RS. 70.00 PAGES 64 / SECTIONS 5 VOL. 03 – NO. 22 SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2021 ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATIONS IN THE EAST PADDY CONCERNS: SL WON’T INFORM DAGGERS DRAWN AT DIGGING UP RICE POT WTO DESPITE EU UNHRC AS SL LEANS CONTROVERSY? BOILS OVER? THREAT ON CHINA BLOC »SEE PAGE 3 »SEE PAGE 7 »SEE BUSINESS PAGE 1 »SEE PAGES 8 & 9 GENERAL PREVENTIVE GUIDELINES For verified information on the coronavirus (Covid-19) contact any of the following authorities Suwasariya Ambulance Service 1999 Health Promotion Bureau Quarantine Unit 0112 112 705 1990 Epidemiology Unit 0112 695 112 Govt. coronavirus hotline 0113071073 PRESIDENTIAL SPECIAL TASK FORCE FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES Telephone 0114354854, 0114733600 Wash hands with soap for 40-60 Wear a commercially available mask/ Maintain a minimum distance Use gloves when shopping, using Use traditional Sri Lankan greeting Always wear a mask, avoid crowded Hotline 0113456200-4 seconds, or rub hands with alcohol- cloth mask or a surgical mask at all of 1 metre from others, especially public transport, etc. and discard into at all times instead of handshaking, vehicles, maintain distance, and wash Fax 0112333066, 0114354882 based handrub for 20-30 seconds times in public places in public places a lidded bin lined with a bag hugging, and/or kissing hands before and after travelling Email [email protected] COVID-19 BURIALS No burials until fresh guidelines BY SARAH HANNAN AND LAHIRU POTHMULLA z A few more days to draft z State Ministry on Covid-19 z Will hold bodies if cremation The Ministry of Health is yet to publish the amended guidelines to enable the fresh guidelines: DGHS unaware of guidelines is challenged: PHIs burial of Covid-19 deceased, as the finalisation is pending at the office of the Prevention of Disease Ordinance Regulations Harsha De Silva and he stated that the State However, as learnt by The Sunday Morning, no Director General of Health Services (DGHS), The Sunday Morning learnt. under Chapter 222, the public will have to wait Ministry has not been informed as to when the official from the State Ministry was informed for the health guidelines that were issued by the guidelines will be drafted and publicised. or requested to take part in such a discussion or DGHS Dr. Asela Gunawardena confirmed to identifying the burial sites. DGHS to be amended to include fresh guidelines Furthermore, following the issuance of meeting. Meanwhile, the Public Health Inspectors that the guidelines had not yet been finalised. Although the extraordinary gazette permitting on handling the Covid-19 corpses for burial. the gazette permitting Covid-19 burials, the (PHIs) Union President Upul Rohana said that “It will take a few days and is in the process of the burial of Covid-19 bodies was issued on 25 The Sunday Morning contacted the Secretary DGHS and the Ministry of Health were to host they are still waiting for the guidelines to be issued preparation,” he said on 27 February. He added February by the Minister of Health Pavithra to the State Ministry of Primary Healthcare, a discussion on 26 February about preparing by the DGHS to bury Covid-19 victims’ bodies. that the final circular would be issued subsequent Wanniarachchi under the Quarantine and Epidemics, and Covid Disease Control Dr. Amal fresh guidelines on handling Covid-19 corpses. Contd. on page 2 Two books too many? MINISTERIAL COMM. ON EASTER SUNDAY ATTACKS PCOI REPORT Focusing on some recommendations z Report by 15-20 March z Cardinal yet to receive PCoI copy z Report incomplete: SJB

BY LAHIRU POTHMULLA into the Easter Sunday attacks and to strengthen national security, push the report of the Sectoral Oversight through related educational reforms, and The six-member ministerial Committee (SOC) on National Security to compensate the victims, committee committee studying the Presidential is looking at, among other aspects, member MP Dr. Ramesh Pathirana said. Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) report how to implement recommendations Contd. on page 2 EASTER ATTACKS PCOI REPORT Rejected across the board: SLFP z ‘Ranil treated with kid gloves; Sirisena treated harshly’ z Party legal team studying the report Speaker of Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Ministers Gamini Lokuge, and Nimal Siripala de Silva nodding off at the launch of two books written by Narahenpita Abhayarama Adhipathi Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda Thera, at the Abhayarama The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) is not Viharaya in Narahenpita on Thursday (25) perturbed by the Presidential Commission of PHOTO ESHAN DASANAYAKA Inquiry (PCoI) report on the Easter Sunday terror attacks, senior SLFP Member and COVID-19 VACCINATION PROGRAMME HUMAN-ELEPHANT CONFLICT Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said.. Indecision places Ministry gets 2 months Contd. on page 2 to devise action plan ESTATE SECTOR WAGE HIKE PHIs, public at risk The Ministry of Wildlife recommendations proposed Decision after z PHI Union urges detailed circular and Forest Conservation concerning the resolution has been given 2 months of the human-elephant tomorrow’s meeting z 30+ in Colombo, Gampaha high risk by the Committee on conflict by the special z RPCs bemoan affordability areas eligible Public Accounts (COPA) presidential committee, The Government has yet failed to finalise the z COVAX consignment due date to prepare a formal The Sunday Morning Rs. 1,000 minimum wage for estate workers, yet unknown plan to expedite the learnt. as the Regional Plantation Companies (RPCs) implementation of the Contd. on page 2 raised concerns over the affordability of a wage BY SARAH HANNAN hike, The Sunday Morning learnt. The Covid-19 among the groups that were ARJUNA MAHENDRAN EXTRADITION Contd. on page 2 vaccination programme to gathering to be vaccinated, inoculate the general public and thereby putting all HUMAN TRAFFICKING hit several roadblocks parties including Public Clarifications sought last week, due to the Health Inspectors (PHIs) Five-year National indecisiveness of certain in peril. for fourth time authorities, causing unrest Contd. on page 2 BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA Action Plan Singapore has sought Lanka Governor Arjuna With the draft National Human Trafficking OHCHR REPORT ON SL further clarifications from Mahendran, for the fourth Action Plan for 2021-2025 being approved Sri Lanka on the request time since September by the Cabinet of Ministers, the Ministry Russia, China, Pakistan, made to extradite former 2019. of Justice is looking at accommodating the Central Bank of Sri Contd. on page 2 necessary legal reforms. Iran, and others for SL Contd. on page 2 z UK, US, Norway, and others against The Interactive Dialogue on the United Nations DWINDLING FOREX (UN) Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) report on Sri Lanka took place on AIIB approves $ 180 m loan for SL 25 February where several countries of the West, including the US, the UK, Norway, Germany, and z $ 1.5 b swap facility with China z Restrict imports, increase Canada raised their voices against Sri Lanka while soon: Cabraal exports and tourism: economists China, Russia, Pakistan, Iran, and other mostly Asian In the backdrop of Sri Lanka’s 2021, the lowest since September the Government to restrict imports countries backed the country. foreign reserves plummeting to $ 2009 when they fell to $ 4.2 and expand exports. Contd. on page 2 4.8 billion at the end of January billion, economists have urged Contd. on page 2 2 the sunday morning Sunday, February 28, 2021 NEWS

ASSAULT OF LAW STUDENT RAMBAKAN OYA DEFORESTATION Appeals Court to take Family to file FR petition up writ this week BY SARAH HANNAN one year to recognised local the land is under the purview before Supreme Court investors. of the Mahaweli Authority, z Requests AG to indict cops involved police officers. to have been involved in the The Court of Appeal “The initiative did not they still have to adhere to the “This nonsense must stop. assault of Migara Gunaratne have (CoA) will consider the writ get off the ground, as Fauna and Flora Protection under CAT Act Hundreds of innocent people are been interdicted and a special petition which was filed by we faced protests from Ordinance. While the areas BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA facing this situation on a daily investigation is in progress. the Veddas, led by the Leader environmentalists and the might have been gazetted as basis,” he added. “The services of these police of the indigenous community residents of the area as well. Mahaweli Special Areas, A fundamental rights (FR) petition would be filed in As it was reported, on the officers have been halted and in Pollebedda, Uruwarige As you know, there is also a if a land extent of over the Supreme Court under Article 11 of the Constitution instructions of his brother, further action against them would Wannila Aththo, and the writ petition that was filed one acre is being cleared against the alleged assault of Migara Gunaratne, a Attorney-At-Law Charitha be taken,” Public Security Minister Centre for Environmental against our Ministry and using heavy machinery, final year student at the Law College who is also the Gunaratne, Migara Gunaratne Dr. Sarath Weerasekera told the Justice (CEJ) organisation the Mahaweli Authority by an Environmental Impact had visited the Peliyagoda Police media. on 5 March. the indigenous community Assessment (EIA) should youngest son of President’s Counsel (PC) and former Station on 26 February to provide The Minister who publicly The Sunday Morning leader which is due to be be obtained. In this case, Governor Maithri Gunaratne, by a group of policemen at a meal to one of his brother’s condemned the attack which took learnt that the State Minister heard on 5 March. Therefore, the Mahaweli Authority has the Peliyagoda Police Station last week. (Charitha Gunaratne’s) clients who place at a police Station said that he of Mahaweli Zone Canals we decided that we will await violated the law.” Article 11 of the Constitution Morning, Maithri Gunaratne PC was detained. Migara Gunaratne has requested the Inspector General and Settlement Infrastructure the hearing of the petition and Dabare said that legal specifically prohibits torture, or said that in addition to the FR was then allegedly assaulted by of Police to probe the incident. Development Siripala then consult the necessary action will be pursued cruel, inhuman, or degrading petition, they are going to see Police personnel inside the police The incident was also condemned Gamlath is still discussing stakeholders before releasing against the Mahaweli treatment or punishment. The whether the Attorney General station. by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka with the Mahaweli Authority the lands,” Gamlath told The Authority, the Central Constitution considers the right can file indictments under the Meanwhile, as of 26 February, (BASL) and the Colombo Law and other stakeholders about Sunday Morning. Environmental Authority not to be subjected to such, as an Convention Against Torture and all the police officers, including Society (CLS). Issuing statements releasing 2,750 acres of Environmental Lawyer (CEA), the Department of absolute and non-derogable right other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading the Officer-In-Charge of the in this regard, they urged that the underutilised lands identified Ravindranath Dabare, Forest, and the Department under the FR Chapter. Treatment or Punishment Act, No. Peliyagoda Police Chief Inspector sternest possible legal action be around the Rambakan Oya speaking to The Sunday of Wildlife Conservation Speaking to The Sunday 22 of 1994 against the relevant Linton Silva, who were alleged taken against the culprits. zone for a lease period of Morning, said: “Even though (DWC).

Contd. from page 1

Maithripala Sirisena over the Easter Sunday create awareness among the public or to step in 2025) with the assistance of the International Singapore AG’s Department. No burials... bombings, for the failure to prevent such due to to control the crowds at the vaccination centres,” Organisation for Migration (IOM) Sri Lanka and This was confirmed to The Sunday Morning He said that according to the new gazette, the the alleged dereliction of duty and negligence. Balasooriya added. in consultation with the National Anti-Human by sources in Sri Lanka’s AG’s Department. final rites should be done at a recommended “We didn’t consider this issue of the report From the time the vaccination programme Trafficking Task Force. Prior to the latest update, Sri Lanka had already location and as per the guidelines issued by an important one and we don’t want to focus rolled out to the public in the Western Province, Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Minister submitted clarifications to Singapore on three the DGHS. more on it as it has no substantial value. The the PHIs had been tasked with communicating of Justice President’s Counsel M.U.M. Ali separate occasions. “If it’s a cholera victim’s body, there are certain Catholic Church, the Buddhist clergy, the United the times and the age groups that are supposed Sabry said that the National Human Trafficking “We sent an extradition report quite some requirements that should be met when burying National Party (UNP), the Janatha Vimukthi to be inoculated. However, the mishaps that Action Plan for 2021-2025 was formulated after time ago. Thereafter, thrice we provided further the body, such as the chemicals to be used and Peramuna (JVP) and everyone else is against took place last week have now pushed them to reviewing the National Strategic Action Plan to material Singapore’s AG’s Department wanted. how deep the grave should be. Similarly, we it,” he claimed while speaking to The Sunday question as to whether they are risking their lives Monitor and Combat Human Trafficking and its They wanted us to provide further clarifications should receive guidelines on technical aspects Morning in this regard. and the public due to the indecisive manner in results during the 2015-2019 period. and we are in the process of doing that,” sources when burying the bodies of Covid-19 victims When questioned as to whether the party would which the higher ups are acting. “In order to draft the National Action Plan at the AG’s Department said. such as the depth of the grave and whether we focus on taking future action over the report, The PHIs Union also requested that they are for the upcoming five years, after reviewing the As per the details mentioned in the document should use chemicals when burying the body. Amaraweera said that a team of legal counsel urging the Ministry of Health to issue a detailed National Strategic Action Plan, we also reached submitted to Parliament by Justice Minister We should also receive instructions as to where was studying the report at the moment. “Any circular on the vaccination programme that out to the IOM country office in Sri Lanka and President’s Counsel M.U.M. Ali Sabry in we can bury the body – whether we can bury action will be based on their input,” he said. will indicate the priority list and the dates the hosted stakeholder consultation meetings to December 2020, the extradition request them at existing cemeteries or whether there Meanwhile, SLFP General Secretary and State vaccinations would be made available to different gather suggestions and recommendations,” Ali pertaining to Mahendran was submitted to the will be specially allocated places,” he told The Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara said that the party districts, so that the MOHs could co-ordinate Sabry added. AG’s Chambers of Singapore on 17 September Sunday Morning. has yet to make any substantial decision on future the initiative and it could be done in a more Meanwhile, when The Sunday Morning 2019 through the official diplomatic channel. Only then, can we implement this revised action to be taken over the report. orderly manner. reached out to the IOM Sri Lanka office, a On 23 September 2019, the AG’s Chambers decision, he noted. When queried as to whether MP Sirisena However, following Dr. Fernandopulle’s resource person said that implementing the of Singapore had acknowledged the receipt of “Since a new gazette has been issued, we would seek legal counsel, he said that there was revelation, Director General of Health Services National Human Trafficking Action Plan for the papers. have to seek consultations if there is an issue. no such decision yet. (DGHS) Dr. Asela Gunewardena had on 26 2021-2025 is an undertaking of the Ministry of So far, there have been none.” He added that the decisions outlined in the February issued directives to the Western Province Justice and the National Anti-Human Trafficking When queried as to what would happen statement issued by the party following the party’s Directors of Health Services and Regional Task Force, while IOM Sri Lanka’s role was to Decision... if anyone requested a burial in the interim Executive Committee meeting which was held Directors of Health Services in the Colombo assist in reviewing the necessary reports and If the RPCs go for a wage hike, they have to period, Rohana said: “For now, we are on 25 February, stands for now. and Gampaha Districts to identify areas of high furnishing recommendations. allocate Rs. 17 billion out of their total revenue conducting cremations but if a family of The lengthy statement issued by the SLFP said risk. “From 27 February onwards, we have “In 2020, we launched a public information of Rs. 62 billion a year. However, the RPCs are a Muslim Covid-19 victim challenges the that the PCoI report was inconclusive and that it instructed that persons above the age of 30 are campaign to combat human trafficking in planning to take a decision at the Wages Board method of disposing the body citing the new had been prepared in violation of the instructions eligible to receive Covid-19 vaccines in the grama partnership with the Ministry of Justice, which meeting to be held on 1 March. gazette, then we will have to keep the body and mandate given to it. niladhari divisions that are identified as having was funded by the US State Department’s “The issue is affordability,” Plantation and seek instructions.” The party said that its Executive Committee reported the highest numbers of Covid-19 cases Office to Monitor and Combat the Trafficking Association of Ceylon (PAC) President Bathiya therefore had no option but to unanimously and Covid-19 deaths,” Dr. Gunewardena told in Persons. The campaign was launched based Bulumulla told The Sunday Morning, adding that reject the report. The Sunday Morning. on the notion that raising public awareness there was no agreement as of yet between the Focusing on... The SLFP noted that the key objectives of the Meanwhile, although there was speculation was essential to combat human trafficking as plantation companies, the Labour Department, He told The Sunday Morning that there were PCoI was to identify the domestic and foreign of the first consignment of vaccinations that stated by the National Strategic Action Plan and the trade unions. recommendations focused on national security forces behind the attacks, understanding the was to be received free of charge through the to Monitor and Combat Human Trafficking.” “Plantation companies can’t afford it. It’s Rs. including laws to create a separate unit at the objectives and aspirations of these forces, and World Health Organisation’s COVAX Facility, In support of the initiative, IOM Sri 17 billion. The total revenue is Rs. 62 billion. Attorney General’s Department to deal with make recommendations to take legal action the Ministry of Health is yet to be notified about Lanka had established district-level anti- We have not agreed as of yet and after 1 March, terrorism related matters and a mechanism to against those responsible for the attacks. the exact dates they could expect its arrival. trafficking forums in seven districts to reach we will take a decision,” he claimed. review the information received. The statement claimed that the Samagi Jana out to communities to identify and assist – Maheesha Mudugamuwa “There are also educational reforms such as Balawegaya, the JVP, and also the Buddhist victims. These forums brought together local using all three languages to teach in schools and clergy have stated that the report is incomplete Ministry... government officers with civil society and to integrate students of different communities and had not been able to achieve the expected The special committee appointed by President community members to discuss issues, identify AIIB approves... in schools. We will focus on that and on aspirations. Gotabaya Rajapaksa to find solutions for cases, and build referral mechanisms. The current economic downturn, as explained taking preventive measures, and regarding the The SLFP explained that it was their opinion the existing human-elephant conflict issue, – Sarah Hannan by the economists, was not primarily due to compensation that needs to be given to the that the Commission had been unable to reach chaired by Dr. Prithiviraj Fernando, presented the Covid-19 pandemic but was because the victims. We are looking at how to implement reasonable conclusions and make relevant the report containing the recommendations, Russia... country had been moving towards this kind of recommendations and will give a report by 15 recommendations. recently. Following the submission, the COPA The Interactive Dialogue commenced situation for decades. or 20 March stating what can be implemented,” The SLFP also pointed out that the Commission also requested the panel of experts to review following the report and statements by High Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Central he said. had not probed into Pulasthini Mahendran alias the 2006 National Policy on the Resolution of Commissioner for Human Rights (HCHR) Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Monetary Policy Meanwhile, Archbishop of Colombo Malcolm Sarah Jasmine, an associate of the Easter Sunday the Elephant-Human Conflict when preparing Michelle Bachelet on Sri Lanka. Consultative Committee Chairman and Professor Cardinal Ranjith’s Spokesman Rev. Fr. Camillus terror attacks ringleader Zahran Hashim’s terrorist the formal plan. In her speech, Bachelet called on the UN in Economics at the University of Colombo Fernando said that the Cardinal has still not been group, who had fled to India. “During the previous COPA meeting held on Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to explore new Sirimal Abeyratne said that the economic given or offered a copy of the PCoI report on Defending the former President Sirisena, the 9 December 2020, it was revealed that Sri Lanka ways to advance various types of accountability downturn experienced by the country at present the Easter Sunday bombings. SLFP said that a president not executing his was noted to be the country that recorded the at the international level, for all parties, and to is not solely because of the Covid-19 pandemic, He told The Sunday Morning that the powers does not qualify as a cause for a criminal highest number of elephant deaths as a result of seek redress for victims in Sri Lanka. but noted however that it had worsened the Cardinal’s decision not to meet anyone including case against the said president. the ongoing human-elephant conflict. Even when In response, Foreign Minister Dinesh economic situation. parliamentarians until he receives a copy of the – Lahiru Pothmulla you take the number of human deaths due to the Gunawardena reiterated that Sri Lanka rejects The country continued to borrow from other report stands. “Therefore, the scheduled meeting human-elephant conflict, Sri Lanka is listed as Bachelet’s report, adding that Sri Lanka regretted countries, and while imports increased gradually, with the MPs has been cancelled,” he said. having the second highest human death rate. the disproportionate attention drawn to the there was no export growth, all of which in turn Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Dr. Indecision... Therefore, we recommended that immediate country by the Council, driven by political contributed to the current economic situation, Kavinda Jayawardhana also said that at the State Minister of Primary Health Care, action be followed,” COPA Chairman Prof. Tissa motivations. “Sri Lanka calls upon the Members Prof. Abeyratne noted. moment, there was no meeting with the Cardinal. Epidemics, and Covid Disease Control Dr. Vitharana explained to The Sunday Morning. of this Council that any resolution which is He however pointed out that the current When queried about the stance of the SJB on Sudharshini Fernandopulle, speaking to The Prof. Vitharana further noted that the task of based on this report, be rejected by the Council situation would not affect the country’s ability the report, the MP said that the issue was spoken Sunday Morning, said: “These incidents could finding a solution for the human-elephant conflict and be brought to a closure. We remain open to to repay its debt. about at the party’s Working Committee meeting have been avoided if the Medical Officers of cannot be entirely pinned on the Department engaging constructively with the UN, including Sri Lanka’s gross official reserves were at $ held on 26 February, where it was decided that Health (MOHs) were adhering to the original of Wildlife Conservation (DWC), as had been this Council, and the international community in 4.8 billion by the end of January 2021. the report was incomplete. “Our stance at the strategic plan. Unfortunately, they too were mentioned in the recommendations made by the mutually agreed upon areas, in conformity with Sri Lanka reported $ 5,665.1 million in foreign moment is that all we can see is the first volume. caught amidst the politics and were confused special committee. the Constitution, and in keeping with domestic reserves by the end of December 2020. Last Therefore, we feel that there needs to be the when the age category was changed from time “We have recommended that the construction priorities and policies,” he said. year, Sri Lanka received about $ 7.1 billion in second and third volumes. The report does not to time and the public too became irritated over and maintenance of electric fences should be During the Interactive Dialogue, a host of remittances and this year, is expecting $ 7.5 mention the persons who funded the Easter the change of plans.” collective efforts which involve the respective countries and organisations aired their views billion. Sunday mastermind Zahran Hashim, provided Dr. Fernandopulle further noted that she is now divisional secretariats, the Agrarian Services on the human rights issues in Sri Lanka and the Meanwhile, State Minister of Money and explosives to him, and helped him. This is about communicating with the technical committee Department, and the Mahaweli Authority as report of HCHR Bachelet. Capital Market and State Enterprise Reforms the failure of political leaders and officials,” he members to rectify this matter, so that the well,” Prof. Vitharana elaborated. The countries that spoke were Australia, Ajith Nivard Cabraal told the media last week told The Sunday Morning. vaccination programmes that are to be rolled According to the lead specialist in the special Belarus, Belgium, Cambodia, Cameroon, that the Government was hopeful of finalising a out from this week onwards in the suburbs would committee, Dr. Fernando, a village community- Canada, China, Egypt, the European Union, $ 1.5 billion swap facility with China’s Central be conducted in an orderly manner. based electric fence and an alternative electrical France, Germany, India, Ireland, Japan, Bank. Rejected across... The PHIs Union Secretary M. Balasooriya, fencing system are to be employed during the Montenegro, Nepal, the Netherlands, North Attempts made by The Sunday Morning to It has been rejected by many sections including when contacted by The Sunday Morning, said that periods of cultivation. Macedonia, Norway, Pakistan, the Philippines, contact Cabraal and Treasury Secretary S.R. political parties and the clergy, he added. the instructions that are issued by the Ministry of – Sarah Hannan the Russian Federation, Switzerland, the Syrian Attygalle were futile. Amaraweera is also the General Secretary of Health to the MOHs have been changing daily, Arab Republic, the UK, the US, and Vietnam. Meanwhile, a press release issued by the the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) and that it was challenging for their on-ground Sri Lankan Embassy in Beijing, China, stated of which the SLFP is the main constituent PHIs to disseminate the information to the Five-year... that the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank party. communities in the area and to inform them After a two-year lapse since the National Clarifications... (AIIB) has approved a $ 180 million loan for He said the SLFP was not interested in paying to arrive at the designated vaccination centres. Strategic Action Plan to Monitor and Combat He is a key suspect in the controversial Treasury the Covid-19 emergency and crisis response much heed to the report which recommended “The situation in the Gampaha District has Human Trafficking (2015-2019) ended in Bond Scams. facility to be disbursed through the Bank of that the Attorney General considers criminal got out of hand. Therefore, we have informed December 2019, the Ministry of Justice has It is learnt that Sri Lanka’s Attorney General’s Ceylon ($ 90 million) and the People’s Bank proceedings against the SLFP Chairman, former the Ministry of Health that our PHIs will not prepared a National Human Trafficking Action (AG) Department is currently in the process of ($ 90 million). The Embassy said that the loan President, and incumbent parliamentarian be engaging in the vaccination programme to Plan for the upcoming five-year period (2021- providing those clarifications as requested by application had been submitted in 2019. the sunday morning 3 Sunday, February 28, 2021 SPOTLIGHT

ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATIONS IN THE EAST Digging up controversy?

BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA the way they should preserve the General of Archaeology was archaeologically valuable places,” advised by the Secretary to Concerns have been raised he stressed. the Ministry of Education and in the Eastern Province MP Rasamanickam raised Cultural Affairs in a letter (No. over the archaeological concerns over the specific ED/10/NH/09/84) dated 23 excavations currently selection of the East for the task. December 2016, to identify and being conducted by the “They should preserve all valuable document archaeological sites and Presidential Task Force sites around the country. We to prioritise publication of reserves don’t know what this task force is or monuments in the gazette. (PTF) headed by Defence assigned to do in the East. There In a special performance Secretary General (Retd.) should be a big plan behind this Steps are being taken to gazette all report of “Management of Kamal Gunaratne. archaeological sites-preserving these new sites identified in the Archaeological Heritage of Sri project,” he added. Eastern and Northern Provinces Lanka” issued by the National together with the archaeologically As learnt by The Sunday Responding to the allegations valuable sites identified in other Audit Office (NAO) in 2019, Morning, the Archaeological levelled against the Government, areas of the country it is stated that the exploration Department has already identified State Minister of National State Minister of National work in the Batticaloa District hundreds of archaeologically Heritage, Performance Arts, and Heritage, Performance Arts, and commenced on 15 March 2017 valuable places in the Eastern Rural Arts Promotion Vidura Rural Arts Promotion and continued till 30 August Province which have not yet Wickramanayaka told The Vidura Wickramanayaka 2017 and the preparation of the been gazetted together with the Sunday Morning that there was exploration report was completed sites located in other areas of the no military intervention but that on 28 October 2019. However, country. military personnel are helping the 528 archaeological sites, 120 Nevertheless, the Department’s Archaeology Department with the movable antiquities, and a total conduct of the identification of excavations. 648 archaeological areas have new sites has been criticised by According to him, steps are been identified in the 14 divisional the Muslim and Tamil political being taken by the Department secretariat divisions of the leaders in the Province, claiming of Archaeology to gazette the Batticaloa District. that the all-Sinhala Buddhist PTF archaeological monuments in the The exploration work had been is attempting to erase a piece of Eastern and Northern Provinces carried out by four exploration history by distorting the historical which have been newly identified. teams in 14 divisional secretariat and archaeological sites in the He said over 300 such The Archaeological Department has divisions in the Batticaloa District been there for years and there is no Province. archaeological sites have so far issue for preserving archaeological and archaeological sites have been They alleged that sites of Tamil been identified in the Eastern sites in the country. But the problem identified and recorded in the two Hindu temples in the Northern Province and that nearly 200 sites is the appointment of a task force to divisional secretariat divisions of and Eastern Provinces have been in the Northern Province have also preserve archaeological sites in the Thambalagamuwa and Serunuwara already laid siege to by the PTF been identified by the Department Eastern Province in the Trincomalee District; two and the Archaeology Department of Archaeology. TNA MP Shanakiyan exploration teams have been under the guise of identifying “Steps are being taken to gazette Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam assigned to the remaining nine Buddhist monuments. Archaeological excavation conducted at an ancient Tamil temple site in Mullaitivu all these new sites identified in the divisional secretariats. Furthermore, allegations have PHOTO ©️TAMIL GUARDIAN Eastern and Northern Provinces their excavation work. “I am However, the report revealed been levelled against the PTF, together with the archaeologically planning to request such vehicles that even though the identified claiming that it has identified years and there is no issue for As he alleged, the objective valuable sites identified in other from Customs,” he added. archaeological sites, monuments, Buddhist places of importance preserving archaeological sites in of this taskforce is to change the areas of the country,” the State Despite the focus on the and movable artefacts should in Thiriyai, Thennamaravadi, the country. But the problem is demography of the province. Minister noted. archaeological excavations carried be expeditiously secured, no Kuchchaveli, Kumpuruppiddy, the appointment of a task force to “This new task force has He said that there was a out under the present Government, programme has been planned and etc., and stones have been laid preserve archaeological sites in the identified quite a number of new requirement of funds for the the excavations began in the as a result, antiquities scattered in along the boundary lines of such Eastern Province,” Tamil National places. The archeology officers necessary excavations, adding that year 2016 under the previous the Batticaloa District are being lands. Alliance (TNA) MP Shanakiyan are also not properly trained at least one vehicle per district United National Front (UNF) distorted, displaced, and destroyed “The Archaeological Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam told officers. They came and restricted should be given to the Archaeology Government. by human activities. Department has been there for The Sunday Morning. Tamils from a temple. This is not Department in order to carry out Accordingly, the Director Contd. on page 14 4 the sunday morning Sunday, February 28, 2021 ROUND-UP SL supports Nicaragua, sunny side up Belarus and Eritrea by abilis Sri Lanka, at the ongoing United effectively contribute to the promotion Nations Human Rights Council’s and protection of human rights without (UNHRC) 46th Session in Geneva, discrimination. had made statements in support “In conclusion, we encourage this of Nicaragua and Belarus despite Council to engage in a positive dialogue PHOTO © TWITTER concerns raised by the UNHRC with the Government of Belarus.” High Commissioner on the Speaking during the dialogue with the human rights situation in the two Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in United Nations Human Rights Council Eritrea, the Sri Lankan envoy expressed countries. concern over continued discrimination In its official statement on “Enhanced with the Government of Nicaragua.” consent of the country concerned and be by the UNHRC shown through country- Interactive Dialogue on the High Meanwhile, in the matter of the “Report based on the principles of co-operation specific initiatives. Commissioner’s Report on the Human of the UN High Commissioner for Human and genuine dialogue. The envoy noted that such action was Rights situation in Nicaragua”, the Sri Rights on the Situation of human rights in “In this context, we believe that the counterproductive and confrontational. Lankan mission had noted: “We note the Belarus in the run-up to the presidential Universal Periodic Review is the appropriate The Sri Lankan envoy, after noting that Flying to Entebbe commitment stated by the Government election and its aftermath”, Sri Lanka mechanism to address the human rights any action to protect human rights in a of Nicaragua to respect and promote the officially responded saying: “We note situation of all countries in a uniform, country should have the consent of the SriLankan Airlines three consecutive cargo charter human rights of the Nicaraguan people. the co-operation and engagement by the objective, and constructive engagement respective country, called on the UNHRC to last week operated flights to Entebbe International “Sri Lanka is of the view that any action Government of Belarus with UN human where countries could meaningfully and engage in a positive dialogue with Eritrea. not one, but three Airport in Uganda uplifting aimed at the protection and promotion of rights mechanisms, including by regular chartered flights to over 102 metric tonnes of human rights in a country must have the submission of reports to human rights treaty Entebbe in Uganda. It printed matter.” consent of the country concerned and be bodies, extending invitations to Special was the first time that Meanwhile, the Airline based on the principles of co-operation and Procedure Mandate Holders and support Supporting China SriLankan Airlines had Pilots Guild of Sri Lanka genuine dialogue. This Council should not for the UPR process. flown to Entebbe. tweeted: “SriLankan Airlines be politicised and used as a mechanism to “We reiterate our concern over the Sri Lanka is in the process of further Xinjiang over the past several years. made history today by attack governments. continuing discriminatory practice of strengthening ties with ally China with a “I think that itself is a great SriLankan flights bearing operating three consecutive “We reiterate that the discriminatory selective adoption of country-specific visible increase in bilateral engagements. achievement. And also, that talk about numbers UL 1709, UL 1711, cargo flights to Entebbe in practice of selective country-specific resolutions in the Human Rights Foreign Ministry Secretary Prof. genocide, I don’t think I have seen and UL 1713 had departed Uganda. They safely carried initiatives breaches the principles of Council, which breaches the principles Jayanath Colombage had recently any evidence to suggest this because at 0130, 0200, and 0230, more than 100 tonnes of cargo universality, impartiality, and non- of universality, impartiality, and non- gone on record in the Chinese media genocide is a very strong word,” respectively, last Tuesday (23). to the African nation.” selectivity stipulated in GA (General selectivity stipulated in GA Resolution dismissing allegations of genocide Colombage had said. “The SriLankan However, it is learnt that Assembly) Resolution 60/251 and the 60/251 and the IB package. committed against the Uighur The official recalled visiting several Engineering team at the the crew to carry out this IB package. “Sri Lanka is of the view that country- community in China. sites in Urumqi and Kashgar and holding Entebbe International Airport mission was handpicked “In this context, we believe that the specific initiatives are confrontational, Colombage had noted that there is chats with the local people. “One thing I in Uganda facilitated three and the entire operation was Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is the counterproductive, and violate the no evidence to support claims by some have seen in their eyes is that they have simultaneous SriLankan Cargo co-ordinated by the husband appropriate mechanism to address the principles of sovereign equality and non- western politicians that “genocide” hope,” he had said. charter flights which carried of a female parliamentarian human rights situation of all countries interference enshrined in the UN Charter, was committed against the Uighur “That is something very important more than 100 metric tonnes of the governing Sri Lanka in a uniform, objective, and constructive thereby undermining the spirit co-operation community in China’s Xinjiang. for a country, for a region, not to lose of general cargo,” SriLankan Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) manner. required in promoting and protecting human In a recent interview with Xinhua, hope, because I was told by some of Airlines tweeted. representing the Gampaha “In conclusion, we call on the members rights. Colombage, who had visited Xinjiang these young people, that during the time Another tweet by District. The respective of this Council to recognise the action taken “Sri Lanka reiterates that any action in 2019, had noted that not a single of trouble, they did not have hope,” he SriLankan Airlines stated: parliamentarian, it is also and the public policies implemented over aimed at protection and promotion of terrorist attack had been carried out in had added. “#SriLankanCargo made learnt, is closely associated the years and engage in a positive dialogue human rights in a country must have the history today by operating with a VVIP family.

