highlights monday The Race to 12 july 2021 Sustainable Abundance Latest Edition Vol: 10/151 Price : Rs 30.00

In Sports page A6 Argentina beat Brazil 1-0 to win Can or Should Copa America the President Argentina won their first major title in 28 years on Saturday and Lionel Reverse the Agro Messi finally won his first medal in a blue-and-white shirt when an Angel chemical Ban? Di Maria goal gave them a 1-0 win... A16 page A7

Human immunoglobulin IV imported from India Nothing to do with COVID-19 vaccines Further to our lead story on Sunday (11), we have inadvertently termed Human immunoglobulin IV as a vaccine. However, we are in possession of written documents to prove that the drug in question has been imported to Sri Lanka through the Indian firm, Reliance Life Private Limited. Furthermore, in a letter sent to the Sri Lankan agent of this firm, by the NMRA, to obtain advice, to Paediatrician Sounds submit reasons why the import of the said drug should not be suspended within a 28-day period, further proves this. The NMRA had said, in its letter to the agent that during the 4th Generation HIV Antigen and Antibody ELISA Assay tests, the drug had reacted positively to HIV. This is further proved by the letters sent by the Health Services Supply Warning on Zika Virus Director, to Hospital Directors and health authorities on 30 April 2021, on the suspension of a few medicinal drugs from being distributed till the receiving of decision from specialist doctors. Reaching pandemic Shows symptoms Threat to pregnant Could harm The fact that has been mentioned by the SPC Chairman Dr. Prasanna Gunasena, in his email to proportions in India similar to dengue women’s lives newborn’s brain our Sister paper Mawbima,that his GM had explained the issue in detail to the Mawbima reporter, is completely false. In truth the SPC GM By J.T. de Silva authorities must strive to take Zika virus has begun to spread has shown symptoms that are had only advised the Mawbima journalist to... all possible measures to rapidly in the State of Kerala in similar to the dengue and noted Consultant Paediatrician Dr. prevent the emergence of the India. that it has begun to reach Deepal Perera says local health Zika virus in Sri Lanka. The He remarked the said virus pandemic proportions in India. Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 PSM threatens Two million BASL raises further TU action More trains to concerns over By Dilanthi Jayamanne operate in WP Sinopharm detention of Professions Supplementary to peaceful protesters Medicine (PSM) warned they – SLSMU doses arrive would resort to further strike By Thameenah Razeek The Bar Association of Sri Lanka action from Wednesday (14) if the By Dilanthi Jayamanne (BASL) has expressed grave concern Health Ministry disregards the about the arrest and quarantine of agreement which the union The number of trains operating in the Two million doses of peaceful protesters, emphasising that arrived at with Health Minister Western Province from tomorrow has been the Sinopharm COVID- the authorities should not use Pavithra Wanniarachchi to increased to 102. 19 vaccine arrived at the quarantine as a form of punishment or submit a Cabinet Paper with In addition to the 70 trains that ran last BIA yesterday (11) detention. regard to their demands. week, the Sri Lanka Railway Department morning. In writing to the IGP, the BASL stated In a letter to Health Secretary, will run 32 more trains in the Western Head of the National that quarantining must be limited to a Major General (Retired) Dr. Province. Operations Centre for person who has contracted the disease Sanjeewa Munasinghe, the Prevention of COVID-19 or is suspected of having contracted the President of the Joint Council of Outbreak (NOCPCO), disease and no one else and that Professions Supplementary... Gen. Shavendra Silva, quarantine is a health precaution and told the Media that should not be used as a punishment or Story Continued on page 2 another 2 million doses mode of detention. of the same vaccine were scheduled to arrive in the Story Continued on page 2 To nab illegal rackets, crimes country this month. against women and children Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 Protesting unlawful arrests Special Investigation Delta variant now in 98 countries Unit set up COVID restrictions 14 Teachers’ By Thameenah Razeek WHO urges further relaxed TUs to strike Extortion, drug trafficking, and crimes against countries to Travel restrictions in children and women will be investigated by a special view of COVID-19 were By Thameenah Razeek raid squad that will use current technology, Police further relaxed over the Spokesman SDIG