LPL 2020 SLC STUMPED IMPENDING POWER CRISIS WITH BILLS WHAT HAPPENED TO KELANITISSA?

RS. 70.00 PAGES 80 / SECTIONS 6 VOL. 03 – NO. 16 SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 2021

UNP SPECTACLE NATIONAL CONTINUES; REFORMS TRADE POLICY UNDER SCRUTINY IN THE MAKING »SEE PAGE 7 »SEE PAGES 8 & 9 »SEE BUSINESS PAGE 1 »SEE PAGE 3 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] RECEIVING COVID-19 VACCINE

PrezBY LAHIRU POTHMULLA and PM in 3rd list z Jab expected before mid-February z Administered at govt. hospitals President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Speaking to The Sunday Morning and sociocultural ground realities the leaders of the Philippines and given it first, they will say that the Rajapaksa will be among those who receive the Covid-19 vaccine about the latest on the national had been factored in making the Indonesia were given the vaccine first people have been used as test subjects. at the third stage of the Government's inoculation programme. plan on the Covid-19 vaccination aforementioned decision to not place to boost confidence in the people. Therefore, the President and the Prime Frontline healthcare workers will be vaccinated in the first phase, programme, Covid-19 Vaccine the President and the Premier at the However, if we do that here, people Minister will get the vaccine when followed by security forces personnel also at the forefront of the Committee Chairman and Senior very top of the priority list in terms will say that the ruling family got the population over 60 gets it at the battle against Covid-19, while those above the age of 60 will be Advisor to the President Lalith of those who receive the vaccine. the vaccine first without giving it to third round,” he said. given the vaccine during the third phase. Weeratunga noted that local political “Political leaders including the people, while if the people are Contd. on page 2 LAW OF CONTEMPT OF COURT IN SL HOTEL IN MUTHURAJAWELA Second time around Decision Lawyers group urges changes based on EIA z Threatens to go before UN z Justice Ministry ready to listen z BY RUWAN LAKNATH JAYAKODY The Sunday Morning spoke Act to rectify the substantive Matter under Wildlife Dept.: to Ministry of Justice Chief and procedural shortcomings Environment Ministry Ministry of Justice sources Legal Advisor President’s in the existing legal regime A decision on the controversial luxury said that the granting of the Counsel (PC) Udaya Rohan pertaining to the offence of hotel project proposed by a private right to appeal in cases of De Silva in connection with a contempt of court and to company in Muthurajawela is to be taken alleged contempt of court section of the legal community thereby ensure the people’s based on the outcome of the ongoing should be looked at, especially on Friday (15) urging the right to the freedom of speech Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), in the context of drafting a Parliament and the Government and expression. The Sunday Morning learnt. new constitution. to draft a Contempt of Court Contd. on page 2 Through the EIA, the authorities are attempting to ascertain the extent of the SPECIAL REPORT REVEALS land belonging to the wetland, as the Safeguard Uni demarcations are being disputed. Rs. 673 m losses Contd. on page 2 autonomy: FUTA to Mahapola The Federation of University Teachers’ Massive financial losses in the Mahapola Association (FUTA) claimed that the IMPENDING SAND SHORTAGE Online Lottery Scheme amounting to demolition of the Mullivaikkal monument millions of rupees have been revealed in a at the Jaffna University was an attempt by Consider The “Park and Ride Citybus” programme to curb traffic congestion around Colombo, which suffered recent special audit report by the Auditor external forces to create disharmony within a failed implementation back in 2009, was relaunched on Friday (15) at the Makumbura Multimodal General’s Department. the student community. Centre, Kottawa alternatives: PHOTO SAMAN ABESIRIWARDANA Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 Env. Ministry EAST CONTAINER TERMINAL CAPITALADOPTION RELATED ISSUES HEIGHTS z Industry says available India welcomes Foster Care Act CAPITALRS. 34 MILLION HEIGHTS substitute insufficient UPWARDSRS. 34 MILLION in the pipeline UPWARDS BY SARAH HANNAN move to attract FDI The participation of India Colombo Port, which otherwise A new law regarding foster care is to be The Ministry of Environment is urging the in the East Container Terminal faces the prospect of losing drafted by the National Child Protection CAPITAL HEIGHTS construction industry to look at alternative (ECT) at the Colombo Port will business in the absence of Authority (NCPA), following a proposal by building materials to reduce the use of sand secure precisely such investment investment, said the Indian High the latter receiving approval last week from RS. 34 MILLION VISIT OUR in building and construction work, it is learnt. as required in the much-needed Commission in Colombo. the Ministry of Justice. UPWARDSWEBSITE Contd. on page 2 capacity augmentation of the Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 CAPITALVISIT HEIGHTS+94 OUR 763112233 ELEVATED HIGHWAY OVER PROTECTED AREA RE-OPENING AIRPORTS RS.35SHOW APARTMENT MILLIONWEBSITE UPWARDSRS. 34 MILLION Tourist Police to READY FOR INSPECTION UPWARDS PROJECT NEARING+94 763112233 COMPLETION VISIT OUR CEA awaiting AG’s advice SHOWstep up APARTMENT to the plate WEBSITE project from the New Kelani Bridge Environment Dr. Anil Jasinghe said As the country gears to reopen airports VISIT OUR BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA +94 763112233WEBSITE to Athurugiriya, to be constructed that the CEA has not approved any of READYfor tourists from FOR 21 JanuaryINSPECTION onwards, the SHOW APARTMENT www.capitalheights.lk The Central Environmental over the remaining green patches of the proposals submitted by the Road Sri Lanka Tourist Police has taken measures to SHOW APARTMENT +94 763112233 Authority (CEA) is awaiting the Colombo’s wetland in Thalangama Development Authority (RDA) and ensure that their services will be conveniently READY FORREADY INSPECTION FOR INSPECTION Attorney General’s (AG) opinion and Averihena. has instead sought the legal opinion PROJECTaccessible to anyNEARING distressed touristCOMPLETION on the granting of approval for the Speaking to The Sunday Morning, of the AG’s Department. visiting Sri Lanka. PROJECT NEARINGPROJECT NEARING COMPLETION COMPLETION proposed four-lane elevated highway Secretary to the Ministry of Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 2 the sunday morning NEWS Sunday, January 17, 2021 Contd. from page 1

that met their deaths in Mullivaikkal during “We cannot give an exact date. At the the society aware of the availability of this create, directly and indirectly, thousands of Lawyers group... the last leg of the war. moment, we can’t even purchase. The Serum procedural mechanism,” De Silva added. jobs, and generate revenue for Sri Lanka. Sharing his personal opinion, De Silva said The FUTA Jaffna Branch has issued a Institute of India will provide the vaccine to the Most recently, controversy arose following Furthermore, it stated that India’s participation that he was of the view that the right to appeal statement condemning such external influences Government of India and it is from the Indian the arrest of an individual who was operating in the ECT is also natural, given that over 60% should be granted in such cases and that the that have threatened the autonomy of the UoJ, Government that we can purchase,” he said. a baby farm for purposes of monetary gain, of the Colombo Port’s transhipment traffic is court of first instance, should be the Court noting that there are political and non-political When queried as to whether Sri Lanka by illegally arranging for the obtaining of with India. of Appeal (CoA) as opposed to the Supreme forces at play to sow disharmony among the will get the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, babies from pregnant mothers after entering Last week, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Court (SC). student population. Weeratunga said: “We can’t say that. We see into agreements with them and subsequently said that the Government would retain 51% “We are ready to entertain and listen to views When The Sunday Morning contacted FUTA that the AstraZeneva vaccine is available but selling the infants to others, which partially of the shares of the ECT, and that India’s by groups of lawyers and others in this regard – President Dr. B.M.H.S.K. Banneheka, he India also starts its vaccine programme from constitutes the criminal offence of trafficking. Adani Group and other investors would hold whether we need a separate piece of legislation also agreed with the statement made by the 23 January. Only then can we decide. We can’t De Silva PC pointed out that this was a racket, the balance 49%. or whether the existing legislations including FUTA Jaffna Branch. Explaining further, get it on the day we want. They have to say, and involved criminal activity. “If someone is At a discussion held between the two sides the Constitution need to be elaborated on.” he said: “We see these types of incidents as ‘okay! We have set this part aside for you’.” genuinely interested in helping certain expectant at the Presidential Secretariat, Colombo, the DCs, family courts, MCs, and primary courts those which would birth separatism. There He further said that the type of vaccine mothers who have conceived under difficult President said that the ECT development had can punish contempt when it occurs within are several other monuments that are in the will depend on availability, the results of circumstances, both financially and/or socially been undertaken after taking into consideration the courts, before a magistrate, and/or judge, University premises which are clearly erected clinical trials, and where the vaccines are (such as single unwed mothers), or even due regional factors, the country’s sovereignty, while the HCs too have the power to punish for to memorialise deceased members of the terror being manufactured. to a criminal act being perpetrated on them revenue, employment, etc. contempt. The Penal Code defines the offence group (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) and “There is heavy competition among all such as rape or incest, then they should bring A statement issued by the Presidential of contempt of court as one where “whoever their allies, yet it was the monument that was countries to get hold of vaccines. Based on our the matter to the notice of the relevant Court Secretariat quoted the President as having by words, either spoken or intended to be built in remembrance of the civilians that was goodwill and bilateral relationships, we will get and follow the legal procedure,” he noted. assured that the ECT wouldn’t be sold or leased read, excites or attempts to excite hatred to subjected to criticism and demolition.” a part of the vaccines required for free, but we “But in this particular instance, the suspect in and that instead, it would be developed with or contempt of the administration of justice”. University Grants Commission (UGC) are even ready to buy. There is no issue with question had acted as an intermediary between the Government being the major shareholder. On Friday, a section of the legal community Chairman Senior Prof. Sampath Amaratunge, funds. The Government has allocated funds the parties – that is, the expectant mothers and Nevertheless, Sri Lanka Ports Authority warned, citing the people’s sovereignty in speaking to The Sunday Morning, said: “This and made arrangements and there is no issue those persons interested in getting a baby – and (SLPA) Chairman (Retd.) General Daya terms of the legislative power (Article 4 [a] of is just one incident. The undergraduates in the in that aspect,” he said. collected money from the latter, including for Ratnayake told The Sunday Morning, as reported the Constitution) and judicial power (Article university system today are quite harmonious. He also said that the regulatory authority the looking-after of the gestational mother prior in last week’s edition, that a final decision on 4 [c] of the Constitution) being exercised by They get along very well and are very positive which is the National Medicines Regulatory to giving birth. The NCPA’s Special Police the controversial Memorandum of Co-operation the Parliament through the judiciary, that they about maintaining peace and helping the process Authority (NMRA), should approve the Investigation Unit is looking into such matters.” (MoC) signed between India, Japan, and Sri would along with citizens and civil society of reconciliation. These efforts should not vaccine. – Ruwan Laknath Jayakody Lanka for jointly developing the ECT is to be organisations go before the United Nations be thwarted by incidents that tend to create “We have to do the registration. The taken following the recommendations given by (UN) if the Parliament and the Government separatism or incite racism.” State Pharmaceuticals Corporation that gets the two committees appointed by the Cabinet delayed or abdicated on rectifying the issue, Meanwhile, last week, the Jaffna University down the vaccine has to get ready. Many CEA awaiting... of Ministers. as per the country’s international obligations administration had taken a decision to such requirements have to be met. Those “Last week, the CEA officials had a Accordingly, the project committee is accepted by the Government as a state party reconstruct the monument and erect it at the arrangements are being made now and we are consultation at the AG’s Department and we currently evaluating the MoC and once the to the International Covenant on Civil and same location and have stated that it would working to meet certain deadlines,” he said. are now waiting for advice on whether to recommendations are given, the Cabinet- Political Rights (ICCPR). be a monument which would memorialise all Commenting further on the preparatory work proceed with it or not,” he said. appointed negotiating committee will look into These critical sentiments were expressed who had lost their lives during the war. that’s being done in this regard at present, The Thalangama Environmental Protection the entire MoC and give its recommendations by members of the Lawyers Forum for the – Sarah Hannan Weeratunga said that the Health Ministry Area including the Averihena Lake was declared to the Cabinet. People (LFP) organisation comprised of a was finalising the National Vaccination so under the National Environment Act (NEA), He said that the two committees were group of lawyers including Namal Rajapaksha, Development Plan. No. 47 of 1980 as amended, by the CEA, in currently looking at the MoC signed between Manju Sri Chandrasena, and Chula Ranjeewa Rs. 673 m... He said that they have identified the groups 2017, through the Gazette Notification No. the three countries, and that they were not Adikari, who addressed a media briefing held The report by the Auditor General’s of people that needed to be given the vaccine 1487/10. evaluating any proposals submitted by any on 15 January in Colombo, organised in the Department focused on the management of at the first phase, at how many centres, and The development of the four-lane elevated private companies. wake of the SC, on 12 January, sentencing investments of the Mahapola Higher Education the related safety measures that are needed to highway, which is 17.3 km in length, stretching – Maheesha Mudugamuwa Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Parliamentarian Scholarship Trust Fund.The total losses incurred be taken, especially if there are any adverse from the New Kelani Bridge (Orugodawatta) to Ranjan Ramanayake to four years’ rigorous as a result of the financial irregularities and the reactions to the vaccine. Athurugiriya, was proposed in 2015 to improve imprisonment for contempt of court. mismanagement of the fund are said to be Rs. “First to get the vaccine will be the frontline the road network in order to deal with the heavy Consider... Highlighting the lack of a proper definition 673 million. The report stated that the Trust health workers, next the frontline personnel influx of vehicles into the Colombo city limits. Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Secretary of the offence in the domestic law and the Fund had been deprived of the said amount of the armed forces, and then the population Phase one of the project, which is 6.9 km in to the Ministry of Environment Dr. Anil minimum and maximum punishment imposed due to its deviation from the procurement over 60 years of age. This will cover about length, has been planned from Orugodawatta Jasinghe said that studies had revealed that for thus and the procedure followed pertaining procedure in selecting an institution to maintain four million people,” he said, adding that the to Rajagiriya while phase two, which is 10.4 there will be a shortage of river sand in a span to the case, the LFP noted that suspects had the the online lottery. vaccines will be given at government hospitals. km, will be from Rajagiriya to Athurugiriya. of two years. legal right to know the charge/s against them. The investigations concluded that the Meanwhile, State Minister of Primary According to the RDA, 45% of the land “The construction industry has to look at Rajapaksha opined that in Sri Lanka, the law procurement committee that selected the Healthcare, Epidemics, and Covid Disease acquisition of the first phase of the project has using alternative construction methods where of contempt of court was in a backward state. institution for maintaining the lottery and the Control Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle also been completed. The Environmental Impact less sand is used, or explore the possibility of He was of the view that people had the right evaluation committee, as well as the institution said that the vaccines will be available by mid- Assessment (EIA) has already been completed. extracting sand from the debris of demolished to question the judiciary which was funded that maintained the lottery, should be held February and that they would be administered Furthermore, the feasibility study of phase two buildings. Moreover, the construction industry by public monies. accountable for the losses. free of charge at government hospitals. has also been completed. should also look at using sea sand as a raw Regarding the nature of the offence of It is further stated in the report that the Trust When questioned as to whether the country Meanwhile, in November 2020, in a letter material as well,” Dr. Jasinghe elaborated. contempt, while Rajapaksha noted that Fund had not taken action in accordance with will purchase the AstraZeneca vaccine from to the Highways Ministry and the Board of The Ministry of Environment estimated that hindrance to the implementation of court orders the terms and conditions of the agreement India, she told that the AstraZeneca vaccine Investment (BOI), Secretary to the President the annual national demand for sand from the should be considered as contempt of court, entered into between the Trust Fund and the was the suitable candidate. “It is better, as it P.B. Jayasundara had instructed the Highways construction industry is approximately seven Chandrasena observed that in jurisdictions institution maintaining the lottery in 2013, can be administered at the periphery easily Ministry and the RDA to call for fresh proposals million cubic metres. such as India and the UK, it was obstruction to recover the installment of Rs. 375 million and it is 90% effective.” for the New Kelani Bridge to Athurugiriya With the rapid development taking place of the process of meting out justice that is receivable for the period from 5 May 2015 to 7 Commenting on the vaccines to be given stretch. in the country and the requirement for sand considered as contempt of court. February 2016, along with the penalty for the by the World Health Organisation (WHO), It is stated that the Government will not therefore on the rise, sand resources that are Adikari on the other hand expressed that delay amounting to Rs. 14.564 million from she said: “We can’t confirm the exact type of encourage loan-funded projects and annuity harvested from river beds, carved from river justified, subtle criticism should not be conflated the institution maintaining the lottery, and that vaccine but the indication is that the majority payments (a series of payments made at banks, and mined from sand deposits on dried- with contempt of court and thus silenced. He those values had not been brought to account. of vaccines from the COVAX Facility will equal intervals) to meet revenue shortfalls up river beds are fast dwindling. also opined that the concept of contempt was Furthermore, the installment receivable to the also consist of AstraZeneca and then a part or guaranteed traffic, as these options are Meanwhile, the Chamber of the Construction also tied to the concept of reputation. fund from 8 February 2016 to 15 September will consist of Pfizer as well.” not affordable. It is further stated that several Industry of Sri Lanka (CCISL) presently Chandrasena pointed out that the Contempt 2016 – the date of the agreement’s termination “We have nurses and midwives to help parties have submitted letters of intent or estimates that the total annual sand requirement of Courts Act of 1971 of India (dealing with – amounted to Rs. 298,913,043. us and we expect to inoculate 55% of the interest to the BOI for the two initiatives on is at 21 million cubic metres. both civil and criminal contempt) and the UK’s The online lottery had been reintroduced on population,” she said. She further said that a a build-operate-transfer (BOT) basis. Most “Switching to alternatives for river sand is Contempt of Court Act of 1981, was proof that 30 July 2013 on the approval of the Cabinet communication campaign is being conducted of them were largely of an unsolicited nature. challenging at present, as one of the alternatives, other jurisdictions had separate laws to deal of Ministers (number 13/0773/540/008 dated for healthcare workers and that special training He has also instructed the Highways Ministry which is mechanically washed and sieved-off with such, whereas not only did Sri Lanka not 13 June 2013), with the objective of raising is being provided to them. and the RDA to issue a detailed request for seashore sand, only fulfils three million cubic have a separate Act of Parliament in this regard necessary funds for the accomplishment of proposal (RFP) for the New Kelani Bridge metres of the requirement. This means that we but that the existing legal framework granted the objectives of the fund in terms of Section to all parties who submitted letters of interest largely depend on river sand,” revealed CCISL judicial discretion with regard to deciding on 6(2)(d) of the Mahapola Higher Education Foster Care... to the BOI or the Ministry. Secretary General/CEO Eng. Col. Nissanka a suitable fine and/or term of imprisonment, Scholarship Trust Fund Act, No. 66 of 1981. NCPA Chairman Prof. Muditha N. Wijeratne. which he claimed was “dangerous”. In terms of Section 7.1(b) of the contract Vidanapathirana, speaking to The Sunday With the Government cracking down on “This is in conflict with the principle of agreement, the contractor should pay the Morning concerning the proposed new piece Tourist Police... illegal sand miners and strengthening laws criminal law which holds against laws having premium to the Trust Fund on or before the of legislation, explained that the intention was, Following a meeting with the Sri Lanka to protect the environment, the construction retroactive/retrospective application. But, in first date of the quarter. In the event of failing in part, to address some of the issues that have Tourist Development Authority (SLTDA) on industry is facing considerable challenges in the case of contempt of court, we do not know to do so, the contractor should be informed arisen in connection with adoption. 15 January, Sri Lanka Tourist Police Director maintaining sand supplies. The CCISL has until the court tells us. Furthermore, regarding in that connection in writing within a period “Presently, to adopt a child, those who wish SSP K.A. Kavinda Piyasekara told The Sunday therefore requested the Government look at the offence itself, we must be able to explain of 90 days. to do so have to part with some wealth among Morning: “We are periodically conducting increasing the supply of washed and sieved- how it obstructed the process of meting out However, it is revealed in the report that the adopted children, be it a son or daughter. meetings with the state authorities and the off seashore sand. justice.” payments had been defaulted from 31 January Therefore, people are reluctant to pursue healthcare services in order to revise the Covid- The Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Section 4 (2) of the ICCPR Act No. 56 of 2014 up to 15 November 2016, but that the adoption. What we are proposing is a form 19 health guidelines we are following. On 15 Development Corporation (SLLRDC) operates 2007, as amended, holds that a convict of a Trust Fund had not informed the contractor of legal adoption that has been taking place January, we also had a meeting with The Hotel an offshore sea sand pumping and washing criminal offence shall have the right to appeal in writing. in Sri Lanka since late President Ranasinghe Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) in order to plant at Muthurajawela that has an annual to a higher court against such conviction and Moreover, the agreement should have been Premadasa mooted the foster care parent/s’ provide them with the necessary information supply capacity of 350,000 cubic metres. sentence/s imposed. terminated within a period of 14 days from that programme, and – albeit in a very limited on keeping our communication lines open Even with an additional washing plant, the “Ramanayake however did not have the date, on 17 August 2015, though the agreement capacity – post-tsunami in 2004, under the when the need arises.” output would only increase to 1.3 million cubic right to appeal. This right should be there for had in reality been terminated only on 15 provisions of the Tsunami (Special Provisions) SSP Piyasekara further revealed that all police metres; therefore, requests have been made to the reason that Sri Lanka has an adversarial September 2016. As such, a private company Act, No. 16 of 2005 as amended, with regard personnel attached to the Tourist Police Unit the Government to explore the possibility of system, under which certain facts may not had been allowed to earn excessive profits for to parentless children. This also harkens back have been given the necessary instructions on setting up two more plants, possibly in Chilaw. be presented to the court by the lawyers for a period of over one year by using the concept to the concept of the godmother and godfather the updated health guidelines and have been Another alternative to reduce the demand the parties, whereas in other jurisdictions, a of “Mahapola”, it is revealed. in the Christian world,” he explained. instructed on the usage of personal protective for river sand is to promote the manufacture system where the courts themselves investigate Meanwhile, the Committee on Public Chief Legal Advisor to the Ministry of equipment and other preventive measures of rock sand. There are a few companies that is operative. This situation did not arise in Enterprises (COPE) also conducted a special Justice Udaya Rohan De Silva PC concurred to ensure that they do not contract the virus have set up manufacturing plants to produce the case of MP S.B. Dissanayake who was probe into the fund recently, and COPE that this requirement of distributing one’s while on duty. rock sand, but are unable to supply the material found guilty of the same, as Sri Lanka had Chairman Prof. Charitha Herath instructed wealth among adopted children caused “We have distributed leaflets in tourist at an economical price point due to the Value not become a state party to the ICCPR then the Secretary to the Ministry of Trade J.M. interested parties to be reluctant to pursue hotspot areas where we have included the Added Tax imposed on their business. and neither does this arise in the case of the Bhadrani Jayawardena to inform the Attorney adoption. health guidelines that they should follow General Secretary of the Bodu Bala Sena General (AG) of the losses and irregularities, Speaking to The Sunday Morning in this when engaging in tourism-related business Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera, as he and to lodge a complaint in this regard with regard, he also noted that another reason activities and have also shared our contact Decision... was convicted of the same by the CoA and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). as to why the authorities were proposing a details with them to reach out in case any of Secretary to the Ministry of Environment therefore, could appeal to the SC. The court – Maheesha Mudugamuwa new way of legally accepting this situation, the foreigners are found to be in urgent need Dr. Anil Jasinghe refuted the allegation that a of First instance in Ramanayake’s case was is because generally, the adoption procedure of police assistance,” SSP Piyasekara added. 600-acre land expanse from the Muthurajawela the SC, which is the final court of record. is time-consuming and lengthy. In addition, all officers have been strictly Wetland is being earmarked for a hotel and Therefore, for all these reasons, the law should Prez and... Speaking further on the proposed new law, advised to follow the health guidelines that golf course project. be changed and reformed. The points raised Meanwhile, the type of Covid-19 vaccine that Prof. Vidanapathirana added that following would be issued from time to time by the Instead, he stressed that the survey conducted must be considered and necessary steps must will be administered to Sri Lanka depends on an initial discussion, a sub-committee would Ministry of Health. on the land extent would give the accurate be taken with the Legal Draftsman to fill this availability and the results of clinical trials while be formed to prepare a concept paper in this – Sarah Hannan figures and that it would clarify the matter. lacuna in the law.” the first lot of vaccines required by the country regard, after which it would be submitted Denying that any approval has been granted will be received before mid-February, Covid- for review by the relevant stakeholders, by the Central Environmental Authority 19 Vaccine Committee Chairman and Senior subsequent to which a draft of a bill would India welcomes... (CEA) in this regard, Dr. Jasinghe said that Safeguard Uni... Advisor to the President Lalith Weeratunga be made. Welcoming the emphasis of the leadership of the matter comes under the Department of External influences are said to have placed told The Sunday Morning. “After the NCPA has done its work on Sri Lanka to attract more foreign investment, Wildlife Conservation and that the Environment the University of Jaffna (UoJ) Vice Chancellor He said that it is likely that India will give a this, we too will go through it to see whether the High Commission said that the expeditious Ministry hasalready written to them regarding under pressure to demolish the memorial that quota of vaccines to friendly countries after 26 there needs to be amendments in the form of development of the ECT will strengthen Sri the issue. was constructed in remembrance of the civilians January – the Republic Day of India. additions or omissions. We will then make Lanka’s place as a major connectivity hub, – Maheesha Mudugamuwa the sunday morning 3 Sunday, January 17, 2021 SPOTLIGHT

BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA IMPENDING POWER CRISIS Controversy surrounds the delay in restoring the 165 MW unit of the Kelanitissa Combined Cycle Power Station, which has been inactive since October 2019 due to mechanical issues, resulting in parts being sent abroad for repairs. According to energy experts, the plant should have been restored What happened several months ago, and over a year being taken for its restoration is unacceptable under normal circumstances. The delay has also been criticised by experts as “criminal negligence” of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), as it attempts to secure more emergency power by further extending power purchasing to Kelanitissa? agreements (PPA) with several z 165 MW unit of Combined Cycle Power z Delay in restoration due to failure in private power companies (PPC) to avoid a possible power shortage. Station defunct since 2019 procuring broken part The CEB has completely neglected their own power plants, full capacity operations, stored Alstom Power Centralles of France. and instead of using existing in case of any fuel shortage. The resources, they are focusing on plant’s 20-year contract ends on 10 Hampered by going ahead with expensive diesel October 2023. circumstance power, Energy Expert Dr. Vidhura The economic analysis for the However, during an inspection Ralapanawa stressed. project was conducted in accordance tour of the power plant last He told The Sunday Morning that with the Asian Development Bank September, Power Minister Dullas the Kelanitissa combined power (ADB) guidelines. Alahapperuma instructed officials plant is the largest thermal power This analysis covers the period of the Kelanitissa power plant to plant owned by the CEB, which from the start of construction in restore generation activities within generates cheaper thermal power 2001, with the commissioning date the next few weeks. as it runs on furnace oil, which is of 2003, and up to the end of the According to him, the main cheaper than diesel oil. concession in 2023. All values are reason for the delay was that adjusted to reflect 2003 prices, since some parts of the plant had been Opting for costlier 2003 is the year of the commercial sent to India for repairs due to a alternatives operation date. mechanical fault, and the machines “This power plant has been Forecast data from 2011-2023 had not been repaired due to the broken and shut down for repairs was adjusted to real terms using the global Covid-19 pandemic. since June 2019. The CEB is yet to 2.40% US inflation forecast utilised Minister Alahapperuma said restore the 165 MW to the national in the 2011 financial model. that steps would be taken to repair grid,” he said, alleging that instead The combined cycle power plant the malfunctioning machinery of of repairing the Kelanitissa plant, was built at a total cost of Rs. the power plant and bring it back the CEB has been struggling to 10,616 million, of which Rs. 9,200 to Sri Lanka as soon as possible. secure emergency power. million (¥ 13,481 million) was Nevertheless, as learnt by The “One of the parts that have been obtained from the Government of Sunday Morning, the plant is still broken in the power plant has not Japan through the Japan Banking not online. When contacted, CEB been procured on time, and as a The Kelanitissa combined power plant has been shut down since June 2019 PHOTO © CEB International Corporation (JBIC) as Chairman Eng. Vijitha Herath also result, the restoration work has also a soft loan, while the remainder was noted that the reason for the delay been delayed. The order had been plant was broken down. The water Power Station (also known as gas turbine with a nameplate borne by the CEB. was due to the ongoing Covid-19 placed somewhere around May, blade has to be brought down from Sojitz Power Station, and AES capacity of 115 MW, and a 57 MW Engineering consultancy services pandemic situation, although one of around six months after the plant France,” he said. Kelanitissa Power Station), is a steam turbine manufactured by were provided by Lahmeyer the units had been restored, while was broken,” Dr. Ralapanawa said. Accordingly, questions arose as privately-owned 172 MW diesel- Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. The International of Germany and Chuo the CEB is waiting for the repaired According to him, the delay in to when the CEB placed the order, fired combined cycle power construction was done by Larsen & Kaihatsu Corporation of Japan – parts to arrive from India with placing the order resulted from a when the order came down to the station. It is owned by Sojitz Toubro. two highly-renowned engineering regard to the other unit. VAT dispute. country, and why the plant still Kelanitissa (Pvt.) Ltd., a subsidiary Power generated by the consultancy firms. “There are delays due to the He also stressed that there are hasn’t been restored. of Sojitz Corporation. The power power station is sold to the CEB The CEB engineers worked as shipment issues,” he said. two turbines in Kelanitissa, one The Kelanitissa plant has a station is located adjacent to the under a 20-year take-or-pay counterparts to the consultants Once the parts arrive, the of which was shut down for a 20-year PPA with the CEB and a Kelanitissa Power Station, which power purchase agreement. The in fulfilling the engineering Kelanitissa plant will be restored major overhaul in June last year. 20-year fuel supply agreement with is a separate government-owned low-sulphur diesel is supplied consultancy aspect of the project. and will add 165 MW to the “However, when they brought the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation power station. through an existing pipeline by The turnkey project contract national grid, Eng. Herath told The the system up somewhere around (CPC) until 2023. The power station consists of two the CPC, with 20,000 tonnes, was awarded to a consortium of Sunday Morning. November, the water blade of the The Sojitz Kelanitissa generation units, a GEPG9171E or the equivalent of 28-days of Marubeni Corporation of Japan and Contd. on page 4

Questions have been raised over the NON-PAYMENT OF TAXES cancellation was due to the defaulting on Government’s taxation policy, as a few errant compulsory tax payments due for several alcohol companies have evaded payments years. of staggering amounts of due taxes for five He said the three manufacturing licences years. As a result, the Excise Department of W.M. Mendis, issued to Moragala and has cancelled the liquor licences of one of Welisara, have not been renewed since last the country’s largest liquor manufacturers – year. W.M. Mendis. When asked about the five companies In the Auditor General’s Summary mentioned in the Auditor General’s report, Report on the financial statements of the Mendis liquor Rathnayake said they included the three Excise Department for the year ended at 31 companies owned by W.M. Mendis, along December 2019, it is revealed that a total of with one in Kurunegala and another in Rs. 479.99 million tax arrears exceeding five Kalutara. years, due from five companies together with “We sent a letter to W.M Mendis to come the respective late fee, had been Rs. 1,896.39 up with a repayment plan two weeks ago. million. licence cancelled They haven’t responded yet. If they don’t The report also revealed that the cases z Excise Dept. and IRD initiate z Auditor and COPA focus on come up with a repayment plan, we will take had been filed against two companies and legal action,” he said, adding that the other although it had been mentioned that files had action to recover dues losses due to tax arrears two companies which have defaulted the been forwarded to the Attorney General (AG) payments were now settling the arrears under for legal actions, no progress in that regard The annual beedi manufacturing quantity a repayment plan. could be observed. of the 30 companies selected for the In the meantime, the Inland Revenue As per Excise Notification No. 902, audit sample was around 31,348,500 and Department (IRD) stated that legal action surcharges are levied in the event of failure it observed that a massive tax revenue has been instituted against W.M. Mendis and to pay the taxes on the prescribed date, and receivable to the Government had been Co. Ltd. for defaulting on compulsory tax surcharges worth Rs. 39,514 had not been annually forfeited, taking into consideration payments due for several years. levied on nine companies which had thus 518 registered companies. IRD Commissioner General H.M.W.C. failed to comply with the above and a sum of Meanwhile, the issue of the outstanding Bandara told The Sunday Morning that Rs. 42,643 had been lost, owing to the failure revenue to be collected by the Excise there were several court cases filed against to duly calculate the surcharge pertaining to Department has been discussed by the the company to recover the defaulted tax four companies, it is revealed. Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) amounts. The report signed by Deputy Auditor held in Parliament in December last year. It is revealed that the company has evaded General R.R.M. Abeysinghe Banda for the The COPA, chaired by Prof. Tissa the payment of approximately Rs. 6 billion Auditor General also revealed that although Vitharana, stressed that prompt action in taxes and that it has defaulted Rs. 1.1 it is required to impose and charge a tax on should be taken to recover the arrears. billion in excise duty up to December 2020, every cigar, beedi, and kilogramme of pipe At the committee hearings, the thereby inflicting a massive loss to the tobacco in accordance with Section 2 of Commissioner General of Excise and other Excise Department, according to a recent the Tobacco Tax Act No. 8 of 1999, such officials informed the committee that legal A man purchasing liquor at a liquor store PHOTO REUTERS investigation conducted by the IRD. a tax is not thus levied according to the action has been taken to recover the arrears. When queried about the licences of the sample audit conducted on cigars and beedis The Committee however noted that the had been suspended due to non-participation attention to the fact that the security sticker company, Bandara stressed that though manufactured. Excise Department had conducted 224,737 in the district coordinating committees. management process with a procurement he was not specifically aware about the By the year 2019, there had been 18 raids during the last five years, out of which The Chairman of the Committee cost of Rs. 1,597,559 by November 2020 licences of this company; all licences companies registered for importing tobacco 53,848 raids were carried out in 2017, instructed that the legal proceedings be was limited to imported foreign liquor which have been extended till 31 January and the for manufacturing cigars and beedis and 49,278 in 2018, and 47,391 in 2019, and completed expeditiously and the activities was only 0.28% of the total revenue of the renewing would begin after the expiry of that under said companies, approximately 500 that legal action has been taken against the of the Excise Department be maintained Excise Department. The Committee stressed period. “Due to the Covid-19 situation, we beedi and cigar manufacturers had been wrongdoers. efficiently. that it is an essential programme for the have extended the existing licences till 31 registered with the department. Furthermore, the Chairman drew attention Prof. Vitharana further emphasised that standardisation of local liquor as well. January,” he added. During the preceding four years, beedi and to the fact that the relevant disciplinary necessary steps should be taken to fill the However, when contacted by The Sunday Meanwhile, it is also stated that clearance cigar manufacturing had been approximately inquiries regarding 48 officers, who were vacancies of senior and tertiary-level posts Morning, Excise Deputy Commissioner from the IRD should be obtained by the four billion units. suspended due to various reasons in the in a proper manner which directly affect R.M. Rathnayake said that licences of only respective companies when extending the At present, only an application fee, Excise Department as at 31 December 2019, the mission of the Department and that one liquor manufacturer have not been liquor licences. “Without clearance, the manufacturing and storing licence fee, and have not been completed properly even a report on the current progress of these renewed, which is W.M. Mendis and Co. Excise Department does not renew the the relevant tax for the imported tobacco are though one to three years have elapsed. It matters should be submitted. Ltd., owned by a suspect in the Central Bank licences,” Bandara added. charged. was also identified that some of the officers The Committee also paid special Treasury Bond Scam, Arjun Aloysius. The Contd. on page 4 4 the sunday morning ROUND-UP/SPOTLIGHT Sunday, January 17, 2021 Biden picks Mangala’s friend UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa US President-elect Joe communities, fight for the value of Biden last week announced every human being, and advance his nominee for the post American ideals and interests around of Administrator of the US the globe.” Agency for International Power, a former war correspondent No difference, Development (USAID). Biden who served on President Barack had nominated Ambassador Obama’s National Security Council, Samantha Power to head was the US Ambassador to the United USAID. Nations from 2013-2017. says Maithri USAID has an annual budget of Biden also announced that he is about $ 20 billion. Former North-Western under the SJB at the last elevating the position to the National Interestingly, Power is a close Province Governor General Election, received Security Council within the White friend of former Finance Minister Maithri Gunaratne more preferential votes than House – a signal that he will prioritise Mangala Samaraweera. In fact, PC said that there SJB’s Badulla District Leader outreach to other nations. Power’s last visit to Sri Lanka does not appear to Ravi Samaraweera, Lakshman “A leading voice for humane and Ambassador Samantha Power with Mangala Samaraweera was to deliver the keynote address be a big difference Seneviratne, and former Uva principled American engagement at an event held to celebrate the between the current Provincial Council Opposition in the world, she will rally the biggest challenges of our time,” the USAID Administrator, she will work 30th anniversary of Mangala Leader R.M. Rathnayake. international community and work Biden-Harris Presidential Transition with our partners to confront the Samaraweera’s political career in initiatives of Leader “There is no big difference with our partners to confront the stated in a Tweet, adding: “As Covid-19 pandemic, lift up vulnerable 2019. of the Opposition and between Ranil and Sajith Samagi Jana Balawegaya now,” Gunaratne had said, (SJB) Sajith Premadasa raising suspicions about the and the initiatives of current functions of the SJB as United National Party the main Opposition. (UNP) Leader Ranil Gunaratne, who played Arrested and released a key role in Premadasa’s Wickremesinghe. The son of former State Minister and Samagi Jana following a complaint lodged by campaign at the last Balawegaya (SJB) MP Dilip Wedaarachchi, was arrested the victims. Gunaratne’s veiled criticism Presidential Election, has been along with four others by the Police in Maharagama on However, the suspects were of Premadasa, his schoolmate sidelined by the SJB when Thursday (14) night over the alleged assault of a couple on released on bail after both for several years at S. Thomas’ selecting its office bearers. In Minister Dullas Alahapperuma the road. parties agreed to an amicable College, Mount Lavinia, was fact, Gunaratne had also not settlement. It is learnt that revealed in an interview on been invited for the meeting The assault had taken place The MP's son and another were Wedaarachchi had agreed to social media recently. held last month by the SJB following an argument over a vehicle arrested soon after the incident, and compensate the damage caused Gunaratne, who contested Working Committee to finalise Dullas accident. the other two were arrested later, to the couple. from the Badulla District the party’s constitution. teaches patience Dayasiri dismisses Senior Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) member and Minister of Power Dullas Covid tonic Alahapperuma last week made sunny Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) General Secretary Ravana tonic. He stated an interesting statement on State Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara last week that he was undergoing valuing one of the key tenets of dismissed rumours as well as social media reports that his mandatory quarantine side up period, following the democracy: freedom of expression. he had surreptitiously consumed one of the vastly by abilis medical advice of doctors He observed that one should have the discussed locally-produced Covid-19 curative tonics. and nurses engaged in discipline to be able to patiently listen to Several social media reports However, Jayasekara last treating him. According to the criticisms of one’s opponent. claimed that Jayasekara had week responded via video Jayasekara, the individual Alahapperuma had made this consumed the “Ravana tonic” statement from the hotel State engaged in manufacturing Minister observation when addressing the public Covid postpones that was prepared by an he was under quarantine Dayasiri the tonic had on several after electrifying a day-and-night ayurvedic practitioner according in, saying that neither he Jayasekara occasions tried to contact volleyball court in Morawaka in the to the recipe of the legendary nor his family members him, but such overtures Matara District. party leaders’ meet King Ravana. have consumed the so-called were rejected by him. “What do we see when we look at Parliament? How much does one patiently The office of the Chief The party leaders’ meeting listen to your opponent’s words? How do the Government Whip in was supposed to make a final Government, Opposition, and even friendly Parliament was subjected decision on whether or not to parliamentary groups address each other? to immediate closure last proceed with the parliamentary They address each other with the names Wednesday (13) after the proceedings scheduled for this Meeting uncle Mahinda of every animal that could be found in the Secretary to the Whip, week. However, the decision is jungles. All names are being thrown at each who also serves as an to now be taken tomorrow. Former Election other except for that of a lion. I suppose that Additional Secretary to All officials in the Whip’s Commission Chairman is because you can’t scold someone calling office were immediately Mahinda Deshapriya had them a lion. There is one great factor that the Prime Minister, tested quarantined and subjected to positive for Covid-19. an interesting meeting to has contributed to this. None of these people PCR tests last Wednesday. reminisce about Janatha have been actively involved in sports during The detection resulted in the Meanwhile, Parliament Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) their school days and have not been part of parliamentary party leaders’ officials have decided not to Founding Leader Rohana a team. That is why they are unable to bear meeting, which was scheduled permit anyone to enter the it. They cannot face it,” Alahapperuma had to be held that afternoon, being parliamentary complex other Wijeweera. said at the gathering. postponed till Monday (18). than for any urgent matters. Wijeweera’s son, Uvindu Wijeweera, had met with Deshapriya as part of his fact- finding mission about his late father’s life as an activist of left politics in the country. Uvindu had Former Election Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya and JVP Spilled milk for Harin? Founding Leader Rohana Wijeweera’s son Uvindu Wijeweera posted about Deshapriya’s meeting “Crying over spilled milk” is President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, but granted by President Maithripala on his Facebook account. important to me for a different is similar to the first salvo of the a much-used English adage over the change in the country’s Sirisena.” Fernando further noted “Don’t call me Commissioner or reason. He is one of the very Russian Revolution fired by the in reference to regret. It leadership. While participating at that his request from the Inspector Sir, call me uncle,” Deshapriya had few people who are now among Aurora. It is the grounds that gave seems regret is what Samagi a protest held at the Independence General of Police (IGP) was not for told the young Wijeweera. the living who have personally strength to the struggle. His elder Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Square held last Wednesday (13) additional security, but for security “I feel that these words are associated with my father. brothers and sister play a key role Harin Fernando is feeling demanding the right to freedom to speak freely and express opinion. sufficient to express his simple “I personally believe that in the struggle. There’s much to of expression, Fernando had said: He added that the real threat to and friendly nature. Although he the city of Ambalangoda and be discussed about the memories these days. “I now understand what was said him was not from the President, but is important to many as the former Dharmashoka Vidyalaya are key of the past…,” Uvindu had stated However, it is not over the critical earlier, that you should not regret from the “cronies” trying to impress Election Commissioner and a points in the history of the JVP in his Facebook account about the words uttered by him regarding later after losing the freedoms the President. great public servant, he is far too as well as the 1971 insurgency. It meeting.