in the Ja-Ela area. Raiding the tower However, the security The slap Following last week’s Social media was personnel assigned to the Short session Accordingly, police bust of a large haul of last week abuzz with State Minister had removed personnel had raided an the angry lady from the venue. drugs in the Wattala apartment at one of the main a news report of a It was later learnt that area, investigators were luxury apartment complexes state minister of the one of the supporters of the engaged in following in Colombo 5 that consists of Government being respective State Minister up all leads, leaving several towers. assaulted by an had assaulted the lady’s son, no stone unturned The raid, carried out on angry woman in his indicating that the assault Thursday (25) night at around 7 PHOTO APSARI SINGHABAHU THILLEKARATNE to apprehend others constituency. was carried out with the State p.m., had resulted in the sleuths involved in the drug According to the story Minister’s knowledge. From left: Hashan Tillekeratne, Pakistani PM Imran From left: Former Minister Navin Dissanayake, taking into custody another haul that did the rounds, the State Interestingly, the incident Khan, Ashantha de Mel, Sidath Wettimuny, and Sanath Jayasuriya, Pakistani PM Imran Khan, Muttiah ring. of drugs. Minister, who represents the also made its way to former Minister Arjuna Ranatunga Muralitharan, and former Minister Arjuna Ranatunga The investigation had It is learnt that neighbours Gampaha District, was slapped Parliament, with an Opposition Parliament proceedings session was due to the Lanka last week. revealed that the group used a in the respective tower at the with a slipper by the woman. parliamentarian raising the on Wednesday (24) were lunch hosted in honour of House proceedings that luxury apartment at a prominent apartment complex were caught The incident had reportedly issue during a heated verbal limited to only one-and-a- Pakistani Prime Minister commenced at 10 a.m. apartment complex in Colombo unaware since they had not taken place during an event argument with the respective half hours. Imran Khan, who was on a concluded by 11.30 a.m. after 5 as the base for its drug expected to be residing in the attended by the State Minister State Minister. The reason for the short two-day official visit in Sri concluding oral questions. distribution activities. vicinity of a drug hub. Basil vows to New appointment for Sumedha? It’s Ranil again? Current Secretary to the It is learnt that he is from the post of Agriculture United National Party (UNP) Leader Ranil Ministry of Agriculture, tipped to be appointed Ministry Secretary. Wickremesinghe, who announced his resignation Major General Sumedha as the Secretary to the However, Perera protect Govt. Ministry of Wildlife and clarified that there was from the party leadership soon after the general Perera it is learnt Forest Conservation. no truth the story and that elections last year, took only a few months to have A group of 40 backbench MPs of the governing is to receive a new Perera was recently he continued to function a change of heart. Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) have on appointment shortly. rumoured to have resigned in the position. Thursday (25) met SLPP National Organiser Basil After retaining the party Rajapaksa. leadership, Wickremesinghe The legislators have noted and-a-half hours. now seems to be gearing to that there were certain members After listening to the lead the party at the next key of the governing party who were concerns raised by the 40 From coffee to biriyani election. behaving in a rebellious manner backbenchers, Basil had vowed This was revealed by while making critical comments to take all necessary measures Prime Minister The duo had continued their Wickremesinghe loyalist, about the Government. to safeguard the Government. Mahinda Rajapaksa conversation over lunch as former MP Vajira Abeywardena The group of 40 had then "This is a government we and former Prime well. recently, when he said that the requested Rajapaksa to seriously formed with great difficulty. Minister Ranil Interestingly, meetings UNP would form the next consider the situation and to take Like last time, we won't let Wickremesinghe had between the duo in the past government in 2024 under UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe action to rein in the situation anyone breakaway and destroy recently met over lunch had been over a cup of coffee, Wickremesinghe’s leadership. before it explodes even further. it. This time, if there's anyone in Bentota, it is learnt. which now seems to have been Addressing public meetings against the Government. It is learnt that the meeting trying to do that, I will act PM Mahinda Rajapaksa replaced by biriyani. in Balapitiya and Ambalangoda According to Abeywardena, that took place at Temple Trees first and get them out of the It is further learnt that the and Former PM Ranil Both Rajapaksa and recently, Abeywardena had there are many requests Wickremesinghe had continued for around one- Government," Basil had said. meeting had taken place on a Wickremesinghe, despite said that the party had already from ministers and senior request by Wickremesinghe Accordingly, the meeting had representing opposing political initiated a dialogue with members of the Opposition to discuss the current political taken place on 13 February. camps since their entrance to members of the Government for Wickremesinghe to return situation in the country. After exchanging local politics, have maintained and Opposition with the aim to Parliament. Finally, the meeting had pleasantries and discussing a strong friendship. of securing government power The UNP suffered a The meet cute? taken place at the official the political situation in the Prime Minister Rajapaksa, in 2024. humiliating defeat at last Former Finance residence of the Prime Minister country, the Prime Minister during a recent print He had further said that year’s general election and Minister Mangala in Bentota with Rajapaksa had invited Wickremesinghe media interview, said that people were once again only managed to secure one Samaraweera and inviting Wickremesinghe for a scrumptious biriyani Wickremesinghe should be supportive of the UNP due to slot in Parliament through the National Organiser of for a meeting over lunch. feed. in Parliament. the fast-growing dissension National List. the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Basil Rajapaksa had recently SLPP National Former Finance Harin-Lanza clash: New twist Welgama gets SJB appointment met at the Shangri-La Organiser Minister The ongoing clash Former stalwart of the Sri Lanka Freedom Hotel in Colombo. Basil Mangala between Samagi Jana Rajapaksa Samaraweera Party (SLFP) and current leader of the Balawegaya (SJB) MP Samaraweera and Rajapaksa New Lanka Freedom Party (NLFP) Kumara had arrived at the hotel to way to their respective events. Harin Fernando and Welgama was last week appointed as attend two separate functions Although it was a meeting State Minister Nimal an office bearer of the Samagi Jana when they had bumped into in that took place by chance, those Lanza took a new Balawegaya (SJB). each other near the elevator. who had witnessed the two twist last week. Both Samaraweera and political masterminds greeting Welgama was appointed as a Senior Deputy Chairman Rajapaksa had greeted each other were left wondering The duo have constantly of the SJB. each and after exchanging the mischief the duo could MP Harin been locking horns publicly State Minister The letter of appointment was officially handed over to pleasantries, had made their create if they joined forces. Fernando as well as in Parliament. Nimal Lanza Welgama by Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa. the sunday morning 5 Sunday, February 28, 2021 FOCUS Milestone examinations amid pandemic BY SARAH HANNAN Last year posed several setbacks DGHS’ instructions to parents and candidates in all of our lives, and one of the Director General of Health Services iii. Wear the mask correctly to cover most nerve-wracking ones could (DGHS) Dr. Asela Gunawardena, in light your nose and mouth be the milestone examinations of the upcoming examinations, had shared iv. Maintain physical distance and ensure that schoolchildren had to face. an update on the additional measures that that a distance of at least a metre is The emergence of the second wave were in place for conducting examinations kept between yourself and other of Covid-19, that still continues amidst the pandemic to the Ministry of to record cases connected to the Education Secretary Prof. Kapila Perera. v. Do not gather in crowds in common areas; at the entrance of Sri Lankan lineage of the Covid- Additionally, Dr. Gunawardena had also shared the following healthcare guidelines the examination centre, registration 19 variant, forced the Ministry that parents and the students should adhere desk, hand washing station, or of Education Department of to during the examination period. canteens Examinations to seek counsel from the Ministry of Health on For parents/guardians vi. Do not eat together or share your the possibility of holding the meals with the others. Maintain 1. If the child is having symptoms physical distance when having meals examinations as scheduled. suggestive of Covid-19 such as fever/ as well The GCE O/L examination is scheduled to take place from 1-10 March cough/sore throat during the exam However, considering the safety and period, obtain advice from the area vii. Bring necessary stationery with you wellbeing of the schoolchildren, milestone private candidates who had not received A total of 622,305 candidates from Medical Officer of Health (MOH) viii. Do not unnecessarily hang around examinations such as the grade five their admission cards through the post were across the country will sit for the 2. If the child tests positive for Covid-19 the examination centre before or scholarship examination and the GCE A/L given a link to download their admission examination, with a total of 4,513 centres or is under quarantine, do adhere to the after the examinations examination were postponed. Similarly, the cards as well. accommodating the 423,746 school guidelines and instructions issued by GCE O/L examination had to be postponed “This time, students did not need to candidates and 198,606 private candidates the areas Public Health Inspector (PHI) 3. Inform the invigilator if you happen as well since most schools were not allowed visit the Department of Examinations to during the period of examination. and MOH to develop any symptoms relating to re-open, and with schools in the Western rectify their names, subjects, or language The examination centres will be 3. If the parent/guardian is under to Covid-19 during the examination Province in particular having to rely on in their admission cards. Instead, they co-ordinated through 542 co-ordinating quarantine and is having difficulty such as fever/cough/sore throat. (The distance education methods. were able to visit the Department’s centres. arranging transport for the child to invigilator is to then inform the PHI/ Ideally, the GCE O/L examination is held website and make those changes. For the examination hall, do inform the MOH/school principal immediately to through the month of December. However, school candidates, we provided the Exams at treatment centres Divisional Secretariat or the school make necessary arrangements) due to various pandemic-led reasons, the principals of the respective schools with Additionally, 40 special centres have principal for support 4. Candidates experiencing fever/ examination was postponed to be held in the login details so they could make any been set up covering all districts, for respiratory illnesses are instructed to March this year. necessary changes to the candidates’ Covid-19-infected candidates to sit for For candidates sitting for the wear the mask at all times and sit for The first term for this year, therefore, will admission cards,” Pujitha said. examinations whilst receiving treatment. examination the examination at the isolation room have a two-week mid-term break to hold the Necessary arrangements have already 1. Provide accurate contact details to the reserved for them examinations. been made to ensure the health of school principal/PHI/MOH 5. If a student is identified to be positive The Sunday Morning contacted the children in consultation with the 2. Follow instructions given by the school/ for Covid-19, the student will be Commissioner General of Examinations principals, public health inspectors, and MOH office regarding Covid-19 transferred to a hospital/treatment Sanath Pujitha to inquire on the regional health officers. prevention: centre and they will be able to sit for measures they have in place to host these Given that the Colombo District is still the examination from the hospital i. Adhere to respiratory etiquette examinations that are scheduled to take recorded to have the highest number of or the treatment centre that they (cough or sneeze to the inner side of place from 1-10 March. infections, Colombo District Divisional have been admitted to. (Students are your elbow) “In preparation for the examinations, we Secretariat Pradeep Yasarathna stated allowed to take their study material held workshops for the invigilators, as well earlier last week that two wards at the ii. Regularly wash hands, properly with them if they are sent to a hospital as the support staff who will be involved in Navagamuwa Hospital have been set aside using soap and water/use sanitiser or treatment centre) facilitating the examinations and handling to accommodate students under quarantine the candidates. All these workshops were who are sitting for the exams in the completed by the third week of February,” Our main objective is not to waste coming 10 days, since they might contract Results by June not to waste the precious youth of the he said. the precious youth of the country’s the virus whilst facing the examination. The results of the GCE O/L country’s children. We are ready to face Pujitha also noted that candidates who children. If all goes according to “Students that are warded at the examination, scheduled to be held from all the challenges that come in the midst will be sitting for the O/L examination schedule, the students will be admitted Navagamuwa Hospital will have an 1-10 March, are expected to be released of the Covid-19 pandemic so that we were given the opportunity to resolve any to A/L classes from July onwards examination centre set up at the hospital by June, Minister of Education Prof. G.L. can continue our education. If all goes issues with their examination admission Minister of Education premises, so they do not have to travel Peiris said. according to schedule, the students will cards directly through the website of the Prof. G. L. Peiris to their designated examination centre,” Speaking further on the topic, the be admitted to A/L classes from July Department of Examinations. Moreover, Yasarathna elaborated. Minister said: “Our main objective is onwards.” 6 the sunday morning SPOTLIGHT/FOCUS Sunday, February 28, 2021 TRINCOMALEE OIL TANK FARM Refining crucial details BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA storage facilities in the country should be maintained to do away with economic Sri Lanka and India have a deeply and other disadvantages resulting from rooted though sometimes tense unnecessary emergency purchases. diplomatic history of more than A study on the fluctuations in world 2,500 years. market oil prices should be conducted in a systematic and timely manner and The relationship has been marked by adequate quantities of fuel should be close contacts at all levels during the obtained and stored in the event of falling previous United National Front (UNF)-led prices such as the recent experience of a Government but a discord between the significant drop in world market oil prices two countries has surfaced due to several during the Covid-19 pandemic. decisions taken by the present Government. While the discussions are still going The latest disputes began initially with We have not yet come to a conclusion on between the two parties, the TUs the announcement of the cabinet decision over the management period, the requested the Minister not to sign new over the East Container Terminal (ECT) agreement between the shareholders, agreements with India to jointly develop and later the Northern Islands Power and the number of tanks that would the tank farm until the ongoing legal Project, and now, concerns have been be released to the CPC. These details actions are concluded. raised over the Trincomalee oil tanks are yet to be discussed In a letter written to the Minister, JSS which were leased out to the Lanka Indian Energy Minister CPC Branch President Samitha Asithanja Udaya Gammanpila Oil Company (LIOC) many years ago. and JSS Convener Palitha had requested The Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm a special discussion with the Minister to came under the spotlight two weeks An aerial view of the Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm proposed the idea of developing and speak about the issues relating to the oil ago following remarks made by Energy running the tanks as a joint venture in tank farm. Minister Udaya Gammanpila, claiming Ananda Palitha, who is also attached to Several previous attempts that have 2016 to store fuel for power generation in that the discussions between his Ministry the Jathika Sevaka Sangamaya (JSS), been made by Sri Lanka to reclaim the oil an emergency situation. TUs urge Govt. not to sign JVs and the Indian Government concluded raised questions as to whether the tank farm or at least to use the remaining However, by abandoning the measures Urging the Government not to and that both parties had agreed to jointly Government of Sri Lanka had given up on oil tanks, were futile. taken by the previous Government, the enter into a new pact with India for develop the tank farm. the Lower Tank Farm and the Trincomalee The previous Government signed the present Government initiated fresh rounds joint developments, the TU said the Meanwhile, Minister Gammanpila's Jetty, which is one of the most strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of talks with India and the LIOC which Government should not amend the statement on the matter, which locations for the energy sector. on Co-operation on Economic Projects are currently ongoing for months. existing agreements with India. he delivered in Kolonnawa, was “We need an answer on why the and decided to set up a joint venture Meanwhile, LIOC Managing Director However, when contacted by The misinterpreted by local media, which Government has not discussed the Lower between the LIOC and the CPC. Manoj Gupta told The Sunday Morning Sunday Morning, Energy Minister stated that Sri Lanka was re-acquiring the Oil Tank Farm and has focused only on According to the agreement signed in in December last year that the discussions Gammanpila clarified that the two parties oil tank farm. The Minister was quick to the Upper Tank Farm. By ignoring the the presence of Indian Prime Minister were heading towards a positive ended the first round of discussions clarify his statement the next day. Lower Tank Farm, the Government has Narendra Modi and then Sri Lankan direction and the LIOC would abide with regard to the oil tank farm and both Nevertheless, in response to Minister indirectly accepted that the handing over Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in by the decisions taken between the two parties were able to come to a consensual Gammanpila’s statement, the Indian of that section in 2003 was legal,” he 2017, India had agreed to the Sri Lankan Governments. agreement to jointly develop the oil tank High Commission (HC) clarified that stressed. proposal to refurbish and use the 84 giant The LIOC MD said: “Energy farm by the LIOC and CPC with the consultation and discussions have been Explaining further, Palitha noted that oil tanks in the Upper Tank Farm as a Minister Gammanpila, the Indian High majority shares. undertaken to promote mutually beneficial there was an ongoing court case filed by “joint venture”. Commissioner to Sri Lanka, and the “We have not yet come to a conclusion co-operation for the development and the trade unions on the basis that the lease The then Sri Lankan Government Government of India are taking up the over the management period, the operation of the Upper Oil Tank Farms agreement between the LIOC and Ceylon discussions in a very positive line and we agreement between the shareholders, in Trincomalee. Furthermore, the High Petroleum Corporation (CPC) was illegal are very hopeful that they will come down and the number of tanks that would be Commission noted that India and Sri and that therefore, the Government should to a very conclusive stage. The LIOC released to the CPC. These details are yet Lanka have identified energy partnership re-acquire the oil tank farm. would be completely compliant to the to be discussed,” Gammanpila said. as one of the priority dimensions of “We want the Government to expedite decisions between the two governments. He also noted that only 15 out of 99 their co-operation. India is committed to the legal procedure. So, if the court says The discussions would enhance the oil tanks are currently being used by the working together with Sri Lanka for the that the agreement is illegal, the tank energy scenario of our country.” LIOC and in 2003, the entire tank farm island’s energy security. farm is with us and if it's legal, we can was leased out to the LIOC for $ 1,000 for re-acquire it in 2037, once the agreement Urgent need for fuel a period of 35 years. Govt.’s lack of focus on Lower expires,” he explained. storage facilities The Minister also noted that even Oil Tank Farm telling of sinister The Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm has Meanwhile, a special audit report though the tanks were handed over to the intentions? been leased out to the LIOC by way of released by the Auditor General’s LIOC, the then Government had failed to Energy sector trade unions (TUs) an agreement in 2003 on a 30-year lease, Department recently said that at present, sign a detailed agreement. highlighted the specification made by the which expires in 2033. Altogether, 99 tanks there exists in the country a high risk of However, ETU Convener Palitha urged Indian HC pertaining to only the Upper have been leased out. The farm initially had We need an answer on why the not being able to store fuel due to a lack the Government not to take quick decisions Oil Tank Farm. They stated that the Lower 101 tanks built within an area of 850 acres. Government has not discussed the of storage facilities, and that the capacity over the tank farm and to re-enter into Oil Tank Farm is as important as the However, two of the tanks were destroyed Lower Oil Tank Farm and has should be increased so that the fuel new agreements, as the Minister is saying Upper Tank Farm, despite the fact that it by aircraft in 1960. The initial construction focused only on the Upper Tank requirement of the country can be stored the agreement entered into by the two contained only 15 tanks. of the oil tanks commenced in 1924 and Farm. By ignoring the Lower Tank for several months. countries in 2003 was not a proper one and As learnt by The Sunday Morning, ended in 1930. Following Independence, Farm, the Government has indirectly At present, the entire capacity of therefore, they should expedite the legal the Lower Tank Farm included the the tanks fell into disuse. The LIOC has accepted that the handing over of fuel storage facilities in the country is process and get legal opinion over whether Trincomalee Harbour, which is one of the refurbished 15 of them in the Lower Tank that section in 2003 was legal adequate for the requirement of diesel for the agreement is legal or not. most important harbours of the country. Farm, which are now in use. Collectively, ETU, JSS Convener 27 days, petrol for 24 days, kerosene for Furthermore, he stressed that a decision Speaking to The Sunday Morning, all tanks were able to hold up to 1.2 million Ananda Palitha 29 days, and aviation fuel for 40 days. over the tank farm should only be taken Energy Trade Union (ETU) Convener tonnes of fuel. The audit report said that adequate fuel after considering the court’s decision.

MEDIA CENTRE FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Govt. to highlight development drive

BY UWIN LUGODA changes which cannot be seen. “If you look at the tangible ones, each Despite the prevailing pandemic ministry is tasked with its own yearly and conditions, Sri Lanka's initially planned five-year development plan. For instance, in development projects have continued, with the education sector, a bone of contention is newer projects being introduced to revive the limited enrolment of students to which and sustain the country's economy. However, solutions have been found; new faculties at these development initiatives are seldom universities are being constructed and the exposed to the public. intake of students are being increased. We In order to address this, the Sri Lankan realised that a university has to be more than Government recently launched a new Media just a degree awarding institution and now we Centre for National Development, on 17 are looking at changing university curricula February. The initiative received approval and inculcating technology and IT in the from the Cabinet of Ministers on 4 January, courseware. Already Grade Five textbooks after being presented by Mass Media have been changed to include subjects and Minister Keheliya Rambukwella. stories that speak of harmony, etc. It’s the The Centre is set to function under the bottom-up approach,” said Rajapakse. Mass Media Ministry to convey accurate Moreover, taking the sports sector as an information on government policies and example, he stated that a sum of Rs. 2,900 development efforts to the public. The From left: Director of the newly established Media Centre for National Development Milinda Rajapakse, Minister of Mass Media Keheliya Rambukwella, million is being invested for a series of provisions of the Sri Lanka Press Council and Ministry Secretary Jagath P. Wijeweera at the launch of the Media Centre for National Development on 17 February proposed development programmes. This Law No. 5 of 1973 have also been amended efforts should be exhibited both locally and the Sri Lankan Civil War, where it acted President’s visit to Meemure, most of what includes the tangibles like construction to include electronic and new media in internationally. as an outlet for reliable and dependable he promised his people that he would do, of playgrounds, national sports schools, addition to the print media. Following this, the Secretary to the information taking place in the frontlines, in terms of development, some of those conducting rural and divisional “The Sri Lanka Press Council has been Ministry Jagath P. Wijeweera stated that the for the general public. He explained that the projects are already over. But no one seems tournaments, etc. set up to prevent any prejudice to the public role of the media should focus on assisting country is yet again faced with a challenge to know and the people are not proactively He explained that the centre primarily through press coverage and to establish a the public and that it carries the social due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and the new involved", he said. comprises young, passionate, and cordial relationship between journalists and responsibility of providing progressive centre will act as a source of development Rajapakse stated that at its core, this talented individuals, due to the younger the public. The provisions are restricted news to the public. However, he explained information for the public. new centre will highlight the efforts taken generations being more social with better to newspapers only. It has been identified that the latter has been left ignored by “Despite it being a pandemic and despite by the Government, amidst the pandemic experience when it comes to social media. that the Press Council should be reformed current media personnel, and emphasised the fact that the country had to be locked and post-pandemic, to revive, sustain, and He stated that it was imperative for them to cover electronic, print, and new media, that this ethical media culture would not down periodically, as was the case in many uplift both the people and the economy. He to have more young people involved in the as a tribunal for journalists and media be achieved merely by imposing laws and other countries, none of the development stated that he believes that this should be development of this country, as they are institutions and as a centre that promotes regulations, but only through self-discipline. projects in the country came to a grinding publicised locally and internationally and the future leaders and must have a say in media education", said the proposal Speaking to The Sunday Morning, the halt. Road construction, housing, ports, once it is at full capacity, the centre will be the future direction of the country. presented by Rambukwella. Director of the newly established Media etc. continued. In fact, the President, as the busiest centre in the country. "The centre will be heavily involved in During the launch of the centre, Centre for National Development Milinda the head of the State, is visiting every The centre will host two kinds of the digital realm and we are prepared to Rambukwella stated that the Government Rajapakse stated that this new centre village in the country and listening to the development plans. The first would be take everything on social media, from a has taken several steps to revive and will be similar to the Media Centre for grievances of its people and providing those that can be seen and are tangible; meme to a serious critic, into consideration sustain the country's economy, and these National Security, which was active during immediate solutions. If you go back to the while the other will include systematic if it is towards the country's development." the sunday morning 7 Sunday, February 28, 2021 SPOTLIGHT

CONCERNS ABOUT PADDY PRICES RICE POT BOILS OVER?

PHOTO KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM

BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA has no operating mills. Therefore, the actual prices,” Karunaratne extent of cultivated land. At least of Paddy Purchasing have to buy the National Paddy Purchasing even if the paddy was taken by stressed. 1,000 kg will be purchased from fertiliser at Rs. 4,000 per 50 kg Programme. As the Government agrees the Government and sold at low In the meantime, Cabinet approval farmers who cultivate between pack during the next Season and “For this, the Government to purchase paddy from local rates to the private mill owners, the has been granted to purchase paddy 1-1.5 hectares and 1,500 kg will they will not receive benefits of the has allocated Rs. 23 billion to farmers competitively with consumers still have to spend high from local farmers competitively be purchased from farmers who Government’s agri insurance. purchase paddy in the coming the private sector, concerns prices,” he stressed. with the private sector to provide cultivate between 1.5-2 hectares. As per government statistics, in Maha Season, and it has have now been raised over Having no government-owned a higher price for farmers under However, prior to the new cabinet Sri Lanka, there are 1,041,923 paddy been identified as the largest the possibilities of a dramatic mills, the private mill owners, the Government’s rice purchasing decision, Agriculture Minister farmers and among them, 266,291 allocation so far. Also, we have increase in rice prices in the including both small and large-scale programme of the Maha Season of Mahindananda Aluthgamage farmers are cultivating more than renovated 323 warehouses with local market at the end of this ones, are controlling the rice market, 2020/21. warned the farmers that those one hectare of land and we will all the needed facilities for this year. which ideally should be under the The Cabinet of Ministers has also who failed to sell their paddy to only purchase 10% of the harvest. programme with the help of the Government’s control, considering decided to maintain the price of the Government at the controlled The annual rice requirement of the Army, which can store more than Analysing the rice prices in the the high demand, Karunaratne nadu at Rs. 98 per kg in the future, price would be removed from country is around 25 million MT. 325,000 MT of the harvest,” he market at present, the farmers’ stressed. without any changes, despite paddy the government fertiliser subsidy Speaking to The Sunday added. unions stressed that the prices were being purchased at a higher price by programme. Morning, Minister Aluthgamage Attempts by The Sunday high in the market at a time when the businessmen. According to the Minister, farmers noted that the Government has Morning to contact Araliya Group it should go down, as the paddy Co-Cabinet Spokesman and who are not contributing to the decided to purchase a stock of of Companies Chairman Dudley harvest is gradually happening. Mass Media Minister Keheliya Government’s National Programme paddy from the farmers under Sirisena for comment proved futile. Instead, the rice prices at present are Rambukwella, at the cabinet media higher than it should be, according briefing last week, said that the to them. Government was committed to look They also claimed that when the after both farmers and consumers paddy purchase prices go up, the and therefore, a decision to increase rice prices would definitely increase, the purchase price of a kg of rice as the mill owners are not willing to was taken to help uplift the living incur losses by purchasing paddy at standards of farmers. higher rates and selling at a loss. The Minister also acknowledged “In the end, it’s the consumers Even if the Government that by purchasing paddy at higher who will be affected by the buys rice at lower rates prices, the big market players are Government’s inability to control also trying to increase the market the rice prices in the market,” from the farmers, it price of rice. All Ceylon Farmers Federation has to resell it to the (ACFF) National Organiser Namal mill owners for the Karunaratne told The Sunday Morning. milling process, as “This happens every year. The the Government has prices are increased by mill owners during the time when there is no no operating mills. paddy available with farmers, Therefore, even if the and they reduce the prices when paddy was taken by the harvesting time is near,” Karunaratne stressed, adding that the Government and the stock that was currently in the sold at low rates to the market was the paddy purchased in private mill owners, the the 2019/2020 Maha Season. The Government has consumers still have to “This is the mafia the Government allocated Rs. 23 billion should stop,” Karunaratne said. spend high prices “How could three or four mill to purchase paddy ACFF National Organiser owners control the country's rice Namal Karunaratne in the coming Maha market? This has now become a practice, as it has been happening Season, and it has been for a very long time and none of the He also noted that the identified as the largest governments could stop this mafia,” Government couldn’t eradicate the allocation so far. Also, he said, putting the blame on the mafia created by several mill owners Government and the respective and therefore, the responsibility for we have renovated 323 authorities for exploiting both the present situation should be taken warehouses with all the farmers and consumers. by the previous administrations. needed facilities for this “If the present Government also Reviving state-owned mills fails to take action against the mafia, programme with the help a solution the issue would continue for many of the Army, which can According to the ACFF, the rice years to come,” he added. store more than 325,000 market in Sri Lanka is dominated by According to statistics, the total four key players with a new entrant paddy production of the country is MT of the harvest recently joining. As identified by at 36 million MT per year while the Agriculture Minister them, the rice market is a national total rice production is at around Mahindananda Aluthgamage property, as it belongs to the 24 million MT per year. During the taxpayers who provide fertiliser at Yala Season alone, farmers produce concessionary rates and maintain around 3-3.5 million MT of paddy the irrigation system to provide and during the Maha Season, it is “As a responsible government, adequate water supply for paddy around 4.5 million MT. we are ready to face this challenge cultivation. successfully by purchasing paddy Urging the Government to revive Paddy farmers at the competitively with the private the state-owned rice mills and receiving end sector and maintaining the price of to take the production under its The ACFF urged the Government nadu at Rs. 98. The Government control, Karunaratne said there were to take the rice market under its will never let private rice mill several state-owned rice mills which control so that the mill owners owners increase prices arbitrarily were not operating at present and would not be able to earn massive and the Government will bear the if the Government could renovate profits out of rice produced by poor loss incurred from this process,” he and restart the production, it could farmers. said. possibly issue the rice to the market “Have you ever thought about During this year’s Maha Season, at lower rates. how farmers can be so poor while the Paddy Marketing Board (PMB) “At present, even if the these mill owners or the middle-men expects to purchase 300,000 MT. Government buys rice at lower are super rich? That’s because they With regard to small and large- rates from the farmers, it has to exploit the poor farmers by buying scale irrigated farmers receiving resell it to the mill owners for the paddy at the lowest rates and selling the fertiliser subsidy, the PMB will milling process, as the Government it to the retail market by doubling purchase paddy according to the the sunday morning Sunday, February 28, 2021 EDITORIAL/POLITICS

Walking the Daggers drawn at UNHRC as SL leans on China bloc z 10 out of 47 voting members z India signals neutrality z SL vigorously opposes PCoI tightrope strongly back SL in address to Council UN interference The contents of the long-winded report of the Presidential Commission Sri Lanka’s foreign policy is currently facing a litmus test like of Inquiry (PCoI) into the Easter Sunday attacks reminded us of the old never before with pressure intensifying before the United Greek proverb of how the mountain laboured to produce a mouse. Following Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) at its 46th Session almost daily sittings over a 15-month period where hundreds of witnesses were called upon to provide evidence, the final product seems to have only with High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet standing steadfast put in black and white what the public already knew. on what she calls the need for a proper mechanism to ensure The report has gone to great lengths, covering thousands of pages on the accountability in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka’s neighbour and long- security lapses that took place and the individuals responsible for those lapses standing ally, India, is, meanwhile, for the first time, adopting an but large holes remain on why and how it all came about. Questions are also icily neutral position on the island. being raised as to why some key witnesses were not summoned before the commission leading to eyebrows being raised on the integrity of the report. The Sri Lankan Government It may not be wrong to surmise on the part of the public, that what was finally decided not to present anticipated was a holistic report that not only concentrated on the failure a homegrown resolution to the of the security apparatus and the political leadership at the time but also a Council, as earlier indicated, and report that focused on the larger canvass, such as the issues, if any, that led decided to lobby among member to the carnage. What was the primary intention of the attackers? Are we states for support against the High the to assume that if indeed there were such profound issues that motivated a Commissioner’s report and the black box bunch of young men in the prime of their youth to sacrifice their lives in resolution presented on Sri Lanka by order to carry out an attack of this magnitude and scale, that those weighty the Core Group. by Capt. Vasabha issues found resolution in the carnage? The Sri Lankan Government In a scenario where links to the global terror outfit ISIS have been officially sought the support of India Delivering a statement during the discounted, it is to be assumed that the plot was entirely homegrown. last week at the ongoing UNHRC Interactive Dialogue with the High Are we to now live happily ever after since the bombs took care of the sessions, but India it is learnt, had Commissioner for Human Rights on problem that necessitated the attacks in the first place? Did the cause, the not officially responded to the Sri Lanka, the Minister said the UK terror threat, and what the terrorists intended to achieve, die along with request. welcomes the High Commissioner’s their bombs? If not, are there budding terrorists lurking in the shadows Foreign Ministry Secretary Prof. detailed and most comprehensive waiting for their opportunity to further the cause? We will not know until Jayanath Colombage had earlier report on Sri Lanka. the issue that motivated the attacks is properly identified. stated that President Gotabaya “We share the concerns regarding Unfortunately, the verbose report has shed no light on this most Rajapaksa had sent written requests the reversal of progress on issues of fundamentally important matter, rendering the entire exercise futile, to multiple heads of states, including accountability, and also the current wasting millions of taxpayer funds. One of the only individuals alive who Indian Prime Minister Narendra human rights situation, and the risk can provide answers to many of these nagging questions is the wife of one Modi, to obtain their support to vote and recurrence of past violations. of the suicide bombers, Sarah Jasmine, who is said to have mysteriously against the resolution. “We are also concerned at the fled to India after the attacks. Yet, to date, no attempt has been made on So far, the UK, Norway, Canada, increase in surveillance and indeed the part of the commission to elicit evidence from this prime suspect. the US, Germany, and the European harassment of civil society actors, Therefore, it is clear that the report which was made public only after Union (EU) have spoken in support the militarisation of these civilian intense pressure was brought upon the Government from various quarters, of the concerns raised by the governmental functions, and the has failed to answer some pretty basic questions which the public in UNHRC High Commissioner in her impact of the Government’s forced general and the Christian community in particular were eagerly looking report on Sri Lanka. cremation policy on different forward to. The outspoken Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith who has been in the India and Japan seem to have communities in Sri Lanka, vanguard clamouring for the release of the report, has since withdrawn taken a neutral position while particularly the Muslim community, into the shadows of the Archbishop’s House and the response of the Australia has signalled a moderate who continue to face persecution. Church is eagerly anticipated by the Catholic community that faced the tone. “We also regret the Government brunt of the brutal attacks. It seems like 21 countries have of Sri Lanka’s decision to withdraw It is unlikely that Cardinal Ranjith will find the solace he was hoping for in spoken in support of the Sri Lankan support for Resolution 30/1, and note the commission report in the absence of the answers he has been seeking. The Government’s position, of whom that previous domestic initiatives Cardinal has consistently campaigned, more so in the recent past, exhorting 10 are voting member states of the have all failed regrettably to deliver the commission to identify and expose the masterminds behind the attacks. UNHRC. meaningful accountability. In the absence of any such revelation, he is likely to be a disappointed man. These countries are Russia, “The appointment of senior That is just one aspect. Many are the other lingering questions that yet beg China, Pakistan, Iran, Vietnam, the military officials allegedly answers. For instance, why were the attacks carried out in the first place? Maldives, Cuba, Nicaragua, Eritrea, implicated in war crimes and crimes In other words, what was the motive of the attackers? Was it to trigger a Nepal, Cambodia, Laos, Azerbaijan, against humanity also calls into religious war among two minority groups or to just randomly kill people Vietnam, Belarus, North Korea, question Sri Lanka’s commitment to of the Christian and Catholic faith and for good measure, include some Gabon, the Philippines, Syria, and accountability and justice. United Nations Human Rights High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet and Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena tourists too in a single, co-ordinated attack? Why would the leader of a Egypt. “Therefore, the Human Rights terror group kill himself in the first and seemingly only attack? Does the British Foreign Secretary Dominic Council must continue to consider Marc Garneau said Canada is deeply atrocities in Sri Lanka, and the need attack signify the end of the Islamic extremist threat in this country? The Raab told the Council on Monday the situation in Sri Lanka and concerned about the deteriorating for further investigation into the answer to that cannot be found unless and until the mastermind behind the (22) that the UK will present a new press for progress on justice, human rights situation in Sri Lanka. situation in South Sudan.” attacks is identified. Of this, the report states nothing. resolution on Sri Lanka to maintain reconciliation, and accountability, “Threats to human rights In the alternative, are we to believe that the terrorists who blew themselves the focus on reconciliation and and improved respect for human defenders and civil society India pushes 13A up were in fact the masterminds, which brings us to the assumption that accountability. rights. organisations, suppression of One of the much-looked-forward- their collective objective, whatever that was, had been achieved when “Madam President, we want to “Enhanced monitoring by the memorialisation, forced cremations to speeches was delivered by the they triggered the explosives on that fateful Easter Sunday? If so, what see an effective international human Office of the High Commissioner is of religious minorities, and the Indian Envoy in Geneva. India last was that objective? Killing so many people without any motive simply rights system that holds to account critical to support this. deterioration of the rule of law week told the UNHRC that Sri does not make any sense. The report does not venture an explanation to those who systematically violate “Together with our Core Group continue in Sri Lanka,” Garneau Lanka must respect the rights of the this fundamental question. human rights. The Human Rights partners, we will present a new said. Tamils. The Commission is of the view that the Muslim extremist group Thowheed Council must be ready to play its resolution to continue the Council’s He said Canada will continue to Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey, Jamath was responsible for the attack and recommends that all extremist role in full, or I fear we will see its engagement on these important support measures that will support the Permanent Representative of groups including the Sinhala Buddhist Bodhu Bala Sena (BBS) should reputation sorely damaged,” the issues, and have indicated our desire accountability, reconciliation, and India to Geneva, addressing the 46th henceforth be banned for propagating hatred. The outspoken BBS Leader Foreign Secretary said in his speech. to work with the Government of Sri peace in Sri Lanka. Session said that India has taken Ven. Gnanassara Thera, rather than taking offence at the recommendation, He said the UK wants the Council Lanka in support of accountability Also addressing the Council, note of the High Commissioner’s has stated that he has no issue with his outfit being banned if all other to succeed and so it will work and lasting reconciliation for all US Secretary of State Antony report on Sri Lanka and her oral recommendations of the Commission are also implemented to the letter. with its international partners and communities,” he said. J. Blinken last week backed the remarks. This is where it becomes tricky. Questions are being raised, even by the continue to speak up in the Council Meanwhile, another member of resolution on Sri Lanka due to lack Pandey noted that the Council Catholic Church itself, whether the report will be made a scapegoat in for what is right. Sri Lanka’s Core Group, Canada, of accountability for past atrocities in has adopted seven resolutions on order to further tighten the space for free expression. In fact, some of the UK’s Minister for the UNHRC stated that the recent report of the country. the question of human rights in Sri recommendations point towards that. In addition, Former Prime Minister Lord Tariq Ahmad had said the UN Human Rights High In his remarks, Blinken said: “We Lanka since May 2009, when the Ranil Wickremesinghe, under whose watch the attacks took place, has the UNHRC must continue to Commissioner highlighted the encourage the Council to support three-decade-old conflict ended. questioned whether the report will be used to stifle religious freedom consider the situation in Sri Lanka need for the UNHRC to ensure resolutions at this session, addressing “India has been an active as well, pointing to the proposed monitoring of all places of religious and press for progress on justice, accountability for crimes committed issues of concern around the world, participant in the discussions on education including Sunday Schools. reconciliation, and accountability, in Sri Lanka. including ongoing human rights these resolutions and has remained Wickremesinghe has only received a mild censure for his role in and improved respect for human Speaking at the ongoing Council violations in Syria and North Korea, engaged with Sri Lanka as its close the whole episode, primarily due to the fact that he was ostracised by rights. session, Canadian Foreign Minister the lack of accountability for past friend and immediate neighbour,” Maithripala Sirisena following the aborted coup in October 2018. Ever he said. since, Wickremesinghe was left out of all National Security Council The Ambassador said that India’s meetings on the specific instructions of Maithripala Sirisena. The former consistent position rests on two PM has also been rapped on the wrist for being lax on monitoring extremist pillars. One is to support Sri Lanka’s groups, especially Madrasa schools that had sprouted in various places, unity and territorial integrity, and the more significantly in the East, propagating extremist Islamic ideology. other is the abiding commitment to Not surprisingly, the Commission of Inquiry has placed the bulk of the the aspirations of the Tamils of Sri blame for the attacks on the doorstep of former President Maithripala Sirisena Lanka for equality, justice, peace, who now finds himself in a tight spot, with his civic rights on the line at the and dignity. very minimum, with the Commission recommending that criminal charges “These are not either-or choices. be instituted against the former President – the first instance such a scenario We believe that respecting the rights has come about since the establishment of the Executive Presidency. of the Tamil community, including The Former President and his party, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, are through meaningful devolution, girding up their loins for what seems an inevitable confrontation with the contributes directly to the unity and powers that be. The new committee that was appointed recently to study integrity of Sri Lanka. Therefore, the recommendations of the Easter Commission of Inquiry has been placed we advocate that delivering on the in an unenviable position and its members must surely be scratching their legitimate aspirations of the Tamil heads on how to mitigate the situation and exonerate a coalition partner. community is in the best interests of For all intents and purposes, the buck must stop at the top. Former Sri Lanka,” the Ambassador said. President Sirisena did not help his own cause by taking matters into his India called on Sri Lanka to take own hands and wilfully side-lining his former Prime Minister and his UNP necessary steps to address such Cabinet of Ministers. As a result, they have been absolved of the lion’s aspirations, including through share of the blame which Sirisena has acquired for himself due to his own the process of reconciliation and actions. Despite its many shortcomings, all eyes will now be focused on full implementation of the 13th the Government and its willingness to walk the talk in taking to task those Amendment to the Constitution of responsible for the lapses that enabled the Easter Sunday attacks. Sri Lanka. No 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7. The Ambassador said that Fax - 011 2 673 441 the assessment of the High General - 011 5 200 900 Commissioner regarding Director Sales & Marketing - 077 3 866 143 developments nearly 12 years Circulation Manager - 011 5 978 987 / 076 1 367620 from the end of the conflict, raises E-mail - [email protected] important concerns. 9 EDITORIAL/POLITICS Daggers drawn at UNHRC as SL leans on China bloc

