” he said. Losses being... of the Tamil people. would not be allowed as it ruined the Pillayan gets... grams of narcotics that were in However, he stressed that although the He said that the financial damage “Meanwhile, R. Sampanthan tried local farmer. The present Government Pillayan is behind bars for his alleged the possession of the suspect. day-time electricity requirement can be would be assessed in the coming days. to win the votes of the Tamil people would import only the shortfall. An involvement in the assassination of It was reported that another person has managed at present, there is not enough “We haven’t calculated what the through diplomatic channels. All effective plan would be implemented to former Tamil National Alliance (TNA) been identified during the interrogation system capacity to meet the night-time costs will be in the coming days three failed. Now the Tamil people boost cultivation of traditional export MP . of the suspect and a special police peak demand and therefore, he noted for the additional power supply cannot even imagine who they want crops and provide incentives to the team has been deployed to arrest him. that there might be power cuts to meet while Norochcholai is down.” to support. The Tamil people gave farmer,” Wakkumbura added. the night-time power requirement. He said while the power cut hadn’t their full support to all three who I PUCSL... A sudden power outage occurred caused direct losses to the CEB, the mentioned earlier. The election results As per the Clause, the Board has Islandwide... islandwide on Monday, plunging economy would have incurred losses. were the doing of politicians in the Over 5,000... agreed to prepare a report on any event Speaking to The Morning, CEB the entire country into darkness “It would have had an adverse effect North, who pulled the strings,” he said. Seventy-four persons are that results in an unplanned interruption General Manager Keerthi Karunaratne and disrupting people’s daily on the economy, especially in terms He added that all Tamil politicians under observation in 14 of the electricity supply throughout of small businesses and livelihoods.” should now unite to find what the designated hospitals across the the island or major part of the island He said there can be further power Tamil people want and must provide island in suspicion of possibly within a month or a period determined outages while Norochcholai those solutions without blaming having contracted Covid-19. by the Commission. Cartoon of the day is brought back online. anyone. The last death due to Covid- Accordingly, the CEB has been asked “It’ll take about four days to have it When the results were announced, 19 was recorded on 5 June. to submit a report containing details operational again. There is a possibility the TNA contesting as ITAK under the The highest number of cases reported about the initial investigations on the of power cuts during that period but we House symbol got three out of seven in a single day was on 10 July when cause for the failure and the restoration are trying to avoid such a situation.” seats in . S. Shritharan (35,884), a cluster was detected from the process within three days. – Skandha Gunasekara M.A. Sumanthiran (27,834), and D. Kandakadu Rehabilitation Centre The PUCSL also demanded another Siddarthan (23,840) had been elected that stood at 243 cases. detailed investigation report on the as MPs on the basis of their preference incident and actions taken to avoid Final decision... votes. Sashikala Raviraj was not similar failures in the future. “We are currently trying to work out elected although she came fourth SLBFE to... This report is to be submitted on or how the entire process would work if with 23,098 votes. E. Saravanabhavan Speaking to The Morning, SLBFE before 17 September 2020. we are to reopen the airport. We hope to and came fifth and Acting General Manager W.M.V. finalise it this week and have a country sixth with 20,392 and 20,358 votes, Wansekera said that measures had list thereafter,” AASL Chairman Maj. respectively. already been taken by the Bureau to Ruwan faces... Gen. (Retd.) G.A. Chandrasiri said. – Sarah Hannan reduce additional expenses of the staff, The PCoI last week summoned He said that the authorities were like travelling and other expenses. Wijewardene to testify before the finding it difficult to formulate When asked about the millions Commission yesterday. a green list of countries, from At least... of rupees spent by the previous Meanwhile, former Prime Minister which to accept travellers. She charged that in a country Government for welfare workers, Ranil Wickremesinghe and former “It is hard to complete a list with more than half the population he denied to comment, saying it was President Maithripala Sirisena have because every day some new comprising women, it was crucial to what the Subject Minister had told. also been summoned by the PCoI. the morning Tuesday , August 19, 2020 3 business New cinnamon processing centre NCE wants reforms at Kosgoda The Cinnamon Training Academy (CTA) kicked off construction of a cinnamon from new Govt. to processing centre or so-called “Bought Tree