Contd. from page 3 in terms of excise duty and tobacco tax, as identified to be commissioned by awarded yet, and implementation Mendis liquor... recorded within 2019, was Rs. 119.18 billion. What happened... 2019 in both LTGEP 2015-2034 and of this power plant is already When contacted, a senior official attached to Excise tax on alcoholic beverages is a key In the meantime, when contacted, LTGEP 2018-2039. delayed. Hence, the earliest possible the Excise Department, who wished to remain source of government income, accounting for CEB Deputy General Manager The project was planned to be commissioning year was considered anonymous, told The Sunday Morning that the around 7% of tax revenue. The excise tax did (Generation) Anura Herath reiterated constructed in Kerawalapitiya on a to be 2022. Department’s objective is to somehow collect the not rise directly in the last 12 months but the that the board was waiting for the BOOT (build, own, operate, transfer) Due to the non-implementation of taxes from companies and give it to the Treasury. Value-Added Tax (VAT) and Nation Building repaired parts to arrive in the country basis. low-cost power plants as planned in The Excise Department of Sri Lanka has been Tax (NBT) on liquor sales were reclassified to complete the repairs. After receiving the commission the system, high-cost supplementary able to collect an income of Rs. 115 billion as as excise tax. This did not affect retail prices Meanwhile, according to the CEB’s approval for LTGEP 2015-2034 in power is to be procured to overcome excise duties and Rs. 32.8 million as tobacco but widened the excise tax difference between Long-Term Generation of Energy September 2016, the tender process shortages as a stop-gap measure. taxes in the year 2019. Excise tax income spirits and beer to 24% from 20% in March Plan (LTGEP), the 3x35 MW Gas was initiated for a 300 MW dual fuel The contract of the 163 MW Sojitz reported a growth by 1% while the tobacco tax 2019, according to a recent report by Fitch turbines at Kelanitissa are considered combined cycle plant by CEB in Power Plant at Kelanitissa will expire income reported a decrease by 28% compared Ratings Sri Lanka. a committed project. A 300 MW dual November 2016. in 2023, and it will be operated as a to the previous year. Tax liability creation – Maheesha Mudugamuwa fuel combined cycle power plant was However, the contract has not been CEB plant until 2033. Printed by the Kalukodayawa, Malwana Press & Published by Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 Page 5 6 the sunday morning FOCUS/VIEWS Sunday, January 17, 2021

A hunger strike took place soon after the Racism: A national demolition of the monument PHOTO © BBC constant? old war. Yet I managed to meet Tamil BY PUJANEE GALAPPATHTHI friends whom I call brothers today. I strongly believe that the extremists Despite being a nation with several who we believe come from the soil ethnic communities, coexistence in of this country must be educated and Sri Lanka has at times been strained, treated in the right way. I believe even causing international concern on coexistence in a multicultural society occasion. Racial tensions between the is not hard if you know how to get different communities have fluctuated along with people. Personally, I deal during the past few decades with with such things in two simple ways; political influence playing a sinister firstly, by respecting others’ beliefs role in intensifying tensions. and secondly, if I do not, I will not Even after the end of a three-decade speak or comment about the specifics. civil war, we seem to be unable to A smile and a nod will get the job escape racial conflict amidst every done. administrative and constitutional decision. With racial differences Manufactured by politicians coming up and conflicts still surfacing, albeit with more light shed on such Nimasha Dias, receptionist situations, we took to the streets to I do not think Sri Lankans are speak to the public to find out if they racist. I think racism is manufactured think we are becoming a racist nation. by politicians as a ploy to divide and Here’s what we found out. conquer. It is these notions that have DEMOLITION OF THE MULLIVAIKKAL MONUMENT seeped into society and are resulting in The concept of SL is racism extremism. I believe this threatens the Yasodhara Pathanjali, artist peaceful coexistence amongst various Everything about Sri Lanka is races and religions in the country. built on racism. From still being However, we may never get away from very stuck in self-hating colonial this as long as people in power pull ideology to taking pride in being a their puppet strings on us. nation of a particular religious and Fires doused, ethnic community, the entire concept On the brink of extremism of Sri Lanka from 1948 onwards K.G. Dasun Lakshan is racism, and it’s exactly what the I think we are definitely moving departing British wanted. Somehow, towards extremism. My point of view we work hard to maintain it even is that the hierarchy of the country has today. From our education system and already sucked the nectar and now it’s our language issues to our political just the waste left and they are trying embers linger system, the entire thing is wrapped up to sell the stinking leftover so-called in racism. However the people in Sri racism to the brainwashed victims of BY UWIN LUGODA “People with any kind of humanity in Lanka are not racist, for the most part. the society (us). I believe we were Muslims support them can understand our plight and what never a racist nation by its origin but The controversy that surrounded Jaffna students we are fighting for; it’s the people who are Affects the younger are too with its long-term deterioration. last week’s demolition of the corrupt and racist who are pushing for such generations It’s going to damage not only the Muslim communities in the Eastern Province were Mullivaikkal monument at the division. To them, we say that the only way S. Aaishah, marketer coexistence, but also the growth, seen voicing their support of the Jaffna University to develop Sri Lanka is together, and we University of Jaffna, built to Sri Lanka has been going towards youth, and the future of it. I feel that students who were protesting the demolishing of the need to peacefully work towards that goal.” memorialise the war dead, was extremism in the recent past. It is this would drag us into a big mess like Mullivaikkal monument. The union activists also made an urgent indicative of the fragility of the affecting the younger generations badly another civil war which could have Speaking to The Sunday Morning, the General plea to universities and students around the country’s reconciliation process. and majority support is needed in order been avoided, but unfortunately or Secretary of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) world, alleging that the “structural genocide The initial demolition led to a chain to mitigate the risk of another 30-year- fortunately, we will be able to witness Nizam Kariapper stated that this was due to them of Tamils continues, even though it has of events which included a protest, old war. the end. And we are so close to that. understanding the plight of the protesters. been 12 years since the war ended.” The involvement of armed forces, a plea He stated that the community saw a humanitarian letter which was dated 10 January stated cause similar to what the local Muslim community Ingrained in people’s minds Worsening severity to international governments, and that the plan to remove the monument S. Udayasiri, marketing manager finally the reconstruction of the faced a few weeks prior with the forced cremations had been a longstanding one, and accused Priyanka Perera, housewife Yes, we are becoming a racist monument. of Muslims that passed away due to Covid-19 and the Government of consistently thwarting There is nothing about Sri Lanka nation and yes, that has endangered therefore, the entirety of the community felt the need their right to commemorate the deaths of that is not racist. Racism is ingrained the coexistence of various groups of Erected in 2019, 10 years after the end to stand by the protesters against such insensitivity. thousands of Tamils. into people’s minds. Although a three- people in the country. I believe this is of the country’s 26-year civil war, the “We feel that both the demolition of the monument Sri Lanka also faced the heat about decade war came to an end, the root a problem that has remained amongst monument was set to memorialise those and the forced cremation of our dead is largely due to the demolition of the monument from cause that was causing it has not been our society for a long time. However, killed in Vellamullivaikkal during the final a certain level of insensitivity towards our dead, on the international authorities and communities. eliminated. Therefore, we will never its severity is showcased with recent stages of the war. However, on the night of Government’s part. We feel that both these instances These included the Chief Minister of Tamil not have enough racial conflicts. With incidents. 8 January, the monument was demolished were politically motivated, since there was no need for Nadu Edappadi K. Palaniswami, who everything that is happening right now, by university officials, which led to an either.” strongly condemned the move, and Tamils it appears that we are becoming a racist immediate outcry from students, political Taking the forced cremations as an example, in Switzerland, who held a rally outside the nation once again and it is apparent History should not representatives, and residents. Kariapper explained that authorities around the United Nations in Geneva on 12 January. that politicians will try to use that for repeat itself world, including the World Health Organisation their advantage and make things worse. Hosni Imtiaz, Director of The backlash (WHO), had deemed forced cremations largely University and Govt. responds The only way to get over this is to Imtiaz Designers The move led to a protest which took unnecessary, as it does not impact the spread of the Speaking to The Sunday Morning, change the way people are thinking Covid-19 virus. However, the Sri Lankan Government Sri Lanka is a country which has a place within the campus premises, where Chairman of the University Grants and this is not something that can be vibrant culture and our national flag five undergraduates took part in a hunger still conducted forced cremations despite the outcry Commission (UGC) Senior Professor done overnight. from the community. Therefore, the Government’s represents all ethnicities. This itself is strike. The demolition of the monument also Sampath Amaratunga stated that the a testimony that our country represents received social media backlash, which only insensitivity when it comes to respecting the dead in incumbent UGC had not played any role Can create turf wars these communities is what eventually brought them all nationalities. We have ended a civil worsened with the arrival of armed security in the demolition of the Mullivaikkal Aishath Manva Mohamed Saeed, war which prevailed for 26 years. Our forces personnel to the university grounds. together. monument, and is yet to receive an official design student “We will always stand together with the Tamil lives were uncertain during the period. Speaking to The Sunday Morning, a report on its reconstruction. The society appears to be very racist However, all citizens living in this member of the Jaffna University Students’ community when it comes to such humanitarian He explained that the Jaffna University causes and other minority issues,” added Kariapper. and I believe if the younger generation country have a beautiful future ahead Union and participant of the hunger strike already has two other monuments, one doesn’t step up it might eventually of us which should be protected by (on conditions of anonymity) alleged which was erected around 10 or 15 years lead to extremism. Creating divisions the heads of this nation. People who that this demolition was planned by the taking place from 8 to 11 January, authorities ago to commemorate peace and the other among religions can create turf wars represent our country should set an Government in an ongoing attempt to erase had made sure that only a limited number erected for Tamil independence. which may lead to the situation in example whilst bringing together all Tamil history and symbols from the North. of people protested in order to ensure the He opined that a university should not India. For example, last year, India the nationalities to rise up as a nation. He explained that once the authorities saw protest was seen as peaceful and did not have too many monuments within its passed a bill about how Muslims The nature of human beings is that we the severe backlash from both the local and deviate from their primary goal. “They premises. cannot get an identity card and this are interdependent. Every religion has international communities, they decided to also considered the ongoing Covid-19 When asked about similar monuments in created a massive outbreak and extremist groups. We should neither rebuild it. pandemic, and did not want to create a risky both the University of Sri Jayewardenepura affected both parties. allow nor control extremism to rise “What we have done is not illegal; it is environment with a large gathering of people and Wayamba University, Prof. up at any given cost. If this can be our basic right as undergraduates to build from other parts of the country.” Amaratunga stated that those were built A two-way street done, we will not be going towards monuments for what we believe in, in our The union representative further noted that to commemorate the sacrifice made Lakshan de Silva, Chairman of Arabian extremism. Do we have to reminisce public universities. Two years ago when this was the first time that they witnessed by undergraduates during the times of Business Co. about how we as a nation suffered we built it, they did not say anything, it the armed forces and police come inside insurgencies, did not involve ethnicity, and during the civil war? I believe the was considered appropriate, and now, all university grounds during a protest. He have not received any sort of criticism. The Are Sri Lankans racist? Yes and lessons learned during that period are of a sudden, they are calling the monument explained that prior to this incident, issue, he pointed out, was that the current no. while some Sri Lankans are sufficient for us not to repeat them. illegal.” whenever there was a protest, the armed youth are very easily exploited by external racists, there are also Sri Lankans Coexistence is the pillar that sustains He pointed out that when the protest was forces would remain outside the university. parties fulfilling their own narratives. who get along with the multicultural many aspects of human life. As human “We see a lot of harmony now. There society. As Sri Lankans, we must also beings, achieving a peaceful, effective, The Mullivaikkal are a lot of Sinhalese students in Jaffna understand that this nation has over and harmonious coexistence not only monument which University and we see a lot of Tamil 2,500 years of Buddhist cultures and helps to sustain our survival as a group, was demolished traditions. It should be a duty and last week students in the southern universities. They but also helps to promote wellbeing live together, learn together, and even responsibility on the part of other and progress. play sports together; but no one wants to races to respect the values of the long talk about all these positive things that are history of this soil. This particular Leftists’ propaganda currently happening. This is the kind of statement, I believe, is the root cause N.V. Perera, student thing we need; we need to work together of the racism that we speak of today. for the development of the nation.” While Sri Lankan Buddhists preach I don’t believe Sri Lanka is a racist The Vice Chancellor of the this, they should also respect other nation, nor has it been moving towards University of Jaffna Prof. Sivakolundu religions. I strongly believe that it is becoming one. What has happened is, Srisatkunarajah shared a similar a two-way communication, where we the nationalist, Sri Lanka-first approach sentiment, stating that the student should have respect for all other races. of the Government has been interpreted population in Sri Lanka both in the North Speaking from personal opinion, as such by parties that would benefit and South are easily exploited by external I schooled in a Catholic school from it. It is an exaggerated, false parties and political groups. where I was surrounded by Hindus, narrative created to sow dispute among He explained that this is something Muslims, and Christians or Catholics. the people, in my opinion. As I said that needs to be addressed immediately Our minds were never corrupted above, it is not the inherent racism and the students must see past these by these remarks. I have had a of the country that is harming unity, exploitation attempts by learning to live beautiful childhood with numerous but rather the leftists’ and diaspora’s in social harmony. multicultural races. Unluckily enough, propaganda that creates imaginary Contd. on page 14 I was raised in the midst of a 30-year- monsters for them to slay. the sunday morning 7 Sunday, January 17, 2021 SPOTLIGHT LPL 2020 SLC stumped with bills z LPL bills being paid by SLC: Opposition z Accounting yet to be finalised: SLC Parliament, the SLC CEO stressed the Board’s funds for this. There that the figures spoken about were is no loss; no Board funds, and all incorrect, and there were certain no government funds have been amounts that the franchise owners utilised,” he added. have to pay directly to the hotel. Elaborating further, the CEO “If they have not paid, we would noted that there was a financial recover it from them. We haven’t model they applied prior to the made any payment up to date to the commencement of the tournament, Shangri-La. We are in the process and as per the financial model, there of formulating the expenditure and were certain areas where the SLC the revenue that was generated, had to bear the cost. and once finalised, we will submit “We ensured that we won’t utilise that information to the Ministry of any of the Board’s funds, and that Sports as well,” he added. we are not going to run this event De Silva however confirmed at a loss. Therefore, based on that, that an invoice was submitted there was a financial model that we by Shangri-La to the SLC, but did, the certain costs such as match added that the SLC will have to go officials, everything related to through it to see exactly what costs game of cricket, the grounds, match they are liable to bear. officials, and umpire payments have When asked how long the to be borne by the SLC,” he said. SLC would take to finalise the “We have to provide expenditure, the CEO said this accommodation for all of them. At would depend on certain things Shangri-La, we had to take match- being provided by suppliers, but related costs. We have provided noted that the final expenditure accommodations for the match would most probably be ready officials like umpires and anti- within the next two weeks. corruption officers for the whole “It’s very transparent and we period. It went into a bubble, and all have nothing to hide. Those details the people who were involved in the would be made public as soon as game of cricket were accommodated While the tournament’s top those areas are ready,” he reiterated. at Shangri-La,” de Silva continued. teams and players bagged The SLC further assured that no “The event was a success, and cash prizes, allegations have arisen that LPL officials government or SLC funds were more than 95% of the people say racked up excessive bills of utilised for the tournament, and good things about the event; there their own at the Shangri-La therefore, they are confident that are only around 5% who always Hotel, Hambantota the tournament was definitely a find faults,” he stressed. profitable one. Attempts to contact Sports BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA and the accounts were still being “Initially, when we did the Minister Namal Rajapaksa proved finalised. budget, we were profitable. We futile. Nearly a month after its Vehemently denying MP were going to make profit. We PHOTOS PRADEEP DAMBARAGE, conclusion, the Lanka Amarasena’s statement made in are not going to utilise any of SRI LANKA CRICKET, ADA DERANA Premier League (LPL) cricket tournament is back in the spotlight, with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) being criticised for spending millions of rupees on food and accommodation for officials and teams at Shangri-La, Hambantota. The allegations were levelled against SLC by Samagi Jana Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Balawegaya (SJB) MP Thushara Thushara Indunil Amarasena Indunil Amarasena in Parliament recently, when he alleged that the We are in the process The possibility of moving the SLC had spent over Rs. 40 million of formulating the tournament to either Malaysia or for food and accommodation at expenditure and the the UAE was once considered, to Shangri-La during the tournament circumvent the mandatory 14-day period. revenue that was quarantine. The tournament was launched generated, and once However, on 5 November last on 26 November and ended on 16 year, the tournament was given December last year. finalised, we will submit the green light to go ahead, with The MP alleged that the total that information to the all the matches being played at the bill for the food purchased from Ministry of Sports as well Mahinda Rajapaksa International Shangri-La Hotel in Hambantota Cricket Stadium (MRIC) in for SLC officials for the LPL had Sri Lanka Cricket CEO Hambantota. been Rs. 10.5 million, while a sum Ashley de Silva Five franchisee teams, named of Rs. 5.5 million had been spent after Colombo, Kandy, Galle, for SLC drivers, in addition to Rs. the tournament. Dambulla, and Jaffna, competed in 1.3 million to purchase food for The 2020 LPL, also known 23 matches over a 15-day period for the Sri Lanka Army, another Rs. as My11 Circle LPL T20 (for the title. Global stars including Irfan 1.8 million on food for the teams sponsorship reasons), was the Pathan, Munaf Patel (both from that participated in the tournament, inaugural edition of the LPL India), Andre Russell (West Indies), and a further Rs. 178,246 on food Twenty20 franchise cricket Brendon Taylor (Zimbabwe), for an individual named Upali tournament in Sri Lanka. Five teams Qais Ahmad, Gurbaz, Usman Manukularatne. In addition, Rs. based on various cities around Shinwari (all from Afghanistan), 75,382 was spent for food and the country played a total of 23 Dale Steyn (South Africa), Johnson lodging of West Indian player Andre matches. Charles (West Indies), Laurie Russell. The LPL was originally Evans (England), Mohamed Amir, He also alleged that the SLC had scheduled to start in August, but Shoaib Malik (Pakistan), and paid millions of rupees for the LPL, was rescheduled several times many more took part in the 15-day despite assurances given by them due to the Covid-19 pandemic. extravaganza. that the tournament was sponsored Initially, matches were scheduled As per the financial module for by a private company, and that the to be held in Kandy, Dambulla, and the tournament, the major portion of SLC would not have to spend for Hambantota. the revenue was to come from the event itself. As per the agreement, the organisers will have to pay 40% of the television revenue to the franchises, which means each franchise will receive 8% of that money. The same module was to be applied for the title sponsorship as well. In November 2020, Indian fantasy cricket league platform My11Circle was named the title sponsor with a bid of Rs. 150 million for the tournament. The winning team took home the prize money of Rs. 18.5 million, while runners-up bagged prize money of Rs. 9.25 million, and the Player of the Series was awarded Rs. 1.85 million. Responding to the recent allegations, SLC CEO Ashley de Silva told The Sunday Morning that no payment had been made so far West Indian cricketer Andre Russell, who played for the Colombo Kings in the LPL 2020 by the SLC to the Shangri-La Hotel, the sunday morning Sunday, January 17, 2021 EDITORIAL/POLITICS

The one-time largest political party in the country, the United National Party (UNP) was once again in Strengthening the the limelight last week after the party led by Ranil Wickremesinghe sword of sovereignty was decimated at the last To the best of our knowledge, there are only two countries on the general election held in planet that depict a sword on their national flag – one is Sri Lanka and August 2020. the other is Saudi Arabia. The juxtaposition of the two could not be UNP spectacle continues; more striking. Sri Lanka has been a thriving democracy; in fact, the Despite the much-touted oldest in Asia, governed by an elected legislature, while the Kingdom announcement by the UNP of Saudi Arabia remains an absolute monarchy devoid of a legislature. leadership of his decision to step The national flag of Sri Lanka, first adopted in 1948, with subsequent down from the party leadership, modifications in 1951 and 1972, has had the lion holding a sword since making way for a young leader inception, depicting the sovereignty of the nation. This is in harmony to take charge and carry out the with the Constitution of the Republic, which has reposed absolute much-needed party reforms, sovereignty exclusively in the people of Sri Lanka. Therefore, the elected Wickremesinghe continues to lead government derives its power directly through the will of the people, the party. which remains the fountain of power for sovereignty. Wickremesinghe claimed last reforms under scrutiny The bedrock of a democracy is the right to elect a representative of one’s year, after the general election, choice, and that right is fundamentally connected to the constitutionally that the new leadership would z guaranteed right to free expression. Over the years, those in authority take over the party reigns in EC urged to hold PC polls by political parties more often than not have been tempted to toy with this fundamental the New Year after he steps democratic principle as a means of stifling dissention, forgetting that down from the leadership on the right to dissent is in itself a pillar of a democratically governed 31 December. However, since sovereignty. Many governments, especially those that were elected Wickremesinghe refrained with an overwhelming majority, have more often than not fallen to the from stating whether it was in temptation, with profound consequences for the country. Examples of fact 31 December of 2020 or such attempts are many, and the country continues to bear the painful any other year in the future, he scars of such attempts, even through the veneer of a healed nation. technically holds the right to Up until 2009, it was relatively easy to put a lid on dissention in the continue as Party Leader. name of national security and the war at the time. However, since the The only change that end of the war and the proliferation of media platforms, especially social happened last year in a bid media, governments have struggled to contain dissention, often resorting to provide some impetus had said that everyone needed to tactics not in keeping with evolving times and technology, painting to the UNP members after the time to think further on the new themselves into a corner. Governments then and now, often dizzy with party’s humiliating defeat was appointments. the “people’s mandate” in resorting to such constrictive action, have the appointment of Ruwan Dissanayake was also absent almost always regretted such action. Wijewardene as the UNP Deputy from the WC meeting while What our rulers often tend to forget is that no Government, either Leader. Ranatunga attended the meeting then or now, has ever obtained more than one-third of the votes of the It is in this backdrop that the but left soon afterwards. actual population, even though around 20% on average are ineligible appointment of office bearers for Karunanayake, after leaving, had to vote due to being underage. But their voice more often than not 2021 took place at last week’s stated to several party members influences the way the adults around them cast their vote, more so in Working Committee (WC) that he had explained to the UNP today’s technologically advanced context. Therefore, it must be noted meeting. Leader the call by party members that two-thirds of the population are in effect silent observers of how The UNP’s WC meeting was for a change in leadership as well their leaders perform. held on Wednesday (13) at the as the growing dissention among In a traditional sense, it is the Opposition that is expected to give party headquarters, Sirikotha, and party supporters due to the delay. leadership to this group and speak on their behalf. The current Opposition it was the first meeting of the WC He had noted that since the Party seems to be up to the task, which is what has ruffled feathers, which in for the year. Leader had opposed the request turn has resulted in a local as well as international outcry. While the WC meeting was for a change in the list of office Being that as it may, with the Opposition getting its act together, the scheduled to be held at 10.30 a.m. bearers including the leadership, he once-mighty United National Party (UNP) seems lost at sea, with no on Wednesday, it was delayed due did not attend the WC meeting. UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe UNP National Organiser Navin Dissanayake sense of whether it is coming or going. As things stand, one is at a loss to to the slow arrival of members “Appointments have been given understand where it actually stands, whether it is part of the Opposition for the meeting. Another reason to a group of individuals who New appointments Invoking blessings or the Government, for it continues to maintain a deafening silence on for the delay in the meeting have continuously protected the Accordingly, the WC approved Interestingly, the day prior to the matters that matter, despite the hullabaloo of the past week involving was a discussion that took place party leadership at the WC. Sajith the appointment of Akila Viraj the UNP WC meeting, a group two of its former stalwarts. between Wickremesinghe, Premadasa fought to bring about Kariyawasam, Palitha Range of UNPers led by Karunanayake For all intents and purposes, the UNP Leader seems hell-bent on Ravi Karunanayake, Navin a change in the party leadership. Bandara, Wajira Abeywardena, and Dissanayake organised a suicidal course by yet again going back on his word of installing a Dissanayake, Arjuna Ranatunga, We also fought to change the party and A.S.M. Misbah as new office several religious observances in new leadership for the umpteenth time. In his signature style, he has and Lakshman Wijemanne. leadership following requests bearers. Kataragama. bided his time till things cooled down within the party, and has now The discussion, it is learnt, was made by party members. But Kariyawasam was appointed as The event was organised by re-established himself as Leader. The usual musical-chairs charade has focused on the appointment of new we were not given that chance,” the Assistant Leader while Range Karunanayake, Dissanayake, been executed for cosmetic purposes and he is probably of the belief that office bearers as well as the issue Karunanayake had said. Bandara was appointed General Ranatunga, Wijemanne, and the party faithful would have fallen for this clapped-out ruse, and will of the party leadership. However, despite Secretary. Mervyn Silva. now come flocking back to the party fold. For a man that counts over However, during the discussion, Karunanayake’s and Dissanayake’s Abeywardena was appointed The series of religious events 40-plus years of political activism, he has shown a shocking inability Karunanayake learnt of the absence, the WC meeting as the Chairman of the party and commenced at 9 a.m. on Tuesday to read the writing on the wall. move to axe him from the party’s proceeded and appointments A.S.M. Misbah as the Treasurer. (12). The UNP’s primary failing has been its failure to comprehend the Assistant Leader post. It was then went ahead with unanimous D.M. Swaminathan and Arjuna The main objective of the changing demographics of its base vote, which comprises the more that Karunanayake had criticised approval of those present Ranatunga were appointed as programme was to invoke educated, urban population as opposed to the less educated and more the actions of the party leadership, at the meeting. During the Senior Vice Chairmen. Sagala divine blessings on the country, emotionally driven rural base – which has been acquired lock, stock, claiming that the UNP was going meeting, Wickremesinghe had Ratnayake, Daya Gamage, and the people, and the UNP’s and barrel by the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP). What the UNP to be further pushed in to the explained that Sirikotha would Sunethra Ranasinghe were restructuring programme. base expects, or rather, expected the last time around, was performance, doldrums due to the failure of be transformed into a campaign appointed as Vice Chairpersons. After a kapruka pooja at Kiri defined as delivery of promises. That did not happen. Rather than catching addressing the real issues that need headquarters which would oversee Nalaka Colonne was appointed Vehera, a special pooja was held at the villains as promised, it became the villain. The rest is history. Now, to be dealt with. the transformation of the party. Deputy General Secretary. the Kataragama Devalaya. at a time when its voice should be heard, it continues to falter and fail. Wickremesinghe had then stated Stating that the Government The post of Assistant Secretary The UNP seniors at the event The Leader is busy playing his stale old game of getting rid of those that Dissanayake would retain his had failed and lost the confidence was assigned to Anoma Gamage. assured those gathered that the aspiring to the leadership and surrounding himself with non-entities. position as the party’s National of the public, he had explained Karunasena Kodituwakku UNP’s restructuring process would His and the party’s fate is sealed. Organiser while Ranatunga would that it was essential that the party was appointed as the party’s be carried out and said that all Sri Lanka’s sword of sovereignty has undergone many a test of fire in be appointed as a Senior Vice first restructure its grassroots Political Strategy and Research party members should support the the recent past owing to its political leaders. Their actions and inaction Chairman. organisations before beginning Committee Chair and Sandith endeavour. have resulted in riots, rebellions, insurrections, and a three-decade Karunanayake at this point has its campaign to win back the Samarasinghe was appointed They also observed that the war. Yet Sri Lanka, as a country, has come out stronger on the other walked out of Wickremesinghe’s confidence of the public. as the Head of the International UNPers would witness a change in side. As Hollywood Actor and Former Governor of California Arnold office claiming there was no point Speaking about the new Relations and Local Government the party leadership as well as the Schwarzenegger recalled last week in response to the insurrection at the in continuing the discussion and appointments, Wickremesinghe Committee. launch of a programme to make US Capitol, “the more you temper a sword, the stronger it becomes”, that he would not be attending the had explained that new faces had Ananda Kularatne was the party re-emerge victorious. adding “the more you pound it with a hammer and thrust it in fire, then WC meeting. been appointed with the intention appointed Head of the Finance The irony of the whole water and fire again, the stronger it becomes”. Dissanayake had tried to that they would bring new ideas Committee. Shamal Senarath was programme organised by the At the rate our democracy has been made to undergo these very prevent the situation, but after to the party and its plans moving re-appointed as Chief Executive senior UNPers in Kataragama same elements in the recent past, it should be pretty strong by now, Karunanayake staged a walkout, forward. Officer (CEO) of Sirikotha. is that almost 24 hours after, the and surely it shows. Two years ago, when an elected government was WC approved Wickremesinghe as thrown out by an irritated Executive, the sovereign was mature enough the party’s Leader for 2021 while to act with restraint and pursue the democratic means of redress through Karunanayake was removed as the recourse to the law. Though two years later it may seem like a blip in party’s Assistant Leader. our colourful political history, it is these events of fire and water that have strengthened our democracy and created the resilience to bounce Reviewing progress back stronger. While the UNP is still struggling It is in that spirit that it is important for the Opposition to not only with its internal issues grappling play its part, but be provided the space to do so within the Constitutional to rebuild its base, the governing framework. How the Opposition chooses to engage in that duty is entirely Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna up to them, as long as they respect the laws of the land. At the end of (SLPP) is looking at evaluating the the day, both fire and water are needed to strengthen the sword that the progress achieved thus far by the lion of Lanka so proudly holds. Government following last year’s Therefore, it is incumbent upon the powers that be, to ensure that not general election. only the Opposition but ordinary people with divergent views are allowed The move has resulted in to express themselves within the constitutionally provided space, which rumours of an impending Cabinet in the end can only strengthen the pillars of our democratic edifice. reshuffle circulating among Freedom of speech and freedom of expression are the most sacred of political circles. fundamental rights, and invariably the most violated as well. As Evelyn The rumour was given some Beatrice Hall recounted in her biography of Voltaire, expounding the form of credence when a pro- latter’s belief: “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the government website published death your right to say it.” a story of an impending Cabinet The day our rulers aspire to this democratic idealism and choose, on reshuffle in the next few days. their own accord, to embrace this enlightened world view, would be the The news report had stated that day that the sword of our sovereignty, so proudly held by the Lion of key cabinet portfolios, including Lanka, attains its true strength. Justice and Ports and Shipping, which were under intense public No 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7. scrutiny recently, are to be Fax - 011 2 673 441 reshuffled. General - 011 5 200 900 It was also reported that a draft Director Sales & Marketing - 077 3 866 143 of the reshuffled portfolios is Circulation Manager - 011 5 978 987 / 076 1 367620 being prepared by SLPP National E-mail - [email protected] Organiser Basil Rajapaksa. Meanwhile, Samagi Jana 9 EDITORIAL/POLITICS UNP spectacle continues; reforms under scrutiny z EC urged to hold PC polls by political parties z Govt. commences critical progress review z Ravi-Navin campaign for reforms backfires Human Rights Council Resolution the international arena. citizenship” of Tamil Eelam would on accountability, justice, and He had recommended that be ensured to “all Tamil-speaking reconciliation. Minister of Foreign Affairs Dinesh people living in any part of Ceylon “The UK must continue to Gunawardena, Prime Minister (Sri Lanka) and to Tamils of lead and be a strong voice on Mahinda Rajapaksa, and the Eelam origin living in any part of international accountability. And the Foreign Ministry itself should the world who may opt” for the Labour Party will continue to work formulate the strategy for the citizenship. with the Tamil community to call upcoming UNHRC Session in Pointing out that organisations for justice and for human rights. March, since they have much more including the Liberation Tigers of “Sadly, due to the restrictions, experience regarding the matter, Tamil Eelam (LTTE) had the “tacit Pongal festivities will not be the as opposed to President Gotabaya support” of local governments in same this year. But in these times of Rajapaksa and the former military Tamil Nadu, Mukherjee, in his great challenge, I know your resolve officials he had surrounded himself book, had stated that after the DMK will endure. with, who lack the necessary and the AIADMK became the “I want to wish you all a happy, expertise on this issue. principal parties in the State, “the safe, and peaceful Thai Pongal. Thai coastal areas of the State became a Pongal Valthukkal,” he had said. A group of senior SLPP safe haven for Tamil terrorists”. The European Union (EU) members along with their At the same time, he had recalled meanwhile has also expressed its supporters continue to push how the Indian Government also position with regard to Sri Lanka’s for the holding of PC polls, had supported the terrorists “tacitly rights situation. while the nationalist forces by overlooking the involvement The EU office in Sri Lanka had in the governing party have of Tamil politicians in Sri Lanka’s tweeted that the EU was saddened expressed stiff resistance over internal matter”. by the destruction of the monument moves to hold the elections at the Jaffna University. US increases engagement “In view of this and other Mukherjee on China A recently declassified US recent developments, the EU is Strategic Framework for the ready to step up its engagement Meanwhile, a former senior Indo-Pacific said that the US with Sri Lanka, including Indian government official has has proposed to strengthen the UNP National Organiser Navin Dissanayake UNP former Assistant Leader Ravi Karunanayake through an upcoming high-level expressed concerns over the capacity of emerging partners in meeting, to support inclusiveness, growing Chinese presence in Sri South Asia including the Maldives, Balawegaya (SJB) MP Diana (JVP) and the Eelam People’s Minister Modi’s intervention to stop reconciliation, and fair treatment of Lanka. Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka to Gamage is also likely to receive a Democratic Party (EPDP) had the abolition of PCs in Sri Lanka, minorities,” the EU had tweeted. Former Indian President Pranab contribute to a free and open order. state ministry, it was reported. refrained from making any claiming it would destroy the self- It is also learnt that the EU is now Mukherjee had said that “there The framework also proposed Sources from the Presidential statements on the matter. respect of the Tamils in the country. looking at raising concerns with Sri is no doubt that the massive a number of actions to achieve Secretariat have been quoted in the The EC members have noted “The Prime Minister should warn Lanka on human rights and other Chinese presence in the name of this objective including support report as stating that the President that the PCs were continuing to that the move would affect the matters during a joint commission infrastructure development in Sri to create a maritime information is deeply concerned about the fact function under the laws governing relationship between India and Sri meeting scheduled to be held later Lanka can cause a serious problem “fusion centre” in the Indian Ocean. that only a handful of ministers them under the purview of officials Lanka. The abolition is part of the this month. to India’s security concerns,” The other actions include have been able to record satisfactory without the participation of public Sri Lankan Government’s attempt to The EU-Sri Lanka joint meeting The Hindu reported, quoting establishing a new initiative with performance over the past few representatives. make Tamils a secondary citizen,” is to take place virtually due to Mukherjee’s autobiography. South Asian partners modelled on months. However, the Commission he alleged in a statement. Covid-19. He had also advocated greater the maritime security initiative in had noted that parliamentary Baalu charged that ever since the All this attention on rights issues support of India to Sri Lanka Southeast Asia to improve maritime Karunanayake learnt of the intervention was required to ensure Rajapaksa brothers came to power, comes as Sri Lanka is to be taken for developmental needs so that domain awareness, interoperability, move to axe him from the that the PC polls are held without they have deprived Tamils of their up for discussion at the upcoming Colombo “cannot use the lack of and data sharing with the US, party’s Assistant Leader post. further delay. rights, self-respect, and dignity, United Nations Human Rights adequate (sic) developmental help establishing a regional forum to It was then that Karunanayake and it was a matter of concern that Council (UNHRC) sessions in from India as an excuse to depend promote common principles and had criticised the actions of Modi under pressure the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) Geneva this March. on another country that can pose standards, and establishing and gain the party leadership, claiming The issue of holding PC polls Government at the centre remained Meanwhile, former Permanent problems for us”. broad consensus on a statement of that the UNP was going to in Sri Lanka and ensuring the a mute spectator. Representative of Sri Lanka to the principles on acceptable maritime be further pushed in to the continuation of the system has “Abolition of PCs is against the UN in Geneva, Switzerland, Dr. behaviour, to include a commitment doldrums due to the failure of become a topic of political interest 13th Amendment enacted based Dayan Jayatilleke had stated that to regional co-operation in line with addressing the real issues that in India as well. on the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord. It is flexibility, open-mindedness, and shared security objectives. need to be dealt with Tamil Nadu’s All India Anna shocking that the External Affairs consultation across the board at The White House last week However, a senior government Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam Ministry and the National Security the UNHRC is the recommended published the declassified US source noted that attention is (AIADMK) general council has last Advisor remain silent when an strategy for Sri Lanka, which should Strategic Framework for the Indo- being paid to review the progress week sought Indian Prime Minister agreement signed with India is ultimately aim to seek a middle Pacific. achieved by state institutions and Narendra Modi’s intervention to subjected to question,” he said. path. In a statement, National Security corporations under the chairpersons prevent the abolition of PCs in Sri Lanka should not swing from Advisor Robert C. O’Brien said and board members appointed Sri Lanka, since the Sri Lankan Focus on SL one extreme to the other, he told The this framework has provided following recommendations of an Government has reportedly been Meanwhile, Sri Lanka is Morning during an interview. overarching strategic guidance for independent committee. taking steps to scrap the councils, once again in the radar of the Dr. Jayatilleke had expressed implementing the 2017 National The New Indian Express reported. international community over concerns regarding the Security Strategy within the world’s PC polls on the cards issues related to rights that approach adopted by the current most populous and economically The Government is also looking resurfaced following last weekend’s administration with regard to the dynamic region. at holding the delayed provincial controversy over the demolition of a UNHRC. Former Indian President The declassified document council (PC) elections despite monument in the Jaffna University, “The co-sponsorship in 2015 Pranab Mukherjee also outlined action to accelerate a visible division within the erected in remembrance of persons of the UNHRC Resolution 30/1 India’s rise and capacity to serve governing party over the matter. killed during the final stages of the on ‘Promoting reconciliation, In the final volume of his as a net provider of security and A group of senior SLPP members war in Mullivaikkal. accountability, and human rights in autobiography, The Presidential major defence partner; solidify along with their supporters continue UK’s Labour Party Leader Keir Sri Lanka’ adopted by the UNHRC Years 2012-2017, Mukherjee an enduring strategic partnership to push for the holding of PC polls, Starmer said the current situation in October 2015, at the Council’s had stated that bilateral ties had with India underpinned by a strong while the nationalist forces in the in Sri Lanka is of great concern to 30th Session, was an example of been “greatly influenced by Tamil Indian military able to effectively governing party have expressed stiff many of the Tamils. abject capitulation from the then- politics in India, particularly collaborate with the US and resistance over moves to hold the In his Thai Pongal message last Government. From that position, with the emergence of a strong partners in the region to address elections. week, Starmer had said: “This is we have now swung to the opposite Dravidian party in Tamil Nadu shared interests. It is in this backdrop that the also a time for us to reflect on the end of absolute rejectionism, by since the mid-60s”. It also said action should be general secretaries of a considerable ongoing struggle for peace and withdrawing the co-sponsorship of By the term “Dravidian party”, taken to prevent China’s industrial number of political parties last week justice in Sri Lanka. The current the said Resolution. We have to find he meant the DMK, which came to policies and unfair trading practices urged the Election Commission Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi situation there is of great concern to a middle ground,” Dr. Jayatilleke power in 1967. from distorting global markets and (EC) to make the necessary many of you.” had opined. On the concept of Tamil Eelam, harming US competitiveness. arrangements to hold the PC A resolution to this effect, adopted The British MP had stated that However, Dr. Jayatilleke claimed the former President, who served “Equip US allies and partners to elections. at the meeting, said the PCs were he also would like to express that while some administrations as External Affairs Minister in two co-operate with the US in operating These sentiments were conveyed paramount for providing autonomy gratitude for the huge contribution are capable of demarcating the spells (1995-1996 and 2006-2009), against China and countering to the EC during a meeting held rights to the Tamil-populated areas the Tamil community has made middle ground, unfortunately – be had observed that it was raised by China’s clandestine activities in last Monday (11) between the in Lanka, and it was an inevitable during the pandemic, “whether on it in domestic affairs or in foreign “the Tamil population residing on their countries,” it said. members of the Commission and aspect of the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord the frontline of the NHS (National affairs – the administration led by both sides of the Palk Strait that Meanwhile, the US Embassy political party secretaries. It was the of 1987. Health Service), as keyworkers in President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had the northern part of Sri Lanka and in Sri Lanka said the declassified first meeting convened by the new The Indian Government has our schools and public services, or abandoned the middle path in favour the southern part of India, having version of the US Framework for commission members with political been making efforts to implement those supporting their communities of extremes. a common cultural and ethnic the Indo-Pacific places emphasis party representatives. this accord and granting financial in running mutual aid groups. And “This is an unprecedented case of identity, be brought under the on a shared commitment with its While representatives of about assistance for the same. of course, we remember those who a government that is suspicious of so-called Tamil Eelam.” sovereign partners on the principles 70 political parties had attended the In all, the general council meeting lost their lives over the last year”. the UNHRC, and a government that However, the concept, as defined of freedom of international waters, meeting, some Muslim parties had adopted 16 resolutions, including “This is also a time for us to is taking the most extreme stance in the May 1976 Vaddukoddai democratic values, inclusive not sent any representatives for the the 11-member steering committee’s reflect on the ongoing struggle for that any has taken when it comes to Resolution of the Tamil United prosperity, and good governance meeting. endorsement. Sources said the peace and justice in Sri Lanka. The ethno-nationalism and militarism.” Liberation Front (TULF), referred resilient to malign influence. Several parties represented in the steering committee’s powers have current situation there is of great Dr. Jayatilleke had further said only to a separate state in Sri “The US understands these governing party as well as the main also been finalised. concern to many of you. that the UNHRC Session this Lanka, consisting of people of the principles to be enduring ones Opposition, SJB, had urged the EC A while back, DMK “I too am deeply concerned March would be the first real Northern and Eastern Provinces. that countries and citizens across to hold the PC elections. Parliamentary Party Leader T.R. that the Sri Lankan Government test of the current Government’s The resolution also stated the Indo-Pacific aspire to secure The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna Baalu had also sought Indian Prime has withdrawn from the 2015 UN ideology and how it plays out in that “full and equal rights of alongside the US,” it said. 10 the sunday morning HOTSEAT/FOCUS Sunday, January17, 2021