z SLFP rallies around Sirisena after Easter “For these reasons, I call on information, misconceived and report the Council to explore new ways arbitrary assessments in the report. to advance various types of It is regrettable that the High accountability at the international Commissioner’s Office published level, for all parties, and seek redress its report, accompanied by an for victims, including by supporting unprecedented propaganda campaign a dedicated capacity to collect and on it and refused to publish our preserve evidence and information comments on the report as an for future accountability processes, addendum. This has deprived Sri as well as to support relevant judicial Lanka and members of equal visibility proceedings in member states. of Sri Lanka’s views on the report. “My office stands ready to “Sri Lanka refutes the allegations continue monitoring the human rights that have been reproduced in the High situation, including progress towards Commissioner’s report, from the accountability and reconciliation,” highly contentious report of the Panel Bachelet said. of Experts (PoE) on Accountability In response to the OHCHR and the report of the High report which was presented at the Commissioner’s Office Investigation UNHRC, Foreign Minister Dinesh on Sri Lanka (OISL), which have Gunawardena said Sri Lanka regretted been rejected by Sri Lanka for reasons Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan the disproportionate attention drawn explained to this Council before. to the country by the Council, driven “The contents of the report which They have shared similar aircraft was an aberration. by political motivations. have been drawn from the said sentiments on uplifting the agrarian However, Khan’s return to “Sri Lanka calls upon the members disputed reports are rife with factual economy in a manner that would Pakistan from Sri Lanka had been of this Council that any resolution inaccuracies that appear to equate provide higher incomes to farmers carried out through a different flight which is based on this report, be atrocities committed by the LTTE, and subsidised prices to consumers. path. rejected by the Council and be a terrorist organisation proscribed During the discussion with Khan, Neighbouring India it now seems brought to a closure. We remain open internationally, with legitimate action the President has also noted that hold a strong gaze on Sri Lanka to engaging constructively with the taken by the Government to safeguard despite efforts by him and his brother and the Sri Lankan Government’s UN, including this Council, and the the territorial integrity of the country Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa actions. international community in mutually and the right to life of our people. during his presidency to work Asserting that Indian Prime agreed areas, in conformity with the “Insistence on ever-expanding together with the Muslim political Minister Narendra Modi has a Constitution and in keeping with externally driven prescriptions, leaders in Sri Lanka, they have “personal relationship” with Tamil domestic priorities and policies,” the notwithstanding our continuous always worked against the respective Nadu, Indian Defence Minister Foreign Minister said. co-operation and engagement with Rajapaksa administrationsa. Rajnath Singh last Sunday (21) had Speaking under the agenda item this Council and all UN bodies, can The President had explained that said that the Indian Government is 2: Interactive Dialogue on the pose numerous challenges and such Prime Minister Rajapaksa, during committed to ensuring that Tamil OHCHR report “promoting processes could set a dangerous both his presidential terms, had refugees in Sri Lanka live with reconciliation, accountability, precedent affecting all member states accommodated all Muslim political peace, equality, and dignity, ANI had and human rights in of the UN,” the Foreign Minister said. leaders in his Cabinets, but the reported. Sri Lanka”, Minister Muslim community had not extended According to the report, ahead of Gunawardena Turning to China their support to him at neither the the assembly polls in Tamil Nadu, reiterated that Foreign Minister Gunawardena 2005 nor the 2010 presidential Singh had addressed the Bharatiya Sri Lanka last Wednesday had a telephone elections. Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) rejects the High conversation with State Councillor Rajapaksa had also noted that even convention in Salem and said that Commissioner’s report. and Foreign Minister of China Wang he did not receive the support of he is proud to be in the land of “This report has unjustifiably Yi. the Muslim leaders during the 2019 great warriors like Rajaraja Chola broadened its scope Both Ministers discussed at length presidential election. and Rajendra Chola, who were and mandate further, matters relevant to the development However, the President had said known for making an exemplary incorporating many partnership and co-operation in he wanted to engage in sincere contribution in strengthening India’s issues of governance international fora. reconciliation with minority military and naval capabilities. and matters that Also, Yi had said China was communities and move forward. “Former Prime Minister Atal are essentially ready to enhance anti-pandemic After listening to the President, Bihari Vajpayee made Dr. A.P.J. domestic for any self- co-operation with Sri Lanka and Khan had said that he was unaware Abdul Kalam the President…was respecting, sovereign continue to provide vaccine assistance of this fact and that he would discuss that not respect of Tamil Nadu? country. This is in complete violation to the country, CGTN said on the matter with the Muslim political In 1974, when then Congress United Nations Human Rights High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet and Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena of Article 2 (7) of the Charter of the Thursday (25). leaders. Government left Katchatheevu island UN that states: “Nothing contained in During the phone conversation, Yi It is learnt that the Pakistani Prime for Sri Lanka, Vajpayee condemned Pandey also said the Sri Lankan personnel – leaves in place security the present Charter shall authorise the had said China is also ready to take Minister had raised this issue with the decision to cede the island and Government has articulated its and military officers who have been United Nations to intervene in matters concrete actions to help Sri Lanka the 15 Muslim MPs who met him spoke for moving to Supreme Court position on these issues as well. implicated in alleged grave crimes and which are essentially within the defeat the pandemic at an early date. later that day. against it,” he had said. violations. domestic jurisdiction of any state…” Yi had called on the two sides to While Khan was in Sri Lanka, the “BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) At loggerheads “Tamil and Muslim minorities “The trajectory that has emerged make solid progress in co-operation Organisation of Islamic Co-operation can never forget that it was Tamil UNHRC High Commissioner are being excluded by divisive and with regard to the recommendations within the framework of the Belt (OIC) expressed concerns over Sri Nadu’s daughter Puruchi Thalaivi Bachelet on Wednesday (24) said discriminatory rhetoric including from and conclusions reflects the and Road Initiative (BRI), turning Lanka’s mandatory cremation of Jaya Amma who wholeheartedly the Government of Sri Lanka has the highest state officials. preconceived, politicised, and the Colombo Port City and the Covid-19 dead at the UNHRC. supported the first government of largely closed the door on the “The policy of forced cremation of prejudicial agenda which certain Hambantota Port into two major OIC Secretary General Yousef Atal Bihari Vajpayee,” he had added. possibility of genuine progress to end Covid-19 victims has caused pain and elements have relentlessly engines to boost Sri Lanka’s economic Al-Othaimeen raised the issue of Singh had said that similar to impunity through a national process distress to the minority Muslim and pursued against Sri Lanka. These development, pushing for Sri Lanka’s mandatory cremation of Covid-19 Vajpayee, Prime Minister Modi also by repeatedly failing to advance Christian communities. recommendations are based on ill- industrialisation, and enhancing the victims in Sri Lanka in his speech at has a “personal relationship” with accountability for past human “In other words, long-standing founded allegations. country’s capacity for independent the Council on Wednesday. Tamil Nadu and it is reflected in his rights violations committed, and structural and systemic issues persist “Sri Lanka categorically rejects the development. In his speech during the High- work. by withdrawing its support for the in Sri Lanka, and now there are clear conclusions and recommendations in Level Segment of the ongoing “PM Modi has continuously tried Council’s Resolution 30/1 and related warning signs that past patterns of the High Commissioner’s report. Khan’s Chinese push session, the OIC Secretary General for the empowerment of Tamil measures. violations could be repeated. “The call for asset freezes, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran said their organisation is keen to refugees in Sri Lanka. When Modi In a statement made to the 46th “Successive government travel bans, references to the ICC Khan finally arrived in Sri Lanka last monitor the situation of Muslim visited Sri Lanka after becoming Council session on the Report of commissions have failed to (International Criminal Court), and Tuesday (23) on his two-day official communities in non-OIC members. Prime Minister in 2015, he also OHCHR on promoting reconciliation, credibly establish truth and the exercise of universal jurisdiction visit. “In this regard, the OIC is visited the Jaffna area and became accountability, and human rights in ensure accountability. Indeed, by individual states, based on However, one of the key points concerned with the situation of the the first Prime Minister of India to do Sri Lanka, Bachelet said domestic the Government has obstructed evidence that up to date has been witnessed during Khan’s visit was his Muslims of Sri Lanka, as they are so. New houses were given to about initiatives have repeatedly failed to investigations and judicial denied access to and retained by the promotion of China’s BTI. denied the right to bury the bodies 27,000 Tamil brothers and sisters ensure justice for victims and promote proceedings into emblematic human High Commissioner’s Office with During his address to the media of the Covid victims following the who had become ‘homeless’ due to reconciliation nearly 12 years after the rights cases. some of it unreleased for 30 years, after meeting with Prime Minister Islamic rule, while adhering to the the civil war there,” he had said. end of the armed conflict. “The latest commission of inquiry, particularly in relation to a country Mahinda Rajapaksa on Tuesday, Khan guidelines of the WHO (World “1,600 fishermen have been She said despite the commitments appointed in January 2021 to review like Sri Lanka which has consistently said that he was looking forward to Health Organisation). The OIC urges released from the Sri Lankan made in 2015, the current the findings of previous commissions, and constructively engaged with the enhancing trade ties with Sri Lanka the Government of Sri Lanka to take Government’s custody by the PM,” Government, like its predecessor, has promises to repeat this cycle without UN and its mechanisms, points to through China’s BRI and invited Sri swift action to guarantee and respect he had added. failed to pursue genuine truth-seeking meaningful result. a distinct and eminent (sic) danger Lanka also to utilise the benefits of the the right of burial of the Muslim Meanwhile, India last week also or accountability processes. “By repeatedly failing to advance which the international community China-Pakistan Economic Corridor community,” he said. signed a $ 50 million defence Line of “The impact on thousands of accountability for past human as a whole need to take note of. Such (CPEC). The Sri Lankan Government, after Credit agreement with the Maldives survivors, from all communities, is rights violations committed, and unilateral actions by certain countries The CPEC, which connects Gwadar months of resistance, last Thursday to facilitate capability building in the devastating. Moreover, the systems, by withdrawing its support for the are unacceptable and a violation of the Port in Balochistan with China’s night issued the Gazette Notification maritime domain. structures, policies, and personnel that Council’s Resolution 30/1 and related principles of natural justice. Xinjiang Province, is the flagship permitting the burial of Covid-19 Reaffirming India’s ties with the gave rise to such grave violations in measures, the Government has largely “In addition to the progress project of the Chinese Government in dead. island nation, Indian External Affairs the past remain – and have recently closed the door on the possibility of made since last March, Sri Lanka its BRI. Minister S. Jaishankar had said India been reinforced. genuine progress to end impunity has provided written comments Khan on Wednesday called on India’s message will always be a reliable security “Addressing grievances and through a national process. on instances of erroneous President Gotabaya Rajapaksa However, on the eve of Khan’s partner for the Maldives. redressing past violations are critical and the two leaders had discussed visit to Sri Lanka, India announced Jaishankar held discussions with prevention tools at the core of the bilateral ties and common areas of that it has allowed Pakistan Prime Maldivian Defence Minister Mariya Council’s work. Our report highlights interest, which included trade and Minister Khan’s aircraft to use Indian Didi. disturbing trends over the past year, tourism, that could benefit both airspace to travel to Sri Lanka, “Cordial meeting with Defence which warn of a serious deterioration countries. according to informed sources, Minister @MariyaDidi. Useful in key areas. “Had a productive discussion with Hindustan Times reported on exchange on our defence “The space for civil society and #Pakistani PM @ImranKhanPTI Tuesday (23). co-operation. India will always be independent media, which had grown this morning. The discussions were In 2019, Pakistan had denied a reliable security partner for the significantly, is now rapidly shrinking. mainly focused on common interests opening its airspace for Prime Maldives,” he tweeted. “The independence of the judiciary, such as trade, tourism, and adoption Minister Narendra Modi’s flights Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Indian the Human Rights Commission of technology in agriculture which to the US and Saudi Arabia, citing MP Anbumani Ramadoss had of Sri Lanka, the National Police both countries could positively alleged human rights violations in written to the UNHRC, urging Commission, and other key bodies leverage on,” President Rajapaksa Kashmir. the member states to pass a strong have been deeply eroded by the tweeted after the meeting. India took up the denial of resolution affirming an international recently adopted 20th Constitutional The discussion between Rajapaksa permission for the VVIP flight with commitment to protect human rights Amendment. and Khan has been reported as a very the International Civil Aviation and justice in Sri Lanka. “The growing militarisation of positive dialogue by Khan. Organisation. He had requested the member key civilian functions is encroaching The two leaders had also Under normal circumstances, states to take measures to protect on democratic governance. The discussed how to exchange technical VVIP aircraft are granted permission the Tamil population of Sri Lanka continued failure to implement knowledge to promote agriculture in by countries. However, Pakistan’s against human rights violations. comprehensive reforms – or to vet Permanent Representative of India to Geneva, Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey the two countries. denial of permission for VVIP Contd. on page 14 10 the sunday morning FOCUS/VIEWS Sunday, February 28, 2021

UNHRC 46TH SESSION COUNTRIES SHARE STANCE ON SL The 46th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) got underway last week, which included its Interactive Dialogue with High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet pertaining to her report on “promoting reconciliation, accountability, and human rights in Sri Lanka” that concluded on Thursday (25). through effective and independent FOCUS ON SRI LANKA’S FOREIGN POLICY During the Interactive Dialogue, Government’s position, and 10 institutions. A twofold situation the UK, Norway, Canada, the US, of them are Member States of the Of particular concern is the SANDRO SATHYAJITH Germany, and the European Union UNHRC. These countries are Russia, shrinking space for civil society. Television presenter at a leading (EU) spoke against the position of the China, Pakistan, Iran, Vietnam, the We urge Sri Lanka to review the Sri Lanka media outlet Sri Lankan Government, while India Maldives, Cuba, Nicaragua, Eritrea, Prevention of Terrorism Act to and Japan took neutral positions. Nepal, Cambodia, Laos, Azerbaijan, ensure its compliance with Sri Australia also spoke with a moderate Vietnam, Belarus, North Korea, Lanka’s international human tone despite it being an ally of the Gabon, the Philippines, Syria, and rights and humanitarian law western world. Egypt. obligations, and to end all forms struggles at Meanwhile, 21 countries spoke A few of the statements are of surveillance and harassment in support of the Sri Lankan reproduced here. of human rights defenders, journalists, lawyers, and victims. We also encourage Sri Lankan engagement. The United States authorities to end the practice of world stage? UK shares the OHCHR’s concerns forced cremation of Covid-19- and urges Sri Lanka to make fatalities. BY DINITHI GUNASEKERA We wouldn’t be the Sri Lanka public a strategy and timetable We urge Sri Lanka to led by Rajapaksas if this was for implementation of the fully engage with the High The continuous outcry from the international community not our response as a nation. I report’s recommendations. Commissioner for Human Rights with regard to alleged gross human rights violations on Sri personally believe that the current We are concerned by accounts and Special Procedures, and to Lankan soil is not something the country is unaccustomed to. regime takes a slightly aggressive of increasing marginalisation implement the recommendations The opinion of much of the West is that Sri Lanka has failed stance as opposed to the passive of minority communities and of the OHCHR report. to successfully establish a sustainable, or the bare minimum, diplomatic stance the previous shrinking space for civil society, post-civil war reconciliation framework as urged by third regime took on the issue, which including independent media. parties time and time again. Adding fodder to the blazing is definitely commendable. But We remain concerned about the fire are additional blunders by the hands of the Government, this leads us to question whether Lord Tariq Ahmad of lack of accountability, including specifically within the pandemic scenario. everything (Foreign) Minister Wimbledon, UK’s Minister for high-level appointments of On the basis of “serious concern over emerging trends over Dinesh Gunawardena said was the UN and Human Rights military officials credibly the last year, which represents a clear early warning sign of a true. There is clear deprivation accused of conflict-era abuses. of human rights; there definitely he United Kingdom welcomes The Sri Lankan Government’s deteriorating human rights situation in Sri Lanka”, the United is clear nepotism and a slow rise Tthe High Commissioner’s efforts to address concerns Nations (UN) Core Group has tabled a resolution against of militarisation as well. Who are detailed and most comprehensive raised in OHCHR’s report via the nation at the 46th UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) we fooling here? It’s twofold: Sri report on Sri Lanka. a domestic process need to Session. The Sunday Morning sought the opinion of the public Lanka is defending its need for We share the concerns regarding be meaningful and credible. about the situation Sri Lanka is faced with. political impunity, and we cannot the reversal of progress on issues of We note that the Sri Lankan say that the Government doesn’t accountability, and also the current Commission of Inquiry does the judiciary system, political have a clean record either. human rights situation, and the risk not include a mandate to pursue INDIA SL’s response is favouritism, freedom of speech, and recurrence of past violations. accountability, and that the Ambassador Indra Mani and more. Perpetrators should We are also concerned at the Office on Missing Persons and Pandey, Permanent manufactured and be punished for all acts against Peace not only increase in surveillance and indeed Office for Reparations need Representative of India humanity. The Government’s failure harassment of civil society actors, to operate without political exaggerated to uplift the living standards of the achieved by a the militarisation of these civilian interference. e have taken note of the DR. PAKIASOTHY people and maintain a good human war victory governmental functions, and the We note that respect for the WHigh Commissioner’s SARAVANAMUTTU rights record has always been hidden impact of the Government’s forced human rights of all Sri Lankans report on Sri Lanka and her oral Centre for Policy Alternatives by the “patriotism” label. MUQADDASA WAHID cremation policy on different is critical to Sri Lanka’s long- remarks. Executive Director Undergraduate and freelance communities in Sri Lanka, term peace, security, and The Council has adopted journalist particularly the Muslim community, prosperity, and call on the Sri seven resolutions on the More focus on I really do feel Sri Lanka can who continue to face persecution. Lankan Government to take question of human rights in Sri reconciliation and handle the resolution in a much more We also regret the Government meaningful, concrete steps to Lanka since May 2009, when diplomatic manner. The fact that of Sri Lanka’s decision to withdraw promote accountability, justice, the three-decade-old conflict in transitional justice the UNHRC is still talking about support for Resolution 30/1, and reconciliation. that country ended. India has KAVINDI GUNAWARDENA issues that have occurred during and and note that previous domestic been an active participant in the after the civil war is because the Sri initiatives have all failed regrettably discussions on these resolutions University undergraduate Lankan Government hasn’t fulfilled to deliver meaningful accountability. and has remained engaged with the work they were supposed to do The appointment of senior military Sri Lanka as its close friend and to ensure a truly peaceful nation. officials allegedly implicated in immediate neighbour. Allegations made by the Peace is not only achieved by a war war crimes and crimes against India’s consistent position international community are often victory. It is also achieved by what humanity also calls into question rests on two pillars; seen as assertions. The facts pointed is done after to strengthen peace Sri Lanka’s commitment to Support for Sri Lanka’s unity out by the core coalition of countries and reconciliation in the country accountability and justice. and territorial integrity, and are viewed by the State as no less and provide answers for many Therefore, the HRC must Abiding commitment to than the infringement of the State’s unanswered questions such as the continue to consider the situation aspirations of the Tamils of sovereignty. The membership of missing persons and what happened in Sri Lanka and press for progress Sri Lanka for equality, justice, the international community entails to them. The Government should on justice, reconciliation and peace, and dignity. certain rights as well as obligations. For years, Sri Lanka has been try to find the answers for these accountability, and improved NORWAY These are not either-or choices. We cannot cherry pick only those that facing challenges from the issues and ensure there is peace and respect for human rights. Enhanced + DENMARK, FINLAND, We believe that respecting the maybe comfortable or convenient. international community in the reconciliation in the country – that’s monitoring by the Office of the ICELAND, AND SWEDEN rights of the Tamil community, Sri Lanka is a country that remains sphere of human rights, especially what will ensure lasting peace. High Commissioner is critical to Ambassador Tine Mørch including through meaningful badly in need of a coherent foreign after the Sri Lankan militarily And then, foreign countries and support this. Together with our Smith, Permanent devolution, contributes directly policy, especially in the face of the neutralised the LTTE in 2009, and international bodies wouldn’t have Core Group partners, we will Representative of Norway to the unity and integrity of current situation, and it extends to the we do not see an end anytime soon. any reason to point fingers at Sri present a new resolution to continue Sri Lanka. Therefore, we further isolation of this country from Sri Lanka was and is still being Lanka regarding such issues. the Council’s engagement on have the honour to deliver advocate that delivering on the the world stage. used as a pawn by powerful these important issues, and have I this statement on behalf of the legitimate aspirations of the On Sri Lanka’s response to the countries in their political agendas indicated our desire to work with Nordic countries. Tamil community is in the best ongoing situation, I would say it is and it’s no surprise. The recent Politicians using the Government of Sri Lanka in We welcome the Report of the interests of Sri Lanka. quite predictable: Manufactured. report published by the Office of the HR Session as ploy support of accountability and lasting High Commissioner for Human We call upon Sri Lanka Exaggerated. UN High Commissioner for Human reconciliation for all communities. Rights on Sri Lanka and share to take necessary steps for Rights (OHCHR) on human rights, to attract votes the concerns raised. Since 2015, addressing such aspirations, reconciliation, and accountability KAUSHAL RANASINGHE Sri Lanka has taken important including through the process Govt. hiding behind in Sri Lanka consists of some Human rights activist and journalist steps in strengthening democratic of reconciliation and full conclusions and recommendations US institutions, but recent negative implementation of the 13th ‘patriotism’ label which can cause a threat to the Today, the media claims that developments threaten to Amendment to the Constitution DHAMMIKA ABEYSINGHE sovereignty of our country. conspiracies are being hatched undermine the gains achieved. of Sri Lanka. Engineer Every government has its flaws. against Sri Lanka via the international Progress in transitional justice, The assessment of the High As a country, we should focus more conference on human rights. These accountability, and reconciliation Commissioner regarding UNHR Chief Michelle Bachelet on reconciliation and transitional are just the words of cunning is lacking, and has in some cases developments nearly 12 years called for an International Criminal justice for war victims, as it has politicians. I do not see a way for been reversed. The country’s from the end of the conflict Court (ICC) investigation into Sri been more than a decade since these politicians to deal with this minorities are increasingly raises important concerns. The Lanka’s Tamil separatist conflict the war ended. There are cases of strategically, as they have proved that marginalised. Sustainable Sri Lankan Government has and sanctions against top generals increasingly marginalisation of they do not think about the country. Daniel Kronenfeld, development will only be articulated its position on these and other accused war crimes. minorities and ethnic tensions even They go on stage, in front of the Human Rights Counsellor achieved on the basis of human issues as well. In evaluation What human rights is she trying today, and as a country, we should camera, and deceive people, and rights and through an inclusive of both of these, we should be to safeguard? Very little is spoken take measures to ensure everyone they are using this human rights e thank High Commissioner process, where impunity, for past guided by a commitment to find about corruption, cost of living, can live in equality and thus move session for the insidious purpose of WBachelet for her gross violations of international a lasting and effective solution poor health services, nepotism, forward as a country with patriotic attracting votes. comprehensive report and note human rights and humanitarian for this issue. deforestation, lawlessness, leadership. Contd. on page 11 the Government of Sri Lanka’s law, is addressed, including Contd. on page 14 the sunday morning 11 Sunday, February 28, 2021 hot seat Govt. should revert to non- aligned policy Ranjith Madduma Bandara country that is not open to Government made at this juncture. take forth the good work It is better if the Government can once that was done. Sri Lanka needs to work closely with again revert to the non-aligned approach We hope that the the international community in that was practised throughout. Government will establishing its position of holding continue the work that those accountable for war crimes, What are your plans to strengthen the has been done so far through impunity, and oppression towards Opposition and garner enough support these institutions and allow minorities. We don’t see how Sri to challenge the Government on key the country to reconcile by Lanka can address these issues issues? working towards achieving the through a domestic mechanism We are launching several conferences objectives that were set forth. from 3 March onwards that will be taken their right to protest. Their freedom of to all areas in the country, where we BY SARAH HANNAN Do you think a purely domestic expression has been taken away from would discuss the ongoing issues that the mechanism could work in terms them. When situations like this take place, country is facing, with the participation of Although Sri Lanka was to present alternatives to the UN resolution that of finding answers and achieving divisive forces can easily take advantage grassroots-level political activists and our they withdrew from in addressing issues such as holding inquiries over accountability? of such a situation and attempt to establish organisers. the alleged war crimes, impunity, and minority issues, the Government Sri Lanka needs to work closely with the terror cells in the country once again. Matters concerning the public need to decided instead only to reject the report furnished by the UN Human international community in establishing Moreover, the Government should first be heard and we will ensure that these Rights Commissioner, stating that it was incorrect. Against this backdrop, its position of holding those accountable of all question people like Sivanesathurai long-standing issues are addressed at for war crimes, impunity, and oppression Chandrakanthan, who once served as a Parliament and brought to the attention of The Sunday Morning Hot Seat reached out to Samagi Jana Balawegaya towards minorities. We don’t see how Sri member of the now banned Liberation the Government. (SJB) General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara, to question him on the Lanka can address these issues through a Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), on the stance of their party that is heading the Opposition and what they would domestic mechanism. objectives they pursued during the 30-year The Leader of the Opposition is have suggested the Government do, given that Sri Lanka is facing grave war. Instead, he is now being allowed continuously being blocked by the issues in the face of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) at As the Opposition, were you given an to practise politics, while the MPs from Speaker of Parliament from raising this point. Following are excerpts of the interview: opportunity to share your proposals other Tamil and Muslim parties are being important issues. What are your on fulfilling the resolutions that are set questioned about their intentions over thoughts on that? Do you believe that Sri Lanka can commissions were able to implement the forth? taking to the streets to highlight the issues Ideally, the Speaker should be the redeem itself at the ongoing UNHRC Right to Information Act which is widely We were neither asked about what we concerning the Government. Speaker of Parliament and take a mediatory sessions? used to assist with uncovering corruption thought about the report that was presented role when it comes to the matters of The present Government has actually and improving transparency. nor did they allow us to share our concerns Do you think this has curtailed the rights Parliament. However, what we have placed themselves in a difficult position by The report commends the actions and or recommendations to fulfil the resolution. of the minorities of the country? witnessed is that he is functioning as the denying and discarding the observations the initiatives that the UNF Government The incumbent Government should Of course, it is incidents like this which Speaker for the President and the Prime that were shared by the Human Rights executed during their tenure, and the understand that we are working within a can push such communities to rally Minister. Commissioner earlier this year. The present Government is questioned over democracy and as a democratic nation, together. But once again, divisive forces It is undemocratic of him to continuously observations that she had presented not taking forward or acting on the they should also allow the Opposition can always make use of such situations and bar the Leader of the Opposition from were 17 pages, out of which in over 14 recommendations that were presented. parties to discuss and find solutions that attempt to re-establish themselves in the raising important issues and questioning pages she highlighted the inactions of the Like I said before, within the construct affect the country as a whole. country. the Government. incumbent Government. of this country’s democracy, the UNF A just government would allow the Government did implement the necessary Opposition MPs that took part in the How do you see Sri Lanka’s relationship opposition to challenge them and question The Human Rights Commissioner’s commissions and institutions to ensure that Pottuvil to Polikandi protest are now with India and China? What would you them over their governance. But today, observation highlights the inactions the recommendations of the resolution it facing inquiries from the Police. What have the Government do differently? what we see is that the Speaker has become of the successive governments. Why co-sponsored were considered and acted are your thoughts? Sri Lanka from time immemorial the mouthpiece of the President and the couldn’t the United National Front upon. It is unfair to penalise these MPs, as practised a non-aligned approach when Prime Minister and he is nit-picking as (UNF) Government take action against the Government seems to have denied it came to international relations with its to what matters can be discussed by the the various findings and the long- The incumbent Government has counterparts. However, this geopolitical Opposition at Parliament. standing issues during their tenure? decided to continue with some of the war that is currently ongoing was a creation During the tenure of the UNF reconciliation programmes that the UNF of the Rajapaksa regime and they have to Do you have a plan to get the rest of the Government, there were certain steps that Government established. Do you think The Government last week decided solve this matter before it gets out of hand. MPs in the Opposition to raise the same were taken towards resolving matters this is just a façade that the incumbent to invite the Prime Minister of If we take the issue with the East issues in his stead? related to war crimes, impunity, and Government is placing to pretend that Pakistan. We see this as a mistake Container Terminal, where India and China Of course we do. We are looking at a ensuring that the media had the freedom to they want the country to reconcile? that the Government made at this are involved, the incumbent Government strategic approach on how all the MPs carry out their duties. We are glad that they decided to juncture. It is better if the Government is not seen to be acting on resolving the in the Opposition can raise the issues the We did so in keeping with the democracy continue the work of the Office of Missing can once again revert to the non- matter diplomatically. While the issue Speaker is barring the Opposition Leader of the country to ensure that the voices of Persons, Office of National Unity and aligned approach that was practised still persists, the Government last week from raising. If I share the exact plan the minorities were heard and commissions Reconciliation, and Office of Reparations. throughout decided to invite the Prime Minister of with you, it would defeat the purpose of were appointed to fact-find. These We cannot continue to live as a Pakistan. We see this as a mistake that the devising a strategic plan, right?

Contd. from page 10 have traditionally acted “as a team” progress or compromise her it doesn’t change the fact that to promote their common interests sovereignty. The Sri Lankan the Government of Sri Lanka in dealing with other countries. Government seems to be reasonably hasn’t done much to improve Sri I feel the actions of the Core well prepared to do that. Lanka’s human rights record. We Sri Lanka... Group on Sri Lanka are heavily must remember that the LLRC influenced by the western powers’ (Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation have already made peace with the geopolitical agenda in relation to SL hasn’t done much Commission) recommendations One of UN’s Sinhalese community, as seen on the rising economic and political to improve human weren’t carried out, the Paranagama most corrupt 4 February, where the youth from power of China in the Indian report has been ignored, convicted organisations the Tamil Civil Union in Jaffna Ocean region. India has become rights record war criminals are being given celebrated Independence with full their regional partner due to their BUWANAKA PERERA presidential pardons, that there are NIMETH RANWALA spark. This shows that it’s only the common interests.The Tamil forced cremations happening, also with confidence that the privilege Student/Model UN Chair racist politicians in the North who, Diaspora in Europe and North Blogger/social media personality the destruction of war memorials, afforded to citizens in Sri Lanka The UNHRC, as everyone knows, whilst breaking their parliamentary America is a significant force in the activists and journalists are being is largely based on ethnicity. The is one of the UN’s most corrupt oaths that require them to advocate domestic politics of those countries. pushed towards self-censorship, etc. arguments most Muslims (whose organisations even at its grassroots for unity and harmony, always call The Diaspora is well organised as a All of these are clear signs of human dead are being forcefully cremated), level, thus the reason why President for separatism. group in their lobbying for punitive rights degradation in Sri Lanka. have against the Government are (Donald) Trump withdrew the US actions against Sri Lanka for alleged also similar to our concerns. from the Council. I say this because human rights violations. However, If the people of Sri Lanka want there are hundreds of ongoing crises Must prepare their demands seem to be focused freedom and justice for the Tamil in the world right now – people are for punitive on revenge rather than towards We are afforded people and everyone else equally, being killed, a pandemic is going reconciliation in Sri Lankan society. privilege based on the UN resolution should be allowed on, etc. So why is the OHCHR international action The Sri Lankan Government so that investigations can uncover focusing on an issue that ended should have a clear understanding ethnicity the true facts. All people in Sri almost 12 years ago? It’s due to the PRAKASH GUNASEKARA of the interests and intentions of Michele Bachelet does not have Lanka should be treated equally and fact that the issue on Sri Lanka’s Pilot all stakeholders involved in this any moral right to raise concerns GEORGE JEYANATHAN given social justice. alleged “war crimes’” is by no doubt The nation’s responsibility to issue, and the political forces acting about human rights in Sri Lanka. JUDE JENISTAN Some people with a similar a result of corruption as a result protect human rights has always against her and in her favour. Her scandalous presidential Student and photographer opinion as me are afraid to speak out of the endless cash flow from the been used by major economic She should carefully manage her career and inaction during the It is not news that we are not a about this, but I’m not. Individual LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil and political powers in the world interactions with each of those Chilean protests would’ve been priority to the Government. I think freedom should be available to all Eelam) Diaspora, spread throughout to support their interests as well stakeholders to prevent and manage enough to question her eligibility the President made that very clear in people living in Sri Lanka, but many Europe and North America. as to seek advantage over their possible punitive international to even be appointed as the High his Independence Day speech. of us are scared to even exercise that Real Tamils here in Sri Lanka competitors. The “western powers’” action that can hinder her economic Commissioner of UNHRC. Yet, I’m from Jaffna and I can say basic human right. 12 the sunday morning Sunday, February 28, 2021 FOCUS/OPINION

A 3D model view of the waste-to- energy plant located in Kerawalapitiya

CONVERTING WASTE TO ENERGY

National Bank (HNB), Bank of Ceylon (BoC), People’s Bank, and DFCC Bank. Wickremarachchi pointed out that running such a plant also incurs heavy Sustainably addressing expenses, as they have to abide by all the current environmental safety standards. He explained that they have to trap the heavy metals produced by the incineration using activated carbon and lime, after which the ash goes through a filtered bag. The ash the garbage issue is then collected and stabilised with the addition of cement, and safely dumped into a government-allocated dump, which will be BY UWIN LUGODA Chinese workers, it was yet again delayed. landfills with mountains of garbage, Sri given to the project in the next two to three Speaking to The Sunday Morning, an Lanka is a small country and the land we months. Sri Lanka welcomed its very first official from the Ceylon Electricity Board have is very scarce.” Furthermore, another product of the waste-to-energy (WTE) power plant (CEB) stated that they always welcome We see these dumpsites run off He explained that they are currently set to reaction known as bottom ash can be used on 17 February, joining the likes of alternative energy projects such as this, into the rivers polluting them, get 600-800 MT of waste daily from local as a sand substitute, with international France, the US, Germany, and India. which not only contribute to the national and then people drink that authorities such as the Colombo Municipal examples showing the product being used in However, according to experts, grid, but also help dispose of waste that Council (CMC) and the Western Province the construction of pavement bricks. more WTE plants are required to would otherwise pollute the country. They polluted water. Therefore, Waste Management Authority, which will be Speaking on future expansions of the solve Sri Lanka’s waste problem. explained that WTE power generation is there must be political will, processed to produce the 10 MW. project, Wickremarachchi stated that currently one of the world’s most effective However, Wickremarachchi added that investors like Aitken Spence cannot expand Currently, around 86% of the country’s and green modes of managing disposal of and the Government needs to the conversion of waste to energy depends on such projects alone, and need to have the waste is dumped in the open and only about waste. initiate these projects, so that on the quality of the waste, and stated that aid of the local government. He explained 6% of this makes it into compost and about While this is a first for Sri Lanka, its the private inventors may join biodegradable waste, like kitchen and market that there needs to be three players involved 4% of it is recycled. The plant which is neighbouring country India has around 92 waste, which has a low energy value, will in these projects; the first is the CMC and located in Kerawalapitiya aims to address plants with a collective capacity to produce Aitken Spence Managing Director – require more than 800 MT to produce 10 Western Province Waste Management Power Segment L. Wickremarachchi this issue by turning waste into power and around 250 MW per day, through the use MW. Similarly, waste that has more moisture Authority which will provide the waste, contributing to the national grid. of urban, agricultural, and industrial waste. content will also produce less energy. the next are the investors who convert it to According to data from the Western Compared to this, the local plant incinerates “Sri Lanka’s recycling industry is energy, and finally the CEB, which will buy Province Waste Management Authority, Sri solid waste which is collected within the our environment, our groundwater, and we improving; even the garbage trucks are the energy from the investors. Lanka’s daily collected waste amounts to Colombo municipal area, to form 10 MW have even seen them cause landslides which compartmentalised, so only the non- “We see these dumpsites run off into the 3,000-3,500 MT currently, with 1,800 MT per day. resulted in several deaths. So, this plant is recyclables, such as lunch sheets, yoghurt rivers polluting them, and then people drink being collected from the Western Province. However, according to Aitken Spence built to address this problem.” cups, and things like small plastic shampoo that polluted water. Therefore, there must The data also stated this number was much Managing Director – Power Segment L. The plant is set to use a process known packets make their way to the landfills. be political will, and the Government needs higher earlier, but was reduced due to the Wickremarachchi, the main goal of the plant as incineration, where the waste is burnt We need to understand that we cannot to initiate these projects, so that the private travel restrictions put in place due to Covid- is to reduce Sri Lanka’s waste. in a controlled atmosphere, while abiding completely eliminate their use; we can’t tell inventors may join.” 19. The numbers are still 20-30% lower than Speaking to The Sunday Morning, he by all the current environmental standards. a worker coming from a village to the city Speaking to us, Western Province Waste they were pre Covid, due to some public explained that the plant’s contribution to the The heat energy produced from this process for a day’s work, to not bring their lunch in Management Authority Director Nalin areas still being closed. national grid is insignificant, as it only gives is then used to generate electricity, with these lunch sheets. Instead, we need to find Mannapperuma stated the CMC diverts The Western Power Company (Pvt.) Ltd., 10 MW, while the entire CEB has a daily the only waste product being ash, which a more environmentally sustainable way of 450 MT of solid waste per day to the a subsidiary of Aitken Spence PLC, first got capacity of over 3,000 MW, but the plant according to Wickremarachchi, is much disposing it. Incinerating waste will only Kerawalapitiya plant, while the rest is being the licence for the project in 2007. However, aims to play a significant role in aiding the easier to dispose of. leave behind ash which is easier to deal provided by them. He explained that they due to various problems, the project was country’s waste disposal efforts. “This technology is used all over the with.” need two more facilities similar to this one, delayed several times. In February 2020, the “Since we gained independence, we have world. Without incineration plants, our other He stated that the plant cost Rs. 15 billion within the Western Province, for the rest of plant was given the deadline of May 2020. been collecting waste from households option is to dump the waste that cannot to build, with machinery having to be the non-perishable and perishable waste. He However, with the outbreak of the Covid-19 and dumping it, creating these mountains be recycled any further or used to create imported into Sri Lanka. The company had also stated that a new facility is expected to pandemic, and the project’s involvement of of waste. Those mountains have polluted compost. We cannot continue creating these also raised a Rs. 9 billion loan from Hatton be opened in the next two years.

