sign in sign up
<<
Home , Angajan Ramanathan, Anuradha Jayaratne, Arundika Fernando, Ashoka Priyantha, Cabinet of Sri Lanka, Chamal Rajapaksa

www.themorning.lk epaper.themorning.lk www.themorning.lk epaper.themorning.lk www.aruna.lk epaper.aruna.lk www.aruna.lk epaper.aruna.lk THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2020

For verified information on the Quarantine Unit COVID-19 TOTAL CASES TOTAL CASES coronavirus (Covid-19) contact any 0112 112 705 ACTIVE CASES of the following authorities CASES IN Epidemiology Unit Health THE WORLD 20,628,042 Suwasariya 0112 695 112 PROTECT YOURSELF FROM 2,881 Promotion Ambulance DEATHS CASES DEATHS Bureau Service Govt. coronavirus hotline USA 5,322,446 168,256 COVID-19 DEATHS RECOVERED 1999 1990 0113071073 748,126 BRAZIL 3,112,393 103,099 2,376,700 46,779 PRESIDENTIAL FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES RECOVERD 902,701 15,260 11 2,638 Telephone 0114354854, 0114733600 Fax 0112333066, 0114354882 Hotline 0113456200-4 Email [email protected] 13,526,629 S. AFRICA 566,109 15,751 THE ABOVE STATISTICS232 ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 4.30 P.M. ON 11 AUGUST 2020 SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU

CABINET AND STATE MINISTERS SWORN IN

Former ministers A new NATIONAL LIST NOMINEE without portfolios NPP informs EC Dr. has been z No portfolios for 13 former ministers nominated to the National List seat of Quite a number of former general election have not received the National People’s Power (NPP). ministers, state ministers, and portfolios in the new Government deputy ministers who have that was sworn in last morning beginning VISITORS FOR PRISON INMATES entered the Ninth Parliament (12). following the recently concluded Contd. on page 2 BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA , the elder brother of the One visit permitted President and the Prime Minister, who NATIONAL LIST A total of 26 new cabinet ministers and 39 state ministers were hold the Irrigation portfolio, and Namal per week appointed by President at the Magul Rajapaksa, the Prime Minister’s eldest The visitation ban imposed on prison Maduwa (Audience Hall) of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth son, who holds the Youth and Sports inmates’ family and friends following 99% finalised: SJB Relic in last morning (12). Ministry portfolios. the Covid-19 patient detection at the As of last evening (12), parliamentarians entering Namal Rajapaksa is also the youngest Welikada Prison will be lifted on the through the National List as The 26 cabinet members include Housing, Buddhasasana, and Religious MP to hold the portfolio of Sports Saturday (15). (SJB) had finalised 99% soon as possible. the President, who holds the Defence and Cultural Affairs. at the age of 34 years. He has also Commissioner of Prisons of their National List “We have completed 99% of portfolio, and Prime Minister Mahinda In addition, the new Cabinet also captained the national rugby (Administration and Rehabilitation) parliamentarians. our National List. A few last Rajapaksa, who holds the portfolios consists of two other members of the team in 2013. Chandana Ekanayake said that inmates SJB stalwart Ranjith matters need to be discussed of Finance, Urban Development and , namely Chamal Contd. on page 2 are allowed to meet their relatives Madduma Bandara said that before we finalise.” under strict compliance with health they hope to finalise the Contd. on page 2 UNP LEADERSHIP and safety measures. LOOKING TO THE FUTURE AJBP GENERAL SECRETARY PCOI ON EASTER SUNDAY ATTACKS No decision yet Senior members of the Monk still missing RW, Sagala, and Ruwan (UNP) yesterday (12) met with its Leader Ranil The Ape Jana Bala Party (AJBP) is Wickremesinghe at the party headquarters at yet to receive any information of its summoned Sirikotha to discuss the party leadership, but General Secretary Ven. Vadanigama BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA has summoned former have failed to arrive at a final decision, The Wimalatissa Thera who went missing Prime Minister Ranil Morning learnt. a few days ago. The Presidential Commission Wickremesinghe to appear Contd. on page 2 REPATRIATION OF SRI LANKANS of Inquiry (PCoI) probing before its Investigativae Unit. the Easter Sunday attacks Contd. on page 2 Wijeyadasa 120 repatriated HISTORICAL BUILDING IN from Qatar and UK Court suspends warrant declines portfolio A group of Sri Lankans stranded in The Court of Appeal its President Justice Former Minister of Justice foreign countries due to the Covid-19 has decided not to carry A.H.M.D. Nawaz PC has outbreak were repatriated yesterday out the arrest warrant and Justice Sobhitha declined the state ministerial (12). issued on Mayor of Rajakaruna, after taking portfolio offered in the new Kurunegala Thushara up the writ petitions Government. Reportedly, Rajapakshe Sanjeewa Witharana and filed by the Kurunegala had rejected the portfolio of State Malaka Silva others until 24 August. Kurunegala Mayor and four others Minister of Education Reforms The order was Mayor Thushara challenging the arrest and had instead wanted a cabinet President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister granted bail delivered by the Court Witharana warrant issued on them. portfolio. yesterday (12) just before leaving the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Malaka Silva, of Appeal bench comprising Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 Kandy following the swearing-in ceremony of the new Cabinet the son of former Minister who was arrested by the Police Development projects back on track in the North on Tuesday (11), has BY SARAH HANNAN that were slowed down due to Covid-19 have roll out.” Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, government that was recently appointed. been released on bail As the new Government’s cabinet ministers now gone back to speed. At present, there is an resuming his role as the Prime Minister of “Our Government will cater to the needs of by the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court. and state ministers took oaths for their respective Agriculture Sector Modernisation Project that the ninth Parliament last week, expressed a all our citizens, irrespective of race or cultural Malaka Silva was arrested by the ministerial portfolios, the halted infrastructure is supported by the underway in keen interest to recommence the development background. There are urgent priorities in the Thalangama Police on charges of development in the Northern Province, which the Kilinochchi District and also the Other Field programmes that were disrupted at the end of his Northern Province with regard to livelihoods, alleged extortion and issuing death was stopped during the Covid-19 outbreak and Crop Cultivation programme that was rolled out previous tenure as President, which concluded irrigation for agriculture, the upgrading of threats against a businessman. the general election, has recommenced. under the Project Saubhagya implemented during in 2014. During his debut interview with an exports, and the improvement of facilities in Northern Provincial Council Director of the Covid-19 curfew period. In addition to that, independent media channel, the Premier had health and education,” Rajapaksa had told the SEE FULL STORIES Planning E. Johnson, speaking to The Morning, we are open to oversee any of the development stated that these projects will recommence under media institute. ON PAGE 2 noted: “Many of the foreign-aided projects projects the current Government is planning to the SLPP-led (Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna) Contd. on page 2 2 the morning NEWS Thursday , August 13, 2020 New cabinet, state ministers appointed Following an overwhelming majority at the general Preschools and Primary Education, School Infrastructure, election on 5 August, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Education Services appointed the new Cabinet, state ministers, and district  – Rural Industries Promotion co-ordination committee chairpersons yesterday (12) D.V. Chanaka – Aviation Services and Export Zone at the Magul Maduwa (Audience Hall) of the Temple Development of Sacred Tooth Relic. D.B. Herath – Livestock, Animal Husbandry Promotion, Accordingly, the new Government comprises 28 cabinet and Milk and Eggs-related Industries ministries, 40 state ministries, and 23 district co-ordinating  – Paddy, Grain, Organic Food, committees. Mahinda Rajapaksa took oaths as Prime Minister Vegetables, Fruits, Chilli, Onion, and Potato Cultivation on Sunday (9). Promotion, Seed Production, and High Tech Agriculture Below are the appointments: Dr. – Urban Development, Coast Conservation, Waste Disposal, and Community Sanitation Cabinet Ministers Jeewan Thondaman – Estate Housing and Community  President Gotabaya Rajapaksa – Defence Infrastructure Development  Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa – Finance,  – Finance, Capital Markets, and State Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Urban Enterprises Reform Development and Housing Dr. – Skills Development, Vocational  – Labour Training, Research, and New Innovation Prof. G.L. Peiris – Education Dr. – Pharmaceutical Production, Pavithradevi Wanniarachchi – Health Supply, and Regulation  – Foreign Affairs  – Fisheries Chairpersons for District Co-  – Transport ordination Committees Bandula Gunawardana – Trade Pradeep Undugoda – District R.M.C.B. Rathnayake – Wildlife and Forest Conservation State ministers of the new Government Sahan Pradeep – – Public Administration, Sanjeewa Edirimanna – Provincial Councils, and Local Government  – Foreign Employment Promotion Vidura Wickramanayaka – National Heritage, Performing  – Rural Housing and Construction and Wasantha Yapabandara – – Mass Media and Market Diversification Arts, and Rural Skills Promotion Construction Material Industries Nalaka Bandara Kottegoda – Matale District  – Irrigation  – Solar, Wind, and Hydropower  – Sugarcane, Maize, Cashew, Pepper,  – Ornamental Fish, Freshwater Fish S.B. Dissanayake – – Power Generation Project Development Cinnamon, Cloves, Beetle, and Related Cultivations and Sprats Production, Fisheries Harbour Production, Sampath Athukorala – District  – Highways  – Batik, Handloom, and Local Garment Promotion and Export Promotion Multi-day Fishing Vessel Affairs and Fish Exports Nipuna Ranawaka – – Industries Industries  – Dhamma Schools, Bhikku Education,  – Rural and Regional Water Supply Upul Galappatti – District  – Environment  – Co-operatives, Sales Promotion, Piriven, and Buddhist Universities Projects  – S.M. Chandrasena – Lands and Consumer Protection Shehan Semasinghe – Samurdhi, Microfinance, Self- Siripala Gamlath – Development of Infrastructure of Douglas Devananda – Kilinochchi District  – Agriculture Dr. – Prison Reforms and Employment, Business Development, and Underperforming Settlements and Waterways in the Mahaweli Zones K. Dileepan – Vavuniya District  – Water Supply Rehabilitation State Asset Development Sarath Weerasekera – Provincial Councils and Local K. Kader Masthan – Mannar and Mullaitivu Districts  – Energy  – Coconut, Kithul, Palmyrah, Rubber Mohan De Silva – Fertiliser Production and Supply, Chemical Government V. Weerasinghe – Ampara District Dr. – Plantations Cultivation Promotion, and Related Industry Promotion, Fertiliser and Pesticides Regulation  – Agrarian Tanks and Reservoirs Close Kapila Athukorala – Trincomalee District  – Tourism and Export Diversification  – Gem and Jewellery and Related Industries to Paddy Lands and Irrigation Development Dr. Gunapala Ratnasekera – – Ports and Shipping  – Rural, Road, and Infrastructure Facilities  – Vehicle Regulation, Passenger Sathasivam Viylanderan – Postal Services and Media  – Puttalam District Namal Rajapaksa – Youth Affairs and Sports  – Warehouse Facilities, Terminals, Transport Service (Bus) , Railway Compartments, and Professionals Development H. Nandasena – Ali Sabry – Justice Port Facilities, and Shipping Industries Motor Vehicle Industries Thenuka Vidanagamage – Rural and School Sports Amarakeerthi Athukorala – – Land Management and Development Wimalaweera Dissanayaka – Forest Protection, Elephant Infrastructure Development  – State Ministers of State Enterprise Land and Property Fences and Trenches Construction, Reforestation and Forest  – Indigenous Medicine Promotion, Rural and Kumarasiri Ratnayake – Chamal Rajapaksa – Internal Security, Internal Affairs, and  – Estate Renovation, Tea Factory Resources Development Ayurveda Hospital Development, and Community Health Akila Ellawala – Ratnapura District Disaster Management Modernisation, and Export Diversification  – Regional Co-operation Piyal Nishantha – Women and Child Development, Rajika Wickramasinghe –

Contd. from page 1

