www.themorning.lk epaper.themorning.lk www.themorning.lk epaper.themorning.lk www.aruna.lk epaper.aruna.lk www.aruna.lk epaper.aruna.lk THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2020

For verified information on the Quarantine Unit COVID-19 TOTAL CASES TOTAL CASES coronavirus (Covid-19) contact any 0112 112 705 ACTIVE CASES of the following authorities CASES IN Epidemiology Unit Health THE WORLD 44,423,893 Suwasariya 0112 695 112 PROTECT YOURSELF FROM 9,081 Promotion Ambulance DEATHS CASES DEATHS Bureau Service Govt. coronavirus hotline USA 9,053,778 232,305 COVID-19 DEATHS RECOVERED 1999 1990 0113071073 1,174,467 INDIA 8,006,340 120,179 BRAZIL 5,440,903 157,981 PRESIDENTIAL SPECIAL TASK FORCE FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES RECOVERD RUSSIA 1,563,976 26,935 19 4,075 Telephone 0114354854, 0114733600 Fax 0112333066, 0114354882 4,987 Hotline 0113456200-4 Email [email protected] 32,549,743 FRANCE 1,198,695 35,541 THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 09.25 P.M. ON 28 OCTOBER 2020 SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU

NEW COVID-19 DETECTIONS TOTAL CASES Pompeo delivers loud

5,607*Stats updated as at 7.14 p.m. on 28 October COVID-19 Travel restrictions in anti-China message several areas in Jaffna z ‘China a predator, US a partner’ z Promotes democracy, sovereignty Travel restrictions have been imposed in the Passaiyoor and Gurunagar areas BY CHARINDRA CHANDRASENA in Jaffna over the current spread of Covid-19, area public health inspectors US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo departed Sri Lanka (PHIs) stated. yesterday (28) after a visit which was primarily focused on countering China’s influence in the island by reiterating America’s commitment to Sri Lanka’s development Relief for the within a democratic framework and painting China as a home-quarantine “predatory” foreign power. A decision has been made to provide Addressing journalists at the relief for those who have been home- Ministry of Foreign Affairs a day ‘Foregoing MCC quarantined, Army Commander Lt. ahead of the 72nd anniversary of won’t damage Gen. Shavendra Silva announced the establishment of US-Sri Lanka yesterday (28). diplomatic relations, the top foreign relationship’ affairs official of the US highlighted The US-Sri Lanka relationship the two nations’ shared values of will not be affected even if Sri Fish vendor from democracy and America’s interest in Lanka chooses not to avail itself maintaining Sri Lanka’s sovereignty. of the Millennium Challenge Rathgama infected However, neither Sri Lanka’s Corporation’s (MCC) five-year, $ A fish vendor residing in the Foreign Minister Dinesh 480 million compact, according Rathgama Medical Officer of Health Gunawardena nor Pompeo divulged to US Secretary of State Michael (MOH) Division tested positive for any specific details on the discussions Pompeo. Covid-19 yesterday (28), area public held or on any agreements reached “It’s one of many things that’s health inspectors (PHIs) stated. during Pompeo’s approximately being offered. If it doesn’t make 20-hour stay in Sri Lanka, sense for Sri Lanka, then Sri Curfew in Western during which he held talks with Lankans will choose not to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday (28) for talks with Minister of Foreign President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and accept that. Province from tonight Affairs Dinesh Gunawardena on multifaceted engagement between Sri Lanka and the US Gunawardena. Contd. on page 2 Quarantine curfew will be imposed PHOTO TWITTER Contd. on page 2 within the Western Province from QUARANTINE midnight tonight (29), stated Army SL FOREIGN POLICY US-CHINA CLASH Commander Lieutenant General CURFEW AND ISOLATED AREAS Shavendra Silva. „ Gampaha district Will remain Won’t be embroiled Person from Madampe „ Colombo district neutral: Dinesh yy Dematagoda yy Keselwatte Sri Lanka, as a sovereign, free, independent nation, in the spat: President yy Maradana yy Dam Street will maintain a neutral, non-aligned, and friendly President Gotabaya power blocs and insisted on Fish Market infected yy Kotahena yy Aduruppu Another businessman at the Madampe Street foreign policy, said Minister of Foreign Relations Rajapaksa has tweeted that Sri maintaining a neutral stance Fish Market in Kahawatta tested positive yy Mattakkuliya Dinesh Gunawardena. Lanka will not be embroiled in the country’s foreign policy. yy Modara yy Weralabada for Covid-19 on Tuesday night (27). Police Station Contd. on page 2 in the conflicts between Contd. on page 2 yy Wellampitiya yy Pettah yy Bloemendhal yy Fort ECT RECOMMENCES OPERATIONS MILITARY MOBILE SQUADS yy Grandpass MoD to transport and yy Borella yy Gothatuwa yy Welikada distribute essentials yy Mulleyirawa Random z Action Committee appointed yy Maligawatte yy Moratuwa No decision on to maintain inventory yy Homagama „ Kalutara district temperature The Government has decided to yy Payagala tripartite MoC purchase and distribute vegetables, yy Aluthgama fruits, milk, eggs, and fish products to BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA decision has been made by the checks yy Beruwala farmers who are unable to sell due to the Government on the Memorandum yy Panadura BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA prevailing situation with the mediation Despite the Sri Lanka Ports of Co-operation (MoC) signed of the Ministry of Defence (MoD). „ Kurunegala district Authority (SLPA) recommencing between India, Japan, and Sri Military mobile squadrons yy Kuliyapitiya operations of the controversial East Lanka, The Morning learnt. are patrolling in Colombo y Container Terminal (ECT), no final Contd. on page 3 carrying out random ‘Don’t travel out of y Pannala Army Spokesman yy Giriulla temperature checks, The Brigadier yy Narammala Morning learnt. Chandana Western Province’ Contd. on page 2 Wickremesinghe yy Dummalasuriya Govt. spends Army Commander Lt. Gen. Shavendra „ Nuwara Eliya District Silva appealed to the public to exercise „ Mannar District yy Hatton town maximum restraint and avoid congested yy Periyakadai * Updated as at „ Ratnapura District yy Pattitottam Rs. 200 m for fish Suspect gatherings as much as possible to avoid 9.00 p.m. on 28th October The Government has allocated Minister Ramesh Pathirana. yy Palabaddala further transmission of Covid-19. Source: Sri Lanka Police Rs. 200 million to purchase He said the Government will fish stocks stuck at fisheries purchase fish stocks from multi- arrested PEN TUBES, TOOTHBRUSHES harbours countrywide due to the day fishing trawlers in compliance Confirmed cases sudden increase of Covid-19- with the Covid-19 health guidelines Recycling programme positive persons who dealt with and distribute them to produce with heroin pass 9,000 mark fish, according to Co-Cabinet canned fish. An individual has been arrested in the The total number of Covid-19 Spokesman and Plantations Contd. on page 3 Negombo area while in possession of 1 kg infections confirmed in the country commences of heroin. The Police said the suspect was topped the 9,000 mark, as 211 more The Government launched a this purpose was handed over to PCOI ON EASTER SUNDAY ATTACKS identified as a resident of Mattakkuliya. persons linked to the Minuwangoda- programme to recycle used carbon President Gotabaya Rajapaksa by Peliyagoda cluster were tested positive pen tubes and toothbrushes, the Minister of Environment Mahinda Sessions postponed till 31 Oct RAT FEVER for the virus last evening (28). President’s Media Division Amaraweera at the Presidential The Presidential Commission spread of Covid-19, sources at SEE FULL STORIES ON PAGE 2 (PMD) announced. Secretariat on Monday (26). of Inquiry (PCoI) on the Easter the Presidential Commission The first container designed for Contd. on page 2 Sunday attacks decided to postpone confirmed. Highest its sessions due to the current Contd. on page 2 COVID-19 INDIA-US DEFENCE PACT number in Ceremonies and events banned India gets access to US satellites a decade India and the US signed a New Delhi and Washington, was signed during the visit of US External Affairs Minister S. BY SARAH HANNAN defence pact giving the South particularly as both show growing Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Jaishankar and Defence Minister during curfew Asian country access to real-time concern over China, which is and Defence Secretary Mark Esper, Rajnath Singh, on greater military Sri Lanka is projected to record the highest The Sri Lanka Police yesterday (28) informed data and topographical images currently embroiled in a border who were in India for a high-level co-operation, the security situation number of leptospirosis cases in a decade the public that conducting wedding ceremonies from US military satellites. row with India. security dialogue. The two US in the Indo-Pacific, the pandemic, with the caseload reflecting 6,716 cases for and other pre-planned events in the Western The pact reflects the growing The Basic Exchange and officials held talks on Tuesday and greater defence co-operation. the period from 1 January to 28 October. Province is banned during the curfew period. convergence of interests between Co-operation Agreement or BECA (27) with their Indian counterparts, Contd. on page 3 Contd. on page 2 2 the morning NEWS Thursday, October 29, 2020 Contd. from page 1

Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) terrorist co-ordination (sic). Next sessions of According to statistics, 4,075 of healthcare centre had been set up for Pompeo... organisation even before the 9/11 Will remain... the joint council for the Trade and the confirmed patients have made the student at the examination centre With the entire Sri Lankan media terrorist attacks up to now.” The remarks came during the joint Investment Framework Agreement complete recoveries from the virus. at Godakawela Kularathna Central contingent allowed just one question Pompeo echoed these sentiments, press conference held by the Foreign will also be convened on the earliest The Epidemiology Unit said that College. due to time constraints, the press stating that the US has donated Minister and his US counterpart possible time frame.” 4,987 active cases are still receiving conference only yielded two specific just over $ 6 million in Covid- Michael R. Pompeo yesterday (28). Minister Gunawardena added that medical treatment at selected hospitals announcements. 19 assistance to Sri Lanka and The US Secretary of State arrived it was also considered opportune to across the island. MoD to... One, that the fourth US-SL that earlier in the pandemic, Sri in Sri Lanka on Tuesday night (27), broaden the bilateral engagement Meanwhile, the Covid-19 death Ministry of Defence Secretary partnership dialogue would be held Lankan apparel manufacturers upon completion of his official visit in in areas such as ICT (information toll went up to 19 on Tuesday (27), (Retd.) Maj. Gen. Kamal Gunaratne, in early 2021, with the previous saw “hundreds of orders” for India. He met with President Gotabaya and communications technology), as three infected persons including a issuing a special circular, stated: “The sessions having been held in May high-quality PPE from the US. Rajapaksa last morning. cybersecurity, agriculture, science 19-year-old fell victim to the virus. aim is to remove barriers that are 2019 in Washington, DC, and the He even went a step further Delivering his speech, Minister technology, innovations, trade and Sri Lanka witnessed the highest faced when transporting and selling second was that the next session of and contrasted the US with its Gunawardena went on to say that investments, business, and climate daily count of Covid-19 cases on products such as vegetables, fruits, the US-Sri Lanka joint council of the chief economic rival China, Sri Lanka will be conscious of the change. 23 October with a record total of milk, eggs, and fish, as well as animal Trade and Investment Framework calling the latter a “predator”. opportunities and responsibilities 866 fresh positive cases. The second feed and fertiliser due to the spread of Agreement (TIFA) would be convened “We see from bad deals, violations of that come with its strategic location. highest was recorded on 6 October Covid-19. Advances given for disaster “at the earliest opportune time frame.” sovereignty, and lawlessness on land “We see the importance of Won’t be... with 739 infections. management and paddy purchases will Subsequently, a press release from the and at sea that the Chinese Communist maintaining the freedom of The remarks were made following be used for those purchases.” Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Party is a predator. The US comes as navigation in our seas and air space the bilateral discussions held with US The Ministry of Defence has also the two parties agreed to “invigorate” a friend and a partner,” he said. and also protecting the sea lines of Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo Sessions... appointed an Action Committee the TIFA and the US GSP (Generalised Earlier, in a press statement dated communication and undersea cables. last morning (28). Commission sessions will be consisting of the Ministries of Scheme of Preferences) facility. 26 October, the Chinese Embassy in We believe all countries should adhere Talks between the two leaders postponed until 31 October, and Agriculture, Fisheries, Trade, and Beyond these, it was simply Sri Lanka said that it is firmly opposed to and respect international law focused on the post-pandemic witnesses were informed accordingly. Livestock; the Department of Agrarian announced that the two countries to the US taking the opportunity of including the UN (United Nations) economic recovery and development The PCoI will assess the situation Development; the Consumer Affairs had agreed to make progress on the State Secretary’s visit to sow and Convention on the Law of the Sea.” and the importance of the US-Sri Lanka this Saturday (31) on resuming its Authority; the Coconut Development economic, defence, and research areas interfere in China-Sri Lanka relations, Speaking on the bilateral relations partnership to bolster sustainable and sessions. Authority; the Co-operative through intensified co-ordination and and to coerce and bully Sri Lanka. between the US and Sri Lanka, transparent trade and investment that Wholesale Corporation; the Civil to broaden bilateral engagement in However, Gunawardena veered the Minister said the two nations benefits the people of Sri Lanka, Defence Department; the Disaster areas such as ICT, cyber security, away from a global power battle have nurtured strong relations for the State Secretary said in a tweet. Highest... Management Centre; the National agriculture, science, technology, when pressed by a journalist on over seven decades, founded on President Rajapaksa appreciated the This year, the Regional Director Fertiliser Secretariat; the Sri Lanka innovations, trade, investment, his China stance, and maintained shared values of democracy and State Secretary’s stance on the need of Health Services Ratnapura Police; and the Sri Lanka Army, Air business, and climate change. that Sri Lanka would remain non- socioeconomic orientation. to strengthen the bilateral relationship recorded the highest number of Force, and Navy. The press releases from the aligned in its foreign relations. The relations between the people and support for defence co-operation. leptospirosis cases at a total of 1,389. District Secretaries are to obtain Ministry of Foreign Affairs “As a sovereign and independent of the two countries go back as far as The US and China are currently Speaking to The Morning, Ministry the details of the products from were equally imprecise. nation, Sri Lanka’s foreign policy the mid-1800s, predating the formal embroiled in a power struggle over of Health Chief Epidemiologist their respective jurisdictions from However, Pompeo’s visit to India, will remain neutral, non-aligned, establishment of diplomatic relations, mutual economic, political, and Dr. Sudath Samaraweera said: the relevant public officers on a from where he flew down to and friendly. Conscious of the he said, adding that over the years, security interests. The North American “Leptospirosis is prevalent in areas daily basis and submit them to the Sri Lanka, was far more detailed opportunities and responsibilities that these engagements have significantly nation accused China of debt-trap where there are a lot of paddy fields/ Committee. The products will then be according to international media. come with our strategic location, we matured into a multifaceted diplomacy and benefitting more from marshlands in which people engage marketed to the required areas. District US and India signed the Basic see the importance of maintaining the relationship covering political, the development and infrastructure in various economic activities. committees, divisional committees, Exchange and Co-operation freedom of navigation in our seas and economic, educational, cultural, and projects than its presumed recipients. “While there is not a significant and rural committees are also to be Agreement (BECA) for geospatial airspace, also protecting the sea lines defence affairs including maritime State Secretary Pompeo, during spike in incidents when considering established for this purpose. co-operation and a couple of other of communication and the undersea matters as well as equally important yesterday’s joint press conference, the month-by-month average, the Gunaratne also informed that the agreements were reached during cables. On these principles, we hope people-to-people interactions. reiterated: “We see, from bad deals, Department of Epidemiology from issuance of curfew passes required by the visit, while Pompeo took part in to continue our relations with the US Thanking the US State Secretary’s violations of sovereignty, and time to time does conduct awareness essential service providers affiliated the third round of the India-US 2+2 and other countries,” he said. decision to visit the island nation lawlessness on the land and sea, the programmes to educate the farmers to food and medicine should be Ministerial Dialogue. The US is Sri Lanka’s single largest amidst the formidable challenges China Congress Party as a predator. and the people from the areas.” done with the intervention of the When asked as to what the export market bringing export revenue presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, And the US comes in a different way. Dr. Samaraweera also reiterated that Police. Vehicles belonging to farmers, purpose of his visit to Sri Lanka was, of $ 3.1 billion in 2019, and even the Foreign Minister told Pompeo: We come as a friend and as a partner.” despite the awareness that is created, Sathosa, co-operatives, agriculture, particularly less than a week ahead of amidst the Covid-19 market downturn, “Your wide-ranging discussions However, Foreign Minister Dinesh there are times where the regional and the Armed Forces are to be used the US Presidential Election, Pompeo the superpower yielded $ 1.1 billion with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Gunawardena stressed that Sri Lanka, hospitals and Medical Officers of to transport essential food items to said it was to strengthen the bilateral for local exporters in the first half of and our own discussions have as a sovereign, free independent Health (MOHs) have a short supply the required places. The Department relationship. 