RESTORING THE ENVIRONMENT PHOTO ©️ALEX MUSTARD/NATUREPL A WORK IN PROGRESS MAHINDA AMARAWEERA BY SARAH HANNAN When will the Muthurajawela marshland be gazetted as a Last year, Sri Lanka witnessed a record number of protected area? incidents of deforestation, illegal logging, illegal sand I cannot tell you an exact date mining, and an increase in water pollution being reported regarding this matter, as we have in the media. By now, several committees and task forces several issues that need to be have been appointed to assist the Government in finding addressed before we name it a the causes and suggesting recommendations to avert protected area, such as to survey the area, rid the marshland from further destruction. Minister of Environment Mahinda squatters, and ensure any further Amaraweera returned to The Sunday Morning Hot Seat attempts on land grabbing are to respond to some questions that we had on ongoing entirely thwarted. activities to protect the environment and where the Government stands on delivering the promised actions. The Secretary to the Ministry Following are excerpts of the interview: of Environment said that the FISHING FOR recommendations presented in the Kelani River pollution report require relocating families. When will this process commence? MICROPLASTIC We have identified the requirements and are looking z Nearly 80% reduction in z Marine pollution becomes at obtaining suitable land to fish stocks in 40 years key issue to be addressed relocate these families. The initial work has commenced, and that is listing the families that are required to be relocated. Sri Lanka already seems to be that is taking place. This is not only taking place experiencing the consequences for Kelani River but several of microplastics in its marine Recently, Sri Lanka was Fresh survey this year other rivers that are now environment, as it is witnessing a Based on the study that was looked at under the “Pavithra reduction in fish stocks by nearly labelled among the top conducted in 2018 with the Ganga” programme, which we 80% between a span of 40 years as 20 ocean polluters by an involvement of the Norwegian initiated to protect the rivers and indicated by two surveys conducted international organisation, Institute of Marine Research, waterways of the country. It is in 1978 and 2018. and it is time that we paid NARA is to conduct a further study yet again a Herculean task that The Ellen MacArthur Foundation serious attention to reduce with an improvement in research we have embarked on and will and the New Plastics Economy, in the usage of plastic as well protocol in 2021. Samples are to take a considerable amount of their 2017 article titled “The new be obtained and data sets are to be time to complete. plastics economy: Rethinking the Environment Minister analysed. future of plastics and catalysing Mahinda Amaraweera During their previous study, the What action will be taken for action”, predicted that if steps are not researchers had collected three the river polluting factories taken to reduce the usage of plastics, types of samples – one was from located on the embankments the entire ocean will contain one carried out a survey supported by the surface water, the other was a of the Kelani River? metric tonne of plastic for every three the Norwegian Institute of Marine deep-water sample where samples Some factories were not metric tonnes of fish by 2025. Research and found that the north- were collected from different in operation by the time we “We all have a responsibility western region of Sri Lanka was depths of the water column, and completed the report. Therefore, towards reducing the littering more polluted with microplastics the final one was sediment samples we advised that they were of polythene and plastic into the than any other region in the which are from the ocean bed. properly closed down and no environment which later ends up country. What the research team had waste was to be directed to in the ocean. Recently, Sri Lanka Preliminary results of the survey found was that the chemical the river. For other factories, was labelled among the top 20 had revealed that the coastal water composition of the categories from What is the progress on we have asked them to install ocean polluters by an international of the West was more polluted the surface was quite different amending the Environment Act waste water treatment plants, organisation, and it is time that we with microplastics compared to the from what was found in the water that was promised to be tabled Corruption has taken and will be closely monitoring paid serious attention to reduce East, with the highest abundance column sample and the sediment in Parliament this month? them, with periodical reviews to the usage of plastic as well,” in microplastic particles in samples sample. The amended Environment root over the years in these ensure that they are following Environment Minister Mahinda collected from the north-western The plastics with less density Act is now at the Attorney administrative regions, the necessary guidelines that Amaraweera, speaking to The coastal waters (0.85 particles/ were on the surface, while there General's Department and is and we are gradually have been issued by the Central Sunday Morning, explained. m3). The Central East was slightly were a lot of plastics in the water being finalised. We will be able removing it, but it will be Environment Authority to ensure Amaraweera said that one of more polluted (0.27 particles/m3), column, and the heavier ones were to enforce the Act as soon as we a long process, in which that no pollutants are released to the main reasons for the decline in compared to the Northeast (0.18 on the sediment layer. have the final document at hand. the river hereafter. fish population was the increase particles/m3) and the Southeast Therefore, in the next phase of we have taken the first in microplastics in the ocean. He (0.25 particles/m3). the study that will be launched Is there any update on the steps to uproot the persons Bans on single-use plastics stated that a recent survey had Microplastics found in the southern in 2021, they plan to pay more investigations that were involved, and legal action and sachets seem to have been found the presence of microplastics waters were low (0.12 particles/m3) attention to sediments and the launched regarding the will ensue in due course delayed. Did the companies in 70% of the 60 water samples and the overall average abundance of water column using manta deforestation in Rambaken attempt to bribe the Ministry? taken from the ocean off the microplastics in Sri Lankan waters trawls to collect samples from Oya area? Will this leniency continue where southern coast of the country. was estimated to be 0.31 particles/m3 the surface. The surveyors are We investigated as to whether they pay the green tax/ fines Recalling an incident during his of surface water. planning to employ a proper any of the land belonging to the imposed and continue releasing tenure as the Minister of Fisheries, The findings published on the method to quantify and understand Forest Department was affected At no point will we be products to the market? Amaraweera noted that there was above survey also suggested that the larger impact microplastics by the illegal logging that was bought over by companies, The companies requested a time when about 24,000 plastic microplastic contamination could could have on biota such as reported. A team was appointed and once the ban comes that they be given a grace bottles were collected per day have contributed to a depletion zooplankton, phytoplankton, and by the President’s office to into effect no one will be period, as they are switching to in the vicinity of the Dikkowita of fish stocks, which was evident ichthyoplankton. conduct further investigations in recommended packaging types. Fishing Harbour. when compared with the fish – Sarah Hannan this regard, as the land in question given the opportunity to Many have already halted the “I conducted an inquiry, and later resources estimation recorded pay a fine and continue to that was subjected to deforestation production of single-use plastics imposed a ban on fishermen taking between 250,000 to 350,000 ANNUAL FISH PRODUCTION BY falls under the purview of the introduce single-use plastics and sachets. plastic containers with them when tonnes during the survey carried DIFFERENT SUB-SECTORS Mahaweli Authority. At no point will we be bought they went to sea. This year, we are out in 1978-1980 against the fish and sachets to the market Marine fish catch over by such companies, imposing the ban on single-use resources that amounted to 53,000 (metric tonnes) What are your observations and once the ban comes into plastics and sachets that are found to tonnes at the culmination of the Year over the allegations on 700 land grabbers to destroy the effect, no one will be given the contribute towards dispersing plastic survey. Offshore Coastal acres of Muthurajawela being marshland, and against the opportunity to pay a fine and pollutants to the environment,” The data that is made available 2015 183,870 269,020 grabbed for a tourism project? polluters and squatters? continue to introduce single use Amaraweera elaborated. by the Department of Fisheries Investigations and inquiries We have given orders to the plastics and sachets to the market. indicates that the fish production 2016 182,830 274,160 over this are ongoing. We found law enforcement authorities and We are firm on our decision, Pollution all around around the island has fluctuated 2017 189,720 259,720 that the entity in question has the local government authorities and this time, we will not give In 2018, National Aquatic over the years, although there have 2018 190,350 249,020 encroached into the reserve to issue eviction notices to the in to any requests to allow the Resources Research and not been any direct claims that it land that is under the Forest factories that were in question, continuity of such products. Development Agency (NARA) was due to the increasing pollution 2019 172,910 242,580 Department. Therefore, we will yet there is a challenge in continue with our investigations removing these groups, as they Will there be a product batch and bar any such development are working with racketeers recall that would take place, or work taking place in the that have hindered the process. would you allow the products Muthurajawela marshland. We have now requested the in the market to be sold and Recently, the Archbishop of assistance of the Sri Lanka Air then impose the ban once Colombo His Eminence Malcolm Force to provide surveillance the stocks are exhausted for Cardinal Ranjith also raised footage to identify these single-use plastics and sachets concerns over the issue and we encroaching entities, so that we that are in the market? have communicated to him that have documented evidence of We are not planning to recall we are looking into the matter, such incidents. any of the batches of single- and will take all necessary Corruption has taken root over use plastics or sachets that are actions against the entity that is the years in these administrative circulating in the market. These at present not budging from the regions, and we are gradually products have already been encroached area. removing it, but it will be a released as consignments to long process, in which we have retailers, and we cannot let them What action would be taken taken the first steps to uproot run at a loss or bear the costs due against the state officials the persons involved, and legal to a government decision. that have allegedly aided action will ensue in due course. Contd. on page 13 Types of plastic polluting the southern sea of Sri Lanka PHOTO ©️NARA the sunday morning 11 Sunday, January 17, 2021 FOCUS

BY SARAH HANNAN FALL ARMYWORM INVASION As the State Ministry of Development of Sugarcane, Maize, Cashew, Pepper, Cinnamon, Cloves, Betel Production, and Promotion of Allied Products and Export awaits the crops to be harvested at the end of the Maha season which is fast approaching in order to look Farmers grapple at estimating the overall yield loss caused by the fall armyworm invasion. Farmers are grappling with uncertainty on whether they would be betrayed yet again without being compensated for the losses they incurred. with uncertainties The reporting and sightings of the Yet, the yield loss was estimated to be compensation under such a scheme was destruction caused by this season's fall between 15-20%. not dispersed. Under that insurance armyworm invasion seemed to be quite Given that this time there is scheme, crops are said to be high, with the menace reaching eight a dedicated state ministry insured against natural We have so far identified 55 such provinces. that is to attend to this disasters and mismanaged predatory species that prey on the However, the Ministry of Agriculture matter, and with pest attacks at Rs. 40,000 fall armyworm. However, we also assures that the damage caused would be Minister of Agriculture per acre of damaged observed that these species only thrive halved since steps are in place to minimise Mahindananda crop. in cultivations that employ organic yield damage. Aluthgamage Given the field cultivation practices Department of Agriculture Director earlier this month reports and the HORDI Principal Scientist – General Dr. W.M.W. Weerakoon stated stating that farmer accounts of the Entomology Senani Weligamage that in comparison to the first wave of compensations would agrarian development infestations that occurred in 2018, this time be streamlined so that officers, it was clear around, they are positive that the extent they would receive that cultivation had Research continues of crop damage will be far less, with a compensation within commenced in different projected yield loss amounting to 5%. a month from filing weeks, as some of the Although the Rwandan Defence Force, According to Department of Agriculture damage claims, it looks as cultivation areas had waited earlier this month, arrived for a two-day 2019 statistics, in the first attacks of fall if it is off to a promising start. for fair weather to settle in fact-finding visit on the growing fall armyworms, which lasted from end-August State Ministry of Telenomus remus before sowing seeds. armyworm invasion in the country, there 2018 through January 2019 during the Development of Sugarcane, Maize, attacking eggs Unfortunately, this delay had has been no update or follow-up to that Maha season, out of the estimated maize Cashew, Pepper, Cinnamon, Cloves, allowed the fall armyworm to rapidly visit, or as to what recommendations they growing extent of 82,539 hectares, the fall Betel Production, and Promotion of spread across cultivations as each field wanted to share with Sri Lanka to take armyworm had attacked 54,416 hectares. Allied Products and Export Director of Although the Rwandan Defence was cycling through various crop weeks, control of the pests. Development Ransilu Watawala, when Force, earlier this month, arrived for providing ample nesting grounds for Meanwhile, the Department of contacted by The Sunday Morning, a two-day fact-finding visit on the the pest’s eggs to incubate, gestate, and Agriculture appointed a separate research revealed: “We are yet to estimate the yield growing fall armyworm invasion commence their gradual attack. unit at the Horticultural Crop Research loss for this season, as the harvesting is yet in the country, there has been no According to Department of Agriculture and Development Institute (HORDI) to take place. It is after we assess the yield update or follow-up to that visit, or crop forecast reports, the extent of maize in Gannoruwa to closely study the fall losses that we would be able to come to a as to what recommendations they grown during this season amounts to armyworm and research the natural conclusion as to who would be eligible to wanted to share with Sri Lanka to 19,066 hectares (47,665 acres), out of measures that could be taken to control claim compensation. We have scheduled a take control of the pests which the districts that cultivated the the pest with the least amount of impact meeting with the officials to obtain a field Namal Karunaratne, some farmers, highest amount of maize is recorded from to biodiversity of the cultivation and its report update on 20 January, and will take a especially in the Ampara and Monaragala Ampara with 4,853 hectares (12,132.5 surrounding areas. call on finalising the compensation scheme Districts, are yet to be compensated for acres), Anuradhapura with 3,497 hectares According to HORDI Principal Scientist for this season.” the crop damages caused by the fall (8,742.5 acres), and Monaragala with – Entomology Senani Weligamage, the unit armyworm invasion in 2018. 2,672 hectares (6,680 acres). has been conducting continuous research Unfulfilled promises The Government has taken measures to Last December, the State Ministry had since 2018, where they have two of their Fall armyworm caterpillar According to All Island Farmers insure six agro-crops, within which maize received estimations of predicted yield own scientists and undergraduates from Federation (AIFF) National Organiser cultivation is also included. The farmer losses from the Ampara District (30%), the university to closely study the fall Anuradhapura District (10%), Uva Province armyworm’s lifecycle and the predators Recommended insecticides/pesticides (15%), and North Western Province (25%), that feed on its larvae during its early while from the other areas, the yield loss stages of growth. Quantity Age of the Age of the was estimated to be insignificant. Contd. on page 13 Brand Active to dilute crop under crop above Generic name (for 10 1.5 months 1.5 months Recommended fertilisers name batch litres of (apply per (apply per water) hectare) hectare) Stage to apply Method of Usage amount per fertiliser cultivation hectare (2.5 acres) Spinetoram 25% Radiant 5 3 g 100 g 180 g Diluted Super Muriate of WG Urea Phosphate Potash Spinosad 25 g/l SC Success 5 10 ml 320 ml 600 ml Base fertiliser Emamectin Irrigation or Proclaim 6 4 g 130 g 240 g (when seeds are 75 kg 100 kg 50 kg benzoate 5% SG just after rain planted) Chlorantraniliprole Coregent 28 3 ml 130 g 180 g Topical fertiliser 200 g/l SC (Four weeks into After rain 140 kg chlorantraniliprole planting seeds) 20%+ Vertaco 28+4A 2.5 g 80 g 150 g thiamethoxam 20% Fall armyworm eggs Irrigation 250 kg

SRI LANKA TO MANUFACTURE FDG COMPOUND New hope for cancer patients z MoU signed between AEB, KDU, and medical suppliers

BY UWIN LUGODA He went on to explain that the scans also help doctors identify Renuka Ekanayake, a cancer if the patient is responding to patient currently residing in the the treatment, and whether the Gampaha District, has been on a tumorous tissue has completely waiting list that could potentially disappeared from the patient’s save her life. For the past five body. Moreover, PET scans every months, she has been in the queue year or two also helps doctors for a positron emission tomography detect any re-emergence of the (PET) scan, which most doctors cancer in the body. around the world deem essential “During the course of the cancer when fighting cancer. illness, a patient should have a Speaking to The Sunday The Mou being signed between the Atomic Energy Board, General Sir John State Minister Duminda Dissanayake (seventh from left), alongside members of the minimum of three scans. However, Morning, Ekanayake stated that she Kotelawala Defence University, and Medical Supplies Division SED, AED, and MSD in Sri Lanka, we can only do one has been on the waiting list for the PHOTOS FACEBOOK scan per patient in the government scan since May 2020, at which time detection, and detection of any two MoUs between the three bodies cater to local demand. we are only able to do 1,500 sector. Therefore, access to these she was scheduled to do it in three recurrences over the years. to ensure the construction of a These hospitals include the scans a year, and this is due to the scans has become a luxury and to four months. However, with Despite the importance of PET cyclotron plant in the KDU hospital privately-owned Asiri Hospital, non-availability of the FDG dye. not a necessity, so we want it to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, scans, Sri Lanka is still unable to in Werahera. which established their PET scan However, with this dye, we can become a necessity, which is why and the scarcity of the compound cater to the demand of local cancer in 2011 and carries out around even perform the scans daily,” said we decided to move forward with Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), patients. This is due to the country Matching demand via local 700 scans per year. The next is the Prof. Rosa. this project,” said Dr. Balawardana. the scan has been pushed back having to depend on imports of manufacturing Apeksha Hospital in Maharagama, Speaking to us, KDU Senior indefinitely. the FDG dye, which is the main According to AEB Chairman which gained the ability to do the Consultant Oncologist and Costly, yet short-lived Ekanayake is one of 25,000 component when it comes to the Prof. S.R.D Rosa, while KDU will scan in 2018, when it came in the Senior Lecturer Dr. Jayantha Currently, the Government registered Sri Lankans diagnosed scans. be providing the facility, the AEB form of a donation from the Fight Balawardana stated that unlike imports FDG from India; however, with cancer every year, out of Understanding this need, the will be responsible for setting up Cancer Team Sri Lanka. However, X-rays, Ultrasounds or MRI scans, as with any radioactive substance, which around 14,000 die annually, Atomic Energy Board (AEB) of Sri the plant, and the medical supply the hospital only has the ability to which only pick up anatomical the dye has a very short half-life according to research done by Lanka entered a tripartite agreement division will be ready to buy the conduct one session per week for abnormalities, the PET scan of 110 minutes, which is required the National Cancer Control with the General Sir John dye once produced. just 10 patients. The third hospital, also detects if the abnormality is of radioactive substances being Programme. Kotelawala Defence University He explained that Sri Lanka the National Hospital, which only metabolically active/cancerous or injected to the body, to avoid long- Experts around the world have (KDU) and Medical Supplies is currently only able to conduct established PET scans in 2019, not. These scans also help doctors term exposure. This less-than-two- labelled PET scans a necessity for Division to locally manufacture around 1,500-1,600 PET scans only has the ability to do around precisely highlight the active area, hour half-life makes the quality of these patients when it comes to their FDG. a year, with only three hospitals three sessions a month. and only give treatment to that the radioactive dye decay when in diagnosis, staging of the tumour, The event, which took place on capable of these scans, and needs “Even with both the private and area, sparing the normal tissue transit. planning treatment and response Wednesday (13), saw the signing of to increase the number of scans to public sector hospitals combined, around it. Contd. on page 13 12 the sunday morning FOCUS/OPINION Sunday, January 17, 2021

BY SARAH HANNAN PRISON REFORMS The Human Rights Commissions of Sri Lanka (HRCSL)-initiated study of the Sri Lankan prison system in 2018 was published recently. The study was conducted to understand the compatibility between the current prison system and Sri Prison system Lanka’s human rights obligations and to identify the underlying issues that impact the human rights of prisoners in Sri Lanka. After conducting prison inspections and interviews with inmates, prison officials, to correctional and stakeholders such as government institutions and other independent and non-governmental groups covering 20 correctional institutions including prisons, remand prisons, and work camps, the The prison video conferencing facility HRCSL identified three key issues that needed to be addressed. system yy Restructure the court system to complete 1. The system is overcrowded and under all criminal cases without delay resourced 2. The prisons system emphasises the yy Establish a special regulatory mechanism correctional/punitive aspect rather than to prevent political support for criminals the preferred correctional/rehabilitative yy Establish new advanced equipment and model processes to monitor criminals in prisons 3. Officials are well aware of the shortcomings and are open to change yy Establish two fully fledged rehabilitation The HRCSL then compiled centres for first-time prisoners and recommendations to address these key prisoners who have been jailed for minor areas with the objective of improving and offences enhancing the prison system in particular yy Formulate a special programme of action and the criminal justice system in general. to rehabilitate people who are returning These recommendations therefore were to prisons in regular intervals divided into three broad sections, focusing on specific implementation mechanisms. Accordingly, six special priorities were 1. Improve physical conditions and gazetted under the State Ministry’s preview. administration of prisons 1. Initiate necessary actions along with 2. Enhance the welfare of prisoners the presidential task force to eradicate 3. Reform the criminal justice system unlawful, harmful activities to society The HRCSL had used the Nelson 2. Take necessary actions along with Mandela Rules (formulated by the United the presidential task force to develop Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) as the prison infrastructure benchmark for the review and to present the 3. Establish modern technological necessary recommendations through this measures to monitor criminals inside study. State Minister of Prison Management and Prisoners’ Rehabilitation Lohan Ratwatte observing the functionality of the prison video conferencing facility the prisons Speaking to The Sunday Morning, 4. In order to reduce the prison Commissioner General of Prisons Thushara measures to facilitate the requirements of 5. Upgrading security measures in prisons proposed that the present institution of congestion, establish a mechanism to Upuldeniya explained that the necessity not only inmates but also the staff that is 6. Improving prison healthcare prisons was to be reformed in to providing provide special pardon through review of prison reformation was identified and within the department adhering to accepted 7. Offender rehabilitation and effective custody care and corrections of prison processes other than general amnesty accepted as a government policy when international standards,” Upuldeniya use of labour force inmates who are incarcerated by the judicial policy the Ministry of Prison Reforms and elaborated. 8. Reforming women’s prisons and system of the country. 5. Prepare a broad methodology to Rehabilitation was formed in 2009. This five-year plan would look at nine training centre for youth offenders Therefore, under the sub-sector of crime, rehabilitate prisoners “The recommendations that the HRCSL sectors for the reform process; 9. Implementation of e-prison concept the following activities were identified: 6. Solve the officers and the carder presented to us are already considered 1. Dealing with prison overcrowding The incumbent Government’s goal to management issues of the Department yy Strengthen the Police by providing in our new Strategic Plan 2021-2025 ‘A 2. Prison management reforms ensure a righteous, disciplined, and law- of Prisons immediately modern technical knowhow for Right-Based Correctional System for 3. Prison officers training abiding society through the rule of law combating all kinds of crimes a Safer Society’, where we have taken 4. Amendment of the Prisons Ordinance under the national policy framework, Contd. on page 14

Prison – Rs. 300 million aspects of local and overseas training Prevent contraband items coming into the with DF/DHF (Dengue Fever/Dengue • Allocate separate storing area for 2021 budgetary • Construct semi-permanent buildings for needs – Rs. 20 million prisons Haemorrhagic Fever) – Rs. 5 million inmates’ personal items – Rs. 5 million highly populated institutions, including • Establish a fully equipped modern • Introduce mobile phone jamming • Improvements to existing buildings – • Ensure communication facilities of local allocations New Magazine, Kalutara, Negombo, correctional service training institute systems – Rs. 10 million Rs. 5 million and foreign inmates with their families, The annual action plan for the annual Wariyapola, Pallansena, as immediate with residential facilities for academic • Provide CCTV monitoring system – Rs. • Practice telemedicine system in prison lawyers, and embassies – Rs. 5 million budget was followed under certain thrust measures – Rs. 85 million training in Mahara or a suitable land – 75 million hospitals where inmates could be Goal 8: Reforming women’s prisons and areas which accordingly and systematically is • Construct a new drug rehabilitation Rs. 50 million • Introduce body scanners – Rs. 20 screened – Rs. 5 million training centres for youth offenders expected to complete the prison reform process centre at Weerawila, adjoining the open • Establish a fully equipped modern million Goal 7: Strengthen the offender • Develop female sections in each prison successfully. prison complex in Weerawila – Rs. 50 correctional service training • Introduce parcel scanners – Rs. 30 rehabilitation process and utilise labour by identifying repairs and completing Goal 1: Minimise prison overcrowding million institute (orientation trainings) in million force effectively construction annually – Rs. 15 million Overcrowded urban prisons relocation Establish legal reforms to admit offenders Angunakolapelessa – Rs. 5 million • Provide metal detectors and mobile • Conduct rehabilitation programmes • Provide accommodation and programmes who consume drugs to Weerawila or any other • Policy initiatives through technical phone detectors – Rs. 10 million according to the rehabilitation plan – rehabilitation facilities for youth female 1. Colombo relocation programme to centre by considering a test at government identification of issues from a research Reduction of risk, prohibit exchanging Rs. 5 million offenders – Rs. 15 million meet the key performance indicator of hospitals unit under the CRTC (Centre for Research contraband items while escorting prisoners to • Initiate modern prison industrial • Relocate the Suneetha school at accommodating convicted inmates, with Goal 2: Prison management reforms and Training in Corrections) – Rs. 1 court, and establish a quality visit management sections and items in par with market Watereka to Ambepussa – Rs. 15 international standards. • Enhance the residential facilities million • Use video conference system to produce demand (e.g., handloom, batik, office million • Relocation of the Welikada Closed (quarters, barracks) and the office Goal 4: Prison regulatory reforms inmates before the courts – Rs. 25 furniture, leather, clay products, etc.) – • Improve the rehabilitation curriculum Prison to Wanathawilluwa or any other infrastructure in order to maintain a Update prison rules according to the prison million Rs. 15 million for youth offenders, ensuring skills suitable land – Rs. 50 million quality life and provide a productive ordinance – Rs. 1 million • Strengthen and empower the Prison • Introduce drip, sprinkler irrigation development – Rs. 10 million • Relocation of the Colombo Remand service – Rs. 15 million annually Intelligence Unit with necessary systems, greenhouses, and high-yield Goal 5: Strengthening the security equipment and training – Rs. 5 million Goal 9: Implementation of Prison to Pallansena – Rs. 50 million • Relocation of Prison Headquarters measures of prisons crop varieties including vegetables, e-prison concept • Relocation of New Magazine Prison to in line with the Colombo relocation Upgrade selected prison institutions as high- Goal 6: Improving inmate spices, fruits, and medicinal crops – Rs. Digitise the inmates’ records from admission Watereka – Rs. 75 million programme security prisons healthcare facilities 25 million to release 2. Relocation of the Bogambara Prison to • Construct/establish Prison • Upgrade the Boossa Prison special • Provide necessary equipment to the • Establish prison vocational • Identify the weaknesses of the already Dumbara, Pallekele – Rs. 500 million Headquarters on a land or a building section enabling accommodation base hospital of each institution – Rs. training centres at Welikada, established system and implement at 3. Relocation of the Trincomalee Prison to identified by the Urban Development capacity up to 200 along with necessary 10 million Dumbara, Pallekele, Mahara, and institution level – Rs. 10 million Kappalthurei – Rs. 400 million Authority in close proximity to Colombo high-security measures – Rs. 50 million • Establish emergency treatment/ Angunakolapelessa – Rs. 25 million • Implement the necessary tech 4. Relocation of the Remand Prison Matara – Rs. 100 million • Strengthen the special escort accident services with necessary • Facilitate inmates’ wards with infrastructure in 13 prisons – Rs. 50 to Kotawilawatta – Rs. 600 million Goal 3: Capacity enhancement of the mechanism by providing buses, facilities – Rs. 10 million television, radio, and internal million Prison expansion projects prison officials backups, and bikes for special escorts – • Establish dengue ward with necessary addressing facility at institutional level • Modifications to the existing system – • Development of the existing Wariyapola • Develop a training manual covering all Rs. 160 million equipment for inmates diagnosed – Rs. 1 million Rs. 50 million

SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY Promoting digital-driven SMEs BY SHERON HEWAWADUGE the digitalisation of sales and marketing contribute to slowing economic growth and e-commerce. Raising awareness, low-cost processes. widening inequalities. digitalisation packages, and platforms to The prevailing pandemic has challenged Digitalisation is certainly not a new Regardless of the size, all businesses link entrepreneurs and IT professionals are the entire business world, particularly small strategy, but has recently gained increased have prospects in the online market space some convincing entry points. and medium scale enterprises (SMEs), posing attention. Improvements in digital to reach a wider group of people and even Moreover, a city-based online site could be a risk on their resilience. The magnitude of marketing could be observed in recent to reach the global marketplace in a way launched where all retailers can register and the impact may vary depending on the nature times and at present it has become essential that is both cost effective and measurable. open an online store. The site can charge a of the business activity. for business resilience. Research done by M.P.R. Rassool and reasonable fee based on the services provided However, it is observed that the businesses A survey done by McKinsey & Company D.M.R. Dissanayake from the University to the retailers. Such initiatives are required, that are operating and catering to customers has found that Covid-19 has pushed of Kelaniya, indicates that digital especially outside Colombo. The media through the online market space experienced companies over the technology tipping transformation puts SMEs in an excellent needs to link entrepreneurs with skilled Delivery services like PickMe are an example of relatively less impact during this period. This point and accelerated the digitalisation of position to improve on productivity levels. professionals who can help market products our developing online systems signifies the importance of technology as customer and supply-chain interactions Let’s look into the barriers that exist at a reasonable cost. a tool to ensure business resilience during by three to four years. This adaptation to digitalise the sales and marketing Many countries have dedicated business digitalise their sales and marketing processes. difficult environments. and acceleration in a country like Sri processes of SMEs in Sri Lanka. Lack news channels such as Bloomberg Television Freelancing platforms such as “Upwork” The 2030 Sustainable Development Lanka will be much slower compared to of IT skills, lack of awareness about the – USA, CNBC TV18 – India, Business offer website development at a competitively Agenda adopted by the United Nations developed countries due to the differences benefits of digitalisation, how to select TV – Nepal, etc., to telecast business news, low rate and many local IT professionals member states, including Sri Lanka, in digital literacy level and the digital web developers and where to start, the analyses from the world’s most important offer their service on such platforms. If we emphasises the importance of technological divide. The majority of SMEs in the cost of digitalisation, and issues relating to financial centres, the key markets, and can absorb their skills locally by linking them transformation towards sustainable developing world do not feature in the data security can be taken as a few. Retail leading producers. The media platforms can with prospective entrepreneurs, SMEs can development. This article focuses on digital space and this may lead to poor businesses are a special sort of SMEs and enhance awareness among business owners even tap the international market. its capacity to promote SMEs through business achievements and consequently most of them have low means to invest in and link them with IT professionals to Contd. on page 14 the sunday morning 13 Sunday, January 17, 2021 FOCUS Back to school in the new normal BY DINITHI GUNASEKERA Amidst the steady spread of Covid- School transport industry in trouble 19 throughout the country, schools All Island School Children Transport licence counts Rs. 500 per bus seat. islandwide, excluding those in the Service (AISCTA) Chairman L. Mal Sri Taking 30 seats per bus into account, Western Province, high-risk zones, de Silva shared that they operate in we pay Rs. 15,000 per bus. We also and isolated areas, have reopened. the Western Province, and are yet to have an insurance programme on The Covid-19 pandemic which hit the start on the 25th. “The O/L students contract basis to ensure the safety of island in early 2020 and forced the might not use school vans, as school is the students and our staff. All these shutdown of schools on 12 March starting halfway through a month and are carried out at our own expense.” 2020, with its intermittent spikes, there would be the problem of paying Their vehicles have been rusting in van fees. My assumption is that most their homes for over 10 months ever made even 100 days of continuous students will come back to our service since the pandemic lockdowns. “Just schooling impossible last year. In this starting from 1 February. All Island School Children as things seemed to settle, we were backdrop, many fear a major setback PHOTO LALITH PERERA “A majority of the parents of the Transport Service (AISCTA) hit yet again with the second wave Chairman L. Mal Sri de Silva in terms of education, one of the Everyone’s intention is to reopen all schools action plan in this new normal efficiently. students we regularly transport of Covid, without a cent of income in country’s thriving sectors. in the island, except in the Western Province, Despite claims of the Ministry that the did not pay us our dues during the not cover the cost incurred.” hand. Our employees are pleading he said. necessary resources were distributed, Stalin vacation and in the period schools The future of this occupation, consistently to request for government Speaking to Ministry of Education Media stated that the Ministry has not provided remained closed. according to De Silva, is uncertain relief, which we have requested on Secretary Buddhika Wickramadara, The Aiding safety schools with a penny to uphold the safety “They stated that if they don’t and there is no relief from the multiple occasions, but were met with Sunday Morning learnt that the isolated The Ministry of Education has distributed guidelines specified by the health authorities. send their children to school, then Government. “No interventions from no positive response. It is like they are areas, such as Kalmunai, are expected to resources worth more than Rs. 500 million to “The schools are in a position where they have they do not have to pay for transport. the finance companies have been fiddling while Rome burns.” reopen next week. Schooling for Ordinary schools and additionally sent necessary funds to reach into their own pockets and that of the “What they forget is that we have the offered to help us out with interest Their request is for parents to trust Level (O/L) students in the Western Province to relevant schools in rural areas in equal parents of the respective student population. drivers, caretakers, and owners who rate reductions. We are well aware in their efforts to safeguard their will commence on 25 January, and the O/L measure, the Minister stated. “If the Government would equip schools depend on this daily wage, and are that they do not do this because they children. “Our vehicles are only for examination is scheduled from 1-11 March “We have further discussed the with facemasks and sanitiser at the very least, largely neglected in the conversation have large shares in these companies.” the children we cater for and not for 2021. In keeping with the health guidelines, methodology by which to utilise alternative the current situation would take a positive turn. surrounding daily wage earners.” De Silva explained that the unknown members of the public. only a very limited number of students will measures in the face of any shortcomings It is their responsibility to assist schools in De Silva shared that he is majority of teachers might dislike the Support from the school level is also be allowed into a classroom. Reportedly, the in conjunction with the relevant principals, safeguarding children via the provision of the acquainted with many families who idea of reopening schools, as they recommended or else, we would have Ministry has contingency plans in place if the school development authorities, the elite in necessary commodities, facilities, and advice; had engaged in this occupation will receive their dues either way. to halt our services in the future. allocated premises turn out to be insufficient, certain areas, and all the relevant political else, the financial means for the school itself and had sold the vans they owned “However, we cannot stay contained “We can readily provide our service in that the exam would be held elsewhere. bodies so as to co-ordinate with police officials to do so.” and taken up other work in order forever. We need to adapt to the despite the irregular and minimal A point of concern, according to in order to protect the future generation of this Another point of concern, according to make a living. According to him, situation and find a way to overcome student turnover if the Government Wickramadara, is the detection of country,” explained Wickramadara. to Stalin, is following up on the syllabus, there are 48,000 people engaged in this pandemic.” makes efforts to at least provide us approximately 500-plus Covid-positive He noted that although much of this is the including the areas of the past syllabus and the school transportation service; it All Island Inter District School with fuel relief schemes.” persons on a daily basis, thereby resulting in responsibility of the relevant ministries, it is those that have been missed out. The teachers is not only they who are concerned Children Transportation Association Sri Lanka Transport Board an estimated 2,500-3,000 associates. It is due important to note that the responsible conduct are currently advised to follow up on both but also the multiple drivers and President N.M.K. Harischandra (SLTB) General Manager Panduka to this that a decision on reopening all schools of students and parents, and the community these areas including for last year and this caretakers who work under them. Padmasiri shared that he has been Swarnahansa, speaking to The Sunday islandwide has not been taken. as a whole, is equally important to make year, which is nearly impossible, he said. The “We are talking about a vast expanse informed through various police Morning, shared that for school buses, this a success. Principals of schools have National Institute of Education has a sizable of interconnected livelihoods of many departments that the relevant the capacity of students would be Till all schools reopen been informed to grant students who are responsibility with regard to the syllabus and families. school vehicle drivers and all relevant directly proportional to the available Currently, the free-of-charge school uniform unable to attend school due to restrictions, a detailed plan on how to segment two years’ “I was informed by our branch in assistant staff ought to undergo PCR seats. No extra students will be material provision is not being distributed the opportunity to attend the nearest possible worth of studies into one is crucial. Moratuwa that nine school vans have tests beforehand. accepted under any circumstance. according to the voucher system, said school. All details would be recorded on a “Furthermore, the government provision of already permanently resigned from “The current student turnover is “If there happens to be some in Wickramadara. He said the school uniform register. It is not done on the basis of law, free-of-charge school uniform material and the school transportation service. Their 50%. I have received news from our excess, we would call for another bus material was 100% locally produced, rather but rather on the preference of the relevant textbooks is still pending completion. The dearth will be felt only once schools drivers from Balangoda, Ratnapura, for prompt service. than the usual imports, in collaboration with principal and school authorities, he clarified. observation that can be made through this is restart.” and Galle about the minimal student “We also disinfect the vehicles the Ministry of Industries. He added that the lack of a complete, well-thought-out action De Silva added that there are, of turnover. Even if students from one before the arrival of students and after the distribution of school textbooks to all A very critical time: Joseph Stalin plan. course, some parents who pay full grade attend school for a week, it their departure. Masks have to be schools has been completed, noting that all Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Ceylon “Currently, the student turnover in urban fees without question, but most do would not be the same the week worn at all times. Chewing of betel is textbooks can also be freely accessed online in Teachers’ Union General Secretary Joseph areas is between 30-50% and 50-70% in not even answer their phones when after. Yet, our vehicles would be on strictly prohibited. Students are also downloadable PDF format. Stalin shared that the reopening of schools is relatively rural areas. We should work contacted. “We cannot constantly go the road for the 22-23 days to come. requested to bring their own sanitiser.” The health guidelines have been discussed happening at a very critical point in time. “It is collectively to improve this situation. To running after the parents of these However, if the student turnover He assured that the pandemic and sent to all schools before its reopening. difficult to maintain social distancing among do that, the shortcomings have to be aptly children requesting our dues. We is largely inconsistent, there is the situation would not be a point of Wickramadara stressed: “The authorities students. Their interactions outside the school addressed.” are aware that everyone is suffering issue of lack of transportation fees, in concern within the sphere of the SLTB within the school system ought to be thorough premises and during the commute are beyond due to the pandemic. We do a great contrast to the cost for fuel and our transportation service in the new with the guidelines, as continuous awareness the control of the school authorities. Young Student turnover improving service, yet many do not realise it until daily expenses.” normal with the opening of schools in programmes have been conducted in the students also tend to interact with each other Speaking to The Sunday Morning, they are affected. Another problem As their association is a private the Western Province for O/L students form of full-page notices on all newspapers differently, as they would not grasp the gravity Government Teachers Association of Sri is the reluctance of van drivers to organisation, all maintenance efforts and also around the scheduled and more than 20 awareness programmes on of the situation.” Lanka General Secretary Jehan Dissanayake transport two to three students who are solely provided for through the examination, as the number of television within the past two weeks.” The According to Stalin, the parents of some shared that schools have started calling in are studying O/Ls, as the income does individual’s income. “The revenue students increases. Ministry of Education also keeps constant students are eager to send their children students on a 50-50 capacity basis in order track of the guidelines within the digital media to school because of the intense amount to cut down classroom population density. “The current situation is certainly not State Minister of Women and Child sphere, by uploading the relevant guidelines to of pressure and frustration experienced by However, no resources have been provided to that a Covid cluster cannot be created from Development, Preschool and Primary social media in a timely manner. them as well as the students as a result of the uphold the guidelines, confirmed Dissanayake, schools. However, with more effort to Education, School Infrastructure, and The Minister of Education has reportedly pandemic. echoing Stalin’s sentiments. uphold due measures, the situation may be Education Services Piyal Nishantha de invited to his private residence the Ministry “In addition to their children’s grievances, it “The student turnover is so far not 100% improved. Silva said that following discussions of Education Secretary, Additional Secretary has also brought significant financial strain on satisfactory. However, it is improving. We “It should be noted that officials should between the Ministers of Education and (School Affairs) L.M.D. Dharmasena, Private the parents, as online learning calls for steep have been warned that there have been definitely look into the safety of the Health and other health experts, all primary Secretary Nalin Gamlath, Wickramadara expenses.” considerable threats to certain schools children more earnestly than their current schools, preschools, and day care centres himself, and other stakeholders so as to Stalin stated that the duty of the Ministry from students and staff members that were engagements, as students’ safety at the were reopened on 11 January islandwide, hold continuous discussions on the matter. of Education is to further develop a detailed identified as Covid associates. moment is in critical condition.” excluding in the high-risk zones. Contd. from page 11 Contd. from page 11