1. Shan Wijayalal de Silva (Southern for visitors from 8 July following reports of an A new... Province) Court suspends... No decision... inmate at the Welikada Prison testing positive Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) 2. Chamara Sampath Dassanayake (Uva The writ petitions were lodged on Monday UNP General Secretary Akila Viraj for Covid-19 surfacing. Chairman Prof. G.L. Pieris and President’s Province) (11). Kariyawasam told The Morning that the – Sarah Hannan Counsel (PC) Ali Sabry, who were nominated The judge bench stated that the verdict on members gathered at the meeting had decided to Parliament through the SLPP National List, 99% finalised... issuing notices for the hearing of the writ to keep the subjects discussed out from the Monk still... were given the Ministries of Education and petitions, as well as the verdict on issuing public until a final decision has been made A member of the AJBP, Ven. Pahiyangala Justice, respectively. Earlier, Madduma Bandara confirmed to an interim order for suspending the arrest on Friday’s (14) Working Committee meeting. Ananda Sagara Thera told The Morning that a Moreover, several members of Viyathmaga The Morning that he was one of the SJB warrants on the petitioners, will be delivered “The final decision with regard to the UNP complaint had been lodged with the Election were presented with state ministerial portfolios. members who would enter Parliament through on 24 August. leadership will be taken on Friday,” he said. Commission (EC) as the party couldn’t take They were Dr. Nalaka Godahewa, Sarath the National List. Accordingly, as the arrest warrants issued In addition to the party leadership issue, a decision on its National List due to the Weerasekara, Dr. Seetha Arambepola, and Dr. Meanwhile, SJB parliamentarian Harin by the Kurunegala Magistrate have been the National List appointment has also been disappearance of its General Secretary. Channa Jayasumana. All four of them are also Fernando said that some minority parties challenged by the petitioners, the Court of discussed at the meeting. When queried whether they had lodged a new entrants to Parliament. were agreeable to not being included in the Appeal ruled that the execution of warrants (MM) complaint with the Police, the thera stressed National List. will be suspended until the said date. that no police complaint had been lodged as yet. “Head of the National Union of Workers On 6 August, the Kurunegala Magistrate had Wijeyadasa... He said if the party General Secretary is not Former (NUW) Palani Digambaram informed me that issued arrest warrants on the Kurunegala Mayor, to be found, the AJBP would take legal action. ministers... he did not mind if his party did not receive a the Municipal Commissioner, Engineer, and Nevertheless, he had said that he would The AJBP consists of a majority of monks National List seat,” Fernando said, noting that two others in the case filed over demolishing support the Government in Parliament. including (BBS) General Following are the former portfolio holders he was unaware of the stance taken by other Buwaneka Hotel, a building of historical value Rajapakshe contested the recent general Secretary Ven. Galagoda Atte Gnanasara Thera who no longer hold any positions in the minority parties. in Kurunegala. election from the Colombo District and secured and Ven. Athureliya Rathana Thera. Government: – Skandha Gunasekara The Attorney General (AG) had previously a seat in Parliament. The AJBP had secured a single National 1. Former President directed the Acting Inspector General of Police List seat in the 2020 general election that was 2. (tipped to (IGP) to obtain warrants from the court to arrest held on 5 August. be the next speaker) RW, Sagala,... the said individuals. Projects back... After much tension and deliberation, the party 3. Secretary to the PCoI probing the Easter Three days later, on 10 August, the arrest During his tenure as President in the post- had decided to nominate Ven. Gnanasara Thera 4. Anura Priyadarshana Yapa bombings, Buwaneka Herath, said that the warrants were re-issued by the Kurunegala war years (since May 2009), the Mahinda via the National List to represent the party in 5. Commission had issued summonses on Magistrate as the Kurunegala Police failed Rajapaksa-presided government had to clear Parliament. Meanwhile, the EC has decided 6. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe former Prime Minister Wickremesinghe, to execute the warrants previously issued for landmines and weapon caches across the not to gazette a name from the AJBP until a 7. S.B. Dissanayake former Minister of Ports and Shipping Sagala these arrests. northern peninsula, during which time access thorough study has been done to evaluate the 8. Ratnayake, and former State Minister of The building in question, also known as to the North was restricted on an as-need basis. legality of the current situation. 9. W.D.J. Senaviratne Defence Ruwan Wijewardena to appear on Buwaneka Hotel, dates back to the 13th Century In mid-2011, the former President announced In a letter written to Ven. Vedhanigama 10. 21 August. and is presumed to be the assembly hall used several development programmes for the North Wimalatissa Thera, EC Chairman Mahinda 11. “The former Prime Minister and Sagala by the contemporary rulers. which saw the widening and relaying of roads; Deshapriya has stressed that the decision has 12. Ratnayake have both been summoned on the On 16 July, the Mayor of Kurunegala rebuilding bridges and causeways; restoring been made by considering the two nominations 13. Dushmantha Mithrapala 21st of this month,” he said, noting that they demolished the said building for a road the rail links, the development of the fisheries received for one National List seat obtained Also, there are two former provincial chief have been summoned to the Commission’s development project. He stated that the Road sector and fishing harbours, restoring the by the AJBP. Two names have been proposed ministers who have not been appointed to Police Investigative Unit. He added that Ruwan Development Authority (RDA) had given its Kankesanthurai Harbour with Indian assistance; for the National List portfolio, “one from the any portfolio. Wijewardena has been summoned on 19 August approval for the demolition. and the establishment of governance structures Wimalatissa Thero, as himself the Secretary They are: to appear before the Investigative Unit. The Department of Archaeology then filed a in the North and pushing for better integration of the party and later Saman Perera has been complaint claiming that the building demolished of the North with the rest of the country. nominated by Nishantha Ratnayake, the new by the Kurunegala Mayor is a 13th-Century secretary of AJBP appointed on August 7 by King’s Court. removing Wimalatissa