2020. Gunawardena invited the US generated a renewed momentum nation, will maintain a neutral, non- of the antibiotic doxycycline. of Civil Defence is to assist with the “The Foreign Minister and I had a to further support Sri Lanka’s quest to the conversation key American aligned and friendly foreign policy. Moreover, the negligence of the loading and unloading of food items. great conversation and I had a very for economic growth. interlocutors have had with Sri Lankan “We see the importance of farmers or the area residents is also – Sarah Hannan positive conversation with President “Sri Lanka’s elections reflect leaders over the past months this year.” maintaining the freedom of contributing to the increasing number Gotabaya Rajapaksa a bit earlier the people’s mandate to safeguard Minister Gunawardena, commenting navigation in our seas and air space of leptospirosis cases. this morning as well. My overall the unitary State’s sovereignty, on the two major electoral processes and also protecting the sea lines of ‘Don’t travel... message in both engagements was territorial integrity, national security, – the presidential and parliamentary communication and undersea cables. The request came during a very clear. The US seeks to strengthen and economic progress, presenting elections – recently held in Sri Lanka, We believe all countries should Relief for... special media statement issued our partnership with a democratic, a clear opportunity for all our said: “These elections reflect the adhere to and respect international Accordingly, the Government will from the National Operations peaceful, prosperous, and fully friendly nations, especially the US, people’s mandate to safeguard the law including the UN Convention provide a food parcel as relief for the Centre for Prevention of Covid-19 sovereign Sri Lanka.” to join in our forward journey for a unitary state, sovereignty, territorial on the law of the sea,” Minister first and second contacts of Covid- Outbreak (NOCPCO) last evening Pompeo also expressed confidence stable, secure nation with economic integrity, national security, and Gunawardena told his US counterpart. 19 patients who have been home- (28), to announce the recent that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa advancement.” Responding to a query economic progress, presenting a Prior to the joint press conference, quarantined for more than 14 days. quarantine curfew arrangements. would promote accountability, on the status of the travel ban to the clear opportunity for all our friendly the duo held two-way discussions At present, the entire district of justice, and reconciliation. US against Army Commander Lt. nations, especially the United States focusing on furthering a robust Gampaha, 21 police jurisdictions in “In his victory speech last year Gen. Shavendra Silva in February to join in our forward journey for a partnership between the two countries. Recycling... the Colombo District, and five police President Rajapaksa stated that 2020 for alleged “Gross Violations of stable, secure country with economic The Embassy of China in Colombo, The programme, which is aimed at jurisdictions in the Kalutara District he is the President of all citizens, Human Rights” during the civil war, advancement.” meanwhile, hit back at the US educating students, has been named are under quarantine curfew. and not of only those who voted Pompeo said the US will continuously The US is one of Sri Lanka’s major State Secretary’s comments, “Api Hedee Rata Hadamu”. Meanwhile, quarantine curfew for him. As our two nations move review the matter, but that there would development partners, with over tweeting: “Sorry Mr. Secretary @ The quantity of carbon pen tubes will be imposed within the Western forward, the US is counting on those be no immediate lifting of the ban. $ 2 billion worth of development SecPompeo, we’re busy promoting discarded from schools per day is Province from 12 midnight today (29) words to hold true. We fully expect “It’s a legal process and the US assistance in wide-ranging areas #China-#SriLanka friendship and around 80 kg and is estimated to until 5 a.m. on Monday (2 November). Sri Lanka will fulfil its pledges to will continuously review it and including agriculture, environment, co-operation, not interested in your exceed 29,000 kg per annum. The The curfew in the areas where it has take meaningful, concrete steps to we want to make sure we get it natural resources, health, education, #AlienVsPredator game invitation. quantity discharged from public already been imposed (before today) promote accountability, justice, and technically, factually, and legally business development, trade, and The US can play two roles at the same and private institutions is yet to be will continue even after Monday. reconciliation.” right. We will continue to do that.” humanitarian assistance, he said time as always.” calculated. Environmentalists point The Army Commander, reminding He added that wide-ranging Pompeo flew to the Maldives last further. “The US remains Sri Lanka’s out that used pens and toothbrushes the public that quarantine curfew for discussions were held on security afternoon. largest single markets with exports of take between 100-500 years to decay. the Western Province is a temporary co-operation, which helps keep one of $ 3.1 billion in 2019, and even the Curfew in... In this regard, plans are underway move, urged them to refrain from the world’s most vital sea lanes open. present context of Covid-19-related The curfew will be in effect until to provide special containers to each travelling out of the Province as well Both Gunawardena and Pompeo Foregoing... market downturn remains in a smaller 5 a.m. on Monday (2 November). school, after which Wex Industries as from panic-buying. referred to the US as a “friend” of The strengths, the depths, and position with $ 1.1 billion for the first However, quarantine curfew in the Plastics Ltd. will purchase these plastic He explained that essential food Sri Lanka’s, with Gunawardena complexity of our relationship far half of this year.” areas it was already imposed (before items, the PMD added. Meanwhile, item outlets and pharmacies in the expressing gratitude for the US’ exceeds any one transaction and one “The US has been a friend and 29 October) will continue even after Amaraweera has stated that a cabinet Province are requested to remain assistance of over $ 2 billion to Sri opportunity. There will be plenty. We assisting Sri Lanka in times of Monday, stated the Army Commander. paper will be submitted to make the open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. today Lanka since independence in 1948. will work closely on them alongside difficulty and we remain deeply In addition, essential food item implementation of the programme as the curfew will be in effect from “The US has been a friend and the Sri Lankan Government,” he grateful for your support,” he went outlets and pharmacies in the mandatory in both public and private Friday (30). assisting Sri Lanka in times of said in an exclusive interview with on to say. provinces are requested to remain entities. The public will be allowed to difficulty, and we remain deeply “@ Hyde Park” Host Indeewari The Foreign Minister expressed open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. today make purchases from outlets that grateful for your support. The US’ Amuwatte on Ada Derana 24 (see his gratitude to the US for extending as the curfew will be in effect from are located within a walking distance. assistance to Sri Lanka after the Asian excerpts of interview on page 3). assistance to Sri Lanka following the tomorrow (30). Travel... After 2 November, essential food item tsunami in 2004 was significant. The He was responding to a question as tsunami disaster in 2004. He also After 2 November, essential food Two residents from the two outlets and pharmacies in the curfew assistance in the aftermath of the to what would happen if it proved to recalled the assistance rendered by item outlets and pharmacies in the adjoining areas had tested positive areas will be allowed to operate on Easter Sunday terrorist attacks in 2019 be politically challenging for the Sri North America in the aftermath of curfew areas will be allowed to operate for Covid-19 on Tuesday (27). The the two days of the week assigned to and also most recently for Covid-19 Lankan Government to enter into the the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks on two days of the week assigned to patients, who are a fish vendor their relevant district. mitigation, especially, I extend my MCC agreement. on 21 April 2019, as well as during the relevant district as follows. and his assistant, are reported to Speaking on “home quarantining” sincere thanks and appreciation once the Covid-19 outbreak. Gampaha District: Every Monday have purchased supplies from the the contacts of the virus-infected again for proscribing the Liberation “I also extend my sincere thanks and and Thursday Peliyagoda Fish Market, where a persons, the Army Commander appreciation once again for proscribing Colombo District: Every Tuesday new Covid-19 cluster was detected said the Government has made the LTTE terrorist organisation even and Friday recently. arrangements to provide packs of before the 9/11 attack and up to now.” Kalutara District: Every Monday essential items sufficient for 14 days, Cartoon of the day The Foreign Minister noted that and Thursday to each house. today’s two-way discussions are Kurunegala District: Every Tuesday Fish vendor... a continuation of interactions of and Friday The infected person was running a President Gotabaya Rajapaksa with fishing boat on the Rathgama beach Random... key US interlocutors and the dialogue near the Galle Fort. He was confirmed “Army squadrons are carrying out which took place virtually between Confirmed... to be infected by a PCR test conducted temperature checks in all parts of himself and Secretary Pompeo The Department of Government by the Rathgama MOH yesterday. Colombo at random. This is to ensure several months ago. He said it was Information said that nine of The Health Division of the Galle vigilance and awareness for possible an opportunity for both sides to these fresh cases were detected Municipal Council on Saturday (24) positive cases,” Army Spokesman understand each other’s priorities, from quarantine centres. collected biological samples from Brigadier Chandana Wickremesinghe share insights, and consider steps to The remaining 202 are reportedly 726 fishermen, traders, and service told The Morning. further elevating bilateral engagement close contacts of previously identified providers at the Galle Fisheries He said that in addition, impromptu on agreed areas of co-operation. positive cases. The Department noted Harbour, Rathgama, and Jakotuwa roadblocks were also operating in the “In furtherance of making the that 140 of these close contacts were and sent them for PCR tests. Colombo District. bilateral relations more robust, we have found from curfew-imposed areas. “On average, around 2,500 vehicles agreed to convene the next sessions Thereby, the total number are checked each day.” of the US-Sri Lanka partnership of infections registered by the Person from... He said similar checkpoints were set dialogue in early 2021,” the Foreign cluster to date reached 5,607. His son, an associate of the up in the Gampaha District as well. Minister added. “Progress on several With the new development, Sri Lanka Peliyagoda Fish Market cluster, sat “Up to now, we have checked up areas including economic, defence, has now confirmed 9,081 novel for the GCE Advanced Level (A/L) to 25,000 vehicles and few less than and research through intensified coronavirus infections to date. examination yesterday (28). A special 100 have been directed to hospitals.” the morning 3 Thursday, October 29, 2020 INTERVIEW/NEWS

