300 MW LNG POWER PLANT STILL ON LOW VOLTAGE

RS. 70.00 PAGES 80 / SECTIONS 7 VOL. 03 – NO. 05 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2020 GOVT. TO NEVER COMPROMISED TRUMP SENDS OUR POLITICAL STAND CONFIDENTIAL MISS EASY - NIZAM KARIYAPPER MESSAGE TO PREZ. TAX TARGET »SEE PAGE 7 »SEE PAGE 11 »SEE PAGES 8 & 9 »SEE BUSINESS PAGE 1 GENERAL PREVENTIVE GUIDELINES For verified information on the coronavirus (Covid-19) contact any of the following authorities Suwasariya Ambulance Service 1999 Health Promotion Bureau Quarantine Unit 0112 112 705 1990 Epidemiology Unit 0112 695 112 Govt. coronavirus hotline 0113071073 PRESIDENTIAL SPECIAL TASK FORCE FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES Telephone 0114354854, 0114733600 Wash hands with soap for 40-60 Wear a commercially available mask/ Maintain a minimum distance Use gloves when shopping, using Use traditional Sri Lankan greeting Always wear a mask, avoid crowded Hotline 0113456200-4 seconds, or rub hands with alcohol- cloth mask or a surgical mask at all of 1 metre from others, especially public transport, etc. and discard into at all times instead of handshaking, vehicles, maintain distance, and wash Fax 0112333066, 0114354882 based handrub for 20-30 seconds times in public places in public places a lidded bin lined with a bag hugging, and/or kissing hands before and after travelling Email [email protected] No new ventilators since March z No orders placed by Govt. since first outbreak z Chief Epidemiologist claims things under control

BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA added that the number of ventilators questioning why the Ministry failed to Sri Lanka has confirmed 9,791 The Covid-19 death toll meanwhile available in the country were not order a few more, at least another 400 novel coronavirus infections to date. went up to 19 last Tuesday (27), as Despite several Covid-19 outbreak scares and the rapidly adequate to handle a spike in critical ventilators. We don’t have additional According to statistics, 4,142 of the three infected persons including a snowballing new wave, the Ministry of Health has not ordered patients. ventilators even available,” the senior confirmed patients have made complete 19-year-old fell victim to the virus. a single ventilator since the first local patient was detected in “We have only 630 ICU beds in the official stressed. recoveries from the virus. The senior medical official also Sri Lanka on 11 March 2020, The Sunday Morning learnt. country for a population of around As of Friday (30), the total number The Epidemiology Unit says 5,630 alleged that the authorities were 23 million. And only 146 beds have of positive cases detected in the active cases are still receiving medical trying to pass the ball from one court This was revealed to The Sunday attached to the Ministry of Health, who been allocated for Covid management. Minuwangoda-Peliyagoda cluster hit treatment at selected hospitals across to another by misleading the public. Morning by a senior medical official wished to remain anonymous, who This is a pathetic situation. No one’s 6,313. With the new development, the island. Contd. on page 2 MT NEW DIAMOND Keeping an eye out MEPA report to Monorail to fill LRT gap z Battaramulla Negotiations are currently ongoing despite the abandonment of the Light AG this week stretch back to with regard to all four originally Rail Transit (LRT) project which was BY SARAH HANNAN monorail project planned monorail projects, which are to be constructed on a Japanese loan. to run from Battaramulla to Colombo, “We have not stopped the monorail The Marine Environment Protection z No Japanese Homagama to Colombo, Moratuwa to project”. Authority (MEPA) expert committee, appointed Colombo, and Ragama to Colombo, Contd. on page 2 under the directives of the Attorney General involvement (AG), is to submit a quantification report at the end of this week to the AG over the anticipated CAPITAL HEIGHTS civil liabilities that resulted from the bunker Pompeo had oil spill caused by the fire onboard MT New CAPITALRS. 34 MILLION HEIGHTS Diamond, The Sunday Morning learnt. no time for PM RS. 34 MILLION Contd. on page 2 There was no meeting scheduled between UPWARDS Prime Minister (PM) Mahinda Rajapaksa and UPWARDS SPIKE IN LEPTOSPIROSIS CASES US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during his brief visit to Sri Lanka last week as Pompeo CAPITAL HEIGHTS Drug shortage, had a very tight schedule before he flew to the Maldives, The Sunday Morning learnt. RS. 34 MILLION Contd. on page 2 VISIT OUR negligence UPWARDSWEBSITE CAPITALVISIT HEIGHTS+94 OUR 763112233 PARLIAMENT SESSION RS.35SHOW APARTMENT MILLIONWEBSITE UPWARDSRS. 34 MILLION main causes READY FOR INSPECTION UPWARDS A short supply of doxycycline and public negligence have been identified to be the main Limited PROJECT NEARING+94 763112233 COMPLETION VISIT OUR causes over the spike in leptospirosis cases SHOW APARTMENT WEBSITE reported this year, according to Ministry of Health VISIT OUR MPs and no +94 763112233WEBSITE Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Samaraweera. SHOW APARTMENT www.capitalheights.lk Contd. on page 2 READY FOR INSPECTION +94 763112233 journalists READY FORSHOW INSPECTION APARTMENT PROJECT NEARING COMPLETIONREADY FOR INSPECTION Stricter z No outsiders, public PROJECT NEARINGPROJECT NEARING COMPLETION COMPLETION Environmental gallery to be closed z Parliament staff to be Act in January reduced to half The recently amended National The next Parliament sessions would Environmental Act will be presented to see additional Covid-19 measures being Parliament in January 2021 with increased Several checkpoints were stationed in the entry and exit points of Colombo adopted in addition to curtailing sessions periods of imprisonment and higher fines for to monitor travellers during the three-day-long curfew imposed in the to a single day. crimes committed against the environment, Western Province on 30 October PHOTO LALITH PERERA Contd. on page 2 Minister of Environment Mahinda Amaraweera stated. COVID-19 TREATMENT CENTRES Contd. on page 2 Kelani River Several prisons ready Prison will be utilised and transformed investigation into Covid-19 treatment centres if such for conversion a need arises,” he said. Upuldeniya noted that plans were halted zThree prisons ready if need arises underway to do so in case of an The Central Environmental Authority’s outbreak within the prison system. (CEA) investigations into the factories BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA Commissioner General of Prisons “We have not initiated any plans just yet. identified to be releasing pollutants to the Thushara Upuldeniya said that the We are making arrangements to convert Kelani River have come to a halt due to Three prisons have been identified to Welikada Magazine Prison was among these prisons into treatment centres only the Covid-19 prevention protocols that are be converted into Covid-19 treatment those selected for this purpose if needed. if the need arises and if there is a severe currently in place. centres if the need arises, The Sunday “Welikada Prison, Angunakolapelessa Covid-19 outbreak in the prison system.” Contd. on page 2 Morning learnt. Prison, and a part of the Bogambara Contd. on page 2 2 the sunday morning NEWS Sunday, November 1, 2020 Under police watch Police officers stationed at a checkpoint in Panadura, a curfew-imposed area in the Kalutara District, monitoring motorists entering and exiting the city on Friday (30 October) PHOTOS SAMAN ABESIRIWARDANA Contd. from page 1

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Foreign as one parliamentary journalist has been a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 1-2% in the present spread of Covid-19 within the No new... Minister Dinesh Gunawardena in his recent found positive for Covid-19. The public recent past. country is brought under control. Criticising the lethargic approach taken visit but did not have time to meet the PM, gallery will also be closed and no visitors Being a zoonotic disease which occurs – Sarah Hannan by the Health Ministry to control the as he was to fly to the Maldives. will be allowed, except for outside officials worldwide, it is more common in tropical spreading of the virus, the official stressed However, during a media briefing held who would be required on that day.” countries such as Sri Lanka. In Sri Lanka, that the virus could have been already in Washington prior to the visit, Bureau of Sergeant-at-Arms of Parliament leptospirosis is reported throughout the Stricter controlled if the proper decisions had been South and Central Asian Affairs Principal Narendra Fernando said that the Parliament year, with two peaks generally observed Environmental... taken on time. Deputy Assistant Secretary Dean R. staff will also be reduced by more than which coincide with paddy cultivation. “Many officials are afraid of taking Thompson said that Secretary Pompeo half. High humidity and heavy rainfall may “By January 2021, the amended decisions,” the official stressed. would meet with President Gotabaya “We will be having a meeting with the cause outbreaks because of widespread Environmental Act should come into When contacted, Ministry of Health Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Mahinda Parliament Secretary General on Monday exposure to flood water. Transmission force. We have submitted the necessary Medical Supplies Division (MSD) Deputy Rajapaksa, and Foreign Minister Dinesh (3) to decide how many staff can attend. to humans may be direct by inoculation amendments to the Legal Draftsman, Director Dr. H.M.K. Wickramanayake Gunawardena on his visit to emphasise the We hope to keep the number of staff below with infected animal tissue or body fluids and once it is received, we can present it confirmed to The Sunday Morning that the US’ commitment to a strong, independent, 500.” or indirect with the organisms entering to the Cabinet of Ministers and then to MSD did not order ventilators. and democratic Sri Lanka. He said that on average, there were via mucosal surfaces or damaged skin Parliament,” he told The Sunday Morning However, he said there was a programme When contacted for clarification, PM’s around 900 staff in the Parliament in from infected urine or contaminated on Friday (30 October). launched by the Biomedical Institution with Media Secretary Rohan Welivita said addition to around 200 staffers from environments such as moist soil in He said that the Act will be the first to the funds of the World Bank (WB) during neither the US Embassy in Colombo nor the ancillary departments. agricultural lands, lakes, streams, and be presented to Parliament after the budget the initial stages of the Covid-19 pandemic Foreign Ministry had sought for any time to – Skandha Gunasekara rivers. Several studies have shown the reading concludes in November. to order ventilators, but that he was not meet the PM during Pompeo’s visit. survival of pathogenic leptospires in the Meanwhile, the Attorney General’s (AG) aware whether those stocks had arrived in “He had given two slots and that was environment ranging from three to 14 days. Department said that they are yet to receive the country. allocated to the President and the Foreign MEPA report... Leptospirosis can have a markedly varied the draft amendment to the Environmental Attempts to contact the Health Ministry Minister,” he said. “We have appointed an expert committee clinical course. The incubation period is Act, which is presumably still with the Secretary and the Health Minister proved Meanwhile, State Minister Balasuriya under the AG’s directives to prepare a usually five to 14 days, with a range of Legal Draftsman. futile. told The Sunday Morning that Pompeo’s quantification of costs report assessing the two to 30 days. Most infections will be “As soon as we are in receipt of the same, However, Ministry of Health Chief visit was mainly to strengthen the mutual environmental damage and impact that is asymptomatic or mimic a mild flu and we will make our observations and share Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Samaraweera relationship between the US and Sri to be anticipated by the fisheries sector may pass without being brought to medical the same with the Ministry and the Legal stressed that the situation at present was Lanka and during the two meetings held due to the bunker oil spill that occurred attention. However, a small number of Draftsman for next steps,” Co-ordinating under control. However, he failed to predict with President Rajapaksa and Minister after the accident,” MEPA Deputy General cases can develop into a severe form of Officer to AG State Counsel Nishara how long it would take to control the second Gunawardena no agreements were Manager A.J.M. Gunasekara told The illness with multi organ failure and a CFR Jayaratne said. wave of the virus. discussed or entered into verbally or in Sunday Morning. of over 40%. The AG’s Department would make “At present, we have controlled it but we writing. The report will also include the costs the In the initial bacteraemic phase, there observations on the constitutionality of the can’t give predictions,” he stressed. When asked about the motive of his visit MEPA and the National Aquatic Resources is an acute onset of fever with chills and amendments, after which the AG would When asked whether the number of ICU to Sri Lanka, the State Minister noted that Research and Development Agency rigours, headache, myalgia, nausea, and certify that the provisions do not contravene beds allocated is enough for the situation, his visit to Sri Lanka was planned even (NARA) will have to incur for future vomiting. Conjunctival suffusion usually any provision of the Constitution. It would Dr. Samaraweera said the ICU beds and before Covid-19 and got delayed due to monitoring exercises to assess the marine appears in the third day of illness and is then be returned to the Legal Draftsman and ventilators available in the country were the world pandemic and Sri Lanka was one pollution impact that the bunker oil spill characteristic but non-specific. Myalgia is then sent to the Ministry of Environment. enough to handle the situation. destination on his tour to Asia. will cause. characteristic in the calf but may also be – Sarah Hannan Meanwhile, Dr. Samaraweera said the He also said Pompeo’s visit had not Despite the Covid-19 prevention prominent in the back and neck. authorities were still investigating how affected any of the relationships maintained protocols that are currently in place, MEPA In the immune phase, fever and other the virus entered the country but that by Sri Lanka with any other country, said it was hopeful that at least by the end constitutional symptoms may persist Monorail to... the investigations had not yet uncovered especially with China, and reiterated Sri of this week, they will be able to present in some patients. The onset of organ “The Environmental Impact Assessment concrete evidence to justify any of the Lanka’s non-aligned foreign policy. the report to the AG. involvement will be apparent in severe (EIA) has been completed for all these allegations flying around. – Maheesha Mudugamuwa “The expert committee is working on disease with the development of oliguria, projects and construction would be compiling the report these days. If the jaundice, meningism, haemorrhage, shock, conducted as Private-Public Partnerships shipping company agrees to settle these pulmonary involvement, and myocarditis. (PPPs). What we stopped is the Japanese- Several prisons... Limited MPs... out of court, then we will follow the due The most common organ involved is the funded LRT project which was also one of He added that over 600 patients could be Parliament Secretary General Dhammika procedure. If not, legal proceedings will kidney with interstitial nephritis and acute the four projects initially planned. What housed among the three selected prisons. Dasanayake told The Sunday Morning that be followed, should they want to settle it tubular necrosis leading to acute kidney happened was, the former Minister had “We estimate that around 600 patients or a decision has been taken by party leaders within the legal framework. We will only injury. taken the Battaramulla to Colombo stretch a little more could be treated in these three to limit the number of members attending have clear directives after this week’s – Sarah Hannan out of the monorail project and had handed prisons if they’re converted into treatment Parliament. meeting with the AG and after they have it over to Japan. Whilst we ended that centres.” “It will be a short session of Parliament observed the estimations that we would agreement (with Japan), the project would and only the members who would be submit,” Gunasekara explained. Kelani River... be continued as a PPP,” Transport Minister speaking in Parliament are to attend.” MEPA had received Rs. 52 million Speaking to The Sunday Morning on Gamini Lokuge told The Sunday Morning Pompeo had... He said that the decision had been taken out of the Rs. 442 million that was paid Friday (30), Minister of Environment on Friday (30). State Minister of Regional Co-operation to not allow journalists to attend. to the Sri Lankan Government as part Mahinda Amaraweera said: “The 13 Therefore, the stretch from Battaramulla Tharaka Balasuriya said Pompeo had met “Journalists also would not be attending of the payment for clean-up activities, units that were assigned to conduct the to Colombo would be included as one deployment of instruments to mitigate investigations are yet to complete their project in the new plan, Lokuge stressed. the bunker oil spill, and preliminary finalised report as there were 3,000 factories At present, the Government is looking assessment of the bunker oil spill. that were identified to be responsible for at acquiring the necessary lands for the According to Gunasekara, the bulk of releasing pollutants to the Kelani River. project and once the lands are acquired, the Rs. 442 million was allocated to the They were continuing with the study, construction would begin, he added. firefighting and rescue operations that but due to the Covid-19 outbreak zonal When asked whether the project finances were carried out by multiple institutions lockdowns announced last week, we had to have been finalised, the Transport Minister and towards legal fees. halt the investigations.” noted that project finances have not been Amaraweera noted that as soon as the finalised yet. health authorities announce that the travel The LRT project was cancelled by the Drug shortage... restrictions are lifted, the CEA is to once Cabinet last month, claiming that it was “Leptospirosis is prevalent in areas again deploy the teams to continue the study costly. However, transport experts claimed where there are a lot of paddy fields/ and prepare the final report. the total project would cost only around marshlands in which people engage in It was found that many of these factories $ 1 billion, which is, as per international various economic activities. While there had not obtained Environment Impact cost estimates, the average cost for the is not a significant spike in incidents Assessments (EIAs) prior to building and construction of an LRT. when considering the month-by-month had failed to comply with the regulations Furthermore, the proposed 15 km average, the Department of Epidemiology issued to them by the respective municipal Colombo LRT was expected to save Rs. from time to time does conduct awareness council on wastewater management. 38 billion per year after it commenced programmes to educate the farmers A total of 7,000 factories are located in operations. and the people from the areas,” Dr. the Kaduwela to Peliyagoda Bridge stretch The 15.7 km LRT system was to include Samaraweera told The Sunday Morning. of the Kelani River, out of which 3,000 16 stations from Colombo Fort to Malabe He also reiterated that despite the factories will face legal action once the full via Battaramulla, and involved an elevated awareness that is created, there are times report is handed over to the Ministry of railway track, elevated stations, a train when the regional hospitals and Medical Environment. depot, the procurement of LRT trains, and Officers of Health (MOHs) have a short On 29 September, environmentalists the installation of electrical, communication, supply of the antibiotic doxycycline. alerted the Minister of Environment about and signal systems. The project was Moreover, the negligence of farmers the ongoing water pollution that was caused expected to reduce travel time from or area residents also contributes to the by factories located along the Kelani River Colombo Fort to Malabe to approximately increasing number of leptospirosis cases. starting from Kaduwela through Peliyagoda. 30 minutes. The loan agreement was signed Sri Lanka is projected to record the The Minister had then ordered a quick between Sri Lanka and Japan in 2019. highest number of leptospirosis cases in a study and based on that, ordered a detailed Accordingly, Japan had extended a loan of decade with the caseload reflecting 6,784 investigation report for which the CEA around Rs. 48 billion to Sri Lanka for the cases for the period from 1 January to 30 assigned 13 teams to investigate the 3,000 Colombo LRT project. October. factories that were identified as possible The loan for the project was offered on This year, the Regional Director of polluters. highly concessional terms and conditions, Health Services Ratnapura recorded the Preliminary investigation findings had including a 40-year repayment period for highest number of leptospirosis cases at a revealed that these factories were dumping funds obtained for consultation services total of 1,401. untreated pollutant wastewater directly to with a grace period of 12 years, a 0.1% Leptospirosis continues to be a disease the Kelani River. interest rate per annum for civil work and of public health importance in Sri The final report on the factories and the equipment, and a 0.01% interest rate for Lanka with approximately 3,000-5,000 course of action that is to be taken against engineering services. suspected cases reported each year and them will therefore be expected once the – Maheesha Mudugamuwa the sunday morning 3 Sunday, November 1, 2020 SPOTLIGHT

COVID-19 IMPACT Duty Free goods begging

for takers BIA Duty Free

BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA arrivals, except for Russia. It is also A person returning after a stay between incurred, he stressed that the figures noteworthy that China has recorded the 90 days to 365 days abroad is entitled to an were high and did not reveal it. “We Duty Free stores at the country’s two international airports – highest decline at 78.8%. allowance of $ 500 for goods bought from have given concessions for all Duty Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) and Mattala Rajapaksa abroad and $ 625 for purchases at Duty Free Free store owners and we are not International Airport (MRIA) – saw their sales drop drastically since Way forward shops. A person who has stayed less than 90 getting their rent, as they don’t have March this year due to the restrictions in international travel as a result At present, Sri Lanka has 180 Duty days is entitled to an allowance of $ 125 for sales,” he said. of Covid-19. Free stores, out of which almost all, goods bought from abroad and $ 187.50 for “There are 180 stores and right now, except one or two, have been temporarily Duty Free purchases. this is a situation the entire world is The stores, which were reopened for a closed down, The Sunday Morning In light of the current situation, Airport facing,” Maj. Gen. Chandrasiri said, while in parallel to the reopening of the further learnt. and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd. adding that the AASL has now focused country following the three-month-long Under the existing duty-free allowance, (AASL) Chairman Maj. Gen. G.A. on cargo handling. lockdown, are now being operated only an adult who spends more than a year Chandrasiri told The Sunday Morning “On Thursday, we had only 12 arrivals at the departure terminals. overseas is entitled to an allowance of $ that the AASL has incurred a huge loss and around 400 departures. We are As learnt by The Sunday Morning, 1,000 for the goods bought from abroad due to the non-operation of Duty Free handling the situation as well as possible revenue of most of the Duty Free stores and $ 1,750 for the goods bought at Duty shops at airports. until it returns back to normal,” he went to zero during the first wave of Free shops at the airports here. When asked for the total loss added. Covid-19, and at present, only half of the stores are operating. In most stores, while all employees working on a contract basis have been removed, they are struggling to retain permanent employees until the situation returns back to a state of normalcy. Generally, Duty Free stores at airport terminals enjoy a captive audience as these retailers have become havens for high-end shopping, with many travellers buying luxury goods, liquor, electronic items, chocolates, and perfumes. However, since March this year, these On Thursday, we had only 12 arrivals retailers have been suffering as the and around 400 departures. We are Government-imposed travel restrictions handling the situation as much as have left airplanes grounded and airports possible until it returns back to normal closed. AASL Chairman Maj. Gen. “At present, we are operating the stores G.A. Chandrasiri at departure terminals,” BIA Flemingo Duty Free Sales Executive Tharindu Samarakoon told The Sunday Morning. total number of international tourist “We have seen a drastic drop in sales arrivals to Sri Lanka from January to in Sri Lanka, and following the lifting March 2020 was 507,311. No tourist of the lockdown after the first wave, arrivals have been recorded since April there was a little increase in sales, but to September due to the termination of once again, after the second wave hit all passenger flight and ship arrivals into the country, the stores at arrivals dried Sri Lanka from 18 March 2020. up as a result of having no passengers. The total number of arrivals recorded Therefore, the company decided to close from January to September 2019 was down operations at arrival terminals,” he 1,376,312. In comparison to January to explained. September last year, a decline of 63.1% Samarakoon stressed that this has been has been recorded for the same period in the situation for almost all stores at the 2020. airport. As recorded, the largest source market Abans Sales Executive Chamara from January to September was India, Sandaruwan told The Sunday Morning followed by the UK and Russian. Almost that there was a drastic reduction in 95% of tourists travelled by air to Sri arrivals to Sri Lanka throughout the year Lanka. Europe became the largest source due to the Covid-19 situation, adding that of tourist traffic to Sri Lanka with 55.4% in parallel, revenue of their store too has of total traffic received from January to declined. September 2020. Asia and the Pacific accounted for 35.7% of total traffic, Americas 6.3%, the Middle East 2%, and Africa 0.6%. In comparison to the period

from January to September last year, the After the second wave hit the country, highest decline of 70.7% was recorded the stores at arrivals dried up as a result for the Middle East, while Asia and the of having no passengers. Therefore, the Pacific recorded a decline of 69.4%, company decided to close down operations according to SLTDA. Meanwhile, Africa at arrival terminals Flemingo Duty Free Sales Executive recorded a decline of 66.3% whereas Tharindu Samarakoon Americas recorded a decline of 65.5%. A decline of 56.5% was recorded from Europe. The effect of the outbreak of Covid- 19 is evident as all countries have We were given several concessions by the recorded a decline in arrivals from Government, and during the months mid-February onwards. However, a the shops were closed, they (Government) noteworthy country-wise aspect is that didn’t get the rent from us arrivals from Kazakhstan recorded an Abans Sales Executive Chamara increase of 67.8%, while the highest Sandaruwan decline in arrivals, amounting to 91.8%, was recorded from Kenya, the statistics revealed. “We were given several concessions India, the UK, Russia, Germany, by the Government, and during the and China were Sri Lanka’s top five months the shops were closed, they international tourist-generating markets (Government) didn’t get the rent from us. during the period from January to Then they also allowed the passengers September this year. Of this, India was to arrive in the country following the the largest source of tourist traffic to Sri end of the quarantine period to come and Lanka, with 17.6% of the total traffic purchase goods,” he noted. received in the above period. However, at present, these Duty Free The UK accounted for 10.9% of total stores are not operating, Sandaruwan traffic, while Russian, Germany, and added. China accounted for 9.7%, 6.8%, and 5.2%, respectively. Comparing the top Statistical analysis 10 markets, the effect of the outbreak According to the Sri Lanka Tourism of Covid-19 is further evident, as all Development Authority (SLTDA), the countries have recorded a decline in 4 the sunday morning FOCUS/VIEWS Sunday, November 1, 2020

COVID-19 MONITORING Focus on disease surveillance and patient mapping zAccurate tracing and data collection needed: GMOA

BY SARAH HANNAN Sri Lanka is riding its most aggressive wave of Covid-19 infections Learning with last week’s numbers climbing by nearly 3,000 cases; the number Public needs to take of positive cases reported on 22 October stood at 6,287, and by last 50% responsibility Wednesday (28), it stood at 9,205. Kumudu Perera – Housewife Our Government is to live with The Government is continuously consideration going forward, so that doing its best. I think it reassuring the public that there will not those who are in critical condition and is a good idea to impose be an islandwide lockdown at this point, in need of special care can be referred to curfew area by area because stating that while only selected areas the relevant institutions without delay, if an islandwide curfew would be isolated, some areas would and in turn, the necessary beds can is imposed, there will be Covid-19? allow restricted travel whilst quarantine remain vacant at Intensive Care Units various economic problems. BY PUJANEE GALAPPATHTHI curfew over the weekend will be (ICUs) that are equipped with all the The people should act implemented in other areas. gear needed to treat their conditions,” Dr. responsibly though. Now that With the sudden quarantine curfew imposed in With the bulk of the cases reported Samaraweera noted. there is a major community the Western Province and the unfortunate Covid- within the week being from in and spread, and many deaths last 19 deaths recorded over the course of last week, around the Western Province, after week too, the situation is The Sunday Morning spoke to the public about the Peliyagoda Fish Market cluster getting more serious. their thoughts on the situation. was detected, quarantine curfew was Now is the time to be extra imposed in the Western Province from cautious, to follow the health midnight last Thursday (29), and will guidelines, and to get tested things settle down. Because services are aggressively continue until 5 a.m. tomorrow (2). if you have any symptoms. locking down areas like monitoring and tracking We have to think of this in isolation won’t be of down affected individuals; Home quarantine and halfway ourselves and also the safety much help. For example, if that, coupled with centres alternatives? of increasing numbers of people of everyone else. It does not a person lives in Gampaha precautions on the part of Ministry of Health Chief detected and sent for quarantine, look like things will get back close to the Kandy Road, people who aren’t infected, Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath with the majority being identified as to normal by January; at they can easily travel out of can help contain the spread Samaraweera, speaking to The Sunday asymptomatic, and the development this point, things are getting the area as the Kandy Road of the virus. Learning to live Morning, stated that considering the We are understanding the of more case detection and exclusion serious and in the next few is open. with Covid-19 is the new rising numbers, the placing of first shortcomings of sending all the people facilities, we suggest redesigning weeks, it is only going to However, on the other normal. contacts of persons who tested positive to quarantine centres after the recent the quarantine policy to optimise the get worse. The Government hand, with islandwide for the virus had to be reconsidered. clusters and subclusters were detected. available resources,” Dr. Fernando is doing a good job, but this lockdown, it’s hard for Virus not going “We are understanding the A more community medicine-based elaborated. is not something they can people to live. Most of the anywhere anytime shortcomings of sending all the people approach needs to be looked at rather He added: “Exploring all types of case handle alone; we have to people are finding it difficult soon to quarantine centres after the recent than a military method detection facilities to diagnose as well take 50% responsibility in to even get their daily Pramodya Abeywickrama – clusters and subclusters were detected. Ministry of Health Chief as to exclude Covid-19-safe persons flattening the curve. essentials. People don’t have Attorney-at-Law A more community medicine-based Epidemiologist is vital; with a criterion to be followed money, especially the daily approach needs to be looked at Dr. Sudath Samaraweera for selecting individuals for quarantine wage workers. I personally feel that rather than a military method,” Dr. facilities.” Hopeful we can I don’t think things will our country can’t afford Samaraweera explained. Accurate surveillance needed Following are the GMOA’s overcome the get back to normal by another total lockdown. It’s While asking persons to quarantine recommendations: virus by Dec the end of the year – it’s undeniable that it’s going at home could work, there are also Information is not being Individuals can be selected for Hosni Imtiaz impossible. If we can get to have a big impact on an instances where those asked to communicated clearly and accurately quarantine as follows: – Imtiaz Designers Director back to normal at least by economic level. Curfew quarantine at home might not be able to by the local authorities, with instances next April, it will be a big being imposed in different yy Based on age/exposure level/disease follow the set guidelines; meanwhile, where a statement issued one day, is relief for the people. areas seems wise at this conditions/symptoms/risk factors/ some might not have the means to corrected or amended the next. point in order to put a stop social background/foreign immigrant home quarantine either. To address such It would seem the administrative to the spread because it’s status/PCR test result/first or second We lack guidance instances, Dr. Samaraweera suggested mechanisms and operations of the a calculated decision. If contacts Sherine Thomas – street sweeper establishing a halfway centre that can country are once again readjusting to a certain area hasn’t been hold persons under observation before restricted movement and increased levels yy Classification of quarantine facilities I think we lack guidance. affected, there would be no they are sent to quarantine centres or of social distancing. based on location, individuals Periodic curfews are now point of a total lockdown; referred for immediate medical attention Added to that, state and private admitted to each centre, and presence imposed in several areas, but this way, at least daily wage to state or private hospitals, so as to institutions, including those running state and absence of facilities we are unaware of the source earners in those areas can reduce the risk of healthy persons getting hospitals and quarantine centres, seem yy of the spread. The only way work so their families won’t exposed to carriers of the virus. to be clambering to ensure adequate bed Centres to be classified as: to nip it in the bud is to starve. What’s important to “The situation was overwhelming capacities and room availability in their yy Level I: Institutional quarantine – In my opinion, a short- impose islandwide lockdown understand is that the only over the past two weeks, as the health bid to manage space constraints. hotels, camps, rehabilitation centres term islandwide curfew will and methodically make way to reduce the spread is services were stretched thin, given As the severity of the pandemic in Sri y help to control the spread of everyone take the PCR test to educate people and make the limited workforce and equipment Lanka is increasing, having spread to over y Level II: Home quarantine under the second Covid-19 wave. and then start treating those sure they follow the proper made available. The health of several 20 districts, the Government Medical strict supervision The situation is becoming who test positive. That way, precautions. hospital staff and frontline support staff Officers’ Association (GMOA) last week yy Level III: Home quarantine which is worse day by day. The it will stop the spread. While The virus isn’t going was compromised and they were sent noted that case mapping was being done less stringent number of Covid-19 cases the Government cannot be anywhere anytime soon, to be quarantined or were admitted to inaccurately, as every detection was filed is rapidly growing and it held responsible for this and definitely not by the hospitals after they either tested positive under the cluster name. He stated that treatment should be is getting out of control. situation, when things get end of the year, unless a or were exposed to a high-risk group,” Meanwhile, the GMOA also shared based on guidelines according to patient The government officials out of hand, the Government vaccine is developed by Dr. Samaraweera added. some suggestions with Minster of risk categories, symptoms, risk factors need to take strict measures will be blamed. then. Even if we eradicate While dwindling bed capacities Health Pavithra Wanniarachchi, the and comorbidities, complications, and to control the outbreak. Covid-19 from Sri Lanka, can become an issue, halfway centres Secretary to the Minister of Health, the in keeping with proposed treatment The public should also be Cannot afford another there is a huge chance the will reduce the overcrowding as even President’s Secretary, and the Director facilities (Level I, Level II, Level III). vigilant. Imposing periodic islandwide lockdown virus will spread again as asymptomatic persons can be monitored General of Health Services, whilst also Criteria for selecting individuals for curfews in different areas Mirthula Skandharaja soon as we open the airport. throughout, which would reduce the writing to the World Health Organisation treatment facilities are as follows: will not help in controlling This is now the new normal virus from spreading further, he said. (WHO) Country Representative for the situation as there is – Attorney-at-Law we are going to have to yy Based on age/exposure level/ “Not all are in critical stages, and Sri Lanka to collaborate with them and a higher probability that learn to live with, whether disease conditions/symptoms/risk if we place everyone in the same provide technical guidance to design people living in the curfew we like it or not. factors/social background/foreign building, regardless of whether they are and introduce a well-established data areas may crossover to non- immigrants/PCR test result/first or identified as low or high risk, we are surveillance system to prevent the spread curfew areas, causing the second contacts Only thing we can do compromising the health of those who of the disease. virus to spread. is follow guidelines could recover within a shorter period of GMOA Secretary Dr. Senal yy Classification of treatment facilities to I am hopeful that if the Nisansala Abeysinghe – time. Fernando noted: “We are extremely correspond to the risk levels Government takes the “Categorisations based on the severity disappointed to note that patient The following actions could be carried necessary precautions marketing intern of the virus should also be taken into mapping is not performed up to out in each zone (red/yellow/green) to prevent the spread of The ideal thing to expected standards, especially due based on governance, maintenance the Covid-19 virus and do would be to impose to the failure of the Epidemiology of the supply chain, and plan of also if the public strictly islandwide lockdown and Unit to share the necessary data with implementation: adheres to the World Health If the Government/ try to remove this disease relevant parties. Organisation (WHO) health President was contemplating from society. Although, there yy Zonal lockdown “We have therefore developed a digital guidelines, we as a nation imposing islandwide curfew, will be serious economic surveillance platform that will include yy Zonal governance and maintenance can overcome this pandemic it would have happened by implications to this as well. GPS mapping of patients and contacts yy situation by the end of this now. In all fairness to the In a situation like this, taking under GN (grama niladhari) divisions, Zonal exit (moving from a red zone year. State, the country cannot decisions is hard because we real-time PCR-positive data from all to green) afford another lockdown. are a growing nation, and government and private laboratories, and The GMOA hopes this new Nothing can stop the So imposing curfew in areas the majority of our people details of close contacts.” methodology will facilitate the ongoing spread now where there are Covid-19 live on daily wages. I believe GMOA’s methodology Covid-19 prevention operation to Lahiru Pramod clusters and isolating those this is something we have to We are extremely disappointed to effectively face the new challenges parts is the only way to go. I accept now – Covid is here on quarantine and zonal posed during the recent past in – banker, entrepreneur, traveller doubt the country will return to stay and the only thing we note that patient mapping is not and scuba diver from Gampaha performed up to expected standards, lockdowns Sri Lanka. to normal by the end of the can do is follow the health especially due to the failure of the The GMOA also made It also added that the current I do not think anything can year. It’s good to be hopeful guidelines properly and Epidemiology Unit to share the recommendations on the quarantine mechanism of contact tracing, testing, stop the spread now, because but best to prepare for the learn to live with it. We have necessary data with relevant parties. process, which is currently outsourced and awareness should be carried out it has already spread all over worst and do what we can to to take responsibility as a GMOA Secretary to the military and operating under the more efficiently and systematically the country. I feel it’s better stay safe. nation and try to get out of Dr. Senal Fernando technical guidance of the health sector. based on scientific evidence with a to enforce islandwide curfew The law enforcement this together. “Considering the current trend multi-sectorial approach. for at least two weeks until agencies and medical Contd. on page 12 the sunday morning 5 Sunday, November 1, 2020 SPOTLIGHT

JUDICIAL SYSTEM Heading for an overhaul BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA The first steps have already been taken decided to appoint a qualified person to by the Ministry, and further, there was handle the administrative work of the The Sri Lankan judiciary is well a bill passed in Parliament to increase courthouses. known for the pending cases piled the number of High Court judges during “It will enable the judges to focus only up in its closet, which, according the previous Government, de Silva said, on the cases and judgments. If they wish to statistics available, is estimated adding that the JSC had already published to, they can even go for two sessions and to be around 750,000 cases as at advertisements to get more magistrates expedite the hearings of the backlog of September 2016, with the largest following exams. cases,” he added. number of some 535,000 cases in “They have called for applications. Furthermore, the number of staff Magistrates’ Courts. So, they are going to members would also have new magistrates. be increased with the As per Ministry of Justice statistics Sri Lanka Supreme Court In addition, they establishment of new reported in 2018, around 3,486 cases were have already given courthouses around the pending in the Supreme Court, 4,817 delays in the administration of justice, capital and recurrent expenditure of the appointments to a country. in the Court of Appeal, 5,890 in Civil as explained by law experts, was the entire sector. number of judges a When asked about the Appellate High Courts, 16,811 in High inadequate number of judges to hear the few months ago. Apart time period that they will Courts, 167,945 in District Courts, 535,644 cases. Clearing backlogs from that, the number take to clear the cases of in Magistrates’ Courts, 5,048 in Labour Globally, the unit of measurement is the Few months ago, delivering a speech of Supreme Court and each court, de Silva noted Tribunals, 175 in the Board of Quazis, and number of judges in a particular country after assuming duties, Justice Minister Ali Appeal Court judges that the immediate target 5,376 in Quazi Courts. per million populations. However, the Sabry PC highlighted the desperate need has been increased. The was to clear it within a In addition, over 200,000 cases, usually ratio of judges per citizen is severely low to overhaul the judicial system to end High Court judges will be year and the backlog of civil in nature, are referred to mediation in Sri Lanka – 15 judges per one million backlogs and improve the procedures for promoted and as a result, The challenges we have to cases within three years. boards each year. citizens. anyone seeking justice. there is an opportunity overcome are huge and they “We have given a In a last-minute change made to According to the statistics mentioned He pointed out that land cases, for for magistrates to get into are not just challenges found certain time period to the the controversial in the ceremonial instance, take at least 20-25 years to get the High Courts, as there in slogans courts,” he added. 20th Amendment to welcome at the settled in the courts. will be vacancies. To Minister of Justice Furthermore, the the Constitution, the Supreme Court in “In a case regarding the custody of a fill all these things, they Ali Sabry PC Ministry, in collaboration Government introduced the March this year by 10-year-old child, it will take 10-15 years have formed a setup,” he with the United Nations increment to the number newly appointed to get it settled in courts. By that time, the explained. Development Programme (UNDP), is of judges to the Supreme Supreme Court Justice child has grown and changed; sometimes He also noted in a meeting held with going to launch a programme to distribute Court and Court of Appeal, Yasantha Kodagoda the future of the child would have been the Justice Minister last Wednesday digital screens to the Government which was later described PC, Sri Lanka has a destroyed by it,” he said. (28), that it has been decided to improve Analyst’s Department and the Judicial as a measure taken to total of 336 judges and The Minister also said: “The challenges infrastructure facilities that are necessary Medical Officers (JMOs) to enable them clear the backlog of court magistrates including we have to overcome are huge and they to expedite court procedures. to give evidence from their respective cases and to speed up the justices of the Court of are not just challenges found in slogans.” New courthouses offices without coming to the courthouses. delivering of justice. Appeal and the Supreme As he promised, the first step to speed In addition, a total of 55 laptops would Under the amendment, the We’re planning to establish Court. up the trials and deliver judgments was “We’re planning to establish 100 new be distributed to courthouses to do the number of Supreme Court 100 new courthouses Thus, in Sri Lanka, taken last week with the increasing of the courthouses islandwide as an initial step work regarding the remanding of suspects, justices was increased from islandwide as an initial step the number of judges number of judges in the Supreme Court and also the President has given the green without calling them into the courthouses, 11 to 17 and Court of Appeal and also the President has per million is 15. The and the Court of Appeal. light to expedite the construction of a new de Silva noted. judges from 12 to 20. given the green light to expedite US has 107 judges per Accordingly, the Justice Ministry is court complex in Colombo which was When asked about the exact number of Nevertheless, the the construction of a new court million population. planning to clear the backlog of cases delayed for many years,” he added. judges that will be increased at the High Government’s move was complex in Colombo which has Canada has 75, within three years. In addition, the Ministry has also Court and Magistrate Court levels, de Silva criticised by Opposition been delayed for many years England has 51, and Speaking to The Sunday Morning, planned to appoint a separate person to do stressed that the JSC would decide political parties who claimed Ministry of Justice neighbouring India a Senior Advisor to the Ministry of administrative work at courthouses. the number of judges after that raising the number of has 20 per million Justice U.R. de Silva PC noted that the De Silva stressed that at present, the discussing the matter U.R. de Silva PC judges was an important population. The cadre of Government’s objective was to clear the judge of the respective courthouse has to with the Ministry matter that should have been judges in the Supreme backlog of cases within three years. handle all administrative things and he/ of Finance. discussed. Court and the Court of Appeal was In addition to the number of Supreme she has to spend their valuable time to do They also claimed that with the ability determined in 1978, at a time when Sri Court and Court of Appeal judges, the administrative work as well. of the President to appoint judges at his Lanka’s population stood at 14.5 million. number of judges in the High Court and Therefore, to release the burden sole discretion, the new amendment would It is also stated that a total of 36 judges the Magistrate’s Court would also be on them and to enable them to seriously change the composition of the in the High Court are to retire by 2025. increased, he said. focus solely on the court courts. That would be 50% of the present “We have the mandate from Parliament proceedings, the While expressing concerns over the way number of judges in the High Court. to increase the number of High Court Ministry has in which changes were brought to the 20th These are judicial officers who have judges as well. There is no necessity Amendment at the committee stage, the nearly 25 years of judicial experience for the Ministry or the Judicial Services Government’s move was welcomed by law and who have served the country with Commission (JSC) to increase the experts who praised the decision, saying utmost dedication. It is unfortunate that magistrate cadre because it is being that it was a very timely and progressive. the Supreme Court and the Court of conducted by the JSC, with the They claimed if proper infrastructure Appeal will not receive the benefit of help of the Ministry, at was in place, the court proceedings and their judicial skills and experience. The present,” de Silva the delivering of judgments would be position of senior officers in the Attorney noted. expedited. General’s Department is similar too. Furthermore, during 2010 and 2019, the Justice delayed is allocation of public funds to the justice justice denied sector has never exceeded 1% of Over many decades since independence, the total annual expenditure thousands of people dependent on the of the State. This 1% legal system have to bear the brunt of or less has been delayed decisions and denied justice, for both mainly due to the time that the judicial system takes to dispose of a case. It often results in the violation of a person's fundamental right to fair justice and a speedy trial. One of the main reasons for the wkd.;h fjkqfjka úÿ,s n,d.dr ;kuq' 51 jirl wisßh ;jÿrg;a mj;ajdf.k hdug wms tluq;= ù 6 the sunday morning ECONOMY/FOCUS Sunday, November 1, 2020