Ajith Rohana noted yesterday vaccinate more weekend, with To stage a protest against the recent (11). permission being granted unlawful arrests of silent protestors, He said the special operation team would be set to open places of worship including activist Joseph Stalin, 14 up to look into extortion rackets that have been people in all provinces including teachers' trade unions will step away from reported to police as well as unreported extortion the Western Province, duties, including online teaching. rackets, large-scale drug trafficking in the Southern Director-General of the World Health where the disease Apart from not teaching online, the Province and crimes against children and women. Organization, Dr. Tedros Adhanom prevalence was higher. Ceylon Teachers' Service Union's General Ghebreyesus, has recently warned that However, interprovincial Secretary Mahinda Jayasinghe said they Story Continued on the rich Nations are sharing vaccines with travel restrictions remain will boycott the Ministry of Education's page 2 low-income countries too slowly to prevent in place for the next 14 Regional Learning Centres and will stop the spread of the Delta variant of COVID- days, Director General of compiling G.C.E. Advanced Level Died of COVID-19 at age 90 19, putting millions of lives at risk. Health Services (DGHS)... Examination applications for 2021. He said they began the strike to seek Belgian woman Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 justice for the silent protestors who had been subjected to violations of their basic infected with both Alpha human rights. and Beta variants PNF complains to CIABOC A 90-year-old woman, who died after contracting COVID-19, against Treasury Secretary was infected with both the Alpha and Beta variants of the BY Thameenah Razeek Investigate Allegations of Bribery or coronavirus at the same Corruption (CIABOC). time, according to The Professionals National Front (PNF) The lawsuit is about the Treasury Belgian researchers, who filed a formal complaint against S.R. Secretary's actions regarding the state- added that the rare Attygalle, Secretary to the Finance Ministry owned company ‘Sahasya Investments occurrence should not be underestimated. and Treasury, with the Commission to Limited,’ which was formed to own and...

Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 A2 Monday 12 July 2021 News

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14 teachers’ Nothing to...... make a written request to the Paediatrician Sounds SPC Chairman to obtain TUs to strike information on the topic. This further underscores the fact that He said the Government the GM of the SPC had intentionally Warning on Zika Virus and its forces not only refused to explain the issue to our restrict human rights in Sri journalist. Hence, it would be Lanka while attempting to obvious to our readers that Dr.Perera mentioned that to date portray the situation as a attempting to glean information doctors have failed to find a surefire violation of quarantine from the GM of the SPC in future cure for the Zika virus and emphasised regulations, but also try to would be a futile exercise. Finally, it that it was vital that Sri Lankan inculcate unethical acts into has to be recorded that the remarks authorities strive to keep close tabs on the future of the country made by the Chairman of the SPC, those who arrive in Colombo from the through the education that they would only be importing State of Kerala in light of the spread of system. the drug in question only after this virus there. Until Stalin and other receiving the relevant He also warned that pregnant women activists are released, trade recommendation from the NMRA, should take maximum precautions unions will continue to further proves the point that there against this virus and said that if it is strike. CTSU, Ceylon has been a snag in the import of the contracted it will not only pose a Teachers' Union, Principals' drug concerned. The only error serious threat to their lives but also Service Union, All Ceylon committed on our part is the cause harm to the brain of newborn. persons should be subjected to rapid antigen Teachers’ Union, and Joint reference to the drug in question as Dr.Perera, added that if symptoms such as and PCR tests before being directed to undergo Service Teachers' Union are a vaccine. And we will continue to fever, reddish eyes, red spots being spotted on a rest period of up to six to seven days ahead of among the 14 trade unions. maintain that the rest of the details the skin and body pains are experienced, such doing another antibody test. contained in the article in question are correct and true.