accountability commitments and also about Army Chief POMPEO’S VISIT Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva who is banned from the US? Have these come under discussion? We talked about all of this today. Look, we have a set of legal requirements in the US and we apply them even-handedly. We try to get the facts right, and we do that in every case. I talked with the President about The US is a this, and I talked to the Foreign Minister too. I’m confident that the Sri Lankan people want accountability and justice, and that these leaders are intent on delivering. We will help where we can. Ultimately we can provide some technical friend and assistance; we can work with them in international fora to deliver on these ideas of reconciliation and accountability, but ultimately it will be the Sri Lankan leadership and the Sri Lankan people who will have to work on this. It’s important, a partner: we hope your country gets this right. It’s the right thing to make sure that part of Sri Lanka’s history is handled in a way that is Secretary of State appropriate and recognises what really transpired, but with an eye towards what is ahead – all the good things that can happen in US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo (Mike Pompeo) But I’m confident that we will I’ve been in Asia and South East we provide two coast guard the future. arrived in Sri Lanka on Tuesday (27) for a two-day visit to deliver on that, and when we Asia a great deal in my time as cutters so the two can do good hold bilateral talks on the economic partnership between do, it will be good for American the Secretary of State, whether work on countering narcotics, One last question Secretary the US and Sri Lanka with Sri Lanka President Gotabaya companies that will come here, it be South Korea, Australia, or and we show up here and ensure Pompeo. China is playing an Rajapaksa and Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena. but it will be really good for Japan. These democracies have that the terror risk is reduced increased role in Sri Lanka, This visit came with much backlash from China, as the US the Sri Lankan people. There the opportunity to work together, inside of Sri Lanka. These are the India too, and the US offers and China are currently embroiled in a power struggle over will be jobs and opportunities so I’m confident that Sri Lanka kind of things that democracies the Status of Forces Agreement and wealth creation, and all the will want to be part of that. Part work on together. We have a mutual economic, political, and security interests. Against this (SOFA) and the MCC things that democracies and the of what prospectively looks shared vision and a shared goal, agreement. What else is on the backdrop, speaking to @HydePark Host Indeewari Amuwatte private sector can do in a way like real opportunity and real and I am very confident that the table? on Ada Derana 24x7, Secretary of State Pompeo reiterated that authoritarian regimes simply sovereignty. Those are the things Sri Lankan people will end up in What America offers almost the purpose behind his visit and spoke of plans to strengthen can’t. that will make life better for the a place that ends up with a very always is companies and private the bilateral relationship between the two countries. Below Sri Lankan people, not a history close and very dynamic, powerful investment, partnerships, and are excerpts of the interview. Also Mr. Secretary, recent where you have other countries partnership that benefits both of friendship. That’s how we roll comments by Assistant show up and put huge debt on the our two countries. in the US. We won’t show up Thank you for your time here Lanka’s sovereignty but to make Secretary Dean Thompson country and impose huge burdens with state-sponsored enterprises. with us Secretary Pompeo. sure that the people of Sri Lanka urging Sri Lanka to make on the country. And when they In terms of the Millennium We won’t show up with debt Your visit here is termed understand that the US is a friend difficult but necessary come here they don’t show up Challenge Corporation (MCC) packages that a country can’t crucial, seen as a rare one, and and a partner in a democracy with decisions to secure its economic with the private sector and don’t agreement, Sri Lanka missed possibly repay. We won’t peculiar given the timing of the a shared vision for how the world independence for long-term hire Sri Lankans. The democratic the deadlines twice. The US attempt to use that debt to extort visit. What’s so important that ought to operate. prosperity as Sri Lanka’s countries including the US have is still talking about it. What actions by the Government. you had to communicate at this largest trading partner. What a very different vision. The will happen if it is politically We want what the Sri Lankan juncture? How would you term future exactly are these difficult meetings today give me real challenging for the Sri Lankan people want – a chance to Thanks for giving me the relations of Sri Lanka and the decisions or choices that the US hope that we will be able to close Government to enter into the thrive, a chance to have real chance to be with you. It’s been US, given this crucial visit in expects Sri Lanka to take? together on that shared vision. MCC agreement? opportunities, a chance to travel wonderful to be here in Colombo. Sri Lanka and the comment I know precisely the things It’s one of many things that around the world, and make a I’m in this region a lot, and I made by Sri Lanka’s Foreign that Sri Lanka needs to do but Does this mean the US will are being proffered. If it doesn’t better life for each of them and planned to come here earlier Ministry for enhanced relations more importantly the Sri Lankan respect Sri Lanka’s wishes make sense for Sri Lanka, then for their families. Those are but the world just got in the with the US? people know, and the Sri Lankan to remain a neutral country Sri Lankans will choose not to two very different models. One way, and I had to delay it a bit There are many opportunities leadership. This isn’t about and not be entangled in a accept that. The relationships, is for democracy and freedom, so I managed to get here now. and many things we can do. We America imposing its vision on geopolitical power play? the strengths, the depths, and the other is a tyrannical I’m thrilled to be here. It’s an talked a lot of private businesses Sri Lanka. Quite the opposite. It’s about choices. Every complexity of our relationship authoritarian model. We’re important time in the history of investing here. Not only those It is Sri Lanka sharing with country makes choices. The far exceed any one transaction convinced that the Sri Lankan the region. Great democracies who are here today investing America the things we can do choices will be do you want and one opportunity. There will people will make the right like the one that we have here in more, but new opportunities to make life better for the Sri democracy and freedom? I’m be plenty. We will work closely choices for themselves, as that Sri Lanka, and the one we have in agricultural or renewable Lankan people here. Those are confident that the Sri Lankan on them alongside the Sri Lankan has been the way for a very long in the US have a shared vision on energy and technology, and the choices we hope Sri Lanka’s Government does want exactly Government. time. Your Foreign Minister how life ought to operate; there lots of opportunities for the Government makes. When it that. When you choose those reminded me of it being the ought to be sovereign nations and Sri Lankan people. Sri Lanka does, there will be opportunity; things, you end up with different Matters pertaining to oldest democracy in Asia. I’m free people who get the chance to has to do its part; it’s got to be there will be good partnerships, kinds of partners. You end up accountability; you mentioned confident that that tradition will live the lives they want, and the welcoming and have the rule not only with the US but with the with partners who respect Sri this during your joint press be important and powerful and US is here to share that message. of law and transparency so other democracies in the region. I Lanka’s decision-making as a briefing. How will the US will mean an increasingly good The US stands ready to do all that American investors will travelled from India; I will travel sovereign entity, and when there work with Sri Lanka in order relationship between the US and that we can to recognise Sri want to come and invest here. from here today to the Maldives. needs to be security co-operation, for Sri Lanka to work on its Sri Lanka.