BY NADEEKA AMARASINGHE SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION attention needs to be given to ecosystem services; knowledge on ecosystem Today, we are talking about a number of management; cultural, ethical, and spiritual issues related to ecosystem degradation all values while deriving material benefits. At over the world. Amidst a worsening situation, Ecosystem-based adaptations the same time, enhancing the environment not much of an attempt has been taken to literacy of communities is vital. find solutions to the issues being discussed economic values of ecosystem services in Although people are an integral part of and debated. First and foremost, we need to mainstream decision making for effective the ecosystem, they are also the greatest understand the value and the importance of policies for sustainable growth and social threat to ecosystem functions. As such, the ecosystem as a fundamental unit for the wellbeing. without their co-operation and contribution, existence of life on Earth. Ecosystem management will be more ecosystem management will be a huge An ecosystem is a “Community of plants effective with the participation of the challenge in the future as well. It is very and animals interacting with each other in full range of stakeholders. There are important to understand the social, economic, a given area, and also with their non-living three types of communities that must be and environmental values of the ecosystem environment”. This definition brings to focus considered in ecosystem management such and use it as a tool for achieving sustainable two aspects relating to the ecosystem. Firstly, as: communities of place; communities of development. about the interactions between plants, animal identity; and communities of interest. It is (The writer is the Assistant species, and their geographical environment, required to carefully design strategies to Director of the Sustainable Development and secondly, about the fact that each and harness the potential economic value and Council of Sri Lanka) every ecosystem operates within their own benefit sharing of ecosystems with people boundaries. while conserving them. Ecosystem-based People are part of the natural system, adaptations provide long-term benefits for and our existence depends on how we people and lead to social transformation interact with the ecosystem. Disruptions to towards sustainable growth. essential ecosystem functions will disrupt Maintenance of biodiversity is the key the sustainability of levels of organisation principle of ecosystem management. Any in nature. Individual organisms and its change of species composition causes severe environment build up the ecosystem, and it impacts to the entire ecosystem, irrespective is a part of a biome. All the biomes on Earth of its level. Some species are also more create the biosphere. An insurmountable useful to manage the ecosystem, such as number of benefits are provided through keystone species. It is also necessary to their structure and functions including accept the inevitable natural changes of the micro-climate stabilisation, carbon uptake etc. It is observed that development policies of ecosystem benefits in national accounts ecosystem. and storage, soil, and watershed protection, have constantly failed to recognise these and decision-making processes seem It is important to make the right decisions groundwater recharge and discharge, potentials when they are formulated and rare occurrences. In fact, there is a major at the right time by considering social, sediment accumulation and nutrient retention, implemented. The valuation and accounting requirement to embrace and capture the economic, and environmental factors. Much the sunday morning 13 Sunday, February 28, 2021 FOCUS

BY SARAH HANNAN The dossier containing ONE COUNTRY, ONE LAW the recommendations that were submitted by the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) appointed to probe incidents of alleged acts of political victimisation Challenges of public officials during the period from 8 January Commission Chairman Supreme Court Judge (Retd.) Upali Abeyratne handing over the report to President 2015 to 16 November Gotabaya Rajapaksa as Commission Members Appeal Court Judge (Retd.) Daya Chandrasiri Jayatilleka, IGP (Retd.) Chandra Fernando, and Secretary Pearl Weerasinghe look on 2019, was not taken up for PHOTO ©️PRESIDENT’S MEDIA DIVISION discussion at the Cabinet meeting last week, it is PCOI REPORT ON POLITICAL VICTIMISATION diversity? learnt. While all the focus has been on “The notion of ‘one country and one It was quite clear that the amending the controversial Muslim law’ should be seen as a unifier of all incumbent Government was Marriage and Divorce Act (MMDA), communities in the nation-building not that happy to discuss concerns are now being raised as to process by respecting and recognising the contents of it during the why other special laws or regional their rights and consolidating a legal Parliament sessions which laws are not being subjected to similar system which could accommodate the took place, which was proved Debate scrutiny. aspirations of all the people,” Dr. Barry when Leader of the Opposition The slogan of “One Law, One opined. Sajith Premadasa’s question to Country” seems to have been turned Speaker of Parliament Mahinda into a running joke amongst the public Article 16 and implications Yapa Abeywardena, inquiring and even the Opposition parties, as Justice Minister Ali Sabry, as to when the contents of they have been made to believe that meanwhile, quoting the Constitution the recommendations will be “one law” is not always applied when it of Sri Lanka, noted that Article 16 tabled at the Parliament, went intensifies comes to the parties that are in power or highlights that special laws that existed unanswered. their allies. in the country should be allowed The Speaker seemed to Not all recommendations are correct Legal The question now stands on whether to remain and explained that it is have waited for the moment implications all religious laws could be amalgamated difficult to remove Article 16 from where Chief Government Liyana Arachchi further even if a report is to be made to have a unified law that would present the Constitution, as it will remove all Whip Johnston Fernando noted: “Attention should public, it would most often of findings terms for persons that are practicing personal and special laws that are listed was to propose the notice also be paid to whether all include the recommendations.” diverse religions in the multi-ethnic and under it. of adjournment to the recommendations made by He further noted that if Liyana Arachchi in multicultural society of Sri Lanka. parliamentary session to the a presidential commission there is a public discourse conclusion noted that Attorney-at-Law Dr. M.A.M.H. Barry next day, to allow the Leader should be implemented. over a specific incident that disclosed by a commission, shared his thoughts with The Sunday of the Opposition to ask these This is because not all requires forensic audits to be the aggrieved party in Morning about the impracticalities that questions as well. recommendations made by a conducted, especially to do the incident relating to the justice system and the Government For instance, the Theswalamai Although Minister of Public commission can be guaranteed with financial frauds, then the appointment of that would face, if they are to implement Law, upcountry laws on marriage Security (Retd.) Rear Admiral to be fair. It is not divine. A sections that are most relevant commission may use the one law. He said: “Sri Lanka has and inheritances, the Muslim Sarath Weerasekara, when commission prepares a report will be made public. case as evidence in court to diverse faiths and cultures in practice; laws, and even the Buddhist inquired about the contents of and makes recommendations If the President finds seek justice. therefore, it does not make any sense Temporalities Act is listed under the document last week for the based on the limited evidence it difficult to go through “Information on such to argue that there should be one law Article 16. Not only the regional news story published on The they receive. Therefore, some the findings alone, the reports is available under to manage all these religious practices and religious laws, but personal Sunday Morning under the of the recommendations made commission appointed the Information Act. But or institutions. Which is why there are laws including the Buddhist title “PCoI on alleged acts of by a commission may not be to study the report will a commission report is different laws, and these laws exist Temporalities Act would be political victimisation during practical.” go through it thoroughly just presenting facts that because this diversity was recognised.” abolished should Article 16 be UNF Govt.: High ranking When asked as to why before they present their were discovered during Dr. Barry further explained that Sri removed cops to play victim card”, another commission is recommendations to the the inquest. It is therefore Lanka has different laws imposed and Justice Minister said it would be taken up for appointed to study a report president. Also, the president necessary to re-prove it practiced in different provinces and Ali Sabry deliberation during the cabinet that was completed by a PCoI cannot ignore an issue that in court. This is because some prescribed areas according to meeting last Monday (22), he presented to a president, is being discussed among the disclosure of facts by the 13th Amendment and Provincial was unable to deliver on his Liyana Arachchi noted: the people of the country. a commission is not in Council Act No. 42 of 1987, adding “For instance, the Theswalamai word. “Publishing the entire contents Therefore, the president, accordance with the formal that there are also different bylaws in Law, upcountry laws on marriage and Through reliable sources, of the reports for public access exercising his executive process of disclosure in a various local councils. inheritances, the Muslim laws, and even The Sunday Morning was will not always be possible, as powers, can appoint a court of law,” he noted. Moreover, he stated that there the Buddhist Temporalities Act is listed able to view the contents the inquiry process could be commission to seek public Only evidence relevant are different laws which govern the under Article 16. Not only the regional of the document and found long and the notes included opinion over the matter as to the Evidence Ordinance administration and functions of the and religious laws, but personal laws that 84 police personnel had will be extensive. Therefore, well. will be accepted as different religious places or institutions, including the Buddhist Temporalities filed their grievances under evidence in a court of law. such as the Buddhist Temporalities Act would be abolished should Article political victimisation, in which Morning attempted to contact pinning charges on them for It must be proven beyond Ordinance No. 19 of 1931 (as amended) 16 be removed,” Sabry explained. they have been subjected Weerasekara for comment to not carrying out their duties, a reasonable doubt, but not governing the administration of Sabry also added that he is not in a to punishment transfers, inquire into the status of the acquitting officers that were so in a commission. The temples, the Hindu Cultural Fund Act position to remove the laws that he likes interdictions, and denied report and as to when it would charged for bribery and Commission Act states that (No. 31 of 1985), the Church of Ceylon or dislikes just because he is the Justice qualifier marks that would have be presented to Parliament, corruption that were sentenced evidence can be accepted (Incorporation) Act (No. 43 of 1998), Minister, noting that there is a process assisted them to be promoted the writer was unable to get by the judicial system, and even if it is contrary to the and Muslim Mosques and Charitable in place, should any laws be amended to the next rank during the through to him. Although his seek to drop all cases that are Evidence Ordinance. It Trusts or Wakfs Act (No. 51 of 1956). or removed. competitive examination. Private Secretary communicated currently being pursued at is not a court; there is no “It involves the Cabinet decision, Allegations were levelled that to The Sunday Morning that court against such officials,” punishment. But giving the Legal Draftsman’s Department, several high-ranking officials the message was passed to Premadasa noted. false evidence before a and the Attorney General (AG), who in the Sri Lanka Police force Weerasekara, the Public He said that those actions commission is an insult to The notion of “one country and one will have to review it step by step were tipped to misuse the Security Minister did not will only challenge the the commission. law” should be seen as a unifier and then once the AG approves, the investigations conducted by the respond by the time the paper independence of the Judiciary of all communities in the nation- Cabinet can sign off and publish a PCoI, by making false claims went to print. and the rule of law and that it presenting the PCoI reports on building process by respecting gazette with the amendments. After and attempting thereby to rise has restricted the democratic time to the Parliament. It looks and recognising their rights and that, it would be tabled in Parliament up through the ranks. Opposition questions rights of the Opposition to like the whole country is being as a draft bill, which will be read and the delay consolidating a legal system which Weerasekara last week engage in politics, while turned into a reality show with could accommodate the aspirations debated and passed by a majority of stated that the Cabinet of Leader of the Opposition attempting to seek revenge a script.” of all the people votes.” Ministers were to look into the Sajith Premadasa, in a against the members of Speaking further about Attorney-at-Law Sabry also explained that there are recommendations that have communiqué, raised concerns Parliament that are in the the PCoI, Rasamanickam many laws that are under review for Dr. M.A.M.H. Barry been presented, of which some that by delaying to present the Opposition. highlighted the example of a amendments at present which were not required Cabinet approval to final report issued by the PCoI, “The political leaders of former marketing manager amended for decades. The committees proceed as well, indicating the Government is attempting the Opposition have therefore of the Ceylon Petroleum “These acts clearly indicate that that have been appointed to see to it necessary action will be taken to revoke the civic rights of decided that all necessary Corporation, who was different laws are necessary for the are now looking at amending laws in after deliberations. political leaders to present their legal action will ensue, should interdicted for his malpractices functioning and administration of the areas of criminal law, civil law, and Moreover, Weerasekara stated observations over it. the Government continue during his tenure during the different religious places/institutions,” commercial law. In addition to that, the that no officer will be given “It is clear that the to delay tabling the report period from 2009 to 2015. Dr. Barry exclaimed. Ministry of Justice has also appointed promotions if the grievances Government is attempting to and purposefully hinder the “Now there is a move to He listed out the reasons for committees to look at the amendments that they have filed have no penalise officers that served Opposition in engaging in reinstate him and even pay recognising and protecting the ethnic, for different specialised areas of law. grounds for consideration. in their position, staying true politics and for challenging the him compensation and give religious, linguistic, and cultural rights “It is a work in progress and since When The Sunday to their cause, by wrongfully independence of the judiciary,” him the promotions that he of the citizens in multireligious/cultural we are tackling so many of these, as Premadasa had added. lost. His grievance is filed as and linguistic states, claiming that we are looking at going for a complete “The political leaders of a political victimisation. How it could be realistically, legally, and overhaul of the legal system in the What follows a PCoI report? the Opposition have therefore we see this now is that this politically attributed to indispensable country, it will take at least a year to decided that all necessary PCoI on political victimisation factors such as social contract, see the amendments taking shape,” The Sunday Morning He said special presidential legal action will ensue, should is being used for the present protecting religious rights, and Sabry stated. contacted Kelaniya University commissions are commonly the Government continue Government’s benefit to protecting universal rights. The All attempts made by The Sunday Department of Mass referred to as fact-finding to delay tabling the report reinstate certain government states by definition and nature are Morning to reach constitutional Communication Visiting commissions. The president and purposefully hinder the employees back to their former obliged to respect and enforce their lawyer Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe for Lecturer and Attorney-at-Law can only read and keep Opposition in engaging in positions using the position duties originating from the comment proved futile. Jagath Liyana Arachchi to such commission reports. politics and for challenging the of power,” Rasamanickam above factors. – Sarah Hannan understand what actions could If necessary, certain independence of the Judiciary,” elaborated. be taken once a presidential matters recommended by Premadasa had added. He reiterated that the present commission of inquiry shares those commissions can be administration’s actions can be its recommendations with the implemented. The president Attempt to reinstate compared to a rigged reality president of the country. can act in such a manner only corrupt officials show, noting that maybe there “Most often the allegations in matters which are vested in Illankai Tamil Arasu are actual grievances that have are made highlighting him by the Executive. Kachchi (ITAK) MP been filed during the inquiry, the failure to publish the “For example, when a Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran and that these actions can be commission’s reports and the commission recommends Rasamanickam, when used to silence some of the non-implementation of its that an act be amended, contacted by The Sunday diligent officials that carried out recommendations. It is the the president does not Morning, regarding the Tamil their duties without any political president and the incumbent have the power to amend National Alliance’s (TNA) agendas. government that get heavily the act merely on the stance on the delays of Rasamanickam also pointed criticised. But the first thing recommendation of the presenting the PCoI report of out that Sivanesathurai we need to understand is that commission. In such a case, political victimisation, noted: Chandrakanthan (Pillayan) too the President has no legal the president can implement “The Government’s responses had filed grievances indicating obligation to implement the recommendations by to the requests of the people that the TNA urged the then the recommendations of a presenting a bill to Parliament on amending laws or acting Government to arrest him commission appointed by the through the Cabinet and on the commission reports and over the murder of Joseph President,” Liyana Arachchi accordingly,” Liyana recommendations now seem Pararajasingham, politically explained. Arachchi noted. to be a bit of an eyewash. It victimising him. can not only be localised to Contd. on page 14 14 the sunday morning Sunday, February 28, 2021 FOCUS/POLITICS

Diversification Arundika Fernando Another school of thought was that Digging up... said earlier that the Catholic MPs, the party should not engage in a direct Daggers drawn... both in the Government and confrontation with the Government at Contd. from page 3 attention had not been given to Opposition, were planning to meet this juncture. fulfilling the responsibility. Contd. from page 9 said the Committee on Parliamentary the Archbishop on 2 March. However, the final decision was In order to implement the The identification of Business will decide on the day the “We will request His Eminence the that the PCoI report was a political activities of speedy exploration to archaeological sites in the In particular, he had requested report would be tabled in Parliament. Cardinal to keep faith in President manoeuvre to deal a blow to the identify and record archaeological Serunuwara Divisional Secretariat for the creation mechanisms to find On Tuesday, Presidential Gotabaya Rajapaksa, as the President SLFP and that it should be rejected. sites; the establishment of was carried out in 2016 with the a lasting political solution under Secretariat Director General (Legal) will certainly do justice to the victims The Executive Committee decided demarcation posts and billboards objective of implementing the the arbitration of the international Hariguptha Rohanadheera, on the of the Easter attacks,” he said. to reject the report of the PCoI into for all identified archaeological provisions for the protection of community in a way that fulfils the President’s directive, handed over However, when contacted, the Easter Sunday attacks, State sites; mapping and surveying the many unsafe archaeological long-standing legitimate aspirations the PCoI report on the Easter Sunday Fernando told The Morning that the Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara said. of identified sites; and the sites in the Trincomalee District. of the Tamil people. attacks to Speaker Mahinda Yapa meeting had been cancelled. He said that future action to be publication of identified sites as In 2019, the Divisional He had requested that their physical Abeywardena. “The cancellation of the meeting taken in this regard would be decided protected or monumental, the Secretariat has been divided security and political authority be When questioned, the Speaker was informed by Minister of later. “The masterminds behind the proposal and the cost estimate of into 16 Grama Niladhari granted to decide their own political, said the report was handed over to Highways Johnston Fernando, and he attacks should be revealed,” he said. Rs. 7 million had been submitted Divisions namely Seruwila, cultural, economic, and social affairs. the parliament library, resulting in hasn’t specified any reasons for it,” The SLFP said that no attention has by the Director General of Sumedhankarapura, In order to further this, he requested Opposition MPs sitting in the library Fernando added. been given by the PCoI on the Easter Archaeology for approval from Kawantissapura, Mahindapura, that OHCHR field officers be placed taking copies of the recommendations attacks to Sara Jasmine (Pulasthi the Secretary to the Ministry on Serunuwara, Mahaweligama, in the Northern and Eastern Provinces and making them public via social SLFP turns blue Mahendiran) leaving to India. 26 December 2016. Somapura, Lingapuram, to monitor and report ongoing media. However, the publicising of The SLFP said an official from In addition to this cost estimate, Sivapuram, Dehiwatte, Neelapola, violations. The report was tabled in Parliament the PCoI report has opened up the National Intelligence Unit had an additional cost estimate of Rs. Samagipura, Navakkenikadu, Ramadoss had commended the on Thursday. a Pandora’s Box for the main revealed in July 2020 that Sara 29.27 million was approved on Ariyamangeni, Thanganagar, and resolution to be brought against Sri The publicising of the report constituent partner of the Government Jasmine, an associate of the Easter 7 February 2017 for the purpose Sirimangalapura. Lanka at the 46th UNHRC Session. was following Archbishop of – the Sri Lanka Freedom Party Sunday terror attacks ring leader of obtaining financing for the The Serunuwara Divisional He had urged that the UNHRC vote Colombo Malcolm Cardinal (SLFP). Zahran Hashim’s terrorist group, had project activities from the Central Secretariat area is undergoing for a resolution which implements Ranjith lashing out at the move The main respondent in the Easter tipped off the Research and Analysis Cultural Fund. Accordingly, a colonisation of fewer than half the process of bringing accountability by the Government to appoint a Sunday attacks probe by the PCoI Wing (RAW) of India on the attacks. sum of Rs. 36.27 million had been of the areas declared a sanctuary, and justice for the victims of alleged ministerial committee to study the is SLFP Leader, former President “Pulasthi Mahendiran aka Sara allocated for the activities of the national parks, and wildlife crimes (war crimes, crimes against commission report along with the Maithripala Sirisena. The report has Jasmine is assumed to have fled to project, the report stated. reserves. humanity, and genocide) in Sri Lanka Sectoral Oversight Committee report recommended criminal charges to be India after escaping the explosion that According to the Action Plan A total of 58 archaeological by referring the case or creating an submitted to Parliament on 2019 levelled against Sirisena. occurred in Sainthamaruthu when of 2017, the Archaeological sites, monuments, and movable appropriate international criminal with recommendations to address The SLFP Central Committee that attempts were made to arrest a group Documentation Project for the antiquities have been identified justice mechanism. the aftermath of the Easter Sunday met on Wednesday after deliberating of persons who were involved in the Batticaloa and Trincomalee during the exploration carried He had also recommended the attacks. The Cardinal also refused the report’s recommendation decided Easter attacks,” it said. The SLFP Districts in the Eastern Province out in the year 2016 at the establishment of an international a request for a meeting by Catholic to prepare its observations and stated that the President should pay was to be completed within six Serunuwara Divisional Secretariat independent investigative mechanism ministers and parliamentarians forward it to the party’s Executive considerable attention to the matter. months after the exploration, in the Trincomalee District. to assist in the investigation and representing the Government. Committee. However, it is learnt that when identification of archaeological The report highlighted that the prosecution of persons responsible A spokesperson for the Accordingly, the Executive the issue of the PCoI report's sites, preparation of geographical archaeological sites, monuments, for atrocities. He had also called Archbishop’s House told The Committee was summoned the recommendations on legal action and location data directory, and movable artefacts identified on member states, as requested by Morning that no meeting would take following day, Thursday. against Sirisena was taken up by establishment of name boards in the Serunuwara Divisional the High Commissioner, to support place on 2 March as requested by the The Central Committee Sirisena during a discussion with in identified archaeological Secretariat in the Trincomalee relevant proceedings. government delegation. observations were to be drafted by President Rajapaksa, the latter places, and publication of District have been newly identified “Until the PCoI report on the Easter party senior, Nimal Siripala de Silva. had highlighted the fact that the surveyed sites in the gazette and are in danger of being Easter attacks saga Sunday attacks is in the hands of His The Central Committee deliberated Commission was in fact appointed by as archaeological monument distorted, displaced, or destroyed. Apart from the challenges posed Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, that the findings of the PCoI were Sirisena.The President had explained and reserves. However, it was Due to the irregularities in the international arena, the he would not be meeting with any inconclusive since the masterminds that he had nothing to do with the observed that even though the of the Department, the NAO Government is now embroiled in politicians,” the spokesperson said. that had supported the attacks and Commission or its outcome since its project period had lapsed for two has highlighted that the untangling the political mess created The spokesperson further those who assisted have not been members were appointed by Sirisena. years, there was no plan or action archaeological heritage has by the report of the Presidential confirmed that the Archbishop is yet identified. Meanwhile, the SLFP Executive to commence the work, the NAO been destroyed by unauthorised Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) on the to receive any official communication The next issue was to discuss Committee also decided to re-appoint revealed. execution of human activities Easter Sunday attacks. from the Government regarding the how the party should deal with the former President Maithripala Furthermore, the NAO had such as unauthorised excavations, The report was presented to report, despite a written request to see Government while addressing the Sirisena as the Leader of the observed that the directives of the search for treasure, land Cabinet on Monday (22) and the it at the beginning of February. complications for the party due to the party and re-appoint Jayasekara President which had been given in encroachment, construction of President instructed for it to be State Minister of Coconut, PCoI report. Some members opined as the SLFP General Secretary, the year 2016 on the protection of houses, cultivation, government sent to Parliament the following Kithul, and Palmyrah Cultivation that the SLFP should align itself Duminda Dissanayake as the archaeological sites and artefacts development projects, and day, Tuesday. Cabinet Spokesman Promotion and Related Industrial with the progressive forces in the National Organiser, and Lasantha had been neglected and prompt mineral and rock extraction. Minister Keheliya Rambukwella Product Manufacturing, and Export Government and stand by the masses. Alagiyawanna as the Treasurer.

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Sri Lanka more achievements on the road to national development. China Countries share... appreciates the Sri Lankan Government years fear reprisals now. for actively promoting and protecting Germany is convinced that a human rights, promoting sustainable comprehensive dealing with the past is economic and social development, necessary for inclusive and sustainable improving people’s living standards, reconciliation and that crimes of the protecting the rights of vulnerable past cannot remain unpunished. groups, continuing to promote The High Commissioner in her national reconciliation, and combating report mentioned that investigations terrorism. can also be pursued under universal China has always opposed the jurisdiction. This is happening in politicisation of human rights issues Germany already where the Office of and double standards, and it opposes GERMANY the Federal Prosecutor has filed a case interference in other countries’ internal Ambassador Hans-Peter against a former LTTE (Liberation affairs under the pretext of human rights Jugel, Deputy Permanent Tigers of Tamil Eelam) member. issues. We are concerned that the report Representative of Germany Madame High Commissioner, on Sri Lanka submitted by the OHCHR how can your office support relevant to this session is obviously inclined, ermany aligns itself with the EU judicial proceedings? and we regret that the OHCHR has not Gstatement. adopted the authoritative information of As part of the Core Group on the Sri Lankan Government. The Office Sri Lanka, Germany reiterates the of the High Commissioner’s report put importance of the Human Rights forward the concept of “preventive Council’s efforts in advancing intervention” and proposed targeted human rights, reconciliation, and sanctions, which clearly interfered accountability in Sri Lanka. in Slovakia’s internal affairs and Germany acknowledges positive exceeded the authority of the Office steps taken by Sri Lanka but is worried of the High Commissioner. We hope that several developments in the past that the Human Rights Council and the year run counter to the HRC’s efforts. OHCHR will abide by the principles We are concerned about the of justice, objectivity, non-selectivity, implications of the recent constitutional CHINA and depoliticisation; respect the amendment for the independence and Ambassador Chen Xu, sovereignty and political independence effective functioning of the National Permanent Representative of of all countries; respect the efforts of Human Rights Commission, the Office China all countries to promote and protect on Missing Persons, and the Office human rights; advocate constructive for Reparations. s a friendly neighbour of Sri dialogue and co-operation; and reject We are also concerned about ALanka, China sincerely hopes interference in the internal affairs shrinking civic space. And that those that Sri Lanka will maintain political of various countries and political who pursued accountability in recent stability, and national unity, and wishes pressure.

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to establish a special Presidential the findings of these reports to block Debate... Commission of Inquiry to conduct the aggrieved parties from engaging inquiries on us, and the second one in politics and are attempting to assist Civic rights challenged being an attempt to issue directives their allies’ or their family members’ National People’s Power (NPP) MP to the Attorney General about ceasing legal proceedings to be ceased,” and Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) the hearings of nearly 70 litigations Dissanayake observed. Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, that are currently at court in matters Dissanayake noted that the sharing his thoughts with The Sunday relating to fraud, corruption, and Opposition parties will continue to Morning, noted: “Without presenting crime,” Dissanayake noted. raise these issues in Parliament and the report on political victimisation With the report not being publicised, from the upcoming week onwards, to the Cabinet of Ministers and the Government is working on setting they will be launching a public without tabling it at Parliament, the the recommendations in motion awareness campaign to rally the Government is attempting to set the of the said report and the special voice of the people in protest of the recommendations in motion through Presidential Commission too has actions of the Government and create a Cabinet paper.” been appointed through a gazette a public discourse. He added that the said Cabinet notification. “Then the next step will be that paper indicates two points. “The “Without allowing the contents to we will take legal action against the first one being an attempt to revoke be read and understood by the general government entities that are trying to the civic rights of several members public or Parliament, the incumbent misuse the findings of this report,” of Parliament including myself and Government’s politicians are using he exclaimed. the sunday morning 15 Sunday, February 28, 2021 SPORTS Va n čura and friends India’s Ravichandran Ashwin took What a his 400th wicket in just 77 matches on Thursday (25). Only Muttiah Muralitharan has reached the milestone faster (in 72 Tests) milestone faster (72 Tests). 8 – the number of runs Joe Root conceded in taking Test at five wickets in India’s first innings, the cheapest five-wicket haul by a spin bowler in Test history, Joe Root takes evasive beating Australia’ Tim May’s 5-9 against the West action as Rishabh Pant Ahmedabad! Indies in 1993. Ten seam bowlers have taken a takes the ball above five-wicket haul and conceded eight runs or less. his head in the third – the number of years since an England Test at Ahmedabad on 38 pitch, now loathed by Captain took a five-wicket haul in a Test match. many former players Bob Willis took five wickets when skipper against New Zealand in 1983. Take a look at all the numbers 70 – the number of runs Axar Patel conceded from an extraordinary third in taking 11 wickets in the match, the cheapest 10-wicket haul by an Indian bowler. The cheapest Test between India and 10-wicket haul for all bowlers is Bert Ironmonger’s England in Ahmedabad 11-24 against South Africa in 1932. Now if white pushes the ended last Thursday (25) THE CHESS pawn to a7, black plays his 2 – the number of days needed for a result, the under just two days. 22nd instance of a two-day Test match. The last rook to a6. If white tries to time England lost a Test inside two days was against CORNER bring his king closer to the Former players loathe Ahmedabad Australia in Nottingham in 1921. by Dulan Edirisinghe pawn, the black rook gives pitch side-checks and then returns * “Entertaining…YES…But this 79.2 – the number of overs bowled by India in to f6 at the appropriate is an awful pitch for Test cricket! this Test, the second-fewest they’ve bowled to take 20 wickets in a match. The record is the 66.3 overs Even a simple-looking rook moment (which is absolutely not Complete lottery on day two.” Afghanistan faced in their maiden Test in 2019. ending can be notoriously tricky. when the white king is on e5, – Michael Vaughan This was again evident in the because Rg8+ wins it for white * “I don’t want to see such pitches 11 – the number of times Ravichandran Ashwin recently concluded Opera Euro then). anymore.” has dismissed Ben Stokes in 11 Test matches. Nine Rapid in a game played between But all this is just the tip of the – Kevin Pietersen of those dismissals have come in India. two of the best players in the world. Vančura iceberg because the whole “Finished in two days. Not sure Joe Root (5/8) recorded the cheapest manoeuvre is easier said than done. if that’s good for Test cricket! If five-wicket haul by a spin bowler beating Australia’s Tim May (pictured To put it in a nutshell, as long as Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh here) who took 5/9 against West Indies black plays perfectly, there is bowled on these kinds of wickets, England were bowled out for an in 1993 nothing white can do to improve they would be sitting on a thousand aggregate of 175 runs against New Zealand in 1984. Here New Zealand’s his prospects. and 800? However, congratulations Richard Hadlee on his way to taking a 0 – the number of wickets taken in the match by Among the many pitfalls to India! Axar (Patel), what a spell! match-bag of 8/44 in that Test held in Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad, the first time concealed inside the Vančura, there Congratulations (Ravichandran Ashwin Christchurch in 120 Tests together that they’ve gone wicketless. is one neat trick every chess player and Ishant (Sharma).” should know. This occurs if/when – Yuvraj Singh (it was reported on 1935. In the first Test of the series in Chennai, 81 – the number of runs England scored in their the white pawn moves to a7. [Friday] that this comment irked many England’s first innings alone lasted 190.1 overs. second innings, the second lowest completed Test innings ever against India. South Africa’s score of Indian fans on social media) 387 – the number of runs scored in the match, 79 in 2015 is the lowest. * “Scores would have been even the lowest in a Test since 1946 and the 10th lowest lower in the last two Tests if (Ravindra) in history. It’s also the lowest ever in a Test in Asia, 193 – the number of runs England scored in the Bluebaum – Dubov Jadeja had been playing. You know beating the previous low of 422 in Australia’s win match, their second-lowest match aggregate in a over Pakistan in Sharjah in 2002. After 71...Rb1+ when Joe Root gets 5/8, the pitch is Test since 1904. They were bowled out for scores The previous shortest Test (according To understand the context better, very questionable.” of 93 and 82 against New Zealand in Christchurch to number of balls bowled) was in 0 – the number of balls bowled by pace bowlers in 1984. we need to look at the clock-times as – Mark Waugh in the third and fourth innings of the match. The 1935, between England and West only other time this has happened in a completed – the number of Test wickets taken by India’s Indies in Bridgetown. Wally Hammond well. White had more than a minute 842 – the number of balls bowled in the third 400 saw England home in the match with left, and played the “natural” 72.Ka7 Test –138.4 overs -- making it the seventh-shortest match was the Bangladesh vs. West Indies Test in Ravichandran Ashwin in just 77 matches. Only Sri an unbeaten 29 runs as England immediately. Soon the game ended completed Test match ever and the shortest since Dhaka in 2018. Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan has reached the successfully chased 73 to win in a draw after 72...Kc7 73.Rb8 (a “Grandmaster joke”, acknowledging that white can’t make progress) Rxb8 stalemate. Black to move Before delving deeper into how Are you tempted to play 1...Kf7? Dinith How to play in various white could have done better, let’s Here, black can hold the fort conditions – part 2 understand how chess players as long as he maintains the status Pathiraja study rook endings. The tested and quo. White wants to move his rook After the series that ran for many weeks on proven method is to first understand and promote the pawn, but can’t ON COURT how to play against various types of opponents and memorise certain theoretical do that due to the watchful black with varying styles of play, as well as with positions where the end result is rook. If the white king travels up specific physical and mental characteristics, last known. When you build up a library the board to lend an assist, it will Sri Lanka is mostly a hot, humid, and week (21 February) we began our new series, of such concrete positions in your be subjected to endless horizontal sunny country that is bathing in sunshine how to play matches in “various conditions”. In head, they serve as targets to strive checks. All black has to do is move for a minimum of nine months of the the first article, we discussed necessary tactics for or to avoid, depending on the his king back and forth from g7 year. The Sri Lankan player therefore to be adopted when one is playing in windy desired outcome. to h7. But why only those two has to practise and play matches in this conditions. This week, in the second of the new Philidor and Lucena are two very squares? kind of environment. series, it is about playing in the sun. important positions that come up That’s because if black becomes Many visiting teams of all sports have Harshana Godamanna of Sri Lanka beat Daniel King-Turner, the then world’s 225th high in every must-know rook impatient and plays 1...Kf7 with found that the conditions that prevail seed New Zealander, in the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group-II tie in Colombo in March the players need to do is to make sure endgames list. Next one on the the intention of marching towards during competitions here are the most 2010. The match is considered one of the most important national-level victories that they are focusing harder on the ball list, the Vančura position, is not as b7, white wins immediately with challenging. In fact, in most sports, Sri recorded by the Sri Lankan, the best tennis player the country produced in recent at contact point. history. In the picture is Godamanna celebrating a point in the said Davis Cup popular for some reason. Here’s a 2.Rh8! Rxa7 3.Rh7+. Surely Lankans have taken advantage of this encounter held on 7 March 2010 prelude to the Vančura. everyone knows about this famous fact (by ways of scheduling matches to PHOTO KAMAL WANNIARACHCHI Sun and the clothing skewer trick – I hear you think. capitalise the above condition familiar It is well known scientifically that Then the time is right to go back to to them). Tennis has been no exception. if you wear darker clothes in the sun, the very first diagram (Bluebaum you would feel hotter. This is because – Dubov). 2010 Davis Cup match Playing in the sun of the fact that darker clothes absorb As it turns out, Bluebaum could In fact, in a Davis Cup match in z more of the sun rays thereby making have won easily with 72.Kc5! Ra1 2010, one of the top 250 players in the Series continues on ‘how to play matches in the clothes hot. Of course, black clothes 73.a7 using the exact skewer trick world at that time representing New various conditions’ would be the worst. (73...Rxa7 74.Rh7+) everyone is Zealand* had to be taken to the hospital Therefore, the players need to be supposed to know about. The other in an ambulance after suffering from Sun and the time of day playing arenas, it is important that our conscious of this fact and make sure variations are simple enough to heatstroke and cramp in the middle of The sun rises in the east and sets in players be aware of these aspects so that they wear light coloured clothing calculate. 72.Kc5 Rc1+ 73.Kd5 the match in Colombo after collapsing the west. This is the reason that tennis that they are not taken by surprise in when they go for practice or matches Rd1+ (73...Rc8 74.Rh7+ Kd8 on court. courts are always constructed facing matches overseas. The obvious solution on a sunny day. 75.a7) 74.Ke4 Re1+ 75.Kf3 Rf1+ Therefore, it is important to north and south. In this manner, the sun is to make sure that there is always a White to play (75...Re8 76.Rxe8 Kxe8 77. a7) understand how these conditions is not likely to be directly in a player’s spare pair of shoes in your tennis bag Cooling down If white plays 1.a6-a7, a draw 76.Ke2 Ra1 77. a7. affect the local players in practice and eyes. But this is not true at all times. for this kind of situation. Many players will use a cold, wet would be trivial, but more on that To conclude on a lighter note, in matches and also understand the Therefore, the players have to be extra towel to cool off the back of their later. With the pawn on a6, the here’s an incident from the past. precautions that need to be taken for careful about the time they play. Of Sun and overheads necks. Others use ice packs. Finding white king can seek refuge from their health and to make sure that they course, in certain situations the players Following on from the serve, the same ways of cooling down your body in rook-checks on a7, freeing the understand how they can maximise will have no option but to play at given problem will arise with the overhead between points but especially during white rook. For a long time, this their effectiveness during these sessions. times, especially in competition. But the smash. With the players looking straight game changeovers is critical. This is position was considered won for This would be crucial for their future players need to be aware of this aspect into the sun, it is very easy for the player especially true in the very warm months white. In 1924, Joseph Vančura’s development in tennis. and be ready to adjust accordingly. to lose sight of the ball. Although this of the year. (1898-1921) analysis of the position might happen time and time again, It is imperative that you cool your was published posthumously, and The sun and heat Sun and serving most players will still continue to try body down after a session or match. This his discovery totally changed the With the sun comes the heat. And Following on from the above point and do the same thing. The solution is particularly true if you are expected to evaluation of the position. another consideration is that it is warmer the sun will specially be a problem in for this is to let the ball bounce and play again in a few hours or so. Perhaps 1... Rf1+! 2. Ke4 Rf6! and we inside the court than in outside areas. the serve toss. Therefore, the players then hit the shot. This would alleviate even a cold shower might help. But reach the Vančura position. This is especially true of hard courts. need to be aware of this and learn to the need for the player to track the ball certainly, getting out of the sun and Therefore, tennis players of all hues adjust their serve toss. They can adjust through the sun. into a cooler environment is helpful. need to be very careful about this aspect, the height of the toss as well as the angle All these are possible suggestions Ojanen-Ridala (1959) be it in either competition or practice. of the cap they are wearing to mitigate Sun and shadows for situations that could arise when White to play With the heat comes dehydration. this circumstance. This is another very commonplace playing in the sun. But take note that By now, everyone knows how to Dehydration can cause fatigue, light- But in this particular situation the problem in most stadiums. Shadows it is up to the player to come up with win this as white, right? The black headedness and muscle cramps. players themselves have to decide their from adjoining courts or structures will common sense solutions, as and when king on f7 just won’t do. Ojanen Therefore, the players need to make sure preferred course of action. fall into part of the court. What this will those problems arise. knew this too, as he triumphantly that they hydrate themselves properly do is that part of the court will be bathed *Harshana Godamanna beat New played 1.Rh8 and waited for his using either water or electrolyte drinks. Sun and shoes in bright sunshine whilst another part Zealand’s Daniel King-Turner (then opponent to resign. The other option is taking bananas In certain countries because of the would be “darker”. For some players 225 in the world) on 7 March 2010 in If you look at the position with the drinks. Bananas contain excessive heat, the sole of your shoe this is a real problem to sight the ball. the Davis Cup in Colombo 4/6, 4/6, carefully, you will see that it’s indeed potassium. Bananas can actually help literally melts. This especially happens While there is no obvious answer to 7/5, 7/6 (3/0), rtd. Godamanna’s all- a skewer that ends the game, but not the body retain water because they on the hard courts. Although this is this problem, one solution would be to time highest world rank was 811 in The Vančura position quite the one white was expecting! contain potassium. really not a concern in the Sri Lankan wear sunglasses. The other thing that October 2008. US coach CAS reduces commits suicide Umar’s ban after ‘sex The Court of Arbitration for charges’ Sport (CAS) has reduced the Former USA Gymnastics ban of Pakistani cricketer coach John Geddert took Umar Akmal from three his own life just hours after years to 12 months and he was charged with 24 handed him a fine for separate counts of verbal, breaching the Pakistan physical, and sexual abuse Cricket Board’s (PCB) anti- on Friday (26). Geddert was corruption code. Akmal found dead after Michigan was suspended in February Attorney General Dana Nessel had outlined the 24 felony charges 2020 for failing to report against the 63-year-old, which included six counts of human trafficking corruption approaches made of a minor for forced labour, and one count each of continuing criminal to him before the start of the enterprise, first-degree criminal sexual conduct, and second-degree Pakistan Super League. criminal sexual conduct.

Sunday, February 28, 2021 CRICKETsports COMMITTEE REQUESTS SLC TO SEND CHIEF SELECTOR TO WI ‘Big Three vs. Rest Mathews to lead Sri Lanka in three-match T20 series? The Cricket Committee, Meanwhile, with the Angelo Mathews is likely Sri Lanka of the World’ limited-over headed by Aravinda de ongoing US visa issue to lead Sri Lanka in the squad spending z Sri Lanka to line up with ICC Silva, has requested Sri which is unlikely to be three T20Is, team sources their three-day Lanka Cricket (SLC) to send sorted out soon, Sri Lanka’s in Antigua told The quarantine The Board of Control for meet,” a senior BCCI official Pramodya Wickramasinghe newly-appointed T20I Sunday Morning Sports period in the Cricket in India (BCCI) has privy to the development has Pineapple Beach immediately to join the Sri Captain Dasun Shanaka on Saturday (27). Hotel in Antigua on Thursday (25) expressed told the media. Lanka T20 and ODI squad, may not be able to reach It was also said that after they had its reservations about the “In fact, we are confident now in the West Indies. the West Indies — as we Mathews is to be chosen arrived there on International Cricket Council’s of getting good support from Sri Lanka will start the reported on Friday (26) — for the position temporarily Thursday (18 (ICC) policy of inviting bidders (the) England and Wales Cricket February). They opening T20I leg of the all- before the start of the T20I ahead of Niroshan are to begin for hosting global tournaments Board (ECB) and Cricket Angelo Mathews to be format series on Wednesday series. Dickwella in view of their practices during the next eight-year cycle Australia (CA),” he opined, appointed temporarily (3) in the Caribbean island In place of Shanaka, keeping the unity of the tomorrow (1 between 2023-31. indicating the new move, which as SL T20I Skipper of Antigua and Barbuda. former Sri Lanka Captain Sri Lanka side. March) During an ICC Board meet will be taken as highly arbitrary on Thursday, the BCCI made it and authoritarian one especially clear that they are completely by Pakistan and South Africa, against the idea of the global would come as a collective one body issuing EOI (Expression of the present “Big Three” in the ANDRE RUSSELL RESTED FOR COVID-19 of Interest) and demanding cricket world – India, Australia, money from any potential and England. hosting nation. The EOI concept has “The BCCI brass has made blessings of ICC Chief their displeasure clear about Executive Manu Sawhney who this EOI concept for the next had the support of boards like West Indies’ cycle during yesterday’s board Pakistan and Sri Lanka. veterans recalled In Brief approximately 160 km. The women’s for Sri Lanka series race will start on the same day from the Air Force Trade Training School WEST INDIES West Indies veterans in Ekala, and will go through 76 km. 41-year-old Chris The first three places in the men’s Gayle and 39-year- race will receive Rs. 250,000, Rs. V old Fidel Edwards 150,000, and Rs. 75,000, respectively. have been recalled The overall Sprint Champion will be SRI LANKA for the West Indies Movindi Fernando awarded Rs. 20,000. The women’s CG INSURANCE T20I SQUAD T20I squad. GIRLS’ SINGLES Q/F ON champion will get Rs. 100,000. The AT SSC OPEN TENNIS team championship prize will be March 3rd,5th,7th Cricket West Indies Rs. 100,000 and the runners-up will (CWI) named on Friday Sandithi Usgodaarachchi of get Rs. 75,000. The Overall Young (26) their T20I and ODI Musaeus College, Colombo beat Champion Rider will be awarded Rs. Kieron C squads for the forthcoming Venuli Jayasinghe 6/3, 6/2; Gehansa 25,000. SLT-Mobitel Special Projects Pollard two short-format series Methnadi (Musaeus) beat Akeesha Head Nalin Gamage took part Nicholas against Sri Lanka. Silva 6/3, 7/5; Movindi Fernando recently in the handing over of the Pooran VC (Newstead Girls’ College, Negombo) sponsorship to Air Force Commander The 14-member Chris Gayle Fidel Edwards nFabian Allen (pictured) beat Nimesha Shehara Sudarshana Pathirana. SLT-Mobitel West Indies T20I (Vice Captain), Fabian despite testing negative reports emerging from 6/2, 6/2; and Githmi Fernando (Ave Accounts Manager Saminda Patrick nDwayne Bravo squad: Allen, Darren Bravo, over a week ago, he was Antigua further added. Maria Convent, Negombo) beat Nisali and Air Force Sports Club Chairman nFidel Edwards Kieron Pollard Jason Holder, Akeal ruled out of the T20Is by The series forms part of Dissanayake 6/2, 6/4 in girls’ Under- Air Vice Marshal Prasanna Payo also nAndre Fletcher (Captain), Nicholas Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, the CWI Medical Panel the International Cricket 12 singles quarter-finals of SSC Open took part in the occasion. nChris Gayle Pooran (Vice Captain ), Evin Lewis, Kyle Mayers, whilst he completes his Council (ICC) ODI Super Tennis, now on at the club clay courts nJason Holder Fabian Allen, Dwayne Jason Mohammed, “return to play” protocols. League. in Colombo. The principal sponsor of MAJOR CLUB U-23 OD FINAL TODAY nAkeal Hosein Bravo, Fidel Edwards, Nicholas Pooran, Romario Fast bowlers Sheldon The three ODIs therefore the event is First Capital Holdings and the co-sponsors are DIMO, 3G Sports Sri Lanka Cricket’s nEvin Lewis Andre Fletcher, Chris Shepherd, and Kevin Cottrell and Oshane provide the Windies the Gayle, Jason Holder, Synclair Thomas, along with opportunity to secure their –the official ball sponsor (Head) – (SLC) Major Club n Obed Mccoy Akeal Hosein, Evin The West Indies vs. Sri batsman Shimron first points as they try to ABC Shipping, CBL-Nutriline, and Youth Under-23 nRovman Powell Lewis, Obed McCoy, Lanka ODI series will be Hetmyer and all-rounder qualify automatically for People’s Bank. one-day semi- nLendl Simmons Rovman Powell, Lendl held at Sir Vivian Richards Roston Chase, all failed the October-November PHOTO ISHAN WANNIARACHCHI finals, which were nKevin Sinclair Simmons, and Kevin Stadium in Antigua on to reach the minimum 2023 ICC World Cup, to Vishad Randika postponed for a Sinclair 10 (Wednesday), 12 fitness standard in time for be held in India. SLT-MOBITEL- second time on 26 October last year The three-match (Friday), and (Sunday). selection consideration. The two teams will SPONSORED AIR due to the pandemic, were worked T20I series will be held The final ODI on Sunday also play two Tests later FORCE CYCLING ON 7 out on Friday (26). The final is at Coolidge Cricket is scheduled to be a day/ Windies try to get on in the series, starting MARCH scheduled for Sunday, today. Colts Ground in Antigua on 3 night encounter. first points for 2023 on 21 and 29 March Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) and Mobitel met Lankan CC at P. Sara while SSC (Wednesday), 5 (Friday), WC qualification respectively at Sir Vivian came forward to sponsor the “Guwan took on Badureliya SC at the NCC and 7 (Sunday) March Cottrell, Thomas, Yet the four players Richards Stadium. The Hamuda Papedi Sawariya”, the cycling Grounds, Colombo. Both Colts and SSC 2021. Hetmyer, Chase will remain in Antigua Windies Test squad is tour organised by Sri Lanka Air Force, reached the semi-finals with an out; Russell still after the “CGI Insurance yet to be named while for the 22nd time. This year the race unbeaten record. The four Captains The 13-member recovering Super50 Cup”, their the Sri Lanka Test squad will coincide with the Air Force’s 70th are Vishad Randika (Colts and West Indies ODI All-rounder Andre domestic (inter-island) was published by The anniversary. The men’s race will start pictured), Dunith Jayathunga squad: Russell is still recovering 50-over tournament, Morning last week, on Sunday, 7 March from the Air Force (Badureliya), Sammu Ashan (SSC), Kieron Pollard from contracting Covid- hoping to work on their though it is yet to be Headquarters in Colombo to cover and Damitha Silva (Lankan CC). (Captain), Shai Hope 19 earlier this month and, fitness and conditioning, officially announced yet.