pheromone traps in their field (i.e. six pheromone traps patients, with the waiting list for the FDG here, it will come down to Rs. Farmers grapple... per hectare) New hope... two government hospitals being as 14,000 per scan.” yy Using organic manure long as three to four months, and the Furthermore, the doctor pointed out “We have so far identified 55 such predatory species that yy Following the recommended spacing to plant the maize “We order in millicuries (mCi), private sector scan being very costly. that the PET scans are also essential prey on the fall armyworm. However, we also observed seeds which is a unit of measurement of He explained that if Sri Lanka were in diagnosing other diseases, such as that these species only thrive in cultivations that employ yy Using intercropping or mix-cropping techniques to radioactivity. So, if we order about to manufacture our own FDG dye, Alzheimer’s, where the scan helps organic cultivation practices,” Weligamage explained. create barriers between maize cultivations 3,000 mCi, by the time it comes here, the three hospitals can carry out daily detect who is vulnerable to the disease, With the knowledge the research unit has gathered it will be 100 mCi. Then the PET scan scans and conduct 30,000 scans a year; and epilepsy, where the scan helps over the two years, they have now recommended that the yy Reducing the amount of nitrogen fertiliser used for the takes around 10-15 minutes to conduct, which caters to the demand of the pinpoint the origin of the fits. best method to control the spread of the pest is through crops which will also result in further decay. annually-diagnosed cancer patients. It also highlights the damage done biological pest management. In order to effectively yy Obtaining Telenomus remus (egg parasitoids) from the Importing the FDG is a waste of our The total project has a budget of Rs. to a heart muscle post-heart attack. deploy this method, the unit advises that the identified Agrarian Service Centre or HORDI and releasing them time, money, and resources.” 1.2 billion; however, Dr. Balawardana The FDG manufacturing plant predatory species should be encouraged to settle around during the first week of cultivating maize According to Dr. Balawardana, the estimated that by saving the Rs. 100 is set to produce its first batch of the crop cultivations that are vulnerable for fall armyworm yy Maintaining the biodiversity of the area by allowing Government is currently spending million spent on importing the dye, the dye in January 2022, since infestations. recognised herbs to grow around the crop Rs. 100 million a year in foreign Sri Lana will be able to recover the the construction of the plant is a According to Weligamage, these predatory species vary yy Conducting regular observations from the time the seeds exchange to bring down this dye, budget within a 10-year period. complicated process, having to from birds, spiders, dragon flies, ants, parasitoids, and even produce shoots (after the first week) to identify whether but is only able to scan a little over “PET scans cost the Government incorporate special construction pathogens that will only be present in areas that are rich in the fall armyworms have started to settle in 1,500 patients a year. Moreover, the Rs. 54,000 per scan only for the FDG elements to handle the radioactive biodiversity. scan is not readily available to the dye, but once we start manufacturing material within the plant. At present, the research unit is conducting a study on yy A sugar solution which has 10% sugar could also be a parasitoid wasp that lays eggs in fall armyworm eggs, scattered in intervals to attract ants, spiders, and other Contd. from page 10 known as Telenomus remus, which tends to thrive on insects that would feed on fall armyworm eggs or larvae mimosa sleeping grass flower nectar (Mimosa pudica, yy Applying the Sinaloa native isolate of multicapsid that a clear demarcation takes place. mining businesses, so that they would Mimosa hispidula) and creeping tick trefoil flower nectar nuclear polyhedrosis virus (SfMNPV) in the mornings A work in... not misuse it. (Desmodium triflorum). will be effective to eradicate larval instars I, II, and III of Environmentalists say that the the fall armyworm or if the caterpillar is less than 1 cm The products will be in circulation illegal sand mining that is taking Mineral sand exploration and Pest management knowledge kit in length. Farmers are advised to apply the virus only until the stocks are exhausted. place does not seem to slow down. mining is strongly criticised “We are also looking at putting together a pest over the saplings that are under attack However, we will keep a close watch What action will the Ministry by environmentalists. Have management knowledge kit for the farmers, which we yy The fall armyworm caterpillars that find their way into on whether any products are introduced take in this regard? What are companies obtained EIA reports improved, taking into consideration our research findings. the whorl and then to the stalk will not get affected by to the market after the ban comes to the challenges the Ministry faces by now to continue mining It is important that the pest management steps should the pesticides that are applied. Therefore, they need to effect and strict action will be taken regarding this matter? mineral sands in the North? actually be followed after the yield has been harvested be mechanically removed. against such companies. The challenge we have is at the All companies that are involved and during the intermittent period where the lands are left level of executing the directives that in these projects have to obtain the ‚‚ One method is to drop some water to the top of until the next cultivation season commences,” Weligamage we give to the law enforcement. We necessary assessment reports. Once the whorl and when the stalk fills with water, the Have the demarcation of added. are conducting inquiries when needed the mineral sands are extracted, no caterpillar would resurface. It can then be removed national parks, forest reserve HORDI suggested that the following steps should be over such officials that are found to company will be allowed to export any and placed in a container filled with kerosene oil land, and Department of followed to further reduce the crop damage caused by the Wildlife Conservation land been be hindering the process. Regardless of the unprocessed sand. We will only fall armyworm, which could take place once again from ‚‚ If not, the farmer can also use one of five pesticides completed? What has been the of their position of power, we will allow them to take the material out of August this year: the Department of Agriculture has recommended. progress of fencing these areas? take action against these companies. the country after a value addition has About 10 ml of pesticide should be applied on yy Manually removing weeds from the cultivation land, We are continuing with the We have also asked the Geological been made. each of the maize plants that have been attacked, rather than spraying a herbicide that could destroy plants demarcation process and some areas Survey and Mines Bureau to inquire Their activities will be closely using a pipette that can reach in to the stalk such as mimosa sleeping grass and creeping tick trefoil have been fenced off completely. We about companies that have obtained monitored, and the sites too will be that create an environment for Telenomus remus to yy Additionally, bird baths or bird stands can be set up in are also conducting fresh surveys on permits recently and have not been in subjected to audits to ensure that thrive the field to attract predatory birds such as mynahs and all the national parks, forest reserve operation, and take necessary action there is no adverse impact to the yellow-billed babblers (demalichcha) to feed on the fall land, and Department of Wildlife to revoke their permits if they are not environment and that no unregulated yy At the time of sowing maize seeds, farmers could set up armyworm caterpillars that are out of the cobs Conservation land as well, to ensure actively involved in permitted sand activities take place. 14 the sunday morning FEATURE/PICTORIAL Sunday, January 17, 2021

BY PUJANEE GALAPPATHTHI 7,241 houses is also currently in the works and the Ministry plans to complete 356 In a move that makes it quite houses by the end of March 2021. apparent that Sri Lanka has taken a few pages off the successful economic The trade centre projects journeys of Asian superpowers such The Ministry aims to have three main as Korea, Japan, and China, it has The changing trade centres that will be built under the mega been reported that there is a master development project in Fort, Kimbulawala, plan to convert the country into a and Peliyagoda. The Kimbulawala project financial, commercial, residential, and was completed and opened to the public on recreational hub in the Indian Ocean. 1 January 2021. The Fort and Peliyagoda projects were initiated on 24 September and The Government, together with the Urban 20 November 2020 respectively and will be Development Authority (UDA) announced face of Colombo substantially completed by the end of the the initiation of new mega development year. projects that will be initiated this year under the “Saubhagya Dakma” initiative. The Car park projects UDA, speaking to the media in October Wickramarachchi shared that a car 2020, provided that it had identified 48 new park will be put up around Colombo and mega development projects in and around surroundings and is planned to be completed the city of Colombo which will officially be within the year. implemented this year. These development projects were started City beautification projects on upon cabinet approval to acquire 39 plots We were also told that various city of state land to the UDA as an independent beautification projects including urban grant under Section 6 (1) of the State Lands forests and jogging paths will be put up in Ordinance, and the acquisition of five plots every city. Wickramarachchi explained that of private land under the Land Acquisition big beautification projects including the Act. Thus, it was further reported that the urban forest set up near Shangri-La hotel UDA had acquired large amounts of lands are said to be a milestone to this kind of city in Kirimandala Mawatha and racecourse PHOTO ©️ DR. NALAKA GODAHEWA FACEBOOK PAGE transformation projects that will be set up all for mixed development and beautification State Minister of Urban Development, Coast Conservation, Waste Disposal, and Public Sanitation Dr. Nalaka Godahewa, along with other officials at the new over the island in the future. “Projects like projects. development site this will come up in every city and there is a In order to obtain a better understanding significant plan to materialise this vision.” of these new development projects and their To portray the heritage city from within projects that have already been initiated. Plans for 2021 Wickramarachchi further stated that in effective implementation, we spoke to the Colombo, we are planning to develop old In addition, Ranaweera added there is an The Ministry of Urban Development, addition, the Ministry is also planning to State Minister of Urban Development, Coast Dutch Hospital, Chatham Street, and the other expansive development project that has been Coast Conservation, Waste Disposal, and work on garbage waste management and Conservation, Waste Disposal, and Public iconic sites in the city. initiated surrounding the Beira Lake. “This is Public Sanitation informed us that the key beach clean-up projects as well. Sanitation Dr. Nalaka Godahewa and UDA “Through this, we plan to showcase a development project that includes 15 plots development projects have been initiated Director General Prasad Ranaweera. Colombo with its vibrant cultures and of land surrounding the Beira and will be a in the core areas of the Western Province Development projects planned animated nightlife in order to appeal to high-end development area complete with including Colombo, Kaduwela, and outside of Colombo A piece of vistas of prosperity tourists. These are long-term projects and will hotels, apartments, leisure parks, shopping Kolonnawa already. The Media Secretary to Wickramarachchi told us that two major Speaking of these development projects as definitely take a few years to complete. Some malls, etc.” the Ministry of Urban Development Uditha car park projects will be initiated in Kandy, a building block of the “Saubhagya Dakma”, of it may reach completion within the end He further stated that there will be Wickramarachchi shared that the main at Bogambara and near the Kandy railway Godahewa said: “These development projects of the year. However, all planning and initial housing schemes developed for high development projects scheduled for this year station. Further, various beautification are meant to facilitate the people to live a development will be initiated in 2021.” income professionals with luxury amenities include the housing projects, car parks, and projects are bound to take place within the comfortable, self-sufficient life and enjoy Speaking of the projects that are under in Rajagiriya, Thalawathugoda, and the trade centre projects, and most of these year. Ranaweera added that approximately their surroundings.” this mega development project, Ranaweera Thalapathpitiya areas with the support of the have already been initiated. 40 jogging tracks will be set up in each major We asked Ranaweera what the key goal of talked about the Kirimandala Mawatha private sector. Furthermore, car parks will be city. this mega development project was, to which mixed development project which will developed in Narahenpita, Fort, Union Place, The housing projects When asked about the budget allocation for he said: “This is a massive project which is be complete with leisure parks, schools, and Battaramulla. We were told that nine housing schemes these development projects, Ranaweera told aimed to transform the outlook of Colombo. and other developments; the Nawala road Ranaweera further stated that the UDA is for young professionals have already been us that these projects will not be funded by We are trying to portray Colombo as a mixed development project; the RMV working on another project to convert the initiated as of 1 January 2021 and will be the Treasury but private sector participation. commercial city and a heritage city. land mixed development project; “the Peliyagoda market area into a distribution hub in Boralesgamuwa, Bloumendhal, and “We have set out our guidelines for the “To portray it as a commercial city or a Charmer’s Gallery”; 80 Club, and the Otters and have all things necessary in one central Orugodawatta, aimed at middleclass families private sector to get involved and so far, we port city, we are developing the ports, the Aquatic Club redevelopments as well as the place to be distributed around the island. This and young married couples. Further, the have received quite a lot of proposals from distribution hubs, and the trade centres. Rajagiriya, Welikada Plaza redevelopment project has also already been initiated. Lunawa housing project which aims to build interested parties.”

PHOTOS LALITH PERERA, SAMAN ABESIRIWARDANA, PRADEEP DAMBARAGE, KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM, AND ESHAN DASANAYAKA week glanceat a The Sri Lanka-China Friendship Association distributed school equipment to children from low-income families in Colombo

The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), along with its leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, staged a protest on Tuesday (12) near the Presidential Secretariat against the sale of the Colombo Port’s East Container Terminal to an Indian company

Hindu devotees took part in religious rituals at Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) Commander Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana on Wednesday (13) presented the Kotahena Hindu Temple on Thursday (14) as certificates to the dogs who completed their training at the SLAF Dog Unit and the dog handlers who trained these the country celebrated Thai Pongal Bellanwila Dhammarathana Thera held a media briefing on the Myan Kumara elephant abuse dogs at the Air Force Base in Katunayake

Contd. from page 6 Contd. from page 12

the requests of the students that could be applied by the Fires doused... and not the community HRCSL recommendations ... Department of Prisons in Prof. Srisatkunarajah students and the country when building the memorial. The study of prisons by all stakeholders including enhancing the prison system line with the United Nations who was in the heart of the as a whole. So, as soon as “We have a large number initiated by the Human Rights officials from the selected in particular and the criminal Standard Minimum Rules for current issue, added that the I saw my students go on a of Sinhalese students here, Commission of Sri Lanka prisons and the Department of justice system in general. the Treatment of Prisoners, Mullivaikkal monument hunger strike, we negotiated so we will make this a peace (HRCSL) was carried out Prisons. The recommendations and adapted to the Sri was incomplete and and decided on the new monument to remember between April and September The study focused on were divided into three broad Lankan context so that the unauthorised, which is why monument by Sunday (10).” everyone who died, 2018 with the objective of both physical and social sections, focusing on specific recommendations put forward he was asked to oversee its According to Prof. including the soldiers. We filling the gap that exists dimensions of prisons and implementation mechanisms. can be achieved meaningfully. demolition. Srisatkunarajah, the issue will do this properly, and in the understanding of inmates, the meaning of 1. Improve physical Each broad section “I got an instruction was resolved peacefully make sure the monument is the prisons, penal, and incarceration and correctional conditions and administration comprises relevant categories from a classified document without the presence of architecturally beautiful.” correctional systems as well systems, as well as the legal of prisons from the prison system which on defence and social any politicians, and the In order to accomplish as the broader criminal justice framework within which the 2. Enhance the welfare of correspond to the chapters in harmony-related matters protest was immediately this, he stated that the system in Sri Lanka. prison system exists. prisoners the study. These categories that this monument was disbanded. The students university’s engineering The study adopted both Based on the evidence 3. Reform the criminal are then subdivided into unauthorised. I instructed all and the professor have also department and design qualitative and quantitative from the study, the HRCSL justice system specific areas of concern with my officers to act on it and marked the occasion with a department will be asked methodologies and included compiled the following These broad sections recommendations proposed then they demolished it.” religious ceremony, which to assign a few students to extensive data collection at recommendations with the correspond to separate for each of them. However, after seeing was conducted in a temple oversee and help with its the ground level, supported objective of improving and implementation strategies the widespread outcry by the professor himself. construction. from both local and global The Students’ Union Contd. from page 12 communities, he stated The new monument stated that since the that the decision was The peace monument that monument is on and Communication should be equally spread across made to erect a new peace resembles the demolished government property, Promoting... Technology Agency of the island and easily accessible memorial in place of the monument is set to be built they will not be able to Support services are also services such as Uber, PickMe, Sri Lanka (ICTA) is also online markets should be old war memorial with the within the University of build it to their liking slowly developing in Sri etc., are a few examples. engaged in the “Sri Lanka Go promoted regionally to reap the appropriate authorisations Jaffna under the instructions and will have to abide by Lanka. The “LANKAQR” The national policy Digital” programme where maximum contribution from and proper consent of the of the Vice Chancellor, who certain government-issued payment app, which is being framework “Vistas of entrepreneurs from regional SMEs to the national economy. people. laid the foundation stone guidelines. Due to this, they promoted by the Central Bank Prosperity and Splendour” SMEs are supported to uplift The writer is the Assistant “I have been here for the for the new memorial on will follow the instructions of Sri Lanka to encourage the has outlined the importance their businesses with digital Director of the Sustainable last 40 years and I have Monday (11). He stated that of the Vice Chancellor and general public to switch to of moving forward with technology. As I mentioned Development Council of Sri earned the respect of my he is only going to consider move forward step by step. digital payments, and delivery technology. The Information earlier, these programmes Lanka the sunday morning 15 Sunday, January 17, 2021 SPORTS A four-act Few suggestions problem; ode to the foot soldiers It was Philidor who once said that “pawns are the soul of THE CHESS to develop chess”. It’s an interesting claim, CORNER considering that the pawns are by Dulan Edirisinghe the weakest of all the chess pieces. Often seen as disposable and meant to be trampled upon, black’s last move was c7-c5, they rarely get the respect for which would enable white to the unique role they play to play 1.dxc6# (en passant). It’s a cricket in Jaffna make the game richer. In fact, clever solution to a devious little “to be a mere pawn in the game” problem. z has become an indispensable For the third act, we move Vaadaa Macha: Part IV metaphor to those burdened everything further forward by Jaffna makes with the duty of writing articles one more rank. all the young children to take up on the complexities of modern cricketing history cricket. As soon as SLC finishes politics. the stadium, they should consider Despite all that, pawns play BY RAVI VARMAN IN JAFFNA hosting at least a few first-class a major role in our realm of matches in Jaffna. They may think the 64 squares. They put in Over the past 10 years, it is more expensive than hosting some honest grind and often schools in Jaffna have in Colombo but on the other hand, sacrifice their personal interests proved their standard in in Jaffna you could have a fully for the greater good. They also school cricket by showing packed stadium for a first-class add a great deal to the depth improvements every past match which is not practicable in of the game with some unique season. St John’s College Colombo. attributes. Today we look at a is playing U-17 and U-13 Indian example fascinating four-act problem that in Division I and U-19 and makes clever use of all these Authorities should consider distinctive abilities of pawns. White retracts his last move and U-15 in Division II. On the then mates in one other hand, the U-17 teams aiding the clubs who are looking The stipulation of all parts Act three – “The passing” of Jaffna Central, Jaffna forward to making themselves into of this problem reads as “white the first-class structure of SLC. retracts his last move and then Once again you will have Hindu, Skandavarodhaya, Until a team from Jaffna qualifies mates in one”. These chess to make use of that unique en and St. Patrick’s are playing to First Division, authorities problems are called “retractors”. passant (“in passing”) ability of in Division II. They have may think of organising trials Any legal last move (including a pawn. Therefore, the presence achieved this level only for players and provide them captures) can be retracted. of a black pawn is mandatory. with the limited resources opportunities to play for a first- Rather than testing your chess Here’s how it can be done. they have. In Sri Lanka, class team. For a Jaffna boy, it is skills, these kinds of problems when it comes to cricket, financially very hard to stay and test your problem-solving the available resources search for their opportunity in abilities. Here’s the first part. here are “far different” to Colombo but providing him the what is available in the same opportunity in his own region Western as well as other will make it easier to balance his survival and passion. provinces of the island. These are some things that need If Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) time to complete. What the SLC and the Sports Ministry are could do is identify the talents from willing to see players from all over Sri Lanka. Simply, we the North playing cricket can follow what happens in India. They organise the Syed Mustaq Ali at a higher level, they must The prelude to act three – after provide equal facilities Trophy, a T20 tournament with 38 retracting bxc6 (e.p) for all. SLC has given a lot teams playing in six groups. Here, of promises over the past the SLC is having an inter-club White retracts his last move and The only way is assuming that years but the sad part is T20 tournament, but the problem then mates in one black played c7-c5 last move Act one – “The jump” that only a few of them is that it does not include teams and white captured that pawn from all parts of the country. In “in passing” with bxc6 to reach have become a reality. addition to inter-club tournaments, Notice how the black bishop is the third position. Once you SLC’s promises SLC should organise inter-district attacking both the white rooks, retract the bxc6 move, white or provincial tournaments before which makes this problem again shields his rook using In 2017, SLC proposed an the Lanka Premier League (LPL) unsolvable if we do not consider the b5 pawn and delivers the international cricket stadium auction which will help the team the fact that pawns may move checkmate with 1.d7#. in Mandaitivu in Jaffna with owners identify the emerging two squares forward the first For the final act, the pieces a budget of Rs. 100 million to talents. time they move. So we retract continue their journey up the develop the provincial cricket the c2-c4 “jump” and then play board. infrastructure and to uplift the To actually ‘win together’ 1.d5#. The retracted c-pawn standards of the schools and This not only provides the saves the rook from the gaze of local club cricket. Even the opportunity for the players but the black bishop. SLC President had visited the will also increase the engagement Now we move everything one proposed land several times, and of fans in the game as they will rank up the board. This makes the project was expected to be get an opportunity to cheer their the retraction of a “jump” no completed by August 2022. But local talents. Sometimes it may be longer an option. so far, no step has been taken to difficult to balance all the teams initiate the project. in that situation. For that, the Further, in 2019, after the SLC may consider organising the opening of the Kilinochchi competition in two divisions. But Sports Complex, SLC laid pumping players from the Western the foundation for a cricket Province to the other provinces to White retracts his last move and stadium on the same premises. make a balanced tournament, as then mates in one Recently, we heard that this they did in the U-19 tournaments Act four – “The promotion” project has been abandoned and earlier, will never be a healthy the Government has proposed move. Instead of that, SLC can let This one is probably the another land at Ariviyal Nagar. Creating dreams and fulfilling them: The country’s North erupted the day Jaffna the district or provincial cricket easiest of the lot. Now that it Central College schoolboy Vijayakanth Viyaskanth took his first wicket, that of Angelo Mathews, for the team Jaffna Stallions in the inaugural LPL last December associations come up with their is impossible to use a pawn And more promises... own set of players. to shield the white rook on Last year the current President of developing the overall ground and the project was dropped and Proposals are never going White retracts his last move and a7, white must use a different then mates in one SLC visited Jaffna and promised conditions of St. Patrick’s College, what is the need to build one in the to develop cricket but putting Act two – “The capture” attribute of a pawn to make it to construct a cricket stadium which already has a turf wicket, North?” them into action only will do. work. Seeing that the pawns with a turf wicket in Mallakam but no actions have been taken to As we have mentioned above, This one is tough, but we can are already on the seventh rank, where the stadium had already fulfil that promise as well. An international stadium an inter-district or provincial assume any previous legal move I trust it is not difficult for the been rented by the Jaffna District To provide equal opportunities and an academy T20 tournament will make the sequence. This means we can reader to work the solution out. Cricket Association. But the for the players as well as the Yes, there is a need to do it, next LPL even bigger and wider imagine that the above position stadium has only got the boundary citizens of the North, the SLC and because Jaffna has a cricketing and will add value to the word was reached by bxc5 last move. walls and a side wicket made up the Government should think of history of more than a century and “together” in their slogan “win But which black piece was on of concrete hitherto. Still, they building an international cricket still a Jaffna boy needs to travel together”. To develop cricket c5? For reasons which will need to complete a proper ground stadium in the North as soon as more than six hours to witness an in the North, the SLC should become clear soon, it has to be a levelling. He also agreed to provide they can. Authorities may say: international cricket match or a unequivocally bring one of the pawn. Here’s how it could have turf wickets for Jaffna Hindu, “A lot of people opposed a new first-class match. international cricket stadium happened. St. John’s, and Central, while cricket stadium in Homagama The stadium which features projects to reality before long. international stars will simply There is also a need to build a encourage the youths of Jaffna to cricket academy, as was said From the past three weeks keep their focus on cricket and above, with a qualified coaching In the first three parts of this on how the Jaffna Stallions build confidence so that they too staff, for players and clubs to article published on 20 and 27 franchise of the Lanka Premier can wear that national jersey one develop their standards and to December 2020 and 3 January League (LPL) and Viyaskanth day. A stadium is not only about make themselves into the first- 2021, how the interest in cricket playing in that team last cricket, but it is more about the class structure. “got an adrenalin pump” in the December galvanised Jaffna economy and tourism as well. Let us hope that in the Jaffna Peninsula over the last cricket, was given. Then in the Such a stadium should also have forthcoming years, authorities will couple of years, was described. third part, the difficulties that a cricket academy where the genuinely think of providing equal In 2018, Selvarasa Mathusan Jaffna faces in terms of cricket youngsters who have the interest resources to the entirety of Sri and Vijayakanth Viyaskanth infrastructure facilities were to play cricket could join and train Lanka. Such a step will eventually The prelude to act two – after of Jaffna Central College were discussed. Today, we publish under a proper coach. provide equal opportunities for retracting bxc5 called up for the Sri Lanka the last one of the four-part As cricket is an expensive all to actually “win together” as Youth pool. Later, a description series. game, all the schools will not play true Sri Lankans. The only way white can it. But this academy will allow Four-part series concludes deliver a checkmate now is if Evenly poised first day at Gabba After a strong start by India, a century to Marnus Labuschagne helped Australia to 274/5 at stumps on the first day of an evenly poised fourth deciding Test at the Gabba on Friday (15). The home side was in trouble at 17/2 after skipper Tim Paine won the toss and elected to bat, with openers David Warner (1) and Rider dies after Dakar Rally accident Marcus Harris (5) out cheaply, French motorcycle rider Pierre Cherpin has died five days after crashing during the seventh but Labuschagne helped stage of the Dakar Rally, organisers said on Friday (15). Cherpin, who was taking part in his steady the ship with his fifth fourth Dakar rally, had neurosurgery in Saudi Arabia after the crash. The 52-year-old was Test hundred. placed in a medically induced coma in hospital. Sunday,sports January 17, 2021 STC OBA to host Two staffers at 135th AGM in Feb Galle team hotel test positive Test at the Galle International Stadium, on Friday. z England tour will be affected due to the unforeseen “We remain vigilant and respectful of happening, reports said on Friday. the Sri Lankan authorities, and we will not upset Two kitchen workers of the hotel had do everything that is possible to keep Team sources in Galle said on Friday (15) that tested positive, according to reports our players and the general population Sri Lanka Captain Dimuth Karunaratne has BY REVATHA S. SILVA quoting Galle District health authorities. safe,” he had added. England left fractured his left thumb during practice and midway during a series in South Africa needs further rest Two staff members of the hotel in We remain vigilant – England in December, after two staffers at the on Friday that the opening batsman had Galle hosting the visiting England But it is likely that England’s hotel hosting the team tested positive. fractured his thumb and needed further cricket team have tested positive preparation for the second and last Test, rest. to be started at the same venue on Friday Karunaratne to miss second Karunaratne suffered an injury on for Covid-19, according to reports Test too from Galle on Friday (15). (22), may change due to the incident. his left thumb in South Africa during “We are concerned. Our protocols have Injured Sri Lankan skipper Dimuth their previous series, and has reportedly The S. Thomas’ College, Mount Fortunately, none of the English tour been excellent and we continue to be Karunaratne, who was left out in the aggravated the injury during practice Lavinia Old Boys’ Association (STC members have been in contact with the vigilant,” a spokesperson from the eleventh hour from the first Test in for the first Test in Galle. Dinesh OBA) will hold its 135th Annual two said staffers, and therefore neither England tour contingent in Sri Lanka Galle, will miss the second Test too. Chandimal captains Sri Lanka in place of General Meeting (AGM) on Friday, the England tour, nor the ongoing first was quoted by The Cricketer as saying Sri Lanka team sources in Galle said Karunaratne. 12 February 2021 at 6.30 p.m. at the College Hall. However, STC OBA Secretary Tilan SCORECARD Wickramasinghe notified that the date, England take aim on SL’s Test bastion! venue, and mode of conducting the Sri Lanka first innings 135 all out in meeting are subject to change, due to z Get control over the first Test with a 185-run lead 46.1 overs uncertainties arising from the Covid-19 pandemic. Sri Lanka’s historic Test cricket fortress in England first innings (overnight Due to the prevailing pandemic Galle was in danger by the end of the second 127/2) situation, nominations for the election of day’s play on Friday (15), as England had Zak Crawley c Hasaranga b Embuldeniya 9 office bearers and Executive Committee laboured, on the back of a resilient Joe Root Dom Sibley c Thirimanne b Embuldeniya 4 members must be submitted via sealed century (168 not out), as if to show a classic Jonny Bairstow c Mendis b Embuldeniya 47 envelope to the Warden’s Office, or via example on “how to bat in a Test match”, at Joe Root not out 168 online application, no later than 4 p.m. on the Galle International Stadium. Dan Lawrence c Mendis b Perera 73 Friday, 29 January 2021. The place is considered the islanders’ Jos Buttler (wk) not out 7 Any member wishing to submit his strongest bastion of Test cricket where Extras (nb 5, b 7) 12 nomination via the online application they have maintained a phenomenal record Total (for 4 wickets in 94 overs) 320 procedure may download the application through two decades. Now, already 185 Did not bat: Sam Curran, Dom Bess, Jack Leach, Mark Wood, and forms via the STC OBA website, www. runs behind England in the first innings, Stuart Broad stcmloba.com. the Lankans are facing possible defeat even Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Sibley, 4.2 ov) , 2-17 (Crawley, 8.4 ov) , 3-131 A scanned copy of the duly completed before at least three days to go in the match. Joe Root had almost taken away the game from the (Bairstow, 42.2 ov) , 4-304 (Lawrence, 85.3 ov) application form must be sent by email Captain Root scored his 18th Test hundred hosts by Friday (15), with an ideal Test hundred, to Bowling: Lasith Embuldeniya 38-4-131-3 (1nb), Asitha Fernando before the above-mentioned deadline to and put on a 173-run stand with debutant challenge the islanders at their strongest cricketing 8-0-21-0, Wanindu Hasaranga 15-1-63-0 (2nb), Dilruwan Perera bastion PHOTO SLC [email protected]. Dan Lawrence (73) helping England post a 28-2-82-1 (2nb), Dasun Shanaka 5-1-16-0 daunting 320/4 by stumps on Friday.

THE HOW TO PLAY SERIES CONTINUES… An introduction Dinith A major drawback among the Pathiraja young Sri Lankan tennis players Against serve-and-volley players is the fact that their tactical knowledge and nous is not up to ON COURT Faster rackets, better the physical science, the players are practice against them in competitive for the player to look for the next the required standard. The only movements able to hit the ball harder, and also situations. shot. tactic that most of the players Today’s discussion would centre The serve-and-volley players are the fact they are able to move better The most important aspect to have is the fact that they need to on how to play against serve-and- the rarest of breeds in today’s tennis and track more balls down. beating these opponents is the return Lob, their worst nightmare put one more ball over the net. volley players field. Perhaps the last great serve- of the serve. It is recommended In doing this, it is most important In this multi-part series, I hope What are the “normal” (general) and-volley player was the Swede ‘Chip returns’ that the player returns the serve by that the player pick the side and to discuss the tactics that can strengths of a serve-and-volley Stefan Edberg. There are various Therefore, this makes it more taking the ball early if possible. But stick to it for that particular point be used against specific types player? They can be listed as given reasons for the lack of “serve-and- difficult to win points off the serve- it is important that players make and not change their mind at the of players. Whilst the points below: volleyers” in today’s game. and-volley tactic. But on the other sure that the opponent has to hit a last minute. These last-minute mentioned here are by no means yy They have good serves The most compelling of these hand, this very same fact that the volley, or in other words, to make changes of side for the shot, after exhaustive, it is hoped that these reasons is probably the fact that players do not play enough serve- sure that the player does not miss the opponent has already hit the points would form the basis of yy They obviously have good with the advancement of the and-volley players when practising the return. In most cases, players volley, generally creates unforced the foundation for players to volleys racket technology, and also the or in matches, makes them more opt to hit a top-spin return, but in errors and hands the opponent free flesh out their own tactics when yy They are normally quite agile improvements and advancements of dangerous because of the lack of the case of this opponent, the slice points. confronted against such players. yy return or the chip return is very Finally, the lob is an effective In deciding on tactics against They prefer short points effective. shot against the “serve-and- any player, the first and most What would be the general Sharmal and Yasitha enter men’s final volleyers”. In fact, this is the important thing that needs to weaknesses of a serve-and-volley Making them hit ‘body opponent’s worst nightmare. A be understood is that the tactics tennis player? They can be listed as The semi-finals of the men’s volleys’ well-hit lob shot will force the should be devised keeping at given below: open singles of the 2020 Sri Lanka The thing in this situation is opponent to change direction and the forefront of the mind at yy They are generally Tennis Nationals were held on that the slice or chip should be a run backwards, thereby opening a all times, the strengths of the uncomfortable at the baseline Friday (15) in Colombo. There, low chip to the “shoelaces” of the lot of possibilities for the player. player for whom they are being defending champion Sharmal opponent so that the opponent has devised. For the purposes of this yy They do not like longer rallies Dissanayake beat third-seed fellow to volley without pace as well as the An interesting experience discussion, it will be assumed yy They do not like to grind results Davis Cup rep Sankha Atukorale fact that the opponent does not have With the opponent running that the player devising the out 7/6 (7/3), 6/3 before second-seed a high return to work with. If the backwards and returning the ball, tactics is proficient in playing yy Yasitha de Silva beat Chathurya player is able to get the opponent to it is extremely important that the all the shots. Also for purposes They are bothered by the change Nilaweera, seeded seventh, 7/6 hit a low volley as the second shot, player takes the next ball early, of this article, the player against of pace (7/6), 6/3. then the player is able to set up and inside the baseline, and looks to hit whom the tactics are being With the above in mind, the The segment’s finals will be look for the passing shot at the net an offensive shot, as this would then devised will be referred to as the tactics need to be devised against held today (17). Meanwhile, the Yasitha de Silva, who entered the or to look for another option. force the opponent to scramble at “opponent”. this opponent. As always, when women’s open singles’ semi-finals men’s singles final of the SL Tennis Another good tactic against these the baseline. This is something that Nationals, preparing himself for devising the tactics, it is important had been scheduled for yesterday a double-handed drive, against opponents is to hit directly at them these opponents generally do not to understand that your strengths (16). Chathurya Nilaweera in his semi- and make sure that they have to hit like to do. be on the front foot in the match. should be maximised and given Women’s singles semi-final line- finals on Friday (15) a “body volley”. This would force Also, when playing against these All in all, playing against these priority when coming up with such up was: PHOTO ISHAN WANNIARACHCHI the opponent to adjust their feet at opponents, it is important that the types of opponents is quite an tactics (from here onwards, the Anika Seneviratne (seed 1) vs. Janali Manamperi (2) vs. Hasali the last minute, thereby forcing the player is in an offensive mindset interesting experience. Obviously, serve-and-volley player will be Savini Jayasuriya (3) Gajaba (unseeded) opponent off balance. This would and not a defensive one. This the player would enjoy it more if referred to as “the opponent”). once again open up the possibility would allow the player to always the player wins the match!