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transparency, the freedom of navigation... and the US has deepened in recent years “It makes sense politically, is The operation work of the ECT has Govt. spends... the foundation of a free and prosperous as Washington sharpened its focus on strategically practical, and is significant,” been delayed during the last five years Minister Pathirana said that the Ceylon Indo-Pacific.” the Indo-Pacific region, on the back of said Dr. Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan, and in 2015, the cranes ordered for the Fisheries Corporation is purchasing the “The US and India are taking steps to concerns about Chinese moves in the distinguished fellow at New Delhi-based ECT had been cancelled and attempts had fish stocks that have been accumulated strengthen our co-operation against all region. Observer Research Foundation. been made to hand over the operations to due to the shutdown of most fishery manners of threat and not just those posed In 2016, the US designated India as “India (through the dialogue amid the India and Japan, he said. harbours to prevent the spread of the by the Chinese Communist Party,” the a major defence partner and also went pandemic) wants to send messaging to “We informed the Government that Covid-19 virus in the country. US Secretary of State added at a press ahead with an agreement to allow for partners and adversaries on where we the SLPA wants the ECT to expand its As the situation that arose three days conference after the talks. the sharing of each other’s military place the US in the scheme of things. capacity and we received approval from ago is easing and the health sector has Esper echoed the sentiment, describing bases for refuelling or the repair of We are converging on Covid and China, the Government. As of now, the terminal actively intervened and given permission ties with India as “resilient and growing”. aircraft and naval warships. In 2018, which is cementing ties between the two is operating,” the Chairman noted. to remove the restriction that fish should “As the world confronts a global both sides signed the Communications countries.” The inauguration ceremony was held not be allowed to land for 72 hours, the pandemic and growing security Compatibility and Security Agreement (The Strait Times) on Tuesday (27) under the patronage of Ceylon Fisheries Corporation has now challenges, the US-India partnership to exchange military logistics and enable Minister of Port and Shipping Rohitha fixed the price of the fish stocks obtained. is more important than ever to ensure secure communications. The two earlier Abeygunawardena. State Minister of – Maheesha Mudugamuwa security, stability, and prosperity of the pacts and BECA indicate increasing No decision... Warehouse Facilities, Container Yards, region and the world. interoperability between the US and It is also learnt that the government- Port Supply Facilities, and Boats and “We stand shoulder to shoulder in Indian militaries. level discussions with India and Japan Shipping Industry Development Jayantha India gets... support of a free and open Indo-Pacific India’s leaders, while not referring were still ongoing and a final decision Samaraweera and SLPA Chairman Daya While the Indian leaders did not directly for all, particularly in light of increasing directly to China, have pushed for a would be made in the future. Ratnayake were also present. The arrival mention China, Pompeo pledged support aggression and destabilising activities by multipolar Asia and greater co-operation Nevertheless, the Government has of the first container carrier to the ECT for New Delhi in the border standoff China,” he said. with the US. given the green light to begin operations at the Port of Colombo marks another which followed a violent clash in June in The US Defence Secretary also noted “Our national security convergences of the ECT to the SLPA on Monday (26). milestone in the unfinished journey of the Galwan Valley in Ladakh that left 20 that India’s recent decision to include have obviously grown in a more multi- Accordingly, the SLPA has immediately making the Sri Lankan port system the Indian soldiers and an unknown number Australia in the Malabar naval exercises, polar world...A multi-polar world must begun the operations a day after it got maritime hub of Asia. of Chinese troops dead. involving India, Japan, and the US, have a multi-polar Asia as its basis,” said approval, it is further learnt. Accordingly, the MSC EMMA, the first It was the worst such incident involving “reflects an acknowledgement of the Jaishankar. SLPA Chairman General Daya Ratnayake container ship to sail from the African troops from the two sides in over four importance of working multilaterally to “We are also committed to creating told The Morning that the ECT was well continent to China, arrived at the ECT for decades. India and China are currently address global challenges”. more trusted and resilient global supply equipped to handle operations at present. its container operations. holding military and diplomatic talks to All four countries belong to the chains. An India that is now focused on “The SLPA launched the operations Although the construction of the 450- resolve the problem. Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, which recovery, resilience, and reform welcomes soon after it got the approval for the metre terminal was completed in 2015 as Pompeo said that the two sides had is also known as the Quad, an informal an expanded partnership with the United request made by the authority,” he said, the first phase of the project, operations talks on the Covid-19 pandemic, which security forum seen by China as a way to States.” adding that the ECT was abandoned did not commence for five years at the led to “robust discussions” on the Chinese contain its growth. Defence Minister Singh noted that during the previous Government, as well ECT and operations using cranes for the Communist Party (CCP). India has over the years been wary of “upholding the territorial integrity and as the Jaya Container Terminal (JCT); JCT began recently. He said: “The US will stand with the involving Australia in the naval exercises sovereignty of all states are essential”. since the construction of the JCT was As the second phase of the project, a new people of India as they confront threats to because of China. But the border troubles Experts say BECA will help India not completed, the cranes ordered for the terminal with an extension of another 600 their sovereignty and to their liberties... have seen New Delhi shed its inhibitions improve its defence preparedness and JCT were placed at the ECT. “We got metres is planned to be constructed in the Our leaders and our citizens see with as it seeks to counter Beijing’s rise and its shows that the China factor remains a key other required equipment and now there near future. In parallel, construction work increasing clarity that the CCP is no growing influence in South Asia. driving force in expanding ties between is enough equipment for the terminal on the fifth phase of the JCT is scheduled friend to democracy, the rule of law, Defence co-operation between India the US and India. operation,” he said. to begin soon. 4 the morning business Thursday , October 29, 2020 Export industries to continue through curfew The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) announced “To manage the Covid-19 situation, period and as per the ‘Guidelines on It added that it will continue to extend obtained from the EDB helpdesk on yesterday (28) that it is currently working towards the export industries operating within the Covid-19, Preparedness for Workplaces’, the required assistance to the export 0112 300 710, 071 440 6119, 071 822 ensuring that the operations of export industries remain country have been advised to follow all dated 2 April 2020, issued by the Ministry industries to run the export operations, 0953, or 077 249 4807, by emailing uninterrupted during the curfew period in the country. the safety measures recommended by of Health and safety precautions must subject to health recommendations. [email protected], or by visiting the health authorities during the curfew be strictly implemented,” the EDB said. Further information could be www.srilankabusiness.com. Ceylon Chamber now open 365 Raja Edirisuriya new Executive Project days for document registration Management Director for Port City The Commercial Documents The CDRD upholds its standards Raja Edirisuriya assumed duties as When Edirisuriya was the Vice Registration Division (CDRD) to align with the rules of origin. In the Executive Project Management President of the Ranaviru Foundation, of the Ceylon Chamber of addition to issuing country of origin Director for the Colombo Port City USA in 2008, he helped raise Rs. Commerce (CCC) announced that, certificates, the CDRD also registers Development Project. 12 million for disabled Sri Lankan with the purpose of providing an other commercial documents such as This appointment was made as soldiers during the peak of the war. uninterrupted service, it is now commercial invoices, outside survey per a cabinet decision on a paper The money was used to build houses geared to serve customers 24x7x365 reports, phytosanitary certificates, submitted by Prime Minister for veteran soldiers and their families days via its online documents sales agreements, health certificates, Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Minister in Anuradhapura. verification service https://e-co. Saudi/Jordan business visa letters, of Urban Development and Housing. “Throughout his professional lk, and is now open on Saturdays and many more,” the Chamber said. Prior to this appointment, Edirisuriya career, Edirisuriya has always for manual documents verification. The CCC added that it operates was serving as the Chairman of the Colombo Port City Project Executive been a devoted public servant for Extended services are provided from Ceylon Chamber of Commerce office strictly adhering to the guidelines Urban Settlement Development Project Management Director his motherland Sri Lanka. This is Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to a pivotal role among the range of issued by the health authorities of Authority (USDA). Raja Edirisuriya especially apparent when analysing 5.30 p.m. services provided by the CCC to the Sri Lanka to combat the Covid-19 A civil engineer by profession, Rajapaksa, Edirisuriya accepted his professional roles; they have all The CDRD of the CCC was Sri Lankan business community. pandemic situation in the country. Edirisuriya obtained his Bachelor’s the Chairmanship of Mihin Lanka resulted in the prosperity of Sri Lanka established in 1925 as one of the “The Commercial Documents Further details on this service in Civil Engineering, specialising Airlines in order to resume the and its people. In his new role as entities to authorise the issuance Registration Division is well known are available via 0777 223 651, in structural engineering from company’s operations after it had the Executive Project Management of country of origin certificates in for efficiently issuing reliable and 0719 390 650, 0758 917 980, eco@ Rutgers University NJ, USA. He been grounded for some time. Director for the Colombo Port City Sri Lanka. Today, the CDRD plays accurate certificates in Sri Lanka. chamber.lk, or [email protected]. also went on to acquire his Master’s Edirisuriya has also served as the Development Project, it is expected in Public Administration at the Sri Lankan Ambassador to Brazil, that Mr. Edirisuriya will deliver University of La