COVID-19 AND EXPORTS Less damage this time BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA foreign investments were mainly in the hospitality sector which has been very badly The impact of the recent second affected by the prohibition of movement of wave of Covid-19 on the economy, people from one country to another. China, and more specifically on the India, and the US are much more advanced country’s exports sector, has been in technology than Sri Lanka. So what Sri far less damaging than the impact Lanka should do is to get their support of the first outbreak of the virus, The to introduce a high-tech industry in Sri Sunday Morning learnt. Lanka,” he said. The most recent spread of the virus originated from the leading garment factory in Minuwangoda, resulting in rampant speculation that Sri Lanka’s exports There has been a much lesser would come to a standstill, or diminish impact than last time, simply significantly at the least. because there are only a few Nevertheless, Export Development Board areas which are closed…even (EDB) Chairman Prabhash Subasinghe told in the areas that are closed The Sunday Morning that this time round, or under quarantine curfew, the Government has been able to curtail the damage done to the exports sector. the Government is allowing He said the Government had taken businesses and export factories measures to ensure that export factories, as to operate well as the supply chain, were allowed to EDB Chairman Prabhash Subasinghe operate despite the curfews. “The good news is that the Government is taking steps to ensure all factories are Given that the apparel sector is a operational. It has given clear instructions to In Sri Lanka, out of the $ 10 billion significant component of the country’s the military, the Police, and the Ministry of worth of exports, $ 5 billion economy, Dr. Wijewardena also said that comes from the apparel sector Health to support the Board of Investments PHOTO © REMAKE the apparel sector must be diversified (BOI) and the EDB to ensure factory while progressively branching out into new operations continue,” he explained. export markets. “Presently, a majority of “The Government is very keen to ensure factories, supply chain, etc. to operate,” investments from a handful of economically our exports are apparels. Out of the $ 10 that exports are a priority and that factories he said. powerful nations. billion worth of exports, $ 5 billion comes are operational. I don’t have a prediction Economically speaking, the methodology “Sri Lanka has to be friendly with all from the apparel sector. So we cannot ignore right now, but we are hoping that the has indeed been better for the economy Sri Lanka has to be friendly the countries in the world, not necessarily the apparel sector right now. What we can disruption would be minimal,” Subasinghe and the export economy in particular. He with all the countries in the with just China and India. Now the US do is, in the next two to three years, we added. said that during the previous lockdown, the world, not necessarily with just Secretary of State visited Sri Lanka and it must concentrate on the apparel sector and entire country was closed, whereas this time China and India…most of the must be used as an opportunity rather than expand it further into areas such as personal A lesser impact round, quarantine curfew is imposed on a investments come from all these considering the visit a threat, because most protective equipment (PPE) while gradually Subasinghe explained that opting for local city-by-city or district-by-district basis. three countries to the rest of the of the investments come from all these three diversifying into other sectors such as high- curfews, instead of an islandwide lockdown Moreover, he said the Government countries to the rest of the countries in the tech sectors and pharmaceuticals,” he noted. similar to what followed the first outbreak had adopted a policy of encouraging the countries in the region region. Therefore, we’ll have to try and Nevertheless, the senior economist in March, has mitigated the negative impact expansion of Sri Lanka’s exports into new Veteran economist Dr. W.A. Wijewardena attract as many investments as possible from acknowledged the tough conditions on the economy. fields. China, India, and the US,” he pointed out. countries were facing due to the prevailing “There has been a much smaller impact “We are continuously telling our exporters He said that Sri Lanka must also begin Covid-19 pandemic. than last time, simply because there are that they need to look for new opportunities; Remaining a friendly nation to look for new forms of investments while “The current conditions are not favourable only a few areas which are closed. The we are continuously saying that we have Meanwhile, veteran economist and former simultaneously developing the nation by for either investments or exports. So second thing is that even in the areas that to diversify our export basket – so this is Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Deputy seeking high-tech investments in the future, we have to understand the situation; the are closed or under quarantine curfew, the fixed priority. At the end of the day, the Governor Dr. W.A. Wijewardena said that According to him, high-tech investments situation is very fragile not only for Sri Government is allowing businesses and Government can only create an enabling Sri Lanka must look for investments from is a key area Sri Lanka is lacking, which Lanka, but for the entire world. We have to export factories to operate. Last time, it was environment, but it is the private enterprises all possible prospects and could not afford as a result hinders economic growth wait until the situation improves, if we are the entire country that was under lockdown; that should look at opportunities and find to pick one nation over the other in favour, domestically. to expect any significant positive changes to also, it took awhile for us to get the export opportunities,” Subasinghe highlighted. as the entire region is looking to attract “In the past three to five years’ time, investments and exports,” he concluded.

General may approve”. As such, all forest, waste, unoccupied, or uncultivated lands (the majority of which were located in the Complex land laws birth squatters country’s Dry Zone) were presumed to be Crown property until the contrary was z proved. Reclaiming lost state land, a challenge The legal situation created by this ordinance is of extreme importance, since BY SARAH HANNAN grant permits to persons to use the land. it identifies and delineates certain portions It can make outright grants (for example, of lands in Sri Lanka as “crown lands” Amidst the many land grab, the Land Reforms Commission can make (later styled as “state lands”). The legal encroachment, and deforestation incidents outright grants of land), or lease the land frameworks that govern these “crown lands” that were taking place, it was recently out to either private parties or state-owned are very different to the usual laws that uncovered that state land had been occupied entities themselves (for example, the Janatha govern land ownership, commonly referred by its workforce who had allegedly been Estates Development Board [JEDB] which to as “Fee Simple Absolute in Possession” squatting in such lands tax-free. runs many estate companies has a 99-year (FSAP). Out of the many institutions that have to lease of tea and rubber lands which belong to FSAP lands give their owners the right deal with squatters, the Sri Lanka Railways the Land Reform Commission). to divide, distribute, lease, or alienate these (SLR) seems to be the first to take the The State Lands Ordinance makes lands in any manner of their choosing; in necessary steps towards reclaiming their real provisions for the grant and disposition of other words, their ownership is largely estate. state land in Sri Lanka; for the management unencumbered. Crown lands, in contrast, The Ministry of Transport, with the A train departing from and control of such lands and the foreshore; operate according to a different set of assistance of SLR, identified several a Chilaw railway station and for the regulation of the use of water of rules and impose severe limitations on the unauthorised dwellings constructed in PHOTO © RAILWAY BERNI lakes and public streams. occupier. several places inside the SLR reserve land. Moreover, the legal framework arrived Earlier this month, Minister of Transport well. Some argue that it is their right to live Development Ordinance of 1935, among in the form of the Land Development Gamini Lokuge appointed a four-member in the land as the SLR owes them for all the other statutory provisions. Ordinance of 1935, which reflects the Cabinet Subcommittee to deliberate and delayed salary increments, etc. This is an Accordingly, this restriction prohibits The railway reserve land increasing concern for improving the make recommendations on how the land issue that will have to be taken up separately owners from allotting the title to their land; position of the peasant cultivator. could be reacquired and how the monies by them,” Fernando elaborated. they may only transfer the title subject on the falls under the purview of the For the first time, the government sought owed to the SLR could be recovered from However, the four-member Cabinet condition that such a transfer will not divide Superintendent of Railways and to alienate crown lands to several classes the personnel who are illegally occupying Subcommittee meeting that was to take or fraction the property. Such restrictions Station Master of the respective of settlers, most notably cultivators. It state-owned land. place two weeks ago to look into reclaiming serve to create a “social space” where a railway station in the area. Over should be noted that the legal principles that The Ministry of Transport is yet to discuss the SLR reserve lands occupied by squatters number of second and third-generation the years, these employees have underlie the creation of SSLS all stem from the technicalities of the reclamation process, had been postponed due to the present settlers are effectively left without a lawful the framework created by this ordinance, as it is learnt. Ministry officials stated that most Covid-19 situation. claim to the land. misused their position of power SSLS are, in fact, a variety of crown lands of all, they are also looking to recover the The Cabinet Subcommittee headed by The state owns over 80% of the land and gone ahead to construct alienated to a specified class of persons. monies they owe to the government for the Minister of Transport Lokuge comprises in Sri Lanka and the remainder is owned private dwellings As such, ownership of these lands years they occupied the lands. Minister of Public Services, Provincial by private parties. Under the State Lands SLR General Manager M.J.D. Fernando is replete with various encumbrances: SLR General Manager M.J.D. Fernando Councils, and Local Governments Janaka Encroachments Ordinance, all waste The land “cannot be sold, leased, or stated: “Most of these lands are occupied by Bandara Tennakoon; Minister of Lands S.M. lands, forest lands, and unoccupied and mortgaged, either in part or whole, the employees of the SLR itself. The railway Chandrasena; and State Minister of Money uncultivated lands are presumed to belong to In reviewing the legal framework for without the written consent of the reserve land falls under the purview of the and Capital Market and State Enterprise the state until the contrary is proved (Section SLSS, it is necessary to begin from the government agent”. If a grantee fails to Superintendent of Railways and Station Reforms Ajith Nivard Cabraal. 7), and all cinnamon land which have been colonial period where legislation for Sri abide by any of these encumbrances, the Master of the respective railway station in State responsible for squatters uninterruptedly possessed by the state for Lanka was included under the sovereignty grant/permit of the land parcel could be the area. Over the years, these employees Sri Lanka’s state-sponsored land over 30 years are held and deemed to belong of the British crown. The most important cancelled. have misused their position of power and settlement schemes (SLSS) seem to be to the state (Section 6). statute in this context is the Crown Land Another notable finding in relation to gone ahead to construct private dwellings.” the reasons for the continuing presence (Encroachment) Ordinance of 1840, which the Land Development Ordinance is that Fernando said the SLR is awaiting the of squatters. Recent research suggests Legal provisions sets the basis for the regulation of all state it gives the government agent (acting on Cabinet Minister to provide the necessary that the legal and regulatory framework Several laws and enactments deal with lands. behalf of the crown) the right to impose directives and make policy decisions after in these settlements may be what triggers state lands – how grants are made; how it is This ordinance, first enacted in 1849 and any additional conditions to the piece of the committee carries out an investigation the necessary social preconditions recovered from unlawful encroachers; how revised thereafter to its latest form in 1949, land being alienated (in accordance with into the lands in question. required for squatter settlements to come it is regulated, controlled; and managed; etc. gave the crown the right to take over any Sections 35, 37, and 48A Subsection “We will have to charge them leasehold into existence, a major reason behind it The law also sets out how encroachers are to uncultivated land and to grant, sell, or lease 1). Thus, it is possible for the state to for the years they occupied the land and being the legal restriction pertaining to be dealt with. such lands to individuals or institutions introduce specific rules to the grantee in then take necessary action to evict them as minimum subdivisions by virtue of the Land As the owners of the land, the state can “for any purpose which the Governor relation to the land parcel being alienated. the sunday morning 7 Sunday, November 1, 2020 SPOTLIGHT

BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA LNG power Karunanayake said that the decision construction would begin. plant in to award the setting up of a 300 “We have already submitted the Controversy surrounds the Kerawalapitiya MW power plant to the first and cabinet papers,” he added. 300 MW Liquefied Natural second bidder in a single tender for When construction begins, Gas (LNG) power plant to be an independent power producer was this will be the first power plant built by Lakdhanavi Ltd. once bipartisan. constructed in Sri Lanka in eight again with the last-minute years, Eng. Herath noted. amendments made to the Concerns raised by AG project agreement years after However, as it was reported Confirming the withdrawal closing the bids. last week, the project documents Furthermore, when contacted negotiated between the CEB and by The Sunday Morning, Power The amendments have been made Lakdhanavi Ltd. included the Minister Dullas Alahapperuma said with the consent of the Ceylon implementation agreement, the cabinet approval had been granted in Electricity Board (CEB) and the power purchase agreement (PPA), February to a proposal made by then agreement has once again been the fuel supply agreement, and land Minister Mahinda Amaraweera. submitted to the Cabinet for its lease agreement. It is stated that “The approval was a conditional approval, which was supposed to certain changes were introduced by approval, as it was given on the be taken up last week, but has been Lakdhanavi based on the concerns of condition that Lakdhanavi Ltd. now referred to this week, The its lenders. would withdraw the court case. Sunday Morning learnt. According to the local media However, in the new cabinet It is also learnt that the report, the AG’s Department held proposal submitted, the Ministry amendments have been made to the that the RFP for this tender did requested the Cabinet to get the agreement due to the issues faced 300 MW LNG POWER PLANT not provide for amendments to confirmation from the Attorney by Lakdhanavi Ltd. with regard to be proposed and made to project General’s Department as to whether the financing of the project, as the agreements after bids were closed. the court case has been withdrawn by initially agreed loan provider had “In the circumstances, the applicable Lakdhanavi Ltd.,” he added. withdrawn from the project because legal principles do not permit However, he noted that once it got delayed for more than two amendments to be made subsequent cabinet approval is given, the years. to the draft agreements based on construction would be launched. which the bidders were evaluated and Minister Alahapperuma has Project financing selected,” the AG’s Department had recently stated that two LNG power “Initially, they were supposed to Still on low stated, according to the report. “Upon plants will be constructed by the get a loan from KfW (a German careful scrutiny of the amendments year 2023 as a solution to the power state-owned development bank), proposed, it is noted that almost all crisis in the country in the future. but they have indicated their the amendments have significant He also said that although unwillingness to provide the loan cost implications and provide for discussions have been going on as the project got delayed. And as a the imposition of additional liability since 2007, not a single LNG power result, Lakdhanavi Ltd. has proposed and risks on the GOSL (Government plant has been built for 13 years. some of the changes,” a senior of Sri Lanka) and the CEB, which The proposed LNG power plants official of the Ministry of Power, amount to material deviation from have also been mentioned in the who wished to remain anonymous, the bid submitted.” CEB Long Term Energy Generation told The Sunday Morning. Plans (LTEGP) prepared annually voltage CEB awaits However, according to earlier facts since 2015. provided to The Sunday Morning z z cabinet approval by Lanka Transformers Ltd. (LTL), Cabinet approval for Construction to However, at present, the CEB is No change to tariffs: LTL it was stated that Lakdhanavi’s awaiting cabinet approval to sign the When contacted by The Sunday original proposal contains a very agreement referred to commence following electricity purchasing agreements Morning, LTL assured that there comprehensive financing plan with with Lakdhanavi Ltd. to construct would be no financial impact due firm commitment letters along this week cabinet approval the long-awaited 300 MW of LNG to any of the changes that had been with term sheets from several power plant in Kerawalapitiya. made recently to the agreement, international banks, namely KfW, cannot change the conditions on the PAB. That is, the unrealistically set up two 300 MW LNG power CEB Chairman Eng. Vijitha and stated that no changes would be Asian Development Bank, DZ Bank basis of what other bidders bid. In low capital cost proposed by plants in Kerawalapitiya with the Herath told The Sunday Morning made to the initially agreed tariffs (Germany), CDC Group, ING Group this tender, the RFP clearly said that Lakdhanavi and the unrealistically PAB approving the awarding of that approval from the Public either. (Netherlands), State Bank of India, the taxes should be included and low incremental heat rate. the second contract to Lakdhanavi Utilities Commission (PUC) Furthermore, the company said ICICI Bank (India), HSBC Bank also it mentioned that the engineer’s According to the cabinet Ltd. to set up a new 300 MW LNG would be received and as soon as that the changes that were discussed (Hongkong), Standard Chartered estimate must be a reasonable price; memorandum dated 22 June 2018 power plant. At the time, then cabinet approval is granted, the and made were legal alignments that Bank, etc. Lakdhanavi have said that they can on the observations of the Ministry Power and Energy Minister Ravi agreements would be signed and the lenders expected. It was further stated that firm claim the bid for $ 175 million and of Finance and the Ministry of offers have been included from local at the same time, the RFP mentioned Mass Media on the Kerawalapitiya banks, namely Bank of Ceylon, the project is $ 300 million. They tender, then Minister Mangala People’s Bank, Hatton National would have used the extra cash to fill Samaraweera stated that the Bank, Commercial Bank, National the gaps and at the end what they use bid offered by Lakdhanavi – $ Development Bank, DFCC Bank, is CEB’s money, as it is a subsidiary 175 million – was not realistic Sampath Bank, and Seylan Bank, in of the CEB,” he explained. compared to the engineer’s the original proposal. The Sunday Morning learnt estimate of $ 300 million, whereas Back then, LTL also alleged that that in the case of a Public-Private bid prices of all the other bidders the Procurement Appeal Board Partnership (PPP) power project, were around the engineer’s (PAB) had made a grave mistake where a third-party investor was estimate. by not examining the financial investing in building the power The Minister further stated that proposal of Lakdhanavi’s bid at all plant, the credibility of the bidder’s Lakdhanavi has also assumed and also stressed that the PAB has financing bid must be subjected to that the company is qualified for no expertise to review financial evaluation. value-added tax (VAT), nation proposals. building tax (NBT), and port and Nevertheless, the Ministry’s senior Unrealistically low rates airport development levy (PAL) official said: “Since the changes In evaluating Lakdhanavi’s exemptions for the import of made to the initial agreement were financial proposal, The Sunday machinery and plants during the approved by the Cabinet, the CEB, Morning learnt that there are two construction period, whereas, as through the Ministry of Power, has major risks that stand out from the per the RFP and bid clarifications once again sought the Cabinet’s perspective of the Government issued prior to the bid submission approval for the changes made.” which resulted in the rejection of date, bid proposals were not to He added that before the amended their bid offer twice by the TEC and assume or rely on any privileges, agreement was referred to the by two members of the Standing concessions, or guarantees Cabinet, the Ministry had sought Cabinet Appointed Procurement from the Government and such approval from the Attorney General’s Committee (SCAPC) and the assumptions could be regarded (AG) Department too. as a material deviation according “The AG’s Department has to the respective clauses in the made several comments and with RFP documents. Therefore, such the comments, the agreement has material deviations should result in been submitted to the Cabinet. It is The approval was a the rejection of the bid and further, expected that the new agreement conditional approval as it the Department of Fiscal Policy would be taken up at this week’s was given on the condition of the Treasury also confirmed the cabinet meeting,” the senior official that Lakdhanavi Ltd. would non-availability of tax concessions noted. withdraw the court case. through its letter dated 5 January However, in the new cabinet 2018. Concerns over proposal submitted, the changing RFP Ministry requested the Cabinet Overturning a cabinet Quoting a senior government to get the confirmation decision official, who wished to remain from the Attorney General’s Nevertheless, in February this anonymous, who commented on Department as to whether the year, the Government awarded the the Lakdhanavi Ltd. bid to construct court case has been withdrawn contract to construct the second a 300 MW LNG power plant by Lakdhanavi Ltd. phase of the 300 MW LNG in Kerawalapitiya, The Sunday Minister of Power Dullas power plant in Kerawalapitiya to Morning reported in March last year Alahapperuma Lakdhanavi Ltd., overturning a that the award should be given to cabinet decision of the previous the lowest responsive bidder (GCL Government made just over a year China Windforce and RenewGen) ago. and Lakdhanavi’s bid was not The approval, as learnt by The responsive; their bid was rejected Sunday Morning, is conditional on two occasions by the Technical upon Lakdhanavi’s withdrawal Evaluation Committee (TEC), but of a petition filed at the Supreme later it was converted into a non- Court against the original responsive bid from a responsive bid. awarding of the contract to a Highlighting the importance of Chinese company, GCL China adhering to the condition of Request Windforce and RenewGen. for Proposals (RFP), he said that Lakdhanavi filed a petition at the bidders were not allowed the Supreme Court soon after to change the conditions the decision was reached in of the RFP, but in the February last year as it was Kerawalapitiya power plant the lowest bidder while tender, Lakdhanavi had GCL China Windforce and seriously violated the RenewGen was the second RFP conditions. lowest. “The crucial issue Originally, cabinet is the violation of approval was granted RFP conditions. You to award the tender to the sunday morning Sunday, November 1, 2020 EDITORIAL/POLITICS The foreign policy Trump sends confidential message to Prez. The highlight of last week challenge was US Secretary of State z Pompeo shares mobile number z SJB dismisses Diana’s claim According to an old African proverb, it is the grass that suffers when Mike Pompeo’s brief official elephants decide to fight. visit to Sri Lanka. During the with President to keep in touch of holding party stronghold The grass on this side of the Indian Ocean region has remained relatively visit, he met with President undisturbed for the better part of the past few decades and as a result, the Gotabaya Rajapaksa and region as a whole has enjoyed a degree of economic prosperity, second the country. only to the Far East in recent times. This unfortunately has aroused Foreign Minister Dinesh Given Pompeo’s military the interest of at least three ravenous elephants that have been happily Gunawardena, and there background, he had inquired about grazing in other corners of the planet, to look this way with new found was much excitement President Rajapaksa’s military interest. As a result, we now have a problem of elephantine proportions, leading up to Pompeo’s career and whether the President, with the three biggies realising that the time has come for a gambit to visit due to its timing and during his military days, had mark territory in sunny Sri Lanka. the pending US Millennium the attended any programmes in the Last week’s political developments in this part of the world have Challenge Corporation US. caused strong geopolitical undercurrents, not only in the entire region (MCC) Compact, as well black box The President had then said with potentially far-reaching ramifications for all actors involved, but as Sri Lanka’s growing that he had in fact participated in also locally, with the party in power scrambling to control what is financial dependency on by Capt. Vasabha a programme at the Fort Benning becoming a combustive local political environment stemming from its China. military academy in the US, which handling of the big three. look forward to expanding on Pompeo had also attended during Unfortunately for Sri Lanka, it has found itself intrinsically entangled Prime Minister (PM) Mahinda those efforts during my visit. his military career. in the geopolitical power play for influence in the Indian Ocean region, Rajapaksa was a notable absentee #USwithSL,” Pompeo said on Striking a friendship through previously between China and India and now with the newest entrant in Pompeo’s agenda for meetings Twitter soon after landing at the shared interests, both the President to the arena, the US, owing to foreign policy compulsions dictated by during his visit. Bandaranaike International Airport and Pompeo had agreed to keep economic necessity. While the three have their own agendas for the It is learnt that a meeting with (BIA). in touch and further discuss power play in the region, Sri Lanka has become an unwilling fourth PM Rajapaksa was not included On Wednesday (28) morning, development co-operation between actor due to its close ties to all three. Historically, Sri Lanka has never in the final agenda, which was Pompeo met with President the two countries. had serious issues with any of these three players, save briefly when prepared by the Sri Lankan Rajapaksa for bilateral discussions. Pompeo had then shared his India first nurtured the separatist movement here in the early ‘80s. Those Foreign Affairs Ministry in The read-out from the US State mobile number with the President wounds have since healed. consultation with the US Embassy Department noted that Pompeo, and concluded the conversation China has maintained cordial relations with the country since the ‘60s in Colombo, despite indications during the meeting with the with a commitment to continue the when the world’s first woman Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike to the contrary made at a media President, had reaffirmed the US’ engagement between the US and entered into a rice-rubber pact with the then sleeping dragon. Now the briefing held prior to the visit in commitment to a strong, sovereign Sri Lanka. dragon is wide awake and counting on its friends to further its economic Washington. Sri Lanka and to advancing shared and defence agendas. The Americans too have maintained a consistently When contacted for clarification, interests in a free and open Indo- Meeting the media positive relationship with Colombo, the fruits of which have been a PM’s Media Secretary Rohan Pacific region. Following the meeting with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa meeting with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo last Wednesday (28) multitude of development grants over the years and preferential market Weliwita said neither the US The US official had also stressed the President, Pompeo visited access for our export goods. The US is now Sri Lanka’s single biggest Embassy in Colombo nor the the importance of strengthening the Foreign Ministry and met speech last year, President export market accounting for something like 30% of all exports. Foreign Affairs Ministry had democratic governance, human with Foreign Minister Dinesh Rajapaksa stated that he is the India and the US have also been instrumental in providing defence and sought a time slot for Pompeo to rights protections, and of Gunawardena, after which he met President of all citizens, and not military training for our armed service personnel spanning many decades. the PM during his visit. fundamental freedoms to ensure with the media. of only those who voted for him. They have also provided much-needed defence equipment more often There was much speculation long-term stability and prosperity. Addressing the media, Pompeo As our two nations move forward, than not on gratis basis. China too became a military supplier towards over the Prime Minister’s absence The two leaders agreed to remain refrained from making any specific the US is counting on those words the latter stages of the war, but its supplies always came with a price tag. from the bilateral discussions. in contact on issues of mutual comments on the reason for the to hold true. We fully expect Sri Now, all too soon, it is crunch time for Colombo with each one The tight-lipped nature with concern, including co-operation visit but indicated that it was a Lanka will fulfil its pledges to demanding their pound of flesh, but China suddenly seems more equal regard to the Prime Minister not on counterterrorism, and the post- visit that had to be cancelled on an take meaningful, concrete steps than the others considering its financial clout and mega investments holding an official discussion pandemic economic recovery. earlier occasion. to promote accountability, justice, already done and dusted on the ground. To add to the pressure, the country with the US official gave way to It is learnt that after the official Nevertheless, the visit seemed and reconciliation.” has a slew of new projects in the pipeline spanning highways, high- speculation that he had stayed bilateral discussions, Pompeo had to focus primarily on countering He added that wide-ranging speed railroads, ports, etc., all with Chinese funding. It’s an unenviable away to appease the Chinese, who requested for a private one-on-one China’s influence in Sri Lanka by discussions were held on security position for the Government, as it has found itself caught between a publicly expressed displeasure discussion with the President. reiterating the US’ commitment to co-operation, which helps keep rock and a hard place. over Pompeo’s visit. the country’s development within one of the world’s most vital sea In recent times, India Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration However, the discussions The message a democratic framework and lanes open. has warmed up to the Americans in an unprecedented manner; so much between Pompeo and the Sri Albeit brief, during the one-on- painting China as a “predatory” Both Gunawardena and Pompeo so that it is now considered a firm ally of the West. This naturally has Lankan administrators did not one between President Rajapaksa foreign power. referred to the US as a “friend” of ruffled feathers in Beijing which sees the blossoming ties as a potential touch much on the topics that were and Pompeo, the latter had The presser was also held a day Sri Lanka’s, with Gunawardena spanner in the works of its ambitious Belt and Road Initiative linking believed to figure in the meetings. conveyed a message from US ahead of the 72nd anniversary of expressing gratitude for the US’ the East with the West through land and sea routes. Although Beijing The former military/intelligence President Donald Trump. the establishment of US-Sri Lanka assistance of over $ 2 billion to Sri insists the programme is strictly of an economic nature, the West sees it chief was efficient in steering what Pompeo had said that the Trump diplomatic relations. Lanka since Independence in 1948. differently as a not-so-subtle cover for an expansionist defence agenda. seemed like choppy seas in Sri administration is now revising Neither Gunawardena nor “The US has been a friend and The fact that many countries on this particular sea route have defaulted Lanka quite candidly with pleasant its foreign policies, especially Pompeo divulged any specific assisting Sri Lanka in times of on the repayment of loans, especially in port construction, has led those engagements with the Sri Lankan with more emphasis being laid details on the discussions held or difficulty, and we remain deeply countries including Sri Lanka, to hand over control of those assets to side. on strengthening relations with on any agreements reached during grateful for your support. The China in return for equity. What was seen was the US small nations. It was conveyed the Sri Lankan visit. US’ assistance to Sri Lanka after The familiar pattern in which these transfers of assets have been official striking a good relationship to the President that the US was It was stated that the fourth the Asian tsunami in 2004 was taking place across multiple locations on the Belt and Road is what has with the Sri Lankan officials, now recalibrating its focus from US-SL partnership dialogue would significant. For the assistance in raised eyebrows in the West and probably what prompted the visiting paving the way for more bilateral the bigger nations to the smaller be held in early 2021, with the the aftermath of the Easter Sunday US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to describe China as a “predator” in engagements. nations. previous sessions having been terrorist attacks in 2019 and Colombo last week. This sent Beijing ballistic and the subsequent battle The official discussions The US Secretary of State had held in May 2019 in Washington also most recently, for Covid-19 of wits no doubt left Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena sweating focused on security, economic said that his country wants to DC, and the second was that the mitigation, especially, I extend my on how to extricate himself from the erupting volcano. development, and technology work more closely with Sri Lanka next session of the US-Sri Lanka sincere thanks and appreciation The bottom line is that Sri Lanka cannot afford to fall out with either sector co-operation. and that US companies will be joint council of the Trade and once again for proscribing the side, not now and not in the foreseeable future. The consequences will Pompeo arrived in Sri Lanka on requested to invest in Sri Lanka. Investment Framework Agreement Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam be economically disastrous and have the potential to bring the country’s Tuesday (27) evening from New Afterwards, Pompeo had asked (TIFA) would be convened “at the (LTTE) terrorist organisation even already tottering economy crashing down. The Americans now, on the Delhi where he held bilateral talks the President whether there was earliest opportune time frame”. before the 9/11 terrorist attacks up eve of a historic presidential election, seem to have lost patience with with the Indian leaders. He was a specific industry that required Subsequently, a press release to now.” China’s monetary diplomacy and reminded Colombo that it will have received by State Minister Tharaka development assistance. from the Ministry of Foreign Pompeo echoed these to make some hard choices, specifically with regard to China, if the Balasuriya and Foreign Secretary The President had said there was Affairs stated that the two parties sentiments, stating that the US has status quo was to remain. Jayanath Colombage. a lot of scope for development in agreed to “invigorate” the TIFA donated just over $ 6 million in Such a blatant affront to a country’s sovereignty would be unprecedented “Thank you for the warm the country’s agriculture sector. and the US GSP (Generalised Covid-19 assistance to Sri Lanka under normal circumstances and all the more disconcerting in the current welcome, @USAmbSLM. I’m Pompeo, who entered politics Scheme of Preferences) facility. and that earlier in the pandemic, context where Covid-19 has put the country and its economy down in excited to be here in Colombo. I’m through the state of Kansas, had Pompeo also expressed Sri Lankan apparel manufacturers the doldrums. They say beggars can’t be choosers and it is probably this proud of the work @USEmbSL said that given his roots from an confidence that President saw “hundreds of orders” for philosophy that is driving Washington’s new push in the region, knowing does to strengthen our ties with agricultural state, he understood Gotabaya Rajapaksa would high-quality personal protective well the clout it wields to cripple the economy. the government, businesses, very clearly the need to ensure a promote accountability, justice, equipment (PPE) from the US. The irony of it is that the visiting Secretary made it a point to state that and people of Sri Lanka and sustainable agriculture industry in and reconciliation. “In his victory Afterwards, Pompeo visited the US is committed to Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and security and that its the St. Anthony’s Church in vision is very different to that of “predator” China. At least on the face Kochchikade, which was one of of it, not much seems to be different in the ultimate goals of the two the worst-hit venues during the power players, other than the methods by which they hope to attain those Easter Sunday attacks last year. goals of capitulation and subservience in return for economic oxygen. Pompeo was the first high- On the flip side, Sri Lanka will also have a tough engagement at the ranking foreign dignitary to visit next session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) the shrine and pay his respects in Geneva scheduled for March 2021 where the country’s human rights to those killed there during the record will be up for review. Although Sri Lanka can count on Chinese bombing. support to thwart any potential new resolution, the West acting in concert on Washington’s insistence can be a formidable challenge that needs to MCC out? be weighed carefully. However, it seems that the It has been an open secret that Washington has been seething at controversial MCC Compact China’s growing influence in Sri Lanka and last week’s aggression is either on hold or off the emanating from no less a person than the US Secretary of State while table altogether, following the on Sri Lankan soil, is the eruption of years of pent-up frustration, and discussions that took place during Sri Lanka will need all the diplomatic acumen at its disposal to maintain Pompeo’s visit. its decades-old policy of non-alignment while also keeping neighbour The US-Sri Lanka relationship India, which has more or less the same concerns as its new found ally will not be affected even if Sri from across the world, happy and contented. After all, India too is well Lanka chooses not to avail itself of placed to dictate terms given the financial clout it wields over Sri Lanka’s the MCC five-year, $ 480 million debt payment obligations. The last time a payment fell due, the Reserve compact, Pompeo said. Bank of India stepped in and extended a currency swap facility to the “It’s one of many things that’s tune of $ 400 million, an amount similar to that offered by the US under being offered. If it doesn’t make the controversial Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) grant. The sense for Sri Lanka, then Sri Government in general and Minister Gunawardena in particular, have Lankans will choose not to accept their work cut out. that. The strengths, the depths, and No 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7. complexity of our relationship far Fax - 011 2 673 441 exceed any one transaction and General - 011 5 200 900 one opportunity. There will be Director Sales & Marketing - 077 3 866 143 plenty,” he noted. Circulation Manager - 011 5 978 987 / 076 1 367620 “We will work closely on E-mail - [email protected] them alongside the Sri Lankan Government,” he said in an 9 EDITORIAL/POLITICS Trump sends confidential message to Prez. z SJB dismisses Diana’s claim z SJB to part ways with minority z Workings on new constitution commence of holding party stronghold parties at the next national election with call for public proposals of an independent and sovereign members before the vote. The existence of the nation-state,” the letter noted. He told reporters in Kalmunai Constitutional Council has now “We categorically affirm that last Sunday (25) that the issues come to an end with all provisions the people of Sri Lanka have no discussed related to the Muslim of the Amendment (law) now intention of tying its fortunes community, but maintained that becoming operational. to a regime which has been most matters could not be revealed The draft bill was signed at violating every decent principle to the media as it was “sensitive”. the Office of the Speaker in the of international co-operation, However, Harees asserted that the presence of the Secretary General collaboration, and diplomacy. SLMC MPS who backed the 20th and Deputy Secretary General of We assert that we will take all Amendment had no intention of Parliament. steps in our power to resist the joining the Government. Apart from the abolition of the ambitions of the US Government to He had further stated that the Constitutional Council, several compromise our nation’s regional four SLMC MPS who voted for the other major constitutional changes and international independence. 20th Amendment had the support including the following will take “We call upon the people of of Party Leader Rauff Hakeem place with the introduction of the the US to join us in resisting and that Hakeem had allowed the new Amendment: imperious ambitions of any global MPs to vote according to their Under the observation of power, including that of the US, conscience. Parliament, the President possesses and to work towards a system of the power to appoint the Chief international co-operation and Parting ways Justice, justices to the Supreme collaboration that prioritises the Given what has transpired since Court, President of the Court of interests and wellbeing of people the Second and Third Reading Appeal and its judges, the Attorney and our planet,” the letter added. votes on the 20th Amendment, General, the Inspector General of it is evident that the SJB and its Police, the Auditor General, and the SJB crises leadership are left with no choice Ombudsman. Apart from Sri Lanka taking but to make some hard decisions. The Article which says the centre stage last week over the It is learnt that despite claims President shall, on the advice of unfolding clash between the US and by MP Gamage that she and her the Prime Minister, appoint from China in the Indian Ocean region, husband wrest control of the SJB among MPs the ministers to be President Gotabaya Rajapaksa meeting with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo last Wednesday (28) the country’s main Opposition, since it is a conversion of the in charge of ministries will be Samagi Jana Balawegaya party – Ape Jathika Peramuna – repealed in the 20th Amendment, interview with electronic media. in other countries’ domestic and again taking to the streets in protest (SJB), was still in the process of initially held by them (Gamage and and the President will have the foreign affairs. against Pompeo’s visit to Sri Lanka disentangling the mess that has husband), the SJB maintains that power to appoint the Prime Cold war II. At the same time, we also claiming it to be part of the US been left behind following the vote the duo does not hold any legal Minister and the ministers at his Pompeo’s Sri Lankan visit has sincerely advise the United imperialist agenda. on the 20th Amendment to the stronghold of the party. discretion. further exacerbated the ongoing States that true friends should put While the fact remains that Sri Constitution in Parliament. SJB General Secretary MP The President also possesses the US-China clash which commenced themselves in the other side’s shoes. Lanka should firmly follow its non- With eight SJB MPs voting in Ranjith Madduma Bandara power to hold a ministerial post as a cold war and has now Currently, Sri Lanka is facing the aligned foreign policy and ensure favour of the piece of legislation, maintained that the party was under his purview. converted into a full-blown free- most severe challenge since the that no foreign nation, be it the the party was pushed into a set of officially handed over to the SJB by The number of Election for-all. outbreak of Covid-19, and the local US, India, or China, is allowed to unexpected issues. both Gamage and her husband and Commission members has been The day before Pompeo’s visit to health system can no longer bear interfere in the country’s internal SJB and Opposition Leader Sajith they were now merely the Assistant revised to five and the President Sri Lanka commenced, China last any imported risks. The United affairs, the JVP last week seems to Premadasa decided to expel the Secretary and Assistant Secretary, is given the power to appoint Monday (26) issued a statement States has sent a large delegation have been woken up from a deep errant MPs with immediate effect respectively. members of the election body as making its views clear on the and batches of advance teams into slumber it had enjoyed for quite following the vote the previous When asked whether the transfer well as its Chairman. upcoming visit and his remarks Sri Lanka when its own confirmed some time. week. of the party had been carried The President has been to the effect that Sri Lanka needs cases reached 8.8 million and the After remaining silent for several The decision was further out in an official manner and empowered by the new to make difficult but necessary death toll surpassed 230,000, and years during visits of many foreign followed up by Chief Opposition been recognised by the Election constitutional Amendment to decisions on its foreign relations. made various requests for the visit dignitaries including a recent visit Whip SJB MP Lakshman Kiriella, Commission, Madduma Bandara dissolve Parliament after two-and- China also offered some advice to and even for an emergent road of a high-level Chinese delegation in a letter addressed to Speaker maintained everything was in order. a-half years of its sitting, amending the US in terms of strengthening construction. The general public are to the country, the JVP seemingly of Parliament Mahinda Yapa He further maintained that of the the previous Article which stated bilateral ties with Sri Lanka. constantly questioning: Does this has adopted “a better late than Abeywardena last Thursday (29), 25-member Executive Committee that Parliament could not be Following is the statement issued approach truly prove your respect never” attitude when organising a stating that nine MPs were expelled of the SJB, 23 members were pro- dissolved until four-and-a-half by Spokesperson/Chief of Political to the host country? Is it helpful protest outside the US Embassy last from the SJB and requesting that SJB and Premadasa, leaving only years of its sitting. Section, Embassy of the People’s to local epidemic prevention and Tuesday, the day Pompeo arrived in they be allocated seats in the Gamage and her husband on the The Constitutional Council Republic of China in Sri Lanka: control? Is it in the interests of the the country. Chamber from the Government other side. will be abolished and instead the On 22 October, US Principal Sri Lankan people? While claiming that there were side. Madduma Bandara added that Parliamentary Council has been Deputy Assistant Secretary of State III. Recently, a high-level Chinese hidden agendas behind Pompeo’s Kiriella told The Sunday the SJB, led by Premadasa, held introduced. Dean Thompson openly instigated delegation also visited Sri Lanka, visit, the JVP urged the US not to Morning: “The MPs clearly nine key official posts in the party Being a dual citizen will no and interfered in China-Sri Lanka bringing much needed assistance interfere with the independence and dishonoured the three-line whip as well. longer serve as a disqualification relations during a press briefing on and support to Sri Lanka’s pandemic sovereignty of Sri Lanka. decision that the SJB took to vote According to him, the SJB would to run for the presidency or contest Secretary Pompeo’s upcoming visit, fighting and economic reviving. JVP MP Vijitha Herath told the against the 20th Amendment. definitely sack Gamage from the a parliamentary election, as the and even urged Sri Lanka “to make Furthermore, although the pandemic media outside the US Embassy We no longer recognise them party. barrier was removed by the newly difficult but necessary decisions” has already been effectively in Colombo that the US has as members of the Opposition, It is now learnt that not only passed Amendment. on its foreign relations, which is controlled in China, in order to consistently resorted to bringing Sri which is why I requested the Gamage and her husband, but the The power to appoint heads of a blatant violation of diplomatic minimise risks and respect the host Lanka under its sphere of influence Speaker to assign them seats on the SJB is also looking at parting ways departments is now vested with the protocols. country, the Chinese delegation and thereby dragging Sri Lanka into Government side going forward.” with the minority coalition partners Cabinet. On the next day, the Spokesperson still minimised its activities and an unnecessary and costly global He stated that these MPs will – the SLMC, ACMC, and Tamil Through the 20th Amendment, of Chinese Foreign Ministry has personnel as much as possible, and regional power play. no longer hold a position in the Progressive Alliance (TPA). the number of Supreme Court responded strongly and stressed strictly abided by Sri Lanka’s He further alleged that the Sri Parliamentary Committee of the Although no immediate action judges has been increased from 11 that the remarks of the US official epidemic prevention guidelines, and Lankan Government held a hidden Opposition, and in keeping with would be taken to sack the parties to 17 while the number of Court of were filled with cold war mentality resolutely avoided any trouble to agenda of discussing the MCC pact the SJB bylaws, an inquiry will be from the SJB, the SJB seniors Appeal justices was raised from 12 and hegemonistic mindset doomed the host country. We are willing to with the visiting US Secretary of carried out on all nine members have reached a decision that the to 20. to fail, which fully exposed the share these practices with the United State Mike Pompeo. in the future and necessary party should build its base among Meanwhile, the process of consistent US practice of arbitrarily States, hoping to provide some “The President or the Prime disciplinary action will be taken the minority communities without formulating a new constitution is interfering in other countries’ reference for Mr. State Secretary’s Minister had not officially said that thereafter. depending on other political parties currently ongoing. domestic and foreign policies and visit and its handling of relations the MCC would not be signed. We When asked about the legal hold that have their own agendas. Justice Minister Ali Sabry told forcing small and medium-sized with small and medium-sized are sure that the Government was MP Diana Gamage claims to have According to Kiriella, the Parliament on the last day of the countries to choose sides. countries, the statement concluded. planning to discuss the MCC pact,” over the SJB, Kiriella stated that the matter of depending on parties debate on the 20th Amendment On local and international media It is in this backdrop that Pompeo he said. party’s Executive Committee shall like the SLMC, ACMC, and TPA to the Constitution that the inquiries, the Embassy further in the joint press conference stated: “We are well aware that the US is take a decision over her actions, to bring in minority votes for Government would present the solemnly states as follows: “We see, from bad deals, violations willing to violate every democratic and that the leadership has the main parties was a result of bad draft for a new constitution to the I. The people of China and Sri of sovereignty, and lawlessness and international norm and principle necessary paperwork to expel and political decisions made by United House within a year. Lanka have a history of friendly on the land and sea, the China when it comes to protecting its remove her as a member from the National Party (UNP) Leader Ranil Winding up the debate, Sabry exchanges for nearly 2,000 years. Congress (Communist) Party as a interests. World history is littered SJB at any moment. Wickremesinghe. said that President Rajapaksa has We have enough wisdom to handle predator. And the US comes in a with far too many examples of the The nine MPs who were expelled It is believed that appointed a nine-member expert relations with each other and do different way. We come as a friend US’ bullying of independent nations from the SJB after voting in favour Wickremesinghe had outsourced committee, headed by Romesh not need a third party to dictate. and as a partner.” that also include interference with of the 20th Amendment as a whole the UNP’s vote base in the East to De Silva PC to draft a new Even before the two countries The Embassy of China in elections, usurping of democratically or over Clause 17 that allowed a the SLMC and ACMC, while in constitution. established diplomatic relations Colombo, meanwhile, hit back at elected leaders, and providing dual citizenship bearer to enter the estate sector, it was assigned to “We will also allow a with each other in the 1950s, we the US State Secretary’s comments, military and economic support for Parliament were; Diana Gamage parties in the TPA. representative from the estate broke through the US blockade and tweeting: “Sorry Mr. Secretary @ dictators and terrorist organisations,” (National List), A. Aravindh Kumar “There have been many workers community in the Hill sanctions, and signed the historical SecPompeo, we’re busy promoting the JVP stated in a letter handed over (Tamil Progressive Alliance/ UNP members those days who Country to this committee of Rubber-Rice Pact. Today, in the 21st #China-#SriLanka friendship and to the US Embassy last Tuesday. Up-Country People’s Front), Ishak complained of being sidelined due experts. We have appointed experts Century, it is more impossible for co-operation, not interested in your The letter added that several Rahuman, Faizal Cassim (Sri to the prominence given by the from all walks of life into this the two countries to succumb to the #AlienVsPredator game invitation. critical military and trade Lanka Muslim Congress [SLMC]/ UNP at the time to minority parties. committee. Every citizen shall be coercion of any external forces. As The US can play two roles at the agreements were pending which the National List), H.M.M. Harees We plan to change this,” Kiriella proud of this new constitution, a sincere friend of the Sri Lankan same time as always.” US Government is pressuring the (SLMC), M.S. Thowfeek, Naseer said. one that will strengthen the Sri people, China is happy to see the However, Foreign Minister Government of Sri Lanka to enter Ahamed (SLMC), A.A.S.M. The SJB seems to be paving Lankan identity. Such a constitution island developing healthy relations Dinesh Gunawardena stressed that into without proper accountability Raheem (All Ceylon Makkal a new path for itself by working will turn over a new leaf in our with other countries. However, we Sri Lanka, as a sovereign, free, and due process. Congress [ACMC]), and S.M.M. towards building its own political country’s progress,” Sabry said. are firmly opposed to the United independent nation, will maintain “Unfortunately, the current Muszhaaraff (ACMC). strength amongst the minority “We are dedicated to bring in a States taking the opportunity of a neutral, non-aligned, and friendly Government of Sri Lanka has Meanwhile, it was revealed communities. new constitution within a year’s the State Secretary’s visit to sow foreign policy. proven itself unable to maintain last weekend that the SLMC MPs time. Our attempt is to bring in a and interfere in China-Sri Lanka President Rajapaksa also tweeted an independent and non-aligned who voted in support of the 20th Constitution making constitution which will embrace relations, and to coerce and bully Sri that Sri Lanka will not be embroiled stance on these issues. We find the Amendment, had reached an Amidst all the political drama, diversity among our people, give Lanka. It is hoped that the United in the conflicts between power statement by the US Government understanding with Prime Minister Speaker of Parliament Mahinda the foremost place to Buddhism, States will face up to the just calls blocs and insisted on maintaining urging Sri Lanka to make ‘necessary Mahinda Rajapaksa prior to the Yapa Abeywardena ratified the 20th respect each other’s religious of the international community, face a neutral stance in the country’s but difficult decisions to secure its vote. Amendment Act last Thursday (29). beliefs and cultural values, and up to the popular base of China-Sri foreign policy. economic independence’ not just SLMC Deputy Leader H.M.M. The new constitutional create a long-lasting constitution Lanka relations, face up to the real hypocritical (given that the US Harees, who was among the four amendment will now be considered which is inclusive, forward looking, needs of the Sri Lankan people, JVP awakens Government is making all efforts to MPS to back the 20th Amendment, as the law of the country with and will serve as a catalyst for “make difficult but necessary Last week also saw the one-time undermine Sri Lanka’s political and has said that several key issues immediate effect, Parliament national unity, amity, progress, and decisions”, and correct the ugly rabble-rousing Marxist Janatha economic independence!) but also were discussed with the Prime Deputy Secretary General and accelerate the economic growth of practices of arbitrarily interfering Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) once threatening and deeply disrespectful Minister and senior government Chief of Staff Neil Iddawela stated. our country,” he added. 10 the sunday morning FOCUS/OPINION Sunday, November 1, 2020 INDIAN OCEAN GEOPOLITICS The last days The importance of a of Pompeo non-aligned policy BY MALINDA SENEVIRATNE The Last Days of Pompeii BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA diversification or diffusion of is a novel written by Edward dependence. Bulwer-Lytton in 1834. The recent visit of US “Sri Lankan policymakers The novel, inspired by the Secretary of State Mike today don’t seem to have painting “The Last Day of Pompeo came with further heard of this concept because Pompeii” by the Russian implications of Sri Lanka’s if they had, they would have painter Karl Briullov, which strategic importance and tried actively to diversify our Bulwer-Lytton had seen in the need for Sri Lanka Senior Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi, as part of a high-level Chinese dependence instead of simply Milan, inspired operatic, delegation, meeting with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in Colombo on turning to China asking for theatrical, and cinematic US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited the Ministry of to once again adopt a 9 October Foreign Affairs on 28 October for talks with Minister of Foreign firm, non-aligned foreign money, requesting a currency productions. Affairs Dinesh Gunawardena policy, or at the very least, swap from India, etc. Bulwer-Lytton, in the PHOTO TWITTER “The more you depend novel, paints a picture of look at the “diversification on China economically, the Pompeii on the eve of the simply because truth makes movements calling for of dependence” on foreign more you become a target of eruption of Mount Vesuvius for realistic engagement democracy. The US has nations. China’s rivals. You will become (79 AD) as a society mired whereas illusion confounds funded, armed, and trained Delving into the issue, The a target of the Quad. If we in vice, greed, gluttony, and confuses. insurgents in efforts to Sunday Morning sought the depend on one source there is a indolence, debauchery, bring down democratically views of veteran diplomat and consequence other than a debt idolatry, and bad taste Not an ‘enterprise’? elected governments academic Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka trap; the more dependent we are (according to Annelisa In an interview with that refused to toe the on how Sri Lanka would need to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa meeting with US Secretary of State Mike on China, the more we place a Stephan in The Getty Iris). Rupavahini and during a Washington line. The US navigate the treacherous waters Pompeo last Wednesday (28) target on our back because we We are not talking of joint media conference with went to war over non- of geopolitics in the modern era. come off as an economic semi- Pompeii, but Pompeo. Mike Minister of Foreign Affairs existent weapons of mass Following Independence, colony of one of two types in Pompeo. The US Secretary Dinesh Gunawardena, destruction. The US has Sri Lanka continued to follow this great geopolitical game, and of State. It’s not hard to see Pompeo, speaking on annexed territories all a non-aligned policy whilst that is not wise at all.” the remarkable resemblance. Covid-19, referred to over the world, sometimes also influencing neighbouring Pompeo’s “America” – in Wuhan, China. Legitimate evicting entire populations countries’ domestic policies in Adopting failed what is, what it does at but misleading, and in order to set up military the early days of Independence. economic policy home and abroad, and what certainly an uncalled for and bases. In the name of “Sri Lanka has had to balance Sri Lanka’s questionable its representatives say and undiplomatic barb. Worse “democracy”, and in the between contending powers economic policies too play a do – is pretty much the same was what he had to say name of “peace”, the US in the past. In 1962, when role, Dr. Jayatilleka said, adding: as the Pompeii described by about Sino-Lanka relations. has reduced countries to India and China fought a war, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa with Indian Prime Minister Narendra “The other issue with turning to Bulwer-Lytton. Undiplomatic, brash, anti- rubble. The profits came Sri Lanka not only balanced Modi ahead of their bilateral meeting at Hyderabad House in New Delhi China all the time is that we first Well, Mike Pompeo intellectual, and hilarious rolling in – that was the one between them, but Madam on 29 November 2019 have to get our economic policy came. He saw. He mumbled too. constant. (Sirimavo) Bandaranaike was right. something to President “We won’t show up with able to initiate a process of our framework is and where we Lanka.” On the issue of how “I say the Government’s Gotabaya Rajapaksa that state-sponsored enterprises,” The Aliens vs. peace. So, we’ve been here belong, we don’t seem to have Sri Lanka could continue to economic policy is wrong amounted to little more than he told Derana. They won’t Predator before.” one view. That is one of the seek financial assistance from because it is returning to a failed “we are pals, we’ll remain call the MCC (Millennium The Chinese Embassy Expressing his views on Sri reasons for our confusion. China while remaining neutral, economic policy of the 1970s – pals”. Then, in full public Challenge Corporation) an essentially put Pompeo Lanka’s current situation, he “Another reason is that we Dr. Jayatilleka opined that the closed economic policy of view, he took potshots at “enterprise” and neither in his place. Tweeting a noted the new power bloc – the have not thought through our the “Quad” headed by the US import substitution, which did China. will they use the term promotional image for Quadrilateral Alliance – and its situation in the Indo-Pacific or was mainly interested in the not work. It was disastrous and The last was what the to describe interference the Aliens vs. Predator rival, China. the implications of the recent ideological influence of its rivals then abandoned by Sri Lanka.” “international press” in policy-formulation, video game, the Embassy “Now, we have to look at this defence agreements between the rather than the economic. He noted that Sri Lanka’s reported. The Independent the arm-twisting tactics said: “Sorry Mr. Secretary matter in terms of not just India US and India.” “I’m not one who agrees that economic policy had a (UK) headlined it thus: in international forums, Pompeo, we’re busy and China but also the ‘Quad’; “The recent agreement I refer the US is primarily concerned significant impact on its foreign “China is a ‘Predator,’ pushing for particular promoting China-Sri Lanka i.e., the Quadrilateral Alliance to is the fourth foundational with China’s economic influence policy as well as in ensuring Pompeo tells Sri Lanka.” kinds of constitutional friendship and co-operation, of the US, India, Japan, and agreement signed between the in and on Sri Lanka. Secretary sovereignty was not violated, The Hindu (India) had and economic reform, and not interested in your Alien Australia. world’s two most powerful of State Mike Pompeo’s remarks pointing out that Sri Lanka’s the same headline. Al funding political projects, v Predator game invitation.” “We recently cancelled a democracies, the US and made it very clear that what recent decision to restrict Jazeera said “Pompeo but that’s all about business, Touché! contract with Japan for a Light India, which also happen to be they are concerned about most imports was against expert slams ‘predator’ China on nevertheless. US business Take all the theatrics Rail network and one of our the world’s sole superpower is the vision of the CCP and the recommendations. Sri Lanka trip”. That’s the interests, that is. Strategic out and what do we have? state ministers was very critical and a regional superpower, expansion or influence of that “The Institute of Policy “news” the US voter might interests too. For the record, We have the President of Prime Minister (Narendra) respectively.” vision in and on Sri Lanka. Studies (IPS) issued a report read. whether it is state or private emphasising a few points: Modi on the latter’s statement When The Sunday Morning “He said there were choices to recently stating that the ban on enterprise, if the outcome a) Sri Lanka will not do that we should implement the queried as to how Sri Lanka be made. His primary message imports should be a short-term US-China spat is the same, the objections anything to jeopardise 13th Amendment. could continue to remain neutral was: ‘On one hand you have emergency measure and by next Why should Pompeo say against the former are silly. India’s security concerns, “When Sri Lanka does in its foreign policy without authoritarianism and tyranny year, we should be thinking nothing when President The US will not offer b) Sri Lanka will remain that, and at the same time severing ties with one side or and on the other hand you have about a different strategy. Rajapaksa brought up China debt-packages that can’t neutral and does not want warmly welcomes a member the other, Dr. Jayatilleka pointed democracy and freedom’. So, “I think it is necessary to get but use other opportunities to be repaid, he also said, to get involved in other of the politburo of the Chinese out that Sri Lanka must first what the Americans are telling the best economic brains on a attack that country? adding: “We won’t attempt nations’ spats, c) Sri Communist Party (CPP), it understand the significance of Sri Lanka is: ‘So far, you’ve panel, chaired by the President The intended audience, to use debt to extort actions Lanka proposed and still sends a signal, whether we the recent defence agreements been a democracy and we hope or the Prime Minister, and obviously, was the voter by the Government.” The stands for an Indian Ocean intend to or not. And that signal between the US and India. you can consider yourself and be devise an economic strategy in the United States of debt trap, however, is a Peace Zone, d) Sri Lanka is most certainly not one of “We have to understand that considered by us as a member of which can deal with these America; Sri Lankans, by deliberate US-led game welcomes investment from successful balancing. So, I don’t we are not the centre of the the family of democratic states problems without getting Sri and large, even if they knew played by multilateral anyone, the US included, think we are getting it quite universe and that we have to of Asia. Lanka further into debt and of Pompeo or what he’s institutions controlled by and e) China has helped Sri right.” have a foreign policy that is “It’s to do with ideology, sending the wrong signals to about, don’t seem interested that country. Nice words Lanka when others did not. based firmly on the principles politics, and which vision we the US and India; Japan too is in the US-China spat. Sure, upfront, garbage behind The missives in various Where did it go wrong? of non-alignment and the are closer to; the vision of a very important country which it has bearing on their lives, the scenes. Pompeo knows forums by Pompeo and the Dr. Jayatilleka explained membership of the Non-Aligned the US and India – two great has supported Sri Lanka for a but since it is out of their that Ambassador Alaina B. Embassy don’t indicate that while Sri Lanka managed Movement. But based on a democracies – or the vision of long time.” control in the main, the Teplitz as well as colleagues that Pompeo has raised any to remain non-aligned up until policy of non-alignment, we the Chinese Communist Party?” people probably think “we in the State Department objections to any of the the second term of President must also have a flexible, multi- Sovereignty depends on have other things to worry have issued veiled threats above. The noise came later. Mahinda Rajapaksa, the current directional foreign policy of Lacking in tactful diplomacy about in the here and now”. referring to trade whenever There was vini, then. Government confusing its friendship with all.” ‘diversification of Nevertheless, the veteran Well, US voters are Sri Lanka has hesitated There was vidi too. Vici? foreign policy was a result of He then went on to say dependence’ diplomat asserted that Sri currently leaning towards over agreements with Well, nihil vici. A lot of ignorance towards the strategic that Sri Lanka must not be Nevertheless, acknowledging Lanka’s sovereignty remaining Joe Biden. Pompeo’s boss the US. The US violated hot air. He said quite an moves in the region by key disillusioned into assuming that that economic assistance intact largely depends on Donald Trump has a still hill WTO (World Trade undiplomatic mouthful that players such as the US and China could provide security, was a pertinent matter in the tactful diplomacy, which can to climb and he’s running out Organisation) rules (which was not relevant to his visit India. as it could for its neighbouring great game of geopolitics, be achieved by paying close of time. It could very well were essentially drafted by as far as bilateral relations “The last big successes countries such as Cambodia or Dr. Jayatilleka asserted that attention to the messages of be his last days and as such, US business interests) in are concerned. He came and we had in our foreign policy Vietnam. “diversification of dependence” the countries whose sphere Pompeo’s as well. imposing restrictions on was welcomed in the name was during the back-to-back “We have to understand was essential in ensuring of influence Sri Lanka comes (Note: Foreign policy Chinese companies. “Do of friendship and ended up presidencies of President our vulnerability, which is a all sides are appeased of Sri under. under Biden is unlikely to be this or else…” is a shouted venting against some other Chandrika Bandaranaike simple matter of geography. Lanka’s neutrality. “In order to protect any different with regard to out and softly spoken country. That’s the US. Kumaratunga and the first We cannot imitate Myanmar or “The second issue is sovereignty, we must know to either China or Sri Lanka. A line that US officials use That’s Washington. That’s term of President Mahinda Cambodia or Pakistan because economic, for sure. On that, take very seriously the messages Biden presidency might take consistently on a wide range what Teplitz represents. Rajapaksa,” he opined. those countries are either in I think previous Sri Lankan people give us, especially if the white vigilante groups off of issues. That is what Trump is and “From that point on, we China’s neighbourhood and governments – in the 1960s and they represent great powers the streets [they are actively Pompeo really warmed what Biden will be. have been quite unsuccessful share a border with China or are 1970s – knew the answer to that or superpowers. That doesn’t encouraged by the white to his talk at the joint media It could be Pompeo’s last both under the second term of connected overland, as Pakistan question. mean we have to bend the mafia outfits which is what conference. This is what days, but what should worry President Mahinda Rajapaksa as is to China through a long “A concept very well-known knee, but rather that we have most police departments he had to say about China: him and all those who have well as the Prime Ministership overland route. and practiced by Sri Lanka to understand and take very in most states have proven “We see from bad deals, not objected to US foreign of Ranil Wickremesinghe. “Sri Lanka has no such as a member of the Non- seriously what they’re saying. to be], but the streets will violations of sovereignty, policy over the last several Under the second Rajapaksa physical connectivity with China Aligned Movement in previous “What Secretary of State probably not be safer for and lawlessness on land decades is that we may be term, we lost three votes in the and therefore, there is a limit to decades was ‘diversification of Pompeo said will either remain non-whites.) and sea that the Chinese looking at the last days of UNHRC and then along came which the Chinese umbrella can dependence’. At that time, the the perspective of the US if If it was theatre for a US Communist Party is a what could be called the Prime Minister Wickremesinghe protect us,” he explained. countries of the third world, President (Donald) Trump audience, so be it. If it helps, predator, and the United century (roughly) of US and sold Sri Lanka out in terms including Sri Lanka, found wins, or will be enhanced by so be it. If it doesn’t, that’s States comes in a different dominance over the affairs of the co-sponsorship of the Ideology and politics themselves overly economically a Democratic administration. alright too. way. We come as a friend of the world. Geneva Resolution. matter rather than dependent on the West. Today, For instance, democracy, On the other hand, and as a partner.” It won’t be a mountain “Today, we’re suffering economic implications? it is the East. But Sri Lanka was liberal democracy, rule of law, Pompeo, as the Secretary of US friendship and that will erupt and cover the from a degree of confusion, “We also have to understand not happy, and nor were any of human rights, equality, etc. State no less, does clue us partnership are things the cesspool that is US foreign because some members of the that it is very likely there will the other third-world countries. will only be enhanced by a about Washington. Trump’s world has experienced. policy with lava, ash, and Government refer to Sri Lanka’s be a huge change in the US “Therefore, Dr. Gamani Democratic administration; it Washington, we could add. In the breach. Twentieth- a dense cloud of smoke; it foreign policy as neutral – next week; we don’t know Corea, who later became will not reverse the message No different from any other Century history is littered might end like a thunderclap President (Gotabaya) Rajapaksa which way the election will the Secretary General of the Pompeo sent us today. If we president’s Washington, this with wars launched or or it might not even be uses the term neutral, Foreign go, but right now, a change United Nations Conference want to protect and defend too needs to be added. He is fought by the US. The US noticed, but Pompeo’s rants Minister Dinesh Gunawardena in government looks very on Trade and Development our sovereignty, we must take the “America” of US foreign has backed dictators and do sound like those of a uses the terms neutral and non- probable, which will have (UNCTAD), was one of those seriously the messages countries policy. It’s not an unknown, military juntas, helping desperate man. A desperate aligned – so in terms of what enormous consequences on Sri who put forward the idea of the like the US or India send us.” but its reaffirmation is useful them violently put down nation too. the sunday morning 11 Sunday, November 1, 2020 hot seat BY SARAH HANNAN which we proposed, where all party leaders and necessary secretaries A majority of the members of the political parties can take part of the Sri Lanka Muslim 20TH AMENDMENT before any decision is made on any Congress (SLMC) voted vital issue. in favour of the 20th That will facilitate all the political Amendment to the parties within the SJB, such as the Constitution, while Party TPA (Tamil Progressive Alliance), Leader Rauff Hakeem the SLMC, and the ACMC (All voted against it. The Ceylon Makkal Congress) while Never being in the Opposition and give the Samagi Jana Balawegaya opportunity to play their role – even (SJB), of which the SLMC to take a stand against the SJB if is a coalition partner, had necessary. reached an official decision A pragmatic approach is not not to support the 20th accepted by the SJB; they must Amendment. compromised also realise that doing politics is not going to create permanent The Sunday Morning this enemies or permanent friends. If week spoke with SLMC General they are thinking of a long-lasting Secretary Nizam Kariyapper on the relationship, they also have to do party’s way forward, following the their homework properly. 20th Amendment being finalised. our political Will the SLMC join Several SLMC MPs voted in the Government? favour of the 20th Amendment to I don’t think so, because joining the Constitution while your Party the Government necessarily means Leader voted against it. Did the that certain assurances have to be SLMC officially decide to support stand given by the Government for some the 20th Amendment? of the concerns we have. That has Before the voting took place, the to be decided in consultation with high command of the party met. - Nizam Kariyapper the high command, and the high According to the party Constitution, command feels that, as a party it is the high command that has the that started our community, there right to take a decision on the other place, I did make my position clear SJB MPs have urged the Similarly, the Executive should not State or is part of an archeologically is some positive signal from the parties. as the party’s General Secretary, and Opposition Leader to take stern be able to control the Legislature and important site, which sometimes Government based on which we can At that time, the high command the Leader was also very concerned. action against the errant MPs. it should be active during the period deprive the Muslim people from join and work with them. We have meeting just discussed the pros We called for a meeting with the How will the SLMC explain the it gets elected and not be threatened land they lived on. The Government always remained independent. and cons of the 20th Amendment, party’s members in Parliament at the situation to the SJB? by the Executive to be dissolved. should have had consultations with and most of the views that were Leader’s residence. My understanding of their Those are the three matters that such communities, which would have What role will the SLMC play in expressed highlighted certain clauses We, in fact, looked into this communication is that they are need to be given some consideration helped draft the 20th Amendment in the Opposition? in the 20th Amendment which incident in question during which disappointed with the party in finally reaching the consensus a different light. This all depends on the decisions may not be acceptable by the party time we realised that there are certain leadership taking a decision to in agreeing to support the 20th the high command is going to make, position, especially regarding three concerns for the parliamentarians, oppose it (20 Amendment) and the Amendment, and having said that, How will the SLMC get its with the final decision to come matters – mainly the independent especially those of the Eastern MPs and the SLMC opposing that. I would say the Government also relations with the SJB back from the Leader. And we are greatly judiciary's right to make the judiciary Province, and some of the aspirations They (the SJB) translated this into should take the basic concerns that on track? influenced by the Leader. Invariably, appointments, the independent of the communities of the Eastern “the party acting against the party’s affect the Muslim community. The SJB needs to appreciate our we will listen to the high command election commission, and the Province lie over their relationship leadership”. They also clearly said Especially the Tamil-speaking right to function independently as members and address the concerns rights of the Executive to dissolve with the Government, which we did that it is the party that has to take a Muslims are threatened by the illegal an Opposition party and not feel that of the MPs. I sincerely believe we Parliament at his discretion in two- appreciate at that point. decision and tell them what to do. and unlawful claims that are made by we are bound to agree with them on shall be able to take an appropriate and-a-half years. But our Leader felt that, in line So, that is the correct position; some of the nationalist groups, saying anything. It must immediately bring decision at the end of the high We had a little bit of advice and we with the allegation levelled against we have clearly brought forth a the lands they live belong to the into effect a leadership council, command meetings. thought if that could be spared, we the party leadership, it is important Memorandum of Understanding should be able to consider supporting that a Member of Parliament does (MoU) with the SJB, noting our the 20th Amendment. But the not make their explanation available separate identity within the SJB and underlying factor is that we took a to the party high command. our right to take collective decisions final decision – we gave the right to Did the party members who actively as a party, independent of the Parliament rules adapted by the supported the 20th Amendment SJB when it comes to anything with Leader to take whatever decision that communicate to the party or its their policy decisions. is appropriate on the floor. leadership of their decision to Perhaps from their point of view, We were consulted to give the support the legislation? they may be expecting our official Parliamentary Group, headed by the This is a very sensitive matter; stand, which will be communicated Leader, a decision collectively under it boils down to whether there was to them once we decide at the high the guidelines of the leadership, an understanding between the party command meeting. which was the final decision we leadership by the Parliamentary took. There was also an expression Group before they took a different SJB members have also called for of members regarding certain decision. I realised that there the sacking of the SLMC Leader fundamental issues of the Muslims, was a conflict in things that were if he fails to expel the errant MPs especially in the matter of cremating expressed; he took a decision for this from Parliament. How do you a person of Islamic faith who dies matter to be placed before the high respond to this? of Covid-19. What we found was an command to take a decision. I don’t think the SJB as a party international norm approved by the I would, for the moment, remain has any political or legal right to World Health Organisation (WHO) non-committal because in my take action against the SLMC. The which accepts the burial of Covid-19 presence, MPs expressed some of SLMC MPs remain independent patients. their points of view and we were also and as far as their disciplinary action Any other issue relating to the able to tell them the difficulty and the is concerned, perhaps they might Muslims of Sri Lanka needed to be embarrassment we faced following decide that the SLMC cannot be discussed before extending support the part of this division. However, part and parcel of the SJB as one to the Government with an acting I will not comment on it until the Opposition group. That is something collective of our bottom-line. meetings with the high command are the party leaders need to meet and From the party’s point of view, as over. take a decision on. the General Secretary and a person We have been always clamouring, who took part in the high command, and the biggest setback of the I must say that our position remains SJB coalition is the absence of a to reflect that we made a collective leadership council where all party decision. Joining the Government leaders and its necessary secretaries necessarily means that to the parties can iron out these Was the SLMC in agreement with issues and take a decision. SJB’s stance of opposing the certain assurances It is important that the SJB consults 20th Amendment? have to be given by the the leadership (of each coalition That is a complete misconception. Government for some of party) before they come to a decision The right of a party to take a the concerns we have. As because this is the pragmatic way of decision within the SJB has always much as we have reasons handling a coalition. remained independent. We have never compromised our political to say, we will not join the What is the SLMC’s view on the stand. As a party, we take a political Government 20th Amendment as an individual decision independent of SJB’s political party? decision. So, I would say not only I have to go by what I said – my on the 20th Amendment, but in Will the party take any form of personal view. After taking into any amendment, we retain our disciplinary action against the consideration the concerns expressed independence. We try to make MPs for violating the collective by the Eastern Province MP, we decisions within the SJB. decision of SJB MPs since the can put it in this way: We can dilute SLMC is a coalition partner of some of the provisions by which they There is an allegation that the the SJB? are trying to negate the democratic SLMC adopted a strategic What we agreed was to take values which were introduced move with some standing by the a decision within the party through the 19th Amendment. Opposition by voting against the collectively with the Leader. We did We do appreciate that the 20th Amendment while some not force them to vote in favour or President of this country needs to others supported the Government not. What happened was not what be given certain powers to govern by voting in favour. the party expected – there was a the country effectively. One aim of How do you respond? division with the Leader on one side the Government may be that the That is a dilemma we faced. and the MPs on the other. MPs have President should be able to make Finally, when the voting came into their own reasons, and the Leader the Parliament, Judiciary, and play, we found that the leadership had his own reasons as to why he independent committees subservient. was totally against it, while some was unable to support the 20th What we felt was the bare minimum; of the members voted in favour of Amendment. they must spare the Judiciary from the 20th Amendment. That created Those explanations should come the clutches of the Executive. Also, a huge suspicion in the minds of the to the high command, and whether it the Election Commission should people, as to whether we had adapted would be translated into disciplinary be made absolutely independent so a duplicity or strategy, or tried to action is a decision the party’s high that the entire election procedure is conceal ourselves. But I would say command will take up during the entrusted to it. That is the foremost that immediately after the vote took next meeting. concern in a democratic nation. 12 the sunday morning FOCUS/VIEWS Sunday, November 1, 2020 GOVT. TAKES STOCK OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENTVS. z Looking to strike a balance BY SARAH HANNAN An environment investigation unit environment of the country is something have to consider planting 500 saplings to legal action against the polluters and was recently set up with support from that always comes up in discussions improve the green cover in the surrounding squatters. We will also look to evict the Amidst a pandemic-hit economy the Army. Do you feel this unit will during Cabinet meetings as well as party area. We are in no position to halt the illegal settlers in the area. Behind these and several development projects be effective in curbing environmental meetings. When the President and Prime development of the country, but we can incidents is strong network linked to the requiring fast tracking, the destruction? Minister extend their support to mitigate always consider methods to compensate underworld and other such entities that have Government is faced with the The environment investigation unit these issues, automatically, the ministers too for such destruction that happens due to continued to exploit the wetlands for their challenge of striking a balance is actually headed by a retired major of will co-operate and assist in solving such development projects. personal gain, disregarding the damage they between development and the Sri Lanka Army. Through that unit, matters. are causing to the environment. environmental protection. the Ministry will be able to directly Even the MPs from the Opposition parties conduct investigations as the regulations are very supportive towards the efforts we There's an increase in plastic use, as While a record number of arrests are strengthened with the amended have taken to protect the environment and When legal action was filed the public uses face masks, gloves, and were made and legal action Environment Act. the biodiversity of the country. At no point personal protective equipment (PPE) in taken against the perpetrators against such entities, the situation This unit will be empowered to arrest the have they objected or demanded that I slow was brought under control, and line with the Covid-19 health regulations. who attempted to destroy the suspects and take legal action against them down my process in attempting to prevent many have now understood that How will you address this issue? environment, questions are being in future. the possible destruction of the environment. regardless of their affiliations, we as Given the present situation, we cannot raised on whether the Government My prime objective is to protect the a government will waste no time in ask the health services to reduce or limit the has a strategy to protect the There have been allegations that most environment, and even if anyone tries taking legal action against them or use of such items. Where possible, we have environment whilst making way for environmental destruction has taken to halt any of the initiatives, I shall not penalising them accordingly instructed them to consider using reusable development projects. place with political patronage; even state be intimidated by such actions and gear. However, since an immediate solution officials complain of political interference. continue my duties towards protecting the was not identified, discussions are underway The Sunday Morning spoke to How will you address this issue? environment. Parts of some wetlands, marsh lands, with several entities on how we could safely Minister of Environment Mahinda It was evident that not only politicians and forest reserves have already been dispose of such items. Amaraweera to inquire on the affiliated to the Government but politicians Development and environment assigned for various projects. Despite One good thing is that since disposable actions he and his Ministry that represented the Opposition too were protection seem to be clashing, and the environmental impact assessments (EIAs) facemasks are quite expensive for daily use, have taken so far to protect the directly or indirectly involved in such issue needs a pragmatic approach. Have being conducted, most often, the projects many have opted for reusable fabric masks, environment and the challenges incidents. Regardless of their political you looked at ways to strike a balance overlook the environmental concerns. which has also helped people save money. that they are facing on a day-to-day powers or affiliations, we have filed legal between development and environmental How will you handle this issue? basis when engaging with entities action by now. Whether it is a person in protection? In the last few weeks, I have personally How do you plan to build trust with that are destroying the environment power or a person from the public, if any Striking a balance between paving visited areas where environmental the public concerning the protection of such person is destroying the environment, the path to developing the country and destruction was reported; Puttalam, for personal gain. the environment and minimising the stern action needs to be taken against them – safeguarding the environment from Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Batticaloa, country’s carbon footprint? that is my firm belief. destruction due to development is the and the wetlands and marshlands of As a government, we are implementing Environment destruction has come biggest challenge not only Sri Lanka but the Bolgoda and Muthurajawela to name a few. several initiatives to improve the forest under much scrutiny since the change entire world faces. We have to fast track the I observed that there were a lot of holiday cover of the country by planting trees in of government, and there seems to be an development projects and at the same time homes, shanties, and small factories that areas where deforestation has aggressively increase in such incidents. Do you agree? It was evident that not only politicians protect the environment. were built in such ecosystems by reclaiming taken place. In addition to that, we are also I do not agree with that statement. It is a affiliated to the Government but We have rethink our strategies in land from the wetlands or marshlands. encouraging people to plant trees that are of norm that every time a government comes politicians that represented the developing the country whilst causing The provincial and local government medicinal or nutritional use in their gardens. into power, there is an increase in land Opposition too were directly or minimal damage to the ecosystem to institutions need to also pay attention to encroachment; this time, we observed such indirectly involved in such incidents protect biodiversity. Institutions have been such constructions that are taking place and incidents, and since we acted promptly, we instructed to relook at the projects that inspect such activities when it commences. were able to put a halt to such activities. will take place in the future, where they My personal observation was that they We have already commenced President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was very Will political interference not pose will have to accommodate nurturing the had ignored such activities and had not streamlining carbon emission testing keen on protecting the environment and an obstacle to cracking down on environment in such project work. intervened using the powers that were facilities and have instructed local extending his fullest support, and instructed environmental destruction? For instance, if we have to fell 100 trees vested in them. industries to periodically assess their that stern action should be taken against Not just political interference, at times, to make way for a development project, we However, the destruction that has carbon emission and take measures to any individual or entity engaged in land there is interference from the underworld taken place in the Muthurajawela area is control or reduce the carbon emission encroachment or illegal activities, regardless as well. Most often, the state officials, considerably massive. The area is used that is taking place of their political affiliations or social status. journalists, and environmentalists involved to dump rubble from construction sites, We were able to take legal action against in investigating wrongdoings get assaulted which is later used to reclaim the wetlands such individuals and entities as well. In the verbally and physically. The Ministry has over which illegal construction takes place. I believe when the Government leads by beginning, we were able to make arrests given clear instructions to the Police to During my inspection visit, I noticed five example, the citizens will join in supporting relating to 30 incidents of environmental enforce the law when incidents of that such tipper trucks that were heading towards such efforts. In addition, we have looked destruction. That has slowed down anyone nature are reported. Muthurajawela. at establishing herbal and spice gardens who is intending to take over forest land or I instructed the area police to take in and around cities and villages, planting damage the biodiversity of protected areas. You have said amendments will be the necessary action and halt the trucks fruit trees in schools, and identifying plant introduced to the Environment Act to from entering the area hereafter. The varieties that will improve the air quality Despite the Government’s claims that make probes and punishments stronger. Police were also instructed to monitor and assist in retaining moisture to enrich the there has not been environmental How long do you think it will take to the activities and submit a report to the environment. destruction in many areas, photographs implement these changes? Ministry of Environment. So far, I am Special focus is also given to planting and videos in the media show otherwise. At the moment, we are focusing on the quite disappointed that the Police has still mangroves, as these have the ability to How do you respond? Appropriation Bill, for which the debates not taken the necessary action over that purify the air and absorb carbon dioxide five There is damage caused to the are scheduled in the coming weeks. We have incident. times more than other plants. environment up to a certain extent on a submitted the necessary amendments to the There was a considerable amount daily basis, we cannot deny that. But with Legal Draftsman, and once it is received, of construction taking place in the Will Sri Lanka look at mechanising its the prompt action that we have taken so we can present it to the Cabinet of Ministers Muthurajawela wetlands and several carbon account in line with the Kyoto far, most of the major destruction has and it will be presented to Parliament. factories were functioning in the area, Protocol? stopped. Most often, the persons behind The Environment Act will be the first item causing adverse impacts to the ecosystem. We very much will. We have already such environmental destruction activities are presented to Parliament after the Budget I called for a report on that as well, for commenced streamlining carbon emission known to be politicians, people of influence; reading concludes. By January 2021, the which we will speak to the relevant testing facilities and have instructed local there were some state officials too who amended Environment Act should come stakeholders at a meeting on industries to periodically assess their carbon assisted them in obtaining clearances to set into force. Wednesday (4 November) emission and take measures to control or up their projects in and around protected to discuss the steps reduce the carbon emission that is taking or sensitive ecosystems. When legal action Do you feel you will receive the that can be taken place. was filed against such entities, the situation political backing to take to halt the Switching to renewable energy and clean was brought under control, and many have stern action against environmental energy can also greatly reduce carbon now understood that regardless of their those destroying the destruction emission, and upgrading the necessary affiliations, we as a government will waste environment? and take instruments to the present international no time in taking legal action against them Environmental matters the standards can assist towards reducing Sri or penalising them accordingly. and protecting the Minister of Environment Mahinda Amaraweera necessary Lanka’s carbon footprint as a whole.