Printed & Published by Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 OUR DEPRESSING DEBT DIAGNOSIS »SEE PAGE 3

SMES TO SEE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL »SEE PAGE 5

Sunday, February 28, 2021 businessIMPORT RESTRICTIONS State banks reject CPC’s debt SL won’t inform WTO restructuring request z Lack of dollar reserves z CPC’s debt to state despite EU threat cited as reason banks at Rs. 600 b z Minister says import z Import restriction in z EU to use procedures that BY YAKUTA DAWOOD restriction is purely priority list of Chief Trade apply to potential breaches an internal issue Enforcement Officer of EU of WTO commitments Two main state banks have turned down a request BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR from the loss-making debt- ridden state enterprise Ceylon Regardless of the request Petroleum Corporation (CPC) made by the European to restructure its Rs. 600 Union (EU) Delegation to billion debt to them, The Sri Lanka and Maldives Sunday Morning Business from Sri Lanka, to learnt. notify the World Trade CPC Deputy General Organisation (WTO) Manager (Finance) Varuna of the prevailing local Weerasooriya told us that the import restrictions, the request made by the CPC and the Treasury to the People’s “Generally, they maintain last April 2020 (after the Government remains Bank and Bank of Ceylon the loan amount in dollar Easter attack) to date, and adamantly firm in its (BOC) were denied by the terms. Since they are getting since March last year (2020) decision to not inform the said banks through letters. a rupee-denominated income, CEB has only been paying WTO, The Sunday Morning Weerasooriya said that both sometimes they might need to marginal figures, they are Business reliably learns. banks rejected this proposal, convert into rupees, but that not paying at all. There are regulations, are also a disincentive on his priority list for 2021,” equilibrium in its Balance of citing that they do not have cannot be done based on the individual power plants that Minister of Trade Dr. Bandula for foreign direct investment (FDI), Bargfrede added. Payments on a sound and lasting sufficient foreign reserves at prevailing regulations.” are also waiting for CEB to Gunawardana told us that there Bargfrede added. The Deputy Head of Mission basis, by adopting measures the moment. Subsequently, People's Bank pay,” he noted. was nothing for the Sri Lankan He stated that the EU has raised further noted that Sri Lanka has which increase instead of decrease “We have had discussions CEO Ranjith Kodithuwakku, SriLankan Airlines has Government to inform the WTO the issue during the WTO Market to comply with the main WTO international trade. with both the banks, however when contacted about the been a loss-making airline about, as restricting imports is a Access Committee meeting in obligations when invoking Balance Sri Lanka introduced import they are very reluctant; we issue, refuted CPC’s claims for over 10 years. The airline measure taken merely to avoid a January 2021 and the WTO of Payments restrictions and restrictions initially on nonessential got letters and they are not that its request had been recorded a loss of Rs. 40 possible foreign exchange crisis. Balance of Payment committee added that Sri Lanka’s authorities imports in late March last year, in agreement of what we are rejected, saying: “As far as billion in financial year (FY) “This is purely an internal issue. meeting in 2020. should consider the following: a) which was later expanded after,” he added. the bank is concerned, we 2017/18, the highest annual We do not have sufficient foreign In early January this year, there is an obligation to notify to all imports excluding fuel Weerasooriya further have not refused any practical loss since Emirates’ departure exchange. If the WTO has an issue at an annual joint commission the General Council about these and pharmaceutical products. emphasised that CPC’s solution.” from its management in 2008. and raises it with us, our Department meeting conducted virtually, the import restrictions and to enter Subsequently, raw material problem would be solved Kodithuwakku also noted SriLankan Airlines accrued of Commerce will respond to that,” EU asked Sri Lankan authorities into consultations with other WTO required for export purposes and if they could convert its that CPC has been a good losses of Rs. 240 billion Dr. Gunawardana added. to notify the WTO of its stringent members; b) the measures should construction materials too were dollar loans into rupee customer and maintained a during the 10-year period Meanwhile, responding to import restrictions that are being be temporary in nature, as the Sri exempted. Nevertheless, certain loans. According to Finance long-term relationship with from 2009-2019. In addition a query made by The Sunday implemented since last year, as Lankan regulations are being food and beverage category Ministry’s statistics, CPC’s the bank, as well as being a to these losses, the total value Morning Business, EU Delegation open and fair trade requires a level applied without an expiration date; products were allowed to be total debt due to state-run Government entity, and that of loans owed by SriLankan to Sri Lanka and the Maldives playing field. c) there is an obligation to present imported during that time. People’s Bank and Bank of no such thing had come to Airlines to state banks and Head of the Political, Trade, “We will continue using timetables for the progressive Following this, on 15 April last Ceylon had reached Rs. 592.7 his notice. state institutions, including and Communications Section the procedures foreseen in the relaxation until final elimination year, the Government announced billion by end-April 2020, in Weerasooriya further said CPC, was Rs. 146 billion as and Deputy Head of Mission WTO that apply for potential of the measures; and d) import import restrictions on items such comparison to Rs. 566 billion that to overcome the debt of October last year. Thorsten Bargfrede stated that breaches of WTO commitments. restrictions should be managed as rice, flour, sugar, liquor, and in December 2019. situation CPC is facing right On the other hand, CEB the import ban certainly does not The EU has also just updated in a transparent manner. apparel products, extending The Sunday Morning now, several discussions are settled a portion of its debt to provide a suitable climate where its overall ‘Trade Enforcement According to Bargfrede, restrictions to 15 July, which was Business contacted being held with the Ceylon CPC, utilising Rs. 48 billion the EU could grant any additional Regulation’. This would allow the Sri Lanka should avoid any once again extended until further BOC for clarification on Electricity Board (CEB) and from the Fund created by unilateral concessions, such as EU to apply possible trade policy unnecessary damage to the notice. However, apparel imports Weerasooriya’s statements. A the national carrier SriLankan increasing the import duty regional accumulation under the countermeasures, if the WTO commercial and economic interests are now permitted with a high cess senior official, who wished to Airlines, to repay the large on a litre of local fuel, when Generalised System of Preferences- dispute settlement procedures of any other WTO party, including per kilogramme. As of today, with remain anonymous, confirmed sums both institutions owe in global oil prices hit negative Plus (GSP+). are blocked. A senior official has the EU, and to do that, it should a couple of more items exempted that the bank refused CPC’s outstanding debt to the CPC. levels during the peak of the Such restrictions, combined been appointed as Chief Trade pay due regard, in carrying out from the initial restriction list, the proposal, due to one key “SriLankan Airlines has an pandemic a few months ago. with various currency restrictions, Enforcement Officer, and the Sri its domestic policies, to the need import restrictions still largely reason. outstanding payment from Contd. on page 2 and high volatility of changing Lankan import restrictions are for maintaining or restoring prevail.

Sri Lanka to introduce CONTRACTOR DELAYS PROJECT AT BIA Covid-19 passport scheme

BY YAKUTA DAWOOD JICA unlikely to delay recovery

A Covid-19 passport scheme is set to be discussed and decided by the Government and all other of loan as a compensation official authorities within the following months to come with a z SL to pay commitment fee until project completion view to facilitate tourism amidst pandemic, The Sunday Morning BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR It is also highly unlikely for JICA to explained to the Sri Lankan authorities. recipients hold each other accountable Business learnt. waive off the commitment fee which It is unlikely this will be rescheduled,” for their commitments. Speaking to us, Sri Lanka The Covid-19 passport is a Notwithstanding the delay from the Sri Lanka is currently paying and our sources at the JICA local office Expansion project B of BIA, which Tourism Development Authority document issued after a person has Japanese contractor in completing the would continue to pay to JICA until noted. includes new aircraft parking bays, Director of Tourism Planning and received two doses of vaccination, expansion project package B at the the completion of package B, even The Paris Declaration (2005) is a a retention pond and a stormwater Development Dr. Prasad Jayasuriya which will enable them to travel Bandaranaike International Airport though the delay in completion is not practical, action-oriented roadmap to drainage system, and an access road, said that countries and airports to permitted countries without (BIA), Japan International Co-operation from the Sri Lankan authorities. improve the quality of aid and its impact was initially scheduled to be completed will identify and look for Covid- any quarantine regulations to be Agency (JICA) is unlikely to delay the “This is a set of loans. If we are to on development. in October last year. Nevertheless, due 19 passports in which tourists followed. In this regard, Jayasuriya recovery of the loan it provided the delay recovery, everything has to be It gives a series of specific to a number of reasons, the project is a can enter countries with less said that the Sri Lankans are Sri Lankan Government to undertake scheduled back. If JICA is to reschedule, implementation measures and couple more months away from being regulations: “Sri Lanka will also expected to take a decision in the the said project, The Sunday Morning it should go to the Paris Declaration establishes a monitoring system to assess completed. probably — although not now but months to come on this matter. Business learns. as well. This matter has already been progress as well as ensure donors and Contd. on page 2 very soon — follow.” Contd. on page 2 Customs restarts investigations into alleged tax fraud by multinational z Company under investigation sought injunction order against Customs zLocal brand too filed case against said company: Customs DG BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR tax fraud of the aforementioned reported that the multinational per annum. company. company had failed to settle excise However, the report further noted Investigations have restarted into “This case came out during the duties amounting to Rs. 500 million that even after imposing a tax on the alleged excise tax evasion of Rs. tenure of the previous DGs. When I and as a result, they were fined with palm oil imports, the multinational 1.5 billion reportedly committed by took over, I asked officials to restart an additional Rs. 1 billion – which continued to enjoy the privileges of a leading multinational company in the probe now. I heard that a local the multinational company is yet the particular free trade agreement Sri Lanka through the importation of cosmetics brand too has filed a case to settle. (FTA), as it imported palm oil under palm oil under a different HS Code, against the company in question,” According to the report, the company a different HS Code. Sri Lanka Customs confirmed to The Ravipriya added. was importing palm oil into the country When we reached out to the Sunday Morning Business. However, he was not certain about with a tax concession under a trade multinational for comment, the Newly appointed Sri Lanka the exact amount of tax evaded by agreement for years. Accordingly, company stated the following: Customs Director General (DG) Maj. said multinational company, but noted from 2000 to October 2018, it had “The matter is currently before a (Retd.) General Vijitha Ravipriya that it would be somewhere around been importing palm oil fatty acid into court of law. We are unable to provide told us that after he took over, he had Rs. 1.5 billion. the country with a tax relief ranging any comment at the moment, until legal ordered investigations into the alleged A local media outlet recently from Rs. 650 million to Rs. 800 million proceedings have been concluded.” Sri Lanka Customs Headquarters 2 the sunday morning business NEWS Sunday, February 28, 2021

Releasing a report titled “Economy the repossession ban set out by the CBSL. at a glance for 2020”, ICRA Lanka Funding profiles of Sri Lanka’s finance stated that it estimates Sri Lanka’s companies have been largely characterised GDP growth rate in 2020 to be -4%, ICRA projects -4% GDP by limited diversity, with fixed deposits adding that their estimates indicate dominating the funding profile. industry, services, and agricultural It was earlier expected that the deposit sectors to have contracted by 7.3%, base of finance companies would erode 1.7%, and 1.3%, respectively. amidst the pandemic. Nevertheless, contraction in 2020 depositors opted to maintain their cash with ICRA Lanka’s previous quarterly GDP the finance companies as the opportunity growth rates projections indicated Q2 to Better-than-expected performance of the second wave. Purchasing power of facilitate credit to revive the economy and cost of withdrawals far outweigh the low be -17.5% and Q3 to be -6.1%, of which exports, together with import controls, consumers also remained weak as seen by ensure adequate liquidity in the financial interest rate on bank deposits. Recoveries Q2 data is quite close and well within the contributed to a noteworthy improvement proxy indicators such as outstanding credit system. These actions include policy rate of the trishaw and services sector were margin of error to the official data released in trade deficit. However, after a critical card balances which show nearly a 4.8% cuts, releasing capital and liquidity buffers, considerably better than anticipated, while shortly after ICRA Lanka’s release. As industrial zone in the Western Province decline this year up to November. relaxing administrative and supervisory tourism-related lending continued to for Q3 data, official data falls outside the became the epicentre of Sri Lanka’s second Tax cuts announced in November 2019 compliance requirements, and implementing experience delays in recoveries. margin of error of ICRA Lanka’s predicted wave of infections, several industrial plants contributed to decline in non-food inflation a debt moratorium. Corporate sector value, a likely result of a significant were shut down to contain the spread, in early 2020 before the Covid-19 outbreak, The hydropower sector displayed a structural change in the economy due to the leading to notable a reduction in export as a result of downward adjustment of Banks healthy financial profile during 2020, which Covid-19 crisis. volumes. In 2020, trade deficit is expected prices of services-related items (telco, Compared to non-bank financial is characterised by robust profitability, Furthermore, the economy seemed to improve significantly to 7.1% of the health, airfare, internet, etc.). Even though institutions (NBFIs), the banking sector moderate capital structure, and more than to have coped with the second wave GDP. Reduction in trade deficit has also inflation remained around 4% since May, was much resilient due to its solid capital adequate coverage metrics. The profit considerably well. Hence, ICRA Lanka contributed to a noteworthy improvement in food inflation continued to be around upper buffers. Return on assets (ROA) were margins of mini-hydropower producers revised up its earlier projection (optimistic current account balance, which is expected single digits due to supply shocks. Non-food low. The net interest margin (NIM) of received a boost with the Government’s case) for Q4 from -11% to -4.1%. In light of to be around -1.1% of the GDP. inflation was mild, and was under 1% for the banking sector deteriorated to around approvals on the new tariff structure for this, the 2020 GDP growth rate is estimated Pandemic worries and interest rate cuts August and September months. 4% in Q3 on account of interest rate cuts, expired power purchase agreements (PPAs) to be -4%, a stark improvement against caused the capital to flow out of Treasury debt moratorium, and lower credit growth. that were under the avoided cost tariff earlier expectation of -8.2% (optimistic and equity markets, especially during Equities Import restrictions shaved off some of the system. case). In addition, GDP estimates indicate March. ICRA Lanka’s estimates show The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) income due to unutilised credit lines for In addition, this step helped to recover industry, services, and agriculture sectors to around $ 800 million outflows on net basis operated with bearish sentiment throughout imports and reduction in fee-based income. outstanding trade receivables from these have contracted by 7.3%, 1.7%, and 1.3%, for 2020. Despite bullish local investor the first two months of 2020 as coronavirus However, banks benefited from reduction older PPAs at favourable tariff rates. With respectively. sentiment in Colombo Stock Exchange fears loomed across East Asia. With the in operational costs as a result of partial high rainfall in Q3, power generation by the (CSE), foreign investors continued to exit. first local patient being reported in March, deployment of workforce, limited branch mini-hydropower producers rose, further Interest rates The exchange rate remained broadly the CSE immediately went into freefall. operations, permanent closure of certain helping in revenue. But the longer payment The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) stable during Q1, but once the Covid crisis The trading at the CSE was suspended branches, and frozen recruitments. Banks cycles of the Ceylon Electricity Board cut policy rates in end-January amidst a overwhelmed the economy, the rupee several times during March due to intraday maintained a comfortable level of capital (CEB) forced mini-hydro producers to run gloomy global growth outlook. Call and depreciated sharply close to Rs. 200 against crashes. To prevent further collapse, market and liquidity while the credit grew in double with increased working capital intensity. repo rates responded by moving down by the US dollar. The import controls and operations were suspended for the entire digits in the first three quarters. The private health sector faced a about 50 bps, but the effect was felt much intervention by the Central Bank brought the month of April. In subsequent months, the Non-performing assets (NPAs) slid challenging year in 2020 due to the less in the T-bills market. By mid-March, situation under control, but in December, the market made a modest recovery as investors marginally. By 15 October 2020, under the pandemic. This was exacerbated by the the Covid crisis took centre stage and the rupee displayed some volatility and pressure started buying undervalued stocks. Saubhagya Renaissance Facility, around Rs. already saturated market and industry CBSL implemented a series of rate cuts, to depreciate. The economic recovery in Q3 turned 178 billion loans were approved. There was regulations. The rising wage cost was further bringing short-term rates lower to During 2020, Sri Lanka lost one-fourth bourse bullish and the record performance a slight uptick in NPAs in Q2, but in Q3, due also contributing to cost escalations. Price unprecedented levels. The move hoped to of its reserves. In addition, for 2020, over of All Share Price Index (ASPI) lifted it to the impact of moratorium, construction increases by private healthcare service facilitate credit expansion to the Covid-19 $ 6 billion foreign currency obligations back to the pre-crisis level fuelled by the and retail were among the most affected providers helped to mitigate the impact to a hit economy. were pending, including $ 1 billion ISB quest for higher yield in the low interest sectors, which the banks had substantial certain degree. In Q3, more actions followed, which in October. The Sri Lanka Development rate environment. Heavy buying interest exposure to. The tea sector remained resilient in 2H. included a 200 bps reduction in the Statutory Bonds (SLDB) auctions, Fed repo facility, was seen among the retail investors. Buoyant prices due to limited global supply Reserve Ratio (SRR). The excess liquidity and SAARC (South Asian Association for Nevertheless, throughout the year, NBFIs improved the profitability of the plantation overwhelmed the treasury market and Regional Co-operation) swap facility were foreigners were on the sell-side despite The year 2020 marks a considerably companies. During the first six months, Sri brought T-bill yields down sharply, resulting used to bolster reserves. A weaker dollar, attractive valuations. The second wave of weak performance for NBFIs. Annualised Lanka’s tea production was down from last in the steepest drop in yields for the year. subdued imports, modest export volumes, infections had a blow on market sentiment ROA declined to -2.31% for Q3. The NBFI year, although production for the first nine CBSL’s balance sheet expanded following and recovery of remittances helped to in early Q4, but the prospects of viable sector recorded five consecutive quarters of months of 2020 was sharply down. The tea the outbreak of the pandemic, and by end- ease pressure off the rupee and keep the vaccines helped to turn it around. negative credit growth from Q3 2019, which brokering business also recorded moderate December, Treasury holdings were boosted intervention at a lower level. Under these Essential sectors and utilities such as has resulted in a substantial decline in total financial performance in 2020. to a whopping Rs. 700 billion. circumstances, the CBSL was able to be a pharma, healthcare, power, energy, and assets. Consequently, there was a significant The construction sector experienced a Markets flushed with liquidity forced the net buyer of forex amounting to over $ 280 telecom had the least impact on their improvement in capital adequacy level (i.e. slowdown in the overall order books and overnight rates towards the lower bound million. In addition, the CBSL sold down valuations. Export-oriented sectors such core capital to risk weighted assets) in Q2 faced operating profit margin pressure of the policy corridor throughout Q3 and about $ 234 million gold reserves amidst as textile and manufacturing had moderate and Q3. in Q2 before starting to recover in Q3. A Q4. Banks channelled the excess funds to favourable gold prices to boost reserves in impact, but plantations, which comprised As of March 2020, a large number of brief period of exchange rate volatility in repo the market, which resulted in a marked June. mostly tea exporters, had a fairly good small and medium-sized finance companies April caused a strain on profitability. The drop in call market volumes while boosting As per ICRA Lanka estimates, total run during the Q2 due to the rise in global were operating below the minimum core construction contractors have faced pressure repo volumes to pre-crisis levels during the revenue and grants of the government tea prices. Due to restrictions in mobility capital requirement stipulated by the CBSL, on the operating profit margin in Q3 due June-September period. Despite the massive plummeted by nearly 28% in 2020. and social distancing, sectors such as and all these entities were undergoing to delays in trade receivables from the liquidity surplus following Covid-19 Tax revenue alone went down by over construction, real estate, leisure, and services capital enhancement initiatives. This Government. relief measures by CBSL, the T-bill yields 30%. Total expenditure records only a were also moderately affected. Import- vulnerability played a significant role in However, after the Government has displayed some pressure to rise in Q3 and marginal increase as the surge in recurrent dependent sectors such as trading and motor weakening the resilience of the NBFIs. The made arrangements for local banks to Q4, leaving the primary auctions partially expenditure was counterbalanced by vehicles as well as financial sector equities asset quality continued to deteriorate as seen fund the contractors’ trade payables from filled due to yield caps imposed by CBSL. dramatic reduction in capital expenditure. such as banks, finance and leasing, and from the high level of NPAs (i.e. gross non- the Government, the liquidity pressure Sri Lanka’s sovereign rating downgrades by Consequently, the fiscal deficit was widened investment funds were the hardest hit. Palm performing advances to total advances). was eased somewhat. Gearing levels and international rating agencies also intensified by over 63%. oil companies reported a deep dent in their Though the moratorium helped to working capital levels were seen increasing the pressure for yields to rise. The rupee value of foreign debt share values in 1H 2020. moderate the NPAs in Q3, waning asset among the ICRA Lanka rated construction recorded a marginal decline. Domestic In Q3, nearly all GICS sectors made quality caused the credit cost to rise. With entities. During early 2020, the Government External sector debt, which was increased by nearly 25%, gains. Shipping, logistics, and tyre industry the release of capital buffers, the liquidity had decided to procure the electrical cable With exports, remittances, and tourist was mainly financed using T-bills. ICRA shares saw the largest gains for the quarter. levels (i.e. regulatory liquid assets to total requirements for CEB from local cable receipts falling to historical lows, the rupee Lanka estimates show total outstanding In addition, construction-related stocks such assets) showed a marginal increase. Some of manufacturers. was facing immense downward pressure government debt increasing by 12% to Rs. as cement and glass also gained. Increasing the loss-making licensed finance companies This has helped local cable manufacturers during the first half of the year. The CBSL 14.6 trillion during the 2020. Total public economic activities fuelled buying interest (LFCs) have been forced to shut down or to improve their profitability levels. In introduced import controls in March to curb debt is expected to have reached 97.4% of for energy, utilities, retail, and consumer adhere to the consolidation plan set out consumer durables, though affected forex outflows. In May, exports started to the GDP in 2020. product shares. In Q4, all GICS sectors by the CBSL, where they are obligated to during Q2, volumes improved due to recover and by June bounced back closer recorded gains, except bank and real estate merge with profitable LFCs. pent-up demand following the lockdown to the pre-crisis level driven by decent Price and wages shares. Transport sector shares recorded The biggest hit to revenues of the and demonstrated better-than-expected performance of tea and apparel exports. In Q2, unemployment fell to 5.4% from exceptional performance. NBFIs came as a result of the import ban resilience. The export sector, especially for The country achieved a trade surplus in 5.7%. This faster recovery in the labour on new vehicles set by the Government. perishable products such as horticulture, June amidst subdued import growth. Worker market was somewhat unanticipated, Financial sector But on the other hand, this has led to an tissue culture, and vegetables, has suffered remittances also made a recovery in May especially amid the dormant leisure sector. The financial sector was among the most increase in lending to the secondary vehicle from lower revenue growth. However, and June, surpassing the pre-crisis level. Wage growth continued to remain weak affected in 2020. Credit demand plummeted market. The rise in the value of existing export oriented manufacturing items such Throughout Q3, monthly exports remained throughout the 2H, with the exception at the onset of the pandemic and remained motor vehicles had a positive effect on as gloves, purifications, protective clothes, at around $ 1 billion led by the apparel of September, where the economy made subdued for two quarters. CBSL’s Covid the collateral position of these companies. etc. had a robust cash flow and performed sector and commercial crops. a slight recovery before being hit by response included a slew of measures to However, its effect has been curtailed by exceptionally well in 2020.

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this passport will allow people to travel to as ‘an element of safe mobility’.” or followed instructions provided by this package to Sri Lanka. JICA is the executing State banks... other countries without any quarantining “We already have safety protocols in consultant. As a result, they had to demolish agency for official development assistance In August 2020, then-Ministry of Energy measures. “This is not a VIP passport, you place, but we want to take another step to certain constructions they already completed. (ODA) of the Government of Japan Spokesman Dharma Wanninayake said: “The still have to follow the protocol, obtain a visa help restart travel as soon as the coronavirus In addition to this, some sort of polyethylene and is one of the largest contributors for CEB’s outstanding debt to the CPC is Rs. but this is only for people who don’t have situation allows for it,” Maroto said. sheets they bought for construction had development assistance in Sri Lanka. 93 billion. We have paid Rs. 48 billion of it, to do the quarantining; however, countries However, in a BBC interview of also expired and they informed us that they The project would be developed based on and the balance outstanding payment at the have to accept this. If the countries are not University of Oxford epidemiologist Prof need some time to import them again,” the concept of eco-airports with the utilisation moment is Rs. 45 billion. accepting that then that’s a different problem. Christopher Dye, he said that there are Hettiarachchi added. of Japanese advanced technology and This is a major relief to the CPC, to utilise At the moment not many countries are scientific issues around as for how long He added that even though the demolishing knowhow. In order to promote technology, that money and settle their pending payments accepting that, including Sri Lanka.” immunity lasts and whether vaccines will and rebuilding does not have a financial transfer, and economic co-operation between and undertake development activities.” While contacting the health officials, protect against new variants. impact on Sri Lanka, as the cost of the project Sri Lanka and Japan, JICA’s loan is provided However, Weerasooriya added, CPC is also Deputy Director General of Health Services “It’s difficult to say how long a vaccine is fixed, the delay in completing project under the Special Terms for Economic looking for overseas funding to overcome its Dr. Hemantha Herath said that a concrete passport should be valid for if it’s not known package B has weighed down the progress Partnership (STEP), with 0.1% p.a. interest debt situation. decision in this regard has not yet been taken: how long the protection conferred by the jabs of other expansion project packages at BIA, and a 40-year repayment period. “(I) have heard about this, however, as far as hang around for,” he said, and added that: which is going in parallel to package B. In March last year, the JICA office in Sri I know, the Ministry of Health has not yet had “He said the only vaccine currently mandated “We feel like this particular Japanese Lanka confirmed to us that the Sri Lankan Sri Lanka... a discussion.” for travel around the world is yellow fever company is not taking this project seriously, Government has been paying commitment According to Jayasuriya, this Attempts to clarify this statement proved - and there is only one type of vaccine as for them this project is like a ‘peanut’, charges every six months for eight years for implementation of this passport will vary futile, as the Director General of Health available, it’s highly effective, and confers given the history of their big infrastructure a loan agreement signed in 2012 with JICA. from one country to another, as each country Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena was lifelong protection. The Covid-19 vaccines projects globally,” Hettiarachchi further It has also been paying a front-end fee every will have different stance and Covid-19 unreachable with continuous meetings. are not currently in such a ‘comfortable’ noted. six months for another loan agreement with regulations. However, this decision in Sri As of now, countries such as Denmark, spot.” He stated that Minister of Tourism JICA signed in 2016. Both of these loans Lanka will depend after ensuring how much Greece, Estonia, and Spain are one of the Prasanna Ranatunga is planning to take up were obtained for the development of BIA, the Government is confident in guaranteeing main countries which have confirmed that this delay with the Japanese Government as Sri Lanka’s main airport. someone it is safe to travel around freely. this Covid-19 passport will be implemented JICA unlikely... Sri Lanka needs more time to make profit A commitment fee is a fee that is charged Further, speaking to us, the Hotels in the future. The most recent country to Speaking to us, Secretary to the Ministry out of the completed project to repay the loan by a lender from a borrower to compensate Association of Sri Lanka President Sanath announce this was Spain on 23 February of Tourism S. Hettiarachchi stated that the obtained for this project. the lender for keeping a credit line open. Ukwatte said that the Government will 2020. In The Local website of Spain, it project package B is already four months All our attempts to reach the Japanese The fee also secures a lender’s promise to implement Covid-19 passports after the said that: “Spanish Minister of Industry, behind the schedule, yet they have requestd Embassy in Sri Lanka for comment proved provide the credit line on the agreed terms at entire population has been vaccinated with Commerce and Tourism Reyes Maroto told the Ministry until August this year to futile. specific dates, regardless of the conditions of two doses: “The Government’s target is to journalists on Monday (22) in Castellón complete the project. According to a media spokesperson of the the financial markets. A front-end fee is paid vaccinate the entire population by August this (Valencia) that her Government plans to “What happened here was there was an Ministry of Tourism, the cost of package B is to a banker for setting up a transaction. It is year.” incorporate vaccine passports or certificates independent Sri Lankan consultant for this $ 6 billion and has been started in 2017. usually calculated as a percentage of the value Explaining the purpose, Ukwatte said that to the safe travel corridors they are planning, project. The contractor had not obeyed The loan agreement is JICA’s 45th loan of the loan. the sunday morning business 3 Sunday, February 28, 2021 INSIGHT/FINANCIALS

By Dhananath Fernando

Last week, the Central Bank announced all export proceeds should be brought into the country within 180 days of shipment. Additionally, they stated that all exporters should convert 25% of their foreign currency earnings to LKR from the invoice value upon entry into the country. This was brought in just a few weeks after they restricted forward purchasing for importers. With these two moves, Sri Lanka’s debt sustainability has come under the spotlight once again. Recent reports from Standard Chartered Bank and Barclays Bank have also contributed to the discussion. from the market by tightening the systems by allowing the interest It is clear that the Government rates to move upwards. That will and the Central Bank are looking slow down the economy. The at the problem differently to how Government’s current strategy investors, financial markets, and of buying their own Treasury other stakeholders perceive the Our depressing bills and bonds, in other words problem. Indeed both sides share printing money, will add constant their opinion with good intentions and excessive pressure on imports of overcoming the current turbulent through channels where the time. imports are open, though we have As per recent media reports and a import control policy. At the a press release by the Central Bank, same time, it is highly likely that their objective is to build non- the excess liquidity will convert to borrowed foreign reserves in order debt diagnosis credit with the economic recovery to meet our debt commitments. from Covid-19 and add pressure The Government is looking at z Sri Lanka must understand how it got here before getting out of here on inflation and cost of living. We the problem as a cash inflow- have to keep in mind that while outflow problem. Accordingly, the tourism, and remittances looks debating on how we can settle the understand that the USD inflow the USD earnings by exporters we build reserves by buying USD Government expects about $ 32-35 positive with the vaccination drive. debt and how we can keep our estimate of about $ 15 billion is within 180 days and to convert 25% from the market, we might have billion inflows, about $ 15 billion On the other hand, investors and noses above the water. But we not owned by the Government upon shipment, it is likely that the to sell some of it again to keep the from exports, about another $ 7 other agencies are of the view that should not forget the reasons that but by the exporters, and so are exporters under invoice consider exchange rate stable. Changes in billion from remittances, and about reprofiling debt with International brought us to where we are today. our remittances. The same applies options to park their money in the exchange rate will affect our $ 1.5 billion from tourism, with Monetary Fund (IMF) support is the We borrowed beyond our capacity for the imports where importers offshore accounts, which will debt-to-GDP ratio. foreign direct investments (FDIs) best solution at hand as our foreign at high interest rates and invested in have to have money from the further erode our inflows. It is true the sovereign nations and other transfers, etc. filling the reserves are eroding faster than projects which generate returns far market to import the basics such as At the same time the regulation have the legitimate power to balance. expected. They see the problem as less than our payment capacity. In fuel, pharmaceuticals, etc. In this will impact some exporters who print money, but ultimately On the outflow side, the a solvency problem rather than a other words, we borrowed at market context, to build up the reserves, run on thin margins who have a what consecutive governments Government expects about $ 19 cash flow problem; that we need rate and invested in non-tradable the Government has to buy USD portion of imports in their exports. consumed by taking debt has to billion for imports and sovereign to buy time to bounce back with a goods which did not generate any from the market and that is how On the other hand, the companies be paid in real terms by earning it bond payments are about $ 2 billion lesser impact on the entire economy. tradable return necessary to repay the Government can capture the who have USD commitments and real value, and there is no shortcut every year, so the debt can easily It’s not that all reserves are liquid a part of the debt. Since we have USD available in the market from agreements with other companies for it. Very importantly, while the be served without any problem as some reserves are in gold and failed to avoid the causes of the exporters. now have to face extra pressure debate is on as to what route we according to the reports. It further some IMF commitments and swap problem, now we have to pick the o do that, the incentive structures and loss on conversions due to this need to take, we should not forget states that total sovereign bonds are commitments are already included best possible escape route from the have to be there for exporters to sell regulation. the reason that brought us here. about $ 15 billion which is about in the available reserves of about problem. more USD rather than save USD. In my view, the sovereign debt (The writer is the Chief 17% of total debt, and none of $ 5 billion. The question from the Secondly, in my view, we have to Currently, the interest rates for problem has a broader dimension Operating Officer of Advocata the other creditors have made any investors is: “If the cash flow is estimate the extent to which we can USD are higher than interest rates beyond just calculating cash flow. Institute. He can be contacted concern over our debt sustainability. smooth, why does it continue to build up reserves by buying USD for LKR accounts, so expecting a Because the Government owns via [email protected]. Recently, the Governor made erode the reserves which are now at from the market given the current currency depreciation, the market the debt and because the USD The opinions expressed are remarks that the Central Bank buys a historic low?” In this context we policy stance. The Government perception is more skewed towards cash flow is owned by private the author’s own views. They about $ 10 million per day to build have to evaluate what we should do has committed to a policy to keep keeping their money in USD businesses and individuals, may not necessarily reflect the up reserves so we can cover all debt and what is possible to do. the interest rates unchanged and form. To overcome that incentive the Government requires a views of the Advocata Institute commitments. According to his Let’s get into the basics. In the keep the exchange rate to USD discrepancy, when the Government mechanism to capture it either by or anyone affiliated with the view, the outlook on exports, FDIs, debt discussion, we have all been in the Rs. 185 range. We need to imposes a regulation to procure taxation or mopping up the liquidy institute)

Ceylinco Life SL firm in external debt obligations Regardless of concerns raised by economists ask us as to why we don’t want to access the income from the tourism industry amounted and the Opposition on Sri Lanka’s upcoming IMF. It’s not like we have anything against the to $ 4.5 billion, and it was stated that the records income of external debt obligations against the backdrop IMF, I know how to deal with the IMF because incentive for tourism for the present year is of a diminishing reserve, the Government we did access it in 2007 and 2008, the time I only 1/3 of that amount. firmly says it can meet the obligations through was the governor,” Cabraal declared. In addition to this; IT, BPO, transportation, Rs. 36.98 b in 2020 foreign inflows, export income, and taxes. “We had the largest ever facility where and consultancies will be promoted and Ceylinco Life has Of the current Sri Lankan debt of $ 68 Sri Lanka had obtained $ 2.6 billion dollars carefully managed to achieve the target of $ achieved consolidated billion, sovereign bonds were reported to which we took and repaid as well. But, at that 6.1 billion. income of Rs 36.98 be 17%, which amounts to $ 14 billion, time it was necessary because we had certain Furthermore, it was reported that work billion for the financial the Ministry of Finance revealed in a press reasons based on which we went for the remittances are planned to be increased and year (FY) 2020. This top conference held yesterday (25) at the Ministry. IMF at that time. Now those reasons are not promoted as well. The Ministry stated that line growth of 15.2% was “This was the only area where there were there anymore. We need to now find ways to foreign employees were asked to surrender made possible by Gross some discussions in agencies as well as increase the foreign exchange inflows into the 10% to the CBSL to the inflows reserves. Written Premium Income international forums, at which time we hear country and that is the way we can do this in a The target for this foreign inflow amounted of Rs. 22.07 billion for regularly from different investment groups very sustainable manner,” Cabraal added. to $ 8 billion, which is reported to be $ 1 the 12 months ending regarding the certain regulations that they In addition to this, the Ministry of Finance billion higher than last year. 31 December 2020 – an have, but we have responded to those by highlighted discussions with CBSL to Also, as a measure taken to promote work increase of 17.9% over Ceylinco Life Chairman R. Renganathan (left) and making payments exactly on time,” State declare that both parties are confident that remittances, the Ministry is working with the 2019 – and investment Managing Director/CEO Thushara Ranasinghe Minister of Money and Capital Market and the necessary forex inflows can be generated foreign employment bureau to promote the and other income of Rs. The company’s total to the shareholders’ State Enterprise Reforms Ajith Nivard Cabraal within the economy. high end markets of skilled workers in order 14.9 billion, which was assets grew by Rs. 17.6 fund in respect of the 12 commented. Moreover, Cabraal continued to mention that to enhance their knowledge for them to work up 11.3%, Sri Lanka’s billion over the year at months, increasing the “Sri Lanka has not defaulted one cent at any both parties are also working on different areas in high-income countries for a better pay. life insurance leader a monthly average of shareholder fund to Rs. time and I want to make that clear to everyone to generate and increase these inflows. Furthermore, interest and financial inflows reports. more than Rs. 1.4 billion 38.1 billion at the end of that Sri Lanka will honor its debts,” Cabraal The Ministry illustrated the assessment of from world and other banks were also The growth in life to cross the milestone the year. added. inflows to depict how Sri Lanka is going to flowing into the country. In addition to this, insurance business of Rs. 150 billion at the The company posted The Minister also highlighted that the generate enough inflows and income to settle the rollover of sri lanka development bonds resulted in Ceylinco Life end of the year, while profit before tax (PAT) Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank its debt obligations in the following years. inflows into the finance sector due to the retaining its position its investment portfolio of Rs. 8.77 billion for of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has taken measures The total assessment of inflows included conservation program. as the market leader recorded an increase of FY 2020, reflecting an on restricting imports to conserve foreign a figure of $ 32 billion. Furthermore, Also, foreign direct investments in in Sri Lanka’s life 14.36% in value over increase of 6.75% over currency in order to pay the debts on time. merchandising exports were said to make up pharmaceutical industry, port city, and insurance sector for the 12 months to reach the previous year. Net Thus, the Ministry stated that Sri Lanka $ 30 million out of this figure. Also, it was Hambanthota will also be promoted to the 17th consecutive Rs. 133.7 billion as of 31 profit after tax for FY should be taken as an example in its debt mentioned that merchandising exports were achieve a target of $ 4.9 billion. year, according to the December 2020. 2020 was Rs. 6.93 billion paying capacity. Furthermore, it was also planning to shift its focus on boat building, “This amounts to $ 32 billion as the total company. “We attribute our and reflected an increase stated that most of the general public might minerals, and gem exports. inflow that we are planning to have this year. Ceylinco Life paid strong top line growth to of 3.93% over the not understand the philosophy on Government In addition to this, the Ministry If we have $ 32 billion dollars coming in, we Rs. 12.2 billion in net the company’s agile and previous year. decisions to pay the debts on time. However, highlighted that the particular exports of can very comfortably repay all the debts that claims and benefits to speedy acclimatisation to Ceylinco Life’s basic the Ministry hoped that its statements would gems and jewelers were understated. As are all in due and we would be doing that on policyholders for the the so-called new normal earnings per share for nullify allegations and clear doubts. the previous export income of gems and that basis,” Cabraal stated. year under review, an environment thrust the year amounted to Rs. The Ministry of Finance made a firm jewelers amounted to $ 300 million, the “There will be several ways in which increase of 15.7% over upon us by the global 138.68, while net assets statement highlighting that the CBSL and the Ministry reported to have removed all Gem money will flow into the country and we are the preceding year, and pandemic,” Ceylinco Life value per share stood Ministry itself are planning on meeting the Export taxes and had discussions with gem monitoring that very carefully, to ensure that transferred Rs. 9.42 Managing Director/CEO at Rs. 762.90 as of 31 country’s debt obligations through foreign trade to promote this product to achieve the will happen,” Cabraal added. billion to its life fund, Thushara Ranasinghe December 2020. Return inflows, export income, and taxes, and clearly incentive of $ 1 billion. The Ministry of Finance also mentioned which grew by 10.94% said. on assets for the year mentioned that Sri Lanka will not be accessing The Ministry has also reportedly worked the incentive of coming to a SWAP to Rs. 106.74 billion as of Ceylinco Life was 4.60% and return on the International Monetary Fund. to increase services in tourism and promote agreement with China as a source of 31 December 2020. transferred Rs. 4.1 billion equity 18.18%. “There are various instances where people the industry as well. In 2018, the reported emergency funds. 4 the sunday morning business EDITORIAL/PHARMA Sunday, February 28, 2021