Factory” (BTF) at Kosgoda, recently. The setting of the foundation stone ceremonially took place at the CTA with the participation of boost exports EU Delegation to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Head of The National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) believes the partnership with the relevant ministries, Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Co-operation Frank Hess, strong mandate given to the new Government by the Sri Lankan other government agencies, and market Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on Dr. Jairo Andres Villamil- electorate will be the gateway for much-needed policy reforms intermediaries to actively support the receiving a resounding directive at Diaz of the United Nations to be in place in order to drive an accelerated and sustainable Government’s vision of development. the recent election, and expressed Industrial Development socioeconomic and export-friendly development programme NCE expressed the confidence of its fullest support for the new Organization (UNIDO), Galle for Sri Lanka. the export fraternity of the country in Government in the development District Southern Provincial the strong mandate by the people in the of a strong and pro-growth Council Balapitiya Pradeshiya In a statement released, the NCE Government to reach the height of recently concluded election for a pro- policy framework by the new Sabha Chairman Saman de CTA Chairman Sarada de Silva, stated that it strongly believes the exports for wealth generation and growth government. administration, which will create EU Delegation to Sri Lanka and Silva, Ministry of Home the Maldives Head of exporters in Sri Lanka should play a foreign exchange income, and that NCE congratulated the new a conducive environment for Affairs Divisional Secretary Co-operation Frank Hess, and pivotal role with the support of the it is looking forward to working in Government led by President socioeconomic development. Balapitiya B. P. S. Anuradhi, Dr. Jairo Andres Villamil-Diaz Department of Export of UNIDO laying the foundation Agriculture Director Dr. G stone Jayasinghe, and the Board trees with an output of 1,350 of Directors of the CTA, kg of processed cinnamon LAUGFS Holdings celebrates 25 years including Chairman Sarada per month in two harvesting LAUGFS Holdings Ltd., one of Sri leading name across the industries in and JADE Restaurants were founded. power projects in Sri Lanka, including de Silva. seasons. At its full capacity, Lanka’s largest diversified business which we operate.” In 2008, Eco Sri began operations in the operation of the largest solar power The CTA is expanding its the cinnamon processing conglomerates, celebrated 25 years in In the year 2000, LAUGFS opened co-operation with the Government plant in the country. existing training premises by centre can generate an business recently. Its inception was Gas the first 24-hour supermarket in Sri of Sri Lanka to engage in vehicle LAUGFS entered the leisure adding a cinnamon processing additional sales revenue of Rs. Auto Lanka, a business that introduced Lanka; in 2001, LAUGFS Gas initiated emission testing across the island, industry with LAUGFS Leisure and centre with the objective of 2.7 million per month for the liquefied gas (LPG) as operations. With its strategic vision to with the forward-thinking vision the establishment of Anantaya Resort optimising their performance CTA. an alternate fuel for motor vehicles. become a dominant player in the LPG of a greener tomorrow. LAUGFS and Spa Chilaw, earning hallmark and financial sustainability. In his welcome speech, Currently, the group is present in 20 industry, LAUGFS set on to create Lubricants became Sri Lanka’s first accolades for customer excellence The new addition is expected CTA Chairman Sarada de industries and has expanded beyond an overarching LPG supply chain; local lubricant brand, making it another which would go on to be achieved by to generate year-round Silva congratulated the Sri Lankan borders. Its annual revenue from trading to shipment, storage, industry first for LAUGFS. its sister location; Anantaya Resort & income, particularly during Chief Guest, former Minister exceeds $ 300 million and is backed by and transport. In line with this vision, Setting its sights to the horizon, Spa Pasikudah. the harvest season when of Plantation Industries an employee cadre of 3,500. the group acquired three seafaring the group continued its expansion Recently, the group has expanded the demand for training is and Export Agriculture Dr. Speaking on the occasion, LAUGFS vessels; Gas Challenger, Gas Success, in the years that followed, with the into the healthcare industry through lower and the demand for , for his Holdings Ltd. Group Chairman W.K.H. and Gas Courage which are used in establishment of LAUGFS Gas its establishment of LAUGFS Life processing is higher. The recent reappointment to the Wegapitiya said: “25 years ago, we the transportation of LPG. Moreover, Bangladesh in one of the largest Sciences (Pvt.) Ltd. and LAUGFS processing centre would Parliament, and honoured began our journey to draw out the LAUGFS owns the largest LPG emerging energy markets in the region, Pharmaceuticals (Pvt.) Ltd. LAUGFS purchase cinnamon trees at him for his service and infinite potential of our nation and Transhipment Terminal in South Asia, and SLOGAL Energy DMCC in Dubai Life Sciences has initiated its farm gate, removing the need contribution to strengthening its people. Although we had humble located within the Port and as the energy trading arm of LAUGFS. intravenous (IV) saline project with for a middleman, enabling Sri Lanka’s agricultural beginnings, we were filled with the operated under LAUGFS Terminals. Locally, the group continued to extend plans to develop other IV-related upstream value chain actors, exports, particularly for determination to achieve greatness. 