Contd. from page 4 disease won’t spread beyond those areas. should just focus on their safety and just and as a result, the virus resurfaced. We let I also believe it is a smart decision to learn to live with it. This spread won’t stop our guard down. Learning to live... close public offices and courts as these are and people should just self-quarantine if I don’t think imposing periodic curfews in places where even adhering to the health they’ve got it. different areas will help stop the spread of Periodic curfews better than their own safety. They should follow the guidelines may not be too helpful due to the the second wave of Covid. The Government nothing guidelines. gathering of crowds. Therefore, I believe the We let our guard down after is in a tough situation, since imposing lockdown was lifted Lahiruni Samarasundara I do not think things will get back to Government is taking vigilant steps to curb curfew on the entire country would further – Attorney-at-Law normal by the end of this year; it does not this wave, and we as citizens should support Philip F. – finance executive damage our economy while at the same seem possible within two months, given them. We should remain indoors and follow time we cannot stop the spread of the virus Periodic curfews will not stop the virus the rate at which people are contracting the health precautions.. It is obvious that the second wave of without closing up the entire country. Also, from spreading, but given the situation, this virus. At the very least, it would be good if Covid is much worse than the first. By the I do not think that things will get back to move is satisfactory. The Government can we can control the spread by the first quarter Too late now time we decided to impose lockdowns, it normal by December. The lockdown will identify the areas severely impacted due to of next year Lakshman Perera had already spread across the island. We surely be eased, and people will get back to the virus and close down that area, like the – small business owner in Colombo as a country have ourselves to blame for their usual lives, but we should take what curfew imposed on the Western Province Govt. taking vigilant steps I don’t think things will return to normal easing the lockdown earlier this year. Since happened as a good lesson and be on high now, so other parts of the country can Senerath Vidanage by January. I think we had our chance the economy was on the brink of collapse alert. continue to function. Given the economic – small business owner in Pettah when we detected the first person from it was necessary to open businesses again I do not think Covid virus will ever be status of the country, something is better I am glad the Government finally Minuwangoda. That was the time we ought to revive it and move on. However, we eradicated from this planet. A vaccine will than nothing. decided to impose curfew in areas where to have imposed lockdown for one week did not carefully follow the protocols and surely be developed, and then this will also Each individual should be responsible for there is community spread. This way, the at least. Now, it is too late. I think people procedures implemented by the Government be treated as something like a common cold. the sunday morning 13 Sunday, November 1, 2020 FOCUS

BY PUJANEE GALAPPATHTHI that are popular in the short term; the right AND DINITHI GUNASEKERA INCREASE IN POLYTHENE USAGE decisions are not always popular.” Sri Lanka’s Covid-19 relapse has 2021 single-use plastic ban pushed everything, including A Cabinet decision was taken recently climate control and environment to ban a range of single-use plastics in protection, to the backseat. The only local markets from 1 January 2021. These thing on everyone’s mind is the virus include chemicals or pesticides packaged and the uncertainty that comes with in Poly Ethylene Terephthalate (PET) and it. Vinyl Chloride (PVC) containers, sachets made of polythene and plastic less than 20 Annual global plastic production A disaster ml/20 g (excluding food and medicine), reportedly exceeds 335 million metric various inflatable toys made of plastic tonnes and approximately half of this goes (excluding balloons, balls, and floating into the production of single-use plastic toys), and plastic cotton buds (excluding products. hygiene products). With concerns of plastic waste increasing “Before imposing a blanket ban, you owing to the use of masks, personal have to train people to use alternatives; protective equipment (PPE), and gloves what is the reason for the ban? Why are amidst the pandemic, we spoke to a few plastics bad? Is it bad? What is the gravity professionals to assess the situation on of plastic usage? What is the answer? whether there is, in fact, an increase in amidst the These questions should be answered plastic waste because of the usage of plastic comprehensively. No one is using plastic PPE or food packaging as a result of the to deliberately cause harm. It’s only out second Covid-19 wave in Sri Lanka. of convenience,” expressed The Hotels Speaking to The Sunday Morning, State Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) Minister of Waste Disposal and Public Past President and Serendib Leisure Sanitation Dr. Nalaka Godahewa shared that Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Srilal there is no reported increase of plastic and Miththapala. polythene waste amid this health crisis. He suggested the need for more “Majority of the health equipment used pandemic? awareness on plastic use throughout by the general public such as masks are the country to prepare the people prior degradable, and gloves are not used much asphalt mixture containing shredded and to implementing the ban. He stated by the public, hence there is no reported molten plastic extracted from municipal that it is a good idea that needs gradual increase. Disposal of waste needs to be waste, through a project by the Road implementation. Realistic goals and handled with caution during this time and Development Authority (RDA) in 2019. targets have to be set and it should be medical waste and waste from quarantine “This could be done in many more areas. achieved in milestones and followed centres are handled separately and Neighbouring India has about 50,000 km of through. incinerated immediately. Currently, there is plastic roads. Science should be used well to This is an area in which the media an incineration plant in Kerawalapitiya and come out of such problems – not politics or can serve greatly to educate the general we are working on installing a few more in emotions, it has to be science.” public, expressed Jayasekara from the the next year or so,” he said. “The recycling process in itself is a CEA, adding: “By banning it, they think separate science to be looked into. Only we are attacking the affordability of the Disposal a portion of current plastic packaging is economically underprivileged, which is With plastics, avoiding usage is the recyclable. Only pure material can be simply not the case.” number one priority, according to Central recycled while plastic packaging with the Another important tip is to follow Environmental Authority (CEA) Solid added lamination – which is the majority through with good habits in households Waste Management Unit Director H.P.S. – cannot be recycled,” explained CEA without being overwhelmed by the Jayasekara. If that is not possible, the Solid Waste Management Unit Director pandemic. The public need not shift general 3Rs protocol of “reduction, reuse, Jayasekara. from the use of recyclable cloth bags to and recycling” is followed. She shared Prof. De Alwis added that not everything polythene bags just because of a virus. that landfilling in sites such as Dompe and can be done based on cost-effectiveness, “We can’t control each and every issue Aruwakkalu is also occurring, which is adding: “We sometimes have to make by regulation. We have to make a gradual unfavourable. difficult decisions. Sometimes, things have change in our thinking patterns and the Commenting on the subject, Waste The first step in handling this kind of speculate that although plastic usage has to be done for the greater good rather than active decisions we take on a day-to-day Management Authority Director Nalin waste, according to Mannapperuma, is to drastically increased in the medical sector, profit. We’re so used to taking decisions basis,” concluded Jayasekara. Mannapperuma affirmed that there are no minimise garbage in households. This is this might not be the case at all with statistics to prove a significant increase in a responsibility of the public, he said, and restaurants and eateries. Another assumption polythene and plastic waste as a result of when it comes to the collection of infectious is that there is a reduction in the use of The hospitality industry the second Covid-19 wave in Sri Lanka. He, waste, the local authorities are given strict PET bottles, which were earlier in major however, added that there is an approximate guidelines to collect the waste in yellow use in restaurant settings and hotels. With 40% reduction in waste collected in cities garbage disposal bags with 100-gauge the industry presently being at an all-time Apart from the medical setting, where Plastic: The holy grail vs. this time around, and the majority of this thickness so there will be no leaks. low, there is the possibility that we do not a rise in plastic use is expected, another gateway to doom included polythene wrapping and plastic “Local authorities are instructed to spray even have enough PET bottles for recycling sector seeing increased plastic use is “I don’t think polythene is essentially used for food packaging. disinfectant on these bags and to burn them purposes, as consumption has reduced. the tourism and hospitality industry. bad, but we have to keep in mind that He further added that this plastic and in incinerators, or crematoriums due to the But as for polythene and plastic being used Speaking to The Sunday Morning, The there is definitely going to be additional polythene waste includes polythene bags, current lack of incinerators. as packaging material, this would have Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) usage given the situation. We need to see plastic wrapping, and surgical gloves and “We have advised the relevant parties to drastically increased, he opined. Past President and Serendib Leisure to it in a way that it’s not going to cause other single-use medical products. While bury organic waste in their gardens and add Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Srilal problems,” stated University of Moratuwa there is a clear increase in the amount of lime powder to avoid penetration. If not, Role of the CEA Miththapala elaborated on this aspect. Department of Chemical and Process plastic medical products used due to the the garbage can be handed over to local CEA Solid Waste Management Unit According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Engineering Professor Ajith De Alwis. Covid-19 situation, this does not affect authorities after keeping it for 72 hours,” he Director Jayasekara reiterated that the Development Authority (SLTDA), “Plastics and polythene are definitely the waste ratio of the cities, as it is mostly said. mandate of the CEA is to primarily direct tourism revenue in 2018 was at an all-time cost-effective to use, and they promise disposed of at medical facilities. Potential recyclable waste collected due local authorities who are responsible high of $ 4.38 billion and revenue in 2019 value for money. Unfortunately, it does When asked about the process of at quarantine centres should be kept for for household and general solid waste was $ 3.61 billion, a drop as a result of not promise value for money for the disposing polythene and plastic waste in 17 days before being handed over to management in Sri Lanka to dispose of the devastating Easter attacks. With the environment. It’s not essentially a problem quarantine centres and houses where home local authorities, Manapperuma further waste in a proper manner; they also provide pandemic, the industry is facing a tough of the plastic, it’s a problem of the way we quarantine is observed, Mannapperuma elaborated, adding that residual waste relevant and necessary guidelines, training, predicament in 2020, Miththapala said, use it.” stated that they have provided strict should also be kept for 72 hours before and awareness. adding that, the authorities are attempting, Miththapala added that the irony is that and comprehensive guidelines to local being handed over. Additionally, she said that the CEA also to the best of their abilities, to open up plastics are the go-to for packaging, yet authorities on handling this waste. He further stated that the Waste monitors the authorities to ensure that all tourism and hospitality to new horizons. on the other hand, it’s biodegradability is “We have to be very careful in handling Management Authority has distributed procedures are adhered to, although it is The SLTDA has already launched a poor. garbage in these times because the virus can PPE worth about Rs. 2 million to the local sometimes beyond their mandate. comprehensive document with detailed “The first priority should be given to the spread through it; as there are about 6,000 authorities, together with clear guidelines on The stakeholders of the Solid Waste guidelines for hotels in the Covid climate. prevention of Covid, of course. However, garbage collectors in the Western Province, how to safely dispose of garbage. Management Unit are the waste “The main principle is to give the guest we have to think further. If we don’t solve if the virus spreads through the waste, we Marine Environmental Protection management authorities which are the level of comfort in premises that are the hazardous solid waste management will have a major health crisis. As such, we Authority (MEPA) Chairman Dr. B.P. functioning at the provincial level totally sanitised and disinfected,” he said. problem, it would only become another have a greater responsibility. Terney Pradeep Kumara, commenting on (particularly those in the Western Province), “In the guidelines, it is recommended problem in the future, and a major health “We have segregated the garbage into the plastic and polythene waste in coastal and also the Solid Waste Support Centre that all linen, laundry, utensils such as issue in itself. categories including organic waste, residual fronts and marine environments, stated under the Ministry of Local Government toothbrushes, shampoos, and electronics “It is now advised to cut the two loops waste, and potential recyclable waste, and that during the first lockdown, there was a and Provincial Councils. be enclosed and packaged. Usually, of a surgical mask – the parts that aid with the new Covid restrictions, we have whopping increase of plastic and polythene polythene or plastic is used for this in retaining it to the user’s ears – when added a new category – infectious waste waste. However, this time around, there Alternatives purpose, so that the guest is assured that disposing of it. This is because of the – which covers everything coming out of is no data to prove a significant increase Something we can commit to, given the item has not been in contact with any high probability that these masks will quarantine centres and households where we in plastic and polythene waste in marine the pandemic, is to opt for World Health third parties, and that therefore s/he is eventually end up in the sea, which could are not sure of the Covid status.” waters. Organisation (WHO)-recommended safe.” negatively impact and cause severe harm “However, we find masks and gloves reusable masks. Many health professionals Due to this guideline, there is a definite to marine life; for example, the mask loops piled up on beachfronts and due to the encourage the use of surgical masks. rise in plastic use within the industry. The getting entangled with aquatic animals,” current situation, we haven’t been able However, to make sustainable decisions, the industry has taken measures, especially said Miththapala. to arrange programmes to clean them. I health officials would have to come together within the last few years, to be eco- Going back to the topic of disposal in think the problem is that the general public with local officials for new solutions. friendly, but now, with the immediate the hospitality industry, Miththapala stated is unaware of how to dispose of these Prof. De Alwis highlighted the alternative health and safety concerns, they are that each hotel has its own methods of products. The Government should issue for bioplastics, which are biodegradable and compelled to halt their initiatives towards disposal, which could mean irresponsible guidelines on how to properly dispose of therefore, eco-friendly. Given that Sri Lanka that end. practices in the absence of strict guidelines. them and further advise garbage collectors spends a lot on foreign exchange in bringing “Hoteliers are even compelled to He further noted that merely colour coding on how they should be handled when in conventional plastic, the production of serve food and beverages enclosed in waste for segregation was insufficient, collecting. Surgical masks, gloves, and other bioplastics in Sri Lanka for Sri Lanka is shrink wrap to reduce exposure. Usually, specifically in the current circumstances personal protective gear cannot be treated a sustainable and self-sufficient way to the room service protocol would be to in which what the vendors do with that as general waste; it should be segregated combat the plastic issue. A carbohydrate transfer soiled linen to be cleaned into waste and where it is transported to are not separately and treated separately,” he added. source such as cassava or rice is used for the trolley cart, but now, the protocol is monitored. University of Moratuwa Department the production of bioplastics. However, to transfer that linen immediately with “Most scientific research suggests that of Chemical and Process Engineering bioplastics are currently three times the cost gloved hands to a container which would sustainability is definitely going to take a Majority of the health equipment Professor Ajith De Alwis informed The of conventional plastic, as it requires heavy be sealed, and in the most common blow under the new normal. Unfortunately, used by the general public such as Sunday Morning that data on changing investment in the initial stages. scenario it would be a plastic container all the good things we were doing about masks are degradable, and gloves are plastic waste trends was not available to the “It is definitely something for the future or a polythene casing. Even disposable sustainability, waste management, not used at large by the public, hence public yet, as it is still at the research stages. but that does not mean that the future is not gloves were hardly used in the hotel and discouraging single-use plastics there is no reported increase. Disposal “Only based on data can we determine the happening right now.” industry here, but now it is a mandatory will be superseded by the immediate of waste needs to be handled with situation. Having understood the issue, the The professor also spoke about the everyday commodity,” explained requirement,” Miththapala said. caution during this time and medical researchers are working to release the results importance of recycling and how the Miththapala. He further used the Mariott Group as waste and waste from quarantine as soon as possible. The Environment Western Province recycles merely 3% of Miththapala added that hoteliers an example; it is a group known to have centres are handled separately Ministry is currently conducting a national its waste. He spoke about the innovative could be advised to use paper whenever stringent sustainability policies as its State Minister of Waste Disposal assessment on the material flow of plastics concept of plastic roads which was possible for this purpose, as the use of credo. Their decision to suspend their and Public Sanitation Dr. Nalaka that assesses the quantity of plastic use as a implemented in the 500-metre stretch of plastics can definitely be reduced even in branding by a period of one year in itself Godahewa whole,” said Prof. De Alwis. road from Ratmalana to Borupana, South this crucial time. speaks volumes, he said. He further stated that we can only of Colombo. The road was paved using an 14 the sunday morning OPINION Sunday, November 1, 2020

BY C.E.P. KUMARASINGHE anticipated a steady influx into the school with visible improvements. Ananda was just 28 years Accordingly, he showed no of age when I had the good hesitation in launching a building fortune of throwing myself, scheme, even though he knew he heart and soul, into her had to surmount distressing odds. service as a member of the Unfortunately, it was still war- Ananda College time. The country’s trade and tutorial staff under Principal Fritz Kunz in May 1914 – the commerce had deteriorated, the historic year of the outbreak economy sank low, and the land of World War I. Mr. Kunz had became unsettled. By no means deterred, he struggled on with an just succeeded M.U. Moore indomitable spirit. Some affluent who had, during a period Buddhists, however, realising of just three years, not only celebrates 134th his desperate determination and continued the yeoman high-mindedness of purpose, came service of his predecessor, to his assistance to see that his but had also produced progressive scheme got underway appreciable examination and forged ahead slowly but results quite consistent with steadily. her early formative years. anniversary His first building was a block of classrooms running alongside the From her babyhood and toddler roadway leading to the College. years, Ananda appears to have The last spacious room with a had a line of persevering and zNostalgic memories of Ananda College (circa 1914-1926) separate entrance was set apart devoted heads whose primary as the Teachers’ Room, the staff concern had been to promote her having been strengthened by then growth into robust and radiant by a fair member of additions. maidenhood. Towards the Then he set about the task of achievement of this objective, building a hostel, as the college one of these noble pioneering boarders were being housed in a lines stands out for having made rented building called “Kityakara” an invaluable contribution to her in Jail Road. Considering the guardianship for over a decade exigencies of the time, a building with ceaseless dedication and project of that nature stood as a boundless zeal. Unfortunately, he tremendous task necessitating had been constrained to relinquish heavy expenditure. Nevertheless, this arduous role to take over he started a countrywide collection responsibilities in his country’s campaign. A few teachers were service. assigned to the task. I remember This was a transition period – going out into the remote interiors an era that needed accomplished with three of my colleagues to personalities of his calibre for the meet old boys and well-known struggle that arose to liberate this Buddhist families. It was a land from the yoke of a foreign perilous tour for we got marooned domination. Towards this goal, somewhere in the waters of that he laboured like a true patriot and great deluge of that year. strode the political scene like a Concurrently, with his all-out Colossus till this tiny tot of a land drive for raising funds proceeded that had possessed and enjoyed a his well-conceived scheme for a glorious civilisation saw the horizon rapid development of the school of the abode of freedom. He was in the intellectual sphere. Along none other than D.B. Jayatilaka, with his offer of free scholarships later knighted as Sir Baron, to bright students chosen on the whose memory will, no doubt, be Ananda College teaching staff of 1919. Seated from left: S.A. Wijayatilake, J.N. Jinandradasa, P. De S. Kularatne, G.P. Malalasekera, and C.V. Ranawake. Standing results of a competitive exam, he perpetuated not only in the records from left: T.B. Jayah, C.E.P. Kumarasinghe, V.I. Perera, V.T.S. Sivagurunathan, C. Suntharalingam, and W.E. Fernando manoeuvred to ferret out some of our dear Ananda, but also in the excellent academic talent in the annals of this land as one of Mother teaching sphere. Thus, he managed Lanka’s most redoubtable and board and joined angular points to vertical wing of the main building, Thus, Kunz’s contribution to docile, courteous, obedient, and to have on his staff, a galaxy of patriotic sons. form triangles, each standing on Principal Kunz managed to build the progress of Ananda was not furthermore, remarkably respectful. distinguished teachers of the day, Ananda was exceedingly a side. A daredevil sort of a boy the spacious Olcott Hall, the first only significant and memorable, Also, what a change we notice each one of them a conspicuous fortunate to have had at the helm surreptitiously manoeuvred to draw major addition to the College, after but laborious and laudable as well. today. figure in his line. of affairs a person of erudition and another line so as to make the figure nearly 30 years. Shortly afterwards, The short spell of his stewardship Some of the outstanding colleges It was a staff the likes of which distinction at what may be regarded have an additional triangle. the Dias Memorial Laboratory was of just four years was a very of today in Sri Lanka have each no other school had the privilege as a crucial period of her growth. The conversation over, he got put up on the highway end of the calamitous and troubled period had a long line of principals and the of priding itself on, and one that Principal Buultjens, his predecessor, near the blackboard and put the hall through the munificence of the of the century, as in his first year tendency has been to associate the the College itself might not have though a scion of an illustrious question to the boy: “How many philanthropic Jeremias Dias family of principalship, the titanic World name of the principal who has made had since. That memorable staff Dutch Burgher family of South triangles do you observe in the of Panadura. War I broke out. The next year saw the most significant contribution included, besides some already Ceylon of that time, had, true to the figure?” It was after the erection of these the Sinhalese-Muslim riots, the towards giving it a distinctive on it, C. Suntharalingam (maths), spirit of his faith, accepted this post Came the reply: “Seven.” two buildings that the College was proclamation of Martial Law, and character with that of the institution. G.P. Malalasekera (languages), and given the young institution the Repeating the question, he asked registered for Government Grant its horrible aftermath. The leaders Thus, the name of the principal T.B. Jayah (western classics), necessary shape and character to another. “Seven, Sir.” Posing it the as an elementary school with a of the country were incarcerated got inseparably linked with that William Perera (English), Walter put her in line with other collegiate third time, he got a chorus of voices secondary department running and their lives were at stake. Into of the college. For example, we Samarasekera (western classics), schools of the day. Thus, he had “Seven, Sir.” up to the Cambridge Senior, the the bargain, the land was in utter speak of Hartley of Royal, Stone G. Weeramantry (maths), Rao paved the way for his erudite “No,” he bawled out. “Oh, no, examination that determined the disorder and distress, Kunz faced of St. Thomas’, Highfield of (science), Roland de Zoysa successor to produce Ananda’s first Sir!” they bellowed reciprocally. government scholarship on its all odds with unflagging courage. Wesley, Fraser of Trinity, Darrell of (science), J.N. Jinendradasa university scholar in G.K.W. Perera After the inspector had gone, there results for the year. In short, he endeavoured not merely Richmond, Woodward of Mahinda, (science), C.E. Strange (maths), in 1904. followed not a joyous symphony During this short spell of nearly to maintain the school’s standard of and so forth. Likewise, we speak S. De S. Jayaratne (classics), G.G. Although I might appear to be but a thunderous babel over the four years, Kunz laboured with no his predecessors, but also to elevate of Kularatne of Ananda. Further, Ponnambalam, G.M. de Silva, and digressing somewhat from my set comic scene. less abiding interest, selfless spirit, it with additional improvements. their memories are perpetuated by L.H. Mettananda. theme when traversing the beaten On another inspection, a and unstinted zeal than any of his His Vice Principal was one buildings being erected and named Within a year or two, the track of Ananda’s youthful years classics inspector, L.G. Gratiaen, predecessors had. My recollection Menon, a graduate from an Indian after them. well-conceived plans paid rich immediately preceding my entry a distinguished Old Royalist, is that he started the teaching university, and his Headmaster one Kularatne assumed duties as dividends. At the Cambridge into her service, I feel I am within walked into my Latin class. Being of sciences with the help of the Dandris de Silva, who was acting Principal in January 1918, coming Locals, the College scored my rights in giving a cursory review an inexperienced and untrained brother-in-law. One was Gould when he took over. The latter was fresh from the London University honours, successes, and to enable the reader to find it easy stripling of a teacher yet in his who set up a makeshift laboratory an old-time typical schoolmaster where his career had been as distinctions, and perhaps threw to understand how the institution teens, I had been observed to be in a classroom. Another of Kunz’s of Goldsmith’s description. He brilliant as at Richmond in his final into the shade many an outstanding was circumstanced when Kunz took thundering in stentorian tones firsts was the establishment of was wont to wear a full white suit, schooling years. He had obtained school of the day in the way of over the principalship in January in the course of the lesson. a hostel for outstation students the coat being full-buttoned. The a first-class at the BA and the BSc, examination performances. E.A. 1914. Before he walked out, he made who were beginning to storm the staff included C.V. Ranawake, and a second at the LLB. He had Wijesuriya, M.L. Salgado, M.F. de At the commencement of the a passing remark savouring of school as the College was now A.P. de Zoysa, J.R. Peiris, J.E. also qualified as a Barrister-at-Law. S. Jayaratne, M.W.F. Abeykoon, second term of the school year, the reproachful: “Vox magister functioning as satisfactorily as any Goonesekera, W.G. de Silva, Of course, he could have chosen a and J.G. Fernando were among i.e. May 1914, I saw the Principal detrimentum discipuli” – indeed of the well-established and old- affectionately known as “dadi- more resourceful calling than that those who shone in the exams, with my letter of appointment a pithy maxim. What he hinted standing institutions with high-scale bidi”, W. Dharmarama, V.T.S. of a principal, had he only wended the first-named coming first in for instructions as regards my at was that the high-pitched tone examination results and appreciable Sivagurunathan, Sundar Raman, that way. True to be spirit of service the island. This flow of successes duties. After examining my of a teacher is a hindrance to the inter-school sports performances. W. Martin Silva, and many more. to his fellow beings, he responded continued thereafter, enhancing examination certificates and other understanding of the pupil. I gave The College boarders were During the entire period – i.e. nobly to the call of his Mother the fame of the school till Ananda relevant documents, he assigned my thanks for his advice. Those housed in a large upstairs building 1914-1926 – I was at Ananda, there Lanka. stood shoulder to shoulder with the me to the middle school. I had old-time inspectors seeming called “Starlight” in Jail Road, a prevailed an excellent camaraderie Not in his wildest dreams at other great educational institutions only a provisional certificate as inconsistent with the changing few yards away from the present among the fellow teachers. the time of his university studies of the time. a qualification, which had to be educational setup have since ceased. St. Anthony’s Church. This hostel These were fee-levying days, could he have ever suspected what After giving Ananda a endorsed annually by the various The original school building was was shortly afterwards shifted when the pupils were sent home actually did come about at the close prominent position among the inspectors at the annual inspection T-shaped with a row of separated to a very spacious single-floor if the monthly fee had fallen into of his career over there. leading schools in the island of the school. Increments to classrooms in each of the horizontal building called “Kityakara”, also arrears. To the credit of the B.T.S. Qualified as he was as a lawyer within an unanticipated short salaries were determined by the and vertical sections, with open bordering the road but on the at that time, it should be said that and possessed of a brilliant spell of a few years, Kularatne management in accordance with sidewalks running on either side of opposite side. Incidentally, this was salaries came regularly at the end mathematical brain and fluency happened to reveal an inkling of these endorsements. them. The Principal’s room stood at an ancestral sprawling mansion of of the month. An employee who of speech, he had all the chances his broad vision. In due course, Those were the days of the State the right end of the horizontal wing. the famous cricketing family of the was dressed in cloth and coat and of becoming a famous member of the unexpected had happened. grant-in-aid to teaching institutions, There was no staff room as such. Goonesekeras. sporting a small knot of a konde the forensic forum. But goddess… Parents from all over the country which largely depended on the One really felt one was living in an I am wondering even at this used to walk up to the college office who…worked otherwise. So, were clamouring and scrambling Annual Inspection Report. To say emergency atmosphere. date, over 70 years later, if my with measured tread, carrying an his personal loss of a brilliant to get their children admitted into the least, it was a menacing, rather The front portion of this two- appointment as the Sports Master- old-fashioned leather bag which, of career at the Bar with his high the school that had shown such a harrowing experience for a teacher acre block of land was ordinary in-Charge of the team and of other course, contained the teachers’ pay- academic qualifications became meteoric rise. The principal was to go through the ordeal of teaching open land whilst at the back of the games activities, quite apart from packets. Ananda’s fortunate lot in having at his wit’s end for a sensible a class in the presence of a lynx- building, there was a square-shaped my thinking it to be a fantastic There was nothing in the shape secured a principal not merely solution. He hit upon the idea eyed inspector. patch of ground that had been used role for me, was another of Kunz’s of private tuition or after-school to guide her destinies and raise of opening up a sister institution It so happened on a certain for a playground. It looked like a firsts. After the performances of the classes. The teachers generally her to a lofty height of fame, but and successfully pleaded with the occasion that C.A. Wicks – MA of virtual juvenile cricket pitch but it school’s early players, especially of were sincere-hearted and very also to so consolidate Buddhist government for land. The land thus an English university – as inspector had, strangely, nurtured the school’s her first All-Ceylon cricketer, D.L. conscientious and impelled by education as never to be impaired obtained was a sizeable block of of maths sat in a corner of the early cricketers amongst whom was Gunasekera, Ananda began to play considerations of a pupil’s future. or imperilled. veritable jungle land, perhaps what classroom to watch me giving a her first All-Ceylon player, D.L. inter-collegiate matches. If they are Some boys of affluent families On assuming duties, Kularatne was left of some buildable trust in geometry lesson on polygons. In Gunasekera, later a well-known still among us, T.K. Burah, H.R. used to attend school dressed in had instinctively realised the the Campbell Place region. This order to engage me in conversation lawyer practising in the Hulftsdorp Perera, two distinguished players, cloth and coat. My impression is glaring priorities of the school happened to be an ideal site for a about the maths syllabus for the Courts. and others of the day are sure to that the pupils of those early years that called for his immediate school at the time. class, he drew a hexagon on the On the Mackwoods side of the bear testimony to my information. were extremely well behaved, attention. He had also unerringly Contd. on page 15 the sunday morning 15 Sunday, November 1, 2020 SPORTS/OPINION

BY REVATHA S. SILVA NAMAL APPOINTS PANEL TO SUPERVISE NATIONAL Committees, ‘HIGH PERFORMANCE’ committees, and Of kings, pawns, more committees… National Sports Council, the National Sports and the opposition Selection Committee, the Appeal Advisory Here comes White needs to answer 69...Kc5 Everything appears simple, but the THE CHESS Committee, and now with 70.Kc3, so the correct move devil is in the details. That’s the point a High Performance CORNER here is 69.Kd2, keeping the distant Soltis is trying to make. by Dulan Edirisinghe opposition. Alireza played 69.Kc3?? Committee. and resigned after 69...Kc5. Minister of Youth and Pawn endings appear so Alireza’s mishap can partly Sports Namal Rajapaksa another deceptively simple that everyone be attributed to nerves. Carlsen has made it clear that he – from Grandmasters to the summed up the situation perfectly is ambitious in driving Sri coffeehouse players – tend to get with “Basically you just need distant Lanka’s sports towards a exasperated when they mishandle opposition; that’s kind of child’s play. profitable industrial structure, them. After all, it’s just kings and But he was shaking his head. He which is going to be worth $ pawns. Once you grasp the key was so nervous, that I felt at some 1 billion during his five-year concepts such as the opposition point, where he was going to put his tenure. committee and outflanking, what can possibly king was probably going to be a bit go wrong? Apparently, a lot. random, to be honest, because he People’s expectations After 98...Rf5+ Contrary to popular belief, pawn was shaking so much. In that sense, Spielmann – Duras (1907) His agile approach during endgames are devilishly tricky. Only I had some hopes but obviously, that the height of a debilitating last week, rising star of international was lucky.” After fighting tooth and nail to pandemic where sports chess Alireza Firouzja became the When you think about it, the save the game (notice the number of become miniscule in social latest victim of the “opposition” fact that very good players can go moves), finally white can draw this life, the sensitivity he has when he meekly surrendered against astray in a position with such limited rook ending comfortably. Upon seeing shown to those who are in Magnus Carlsen in the penultimate material on the board is a testament that the exchange of rooks would lead need, and his enthusiasm round of Norway Chess. to the great depth of the game. Here’s to a drawn pawn endgame, white and commitment have been another tragic example. thought why not play 99.Rf4. A nasty evidently exceptional during surprise greeted him as 99...Kg5 was his first two-and-a-half played, forcing the exchange of rooks months in office. on black’s terms. The black king won But there were specific the opposition and with it, the game. public expectations with Here’s another famous example regard to Sri Lanka’s sports from chess history of a simplification when Gotabaya Rajapaksa attempt gone horribly wrong. was elected President and the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), headed by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Black to play was awarded a two-thirds Alireza – Carlsen White to play majority in Parliament some Coull – Stanciu months ago. The ending is clearly drawn. The black king has no access as long as This position is from the 1988 Understanding those his counterpart keeps the opposition, Olympiad. Upon seeing that the aspirations either distant or direct. Carlsen d5 pawn can’t be saved, white Uniting a nation, tries to trick his young opponent resigned. All she had to do was grab creating opportunities by moving his king back and forth. the opposition (with Kd3) once the Black to play for the underprivileged, 62...Kh6 63.Kh4 Kg7 64.Kg3 black king takes the white pawn. Yates – Tartakower and regaining pride and Kf8 65.Kf2 Ke7 66.Ke2 Ke8 67.Ke3 Andy Soltis, a Grandmaster and confidence in a nation through Kd7 68.Kd3 Kd6 a renowned author, once offered Tartakower thought he was sports (like in the late 1990s) three endgame commandments in simplifying the game to a winning could be the main objectives a light-hearted attempt to reduce pawn ending when he gave up the of the masses. the many endgame rules that a queen with 56...Qxb4 57.axb4 The new Sports Minister, Sports Ministry diary (12 Aug-30 Oct) student is generally burdened with. axb3 58.Kb2 Kc4 59.Ka3 b2 hoping who hails from the village One of them was: “Thou shalt not for the automatic 5.Kxb2 Kxb4 seizing but knows both the good 12 August – Namal Shavendra Silva and trade down to a king and pawns the opposition. But he missed the and the bad of the city while Rajapaksa assumes Supreme Court Judge ending unless you can safely bet devious 60.Ka2! Kc3 61.Kb1 Kxb4 representing Sri Lanka at the duties as the new Cabinet Kankanithanthri Chitrasiri your first-born child on the result.” 62.Kxb2 which secured a draw for highest level as a sportsman Minister of Youth and as Chairmen, respectively When you plan a simplification white. Tartakower is well known for himself, cannot find it hard Sports Affairs 12 October – a special manoeuvre that takes you to a bare his famous quote “no one ever won to understand those public 20 August – the National health committee pawn endgame, there is no room for a game by resigning” and it seems aspirations, we believe. Sports Council, headed by is appointed under White to play error. The tiniest inaccuracy might occasionally, he generously allowed Mahela Jayawardene, is Department of Sports have catastrophic ramifications. his opponents to show why. His mysterious appointed Development Director approach to cricket The new High Performance 30 September – the “Road General Amal Edirisooriya Sports wise, ours is a Committee appointed by Minister to Olympics” pilot to look after the wellbeing cricket-centred country. It’s the of Youth and Sports Namal programme is launched to of local sportspersons key sport of both the villager Rajapaksa last Thursday (29) find 1,100 young talents during the Covid-19 and the urbanite. It’s the sport for the 2028 Los Angeles pandemic that defies all social divides His bigger ambitions Olympics 29 October – a two-tier High here, in a racially sensitive at stake 2 October – the National Performance Committee is context. As a sports minister, The “post-or-amidst” Sports Selection appointed, under Sanjeewa if you fail in cricket, you are pandemic world will come Committee and the Appeal Wickramanayaka (tier one) bound to fail in everything. alive soon. International sports Advisory Committee are and Julian Bolling (tier But, alas, Minister Namal, will adapt to the new norm, appointed with Lt. Gen. two) who was quick to disband a if it has not already. How Sri body like the National Ballet Lanka is going to perform in Association, has so far shown world cricket is going to decide corruption that is already rich Sports Ministry he will lose. a strange and mysterious our young Sports Minister’s in our sports? People know well enough approach towards Sri Lanka’s making or breaking. Will his The committees are all good, that this young Rajapaksa has cricket. Is he indicating to us industry-oriented vision augur but the taste of pudding will bigger, longer term political that “it’s well and truly in good well for something like our be in the eating, as they say. ambitions, and all such hopes hands”? cricket? Or, will it only fuel the If he fails, it is not only the will be at stake as well. Alireza looks hesitant having just played 61.Kc3?? PHOTO LANNART OOTES – NORWAY CHESS

Contd. from page 14

Accordingly, the land was cleared up excelled the elder in academic success. Not Manager of Buddhist schools, which enabled for it is in this sphere that he had shown his environment, what might have been its and two rows of cadjan-made classrooms merely did Nalanda outclass the elder sister, him to watch the progress of Buddhist extraordinary talents both at college and in fate? And the aftermath, none could even were put up to accommodate about three to but she eclipsed many a famous and well- education in the Island. the university. guess today. For the exigencies of the war- four hundred children, most of whom had established institution in this respect. My Patrick de Silva Kularatne was the From the very outset of his assuming torn years looked so grave and dire that the been released from the College. Kularatne recollection is that Nalanda scored the best name he adopted after he completed his duties as Principal in January 1918 till he concerned Buddhist public were at their put an experienced and trained teacher in results in the Cambridge Senior and Junior academic career. To his contemporary school retired from active service, Kularatne had wits’ end looking high and low for the charge of this ominous little school. He was exams in a number of consecutive years. population, he was the lovable and affable made it clear to be Buddhist community indisputable claimant to occupy the throne W.E. Fernando, a remarkably energetic and None in creation could have rejoiced more S.K.P. de Silva, a name which adorns the in particular that his life’s aim and desire of Ananda. excellent teacher who eventually retired at this phenomenal performance than the exam results boards of distinguished old was not merely the cause and progress The meteoric rise of the Mariakade as Headmaster of the present Nalanda courageous and inspired founder. boys of his old school, Richmond College, of Buddhist education, but also the School and the brilliance of exam results Vidyalaya, Colombo. His enthusiasm and concern were not Galle. He was admitted, I believe, into improvement of Buddhism as well. Very of several consecutive years had proved Meanwhile, Kularatne enlisted a band confined to Ananda and Nalanda. They the Cambridge Junior Form after his early few know that it was he who started to be an open sesame to the heads of of supporters and well-wishers with whose went for beyond. Under the impulse of his education in a high school in Ambalangoda, classes for the Buddhist clergy to learn long-established collegiate institutions aid he raised enough funds to erect a nice penetrative vision, he directed endeavours where he had revealed his brilliant talents. English. These classes were held in a that had already reached heights of fame imposing two-storied structure – the nucleus towards the furtherance and consolidation At the Cambridge Junior Exam in 1907 vacant building in Paranawadiya Road in and tradition. The performances seemed of Nalanda’s building complex. The school of Buddhist education in particular. This fact and 1908, he had obtained first-class honours, the mornings and conducted by teachers miraculous as the change had come about population of these cadjan makeshifts were was borne out by his opening up schools and in 1909 in the Senior Exam he scored from the regular staff. These classes came within an incredibly short spell of time. subsequently transferred to the new building for boys and girls in different parts of the the same results. In 1910, he obtained a first to be continued later at the Vidyodaya Finally, his selfless service to the to make up the lower grades. Kularatne country, such as Dharmapala Vidyalaya of division in the London matriculation exam. Pirivena. Some of the members of the national cause in general and for Buddhist released from the main school a tolerable Pannipitiya, Sri Sumangala of Panadura, and In order that he may obtain a high standard Buddhist clergy who received this help later education in particular will, quite apart from number of bright students to make up the Ananda of Gampaha. His original Ananda in western classics, he was sent to Wesley on published books in English on Pali and being immeasurable and epoch-making, middle and upper grades. A fully fledged Balika Vidyalaya of Temple Road was later College where from the Principal, Mr. Buddhism. remain evergreen in the grateful hearts of collegiate institution sprang up under the transferred to Maligakanda; Sri Sumangala Highfield, he acquired the necessary quantum Kularatne was an individual of no small generation after generation to come. name of Nalanda Vidyalaya, so christened Girls’ School came later. of classical knowledge. It was no wonder that intellectual stature. He was, indeed, a virtual (This article was written by C.E.P. after one of the famous Buddhist universities After accomplishing the arduous task of he carried off the university scholarship that human dynamo. Thus, he was cut out for the Kumarasinghe for the centenary of of ancient India. raising the two big Buddhist institutions to year. formidable task his destiny had set for him. Ananda College in 1986, not published In order to make this new school a real towering heights of name and fame and of I know Kularatne as S.K.P. de Silva in His appearance at what may be regarded hitherto, and was sent to us by his son, sister institution, he released six hand-picked establishing a network of feeder schools, he my schooling years at Richmond, where in as a crucial point in the course of Buddhist Meghavarna Kumarasinghe, himself a teachers from the main staff. They were directed his attention to the rehabilitation of his later years he was a college prefect. He education was hailed as a harbinger of senior Old Anandian who was closely Cyril E. Strange, S.A. Wijayatilake, J.N. restoration of certain institutions that were used to be surrounded by his schoolmates a glorious era, which it proved to be. It associated with the school for over 50 Jinendradasa, V.I. Perera, D.C. Lawris, and far below the accepted standards. On one with requests for solutions of mathematical seemed as though a gracious and kindly years as a student, Committee Member my humble self. G.P. Malalasekera was occasion, he became Principal of Dharmaraja problems and the translation of Latin and divine power had directed him into the of the Old Boys’ Association, and Joint appointed Principal. and on another, Principal of Sri Sumangala. Greek passages. He maintained the honour sphere of Buddhist education. Had it not Secretary of Senior Old Anandians’ In a couple of years, this younger sister Finally, he occupied the position of General of his school as the home of mathematics, been for his presence at the time in this group) Sri Lanka to lose Saker? Warwickshire will soon begin a recruitment process to find a new Head Coach for the struggling English cricket county. Who is likely to be the strongest contender? David Super Sports gets PCB TV rights Saker, the current Sri Lanka The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) signed a three-year agreement Bowling Coach. A native with South Africa’s leading multi-channel sport network Super Australian, Sarkar, 54, has Sports as its broadcast partner till December 2022. In the reportedly had contacts with the duration, Pakistan will play nine Tests, 22 ODIs, and 18 T20Is club in the past weeks. Another against Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, and West former England Bowling Coach, Indies, “meaning 85 days of mouth-watering home international Ottis Gibson may well be cricket over the next 26 months”, the TV giant said in a release on another strong candidate, some Friday (30). reports have suggested.