Thero (sic)”, the letter Cartoon of the day This archaeological site has been listed under NPP informs... stated. The Election Commission (EC) has been the provisions of the Antiquities Ordinance (MM) No. 9 of 1940. informed of the relevant decision reached by A five-member committee was then the politburo of the NPP, Party Leader Anura formed by the Secretary to the Ministry of Kumara Dissanayake said. 120 repatriated... Buddhasasana, Cultural, and Religious Affairs, Dr. Amarasuriya is a senior lecturer at Accordingly, 13 Sri Lankans from Qatar and under the directives of Prime Minister Mahinda the Department of Sociology of the Open 107 from London, UK were brought back to Rajapaksa, to look into the matter. University of Sri Lanka (OUSL). the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) In the meantime, AG Dappula de Livera, on She is also a member of the education policy- during the early hours of the day. 23 July, obtained an order from the Kurunegala making committee of the National Intellectuals All the returnees have been directed to PCR Magistrate’s Court to protect and prevent Organisation (NIO). Further, Dr. Amarasuriya testing upon arrival at BIA in Katunayake. access to the demolished historic building site has served as the Secretary of the Federation pending investigations. of University Teachers’ Association (FUTA). The prevention order was issued against Malaka Silva... the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Kurunegala, One visit... The Police said he was arrested based on Municipal Councillors, Municipal a complaint filed by a businessman based in Commissioner, and Engineer – Municipal A special discussion was held by Commissioner General of Prisons Thushara Thalangama, who claims that Malaka Silva Council staff and their representatives. issued death threats against him and attempted On 28 July, the Kurunegala Magistrate Upuldeniya in this regard on Monday (10), with the participation of the Prisons Medical to extort a sum of Rs. 200,000 from him. ordered the Mayor of Kurunegala to hand over The complaint had been lodged with the all documents pertaining to the demolished Director, Deputy Directors, and Commissioners. With the ban being lifted on Saturday, an Thalangama Police on 16 July while the arrest building to the safe custody of the court. was made at around 8.40 p.m. Tuesday night Furthermore, the Kurunegala Magistrate inmate will be allowed only one visit per week and bringing inmates food is further following investigations into the complaint. called for all the documents and minutes of He was subsequently produced before the the City Development Committee from the prohibited, he said. All prisons in the country were closed off Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court yesterday (12) Governor of the North Western Province. and released on bail. the morning Thursday, August 13, 2020 3 business New state ministry for pharma manufacture welcomed by industry The Sri Lanka Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Association expansion, setting on matters concerning for the industry. The Association established local conglomerates, (SLPMA) welcomed the newly elected Government’s up new plants and the development of will work towards strengthening ties new ventures, and the State decision to create a new State Ministry for Pharmaceuticals upgrading current the industry with key with the Government and expanding Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Manufacture as a crucial positive step towards the facilities to enhance the stakeholders. our contribution to the national Corporation (SPMC). The strengthening of the local pharmaceuticals industry. The manufacture of a wider Further commenting healthcare sector by expanding on Association recently held its 55th Association iterated the importance of its contribution to range of medicines and on the new Government, the guaranteed buy-back agreement Annual General Meeting at the infrastructure for the Jayaratne said: “As the for local pharmaceuticals currently Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. as local manufacturers ensuring the availability of Sri Lankan market and representative body of in effect. The SLPMA has always Sanjaya Jayaratne was elected essential pharmaceuticals, and expressed its confidence in the for export. Currently local manufacturers of stood for quality, affordable President at the meeting, while Government’s vision for the nation. holding 15% of the pharmaceuticals and pharmaceuticals and will support Gamma Pharmaceuticals (Pvt.) SLPMA President and Navesta working with Minister of Health local pharmaceuticals pharmaceutical products, the Government secure the highest Ltd. and Interpharm (Pvt.) Ltd. Pharmaceuticals (Pvt.) Ltd. and market, the SLPMA SLPMA President we warmly welcome quality medicines at the most Chairman and Managing Director Chairman Sanjaya Jayaratne State Minister of Pharmaceutical said it aims to help the and Navesta the establishment of affordable prices.” Kalana Hewamallika was elected Pharmaceuticals congratulated the Government Production, Supply, and Regulation country by increasing the (Pvt.) Ltd. Chairman a State Ministry for The establishment of the first Vice President of the Association. on its landslide victory and for Prof. Channa Jayasumana, as production of world-class Sanjaya Jayaratne Pharmaceuticals by privately owned pharmaceutical The SLPMA is an affiliated championing the local industry. we work towards a robust local pharmaceuticals locally the newly elected manufacturing facility in 1956 trade association coming under the “The Sri Lanka Pharmaceutical pharmaceuticals industry,” he stated. to provide quality cost-effective Government. This highlights the marked the beginning of the aegis of the Ceylon Chamber of Manufacturers’ Association warmly Members of the SLPMA have medicines to all Sri Lankans. importance the State places on a SLPMA. In the six decades since, Commerce and comprises those welcomes the new Government actively reinvested over Rs. 15 As the official body for local self-sufficient local pharmaceuticals its membership has grown to 15 members who are solely involved in headed by Prime Minister Mahinda billion over the past five years pharmaceutical manufacturers, the manufacturing industry in the entities including multinational the manufacture and distribution of Rajapaksa. We look forward to on capacity building and market SLPMA holds frequent dialogues country and is an encouragement pharmaceutical companies, medicines in Sri Lanka.