PSM threatens... COVID restrictions... WHO urges... More trains...... to Medicine, Ravi Kumudesh said his trade ... Dr. Asela Gunawardena said. Tedros said world leaders must ensure that at Sri Lanka Station Masters’ union alliance and the paramedical services unions Dr. Gunawardena said wedding receptions could least 10 per cent of people in all countries should Union (SLSMU) General had shelved their strike following discussions with be held at 25 per cent of the hall or ballroom be vaccinated by the end of September. Secretary,Kasun Chamara said the Health Minister on 6 July. capacity, or subject to a maximum of 150 guests. Speaking about the Delta variant, he said, “The in the Western Province 36 trains The Minister agreed to submit a Cabinet Paper on Permission was also granted for non-COVID-19 Delta variant is dangerous and is continuing to will run on the main line from 12 July regarding promotions of PSM and funerals to be held with a maximum of 50 evolve and mutate, which requires constant Ambepussa, Mirigama, paramedical services, restoring them as staff grade participants, but the final rites should be evaluation and careful adjustment of the public Veyangoda, Gampaha, and services and demands regarding overtime, payments performed within 24 hours of the body being health response.”He further added, “Delta has Ragama. There are also 40 runs for graduate PSM categories, and risk allowances. released to relatives. Workshops, seminars, and been detected in at least 98 countries, and is on the coastal route from The strike was called off following a pledge made brand launches could also be held with a spreading quickly in countries with low and high Aluthgama, Kalutara South, by the Minister with the signature of the Director maximum of 50 participants. The DGHS said vaccination coverage. The world must equitably Panadura, Moratuwa, and Mount General of Health Services (DGHS) as well. cinemas, theatres and museums could be opened share protective gear, oxygen, tests, treatments Lavinia, 10 from Kelani Valley to “However, we have observed that the Ministry of adhering to a maximum of 50 per cent of the total and vaccines.” Avissawella, Kosgama and Health has not formulated a proper plan for the seating capacity for cinemas, theatres, and the He said, “Public health and social measures Padukka, and 16 runs from submission of the Cabinet Paper till now,” he number of guests should not exceed 50 per cent of like strong surveillance, strategic testing, early Puttalam to Kochchikade and lamented. the space available in museums. case detection, isolation and clinical care remain Negombo. Kumudesh warned that the suspended strike He said swimming pools too were opened to the critical. As well as masking, physical distance, He said outside the Western action would be resumed from Wednesday (14) if the public, while casinos, night clubs and betting avoiding crowded places and keeping indoor Province, relevant regional Cabinet Paper on PSM and paramedical services was centres will remain closed. areas well ventilated.” train services will run as not submitted to Cabinet today (12). (DJ) (WION) scheduled.

PNF complaints... Belgian woman... Two million...... run expressways and other ancillary assets like quarries. After a series of falls in March, the unvaccinated woman, who lived He said another consignment COVID-19 vaccines from China Despite the fact that a Cabinet directive stated that the alone and received home nursing care, was admitted to the OLV of Sputnik V from Russia was would be allocated for the Treasury should be the sole investor in this corporation, Hospital in the Belgian city of Aalst and tested positive to COVID-19 also scheduled to reach Sri vaccination of persons in the Attygalle had broken the law and betrayed public confidence the same day. Lanka this month. Gen. Silva Galle, Matara, Hambantota, by permitting a private company to become a stakeholder, While her oxygen levels were initially adequate, her condition said the country had received Anuradhapura, Nuwara Eliya, according to the complaint. rapidly deteriorated and she died five days later. 6.57 million coronavirus Ratnapura, Badulla and Matale According to the complainants, he has also broken the “Both of these variants were circulating in Belgium at the time, so vaccines to date. Districts. Constitution’s Articles on public financial management, the it is likely that the lady was co-infected with viruses from two According to President Meanwhile, Deputy Director National Audit Act, and the oaths he took when sworn in as different people,” said the study's lead author, molecular biologist Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s General Disaster Management Treasury Secretary. Anne Vankeerberghen of the OLV Hospital. comprehensive plan to vaccinate and Emergency Response, Dr. According to a Cabinet Decision dated on or around 12 “Unfortunately, we have no idea how she got infected” the public against COVID-19, of Hemantha Herath, said according October, 2020, the Government decided to establish an Vankeerberghen said it was difficult to say whether the co-infection the 2 million doses of to information the Health Expressway Investment Company, where the Secretary of the contributed to the patient's rapid deterioration. Sinopharm, 200,000 would be Ministry had received1.47 million Treasury would be the sole shareholder, bringing all The study, which has not yet been published in a medical journal, allocated for Colombo District, doses of the AstraZeneca expressways under the said Company and allowing the said will be presented at the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology 500,000 for Gampaha, and vaccines were to arrive in the Company to raise funds to construct expressways. and Infectious Diseases. 