Sunday, November 1, 2020

Kasun Gamlath sports(left) and Saman Kandage pictured at a Where there’s a will, social gathering there’s always a way z What tennis players can do while staying at home

Coronavirus has struck again, and, with a vengeance. At the time this article was written, Sri Lanka was in the unfortunate situation of having at least 250-300 new cases daily. It has been the norm, not the exception, sadly. The situation has brought about curtailed activities every day, as well as curfew, particularly in the hardest-hit Western Province over the “long” weekend ending today SL cricket agents (2), with Friday (30) being a full- moon Poya Day which is a public holiday. Weekend of less activity With the least of facilities they reached the top: in Australia This weekend, the tennis Former SL National Champion Sriya Gooneratne players of the region are at home won the women’s national title in 1968 and again. We know that they play 1969. In 1962, she beat India No. 3 R. Thadani in more tennis during the weekends Nuwara Eliya. She also won a bronze medal at since there is no school. Also, their the 1966 Asian Games held in Thailand parents have enough time to take under scanner them to their sports practices. Here, the question as to pocketing the cash. In other cases Sri arrival at the Melbourne Airport late Therefore, the curtailed Dinith how those who are living in z Cricket-related Lankan players have been crammed last year and was then provided with activities throughout the country Pathiraja condominium houses can visa scandal into accommodation organised by accommodation through Kandage and the total lockdown in the practise this aspect due to the their agent, with one report of up to 17 in a three-bedroom, one-bathroom Western Province mean that the ON COURT limited space they have can be exposed people squeezed into a three-bedroom home with 16 other people. He players are having less activity asked. They can still use the house, each paying rent,” Herald Sun described the living conditions as than usual. car parks. If that is also not Reports have emerged in added. “like a refugee camp” and at times This article, therefore, will try be done ideally in front of a mirror available, they can certainly Australia that “dodgy agents” he feared for his life, he said. to address the issue of how young at home. Then they are able to see do something like “on-the-spot are demanding thousands of CA deeply concerned Kandage had brought about 70 tennis players can stay fit in all their swings themselves whilst running”. dollars from overseas players Cricket Australia (CA) and Cricket young Sri Lankan cricketers to aspects of their game while being they are practising the shots. Here, to help them secure visas Victoria (CV) have said they were Victoria during the last season alone. at home, or with less activity. special attention should be given Mental aspect while allegedly doctoring “deeply concerned” by the allegations, Another Sri Lankan cricketer has to the correct footwork that should Now we arrive at the final brought to light by Herald Sun. said many players were linked up How to make use of the accompany all the main shots. aspect, the mental aspect of the players’ profiles so they can lockdown gain entry to Australia. “There is no place for the with Tingo Education Australia, Tactical aspect game. This is the most neglected “A Herald Sun special mistreatment of players who come to which has headquarters in Colombo, As we have discussed on aspect of the game here in Sri investigation has revealed play cricket in Australia, at any level. Matara, Galle, and Kandy. It is multiple occasions in this space, The next is the tactical aspect Lanka. So, this would be a very that overseas players have The alleged behaviour of so-called allegedly operated by a person called tennis can basically be approached which is an important part of the good time for the players to focus ‘player agents’ is deeply concerning, Kasun Gamlath, the report revealed. in four parts: technical, tactical, game. The players can practise on the game’s mental side. been asked to hand over up to and is not something that CA and CV physical, and mental. this quite easily at home. For The players can use AUD 10,000 (Rs. 1.29 million) condone in any way,” a spokesman Cricinfo profiles When we discuss “fitness” example, players can focus on visualisation techniques as well to Australian agents as has said. disappearing? generally, we must address all four the tactics they need to employ as various mental drills which are payment to help (them) obtain “Players must first show statistical of those aspects. We often tend to against various opponents they extremely useful to their game. visas and places in suburban Names revealed! evidence via international cricket conjure up only the physical part come up against in the local If done properly with dedication, cricket teams in Victoria, amid Herald Sun has been told player database Cricinfo to prove they when we talk about “fitness”. tournament circuit. this might well be the most useful allegations that player profiles statistics are sometimes falsified in have played first-class cricket in So, let’s discuss how young The players can take their time aspect to be practised during this overseas are being doctored profiles “at the Sri Lankan end”, to their country... A whistleblower tennis players can stay fit in all to write down the tactics in a book enforced break. to aid entry,” revealed show young men have a history of told Herald Sun that statistics aspects of the game while they are which they can keep updating Your willpower Australian newspaper Herald playing first-class cricket in their “mysteriously disappeared” from at home. throughout a certain period of Sun on Thursday (29). home country, in order to get the CA’s some Sri Lankan players’ profiles time. This is something they can The above points conclusively tick of approval. about three months after they had Technical aspect start doing during this “free” prove that the players can Rise of players leaving A Sri Lankan player has told Herald obtained their visas. It was not The technical aspect of the period when they are staying at certainly take numerous steps to abroad Sun that he had played just one known how this occurred, or who game is the first thing that most home. stay fit during this time. first-class game in Sri Lanka before was responsible, the whistleblower of the players learn when they But, as in all aspects of life, The outflow of local club cricketers scoring a sports visa to play cricket has said. get on the court. There is an Physical aspect what will be needed to achieve to various overseas destinations has in Victoria through an agent named “It’s understood that the understanding that this aspect can Physical aspects of the game the desired results are dedication, been on the rise during the last several Saman Kandage, aka “Sammy”, who Australian Border Force is now be practised when the player is are certainly hard to practise commitment, and, above all, the years. is running an organisation named “SK also making inquiries, on the back only on court. at home. But players can desire to achieve the best that you “Whistleblowers say some players Sports”. of Herald Sun’s investigation, This is a totally erroneous certainly work on their footwork, are capable of achieving. fail to receive club payments they and could refer the matter to the assumption. The players can take agility, reaction drills, and their At the end of the day, the old are entitled to once they reach our Kandage and Gamlath Australian Federal Police,” the their rackets and practise their endurance depending on the saying “if there is a will, there is (Australian) shores, with agents He handed over AUD 10,000 on report further added. swings of various shots. This can space available. a way” trumps all the time.

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THERE WAS NO COVER UP – BRANDIX »SEE PAGE 5 Sunday,business November 1, 2020 Govt. to miss easy tax target z Only half of target achieved by Q3 end z Rs. 613 b was the lowest target since 2016

BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR Guruge added that next year’s target to provide immediate relief, particularly would be decided following the presentation for small and medium-sized businesses Barring a miraculous late surge, the Government will fall well short of of Budget 2021. in all sectors of the economy. even its reduced tax revenue target for 2020, with only about half of The reduction of the 2020 target was Furthermore, the telecommunication levy the revised target met by the end of the third quarter of 2020. due to the various tax relief measures (TL) was reduced by 25%, while the income provided by the new Government soon tax levied from the construction industry Inland Revenue Department (IRD) the annual tax revenue targets, the after they were elected to power in the was reduced by 14% from 28% earlier Commissioner General Nadun Guruge Government set a target of Rs. 613 billion November 2019 Presidential Election. from the year of assessment, 2019/2020. told The Sunday Morning Business last for 2020, which is less than the tax revenue The most notable one amongst these The debt repayment levy (DRL), which week that while the target set for the year of Rs. 641 billion raised in 2016. was the reduction of the value-added tax was impacting banks’ and financial was Rs. 613 billion, by 30 September, only The IRD recorded revenue of Rs. 836 (VAT) from 15% to 8% with effect from institutions’ profit, was removed about Rs. 327 billion was raised compared billion in 2017, while in 2018, it managed 1 December 2019. In addition to this, while the withholding tax (WHT) to Rs. 597 billion raised in the first three to collect over Rs. 900 billion. According the nation building tax (NBT) of 2.2% on interest income was also removed quarters of 2019. to reports, the targets given for the years was also removed with effect from 1 for those with a monthly interest “It is very difficult to achieve the target 2017 and 2018 were Rs. 651 billion and December 2019, including for financial income of less than set for this year, especially with the local Rs. 792 billion, respectively. In 2019, the service businesses. Rs. 250,000. IT and Inland Revenue outbreak of the pandemic. People have revenue target given to the IRD was Rs. 799 The threshold for registration of VAT enabling services Department Commissioner delayed their tax payments while some billion. The IRD had managed to get close purposes was increased from Rs. 12 million were made free of General are paying in instalments,” Guruge added. to the target by achieving Rs. 785 billion per annum to Rs. 300 million per annum all taxes. Nadun Guruge Bucking the trend of gradually increasing last year, but fell short by Rs. 14 billion. with effect from 1 January 2020 in order Contd. on page 2 Retailers foresee less Fish exports down pain this time over 20% in 2020 IMF only z Sri Lanka’s fish export revenue in the BY UWIN LUGODA Lobsters affected first three quarters of this year dropped significantly by about 22.5% compared to the same Local retailers are optimistic that the current period last year, amidst decreased outbreak of Covid-19 will have less of a negative z Import value demand from European countries due impact on the retail sector than the previous remains unchanged to the prevailing pandemic. after Budget seven-week lockdown, according to the Sri According to the Ministry of Lanka Retailers’ Association (SLRA). Fisheries, export earnings recorded z Budget 2021 required z If they give, we will take: Speaking to The Sunday Morning from fish and fishery product exports Business, SLRA Founder Chairman Hussain in the first three quarters of 2020 was for discussions Treasury Secretary Sadique stated that this time around, the Rs. 31.22 billion compared to Rs. 40.31 Government is better equipped to handle the billion last year. outbreak, and since there is no community The drop was witnessed across all fish spread, retailers expect to come out of it in and fishery products apart from chank around two weeks. and shells. Live fish export revenue "We think that two weeks is enough time for during this period was recorded at Rs. the Government to ensure public safety. Since 1.8 billion while prawns exports recorded there is no community spread, the Government Rs. 2.1 billion; lobsters, Rs. 216 million; will do PCR tests to find the positive cases crabs, Rs. 2.24 billion; shark fins, Rs. and then isolate them. Therefore, this will 262 million; fish maws, Rs. 28.4 million; not be as bad as the last one or take as long and food fish, Rs. 20.7 billion. to come out of." Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2

BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR that the proposed Central Bank Act has been No extension of abandoned by the Government. Further, the tax Discussions pertaining to Sri Lanka’s request revenue target also had to be shrunken due to from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) significant tax concessions announced by the for a Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI) are at Government, last November. a standstill until Budget 2021 is approved in In August this year, Central Bank of Sri Lanka tourism moratorium Parliament, according to the Treasury Secretary. (CBSL) Governor Prof. W.D. Lakshman told z Treasury Secretary S.R. Attygalle told The The Sunday Morning Business that Sri Lanka Unaffordable for banks z Plans to realign struggling Sunday Morning Business that any credit line will obtain emergency financial support under and Government discussion has to be based on documentation and the RFI of the IMF only if the support would tourism businesses in this case, it is the Budget 2021 upon which be provided with no conditionality. BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR and interest falling due during 1 October discussions on the RFI has to be built. “We do not want to go for the conditionality 2020 to 31 March 2021, except for Equal “They have to have something concrete such of the IMF. We were told this arrangement is The Government has no plans at the Monthly Instalment (EMI) loans for which as policy documents to decide,” Attygalle added. without any conditions. If that is the case, when moment to extend the moratoriums the interest rate for the moratorium period The Budget 2021 is set to be presented to the the opportunity comes, we will renegotiate it. provided to the tourism industry of Sri is capped at 7% per annum. Parliament on 17 November this year. In early It has to be negotiated on our conditions,” the Lanka despite exacerbated financial After identifying the first local case October, the Cabinet of Ministers approved CBSL Governor said. struggles of the industry following the of Covid-19 on 10 March and the the Appropriation Bill in which the current State Minister of Money and Capital Market new wave of Covid-19. subsequent closure of the Bandaranaike expenditure has been outlined as Rs. 2.69 trillion and State Enterprise Reforms Ajith Nivard Minister of Tourism Prasanna International Airport (BIA), tourism was while the capital expenditure has been outlined Cabraal too made similar statements in a number Ranatunga told The Sunday Morning effectively shut down. as Rs. 2.21 billion. of recent media conferences. Business that extending the existing The BIA was initially scheduled to When asked how urgent the RFI facility is Meanwhile, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) moratoriums or providing new reopen on 1 August this year and this given that a significant number of economically General Secretary Tilvin Silva in a recent press moratoriums to the tourism industry was moved to mid-August following important cities are either isolated or under conference stated that Sri Lanka has requested a was not feasible. a surge in local Covid-19 cases. The curfew due to the second local outbreak of loan of $ 1 billion from India and it has offered “The Government and the banks cannot date was once again pushed back to Covid-19, Attygalle responded, stating: “We to provide a guarantee of $ 1 billion through afford to extend the moratoriums further. September after identifying several will go for the financing facility if they are the IMF. We cannot keep extending moratoriums Covid-19 clusters within the country. willing to give us.” Nevertheless, the Sri Lankan Government or providing new ones. We are also not in The Government is yet to announce a Sri Lanka submitted the request to the IMF reached out to China for a $ 500 million credit a position to permit domestic tourism as date for when the airport will open to for emergency financial support under the RFI line, which is expected to be signed shortly. The we identified two clusters at two recently international travellers. in April this year. In mid-April, IMF Acting statements of Cabraal and Prof. Lakshman and held weddings,’’ Ranatunga added. Nevertheless, following the lifting of Mission Chief for Sri Lanka Masahiro Nozaki the Government’s move to obtain another loan As extending financial relief to the the lockdown in May, hotels and tourist confirmed to The Sunday Morning Business that from China faced backlash on social media industry is not possible, if the prevailing establishments were getting business from this request was being reviewed. Nozaki added including from former Minister of Finance disruptions to the tourism industry local travellers. Even though the revenue that the RFI, if approved, could potentially Mangala Samaraweera. persist, the Ministry plans to direct the from local travellers is far lower than that replace the existing $ 1.5 billion Extended “IMF straitjacket vs. Chinese debt trap? tourism businesses to engage in other of international tourists, local tourism was Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement of Sri Lanka If Sri Lanka is to avert an unprecedented alternative sources of income. a welcome relief for the owners of these with the IMF, from which Sri Lanka has so far economic breakdown, the Government must Days before the detection of the Minister of Tourism Prasanna Ranatunga hotels to keep their businesses up and received $ 1.3 billion. start negotiating with the IMF immediately. second wave of Covid-19 in Sri Lanka, running with a glimmer of hope. Nevertheless, Sri Lanka had not seen Imposing strict fiscal and monetary discipline the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) businesses and individuals in the tourism Shattering these hopes, on 4 October, implementing key requirements laid by the IMF is the need of the hour,” Samaraweera tweeted extended the moratoriums which were sector for a further period of six months Sri Lanka detected the first patient of what in the recent years. For example, approval of the on 14 October. provided to the tourism sector of the commencing from 1 October 2020 to would later grow into its largest Covid- new Central Bank law in line with international According to Verité Research, an independent country initially for a period of one year, 31 March 2021. The CBSL directed the 19 cluster that keeps expanding even practices and increasing the tax revenue of the think tank in Colombo, loans from China have following the Easter Sunday tragedy. banks to amalgamate the capital and up to date, and the resultant quarantine country are two of the many requirements of high interest rates and very short maturity periods The CBSL requested banks to provide interest falling due during 1 April 2020 curfews have been another body blow the IMF. In August, we exclusively reported as opposed to credit facilities from the IMF. a debt moratorium to Covid-19-affected to 30 September 2020 with the capital to the domestic tourism industry. 2 the sunday morning business NEWS Sunday, November 1, 2020 Making Budget 2021 credible

BY UWIN LUGODA The first reading of Budget 2021 is Verité highlights lessons from Budget 2019 just over two weeks away. Last week, Verité Research, an independent think tank in Sri Lanka which provides strategic analysis for Asia, released their findings on the credibility of the 2019 budget, with the aim of helping Budget 2021 focus on areas of improvement. A country’s budget credibility describes the ability of governments to accurately and consistently meet their expenditure and revenue targets. However, at its core, it is about upholding government commitments and their openness in helping the public understand why they may deviate from these commitments. The findings were released by Verite via BudgetPromises.Org, an online platform that seeks to answer two questions about Sri Lanka’s budget: (i) Is the Government doing what it is saying? and (ii) is the Government saying what it is doing? During a webinar held on 27 October, Verité Research Assistant Analyst Lahiri Jayasinghe presented these findings and also pointed out potential suggestions for the upcoming 2021 budget to implement in order to be more credible. The 2021 budget will be the first budget for the new Government, and according to the presentation, it is set to focus on improving the public sector and running an efficient an openness ranking index which ranks implemented. These include useful proposals Mismanagement of the budget Lack of openness country free from corruption. Therefore, the government institutions on their openness such as amendments to labour laws to allow In the presentation, Jayasinghe pointed Finally, in her presentation, Jayasinghe budget will be one of the key documents based on their quality of information and ease part-time, flexible hours, and working out that in 2019, the openness of proposals stated that currently there is a lack of that will set out what the policy changes and of access. from home, etc., and allowing a deduction was hindered by the frequent changes openness when it comes to information proposals the Government is bringing in to on corporate tax worth 50% of the salary to ministerial portfolios. The budget disclosure, and showcased that there was no fulfil this vision are. Failing to deliver on promises to cover the cost of the mandatory three monitoring process revealed that the public visibility on one-third of the proposals Looking at the 2019 budget, Verité had There is a divergence in what is said in months’ maternity leave granted to mothers fragmentation of ministries had resulted in they tracked. tracked the new expenditure proposals that the budget speech and what is implemented, and others. These are measures that would a breakdown of the lines of responsibility. “In 2019, no information was available on had an allocation of Rs. 500 million, which in both expenditure proposals and policy facilitate more women becoming active Even those who were tasked with oversight the implementation of 32% of proposals. This accounted for 37 budget promises from proposals. BudgetPromises.Org analysed past participants in our economy. of the budget were not able to provide is a significant deterioration of the problem of 16 government institutions, with the total budgets and found that many expenditure In order to fix this, the presentation clarity on the agencies responsible for missing information from the previous years, allocation for these proposals being around proposals have their allocations reduced every suggested that there needs to be well- implementing specific budget proposals. where in 2017 only 11% and in 2018 only Rs. 100 billion. year. formulated proposals backed by One such example was the budget 13% of the proposals fell into this category of In the context of the question of “is the In her presentation, Jayasinghe stated that documentation which gives the evaluation proposal which was in paragraph 137 no information.” Government doing what it is saying?”, the this issue of downward revision was seen in and selection criteria for each of these of the budget speech, which had to do Updated information on the annual progress research organisation tracked these 37 budget the 2019 budget due to the external shocks proposals. This creates better ownership with the township development work in was found online for only two of the 37 proposals using a progress tracker, where they from the Covid-19 pandemic, where a lot even on the part of the Ministry of Finance. Kalmunai, Valaichchenai, Talaimannar, and proposals tracked by the platform. However, categorised the proposals according to the of proposals had their allocations revised Also, in these instances of allocations being Samanthurai with an allocation of Rs. 1 Jayasinghe stated that responsiveness to level of progress they have made in a year. downwards. Some of these proposals revised downwards, there will be more billion, with no specific ministries assigned requests under the Right to Information (RTI) These categories include undisclosed, broken, include the “Sahasara” bus modernisation accountability of exactly what is going to to be responsible or its implementation. Act has remained steady at 41%. poor, partial, substantial, and fulfilled. programme, export market access have their allocation revised downwards, Jayasinghe stated that this was unique to the To fix this, she stated that there needs When it comes to the question of “is the programme, and national export strategy and what was the thinking behind it, and why 2019 budget. to be online disclosure, which is increased Government saying what it is doing?”, the restoration of water quality of Beira Lake. was this included in the budget in the first In order to improve accountability in disclosure on the progress of proposals online organisation tracks this with their openness “This is something we have seen place. the implementation of these proposals, she on government websites and timely disclosure tracker, which categorises the proposals into throughout the years in the budgets, where Another suggestion the organisation suggested that there needs to be limited which is critical in ensuring the information is closed, restricted, uncooperative, responsive, the budget proposal states that this much presented was to have better oversight fragmentation of ministerial portfolios. relevant. and open, based on how easily accessible they money is going into implementation, but what by the Parliament, as it is important She went on to state that even if there is “A credible budget is a budget the public are to the public. actually goes in is much less than what is in to highlight this issue of budget a splitting and combining of ministerial can trust, where whatever that is contained Furthermore, the platform added two the proposal.” implementation. One way of improving portfolios, there needs to be a way a line of in it is expected to be implemented. And if it additional elements, one which tracked policy This can even be seen in policy proposals this is to have oversight through either the accountability is maintained. is not going to be implemented, we should proposals which did not require expenditure which do not need expenditure, where the Parliamentary Committee on Finance or Moreover, Jayasinghe emphasised the know that there are reasonable justifications allocations but required a legislative presentation showcased that 41% of the have an independent institution such as a importance of having better oversight by – that the government will disclose as to why enactment or regulatory notification, and policy proposals they tracked were not parliamentary budget office. Parliament. they were not implemented.” Creative Software remotely onboards Contd. from page 1

Scandinavian tech company retail activity was seen mainly in the Scandinavian technology Govt. to... groceries and pharmaceutical areas, but this Fish exports... company 2c8 (www.2c8. The Government said the reason for the time, they are expecting performance across The biggest drop was seen in lobsters com), developed a state- abundant tax concessions was to stimulate all sectors of the retail industry. exports with a year-over-year (YoY) decline of-the-art digital modelling consumer spending and economic growth. Furthermore, Sadique explained that of 68.4% while fish maws recorded a YoY tool, 2c8Apps, which helps Following the announcement of these Sri Lanka is not in a sufficient financially drop of 50.6%. organisations visualise tax concessions in November, Moody’s stable position to afford another lockdown. Nevertheless, the import value of fish everyday workflows and Investors Service stated that these tax Nevertheless, if another lockdown does and fishery products remains unchanged business activities. This tool concessions are “credit negative”, implying become necessary, the country should not in the first three quarters of this year, is used by small and large- that it would lead to a downgrading of the hesitate to comply, as safety should be our compared to the same period last year, at scale organisations alike, country’s present rating of B1/Stable, unless primary concern. Rs. 28.84 billion. Speaking on the drop to improve their business it is managed properly. In October this year, “The Government is prepared in terms of in exports, State Minister of Ornamental operations. Moody’s downgraded Sri Lanka’s ratings healthcare and safety measures as they were Fish, Freshwater Fish and Shrimp Farming 2c8 recently partnered Creative Software remotely onboards Scandinavian tech company to “Caa”. Fitch Ratings also warned that the expecting another wave. So hopefully, this Development, Multiday Fishing and and with Creative Software passionate and technically exceptionally well amidst stimulus package would derail the budget cluster too will be controlled.” Fish Export Kanchana Wijesekera told The to establish a dedicated savvy engineers at Creative challenging times. Along disciplining exercise started by the previous A report compiled by First Capital Sunday Morning Business that in addition research and development Software, who have been with our colleagues in Government and revised Sri Lanka’s outlook Research during the first lockdown stated to the reduced demand from the European team in Sri Lanka to meet invaluable for our product’s Sweden, we are thrilled to “Negative”. that the retail industry was highly impacted market, limited air cargo flights due to the increasing demand for its growth since the inception to be a part of developing Releasing a statement to the media as it deals mostly with nonessentials. pandemic has been the main reason for the product. Despite Covid-19 of the partnership. They a world-class product on 19 December following the Fitch “The retail sector is exposed because it is drop. travel restrictions, Creative have delivered beyond our to enable international rating, the Ministry of Finance noted that struck by a double whammy due to social “There was a drop in air cargo flights. Software seamlessly rose to expectations and contributed organisations achieve their Fitch’s analysis is lacking the impact of distancing requirements coupled with the However, our exports are unhindered even the challenge of onboarding with good suggestions for business objectives via offsetting measures that the Government is Government deciding to suspend/limit amidst the prevailing situation. Importers a new client remotely, adding value to our product. accurate process planning undertaking to meet any revenue loss, and importation of nonessential items,” the report are already purchasing from us. We have facilitating necessary We are looking forward and modelling.” lacking due recognition of the favourable added. It further noted that wholesale and been completing orders. The season has just Work From Home (WFH) to continue working with Creative Software has an macroeconomic impact that tax concessions retail trade will face significant challenges begun,” Wijesekera added. infrastructure to pave Creative Software and ever-growing talent base would deliver over the medium term. due to import restrictions, worsening Wijesekera is optimistic of completing the way for continuous visiting the beautiful island of over 700 professionals exchange rate, and declines in real income. the export orders, despite uncertainty in the communication to bridge the nation in the near future.” employed, and under its Retailers foresee... Currently, the Government has imposed local fish sector following the detection of gap of physically meeting Creative Software management. With over However, Sadique explained that there will quarantine curfew in several regions the Peliyagoda Fish Market Covid-19 cluster with the client. Director – Software two decades of experience be an impact to retailers selling nonessential including the Gampaha District, the Western and phobia around contaminating the fish When asked about the Engineering Damitha building high-performing products, since the Government and people Province, and areas in Kalutara. The most with the virus. reason for the selection Liyanage said: “Engaging dedicated teams in Sri will be prioritising safety over nonessentials. recent quarantine curfew imposition, in the According to the Export Development of Creative Software as 2c8 during Covid-19 meant Lanka, the team has gained Despite this, he stated they have had no Western Province, began at midnight on Board (EDB), there are 34 European Union their development partner, navigating new territory. The extensive experience discussions with the Government, as they Thursday (29), and is set to end tomorrow (EU)-certified fish processing plants in Sri 2c8 Project Manager and usual practice is for clients working for clients globally, have already been given flexibility to engage (2). Lanka. The main product categories are tuna, Product Owner Tove Kroon to visit Creative Software across various sectors in scaled-down manufacturing. However, according to Army Commander sword tail, marlin, prawns, crabs, lobsters, said: “Our mission is to and meet the team, or for including construction, The SLRA is the largest retail network Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva, all essential beech de mer, and other species. Sri Lanka’s build the easiest business our engineers to travel to logistics, manufacturing, in the country with membership of leading services and essential service employees main fish export markets are the US, France, modelling tool in the world. be on-site at client offices. retail, finance, companies from diverse sectors in the retail have permission to travel during the Hong Kong, the UK, Germany, China, the We haven’t had any prior Due to travel restrictions, healthcare, hospitality, industry. The SLRA was incorporated as quarantine curfew period, making this period United Arab Emirates (UAE), Indonesia, the experience with offshoring. onboarding 2c8 was done mobile workforce, a company limited by guarantee in 2016, more flexible than the last. This includes Netherlands, and Israel. According to reports, Nevertheless, partnering completely remotely. enterprise search, and operates under the aegis of the Ceylon flexibility offered to ride-hailing apps the global seafood market is expected to with Creative Software However, the results could telecommunications, Chamber of Commerce. such as PickMe, which has already begun lose steam due to Covid before recovering confirmed to us that we have not have been more perfect. customer resource Speaking to The Sunday Morning delivering essential items, groceries, and to reach a projected global market size of $ made the correct decision. Our team – a group of young management (CRM), Business during the first half of October, prepared food to households in areas under 138.7 billion by 2027. Today, we have a team of and talented engineers – did ecommerce, and elearning. Sadique stated that during the last lockdown, quarantine curfew. (MT) the sunday morning business 3 Sunday, November1, 2020 ECONOMY/GEOPOLITICS

the IMF. Sri Lanka often boasts By that we have honoured all our Dhananath debt commitments throughout our history. Unfortunately, this clean Fernando record is not due to our amazing financial management. We have With the visit of US Secretary run to the IMF 16 times so far for Sri Lanka needs bailout programmes whenever we of State Mike Pompeo, Sri Lanka’s national discourse have had a balance of payment shifted from the 20th crisis and faced the risk of default. Amendment to foreign In fact, for almost half of Sri Lanka’s post-independence history, relations. State Secretary Sri Lanka has been under an IMF Pompeo’s visit grabbed bailout programme. national attention for IMF even if it The Government has lately many reasons; one main maintained that they do not expect reason being economic and to seek IMF assistance and they are diplomatic tensions between confident of managing the situation the world’s two largest with the current financing strategies. economies, the US and China. However, I must highlight that we have to seek IMF assistance Sri Lanka has transitioned through fast, without waiting any further, different phases of foreign policy, doesn’t want it as we have a good story to sell on from the post-independence era Covid-19 containment, despite the to recent times. When the late latest outbreak. The other reason Lakshman Kadirgamar was the for urgency is that there is a long Minister of Foreign Affairs, his line of countries waiting to get IMF main challenge was to stop the assistance. The more we delay, the financing of the Liberation Tigers higher the intensity of the pain. of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), while communicating to the international It is not only about getting community the ground reality. money to roll over debt that With the tragic tsunami in 2004, matters. It has to be about the helping hand we received from financing through sources our international friends cannot be whom we could assure are forgotten. During the last stage of fiscally disciplined and the civil war, we had to again seek attempt to build investor assistance in terms of intelligence, confidence supplies, diplomatic support, and military hardware from our Interestingly, it was reported on neighbours and other economic The Sunday Morning under the powers. headline “IMF still considering RFI After the war, the next challenge request” that Sri Lanka had applied was facing allegations of human for the IMF’s Covid-centric Rapid rights violations at the United Financing Instrument (RFI) earlier Nations Human Rights Council this year but that the application (UNHRC) and at the same time is still under review. The article managing the development of our goes on to say that the IMF had economy, in a post-war context. received just over 100 requests Therefore, we had to work tirelessly from countries seeking RFI support to regain the Generalised Scheme of and as of mid-September, about Preferences Plus (GSP+) concession 76 requests had been approved, and to remove the fish export ban in meaning that Sri Lanka is among order to strengthen our economy. approximately 20 or 30 countries Unfortunately, after gaining contraction, not growth, which We have to seek IMF assistance sovereignty and territorial integrity. interest rates. Otherwise, we will that have not been granted RFI independence and secondly after means we will be deep in negative fast, without waiting any Things have changed, now that the be caught up in the vicious cycle support. If this is the case, it is the end of the war, Sri Lankan territory. This crisis, coupled with further, as we have a good members of the then ruling party of taking more loans to pay the likely that the Government is yet to rulers have failed to carry out the the global Covid-19 pandemic, has story to sell on Covid-19 who believed that the MCC was a interest at even higher interest rates agree to certain terms of the IMF necessary economic reforms to resulted in our foreign exchange containment, despite the worthy agreement to sign with no with a low growth trajectory. and therefore, the application is still make our economy competitive. earnings being badly hit. The latest outbreak. The other impact on our sovereignty, are now The question is, what could be the pending. We have made gigantic secondary bond market signals on reason for urgency is that opposing it. Similarly, members country or agency which ensures Ultimately, whether Sri Lanka investments in non-tradable goods yields and the rating downgrade there is a long line of countries who vociferously opposed the financial discipline and could has gone to the IMF and not been by borrowing huge sums of money by Moody’s has indicated that Sri waiting to get IMF assistance agreement when in the opposition, build the confidence of investors approved yet or Sri Lanka is not at high interest rates on shorter Lanka’s finances are in a bad state. are now turning a blind eye to it, worldwide? The only player in interested in an IMF programme, maturity in foreign currency, and The foreign policy of a country Jiechi, it was reported in the media while the Government provides town that could do that is the Sri Lanka needs an IMF programme lived beyond our means. The is often connected to the country’s that we signed a credit facility general statements rather than a International Monetary Fund (IMF). now to ensure fiscal discipline and investments we have made were economy and trade. Most of the agreement of $ 500 million and specific policy stance, such as “we When a country is on an IMF regain investor confidence. Going not properly evaluated and have time, a policy stance has to be in July, the Reserve Bank of India will not sign any agreement that programme, that respective country to the IMF often is not the solution, hardly generated adequate revenue arrived at by considering the (RBI) signed a currency swap affects territorial integrity”. has to jointly agree to a programme but it is probably the best option left to settle the loans we have taken. context of challenges of a country. facility of $ 400 million with the On our debt servicing on bringing the necessary structural for us to overcome the situation. About 42% of the foreign debt Today, the importance of a good Central Bank of Sri Lanka. obligations, we have to pay about reforms to secure the funding. So Only time will tell how good or bad portfolio is International Sovereign foreign policy has come to play On the other hand, there is a $ $ 4 billion every year for the next the respective government has a the strategies implemented are. My Bonds (ISBs) and our public again, especially in the context of 480 million Millennium Challenge three to four years just to roll over strings-attached relationship and only hope is that whatever strategy finance management has been servicing our debt. All the swap Corporation (MCC) grant with our debt. In this context, it is not pressure to perform well. that gets implemented persists for extremely poor. As a result, we are agreements and bilateral support zero interest – free money which only about getting money to roll However, we have to understand several years, at least. in a position today where 47% of are based on our relationship with is still hanging around the corner, over debt that matters. It has to be that securing an IMF programme (The writer is the Chief our revenue has to be paid just to our neighbours. However, the main and yet, the Government hasn’t about financing through sources is not a thing to be proud of and Operating Officer of Advocata cover the interest of the loans we questions remain: How do we get communicated their stance to the whom we could assure are fiscally it’s a signal that we have managed Institute. He can be contacted have taken. the assistance and from whom are donor agencies on whether we are disciplined and attempt to build our finances very badly. It’s via [email protected]. In contrast to this, our overall we going to get it? going to take it or not. There were investor confidence – this is what just a bailout programme. Our The opinions expressed are the average post-independence On the one hand, during the visit very sensitive political debates matters. Only then will markets policy-makers have to conduct author’s own views. They may not economic growth is about 4.2%, by a high-level Chinese delegation during the last presidential election, take Sri Lanka seriously and we economic reforms in such a way necessarily reflect the views of and it was just 2.3% in 2019. led by Chinese Communist Party mainly on the land component of will be able to invest in foreign that our economy can perform well, the Advocata Institute or anyone This year, it will be an economic Political Bureau Member Yang the MCC agreement on the basis of currency at somewhat lower without seeking any help from affiliated with the institute) Sri Lanka will not fall for imperialist propaganda BY ANANDA GOONATILLEKE Rajapaksa’s claim which said that China had assisted in the development of Sri On behalf of the Sri Lanka-China Lanka’s infrastructure since the end of the Friendship Association (SLCFA), I praise separatist war in May 2009 and that Sri the Government for emphasising to US Lanka had not been caught in a debt trap as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that Sri a result. Lanka will remain true to its non-aligned The SLCFA has always insisted that foreign policy principals and that it would Sri Lanka is a non-aligned country, must never take any action that undermines stay true to its non-aligned foreign policy Sri Lanka’s sovereignty. The SLCFA also which had served it so well in the past, thanks all patriotic and progressive forces must not to be a “strategic partner” of any that convinced the Government, if there other country, and must resist attempts was any doubt, that most Sri Lankans were by imperialist and expansionist nations opposed to American imperialism and to bring us into their sphere of influence. bullying tactics. Sri Lankan people of various political In the last few weeks, the US persuasions came together in recent weeks and its allies had been engaged in a to demonstrate that this is how most Sri massive campaign of misinformation Lankans feel. and disinformation about Sri Lanka’s The SLCFA is conscious of the unholy relationship with China. Despite the fact alliance of the US, India, and two other that Chinese loans to Sri Lanka being less countries under the guise of safeguarding than 10% of our overall debt burden and the ocean around our country. Though the fact that these loans, overwhelmingly, South Asian neighbouring nations are are concessionary loans with an interest constantly faced with our own regional rate of around 2%, Pompeo and other US oceanic issues, we must resist interference officials have tried to portray that China of various distant powers that try to fish has Sri Lanka in a “debt trap”. in troubled Indian Ocean waters, not only The desperation of the US officials, Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena told a joint press conference, in the presence of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, that Sri Lanka will remain non- to rob our fish and other oceanic values, who see that their military and economic aligned in its foreign relations. PHOTO LALITH PERERA but also to intrude into our geopolitical strength dwindling and their country in August, where he hinted that the US could people of Sri Lanka to have sovereignty in the presence of Pompeo, that Sri existence. chaos due to systematic racism against its again exert pressure on Sri Lanka at the and independence”. Lanka will remain non-aligned in its (Ananda Goonatilleke is the President minorities, can be seen by US Defense United Nations Human Rights Council In response to these baseless allegations foreign relations. However, the most clear of Sri Lanka-China Friendship Secretary Mark Esper’s veiled threat to (UNHRC). It’s laughable that in the same and threats, Foreign Minister Dinesh indication of the Government not buying Association [SLCFA] and an Attorney-at- President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on 30 breath Pompeo said that they want “the Gunawardena told a joint press conference, into imperialist propaganda was President Law by profession) 4 the sunday morning business EDITORIAL/VISION Sunday, November 1, 2020 Saving lives and the economy The worst fears of Colombo protecting both public health have the choice of distancing in this instance. Erring on the The robust, go hard-go early dwellers have materialised; and economic health. Having and working from home. Only a side of caution is the healthier approaches that Sri Lanka adopted together with the rest of gone through two months of a very small fraction of our labour alternative. in March have worked well in the Western Province, it is lockdown earlier in the year, force holds jobs that can be done Now that we are faced with most of Asia and the Pacific. But under quarantine curfew for policymakers would know remotely; how well one works this new outbreak, it’s natural the poorer countries cannot afford what everyone hopes will well how hard-hit we will be in from home also depends on a that everyone once again has an the economic fallout of another only be the long weekend. whichever scenario – a raging number of other factors including opinion on how Covid can best be harsh lockdown. The Government has outbreak that stresses our access to devices, data, and the managed. Given that no country In the final equation, the healthcare system or our economy right technology. Businesses that is alone in battling this pandemic, Government must take the blame been treating “community THE spread” as dirty words and grinding to a halt. can function through remote work there is a surfeit of information, and responsibility for the current The shaming of those testing must make the switch so that speculation, and opinion out crisis, as they so willingly took denying it despite much positive, the intimidation of HEADLIGHT those who can’t can continue to there. Within our echo chambers, the credit and the plaudits for the evidence to the contrary. random fever checks being participate in the economy. our views are often deeply commendable performance in the However, whether there is carried out by gun-toting on the wheels of the informal Only a handful of companies polarised and shut out a balanced middle of the year. We saw that community spread of Covid- soldiers, and scare mongering economy continuing to turn. have made a full transfer to perspective. success has many fathers, but this 19 now seems a matter of do little to calm people down or The self-employed, daily wage working online; the rest, for Ultimately, this is in the hands failure must not be allowed to semantics and WHO (World create real awareness. Instead, earners faced the worst possible whatever motive, insists that at of those who govern us, who must remain an orphan. Health Organisation) well-constructed messages that disruption to their lives during the least part of its staff continues work with health professionals However, as citizens, we must definitions, and finding the resonate well with the common earlier lockdown. They cannot to gather at a physical office. and policy experts to walk this keep faith in our leadership and origin of this current wave man are the strongest tool in afford one of the same proportion Such decisions must be weighed tightrope. There are plenty of trust in our systems, hoping now serves merely as a creating community engagement again. Neither can our economy against the potential impact of an lessons to learn from around the they make the right decisions distraction. and a sense of objectivity in the which does not have the wealth to outbreak; you are, after all, only world – of what to do and what by us as well as the economy. battle at hand. bail them out or subsidise widely as safe as your weakest link. It not to do. Even as we endure We must also play our part with The priority now must be Those baying for a lockdown to support them. is incumbent upon businesses to this new wave, Europe is facing responsibility, selflessness, and limiting the size of the current show little grasp of the lived Part of the responsibility of facilitate personal responsibility renewed lockdowns while compassion. The end goal, after outbreak and managing the reality of the majority of Sri helping those who need it the among those in their employment. Australia is only now beginning all, is for Sri Lanka to remain complex task of simultaneously Lanka, whose livelihoods depend most lies with those of us who Businesses must choose prudence to partially relax restrictions. healthy and economically stable.