Covid-19 presented SIEMENS-DIMO supports CEB opportunities for rubber, to enhance national power supply plastics industries: PRISL The SIEMENS-DIMO The Covid-19 Sooriyabandara from Consortium recently signed experience has opened Ansell Lanka, Kersten an agreement with the Ceylon up new avenues which Rausch from Eu-Retec Electricity Board (CEB) to will be explored by the Continental, and embark on the medium voltage Plastics and Rubber Sharad Kakati from distribution subproject Package Institute of Sri Lanka Ceat Kelani. 5 of the “National Transmission (PRISL) in its efforts Rajapaksa and Distribution Network to serve the members also pointed to Development and Efficiency and the rubber and the prominent Improvement Project” aimed at plastics industries in representation of the enhancing national power supply. Sri Lanka, according to dry rubber, latex, and DIMO and SIEMENS have been its President Kaushal plastics industry sector partners for over seven decades Officials from the CEB and SIEMENS-DIMO Consortium at the agreement signing Rajapaksa. in the new committee, working on power generation, He made these PRISL President and stressed that this transmission, and distribution the country while maintaining an degree of operational flexibility is another objective of this project. comments at the 55th Kaushal Rajapaksa would add strength projects in Sri Lanka. Package 4 acceptable reliability and quality in Battaramulla, Welikada, and The agreement was signed annual general meeting to the PRISL to face of this project was also awarded to above the set operational standards Kalubowila areas, and automating between the CEB and SIEMENS- (AGM) of the PRISL held recently the challenges due to the current the SIEMENS-DIMO Consortium and norms. the distribution network. DIMO Consortium at the CEB as a hybrid event with both social, economical, political, during the first quarter of 2020. DIMO Director Wijith Construction of the new primary Head Office premises with the physical and online participants, at and environmental scenario, The demand for electricity in Pushpawela stated: “DIMO is substation at Rattanapitiya is participation of CEB Chairman which he was re-elected President both locally and globally. With Sri Lanka is growing at a rate of pleased to facilitate the National aimed at accommodating the , CEB Vice of the institute. the gloomy global forecast on about 5-6% per annum. Therefore, Transmission and Distribution anticipated load growth including Chairman Y.G.I. Saman Kumara, Speaking further, Rajapaksa an uncertain recovery and the the generating sources as well as Network Development and town development requirements CEB Distribution Division 4 said: “The rubber and plastics sluggish economic downturns the transmission and distribution Efficiency Improvement Project of the Nugegoda, Boralesgamuwa, Additional General Manager industries with their high value predicted, countries like Sri Lanka facilities have to be developed and with Packages 4 and 5. This is an and Maharagama areas which is Eng. Rohan Seneviratne, DIMO addition will have a leading role to will be facing the adverse fallout strengthened in order to meet this important project in the nation‘s fed by LECO (Lanka Electricity Director Sarath Algama, DIMO play in the recovery process, and effects, he said. growth in demand. The medium infrastructure development agenda Company) and the requirements Director Wijith Pushpawela, and PRISL, as the apex body in the “The Complast and Rubber voltage distribution system is the as it will immensely contribute of the proposed educational SIEMENS Country Manager for polymer education in the country, Expo scheduled for August 2020 backbone of the power distribution towards a more efficient and area of the University of Sri Sri Lanka Prasad Palsokar. CEB should be in a strong position to had to be postponed due to the network and is the interface reliable power supply within Sri Jayewardenepura are also included Distribution Division 4 Deputy support the industry.” current health situation. A virtual between the transmission network Lanka.” in this project. Augmentation of General Manager (Planning and The following were elected exhibition will be organised, and the LV distribution network The scope of Package 5 focuses the Beligaha Primary Substation Development) N.U. Perera, CEB during the AGM: instead, in October 2020,” he which provides supply to the on augmentation of the Ethulkotte with the aim of increasing supply Project Manager (GPDEEIIP-Tr2- Office bearers – President added. consumers. It is therefore essential Primary Substation with the aim demand in the Galle, Dadalla, and Package 5) P.P.B. Samarasekara, Indhra Kaushal Rajapaksa He also appreciated the to reinforce and develop a healthy of increasing capacity to cater Karapitiya areas and to provide and DIMO Head of Power from Kalhari Enterprises, Vice collaborative partnership which distribution system which has to the increase in electricity a high degree of reliability and Engineering Projects Dasun President (VP) R.A.L. Sampath PRISL has established with Smart the capability of catering to the demand, provisioning of a highly operational flexibility of the MV Arandarage were also present at Ramanayake from Camso Expos India, a leading exhibitions growing electricity demand of reliable power supply with a high network in the Southern Province this occasion. Loadstar, VP Kalyana Dhirasekera organiser currently holding events from Aqua Packaging, Secretary in Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, P.P. Perera who is the Sri Lanka South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria. Representative of PIN365, A valuable opportunity will be Treasurer Lalith Jayawardene provided to the local industrialists ComBank’s Flash enables contactless from DSI, and Assistant Secretary to display their rubber and plastic Prabath Jayasinghe from Gislaved products globally through the Gummi. platform of virtual exhibitions. payments for Tenaga Car Park services Executive Council – Ananda “This being the 60th anniversary Commercial Bank’s “Flash” simply specify the time of parking Caldera from Global Rubber of the PRISL, a series of digital bank account holders can and effect payment online to Industries, Dr. Susantha events are being planned to now pay via the app for parking Tenaga via their phone apps, Siriwardena from the Rubber commemorate the occasion. The at Tenaga-managed on-street and without visiting a payment booth Research Institute of Sri Lanka, main focus will be on improving off-street parking spaces, without or locating a fee collector. B.M.H.I.B. Wattegedara from the quality of the educational having to drive around looking for Commenting on the launch Camso Loadstar, Janadara programmes in line with the a parking meter, consequent to a of this facility, Commercial Jayawarna from Laugfs, regional and global developments. partnership between the bank and Bank Chief Operating Officer Pio Perera from Vaughan We also plan to expand the Tenaga Car Parks (Pvt.) Ltd. Commercial Bank COO Sanath Manatunge (fourth from right) and Tenaga Car (COO) Sanath Manatunge said: Chemicals), K.A.C. Vidyarathne international networking with Tenaga Car Parks (Pvt.) Ltd. Parks (Pvt.) Ltd. CEO/MD