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CAN WE PRINT OUR WAY OUT OF THIS ECONOMIC HOLE? »SEE PAGE 3 Sunday, January 17, 2021 businessNational trade policy in the making z FTAs to be signed after policy formulation

BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR Harsha Cabral PC, Prof. Lalithasiri reviewing the provisions of the proposed Gunaruwan of the University of FTA with China to ensure it would not The Sri Lankan Government Colombo, Government Medical Officers’ turn out to be “another Singapore FTA”. is formulating a national Association (GMOA) President Dr. Despite strong opposition from trade policy, and until Anuruddha Padeniya, and Laugfs professional associations and other Vehicle the completion of which, Holdings Ltd. Chairman W.K.H. bodies, Sri Lanka entered into an the country’s free trade Wegapitiya. FTA with Singapore in January 2018, agreements (FTAs) are unlikely A national trade policy was approved following 18 months of negotiations. to be signed, The Sunday by the Cabinet of Ministers on 1 August The opposition was mainly on two import ban Morning Business learns. 2017, under the former Government, grounds. One, that the agreement by the then Ministry of Development endangered Sri Lankan jobs by allowing Minister of Trade Dr. Bandula Strategies and International Trade. The the entrance of Singaporean skilled Gunawardana, under whose purview 2017 policy was to provide guidance labour and professionals. Two, that Sri Lanka’s FTAs come, stated that a on, among other things, FDIs, capacity- it would open the floodgates for the to persist? committee is in the process of preparing building, trade enhancement in and importation of clinical and nuclear a national trade policy, the first of its kind outside of the region, and access to waste, making Sri Lanka a dumping z in Sri Lanka, and that it is expected to be international markets. Nevertheless, it ground for Singapore. Public’s plights more completed within the next three months. has been reported that the 2017 policy In the face of unrelenting opposition “We do not have a national trade policy Minister of Trade Dr. Bandula Gunawardana was not formulated in consultation with and lobbying, both in the political and important than vehicles while many other countries have a policy FTA, Singapore-Sri Lanka FTA, Sri the industries, thereby failing to achieve professional spheres, former President Prevailing restrictions on Merenchige charged that as such. It is imperative to have trade Lanka-Thai FTA, and the Economic and its desired results. Maithripala Sirisena appointed an vehicle imports are most likely much of the industry has already policy when we are dealing with other Technology Co-operation Agreement Considering the need for another independent committee a few months to be carried forward throughout gone out of business due to the countries. We have identified the need (ETCA) with India. policy, Dr. Gunawardana had made later, comprising five experts to study this year as well, in order to avoid prevailing stringent restrictions and we are in the process of formulating As Media Secretary to the Ministry a proposal to the Cabinet to appoint the Sri Lanka-Singapore FTA and submit a possible foreign exchange on vehicle imports. He added that it,” Dr. Gunawardana told The Sunday of Trade Mahesh Wickrema told us in an expert committee representing all a report. crisis in the country, according the rest of the dealerships too will Morning Business. September last year, the committee relevant parties to formulate a new Meanwhile, in August last year, to Minister of Trade Dr. Bandula join the exit queue soon. He added that proposed FTAs will comprises a total of 23 officials and national trade policy. The proposal was following the general election, the Gunawardana. He expressed his dissatisfaction not be entered into until the committee consults all sectors in the formulation approved on 2 September 2020. The Government held discussions on the Speaking to The Sunday over the way the vehicle industry is finalises the national trade policy. of the new national trade policy. The cabinet proposal said that a new policy ETCA for the first time in nearly a year, Morning Business, the Minister being treated by the Government, However, he added that the ongoing expert committee is headed by retired was required, as the national trade policy possibly signalling a resumption of stated that the ban on vehicle despite the colossal sum of tax formulation of the policy will not be Supreme Court Judge Justice Saleem that was drafted three years ago was not bilateral negotiations on the controversial imports is unlikely to be removed revenue the Government made an impediment to resume discussions Marsoof PC. formulated properly. agreement with India. The discussions this year, as the Government is through vehicle imports. Debt with the foreign counterparts of the The committee also includes Central In October last year, State Minister took place amongst officials of the more concerned about “lowering moratoriums and financial relief respective FTAs. Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Governor of Regional Co-operation Tharaka Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according the cost of living”. packages that were announced Sri Lanka has a number of pending Prof. W.D. Lakshman, People’s Bank Balasuriya told The Sunday Morning to Ministry Secretary Admiral Prof. “Would you prefer to import following the Easter Sunday FTAs, including the China-Sri Lanka Chairman Sujeewa Rajapakse, Dr. Business that Sri Lankan authorities are Jayanath Colombage. vehicles when the general public incident in 2019 were not made is struggling with the cost of available to the vehicle industry, living? Our priority now and going even though the industry has been ahead is protecting the general facing a financially tough period public, and for this purpose, the since late 2018. Expansionary project ban on vehicle imports has to be Exacerbating the industry’s maintained,” Dr. Gunawardana misery, the Government restricted added. imports following the local spread When asked about what would of Covid-19 in mid-March 2020 in at BIA makes progress happen to those who are engaged order to avoid a possible foreign in the vehicle import industry to exchange crisis amidst a crippled Expansionary work at the implementation of the project for and sewerage treatment plant. earn a living, Dr. Gunawardana global and national economy. Bandaranaike International Airport years, construction of Terminal The BIA has been in dire need President Gotabaya Rajapaksa inspecting the added that the Ministry of Even though the initial ban on (BIA) which also includes the 2 at the BIA was launched on 30 of another terminal for years now. tyres at the Ferentino factory located on a 155- Industries has submitted a cabinet vehicle imports was imposed construction of a second terminal November last year. It had more than 170 aircraft acre land belonging to the BOI Industrial Zone proposal recently proposing only as a short-term measure, the (Terminal 2) that began late last The Japan International movements per day, including an PHOTO SAMAN ABESIRIWARDANA that vehicle manufacturing and Government later on announced year after facing years of delays Co-operation Agency (JICA) is average of more than 60 movements assembling plants be established in that vehicle imports would be due to a number of reasons, is being the concessionary loan provider of heavy aircraft per day in 2018. the island. Dr. Gunawardana added restricted for another two years. undertaken according to plan, with for the new terminal at BIA. The The existing six million-passenger Ferentino’s that this will provide alternative They also ruled out a possible 38 aprons having already been loan agreement of Rs. 56 billion terminal handled 10 million job opportunities for vehicle vehicle shortage by stating that constructed under the project. was signed over four years ago on passengers in 2018, resulting in importers. the country has enough vehicles Airport and Aviation Services 24 March 2016. hours of delays, particularly as first stock to Meanwhile, speaking to The in stock for the next two years. (Sri Lanka) Ltd. (AASL) Chairman The new terminal building would passengers were trying to collect Sunday Morning Business, Vehicle In 2019, Sri Lanka spent Maj. Gen. (Retd.) G.A. Chandrasiri feature the addition of 96 check-in their baggage. Importers’ Association of Sri about $ 815.7 million on vehicle told The Sunday Morning Business counters, eight baggage claim belts, According to the annual reports be exported Lanka President Indika Sampath imports, compared to $ 1.5 billion that along with the expansionary seven baggage makeup carousels, of AASL, the airport experienced Merenchige, while appreciating the previous year. In August, the work and the scheduled reopening 16 contact boarding gates with 28 heavy congestion in the arrival the Government’s plan to bring Central Bank of Sri Lanka stated of the airport for all tourists, they passenger boarding bridges, and and departure zones, as well as to the US down the cost of living, noted that expenditure on motor vehicle are preparing to go back to pre- six bus gates. vehicular traffic, particularly Recently opened Ferentino Tyre Corporation that it should not be done at imports declined by 80.9% due to Covid levels. The scope also includes a during peak hours; all while will export its first stock of production to the the expense of those who are the import restriction measures After running into numerous capacity enhancement of the passenger arrivals grew 5-6% US this month, according to the company. employed in the vehicle import taken by the Government and the obstacles that delayed the incinerator, water treatment plant, Year-on-Year (YoY). With a first phase investment of $ 100 million, industry of the country. Central Bank since March 2020. South Asia’s largest tyre and radiator tyre manufacturing factory Ferentino, was opened last week at the Board of Investment (BOI) Industrial Zone in Wagawatta, Horana. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa declared SLTPB gears up for World Expo open the factory which has been set up on a 155-acre land belonging to the BOI Industrial Dubai,” Perera added. Zone. According to the management of the z No repetition of The responsibility for conducting preparatory factory, manufacturing will be carried out work for Sri Lanka’s participation at Expo using European technology and state-of-the- same mistakes 2020 Dubai, which had been vested with art equipment. the Export Development Board (EDB), was Special tyres will be manufactured for SUVs BY THE SUNDAY MORNING BUSINESS DESK shifted to SLTPB late last year through a while catering to the demand in the world market cabinet proposal. for tyres for cars, bicycles, and three-wheelers. Despite almost missing the Expo 2020 Dubai The expo, which would be held for a period 80% of the production will be exported and before it was postponed due to the pandemic of six months, was initially scheduled to be the remaining 20% will be supplied to the situation, this time, Sri Lanka is on track to held in October 2020. The Bureau International local market. participate at the World Expo that will be held des Expositions (BIE), the intergovernmental Promotion of the export market potential in Dubai this year. organisation in charge of overseeing and of this country, generating a large number of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau regulating world expos, postponed the expo direct and indirect employment opportunities, (SLTPB) Marketing Director Madubhani to October 2021, following the peak of the and the ability for local rubber producers to Perera told The Sunday Morning Business pandemic in May. obtain a higher price are some of the benefits that they are in touch with the World Expo However, mid-August, BIE Secretary of the factory. organisers and have already recommenced General Dimitri Kerkentzes took to Twitter “The management of the factory has taken preparatory work a few weeks ago. to state that pavilion construction is progressing measures to recruit qualified women to fill “We are yet to finalise an event management Expo 2020 Dubai will be among the largest yet, spanning 1,083 acres well as the pandemic has not impacted the the vacancies for technical positions, beating company, but that is not urgent at the moment. including visual presentations through digital management company that can take care of preparation of the exhibition. adopted standards in the industrial sector. Now we are preparing other necessary work, concepts. After that, we will look for an event overall co-ordination and also have links in Contd. on page 3 Contd. on page 3 2 the sunday morning business RATING Sunday, January 17, 2021

Fitch Ratings has taken Default Rating (IDR) could rating action on Sri Lankan result in an upgrade of SLT's non-financial corporates National Long-Term Rating following the recalibration Factors that could, individually of its Sri Lankan national or collectively, lead to negative rating scale to reflect rating action/downgrade: changes in the relative yy A downgrade in the Sri creditworthiness among Lankan sovereign's Long- the country's issuers, Term IDR could result in a following the downgrade downgrade of SLT's National of the sovereign rating Long-Term Rating to “CCC” from “B-” on 27 CEB November 2020. Fitch Factors that could, individually typically does not assign or collectively, lead to positive outlooks or apply modifiers rating action/upgrade: to sovereigns with a rating yy An upgrade of the Sri Lankan of “CCC” or below. sovereign's Long-Term IDR could result in corresponding Accordingly, the revised action on CEB's National entities are: Long-Term Rating yy Dialog Axiata PLC – National Factors that could, individually Long-Term Rating affirmed at or collectively, lead to negative “AAA(lka)”; Outlook Stable rating action/downgrade: yy Distilleries Company of Sri yy A significant weakening in the Lanka PLC (DIST) – National likelihood of support from the Long-Term Rating affirmed at sovereign “AAA(lka)”; Outlook Stable FITCH RATINGS yy A downgrade of the Sri yy Melstacorp PLC – National Lankan sovereign's Long- Long-Term Rating affirmed at Term IDR could result in “AAA(lka)”; Outlook Stable corresponding action on CEB's National Long-Term Rating yy Hemas Holdings PLC – National Long-Term Rating Sierra affirmed at “AAA(lka)”; Factors that could, individually Outlook Stable or collectively, lead to positive rating action/upgrade: yy Lion Brewery (Ceylon) PLC – National Long-Term Rating yy An increase in Sierra's scale affirmed at “AAA(lka)”; of operations measured by Outlook Stable 7 revised, EBITDA relative to higher- rated peers yy Lakdhanavi Ltd. – National Long-Term Rating affirmed at Factors that could, individually “AA+(lka)”; Outlook Stable or collectively, lead to negative rating action/downgrade: yy Sunshine Holdings PLC – National Long-Term Rating yy Leverage above 4.0x on a revised to “AA+(lka)” from sustained basis “A(lka)”; Outlook Stable yy Coverage falling below 1.5x on a sustained basis yy Abans PLC – National yy Long-Term Rating revised to yy Significant deterioration in 7 affirmedThere is no scope for an operating EBITDA (including liquidity “AA(lka)” from “BBB+(lka)”; sovereign as a key counterparty, rating action/upgrade: upgrade, as the company is proportionate consolidation of whereas Sunshine's rating is Kotagala Outlook Stable yy There is no scope for an already at the highest rating on Sunshine Wilmar [Pvt.] Ltd.) moderated by its smaller scale Factors that could, individually upgrade because Dialog is the Sri Lankan national rating – to more than 4.0x over a yy Singer (Sri Lanka) PLC – against higher-rated peers. or collectively, lead to positive rated at the highest end on the scale sustained period National Long-Term Rating Both companies have strong rating action/upgrade: Sri Lankan national ratings revised to “AA(lka)” from financial profiles and solid Factors that could, individually yy Sunshine's EBITDA coverage “BBB+(lka)”; Outlook Stable scale yy Following a possible financial liquidity. Lakdhanavi has more or collectively, lead to negative of gross interest (including restructuring and when yy DSI Samson Group (Pvt.) Ltd. stable operating cash flow than Factors that could, individually rating action/downgrade: proportionate consolidation sufficient information is that of Sunshine, in our view, or collectively, lead to negative of Sunshine Wilmar [Pvt.] (DSG) – National Long-Term yy An increase in Lion's leverage, available, the “RD (lka)” given the latter's exposure to rating action/downgrade: Ltd.) falling below 2.3x over a Rating revised to “AA(lka)” measured as total debt net of rating will be upgraded to the competitive value-added tea sustained period from “BBB(lka)”; Outlook yy We do not envisage any cash/EBITDA, to over 5.0x for reflect the appropriate National segment and weather dependent Abans Stable negative rating action in the a sustained period Long-Term Rating for the power generation sector, and Factors that could, individually medium term because of the post-restructuring capital yy Sri Lanka Telecom PLC (SLT) can therefore withstand higher yy A decrease in EBITDA/ or collectively, lead to positive standalone strength of the structure, risk profile, and – National Long-Term Rating leverage for the same rating level. interest coverage to less than rating action/upgrade: business profile, low financial prospects, in accordance with revised to “AA-(lka)” from Singer, Abans, and DSG are 2.0x on a sustained basis leverage, and implied support yy No upgrade in the medium our criteria “AA+(lka)”; Outlook Stable rated at “AA(lka)” to reflect their from the stronger parent yy term, given the exposure higher business risk than higher- Stronger links with parent Factors that could, individually yy Ceylon Electricity Board Carson Cumberbatch PLC to more volatile cash flow (CEB) – National Long-Term rated peers, stemming from their Melstacorp and DIST compared with higher-rated or collectively, lead to negative exposure to more discretionary Factors that could, individually under Fitch's Parent and rating action/downgrade: Rating revised to “AA-(lka)” Subsidiary Linkage Rating peers from “AA+(lka)”; Outlook demand, such as consumer or collectively, lead to positive yy Kotagala entering into durables in the case of Singer rating action/upgrade: Criteria or weakening of the Factors that could, individually Stable parent's consolidated credit bankruptcy filings, and Abans, and domestic tyre y or collectively, lead to negative yy Sierra Cables PLC – National y There is no scope for an profile administration, liquidation, sales for DSG. DSG is also faced upgrade, as the company is rating action/downgrade: or other formal winding-up Long-Term Rating revised to with intense competition in its Lakdhanavi already at the highest rating on yy Fixed-charge coverage procedures “AA-(lka)” from “BB(lka)”; footwear segment which accounts Factors that could, individually the Sri Lankan national rating declining below 1.3x on a Outlook Stable for a significant portion of its or collectively, lead to positive Sri Lanka Sovereign scale sustained basis yy Kotagala Plantations PLC – earnings. All three companies rating action/upgrade: Long-Term IDR National Long-Term Rating have weaker financial profiles Factors that could, individually yy We do not anticipate any yy A significant weakening in the For the sovereign rating of Sri affirmed at “RD(lka)” compared with higher-rated or collectively, lead to negative positive rating action in company's liquidity position Lanka, the following sensitivities peers, but sufficient near-term rating action/downgrade: the next two years due to Singer were outlined by Fitch in our National scale ratings are liquidity. Factors that could, individually Rating Action Commentary of 27 yy Consolidated financial the company's significant a risk ranking of issuers in a Sierra's “AA-(lka)” rating or collectively, lead to positive November 2020. leverage – measured as investment plans and particular market designed to stems from its small operating rating action/upgrade: The main factors that could, adjusted net debt/EBITDAR counterparty risk profile help local investors differentiate scale compared with higher-rated individually or collectively, lead (including 51% consolidation yy No upgrade in the medium risk. Sri Lanka's national scale peers, cyclical cash flow from Factors that could, individually to positive rating action/upgrade of Aitken Spence PLC term, given the exposure ratings are denoted by the its exposure to the domestic or collectively, lead to negative are: but excluding Continental to more volatile cash flow unique identifier “(lka)”. Fitch infrastructure and construction rating action/downgrade: Insurance Lanka Ltd. [National compared with higher-rated yy External finances: adds this identifier to reflect the sector, as well as its tight Insurer Financial Strength: yy LTL Holdings (Pvt.) Ltd.’s peers Improvement in external unique nature of the Sri Lankan liquidity. A[lka]/Stable]) – increasing consolidated adjusted net finances, supported by national scale. National scales SLT's rating is constrained at Factors that could, individually to over 5.5x for a sustained debt/EBITDAR (with higher non-debt inflows are not comparable with Fitch's “AA-(lka)” in line with Fitch's or collectively, lead to negative period proportionate consolidation of or a reduction in external international ratings scales or Government-Related Entities rating action/downgrade: its subsidiaries, Lakdhanavi sovereign refinancing risks with other countries' national (GRE) Rating Criteria because yy Group operating EBITDAR/ Bangla Power Ltd. [LBPL yy Fixed-charge coverage from an improved liability rating scales. the Sri Lankan Government interest paid + rent (including 51%] and Feni Lanka Ltd. declining below 1.3x on a profile Dialog, Melstacorp, DIST, directly and indirectly has a 51% consolidation of Aitken [Feni 56%]) rising above 5.5x sustained basis Hemas, and Lion are rated controlling stake in the company Spence PLC but excluding yy Public finances: Stronger on a sustained basis yy A significant weakening in the “AAA(lka)” to reflect their and exercises significant Continental Insurance Lanka public finances, accompanied company's liquidity position stable operating cash flows influence over its operations. Ltd.), falling below 1.8x for a yy LTL Holdings’ consolidated by a sustained decline in the from defensive demand for end SLT's unconstrained standalone sustained period operating EBITDA/interest DSG general government debt to products and strong market credit profile is stronger than that Hemas paid (with proportionate Factors that could, individually GDP ratio, closer to the “B” shares in core businesses, of the Government of Sri Lanka, Factors that could, individually consolidation of its or collectively, lead to positive median, underpinned by a strong financial profiles, and reflecting the company's market or collectively, lead to positive subsidiaries, LBPL and rating action/upgrade: credible medium-term fiscal solid liquidity. Dialog, DIST, leadership in fixed-line services rating action/upgrade: Feni) falling below 2.0x on a yy No upgrade in the medium consolidation strategy Melstacorp, and Lion Brewery and second largest position in yy There is no scope for an sustained basis term, given the exposure yy have more dominant market mobile, its ownership of an Structural: Improved policy upgrade, as the company is yy Material weakening of the to more volatile cash flow coherence and credibility, positions than Hemas, and extensive optical-fibre network, already at the highest rating on compared with higher-rated therefore can withstand higher and a solid financial profile. counterparty risk leading to more sustainable the Sri Lankan national rating peers public and external finances leverage for the same rating, CEB's “AA-(lka)” rating is yy Any strengthening of LTL scale. and a reduction in the risk of as reflected in their rating equalised with that of its parent, Holdings’ linkages with the Factors that could, individually debt distress sensitivities. the Sri Lankan sovereign, in line Factors that could, individually parent, CEB or collectively, lead to negative Lakdhanavi's “AA+(lka)” with Fitch's GRE criteria. This is or collectively, lead to negative Sunshine rating action/downgrade: The main factors that could, rating reflects stable cash flow based on our assessment of a very rating action/downgrade: Factors that could, individually yy Fixed-charge coverage individually or collectively, generation from fixed long- strong likelihood of support from yy Group net debt/EBITDA rising or collectively, lead to positive declining below 1.5x on a lead to negative rating action/ term operation and maintenance the state. CEB is the country's above 4.5x on a sustained rating action/upgrade: sustained basis downgrade: contracts and power purchase monopoly electricity transmitter basis yy Increased scale of operations yy A significant weakening in the yy Increased signs of a probable agreements. Sunshine's and distributor, and also accounts yy Group EBITDA/interest while maintaining a healthy company's liquidity position default event, for instance “AA+(lka)” rating reflects its for around 75% of the country's cover falling below 2.3x on a financial profile from severe external liquidity defensive cash flow from mainly power generation. SLT sustained basis stress, potentially reflected pharmaceutical and medical Rating sensitivities Factors that could, individually Factors that could, individually in an ongoing erosion of device sales, and the protected Lion or collectively, lead to negative or collectively, lead to positive foreign exchange reserves domestic crude palm oil sector. Dialog Factors that could, individually rating action/downgrade: rating action/upgrade: and reduced capacity of the Lakdhanavi's rating is moderated Factors that could, individually or collectively, lead to positive yy An increase in Sunshine's yy An upgrade in the Sri Lankan government to access external by its exposure to the Sri Lanka or collectively, lead to positive rating action/upgrade: leverage – total net debt/ sovereign's Long-Term Issuer financing the sunday morning business 3 Sunday, January 17, 2021 INSIGHT/NEWS Can we print our way out of this economic hole? short-term economic challenges By should not dilute our aspirations or our long-term economic goals Dhananath of improving quality of life and Fernando eradicating poverty. Monetary history has I had a friend in school shown over and over again whose aspiration was to be that the oversupply of money causes inflation and currency the president of Sri Lanka. depreciation and balance of One day, our school teacher payments problems. When money asked him: “So what are printing is continued, it will end in you going to do when you hyperinflation like in Zimbabwe. become the President?” The poorest sections of the society will be most affected by He had a simple answer. “I am hyperinflation. going to end poverty in Sri Lanka Countries like Venezuela and and make all citizens wealthy by Zimbabwe are prime examples of ensuring they all have enough the various consequences that can money.” In response, the teacher occur as a result of governments further questioned: “How are running their money printing you going to do it?” To which machines overtime. It results in a my friend answered: “It’s not situation where they have money, difficult. I will print money and but not the adequate amount to distribute one million per citizen afford their necessities. among all citizens so they have money to buy all the goods and What is the solution? services they want.” It is understandable that in a This sounded like a great idea global pandemic and a credit to schoolboys who did not know collapse some countries printed anything about economics. “Why money, especially when there was can’t governments print money no economic activity to make use and increase the income of people of the money. But expecting to and allow them to buy goods and use it as a permanent solution may services as they wish?” were our cause long-term damage to our initial thoughts. economy. The teacher then questioned: To optimise the use of our “What if the market doesn't have resources, we have to remove the enough goods and services to buy Money printing is possible for structural impediments that stop with the money you expect to give the USA and Japan to some the people from doing growth- away. Do you think that having extent because both USD and creating economic activity. money in hand but no goods and Japanese Yen are pure floating We must restructure our state- exchange rates. The US dollar in services in the market will help particular is also used abroad. owned enterprises (SOEs) and people consume what they need?” open public sector resources to the Through my teacher's counter- private sector, in order to attract questioning I realised that are multifaceted. Therefore, we problem when economic activities dollar in 1971 when it was pegged refugees. Creating money without money, for example, rather than “money” or fiat currency is just have to evaluate whether we and credit picks up. Sri Lanka or to gold and money was printed in regard to the availability of goods print money. Ultimately, it is the a piece of paper. The amount of can overcome our economic any other country cannot live in excess. and services can ruin an economy. production of goods and services goods and services we can buy challenges by printing money as complete isolation. We have to When the US dollar was a And worse. It devastates the poor. and getting all Sri Lankans to from that money is what matters suggested by my school friend. import some basics such as fossil floating currency also it was not It is true that the economy of contribute to economic growth instead of the quantitative or This dilemma brings Modern fuel, pharmaceuticals, and inputs immune. After very low rates a country cannot be compared that will help meet our long and numerical amount of money in Monetary Theory (MMT) into for our exports. Statistics by the from 2001, a massive credit to the economy of a household short-term economic objectives. hand. context. Central Bank show that about bubble was fired in the US and the because people trade in different Expecting that production will It is understandable that in a Some advocates of MMT 80% of our imports are capital and dollar weakened. Inflation and oil currencies and trade between kickstart when excess money global pandemic and a credit say money can be printed by intermediate goods, required for and house prices went up and then countries is a global phenomenon is supplied through money collapse some countries governments without a problem. consumption and for our exports. collapsed. bringing in competitive synergies. printing is surely a not solution. printed money, especially Other advocates say governments When we print excessive money, Sri Lanka does not have a pure But when money is printed, Instead, we should examine the when there was no economic can borrow large amounts of that will increase imports and floating currency. Sri Lanka the main objective of economic barriers that have to be removed activity to make use of the money without a problem. At the create a balance of payment crisis. collects reserves through the policy becomes “saving foreign in order to ramp up production. money. But expecting to use end of the day, printing money In addition, the fall in reserves purchase of dollars and then the exchange”. These barriers keep dragging our it as a permanent solution is also a form of borrowing from and the fall in exchange rate will sale of dollars to defend the value The MMT advocates of the economy behind. may cause long-term damage the Central Bank. Still, other lead to a loss of confidence.Then, of the rupee against the US dollar West did not say to control to our economy proponents say taxation can be foreigners who had loaned money at different rates. imports. Some people hold up Some of the key ideas are used to stop the inflationary and other investors will take their Such countries are much more Japan as an example due to its that governments can Take a Rs. 100 note and a $ effect. money back. This is called capital at risk from printing money high debt levels and attempts at increase deficit spending... 100 note for example. Both of While different proponents of flight. That is one reason the than those with a pure floating trying to ignite inflation there also print money. Still, others them might represent a 100 but MMT have proposed slightly yields of sovereign bonds have exchange rate.Consecutive through money printing. But there argue that money can be we can buy more goods and different views, some of the key increased to very high levels and governments of the past resorted is no import control in Japan. printed to repay bonds... services from $ 100 than Rs. 100. ideas are that governments can we cannot issue more sovereign to the practice of financing our So we should not forget that However... the comparison of Therefore, managing “money” or increase deficit spending without bonds. budget deficit by money printing. the main objective of an economy a government to a household only goes so far the currency must be done very a problem and that they can also Some advocates of MMT One reason Sri Lanka has had to and economic policy is not to just carefully. print money. Still, others argue say money can be printed go to the International Monetary have money in every citizen’s The economy is a broader that money can be printed to repay by governments without a Fund many times over the last hand or saving US dollars to pay We should not forget the concept where the supply of bonds, and therefore there will be problem. Other advocates 70 years is mainly due to such our debt. The prime objective of scenario where everyone money is just one tool within no default on debt. say governments can balance of payment crises caused a well-functioning economy is to was given money through this system.This economic However, it is important to borrow large amounts of by the excessive printing of improve the quality of life of the money printing but there were system performs the function of remember that the comparison money without a problem... money. people and reduce poverty. We insufficient goods and services optimising limited and scarce of a government to a household Still, other proponents say Restricting imports reduces the can only achieve these objectives to purchase. This lesson taught resources to meet unlimited only goes so far. This is because taxation can be used to stop amount of goods and services by utilising our scarce resources by my school teacher to my wants. Prices determine what sovereign nations can print money the inflationary effect available in a country and leads optimally. Hence my teacher’s aspirational friend who wanted to could be bought or sold by the which a household cannot. Some to higher prices. When countries question, “what if we all have lead the country, is a lesson for the quantity of money. believers of MMT claim that in But what about rupee debt, you without floating exchange rates money but not enough goods and whole country. A lesson as to why If there is strong demand for an environment where a country may ask. print money, not just inflation but services for our consumption?” such thinking is fundamentally one good over another, its price hasn’t reached full employment, One question commonly asked hyperinflation also can happen. must be analysed in depth. flawed. will go up and the supply of that printing money or quantitative is why Sri Lanka cannot print Zimbabwe created excessive Therefore, improving the (The writer is the Chief good will go up, as producers try easing doesn’t cause inflation. money if the US and Japan can amounts of fiat money that led quality of life, eradication of Operating Officer of Advocata to make more money to get more Some others argue that if inflation print money in trillions. This is to inflation rates of more than poverty, and using our resources Institute. He can be contacted profits. picks up, taxation can be used to possible for the US and Japan 1,000% per year. As the currency optimally have to be the broader via [email protected]. Excessive creation of money take spending power and reduce to some extent because both the crashed, notes of million-dollar objectives of the economic The opinions expressed are without regard to the number of inflation. US dollar and the Japanese yen Zimbabwe banknotes were policies we implement. This does the author’s own views. They goods and services produced in When a country like Sri Lanka are pure floating exchange rates. printed. Eventually people shifted not mean that we divert from our may not necessarily reflect the a country leads to price inflation, prints more money it can cause The US dollar in particular is also to US dollars. Inflation then focus of facing the ever-growing views of the Advocata Institute which distorts relative prices. two problems. One is that it will used abroad. However, that did stopped. But many were left economic challenges before us. or anyone affiliated with the Sri Lanka’s economic problems create a balance of payment not prevent the collapse of the US destitute. Large numbers left as However, our solutions to meet institute)

Contd. from page 1 Clarification Nevertheless, the postponement mobility, and sustainability, based which 70% will be international In the article titled “Oil price Secondly, the Minister denies SLTPB... of the expo due to Covid-19 came on which the master floor plan visitors. It is also expected that revision is only when global prices that he said: “We are waiting for Following this, Sri Lanka as a blessing in disguise for Sri differs. Sri Lanka’s pavilion at there will be more than 200 go down” which appeared in the the global oil prices to decline resumed preparatory work to Lanka. World Expo is one of Expo 2020 Dubai will be located participants during the span of 10 Januray edition of The Sunday to implement the fund and the participate in Expo 2020 Dubai the largest international events in the opportunity district which six months to showcase their Morning Business, Minister of formula,” as was quoted in the as expo organisers confirmed that that takes place once every five consists of 212 square metres countries. Energy Udaya Gammanpila is quoted paper. the preliminary work is underway years, and this time, Dubai has of exhibit area on the ground as stating that an oil price stability Lastly, the article states “the new to commence the six-month-long been selected as the venue. It floor and 172 square metres of fund will be established when global fuel price stabilisation formula event in October 2021. will mainly focus on tourism, office space on the first floor. Ferentino’s... oil prices go down. We wish to would revise local oil prices only Sri Lanka’s participation at investment promotion, and trade. The Sri Lankan pavilion will be The factory is an eco-friendly clarify that this does not indicate a once a year”. However, the Minister Expo 2020 Dubai was hanging The expo will be held under organised under the title “Island of entity,” the management noted. price revision at the time of a global subsequently denies mentioning a in the balance as of January last the theme of “Connecting Minds, Ingenuity”. The second phase of the project price decline. time period. year due to bureaucratic delays Creating the Future”. The three Expo 2020 Dubai is expected to is expected to be completed by and the absence of required funds. subthemes are opportunity, attract over 25 million visitors, of March 2021. 4 the sunday morning business OPINION/INNOVATION Sunday, January 17, 2021

The bubble has quickly burst on the bio-bubble-based Ukrainian tourism pilot project, even as Sri Lanka pushes to open its borders this month. The chaos Learn from messy pilot surrounding the project is a poignant reminder of how the tourism value chain. There far more complex and precarious Sri Lanka has the advantages, for would be addressing the structural many important decisions has never been a greater need for endeavour. But open we must. now, of being a country with a weaknesses of the informal can crumble through a efficient collaboration and clarity This summer, the high-spending, comparatively lower case load, sector that flourished over the lack of co-ordination, of communication. While a pilot newly-vaccinated Europeans a high recovery rate, and a low last decade, often unchecked sub-par transparency project is a smart and necessary are expected to make up for the death rate. What we suffer more and largely unregulated. That move in testing those protocols, travel they sacrificed last year. from is a lack of cohesive action, a informality which was found and communication, a the unilateral liberties taken as part It is the European segment that failure to speak in one voice, and lucrative in the past has now propensity to overlook of this pilot project have ultimately will commit to stays longer than an inability to present a unified become the sector’s downfall, and protocols, and where egos done far more damage than good, seven days – thus meeting the front publicly by ironing out issues many of these businesses would supersede national interest. THE had the intentions been pure. comparatively strict quarantine within. welcome a positive intervention HEADLIGHT It is important that tourism rules of Sri Lanka. The length The private sector requires that helps their recovery. Ukraine has now gone into a resumes, safely and securely with of stay requirement will be a clarity and a strategic direction It’s time for the Government fresh lockdown as cases within that is an abject failure on the parts intelligent protocols in place. Sri deterrent for any Asian traveller, from the Government and to deliver clarity of vision and a the country surged. Yet, seven of those promoting this project. Lanka has a tough task at hand in who would have a plethora of its tourism officials. Tourism credible path that empowers the planeloads of Ukrainian tourists The project of reopening the the context of regional recovery; more compelling destinations authorities must unite to develop a private sector to kickstart a post- have now arrived in Sri Lanka. country to tourism must be a the Maldives for example has seen to consider. Destinations will be master plan that uses this crisis as Covid tourism recovery. Practice It is inexplicable why authorities carefully considered one that guest numbers rapidly picking up vying fiercely to lap up the pent-up an opportunity to address overall runs and their failures must be didn’t see it fit to change plans involves the many stakeholders and is capitalising on its resort- demand. weaknesses and develop new used to learn lessons and make with the change of circumstances whose expert opinions must count per-island offering, which lends Sri Lanka must get its act policies and formats that allow meaningful changes; the present in the source country. If for some when grappling with a pandemic. itself perfectly to an automatic together and claim at least a small the tourism value chain to operate inclination for obstinacy and bizarre reason the conditions of the The protocols so drawn up, must quarantine. Sri Lanka’s far richer parcel of European tourists this with greater sustainability and fragmented control would only pilot project didn’t allow Sri Lanka be understood not just by those in offering of sights and experiences summer as paltry local tourism resilience in the post-pandemic leave our people and our economy that degree of flexibility to cancel, charge but by every player along makes controlling a bio-bubble a alone cannot sustain the industry. era. One such issue for example, exposed to more danger. Innovating the apparel industry