Verne, California. Peru, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, results with the benefit of the nation As a professionally registered civil and Surinam, further affirming his in mind,” Port City said. engineer in California, he has held the stature as a global citizen. During The Colombo Port City Dialog’s Genie partners with WEBXPAY prestigious position of Administrator his tenure from 2013 to 2015, he Development Project has recently Powered by Dialog Axiata PLC, in a span of four years, has grown desktop, customers will have a and City Engineer for almost 16 years promoted trade and tourism between been gazetted as a National Genie, Sri Lanka’s first PCI-DSS- to cater to over 1,400 clients. They scan and pay experience as they with the city of Chino, California. Latin America and Sri Lanka and Prioritised Project directly supervised certified payment app, has partnered attribute their success to working merely have to authenticate via their In early 2006, Edirisuriya was also helped facilitate United Nations by the Presidential Secretariat with with WEBXPAY to further scale in synergy with other companies, smartphone in order to authorise the appointed as the Chairman of the Humans Rights resolutions among other relevant ministries. Having their reach to over 1,400 merchants ensuring that they get the most out payment. then ailing construction giant, Sri Brazil, Chile, and Argentina to completed the initial development to provide a simple and secure of the e-commerce solution they “This mutually beneficial Lanka State Engineering Corporation support the Sri Lankan Government. stage of reclamation and breakwater payment checkout via Genie. provide via their Internet Payment relationship will provide Genie (SEC). Thereafter, this organisation Additionally, Edirisuriya was construction, Port City is currently Genie has won two gold awards Gateway (IPG). WEBXPAY Chief users an opportunity to make was resurrected within a short period instrumental in acquiring a property at stage one of the infrastructure for “Most Popular Electronic Executive Officer Omar Sahib purchases amongst an array of over of nine months. Under Edirisuriya’s on behalf of the Sri Lankan development, which covers the Payment Product (Fintech)” and believes that their company’s vision 1,400 merchants and the ability to Chairmanship, the corporation turned Government in Brasilia, Brazil to internal roads and utility connections “Best Mobile Application for is to achieve growth by acquiring pay using their preferred payment a profit of Rs. 103 million at the end house the Sri Lankan Embassy. construction. The Special Economic Retailer Payments” at the LankaPay and servicing 35,000 SMEs (Small mode,” said Dialog Digital Services of the 2006 financial year. This was A philanthropist by nature, he Zone (SEZ) Act, which is the much Technnovation Awards 2019 and and Medium Enterprises) over the Fintech Chief Manager Gimali the first time that the SEC turned a gathered support and funds from anticipated regulatory framework for two awards for “Best Disruptor” next five years. Soysa. profit since 1981. the Sri Lankan community in Los Port City, is expected to be enacted and “Best Start-up Product” at the As a result of this partnership, Speaking on the partnership with In December 2009, on a request Angeles to help construct 39 homes by the Parliament before the end of SLASSCOM Innovation Awards end users will have to simply sign Sahib said: “Our merchants will made by the then President Mahinda for tsunami victims in Induruwa. this year. 2019. in and pay instead of entering their now have more freedom to use A well-known payment card details at every checkout, an array of payment options via aggregator platform in Sri Lanka, giving them a simple, secure, and Genie and we will also be able to WEBXPAY was established by a quick payment checkout experience. attract new merchants through this small group of developers which, Whilst browsing through the synergy.” VMware unveils 5G and HP printers now available at Singer edge advancements in SL VMware Inc. (NYSE: VMW) and enterprise users. These telco- Consumer durables retailer Singer Corporation as it helps us to take HP functions; and the HP Smart Tank recently announced its 5G centric enhancements enable CSPs Sri Lanka PLC has partnered with printers to a wider customer base. 515 of the Smart Tank family which Telco Cloud Platform, to enable to gain web-scale speed and agility Trident Corporation, a leading Keeping to Singer‘s multi-brand supports mobile printing, are among Communication Service Providers while maintaining carrier-grade distributor of IT hardware, software, product offering strategy, new HP the newly introduced printers. In (CSPs) to better meet the growing performance, resiliency, and quality. and printing solutions in Sri Lanka, to printers will be easily accessible and addition, laser printers such as the demands for 5G-powered innovations Tightly integrated with Telco serve the globally renowned Hewlett- come with a wide array of solutions HP Laser 107, which comes with in Sri Lanka. The VMware 5G Telco Cloud Infrastructure, VMware’s Packard (HP) printer range in the Sri backed by trusted warranties, be it for the latest laser printing technology, Cloud Platform is a consistent cloud- Telco Cloud Automation intelligently Lankan market. home or office usage.” rounds off the wide range of printing first solution, powered by carrier- Cloud Platform, CSPs can now boost automates the end-to-end lifecycle This partnership opens Singer Sri Singer has strengthened its printer solutions available to choose from,” grade and high-performance cloud their innovation speed to deliver new management of network functions Lanka’s customers across the island to line-up with HP’s affordable and all- Singer said. native infrastructure that enables applications and services, reduce and services to simplify operations the popular HP printer range through in-one printer solutions. HP printers HP’s printer portfolio is now CSPs to support future-forward operational complexities, and realise and accelerate service delivery while the extensive showroom network are widely used around the world available through islandwide Singer technology applications across the the substantial total cost of ownership optimising resource utilisation. Telco of Singer Mega and Singer Plus to and are known for their reliability, Mega and Singer Plus showrooms region. savings, further accelerating the Cloud Automation also now supports the products of HP Inc., which is the efficiency, and low maintenance costs. and can be ordered online via www. With 5G expected to contribute rollout of their 5G networks to infrastructure and Containers-as- world’s leading printer and printing “The HP printer portfolio now singer.lk. Buyers also avail exclusive almost $ 900 billion to Asia’s support the growth of Sri Lanka’s a-Service (CaaS) management equipment manufacturer with 42% of available at Singer sales network warranties and other popular Singer economy over the next 15 years, digital economy.” automation to streamline workload global market share as at first quarter caters to all the printing requirements benefits such as credit/debit card the potential of this technology The VMware Telco Cloud placement and deliver optimal 2020. from home usage to office usage. payments, instalment plans, and after to enable organisations to step up Platform combines VMware Telco infrastructure resource allocation. It Commenting during the exchange A range of lightweight and portable sales services. their digital transformation efforts Cloud Infrastructure – an evolution also significantly simplifies the 5G of Memorandum of Understanding printers including entry-level colour Singer (Sri Lanka) PLC has over and accelerate the pace of business of the vCloud NFV solution – and and telco edge network expansions (MoU) documents between both printers such as the HP DeskJet 2336; 430 retail outlets, a strong dealer innovation is huge. In order to VMware Telco Cloud Automation – through zero-touch-provisioning partners, Singer Sri Lanka PLC mid-range all-in-one printers such as network and e-commerce platform, enable businesses to supercharge the recently launched multi-domain (ZTP) whenever capacity is required. Chief Executive Officer Mahesh the HP Ink Tank 415, which supports and a portfolio of over 600 electronic their growth with 5G, CSPs in Sri orchestration and automation To speed up the deployment of Wijewardene said: “This pioneering wireless connectivity and uses the items, 1,200 home appliances, and Lanka require a field-proven network capability. The 5G-ready Telco network functions and services by partnership offers a win-win ink tank technology to provide faster boasts more than 50 internationally powered by a modernised cloud Cloud Platform is tailored for CSPs CSPs, VMware recently expanded situation for both Singer and Trident printing, copying, and scanning renowned brands. that delivers web-scale speed and to easily embrace cloud native the Ready for Telco Cloud agility while maintaining carrier- technology and deliver applications programme to add support for grade performance, resiliency, and and services across multi-cloud VMware Telco Cloud Automation. quality. VMware said its innovative infrastructure. As CSPs evolve With the release of the VMware Xiaomi introduces Mi Smart Band 5 to Sri Lanka multi-cloud platform simplifies from NFV (Network Function Telco Cloud Platform, VMware Chinese tech company Xiaomi being the world’s largest hardware category with the Redmi SonicBass and accelerates the rollout of 5G Virtualisation) networks to cloud said it is further expanding the has forayed into the wearables incubator helps us create Wireless Earphone and Redmi networks, while enabling CSPs to native and containerised networks, programme to accelerate network category for the first time new-age products that Earphones. All of these products embrace cloud native principles, VMware is evolving its VMware functions readiness for deployment. with the introduction of the are aware, connected, have been designed to offer an enabling them to deploy innovative vCloud NFV solution to Telco Cloud The programme scope extends to Mi Smart Band 5 in Sri and bring convenience enriched user experience to all our applications and services to market Infrastructure, providing CSPs a container-based network functions Lanka. The company also to everyday life. Mi fans in Sri Lanka.” faster to better meet the growing consistent and unified platform and these workloads conformance added two new products We are not just a Availability demands from businesses. delivering consistent operations for with VMware’s Cloud Native stack to their audio category – smartphone company. The Mi Smart Band 5 will be “VMware continues to accelerate both Virtual Network Functions as well as the automation offered The Redmi SonicBass Every new offering available at Rs. 6,999. the delivery of a comprehensive (VNFs) and Cloud Native Network by the stack. CSPs can expect that Wireless Earphones and that we bring across The Redmi SonicBass Wireless telco and edge cloud portfolio that Functions (CNFs) across telco network functions which passed Redmi Earphones. categories is a Earphones will be available at Rs. addresses our customers’ challenges networks. Telco Cloud Infrastructure certification will be quicker to Xiaomi General testament to that. 3,299, while the Redmi Earphones of today and enables them to harness is designed to optimise the delivery onboard and deploy on the VMware Manager – Sri Lanka We are thrilled to cost Rs. 1,199. the opportunities of tomorrow,” said of network services with