By Bhathiya Bulumulla How smart plantations may In recent times, a great deal of ink has been spilled over the sport of identifying problems in Sri Lanka’s plantations sector, assigning blame. This is an approach which does little to solve the real underlying challenges that have held our industry and help solve the wage issue our nation back for far too long. The root cause of this failure is actually difference between the smallholder sector quite simple: We keep looking at past and model and those proposed by RPCs, is present day bottlenecks instead of planning that we will pay more per kilogramme for the future. As the newly appointed than smallholders, while ensuring that Chairman of the Planters’ Association of Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and Ceylon (PA), my goal is to fix this long- gratuity payments are also completed, and standing issue. providing housing, healthcare, and other In that spirit, let us set aside for a essential assistance – all benefits which are moment the seemingly intractable not provided to smallholders, who account challenges we face today, and instead try for over 70% of all tea produced in Sri to imagine what it could look like 10 years Lanka. from now if we actually get our policies right today. Opposition for its own sake Earnings that are linked to performance A typical day on a smart is the only model that has been proven plantation in 2030 to work in tea and any other comparable At sunrise, a worker prepares himself industry. This is true across the globe for another day in the fields. He checks and true in the smallholder sector in this his phone for an update on which estates very country, just as it is true in almost require work. It’s a time of high cropping every other sector in the economy from so his skills are in high demand. After apparel to hospitality, insurance, and sales. checking on which fields are likely to give Rooftop solar power system at Elpitiya Plantation Tea Factory Why then can we not agree that we link him the highest yield, he chooses a block sensors embedded in their collection bags. of harvesting machines, solar and mini to ignore the problems at hand and refuse RPCs’ plantation worker earnings to their that is not too far from home and drives to Everything they collect after this is a hydro projects, and even the extremely to entertain the possibility of radical performance and in the process create a the estate on his motorbike. As he drives bonus. As he is verifying their harvest, he lucrative diversifications into areas such change, collapse and economic ruin is the pathway for workers to earn more? through the gates, his ID tag registers him gets a notification telling him that some of as berry cultivation, horticulture, and only possible outcome. But this future is Here too the truth has been muddied as he enters the estate and the field he has the estate’s other crops in a berry project, floriculture – are not some distant dream not set in stone and we believe that the and mangled in contradictory statements been assigned to. another horticulture farm, a floriculture a decade into the future, but something challenges we face today could be the by certain stakeholders that seek to The block that he picks has been farm, etc. are also in need of harvesting. that is already happening on certain RPCs’ painful but necessary first steps towards assign blame solely onto RPCs. One designated as a two-man harvesting job. This is a lucrative opportunity, so he estates right now. true, sustainable growth. need only compare positions taken by As he waits a moment to link up with his eagerly accepts the job and heads over to Instead of getting locked into a totally At the root of these challenges is the trade unions in the previous amendments partner harvester, he waves at a group of the greenhouses after his lunch break. unsustainable present day, it should now ancient and extremely outdated daily wage to the Collective Agreement (CA) and his friends who are part of the pruning A few hours of harvesting later, he calls be the utmost priority of all RPCs, the model. This is not a matter that requires statements now being made to see these team that have already finished up tasks it a day and drives over to the factory to Government, trade unions, and every any further debate. It is a well settled contradictions laid bare. in this estate and are moving their pruning meet with his girlfriend who is almost single stakeholder in our industry to work fact. Sri Lankan RPCs’ plantations have In 2016, the CA was amended machines back into their small truck done with her job of overseeing the estate’s in collaboration to support and encourage the lowest productivity in the world, and to include productivity links and it which has been provided by the Regional hydro and solar power mix. As they both these developments to now be shared that is because productivity is simply not was trade unions that had expressly Plantation Companies (RPCs), as they head into the city to grab a meal and wind across the entire sector, in order to enable incentivised. demanded their removal from the last CA move on to their next job for the day. down, he gets another notification that his each RPC to maximise profits and pursue Those who seek to argue with this iron- of 2018. This fact was expressly stated in payment for the day’s work has been wired opportunities which suit their individual clad fact need only look at the highly the amendment itself. Today, the tune has If we continue to ignore the to his account. He sets some aside for his strengths. successful tea smallholder model which changed again and it is now trade unions problems at hand and refuse to savings towards improving his home and Only by expanding these pioneering pays employees a flat rate of Rs. 30 per that are demanding that attendance and entertain the possibility of radical buying a small car, and heads home for a innovations across the entire industry kilogramme of tea harvested from much productivity incentives be included, change, collapse and economic ruin well-earned night’s rest. can we secure a truly sustainable future smaller fields. In such cases, harvesters despite opposing it after 2016, and is the only possible outcome that benefits our employees and their consistently secure yields well in excess successfully removing it in 2018. Drones are buzzing around the estates, A dream that is well within reach communities, while simultaneously of 30 kilogrammes, translating to a daily Throughout, it is RPCs that are being spraying pesticides and weedicides a few Especially for our most vociferous contributing to the development of the earning in excess of Rs. 1,000 right now. targeted and slandered as being “unable fields down the road, while the field that critics, all of what has just been described national economy, and setting global Each rupee earned is determined by the to pay” a flat basic wage of Rs. 1,000 and he is about to enter is being mapped for may sound like a flight of fancy, but the benchmarks in human development and amount of tea harvested. therefore, being responsible for low worker its soil composition in order for the RPCs’ truth is that all of what has been described technologically augmented agriculture. Sri Lankan RPCs’ plantations have earnings. This, despite our industry having systems to determine what nutrients are is not just possible; all of it – from Near In this journey, it would be foolhardy the lowest productivity in the world, consistently advocated for productivity- specifically required to make his block Field Communication (NFC) ID cards to disregard the role of RPCs, whose and that is because productivity is linked earnings that can open a pathway yield even more harvest. that are linked to a worker’s performance management and expertise have been simply not incentivised. Those who to earnings well in excess of this demand After his partner arrives, they collect via Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) essential in securing all of the progress seek to argue with this iron-clad for more than a decade. Given that the their two-man sheering machine and start systems to soil mapping using drones, we have achieved up to now. Instead, our fact need only look at the highly models we are proposing can boost worker harvesting. Within a few hours, they have independent teams of workers and machine contributions ought to be recognised and successful tea smallholder model earnings potential well in excess of Rs. hit their norm according to the weight operators carrying out field work, the use celebrated. Of course there are those who which pays employees a flat rate 1,000, it is inaccurate and totally unfair to have not yet lived up to their full potential; of Rs. 30 per kilogramme of tea accuse RPCs of opposing the Rs. 1,000 this is true of some RPCs just as it is true harvested from much smaller fields campaign. Not only do we not oppose it, of those in their workforce and the entire we are confident we can do better. nation. In such instances, discussions Naysayers would claim that ownership Our approach will enable workers to must now take place as to what corrective of the land is the difference here, but earn “more” than Rs. 1,000 – which is an measures would help others in the industry even that is not true because in many objectively stronger offer than a flat basic reach a sustainable trajectory. instances smallholder plots are owned by wage of Rs. 1,000. The harvesters and one individual who contracts a family to workers who perform want this and it is True sustainability requires a live and work on the land and tend to its what has been effective in the smallholder new earnings model harvest. sector – which means it is a system proven To the extent that we cannot seem to Therefore, any stakeholder that wishes beyond any reasonable doubt to work for reach consensus, the blame falls not on a to advocate for a path of earning more than almost two-thirds of all tea production in single party – neither the RPCs, various Rs. 1,000 per day, need only look at the Sri Lanka. We are simply asking that it other producers, the workers and trade smallholder model. Crucially, this model, be applied evenly to the remainder. Why unions, or the Government – but rather on which all agree works, given the success would anyone oppose this? a structure of poorly conceived incentives of the smallholder sector as a whole, pays (The writer is the Chairman of the established and rigidly enforced for over less per kilogramme than productivity- Planters’ Association of Ceylon and is 150 years. linked proposals that have been advanced the Director/CEO of Elpitiya Plantations Employees at the workshop to introduce ERP systems Some view this increasing dysfunction by RPCs. PLC, with 33 years of experience in the as the precursor to collapse. If we continue To reiterate, the only meaningful plantation sector) the sunday morning business 5 Sunday, November 1, 2020 APPAREL

BY CHARINDRA CHANDRASENA regret that this outbreak took place at our factory and the implications It has been exactly four on the society as a result. weeks since the detection of the first patient in what What are the new safety practices is now referred to as the implemented in Brandix factories Minuwangoda clusteron and offices? 4th October, and there has Health and safety has always been no shortage of drama There was been a top priority for us since the and finger pointing during very beginning, and we have in this period. In the eye of the place health and safety protocols based on the regulatory authorities storm has been apparel giant of Sri Lanka including the protocol Brandix Lanka Ltd., as the for the prevention and control of first patient was one of its Covid-19 across all our facilities. employees. In the company’s We constantly evaluate our first interview after the crisis no cover up processes and practices and erupted, Brandix Group continuously work under the Finance Director Hasitha guidance of the BOI, Health Premaratne spoke exclusively Ministry, MOH officers, and to The Sunday Morning Business PHIs for efficacy. We are also on Thursday (29) about the currently working with the –Brandix impacted due to most employees regulatory authorities of Sri allegations levelled against z Independent still being in hospitals or quarantine Lanka to implement the new the company, its impact on centres. Furthermore, the factory recommendations to facilitate a Brandix and its employees, committee was sealed till 26 October by the sustainable operational model for and the source and causes of health authorities, hence the Labour the apparel industry in a Covid-19- the outbreak. The following investigating Committee has not been able to do a prevalent environment. Adoption of are excerpts of the interview. physical inspection yet. continuous random PCR testing at allegations all plants, the recommended hostel How has this new Covid-19 Has there been a cover up of the operating model for our associates, wave, which is believed to have z origin of this cluster by Brandix and the additional controls in the originated from Brandix, affected ‘Saddened’ to using political connections? recruitment process which includes your operations and output? We categorically deny these comprehensive screening and Whilst the source of the wave is see employees baseless allegations. PCR testing, are some of the new being determined by the relevant stigmatised We have proven with facts as to practices we are in the process of authorities, the affiliation to how the three flights that repatriated implementing. Brandix is that an associate of our Sri Lankan expats working in our Minuwangoda factory was India were in strict adherence to How much of an investment has unfortunately the first to be detected z 'Short-term government protocols. We have the company made for these new as Covid-19 positive. worked closely with all government safety practices? We have six factories in the reputational agencies and have assisted them in Over the last three years, we Gampaha District, across which we every possible way in this regard, have invested Rs. 685 million on had temporarily halted production damage' to including co-operating fully with health and safety initiatives to since 5 October 2020, due to company the investigations carried out by the ensure a safe work environment for curfew being implemented across Labour Ministry and the Police in a our employees and society. Since these areas following the detection We are also continuing to operate very transparent manner. the Covid outbreak in March 2020, of the first Covid-19 employee a quarantine centre provided by us As a leader in apparel with a we have invested a substantial at our factory in Minuwangoda. in Punani, Batticaloa during the Brandix Group Finance Director Hasitha Premaratne global workforce of over 60,000 amount for the provision of masks, Minuwangoda still remains Covid-19 outbreak earlier on in the people, of which 35,000 people purchasing of thermal cameras, closed, whilst we have gradually year. this regard. As mentioned before, March, the Sri Lankan Government are from Sri Lanka, we hold deep improving sanitisation activities, recommenced operations at the Along with this, a dedicated we are additionally conducting has repatriated over 45,000 Sri roots in the economy of this country etc. across our facilities. other five factories from mid- 24-hour call centre was set up to an independent investigation to Lankans from across the world through foreign revenue generation October, however at a reduced ensure constant connectivity with understand any lapses on our part in including India. Of this, only 341 to employment generation, as In the case of an employee testing capacity. our affected team members and following the standards mentioned Sri Lankans have been brought signified by us being declared positive for the virus, what Whilst it is clear that there is an their families in order to facilitate and will share these findings and down by Brandix, in accordance the “Exporter of the Year” by protocols have Brandix put in impact to our production as a result, all their needs and provide a take the necessary action in the with the stipulated regulations the Export Development Board place? our teams are working diligently to comfortable and safe stay at their event of violation. The emphasis and requirements of the relevant (EDB). We have continuously We have a comprehensive reschedule the impacted orders and assigned hospitals or quarantine at all our plants has been and will government authorities. engaged with our communities protocol in place to deal with ensure minimal disruption for our centres. Our team will continue to continue to be, strict adherence to We have nearly 500 people and our people to provide inspired such situations. In the event of a customers. We continue to remain work round the clock for a smooth the protocol. including employees and their solutions for significant societal clinically suspected case we; extremely grateful to our customers operation in the discharge of our families living in Visakhapatnam. needs, thus empowering sustainable 1.1. Immediately isolate the for their understanding and team members and close contacts Brandix has maintained that all There are children, senior citizens, development in the communities employee to a pre-identified extensive co-operation throughout from hospitals and quarantine employees who were flown in and individuals with medical we operate. Our company and our location. Consult the National this period as well. centres to ensure their safe return from India between June and conditions, i.e. heart conditions and people strive to live by our values Epidemiology Unit/Area home. September underwent PCR kidney failure. We also had many of respect, integrity, teamwork, and MOH or PHI and follow Has it caused any long-term Additionally, setting up a support testing, 14-day quarantine, as of our employees who had been excellence every day, and hence their instructions through the reputational damage to your network and continuing our efforts well as a 14-day self-quarantine working in Visakhapatnam for over would not engage in any activities corporate occupational health company? to ensure the mental wellbeing of process. In that case, is it possible six to nine months and had not been deemed a violation in this regard. and safety team. In the short term, there has been our employees, supporting children that the virus was contracted by able to return to Sri Lanka for the 1.2. Identify and compile a list of reputational damage caused to our affected by the outbreak to sit for an employee in India and went Sinhala and Tamil New Year in In hindsight, what could Brandix employees who have had close company by this incident. However, their exams and complete their undetected throughout this entire April. have done differently to avert this contact with the suspected we have been continuously in touch education, and providing aftercare health protocol? With the Covid spread in India crisis altogether? case and inform the National with our key stakeholders, i.e. our for our team members and their A total of 341 employees and worsening, by June 2020, we As an organisation that drives Epidemiology Unit for further employees, customers, suppliers, families upon their return home members of families travelled from received many requests from a learning culture and believes in advice. and government authorities, to name have been top priorities. our facility in Visakhapatnam, employees and their loved ones unlearning and re-learning for long- 1.3. Based on the advice of the a few, and we have ensured to keep We are grateful to note that we India to Sri Lanka on three separate in Sri Lanka to make necessary term growth, we are always ready government authorities above, them informed of the most recent have been able to attend to and chartered flights on 25 June, 8 arrangements for their return. We to improve our processes based on carry out awareness sessions developments in order to be fully resolve many issues through our call August, and 22 September 2020. were considerate to the concerns every new development. To put for employees on further transparent. We are encouraged centre team and counsellors. All of these passengers are Sri expressed, and addressed the matter things into context, years before precautionary measures they by the responses and support Lankans. We can confirm that all with the relevant government this crisis, we had set up a dedicated should follow. we have had thus far from these Has Brandix as a company felt the passengers followed the Sri authorities on humanitarian administration unit headed by a 1.4. In a situation of highly stakeholders. let down by the outrage of the Lankan Government’s protocol for grounds to bring back our senior executive with specific focus vulnerable case detection; public and the reaction of the the prevention and control of Covid- employees and their families, in on occupational health and safety. 1.4.1. The national authority will What kind of psychological Government, considering the 19, which includes PCR testing and complete adherence to all relevant Further, as an organisation that advise us to stop the operation impact has it had on your heaps of foreign exchange you a 14-day mandatory quarantine at government protocols. We gladly works with global brands, we have and immediately disinfect the employees and how has it affected have brought in over the years? a government-regulated quarantine bore the expenses related to their air always benchmarked our practices entire premises. their output? How has the With the outbreak of this second facility, as well as the 14-day self- travel and accommodation, grateful against the latest international best 1.4.2. All employees will be advised company supported employees wave, we understand that the quarantine process done under the that we were able to ensure their practices as well. to quarantine for 14 days until through this crisis, both public’s reaction is natural and may supervision of the respective PHIs safe return. With the initial outbreak that suspected cases are confirmed. psychologically and financially? have stemmed from the uncertainty (public health inspectors). occurred in March 2020 in Sri 1.4.3. Entry and exit to the We reiterate that the wellbeing of the impending consequences on Upon completion of the 14-day There are allegations that Lanka, we worked closely with the premises will be prohibited of our team members is, and has their lives. It was truly unfortunate, mandatory period at a government- employees were forced to Health Ministry, the MOH offices, until suspected case(s) are always been, our topmost priority. and we are conducting an internal regulated quarantine facility, a continue working despite and the respective PHIs to put confirmed. We are saddened to see our investigation to understand what has certification signed by the Head of reporting increased body together a comprehensive Covid- 1.4.4. In the event of a case being employees going through challenges gone wrong and to take immediate the National Operation Centre for temperature. Is this true? 19 prevention protocol in place. confirmed, the government as a result of the treatment received action to ensure future containment Prevention of Covid-19 Outbreak All our factories have medical Since then, we have been following authorities will decide to from the public during this time. of the spread of this disease. We (NOCPCO) and the Director centres, outsourced to a reputed these protocols under the periodic close the plant for 14 days This includes instances where also continue to fully support the General of Health Services has been private medical company. The supervision of the respective PHIs. and identified first contacts employees travelling to work in Government with their investigation issued to each individual confirming medical centre is manned by two Some of these measures include: (previously identified list) will factory buses were stoned, denied and continue to remain grateful the same. qualified nurses at all times. We also a. Conducting periodic detailed be requested to undergo PCR access to public transport, and were to them, the security forces, the Upon undergoing the 14-day have a qualified doctor who visits pre-screening to identify risky testing through government delayed entry to hospitals to receive health authorities, and various other self-quarantine process under the medical centre for one hour individuals institutions or an authorised medical care, to name a few. government agencies including the the supervision of the respective daily from Monday-Friday. While b. Providing dedicated transport private medical institute. As an organisation, we are BOI (Board of Investment) for the PHIs, a certificate confirming the there is no legal requirement to have from home to factory thereby 1.4.5. In the event of a negative doing our utmost to support our support extended to our employees, completion of the self-quarantine a qualified doctor at the medical avoiding public contact response, the suspected affected employees and families, their families, and the community process was issued to each centre, we have taken the necessary c. Temperature checks when getting case will be advised to self- as well as our total employee during this time of crisis. passenger by the Office of the steps to provide this facility to our into the transport vehicles quarantine for 14 days and population at Brandix that is Medical Officer of Health (MOH) employees as a service, free of d. Temperature checks using the plant can commence the affected by this situation. Since The Government is yet to for the respective area, which is charge. thermal cameras at the entry to operations. the Covid-19 outbreak at our determine who ‘patient zero’ of signed off by the respective PHI and Our initial assessment indicates each factory facility in Minuwangoda, we the Minuwagoda cluster was. MOH. The certificates regarding that those who have been reported e. One metre social distancing This new wave is escalating by have engaged in extensive efforts Does Brandix have any idea all passengers have been produced as having fever as per the medical f. Wearing masks the day. How much of a financial to support the recovery of those as to how one of its employees for verification to the government centre records have been sent g. Midd-day temperature check impact are you expecting on your affected and have been working contracted the virus? authorities investigating the matter. home or taken by our staff to h. Regular sanitisation of common fourth quarter from this? closely with the hospitals to support We have seen media reports on We also confirm that none of hospitals in a timely manner. We areas such as toilets, reception Due to the outbreak, we will with the additional infrastructure this topic. Brandix has strict health these employees and the family have appointed a high-level three- desks, lobbies, and cafeterias definitely be subjected to a loss requirements to meet the needs of and safety protocols in place, in members visited our Minuwangoda member independent committee to It is important to note that till of export income in the next few our affected employees and others. line with the regulatory authorities factory. investigate the allegations levelled the recent outbreak in October, we months. We have spent over Rs. 100 A former facility of Brandix of Sri Lanka, including a protocol in the media. Upon completion have successfully kept the virus million to support our employees, in Pinnawala was converted to a for the prevention and control of Do you believe it was prudent of the investigation, we will at bay through adherence to these their families, and the community at quarantine centre with 300 beds, Covid-19 across all our 27 facilities to bring down employees from take appropriate action as per its protocols. The apparel industry large as at now. While these would and under the management of the islandwide. We are extending our India when India was among findings. is highly labour intensive, thus lead to a financial impact, we are Sri Lanka Army, accommodated fullest support to the authorities the countries worst affected by While we are keen to see there is a high likelihood of our doing our best to ensure that our our employees and family members that are investigating this matter Covid-19 in the world? a speedy conclusion to the factories being vulnerable in such employees would not lose their throughout the quarantine process. and will await their findings in Since the outbreak in mid- investigation, its progress has been circumstances. However, we deeply incomes and livelihoods. 6 the sunday morning business BEVERAGES/CONSTRUCTION Sunday, November 1, 2020

BY UWIN LUGODA Sri Lanka is the world’s fourth largest tea producer with just under 350,000 tonnes of tea Colombo Coffee produced annually, which amounts to 17% of the world’s tea crops. Therefore, it is surprising that the same country which is known for its high-quality tea is failing at a Company masterminding similar brew. While the name Ceylon tea is known around the world, there was a beverage grown locally even before tea in Sri Lanka, then Ceylon. Historical records show that coffee predates tea by over a hundred years a Ceylon coffee revival in Sri Lanka, with the first attempt at coffee plantations being recorded in 1740, and tea understand that the brand Ceylon coffee coming only in 1867. carries a lot more value than any individual By 1870, Sri Lanka’s coffee production brand.” peaked with over 275,000 hectares being Speaking about changes that need to cultivated, establishing itself as one of happen in a policy level, he stated that the major coffee-producing nations in the while Sri Lanka’s Export Development world, all the while the local tea industry Board (EDB) has already got involved in was in its infancy. However, following this the coffee industry by placing extension rise in cultivation, the local coffee industry officers, they also need to come in and faced a devastating fungal disease known exercise their authority to create policy- as “coffee leaf rust” which plagued Sri level decisions for the farmers to follow. Lanka as well as other Asian countries for the next 20 years. This brought down local coffee cultivation, which only amounted to 11,392 acres by the 1900s, and the rest of The Government already has several the estates were allocated for tea. programmes which give farmers plants However, Colombo Coffee Company for free or at concessional rates, so is now making plans to bring back this they can also advise these farmers on long-dormant industry to its old glory, selling the best-quality products according to its General Manager Kushan Samararatne. The company is the flag carrier for “The Government already has several Lavazza coffee, a world-renowned Italian programmes which give farmers plants for brand of coffee, in Sri Lanka and is also free or at concessional rates, so they can the only total coffee solutions provider in also advise these farmers on selling the the country. Having a track record of over best-quality products.” eight years and serving over 250 clients Colombo Coffee Company office in Colombo 5 Once the initial issues facing the industry across Sri Lanka, such as Shangri-La, are sorted, Samararatne stated that the Cinnamon Group, and SriLankan Airlines, and is at a stage where they have to go He stated that another aspect the local Toscana Ceylon industry can start exporting to international Colombo Coffee Company is the largest door-to-door collecting the coffee. This industry needs to look at is maintaining a markets including Europe, the Philippines, coffee supplier to hotels, restaurants, cafes, results in a lower supply of coffee, with consistent quality. He explained that right Indonesia, the Maldives, Malaysia, and offices in the country. both local and international demand now farmers sell the best-quality coffee, and even countries in the Gulf region, Speaking to The Sunday Morning increasing. which is the red cherry; the average-quality adding that our main competitors in the Business, Samararatne “Since India stopped coffee, which is the green cherry; and the international stage would be other coffee- stated that Ceylon coffee exporting their coffee to Sri worst-quality coffee, which is the overripe producing companies like Vietnam, Kenya, has the same potential as Lanka, even local demand cherry. and India. Ceylon tea to become an has increased, but it is too “What is happening now is that farmers When entering the international market, international brand of its expensive for the local are selling anything they pick, and there he suggested that local exporters focus own. This can be attributed market or even to compete are people to buy these as well. When they on being very price competitive and then to its higher quality in the international market.” do this and mix all this excellent, average, focus on creating the Ceylon coffee brand compared to other coffee He stated that the reason and poor-quality beans together in one reputation. products that are currently for the high prices is that basket, everything just averages out and Samararatne explained that it will available in the international the process is ineffective, has an inconsistent quality to it.” probably take the industry another two to market. with the green cherry being Samararatne stated that if the farmers three years to come to a meaningful level However, he explained bought from farmers at Rs. were to specifically pick the good cherries of exports, but that they hope to fast track it that locally grown coffee is 100 per kilogramme, and and start processing them properly, Ceylon with the aid of coffee processors. He stated not being highlighted due the conversion of green coffee will be of an excellent quality. He that if they are successful in entering into to two reasons: High price cherry to green bean having backed his statement up by pointing out an agreement with the coffee processors, due to high demand and low a 1:10 ratio. He explained that during an Australian Government- they can expect to start exporting at a small supply, and an inefficient Colombo Coffee Company GM that if they were to export funded project which saw samples of scale by either the end of this financial year internal industrial process. Kushan Samararatne 1 kg of green bean, the raw Ceylon coffee being tested, the coffee’s or in the beginning of the next. However, “Right now, when you material alone would cost cupping score, which is how they grade scaling up coffee exports is expected to look at Sri Lanka, besides maybe one or them Rs. 1,000 before even adding in the coffee, came to 90-plus, and this is branded and investing in developing it from there. take at least another two to three years. two coffee processors who have gone into transportation, packaging, and processing as a “specialty coffee”. He stated that they are currently working Colombo Coffee Company has also plantations, no one has given a significant charges. with coffee processors who collect the started a 100% locally sourced coffee effort to go and plant coffee up to the “If someone comes and offers the farmer coffee from the farmers, and are trying to brand called Toscana Ceylon. According level of tea. Usually, you will find coffee Rs. 100 per kilogramme of green cherries, enter into an agreement where they only to Samararatne, the brand also acts as plantations in areas like Matale, Nuwara they do not care whether it is for the export Farmers are selling anything they invest in the best-quality products. a CSR (corporate social responsibility) Eliya, and Kotmale, where they will have a market or local market. So the prices are pick, and there are people to buy these “We are already working with some project as the brand not only sources coffee few coffee trees amongst some spices and currently high in the initial stage itself as well. When they do this and mix people from the Kotmale, Matale, and locally from Kotmale, Matale, and Nuwara other harvest.” because the farmers are only looking at all this excellent, average, and poor- Nuwara Eliya areas to make this happen.” Eliya, but also helps farming families by Samararatne stated that once a coffee tree it from their point of view. In the larger quality beans together in one basket, Samararatne stated that this endeavour providing them with school stationary and is planted, it takes about two to three years context, there needs to be some sort of everything just averages out and has is supported by MDS, an Australian bags, and giving women in these areas an to get the proper yield, after which the red policy or pricing mechanism to solve this an inconsistent quality to it Government-funded organisation which opportunity to work. The brand currently cherry is plucked for optimal quality. In Sri problem.” goes to countries, selects a few industries accounts for 15% of Colombo Coffee Lanka, however, the process is to pluck the Samararatne stated that in order for with potential, and invests very deeply Company’s business. green cherries, which is the primary stage the local industry to compete in the He explained that this is why, as in them, while also giving them a proper “We are trying to develop the community of the red cherry, process it into the green international market, the first thing is to leaders in the local coffee industry, understanding and plan to uplift the and Ceylon coffee, together with our beans, and finally roast the beans before have a very competitive price; accordingly, Colombo Coffee Company feels it is their industry in a few years’ time. Toscana brand. But we cannot do this sending it into the market. that starts with having a green cherry to responsibility to take Ceylon coffee to the “The idea here is to help Ceylon alone; other companies have to join us as Therefore, the industry relies a lot on green bean conversion rate of at least 1:5 next level. The company plans on going coffee as a whole industry grow. This is well, if we are to promote Ceylon coffee as coffee farmers, according to Samararatne, or 1:6. down to the grassroots level of the industry because when we look at our exports, we a brand.” Cracks, collapses, and a national building code BY LANKAPROPERTYWEB Given the number of building In cities like Kandy and other country-specific data to an existing, collapses taking place in a year, hilly areas, constructing buildings recognised code of practice.” Disintegration, cracks, sloping the involvement of a structural in sites prone to landslides as per When constructing a building, it floors, and such are signs of a poor engineer in the building process is the National Building Research is important to prioritise the site. foundation and structure. Yet, their becoming even more important. Organisation (NBRO) classification This is because the foundation possibility depends on the stability The primary task of such an should be avoided. of the building is affected by of your foundation and how it has engineer after receiving the plan “When a hilly site is subject the topography and ground been constructed. Two of the major of the construction is to study to loading from construction and condition. Budgetary constraints components that affect this are the environmental factors of the other activity, there is a tendency from a financial sense as well as the soil and location. This is when proposed site. He/she then liaises to destabilise the slope. Hence, accessibility to utilities from a structural engineering comes into with the architect and building the stability of the slope should be planning sense are also essential. play. service engineers to propose a analysed by a thorough geotechnical However, over time, due to Structural engineering is a viable structural scheme. investigation with recommendations deterioration and other factors, scientific process based on proven In terms of Sri Lanka, provided by a geotechnical buildings eventually encounter theories, research, experiments, considering the country’s position specialist,” Wijegunasekera said. possibilities of a defect with signs and sound experiences. This The recent building collapse in Kandy also brought about the need for a national and variation in land in different The recent building collapse showing early on. Some of them are process is also known as structural building code that is specifically designed for Sri Lanka cities, getting a professional in Kandy also brought about the clear through progressing cracks, analysis and involves predicting the PHOTO KAMAL SURAWEERA opinion based on where you intend need for a national building code settlements in foundation, and effects on these elements and their and efficient load paths based on the would mean that they could create to construct your building is that is specifically designed for crookedness in structural elements. behaviour due to actions which they shape of the structure,” said Ranjith a stable, robust, economical, and necessary. In Colombo, one of the Sri Lanka. Commenting on this, Paying attention to these early on are subject to. Having identified Wijegunasekera, an intermediate aesthetically pleasing structural major concerns besides occupancy, Wijegunasekera opined: “A national can reduce larger impacts that could the effects on these elements and rise structural engineer. scheme. In post-construction, they environmental, and geotechnical building code is of paramount affect the entire structure later. their behaviour, section properties In construction, the role of a may consult structural engineers factors is the effect on adjacent importance. These guidelines can LankaPropertyWeb.com is are determined based on required structural engineer is to support when they require any alteration or buildings due to ongoing bring designers and reviewers currently Sri Lanka’s most visited strength and stiffness. architects’ designs and advise modification to the original design construction activities. This is on to the same platform and property and apartment listing “A structural engineer identifies clients and contractors on structure- and get a professional opinion when because the city is becoming even bring standardisation to design of real estate website with the highest and evaluates actions that affect a related problems. For a homeowner, they feel the structure is undergoing more populated with constructions buildings. Alternatively, we could number of local ads for properties structure and determines effective working with a structural engineer distress. taking place in almost every part. develop a national annexure with listed in the market. the sunday morning business 7 Sunday, November 1, 2020 WORK