25 Between 2004 and 2010, LAUGFS its frontiers in the products in the future and LAUGFS particularly smallholders in the cinnamon industry. years later, we have touched the lives Petroleum, LAUGFS Corporation through its launch of LAUGFS Power, Pharmaceuticals will be developing a Balapitiya, Karandeniya, and De Silva also recognised of millions of Sri Lankans and are a (Rubber), LAUGFS Salt & Chemicals, now operating multiple hydro and solar range of pharmaceutical products. Ambalangoda to achieve the financial support of a higher margin on their the EU and the technical products. support of UNIDO towards Foreseen to be fully the construction of the disinformation spread by misled activists operational by the year’s end, cinnamon processing Plantation companies to lose Rs. 500 m and lobbyists with vested interests. the cinnamon processing centre, which takes place “About 40% of these trees may already centre will generate 20 new within the framework of Plantation companies will sustain a expansion of Sri Lanka’s oil palm the strength of a government decision to be unviable and we fear that the entire jobs and more than 100 the EU-Sri Lanka trade- cumulative loss of more than Rs. 500 cultivation, the sector’s apex industry expand cultivation, have been maturing in stock may have to be destroyed within the indirect job opportunities. related assistance project million within months, due to policy association has warned. The Palm nurseries for more than three years, due next two months, unless the Government The cinnamon processing co-implemented by UNIDO inconsistencies and vacillation by Oil Industry Association (POIA) said to the Government’s failure to address resolves this matter expeditiously,” POIA centre will have a processing and the International the Government on a well-regulated 356,000 oil palm plants, imported on concerns arising from falsehoods and President Dr. Rohan Fernando said. capacity of 24,000 cinnamon Trade Centre. World Vision, Citi Foundation donate over First Capital PBT over Rs. 2 b 1,000 antibody testing kits to J’pura University in Q1 from Rs. 800 m in 2019 As a part of its response towards Covid- in a bid to improve preventive measures First Capital Holdings PLC, the only listed 19 prevention, World Vision recently among the frontline healthcare workers investment bank in Sri Lanka, recorded a joined hands with Citi Foundation to and the most vulnerable families in Profit Before Tax (PBT) of Rs. 2.08 billion provide 1,100 ELISA (Enzyme-linked 16 districts across the country. The in the first quarter of 2020 (Q1 2020) ended Immunosorbent Assay) antibody testing contribution by Citi Foundation 30 June 2020, compared to Rs. 812 million in kits to the Centre for Dengue Research of amounting to $ 100,000 has so far Q1 2019. It reported a Profit After Tax (PAT) the Sri Jayewardenepura University. facilitated the distribution of essential of Rs. 1.46 billion, compared to Rs. 581.96 “These testing kits will help us identify medical equipment to five main hospitals million in the corresponding period of the Covid-19 patients who have developed and provided personal protective previous year. antibodies, and facilitate their discharge equipment (PPE) to frontline healthcare For the year 2019/20, the group posted a from hospitals sooner,” said Allergy, Donation of over 1,000 antibody testing kits workers and hygiene and disinfectant consolidated PAT of Rs. 1.07 billion for the Immunology, and Cell Biology Unit to J’pura University supplies to the most vulnerable year. First Capital, with a history of over 35 Director (Operations) Dr. Chandima turn, helps prevent hospitals getting filled households. years, currently has total assets of Rs. 32.5 Jeewandara. “The medical professionals up while helping medical officers pay “World Vision has been relentless in its billion and equity of Rs. 4.9 billion. can now determine whether a person’s more attention to the patients who need efforts to create awareness on preventive “Reflecting on the past three months, what body produced an antibody response immediate medical assistance.” measures among the communities, stands out most is the group’s record-breaking to Covid-19 – indicating past exposure “This gift reduces the burden on the providing necessary personal protective performance, making it without a doubt, the to and recent infection by the novel healthcare system tremendously. It means equipment to support the frontline best