telco- Telco Cloud Platform while Vidya Sagar said: “At introduce a brand All these products will be VMware Country Sales Manager, Sri centric enhancements, supporting accelerating CSPs’ time to revenue. Xiaomi, we aspire to new category with available for purchase across Lanka and the Maldives Devendra distributed cloud deployments, To date, more than 35 partners have be one of the coolest the Mi Smart Band 5 authorised Mi stores, online Manuvel. “With support for cloud and providing scalability and received more than 180 certifications technology companies, and and expand our audio channels, and retail partners. native technologies in the Telco performance for millions of consumer as part of the programme. the morning 5 Thursday , October 29, 2020 brunch Empowering communities to stand up to gender-based violence British Council launches virtual booklet on the ‘Empowering Communities to Address Violence Against Women and Girls’ project BY NAVEED ROZAIS people who don’t agree with us. With algorithms on social media pushing content The British Council recently towards people who agree with it, negative concluded an 18-month programme comments show you’re bursting your bubble on empowering communities to and reaching a wider audience.” address Violence against Women Embracing intersectionality and and Girls (VAWG). The project was aimed at creating a violence- breaking silence Viluthu Executive Director Maithreyi free environment for women and Rajasingham spoke on the importance of girls to participate fully in their Keynote Speaker Shanthi Panellist Hashtag Moderator Curative (Pvt.) making note of intersectionality and diversity communities, take control of their Panellist Viluthu Executive Panellist Active Citizen Panellist FISD Director Maargam Executive Generation Co-founder Ltd., Cyber Market Solutions when it comes to womens’ issues. “We also Director Maithreyi Master Facilitator Maria – Programmes Samitha Director/Founder Kamani and Director Senel (Pvt.) Ltd., and Viluthu Chrd own lives, and enjoy greater equality. Rajasingham (Charo) Lanao-Madden Sugathimala Jinadasa Wanniarachchi Director Safra Anver need to understand women’s issues is an Training workshops were delivered all-encompassing issue. Ten years after the in 20 local communities, in seven and create an enabling environment war, we’re still talking about child marriages Divisional Secretariat (DS) divisions for continuous empowerment, adding: and school dropout rates. These issues have in the Jaffna, Batticaloa, Monaragala, “Empowerment is very much a journey and stayed throughout. The issues themselves are and Hambantota Districts. we have been able to start them out on this evolving. The issues that are contributing to journey.” this are also transforming in their own way The project was an initiative by the because the conflict is also transforming. British Council, carried out in partnership The importance of a community-led “We need to do away with the idea with the Foundation for Innovative Social that women are a homogeneous group. In Development (FISD), Jaffna Social Action approach Keynote Speaker, international expert Jaffna and Batticaloa, you have women Centre (JSAC), Janathakshan, and Hashtag who are minorities, women affected by Generation. on sex and sexual reproductive health, and gender-based violence and social justice the conflict, women heads of households, The ‘Empowering Communities to organisation Shanthi Maargam Executive women whose families are disappeared, Director/Founder Kamani Jinadasa also women who are families of the missing and Address Violence Against Women and spoke on the importance of engaging disappeared, young women living alone or Girls’ project communities. Jinadasa shared that VAGW with dependents, older women living alone Speaking at the virtual event held to stemmed from two root causes, an imbalance or with dependents, and so on. It’s an ever- mark the completion of the project and the of power, in which masculinity plays a huge evolving group.” Rajasingham also shared publication of its findings, former British role, and gender inequality. that drug and alcohol abuse among men is becoming an issue that is affecting women, Council Sri Lanka Country Director Gill The statistics of women and girls The panellists in discussion Caldicott said that VAWG is an endemic who experience violence are staggering, with many women taking over as heads of problem not limited to Sri Lanka which with one out of three women experiencing communication to change social norms and devised by Hashtag Generation to drive households because men are unable to do so stems from deeply ingrained attitudes and intimate partner violence in their lifetime. raise awareness in communities around the “Empowering Communities to Address properly. “We need a special lens for these social norms which are outdated, prejudicial, Intimate partner violence is the most norms around behaviours, laws, and Violence Against Women and Girls” project. issues,” Rajasingham stressed, and which undermine basic human rights. common form of VAGW. Conversely, systems that perpetuate VAGW. Launched on Facebook, Instagram, and “It’s not just about what area the issues “Addressing this is no easy task and change only 3% of men who perpetrate gender- “Within the Sri Lankan context, we Twitter, “Her Safe Space” covered all the are in. It’s a labyrinth.” will not come quickly and easily. I am proud based violence ever face charges. More need to improve,” Jinadasa said. “We different aspects and phases of the project Rajasingham also commented on women to have contributed to this journey with the disturbing statistics show that 30% of men need long-term intervention programmes. and created content to promote discussion needing to break their silence around abuse. British Council. Women cannot begin to take have perpetrated their first rape between Behaviour needs time to change. We also about VAWG. “The campaign was trilingual, “As practitioners, we have to accept the their rightful place until and unless they are the ages of 15 and 19. need to address intersectionality and look which we felt was important in a context like socialisation of women really silences them,” free of the fear and reality of violence, both “One key motivation for sexual at all our social difference and work across Sri Lanka when talking about such issues,” she noted, adding: “Women from the get-go physical and emotional.” violence is a sense of sexual entitlement, all levels, from the community level to the Wanniarachchi explained, adding: ”The topic are taught we have to endure these things in The live event held to launch the something that comes from toxic interpersonal level to the individual level. We is very sensitive, and the campaign spoke silence. We don’t recognise things as our virtual booklet featured an eminent panel masculinity, “Jinadasa noted. “If we also need to understand more about children about how the project was about changing human rights, as something we can hold of activists and change-makers who shared can address this sense of impunity becoming eventual perpetrators of VAGW attitudes.” people accountable for.” their views on VAWG and the “Empowering and entitlement, we will make a lot of and focus on stopping things at the source.” Moving away from an academic and Rajasingham quoted the example of Communities to Address Violence Against progress.” Active Citizen Master Facilitator Maria statistically driven approach, “Her Safe microfinance, which is a huge problem in Women and Girls” project. At a community level, Jinadasa shared (Charo) Lanao-Madden also addressed Space” featured people in the project Batticaloa and Jaffna. Over the last two FISD Director – Programmes Samitha that there are three key interventions that the gathering live from Northern Ireland, sharing their views on VAWG. “We tried to years, over 50 women have died by suicide Sugathimala spoke on the project, sharing can be used to fight VAGW. sharing that VAGW is a global problem that highlight voices that were reaching through due to difficulties to do with microfinance, that what set this project apart was that it Group-based interventions are one is not something that should be addressed the actual project and bring that into the which is made worse by sexual bribery and was done with active engagement from form, with group workshops conducted by by girls and women but by society as a campaign. The voices of men and women exploitation. In turn, this affects children the communities they worked with. “We trained professionals that engage people whole. “The Active Citizen programme is a going through the training process, and the who are forced to drop out of school to make engaged with them interactively in the in critical reflection on gender roles and social leadership programme with the belief trainers as well. This way, the people in these ends meet if and when their parents disappear form of residential-style knowledge and behaviour. The group workshops should be that we are globally connected but locally communities would see the content on their because they cannot cope with paying back capacity-building training programmes,” diverse, engaging men and women as well engaged,” Lanao shared, adding: “There is social media feeds and it would provoke what they owe. Sugathimala said. “This allowed the as adolescent boys and girls. an interdependence among all of us, but we discussion.” communities to design their own solutions to Another form of community-level can all apply ourselves and do something Wanniarachchi also shared that “Her Moving forward by empowering problems and get together at the community intervention is community mobilisation at the local level. The ‘Empowering Safe Space” was about telling stories of young people level and implement these solutions, and activation, with the use of multiple Communities to Address Violence Against power and agency, of women changing The best hope for any kind of future lies going back to their homes and engaging forms of community initiatives to shift Women and Girls’ project shows that it takes narratives and confronting violence in the hands of the next generation. “Young men and government officials within their harmful attitudes and norms. These would a community to address challenges and to as opposed to painting the picture of a kids need to be involved right from the start communities as well as working with other be long-term intervention programmes reflect and decide what do next.” powerless woman. “Her Safe Space” was because harmful attitudes and acceptance community-based organisations. They with trained mentors and structured meant to show people who are actively of violence begins at home,” Jinadasa said, measured changes at the end and brought discussions and activities on power, Capturing meaningful stories of changing the world around them. “We adding: “It’s a constant process. Children are lessons and practices for wider sharing.” gender, and VAGW. empowerment to drive change reached 89,995 people through the campaign. the future of our world. It is very important Through the project, Sugathimala shared, The final form of community level Hashtag Generation Co-founder and Most comments and responses were positive, we work with young people because they women were able to create new situations intervention is social marketing and Director Senel Wanniarachchi spoke on the but there were the occasional negative are such important agents of change for the and environments within their communities edutainment, harnessing the power of mass “Her Safe Space” social media campaign comments which showed that we’re reaching future.”