300,000 for the Kalutara District country on 19 July 2021. “Accordingly, Sahasya Investments Limited was established While Vankeerberghen stated in a press release that “no other to enable the vaccination of all According to informed sources, on or around 30 November, 2020, with its registered office at published cases” of similar co-infections had been reported, she people above 30 years by the end 26,000 AstraZeneca doses are the Ministry of Finance, The Secretariat, Colombo 1, to give added that the “phenomenon is probably underestimated.” of this month. also expected to arrive in the effect to the stated cabinet decision. Though it is required by This is due to a lack of testing for potentially harmful variants, she In addition, another 100,000 country from Japan. the Cabinet decision that 100 percent shareholding should be claims, urging a greater use of fast PCR testing to detect known with the Secretary to the Treasury at least at the outset, it has variant mutations. been found that S. R. Attygalle is holding the said Scientists in Brazil reported in January that two people had been shareholding in his personal capacity, abusing his office and infected with two different strains of the coronavirus at the same the Public Trust of the People and the Rule of Law,” the time, but the study has yet to be published in a scientific journal. Special Investigation... complaint stated. Lawrence Young, a virologist and Professor of Molecular Oncology Engineer Kapila Renuka Perera, Secretary to the Front at the University of Warwick, commented on the study, saying it was “Steps have been taken to set demand ransom or engage in stated, that they have already taken steps to file a complaint not surprising to find an individual infected with more than one up a Special Investigation Unit, extortion, as well as drug dealers with the Registrar General of Companies against the said strain. “This study does highlight the need for additional research to and a dedicated phone number and molesters of women and Company, and requested CIABOC to refrain from granting determine whether infection with multiple variants of concern affects will be given in the near future for children,” he said. approval to list the said Company on the Colombo Stock the clinical course of Covid-19 and whether this in any way the public to provide information The Southern shore, according Exchange in accordance with Securities and Exchange compromises vaccination efficacy,” he added. in this respect. The squad will to the Senior DIG, has become a Commission of Sri Lanka Act No. 36 of 1987. (AFP) investigate tip-offs on those who hotspot for local drug trafficking.

BASL raises... These arrests occurred in BASL asked the IGP to instruct aforementioned Guidelines allow noted that the contents of the reason for the Police to be overly response to a Press Release his officers to refrain from for a variety of indoor and aforementioned Press Release do aggressive when dealing with issued by the Police Media arresting and detaining people outdoor activities. These include not contemplate a total protesters. Division on 6 July 2021 with who are peacefully protesting. the operation of spas, prohibition of meetings and BASL noted that the public Reference No. PMD/PR/845/21, The association also called supermarkets, and restaurants, protests, but rather seek to protests straddle three purporting to convey an excerpt upon the Director General of among other things. They also prevent meetings and protests important Fundamental Rights from a letter sent to the Police by Health Services not to allow the permit the establishment of involving a large number of in the Constitution namely the the Director General of Health Health Guidelines to be abused liquor stores as well as outdoor people. As a result, meetings and Freedom of Speech and Services with Reference No. DDG in a manner which has a chilling exercise and jogging. Public protests conducted in Expression, the Freedom of (PHS) 1/DO2/7/13/2017/20. effect on the freedom to dissent protests and outdoor meetings accordance with Health Peaceful Assembly and the The date on which the said letter and to ensure that Health are not listed as prohibited Guidelines are not prohibited,” it Freedom of Association was issued by the Director Regulations and Guidelines are activities in the aforementioned said. The BASL says that any guaranteed by Articles 14(1) (a), General of Health Services was used only for the purpose they Guidelines. organised protest should be (b) and (c) of the Constitution. not disclosed. were promulgated for curb the The letter noted that however, carried out in such a way that it “Public protests also strengthen The Sri Lanka Police have spread of COVID-19. according to the Press Release does not endanger public health, the Freedom of Thought which is arrested several people who were The BASL is also concerned issued by the Police Media and that individuals who intend entrenched as a Fundamental participating in peaceful protests about the