BY KAREN HAPUARACHCHI we also have to do some stuff earlier than sharing 3d prototyping, in comparison to when a consumer or a customer comes to us physical meetings, which also saw increased Regardless of a diversifying export and tells us ‘I have this need’. Even in the engagement and made decision-making basket, apparel has remained Sri Lanka’s apparel industry, that’s where innovations faster, boosting performance. top export product for decades, with Sri mostly stem from – the need. However, With the performance and innovation Lanka being able to achieve $ 3.73 billion there are no apparent needs we can work that MAS has shown, it is easy to wonder in apparel exports last year (not counting towards today that we can satisfy when the what lies ahead for this reputed brand. December figures), even amidst the need comes. It’s like, we don’t start going MAS mentioned that intellectual property Covid-19 pandemic. The country’s apparel grocery shopping when the kids ask for innovation is essential for a brand like itself industry employs 350,000 workers, which dinner, right? You have to prepare for that, to own a unique space in the market, and to suggests it employs about 15% of the so when the need comes, you can serve it,” be the key solution provider for international country’s workforce. explained Sithila Dassanayake. brands and local startups. Furthermore, The industry has a number of key On the other hand, there is also a positive MAS aims to improve and better itself in players, among which is MAS Holdings relationship between innovation, the apparel approaching the generations to come. (Pvt.) Ltd. Headquartered in Colombo, industry, and the country. This is apparent “We have to be ahead of the game to MAS Holdings is claimed to be South as Sri Lanka’s apparel industry involves understand the generations to come – as Asia’s largest manufacturer of lingerie. approximately 7% of our GDP and employs in what their needs would be. So we Begun as an intimate apparel manufacturer, multiple people, directly and indirectly. study lifestyles to understand what kind the company has today diversified Innovation supports brands in getting more of lifestyle to cater to. Right now, the into sportswear, performance wear, recognition and revenue – and a greater youngest generation we know of is the alpha and swimwear. It also has a number of revenue and better products exported benefit generation; in a couple of years, they are subsidiaries, including MAS Fabric Park the economy greatly. going to be the biggest consumers to come. (Pvt.) Ltd., Ultimo Brands International MAS Director of Supply Chain, Innovation, and MAS Director of Technology Innovation Sithila The first benefit would be the fact that Right now the market comprises Gen Z-ers Ltd., MAS Intimates Ltd., and MAS Design Kireety Madiraju Dassanayake employees receive a higher disposable and millennials,” stated MAS Director Capital (Pvt.) Ltd., while Twinery – income and would not face any issues Product Development and Innovation Innovations by MAS is the innovation arm relating to their salaries due to the brand’s Nadeekha Leanage. of MAS Holdings. success. This would encourage more MAS also highlighted past collaborations Twinery was recently recognised by spending and increase consumer purchasing with external partners, adjacencies, local the South and South East Asia Innovation power, increasing the supply of cash in the universities, technology companies, and Awards, organised by Clarivate PLC. economy. The other benefit involves the consumers, and how these collaborations Twinery, or MAS, is the first apparel instance where innovative products are aided in the development of products and manufacturing entity to receive this exported, increasing international exposure innovation, adding that they would continue recognition, which is also the first time a for the brand and the country itself. to do this in the future. It also intends to Sri Lankan entity has won such an award. As the leading brand in the apparel prioritise consumer needs, and noted it would In an exclusive interview with The Sunday industry, MAS plays an influential part follow megatrends like sustainability, which Morning Business, the team behind this in the positive relationship between is an important aspect for consumers in the achievement discussed their success story innovation and the apparel industry. “With market. and what Twinery Innovation does. MAS being an innovative company within Also highlighted was the state of the Twinery is known as the central Sri Lanka, it enables us to look at getting market, where consumers are unable to innovation arm of MAS. The innovations more customers to come in, which leads purchase products in the apparel sector manufactured and conceptualised by to greater volume, which leads us to due to the pandemic. “With the current Twinery are claimed to be created for the be able to invest more in innovation, in climate, people can’t go shopping, so the betterment of communities, people and the infrastructure, and in machinery. It allows retail model is changing, and it is just us environment in the process of innovating to pick the game up, so overall it’s a cycle: keeping up with the times. This is a good and creating intellectual property. “So if we don’t have innovative products, the opportunity for innovation, because the when we say when we do innovation, why customers won’t come; when the customers model has changed and now we have a we do it is that we want to make human don’t come, we don’t have volume; when chance to be the first in that line to change life better, and we want to make this planet MAS Director of Product Development and MAS Director of Product Development and the volume doesn’t come, we don’t have the model for our customers. It’s not based a better place to live,” commented MAS Innovation Nadeekha Leanage Design Vivek Ramachandani investment; and so on. It’s a positive cycle, on any historic value about how they work Director of Technology Innovation Sithila I think, that is happening now in Sri Lanka, with different people; it’s a whole new Dassanayake. and is probably the strongest industry in the canvas, and the future is bright. That’s what Moreover, Twinery’s innovation involves country in terms of exports,” commented they say and I think we just have to take it small incremental improvements, or MAS Director Product Development and down, collaborate, and do it,” commented leap-frog revolution innovations, which Design Vivek Ramachandani. Ramachandani. involve analysing product and technology MAS officially initiated this innovation In addition to this, Dassanayake brought innovations to determine whether business system in 2014, as opposed to the MAS forth the claim that new recruits are amazed models can be enabled. Furthermore, long- innovations prior to this which was when they encounter the projects MAS term innovations are examined and planned seen as less structured and developed in works on. She further added that the general mostly for the core business, MAS, as well comparison. With their technology and public is not well-versed on the modern as for its adjacencies. creative teams, MAS has innovated for a approaches and enhanced technologies that Adjacency expansion in organisations series of years that aided in getting them MAS uses. Moreover, she stated that she moves into related segments or businesses recognition locally and internationally. As believes that educated and capable people that utilise, and usually reinforce, the of January 2021, MAS was highlighted at that could impact and influence great changes strength of the firm’s profitable core. MAS the South and Southeast Asia Innovation in Sri Lanka miss the opportunity to work in defines adjacencies as being “one degree Awards for the brand’s performance local brands, and thereby miss out on various away” from their core business today, and despite the challenges posed by Covid-19. things that could enhance their skill and it requires going into different sectors. The brand credited its performance to the expertise. These expansions develop from Twinery, creative and hardworking teams in Twinery “Most of our educated and capable and it involves innovative concepts that and in the core company, as well as the people go out of the country. One reason create a mutual interest between Twinery adjacencies involved in development, and might be that they don’t know these kind of and these adjacencies to collaborate on finally by highlighting the importance of things are happening even in Sri Lanka. We new intellectual properties and innovative innovation. have a lot of people that come and join us MAS Technology FEMTECH Entrepreneur Janith MAS Technology Entrepreneur Nadeeshani products. Dushyantha Gunathilake Moreover, MAS mentioned how the after their higher education, after obtaining As the top export industry in Sri Lanka, brand achieved the award during a global their PhDs. Some of us joined MAS the impact of different products that industry, and the extent of influence consumer needs and wants, and recognise pandemic, highlighting the positive aspects multiple times, because when we go back, apparel brands sell could be considered by MAS products and services on this the demand for a certain product, leading that the pandemic had on the performance we can’t find anything interesting that is highly influential. Innovation is known industry. them to innovate and release an innovative of innovation and the brand itself. Firstly, happening. So we want to come back and to be a key aspect in differentiating a According to MAS, there are two ways product to the consumer. The second way the brand highlighted, MAS was a reputed join later,” commented Dassanayake. brand from others and creating a unique that innovation can impact the apparel involves more of a long-term factor, where brand long before the pandemic, and had She ended on the note that students and space in the industry for the brand itself industry. The first way is collecting data future or existing consumer demand is gained recognition for its innovation and people with the right capabilities should whilst stimulating consumer curiosity and understanding the existing needs recognised in advance so that the brand performance over a number of years. consider being open-minded to projects and expanding the product portfolio and wants of the consumer, where the can prepare for these consumer demands MAS also pointed to the positive impact done locally, as she has encountered for consumers to freely choose from. consumer makes the market aware of when they arise. of the pandemic, which involved teams “amazing” things and projects done in Moreover, an interesting question would their needs and wants. In this short-term “There might be needs that people can’t working faster through digital platforms Sri Lanka. be how innovation occurs in the apparel factor, brands in the market collect data on express. So in that sense, in our industry such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, and PHOTOS KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM the sunday morning business 5 Sunday, January 17, 2021 VIEWS A PATHWAY FOR RAPID POST-COVID ECONOMIC RECOVERY The huge opportunities in ‘accessible tourism’ Our magnificent attractions need to be fully accessible to mobility restricted tourists barrier-free movement design, low-level Implementation of accessible counter designs with controls, and braille tourism By menus in the whole building, including Dr. Nicholas Ruwan emergency exits. There is restricted access There are several techniques available to beaches in Pattaya, and while water to visitor destinations and organisations, Dias and Niresh cannot be reached in a wheelchair, most of including: Eliatamby the city’s attractions are easily accessible yy Promoting social tourism policies and acts to them. at all levels; yy Italy – Sicily: Sicily provides disability- yy Safety of this element of social security In the background of much criticism friendly features at many of its sights, guaranteed in the European social model, over the arrival of Ukrainian tourists including the Ursino Museum. Accessible ensuring universal conformity with last week, let’s look at what type of SCUBA, the Tactile Museum and the workers’ leave rights; tourists Sri Lanka should practically Sensorial-Botanic Garden are among try to attract in the near future, while the disability-friendly events around the yy Plan and adaptation to address physical we wait for efforts to upscale our island. In fact, Sicily holds two Guinness disability needs of visitor facilities and tourism product in the long term in World records: the first paraplegic diving sites; bringing more affluent visitors. at 59 m, and the first blind man diving at y 41 m! y Improvement of disabled and It is estimated that 15% of the world underprivileged groups’ knowledge; y population (one billion people) lives with y Portugal: Portugal was recognised as the y a diagnosis or condition of disability, without investing in value-addition – a entirely inaccessible. first country to be awarded the “Accessible y To encourage a wide variety of services according to the World Health Organisation more attractive wrapper, more aesthetically Inclusive tourism does not only Tourism Destination 2019” award by and experiences in tourism; (WHO). The United Nations World Tourism pleasing product, more efficient means of require wheelchair-accessible facilities. the UNWTO. The award, presented for yy The implementation of unique Organisation (UNWTO) believes the key purchasing through technology, etc. There are senior tourists, parents with the first time by the UNWTO with the arrangements to promote and encourage to responsible, sustainable tourism policies While it is encouraging to see many hotel infants, tourists with allergies and other ONCE Foundation, recognises the efforts low-income holidays for citizens, such as should be accessibility for all tourism projects in Sri Lanka that are targeting more conditions, etc. These are all various of Portugal in promoting accessibility voucher schemes, run by governments and facilities, products, and services. affluent tourists, the vast majority of hotel groups of travellers with different levels of for tourism. There are 90 million visitors operators in some countries based on tax This is an outstanding business opportunity room infrastructure in Sri Lanka still caters to constraints on accessibility and mobility, as in the European market with special incentives; and to make travel easier for people with the less-affluent tourists – from backpackers we see in Fig. 1. mobility requirements, meaning that the y disabilities. However, to meet this large in Ella to mass tour groups going around recognition is a major achievement for y Effective methods for marketing and demand of the market, a change in thinking the tourist circuit in big coaches. Many of Key highlights Portugal, and underlines its accessibility promotion. and in the model of tourism services is the owners of these less luxurious properties yy The US – national parks: In 2012, an leadership for everyone. Recommendations/action plan needed. Accessible facilities and programmes – homestays, small hotels, medium hotels, Accessibility Task Force was created for Important points help boost the quality of the tourism products guest houses, and low-end large hotels – the National Park Service (NPS), which We should offer a range of tourist and and can create more jobs for differently abled can’t afford to invest in upgrading their has since initiated a five-year plan to yy Considering people’s health: The physical destination marketing services that enable people. Therefore, accessibility needs to be products. improve accessibility across parks from capacity of a person to engage in tourism tour operators to benefit from the growing an integral part of every responsible tourism Thus in the short and mid-term, it makes 2015-2020. contributes significantly to accessible demand for accessible tourism. Our central policy and strategy for sustainable growth. more sense to look at optimising revenue tourism. This includes age-related physical strategy is to build a culture of creativity to yy Australia – Sydney: Sydney is rapidly Accessible tourism must be an ongoing from existing hotels with small investments, disabilities, disorders, and wellbeing. target this highly competitive, fast-expanding becoming a disability-friendly destination project, irrespective of mechanical while working on long-term transformation Tourism stakeholders can do many things market that focuses on the goods and services with 2,100 tactile and braille road signs, limitations, disabilities, or age, to ensure that requires larger investments. to make tourism more available, such needs of people with disabilities. and connectivity to almost all its public visitor destinations, goods, and services are as offering ramps for wheelchair users, The types of tourists visiting transport routes. Their currently beta yy Access statement development accessible to all people. braille cards, and lifts for people with Sri Lanka “Accessibility Map” offers valuable stairs that are difficult to climb. yy Development of product, service, and Sri Lanka’s current One key market segment that Sri Lanka details – for example, where mobility programme tourism situation parking spaces can be located and yy Considering all the age groups: Accessible has virtually ignored is the mobility-restricted yy We’d like to attract top-dollar tourists who tourist segment. Mobility-restricted can accessible public toilets. It also warns of tourism should make it possible for people Policy and procedures of “soft will spend tens of thousands of dollars during be defined as anyone who has any kind possible obstacles like escalators or steep to access tourism, regardless of the stage infrastructure” their stay in our Emerald Isle. But let’s face of handicap in mobility – elderly persons, slopes. Starting with “A Community for of their lives. This means that children’s yy Training in personnel and management All: Inclusion (Disability) Action Plan facilities like buggy ramps, and elderly it: Our hospitality product, our attractions, pregnant persons, temporarily injured y and our transport infrastructure simply aren’t persons (e.g. broken leg), as well as those 2017-2021”, the city is moving to change facilities, should be open. In terms of y Toolkits and marketing services and to progress. geared for that. While it’s heartening to see permanently classified as differently abled tourist destinations, the goods provided yy Access information kit to cater to people of all ages should be more upscale resorts and city hotels coming due to a mobility restriction (e.g. wheelchair- yy South Africa: “Access 2 Africa Safaris” separated. yy Universal design and property audits online, 75% of our hotel rooms are less than bound, use of crutches, etc.). is operated by safari experts in South four-star. The vast majority of our visitors In Sri Lanka, we are culturally accustomed Africa who rely on their personal yy Transportation access: Some people have yy Tools for self-audit are retired persons who come with large to our elderly people staying at home for experiences with people that are more access than others to transportation. yy Guides and maps of the national/state/ tour groups and travel in big coaches around most of their lives after retirement. But in handicapped. The business was awarded This can also be seen in contrasts between regional parks the usual route of Colombo/Negombo, the many countries, retired persons actually form the 2016 Lilizela South African Tourism towns and rural areas. Usually, a larger Cultural Triangle, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, a huge market segment in travel, since they Award in four different categories. variety of transport options exist in cities yy Development of the diversity and Bandarawela, Yala, and the southern and have lots of leisure time. However, many They accommodate families, persons, and towns than in rural areas. Indeed, integration strategy western beaches. of these elderly people may have mobility and organisations who are eligible, access to transport is one of the biggest yy Community plans for disability One key market segment that Sri Lanka restrictions due to their age and fitness issues. but specialise in accommodations for problems facing rural tourism. can rapidly tap into is the mobility-restricted This is where countries that focus on differently abled people. In addition to yy Planning and development of new projects market. This comprises not only those making their entire tourism infrastructure exclusive tours for the hearing-impaired yy Attitude towards culture: The cultural classified as differently abled, but those who accessible to mobility-restricted tourists can (with visually thrilling scenes and behaviour of an individual can be a yy Travel ability property accommodation are elderly and also overweight; in short, the earn a significant amount of money. sign language performers), and select significant factor in accessible tourism. listings ideal market that is very close to the market This is in fact rather a strange situation in wheelchair-accessible packages (with a For starters, people want to feel that their © Niresh Eliatamby and Nicholas Ruwan segment that Sri Lanka already attracts. Sri Lanka, since our tourism industry already focus on touch, sound, and smells). You culture is valued. Some people think it Dias This would be one quick way to fill our attracts large numbers of elderly persons. can pick safaris for everyone from one, is higher or lower than others, and if this (The writers are Managing Partners of seven, and 12-day packages. hotel rooms as 2021 progresses, and speed Take a look at the tourists in the big coaches. is the case, they do not want to go to a Cogitaro.com, a consultancy that finds up the recovery of the tourism industry and You hardly see families with either young or yy Thailand – Pattaya: Pattaya is a perfect specific place where you have that view. practical solutions for challenges facing the economy. teenaged children, because there isn’t much choice for people with disabilities looking yy Destination familiarity: Most people want society, the environment, and all types of for children to do in Sri Lanka. Neither do for an experience in the resort. The Royal to go to a destination because they know industries. Dr. Dias is a digital architect Objectives of any you see a lot of business travellers. A large Cliff Hotels Group has all the rooms and educationist based in Kuala Lumpur, tourism industry it. This may be because you have already market segment is in fact elderly or middle- with modified peepholes, braille lifts, travelled to this destination, or because Malaysia, and may be reached via ruwan@ The two objectives of the tourism industry aged couples. portable ramps, and secure swimming you saw your favourite influencer talk cogitaro.com. Eliatamby is an author, in any country are: In other words, we have the market pools. For instance, the A-ONE Pattaya about it on Instagram. Familiarity with a journalist, and educationist based in 1. To earn money, and it is just as segment already. Beach Resort was built specifically with destination may be an attraction. Colombo, Sri Lanka, and may be reached important that it comes in foreign exchange; But our tourism infrastructure is all too wheelchair users in mind. It incorporates via [email protected]) and often not very friendly towards mobility- 2. To provide jobs for as many people as restricted persons. This is quite silly, since it 1 possible. costs very little to do so, by simply investing Thus, a million foreign visitors who spend in the following: $ 200 a day would bring in just as much 1. Wheelchair ramps wherever there are money as two million visitors who spend steps; $ 100 a day. But larger numbers of tourists 2. Lifts where necessary that can might employ more people. So, it’s a fine accommodate wheelchairs; balance of getting the most money and a 3. Corridors and rooms of international large number of tourists. standard for wheelchair use; and 4. Vehicles that can accommodate Sri Lanka Tourism’s wheelchairs, including buses and trains. long-term plan Let’s start with hotels. While many of the When Covid shut down Sri Lanka’s larger hotels have such facilities, too many tourism industry, and almost our entire of the smaller hotels and older hotels simply economy, last March, Sri Lanka Tourism don’t. But it’s not just about hotels. Think quite admirably focused on not just opening about public transportation – our trains and the industry back up again, but in using this buses. Think about our shops, our roads and shutdown as an opportunity to reposition Sri pavements. Very importantly, our tourist Lanka’s tourism industry to attract higher- attractions need to be accessible – from spending tourists. Sigiriya to Koneswaran. However, a key challenge is that when marketing any type of product or service, The global context once that product or service has already The idea of “tourism for all” addresses earned a reputation as having been priced at a a growing segment of travellers with a certain level, one needs to provide significant variety of interests and needs. For example, value-addition in the minds of consumers to the accessibility factor of a wheelchair reposition the product or service to a more user, compared to another passenger with upscale customer. This requires investment. a different form of impairment, mobility One cannot take a bar of soap that one disability, or other condition, may make was selling at Rs. 10 and sell it at Rs. 50 many locations very hard to access, or even 6 the sunday morning business OPINION Sunday, January 17, 2021

BY KUMAR KANAGARATNAM way things are done here”. They will not subscribe to these archaic cultures where Passion is defined as a “strong and people have created kingdoms for their own barely controllable emotion” by the survival. Oxford Dictionary, and this is the These youngsters chafe against these main emotion that drives a young restrictions and will decide that their boss is corporate executive from relative the main impediment to their growth. They obscurity up the corporate ladder, may just be correct. The younger generation or into a position of great wealth The problem do not see the benefit of waiting in line for and power. an approval. They will send an email, and if this is not answered, they will just forget If we speak to many of the entrepreneurs about that project and move on to something in Sri Lanka, or around the world, you will else. When their supervisor charges up to always observe the passion they have for them and confronts them about the status their business or product. This is one of of the project, they will give you a glib the main emotions that drives a person to answer, stating: “I sent you a mail and you achieve great heights, in whatever choice of with passion did not approve it.” This is all they will say, profession or industry. and you will have nothing to say beyond it, As a new year has dawned, albeit in the since they are correct and you are wrong. middle of one of the greatest pandemics extremely shrewd and are aware of their Be ready to work at their speed and approve in living memory, Sri Lankan employers own value, albeit incorrectly, to the extent things as they are sent, or just move out along with their senior managers continue that they are willing to walk out of their of the way. These youngsters will not be to lament that none of the new recruits show present employment without any due “sir-fying” you and come pleading for an the “passion” for their jobs that their seniors consideration of next month’s expenses if approval. That is all there is to it. used to when they were starting out. the seniors pressure them too much. Understand very clearly that these After being in the corporate sector of Sri These youngsters do not believe in “paying youngsters have their lives or a life away Lanka for 27 years, I have been one of the their dues” in any way or form. For them, from work and you. They are not going to many that moan out loud that the youngsters career progression or financial progression include you in it, as we may have done to do not have the work ethic that I used to is very important. They are interested in get close to our bosses in the past, but in fact have, and they will find any reason to avoid making as much money as they can from the they may go to extremes to ensure that their work. After watching how these youngsters very first day of their employment. They are private life remains out of their colleagues’ handle their work and careers, I spent so focused on this that many would prefer eyes. These youngsters consider their life some time talking with these youngsters to to stay at home if they do not get the salary as important from the very inception of understand what drives them – or to be more they think they deserve. I had to wait until their careers and see absolutely no reason to exact – and what is it that makes them not my mid 30s, and at General Manager level, to sacrifice their free time for the job. want to drive themselves? achieve a six-figure salary. These youngsters This is going to present a problem to This is the problem with passion! want this from the very inception of their many private companies where the owner employment. If one company is unwilling to works 24/7 and expects his subordinates The context give them this salary, they will go to another to do the same. Generation X-ers who I was born into Generation X, and as company. I would state that salaries have work with this owner will do so, since with many of my contemporaries, we were gone out of control in the technology sector, they do not know how to change, but the growing up with the communal violence of but even now, many companies are hard- new employees will just flatly refuse, or if 1983, the start of the 30-year civil war, and pressed to balance a good salary with outright confronted or pressured, will just walk out. the unchecked opening of our economy after crazy. This is life and this is the way things are being a closed economy. TV was introduced If they feel that they cannot find a company going to be. to Sri Lanka, as was the first cellular phone, that is willing to pay their own valuation of The younger generation considers their aptly called the “gadol baage”. themselves, they will stay home without any life to be more important than their work, We were also there when one cellular due consideration. Of course, on this point, and with the ability to work from home company became four, the internet was considered it our professional obligation to their abilities. Along with the wealth of I have no choice but to blame the parents and technology giving them the tools, that introduced to Sri Lanka, and girls began put 1,000% of effort for the company we information they have accumulated, the of these youngsters. The parents being this asinine need to be at your desk from 9 a.m. smoking in public, especially in night clubs, worked for, and being the newbie and being advent of the digital economy has created lackadaisical in their children’s approach to till late night is not tolerated. You need to which were plentiful, and it was safe to visit single, we were always singled out by the more opportunities, as opposed to the their careers/jobs is one of the many reasons understand that they value their life and these clubs since the gun culture of today seniors to undertake all the “grunt” work. traditional industries/companies that we had why the youngsters are so quick to resign their leisure with friends or however they was not there. We were also there when two Now, many years later, looking back at to contend with. when the going gets tough. choose to spend it. If we cannot respect that, TV stations became four and a few radio the work we did without question, I would Thus, we have a well-educated, well- It is this same revulsion to “paying their they will not respect you. channels of MW quality became 24x7 FM consider this as “paying our dues”. It is informed youngster who is keenly aware dues” that makes these youngsters not take The concept of being called “sir” or “Mr.” radio. The 30-year civil war ended, and Sri important that you remember this phrase, of the opportunities that present themselves any stress from their seniors. They demand is dead! It is better that all of us grey-hairs Lanka elected a female as its first Executive since it matters in this prose. in their chosen field. Along with the the respect accorded to a much more senior understand that this is no longer the norm. President as well. These are few of the aforementioned reasons, it must be added person from the very inception. We always Be ready to be addressed by first name and things that happened during our lifetime; Why the difference? that the lack of a strictly disciplined showed a high degree of respect to our do not assume that any of these youngsters we lived and grew up during some of the I think it is important that we first upbringing in schools, and maybe at home, bosses, and called them “sir” and stood up will stand at their tables when you, as their momentous events of this country. try to understand how an employee has makes a person totally different from what when they entered the room. In fact, even boss, enters the room or comes to talk to As Generation X, we were brought up progressed over the last few years. There we were, at that time and at that age. to this day, if I see one of my old bosses, I them. This practice, which is second nature in a very strict, disciplined manner by are many different theories postulated, but Another fact that needs to be mentioned would never address them seated; I will stand to all of us, has died a quick death. We our parents and in school, where being for the purpose of this prose, I would like is that unlike our time, being the master and address them formally, as I did in the need to go with the times and know that professionally qualified was an absolute to showcase the different characteristics of your own destiny by starting your own past. Even though these individuals have long these youngsters will only respect you if must. Our parents revered achievement by of the different generations. This is a venture is something that almost every since retired, we still maintain the respect of you show them the same respect. They will way of education, and not by money. generalisation of the western world, but youngster aspires to. They are not only the past and show that respect. not be interested in having a discussion In fact, we were a generation where sadly, with the influx of these influences, encouraged by their parents, but they are Sadly, the youngsters will only respect unrelated to work and having a friendship branching out to be an entrepreneur was many of our youngsters are pro-western in also assisted by them, and there are a lot of you if you respect them. We were bullied with anyone at work. called “doing business” and this would their ways. organisations supporting these entrepreneurs a little bit as junior members of the team, It may appear arrogant or rude to most of cause a lot of consternation within the with knowledge and funding. and we took this hazing in a very matter- us, since we made good friends at work, but family and extended family, where a child I had to wait until my mid 30s, and at Again, the marked difference of being of-fact manner, since it is the way you are for the youngsters, they have friends out of “doing business” was somewhat of an General Manager level, to achieve a looked down upon or being embarrassed by welcomed into the team. Sadly, in the present office and they do not want any from where embarrassment. Of course, this did not six-figure salary. These youngsters “doing business” is no longer there. Things workplace, for a plethora of reasons, this they work. They will always be friendly and stop all of us, since there are many of our want this from the very inception of have changed to such an extent that it is kind of mild hazing has been viewed very courteous to everyone, but be aware that contemporaries who have started up their their employment. If one company more of a status symbol to be a CEO of negatively. It must be mentioned that whilst they do not want to be anyone’s friend. own businesses and are very successful is unwilling to give them this salary, your own start-up, as opposed to working we considered hazing, as we were subjected magnates today. Nonetheless, I would aver they will go to another company for someone else. to it, as a mild annoyance that must be borne Conclusion that many Generation X children, like me, with a smile, the degree of hazing has no Passion brings us great success, but along went the professional route and aspired to be I did address the point of the easy What are the repercussions? doubt changed. I fear that hazing, as we with it brings an equally great sadness. As I qualified and successful in the field we had availability of education and degrees once The most obvious complaint that comes knew it, may have deteriorated to downright had mentioned before, I worked during my chosen as our profession. before. As such, I will just touch on this up when dealing with the youngsters is harassment, sexual, physical, or mental. formative years in the corporate world with It was this razor-sharp focus on being a point to say that during our entry into the that they have no “passion”. This is the absolute passion. I was driven to succeed “professional” that guided our entry into the corporate world, all we had was CIMA, most common complaint. In fact, to which What is the solution? and be better than the next man. It worked corporate world, and this resulted in many ACCA, or CIM. Now the choices of degrees I personally agree, they are far more Companies need to wake up and smell – but only for a while. The results of my of us wanting to be the “best” at what we – both undergraduate or postgraduate intelligent that any of us were. They are, in the very expensive coffee that their new passion are still visible in certain brands, do. Our backgrounds were such that we – are mind-boggling and are easily and fact, extremely passionate about what they employees drink. They are not going to which have grown from strength to strength, were unable to go home and say that we cheap(ishly) available. So the modern do – but the main difference is that they accept the local coffee served to them. This is but it has left me great sadness since it has lost our jobs, or we resigned from our jobs youngster rarely comes to the workforce are unwilling to expend their passion on a a fact (the growth of the coffee shop culture not brought me anything of tangible value. for whatever the reason. This was never without a degree. Even if there are a few company they do not own. is testament to this). The modern employee is aware of the acceptable! who do work without a degree, they will be This “passion” we search for is not for If you seek passion for the job from these mistakes of their parents or relatives There was no way we could go home simultaneously obtaining their professional their employers. These youngsters have youngsters, make it worth their while. The and does not intend on making the same and own up, since our parents would qualifications or degree. grown up in the start-up culture, where current practice of a flat salary and one themselves. With the growth of many have considered this the worst kind of Another significant difference is they are aware of unicorns such as Uber, month’s bonus as a remuneration needs startup incubators, angel investors, failure, especially if your parents used their level of knowledge. Thanks to the Facebook, WhatsApp, Canva, etc. They to change. If not, the new employees will and other investors, as well as the their connections to land your first job. penetration of digital tools of learning, know that they can direct their passion repay you with exactly what you pay them. unprecedented growth of the digital and Just imagine the thought of informing your especially the internet on smartphones, towards building something of their own They will do their jobs adequately for the technological industry, notice has been parents that you have either lost your job or almost all these youngsters are extremely instead of wasting it on their employers. pay they receive, but remember, what makes served on the many companies operating in you resigned – the fallout would have been well informed about their world and The employers only pay them to work, not a company successful is the passion of its Sri Lanka the same way they did 25 years worse than anything I could have imagined. everything in it. I would aver that they are for their passion. employees. They are your stars. Without or more ago. This kind of fear of failure, coupled with more informed and educated in comparison I think the onus is on the seniors such passionate, high-performing employees, Wake up! Your employees have changed. a need to be professionally qualified, not to Generation X-ers, like us were, at the as us to understand that expecting these all you have is a company that achieves They want different things, and you are only led us to be focused on our jobs, but same age. youngsters to show the same “passion” the given target or role, but will not be not even coming close to providing them. also resulted in us wanting to work and Along with a higher level of education, I and/or commitment to their job shows that considered being a star. Yes, people like us can still work, and if study, since many of us were from families must also state that the strict discipline we we have not grown with the times. These These new employees seek ownership this Government increases the retirement who could not educate us overseas or were were subjected to, in school and at home youngsters may consider many of us as and/or a share of the pie. They are not age to 60 years, which we all hope they unable to enter our local universities. Given during our formative years, seems to have being outdated and a hindrance to their willing to work as if they own the company will, these companies may still enjoy a that there were no private degree-awarding dissipated exponentially. I have concluded ability to the job. In the case of many of us, when it’s obvious they do not. The mistake few more years of not changing – but you institutions, unlike at present, the only that the modern parent is not as strict as ours I would state that they are correct. made by Generation X was to work at these do so at your peril. Your competitors may option available was to work and study, were, and the schools have also become lax Please understand that the modern companies as if they owned it, putting their just change, and when they do, your new thereby allowing ourselves to self-fund our in this regard. youngster does not care about your passion into the job and sacrificing their employees will leave to join them. professional education. I would state that this is due to the modern deadline; his/her weekend plans are more youth for building their careers and/or the The world is changing to what is called It must also be mentioned that companies schoolchild being well informed, as one important. They will not willingly or even company. As a member of Generation X, a “sharing” economy. If private company during our entry into the corporate world reason, of the laws pertaining to corporal unwillingly give up on their plans to go on with retirement looming, I see no result of owners do not believe in sharing their were also willing to reimburse expenses punishment, as are the parents. I would a weekend booze cruise to a villa Down my passion that was spent on other people’s wealth, changing their old cultures, etc., incurred on your professional qualifications. also say that the growth of “international” South to stay at office and complete some companies. The owners have continued to these companies will be left behind by the I would like to know if this practice schools has also contributed to a very lax task. This could even apply to working late enjoy the results of my passion, whilst I youngsters. continues today. attitude towards discipline, since these as well. They will complete all tasks given have been left with nothing. This is the problem with passion! All the aforementioned reasons and our are “for-profit” schools and as such, their to them, with amazing alacrity, but when Bureaucracy in a company will result in (The writer is a business development middle-class upbringing resulted in most approach to discipline would be more 5:30 p.m. comes, they are out of there. these new employees walking out. As the professional/trainer who has 25 years of of us being very committed to our jobs. In laissez-faire than our well-established and These youngsters have lives that they well-used cliché goes, “culture eats strategy experience in FMCG, advertising, global fact, it was not unheard of for us to put in 12 more disciplined local schools, from which live out of the office and this is more for breakfast”. These youngsters will not be logistics, automotive, projects, and engineering hours or more a day, and even the regular almost all the Generation X’s matriculated. important to them. The fact is, they consider willing to stand outside someone’s office to solutions, and has worked with global brands weekend. This we did without question, Education and knowledge bring about the quality of their lives more important get a document signed or follow the systems such as Mahindra, Volvo, Herman Miller, and I would state, very happily as well. We a level of confidence in themselves and than their careers. These youngsters are as was done in the past because “this is the and UPS) the sunday morning business 7 Sunday, January 17, 2021 ECONOMY

BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR available for sale in their own currency, and they can never go During a recent bankrupt due to the same. parliamentary session, “Fiat” money is government- Samagi Jana Balawegaya issued currency that isn't backed (SJB) MP Dr. Harsha de by any commodity, such as Silva and State Minister gold. It's paper or digital money of Money and Capital that has no intrinsic value,” the Market and State Enterprise website quotes. The theory has Reforms Ajith Nivard received renewed attention from Cabraal exchanged words governments amidst the pandemic due to the aforementioned over money printing by the characteristic. Government last year, the sum of which was almost Countries that have equivalent to the tax adopted MMT revenue raised by the State ABC Australia states that the same year, according to MMT only applies to the national Dr. de Silva. government level, because that's the level of government with MP Dr. de Silva, who is also the power to issue the sovereign an economist, said that even if currency. we assume the Central Bank of “Local governments must Sri Lanka (CBSL) was utilising behave like households when modern monetary theory, the making spending decisions amount of money printed would because they're currency users, have been less. The term “modern not currency issuers like the monetary theory” itself is a national government,” the website relatively new term used at the Sri quoted. Lankan Parliament, amidst years MMT economists say that of brawling mired in profanity their theory suits counties that and occasional sexist remarks. issue their own fiat currencies Coming back to what Dr. de with floating exchange rates. Silva said; does this mean modern For example, Canada, Australia, monetary theory permits money the US, and Japan. Ceding printing? First of all, what is this currency sovereignty of the theory, and is it different from European Union (EU) (because mainstream economics? The all of them have agreed to use the Sunday Morning Business this euro as their currency) makes it week sought answers to these complicated for EU countries to questions and many other related MODERN MONETARY THEORY adopt the MMT theory, according questions. Spoiler alert: This to economists who developed it theory may make you question and practice it. economics as you’ve known it all Two recent chairmen of the these years. United States Federal Reserve The introduction of modern (Fed) publicly admitted that monetary theory (MMT) nothing would go wrong even itself is an interesting story. if the US Government printed Considering its name, one might away all the money it requires. think MMT was developed by Magic money As Business Insider notes, central leading economists or renowned banks around the world barely universities, but surprisingly, it make such public statements was not. The introduction of the and this is why MMT appears MMT dates back to the 1970s appealing to economists around when an American investment the world. fund manager, Warren Mosler, According to then Fed developed it. Mosler did not stop Chairman Ben Bernanke, the $ 1 there. He promoted his theory trillion bailout package announced through his popular blog “The trees do exist? for the US banking system after centre of the universe”. economic tool and, as many the 2008 financial crisis did not According to The Conversation, mainstream economists claim, come from taxpayers. Yes, you Australia, prominent supporters money printing does not devalue guessed it – the US Government of MMT include L. Randall Wray, the currency, result in inflation, printed the entire bailout package. who teaches regular courses on or disrupt the economy, even Business Insider quoted him MMT at Bard College in Hudson, though the economics you and I saying: “We need to do that, New York State, and Stephanie know dictates that money printing because our economy is very Kelton, who has gained the ear of is catastrophic for a nation’s weak and inflation is very low.” politicians such as Bernie Sanders economy. and more recently US President “MMT argues that by Criticisms of MMT Elect Joe Biden, providing insisting the government rein As many supporters and fans theoretical justification for in its spending to ‘balance its as it has, the MMT also has expanding government spending. books’ we're hobbling ourselves thousands of criticisms for its with a lack of investment, an so-called modern approach to So, what exactly underperforming economy, and economics which is not really is this theory? all the unemployment and lost a big deviation from Keynesian MMT is a macroeconomic opportunities that go along with orthodoxy. As Investopedia noted, framework that comprises that,” Business Insider added. Thomas Palley, an American economic policies outside of the Instead, MMT argues that a economist, has said that the mainstream or what is taught by government can create its own theory’s appeal lies in it being orthodox economic schools. It money that it needs as much as it a “policy polemic for depressed is a contentious macroeconomic wants, in a manner that does not times”. idea that goes a long way to generate inflation. So basically, “He has criticised various explain how money works in MMT states that printing money elements of the theory, like the a modern economy and then cannot alone be the cause of L. Randall Wray, a professor of Warren Mosler, an economist and Stephanie Kelton, a professor of suggestion that central bank by extension, how cash, fiscal inflation. In addition to this, economics at Bard College, US, Co-founder of the Centre for Full economics at Stony Brook University interest rates be maintained spending, and monetary policy ABC Australia notes that MMT and senior scholar at the Levy Employment and Price Stability at the and a former economics adviser to US at zero, and said it provides Economics Institute University of Missouri-Kansas City Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders can be used to benefit the greater says (promoted famously by no guidance to countries like good of society. The theory former British Prime Minister Mexico and Brazil and does argues that countries that have Margaret Thatcher) that national key words such as investment to ABC Australia, “it is unwise back into private sector jobs,” not take into account political their own currencies cannot run governments must tax or borrow and interest rates. In the to try to force the jobless rate she writes. complications arising from out of money like its people or before they can spend is wrong. standard story, as Vox Media, the below the natural level because “The federal government vested interests,” Investopedia businesses can, and emphasises It further added that MMT government levies taxes and then inflation (and wages) will rise guarantees the financing, quotes. that governments need not to economists say inflation would uses them to pay for what it can. quickly”. Therefore, MMT establishes the broad parameters Nobel Prize-winning economist overly worry about spending; it only be a problem (in a country To pay for the rest of its expenses, argues, it is better to maintain a that define the types of jobs the Paul Krugman's views on US also suggests this spending can be like Australia) if the federal it then borrows money by issuing certain rate of unemployment to programme aims to support, and debt are similar to many MMT done even before the governments government spent too much bonds that investors can buy up. keep prices stable. However, it provides oversight to ensure theorists, but Krugman has been get money in the form of tax money into an economy that was Budget deficit is proof that the also emphasises that governments compliance and accountability. strongly opposed to the theory. In revenue. already running at, or close to, government is spending more should run a permanent job “Virtually everything else is a The New York Times op-ed in full capacity. than it receives in turn in the form guarantee. handled in a decentralised way, 20115, he warned the US would Two recent chairmen of the If your economy's "real of taxes and MMT believes that The job guarantee is in fact one bringing decision-making as close see hyperinflation if it was put United States Federal Reserve resources" are underutilised – its this extraordinary spending would of the main components of this as possible to the people and into practice and investors refused (Fed) publicly admitted that workers, factories, machines, boost the wealth of the private theory. This component ensures communities who will benefit to buy US bonds, according to nothing would go wrong land, and raw materials – sector. MMT briefs that the level that anyone who needs a job, has most directly from the tasks that Investopedia. even if the US Government government spending won't of benefits from a widening a job, and it is the responsibility will be performed.” Meanwhile, Michael R. printed away all the money it create concerning inflationary budget deficit depends on what of the national government to Strain, the resident scholar requires. As Business Insider There’s a lot of good in MMT pressures, they argue. They say it is used for. It makes sense, as ensure it happens. The reason but it’s foolish to think that at the American Enterprise notes, central banks around if inflationary pressures start widening the budget deficit by why the MMT prioritises job Institute, has argued that MMT's the world barely make such MMT is a panacea for a building, the federal government increasing financing for defence guarantees is unemployment period where people think proposal that taxes can be used public statements and this is could raise taxes or reduce equipment or tools is not really is socially destructive and full to reduce inflation is also flawed. why MMT appears appealing mainstream economics hasn’t government spending to take beneficial as much as widening employment should be national served us well “Raising taxes would only make to economists around the money out of the economy. the deficit by spending more and priority. a downturn worse, increasing world Essentially, MMT asks people more on infrastructure, health, or According to ABC Australia, Prof. Kelton says the job unemployment and further Justifies money printing and to look around to see how education. Professor Stephanie Kelton, who guarantee isn't about creating any slowing the economy,” he said in budget deficit government spending works in MMT strongly argues that has written a bestseller on MMT old job. “This isn't a make-work a Bloomberg column. reality. investments made in the sectors of called “The Deficit Myth”, sees it scheme, aimed simply at giving To summarise, as Cullen Roche, But how? And also, why? As Budget deficits are good health, knowledge and skills, and working this way: the unemployed a shovel in order author of “Pragmatic Capitalism”, Business Insider puts it, MMT transport by further widening the “Because the job guarantee to justify paying them a wage,” puts it, there’s a lot of good in is a major departure from the Mosler was fondly recognised budget deficit of the respective allows workers to transition into she writes. MMT but it’s foolish to think that traditional view of economics. as a “deficit lover”. The following country are completely fine as alternative employment rather Fiat currency issuers MMT is a panacea for a period In traditional or orthodox explanation could justify why they would pay off eventually. than joining the ranks of the can afford anything and where people think mainstream economics, governments he is identified by this name. Anyone who wants a job unemployed, the programme everything economics hasn’t served us well. opting to print money to solve MMT begs that budget deficits should have a job helps to cushion the overall There is, after all, a lot more right domestic issues is universally are not always bad but beneficial economy by supporting wages As ABC Australia puts it, with mainstream econ than most considered a very bad idea. But in and necessary. A mainstream The next point MMT assumes is and preserving (or enhancing) MMT economists say countries people want to admit and this contradiction, MMT argues that economist’s explanation on that countries have their own rate skills until the economy recovers that issue their own fiat currency “burn it all down” mentality is not money printing is indeed a useful budget deficits would contain of unemployment, and according and workers begin to transition can afford to buy anything that's constructive. 8 the sunday morning business ADVERTORIAL Sunday, January 17, 2021 HNB Assurance surpasses the Rs. 10 b GWP mark Life insurance service provider of a well-curated business strategy, service strategy, product innovation, and service mark in revenue generation was a landmark HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) has excellence, product deliverables to suit the enhancement initiatives to deliver achievement gained by the collective efforts surpassed the Rs. 10 billion mark needs of our customers, and an efficient outstanding returns to all stakeholders. and contribution of the agency channel, in terms of its turnover for the year claims settlement process, all delivered by “As an entity that holds great corporate sales unit, takaful unit, broker, ended 31 December 2020, together a team of happy and motivated employees. responsibility within the financial services and leasing channels. It surely is a massive with its fully owned subsidiary HNB The management is indeed grateful to have sector of the country, achieving the Rs. 10 achievement for any entity, especially General Insurance Ltd. (HNBGI), the witnessed this achievement, especially billion mark during a time of economic considering the current economic backdrop. during these testing times.” uncertainty has aptly demonstrated the As we ring in 2021, we firmly believe that company noted in a disclosure to Sharing his views, HNBA Chief group’s agility and business strategies HNBA and HNBGI will strive to deliver the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) Operating Officer (COO) Lasitha executed meticulously to transform even better, achieving greater stability yesterday (13). 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Every single Officer (CEO) Prasantha Fernando shared: take good care of its customers and its commitment of our dynamic teams, and employee of the company has contributed HNBA COO Lasitha HNBGI COO Sithumina “The HNBA Group kickstarted the new year Wimalaratne Jayasundara employees, especially in an extremely for their fabulous drive to achieve the to this significant achievement, and the with this remarkable achievement under volatile and challenging environment, and impossible.” management of HNBGI is thankful and its belt, despite the impact of an ongoing achieve this covetous milestone in terms of being at the forefront of a competitive HNBGI COO Sithumina Jayasundara remains confident of the future outlook of global pandemic. The group was able to its gross written premium (GWP) as a result industry has exercised excellent business mentioned: “Surpassing the Rs. 10 billion the company.” Sri Lanka Insurance SLIIT supports ‘Guru launches medical insurance Gedara’ Season 2 for Buddhist clergy The Sri Lanka Insurance The Sri Lanka Institute Corporation (SLIC) of Information Technology announced the launch of (SLIIT) is continuing to “Nagaraja”, an exclusive provide technical support medical insurance cover for “Guru Gedara”, the to provide protection for audiovisual mass media Buddhist clergy and their solution launched by the family members. Ministry of Education (MoE) The official handover of and the National Institute of the insurance policy took Education (NIE). place on 8 January at Temple Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and SLIC Chairman Jagath On the back of a Trees, with the participation Wellawatta handing over the insurance scheme to chief prelates successful first phase and of the Maha Sanga Chief This unique scheme will Under the insurance with the reopening of Prelates; Prime Minister be available at Sri Lanka scheme, Buddhist clergy will schools postponed, Season with technological innovation the number of representatives experiences. The entire Mahinda Rajapaksa; State Insurance branches islandwide receive inpatient benefits Two of Guru Gedara was in education. visiting them from schools SLIIT team has shouldered Minister of National Heritage, for the public to purchase and of Rs. 1,000 per day for launched on the 9 November. “Given the disruption and universities, including this responsibility, and we Performing Arts, and Rural hand over to the Sanga as an hospitalisation in government SLIIT, which was a part caused to schoolchildren and 50-plus lecturers. are proud of the contribution Arts Promotion Vidura offering of pirikara for a value or private hospitals (up to of the programme from its the uncertainty surrounding Lectures for subjects such we have collectively made Wickramanayaka; and SLIC of Rs. 2,000. The Nagaraja 15 days), and Rs. 25,000 on inception, recorded 75 hours their education, the Ministry as mathematics, accounting, towards the NIE and MoE Chairman Jagath Wellawatta, insurance scheme also falls expenses incurred on drugs of lectures in the first four and NIE launching this engineering technology, initiative, which we believe alongside high officials under SLIC’s “Insurance purchased and tests, scans, and weeks of the programme, programme during the biosystems technology, has given a purpose and hope of the Prime Minister’s for All” concept to provide X-rays undergone while an broadcast on the national pandemic is nothing short science, agricultural science, to students.” Office and SLIC’s corporate protection for each and every inpatient in a government or television channels, Nethra of commendable. As for business studies, chemistry, The Dean explained that management. citizen of Sri Lanka. private hospital. and Eye. Guru Gedara has SLIIT, we were able to make sinhala, agriculture, and SLIIT uses a cost-effective aided thousands of GCE a significant contribution physics were recorded for method to record and live- Advanced Level (A/L) in supporting it by rapidly airing. stream Guru Gedara, and has and Ordinary Level (O/L) deploying the required SLIIT Faculty of introduced a specific template Browns Hybrid Care provides students to continue their technological support, and we Humanities and Sciences unique to teachers and education uninterrupted, are glad to continue to lend Dean Dr. Malith Wijesundara lecturers on the programme, and SLIIT has supported by our expertise to a programme noted: “We understand that allowing for PowerPoint hybrid and electric vehicle services developing broadcast-quality that is helping the younger schools and universities presentations, the visual of Browns & Company PLC videos of lessons for airplay. generation transition to online have not faced this form of the instructor, and voice. He stated that it recognised the SLIIT Director of learning.” disruption in the history of added that the programme need for specialised care Academic Development and SLIIT contributed a total Sri Lanka. That is why SLIIT is a great initiative of the in the hybrid and electric Quality Assurance Prof. Colin of 168.5 hours of recorded is committed to supporting NIE and the MoE, which has vehicles market category, and N. Peiris, who is in charge of lessons within 23 days programmes like Guru engaged the best instructors thus launched Browns Hybrid SLIIT’s contribution to Guru for Phase I of the Guru Gedara, because we want and lecturers to teach Care in 2018 to provide Gedara, said the provision Gedara programme. Apart to ensure that students faced students via the electronic a reliable, all-inclusive of technical support for the from recording studios with gaining an education medium, and that SLIIT service to owners of such programme is not unusual for and training facilities, the via technology, be it online would continue to extend vehicles. Aiming to provide SLIIT because the institute institute provided two or the electronic medium, their fullest support to ensure a customer-centric solution has always been synonymous resource personnel to assist would have positive learning its success. to patrons, Browns Hybrid An employee at the Browns Hybrid Care facility Care purports to combine staff expertise with American “We strive to offer an Cluster Ajith de Silva. technology. unmatched service to our Browns stated it is a pioneer The facility specialises in customers through Browns in the local automotive battery AFC relocates Galle branch offering testing and diagnostic Hybrid Care. To ensure market as well, with over 90 services related to hybrid and comfort and convenience, years of experience in the AFC Executive Director of Alliance Finance Co. and Head of Gold Loans electric vehicle systems, and we have designed a stylish automotive industry, and that Finance and Operations PLC (AFC) announced the Surendra Rodrigo, in the offers end-to-end services air-conditioned lounge it keeps millions of vehicles Kusal Jayawardana declared relocation of its Galle branch presence of AFC’s senior including rebuilding and that comes equipped with on Sri Lankan roads moving open the new Galle branch to No. 23, Sri Dewamiththa management and guests. replacing hybrid batteries. modern amenities. Therefore, with high-quality and reliable Road, Galle. The new office aims to General vehicle maintenance customers can comfortably automobile batteries. One The occasion was graced make it more convenient services are also offered by relax while they wait for of the key strategic business by AFC Executive Director for Galle residents to Browns Hybrid Care, and their vehicles to be taken units of Browns Group, of Finance and Operations satisfy their financial needs, the facility is aptly equipped care of,” stated Browns the battery division is a Kusal Jayawardana, Regional including obtaining gold loan to provide all these solutions Chief Operating Officer of considerable force in the local Head Suranjith Ahangama, facilities. efficiently. Automotive and Hardware automotive battery market. Home Lands and Home Lands Skyline receive highest grading from CIDA Home Lands Holding (Pvt.) category, and their apartment development projects, while the Canterbury Golf Apartment, excellence. We have many things the evaluation of the property Ltd. and Home Lands Skyline development arm, Home Lands Home Lands Skyline has designed Piliyandala-Kahathuduwa, which to be proud of at Homelands developer carried out by CIDA, (Pvt.) Ltd. have earned the Skyline, was registered as a and built 2,747 apartments units is the first golf apartment in Group of Companies, and our mainly on their financial highest grading as a registered property developer of the “LB1 and individual houses in various Sri Lanka with 784 units; the achievement of the highest grading capability, technical ability with property developer for maintaining Grade” in the Land and Buildings projects, most of which have been Elixia 3C’s, Malabe, with 336 for both land and apartments for staff, plant, and machinery, and the highest standards in real category, which are the highest completed and handed over to their apartment units;Green Valley with the first time in Sri Lanka is one of experience gained in relevant estate. This certification was grades available. residents. 354 apartment units; and a new them,” stated Home Lands Group fields. presented after being evaluated Home Lands Holding and Home Taking Sri Lanka’s real estate project starting this year located in Chairman and Managing Director The goal of the certification and by the Construction Industry Lands Skyline announced that they industry forward, Home Lands Negombo, with a total of 384 units. Nalin Herath. the grading scheme provided by Development Authority (CIDA), became the first company in Sri Skyline has constructed the “Receiving this grading is a This registration scheme CIDA is to provide prospective the successor to ICTAD, for 2021. Lanka to receive such grading (L1 Ariyana Resort Apartment, testament to skill, hard work, and was instituted by ICTAD and customers with the information Home Lands Holding was and LB1). Athurugiriya, which is the first dedication. This rating confirms is currently being continued required to make an educated registered as an “L1 Grade” Home Lands Holding has resort concept apartment in South our ability and is a strong indicator by CIDA. The organisations decision in regard to their real property developer in the Land carried out more than 380 land Asia with 352 apartment units; of our commitment to quality and were graded in accordance with estate purchases. Printed by the Kalukodayawa, Malwana Press & Published by Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 WHAT THE ISLAMIC COMMUNITY FEELS ABOUT THE PROPOSED MMDA REFORMS »SEE PAGE 3