Duminda Jayatilake exchanging the agreement in the “The partnership with Tenaga from Vanadium Lanka, Anura countries such as Thailand, is the pioneer in providing smart presence of (from left) Digital Payment Services (Pvt.) Ltd. Director Sanjiv Alles is an attempt to provide further Herath from Penguin Lanka, Laos, , and Pakistan. parking and traffic management and CEO/MD Mufaddal Lukmanjee, Tenaga Car Parks (Pvt.) Ltd. Head of Business convenience to our customers Development and Command Centre Operations Dilshan N. Mathew, Commercial Sumudu Bowatta from Camso The PRISL has also launched solutions in Sri Lanka. Its services Bank Head of Digital Banking Unit Pradeep Banduwansa, Commercial Bank through technology. With this Loadstar, H.N. Hari from Midas a dynamic drive to increase the include management strategies Manager – Digital Banking Unit Anush Gunarathne, and Digital Banking Unit contactless payment option, we not Group – Industrial Clothing), Corporate Membership base. The tailor-made to suit each car park, Officer Nuwan Sudusinghe only hope to minimise the number Parakrama Jayatissa from rubber and plastic industries, with traffic management services, and of people our customers come into Champion Recycling, Dr. Upul their high value addition, will technical and consultancy services. holders to enjoy this touchless and on the “Street Parking” icon on contact with, but also eliminate the Rathnayake from Dipped Products have a leading role to play in the The parking management cashless payment option, saving the Flash app home screen and stress of having to find a parking Lanka, Dinesh Gunasekara recovery process,” Rajapaksa solution is now directly integrated time. register their vehicle numbers. meter. They no longer have to from Trelleborg Lanka, Kapila concluded. to the Flash digital banking To enable this facility, Flash When the need to park arises, suffer the consequences of missed application which enables account customers only have to click registered Flash account holders parking ticket payments or fines.” Jetwing wins 24 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards in 2020 This year, Jetwing Hotels have Colombo Seven, Jetwing Jaffna, Hotel J Ambalangoda have all been achievement, said: “We are always garnered 24 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Jetwing Kaduruketha, Jetwing recognised for their excellent service so grateful to our guests for taking Choice awards, the hospitality chain Kurulubedda, Jetwing Lagoon, by TripAdvisor travellers,” it said. their time to review their experience, announced yesterday (12). Jetwing Lake, Jetwing Lighthouse, Mermaid Hotel and Club is also since now more than ever we need Every year, TripAdvisor, the Jetwing Sea, Jetwing St. Andrew’s, among the Top 10 of TripAdvisor’s their support. To our associates, world’s largest travel platform, pulls Jetwing Surf, Jetwing Vil Uyana, Travellers’ Choice All-Inclusive who constantly go out of their way together all the reviews, ratings, and Jetwing Warwick Gardens, Jetwing Resorts in Asia for the fourth to provide guests with a memorable saves that travellers share from across Yala, Calamansi Cove Villas by consecutive year, being placed sixth holiday, this kind of achievement is the globe and use that information to Jetwing, Jie Jie Beach by Jetwing, on the list, which puts it among the truly a testament of their hard work.” spotlight the very best. North Gate by Jetwing, Mermaid top 1% of hotels worldwide. Jetwing Hotels is a family-owned “Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions, Hotel and Club, Oatlands by Jetwing, Jetwing Hotels Chairman Shiromal chain and has been in the tourism Jetwing Beach, Jetwing Blue, Jetwing Saman Villas, Hotel J Unawatuna, and Cooray, commenting on this industry for the past 47 years. the morning 4 Thursday , August 13, 2020 brunch Mandarina Colombo launches NEW SRI LANKAN LUNCH MENU BY NAVEED ROZAIS Mandarina Colombo, the city hotel for the discerning business traveller, reopened the doors to its rooftop restaurant “On the Eleventh” on 10 August with the introduction of “Nelum Kole”, a flavourful and authentic lunch menu based on Sri Lanka’s iconic nelum kole meal. The Nelum Kole lunch menu buffet is available on weekdays from 12 to 3 p.m. The launch of Nelum Kole marks across Sri Lanka and the new the opening of the On the Eleventh Nelum Kole menu includes raw rooftop restaurant following the materials sourced from Kumbukgete Covid-19 pandemic, along with in the North Western Province, Mandarina Colombo’s array of 80 along with daily vegetables and rooms. lotus leaves supplied from the Mandarina Colombo General Colombo suburb of Bandaragama Manager Dinesh Hettiarachchi to name a few of the wide network commented on the launch of Nelum of suppliers coming together in the Kole, sharing: “In the post-Covid creation of this tantalising meal. situation, it’s needless to point The Morning Brunch was invited fried rice and dunthel bath, a range assortment of side dishes and out that not only the hospitality to an exclusive preview of The of 10 rich vegetable curries, five condiments, Nelum Kole creates industry but also a subsection of Nelum Kole menu and found a mouthwatering meat curries, and an an expansive range of authentic, the society whose livelihoods were spread any Sri Lankan would flavourful, and tantalising Sri based on the industry have been swoon over. With three different Lankan food. affected. Mandarina Colombo, as varieties of local rice, including Ever the place to go if you’re a a part of the leading Sri Lankan favourites like foodie on a budget, the Nelum Kole conglomerate Macksons The unique city meal starts at Rs. 500 for the base Holdings, is on the vegetarian meal with the proteins strong footing that hotel introduces of your choice being added on as our post-Covid you desire at very competitive revamp mission will ‘Nelum Kole’ prices (adding chicken to your not only cater to the meal would cost an additional reinstatement of our at its rooftop Rs. 100, and so on depending hotel’s commitment restaurant on the protein you choose). towards the local food The vegetable curries on offer culture, but also create ‘On the Eleventh’ ranged from the standard fare vegetables like lotus root and community at our level best as a an avenue to give back to of green beans curry and ladies ambarella curry with a pleasant part of our CSR commitments. society. We have initiated several fingers to the more exotic balance of flavour in each curry. Furthermore, I need to add that for attractive promotions including the The meat portion of the menu a hotel, the food is the key value new Nelum Kole menu.” offered fish, chicken, beef, mutton, addition, hence we are very proud Mandarina Colombo’s and prawns, with each meat curry of the quality and unique taste of local suppliers cooked to perfection with its own the food prepared by our chefs who are spread distinct flavour. There was also a have over 60 years of combined out variety of fried fish including dry experience in the industry,” fish. Hettiarachchi shared. The dessert section offered the In addition to its mouthwatering tried and true Sri Lankan staples weekday lunch menu, Mandarina of curd and treacle, cream caramel, Colombo also offers competitive and watalappam, each of which was conference, meeting, and banquet a delight in its own right. packages for any of its four meeting “Especially through the new spaces and its 160-pax banquet Nelum Kole menu, our lunch will hall. True to its vision of providing offer an array of authentic local its guests with the very best, the cuisine. Hence, we do believe team at Mandarina Colombo is ever that as a local organisation, in available to tailor-make solutions PHOTOS ESHAN DASANAYAKA this context, we have been able best suited to the needs of their to contribute to the Sri Lankan valued guests. Helping beloved pets rest in peace BY NAVEED ROZAIS