year to date,” commented First Capital First Capital Holdings PLC Chairman coronavirus.” a great deal for us as a nation, to every healthcare workers as part of the Covid- Holdings PLC Chairman Nishan Fernando. Nishan Fernando “When patients are diagnosed using single person who is infected with the 19 response. We are very excited that The group’s Primary Dealer Operations the antibody testing method, medical virus, the ones who are getting a diagnosis the partnership we formed with Citi has were positively impacted by the efforts professionals are able to gauge the for the virus, and the loved ones who now paved the way to provide antibody of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) patient’s condition and help them are awaiting their quick recovery,” said testing kits to the Sri Jayewardenepura to revive the economy through monetary understand the risk factors. This, therefore, University of Sri Jayewardenepura Centre University, marking a significant stride policy easing measures to counter the allows doctors to discharge the ones who for Dengue Research Director Prof. towards supporting the health sector Covid-19 pandemic impact, with the are ‘antibody positive’, deeming them as Neelika Malavige. of the country,” added World Vision business reporting a PAT of Rs. 1.36 billion ones who don’t require in-house medical World Vision and Citi Foundation Lanka National Director Dr. Dhanan for the quarter (2019/20 – Rs. 562 million). treatment,” he said, adding: “This, in formed a partnership in May this year, Senathirajah. The Corporate Finance Division too recorded notable results, mobilising Rs. 3 billion for its clients through structuring and placement of corporate debt securities, generating a fee income of Rs. 25 million Asgi Akbarally new Chairman of Amãna Bank for the quarter (2019/20 – Rs. 31 million). Ali Asghar (Asgi) Akbarally Despite retiring from the bank, nine years of directorship as sectors such as , The Wealth Management Division of has been appointed as Osman Kassim continues per CBSL regulations. property development, hotels the group delivered strong performance, Chairman of the Board of to be one of the Asgi Akbarally and leisure, healthcare, reporting a fee income of Rs. 17 million Directors of Amãna Bank upon bank’s top 10 is an Executive power generation, packaging for the quarter (2019/20 – Rs. 11 million) the retirement of the bank’s shareholders. Director of and printing, logistics, and amidst challenges faced during the Covid- First Capital Holdings PLC Director/Chief Founder Chairman Osman Asgi Akbarally Akbar Brothers environmental services. He 19 lockdown period. The division showed a Executive Officer Dilshan Wirasekara Kassim. Leaving a strong joined the Board (Pvt.) Ltd., one is the Managing Director of growth in assets under management to end legacy in the Islamic banking of Amãna Bank of Sri Lanka’s Renewgen (Pvt.) Ltd. and with Rs. 27.9 billion as at 30 June 2020 (31 situation, we expect the Government would industry in Sri Lanka, Osman in July 2020 largest diversified Chairman of WindForce (Pvt.) March 2020 – Rs. 26.4 billion). continue with its current accommodative Kassim retired from Amãna as the nominee corporates, Ltd., Hermitage Resorts (Pvt.) Despite the setback experienced in the first monetary policy stance for the year 2020,” Bank, having completed the director from globally renowned Ltd., Uthurumaafaru Holdings quarter of 2020, with the Colombo Stock commented First Capital Holdings PLC maximum nine-year statutory Akbar Brothers, Amãna Bank Chairman Ali for its tea exports. (Pvt.) Ltd. Maldives, Lhaviyani Exchange (CSE) remaining closed for seven Director/Chief Executive Officer Dilshan period of holding a directorship taking over the Asghar Akbarally Asgi Akbarally Holdings (Pvt.) Ltd., and weeks, the group’s Stock Brokering Division Wirasekara. in a licensed commercial position vacated by Tyeab holds directorship in multiple Cocoon Investment (Pvt.) Ltd. recorded revenue of Rs. 14 million for the First Capital Holdings PLC is listed on bank as per Central Bank of Akbarally, who also retired subsidiaries and affiliates of Maldives. He is also a Director quarter (2019/20 – Rs. 6 million). the CSE and is rated (SL)A- with a Stable Sri Lanka (CBSL) directions. upon completing the maximum the Akbar Group covering of Alumex PLC. “Given that Covid-19 is still an ongoing outlook by ICRA Lanka. the morning 4 Wednesday , August 19, 2020 brunch METHUN SK RELEASES NEW VIDEO Derana 60 Kompanna Vidiya Plus, Season (fldïm[a[ ùÈh) 3 grand finale The Dialog Prasansha Derana 60 Plus Season 3 grand finale Slave Island ft. Kapila Rasnayaka concluded recently. W.I. Nuwan Perera from Aheliyagoda was adjudged the winner. The runner-up was Milton Malaviarachchi BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE from Gampaha, third place went to G.B. Somaratne from Giriulla, and the “Most Popular” title went to Hemasiri Hettiarachchi from Kompanna Vidiya . (fldïm[a[ ùÈh) Slave Island is Methun SK’s most recent music video which premiered on 9 August starring Kapila Rasnayaka. The lyrics were penned down by Methun who also did the melody for the song and lent his