use of excessive force Division, the media has been to participate in protests, Right by Article 10 of the on various issues in recent days, by the Police in dealing with the informed that the Inspector marches, or similar exercises Constitution. The rights under and they have been brought protestors, and has previously General of Police has received a must ensure that they adhere to Article 14(1) may be restricted by before courts of law. The BASL is expressed its concern about the communication from the health guidelines in their own law in the interests of public concerned about the growing use of excessive force by the Director General of Health and the general public’s health, however, such restriction threat to individuals’ rights posed police. Services stating that public interests. However, at a time must be done by law; must have by Press Releases and Circulars The association has carefully meetings and protests involving when the Director General of a nexus to the objective sought issued by the Sri Lanka Police in reviewed the Director General of large crowds should be Health Services has decided to to be achieved and must be the name of controlling the Health Services’ most recent prohibited due to the risk of relax previously imposed reasonable,” it said. spread of COVID-19. Health Guidelines. The COVID-19 spread. “It should be restrictions, the BASL sees no (TR) News Monday 12 JULY 2021 A3 WPC Calls for Unification of Electoral Laws The Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus has system with a uniform quota for women’s that encourages women to participate in urged that all electoral laws in Sri Lanka be representation for all elections in Sri Lanka government. unified into a single electoral code, and that it (Local, Provincial, and National levels). In addition, the Women Parliamentarians’ be forwarded to the Parliamentary Select The Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus has Caucus has suggested campaign finance Committee on Electoral Law Reforms to make proposed to the Parliamentary Select regulations and accountability to promote the required amendments. Committee on Electoral Law Reforms that equal participation. The caucus will also The decision was made during a recent special legal requirements be introduced suggest increasing the number of meeting of the Women Parliamentarians’ linked to the prevention of violence in nominations for women in Parliamentary, Caucus, which was led by State Minister elections, particularly violence against Provincial Council, and Local Government Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle. women. The Caucus also plans to introduce Elections to at least 30 per cent, as well as The Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus MPs laws requiring stringent quotas for women in ensuring 50 per cent female participation on also agreed to establish a uniform electoral political party structures to create a climate national party lists. (TR)

CPSL slams Govt for harassing protesters The Communist Party of Sri stop to all protests a day after was organised to protest the the Ceylon Teachers’ Union, Lanka (CPSL) has accused the the DGHS recommendations Kotelawala National Defence Joseph Stalin. Government of harassing were announced, claiming that University (KNDU) Bill, which Director General of Health peaceful protesters and participants were violating seeks to privatise and militarise Services (DGHS), Dr. Asela infringing on their human and quarantine regulations. State education. 31 persons Gunawardena, issued a ban on fundamental rights, claiming A demonstration in were detained, including all protests and meetings on 6 that they are breaching Battaramulla, a few kilometres numerous leaders of the Inter July, alleging that the restriction quarantine laws. from the Parliament, was University Students’ Federation was required to “prevent the Authorities attempted to put a severely suppressed on 8 July. It (IUSF) and General Secretary of spread of COVID-19.” (TR)

Mangala Perahera witnessed by PM

The ‘Mangala Perahera’ of the historic Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya, which was the opening day of the Esala Perahera 2021, was witnessed by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. The Kataragama Esala Festival’s annual Perahera, a prominent event, is planned with a focus on distinctive traditions and customs. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Esala Perahera will be held President launches without public involvement and in accordance with prog to increase health regulations this year. Dr. Kobawaka Dhamminda Thera, coconut crop Ruhunu Magam Pattu President Gotabaya Rajapaksa recently launched a Chief Incumbent, and programme to increase the annual coconut crop to 3,600 Kapugama Saranatissa million nuts per year from the current level of 2,800 million Thera, Chief Incumbent of nuts. the Ruhuna Magampattu Sri Lanka’s name has long been at the forefront of the Chief Judicial Council, international market for its traditional exports - tea, rubber, were also present at the and coconut. The National Policy Framework, ‘Vistas of inauguration parade. Prosperity and Splendour,’ emphasised the promotion of coconut cultivation and related products to maintain that position in the future. The Ministry of Plantation, the State Ministry of Coconut, Kitul, Palmyrah, and Rubber Product Promotion and