As March approaches, the commercialised opportunities to celebrate women have risen, as brands and a smattering of organisations prepare to mark International Women’s ‘Roses and ribbons Day (IWD). While it’s great that women are celebrated on the day, many of Sri Lanka’s celebrations themselves are far removed from the renderedmust acknowledge that while we are in the handsredundant’ of men. Only a standard than they do men, and of Are we even beginning to educate activist foundations of IWD celebrate IWD, so many of our own minority of women occupy senior treating the ones with potential as our boys on how they can be part as a movement centred on citizens don’t even have access to executive seats and board seats, competition instead of comrades. It of the solution? Are we telling creating gender parity and basic rights and social protections, and of those, plenty reek of token is only by getting more women to enough women that demanding a ending discrimination against safety from violence, or the representation. It’s not that women the pinnacles of achievements and level-playing field is well within women by demanding civic opportunity to better their lot. should demand quotas, instead they then making them speak up from their rights and their capacities? and economic rights. Going At corporate level, it is must demand the conditions that those platforms that a loud enough The trouble with the by how we now mark the important at least once a year for allow them to be equally suitable on voice can accelerate parity. commercialised hysteria of IWD day, it’s unlikely that many organisations to recognise that contribution and merit. Closing the gender gap is a mark in all its pink and pastel glory and are aware that the day wasn’t THE patriarchy thrives within their Then there is the case of the of development and progress; its preoccupation with stereotypes always about celebrating businesses and institutions, from woman achiever herself, who gender inequalities carry with them is that it does nothing to improve HEADLIGHT working conditions and pay gaps is admired and respected for real economic consequences that the complex and complicated womanhood, but about to discrimination against women achieving success in her profession affect countries and communities problems around balance and protesting and calling for shouldn’t just be about seminars on at the highest levels. The corporate and for breaking the glass ceiling. and indeed, men. Structural change respect in the treatment of women. action against the systemic women leadership, where a handful sector is nowhere near having frank While drawing attention to such takes time but it is questionable Instead of diluting it to symbolic conditions that treated of women are expected to offer conversations about equal pay for women’s effort is important in whether we are doing even an events and a generic celebration women as lesser beings. insights that distill a lifetime of their equal work; the claims on glossy setting role models for younger aorta of what it takes to address of accomplishments against a work to a given time slot. Instead, reports and PR material often hide girls, it is also important to the systemic problems that system, we must remember the IWD shouldn’t be about showing the real action should be to amplify the truth of the value our corporates mobilise the collective strength perpetuate the status quo. At a greater purpose of IWD – to raise off your women-centric product the conversations around the cause apportion to each worker. Even of these women to lift their most basic level, are we doing the issues around gender parity, lines, about saying thank you to of women’s rights to slowly instigate where such issues have been contemporaries up. It is a rare enough to empower our women to mobilise resources to address the girls in your workplace with vital structural changes that offer discussed, there is the hardly ever woman leader that does both; and girls to take a stand against the them, and to provide a platform for some flowers and cake, or about a better future for the generations raised issue of the gross imbalances they are guilty more often of grossly unfair share of domestic women’s collective voices to be pampering them with token gifts. It of women to come. Critically, we in how the highest bands of salaries holding other women to a higher responsibilities placed upon them? heard, all year round.

BY YAKUTA DAWOOD Seylan records Rs. 3 b PAT Sri Lanka has a history of over 45 years of experience in Can SL’s pharma Seylan Bank recorded a Impairment on Stage I and a 5% growth compared the pharmaceutical industry, Profit After Tax (PAT) of Rs. II also grew from Rs. 103 to December 2019 to from production to importation 3 billion for the year ended million to Rs. 628 million stand at Rs. 409.3 billion of drugs from other other 31 December 2020. and reversal of Rs. 246 as at December 2020. countries. However, in the Interest income of the million to a charge of Rs. Disbursement of loans backdrop of the Covid-19 sector go global? bank stood at Rs. 52.3 359 million, respectively. under the Saubhagya pandemic, we need to look billion while interest Simultaneously, impairment Scheme to help the at future opportunities Sri z The factors involved in taking the industry forward expenses stood at Rs. 32.8 on other financial pandemic-affected Lanka will have with regard billion reflecting a Net instruments and assets also businesses was a key to increasing manufacturing, high concentration, etc.” Interest Income (NII) of Rs. went up by Rs. 290 million, focus and accounted for a and also expansion to the The third factor is traditional 19.5 billion with an annual mainly due to downgrading significant component of international market. Chinese medicine. “We also do growth of 4.6% in the year of the credit rating attributed the new loans disbursed. Delivering the opening have a very vibrant indigenous under review. to foreign currency bond Managing asset remark at a webinar held on 25 ayurvedic medicine industry, The main contributor holdings. The overall quality in the prevailing February on the topic “Pharma which is very well reputed in for NII was the loans and impairment improved the economic climate was a manufacturing opportunities the world, but we haven’t really advances portfolio that provision cover ratio to key challenge, as this had in Sri Lanka”, Board of taken advantage of it. You need generated interest income 43.68% as of 31 December to be accomplished while Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) to create that ecosystem, not of Rs. 41.7 billion during 2020. assisting customers to Chairman Sanjaya Mohottala just for Western medicine, but the year whilst the Treasury Total operating expenses sustain their businesses said that the Foreign Direct that on traditional medicine, operations generated of the bank slightly amidst the unprecedented Investment of Sri Lanka is at which can give you at least $ Rs. 8.5 billion in interest increased by 1.40% negative impact of the $ 4,000 per capita of Gross 1-2 billion minimum export income. Interest expenses compared to FY2019. pandemic on businesses. Domestic Product (GDP). capacity in five to six years.” on deposits stood at Rs. 27.8 Establishment expenses The difficult external However, BOI is looking at billion recording a decline reduced marginally from factors contributed to about $ 8,000 in about 10 years, What’s next? from Rs. 30.7 billion from Rs. 6.0 billion recorded a deterioration of the which would require sustaining Moving forward, the country the previous year. Deposits in FY2019 to Rs. 5.9 portfolio quality with a growth rate of 5-6 % year on must look at the export of that were re-priced during billion in FY2020. This the Gross NPL (non- year. pharmaceutical products in the the year helped the bank to was mainly driven by performing loan) ratio “The only way you can do export market. According to reduce its funding cost. selective investments made increasing to 6.43% from that is not just by doing more Ratwatte, Sri Lanka has to find Net Interest Margin (NIM) on prioritised projects 5.76% in 2019. apparel, or more tea, or more applications, with the level of supply to the local market will its own space in this industry. of the bank declined to and cost containment Total deposit base of rubber, but really thinking about analysis required, in developing be given certification within “We can’t compete with 3.95% against 4.20% initiatives adopted during the bank grew by Rs. 39.6 building industry verticals that the R&D sector.” He added: the context of Sri Lanka, which well-established countries reported in FY2019, as the year. The bank’s billion to Rs. 440.3 billion, really matter to the country over “We just need to guide that will be handled by a particular like India and China, as they the loan book repriced at a continuous commitment a 9.87% increase compared a period of time,” Mohattala talent pool in the right direction committee of policymakers and are already in the large scale faster rate than the deposits. to improve processes and to the previous year mainly said. and make sure that some drug regulators chaired by the markets; hence we have to find This also offset the positive workflows via business delivered by the internal vocational training is given, BOI, Export Development our own space specially.” impact from the growth in process reengineering, campaign “Heroes of What’s special in Sri Lanka? with which they can compete Board (EDB), and the National Sri Lanka also has traditional low-cost deposits. automating repetitive tasks, Heart” launched in 2020. Pharmaceutical plants are anywhere across the world.” Medicines Regulatory knowledge in terms of Net Fee and Commission and improving digitising Further, the bank’s Current available in Sri Lanka, and According to Ratwatte, there Authority (NMRA). therapeutics, and some of the Income reduced to Rs. systems and channels Account and Savings they maintain production for is space to expand in the next Adding to this, Mohottala modern therapeutic methods 3.7 billion from Rs. 4.2 together with ongoing cost- Account (CASA) base the benefit of the country. four to five years to come, as said that Sri Lanka has always actually originated from billion, recording a year- saving initiatives contributed grew to Rs. 145.4 billion, According to Mohattala, there are huge opportunities allowed foreign ownership, these. Hence, Sri Lanka has a on-year (YoY) contraction to this reduction. achieving a notable growth there are opportunities in this in terms of partnering with and there is no change for huge opportunity to combine of 11.89%. The reduction The bank’s cost-to-income of 28% which improved the industry in Sri Lanka. In terms Sri lankan companies to be pharmaceuticals as well. traditional knowledge with the was mainly due to the ratio which stood at 50.3% CASA ratio to 33% as of of production, there is the State able to manufacture products “Local entities can be 100% current practices coming up in lower volume of foreign as at the end of 2020 has December 20. Pharmaceutical Corporation’s for exports through a contract foreign owned.” pharmaceutical industries, to trade-related activities and decreased when compared The bank maintains a facility in Kandy, which has manufacturing basis for aspects Further, in terms of BOI’s develop new inventions. banking operations by to FY2019. sound capital adequacy the capacity to produce the such as R&D, packing, etc. role in welcoming FDIs “Covid-19 has actually businesses, retailers, etc. Value Added Tax (VAT) ratio despite the growth of entire local market demand in “New companies that into the country, it plays a given us a good example The total operating on financial services the risk weighted assets. three months, and another in are coming up and already regulatory role in enabling – prevention is better than income growth of 4.36% reduced by 5.73% in The bank’s Common Hambantota. operating are focusing mainly companies to set up, provide cure. I think Sri Lanka has a was predominantly aided by alignment to the bank’s Equity Tier 1 (CET 1) Secondly, there is the talent on buybacks, and buying electricity, water, and all huge amount of space to fit Treasury trading activities, performance despite the Capital Ratio and Total Tier pool available in Sri Lanka. currently to meet the local necessities, and also facilitating into. We can actually change which improved from a loss increase in personnel cost by 1 Capital Ratio recorded as “We have a vibrant set of need, but the next phase for a one-stop shop. the dynamics in this market of Rs. 497 million in 2019 to 4.82%. The Nation Building 11.46% and Total Capital universities and a lot of our them is to be able to export,” environment,” Ratwatte added. a gain of Rs. 348 million in Tax (NBT) and the Debt Ratio recorded 14.30% as pharmacists work in Singapore, he stated. What’s missing? Adding to this FY2020. Repayment Levy (DRL) that at December 2020. which is also at capacity on Sri Lanka also has the Despite how lucrative it subject, Mohottala noted Further, net gains reported were in 2019 were abolished The bank maintained its certain drug manufacturing, opportunity to cater to the seems, the pharmaceutical that Hambantota is expected from derecognition of during 2019, reflecting liquidity position above where we would probably need for high-end products. industry does also have several to be an export industry in financial assets increased a positive change to the the required minimum have the high end of the Explaining this scenario, disadvantages. In referring future. “The plants to be built to Rs. 782 million from Rs. income statement. Income ratios, during the year manufacturing.” Ratwatte noted that the to Mohattala’s speech, it is in Hambantota, we expect 320 million from FY2019 tax expenses stood at Rs. 1.3 under review. The Statutory Commenting on this production of high-end, important to take some things to be globally competitive. sustained the operating billion which reduced to Rs. Liquid Asset Ratio topic, National Chamber of affordable products is where into consideration. According All the common facilities income growth and other 1.1 billion due to subsequent (SLAR) for the Domestic Pharmaceutical Manufacturers we should focus on combining to him, Sri Lanka has less needed are available, as well operating income reduced elimination of temporary Banking Unit and the Sri Lanka Exco Member and our traditional pharmaceutical advantages in comparison to as tax incentives to bring the by Rs. 600 million mainly differences in deferred tax. Foreign Banking Unit were Seregen (Pvt.) Ltd. Managing industry with new industries other developing countries such cost down, they are next to a due to contraction of trade- Overall, the bank maintained at 31.31% and Director Dr. Hiran Ratwatte that are currently developing. as Pakistan and Bangladesh, airport where you can do sea related activities during the recorded a Profit Before 22.47%, respectively as of said that Sri Lanka has great as they had an early start in the air logistics, and it’s a country year. Tax (PBT) of Rs. 4.1 billion December 20. opportunities, especially with Opportunities offered pharmaceutical sector, and as through which you can actually The bank recorded an against Rs. 5.10 billion in The Return on Equity the positive initiative and to FDIs well as other reasons. work across Pakistan, India, impairment charge of Rs. FY2019, demonstrating a (ROE) stood at 6.43% commitment taken by the Firstly, they were less and Bangladesh.” 6.9 billion against Rs. 3.9 19.37% decline. Similarly, for the year under review, Government, which is creating Firstly, Sri Lanka offers developed compared to us in To conclude, the billion reported in 2019 PAT was Rs. 3.0 billion compared to 9.29% public-private partnership companies investing more than terms of GDP per capita, so Government and the private with a growth of 80%. against Rs. 3.6 billion recorded in 2019. The arrangements and providing the $ 10 million eligibility for a they had certain advantages sector can collaborate to Impairment charges for reported in FY2019. This Return (after tax) on backing of ministries, as well tax break for about 10 years in terms of developing drugs, heighten Sri Lanka’s role in Stage III advances increased reflected a YoY reduction Average Assets (ROAA) as due to the availability of and discounted tax rates. “If which we don’t have. the global pharmaceutical from Rs. 3.9 billion to of 18.18%. recorded as 0.56% in 2020. buyback agreements. it is a large company, we will Secondly, they implemented industry, rather than competing Rs. 5.7 billion during the The bank achieved Rs. Earnings per Share (EPS) Adding to Mohottala’s consider them as a strategic measures for supply chain with existing generic market year due to the impact of 557 billion in total assets in 2020 stood at Rs. 5.82, statement, Ratwatte highlighted project, and much higher resilience and diversification. players on price points. the Covid-19 pandemic as of 31 December 2020, a reduction compared to the talent pool availability in and larger tax breaks are also For example, in terms of Hence, Sri Lanka has to look on businesses. Further, a 8.02% growth compared the Rs. 8.70 recorded in the country. “There is a huge offered, depending on the APIs (Active Pharmaceutical towards a more niche, more businesses that were to the 31 December the previous financial year, number of people; for example, quantum of the investment.” Ingredients), he said: “70% of technological, innovation- identified as risk elevated 2019. Overall, the bank’s while net assets value of we advertised two positions Secondly, any company that the APIS are manufactured in based, R&D-based approach to industries too contributed to gross loans grew by Rs. share recorded at Rs. 94.71 at work, and we received 120 comes in for the certification to either India or China, both with building the industry. the increase in impairment. 19.3 billion, recording (group Rs. 98.20). the sunday morning business 5 Sunday, February 28, 2021 TECH/SME

By Chrishan Improving WFH experience de Mel

For those in the tech industry, the work from home (WFH) setup is here to with productivity tools stay. While we may have a hybrid model in the future as are done. In addition to the for anyone. There was a time when pay off. As a leader, you must this most useful for tasks outside The best tools are the more people are vaccinated, main sessions, Miro helped me I lived and breathed Microsoft model this behaviour so others of your core role that tend to get I see a significant percentage organise a virtual scavenger hunt Project but the Airtable experience can follow. I remember how the postponed – like writing an article ones you use of employees will continue and energisers with a lot more was easier and provided us a free, CEO of a company I worked for on useful collaborative tools! There The best productivity or to work from home. So here engagement, despite each of us simple platform to drive activities in the past used to question when are inbuilt reports on productivity collaboration tools are the ones are some productivity and being physically separate. We used to closure. any editable content was shared as and interruptions available to that you use! For personal use, it collaboration and tools that Microsoft Teams where groups attachments on email. Over time, analyse your work patterns as well. requires some initial learning to have helped me stay focused had their own voice calls during Asana/Trello for the organisation takes the cue and become familiar with the tool and while working from home. the breakouts and then reflected collaboration as a team adapts. This will result in hundreds XMind to structure your the discipline to make it part of This is not an exhaustive their updates on designated areas of hours being saved in the long run. thoughts your routine. For groups, again list or a paid promotion but in Miro. The free version is quite Asana and Trello are both very I remember how the CEO of it requires adoption and regular adequate for smaller groups to comprehensive collaboration I have been using this free updates by everyone to keep it simply a collection of tools a company I worked for in collaborate. tools. Asana is useful for teams the past used to question mind mapping tool for over ten current. that I have found useful. If to collaborate on tasks if you do years as well. Simple to learn These tools will help you a particular tool does not We used Microsoft Teams when any editable content where groups had their not have an alternate platform like and use, it gives you a canvas to improve productivity, engagement work for you, simply search was shared as attachments own voice calls during the Teams. Trello is more versatile to on email. Over time, the organise your thoughts, whether and collaboration when working for ‘alternatives to using’ and breakouts and then reflected track higher-level items like action organisation takes the cue it is for an article, presentation, remotely. give the name of the tool their updates on designated items from meetings coupled and adapts or brainstorming exercise with (The writer is the Chief to discover other options. areas in Miro. The free version with tags that let you filter across your team. It’s equally helpful for Marketing and Corporate Affairs Let me start with the is quite adequate for smaller departments and priorities. For any KanbanFlow to maintain students to create an outline for Officer at 99x and spearheads collaboration tools first. groups to collaborate tool used by a group, there must your focus assignments and get to a state of marketing activities while be consensus to adopt it and for flow. While there are dozens of supporting business development Miro to host virtual Airtable for project everyone to post their updates to This is a free productivity tool popular mind mapping tools out and customer success initiatives. management keep it current. for personal use. I have used it there, XMind continues to be my He is an accomplished workshops for almost 10 years, and it allows favourite. practitioner with over 25 years of Miro is my favourite “find” One of my team members Google Suite to improve you to organise your activities experience in the tech industry of the pandemic. Miro helps identified this tool and it became productivity in a Kanban board with columns Swipes to organise and with complementary roles in you facilitate virtual workshops a hit when we used it to organise for your backlog, today’s tasks, track tasks programme management and where participants can contribute, the tasks on a rebranding project I believe we hardly tap into the in progress tasks and those corporate consulting. Prior to observe progress, and collaborate last year. We had over 200 tasks power and functionality within completed. Swipes (available for iOS) is joining 99x, he was employed on each other’s work. This is that needed to be coordinated and Sheets, Docs, Slides, Forms and The highlight is the integrated a free tool that I have used since as the Executive Director of much more engaging than a shared tracked leading to the launch. other free tools Google provides. pomodoro technique which forces 2019 for personal reminders. It has SLASSCOM. His industry presentation or basic whiteboard. Airtable provided the flexibility At a minimum, move into a you to focus on a 25-minute chunk a very simple, engaging interface – experience includes banking and Last November, I had to facilitate to organise and tag activities model where you share links for of work, followed by a five-minute just add a task, set a date, time and financial services and global IT a two-day “virtual WFH offsite” at by owner, area, status, level of collaboration instead of mailing break. Simply create the task, it will pop-up on your reminders. It services with organisations such 99x. In any offsite, we remember importance, lead time and add the actual document back and forth activate the pomodoro timer and has convenient options that lets you as Virtusa, Societe Generale the team-building and bonding attachments in a user interface that with edits. While this requires keep at it until it gets done. While I postpone a task to a time slot when [SOCGEN] Nations Trust Bank times long after the main sessions was simple to navigate and update some discipline initially, it does do not use this for every task, I find you would like to get it done. and Union Bank of Colombo)

BY THE SUNDAY MORNING BUSINESS DESK TOURISM RECOVERY Guidebook for SMEs” where all safety guidelines and health Small and medium-sized protocols of Sri Lanka Tourism are enterprises (SMEs) are an integral mentioned. part of any economy, and the Sri GIZ Sri Lanka also developed Lankan economy is no exception. short video clips to cover the SMEs, when taken together with SMEs to see light at contents of the “Sri Lanka Tourism microenterprises, contribute to Operational Guideline”, which about 52% of the country’s gross will enable SMEs to be safe domestic product (GDP), and and organise their operations to according to the National Human function under the new normal. Resources and Employment Policy To further benefit the SMEs, a of Sri Lanka, they account for the end of the tunnel series of pandemic preparedness about 80% of all businesses. programmes were conducted with Tourism is one of the key sectors What were the barriers, the support of S4IG Australia to which accommodates thousands according to you, that stopped cover five districts: Polonnaruwa, of local SMEs and the third them from registering with Anuradhapura, Batticaloa, largest foreign income earner in SLTDA? Trincomalee, and Ampara. These Sri Lanka. During the last decade, I could give three main programmes were especially there has been unprecedented barriers which might have designed for SMEs to train and growth in the industry, especially prevented them from registering assist them to better manage new after the end of the civil war in with SLTDA: Complex and normal tourism operations, and 2009. The sector has contributed cumbersome guidelines, financial we are happy to announce that we more than $ 2,980 million to the constraints, and time-consuming have successfully empowered over economy, second only to foreign documentation. 772 people in the process. remittances and the textiles and garments industry. What measures has SLTDA Are they eligible for the ‘Safe However, tourism is also one taken under your leadership to and Secure’ certification offered of the worst-affected sectors from overcome these barriers? by Sri Lanka Tourism? Covid-19 and is yet to witness Being sensitive to the above Yes, indeed. We offered the Safe a significant recovery from the barriers SMEs face, we adopted and Secure certification free of pandemic that shook the world a four-pillar framework to charge for them where the cost is last year – and still continue to do encourage SMEs to register with being borne by Sri Lanka Tourism so. Regardless of the concessions SLTDA, so they can be a part of as a means to assist them further. and assistance provided to those the formal tourism sector of Sri On average, about one-third of the engaged in tourism-related Lanka. Safe and Secure-certified hotels/ businesses prior to the pandemic, accommodation places represent these businesses are still SMEs. financially struggling as they try to find alternative ways to make a Industry representation and Any future initiatives to living. engagement was expanded empower the SMEs of the To discuss further about the to include 52 associations tourism sector in Sri Lanka? impact on SMEs as well as which were previously limited Micro, small, and medium- the measures that were taken to a handful, which I think sized enterprises (MSMEs) are so far and will be taken in the ensures a stronger voice and the building blocks of the tourism near future to support SMEs of representation for the SMEs of industry in Sri Lanka, and they the tourism sector, The Sunday the tourism industry represent the largest segment. Morning Business caught up with However, they were neglected in Sri Lanka Tourism Development the past as they had no or limited Authority (SLTDA) Chairperson The four-pillar framework representation in the decision- Kimarli Fernando for an exclusive includes (i) making the registration making or strategy-making process interview. process 100% online, (ii) creating of the industry. Following are excerpts of the more flexible guidelines, (iii) This needs to be corrected and interview. streamlining the documentation we are working very hard for it. process, and (iv) granting I’m also happy to inform you Could you brief us on the SMEs provisional registrations. I’m that industry representation and in the tourism sector in Sri pleased to announce that this has engagement was expanded to Lanka? resulted in a record increase of SLTDA Chairman Kimarli Fernando include 52 associations which were SMEs play a significant role in 38% of SME registrations in 2020 can be part of the grants, relief promote and create awareness previously limited to a handful, our country’s economy as well as compared to 2019. packages, and concessions on the potential opportunities, which I think ensures a stronger in the tourism industry, where they To encourage more SMEs in provided by us and they can also especially for women As part of the registration voice and representation for the make up 60% of the total industry, the formal sector, we also gave be a part of industry forums where entrepreneurs in the region who are facilitation process, Sri Lanka SMEs of the tourism industry. which includes small-scale hotels, a generous incentive scheme policy-level discussions are held benefited through homestays. Tourism conducted mobile Sri Lanka Tourism will guesthouses, homestays, wellness where the registration costs with all stakeholder associations. Currently, this has given services in January 2020 continue to support, engage, and centres, cafes, guides, tourist were considerably lowered. way to 170 women homestay in Ella and Hapulate to empower SMEs through means drivers, and small-scale tourist Previously, the initial payment What are the initiatives taken entrepreneurs while empowering further encourage SMEs to of technical, financial, and other shops, to name a few. for registration was Rs. 10,000, to create awareness about these them and their communities register. These drives promote facilitations to push them for However, until recently, SMEs which was lowered for homestay, measures? economically. and create awareness on the growth and thereby to enhance remained as a part of the informal bungalow, and travel agencies to As part of the registration potential opportunities the strategic contribution to the sector of the industry, where they Rs. 1,100 and hotels, guesthouses, facilitation process, Sri Lanka Now that Sri Lanka is open national economy. neither were encouraged nor had restaurants, and spa and wellness Tourism conducted mobile for international tourists, what We cordially invite the SME the opportunity to register to avail centres to Rs. 2,200 for provisional services in January 2020 in Ella are the supportive measures In preparation, we requested sector to register with Sri Lanka facilities offered by Sri Lanka registrations. and Hapulate to further encourage extended to SMEs for operating the assistance of GIZ Sri Lanka to Tourism and be a part of the formal Tourism. Furthermore, registered SMEs SMEs to register. These drives during the pandemic? develop and publish a “Practical tourism sector of Sri Lanka. 6 the sunday morning business ECONOMY Sunday, February 28, 2021

BY ECONSULT ASIA’S DR. KENNETH DE ZILWA AND BODH MAATHURA An article titled, “Sri Lanka’s bonds tumble as default worries mount” was published in the Daily FT on 10 February 2021. The article states: “Sri Lanka’s bonds due for repayment between 2022 and 2028 fell around 2 cents on the dollar, leaving those maturing beyond 2025 at roughly 60 cents at 40% below face value.” The author claims that the 9 February 2021 fall in government bond Source: Refinitiv Source: Refinitiv price was due to “rising default fears”. The following were stated as the reasoning behind the rise in default fears. yy A $ 4.3 billion debt repayment for 2021 yy Foreign currency reserves of $ 5.2 billion (December 2020) yy A $ 400 million currency SWAP line by India The following predicaments will have to be addressed by Sri Lanka in 2021, but may not necessarily be a reason for an investor to fear that a country will Source: Source: be in “default”. When considering the Central Bank of Sri Lanka debt repayment in the context of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka macroeconomic position of Sri Lanka, we see no need to worry about a default. So, a to curtail the foreign currency leakages claim that there was a bond selloff due to created by excessive import dependency default fears remains unsubstantiated and and by doing so, has given this revenue completely unfounded. opportunity to the local industries. Through these structural adjustment Breaking away from the Default fear policies, the country has been able to turn default frenzy its perianal current account deficit into a surplus in 2020 and will continue down To better understand the claim, you must this path in 2021 too. be better informed on how an International It is highly likely with the current Sovereign Bond (ISB), or any bond for incentives laid out for the export that matter, is priced, and the context of industries, that merchandise export the market behaviour when the price drops struck by a bond revenue for the year 2021 will surpass the are observed. Bonds are fixed income export revenue of $ 11.9 billion observed securities, as it has a fixed coupon or in 2019. Therefore, it is imperative that interest that is paid either semi-annually the import rationalisation policy continues or annually. Hence the term fixed income if Sri Lanka is to come out of this abyss; securities. These securities are paid in full and emphasis placed on curtailing non- at maturity by the issuer (in this case, the price drop? essentials, such as vehicles, consumer Government of Sri Lanka [GoSL]) at its goods (most furniture, electronics), and face value, most often in denominations the current market yield is higher than that Sri Lanka has chronic external is skewed towards more long-term debt food (fish, dairy, wheat/maze, etc.) items of $ 100 or $ 1,000. Once the bond is the coupon rate, the bond will trade at resource issues that should be resolved than short-term, which is an encouraging that can be produced with in the island issued, the market discounts these fixed a discounted price, while if the yield is without delay and which is being development that has been overlooked will decline the merchandise import cash flows at the prevailing US interest below the coupon rate, the bond is priced addressed for the first time, by import by the “default theorist” (Graph 3). In expense a great margin below the 2019 rate curve, i.e. yield curve. The yield curve with a premium. rationalisation and stimulation of export fact, looking at the short-term debt as a level of $ 19.3 billion. The 2020 trade also factors market credit sentiments in promotion activity. What is alarming percentage to external reserves would deficit of $ 6 billion will be maintained order to arrive at the current price of the Let the bonds speak for themselves is that despite numerous instances indicate that the worst period was through 2021 as projected in Table 1. bond or the value of the bond; similar to Historic Sri Lankan Treasury bond where previous governments have witnessed in 2016 and 2017, with the ratio The extent to which earnings from the calculation of Net Present Value of a prices have been plotted on Graph 1. sought assistance from the International reaching a high of 142% and 151% in Q2 tourism will recover remains uncertain. projects cash flow. The data indicates that since the fall in Monetary Fund (IMF) in the form of of 2016 and Q1 of 2017, at which point However, with the borders open and mass Therefore, to understand whether Sri bond prices observed in March 2020, structural adjustment programmes and no rating agency had concerns. In other vaccination underway, a conservative Lanka would be in a position to meet debt prices are yet to normalise. The price standby arrangement facilities as a mere words, short-term debt was a much more estimate of $ 1 billion can be expected repayments for the year 2021 requires a drop on 9 February remains within this stop gap arrangement to address the serious problem than what it is now, as the for the year 2021. This decline will be deep dive into the national cash flows as volatile range and cannot be considered a deteriorating Balance of Payments and ratio is currently at 112%. See Graph 4. balanced off by the decline in outward well as the current state of the economy. “huge selloff” per se, as suggested by the to stem the outflow of foreign currency, The likelihood of default? flow of money through tourism, which is $ Let us first understand how a bond is Reuters article and other such misleading nothing material has been done to address None. 1.6 billion per annum. priced, and then move into cash flows. publications. The reason for the drop in the burgeoning trade deficit and enhance The island inherited a highly leveraged What is alarming is that despite the bond price is twofold. Firstly, it was domestic industrial competitiveness. This balance sheet and continues to be faced How are bonds priced? numerous instances where previous due to the credit ratings play which was is the root cause of one of the so-called with a debt repayment of circa $ 4.2 governments have sought assistance P = C(1+y)t+F(1+y)T in September 2020, and secondly, due twin deficit problems that has been touted billion for the year 2021 until 2025, as Sri from the IMF in the form of structural A bond may be priced with the above to the lack of liquidity in the secondary by the same group of liberal economists Lanka had borrowed $ 12.1 billion during adjustment programmes and formula. Where; market, as many pension funds and other and economic commentators. In fact, the period of 2015 to 2019, accounting standby arrangement facilities C – the periodic coupon payment (periodic hedge funds are not actively trading the what is prescribed by the liberal doctrine for 75% of the country’s total external as a mere stop gap arrangement fixed interest payment made to the bond GoSL ISB, and as such, the recent price is more of the same, by way of liberal capital market related borrowings, i.e., to address the deteriorating holder) movement definitely does not indicate trade policies, i.e. more unsustainable Euro bonds. Despite these challenges, Balance of Payments and to stem y – the yield of the bond panic selling of bonds by investors. These imports and more foreign borrowings the macroeconomic framework and the the outflow of foreign currency, F – the face value or par value (price at default fears are created by mischievous for projects, at the expense of the local homegrown structural adjustment which nothing material has been done to which the bond was sold and also the individuals, who do not seem to have production and manufacturing industries had been institutionalised in the country address the burgeoning trade deficit price at which the bond is redeemed at traded in bonds nor seem to have worked and also end consumers who eventually since December 2019, the economy has and enhance domestic industrial maturity) in capital markets. pay the ultimate price by way of higher shown positive results. We as a country competitiveness t – time What is extremely disturbing is taxes, low disposable incomes, no growth can pull ourselves out of the vicious cycle T – number of periods until the bonds’ that many liberal economists and opportunities, and finally, austerity and address the external debt repayments Published data for 2020 saw an maturity date economic commentators do not measures. These have become standard that are lined up until 2027 and this too increase in worker remittances of 5.5% This formula shows that the price of a seem to understand that Sri Lanka policy recommendations readily available can be made quite comfortably without to $ 7.1 billion from $ 6.1 billion in bond is the present value of its future cash has chronic external resource issues to be used by the IMF and by liberal moving to the IMF, looking at the cash 2019. This trend is set to continue for flows. that should be resolved without economists and economic commentators. flows. 2021, projecting secondary income on For example, if a bond is issued with a delay and which is being addressed In fact, of the 16 programmes It is important to keep in mind that the current account to remain above the face value (F) Rs. 100, at a coupon rate for the first time, by import undertaken by the IMF at the request of amidst all these negative undertones, $ 6.3 billion mark achieved in 2020. of 6% and a maturity (T) of three years, rationalisation and stimulation of the liberal schools, 10 have been standby Sri Lanka was able to honour its debt Furthermore, the economy will be and the bond makes an annual coupon export promotion activity arrangement facilities provided to the repayments of over $ 4.2 billion in strengthened by $ 1.5 billion in foreign payment, if the current market yield for country since 1966, while the remainder 2019; as well as make the repayment of direct investment (FDI) attracted by the the bond is 6% equal to the coupon rate, Furthermore, if we look at the ISB have been designed as extended credit another $ 4.3 billion in 2020 even with Colombo Port City as it launches its global the price of the bond is determined as price data of the yield curve as observed facilities, which has seen the borrowing rating downgrades. Our debt service marketing this year. According to the follows. on 9 February 2021, it does not raise any of $ 4.3 billion in total. What the liberals obligations remained intact even when Government, it is hopeful of achieving P = 61.061+61.062+1061.063 alarm bells of default fears in the price fail to see is that $ 1.8 billion or 42% the global economy was in disarray and a target of over $ 2.5 billion in FDI for P = 5.66+5.34+89 = Rs. 100.00 of the bond. The yield curve data shows was handed out in 2018 to defend when consumer markets virtually closed, 2021, with the combination of investment The following formula shows that if the that the bonds maturing in 2030 have a unsustainable import bills, which added as the world experienced its worst-ever for the Port City and other projects yield remains equal to the coupon rate of lower yield than the bonds maturing in pressure on the domestic exchange rates, economic downturn in its capitalist laid out. The above foreign inflows are the bond, the price of the bond remains at 2022, depicting an inverted yield curve resulting in the Central Bank using up its history, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. further backed by a strengthening of par value. The addition of the future cash for the ISBs, and thus debunks these reserves to defend the currency, as the Sri Lanka is expected to see a strong foreign currency reserves through SWAP flows generated by the interest payments fearmongers. It is simple logic that passthrough co-efficient of import-driven rebound in 2021 with a growth of above arrangements with China of $ 1.5 billion, and amount redeemed at maturity long-term investments are risker than consumer inflation remained a primary 6%. The island has doubled down on which is to be finalised by the end of this would equal to the price at which it was short-term investments. And if the fear concern. becoming an export-led economy, month. The following attributes forecast purchased. of default was significantly higher than aligning its monetary, fiscal, industrial, the strengthening of the current account of If the current market expectations of before, the long bond yields would have External debt profile continues to and export policies to create a structured Sri Lanka. This will place the country in a interest rates for the bond is 8%, the price moved at far greater selloff than the short display encouraging development import-competing environment for local positive position to make the repayment of of the bond is as follows. term. This would mean a steeper selloff, industries to gain market share. The $ 4.3 billion for the year 2021. P = 61.081+61.082+1061.083 increasing its yields, bringing about an The external debt profile per se has import rationalisation framework has Moving back to the bond price drop, P = 5.56+5.14+84.15 = Rs. 94.85 upward-sloping curve by now. In fact, not changed much over the years and had significant results and has managed there is no evidence to back a claim The following formula shows that if the the bond curve suggests that secondary that Sri Lanka will default on its debt yield is above the coupon rate of the bond, market yields have reduced since January 2018 2019 2020E* 2021P payments in the coming year. The the bond will be traded at a discounted 2020, post the unilateral downgrading Goods and services (6,577) (5,148) (4,837) (4,681) macroeconomic data for the country value below its par value. of the country. Therefore, this so-called Goods (10,343) (7,997) (5,978) (6,005) confirms the country’s ability to repay its If the current market expectations of default fear is not observed nor is it debt. The country is moving to strengthen interest rates for the bond are 4%, the price priced in the yield curve for Sri Lanka Services 3,766 2,849 1,141 1,324 its balance sheet and shifting to a domestic of the bond is derived as follows. ISBs as of 9 February 2021, seen on Information and communications technology 1,046 880 875 924 financing-focused debt composition. P = 61.041+61.042+1061.043 Graph 2. (ICT), transport, construction, and other Furthermore, necessary measures have P = 5.77+5.55+94.23 = Rs. 105.55 Travel 2,721 1,969 267 400 been taken to seal off unnecessary foreign The above formula indicates that if the Root cause – unsustainable Primary income (2,385) (2,426) (2,441) (2,548) exchange leakages while boosting local yield is below the coupon rate of the bond, imports Secondary income 6,163 5,766 6,284 6,180 exports and industries. With the economy the bond will be trading with a premium showing promising signs of growth for Current account (2,799) (1,808) (993) (1,048) above its par value. The examples show What is extremely disturbing is that the coming years, the Treasury bonds that the price of the bond is inversely many liberal economists and economic Table 1: Sri Lanka current account ($ million) Source: CBSL, EAL currently priced at a lucrative discount is related to the yield of the bond. When commentators do not seem to understand *Q4 2020 has been forecasted based on CBSL data and EAL projections certain to appreciate. the sunday morning business 7 Sunday, February 28, 2021 TOURISM/TRADE Has SL tourism missed the bus? z A close comparison between the Maldives and Sri Lanka BY YAKUTA DAWOOD that the implementation of strict hygiene protocols combined with the ease of Tourism plays a central role spreading people on different islands made Sri Lanka in terms of employment a compelling combination for travellers opportunities and foreign who wanted to get away from it all. exchange for the Maldives and “We promoted the destination as a safe It is important to take note that Abdulla Mausoom stated: “Surpassing the travellers.” Sri Lanka, both tropical countries haven to the tourists.” one of the major issues was that a milestone of 100,000 tourists in advance of According to the release, more than 92 significant number of people had the projections is really encouraging. This establishments, accommodation providers, situated in the Indian Ocean. Measures adopted When the Covid-19 pandemic hit lost their livelihoods during the nine- achievement is the outcome of a unified and tour operators had been awarded globally, the tourism industry felt The first travel restriction the Maldives month period. Reportedly, banks #Maldive approach to a global challenge.” the “Safe and Secure” certification to introduced entailed preventing the experienced a negative impact while service and provide accommodation to the impact immediately. entry of any passenger with a travel coping with the situation due to the Covid-19 in both countries international tourists within the first 14 According to the United Nations World history to China, and the restriction was continuous tourism moratorium and Despite reopening its airports for days of arrival. Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)’s World implemented from 5 February 2020. also due to the impacts on Sri Lanka’s tourism, the total number of Covid-19 The mandatory policies released by Tourism Barometer reading for May However, the borders were officially foreign reserves due to the closure of cases in the Maldives, as of 22 February SLTDA include the following: 2020, travel and tourism was among the closed to all tourists on 27 March 2020, the tourism industry 2021, was 18,930 patients and 60 deaths, All tourists entering Sri Lanka need to sectors most affected by the Covid-19 according to the Ministry of Tourism of with a recovery of 16,351 persons, obtain online tourist visas before arrival pandemic. “For the first time in history, the Maldives. the ministries, tourists were not required which is drastically less in comparison (on-arrival suspended) 100% of worldwide destinations have “Air travel was widely disrupted. to produce a certificate or test results to Sri Lanka. According to the Health (It is) mandatory for all tourists to introduced travel restrictions in response Hence, March 2020 was a bleak month indicating negative status, i.e. non- Promotion Bureau (HPB) of Sri Lanka, commit to a minimum stay of five nights to the pandemic, while 156 destinations for tourism in the Maldives. The impact infection, for Covid-19 prior to entering as of 23 February, a total of 80,517 cases in Sri Lanka and book all accommodation have completely closed its borders for of Covid-19 hit March arrivals by a the Maldives. were reported with a total of 450 deaths. only at SLTDA-registered and “Safe and international tourism,” it stated. staggering -63.4%, reducing arrivals to Nevertheless, persons who were However, a positive thing to note is Secure”-certified establishments Regardless of all these disruptions, a 59,627, compared to 162,843 in 2019,” restricted entry to the country were those that 75,110 people recovered and were A negative PCR report issued by an recent article published by CNN on 17 the Research and Statistics Section of the who had a history of contact with a discharged. accredited laboratory within 72 hours prior February stated: “The Maldives, an Indian Maldivian Tourism Ministry said. suspected or confirmed case of Covid-19 Ideally, it should have been the opposite, to landing (is needed) and also undergoing Ocean island archipelago practically After more than three months of airport within the past 14 days and/or persons since Sri Lanka curtailed all passenger a PCR test at the arriving airport. Next, synonymous with romance, normally sees closure, the Ministry of Tourism issued who had a fever or respiratory symptoms flight and ship arrivals into the country another repeat PCR test is to be conducted north of 1.7 million visitors per year. In a circular on 23 June 2020 with regards such as cough, sore throat, or shortness of from 18 March 2020 and reopened after five to seven days after arrival or if the 2020, it had around 500,000. And despite to the resumption of the tourism sector. breath within the past 14 days. nine months, in 28 December 2020. guest develops respiratory symptoms, the significant decrease, it marks one of “The Government of Maldives has decided The aforementioned CNN article stated Commenting on the reopening, the Sri whichever comes first. Another PCR test the most successful tourism stories amid to restart issuance of on-arrival visas to that “the country’s geography also lends Lanka Tourism Development Authority needs to be done between the 10th and the pandemic.” tourists who have booked stays in resorts, itself well to coronavirus protocols. Many (SLTDA) said: “Tourism is a key 12th day after arrival, for tourists staying Let us discuss how the Maldives hotels on uninhabited islands, and tourist hotels and resorts are on their own private contributor to the country’s economy. The longer than 10 days performed well despite the Covid-19 vessels, from 15 July 2020 onwards.” islands – there are more than a thousand tourism industry serves multiple purposes. Finally, after a nine-month-long travel pandemic, and what, why, when, and The mandatory key policies released by to choose from, even before manmade In addition to being the third-largest ban was imposed, the doors for tourism where it went wrong for Sri Lanka. the Tourism Ministry to resorts prior to islands come into the equation – which foreign exchange earner for the country, opened, and the industry resumed its tourist arrivals include the following: makes isolating and social distancing a large number of direct and indirect operations on 28 December 2020. How did the Maldives succeed? A “Covid Safe” plan in accordance with exceptionally easy”. employment opportunities are created According to the official statistics The Covid-19 health rules and this guideline of the Health Protection On 15 July 2020, the borders were by tourism, while also facilitating the published by the SLTDA, a total of 393 guidelines imposed by the Government of Agency (HPA) must be in place reopened for tourism. “Since the inflow of foreign direct investments to the tourists from Ukraine arrived in the island the Maldives were less complicated than Every resort must have a Covid reopening, there has been a gradual country.” in a series of charter flights under a pilot those in Sri Lanka. This could be due to taskforce. The task force could include increase in tourist arrivals with the The closure of tourism impacted project starting from 28 December. “As the difference in the population. representatives from key areas (functions) establishment of travel bubbles between the Balance of Payments of Sri Lanka at 31 December 2020, 507,704 tourists The Maldives has a very small of the resort including medical personnel. the Maldives and other countries, as well drastically, but the impact was set off by had visited Sri Lanka this year (2020). population of around 530,953 people The taskforce will make key policies, as greater connectivity in terms of flight other factors. “The current account deficit It is a decline of 73.5% over last year (2019 World Bank, UN data) dispersed implement public health measures, operations,” read the joint press statement is expected to remain low (at 2.2% of GDP (2019), when 1,913,702 tourists visited across 185 islands and has a gross co-ordinate with the HPA, respond to a released on 12 December 2020 by the in 2020) thanks to low oil prices and strict the country during the same period,” the domestic product (GDP) of $ 5.642 billion suspected case of Covid, initiate contact Ministry of Tourism, Maldives Marketing import restrictions, which should largely SLTDA stated. (2019). According to the World Bank, “the tracing, etc. and Public Relations Corporation offset the reduction in receipts from Sri Lanka has had a total of 1,682 Covid-19 outbreak has had a debilitating The resort must have a medical clinic (MMPRC), and Maldives Immigration garment exports, tourism, and remittances. tourist arrivals by the end of January 2021. effect on tourism, which directly and that meets the standards set forth by the and Maldives Airports Company Ltd. However, refinancing requirements will be “Ukraine, Belarus, China, the Russian indirectly accounts for two-thirds of GDP. Ministry of Health including a medical (MACL). high, with annual foreign exchange debt Federation, and Germany were Sri Lanka’s Revenues fell by an estimated 23.4% in officer and a nurse who are oriented on the As a result of the polices taken by the service requirements estimated at 7-8% of top five international tourist-generating the first quarter of 2020 (year-on-year protocols of Covid-19 management and Maldives, a total of 100,000 tourists GDP over 2020-2022,” the World Bank markets in the month of January this year,” [YoY]) as tourist-related revenues shrank, the Covid Safe plan of the resort have arrived since the reopening of the said in a statement. the SLTDA said. Meanwhile, according to whereas spending grew by 10.2%. Real Due to these key measures and several airport. Commemorating this success, It is important to take note that one of the Ministry of Tourism, a total of 87,883 GDP contracted by 5.9% YoY in Q1 other precautionary measures taken by the country’s Minister of Tourism Dr. the major issues was that a significant persons arrived in the Maldives as of 30 2020”. number of people had lost their livelihoods January 2021. Another reason for the Maldives’ during the nine-month period. Reportedly, In order to recover from Covid-19, the success would be the extraordinary banks experienced a negative impact Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) issued facilities provided by them by taking while coping with the situation due to the a tourism moratorium valid until March advantage of the perfect situation. For continuous tourism moratorium and also 2021 due to the airport closure and zero instance, the implementation of the due to the impacts on Sri Lanka’s foreign tourism earnings. However, as per Tourism “digital-only for work and school facility”, reserves due to the closure of the tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga, discussions where each resort devised a special industry. are currently underway on extending the package for guests staying a full month – a moratorium by another six months or a 28-day offering including meals, high- Reopening of SL year. speed internet, wellness activities, and use Subsequently, countless discussions Another measure taken towards the of a kids’ club; it is priced from $ 42,600 were held between tourism officials, revival of tourism is the SLTDA’s “Safe for a family of four. health authorities, and government and Secure” certification, which, as Additionally, facilities such as “all-you- officials in regards to opening the airport discussed above, focuses on a set of can-stay packages for unlimited bookings” for international travellers. In this light, guidelines that enhances cleanliness and and other similar facilities helped the the SLTDA issued a press release on 8 hygiene practices at all tourism-related tourism industry in the Maldives to December 2020 communicating the new venues and services. succeed. strict health protocols for international However, looking at how the Maldives Speaking to CNN, the tourism authority, travellers. It stated: “As Covid-19 is a succeeded in tourism despite the prevailing Maldives Marketing and Public Relations health pandemic affecting most nations pandemic, one could say that Sri Lanka Corporation Managing Director, stated: and Sri Lanka, there need to be strict could have adopted similar measures “Our biggest advantage is the unique health protocols to ensure the safety of to ensure the continuity of international geographical features of Maldives,” adding Maldives not only our citizens but also international tourism amidst the prevailing pandemic.