vocals for the performance. The song, which incorporates The winner, W.I. a simple sound featuring easy- Nuwan Perera going lyrics, has gained some from Aheliyagoda popularity amongst the general public, particularly due to the quirky music video starring Kapila Rasnayaka. that if you are to even have reality; despite their wealth and The music video in only cursory exposure to the power, they are still prisoners itself stands out for its music video, it should not be to the capitalist system they so cinematography courtesy too difficult to grasp what he proudly promote. of S.K. Kisal, who shot the wishes to be the takeaway of his Kapila shared that his entire video using available performance. performance is grounded in light. Speaking to Methun, He shared that when Methun reality and he made a conscious he shared that they did not first contacted him about coming effort to make it feel as Hemasiri Hettiarachchi have a big budget to bring up with a concept for the music natural a delivery as possible; from Anuradhapura won in a lot of equipment and the video, he created a clear picture something that felt stripped the “Most Popular” title production alone, much like in his mind about what he down without too many bells the song, was somewhat of an wanted to say. “Every scene and whistles. He wished to overnight production. He said has a meaning in its imagery,” give a performance without that he must give credit to their he said, adding that it is quite much fanfare. He believes that Editor Dinuka Solangaarachchi simply about society and power. while videos such as this would and Thisal Randunu for the “The three major political naturally fall under the category music, recording mixing, and parties are represented in the of “Indie” or some form of mastering. video, but it is not meant to be niche, they are telling a story Methun stated that he is a taken so literally; rather, it is to that we all live and breathe and lyricist and enjoys writing represent those kinds of people hopefully people are able to Methun SK original music. He added who exhibit similar behavioural grasp and enjoy it. that even though people have Gama”, Methun shared that patterns,” he said. He also stated that the reason resonated with the lyrics he wrote Kompanna Vidiya If you are to take an example behind his collaboration was The first runner-up, of this new song and have back in 2013 even before he from the music video, he further due to the concept he was able Milton Malaviarachchi expressed their takeaway from collaborated with fellow artists shared that “a man in a blazer in to create, as he is often known from Gampaha it, he himself did not intend in 2018 for the Naadha Gama the middle of the street reading a for and wishes to create art for it to carry a social message, project, and he is glad that book and a similar ‘gentleman’- that is more wired in human The second runner- although there are certain lyrics it is garnering some positive type seated behind the pavement emotion that resonates across up, G.B. Somaratne that have the potential to mirror attention now. barrier” were there to indicate boundaries. He has one such from Giriulla societal narratives. He shared Unlike the lyrics, the the disconnect of those from piece of work coming out that he appreciates and greatly music video which was a different social and wealth soon, he said; a song and an enjoys the deeper meanings that conceptualised and performed class, who carry out meaningless accompanying music video the audience has attached to the by Kapila Rasnayaka has a actions to generate an aura of soon to be released, titled “Kiss lyrics themselves. very intentional narration and class and elegance around them, Song”, which he promised will Best known for the artist Kapila broke down his concept despite them being nonsense be something people can look collaboration titled “Naadha to be a political one. He shared actions that are not grounded in forward to. Action Against Child Abuse z Independence Square on 21 August

BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE On Friday, 21 August, Urban Citizens, a charity organisation dedicated to social betterment in the areas of security, environment, law and order, efficient public service, and sexual harassment will be hosting a candlelight vigil to further their cause of “Action Against Child Abuse” at the Independence Square starting 6 p.m. We spoke to Urban Citizens Treasurer Naren Senaratna, who is also the principal organiser of the event together with Sharmila Gonawala, with regards to what the primary goal is behind the public event and what community participants can awareness with regards to this of funding. Naren shared that it is time we The winner, expect. He shared that they issue and to further promote Naren said that they say enough is enough. There W.I. Nuwan Perera have invited a number of quick action. hope to also push for the is a larger community-level VIPs to take part in the event, He shared that at the event, strengthening of laws and responsibility that should be at including former First Lady they hope to feature a large force the Government to take play here, said Naren, sharing