Our pets will always hold the A look at pet memorial and funeral service provider Boocat most special place in our hearts. From the second they come into our lives until they inevitably leave us, they grab hold and carve out the most unique of positions becoming part of our family and leaving behind a space that can never truly be filled again. Some of our homes are ruled by the whims and fancies of our pets, who rule over us as the cutest and most benevolent of dictators. Saying goodbye to your treasured pet is probably one of the hardest things to have to do. They’re family, but you can’t very well allowed people to say goodbye needs to do is organise for allows bereaved owners to choose of its services mainly through bury them in the family plot at the to their departed pets properly, the religious (or non- a final resting place for the social media, also linking with cemetery. This is where Boocat leading him to create Boocat. religious) representative departed pet, working with the veterinary surgeons in the Western comes in, stepping up to help you Currently operating solely in of their choice to preside Boocat team. If the owner’s choice Province. In 2019, Asela’s work give your little friend the best of the Western Province, the Boocat over the service. is to have their pet buried privately with Boocat led him to win the sendoffs. team visits homes (or veterinary The pet cremation on their own land, the Boocat team title of Best Young Entrepreneur, A small business set up one- offices as the case may be) service is for those will arrange for the burial to take at the J’Pura Employability Skills and-a-half years ago by Kanishka to take charge of giving bereaved owners place. If owners wish for their pets Awards, a competition encouraging Asela with the help of his close your pet the farewell of your who want their pet to be buried elsewhere, the Boocat young entrepreneurs at a university friend Yohan Arun, Boocat is the choice. Asela explained that cremated. Boocat offers burial space within Boocat’s level organised by the Career first and only pet funeral director Boocat offers three main arranges for the own private land for this purpose. Skills Development Society in in Sri Lanka. Asela, who serves as packages for those looking to transport of the In addition to the services collaboration with the Career Managing Director, leads a team say goodbye – pet funerals, departed pet to a above, Boocat also issues death Guidance Unit of the University of of five, coming together to help pet cremations, and pet private piece of land certificates to each owner and Sri Jayewardenepura. you say that final goodbye to your burials. in Kaluaggala where designs headstones to mark the Being able to say goodbye to a treasured pet. The pet funeral service departed pets can be passing of a beloved pet and their loved one, human or otherwise, is an An animal lover and pet-owner allows bereaved owners to cremated. Bereaved final resting place. integral part of the grieving process himself, Asela understands the pain say goodbye to their pets much owners can opt to Speaking on the reception and being able to move on. Through of losing these little extensions the way they would to a human be present for the Boocat has received since its its unique services, Boocat gives of your family. Having seen member of the family, with the cremation or have the launch, Kanishka shared that the bereaved pet owners that bittersweet photos online of touching funeral Boocat team providing a casket, ashes of their beloved pet response to Boocat’s services opportunity of being able to do one services organised for pets in other floral arrangements, and other Kanishka Asela (left) receiving the delivered to them within has been very positive, sharing last thing for that little companion countries, Asela realised that there required supplies for the departed Best Young Entrepreneur Award at two days of cremation. that the interest in pet funerals is who brought them so much joy in was no platform in Sri Lanka that pet. All the bereaved owner the J’pura Employability Skills Awards The pet burial service increasing. Boocat builds awareness their shared time together. 5 the morning sports Thursday , August 13, 2020 CCC on top Amid fears, second Test begins SL athletics given Rs. 10 m by Lyca’s Gnanam The first round of the post-pandemic Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Major Tier “A” The England vs. Pakistan second Test will begin The Gnanam Foundation, attached to Lycamobile three-day tournament was over yesterday (12). CCC beat Ragama by an at Southampton today (13) while European owned by Subaskaran Allirajah and based in the UK, innings and 125 runs to lead the table. But Army vs. NCC, Chilaw Marians vs. sports are stunned with the news that an donated Rs. 10 million to the Athletic Association BRC, and Colts vs. Saracens all ended in a draw. In the Plate, beat unnamed squad member of Barcelona has of Sri Lanka (AASL) on Tuesday (11). Ben Holdings Lankan CC by five wickets while SSC vs. Tamil Union and Moors vs. Badureliya tested positive for Covid-19 yesterday (12). Also, (Pvt.) Ltd. Director G.T. Jeyaseelan (on right), attached were drawn. The centurions in this round were , Kamindu earlier yesterday, another six players of Athletic to Lycamobile, made the donation in Colombo to Mendis, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Upul Tharanga, Thulina Dilshan, Bilbao, a fellow La Liga side, have tested AASL President Maj. Gen. Palitha Fernando (on left). Dilshan De Zoysa, Santhush Gunathilake, and Lahiru Udara (pictured). (IU) positive. PHOTO SAMAN ABESIRIWARDANA

Namal Rajapaksa (on left) taking oaths yesterday (12) as the country’s new Sports Minister before President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, as Presidential Secretary P.B. Jayasundara (second left) and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa look on Thenuka Vidanagamage being sworn in as the State Minister of Development of Infrastructure of Rural and Schools Sports Restructuring sports on top of agenda: Namal Rajapaksa z New Sports Minister says cricket too will be restructured with help from former players