CBSL explains reasons for repatriation and conversion of export proceeds The Monetary Board of the that caused some excessive foreign exchange earnings into the requirement to convert 25% that even after the conversion of ensure that the country is gradually Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) volatility in the exchange rate. Sri Lanka. These exporters also of foreign exchange earnings into 25% of export proceeds, exporters able to build its non-borrowed recently issued a set of rules Since issuing these rules and convert a substantial portion of Sri Lankan rupees will encourage will continue to possess the reserves to a high level. for the repatriation of export operating instructions, there their foreign exchange earnings domestic value addition in any converted amount in Sri Lankan Along with ongoing active proceeds into Sri Lanka and the have been some media reports into Sri Lankan rupees, to export business that has not yet rupees, while being allowed to efforts and fiscal and monetary conversion of these funds into Sri that argued that such rules will meet their domestic payment reached at least this level of value utilise the remaining 75% of policy support to promote foreign Lankan rupees, and has also issued discourage Sri Lankan exporters obligations. addition. foreign exchange earnings to exchange-earning sectors of the operating instructions to licensed from expanding their domestic Therefore, the requirement Such repatriation and conversion purchase imported inputs, to save country, such absorption of foreign banks on the same. businesses, noted the CBSL. to repatriate foreign exchange requirements are not uncommon in foreign currency, or for further exchange by the CBSL, it stated, These rules and operating These reports also alleged that the earnings to Sri Lanka, and to in other regional economies conversions, at their own free will. will help the country rely on its instructions, which would legitimate earnings of exporters convert 25% of these earnings into that have displayed strong The requirement for licensed own resources instead of foreign supplement the repatriation were being usurped by the banking Sri Lankan rupees, does not exert export performance. In fact, the banks to sell, to the CBSL, 50% borrowing, while strengthening Sri requirement already in place, were system and the Government. excessive pressure on exporters. requirements are more stringent of export proceeds converted into Lanka’s credit profile, enhancing issued to strengthen the foreign The CBSL clarified that many Furthermore, the domestic value in numerous aspects in these Sri Lankan rupees by exporters exchange rate stability, and exchange situation of the country, Sri Lankan exporters already addition in export sectors varies countries, the CBSL noted. (12.5% of total foreign exchange improving the resilience of the and to dampen speculative activity repatriate a large share of their from one industry to another, and The CBSL also emphasised earnings) has been introduced to economy. 8 the sunday morning business ADVERTORIAL Sunday, February 28, 2021 HNBA and HNBGI SLT ranked among ‘10 Most receive GPTW certification Admired Companies’ HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) and its fully owned Sri Lanka Telecom PLC model to other organisations subsidiary HNB General (SLT), the national ICT and and entrepreneurs through the Insurance Ltd. 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The CEB Innovation Awards Kapila Bandara won one recently at the BMICH in The sixth annual Ceremony 2020, organised by award, whereas the other Colombo amidst an august convocation signified the the Ceylon Electricity Board silver award was secured by gathering that comprised MP graduation of the third cohort (CEB), recently took place at B.H. Wanigasinghe, G.R.P. Prof. Ranjith Bandara as the of Horizon Campus degree the BMICH, in conformity Chandima, and C.U. Bandara. Chief Guest. Horizon Group students in the fields of with government health A bronze award and six of Companies Chairman diplomas and degrees to information technology (IT), and professional ethics. He management and IT, having guidelines. The competition is merit awards were also given Upul Daranagama, Horizon students graduating from management, education, further said that the role of the read for specialisations in designed to encourage CEB under the same category. Campus Vice Chancellor Prof. Horizon’s international and Master of Business graduates evolves into that human resources, marketing, employees who are committed Furthermore, 15 certificates S.J.B. Jayasekara, Horizon partner universities in the Administration (MBA) of a “leader” in civil society and network and mobile to modernising the Board. were slated to be issued in Campus Chief Executive UK and Malaysia. These programmes awarded by where one’s achievements computing. This convocation Minister of Power Dullas recognition of participation. Officer (CEO) Ajitha included diplomas/degrees Horizon Campus were also in become one’s mark in the also evidenced the largest Alahapperuma graced the Two bronze awards were Wanasinghe, Deputy Vice in biotechnology from Nilai attendance. world. He also spoke at length group of students to graduate occasion as the Chief Guest. presented in the category of Chancellor Dr. Ruwan Perera, University Malaysia and The Chief Guest Prof. on the key values required from Horizon Campus, Secretary to the Ministry of Individual Presentations. S.M. deans, members of staff, and the Certificate in Higher Bandara in his address stated of a leader in our society. He within the short period of Power Wasantha Perera, CEB Nimal Samarakoon and H.R. invited guests were part of Education in Common Law that a well-educated human urged the graduates to proudly 10 years of its existence, Chairman Eng. Vijitha Herath, Nimalasuriya won the awards the academic/non-academic and LLB from the University resource stock provides join the exclusive class of emphasising the progression General Manager Eng. N.W.K. in this respect. Eight merit dignitaries that graced the of London International impetus for nation building, past graduates, excelling both that Horizon Campus has Herath, and other senior awards were also presented occasion. Programmes. Students who socioeconomic development, nationally and globally, and made in the field of higher officials were also present on in the same category. Also, 11 The event conferred read for their degrees in enhancement of values, uphold the values and vision education. this occasion. certificates are to be issued in Two teams of employees recognition of participation. qualified for the silver award The winners were also given Architects’ Institute concludes AGM in the Group Presentations cash awards at the ceremony, Mercantile Investments The Annual General category. Eng. C.B. which are to be delivered Meeting (AGM) of the Wickramasinghe and Dr. subsequently. launches Gold Loan service Sri Lanka Institute of Mercantile Architects was held Investments recently by being projected launched the “Gold electronically to five AIA Insurance celebrates Loan” service at its new different five-star hotel top performers branch in Kotahena, venues simultaneously, with the primary with the highest-ever AIA Insurance held its Moratuwa Area Development objective of expanding number of participants first-ever digital annual sales Office (ADO). U.A.M. Mercantile Investments Director/Chief Operating Officer its range of services Danushka Fonseka with a customer at the new branch under strict health convention to celebrate and Sanjeewani Somarathna from and providing financial in Kotahena and safety regulations recognise the company’s top the Kandy Main Distribution services to its customers Mercantile many other officials as stipulated by the performers of 2019. Held Unit and S.P.S. Rodrigo from in every possible way. Investments has moved of the company were Ministry of Health. SLIA Senior Vice President Russel Dandeniya and SLIA under the theme “Awaken the the Colombo Metro Distribution Introducing a wide its Kotahena branch to present at the event. Archt. Russell President Ranjan Nadesapillai Superhero in You”, the digital Unit were first and second range of financial a newer, more spacious, Mercantile Investments, Dandeniya, FIA (SL) membership on this distribution of the SLIA event saw the participation of runners-up, respectively. services to suit any and easily accessible which aims to provide was inducted the new special occasion. Awards for Architecture, 2,663 wealth planners from The “Best Wealth Planners’ financial requirement, building, which the highest level of President for Sessions The Sri Lanka Institute the national conference across the island. The winners Manager Award” was won Mercantile Investments coincided with the service to its customers 2021-2023. Office of Architects’ Annual on the “Social were recognised for their by N.W. Nilantha Senarathna has made it possible launch of the Gold Loan using the state-of-the-art bearers, including Sessions 2020-2021 Responsibility of the commitment and dedication, Bandara from Kegalle Region for customers to obtain service. Mercantile knowledge and tools Archt. Upendra was successfully held Architect”, and the AGM going above and beyond their 2. S.S. Priyantha Dias from the the maximum value for Investments Managing available in the financial Randeniya who was from 18-20 February were the key events held call of duty in serving AIA’s Moratuwa Area Development their gold at the lowest Director Gerard services industry, hopes appointed the Honorary 2021. The inauguration as hybrid meetings with customers. Office was the first runner-up interest rates through Ondachi, Director/ to continue to offer its Secretary, and session ceremony where the highest number of This year’s winner of the “Best while M.D. Thuraj Aponso from the latest Gold Loan Chief Operating Officer customers a wide range council members were scrolls were awarded physical and online Wealth Planner Award” was K.D. Colombo Region 5 was second service. Danushka Fonseka, and of such facilities. also elected by the to new members, the participants. Maddrakini Thakshila from the runner-up.

Printed by the Kalukodayawa, Malwana Press & Published by Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 DEBUNKING MYTHS SURROUNDING THE VACCINE »SEE PAGE 6

ONLINE GENDER BASED VIOLENCE: THE NEW NORMAL OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT »SEE PAGE 5 Sunday, February 28, 2021 brunch PHOTO SAMAN ABESIRIWARDANA THE DAY I DON’T LOVE MY WORK, THAT’S A PROBLEM Kasturi Chellaraja Wilson on work and life BY NAVEED ROZAIS Kasturi Chellaraja Wilson is a trailblazer, and not simply because she won the “Trailblazer of the Year” award at the recently concluded Women in Management Top 50 Professional and Career Women Awards. In her 30-plus-year career, she has proven time and again to be a resourceful, talented, and driven leader, culminating in her appointment last year as the Group CEO of Hemas Holdings PLC and making history as the first female Group CEO of a publicly quoted conglomerate in Sri Lanka. ││Contd. on page 2

BY NAVEED ROZAIS

To say agriculture is one of Blending Sri Lanka’s lifeblood industries is an understatement. We were all How famously told in school that back in the (ancient) day, Sri Lanka used to be called the “Granary agriculture of the East”. Kings of old made fragile is their mark by building mammoth tanks or manmade lakes that, apart from being picturesque, primarily and tech provided irrigation for farming. The timing of the Sinhala and the male Tamil New Year also marks the end of the harvest season. Most of our biggest industries for a new include agriculture; tea, rubber, coconut, and tobacco industries – ego? they all depend on farming. While the information age has affected Men’s thoughts on women breaking future many industries, agricultural through the glass ceiling DIG Bimshani Jasin Aarachchi industries have not been affected Jeevan Gnanam on his newest as much, at least not in the way BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE “women” is not mentioned in (FR) petition in that regard. venture ‘SpectrifyAI’ they physically do things. the regulations pertaining to Since the filing of the ││Contd. on page 2 In September of last year, promotions. The Supreme Court petition, numerous community- the National Police Commission has since set a date for the based organisations and granted approval to promote hearing of a fundamental rights individual experts in the field a female police officer as a have come forward to speak up Jeevan Deputy Inspector General for justice for DIG Bimshani. Gnanam of Police (DIG), paving the The National Forum Against Mike way for the appointment of Gender-Based Violence released Richardson Bimshani Jasin Aarachchi as Sri a statement stating that they Lanka’s first female DIG. are deeply disappointed in the Her appointment came recent petition, with the forum with glowing recommendations expressing that it’s a serious owing to her work with the concern. It noted that this is Children and Women Bureau indeed an act of workplace of the Police Department. discrimination and sexism. However come 2021, a The Women petition was filed by 32 Senior Parliamentarians Caucus of Sri Superintendents of Police Lanka has also extended their (SSPs), including SSP Ruwan strongest support, announcing that their forum will stand up Gunasekera, seeking an These kinds of incidents are annulment of the promotion of for the professional rights and extremely damaging to our job security of Jasin Arachchi. DIG Jasin Arachchi. reputation as a nation. People The petition states that do not want to visit a country The Saubhagya Foundation the appointment was made which is discriminatory, and together with Kantha Saviya in violation of the standard that is what we are portraying Women's Organisation promotion procedure, claiming to the world held a press conference last that no female police officer in Sensory Indulgence Tuesday (23) condemning the the country can be appointed MD Udaya Wickramage discriminatory actions. as a DIG of Police as the word ││Contd. on page 4 2 the sunday morning brunch PEOPLE Sunday, February 28, 2021 THE DAY I DON’T LOVE... PHOTO SAMAN ABESIRIWARDANA Contd. from page 1 space and time to think”. We traditionally tend to think that a leader has to be super Don’t put yourself through that Wilson has been a constant presence busy with meetings and operational stuff pressure of being there for every single in the boardrooms of Sri Lanka in instead of actually being that leader who moment of your kids’ lives – that’s her trademark saree, helping lead and can build teams and create space for the definition of perfectionism, and innovate. During the pandemic and the you to think of stuff that can impact the three-month lockdown, in her then role business and help it grow – the game- you can’t achieve that. You have as Hemas Pharmaceuticals Managing changing stuff. But to be that kind of a to choose your moments and that Director, Wilson worked tirelessly leader, you have to create space and time is something you can only do by with the other silos of the Hemas to think. Group, empowering her employees to listening to your heart make situational decisions outside the ÄÄ How do you stay productive traditional system and find solutions to and at the top of your better support customers in a trying and game? uncertain time. I have a habit of going through my On a personal level, Wilson describes next day’s calendar and thinking of my I learnt to love the feel of a saree on herself as a fun-loving person who loves meetings before going to bed each night. me. It became my power dress because to travel, is passionate about helping I also make sure to clean up my pending I was confident in it. At the end the underprivileged, and believes in the emails before I go to bed, and prepare and importance of paying it forward. push what needs to be pushed to other of the day, it’s about how you see The Sunday Morning Brunch sat members of my team to follow up. yourself and how confident down with Wilson for an informal chat Every Sunday, I look at the week you are in the attire you about how she approaches life and work. ahead. As a rule, I take Saturdays off and choose to wear Following are excerpts of the avoid going through official emails. On interview. Sunday evenings, I go through the next week’s work on our key initiatives and ÄÄ What are your core working put in important tasks and meetings into principles? my diary. For the longest time I used to The way I see it, I believe I need to do this mentally, but now I make sure to bring passion and energy into whatever I write things down too. do every day and love what I do. The day I don’t like long meetings and I try to I don’t love my work, that’s a problem. avoid them as much as possible. I also like The other principle I take into work to know when I walk into a meeting what with me is that in my role, I need to make the outcome of that meeting is supposed decisions and look at it from the lens of to be. high safety protocols in place that have what issues you have and what you want in it. It became my power dress because I whether it’s the right thing to do. I don’t like too much procrastination evolved over time. No one says they’re them to do. Especially with spouses, you was confident in it. The last principle I take to work around a single topic either; I believe in an expert; we’ve evolved accordingly. can’t expect them to know what’s on your I’ve been asked why I don’t wear is always keeping in my mind that I diverse views and thinking things through, During challenging times, I believe that mind. You need to say it. suits, and it’s mainly because I don’t feel am working with people, with human but at some point, we need to step back, in every challenge there is an opportunity The second thing is to open your comfortable. When I go overseas, of course, beings, and while I need to push them to absorb views, and take a decision. The and that every problem has a solution. I network. Create it around you. I had my I will rock jeans and a shirt. At the end of drive business, I can’t forget the human other side of this approach could be that reach out to diverse people for alternate friends around me all the time. I also the day, it’s about how you see yourself element. maybe I lack the patience sometimes to views and come out with actions based had my domestics. We term them as and how confident you are in the attire you get all these views fully fleshed out, but I on these views. But I must say, absorbing domestics, but for me, they are family. choose to wear. What you wear is a huge ÄÄ What is it you love most feel it’s important to be decisive. about what you do? these views and structuring, and deciding Today, I have my elderly mum at home part of your day-to-day, and if you’re not ÄÄ How do you handle and on what is important and what is simply and I have my domestics at home helping confident in how you feel and look, then The fact is that as humans, all of us not relevant is what I need to decide on. me run things. you’re walking into any meeting with some have the freedom to make the change we overcome challenges at Building a network is not a one- kind of psychological disadvantage. want to see in the world and impact the work? ÄÄ As a single parent raising way street. It runs both ways. With your people around us. I love the position I I thrive on challenges – it’s something two young children and network, you’re there for some of their ÄÄ What inspires you outside am in to make an impact on the families within me. I remember when doing maths building a successful career, dark days and they’re there for some of work? of Sri Lanka and that we at Hemas have in school or I had a problem in class what advice would you yours. It’s not a barter system either. It’s I’m really passionate about helping the freedom to make this impact and or at the office, I would try to work it the stuff that you do from your heart. build a united Sri Lanka. I see so much culture that encourages one to think of the give other single parents out in my head and it would always be building their careers? effort put in by people to tear us apart consumer first. there at the back of my mind, and in my ÄÄ The saree is your outfit of using our gender, religion, or race. I made The second aspect of my work is that sleep, I would dream about and process With kids, I think it depends on which point of your career you are in and how choice in boardrooms of a choice to stay here and contribute, and I love a challenge, and being head of a it and wake up with 90% of a directional power while most prefer that drives me a lot. diverse corporate, every day you have a solution. old your kids are when you get into senior management roles. In my case, I was other forms of power I also like to see people doing well different challenge. Most of the time, it's Of late, I have come to realise and dressing. What makes and young people growing up and playing a simple form of not really understanding value the benefit of having diverse views handling a functional senior management role when my kids were young. I would the saree a powerful style a part in making this happen. I say no to the consumer, but the challenge forces when dealing with challenges. Diversity a lot of events now, except when it comes us to think for answers and find ways of in any form is an asset we value at say, don’t try to be a perfect mum. Don’t statement for you? put yourself through that pressure of I picked the saree very early in my to universities or kids. I enjoy working doing better. Hemas, be it in terms of ethnicity, gender, with kids. Being able to impact young race, or religion. Looking at our senior being there for every single moment of life for two reasons. Firstly, I was the ÄÄ What are some of the most your kids’ lives – that’s the definition Audit Head and Director Consulting at 24 kids and help them think and do better management, there is a high level of is something close to my heart. Helping important pieces of advice gender diversity. We also have different of perfectionism, and you can’t achieve and I needed to look older than my age. that. You have to choose your moments Nobody took notice of me and what I was the underprivileged is something I do, you’ve received in your cultural backgrounds and levels of since in my life many people have helped career? technical expertise, and I realise that this and that is something you can only do by saying because I looked like a kid. I had listening to your heart. to wear a saree to look older and more me, and I believe we all need to pay it One big thing I think which made creates a lot of healthy debate as long as forward. a big impact is “reach out for help”. we come from a mutual level of respect. There’s no balance. What it is, is a serious. perfect imbalance and you choose your Secondly, it was economical – sarees On a lighter note, I love outdoor Admitting that you need help doesn't The outcomes of our decision-making exercising, travelling, and eating good mean you’re less of a leader. With every have been so much better. It’s easier said moments of imbalance, whether it's more are not the most expensive choice. You time at work or more time with your kids. build a collection and you keep wearing food. My favourite place to visit is role I’ve moved into, I’ve had a load of than done; across the board, you have to Thailand. The whole experience is help from people around me. It’s also leave things like egos and titles aside and There are two other things I’d advise them over and over; I have sarees I still on. One is communication, communication, wear today that are over 30 years old. anchored around being able to wear your important to always keep learning; I held be open to taking input from others. shorts, t-shirt, and slippers and walk six roles so far in my career, and I always Even during the pandemic, we have communication. Whether it is with your It started with that and I learnt to company, your husband, your parents, or love the feel of a saree on me. I got very around while enjoying good food in a kept learning as I took on each new role. had Covid incidents – they have been simple country. The second thing is “give yourself minimal compared to the rest. We had the people around you, they need to know comfortable in sarees and I had confidence

Richardson is one of ÄÄ How can SpectrifyAI Blending agriculture... the leading experts for agile solve bigger development in photonics. He agricultural problems? Contd. from page 1 has over 15 years of experience By solving for quality across in the field and has close ties to the supply chain, we believe we Until now. Meet SpectrifyAI, the German research organisation can help uplift the lives of farmers. the artificial intelligence (AI) Leveraging the very latest Fraunhofer Gesellschaft. This is important, as most farmers spectral scanner that is set to advancements in spectral We caught up with Gnanam have irregular incomes and live a transform Sri Lankan agriculture. scanning, AI, and machine for a brief chat on SpectrifyAI and hand-to-mouth existence. A part of VeracityAI, Sri learning, SpectrifyAI delivers what it can mean for agriculture. end-to-end consistency on quality Lanka’s fastest-growing AI Following are excerpts of the ÄÄ What is SpectrifyAI’s standards directly into the hands interview. company, SpectrifyAI is a new of producers and value-chain big future vision? suite of solutions specifically partners ÄÄ What sparked the idea Apart from enabling and designed to radically optimise Jeevan Gnanam uplifting supply chains and farmers production, agri-inputs, and quality behind SpectrifyAI? in Sri Lanka, we want to prove that control across the entire value How does it work? this Sri Lankan product/service chain for tea, spices, and herbs for SpectrifyAI also offers integration I was trying to solve getting can scale globally. We have some with GoMicro, another data on levels of nitrogen, the first time in Sri Lanka. SpectrifyAI tells about the chemical composition of any organic material interest in markets like Thailand Leveraging the very latest groundbreaking AI detection tool phosphorus, and potassium (or and Indonesia which could be quite advancements in spectral scanning, that converts any smart device with NPK levels) in the soil for a exciting for us. in turn can be used to automate a AI, and machine learning, a camera into a powerful handheld particular party. Because of my content, but this can work for lot of problems for agriculture. It’s SpectrifyAI delivers end-to-end microscope for instant analysis and fascination for astronomy (I watch a number of industries like ÄÄ What happens to now one of our main focus areas. consistency on quality standards identification of plant pests and a lot of documentaries on the cinnamon, spices, herbs, etc. the human aspect of In SpectrifyAI, we leverage AI’s directly into the hands of producers diseases. subject), I knew how we studied agriculture? How does it consistency to understand quality ÄÄ How does SpectrifyAI and value chain partners. This The people behind this latest chemical compositions of planets in tea using spectroscopy. maximise tea need to evolve to adapt is accomplished by deploying agricultural innovation are Jeevan and wanted to see if we could to AI like SpectrifyAI? Gnanam and Mike Richardson. do the same thing for soil. I was production? extremely low-cost patented Humans should not be doing Serial entrepreneur Gnanam intrigued by whether such a device ÄÄ So far, SpectrifyAI has We want to lift the entire tea spectral scanners paired with repetitive tasks, especially manual needs no real introduction. While existed, looked around, and that only been applied industry in Sri Lanka. As a nation, AI to conduct real-time spectral tasks. Whether it’s understanding serving as Chief Executive of St. was when, through a mutual friend, to the tea industry. we are stuck at about Rs. 1.5 to analyses of everything – from quality, to manual work in the Anthony’s Industries, Gnanam I met Mike, who was working on Does it work for other Rs. 1.8 billion in annual revenue, soil composition to the chemical field, humans should use the founded and grew Sri Lanka’s blended teas. The rest, as they say, with approximately 300,000 tonnes makeup of tea, spices, and herbs at industries and how? best tools to get the job done largest IT park Orion City as is history. annually. With SpectrifyAI, we every point, from field to factory to Actually, SpectrifyAI effectively. We believe farmers well as incubator and accelerator can assure quality and give details the final buyer. fundamentally can tell you will identify and understand Hatchworks, among several ÄÄ Mixing agriculture such as caffeine levels, taste profile, SpectrifyAI’s capabilities can something about the chemical the need to adopt technology to other ventures including SA and AI – how does this sugar content, moisture content, also be merged with VeracityAI to composition of any organic improve their livelihoods, mainly Knowledge Services (SAKS) and happen? etc. to potential buyers. Buyers are analyse satellite imaging of land material. This could work for a because in the past they have VeracityAI which he founded in Artificial intelligence and going to pay more for something to track harvest development and number of different industries. For already been doing so with tools 2017. Gnanam also helped write machine learning just replicate they know chemically and can test study historical data to predict example, we are having some good like tractors, fertilisers, etc. We are and shape the country’s AI Policy and deliver consistently the best of when they receive to be spectrally yields and risks. Additionally, results in the fish exports industry just another tool for them. Framework. aggregated human expertise. This to help understand histamine similar.

the sunday morning brunch editorial [email protected] 011 5200900 the sunday morning brunch 3 Sunday, February 28, 2021 CAUSE/COLUMN

BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE The pandemic has been difficult for just about anyone; people from all walks of life have been affected in one way or the other. While some may argue that those of certain Kids, economic brackets may feel the adverse effects a little less, the fear of your loved ones being affected is not relative to how much money you make. Dottie Fernando However, there is a certain group of listen to insurrection, “where you have to cover all people in society that was adversely affected the lighting, and not have the lights being by the pandemic, regardless of what socio, seen”. political, or economic class they belonged She said there were underground to – and that is our elderly. When Covid-19 tunnels in case of attack where they would was at its peak in early 2020, it was widely go and hide. They never had to do it in believed to be affecting only the elderly, your elders! real life, though, but ran drills to become with the young bucks of the world taking familiar with it. “The post office would ring things quite lightly. However, we’ve come the siren. You had to close your ears and go a long way since and are well aware that into the tunnel,” she said. She recalls being everyone is different, and that the virus does Being elderly during the pandemic intimidated by the African-American slaves not discriminate. recruited in the Army and Italian prisoners Despite what we may know now, senior of war being carried in Mountbatten trains citizens remain particularly vulnerable; it to the Boossa Prison in Galle. is an unfortunate fact of life that our bodies Having lived through most of the weaken as we age, and aging comes with “recent” tragedies we’ve undergone as a myriad of psychological, social, and Lankans, Dottie said that to be honest, environmental vulnerabilities. Frailty in society really hasn’t changed much in the older adults brings in the risk of various way they react to or deal with a crisis; from infections and decrease in all forms of now and then, at least to her, it all feels the immune response. In addition, the elderly same. have multiple comorbidities and increased hospitalisations, which increase the chance A centenarian in good of contracting the virus during a pandemic. health, Bede shared that Advancing age is a challenge we must the most difficult thing has all navigate eventually. However, doing so been the limitations on seeing amidst a pandemic brings with it a host of his loved ones. Having turned its own unique challenges, and in exploring 100 just last year, Bede, who the world views of older adults who are would otherwise have been currently wading the thicket of Covid-19, surrounded by his extensive we reached out to a number of individuals family, had to limit himself who shared their experience with us. For some of us, barely crossing to an understated birthday two to three decades on this Earth, with celebration. at least one-third of it spent under the protective shelters of institutions, there’s We also spoke with K.S. Sivakumaran. not a lot we know, and in not knowing, Born on 31 October 1936, Sivakumaran the challenges we are faced with seem is 84 years old and is currently remaining gargantuan. Covid-19 has felt much like in hospital after being hospitalised for the worst possible thing that could happen some medical complications unrelated to to mankind, but if you happen to be turning Covid-19. He said that he is being kept in 100 years old amidst this pandemic like for observation to reduce the risk of catching Bede Anandappa, it may just feel like a mild the ongoing virus. inconvenience. He said that since he has been in hospital for the majority of the spread of The story of Bede Anandappa the pandemic, he hasn’t really felt any differently about the state of the outside and others world. However, his two sons who are A centenarian in good health, Bede abroad are unable to visit him, as their shared that the most difficult thing has travel has been restricted due to pandemic been the limitations on seeing his loved precautions. ones. Having turned 100 just last year, Sivakumaran shared that as a journalist, Bede, who would otherwise have been he did experience some difficulties during surrounded by his extensive family, had past times of crisis, with the 1971 JVP to limit himself to an understated birthday insurrection being a particularly notable celebration. He, however, said that he challenge. However, he said that he was had the opportunity to visit church for more directly affected by the riots in July the first time in a while, a luxury that Bede Anandappa 1983, recalling a time when they were was not afforded to him as part of the burgled while in Saraswathi Hall, restricted demographics particularly vulnerable to from travelling, and remained inside waiting the virus. for things to settle down. A hundred years is not a trivial Listening to the lives lived, living number, and Bede has forgotten about even for half that time feels surreal and the more things than you or I have yet to see. experiences one gathers as you live through In 2019, when Sri Lankan experienced the the ups and downs society throws your way Easter Sunday bombings, we prayed that can really change one’s perspective on life. it would be the last such tragedy we will Speaking to all these lovely people, we were have to witness in our lifetime. But having of 10 – five boys and five girls. Dottie been particularly troubling were of course most inspired about the resilient power of lived through World War II, where he was herself has six kids, and now has eight World War II and the 2004 tsunami. She human nature. present for the Japanese Easter Sunday grandkids and 12 great-grandchildren. also vaguely recalled the Spanish flu, but Humans are so strong in their own Raid, with the bombings visible from his Living through the pandemic, Dottie considering that it never made it to Galle ways, and many of those we spoke to shared home in Kotahena, Bede has now lived stated that she simply stays inside, and and Down South, she said she wouldn’t the mentality that “this too shall pass”; through two Easter Sunday bombings. despite having frequented the temple pre- know how that felt. nothing is really forever and when you are Just last week on 23 February, Covid-19 at least once a week, all that has She shared that the tsunami was one young, everything feels extra-large and Bede received the Covid-19 vaccine at had to stop. of the most memorable experiences – unbearable, but when you’ve lived a bit and Campbell Park and has been doing his She did, however, share that as something you’ve heard about only in seen things, there isn’t a lot that can phase best to maintain social distancing as someone who didn’t go out a lot, she didn’t K.S. Sivakumaran books, but to witness it in real life was you. While many may assume, someone advised. feel massively restricted, and that she a particular love of tabloids and gossip very different. However, she vividly does with experience knows for a fact that things Born on 16 January 1925, Dottie made sure to keep herself occupied doing columns as well as watching her teledramas. recall the times she spent during World will get better, and when the time comes, we Fernando, a resident of Galle Fort who things she enjoyed, such as making beeralu Dottie shared that in her lifetime, War II, which she said was quite similar won’t even remember the struggle, but will just turned 96 years, comes from a family lace, sewing, reading newspapers, having the things that stand out to her as having to the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) just be happy to be alive.