Shiranthi Rajapaksa, MPs banner where all participants stringent legal action in order that the governing bodies have Namal Rajapaksa, Jeevan would place their palm to prevent heinous acts against a responsibility to give more Thondaman, and Ali Sabry prints. They would also have children going unpunished. prominence to the issue and PC, and also Major General the invitees signing off on He said that they are hopeful make real-time change. In Kamal Gunaratne, Varuni their banners, as a pledge that in publically getting the conducting community events Amunugama, and others. to stand against child abuse endorsements of lawmakers, such as this candlelight vigil Urban Citizens has tied up in Sri Lanka. He said that they can effect real change. they are hosting, they hope with Kanthasaviya to proceed they hope that they are able The vigil will take place on to create sufficient awareness with the event. Naren shared to draw the attention of the Friday and they hope that the amongst the wider public with that there will be several other international community as public will show their support regards to the importance of organisations coming on board well with regards to their as the issue of child abuse has taking action against child as well in order to create cause, particularly in the area been spiralling out of control. abuse. 5 the morning sports Tuesday , August 19, 2020 Thenuka too Ageas Bowl was wet C’wealth Movement is 90! assumes duties Second Test: Ageas Bowl; Southampton, England – drawn. It was on 16 August 1930, in the Canadian city of Hamilton, Yesterday (18) in Colombo, along with The result was already all but confirmed with bad weather Ontario, that the Opening Ceremony of the first-ever Sports and Youth Affairs Minister decimating the Test. More rain prevented play starting until Commonwealth Games (then known as the British Empire Namal Rajapaksa, State Minister 3.30 p.m. local time on Monday (17) after which England Games) took place. “It is a privilege today to celebrate Thenuka Vidanagamage assumed reached 110-4 in reply to Pakistan’s 236 before the Captains the 90th Anniversary of the Commonwealth duties. Vidanagamage’s state agreed to a draw just past six. Only 134.3 overs – less than a day and a half’s play – Sport Movement,” said Commonwealth Games ministerial portfolio reads as Rural and were possible in the match, the shortest Test in England since 1987. England will take a Federation President Dame Louise Livingstone School Sport Infrastructure Promotion. 1-0 lead into the third and final Test, which begins on Friday (21) at the same ground. Martin on Sunday (16).

Namal Rajapaksa assumed duties as Sri Lanka’s new Sports and Youth Affairs Minister yesterday (18) PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE

Namal Rajapaksa’s tweets The following was tweeted by Namal Rajapaksa after assuming duties as the country’s new Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs yesterday (18): TO SWIM “The State Minister of Youth and Sports and myself assumed duties officially at our respective ministries. We’re committed to seeing Sri Lanka rise up in its respective fields and find its winning edge again. Youth empowerment and excellence in the sporting arena will be a mainstay. “We are looking at the possibilities of OR SINK replacing the existing Sports Act introduced z Namal begins innings that could decide his political destiny in 1973 with a new act, taking into account the current trends, future context, and global BY REVATHA S. SILVA Great achievements in the field of cricket can developments of sports. This is to be finalised Namal Rajapaksa assumed duties as create public confidence in the entire social as once the sports councils are appointed.” the country’s new Sports and Youth well as political establishment of the time. The Affairs Minister at the Sri Lanka rapid disintegration of the previous Yahapalana going to perform in his new job. Government, in a way, was aggravated by the If he can mastermind a change of fortunes Sports Ministry at Reid Avenue, unprecedented poor performance of the Sri in the national cricket team, if it is going to be Colombo yesterday (18). Present at Lanka cricket team during its reign. a front-runner in the three forthcoming World the brief ceremony were his father, Cups coming up in the next three years, and if he Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa Ask both JR and MR can set the stage to produce another Susanthika and members of his family. Does cricket not play a part in a government’s Jayasinghe for the forthcoming Olympics, then success? Ask former Presidents JR or MR! J.R. his path will very much be clear to reach higher The Duncan White Auditorium of the Jayewardene announced a public holiday to political echelons in the country. Ministry upstairs had not been enough to fill the celebrate Sri Lanka’s first Test win. Mahinda host of officials, supporters, and well-wishers Rajapaksa regarded the national cricket team Plans for SLC who arrived in thousands yesterday. There as the country’s ambassadors and made sure he His plans for the management of Sri Lanka could never have been a larger gathering for was