WHEN DOES MALICE ON SOCIAL MEDIA BECOME A CRIME? »SEE PAGE 4 Sunday, January 17, 2021 IMMORTALISING brunchCoconut Tree Hill in Mirissa PHOTO KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM AN UNSUNG SRI LANKAN HERO Dr. Shamil Wanigagaratne’s love for L.T.P. Manjusri

BY NAVEED ROZAIS

Sri Lankan artists have been making their mark internationally, but are often forgotten. L.T.P. Manjusri (1902-1982) is one of those artists, the memory of whom is fast fading. A prolific artist who started his craft making copies of temple paintings as a young monk, Manjusri went on and Manjusri himself. to become one of the most An artist with no famous artists of his time formal training, Manjusri and a founding member went on to exhibit his of the ‘43 Group, an art in various countries association of likeminded in Europe and Asia, and modern artists who had was associated with many broken away from the famous artists of his time conservative Ceylon including Rabindranath Society of Arts. Tagore and Nandalal Led by photographer Bose. Not limited to and critic Lionel Wendt, classical painting of the the ‘43 Group originally style of temple paintings, included many renowned Manjusri experimented artists including Geoffrey with European modernist Beling, George Claessen, trends to create Aubrey Collette, Justin distinctively Sri Lankan Daraniyagala, Richard modernist art. Gabriel, George Keyt, Ivan Peries, Harry Pieris, ││Contd. on page 3

AN UNDERWATER 10 tourist hotspots TREASURE TROVE you didn’t know were

Dharshana Jayawardena diving privately owned BY NAVEED ROZAIS The Wildlife and BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE Nature Protection Society Sri Lanka (WNPS) hosted Last weekend, we saw social media circles up in arms over the the first virtual edition of their “Marine Chats” construction of a fence across the iconic Coconut Tree Hill in Mirissa. series, chatting with underwater explorer and More than anything, what came as a shock to many was the fact that the technical diver Dharshana Jayawardena. iconic tourist hotspot, which has repeatedly topped the most Instagram- A diver for over 15 years, Jayawardena’s able locations on the island, is privately owned. In this backdrop, we interests are varied, but Dharshana Jayawardena his speciality and closest went on a quest to look into the ownership of 10 of Sri Lanka’s most association is with in Ella and for his book locating and exploring Ghosts of the Deep which scenic spots, and here’s what we found. shipwrecks off the coasts documents in detail the of Sri Lanka. Jayawardena shipwrecks around our ││Contd. on page 2 is also famous for island. exploring and mapping the underwater caves ││Contd. on page 2 2 the sunday morning brunch TRAVEL Sunday, January 17, 2021 Ambuluwawa Tower The tower is somewhat in-between 10 tourist hotspots... when it comes to ownership – it falls under the purview of former Prime Minister Dimu Contd. from page 1 Murals in Mirissa Jayaratne’s Trust, and is managed by a When you think of the Mirissa Murals, Board. Speaking to a member of the Board, Coconut Tree Hill the peacock mural everyone poses in front they shared that while the Trust is under Despite it being privately owned, there of comes to mind. There’s been enough the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious, were certain approvals that were needed to and more coverage of travellers “on the and Cultural Affairs, it is still a semi-private put up a structure on the land, apart from hunt” for these specific murals in Mirissa property. just the Urban Development Authority which can be found on the walls of the The Ambuluwawa Tower in (UDA), and in the case of Coconut Tree Mister Hostel, on Beachside Road. The Gampola has attracted a lot of attention Hill, with its proximity to the coast, the owner of the hostel, Dasun Mohandas, for its unique nature and positioning, and additional approval of the Department of shared that the murals were drawn by a since Instagram made it a star, tourists Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource guest who stayed with them and since then, have been pouring in to make it to the Management was also required. have attracted a large number of visitors top. The tower, however, is merely an Weligama Urban Council Chairman coming their way looking for the mural. attraction set amidst the Ambuluwawa Rehan Jayawickreme, taking to his Facebook He said that he has no qualms about people Biodiversity Complex and Sri Lanka's page, said that the issue is currently being coming there to take pictures, and that it is first multi-religious sanctuary. Entrance addressed, and in the meantime “…a verbal is ticketed. available for everyone to enjoy. Ambuluwawa Tower agreement was made for the case to be settled Ambewela Farm amicably, since no constructions would be Parrot Rock, Mirissa permitted in contravention to CCD (Coast Parrot rock is something you’ve Conservation Department) regulations. The most likely seen in aerial shots due to its land owner is to be granted a temporary gorgeous profile at sky level. This iconic license to open up Mirissa Coconut Tree Hill attraction brings us to the more ambiguous for public viewing as usual”. part of our list, where the attraction isn’t Coconut Tree Hill is arguably one of the exactly privately owned, nor is it state- most popular spots in Mirissa, if for no other owned; it’s a situation where those in the reason than for being an incredible photo op. community have taken it upon themselves It is one of the most iconic silhouettes – taking to somewhat maintain it because they a picture standing amidst the strategically benefit from it. placed coconut trees on the hilltop is on The Habaraduwa Police in Mirissa everyone’s must-do list, and according to describe Parrot Rock as a random landmass that tourists visit so they can fly their OIC M.S. Welaratne of the Kotawila Police, Coconut Tree Hill the governing jurisdiction for Coconut Tree Labookellie Tea Estate drones from a central location in the sea. Hill, when tourism was at its peak, the place was crawling with visitors, and everyone Parrot Rock, Mirissa was attempting to get a picture without the swarming crowds in the background. How is it that we all missed the fact that this iconic location was actually somebody’s property? While most historical and cultural attractions are in fact state-owned, much like the Botanical Gardens, Unawatuna’s Jungle Beach – which is often mistaken to be privately owned but actually isn’t, and falls under the Rumassala Sanctuary – it doesn't mean every famous park or historical Adisham Bungalow in Badulla property falls under the purview of the Government. Brief Garden, by Bevis Bawa Some of the world's most famous Brief Garden, by Bevis Bawa landmarks, ones that welcome millions Brief Garden, by Bevis Bawa in Bentota of tourists each year, are privately owned is a popular attraction that is often mistaken properties that we're all just lucky enough to be under the purview of the Bawa Trust. to enjoy. Some examples from around the However, it is actually privately owned by world that may surprise you include India’s Dooland De Silva. In conversation with his Taj Mahal in Agra, which is privately owned son Dan De Silva, he shared that in 1969, by the Dalmia Group; England’s London when Bevis Bawa, the original owner of the Eye, which is co-owned by The Tussauds property, who was Geoffrey Bawa’s older Secret Beach Group and Marks Barfield; and the famous brother, died, it was passed on to his Manager Chicago Skyway Toll Bridge in America, Dooland De Silva by way of a last will. which is owned by Skyway Concession Brief Garden is a popular tourist attraction They shared that the State really has never Company, LLC. for anyone who finds themselves in either had any interaction with the landmass, and Of course, there are certain properties Bentota, Beruwela, or Aluthgama, as it is even the rudimentary steps set up so people that you visit with family or on a field trip roughly the same distance from either side. Dan Murals in Mirissa can scale the rock to get to the top were set form school that you may have to purchase shared that in 1969, tickets were sold at Rs. you’re a foreigner, you can visit Ambewela’s up by nearby restaurant owners. They shared a ticket to – which would make you assume 10 to enter the gardens. However, now, it has New Zealand farm, which has been a famous that they do, however, appreciate that the State it is privately owned whilst not really gone up to Rs. 2,000. He added that they do not attraction for many for years. It is owned hasn’t set up any barriers stopping people questioning it. So, without further ado, let’s discriminate between foreigners and locals. by Ambewela Livestock Company Ltd. from accessing the place, as it is a popular dive into the rest; there are some properties Although, the farm has been closed to the attraction that brings a lot of people to the area. on here that may not surprise you, but some Adisham Bungalow in Badulla public for some time now due to Covid-19. truly took us by surprise. Adisham Bungalow in Badulla is a place Secret Beach we have all most likely visited as either part Rope swing in Unawatuna Labookellie Tea Estate Secret Beach is the name coined by a Rope swing in Unawatuna of our Grade Five class trip, or a detour on a This is mostly popular amongst tourists, local in Mirissa named Suranga, who is also that it is undoubtedly an important landmark One of the first ones we’d like to get out family trip to the “exotic”, cold, cold Nuwara considering how getting a photograph the owner of the Secret Beach Bar that is if the number of visitors they receive is of the way is of course the famous rope swing Eliya. Most have tried their apple jam, and standing amidst the tea plantations hasn’t situated right on the shores of Secret Beach. any indicator, and that the Order has gone in Unawatuna’s Dalawella Beach. The beach its boiler room haunts many of our dreams. been appealing to locals for some time now. Suranga first discovered the hidden away to great lengths to maintain the property’s itself is of course state-owned, but according Interestingly, the Adisham Bungalow is a While your guided tour across access to the beach, and has since made historical and structural integrity. to the Habaraduwa Police, there are several privately-owned property under the purview Labookellie is totally free, even whilst repeated requests to the authorities to make such rope swings along the coast, and while of the Order of St. Benedict’s Church, which having a guide who will take you through the winding path that leads to the beach a little they refer to it as a hazard, those who are also took over St. Anthony’s Katugastota and Ambewela Farm more accessible. Since we are on the topic of childhood the factory and give you a warm cup of hanging it up are free to do as they please – a few other major churches in Colombo. tea at the end of the tour, the factory and While not entirely privately owned, the and to sell tickets for it as they please. Speaking to the management at the holidays to Nuwara Eliya, we can’t not talk beach is looked after by Suranga and his about the Ambewela Farm, where we first estate is privately owned by Damro Tea, The Habaraduwa Police shared that this church, they shared that the reason why which also owns over 5,000 hectares of employees, and when we visited him last particular tourist activity is one that they do they began their venture in the production learnt that milk can taste so much better year, he said that locals don’t frequent the when it is fresh, and upon seeing the massive lush tea plantations spread across all major not wish to encourage, because the large of natural jam is because they had no tea-growing regions in Sri Lanka. Despite place and it is the foreigners who brave the number of tourists swinging from the trees support from the Government to maintain cows and suspiciously large docile rabbits, path. He added that while they are wary of experienced the awakening of our inner it being privately owned, the guided tour has resulted in these trees getting pulled out the property, which is of great historical and has continued without turning into a profit- the authorities coming in and taking away of the sand, and so the increased popularity architectural value, and has been an asset to animal rights activist. the tranquillity of the location, they would As an adult, for Rs. 150, and Rs. 400 if making entity, continuing to educate visitors of this attraction is slowly uprooting the trees. the Uva Province for a long time. He said on the art of tea-making for no extra charge. appreciate some infrastructure development.

World II history to try and figure Japanese occupation. Shipwrecks like the Hermes have out which aeroplane it was that had Seeking the help of the Dutch great potential value, Jayawardena AN UNDERWATER... crashed off the coast. Ambassador at the Louis Piet, said, because of their historical value, Contd. from page 1 get entangled in shipwrecks), and Initially thinking it was a ship Jayawardena was eventually able and the opportunity to see both the commercial ship anchoring all pose based off the British Navy ship, the to confirm that the mystery aircraft marine wildlife within the ship and Shipwrecks in Sri Lanka significant risks to shipwrecks. HMS British Sergeant, which had head discovered was, in fact, a the things like guns and ammunition Jayawardena explained that Sri Lanka has about 200 to 250 fought with the Japanese Army off Catalina from the Dutch Royal Air that were used in World War II shipwrecks are treasures in and of shipwrecks off its coast, spanning the Sri Lankan coast in the weeks Force that had crashed following ships (this ammunition is very likely themselves that must be preserved from ancient shipwrecks to colonial- following Pearl Harbour, this was an engine malfunction in December still dangerous though and must be because of their tremendous era shipwrecks (from the 1700s and found not to be the case because 1943. approached with caution). archaeological value and their role 1800s) to shipwrecks dating both of the specific construction of the The HMS Perseus is a as habitats in marine ecosystems. World Wars to modern shipwrecks plane. Other notable shipwrecks World War I-era wreck that also Shipwrecks develop into prolific that were wrecked as recently as 2012. After closely studying aviation in Sri Lanka provides a beautiful snapshot into breeding grounds for fish and by disasters in Sri Lanka over the World War I ships as well as how vast field of debris that had become Jayawardena also spoke about extension become very productive The Catalina story years, Jayawardena finally hit a other shipwrecks in Sri Lanka, shipwrecks can become a hub of fishing grounds. This is in addition Jayawardena then described his a hub of marine life. Among breakthrough when a friend noticed marine biodiversity. There are also the wreckage that was easily noting that the East Coast is known to the role they play in history and journey exploring and identifying a that a wheel he had discovered was for World War II-era wrecks, and shipwrecks like the World War II archaeology. Shipwrecks are also wrecked aircraft that he discovered identifiable was the wing of the very similar to the wheels used in a ship the HMAS Vampire, which is plane, a propeller, and an engine, the West Coast is known for World an untapped avenue of tourism, and off the coast of Kalkudah. Brought form of a double-engine World War War I-era wrecks, painting an believed to have fallen into a deep Sri Lanka already sees a number of to his attention by a local fisherman leading Jayawardena to conclude II bomber called a “Catalina”. trench, out of reach for divers and that the aircraft was a single-engine interesting picture into the role that professional divers visiting solely to in 2014, who had noticed something This information eventually Sri Lanka played during each of sonar. explore the shipwrecks off Sri Lanka. while fishing there, Jayawardena aeroplane most likely dating to led Jayawardena to track down the Concluding his conversation, World War II when the British these wars that is largely forgotten There are threats to shipwrecks, discovered that what he initially missing plane to the Dutch Royal today. Jayawardena reiterated the potential however, and Jayawardena said thought was a shipwreck was Navy was stationed in the area. Air Force that had been based in for shipwrecks to become sources Further investigation of the Notable shipwrecks off Sri that activities like dynamite fishing actually the wreck of an aircraft. Sri Lanka for a brief period during Lanka’s coast include the HMS of knowledge and an attraction and spearfishing, pollution, illegal After carefully locating the area revealed that the aircraft was, World War II when their normal for tourists and urged for greater in fact, a double-engine aeroplane Hermes, the first purpose-built salvaging, ghost nets (nets that drift site through sonar technology, bases in Java were no longer aircraft carrier in the world protection of shipwrecks going or are abandoned by fishermen that Jayawardena dove in to discover a which sent Jayawardena down a accessible to them because of forward. path of discovery into Sri Lanka’s which sank during World War II.

the sunday morning brunch editorial [email protected] 011 5200900 the sunday morning brunch 3 Sunday, January 17, 2021 CAUSE/ART WHAT THE ISLAMIC COMMUNITY FEELS ABOUT THE PROPOSED MMDA REFORMS BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE “We hope the single issues that have been raised in the recent news reports are Reforms to the Muslim Marriage examples of more comprehensive reforms to and Divorce Act (MMDA) have the MMDA and not piecemeal actions, which been pending since the previous will not address the multiple ways in which Muslim women are discriminated against Yahapalana Government, and most under the law and the Quazi Court system. recently due to the constitutional We reiterate that Muslim women and girls as changes, the MMDA has not been well as Muslim families have broadly suffered the Justice Ministry’s top legislative injustice and hardship for too long. These priority either. hardships are aggravated in the context of the However, things are looking to take pandemic,” they said, adding that law reform a positive turn, as Ministry of Justice must strive to ensure the betterment of lives Additional Secretary (Legal) Piyumanthi and conditions of those impacted, thereby Peiris told The Sunday Morning Brunch that bringing much-needed relief to Muslim reform has been proposed in the form of a women and children in Sri Lanka. cabinet paper, to stipulate the minimum age Most importantly, the MPLRAG shared of marriage, include female Quazis who that they also urge the Ministry of Justice to Many Muslims argue that the are judges under the said law, and seek the I have always advocated for clearly inform the public about the process consent of the bride-to-be. and timeline for amending the MMDA and We reiterate that Muslim women bride will always be asked about She said that it is important to note that equality, and while it is customary expedite reforms with urgency. and girls as well as Muslim her engagement, but there is no all that has been done here is that it has been to acquire the bride’s consent in With regard to these changes that families have broadly suffered requirement in the MMDA to prove proposed and no conclusive changes have practice, it is time to put such have been proposed, we also reached out to the Sisterhood Initiative which works injustice and hardship for too long. it. This goes against the principles been made, adding that something, however, practice into paper, so that any These hardships are aggravated in of our religion as well, which has been set in motion. misuse can be avoided and the laws towards creating spaces for Muslim women in Sri Lanka. Head of Media and the context of the pandemic requires the consent of the bride will be put in place for assurance Equality and justice for all Muslims Communication Rashika Fazali shared MPLRAG Sisterhood Initiative Head of According to the existing MMDA law, Umar Yoosuf, Imam from with us their stance on the matter regarding Media and Communication a female can be married off with only her Dehiwala the issue of obtaining the bride’s consent. She added that they are hopeful that father’s consent, and the proposed change “Currently, there is no place in the the Government has finally listened to the Rashika Fazali seeks to include the bride’s consent as well. that women’s experiences of the law, its marriage registration document for Muslims many activists around the country who have be changed; they are debatable and with We then posed the question to those in the implementation procedure, and their just to prove the bride’s consent. Many Muslims fought vigorously to amend the MMDA respect, in accordance with the changing community on how these changes will be expectations must inform and shape the argue that the bride will always be asked and urge decision-makers to follow through environment we live in, the changes must be perceived by the Islamic community in the reform agenda. While the substantive law about her engagement, but there is no with the reforms. made, he expressed. island, and the general consensus we picked must ensure equality and justice for all, requirement in the MMDA to prove it. This Imam Yoosuf said that maybe 300-400 up on was that many are in agreement procedural law must be sensitive to the goes against the principles of our religion as There must be religious sensitivity years ago, things were far more lenient, that in accordance with the changes in our needs of all members of the community, well, which requires the consent of the bride.” In taking a look at what the larger but over time, the environment we live environment, things must change and such including women, adding that in the reform As a grassroots organisation working community feels about such changes, in has changed and our laws must reflect changes are only for the better. initiatives, Muslim women must have a with young Muslim women and girls, she particularly considering that these laws are these changes. He said that with regard The loudest voice demanding change place at the table and that the voices and said that the initiative sees this issue reflected deeply intertwined with religion, we spoke to the minimum age of the bride to enter has been of the Muslim Personal Law demands should be heard and engaged with, in forced marriages and marriages taking to Umar Yoosuf, Imam from Dehiwala, who into a marriage, it is not mentioned in Reforms Action Group (MPLRAG), as the key constituency that is most affected. place without the bride’s knowledge. This preaches in several mosques in and around religious scripture of such limitations and so, stressing that the MMDA must be reformed With regard to the proposed changes loophole in the law has made it possible for Colombo, including the Bagathale Mosque in interpretation must be done accordingly with comprehensively to guarantee equality and in the draft cabinet paper, the MPLRAG certain men to take advantage of the situation, Kollupitiya, for his thoughts on the matter. respect to the sensitivities of the time. justice for all Muslims, particularly Muslim commented that they are encouraged that silencing young women into marriage. They He said that he very much appreciates With regard to the matter of the women and girls, and that Muslim women the Ministry of Justice is reporting progress believe Muslim women and men are equal the fact that these discussions are being consent of the bride, he said: “I have always have been the most affected by the MMDA on MMDA reforms and that the right of stakeholders in society. Human rights must held. However, he said that when such advocated for equality, and while it is and Quazi Court system. The mandate for the bride to consent and to sign her own be seen applied in the family first; therefore, a reform is being considered with regard to customary to acquire the bride’s consent in reform is principally derived from their call marriage certificate was always part of the woman’s permission to enter into a marriage laws of a specific community, there must be practice, it is time to put such practice into for changes to the MMDA. comprehensive demands Muslim women and start her own family life must be with her religious sensitivity. The proposed reforms paper, so that any misuse can be avoided and The MPLRAG is of the opinion have advocated for. permission. are not permanent structures that cannot the laws will be put in place for assurance.” Contd. from page 1

and the modern artist. Manjusri on it with the help of Manjusri’s ÄÄ How would you describe Immortalising an unsung... came from Aluthgama from a poor son, Kushan Manjusri. The 2004 Manjusri’s legacy? background, and his first education tsunami hit soon after I started His cause of the temple paintings Dr. Shamil Wanigaratne, a who is also an artist. All three of came from a Muslim teacher in a working on it, which necessitated a that were disappearing and his clinical psychologist with a passion Manjsuri’s children incidentally Muslim school. His education was break. campaigning to preserve them has, I for art, recently published L.T.P. became artists whose art follows cut short at 13 because his father Prior to the tsunami, in must say, perhaps resulted in many Manjusri: Artist and Scholar, a Manjusri’s own personal style, which couldn’t afford to send him to school. 1996, I co-founded the charitable photographic books being produced monograph that has been a decade is something you rarely find among He became fascinated with organisation, the UK-Sri Lanka of temple paintings. He did manage or more in the making, working modern-day artists. Buddhist priests and what he believed Trauma Group in London, through to raise awareness of Kandy period closely with Manjusri’s son Kushan I am a psychologist, so I’m also to be their abilities, such as levitation, which we did capacity-building paintings, and even if the originals Manjusri. The book tracks the interested in psychology and art, and and he persuaded his parents to send and raised awareness about disappear – or worse, are restored life, times, and art of Manjusri, I try to understand an artist’s mind him to a monastery. From 13, he was psychological trauma associated poorly – his copies are a record. painting a picture as vivid as any of through their art. Manjusri’s work is trained and ordained as a Buddhist with the civil war. Before the His work of fusion of Asian and Sri Manjusri’s most compelling works very varied, from his temple paintings priest, becoming Ven. Gnanendra Dr. Shamil Wanigaratne tsunami, we were slowly training Lankan imagery with western modern and immortalising this great artist and to his modernist art to his symbolic Thera in 1921. It’s a bit of a mystery doctors and psychologists and art is his main contribution to the history scholar for a new generation. art and even his surreal erotic work. how the name of Manjsuri came raising awareness. of art. His temple paintings taught him The Sunday Morning Brunch Sometimes, the undertones in his about. Manjusri is the name of the When the tsunami happened, about attention to detail and symbolism. spoke with Dr. Wanigaratne on the work, like with his surreal work, is Tibetan deity associated with charm, all hell broke loose, people were One of my favourite Manjusri monograph, how it came to be, and pretty obvious. It is nice to have an wisdom, and learning. I feel he was asking for psychologists and pieces, what I call Plate 112, is laden how Manjusri has impacted him on a interest that gives you pleasure and fascinated by the characteristics counsellors to help deal with the with beautifully detailed symbolism. personal level. produces a record for history. personified in Manjusri the deity and aftermath, and Sri Lanka had very It’s a very colourful and elaborate Below are excerpts of the In a small way, I would like to this is why he chose the name. little capacity. We received a grant painting, with many elements of his interview. think my contribution is similar to He began his artistic journey to establish resource centre from work coming through depictions of that of Dr. R.K. De Silva, who was copying temple paintings from the CAFOD through King’s College ÄÄ What drew you to female goddesses from temple art a doctor in London who became 18th and 19th Centuries. At the time, London, and in 2005, we opened and animals being used symbols Manjusri? interested in watercolour paintings temples were in decline and there Samutthana in Colombo, the King’s paired with his signature technique I have a particular interest in the of the colonial period in Ceylon and was fear that the paintings in temples College London Resource Centre of drawing hands which learned in ‘43 Group and Sri Lankan modern made an enormous contribution by would be lost forever. A key milestone for Trauma, Displacement, and Sikkim, and the female form, all adds art. My mother was a friend of documenting them in three great in Manjsuri’s life was going to study Mental Health, which continues to to the beauty of this work. George Keyt, one of the most famous books. Mahayana Buddhism at Shantiniketan train people on all aspects of mental Manjusri deserves to be artists of the ‘43 Group. My interest (Vishwa-Bharti University), the that he was a complex but amusing health even at present. ÄÄ Tell us about Manjusri as remembered, revived, and in art began in the 1970s or 1980s, university set up by Rabindranath character, someone who was I also had to do research and appreciated for what he did and and when I lived in London, I visited you got to understand Tagore. This is where he discovered extremely clever and knowledgeable write papers and books in my who he was. His contemporaries are George Keyt when I came home him while you were art and started to paint and draw. – from the anecdotes I’ve heard, professional life as a psychologist at more or less all gone. Manjusri was to visit my parents. I also became working on L.T.P. Other key artistic developments the sort of guest you would love to the Maudsley Hospital and King’s probably the first Sri Lankan to win friends with George Claessen, Manjusri: Artist and include his friendship with Harry have at a dinner party because of the College London. Art and writing the Ramon Magsaysay Award, which another artist from the ‘43 Group Scholar. Peiris of the ‘43 Group, who interesting stories he could relate to. about Manjusri and other artists is is regarded as the Asian Nobel Prize. who lived in North London. He had Manjusri, I think, was an encouraged him to practise his art and During World War II, for instance, he my hobby, and the hobby always From the ‘43 Group’s first moved to London from Sri Lanka incredibly complex and talented his journey to Tibet where he ended was arrested on suspicion of being a takes a back seat. exhibition, he was the only artist in the 1950s and established himself person who adopted many artistic up in Sikkim, where he received his Japanese spy because he was going Covid-19 was a blessing singled out for praise by the as an artist in London. In 2000, I styles and kept on experimenting only artistic instruction from a court from cave to cave copying paintings. because all of a sudden, I found official war artist John Napper. His published a monograph on George painter, Abbot Uchima. He also lived in his work. His range of work is ÄÄ Share with us the myself working from home and works are found across the world Claessen, which is still available for very broad – to the point that when in London for a time following World with time to spare to work on this. in many galleries including the sale in Sri Lanka at bookshops like I sat down at one point with the late War II. He returned to Sri Lanka and, process behind I was able to finish the monograph Horniman Museum in London, Paradise Road and Barefoot. Prof. Senake Bandaranyake, who facing criticism for being an artist and producing L.T.P. and all the work to publish was the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Following this, people would was a great scholar on art and an a monk, gave up his robes and found Manjusri: Artist and done remotely through PDFs, Vienna, New York Public Library, often tell me that I should write archaeologist, even he shared that he work as a journalist. He wrote more Scholar. Zoom calls, and so on. It was a Columbia University Library, and about other artists of the ‘43 Group. too found it difficult to categorise his than 200 articles on culture and art. I have been working on L.T.P. challenge doing things remotely the Metropolitan Museum in New I was eventually persuaded to write work. Not having the fortune to meet Manjusri: Artist and Scholar for because normally you sit with your York as well as in numerous private something about Manjusri. By this There were two sides to Manjusri, my impression of him more than a decade. It wasn’t a graphic designer and work closely collections. He died a national hero time, I had met his son Kushan, Manjusri: The Kandyan period artist from those who had the privilege is continuous process. I embarked on layout. and should never be forgotten. 4 the sunday morning brunch TECHNOLOGY Sunday, January 17, 2021 PHOTO © PRISCILLA DU PREEZ ON UNSPLASH When does malice on social media become a crime? A look at the BY NAVEED ROZAIS reproduces Article 20 of the global ICCPR, says in Section 3 (1) that “no person nuances of the In 20 years, the internet has shall propagate war or advocate national, become an integral part of our racial, or religious hatred that constitutes lives and it’s not going anywhere. incitement to discrimination, hostility, or digital world violence”. The Covid-19 pandemic has only However, in practice, and with further strengthened the power of social media in particular, Gunawardene and when it the internet. explained that all main social media With the internet has come the heavy platforms have their own rules that are goes against you use of social media in this contemporary mandatory for all users, such as Facebook’s era. Social media serves as an amplifier of Community Standards and YouTube’s the human condition. The good, the bad, Community Guidelines, through which and the ugly – you’ve got it all online with these platforms attempt self-regulation. receipts. These are, however, not always successful A topic that needs direct dialogue in because policing platforms is a huge this regard is “what happens when you face challenge, given the amount of content malice in the virtual world?” Is it as in- generated each day. your-face like it would be in the physical some types of hate speech and harassment Sekaram commented on responding – it is directed mostly towards using world? Is it more? Is it less? And at what are included under the malinformation as a victim, highlighting that with social computers without authorisation. Other point does malice online become a crime? category, as people are often targeted media platforms, reporting is not always than Section 7 of the Computer Crimes The Sunday Morning Brunch spoke to because of their personal history or effective. “Most of the time, they don’t Act, nothing can be used to solve crimes several people to find out the answers. affiliations. understand the context or that it’s an like cyberviolence, cyberbullying, and algorithm that you report to. The line is similar,” Mutucumarana explained. At what point does information blurred because it’s online, but is still every She also addressed forms of shared on social media become bit as harmful of offline harm. Our online recourse, sharing that there are several malicious? and offline lives don’t exist separately. We options, adding that these are not don’t always understand that what happens always something victims want to Part of what breeds malice online is online is a crime. An idea that we have the ease of sharing information with no pursue because of added security and is that if we get offline, this harm won’t the possibility of being blamed by law consequences, be it true, false, or simply happen, but that is very victim-blaming unverified. We spoke to media analyst enforcement or people finding out. behaviour. Why shouldn’t we exist Mutucumarana highlighted that even at Nalaka Gunawardene, who explained the online?” different kinds of malicious information the court level, proceedings take place in that is often spread online. Where does the law stand? front of hundreds of people, which makes The existing law is, Gunawardene explained that there victims very uncomfortable, especially Yeheliya Foundation Director if their families do not know about the unfortunately, not good enough are three main forms of inappropriate Attorney-at-Law Tarangee Mutucumarana to counter the new form of information in the online space: (i) crime they’re reporting. There are also explained that there are significant issues with evidence being improperly attacks. That’s the problem and disinformation, which is manipulated gaps in Sri Lanka’s laws that limit how handled and being made visible to parties information (or total fabrications) created cyberviolence and harassment on social that’s why we need to amend and disseminated to mislead or cause People don’t realise that social who are not directly involved with the existing laws to include these media can be handled, explaining that case. harm; (ii) misinformation, which is when media is a place where you do most often, cyberviolence is fought citing new areas or have a completely such disinformation is received and shared need to take responsibility for offences in Sri Lanka’s Penal Code, and separate new act that deals with by persons who don’t realise it is false; what you say and share mostly treating them as physical crimes as these specific crimes and finally (iii) malinformation, which opposed to crimes committed online. is when true information is shared with Researcher and activist Vraie Balthazaar For example, pushing for the Yeheliya Foundation Director Attorney-at- a clear intent to inflict harm on a person, punishment of extortion under Section Law Tarangee Mutucumarana organisation, or country. This is done “Some hate speech has various 3272 of the Penal Code which deals with either by moving private information into extortion, Section 345 which deals with the public arena or using an individual’s definitions internationally, but what is important to note is that hate speech, as it harassment to pursue sexual harassment of redress, Balthazar explained that affiliations, like religion, against them. online, or Section 284 which deals with education also plays a huge role. “Now Gunawardene explained that global is understood in general usage, is different to what is prohibited as hate speech in obscene publication to fight nude images that we’re in the digital age, it helps to non-profit organisation First Draft, which being shared on social media. educate youths on it. We need to talk works on issues related to what is now legal terms. The latter requires an element of incitement (and not just the advocacy about online values, morals, and ethics called “information disorder”, has shared and include this in school curricula. It that all disinformation, misinformation, of hatred). The timing and context of disinformation or malinformation can also helps for people to have knowledge and malinformation are parts of the same on what happens online and how they information ecosystem that has been also make its spread a greater criminal offence. For example, the release of either can push back,” Balthazar said. contaminated. We can appreciate the tough Sekaram too stressed the need for On a personal level, malinformation, disinformation or malinformation can balancing act that social media cause particular harm to a candidate during education, noting: “We must teach cyberviolence, and cyberharassment often companies have to maintain, children how to talk to others and how overlap, with common examples being a an election. Sometimes disinformation can be combined with hate speech, trying given their public commitment to debate as much as we teach values woman whose ex-boyfriend threatens to like saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’. The release compromising photos or videos to demonise a candidate or political party to freedom of expression. or even election authority,” he further Maintaining this cardinal online world needs to be integrated into following the end of a relationship, or a how we teach children values.” person’s sexual orientation being made explained. value is critical to guarding public to humiliate or cause harm to them. Gender rights consultant Sharanya against online discourse being Being careful what we wish for This can be especially damaging when Sekaram was also of the view that intent is the determining factor in malicious forcibly sanitised One of the most powerful things there is no public interest in doing so. Such about social media is the power that disclosure can be particularly damaging in information, noting that the minute you are Media analyst Nalaka Gunawardene attacking the person and not the idea, or a With women, malice becomes it gives the individual in getting their a country where same-sex relations are still very gendered, including voice heard, and while this power illegal. personal issue, it crosses the line. “There is always a way to argue and rape threats and insults like is often misused, the potential of Sharing malicious information on this power and its role in freedom social media to the point of causing harm debate respectfully without descending into b*tch, wh*re, and sl*t, editing How can we move forward? To address the situation regarding expression should not be forgotten. is something that is very prevalent because malice. With women, malice becomes very pictures of them, making memes crime and violence on social media, “We can appreciate the tough of the anonymous and impersonal nature gendered, including rape threats and insults insulting their character, and Mutucumarana stressed that there needs balancing act that social media of the internet. “People don’t realise that like b*tch, wh*re, and sl*t, editing pictures so on. The intent of sharing to to be a centralised act that addresses companies have to maintain, given social media is a place where you do of them, making memes insulting their cyberviolence and cybercrime with their public commitment to freedom need to take responsibility for what you character, and so on. The intent of sharing cause harm is what makes it a adequate punishment outlined, as of expression. Maintaining this say and share,” explained researcher and to cause harm is what makes it a crime,” crime opposed to laws and penalties spread cardinal value is critical to guarding activist Vraie Balthazaar, adding that being Sekaram said. Gender rights consultant out all over our Penal Code, along against online discourse being forcibly behind a screen makes people say things Sharanya Sekaram with systems introduced that protect sanitised. Never forget that free speech they would normally never say to another How do you respond when the privacy of victims during and after includes the right to say things that person. you are the victim? “The existing law is, unfortunately, proceedings. She also highlighted that may shock, offend, or disturb some Gunawardene shared that Article not good enough to counter the new people,” Gunawardene commented: “I When does malinformation cross 20 (2) of the International Covenant on there are organisations like Women In form of attacks. That’s the problem and Need (WIN) and The Grassrooted Trust, want to echo the caution sounded by the line and become a crime? Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) states that’s why we need to amend existing the Council of Europe in 2017: ‘The that “any advocacy of national, racial, or that are able to advise victims on their “That all depends on the harm it can laws to include these new areas or have options when they are the victims of topics of mis, mal and disinformation cause and the specific laws in the country religious hatred that constitutes incitement a completely separate new act that are too important to start legislating and to discrimination, hostility, or violence cybercrime and help them find the best concerned, and also the circumstances deals with these specific crimes. We recourse possible. regulating around until we have a shared like existing societal tensions and timing,” shall be prohibited by law”, adding that Sri have the Computer Crimes Act, but it’s understanding of what we mean by these Lanka’s ICCPR Act No. 56 of 2007, which While acknowledging the need for Gunawardnene said. He also shared that not directed at these types of crimes a quicker and more effective mechanism terms’.” the sunday morning brunch 5 Sunday, January 17, 2021 CAUSE