Allied Inclement weather Industrial Production and Export Diversification, and the Coconut Cultivation Board are working together to achieve this goal through the ‘Dorin Dorata Kapruka’ National Navy deploy eight relief teams Programme. In preparation for possible flood risks in On 10 July, President Rajapaksa launched the ‘Dorin several areas with heavy rains and inclement Dorata Kapruka’ National Programme, which aims to plant 4 weather, the Navy deployed eight relief teams million coconut saplings at the Weliketiya Estate in in Kalutara, Rathnapura and Galle Districts, Bujjampola, Dankotuwa. on 10 July. It is expected that the target of planting 4 million coconut Responding to the developing situation, the saplings will be met within the next year. Therefore, one Western Naval Command sent the first flood million coconut saplings will be given to Samurdhi recipients, relief team to Paragoda area in the Kalutara another two million will be distributed under a subsidiary District and five Navy relief teams to scheme, and the remaining one million will be available for Rathnapura New Town, Delgoda, purchase by anyone who wishes to cultivate. Kukulegama, and Ayagama areas in the To commemorate the launch of this national programme, Rathnapura District. the President planted a coconut sapling at the Weliketiya Similarly, the Southern Naval Command Estate. Ministers and Members of Parliament also joined the deployed two Navy relief teams in Hiniduma President in planting coconut saplings. Parallel to the and Eppala areas as well. In addition, 25 national programme, all Ministries planted and distributed Navy flood relief teams in the Western Naval coconut saplings islandwide. Command and 12 teams in the Southern The President inspected a coconut plantation that had Naval Command are being kept on standby been cultivated using the ‘Eli Weti’ method and organic for prompt deployment, with a view to provide fertiliser. relief to the people in the event of adverse President Rajapaksa also inspected Organic Fertiliser weather conditions. (NV) Production Methods Appropriate for Coconut Cultivation, machinery, soil rehabilitation works aimed at increasing the productivity of existing coconut lands, water using methods, Intercropping, Model Seed Coconut Nursery, Coconut Pests and Diseases Institute, Exhibition Stalls of “Kapruka” Society Members, and the coconut plantations in the fall. The President then went to the Coconut Research Institute in Lunuwila to inspect the Coconut Products and Coconut Milk Promotion Advisory Unit. In parallel with the programme, the President symbolically distributed coconut saplings and agriculture equipment to 15 beneficiaries at a ceremony held at the premises of the Coconut Research Institute. Chairman of Chilaw Plantations Limited, Jude Perera, handed over to the President Rs 10 million from the company’s profits earned in 2020 to be deposited in the Treasury. (TR) A4 monday 12 july 2021 column

India and Its Neighbours Maintaining the Balance of Power in South Asia By Dr Srimal Fernando Due to India’s Neighbourhood First and Sri Lanka and hence generate policy, both India and Sri Lanka have more employment opportunities for Bordering the Indian peninsula, the come a long way in their foreign both the locals and expatriates in Indian Ocean is a strategically relations. This affiliation is not only these countries. In order to have a important and resource rich marine simply attributed to their physical peaceful, prosperous and sovereign space linking the world’s diverse proximity but also due to their nation, it is vital to have a stable regions. This oceanic region of comparable historical and cultural political environment in these small geopolitical importance linking Asia, heritage. India, being the largest island states, hence it will be prudent Africa and Australasia is attracting a country in South Asia, regards Sri for Sri Lanka to have a neutral and vast deal of attention from India’s Lanka to be vital to its trade and non-aligned approach to foreign policy foreign policymakers. Given the newly geopolitical interests and in taking with great powers to secure a better emerging threats around the globe, it forward its “Neighbourhood First” future for the country. is now becoming important for India policy. A strong commitment to Sri to take on necessary steps with the Lanka is echoed in India’s strategic Balancing the act with backing of the Indian Ocean rim vision for the Indian Ocean; first SAARC & Small islands states in order to maintain its security outlined in 2015 and which has come in the international order. to be known as Security and Growth The South Asian region is India has a solid interest in for All in the Region (Sagar, which considered to be one of the least maintaining a stable balance of power means Ocean). Since of late, India’s integrated regions in the world. In specifically in this region. At the regional interest with its Southern South Asia, India is seen as a key fundamental level, the profound neighbour, Sri Lanka, has been of player in the sphere of taking forward changes in India’s policy initiatives in importance. While outlining their initiatives for regional cooperation. the next few years are likely to foreign policy, the main goal should be Therefore, it is important that India is influence the seven neighbouring to promote Sri Lanka’s national strong in promoting