BY REVATHA S. SILVA yesterday, Rajapaksa said that restructuring of the game. “I will take steps to get brother of Anura Vidanagamage, who is the entire sports field is in new the assistance from former players and also a Provincial Council Minister. As The Morning Sports reported on Monday (10), it was none other than Government’s agenda. restructure cricket too.” First-time ministers Namal Rajapaksa who was sworn in as the new Minister of Youth Affairs “We always give emphasis only on Thenuka is State Minister and Sports yesterday (12). cricket. But I am not the Minster of Thenuka won third place from the Cricket. I am the Minister of all sports of Sports Badulla District, representing the victorious He thus became the first Sports Minister Earlier, he has led Sri Lanka Under-16 in the country. We plan to initiate a Meanwhile, Thenuka Vidanagamage was Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) of Sri Lanka to have represented the rugby team in 2000 and the national Under- restructuring in the entire sports field,” he sworn yesterday in as the State Minister at the 5 August parliamentary polls, with country at the highest level (see story 19 team in 2004. explained. of Sports. His portfolio was stated as 68,338 votes. below on the origin and history of Sri Further describing his plans on the “the State Minister on the Development He has represented his district in the 2010 Lanka’s Sports Ministry). Complete restructuring country’s key sport, cricket, and its of Infrastructure of Rural and Schools and 2015 Parliaments, but has never held Rajapaksa, 34, a product of S. Thomas’ on the cards dwindling situation at present, Rajapaksa Sports”. any ministerial portfolio before, like Namal College, Mount Lavinia, represented Talking to media after the swearing- said his Ministry will take steps to get The 47-year-old Badulla District MP Rajapaksa, who is also holding his first Sri Lanka in rugby from 2010-14 while in ceremony of President Gotabaya assistance of top former cricketers of is the son of Uva Provincial Councillor ministry after about 10 years in Parliament, captaining the national team in 2014. Rajapaksa’s new Cabinet in Kandy the country and make a restructuring Gunapala Vidanagamage and younger representing the . A great history spanning LPL postponement over 50 years a huge positive: z The Sports Ministry’s illustrious past Sri Lanka’s first Hambantota District Ministry of Tourism and Sports Minister V.A. Sugathadasa MP and former Sri Lanka Sports”. In 2004, it was rugby player Namal called “the Ministry of Anil Mohan of IPG Rajapaksa was sworn Sports and Youth Affairs” in as Sri Lanka’s new when Mahinda Rajapaksa z Rubbishes ‘rumours’ on corruption allegations Cabinet Minister of became President. In Sports yesterday (12). His 2007, it was named “the BY REVATHA S. SILVA bidding happened in Sri Lanka portfolio goes as “Youth Ministry of Sports and in February-March this year,” he Affairs and Sports”. Public Recreation”. In Anil Mohan, the Founder and stressed. Rajapaksa is Sri Lanka’s 2010 during Mahinda CEO of Innovative Production “I am working at present with 18th Sports Minister. Rajapaksa’s last tenure, Group (IPG) which owns the at least eight boards including The Minister of Sports, it was renamed “the total event rights of the Lankan those of Zimbabwe, Pakistan, an appointment in the Ministry of Sports”. Premier League (LPL), told South Africa, and Ireland as well , was The Morning Sports yesterday as the Asian Cricket Council. I am created as a portfolio first Founder of (12) that the postponement of working with Star TV, Sony TV, in 1966 by Prime Minister Sugathadasa Stadium the league is a huge positive for IPG Founder/CEO Anil Mohan and Sky TV. If there is an issue, . organisation of the tournament. no board will give me work,” It was as part of the V.A. Sugathadasa (1912- “It’s very, very good news for league’s broadcasting rights. LPL explained Mohan who is based in portfolio of the Ministry 73) is considered a great LPL. It (the LPL) was catching was originally to be over by 20 Dubai. of Nationalised Services. servant of sports in the with the IPL (the Indian Premier September. The first Sports Minister country. Twice the Mayor League that is to start on 19 November is a better was Vithana Arachchige of Colombo, representing September). So now we have Anti-corruption window Sugathadasa, better known the United National Party enough time to sell franchises allegations “Whatever SLC is doing, they SRI LANKA’S SPORTS MINISTERS as V.A. Sugathadasa. (UNP), Sugathadasa also and to make LPL one of the best Mohan also wanted to clarify are doing it under ICC guidelines. The first Sports Ministry served as Chairman of leagues in the cricket world,” about the talk, now doing the They have to take ICC approval 1. V.A. Sugathadasa (1966-70) Secretary was Dr. H.S.R. the National Olympic Mohan said. rounds in the cricket circles here, for everything. For example, if 2. K.B. Ratnayake (1972-77) Gunawardena and its Committee (NOC) and the that IPG is under investigation by I am selling any franchise team, 3. (1977-88) first Director was Austin Commonwealth Games Couldn’t meet 14-day the International Cricket Council they need to take approval for that 4. Nanda Mathew (1989-93) Rajakaruna. Committee. quarantine Anti-Corruption Unit (ICC ACU). too from them,” he added. 5. S.B. Dissanayake (1994-2001) The famous Sugathadasa Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) IPG is also the production rights “Late November up to December 6. (2001) Evolution of the Stadium, situated at the old announced on Tuesday (11) that owners of the Sri Lanka team for will be an ideal time for us (LPL). 7. (2001-02) portfolio Prince of Wales Avenue they postponed the LPL, which the next three years from 2020. There could be only a T10 league 8. Johnston Fernando (2002-04) In 1970, under Premier at Kotahena, stands as a was to start from 28 August, until They won those rights early this that is going to be held during that 9. Jeewan Kumaratunga (2004-07) , monument to Sugathadasa’s November, citing the stringent year. period. But it will take just seven, 10. Gamini Lokuge (2007-10) the Sports Ministry was love for sports. The stadium 14-day quarantine period for “I also want to clarify about the eight days. Nothing else happens in 11. C.B. Ratnayake (April 2010-November 2010) named “the Ministry of has been built on land foreign participants imposed by rumour that our competitors are the subcontinent during that time. 12. Mahindananda Aluthgamage (2010-15) Parliamentary Affairs donated by himself. A fine the Sri Lankan Government as the spreading these days. They say that All the players will come then and 13. (January 2015-September 2015) and Sports”. Then in football player in his school main reason. we (IPG) are under investigation by all the franchises will be happy too. 14. Dayasiri Jayasekara (2015-18) 1989, under President days, Sugathadasa was “This (LPL) has to be the No. the ICC ACU. But I must tell you The Covid-19 restrictions will most 15. (April 2018-November 2018) , awarded the honour of the 1 league. It should have top- that ICC’s Chief of Anti-Corruption probably be less by then. And some 16. (2018-November 2019) it was renamed “the Order of the British Empire level production quality,” said Alex Marshall was himself sitting of the other countries might be 17. Dullas Alahapperuma (2019-August 2020) Ministry of Youth Affairs (OBE) for his indisputable Mohan, whose IPG also owns the there when the (SLC) production open too,” added Mohan. 18. Namal Rajapaksa (appointed in August 2020) and Sports”. service to the country and In 2000, it became “the its sport.