Emirates has earned top spot at the Business Traveller Middle East Awards 2020, sweeping four awards including the coveted “Best Airline Worldwide” award for the seventh consecutive year. The Emirates honoured with Best airline also took home “Airline with the Best First Class”, “Airline with Best Cabin Crew”, and “Best Airport Lounge in the Middle East”. The wins underscore Emirates’ Airline Worldwide award commitment to offer a better and safer customer experience in the air and on Tops four other categories at Business Traveller Middle East Awards 2020 the ground across every class of travel. The awards also highlight how the airline level. Service was temporarily modified, has been supporting its customers during however many of the signature products the Covid-19 pandemic, rapidly meeting and services have now been restored, and evolving consumer expectations during travelling First Class on Emirates remains these times. Emirates has re-engineered an unparalleled experience. its customer experience with industry- Emirates’ premium customers can leading health and safety measures across enjoy the airline’s Business Class lounge every touchpoint of the travel journey, in Concourse B in Dubai. With safety and and introduced initiatives to offer travel hygiene measures in place, the lounge in assurance, greater flexibility, and restore The “Best Cabin Crew” “Best First Class” The “Best Airport Lounge in the Middle East” DXB (Dubai International Airport) offers confidence in flying. Emirates’ premium customers a haven of Emirates led the way to become care, health, and safety of its customers, 45 minutes during flights, amongst many implementation of additional health and relaxation, gradually reviving its renowned the first airline to offer customers free employees, and communities. Enhanced other measures. safety measures. With modified services pre-pandemic offerings such as full food Covid-19 cover to help customers travel biosafety measures include the distribution Emirates regularly reviews all its in place, customers can once again enjoy and beverage services and quiet areas, with more confidence, knowing that of complimentary hygiene kits, protective biosafety measures in line with the latest Emirates’ signature products and services among other experiences. medical expenses of up to € 150,000 and barriers at check-in desks and immigration expert guidance. This week, Emirates onboard. The Business Traveller Middle East quarantine costs of € 100 per day for 14 counters, personal protective equipment re-introduced its iconic A380 products The Emirates’ First Class experience Awards 2020 were presented virtually, days will be covered if they are diagnosed and new safety protocols for cabin crew and onboard experiences, including the has been a showcase for product and attended by hundreds of industry with Covid-19 during their travel, while and airport employees in customer facing Onboard Lounge and Shower Spa, as innovations like private suites, the in- professionals across the region. The they are away from home. roles, and elevated aircraft cleaning well as social areas in Business Class and flight Shower Spa, the Onboard Lounge, awards are judged by a panel of travel At every step of the journey, Emirates procedures including the frequent cleaning First Class on select Boeing 777 aircraft and many other industry firsts, taking experts alongside the magazine’s editorial has spared no effort to prioritise the and disinfecting of aircraft lavatories every following a thorough review and the the flying experience to a whole new team. 6 the morning sports Thursday , October 29, 2020 LPL theme song out Maintain ‘Kumar Anandan’! 25,000 crowd for MCG Test The idea behind the theme song The Sri Lanka Freedom Party MP Angajan Ramanathan Authorities are targeting crowds of at least for the Lanka Premier League has instructed officials to take necessary action to 25,000 people per day at the Melbourne (LPL) revolves around the vibrant maintain the Kumar Anandan Swimming Pool in Cricket Ground (MCG) for Australia’s atmosphere cricket brings to Sri Valvettithurai yesterday (28). The MP said via Twitter second Test against India on Boxing Day, Lanka, said a media release yesterday that the swimming pool, which is vested with the a government official said yesterday (28). The LPL theme song and music Valvettithurai Urban Council, costing nearly Rs. 25 million, (28). Melbourne, Australia’s second most has been produced, composed, and sung by Sri Lankan pop duo Bathiya is in a dilapidated state due to a lack of maintenance. Aalikumaran Anandan is the second man populous city, was released from a coronavirus lockdown yesterday with retail and Santhush (BNS), together with their team of Saregama Music. to swim across Palk Strait to India in 1971 and holds seven Guinness World Records. and hospitality businesses opening their doors for the first time in months.

Not responding ASAP have left early. It was argued on Coleman’s behalf that The DCOs testified that this was not the there was no filing failure as his whereabouts case, providing a photo taken at 8.21 p.m., information was updated before the allocated while shopping receipts also cast doubt on 60-minute period, but the AIU Disciplinary Coleman’s claim. Tribunal rejected this defence, emphasising A Walmart receipt showed he had purchased that details should be updated “as soon as 16 items at 8.22 p.m. possible after the circumstances change, and in any event prior to the 60-minute time slot”. Didn’t come home As Coleman had flown to Iowa two days In an interesting argument, Coleman has before, the details had not been updated “as claimed he returned home, watched the start soon as possible (ASAP)”, and it was also of a National Football League (NFL) game – found that the updated whereabouts information which kicked off at 8.15 p.m. – and must have related to a time which had already passed. then left his home again. The Disciplinary Tribunal deemed it was Is Coleman lying? “obvious” that the sprinter in fact did not come For missed test in December, Coleman was home until after that Walmart trip, given that out Christmas shopping at the time when he other shopping receipts were time-stamped at had said he would be available for sample 7.13 p.m. and 7.53 p.m. collection at his Lexington home. Coleman argued that he returned home inside He is careless at best the 60-minute window, which lasted from 7.15 In rendering a two-year ban, the Disciplinary p.m. to 8.15 p.m., and that the DCOs must Tribunal described Coleman’s behaviour as “very careless at best and reckless at worst” and viewed there to be no mitigating factors Christian Coleman - Bio which could have reduced the ban. Nationality: American The decision could yet be appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Born: 6 March 1996 (age 24) Escaped bans previously Place of birth: Atlanta, USA Coleman previously escaped punishment Turned pro: In 2017 after missing tests on 6 June 2018 and 16 January and 26 April 2019, successfully arguing Coach: Tim Hall that the 2018 case, a filing error, should be pushed back to the first day of the quarter, 1 Personal bests: April, and subsequently out of the year-long 60 m: 6.34 seconds in 2018 (a window. That allowed him to compete at the 2019 World Record) World Championships in Doha, where he won 100 m: 9.76 seconds in 2019 two gold medals. 200 m: 19.85 seconds in 2017 Dubious feats Achievements: Coleman won two silver medals at the 2017 World Championships, also in the 100 m and World Championships – 4 x 100 m relay. He did compete at Rio 2016, but only in the ‘The to-be world’s Gold medal in 100 m at 2019 relay heats and was a spectator when the US Doha were disqualified in the final. Gold medal in 4 x 100 m relay at 2019 Doha fastest’ is banned Silver medal in 100 m at 2017 London z Christian Coleman of the US is banned z Ruled out of Christian Coleman Silver medal at 4 x 100 m relay is the reigning 60 for 2 years for missed drugs tests Tokyo Olympics at 2017 London m world champion

In a stunning development in world athletics, during the days of the the favourite to be crowned the world’s fastest pandemic, world champion sprinter Christian Coleman of the US has been man at next year’s Olympics. banned for two years for anti-doping offences, ruling him out of the Tokyo Instead he will miss Tokyo 2020 in another 2020 Olympics next year. blow for the sport, stressed Inside the Games.

“The American missed tests on 16 January Coleman accepted the first missed test but Changing whereabouts and 9 December of last year, and was also challenged the other two rulings. However, “The filing failure related to Coleman being charged with a filing error in connection with the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) Disciplinary in Iowa for the Drake Relays when he was an attempted test on 26 April,” a report by Tribunal did not find that in his favour. contacted several hours before the 60-minute Inside the Games said yesterday (28), revealing window for the day by a doping control officer Coleman’s unexpected ban. To be the world’s fastest man (DCO), when he had said on the whereabouts As a result, the world 100 m champion has system he would be in Kentucky,” described The causes been banned for two years and is ineligible to the above report. Missing three tests in a 12-month period race until 13 May 2022. Coleman had asked if he could be tested in results in an anti-doping rule violation and a The 24-year-old, who also won 4 x 100 m Iowa, which he could not, and then attempted two-year suspension if it is the athlete’s first relay gold with the US team at the 2019 World to change information about his whereabouts offence, clarified the said report. Athletics Championships, would have been to Iowa after the conversation. Who will be the next ICC Chairman? The months of speculation are over and ICC) might not support him. representing the associates, and the ICC the contest for the International Cricket The chairman of the ICC has great chairman, ICC Chief Executive Officer Council (ICC) Chairmanship is down to two authority nowadays and it is a post which (Manu Sawhney), and Independent Woman men, confirmed ESPN Cricinfo yesterday is considered an independent one. The Director Indra Nooyi. The CEO does not (28). chairman is, notably, no longer allowed have a vote. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) Chairman to be a member of an individual board According to the ICC Constitution, the Greg Barclay and the current interim while being chairman. The post’s primary voting will need to take place via secret ICC Chairman Imran Khwaja are the two responsibility is to grow the sport and take ballot. The winner will need a minimum contenders now for the hot seat. cricket forward. two-thirds majority, or 11 of the 16 votes 18 October was the deadline to file a In the election process, as a first step, the (10 if there are 15). A simple majority will nomination for the position. Alhough a ICC’s Audit Committee vets the nominations NOT be enough. number of names were touted in the run- and declares the eligible contestants. There is also the possibility of the vote up including that of strong man Saurav The ICC’s directors (representatives not taking place at all, in case the Board Ganguly of India, it’s not clear how many from individual boards) are each allowed agrees upon one of the contestants as a nominations were ultimately filed. to nominate one candidate. The nominees consensus candidate. Barclay has the backing of “the Big with the support of two or more directors In the scenario where there is no Three” comprising the BCCI (India), CA are eligible to contest an election. consensus and no clear winner after the (Australia), and the ECB (England), along The eligible candidates then share their voting (two-thirds majority), it is understood with his home board. individual manifestos with the ICC Board that the ICC Board has agreed that the Khwaja is expected to have the support before the voting begins. interim chair – Khwaja – will take charge of the smaller boards, most notably the Only the current directors, who sit on the as chairman for a period determined by Imran Khwaja (left) wants an extra ICC event in the calendar, while Greg Barclay prefers PCB (Pakistan), but it is understood that ICC Board, are allowed to vote. That is 17 the Board. bilateral cricket, opined ESPN Cricinfo the associates (not the full members of the directors: 12 full members, three directors