adequate space or internet connectivity. By They face terrible prospects as their Dr. Nicholas Ruwan abilities and job skills erode over a long Dias and Niresh shutdown. Eliatamby Practical solution yy Multi-disciplinary teams: Every organisation should appoint a multi- More than seven months after Sri disciplinary team to be in charge of Lanka’s first Covid lockdown, are WFH and infection prevention. the country’s state and private yy Wide representation: Such teams sectors better prepared to work should include research persons, ICT from home (WFH) than before? personnel, customer service persons, How do we compare with global and employee representatives. trends and have we adopted yy Research: A key aspect of such a team the new technologies that other would be the constant search for new nations are using? best practices and technology to adopt. There are now renewed hopes that a yy Internet coverage: The internet is vaccine is only a few months away. But a key element for most who work as the second wave of the pandemic from home. You need reliable rages across Sri Lanka, it’s important to internet access, whether you are an examine whether more needs to be done entrepreneur, executive, a consultant or in the WFH area, to keep the economy (almost) anything else. Make sure you going until the vaccine arrives. have a reliable and decent link in order The Covid pandemic spotlighted to maximise your productivity. the availability of remote working yy Workspace: Staff must ensure that they technologies around the world, the have a proper workspace. It doesn’t level to which these had already been need to be a whole room, but they adopted in various countries, spurred an should not confuse their office with unprecedented growth in development their place of leisure. Placing a desk, of new remote working products, and chair, and computer in their room generally led to a rapid growth of the would be enough. adoption of WFH culture in many Is Sri Lanka better yy Mobile app: When your work countries. requires long-distance calling, Google In Sri Lanka too, companies rushed Hangouts, WhatsApp, and Skype allow to transform their operations to WFH, you to make calls on a cost-effective leading to a brisk sale in laptops, basis over the internet. desktops, smartphones, and tabs. yy Training for the usage of tools: Staff But have organisations done all they can also obtain training and detailed can to optimise their remote working prepared to work documentation as to how these capacities? resources can be used. This should Granted, there are many industries provide tips on how the video will look where WFH is simply not possible on nice, such as ensuring that the camera a large scale or not possible at all; the is at the level of the eye, with natural plantation industry will always require light where possible, setting up video tea pluckers, rubber tappers, and coconut from home? calls, etc. pluckers, and the apparel industry cannot remotely on a permanent basis which leads to increased stress and poses It reduces collaboration costs and yy Technical support: Companies must do away with its production lines manned yy With regard to remote work in the US, critical concerns about the future of work improves team flexibility. VoIP decide, whether, along with necessary by hundreds or thousands of employees 55% claim that it is popular in their after the pandemic. provides staff with access to office equipment, remote workers have any on one factory floor. respective industries calls from anywhere, along with instant Key benefits for employees messages, cell phone call forwarding, technical support available. Almost yy 30% of staff said that the biggest The post-Covid world The key advantages for workers to teleconferences with clients and all large businesses provide on-site distractors when they work from home We must assume that society would operate from home are flexible timetables colleagues, etc. support for infrastructure, but not are the family members, partners, or remotely. In this way, an action plan get used to maintaining distance socially and both saving travel and money. yy Data backup and recovery: It is a housemates (Insider.com). can be drafted, detailing what remote even after a Covid-19 vaccine actually Other reasons why people want to work challenge to keep sensitive data secure. yy A Nulab survey of remote staff reveals workers are supposed to do when emerges. And, considering other recent remotely are the option of working from There must also be access to backup that 72% don’t work in a dedicated technical issues occur. pandemics, including SARS, Ebola, anywhere and the prospect of spending solutions by remote staff. You can also office and 40% of remote employees MERS, and avian influenza or past more time with family. Some of the have a secondary backup system in yy Measuring productivity: Remote don’t even work from a desk pandemics of influenza, businesses problems that people face in working cloud (AWS, Google Storage, Azure, labour policies should show how and employees now understand that Businesses and employees now from home are communication and OneDrive, or Alibaba OSS). To ensure productivity of an employee is social distancing may be a permanent understand that social distancing teamwork difficulties, boredom, at-home they are backed up, check policies with measured. Many forms can be requirement for our species, as may be a permanent requirement disruptions, and job disconnections. them. calculated in terms of efficiency; policymakers and others struggle to better whether it’s time spent on a project, for our species, as policymakers and yy Protection of the network: The safety understand the evolving conditions and IT infrastructure: Broadband, numbers of cases settled, amount others struggle to better understand of the network is overriding. This is economic implications of Covid on the cloud, and collaboration tools of customer encounters, and more, the evolving conditions and important for a firm to build secure workforce. The evermore robust, secure, fast-fixed, businesses need to decide how their economic implications of Covid on infrastructure coverage for their staff. The pandemic has brought about a and mobile broadband connections and workers are assessed. the workforce Staff effectiveness and efficiency may dramatic change in remote staff, with the growth of cloud computing provide also be affected. yy Goal setting and scheduling: The millions of apartments and homes turning WFH challenges the backbone infrastructure for WFH. precise speed of check in can be yy Protection from malware: The firewall into offices. But new survey data indicate Staff performance monitoring: Many Cloud technologies are increasingly decided by team leaders, but consistent and antivirus security are common in that most employees are still unprepared managers rely on their physical presence growing and allow businesses and project updates, goals, objectives, and most PCs. Security technologies are for the complexities of working from as an efficiency substitute for business employees to have access to data and what takes place on site are crucial. improved to suit the corporate, and also home. Companies such as Twitter and intelligence software on the market. tools from all over the world. Small and This means that no one feels ignored or keep up with the changes. Salesforce have revealed long-term plans Furthermore, if an individual begins to medium-sized companies are expected aimless. yy Collaborative tools: This is critical to for home-work, while KPMG estimates function remotely, managers first and to spend approximately $ 100 billion yy Prep talk/add a personal touch: increasing the productivity and quality that almost 70% of large corporate CEOs foremost lose visibility that builds trust. on cloud-based business software, Make sure team building outside the of employee work. As an example: plan to reduce business space. Managers prefer to believe that workers communication and collaboration tools, workplace is planned while workers are Zoom, Teams, Slack, GoToMeeting Remote work or work from home do the right thing before they show that and cybersecurity, for example, in together. Encourage workers to share software, etc. (WFH) or telework are some of the they do the right thing. the coming years. On the other hand, something about themselves. While it words used to describe situations in In East Asia, growing technical spending on local solutions is projected The pandemic has brought about may not necessarily seem productive, which employees are not present in sophistication is compensated for to remain almost unchanged. In addition small interactions may help establish their workplace or do not carry out by cultures which value overtime to the basic infrastructure, teamwork a dramatic change in remote staff, with millions of apartments and personal bonds, develop empathy, and purchasing physically. The principle contributions at the desk. For example, and communication tools provide the reinforce working contacts. works specifically for work requiring a China has introduced a demanding work resources required for working together as homes turning into offices. But large screen workload. Digitisation has plan known as 9-9-6, beginning at 9 a.m. a remote team. Compared to 2020, sales new survey data indicate that most Conclusion increased and a more knowledge-based to 9 p.m. six days a week. from a cloud email and the collaboration employees are still unprepared for Working at home can be a thrill, economy has become more practical for Cultural barriers: As Asian working sector are projected to double by 2024, the complexities of working from empowering, and can benefit you if you employers and workers in many countries. culture relies on personal relationships, in line with the growth trend in the cloud home are rational about its advantages and The lockdown could never have lasted most feel that it is important to mark their market. Workforce skill inequality disadvantages. You need to devise a way without this historical move to work from presence in their workplaces in view of to avoid everyday issues, whether you’re home. The global economy would have their fellow employees. Technology pillar This constitutes a time bomb for self-employed, in a part-time business, or plummeted even further, propelling us Silos: If employees are working Savvy organisations incorporate the inequality. Our findings indicate that a full-time staff member who just won’t back to work, which would resurrect the mostly or entirely from home, they main innovations and entrust it with better educated, higher educated get into the office for a few days. infection. This has in fact happened in probably communicate only by email digital equipment for employees: employees work much more frequently However, there are additional tasks, many countries ranging from Europe to and occasionally with your colleagues. yy Virtual private network (VPN): from their homes and therefore they including planning, self-discipline, and the UK and the US, which are seeing all- Remote work does not help to establish It offers a secure channel for continue to get paid and continue to concentration. It is not easy to work from time highs in infections after reopening. positive relationships with employees as communication through public Internet advance in their professions. At the same home, being required to put in hours of It is not only economically necessary work in the office does. connections time, people who cannot work from home hard work without interruptions. But it is a to operate from home, but also vital to Isolation: While it can at first be easier are left behind, either due to the nature of necessary process that organisations need yy Internet Protocol Voice (VoIP): tackling Covid-19 – and possible future to work from home, it can potentially their work or because of the absence of to focus on and facilitate, both during the pandemics. Some argue that it’s not time affect the mental health of employees. remaining months of the pandemic and for to emphasise productivity. People are social beings and WFH can greater efficiency and risk management in A primary duty of employers at present make workers feel cut off without meeting a post-Covid world. is to ensure the physical and emotional someone. Furthermore, remote work can (The writers are Managing Partners of wellbeing of employees. If you’re at home cause anxiety. A recent analysis shows Cogitaro.com, a consultancy that finds you probably have to deal with a lot more working successful working partnerships practical solutions for challenges facing including household chores, children’s have been hampered as a result of the society and different industries. Dr. Dias home schooling, and other challenges. lack of closer contact; the creation of is a digital architect and educationist Thus, in addition to implementing flexible trust, relationships, and shared purposes. based in Kuala Lumpur. He holds a working hours, some organisations have Remote workers are more likely to clash BSc in Computing from the University changed insurance programmes, and with bureaucracy. of Greenwich, a Masters in Computer contracted medical practitioners and Social and mental issues: Staff Software Engineering from Staffordshire counsellors. working alone complain of the emotional University, and a PhD from the University loneliness they face, while those with of Malaya. He is completing a second Key highlights childcare, home education, and their doctorate in Business Administration yy Gartner HR Survey reveals that careers find it doubly exhausting. A recent from Universiti Utara Malaysia [ruwan@ globally 88% of organisations have study by the US health services company cogitaro.com]. Eliatamby is a lecturer in allowed or ordered employees to work Cigna found that staff in Singapore, marketing, human resources, and mass from home Thailand, and Hong Kong had increased communications based in Colombo. He yy By April 2020, the online conference anxiety after governments closed down is an author and was formerly associate software investment had risen 67% in part of their economies. Whereas some editor of a newspaper and editor of various organisations. (Statistica) people have been enjoying being given industry magazines. He holds an MBA from yy The Gartner CFO Survey reveals a chance to work from home, others London Metropolitan University and an that some workers choose to operate argue that the distinction between their LLM from Cardiff Metropolitan University professional and personal lives has broken [[email protected]]) 8 the sunday morning business ADVERTORIAL Sunday, November 1, 2020 Seylan Bank becomes People’s Bank opens service project funding partner centre at Sri Lanka Insurance People’s Bank and Sri Lanka Insurance (SLIC) continued their growing of Homelands Skyline partnership with the official opening of the People’s Bank Service Centre at the SLIC Head Office premises. This service centre is part of People’s Bank’s strategy People’s Bank Chairman Sujeewa People’s Bank CEO/GM Ranjith Kodituwakku to offer corporate Rajapakse and SLIC Chairman Jagath presenting a gift to Sri Lanka Paper Corporation Wellawatta at the opening of the People’s Chairman Wimal Rupasinghe, who made an digital solutions Bank Service Centre inaugural deposit that help streamline business operations and Bank Senior Deputy week. Furthermore, an corporate clients’ busy strengthen corporate GM – Retail Banking SLIC service desk was lives, enabling them relationships. K.B. Rajapakse together opened on the same to perform banking From left: Seylan Bank Executive Officer Lakshman Fernando, Senior Manager – Project Finance Rushani Withana, Chief People’s Bank with a large number of day at People’s Bank’s transactions by using Manager – Project Finance Dulani Rodrigo, Director/CEO Kapila Ariyaratne together with Homelands Skyline Chairman and MD Nalin Herath, Director Harshani Herath, General Manager – Legal Nimali Gunasekara, Accountant Chinthaka Hewavidana, Chairman Sujeewa corporate and executive Headquarters branch to their smart device from and Finance Manager Ajith Rohana Bandara Rajapakse, SLIC management members of offer enhanced services any location. This Chairman Jagath both organisations, and to banking customers. technology empowers Homelands Skyline (Pvt.) to be a part of this real estate taken the industry by storm in Wellawatta, People’s customers participated People’s Bank’s them to perform over Ltd. recently partnered project; Seylan Bank has always introducing novelty with its resort Bank Chief Executive in the event. By using corporate digital 30 types of banking with Seylan Bank PLC, a been at the forefront of supporting concept apartments such as the Officer (CEO)/General the ATM available at the solutions are fully transactions around the leading bank in Sri Lanka, developments like the Canterbury recently completed Ariyana Resort Manager (GM) Ranjith service centre, customers fledged packages which clock through Corporate as the exclusive project Golf Resort Apartments by Apartments in Athurugiriya, which Kodituwakku, SLIC can now conveniently include end-to-end Internet Banking (CIB) funding partner with a total Homelands Skyline, which is in was sold out before the date of CEO Chandana L. withdraw cash 24 hours digital experiences and Corporate Mobile investment of Rs. 600 million the process of making architectural completion – yet another project Aluthgama, and People’s a day, seven days a designed to ease Banking (CMB). for the development of the history in South Asia. With the funded by Seylan Bank.” Canterbury Golf Resort growing economy, Sri Lanka With a growing purpose towards Apartments. continues to show a significant redefining heights of luxury, shift towards luxury real estate the Canterbury Golf Resort HNBA and HNBGI Felicitate Awards With Seylan Bank PLC as the projects and as the ‘Bank with Apartments has been designed official funding partner, Homelands a Heart’, we will continue to and constructed with the ground- Skyline (Pvt.) Ltd. expects to invest in development projects breaking concept of implementing Ceremony for HNB branches accelerate the ongoing construction that cater to the growing demand elegance and an elevated standard HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) phase of Canterbury Golf Resort while offering a unique value of living that delivers nothing and its fully owned subsidiary Apartments – South Asia’s first proposition.” less than a rich resort experience. HNB General Insurance Victorian-style golf apartments – Homelands Skyline Chairman This apartment complex, located Ltd. (HNBGI) celebrated the which is set for completion in 2022. and Managing Director (MD) in Piliyandala, Kahathuduwa, is exceptional performances of Commenting on the partnership, Nalin Herath said: “Keeping in sited among 30 acres of country branch managers and key members Seylan Bank Director/Chief line with its mission, Homelands landscape designed to offer of the retail banking management Executive Officer (CEO) Kapila Skyline has been making its mark impeccable value through a refined team of Hatton National Bank PLC Ariyaratne said: “We are proud in the real estate sector and has residential living experience. (HNB) recently, at Grandeeza, Negombo. The grandeur night was graced by the presence of the Chief Guest HNB Managing Director/ Stay safe at Damro further CEO Jonathan Alles, Guest of Honour HNBA and HNBGI Chairperson Rose Cooray, HNBA home with expands and HNBGI Chief Executive Officer Prasantha Fernando, and Abans products presence in India other members representing the top Presentation of awards at the Awards Ceremony for HNB branches 2019 management of HNB, HNBA, and general insurance business and poised to grow well over the Damro, South Asia’s largest furniture manufacturer, HNBGI. add value to the customers of coming year, and I request all and offers has planned to set up 25 mega showrooms within the Articulating his views at the the entire group. I look forward branch managers to extend their The current Covid-19 pandemic situation has next six months, further strengthening its showroom ceremony, Alles stated: “I’m to your continuous support and fullest support and continue efforts increased the importance of staying home as much network in India. The company currently operates about pleased to note the exceptional dedication as always in navigating with vigour.” as possible in order to ensure the safety of you and 80 showrooms in India and the continued confidence performance of our insurance through turbulent times and Fernando shared his thoughts, your family. In this backdrop, Abans offers you the of the Indian consumers in Damro products has arm during testing times and achieving greater heights.” stating: “Today’s commemoration top global and homegrown electronic, appliance, greatly contributed to the success of the company. The would like to congratulate all at Sharing her words, Cooray stated: brings together achievers from and lifestyle brands to enable you to adapt to the company’s ability to continue and thrive in the face of the HNBA and HNBGI, led by the “I sincerely wish to acknowledge every corner of Sri Lanka, setting new way of life. current Covid-19 pandemic in India is a clear indication top team, for their outstanding the tireless efforts of the bank, stage to celebrate the exceptional Keep your grocery shopping to a minimum and of its stability in the country. contribution in achieving many the two insurance companies, as performance and the relationship reduce the amount of trips outside by investing in The company’s ability to carry on its business groundbreaking milestones during well as the network and leadership the group has cultivated over the best refrigerators from LG. LG refrigerators operation despite the catastrophic situation like the the year. My heartfelt gratitude teams, and I am confident this the years. This strong bond has hold the biggest capacities that can store all your prevailing pandemic and the extensive customer base it goes out to my team at HNB will be a rewarding night for all of led HNB, HNBA, and HNBGI groceries and favourite foods without running out has built over the past 20 years have confirmed the future who are felicitated tonight for them. This high-spirited gathering to grow as leaders in highly of space. The “Hygiene Fresh” feature in these growth and sustainability of the company in the Indian their continuous support and the is ample testimony of teamwork, competitive markets, also thanks refrigerators purifies and cleans the air inside market. efforts made under challenging bringing us together today to show to farsighted leadership, and the fridge, using a five-stage filtration system to Damro currently exports more than 100 40-foot conditions. HNB is the only solidarity in the captivating drive especially the invaluable input remove bacteria and bad odours up to 99.9%. containers per month to India. Due to the prevailing systemically important bank in Sri and motivation of these team of corporate management and Eliminate germs and viruses from your clothes curfew situation in Sri Lanka, local showroom sales have Lanka with a meaningful presence players. The group has maintained network management teams. with the most hygienic washing machines that do dropped significantly and therefore the company aims to in both life and general insurance. top-tier performance in the past Whilst extending my heartiest your laundry in a short time while making sure all enhance its Indian operation to ensure the job security of Given the low insurance years, taking it over to 2020, congratulations to all winners, I germs are killed. Take care of your own grooming Damro employees in Sri Lanka. The company expects to penetration levels in the country having managed to strategically believe this strong support will at home with easy-to-use tools from global brands increase its exports to more than 150 40-foot containers and the strong presence of the turn away the challenges posed continue leading the companies like Philips. Stay cool and enjoy fresh air inside per month with the expected sales growth through the bank, there’s a great opportunity by the pandemic. With this very to end this year on a very positive your home with air conditioners from LG, thereby proposed expansion of Indian showroom network. for us to drive both life and triumphant emergence, we are note.” saving energy, protecting the environment, and reducing electricity bills at the end of the month. Try your hand at baking delicious goodies and healthy meals for your family without buying DPMC-certified three-wheelers from Riyasakwala unhealthy and unsafe foods from outside. 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Printed by the Kalukodayawa, Malwana Press & Published by Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 HOW CAN A FOREIGNER FEEL SAFE WHEN A LANKAN WOMAN DOES NOT? »SEE PAGE 3 THE FAT CRAB »SEE PAGE 2 Sunday,brunch November 1, 2020 ‘GO ON A COUCH SAFARI’ SRI LANKA TOURISM TAKES. OUR WILDLIFE ONLINE

BY NAVEED ROZAIS Travel is not one of those easily digitalised The story behind ‘Go on a Couch Safari’ 3,100% increase). “This is the highest reach Sri industries. Yes, from an administrative Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Lanka Tourism has ever had,” Fernando noted. he Covid-19 pandemic perspective, it can be handled remotely, but (SLTDA) Chairperson Kimarli Fernando Go on a Couch Safari provides an inside the act of travel itself – of visiting someplace explained that Go on a Couch Safari is a specific look at Sri Lanka’s wildlife parks led by has facilitated an new and experiencing something you haven’t campaign designed to promote Sri Lanka on the renowned Sri Lankan environmentalists and unprecedented embrace experienced before – is not something that global stage at a time when tourism is struggling. wildlife experts. Every year, hundreds of translates easily in a virtual context. elephants gather at the manmade reservoirs of technology. Work “In the past, the emphasis was on attending Travel has taken a huge beating globally trade shows, which is B2B (business-to- inside Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks and socialising (for with the pandemic. Sri Lanka Tourism, however, business). Due to Covid-19 and also the in the dry season, creating a breathtaking sight. the most part) went virtual. By has used this adversity to innovate, launching a importance of reaching consumers B2C “Go on a Couch Safari” will attempt to capture T novel concept to promote Sri Lanka as an island. (business-to-consumer), we are implementing this beautiful phenomenon on film, streaming and large, we realised that much “Go on a Couch Safari” is a digital such initiatives as the ‘Go on a Couch Safari’ the experience through the Sri Lanka Tourism of what we were used to doing programme that streams curated tours of Sri programme,” Fernando said. Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) social media sites physically could be worked around Lanka’s most popular national parks. With its The Go on a Couch Safari campaign has and an affiliated website. first edition taking place from 4-13 November, been very well received with 630,000 video Minneriya National Park is set to be the site virtually, also discovering the Go on a Couch Safari will take viewers on tours views on Facebook, 100,000 views on YouTube, of the first stream of the series. Minneriya is importance of the physical and of the Minneriya, Kaudulla, Udawalawe, and and a Facebook post reach of 3.5 million (a home to the first recorded twin wild elephants, where it really mattered. Yala National Parks. 15,000% increase) with over 73,000 likes (a which has become a sensation among wildlife enthusiasts the world over. ││Contd. on page 2

PHOTO KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM Greening the City of Colombo BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE

The Federation of Environmental Organisations (FEO) launched its recent initiative titled “Greening the City Of Colombo”, where it proposed a city-wide tree planting campaign in order to create an urban forest strategy in both public and private lands in the greater Colombo area. Speaking to FEO Chairperson Dr. in certain parts of the city; increase Yohan Weerasuriya, he shared that the urban ecology and biodiversity as well programme commenced in the first week of reducing air pollution, he shared. as tree diversity so as to provide a habitat July 2020 at the Borella Cemetery; as it has The goal is to achieve a healthy and for small mammals, birds, and insects; a large land area (44 acres), trees with deep liveable city, for which we must create improve vegetation health as replacements roots were planted along the perimeter of better urban environments. FEO shared that for ageing trees in the city; and mitigate the cemetery, interspersed with flowering through its city-wide tree planting project, the urban heat island effect by bringing plants in order to attract butterflies, bees, it is looking to achieve a number of goals our inner-city temperatures down whilst and birds. Through this, they hope to such as increase canopy cover and provide reducing air pollution as well. enhance the level of biodiversity while shade, thereby reducing the temperature ││Contd. on page 2 2 the sunday morning brunch LIFESTYLE Sunday, November 1, 2020

BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE The Fat Crab on Haig Road, the sea food restaurant under Don Stanley Holdings (Pvt.) Ltd. originally headed by the late Athula Senanayake, has been a Colombo staple since its inception six years ago. Following Senanayake’s passing, the management has since been passed down to his son Kanishka Senanayake, now Managing Director of Don Stanley. We spoke to Kanishka about The Fat Crab, the reason for its iconic reputation amongst those living in Colombo, and how they as a primarily dine-in business have fared amidst the pandemic. Kanishka shared that as many are all throughout the open air-style restaurant aware, Don Stanley has provided catering space. and restaurant services to their customers Kanishka shared that there is really no since 1991, and with his 35 years of better place to eat crab than right by the experience, his father launched The Fat sea, and that a lot of their customers prefer Crab, which has since become one of the to dine in. However, he said they do also pioneers in bringing many of the crab dishes deliver a lot of crab. we love, along with seafood and other He said that The Fat Crab sees a varied dishes, to Colombo restaurants. clientele, especially considering the price He said The Fat Crab is an point they offer. He shared that they have accompaniment to the symphony of other customers who come in on a daily basis, food outlets under Don Stanley, including those who drop in for happy hour to enjoy Don Stanley’s catering and also Don’s Deli drinks at the bar, and even those who only where they do pastries, sandwiches, and order take away as they are also available even rice and curry lamprais, and there’s on Uber Eats and PickMe Food. He said the more recent Joe’s Diner for hotdogs and that they can also cater to most meal hamburgers. preferences. He stated that The Fat Crab’s inception The Fat Crab About their experience during was motivated by the thought of initiating Covid-19, Kanishka shared that while they something that Colombo didn’t have at the No better place to eat crab than right by the sea are happy to stay open, there are strictly time. adhering to all the necessary guideless as When asked about what truly sets The to have only our curry sometimes with has really grown in popularity in the recent required by the authorities and will follow Fat Crab apart, Kanisha stated that first the roast paan or kade paan, because of its past considering the evolution of the nature whichever directives are issued in the and foremost, they were one of the first to flavour.” of how you experience the meal. “I think Kanishka Senanayake coming days, adding also that while the come into the industry with a crab-themed Kanishka also shared with us why before, it was always something that was pandemic has made it so that their dine-in restaurant, and secondly, compared to he believes that The Fat Crab has almost cooked at home or you might order it at a tuck in and enjoy their crab whichever way business has slowed, their delivery business their competitors, they happen to be quite become synonymous with crab, growing in Chinese restaurant. However, we have since they want. has grown. reasonably priced. He also added that popularity over the years; he said Sri Lanka brought it into the restaurant, where you can He said that while all of Colombo has another thing that truly sets them apart is has some of the best crab in the world, come and enjoy crab outside,” he said. The venue The venue, of course, is gorgeous. been affected, they have made efforts to their incredible flavour. especially lagoon crab. “The type of crab “I think people in Sri Lanka enjoy crab; With an almost 180-degree view of the sea carry out their businesses in any way they “Our signature dishes – the Jaffna curry we have here, the flavour, and the amount the whole process of using their hands and off Marine Drive, the restaurant is slightly can, and work to ensure their customers crab and the Singapore chilli crab – make of meat you get in it, you would not get breaking into it is enjoyable.” elevated, allowing you the beautiful view. receive a safe and high-quality service even us stand out,” he said. “People often opt anywhere else in the world.” The Fat Crab, as a dine-in option, has He also said that crab as a delicacy a very informal setting, allowing people to You also get the fresh sea breeze wafting during this time. Contd. from page 1

Speaking about potential future travel trends, Rodrigo also shared that virtual Greening the... ‘GO ON A... travel wasn’t likely to overtake physical Other national parks being explored travel in the long term. “I definitely think Dr. Weerasuriya said that rather than through the Go on a Couch Safari series that going forward, people will travel planting individual trees in a scattered include Yala National Park, popular for vicariously and content creators will manner around Colombo, they opted the highest density of leopards anywhere have to contribute positively in helping for areas where they are able to plant in the world, and Udawalawe National this happen, whether it’s a professional large numbers of trees – up to 30-40 – Park, best known for the terrestrial big TV channel or independent channels like adding that they are looking at scouting five – Elephants, leopards, sloth bears and mine. But in the long run, people will also more locations. Dr. Weerasuriya said water buffalos, and mugger and saltwater want to experience things physically. Now they have been in conversation with crocodiles – as well as other species such is the perfect time for locals to travel and schools in Colombo and hope to involve as sambars, jackals, spotted deer, and experience Sri Lanka without crowds and environmental associations to further tourists.” peacocks that roam free in their natural the cause. He said the FEO proposed to habitats in the stunning backdrops of the initiate several long-term city tree-planting sunset. We need to be ready to I definitely think that Putting Sri Lanka on the projects utilising private and public The Go on a Couch Safari series bounce back quickly once the going forward, people global map lands within greater Colombo. “Mostly is expected to draw the attention of The success of Go on a Couch Safari indigenous species will be planted; thousands of potential wildlife travellers to time is right will travel vicariously and has helped position Sri Lanka favourably as however, selected exotics will also be the country in the near future. Sri Lanka Tourism Chairperson content creators will have a global destination amidst the pandemic. chosen based on specific requirements,” he “Tourism is an industry that plays a Kimarli Fernando to contribute positively in “When we put ourselves online to the added. critical role in the economy of Sri Lanka. world, we are marketing ourselves to the He said the project has a large number We need to be ready to bounce back helping this happen future,” Now when people want to go to of stakeholders including the Government, quickly once the time is right. We will experience for now.” Model and travel YouTuber see wildlife, they go to Africa. But in Sri private sector, and the residents of be introducing several crowdsourcing Model and travel YouTuber Shenelle Shenelle Rodrigo Lanka, you can see big cats in the national Colombo. This was evident in their process initiatives to amplify the message. There Rodrigo commented on Go on a Couch parks, and then after a five-hour journey of seeking approval to plant trees at the are three ways through which anyone can Safari noting that this kind of virtual later go whale-watching. We have it all. Borella and Jawatte Cemeteries, where get involved in this national promotional experience had its own special perks to In the long term, Go on a Couch We’ve been missing a link with marketing, the Chief Medical Officer of the Colombo project. We also will be giving away offer that the traditional safari experience Safari is intended to boost interest in the and things like ‘Go on a Couch Safari’ Municipal Council (CMC) and both the holiday offers to win for overseas lacks. traditional safari experience. Centre for that put us out there are positive. I strongly Catholic and Anglican Church authorities viewers,” said Fernando. “While the experience is definitely not Conservation and Research Sri Lanka believe that virtual experiences will help us that overlook these spaces gave their This is an opportunity to showcase the going to be the same as actually going and (CCRSL) Chairman Dr. Prithiviraj get the word out there, and this is what we consent. amazing biodiversity of the island while experiencing a safari yourself, the good Fernando, who is one of the hosts of Go need,” Wijesooriya said. Considering the nature of the project, maintaining interest in Sri Lanka’s tourism thing is that it’s conducted by wildlife on a Couch Safari, said the virtual safari SLTDA Chairman Fernando shared the FEO is currently on the lookout for across diverse groups. experts at the top of their respective should provide viewers with a good idea that positioning Sri Lanka globally is volunteers to help plant trees, assist in fields,” Rodrigo said. of what to expect in real life. something Sri Lanka Tourism holds very acquiring approvals, and to also scout for Online safari experience: What can “So you get something that you “You basically have two or three dear. “Sri Lanka is all of what Asia has to suitable locations for their next project. He we expect? won’t get even when you go on safari in people leading the safari and giving expert offer in a small compact island. We will added that sponsors are welcome if they opinions. We actually do research in these A bold move on the part of Sri Lanka real life; being guided and going on the continue to showcase Sri Lanka and keep wish to sponsor, on a project basis or even parks and for our research purposes, we Tourism to garner and maintain interest in journey with the experts, who are giving the dream alive. We’re planning to use the on a smaller scale, as they are currently identify individual animals and follow what Sri Lanka has to offer as a destination you valuable insight and backstory into the same brand name ‘Couch Safari’ and do operating on funding by individuals. them through time. We figure out their life to travellers of all persuasions, Go on a animals you are seeing.” whale and dolphin safaris next.” Speaking about the benefits of the stories and who they’re related to. This Couch Safari takes a traditionally offline Wijeysooria, whose company Fernando asked the general public project, he shared that the city of Colombo kind of combination of research findings experience and makes it something that Sensory Indulgences pioneered virtual and all institutions – both public and is the fastest-growing city in Sri Lanka and and park visitation can provide a much can be consumed in an online context. experiences in the wake of the pandemic, private – to come together and support Sri as such, the Colombo skyline is constantly more enriching visitation experience in the But what does this mean in terms of the also commented on the value of expertise Lanka Tourism and the Go on a Couch changing with the construction of many future.” The virtual safari experience, and experience itself? provided by wildlife experts in a setting Safari campaign by sharing pre-event new office and residential buildings as well indeed the pandemic in general, is a respite “An online safari will not be as like Go on a Couch Safari, saying: “It’s communication material published on as the expansion of roadways and new for parks and wildlife to recover and grow good as the real deal, that goes without better than National Geographic or social media, as well as sharing flyers and highways to/from the city of Colombo. with minimal interference from park saying,” shared Sensory Indulgences Co- Discovery Channel because viewers will other material disseminated by Sri Lanka However, much like most expansions in visitors. However, Dr. Fernando warned Founder Brindley Wijeysooria, adding: have an interactive experience with their Tourism periodically with personal and urban areas, Colombo’s growth has also that virtual safaris were not a viable long- “However, given the current situation, this host.” business contacts living overseas as well as taken place without any proper planning. term option to combat over-visitation in is the closest people can get to the safari on their individual social media channels. This kind of expansion can cause A sign that travel as a whole is parks. damage to existing pockets of forests, going virtual? “Personally, I don’t think virtual Go on a Couch Safari landscapes, and green areas in and around PHOTO KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM safaris will work in the long term. cities. The environmental impacts of With almost every industry feeling Watching something on TV and seeing it the push to virtual quite strongly, what The first edition of “Go on a Couch this rapid urbanisation include increased with your own eyes is an entirely different Safari” will take place from 4-13 pollution, increased heat due to the does this mean for travel? Will online experience. With regard to over-visitation travel experiences become more popular in November and take viewers on expansion of roads/pavements and tall in parks, I don’t think the solution is structures that block out light and wind, future, if not the norm? to decrease visitors. It is proper park tours of Minneriya, Kaudulla, Fernando shared that Go on a and reduced biodiversity in terms of fauna management that is needed, with careful Udawalawe, and Yala and flora. However, planting trees in urban Couch Safari is not meant to replace planning and proper guidelines. The issues National Parks. the traditional safari in any way. “This areas can help to mitigate some of the are much more complex than simple negative impacts of unplanned and rapid initiative is to showcase Sri Lanka until visitor numbers. A lot of it is how people For more information, we can welcome guests again. People urbanisation, thus making cities more behave when they’re inside parks as well,” visit www.facebook.com/ resilient to these changes. will travel again. They want to experience he explained. tourismsrilanka.gov.lk. these things themselves.” the sunday morning brunch editorial [email protected] 011 5200900 the sunday morning brunch 3 Sunday, November 1, 2020 SOCIETY

#safesrilankanow How can a

when a Lankan woman does not?

BY DINITHI GUNASEKERA awareness of the issue to get tangible ÄÄ How do you think this community awareness that systemic reform need for change, as the current situation results and justice for victims. Most campaign will aid in being a is needed. is losing us reputation as well as revenue exual harassment has been collectives and initiatives raise discussions part of the proactive solution It saddens me to hear that Sri Lanka is 5.To create an ongoing media campaign in a long prevalent ill that has on their platforms while also in the field, so for the sexual harassment being described as a place dangerous to visit which information is rolled out regularly been plaguing not only we will work on using our knowledge and menace in Sri Lanka? and that travellers on international forums over a period of the next four years complementary experience to get practical are advised to stay away from the country. the nooks and crannies, results for victims and improve the overall Like many of us, I’ve seen women This is a complex social issue, but with ÄÄ Among the widespread but also the broad daylight safety of our society. express their outrage and offense regularly co-operation, commitment, education, and sexual harassment cases Sof our society. Police reports To be frank, many women and on social media at the street harassment awareness, it can definitely be solved. in Sri Lanka, child abuse submitted to the United Nations children and vulnerable persons have been they experience in the country, on roads, The new Government has shown its cases are shown to be the (UN) from 2012-2020 record 142 silently putting up with abuse, and should and on public transport. Many of them say commitment to dealing effectively with most vastly surging type, cases of rape, 42 cases of serious do so no more. that there seems to be no way their concerns other issues which affect our safety – i.e. mostly left unresolved can be heard. We hope to provide a path sexual abuse, and 54 cases of Additionally, the country doesn’t need terrorism, the pandemic – so we feel sure and even unreported, a bad image that will stop tourists from to justice: A way their stories can be safely that they will approach this menace in the child abuse just within the first 15 shared and then publicly discussed in order causing the survivors to be days of 2020, which are alarming making this a prime destination. We feel same way and urge all sectors of the country retraumatised repetitively the authorities need to step in now and to highlight the fact that harassment makes to co-operate to resolve the issue. It is not numbers, to say the least. people feel unsafe, and that it is something for years and years. Do impose harsh penalties on offenders, and a minority issue. It affects all of us who you plan to make separate A study conducted by Amarasinghe also commence an awareness campaign in the country can address and remedy. live here and travel here. All of us want a et al (2004) at the Maradana Railway order to stop this. The group is made up of experienced #safesrilankanow. special provisions/measures Station uncovered that as many as 94% volunteers who know how to navigate the towards being attentive of women of varying age groups had process of change-making with regard ÄÄ So far, how has the public’s about child abuse? experienced harassment in public transport. to laws and general policies in Sri Lanka reaction towards the The issue of child abuse and familial In fact, recent studies suggest that – volunteers who are passionate about initiative been? breakdown is so endemic to the problem making a difference with regard to sexual this issue has a devastating impact on the Our first callout via social media of harassment that we are in the process of It saddens me to hear that Sri harassment which is rampant in Sri Lanka. economy as a whole, as sexual violence received a hugely positive response; the creating a sister campaign to deal with that Lanka is being described as a We are designing a social media has now come to the forefront not only as posts were shared hundreds of times on specific aspect. This has a separate logo, place dangerous to visit and that campaign aimed at raising awareness an issue concerning women’s rights, but Facebook, and reports started coming hashtag, and email address centred on the on sexual harassment in Sri Lanka and also an issue that directly concerns 52% travellers on international forums into the emails from the first day. Many idea of #endingsexualviolencenow in Sri providing a space for those who have of our population, affirming the voices are advised to stay away from the experienced people are reaching out to us Lanka. This campaign includes all local experienced harassment to tell their stories. of brave survivors who have spoken out country. This is a complex social to offer their skills, advice, support, and victims of abuse and violence, regardless of We started by wanting to give a voice to against this menace and strengthening the encouragement. Both men and women their gender orientation. issue, but with co-operation, a group that’s often unjustly attacked or push for change brought forth by many are equally committed to the goal of We are hoping to work with the commitment, education, and ignored: Foreign women. But of course, the activists. making Sri Lanka a safe place for all. In Central Provident Fund (CPF), the United violence experienced by tourists and visitors Sexual harassment that takes place awareness, it can definitely the process, many of our own personal Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and takes place in a wider cultural context; across many sections, from harassment be solved stereotypes and biases are being challenged organisations such as Grassrooted Trust, the country itself, as a whole, needs to in industrial zones and workplaces to and dissolved, as we work together with Bakamoono, Equal Ground, Sambol become aware that even verbal intimidation harassment in law enforcement, directly This kind of behaviour is an act against our different experiences in our diverse Foundation, and Think Equal to create and “non-contact” harassment through affect the economy and contribute to our nation and should be declared as such. fields with a common goal. The younger educational resources, support services, gesture is a form of violence, and that lower productivity along with higher We always were thought of as a friendly, generation is definitely fuelling the energy and training courses specifically centred systemic abuse and normalised violation of turnover, absenteeism, and a plethora of hospitable country where people feel safe and enthusiasm, but the older members on sexual respect, consent, and ethics in individual dignity not only lower a country’s other vexations that have a direct negative and relaxed, but now, how can a foreigner have resilience and practical wisdom and regard to the formative beliefs about self reputation, but also damage the morale of its downturn on the economy. feel safe when even a Sri Lankan woman experience which are also great assets. and society that children learn from a Another sphere that is affected is does not? citizens. young age. the tourism industry, one of the key Being a writer, editor, and columnist We have created designated email Emotional intelligence and emotional contributors to the economy. Making in Sri Lanka, a foreign business owner addresses to which incidents of abuse can and psychological self-awareness and this the issue that illuminated the fire, contacted me a few months ago to ask for be reported, and the incoming reports will self-management are also skills that can be a newly initiated campaign against help in editing a letter she wanted to write. be edited to protect the safety and privacy of The reality is that lockdown learned in their healing from trauma and sexual harassment, to which well-known Her aim was to raise awareness of the those reporting, and collated into a dossier. means that – although you would abusive experience. personalities such as Women in Need widespread harassment faced by women in ([email protected]/ Founder Caryl Tozer have displayed their [email protected]) think people’s exposure to street ÄÄ What are the challenges Sri Lanka and the high degree of violence harassment is lessened, as most support, has been a buzzing phenomenon which seemed normalised in the country, Additionally, we are experimenting faced in moving forward on social media. which was affecting foreign tourists and with an app designed by one of our people are forced to stay at home with the campaign amidst In light of this, consultant content thus the tourism industry. The rape of a members, which can be used to self-report – this restriction also increases the pandemic? editor Dr. Devika Brendon was enthusiastic Russian tourist in Arugam Bay in end- in a variety of crisis situations including their exposure to domestic The reality is that lockdown means enough to share a few words with The August 2020 is one such example. natural disasters. A project I am a part of that – although you would think people’s is looking at it as a useful technology in violence and child abuse within Sunday Morning Brunch on the campaign. the home exposure to street harassment is lessened, as reporting violence and harassment. most people are forced to stay at home – this ÄÄ In a nutshell, how would you We hope to approach the Ministries of restriction also increases their exposure to Justice, Education (incorporating Women’s define this campaign? What So the focus is both short term and long domestic violence and child abuse within the and Children’s Affairs), and Immigration; does it do? term, and it will be a long campaign to raise home. Unemployment, disrupted businesses, Sri Lanka Police and the Secretary of We aim to end sexual violence, community awareness. and uncertainty lead to an increase in harassment, and assault and make Sri Defense; the Chairperson of the Tourist 1.To show that these incidents of people’s frustration. This campaign hopes to Lanka a safe place to live and work. Board; and of course the Presidential raise community awareness on these issues This is a collaborative campaign. We Secretariat with this information, as part of a harassment and assault are not one-off cases but examples of a systemic need in a timely way, and provide information and are equals in a collective: A synergistic combined campaign of reform. resources that can help people act to protect posse. It’s a multifaceted approach and we The reports will provide the factual for change 2.To raise accountability and improve their safety. have activists, journalists, and long-time basis for specific recommendations to Ideally, sexual violence is not something community leaders on board, including be made to the relevant authorities, so the training of police officers who are involved in hearing and recording women should have to endure under any members of the Child Protection Force. that action can be taken to improve the circumstance. However, in a situation in They are people we have worked with reporting and processing of incidents of complaints and charges 3.To make sure penalties are imposed and which the State’s effort is insufficient to hold before. We come from diverse family harassment and assault, and reduce them in up to its claims, the community as a whole backgrounds and socioeconomic strata. number. The document will also be made not waived off by the justice system 4.To raise awareness that this is a national has to step up, irrespective of our differences, Our aim is to go beyond simply raising publicly accessible via digital media to raise for the wellbeing of all. 4 the sunday morning brunch HEALTH Sunday, November 1, 2020