A computer class being conducted at the Dr. Reijntjes In conversation with Dr. Reijntjes School School for the Deaf for the Deaf Director Mudithe de Silva ÄÄ Give us a brief introduction ÄÄ What are the main teaching to Dr. Reijntjes School for methodologies used? the Deaf. The teaching is done in sign language. Dr. Reijntjes School for the Deaf is The deaf pupils have to concentrate very located in Moratuwa. It started as a wish well during the lessons. Most of the of Principal Tineke de Silva-Nijkamp things have to be repeated many times which became a reality. As Tineke herself before they pick it up, as we always see was working as a teacher at a deaf school how much they forget after the holidays. in Holland for 12 years, she was very The best way to teach is to show pictures interested in how the deaf children in Sri and videos about the different subjects. Lanka were educated. She was shocked Fortunately, at the moment, a lot of slides/ to see that deaf children, especially in videos are available. We now use it daily villages, were not taken seriously and not in our “smart classes” in our school. sent to school. On 2 February 1984, the Children are more interested as the lessons Dr.Reijntjes Deaf School was opened. are not boring anymore. We also use In 2008, we had 120 deaf pupils computers to teach most of the subjects in the school. The numbers went now. In our school, we have a professional down year by year as the Government speech therapist, an IT (information started units in their schools for special technology) specialist, trained teachers, education. In these units, children with and a trained dance/drama teacher. We different handicaps (deaf, blind, Down’s adopt a “total communication method”, syndrome, etc.) are put together in one which gives them the maximum benefit. class. For parents, it is easy to bring their handicapped children now to the village ÄÄ Resources for these school. But in reality, the children are students are vastly limited suffering as they don’t get the special in Sri Lankan society. What education they need. As a result of these are the problems that these units, all the deaf schools in Sri Lanka individuals may face due to have less deaf pupils at the moment. We the lack of accessibility? have 50 deaf pupils now. There are limited jobs for ÄÄ What is your opinion on the deaf individuals, especially when THE UNHEARD communication is a prerequisite. Mostly, current status of deaf and you find deaf people working in garment hearing-impaired children factories, as carpenters, in IT jobs, in Sri Lankan society? beauty salons, as tea pluckers, etc. They STRUGGLE OF A Since I started the Dr. Reijntjes School face several problems because of their for the Deaf in Sri Lanka in 1984, I am handicap. happy to tell that a lot has changed in a The best way to help them is to positive way in this country. The first- give them a good, all-round education. year students’ parents brought their deaf We have in our school a vocational BRAVE COMMUNITY children, but were not interested in their training programme in graphic design wellbeing at all. They thought their child and agriculture. Earlier, we also offered BY DINITHI GUNASEKERA of deaf students in Ordinary Level and Advanced Level was mentally retarded and they could not a beauty course and a lot of the pupils be educated. I came across cases where the got jobs in a beauty salon. We get the In these trying times reigned by the never-ending pandemic, exams is minimal. The highest probability from the parents never turned up to take their child children with enough self-confidence to suffering seems to be everyone’s three-course meal. However, home! In one case, it took two years before face society. Sometimes, we are invited by it is not news that certain communities fare much worse than selected few who pass these examinations are observed to we could find the grandmother of the their employer to give some information others. One such community is the deaf and hearing-impaired be, most of the time, partially child. Now, parents are more educated and about them as well. community, a largely marginalised group in society due to interested in the wellbeing and future of hearing-impaired students ÄÄ How has the pandemic minor setbacks out of their control. with the slight ability to hear their child. In Sri Lankan society, it is still and speak minimally, casting difficult for hearing-impaired persons to affected these individuals in Struggles on the daily In the field of occupation, out the majority completely get recognition. People are scared to make general as a community? Speaking to Sri Lanka Central the community faces deaf community. contact as most of the deaf persons use sign The Covid-19 pandemic has put the Federation of the Deaf (SLCFD) much discrimination and “If you take the rough language. They can write excellently; that deaf children into complete isolation. President and sign language researcher oppression, not only due to average, it is apparent that a can also be a way of communicating with Most of the families don’t know sign K.K. Brayan Susantha, with the help of the preconception of profit- fair portion of students with them. Maybe the media could highlight the language; they know only a few simple oriented businesses that such needs of the deaf in Sri Lanka. signs. They don’t have deaf friends in SLCFD Interpreter K. Janaka Ranasinghe, these conditions qualify to The Sunday Morning Brunch uncovered individuals cannot contribute pursue higher education,” their neighborhoods. We have four deaf to economic growth in any The fact that a deaf ÄÄ What are the main issues children who have deaf parents – and the fundamental hardships faced by the individual looks explained Susantha. “We and hardships faced by such hearing-impaired community of Sri Lanka. way, but also the dire lack only have 25 special needs they are considered lucky because of of interpreters in almost all identical to any other, individuals in society? that. They can communicate at home in Susantha, first and foremost, expressed with no physical sign schools and about 730 the lack of available information and workspaces. Deaf women are interconnected special All the rules and regulations in the sign language. We could not conduct especially vulnerable targets. of disability makes country are made for hearing citizens, the online lessons for our pupils during the research regarding the community and them vulnerable needs units in regular the services rendered by the Government, “At times, deaf women schools, and even these special announcements for the deaf, when lockdown, as nobody has a computer are discouraged targets in a society you go to a doctor in the hospital, and in at home. We gave a lot of homework in terms of statistics as of people with institutions suffer from the well. They uncovered that to start a lack of trained professionals buses and trains, are lacking. Everything and books for them to take home family due to little empathy and is oral, and what a hearing-impaired when the lockdown was imposed. We consistent requests for understanding that are proficient in sign information through the the anxiety person does not hear. In job interviews, contacted the parents regularly and gave SLCFD President language and dealing with federation to the Ministry of surrounding the these individuals with people don’t welcome them, as they prefer instructions on what they could do at and sign language Education Director of Special propagation of care, and much-needed a hearing person who can communicate. home. On 25 January, we are opening Education is often met with the disability, researcher K.K. patience, understanding, and I saw many times that they are not taken the deaf school again. We follow all sparsely eager or inconsistent and that is Brayan Susantha empathy.” seriously – in banks, the Police, etc. They the corona rules and regulations of the responses. unfortunate,” the Susantha, himself an always have to go to these places with a Government and Education Department. When looking at President of the educated professional, hearing person. People have no patience All the pupils are boarding in the school, the community as a federation expressed. shared that he personally started schooling to wait to read what they have to say when so we have to be extra careful with whole, Susantha said that Susantha added that the at the age of 11. A student without the they write it down. Covid-19 infections. communication difficulties current restrictions to deaf impairment starts education much earlier are the frontline issue. persons obtaining a driver’s than a deaf child due to the scarcity of This issue is heightened by license is a violation of rights hearing-impaired-friendly schools and the SLCFD Interpreter and is technically systematic numerous factors such as the K. Janaka Ranasinghe available ones being off the radar from lack of knowledge of sign oppression, as, in other hometowns. language among the general countries, such practices are “When the child is enrolled into public. not considered. school as well, he has already fallen back “The fact that a deaf individual looks Education in focus and it is worsened by the lack of preschool identical to any other, with no physical sign facilities for the deaf in the country. There Behind every successful citizen is of disability, makes them vulnerable targets is no apt system to ensure the students education and in this regard, the deaf student in a society of people with little empathy learn at the same pace. Additionally, for a population is at highest possible risk. and understanding,” Susantha expressed. student without the impairment, numerous Approximately 95% of deaf children A speech class in progress “No respect and dignity is shown to these tuition classes are available. For students in Sri Lanka are illiterate. The pass rate individuals from the vast majority.” of the community, it is rare,” he explained. Speech and language therapy specialist and probationary lecturer at the Department of Disability Studies at the Faculty of Breaking barriers: Rohini Alocias Baskaran Medicine of the University of Kelaniya Rohini Alocias relationships, marriage, Thilanka M. Wijesinghe, sharing that there Baskaran, a student of and other important are only 18 primary education centres in St. Joseph’s School topics. I also really hope the country for such students, added that for the Deaf, Ragama, to help men and women due to the lack of accessibility for these The school Children at the Dr. Reijntjes currently 31 years of age, in society to understand individuals, it affects their participation in offers a course School for the Deaf shared with The Sunday and learn about the deaf the workforce, causing a direct impact to the covering hairdressing Morning Brunch that the community,” Rohini country’s employment rates. deaf community in Sri shared in a touching Staff at the Dr. Reijntjes Lanka undergoes many exchange with The Sunday School for the Deaf difficulties and hardships Morning Brunch, assisted and needs support. vlogs, titled “A.B. by her daughter. Rohini is deaf from Rohini’s Deaf Vlog”. According to her, birth. She’s married and “I want to help although she receives a her husband is also deaf; the deaf community in positive response for her they have a daughter. Sri Lanka for a better efforts, certain individuals of “Our child, unlike us, is future and a good life. the deaf community do not not deaf or mute. Even I especially focus on support it. She also shared within our family, we how important it is for that she had experienced communicate in sign us to start a new family bullying and harassment language,” she shared. together. I upload content through her platform Rohini has a Facebook using sign language and that her negative page, which she started on my Facebook page, experiences have currently on 1 November 2020, and explain to the deaf discouraged her from A yoga class in dedicated to uploading community about life, uploading content regularly. progress at the school 6 the sunday morning brunch HEALTH Sunday, January 17, 2021 All you need to know about COVID-19 VACCINES BY DR. DINESHANI HETTIARACHCHI SIRISENA Major Covid-19 vaccine Figure 1a: Figure 1b: DNA vaccine platform: immune system to provoke an artificial mRNA vaccine A synthetic plasmid (a jumping gene) antibody response against spike (S) As we are still gripped by the platforms and their platform: encoding spike (S) protein of SARS- antigens (see Table 1 panel III) pandemic, 2021 started with the advantages/disadvantages Example of a CoV-2 is introduced to a bacterium such Figure 1D: An renewed hope of an effective There are five main vaccine platforms lipid as Bifidobacterium longum (used as a Inactivated virus vaccine on the horizon. It is no currently used for Covid-19. Some of nanoparticle probiotic). The innocuous bacterium vaccine doubt that vaccines have saved these vaccines have already undergone encapsulated could be ingested and the S protein is then platform: First, millions of lives in the past. appropriate clinical trials and received mRNA vaccine. integrated into lymphoid tissue of the gut, the SARS- According to the World Health approval, while others are in the pipeline The mRNA has where it produces antibodies (see Table 1 CoV-2 isolated Organisation (WHO), there are and are currently undergoing Phase I/II/III the code for panel II) from a clinical either the spike (S) protein or the receptor- currently more than 90 Covid- trials. sample is binding domain (RBD) proteins. Once propagated in 19 vaccine candidates in trials. 1 mRNA vaccines injected, the lipid droplets are ‘ingested’ by laboratory tissue To understand how different These are some of the newest vaccine the vaccinated person’s cells. The protein- culture (upper panel), and then the live types of vaccines work, we spoke platforms to enter the market. Examples making machinery in these cells are now virus growth in cells is inactivated by a to the University of Hong Kong of such vaccines are Moderna, Pfizer instructed to produce viral proteins (i.e. S suitable agent (lower panel). The resultant Immediate Past Dean of the BioNTec, CureVac, and Imperial College or RBD antigens) that are displayed on the SARS-CoV-2, which is the active Faculty of Dentistry and Professor London. The technology is based on the cell surface. The immune system produces ingredient of the inactivated virus vaccine, Emeritus (Microbiology) Lakshman ingestion of the mRNA (genetic material) antibodies to these, and is now primed to is non-vital, yet retains their Samaranayake. by immune cells without being integrated attack the invading virus, as it already has immunogenicity as the surface spike antibodies to kill the invader (see Table 1 proteins are intact (see Table 1 panel V) The main aim of any vaccine is to into the nucleus, which tricks the body into producing viral S proteins that induce panel I) Figure 1: Schematic examples of stimulate the body's protective immune four different viral vaccine platforms responses by preparing the immune system an immune response similar to the natural infection. Figure 1c: A viral vector vaccine used for developing Covid-19 vaccines to fight off infections. As such, in the case platform: Artificial antigen presenting – 1a) mRNA vaccine platform, 1b) DNA of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, the basic cells (aAAPC) transformed with a viral vaccine platform, 1c) viral vector vaccine principle is to produce antibodies against vector (in the case of AstraZeneca vaccine platform, and 1d) inactivated virus the spike (S) protein or the proteins on the Chimpanzee adenovirus) to present the vaccine platform (figures produced using receptor-binding domain (RBD) on the SARS-CoV-2 antigen to the vaccinee’s biorender.com) viral surface. It is well recognised that the numerous spikes on the virus surface initiate its attachment to susceptible human cells, 3 Viral vector vaccines is the first point of contact between the virus of SARS-CoV-2 in cell cultures allowing viral entry to the cell and causing and the host cell surface, is used. infection. Hence, blocking this all-important These vaccines use another virus to yy Virus inactivation has to be complete Advantage of this type of vaccine are: critical step with the help of either the deliver SARS-CoV-2 genes into human (with no residual infectious particles), yet yy Containment facilities for live virus naturally produced (infection) or artificially cells. As a result, viral proteins are adequate to maintain all the necessary handling is not required produced (vaccine) antibodies prevents the produced, which induces a protective viral antigens for provoking a successful infection. immune response. It is noteworthy that the yy Produces a strong antibody response antibody response; hence, scaling up the viral DNA is not integrated into the host manufacturing process is difficult and genome, but is copied into messenger RNA yy It’s a time-tested method complex Ideal properties of a of the host cells and directly translated into yy It can be administered even to individuals proteins. Examples of this type of vaccine yy They may not induce the same degree of successful vaccine with weakened immune systems or are produced by AstraZeneca with the immunity as a live vaccine Prof. Samaranayake mentioned that for comorbidities, and induces strong and University of Oxford, Johnson & Johnson, a vaccine to be successful, there are a few durable protection in older adults whose yy Frequent booster shots may be necessary CanSino Biologics, and the Gamaleya prerequisites it must fulfill. A successful Professor Emeritus (Microbiology) immune systems may be less responsive to maintain immunity Covid-19 vaccine should be safe, with long- Lakshman Samaranayake Research Institute, USSR Ministry of Finally, Prof. Samaranayake stated that lasting immunity developing shortly after As the method does not entail the use of Health. Its disadvantages are: as transplant pioneer Peter Medawar once vaccination, and protect the overwhelming either live or attenuated viral vectors, they Advantages of this type of vaccine are: yy Vaccines with adjuvants can cause more said, a virus is “simply a piece of bad news majority against a moderate to severe are simpler to develop and manufacture. yy There are years of proven experience in injection-site reactions such as redness, wrapped in protein”. One could opine, disease, particularly those in the most Nevertheless, no mRNA vaccine has the gene therapy field swelling, and pain, and more systemic reactions such as fever, chills, and body then, that the new Covid-19 vaccines vulnerable groups. Additionally, a vaccine: previously been approved for human viral yy Strong antibody and cellular response aches than non-adjuvanted vaccines are “bits of corona viral proteins in gift yy Must be safe with only mild, transient infections, and prior experience with this yy Vector vaccines are safe as they do not wrapping”. side effects, if any technology has been in cancer therapeutics. replicate in the host As evident, Covid-19 vaccines come in It has several advantages such as: 5 Inactivated or attenuated many sizes and shapes, and he hoped this yy Should provide efficacious protection yy Rapid design and production against the disease (a vaccine efficacy Some of the disadvantages are: virus vaccines information will be helpful for decision- yy It cannot be used in of 70% or above is deemed highly yy Strong and quick humoral and cell- This is also a well-established and making on a choice of a vaccine. immunocompromised subjects, and satisfactory, and 90% excellent) mediated antiviral responses (over 90%) time-tested method for vaccine production. to obviate these problems animal The virus is inactivated by chemical means yy Should prevent transmission of infection yy Large-scale production is feasible and adenovirus vectors are used (e.g so that it is no longer infectious or able to About the writer to others, i.e. there should not be any relatively easy AstraZeneca/Oxford University vaccine replicate in human cells. Nevertheless, the The writer, Dr. Dineshani Hettiarachchi “silent carriers” once immunised However, the disadvantages include: uses a chimpanzee adenovirus as a viral antigens are intact and evoke a robust Sirisena, is a family physician with a vector) special interest in yy Ease of administration yy Ultra-cold chain requirements (-70°C) antibody response by the host. for longevity and stability Some advantages include: rare genetic diseases yy Elicit long-lasting protective immune yy A proven technology with a robust and and regenerative yy Duration of protection is still not known 4 Protein-based/subunit vaccines responses (at least one year) in the Much like inactivated vaccines, protein- lasting immune response medicine currently healthy as well as in vulnerable based or subunit vaccines work by exposing working as a lecturer populations (e.g. those with yy Simple formulation doesn't require at the Department of 2 DNA vaccines the immune system to viral proteins to adjuvants, hence side effects are lesser comorbidities and older adults) A DNA vaccine consists of delivering induce a protective immune response. Anatomy, Faculty of yy Should be thermostable to enable genes or fragments of it. No DNA vaccines For Covid-19 vaccine production, either However, the disadvantages are: Medicine, University of transportation and storage in developing have been approved for infectious diseases the spike protein or a portion of the spike yy It requires dedicated, high biosafety Colombo, countries with poor refrigeration facilities – only veterinary applications thus far. protein, the receptor-binding domain, which containment facilities for the production Sri Lanka.

ÄÄ Dear Mayo clinic, what women to develop a thoracic aortic causes a thoracic aortic aneurysm. Most commonly, the condition aneurysm? Does it always starts to occur in people in their 50s and grow slowly, or do some Most aortic aneurysms 60s, although it may not be detected until develop more quickly? decades later, if at all. A family history of aortic aneurysm A thoracic aortic aneurysm occurs puts you at increased risk. Genetic when one or more areas along the wall of connective tissue disorders – Marfan, the aorta – the body’s largest blood vessel are small, develop slowly Ehlers-Danlos, and Loeys-Dietz – becomes weak or damaged. The aorta syndromes – dramatically increase your carries oxygen-filled blood from the heart risk. Those born with just two, rather than to the body, including the brain. With time, a watch-and-wait approach. This means using imaging tests such as ultrasound at three, leaflets (cusps) of the aortic valve the pressure of blood flowing through the – a condition called bicuspid aortic valve – weakened area can cause it to enlarge or regular intervals to monitor the aneurysm’s size and rate of growth. Healthcare are at increased risk. bulge, typically without signs or symptoms. Other factors that increase the risk of a Most commonly, bulges occur in the providers may also prescribe medications such as beta blockers. These are used to thoracic aortic aneurysm include high blood abdomen (abdominal aortic aneurysm). pressure, smoking, undesirable cholesterol However, aneurysms may also develop treat high blood pressure, which is present in about 60% of people with thoracic aortic levels, and development of blood vessel closer to the heart in the chest area (thoracic hardening and clogging, or atherosclerosis. aortic aneurysm). aneurysms. Typically, an aneurysm grows slowly, People at highest risk – those with The main concern with aortic a family history plus one or more other aneurysms is a tear, dissection, or more although it can grow faster, particularly in people with a family history of aortic risk factors – should ask their healthcare seriously, a rupture that allows blood to provider about having an echocardiogram leak into the aorta’s lining or into the body. aneurysms or with a genetic condition related to the body’s connective tissues. to look for a thoracic aneurysm, even in the With a dissection or rupture, it’s important absence of signs or symptoms. Surgery is to quickly recognise these symptoms: If an aneurysm is larger or is found to be growing too quickly, elective surgery to generally recommended for thoracic aortic Sharp, severe, or sudden chest or upper aneurysms with a diameter of 5.5 cm or back pain that radiates downward, or repair the aneurysm may be considered. This usually involves open-chest surgery larger, and at smaller diameters depending includes the jaw, neck, or arms; difficulty in on the underlying cause of the aneurysm. breathing or swallowing; and clamminess. to remove the damaged section of the Immediate emergency care, including open- aorta and replace it with a synthetic chest surgery, is necessary for a dissection tube, or graft. In select cases, repair with © 2021 MAYO FOUNDATION or rupture. Unfortunately, both dissections endovascular surgery using small incisions FOR MEDICAL EDUCATION AND and ruptures are often fatal. when imaging is performed on the chest or rupture – about 1% or less per year. For that and surgical instruments inserted through RESEARCH. DISTRIBUTED BY Most aortic aneurysms are small abdominal area for another reason. reason, as long as it’s not growing quickly, catheters may be necessary. TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC. and develop slowly. They are discovered A smaller aneurysm has a low risk of most healthcare providers will recommend Men are much more likely than ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. the sunday morning brunch 7 Sunday, January 17, 2021 GAMES/TOONS

SOLUTION FOR 3 JANUARY 11 Bugs in cop shows 68 Bounty rival 12 Held on to 69 High seas concern CROSSWORD CLUES Crossword 13 Hindu honorific 70 Dry spell at the plate Across 56 Gets by 101 Civil War general 14 Easy-to-play instruments 71 Blood bank category 1 Splendid display 58 Downright or outright 102 Cried in the cornfield 15 “To clarify ... “ 74 Chicago NFL team’s 5 Unable to decide 60 Beer with a black eagle 104 Aficionado 16 Not quite foggy founder 9 Stare in wonder in its logo 106 Squid’s squirt 18 Hall of Fame quarterback 76 Push-up target 13 Leaf through 62 Waze option: Abbr. 107 Inquires Tarkenton 79 Marriage acquisition 17 Superlative prefix 63 Playground response 109 Exec’s aide 19 Sitcom sewer worker 80 Alton Brown cooking 18 Quick attack 65 Mexican buffet feature 112 Having significant 22 Garfield’s frenemy show “Reloaded” in 2018 19 Causing the willies 67 Trio for A-Rod and Trout consequences 24 Supersedes 82 Monetary trifle, in slang 20 Malek of “Mr. Robot” 69 *Cause of some back pain 116 *It’s not 112-Across 27 Dallas Wings’ org. 83 La Scala highlight 21 *Discount ticket based 72 Garden rodent 119 Leaving the amateur ranks, 31 Grass-skirt dance 86 Borrow from a library on age 73 Lea Salonga, e.g. and a hint to the answers 33 Monotonous sound 88 Disneyland shuttle 35 Yachter’s pronoun 23 *Raffle rewards, perhaps 75 Publisher Larry __, to starred clues 90 Sneaky 36 Neighbor of Den. 91 Nap site 25 Sonata producer portrayal for which Woody 121 B-school subject 37 Had to pay 92 Engine parts 26 Downed with an ax Harrelson received an 122 Autobahn autos 38 *Building diagram 93 One who scoffs at 28 Ration (out) Oscar nomination 123 Layered veggie 40 Building beam bagged pekoe, perhaps 29 Grain in granola 76 IOC country code 124 __ Millions 43 Ladybug or weevil 95 “No fighting!” 30 Piece of cake three before Qatar 125 Puts in stitches 45 “I’ll take that as __” 96 Informal “Get me?” 32 Acknowledge 77 Virtual alter ego 126 Part of a process 46 Understanding 99 Laura of “Big Little Lies” surreptitiously, maybe 78 Finds 127 Golf great Karrie 47 Feature of Japan’s flag 100 Total mystery 34 Pretender 81 Everest expert 128 Asian laptop brand 49 Watch dogs? 101 Silent performers 36 Checking account lure 84 __ Diego Padres DOWN 50 L.A.-to-Tucson dir. 103 Line to the audience 39 Mo. with dog days 85 “The Irishman” 1 Promotional campaign 53 *Workforce 105 Blood line 41 Winter’s day outburst Oscar nominee 2 Follow 54 List-ending abbr. 108 Retreats with peels 42 Most capable 87 Encountered 3 Channel guide, say 55 “Chicago” star 110 Pack away 44 One who gives a hoot 89 Many Oscar nominees 4 Hamlet, for one 57 Unstable subatomic 111 Adjust for pitch 45 *Avocado misnomer 91 *Pre-wedding bash 5 Like salves particle 113 Crude cartel 48 Investigate again, as a 94 Olive extract 6 “For You” co-singer Rita 59 Spots for ski racks 114 Implore cold case 95 “See ya!” 7 Impulsive 61 Romp 115 Go sky-high 51 Itinerary abbr. 97 Brouhaha 8 Wall St.’s “Big Board” 64 Amp carrier 117 Walk-__: small roles Entries should be written clearly and addressed to: The Features Editor, The Sunday Morning, 52 “Gimme a minute” 98 Sweetie, in slang 9 Nat __ Wild: cable channel 66 Language __ 118 Quick drink No. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 to reach us on or before 12 noon on 27 January, 2021. 53 Part of a journey 99 Twitch stream annoyance 10 Pizzeria allure 67 Degs. for playwrights 120 Celery piece 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)

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

Agency. All (Answers next week) rights reserved. (Last week’s) 8 the sunday morning brunch PEOPLE/EVENTS Sunday, January 17, 2021 Towards a titanium art culture CINNAMON GRAND TO Jayantha Dharmapriya, who was Elephant Reach Hotel, and hundreds of recently bestowed with the “Samaja Seva other projects including new apartment LAUNCH 24-HOUR GOURMET Subasadaka”, “Viyapara Vibhushana”, complexes in Colombo. and “Deshabandu” honorary titles, is “The use of titanium is a different one of the most sought-after artists, who and creative art. I went beyond it, excels in the titanium art profession, creating new and different vistas in this DINING VENUE ‘PLATES’ giving new looks to homes, hotels, and field of art. I was inspired by my father, offices in every part of the country. who was a renowned artist in Ratnapura. With more than 10 years of expertise I was the first who designed the original in the industry, Jayantha, who also wooden look with titanium and it still heads Titanium Lanka in Malabe and is has a huge demand. Since then, I have the Secretary to the Ratnapura Multi- created timber-look titanium creations to Religious Society, said what he resemble teak, nadun, mahogany, regrets most is not having or any kind of wood for anyone to compete with him in flooring or staircases. Today this country. people like to use timber “After years of experience but are concerned about the in the construction industry, I environmental impact. But took up the titanium challenge with titanium, we can give about 10 years ago. Today, I the same look as an ecological have branches, offices, and a Titanium Lanka Head alternative in a cost-effective Outdoor terrace competent workforce to cater Jayantha Dharmapriya manner,” he said, adding to the needs of those in any part that anyone has access to of Sri Lanka. Titanium art is not alien to his colourful story via his YouTube Cinnamon Grand Colombo includes selections from the à la Sri Lanka. Renowned architect Geoffrey channel TitaniumSrilanka, website www. is to launch Plates, its carte menu. Bawa introduced it here, using titanium titaniumlanka.com, and Facebook page 24-hour gourmet dining While the international in most parts of the present Parliament Titanium Lanka. venue, with a collective of breakfast buffet includes building. He imported raw material from “I always work to fulfil customer tastes and flavours from continental, American, Sri Lankan, Indian, and Japanese Singapore. But today, we have countries needs, sharing my expertise with them. around the world. The that export the highest-quality titanium I have so far completed almost 5,000 cuisine, the lunch and dinner restaurant will be open to buffets add Far Eastern, which I import for my projects,” said houses with titanium flooring, wall the public from Saturday, 16 Jayantha. designs, bathroom, and kitchen designs Mediterranean, and Arabic January 2021. cuisine as well as carveries, a His titanium art profile includes in all parts of the country. I can create Elevated area Hotel Goldisands Beach Hotel, Pitakotte any design, even 3D flooring and Plates is all about pasta station, a live pizza oven, a Solis Hotel, Tissamaharama Golden metallic flooring designs, You can really experiences: The experience salad bar, a healthy corner, and Park Hotel, Avon Hill Kataragama, create magic with titanium art. Although of friends and family dining desserts with an action station. Ratnapura St. Aloysius National I offer a five-year warranty, it lasts a together; the experience of For lunch, guests who wish to School, Polonnaruwa STF Camp, Yala lifetime because this coating does not enjoying multi-country, multi- enjoy a light and healthy lunch crack, peel, or fade. You can wash and cuisine dishes at any time of can enjoy the salad and dessert clean; it weathers any climatic condition, day; the experience of having bar only option. is water-resistant, and requires no a gastronomic tour of global The Sunday brunch buffet painting again. It is an ideal alternative cuisine in a single venue; the has all of the above and more, for cladding too, with titanium adding experience of enjoying the including a surfeit of seafood more variety at low cost. tropics in alfresco dining or from oysters, mussels, jumbo People continue to choose me within the contemporary interiors and lagoon prawns, shoe lobsters because of unique creativity, trust, in air-conditioned comfort. It and salmon, shawarma and also boasts a range of beverage Mongolian counters, a range of highest quality, and a prompt response to Outdoor view customers’ needs. I also have solutions options especially crafted with carveries and grilled meats, and a to all types of water leaks with a 10- local ingredients, which will chocolate fountain adding to the year warranty. Titanium is a global art give guests a wide variety of the unique offerings in both food enjoyed through the retractable desserts. trend and most of my clients are those beverages to choose from to and beverage, which have been awning that sits atop the deck of Adhering to stringent who have had overseas exposure,” complement their meals. developed with intricate detail, this alfresco space. Covid-19 guidelines as directed said Jayantha, expressing his gratitude Cinnamon Grand Colombo are aimed at giving guests the The essence of Plates is by the Government and the to those who have helped him in his General Manager Kamal finest culinary experiences.” all about togetherness, echoing Ministry of Health, Plates has journey. Munasinghe, commenting on Plates’ interiors hold the axiom that “the fondest a total seating capacity of 163, “I am so grateful to Rev. Fr. the new restaurant, said: “Plates a modern colour palette of memories are made gathered with the deck area seating 41, and Sathis Kumara of the Nuwara Eliya offers a place for guests to white, blue, and copper, with around a table”. They offer all guests are subjected to strict Assembly of God Church, Ven. Kotapala come together and experience a contemporary look and feel multiple plates of continental, health and safety protocols. Indian, Asian, and Sri Lankan Sudhamma Thera, Crystolac Chairman a multitude of international intended to compliment the view More information on Udesh de Silva as well as Directors cuisine, 24 hours of the day. The of the pool with its blue hues into the gastronomic recipe, Mark and Roshan de Silva, all my clients ambiance and décor have also encircled by greens. This tropical from it’s the buffet spread for Plates is available at for the confidence they have in me, been done to support togetherness canvas is seen through French breakfast, lunch, and dinner, a www.cinnamonhotels. and especially all my dedicated staff – an environment where food windows that open onto a deck special children’s menu, all day com/cinnamon-care. members who are behind my success,” can be enjoyed on many levels and outdoor bar for an alfresco à la carte dining, to a range of For reservations, call beverages including wines and said Jayantha. on different types of ‘plates’. dining ambience. The tropical 0112497377-8. PHOTOS PRADEEP DILRUKSHANA The fresh new look, as well as weather Sri Lanka has can be cocktails. The night snack menu

World Hindi Day Covid-19 and elderly in isolation celebrations in Sri Lanka The Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), How to manage their care the cultural arm of the High Commission of India, The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in towards caring for your senior loved ones. commemorated World Hindi Day on 10 January 2021 drastic changes to our lifestyles. From lockdowns Recently, English Nursing also introduced through a series of events and competitions. Each of and quarantines, the practice of social distancing its managed maid service, the first of its kind in these activities was organised to promote Hindi as well and stringent travel restrictions instigate feelings the country, which allows people to upskill their as to provide a platform to Hindi enthusiasts in Sri Lanka of isolation and loneliness, especially amongst existing housemaids to provide proper eldercare, to express their literary and linguistic talents in Hindi. the elderly who sometimes live alone, with loved alongside certified, tried, and true techniques Considering the challenges of Covid-19, these activities ones living far away. when it comes to looking after ailing seniors at were organised virtually. The current pandemic elevates the need for home. Islandwide online Hindi competitions such as the proper and appropriate care for the elderly. Those The service is much more affordable for Hindi video message competition, Hindi storytelling aged 60 and above with underlying medical customers in the long run and is a great option competition, and Hindi poem recitation competition conditions are at higher risk for severe illness, if if you trust your existing help and would prefer were organised from as early as December 2020 for the contracted with Covid-19. Living alone during him/her to continue helping around at home. students. 317 participants representing local schools this time can be difficult for elders, as there are For people looking for more affordable across several districts, universities, and other institutions many variables that need to be taken care of, from The team at English Nursing Sri Lanka short-term care or a simpler more companion- took part in these competitions. Several online Hindi medication to physiotherapy. Additionally, the based service for their parents or other senior competitions for officials and other Hindi speakers were need for minimal interaction as a safety measure How to manage their care citizens, English Nursing Sri Lanka offers its also organised. can result in your elderly feeling frustrated or English Nursing Sri Lanka, a home nursing care companion service. World Hindi Day was marked on 10 January by depressed. This is a time when your elderly loved and elderly care solutions provider, offers It opens the doors for people to access showcasing a number of online video performances one requires someone to care for them and ensure services to give your elderly parents or loved various eldercare services on demand for throughout the day by Hindi lovers across the island. their physical and mental wellbeing. ones care and compassion in the comfort of their relatively healthier seniors who don’t require Additionally, the SVCC in collaboration with the English Nursing Sri Lanka Founder and own home. Their services include high-quality full-time care and attention. Centre for Contemporary India Studies of the University Managing Director Richard Gould said: “Creating generic home nursing services, managed maid It is important that elders get the best care of Colombo organised an international Hindi webinar on a reliable, high-quality professional service that services, and care companion service. with reliability, safety, and empathy during the the topic “New Trends in Hindi Language and Literature: takes care of your elderly loved ones responsibly, Generic home nursing is the more popular most challenging period of their lives, and English A Global Perspective” yesterday. The focus of the with compassion, and with utmost dignity is vital. option, where a well-trained, certified nurse Nursing takes it as their priority to do so. webinar was the role of Hindi language and literature in As our healthcare professionals are at the frontline conducts a thorough study on the house strengthening millennia-old religious, cultural, linguistic, of battling the virus, we as a reliable home nursing environment to understand all resources required For more information on English Nursing, visit and literary links between India and Sri Lanka. Mamtaa care take it as our responsibility to step up and for the best care routine. Encompassing these their website at www.englishnursing.com Kaaliyaa, an eminent Hindi scholar from India, delivered deliver for those who are unable to take care of details, a unique customised plan is curated and or call on 0114500117. the keynote address. their elders due to this global pandemic.” executed, making the most of your investment

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