present in person in almost every World Cricket (SLC) are going to be an interesting a duty assuming ceremony of a sports minister Cup final involving Sri Lanka during his tenure. prospect. The next few months may unfold his in the island before. Then what Namal Rajapaksa, the newly approach on the local cricket board. appointed Sports and Youth Affairs Minister of Will he appoint an interim committee? It is Sport forms an integral part President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s Government, highly unlikely in the near future. Sports can either make or break a government took over yesterday was a job that contributes There is not much cricket left for this year to in Sri Lanka! Some, or may be a lot, may to the very making or breaking of his extremely panic about what could be a highly contentious disagree. But in times of peace, when there is popular Government. issue. Yet his overall policy changes, which he no major socio-political upheaval, the stability has already promised, will bring about certain of a government in this part of the world can His own political future overwhelming changes at the “most corrupt” depend very much on the performance of its The success of Namal Rajapaksa’s political of all places, SLC, according to the very world national cricket team. future will too greatly depend on how he is governing body of that sport. Winning the right way z The Rory McIlroy example supposed to be a gentleman’s game. Golf stepped on the ball. In fact he didn’t lose it by one stroke. Colin SPORTS is also supposed to be played by the more Morikawa won the event two strikes ahead “refined” classes in society. But even in Had different opinion of two other players. WATCH such sports, the lack of sportsmanship that McIlroy called for a referee, who informed we see is startling. him that he was allowed to replace it, without Do it only in the right way! by Dinith Pathi It is in such a context that there was a rare penalty, based on an “estimate” of where There are occasions where golfers generally instance where absolute sportsmanship was the ball lay. After duly doing so, with the display shining examples of sportsmanship. Sports are supposed to be about fair at the forefront in professional golf. blessing of the officials, McIlroy still felt But this Northern Irishman McIlroy’s action play. It is supposed to teach the kids that uncomfortable with the result. during the heat of his PGA second round “participation is more important than victory”. Rory McIlroy incident at PGA He thought “the lie was too good”, went above and beyond. But in reality these days, even in amateur Rory McIlroy is a superstar in the field of reasoning that the media person wouldn’t have He was desperate to win the PGA sports, this famous adage isn’t practised much. golf who, according to some, is the worthy stood on it if he could have seen it. Worse, Championship on the sixth anniversary of his Rory McIlroy Sports are getting more and more successor to Tiger Woods. He is a world No. in fact, McIlroy could only pitch the ball last “major” success, but it became confirmed spectacular competitive. With the society, the parents 1 player and a major attraction in his sport. onto the green, instead of a straightforward abundantly clear that he was not that desperate sportsmanship as well as, unfortunately, some of the school But it has been six years since he last won a up and down, and it was a two-putt for a to do it at any cost. after a bizarre authorities, are demanding instant results. “major”. If there is any blemish, it is that he bogey from 25 feet! incident at the Now what we actually see is the “winning- has not won enough “majors” in his career. Why not in Sri Lanka? 102nd PGA at-any-cost” approach. It is in this context that we need to Losing by a stroke? Now we know that there is only one way Championship held in San understand what happened recently at the Imagine if he went on to lose the tournament that Rory McIlroy is going to end his long, Francisco, USA A rare instance 102nd PGA (Professional Golfers’ by a stroke? Actually, it need not be imagined barren run in major golfing championships. from 6-9 August If this is the case in both the amateur and Association) Championship at Harding Park so. McIlroy would be perfectly content. By That is, by “doing it in the right way”. school levels, there is no need to say anything in San Francisco, USA. In its second round, his action, he made it quite clear that when The above is in fact what happened in a about professional sports. Although there is McIlroy had pushed his approach towards his career number five “major” finally arrives, professional sports event in the US. an honour code, mostly unwritten, which the the third green into the thick rough. When he would hate it to be accompanied by the Then, of course, we should certainly be players are supposed to be adhering to, it just he reached his ball, he discovered that a nagging thought that he won it while getting able to see more of such deeds in the amateur does not happen in most sports. Cricket is member of the media had inadvertently away with something “undue”. competitions here in Sri Lanka.