BY NAVEED ROZAIS There’s something about a conference that fosters growth. Whether it’s just meeting and mingling with likeminded people or listening to and learning from experts, a conference is a place of growth and opportunity. Like almost all other aspects of our lives, Covid-19 has disrupted these conferences. For the most part, this is an easy part of our lives to take online. The webinar has become a very popular method of creating a forum, and with it being online, it can also be kept online permanently for people to view over time. The College of Surgeons of Sri Lanka (CSSL) has made the move to hold their non-emergency surgery to prevent the distinguished annual conference, the Sri escalation of diseases and unnecessary Lanka Surgical Congress (SLSC), virtually deaths.” this year from 4-6 November 2020. With this strategy in mind, the CCSL Normally held each August, the SLSC SRI LANKA developed a guideline and checklist to help 2020 was initially postponed from August surgeons decide when to perform surgery, to take place in November in hopes that which was introduced in April 2020. The the pandemic would not have an impact on guidelines and checklist were incorporated the proceedings. Unfortunately, the second in directives issued by the Ministry of wave of infections that hit Sri Lanka in early SURGICAL Health as part of their own response to the October shows no signs of receding at the Covid-19 pandemic. moment, and the CSSL decided to hold “The onset of the pandemic saw a this year’s SLSC virtually as opposed to reduction in surgeries performed. We then postponing it further. realised that we would contribute to deaths The SLSC is the annual academic CONGRESS TO by not performing and soon after came sessions of the CSSL and an international back to near-full capacity. Surgeons all over conference attracting surgeons and specialists the country worked very hard and did so at from the world over. constant risk to themselves and their team members. It was very courageous of them The 49th Sri Lanka Surgical Congress HOLD 49TH to work like that,” Dr Fernando noted. The Sunday Morning Brunch sat down with CSSL President Dr. Jayaindra Fernando Moving forward to gain more insights into this year’s SLSC. With this year’s SLSC taking place “Normally, the SLSC is a forum for virtually, the question arises: Is moving members to present new research and EDITION online a long-term alternative, particularly network with other surgeons, both local and given we have globally become so much international. We were initially meant to have more comfortable with technology in recent the SLSC at Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo, but months? given the situation, this is no longer possible, “Going virtual in the long term is up to which is why we have taken it online,” VIRTUALLY the future organisers of the SLSC. Going Dr. Fernando shared. “The first day of the virtual is a positive in that it opens the SLSC 2020 will be dedicated to research organisations with whom the CSSL had long- said, speaking on the CSSL and the benefits SLSC up to a wider audience. Physically, presentations, and the other two days will be standing relationships. offered to members. it’s limited to an audience of about 500 a combination of lectures and a symposium “Generally, teams from both our co- The CSSL hosts international training Going virtual is a positive in that it opens the SLSC up to a wider people, but virtually, there is the capacity with presentations from speakers.” hosts join us at the SLSC and it is something workshops on a regular basis. Some of the for many more people to be part of the This year’s SLSC will see 36 oral of a family reunion because we have been programmes are Advanced Trauma Life audience. Physically, it’s limited to an audience of about 500 people, SLSC. A negative is that lack of human presentations of new research including friends for a long time,” Dr Fernando shared, Support, National Trauma Management interaction. eight South Asian Association for Regional adding: “This year, both organisations will Course, Basic Skills in Laparoscopic Surgery but virtually, there is the capacity for many more people to be part of “One of the key things about Cooperation (SAARC) presenters and 98 join us in co-hosting the SLSC virtually.” workshops, and Train the Trainer sessions international conferences is the chance to research poster presentations. Commenting for all surgeons involved in training young the SLSC. A negative is that lack of human interaction meet with other doctors and international on research applications for the SLSC The role of the CSSL surgical trainees. experts. That’s not to say this isn’t possible 2020, Dr. Fernando shared that over 240 Celebrating their golden jubilee in 2021, On a national level, the CSSL was CSSL President Dr. Jayaindra Fernando virtually. Every conference has some virtual submissions were received this year. “This the CSSL initially started as an association instrumental in obtaining recognition of element where global leaders join in online. is a very high volume of applications and is before being incorporated into a non-profit the Sri Lankan MD (Surgery) postgraduate surgical practice in these unprecedented But personally, I don’t see it as a permanent very encouraging to see. This means that our company. Its main objective is to foster the degree with the General Medical Council of times of the Covid-19 pandemic. It also trend or solution,” he further shared. members are very keen on professional and development of surgeons in practice as well the UK. The CSSL is also an examination embraced new technology to facilitate its The SLSC 2020 is set to take place on academic development,” he added. as surgical trainees. centre and co-ordinator for the membership academic and training programme as well a special version of the video conferencing The SLSC 2020 will feature speakers “We do training and development examinations of the Royal College of as meetings and administrative functions platform Zoom that can handle larger from both Sri Lanka and overseas coming programmes all over the country. We Surgeons of London and RCSEd, and while adhering to the strictest precautions conferences. Coming together to help make together to discuss issues, advancements, also provide opportunities for Sri Lankan contributes to the Board of Study in of social distancing. this conference come together online is and trends in surgery and surgical practice. surgeons of all subspecialities to network Surgery and Board of Management at the Dr. Fernando shared that the CSSL SLSC 2020’s event partner Asia Tours “Of the speakers joining, two-thirds are and interact with one another on a national Postgraduate Institute of Medicine at the had to respond very quickly to Covid-19, and Events along with the IT partner Bling from overseas, and many are top leaders and level through the CSSL itself, as well as University of Colombo. initially telling members to be safe by Productions. residents of other surgical organisations,” Dr. at the provincial level through the CSSL’s performing only emergency surgery. “We The Sri Lanka Surgical Congress Fernando emphasised. separate chapters in each province, giving Responding to Covid-19 as a first guided members by asking them to 2020 will take from 4-6 November 2020. The SLSC is co-hosted by the Royal surgeons a framework within which they national body refrain from any non-emergency surgery, For more information and to register, College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) can look at issues that affect them at a The CSSL took upon itself to develop but then we realised it was imperative please visit www.slsc2020.surgeons.lk/en/. and the SAARC Surgical Care Society, two localised provincial level,” Dr. Fernando and disseminate guidelines with regard to for surgeons to perform important yet PHOTO SAMAN ABESIRIWARDANA English Nursing supports stroke survivors A stroke is a disease that full recovery. Early intervention affects the arteries leading to and is key to improve outcomes, and within the brain. It is the fifth support the patient and their family highest cause of death globally. The who will be coming to terms with importance of expert intervention, the situation. Knowing that stroke regular physiotherapy, and survivors can recover and still be prescribed medication management a key part of a loving family is for stroke survivors is vital to live an important message. Currently, a good quality of life. This World the pandemic has isolated many Stroke Day, which fell on Thursday elderly stroke patients who live (29), English Nursing Sri Lanka alone. Family and friends living took the initiative to advocate abroad are unable to visit due to the importance of care for stroke travel restrictions and the anxiety of survivors. you or someone you love is are factors that need rehabilitation contracting the virus has diminished having the above mentioned through physical therapy. many of the human interactions What is a stroke? symptoms; early detection allows Furthermore, the risk of another that are so vital for our health and A stroke occurs when a blood successful recovery from a stroke. stroke goes up with older age due to wellbeing.” vessel that carries oxygen and Unfortunately, the chances of a high blood pressure (hypertension), “Having professional home nutrients to the brain is either second stroke occurring increases high cholesterol, and diabetes, thus, nursing support can make all the blocked by a clot or bursts (or in stroke survivors. According to managing medication is critical in difference and ensure that they ruptures). When that happens, part The National Stroke Association, the prevention process. are taken care of responsibly with of the brain cannot get the blood about 25% of stroke survivors will With elders, experiencing a respect and compassion, along with (and oxygen) it needs, due to which experience a second stroke within stroke can vary from a mild event to a positive plan for recovery.” the brain cells die. the first five years after the first a more severe debilitating illness; it English Nursing Sri Lanka stroke. The risk of facing a relapse can also take a significant emotional specialises in caring for those Look out! is about 40% higher. Fortunately, toll. As with any traumatic life recovering from a stroke. For elders The most common signs of it is estimated that of all secondary experience, it may take time living alone, it ensures that plans a stroke to look out for are the strokes, about 80% of them are for them to accept and adapt to are made to avoid any and all risks, following: preventable with lifestyle changes the emotional trauma of having considering the sensitivity of the yy Balance lost, with headaches and such as healthy eating along with experienced a stroke. Appropriate illness. Keep your mind at ease, dizziness exercise and medical intervention. care is important for recovery. ensure your loved ones are in good yy Eyes – blurry vision English Nursing Sri Lanka hands. Essential care for Managing Director Richard Gould Contact English Nursing Sri yy Face drooping stroke warriors shared his thoughts on the process Lanka – an expert and reliable yy Arm weakness Nine out of 10 stroke patients of recovery: “It is important for home nursing service which over the age of 65 years face some stroke survivors to have a plan pledges to take care of your yy Speech difficulty sort of paralysis, pointed out by for rehabilitation that includes loved ones in the comfort of their It is vital that one seeks the care nurses at English Nursing. speech therapy, physiotherapy, home. Visit their website www. proper medical attention if They said decreased strength, co- and professional home nursing to englishnursing.com or call +94 11 ordination, and range of motion maximise their opportunity for a 4500117. the sunday morning brunch 5 Sunday, November 1, 2020 SOCIETY

Part II MMDA reforms YOUTH ENGAGE IN Q&A

BY DINITHI GUNASEKERA in place to assist women. Currently, due are very oblivious to these sorts of things. same things.” to the lack of stable state-run authorities, They don’t affect us the same way. It’s a Iqbal personally believes that ontinuing last week’s there is high responsibility placed on class issue. For women out of the city and Muslim women should be able to gain feature on the Facebook live independent volunteers and activists from even in the city without the same resources, positions as Quazi Court judges, but discussion on the Muslim the community. the future is a little bleak,” explained Iqbal. some Muslim girls don’t believe in Marriage and Divorce Act “What happens when there are no “A lot of people in Colombo can’t that. Iqbal said we need to have that (MMDA) hosted by the proper authorities to take on issues that empathise with what’s happening outside. conversation by starting somewhere. Sisterhood Initiative in collaboration with people are facing? The community has to Within the Colombo elite Muslim class, C be the caretakers which we are not fully child marriages are not a problem. The the Muslim Personal Law Reforms Action Group (MPLRAG), The Sunday Morning equipped to do,” affirmed Iqbal, through children are well educated and their Brunch this week delves into further her wide scope of volunteering experience. families know each other. That same reality concerns, picking up from where we left does not take place elsewhere. We have off. Barriers and challenges an issue with understanding our privileges Contextually speaking, within the because we have different realities which Covid-19 pandemic situation, it was for reform we can’t comprehend.” reported that there was a spike in sexual Multiple committees, both independent and gender-based violence within and government-affiliated, have been How can we get involved? households in the country. Another appointed since the 1970s, looking for Hyshyama Hamin highlighted that matter that reportedly increased was child reforms. There had been committee the work being done by the Sisterhood after committee but no real enactment of marriages, which as per prior discussion Initiative is more of what we need as a was uncovered as a result of the major reforms except for mere documentation. society. Most of the time, in Colombo, we Groups like the Muslim Women’s drawbacks of the MMDA. are very oblivious to these sorts “Being informed is key. We, the Research and Action Forum (MWRAF) MPLRAG, have essentially tried to of things. They don’t affect us have been in the forefront for more than 35 democratise work done with regard to Impact of social setbacks years and during the past eight to 10 years, Scarcity of financial resources and the the same way. It’s a class issue. the MMDA, making it accessible to For women out of the city and community-based Muslim women’s groups everybody. We want it to be a conversation fact that families aren’t able to provide like the Muslim Women’s Development for their offspring more than ever due to even in the city without the same everyone can take part in with the goal Trust (MWDT) in Puttalam, the Islamic that everyone understands and engages in the prevailing situation push reluctant resources, the future is a Women’s Association for Research and There needs to be more alliance parents to a situation which makes them it. We want it on the plates and mouths little bleak Empowerment (IWARE) in Batticaloa, and of every dinner table talk. It is a public from non-Muslim communities as feel like the better thing to do is give their the Human Elevation Organisation (HEO) daughter’s hand in marriage to someone Sisterhood Initiative Founder Nabeela Iqbal discourse and everyone contributes to the well. This is a Sri Lankan issue at in Ampara have also been involved. debate.” else who is capable. This has been a part of the the end of the day. It’s all your tax Sri Lanka, as a developing nation, with money that is going towards these Additionally, the application of the conversation politically and continues to a presently fleeting economy, is no doubt a MMDA should be uniform to all Sri be. However, the community is unaware of Sisterhood Initiative and power unjust institutions fertile ground for the propagation of more Lankan Muslims without inequality vis-a- the gross injustice systematically enabled Hyshyama Hamin of these child marriages. of conversation vis sects. There should also be mandatory by the MMDA. Divergent viewpoints “When families are undergoing “The Muslim community is not a requirements of marriage – signature/ within the community, which are framed economic constraints, the daughter homogenous group. We are a spectrum thumbprint of both bride and groom – in through a very narrow window of what becomes a tool to fulfil those problems and we have differences within our official marriage documentation. Adult is made possible for enactment through In the roots of the issue is also the in the family. It almost becomes an own community. This means that we Muslim women should have full autonomy the legal system, is also a major issue; dire lack of public knowledge. Activists economic transaction – almost as if it is need to come together and be able to to enter into marriage and marriage unfortunately, these are the people with around the globe have done so much naming a price and giving the girl’s hand have difficult conversations with each registration should be made mandatory the real power to push for change. Another work, yet there is so much to be done in marriage. It’s a written contract about other. Intra-faith conversations are through a contract with conditions. issue is how women are still excluded and in terms of making the common man her but she’s not involved,” explained another of what we do at the ‘Sisterhood Abolishing the system of dowry and sometimes have to demand participation in understand these grave issues. Sisterhood Initiative Founder and Initiative’,” expressed Iqbal. polygamy are also proposals and at the important meetings. “There needs to be more alliance grassroots volunteer Nabeela Iqbal. “We speak with non-Muslims bare minimum continued under permissible who are allies and we have sensitive from non-Muslim communities as well. exceptions such as the financial capability discussions on politics, cultural aspects, This is a Sri Lankan issue at the end of A plea for decades of the husband and the consent of all and pressures from society. We are the day. It’s all your tax money that is “The common argument when parties involved. Divorce should also be not a religious group, so we do not going towards these unjust institutions,” pushing for reforms is that things like child applied equally to men and women in specifically talk about religious issues. highlighted Hamin. marriages are due to conservative elements terms of conditions and procedure. But we do have an interfaith element “When we create awareness and of society and that amending the laws won’t where we discuss intercultural aspects teach people the problem and where it help. It won’t change the status of child Just the cherry on top for – for example, discussions on Poson stems from, that’s all you need to do. marriages in the country overnight, but it’s and Ramadan, which we think is very Everything else falls into place. We merely the first step towards progression. sustainable change important on an educational basis. need to, as a country, as individual The problem is that the MMDA legally The push for reforms is just one of “In my experience, forming the communities, and together, have very endorses discrimination upon women and many aspects regarding a holistic approach ‘Sisterhood Initiative’ and taking on a meaningful discussions as to how to girls. There’s ample research that shows that at possible prevention and true reformation. group of girls has taught me that it’s move forward so that we don’t have women and girls suffer the most under the “One of the grassroots-level issues important to have difficult conversations victims and perpetrators anymore,” MMDA,” said Maryam Azwer. is that families are not financially stable. and it’s okay that we don’t agree on the asserted Iqbal in her final remarks. “Fundamentally, the reforms that This is the main issue we have to address we push for concerning quazis are that alongside amending pre-existing laws. it should be a man or a woman who is If we don’t, the moment we increase the an Attorney-at-Law or at minimum, a minimum age to 18, child marriages will person of good social standing with an still take place but undercover. We won’t unblemished service and over 10 years be able to monitor them,” said Iqbal. in public service, law, mediation, and/or Ensuring ample employment The problem is that the MMDA counselling or in a relevant position with opportunities and job security, assuring legally endorses discrimination good knowledge about the MMDA with a mandatory education to both girls and upon women and girls. There’s lower and upper age limit to be maintained boys, and creating avenues for groups ample research that shows that to be in office. Presently, quazis are usually who completed higher studies are a few appointed arbitrarily at whim through the important steps to be taken. women and girls suffer the most recommendation of mosque committees, During Covid-19, a sudden spike in under the MMDA political connections, wealthy families, and violence, abuse, and rape was reported. Maryam Azwer sometimes through bribes and coercion.” Authorities that protect and oversee the According to Azwer, the reforms conditions of vulnerable women have been pushed for primarily require the minimum saturated as a result, and there is reportedly age of marriage to be 18 without any very little space for them to do better. This ‘Not our issue’ exceptions. calls for more stable state systems that are “Most of the time, in Colombo, we 6 the sunday morning brunch HEALTH Sunday, November 1, 2020 Colorectal cancer: Early detection can save lives BY DR. DINESHANI HETTIARACHCHI SIRISENA What are the risk factors for colorectal cancer? In recent years, the global A risk factor is anything that raises rates of colorectal cancer have your chance of getting a disease such increased, making it the third most as cancer. Some of them are within our commonly occurring cancer in men control. Being overweight, having an and the second most commonly inactive lifestyle, and consuming high occurring cancer in women amounts of red meat or processed meat, worldwide, according to statistics smoking, and heavy alcohol use can from the American Institute of increase your risk of colorectal cancer. Cancer Research. In Sri Lanka, it Most risk factors for colorectal cancer, ranks as the fourth most common however, are beyond our control and are cancer among men and the fifth known as unmodifiable factors. Age is a strong risk factor and most common cancer among colorectal cancer is more common in women. In this light, we spoke to people older than 50 years. People who University of Colombo Faculty of have a parent, sibling, or child with Medicine Department of Surgery colorectal cancer are at a higher risk lecturer and National Hospital of Dr. Dakshitha Wickramasinghe of developing it themselves. This is Sri Lanka University Surgical Unit easier to be done. However, they might particularly true if a family member was Honorary Consultant Surgeon Dr. have to be performed more often diagnosed before the age of 60. People Dakshitha Wickramasinghe. who have had colorectal cancer once are yy Examining the colon: These tests look also at higher risk of another colorectal Colorectal cancer, commonly known at the structure of the colon and rectum cancer. Inflammatory bowel disease as bowel cancer, colon cancer, or rectal for any abnormal areas. This can be (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis cancer, is any cancer that affects the colon done with either an endoscope or a PHOTO ALILA MEDICAL MEDIA and Crohn’s disease, can also increase the and the rectum. We can now screen for special CT scan risk. precancerous lesions before they become Examining the colon People known or suspected to have These tests look at the inside of the sinister or cancerous lesions before the certain genetic syndromes are at high Stool-based tests colon and rectum for any abnormal areas development of any signs and symptoms. risk of developing polyps and cancer. These tests look at the stool (faeces) that might be cancerous or for any polyp- Regular colorectal cancer screening is These people generally need to have a for possible signs of colorectal cancer or like growths. Two main tests are done one of the most powerful tools against colonoscopy, and not any of the other polyps. You only need to provide the lab presently; colorectal cancer detection. tests. Screening is often recommended to with a sample of your stool, so it can even As early stages of colorectal cancer begin at a young age, possibly as early as be done at home, but these tests need to be yy Colonoscopy: Where a small, flexible usually don’t accompany any symptoms, the teenage years for some syndromes, done more often. If the result from one of tube with a light and small video screening can aid in its detection. Thus, and needs to be done much more these stool tests is positive, you will need camera at the end is inserted through lowering the number of people who die frequently. Some inherited genes make a colonoscopy to identify the abnormality. the anus into the rectum and colon. from the disease, or eliminating cancer- them more at risk; these genes can now One way to test for colorectal cancer is to Doctors can use a colonoscopy to related deaths. Screening often allows be tested and it’s advisable to get them look for occult (hidden) blood in the stool. look at the entire length of the colon cancer to be diagnosed when it’s small done especially if there is a strong family The rationale behind a stool-based test is and rectum. If the doctors see any and hasn’t spread to other parts of the history. Even with the same syndrome, that the blood vessels in larger colorectal suspicious areas, they take pieces body. These early stages of cancer are people will be affected differently, and also easier to treat. Additionally, regular polyps or cancers are often fragile and to be tested further in a laboratory. Early stages of colorectal cancer this will impact the screening modalities are easily subjected to damage with the These pieces are known as biopsies. screening can even prevent colorectal and frequency. Hence, it’s important to be passage of stool. The damaged vessels If doctors see polyps, they will cancer. and might not be seen by the naked eye, under the care of a doctor who can advise usually bleed into the colon or rectum. also remove them completely. Dr. Wickramasinghe stated that hence a microscopic test to check for you correctly. This bleeding is usually extremely small This early removal will prevent cancers commonly begin as polys and a blood cells is needed for its detection. If you’re at an increased risk of polyps from becoming cancerous polyp can take as many as 10 to 15 years colorectal cancer or think you might be, subsequently. The main disadvantage to develop into cancer. The good news talk to your doctor to learn more. They of a colonoscopy is that it requires is that these polyps can be identified will be able to suggest the best screening special medicine to clean the colon, and removed during screening. When option for you, as well as determine what and you will need sedation during the colorectal cancer is found at an early stage type of screening schedule you should procedure. (before it has spread to other parts of follow, based on your individual risk. the body), the five-year relative survival yy CT colonography: Also known as a As more than one‐half of all cases and rate is about 90%. But unfortunately, virtual colonoscopy, it is an advanced deaths are attributable to modifiable risk only about four out of 10 colorectal type of computed tomography (CT) factors, such as smoking, an unhealthy cancers are found at this early stage. scan. This test uses multiple x-ray diet, high alcohol consumption, physical When cancer has spread outside the colon pictures to create a three-dimensional inactivity, and excess body weight, and or rectum, survival rates are lower. In view of the inside of the colon. You’ll thus potentially preventable, making these contrast to most Western countries, there be asked to lie on a narrow table lifestyle changes early can be lifesaving. is no universal screening programme for that’s part of the CT scanner, and will colorectal cancer in Sri Lanka. If you have a small, flexible tube put into would like to be screened, you will need your rectum. Air is pumped through About the writer to talk to your doctor, and getting yourself the tube into the colon and rectum to The writer, Dr. Dineshani Hettiarachchi screened, especially if there is a strong expand them to provide better pictures. Sirisena, is a family physician with a family history, will lower your chances of Doctors can view these images similar special interest in developing the disease. to a colonoscopy view. This method rare genetic diseases Available screening tests does not require sedation or any type and regenerative These tests can be divided into two of instrument put into the rectum or medicine currently main groups, and each have different risks colon and can be done without prior working as a lecturer and benefits. Some of them might be a bowel preparation. If polyps or other at the Department of better option for you than the other. suspicious areas are seen on this test, Anatomy, Faculty of yy Stool-based tests: These tests check a colonoscopy will still be needed to Medicine, University of the stool (faeces) for signs of cancer. remove them or to explore the area Colombo, fully. Sri Lanka. Owing to their less invasive nature, it is How a colonoscopy works

The Covid-19 virus is exerting during uncertainty. an unprecedented global impact, On World Heart Day, the both socially and economically, World Heart Federation stressed bringing unique challenges to the A ‘Heart to Heart’ with Covid-19 on the importance of strengthening on the heart, as fever causes rapid prevent, fight, and recover from healthcare sector. According to heart rate followed by low oxygen infections as it plays a critical role the heart through the presence the World Health Organisation levels, increases chances for blood in building a good immune system. of compassion and kindness; the (WHO), the virus has led to clot formation.” Staying hydrated, including plenty “Use Heart” call to action to build approximately one million deaths Dr. Ranasinghe also discussed of fruits and vegetables in one’s a community that unites against with over 37 million confirmed the diagnosis of a more unusual diet, and reducing the intake of Covid-19; and the importance of cases worldwide. However, it condition called “myocarditis” in saturated fats and sugar are some understanding that a gentle gesture poses a particular risk to those with Covid-19 patients. “Myocarditis factors. The intake of alcohol and and an act of goodwill for those underlying medical conditions is an inflammation of the heart tobacco have severe repercussions around us could go a long way. including cardiovascular disease muscle. This can affect the heart to the body as well, and limitation Nevertheless, sanitise, wear and hypertension. muscle and its electrical system, plays a crucial role in protecting the a mask, and refrain from leaving your home if it is not a necessity. Cardiovascular illnesses reducing the heart’s ability to heart from Covid-19. pump blood and causing rapid or Purchase essential medication via vulnerable to Covid-19 abnormal heart rhythms.” Connection between your Healthnet, your pharma assistant At the recent webinar session The WHO records who is offering senior citizens – the mind and heart most vulnerable during Covid-19 titled “Better Health: A Healthy cardiovascular illnesses as the An individual’s health is a Heart” brought to you by Healthnet global leading cause of death; times – a 10% discount on their combination of physical and mental total prescription bill for life. and English Nursing Sri Lanka, 10% of patients with pre-existing wellbeing. Indulging in relaxing consultant cardiologist Dr. For elders living alone, ensure cardiovascular disease who contract those with heart disease are subject muscles and improve the function activities such as reading or Bhathiya Ranasinghe outlined: that plans are made if an emergency Covid-19 – high blood pressure to fatal complications if infected of lungs. Taking multiple short listening to music help reduce stress “Individuals with pre-existing arises. To ease your mind, contact (hypertension) and coronary artery with Covid-19 and that appropriate walks during the day along with and exhaustion. Keeping in contact heart disease who become ill English Nursing Sri Lanka, an disease (CAD) – have lower care is essential. stretches and yoga act as effective with your loved ones via video with Covid-19 are at higher risk expert and reliable home nursing mortality rates, compared to only preventive measures. conferencing or text is important of suffering a heart attack or service which pledges to take care 1% of patients who are otherwise Care for your heart to prevent Simultaneously, eating a to limit anxiety and fear during developing congestive heart failure. of your loved ones in the comfort healthy. In 2018, 22.64% of deaths healthy diet is very important. these difficult times. Remember, The combination of the severe infection of their home. Visit their website in Sri Lanka were due to heart Eating and drinking appropriately interaction and communication viral illness and its increased strain disease, reiterating the fact that A good exercise routine, even www.englishnursing.com or call for elders, can strengthen heart can affect our body’s ability to encourages a positive mindset +94 11 4500117. the sunday morning brunch 7 Sunday, November 1, 2020 GAMES/TOONS

SOLUTION FOR 18 OCTOBER participant of 1605 70 Crusoe creator CROSSWORD CLUES Crossword 16 Hamburger’s three 71 Swiss coin Across 58 Italy’s cont. 112 Pelican State campus 17 Free of contaminants 72 National rival 1 Not yet bought 59 “Look before you leap,” e.g. 114 Backfire sound 21 Pump measure 73 Shaped like a megaphone 5 Kvetch 61 Advanced teaching deg. 116 Co-star with Chevy 23 Autumn blossom 74 Danish coin 10 Mushroom sought by 62 2009 aviation biopic and Gilda 25 Coast Guard mission 78 Sound of resignation mushroom hunters 64 Authoritative code 118 Open veranda 28 Before now 79 Syrup used in pecan pies 15 Econ. barometer 66 Art __ 119 Cable company offering 31 Sewer’s bottoms 80 “It puzzles me” 18 Bar on a truck 68 Timely mnemonic, or what 121 Fugitive trackers, at times 33 “Reader, I married him” 82 Jon of “Chicago P.D.” 19 Swiss luxury brand the circled letters depict 123 Big party governess 83 “You betcha!” 20 Butler’s love 75 Arcade giant 124 Caffeine-rich nuts 34 Taco truck fare 85 “Look, señorita!” 21 Provider of expert advice 76 Rear-__ 125 Curling venue 36 The Beatles’ Penny, e.g. 88 Stanford who co-founded 22 Swindler 77 Hand at sea 126 Vending machine inserts 38 It’s driven on a trail Stanford University 24 “It’s hopeless” 78 Improv bit 127 Rapper Lil __ X 39 Has a balance due 90 Winter Palace monarch 26 Subs 81 Coordinated 128 Look after 41 In real time 91 Prison division 27 __ fly: run-scoring out 84 Closest peeps 129 Exorcist’s target 42 Piece inside a pumpkin 94 Intellectual nitpicker 28 World’s largest tennis 86 Texas site of Pizza Hut 130 Overly curious 43 Seal-hunting swimmers 95 Scoundrel stadium headquarters 44 Whippersnapper 97 Sheer linen fabric Down 45 Pole thrown by Scots 29 Social media profile 87 Helen Reddy’s “__ 1 Has staying power 98 Grayish-yellow green picture, often Woman” 46 “Seriously?” 101 Clown for the camera 2 Stand out 47 Wild throw, usually 30 Clue follower 88 Flood control 3 Heartthrob 104 Tech whizzes 32 Muralist Rivera 89 Big name in bowling shoes 49 Crown collection 106 Put on a pedestal 4 Deep-fried Japanese dish 52 Wine and dine 34 Cybertruck maker 92 Dudes 5 Boxer’s warning 107 Capital SSW of Portland 35 Rod’s partner 93 Some Nehi drinks 56 Elite guests 109 Not allowed 6 Turns 57 Airport screening 37 “Over here!” 96 It may be cracked with a key 7 Trojan War saga 110 Batting practice sites 40 Hoods at a monastery 99 Suite spot likelihood 111 Spacek of “The River” 8 Joe who played the thief 60 Pie crust ingredient 43 Meat brand spelled out by 100 Mount Rainier’s Native Harry in “Home Alone” 112 Texter’s parting a four-year-old in ads American name ... and a 61 Gas brand with a red “o” 113 Where the iris is 9 Phone routing no. in its logo 48 C-SPAN addict, say Microsoft typeface 10 Rainy season 114 Farm bundle 50 Miley Cyrus label 102 Soothing succulent 63 Team from College 11 “I know! Pick me!” Station, Texas 115 Med school subj. 51 Noisy bunkmate 103 “Look before you leap,” e.g. 12 Utility bill figure 117 Barcelona boy 53 Prepare for another drive 105 Ethereal glows 65 Stefani of No Doubt 13 Jazz or swing 67 Show appreciation 120 “The Simpsons” bartender 54 Holiday lead-in 108 Whitman’s dooryard 14 Time-__ 121 Launch site 55 Conspiring faction bloomers 69 Selection process for 15 Gunpowder Plot MLB All-Stars 122 Spam holder Entries should be written clearly and addressed to: The Features Editor, The Sunday Morning, No. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 to reach us on or before 12 noon on 11 November 2020. Write “The Sunday Morning Brunch”, on the top left hand corner of the envelope.

Name: ...... Address: ...... Contact No: ...... Bank account details: ...... (Account number, bank name, branch name, and name as per bank account)

CROSSWORD WINNERS OF 18 OCTOBER First prize (Rs. 5,000) Consolation prize winners Jenicyril Kenista, 1. Dayawathie Siyadoris, Katugastota Hendala, Wattala 2. Sriyani Pushpalatha, Nittambuwa Second prize (Rs. 3,000) 3. Amarasekera A.M., Nicka Potha via Haputale Lawarance Morais, 4. Lakshman Goonetilleke, Wellawatte Colombo 13 5. Naline Chandra Dayaratne, Pitakotte This week’s winners will be announced on 15 November

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

Agency. All (Answers next week) rights reserved. (Last week’s) 8 the sunday morning brunch PEOPLE/EVENTS Sunday, November 1, 2020 Oppo F17 Pro launched in star-studded online event with youth icons Skin drama? Vanda Serrador, facialist and The official launch of former Skincare Ambassador for Multi-mask your troubles away Oppo’s latest model, Oppo The Body Shop, is always being F17, took place recently in asked for her expert advice on Sri Lanka with some of the how best to treat skin. Here she most popular youth icons tackles how to manage three in the country – actor and challenging skin situations with singer Raween Kanishka of “Deveni Inima” fame, “multi-masking” – the use of two or Tanasha Hatharasingha of more masks in different places to popular tele serial “Neela give each section of your skin the Pabalu”, and popular attention it needs. travel blogger Ayesh The Oppo F17 Pro launch Help! I am a new mum and I have Perera. The event was respectively, said that gone from pre-baby (a six-step skincare also joined by dancing the phone seemed very routine I followed religiously) to post- sensation Ramod Malaka, compatible with their baby (a zero-step skincare routine due to wellness coach and social lifestyles. Perera noted: being constantly on the go). The sleep media personality Randy “I am always on the go deprivation, constant running around, and Senevirathne, and top tech and I am thrilled that this not managing to eat properly have taken YouTuber and tech guru phone eliminates the need a visible toll on my skin. It has gone from Chanux Bro. for carrying around hefty glowing to dull and dehydrated. Do you Kanishka in an equipment – the Oppo have any quick skin fixes I could adopt to Instagram video expressed F17 Pro not only has fit my frantic life? unparalleled battery life excitement for the event exceeding 500,000 Congratulations on being a new mum! Former The Body Shop Skincare Ambassador and facialist Vanda Serrador but also captures images in stating that it was a “one- followers.” During this stage in your life, your skin on my skin. I’m in my 20s and have dry- your ear lobes in small circles. After a exceptional quality. This of-a-kind” experience Shehani Kahandawala, renewal cycles are interrupted ish skin; it’s quite dull-looking and I few minutes, move your fingers up to the is a wildlife enthusiast’s and a product especially another popular actress by poor sleep and this is tend to break out on my chin area middle of the outside of your ears, and dream come true!” designed with the and social media taking a toll on your skin. occasionally. What would you gently rotate your entire ear in circles. Chanux Bro, who Millennial audience in influencer who is also I would recommend a recommend? Great for over-thinking, breakouts, tension, represents the tech mind. Malaka echoed the associated with the launch multi‐masking routine I am so proud of you for and focus. fraternity of Sri Lanka, same sentiment, adding: of the new Oppo F Series to help hydrate and caring about our precious The Nicaraguan Coffee Intense meanwhile opined: “Since “As a content creator, I smartphone model, re‐energise your planet and I feel the exact Awakening Mask is the latest addition to inception, the Oppo brand think this phone will be quipped: “F17 Pro fits so skin. same way! The Body Shop’s expert facial mask range. has captured the hearts of ideal for me, given its well with what I do and When you get It sounds like you Like the Himalayan Charcoal, British youths worldwide with camera quality and long complements what I do on five minutes, use need to deeply hydrate Rose, and Amazonian Acai masks, it is great strides made in battery life.” social media so well.” a purifying glow and de‐congest your 100% vegan, while the Ethiopian Honey mobile technology and Actress Hatharasingha Senevirathne and mask followed by skin. I’d recommend and Chinese Ginseng and Rice masks are mobile photography. 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HALL OF FAME AWARDS CEREMONY District 82 Toastmasters honours Buy a HelpAge X’mas its club and member achievements card and help our elders District 82 of Toastmasters When the much- International held its annual awards awaited Christmas season night on 5 September 2020 at the Raffles HelpAge comes close, citizens from Residences, Sri Jayewardenepura, GREETING CARDS all walks of life anxiously Kotte, in the presence of the Regional to Retore the Vision wait to celebrate this event Advisor – Region 13 of Toastmasters of Needy Senior Citizens on a grand scale. During International, past and present district this season, both the young officers, and club leaders. and old never forget to The gala event was an opportunity send greeting cards to their to celebrate the accomplishments and loved ones. achievements of the clubs, members, Eight-80 Membership Award winners 2019-2020 Among varieties and leaders within the Toastmasters of cards, they mainly movement in Sri Lanka. members, clubs, and leaders. The recognition offered by Toastmasters select HelpAge X’mas In spite of a limited guest list, prestigious Golden Gavel Award was International. This year, it was cards considering that representatives of clubs from across earned by 22 clubs in recognition noteworthy that 51 members from the proceeds of these go the island were hosted in the spirit of of their club quality and member 41 clubs achieved the prestigious cataract surgeries HelpAge Sri to restore the vision of celebration. Overcoming the challenges engagement. Distinguished Toastmasters Award. completely free of Lanka Manager of less-privileged elders aged of the year, 76 clubs achieved the Dialog, MillenniumIT ESP, “Toastmasters is a passion for charge could visit the Fundraising Ruchilalani over 55 years. Everybody highest honour offered by Toastmasters Awakening, Siyane, and Anuradapura many of us in the movement,” says HelpAge Eye Hospital Batuwantudawa said is of the view that sending International to become President’s Toastmasters Clubs were awarded Distinguished Toastmaster Noorul at Sinsapa Road, the cards are on sale at these cards to others helps Distinguished, 11 achieved Select the Eight-80 Membership Award in Munawwara, the newly appointed Wellawatta (opposite affordable prices at leading strengthen relationships. Distinguished, and 20 earned the recognition of the retention and growth District Director. “While we commit Savoy Cinema). bookshops in Colombo The year 2020 has Distinguished Club titles. These are of its member base, reflecting the ourselves to grow as individuals, these “Surgeries are and suburban areas. Cards become an unforgettable achievements that are a testament to the quality and high standards within the awards are a reminder that hard work performed with high- can also be personalised year to all of us. HelpAge commitment to self-improvement shown clubs. and the right attitude will never go quality foldable intraocular with your corporate logo Sri Lanka has produced by the members of the movement. A key highlight of the night unappreciated. Tonight, we see that the lenses,” Liyanawaduge and other details in colour 500,000 Christmas On this night, a host of district was the recognition of the members future of Toastmasters in Sri Lanka has said, also requesting or black and white at a greeting cards with the aim awards were given to Toastmasters who achieved the highest member never looked more promising.” people to extend their nominal rate. of improving the eye care co-operation towards Cards are also facilities of this vulnerable this worthy cause by available at the HelpAge sector. purchasing at least one head office located at The greeting cards card to improve the vision No. 102, Pemananda are adorned with colourful of our elders. Mawatha, Raththanapitiya, photographs, paintings, He said that HelpAge Boralesgamuwa (adjoining and chic designs, and they has so far performed the University of Sri are embossed and foiled. 38,000 free cataract Jayewardenepura). HelpAge Sri Lanka surgeries and conducted For further details, Executive Director a large number of mobile contact Ruchi/Kodi on Samantha Liyanawaduge medical eye camps all over 011 2803752/53/54, 011 said that senior citizens the country. 4926358, 011 4926948. Winners of awards at the Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony who wish to have their

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