one has-been cow spoke of how her the it’s death rate. husband might jump into the sea knowing Change is the only constant, and that we are now a Chinese colony. this is something you need to remember Colombo Confessions: Her alcohol-drenched neurons might as you Dim Sum yourself into a carb- have forgotten how Sri Lanka was a induced coma. Remember Obama’s battered tennis ball, which was hammered 2008 campaign slogan? He was all from one side of the tennis court to another about “Change We Can Believe In”, and by our benevolent Western masters. I possibly never expected China to overtake The Status Quo Must Die lost family to the terror unleashed by the his beloved America with a “Bye Felicia” LTTE while the powers that governed the in the economy race. Maybe 2021 is Rome. As did the British Empire. Today, ordered batter-fried cuttlefish 30 minutes country in the ‘80s and ‘90s lined their an opportune year to switch up those America is screeching like an old hag later on Uber Eats. The idiot no doubt pockets with glee. Why do I bring this language skills. Here’s a simple greeting wearing patched-up Louboutins, fearfully enjoys some good ol’ Sri Lankan Chinese BY ROHITHA PERERA up? Because, one must never make the that your Chinese neighbour would love waiting for China to overtake it as the with his kollo set eka every Saturday, assumption that an old master is still better to hear from your sun-kissed lips – Nǐ hǎo world’s greatest superpower. while listening to some baila, and guzzling than a new master. or Hello. Unless, of course, you’re part I moved from one crappy arrack. I can go on and on and on about the and parcel of that generation known as the Colombo Confessions is all telecommunications provider to another Colonisation happens all the time. about having a laugh. I’ve had the West and how it’s not a rosy-cheeked Baby Boomers, in which case, you needn’t recently. The sales guy lamented like a The world, just like life, is in a state of cherub. No country is. As a Generation bother, since you’ll be Generation Dead misfortune of associating with a wide newborn calf on how the Chinese are constant change. As the apple cart shivers cross-section of Colombo denizens. X’er who has seen and faced much, soon enough. taking over. I smiled behind my mask, and unsettlingly, new ideologies and a new understand this: We are facing a greater (Rohitha Perera is a writer, blogger, This column is a look at the lighter way of doing things is side of Lankans in the capital of sense of stability today than ever before. and content marketer from Colombo, presented. Life in the 21st Before you whinge about Chinese Sri Lanka. He used to be an editor at a Sri Lanka. Century has become far I studied at an international school. I colonisation, educate yourself about lifestyle magazine, and now works in the better. More people are Western colonisation. As far as this new IT industry) had the fortune of studying arts, history, dying of obesity than of literature, and the classics. The study of era is concerned, no country is set to face wars today. Technology the future better than China. The Covid-19 history is fantastic, because if there’s one will give rise to a new The views and opinions expressed in thing that you can glean from the study of fiasco and China’s effective handling of it this column are those of the author, and do pantheon of gods that we is just one example. In comparison, look at what’s dead and forgotten is that history will worship. Just recently not necessarily reflect those of always repeats itself. Greece died. So did America, it’s Bible-thumping sheep, and this publication. 4 the sunday morning brunch CAUSE Sunday, February 28, 2021 Trees of life: Why worry about

Methods by which forests support sustainable agriculture deforestation? of genetic material for the development BY MANADILANI DALUWATTE of medicines to treat illness and disease. Recent estimates suggest that three-quarters “The death of the forest is the end of our life.” of the top-ranking global prescription – Dorothy Stang drugs contain components derived from Why are forests important? This is a plant extracts, many of which come from question that we must all focus on now, the world’s forests. (https://www.un.org/ before it is too late, as much of Sri Lanka’s sustainabledevelopment/biodiversity/) forests are being destroyed before our very eyes. Forests provide a number of ecosystem Forests protect us from services that are fundamental to our very zoonotic diseases existence, even though they largely go As we find out more about the unnoticed and unappreciated. These economic Covid-19 pandemic, and the origins of the services are priceless, yet Mother Nature virus, it is very clear that it transferred to gives them to us for free. humans from wild animals, from our abuse of those species and the destruction of Forests give us life their natural habitat. Healthy populations Benefits of pollinators When we breathe – the automatic bodily of wildlife, living in balanced forests and and other protected areas. Blocking these function we all do, keeping us alive – oxygen Gange Wadiya, Kalpitiya ecosystems, ensure that these hitherto corridors and encroaching into Sri Lanka’s is absorbed through our lungs into our blood unknown dangers are controlled and last remaining wildlife habitats, will not only and carbon dioxide exhaled out. This oxygen are contained within their specialised affect the livelihoods of the communities we breathe comes from forests and the oceans environments. Interfere with them, and let reliant on wildlife tourism, but will risk many through photosynthesis. It has been estimated them loose; they will seek new hosts – us, billions of rupees in foreign exchange to this that one large tree can produce a day’s in a way that the whole world reels from country. requirement of oxygen for up to four people. today. The more ancient the forest, the more efficient It takes hundreds of years to grow a it is at this process. Forests generate foreign forest...yet it can be cut down in the Forests are the best defence against exchange income blink of an eye Wild animals require their natural These are just some of the main benefits climate change Ecosystem services provided by forests habitats for survival. No more wildlife habitat we, as humans, derive free from the forests; Forests act as “carbon sinks”; they trap = no more wildlife. Sri Lanka is well known digging the earth, burrowing into the soil, and yy Protecting crops from droughts and floods there are many, many more. Imagine if we and store carbon dioxide, which helps to clean as a country that ranks high in Asia, and the loosening it, making it more porous. Their had to pay for them? How much would the the air and reduce the negative effects that yy Providing a habitat for pollinator species world, when it comes to wildlife tourism. excreta helps replenish the nutrient content Government of Sri Lanka have to spend to an excess of it can have on our environment. like bees, butterflies, other insects, fruit From all over the world, visitors come of the soil by providing it with enriching ensure the survival of the people? These are Half of all the carbon stored in the world’s bats, etc. – pollinator species perform a to Sri Lanka to see our elephants, leopards, minerals. important questions that should be answered forests is found in tropical areas (State of the crucial service that supports most of the snakes, butterflies, and other exotic animals; before it is all too late and before Sri Lanka’s Rainforest). world’s plant diversity, and a significant 39% of all visitors to this country visit one or Forests create rain and cool the last remaining true forests, which are a mere As an island, Sri Lanka stands to lose portion of global agriculture. It is said that more of the national parks. “The Gathering”, 17% of the land area, disappear forever. more than some other countries as a result of atmosphere one-third of every bite of food we eat is which happens annually in Minneriya, is The importance of forests cannot be global warming, as rising sea levels can have The latest research confirms that trees thanks to the services of pollinator species estimated to generate Rs. 1.5 billion to the underestimated. From the forest floor covered disastrous consequences on small islands. and forests play an important element in a area. The booming economy at Udawalawe yy Providing a habitat for natural predators of in leaf litter and a million crawling creatures, Protecting our remaining forests is an active country’s rainfall patterns (Science Mag: is thanks to the wild elephants that can be agricultural pests like insectivorous birds to the tops of their tree crowns, forests are the decision we take to mitigate how we are Influence of Land-Surface Evapotranspiration seen there on any day of the year, at any real heroes keeping our country and us alive. impacted by global warming. on the Earth’s Climate Science). Therefore, destroying our forests for the time of the day. These wild elephants require To destroy Sri Lanka’s forests is to When forests are cleared for agriculture, sake of agriculture is like shooting oneself in large home ranges to seek food and water, actively destroy Sri Lanka’s future. Forests protect soil quality and stop it lessens the amount of water which can the foot. It is not only counterproductive but and forests are essential to their existence. (The writer is a Trustee at the evaporate from the soil and forests, resulting will have long-lasting impacts on agricultural They use forest corridors to move between natural disasters Federation of Environmental Organisations, in reduced rainfall, or in worse cases, drought. productivity all over Sri Lanka. large wilderness areas such as wildlife parks Natural forest ecosystems create and Sri Lanka) conserve the health of soils by cycling It is estimated that large-scale deforestation nutrients and storing water. By limiting water reduces rainfall in some areas by up to 30%. Forests create biodiversity runoff and maximising rainwater absorption, Forests sustain agriculture “Tropical, temperate and boreal forests forests prevent land desertification and provide the most diverse sets of habitats Forests provide a major contribution for degradation as well as soil erosion. This for all types of life, together holding more sustainable agriculture. Sadly, in Sri Lanka process also minimises the risks from natural than 80% of the world’s terrestrial species however, inadequate attention is given to disasters such as floods, landslides, and of animals, plants, and insects.” (https:// this relationship. Instead, forests are being droughts. www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/ increasingly destroyed in order to expand All wildlife species depend on healthy biodiversity/) largely inefficient farming practices. forests for their existence. Forests provide Biodiversity, or diverse species of flora Forests support sustainable agriculture them with shelter as well as the food they eat and fauna, is what makes a forest. There by: like wild fruits, nuts, and plants they need to is such a close interconnection between yy Regulating the water cycle and providing thrive. These wild animals provide a great the flora and fauna that one species cannot rain ecological service by spreading the seeds survive without the other; and we cannot of the plants they eat, which in turn helps yy Cycling nutrients and making the soil survive without them all. Biodiversity is to fertilise the soil and keep it healthy – the fertile essential in maintaining a forest’s basic same soil we rely on to grow our food. Many ecological processes. yy Stabilising the climate and providing the wild animals also help soil conservation by Forests also provide a storehouse Example of ecosystem services provided by healthy natural landscapes right conditions for growing crops

thankfully, this gender gap mentality has nothing if we are a country that discriminates changed somewhat in recent times, stating against half of the global population. that in the hotel industry particularly, they “These kinds of incidents are extremely have mechanisms and programmes in place damaging to our reputation as a nation. Nowhere, in any industry, is it a smart How fragile... to encourage more female representation, People do not want to visit a country which decision to alienate and exclude 50% of especially considering how, for a number is discriminatory, and that is what we are the talent pool. It is never a clever strategic Contd. from page 1 It’s a no-brainer, this is of reasons, Sri Lankan women tend to shy portraying to the world,” he said. He added decision to pursue this kind of thinking away from the hotel trade. that if we are to look at other countries that LOVI Ceylon CEO Asanka de Mel The gathering brought together discrimination The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka Also sharing his thoughts, LOVI were well behind us just only a couple of numerous women’s representatives who values. In a similar way, something like (THASL) Chairman Sanath Ukwatte Ceylon Chief Executive Officer (CEO) decades ago, they have all surpassed us, each spoke of the discriminatory actions a gender quota can certainly be a starting commented that if you are to Asanka de Mel said that while he himself and we have managed to remain exactly that DIG Jasin Arachchi has had to face in point, perhaps something to be implemented consider the corporate sector, wasn’t entirely familiar with where we started. He attributed this to our the wake of her promotion, sharing also with a time limit, for example, for 15 years they tend to encourage women the nuances of the case at hand, narrow-minded thinking. He said that he that it is discrimination aimed at not only moving forward, until we are able to address to hold decision-making he shared: “Nowhere, in any hopes justice prevails with regards to the one individual but all women. the existing imbalance, he opined. positions, adding also that in industry, is it a smart decision to unfortunate predicament DIG Jasin Arachchi The women collectively asked the He said that procedures must reflect a Sri Lanka, we are proud to alienate and exclude 50% of the has been forced to suffer, and while it is question as to why it is that in Sri Lanka society’s current value systems, adding that boast of a woman having held talent pool. It is never a clever unfortunate that it comes at her expense, we witness this disparity between male perhaps in the past there may have been the highest position in office, strategic decision to pursue perhaps this could serve as a wakeup call to and female representation and whether an acceptance of a gender gap. However, so we can take a cue from our this kind of thinking.” Adding adjust our patterns of thinking in Sri Lanka. the powers that be genuinely believe that we have our own values now, and the laws past. to the conversation, Sensory women are simply incapable or are less Gender quota and regulations we adopt in moving society Referring to the incident Indulgence Managing Director equipped to take over decision-making With the conversation surrounding forward must represent that. regarding the petition, he said (MD) Udaya Wickramage said: positions. gender inequality taking front and centre, However, Wickramage shared a that, personally, he believes “I am very much pro-gender The panel collectively agreed that laws there has been discussion of introducing different perspective. He suggests we that this may be an isolated What really should be equality; a gender disparity must be reinterpreted to suit the current gender quotas to even out the disparity. shouldn’t put stringent measures like quotas incident, because if he were done is to educate the absolutely should not exist.” socioeconomic context of our society; In 2016, Sri Lanka's Government passed because in an instance where you must fill to speak from experience, public He pointed out that as someone they mustn’t still read what was intended a 25% women's quota for local elections 10 positions – five men and five women – if companies and organisations THASL Chairman from the tourism industry, he nearly a century prior, adding that there through the Local Authorities (Amendment) we do not have a total of five men to fill the in the present context Sanath Ukwatte can easily see how harmful this is a necessity for a gender quota to be Act (No. 1 of 2016), and it has allowed position or vice versa, are we to hand over encourage women to take up kind of backward thinking can introduced. for the meagre female representation we the position to a less-qualified person simply higher managerial and senior be, particularly for our country’s Considering that many women have currently see in local government. because the quota demands it? He opined positions, as that is simply the way forward. development. come forward to speak on behalf of With regards to this matter, however, that in that backdrop, a gender quota can be He stated, however, that when you are He stressed on the fact that Sri Lankans DIG Jasin Arachchi, we reached out to a we received mixed opinions, with de Mel viewed as a form of discrimination based on making your way up the corporate ladder, are quick to take pride when CondeNast number of leaders in the corporate world sharing that if you are to consider tax breaks gender as well. it is certainly a challenge, and progress named Sri Lanka as one of the must-visit to share their opinion on this matter and that are offered, and certain incentives He said that the solution lies in is no easy thing. However, women do destinations in the world, and also when whether men in Sri Lanka truly do feel that are offered to kick-start industries and systematic change; progressive thinking tend to face some additional challenges, various other internationally recognised threatened by the possibility of a woman businesses, it is done in order to redistribute must be built from the ground up, and particularly when it comes to perception. publications made note of Sri Lanka’s natural holding a decision-making position in their and incentivise, so that we arrive at a what we must do is incentivise progressive He said: “What really should be done is beauty and our country’s many resources. respective industry. position representing our values; the right behaviour. to educate the public.” He added that, However, he said that all of this will mean the sunday morning brunch 5 Sunday, February 28, 2021 CAUSE

IF OVER 18  Contact the Cyber Crime Unit (CID - 011 232 6979)  Email details of the incident to BOTH and

IF UNDER 18

 Contact the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA - 1929)  Request support from their Cyber Crime Surveillance Unit  Inform the National Center for Cyber Online gender security via the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT - 011 2 691 692)  If due support is not received, contact Women in Need (WIN - 077 5676 555 ) based violence:  For further discussion, or to receive a written assessment, contact The THE NEW Grassrooted Trust (0763488622) NORMAL OF SEXUAL

HARASSMENT PHOTO FREEPIK

BY DINITHI GUNASEKERA We approached a number of young relationship with her boyfriend. One day, defamation, where you can seek damages individuals (aged 20-25) for their thoughts she and her boyfriend (consensually) from a court of law for the injury caused to Cyber sexual harassment is not (on the basis of anonymity). While many recorded a semi-nude video involving your reputation. a novel concept to Sri Lanka. believed that consensual sharing of vulgar language. Her boyfriend had Sec. 345 of the Penal Code, which However, a conversation nudes/ any sort of pornographic content requested permission to share the clip to recoginses sexual harassment as a between partners is normal and is not a social media group in which himself, punishable offence in Sri Lanka, also plays around the topic was reignited “fundamentally wrong”, some believed Jani, and some of his close friends were a role in this scenario. Whoever by assault following the buzz around a viral that not sharing such content would be the included. or use of criminal force sexually harasses pornographic video that was easiest way to prevent potential negative After being initially reluctant, Jani another person, or by the use of words believed to be of musical artiste experiences. agrees and the video is shared on the or actions, causes sexual annoyance or and Sri Lanka’s beloved pop culture One shared that what happens between group. Days later, Jani’s video is all over harassment to such other person commits sensation Umaria Sinhawansa. a relationship is totally up to the parties FaceBook, along with multiple fake the offence of sexual harassment and shall The corresponding public statement involved. What matters is that both parties, profiles and meme pages, sharing not only on conviction be punished. A broadly made by Sinhawansa features an emotional especially the sender, are comfortable with it. her video, but also her personal details. Her defined offence, which the court has space response claiming her innocence and “Consent when it comes to nudes is video had been uploaded to various porn to give meaning to situations that can be condemnation of general harassment of like sharing a sandwich with a person, and Sharanya Sekaram sites such as PornHub and XHamster under considered as sexual harassment. women and girls within social media. It that person sharing the sandwich, given 14 different web links. Jani does not use We also have the provisions relating to extends the dialogue to not only the need exclusively to him, with other people with social media anymore. She feels ashamed Criminal Intimidation and Extortion in the for public attention of cyber crime, but whom you did not ask it to be shared with,” to face her friends and lives in fear of her Penal Code, which can be used to punish also to how women and girls are most shared another woman, aged 21. future. the perpetrator in certain situations such as vulnerable in this regard. Open University of Sri Lanka The tragic account of a survivor who the Criminal Intimidation under Sec 483 of Department of Psychology and Counselling shared her story with The Sunday Morning the Penal Code and Criminal Intimidation Cyber bullying and sexual Clinical Psychologist and Senior Lecturer Brunch shows how the end result of her under Sec 372. Ransirini de Silva expressed the concept of tale was a traumatic breakdown which she Wadood stated that it is advisable to harassment: What are they? “nudes” from an objective perspective. suffers from even today. always get legal advice when faced with Cyberbullying involves the use of “Technology has significantly altered De Silva, from her expertise, explained a situation of TFV, and make a complaint electronic communication to intimidate the way humans communicate. We are that such trauma may result in short-term at the nearest police station as soon as or threaten an individual and takes on much more reliant on technology to effects involving shock, disbelief, denial, you have notice of the publication, before multiple definitions worldwide. What’s share even affection. This modern way the inability to process the information, you report the post to the hosting page/ striking about the dangers of such “virtual of communication has translated how self-blame, a sense of loss of control over site, if you want a police enquiry and violence” is that it boils down to the we engage in sexual activity. Romantic their lives and body, and loss of self- investigation. Because once the post has victim’s life offline: often escalating to rendezvous events now take place through esteem. Some may even experience social been removed, it cannot be traced and the exploitation as a result of blackmail, digital media, and the same excitement and Ransirini De Silva rejection and withdrawal of all social Police will not be able to proceed. threats, coercion, or discrimination. thrill of a physical encounter is conveyed support, increasing the tendency to engage Most often clients/victims do not opt to The Association of Progressive defying physical distance,” explained de in self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or even file action in court, given the private nature Communications (APC) argue that Silva. attempt suicide. of the issue and the public nature of court cyber-bullying is actually a component “It appeals specifically to men, who Long-term effects include post- proceedings. They simply want the posts of violence against women. According to are very visual when compared to women. traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to the taken down or the circulation stopped, Women In Need (WIN) Executive Director It may enhance their imagination, making “sexual trauma”, and struggle to cope with in which case we contact the TRCSL or Savitri Wijesekara, cyber violence is the self-pleasure very satisfying. Sexually the fact that nowhere is safe, as they were CERT. fastest growing form of gender-based open and explorative women and their violated in a “safe” place. Victims may Though the circulation of content violence in Sri Lanka. willingness to share nude pictures may experience depression and anxiety-related via messaging apps which are end-to-end Attorney-at-Law Mariam Wadood increase excitement,” she elaborated. difficulties as a result. encrypted cannot be stopped, those who from WIN shared with The Sunday Additionally, e-sexual experiences allow “The easiest way to character- share this content – for example nude or Morning Brunch results from WIN’s for the avoidance of emotional attachment assassinate a woman is to centre it around pornographic content – can be held liable research in 2000, titled “Technology to a single partner, as attachment forming the fact that we are sexual beings, over under the Obscene Publications Act for Facilitated Violence against Women and hormones are not experienced in a shared something that is actually detrimental,” the possession and distribution of obscene Girls”, that show 32.5% women report physical experience. stated Sekaram. material. Therefore it is important to having friends who had been victimised However, with so many risks involved, Nikita Shuhumar Coupling this question with the save any evidence of mobile numbers or compared to men (16.5%). Around one in why send them? It is similar to receiving, uproar surrounding the cyber harassment details of those who shared the content or three women from all communities report opined de Silva. of Sinhawansa, Sekaram challenged: “So redistributes the content, as they can all be knowing a victim. “Adjacent to the pleasure what if it really was her? The fact that she held liable under the law. In Sri Lanka, a common form of cyber- experienced by exhibitionists (where had to make a public appearance, gain violence is the non-consensual distribution/ one gets satisfaction from exposure), sympathy, declare herself innocent and A shift in thinking patterns needed publication of intimate photographs/ the act of sending nude images further have everyone rally around her is a sad In many typical accounts of such videos online (now also coined as revenge appeals psychologically. One receives situation. Would everyone have rallied harassment, it is noted that the victim porn), as well as any other material via compliments, acceptance, trust, and around her had it been her video?” is reluctant to seek legal support or the memes/edited images, including other validation about the most intimate and The scenario, including the media assistance of relevant bodies. Sekaram manifestations such as stolen photos, social secret aspects of oneself.” portrayal of her tearful innocence, plays opined that it is not the lack of credible media accounts impersonations, harassing Finally, de Silva remarked that Sri into patriarchal ideologies, she expressed. bodies to tackle the issue per say; much messages, and unsolicited pornographic Lankan culture is sexually repressed. rather there needs to be a change in material. Cyber stalking, gender-based Couples who engage in any sexual activity Legal persecution? outlook. slurs, slut-shaming, sextortion, rape, death privately, albeit in public spaces, are Corresponding with Attorney-at-Law “The systems in place need to be threats, doxing, and electronically-enabled hunted down, harassed, and arrested, and Mariam Wadood and Educator of holistic reframed to victim-centred outlooks. We trafficking also fall under this category. technology becomes a way to bridge that Mariam Wadood empowerment, human rights and social do not have a holistic approach to it in ‘Nudes’ and the value of human gap with a seemingly “less perceived risk”. justice Nikita Shuhumar, we were informed the sense that we do not take the victim’s A 20-year-old male among our In an exchange with feminist activist, that Sri Lanka has no specific law relating mental health, comfort, safety or tendency connections in question correspondents uncovered that most boys researcher, and writer Sharanya Sekaram, to cyber harassment, per say. However, to be re-victimised into consideration. Among the island’s rampant cyber are compelled to get into the malicious she revealed how a situation of gender- there are certain civil and criminal laws It is vital to ensure that the shame and sex crimes, the non-consenual sharing habit through peer pressure. based online violence is exacerbated by that cover specific situations, and it is the horror that should be attributed to of initimate digital media is most rabid, “It starts at peak teenage years when societal perception and the expectation of preferred to refer to cyber harassment as the perpetrator is not shifted towards the to the extent of it being an open secret everybody wants to fit in. When there are a woman. “Technology Facilitated Violence Against victim,” she concluded. among older school boys, with WhatsApp a few who engage in such practices, it gets “The implication is that if a woman Women” (TFVAW) or “Technology As discussed time and time again, groups exclusively for the sharing of such normalised and even people who think it’s is sexual, she is problematic. We are facilitated Gender-based Violence” it is quintessential that Sri Lanka is material. wrong do not speak against it.” supposed to portray ourselves in the (TFGBV), as it captures a wider range of given much-overdue sexual relationship Most of these non-consensually public eye as the ‘Vestal Virgin’. Holding situations. education to attack primitive views shared media are those shared between A woman’s sexuality: The bane of ourselves in a way that is any different In the case of obscene adult content, of sexuality from the grassroots level. the “secure” boundaries of a romantic makes us easy targets to be attacked on the it would be a punishable offence under Should our bodies and our sexuality be her existence? basis of sexuality, which is why again, it is relationship. It is noteworthy however, “My sexuality is not an inferior the Obscene Publications Act 1982. pragmatically synonymous as “the worst largely a gender based issue.” that everyone involved in any “further” trait that needs to be chaperoned by However, if the content is not of a sexual/ thing that can happen to you” under any Jani* is a bright young trainee circulation of such material, is equally to emotionalism or morality.” obscene nature, then the victim only has a circumstance? The question remains blame. – Alice Bag professional* who shared an intimate civil remedy applicable under the law of unanswered. 6 the sunday morning brunch HEALTH Sunday, February 28, 2021

Debunking myths surrounding the vaccine

BY DR. DINESHANI HETTIARACHCHI SIRISENA the vaccines target, it is likely that all the the total interruption of transmission is is disagreement on this strategy among vaccines that have been produced so far are achieved. It is also the responsibility of the different professional groups. As social media buzzes with likely to be affected in some way, but how people to get vaccinated when it is offered. exactly it would happen is still elusive. ÄÄ Can the vaccine be given pictures of mass vaccination Common Covid-19 questions to immunocompromised programmes, as Sri Lankans, it Experts believe that these new strains will not significantly affect the efficacy of persons? is with a sense of pride that we the vaccine. However, all measures are ÄÄ Is the vaccine safe? Although further studies are required too can imagine the dawn of a being taken to prevent these new strains The vaccine has considerable data to regarding vaccine efficacy in persons living Covid-19-free new normal. The from coming into the country. In case a be deemed safe. No severe side effects with HIV and other immunocompromised efforts undertaken to execute the new strain is found to be resistant to a have been reported during Phase III trials conditions, or who are receiving vaccination rollout with the Oxford- vaccine, there is always the possibility to or during the vaccination campaign in Sri immunosuppressive treatment, people in AstraZeneca Covishield vaccine is make changes to the vaccine, making it Lanka where nearly 200,000 persons have this category, who are a part of a group certainly commendable. However, effective against new strains, as with the already been vaccinated. Most people recommended for vaccination, may be doubts and fears regarding adverse influenza vaccine, where a new vaccine experience pain, tenderness, swelling, vaccinated after receiving information is formulated each year taking into and redness at the injection site, body and counselling. Since the vaccine uses a effects, both long and short term, aches, joint pains, fever or feverishness, are still looming, even among some account the changes in the virus during the Dr. Athula Liyanapathirana non-replicating chimpanzee adenovirus preceding year. headache, tiredness, or flu-like illness as the viral vector to transfer the genetic health workers. This threshold population immunity which may develop a few hours to a couple The efficacy of the vaccine is said to level needed for herd immunity differs information into the human cells for the To debunk some of these be around 82% after a second dose. When of days following the vaccination and lasts production of spike proteins, which will misconceptions, we spoke to Ministry from one disease to another – for measles, for a few days, These are expected side asked about its impact on controlling the it is about 95%, while for polio, it is about act as the antigen to trigger an immune of Health Epidemiology Unit consultant outbreak, Dr. Liyanapathirana mentioned effects and signs of our immune system response in the human body, there is no community physician Dr. Athula 80%. For Covid-19, it is still unknown and responding to the vaccine. However, it is that the objectives of vaccination are it is impossible to know this figure with possibility of the vaccine developing the Liyanapathirana. As the virus mutates, new manifold: prevention of death, severe yet only recommended for people aged 18 disease and can therefore be safely used in strains are emerging, some of which are certainty until it is achieved. However, and above since there is no data available disease hospitalisations, and disease epidemiologists have offered that it would the above group of people. more infectious and fast-spreading than transmission. The first dose of the vaccine for younger age groups. A clinical trial is the original one. Whether these new strains be in the range of 60% to 70% or even currently underway for children aged six to ÄÄ Can pregnant and was found to have a 76% efficacy that is more. Herd immunity will also protect will derail the efforts of providing lasting maintained until the second dose (given 17 in the UK. breastfeeding mothers take vaccine-induced immunity is one concern vulnerable groups that cannot get the in 12 weeks) which increases the efficacy vaccine due to medical conditions. The first dose of the the vaccine? that keeps getting raised in conversations. to 82%. AstraZeneca has confirmed Vaccination can also be offered to Dr. Liyanapathirana said that it is The proportion of immune people vaccine was found to 100% protection against severe disease, needed to create herd immunity depends have a 76% efficacy that is breastfeeding women if they are a part natural for new strains to emerge as the hospitalisation, and death in the primary of a group prioritised for vaccination. pandemic progresses. Experts believe that on many factors including the reproductive maintained until the second analysis of Phase III trials. Vaccination number, which is commonly known as the The WHO does not recommend a new strain will not necessarily render the also reduces asymptomatic transmission of dose (given in 12 weeks) which discontinuation of breastfeeding after virus the ability to evade vaccine-derived R-value. It is beyond doubt that the vaccine increases the efficacy to 82%. the virus, where PCR positivity is reduced will lead to acquiring herd immunity. The vaccination. According to Sri Lankan immunity. The Oxford-AstraZeneca by 67% after a single dose. The concept AstraZeneca has confirmed guidelines, breastfeeding women with vaccine, which is currently rolled out in Sri question is whether the emergence of a of “herd immunity” plays a vital role in new strain will alter the R-value. We hope 100% protection against severe babies six months or older can receive the Lanka, is believed to provide protection interrupting disease transmission. disease, hospitalisation, and vaccine. While pregnancy puts women against most of the new strains reported so vaccine-induced immunity will render Herd immunity, also known as enough protection against the new strains death in the primary analysis of at higher risk of severe Covid-19, very far, although there have been reports that “population immunity”, is the indirect little data is available to assess vaccine one new strain found in South Africa has to achieve herd immunity. However, for Phase III trials protection that the non-immune people get any containment effort to be successful, safety in pregnancy. Hence, the WHO shown some resistance to the AstraZeneca from an infectious disease when a certain guidelines state that pregnant women may vaccine. a coherent plan should be implemented – ÄÄ Why do some have more side proportion of the population is immune one that includes both a quick vaccination only receive the vaccine if the benefit of South Africa had put its Oxford- either through vaccination or immunity effects compared to others? vaccinating outweighs the potential vaccine AstraZeneca vaccine rollout on hold after rollout and the continuation of all The immune response differs from developed through a previous infection. Sri preventive and control measures such as risks. However, guidelines issued by the a study showed reduced efficacy of the Lanka, in keeping with the World Health person to person, and the side effects, Ministry of Health do not recommend the vaccine against its new Covid variant physical distancing, respiratory etiquettes, which are mostly due to how the immune Organisation (WHO) recommendations, is aseptic measures, and proper use of masks vaccination of pregnant women or lactating which has accounted for 90% of the new trying to achieve herd immunity through system responds to the vaccine, also differ mothers with babies less than six months Covid-19 cases in South Africa. Even as well as case detection through testing, from person to person. vaccination. When the proportion of isolation of cases, and quarantine of close in age due to the unavailability of data for though the study showed it was not very immune people reaches this threshold this group. effective against mild to moderate severity, contacts, Dr. Liyanapathirana explained. ÄÄ Who should be level, the epidemic will start to decline Since the degree of protection experts are hopeful that it is still effective through interruption of the transmission given priority? ÄÄ How long will the in preventing severe cases. Hence, it is the vaccine renders against disease According to the WHO Strategic of the virus. Therefore, no vaccine needs transmission is not fully known, it is also protection last? prudent for us to be cautious with the 100% efficacy. This is somewhat similar to Advisory Group of Experts on How long this protection would last is new variants being detected locally. If the important for those who got vaccinated Immunisation (SAGE) on interim a forest fire that runs out of dry wood and to follow the preventive measures until not completely known yet, and only time mutations change the part of the virus that ceases to spread thereafter. recommendations for the use of the Oxford- will tell. As with any other vaccine, an AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine, it should be introduction of a second dose at eight to 12 first given to health workers at high risk of weeks would certainly boost immunity. exposure and older people, including those aged 65 or older, followed by those with comorbidities that have been identified as Take-home message increasing the risk of severe Covid-19 – All vaccines available at the including obesity, cardiovascular disease, moment, including the Oxford- respiratory disease, and diabetes – and are AstraZeneca vaccine manufactured at higher risk of developing severe disease under the brand name Covishield, and death. which is currently used in Sri Lanka, Here, the main objective is the are quite safe and effective. Therefore, prevention of deaths and severe disease. all those who are eligible should take it However, there is another school of thought at the first instance it is offered. among some Sri Lankan experts – given the fact that persons over 60 years consist of less than 10% of the total number of cases About the writer so far identified, and the majority of them The writer, had been infected through their younger Dr. Dineshani family members who had been going out Hettiarachchi of the house and also as a result of their Sirisena, is a family behavioral patterns, vaccinating this older physician with a age group alone will not have any effect on special interest in interrupting disease transmission. Therefore, rare genetic diseases the younger age groups (30 to 59 years) and regenerative have to be vaccinated simultaneously to medicine currently working as a lecturer achieve interruption of transmission, which at the Department of Anatomy, Faculty of would also have an indirect protective effect Medicine, University of Colombo, Hospital staff being given the Covid-19 vaccine on the elderly population. However, there Sri Lanka. the sunday morning brunch 7 Sunday, February 28, 2021 GAMES/TOONS

SOLUTION FOR 14 FEBRUARY CROSSWORD CLUES Crossword 27 Saw things enchiladas 28 Bonnie with 10 Grammys 73 Quite dry Across 59 Name of the Baltimore 114 Carpenter’s machine 1 Short-legged hopper Ravens’ mascot 115 Concerning 29 Luxury watch 74 Half of a dinner pairing 5 Untidy types 60 Programmer’s problem, 116 “Let Me Ride” Grammy 32 Jamaica’s Ocho __ 75 Poaching targets 10 25% of doce perhaps winner 34 Bud, for one 78 Cartoon explosion sound 14 Period 61 Drinking noise 117 Champagne spec 35 __ wear 79 With no changes 18 River in Tuscany 63 Facebook count 118 One who shows the way 38 Immortal army leader 80 Key letter 19 Tiny island nation near 64 Iberian landmark that’s 119 Yemeni city 39 Draped garments 82 Do a garden chore the equator an insurance company logo 120 Leave in 40 Sub alternative 83 Czech or Serb 20 Slew 68 Put back to zero 121 AOL and Comcast 41 Image in a religious 85 Inuit craft 21 Mom-and-pop business 71 Villainous look 122 “Beau __” painting 86 Stephen King’s role as 22 Fallon predecessor 72 Half a game fish 123 Moms in a glade 42 Foil alternative the minister in “Pet 23 Became aware of, with “to” 73 Reverence 43 Pack animal Sematary,” e.g. 24 Victor’s wife in “Casablanca” 76 Unfitting Down 44 Starting point 89 Would rather have 25 Cobbler fruit 77 Dusk, poetically 1 Barber’s powder 45 Colgate rival 94 Support 26 Summer cottage, perhaps 78 Not treating nicely 2 Lunch box treats 47 Moving around 96 Sweet-smelling pouch 29 Emotive speaker 80 Fussbudget 3 Set aside 49 1964 Civil Rts. Act creation 97 Hold fast 30 Fell in pellets 81 Some fort components 4 Lorna of Brit Lit 50 “Return of the Jedi” beings 99 Unmoving 31 Result 84 Personal exam? 5 Peloponnesian city-state 51 MYOB word 100 Give up 33 Musician’s gift 87 One way to rest 6 Many a Grisham hero 53 __ Lama 101 Places to put coins 34 Fitness ratio: Abbr. 88 Zugspitze, e.g. 7 Prayer opening 57 “The Honeymooners” 102 Enduring legends 36 Lake south of London 90 With full force 8 Whip up a cake surname 103 It ends with the burial 37 Have something 91 Senate staffers 9 Bird feeder cake 60 Popular long shot of Hector 92 Pioneering TV brand 40 Oklahoma’s top crop 10 Heist figure 61 Title for Richard Starkey 104 Last movement of 44 Handle 93 One covering the bases 11 Be empathetic 62 Montana motto metal Beethoven’s “Waldstein” 46 Dairy-based quaff 95 Online notes 12 NBA’s __ Conference 64 Email option Sonata, e.g. 47 Phobia lead-in 96 Symbolic uncle 13 Cruise ship feature 48 Prior conviction, e.g. 98 The other way around 65 Professional charges 105 Come to terms 14 Mar. honoree 66 Piazza de Ferrari city 106 Santa Anita numbers 52 One of the ones that “say so 102 Port alternative 15 Start celebrating much,” in an Elton John hit 106 Bar accessory 67 God with a hammer 107 86-Down, for one 16 1968 album containing 54 Brewpub choices 108 Commonsense approach 68 Redder, perhaps 109 Connect, in a way, with “in” “The Motorcycle Song” 55 Pitchers that can’t throw? to behavior analysis 69 Computer that was retired 110 RSVP convenience Entries should be written clearly and addressed to: The Features Editor, The Sunday Morning, 56 Peachy-keen 112 Showed the courage 17 At no time, in old times in 1955 111 Strong desires No. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 to reach us on or before 12 noon on 10 March, 2021. 58 Coronary chambers 113 Credit union seizure 21 __ Lee 70 Topping for chicken 113 MLB stat 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 14 FEBRUARY First prize (Rs. 5,000) Consolation prize winners Sriyalatha P.R., 1. Bryan De Hoedt, Kadawatha Wellawaya 2. R. Sumathipala, Sudumpola 3. D.B. Ekanayake, Kundasale Second prize (Rs. 3,000) 4. Jenny Christy, Galle D.B.M. Fernando, 5. M. Prasanna, Valaichchenai Modera, Colombo 15

This week’s winners will be announced on 14 March

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

Agency. All (Answers next week) rights reserved. (Last week’s) 8 the sunday morning brunch PULSE EVENTS Sunday, February 28, 2021

Asanka and Jade Charith and Shermali Thiyasha and Haren Nishi Michelle and Dulinda Dharshan and Narmada Launch of Wave Bolgoda by Singhe The exclusive launch party of Wave Bolgoda by Singhe, the latest jet ski resort, took place on 20 February. Here’s how the event unfolded! PHOTOS © KUMARA BOPEAARACHCHI

Irushi and Lanthra Natharlea and Reshan

Treshan

Adhisha

Kushlani and Roshan Krishan and Sheshadri Rushan and Mahesha

Viruni Yasodhara Shani Hemal Chrishanthi Charini Shiny Sandy Harshini

Duminda and Dilrukshi Ramesh and Inoka Nelum and Viraj Jean and Melani Malaka and Shalini Nadeera and Sanjay

Content to check out the-sinharaja-rainforest/ The F Word with We are making 3. Mango curry – http://www.pulse. Smriti Daniel | electricity out 1. Sri Lankan same-sex relationships lk/pulse-recipes/mango-curry- captured on comics – http:// cooking-with-aunty-d/ Peter D’Almeida of garbage! www.pulse.lk/everythingelse/sri- lankan-same-sex-relationships- 4. Vegan soya curry – http://www. Log onto our Log onto our captured-on-comic-strips/ pulse.lk/pulse-recipes/vegan- soya-curry-cooking-with-aunty-d/ YouTube channel YouTube 2. What you need to know about the Sinharaja Rainforest – http:// 5. Send in your requests to +94 (70) for the full channel for the www.pulse.lk/everythingelse/ 707 8573 and hear your favourite what-you-need-to-know-about- tunes instantly on www. interview full video Send in your requests to +94 (70)islandpulse.lk! 707 8573 and hear your favourite tunes instantly on www.islandpulse.lk! THIS WEEK ON Facebook: slpulse Instagram: @pulse_lk YouTube: Pulse.lk

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