inter-regional as states. Nevertheless, India’s foreign interest in synchrony with India well as intra-regional integration in and defence policeis with its without conceding its ties with the rest the economies of South Asian states. neighbour in the South is intact to of the major states. Under the Nevertheless, of key importance to create the backdrop for mutual guidance of the new government, Sri India should be safeguarding the security and to enhance connectivity Lanka is adopting the ‘India First’ territorial integrity of the South Asian of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). approach as a key policy initiative. An region including small island nations India and SAARC important role will be played by the such as Sri Lanka. revised economic policies in advancing About the Author: The world’s ever-changing development in the island nation, Sri Dr. Srimal Fernando received his geopolitical and geo-economic setting political will and collaboration Sri Lanka, India is gradually emerging Lanka. PhD in the area of International has the likelihood to impact India and between member states. All the eight as a regional power. In the long run, the manner and the Affairs. He was the recipient of the other nations in South Asia. These countries in the region are aware of India’s growth is beneficial approach of dealing with small island prestigious O.P. Jindal Doctoral changes will specifically influence their commitments towards promoting states have advantages as well as Fellowship and SAU Scholarship people centred policies in the South regional economic and political for Small Island states like severe challenges. India and Sri under the SAARC umbrella. He is Asian states where the value of stability. Also linked to domestic Lanka share solid and consistent also an Adviser/ Global Editor of democracy is instrumental in economic and political interests are Sri Lanka economic interdependence. On the Diplomatic Society for South Africa empowering people to express and the economic or policy visions of the India’s foreign policy drive over the whole, economic diplomacy is in partnership with Diplomatic uphold their rights for political neighbouring states. These policies, past few years has strengthened its definitely a vital segment of this World Institute (Brussels). He has attention along with claims of therefore, will directly affect the attention on geopolitics in South Asia. foreign interface. Sri Lanka’s bilateral received accolades such as economic and security needs. On a population of 1.6 billion people in For India, the rest of the seven South trade ties with its large neighbour 2018/2019 ‘Best Journalist of the more fundamental level, in the next South Asia. Given India’s influence, it Asian nations, especially Sri Lanka, have substantially expanded during Year’ in South Africa, (GCA) Media few years, the profound changes in can cause noteworthy implications for have been one of its foremost the two decades since the Indo-Sri Award for 2016 and the Indian India’s policy initiatives will impact its SAARC’s political and economic priorities. Sri Lanka’s proximity to Lanka Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Council of World Affairs (ICWA) seven neighbouring states. India structure. Having expanded its India, and its location as an island took effect. A surge in the Indian accolade. He is the author of plays a significant role in South Asian maritime sphere of influence in nation, provides strategic importance economy would lead to the growth in ‘Politics, Economics and Association for Regional Cooperation security in the Indian Ocean, to the country to preserve political and the volume of cargo cash transactions Connectivity: In Search of South (SAARC) as it outlines the influence of especially with its Southern neighbor - economic interdependence. and services linked to it between India Asian Union.’ Why is Myanmar’s Junta let off the Hook? By P.K.Balachandran Myanmar is the largest producer of jade in the world and it produces Since Myanmar came under direct jadeite, the highest quality of jade. military rule again on 1 February the The jade industry is worth US$ 30 Junta has killed 800 civilians and billion. detained 6000 in the crackdowns Rubies, sapphires, and diamonds targeting pro-democracy agitators. are also found in significant quantities Military action is continuing against in Myanmar. US$ 975 million worth of non-Bamar communities and non- gem sales were conducted at the Buddhist religious minorities in the country’s emporiums in the 2017-18 North East and North West of the financial year. Mineable metals, such country. Insurgents in the North like as gold, silver, copper, tin, tungsten, the Peoples’ Defense Forces have zinc, and nickel are abundant in killed 40 government troops this Myanmar. Coal, oil, and natural gas month. Myanmar continues to be in all feature prominently in Myanmar’s turmoil. natural wealth. Natural gas accounts The United Nations and the Western for 40% of Myanmar’s exports. It powers led by the United States exported around US$ 6 billion of continue to condemn the military petroleum in 2016. A pipeline that takeover of the elected National connects Myanmar and China delivers League for Democracy (NLD) gas from the Bay of Bengal to China. government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. Five countries, including China, Ant-China demonstration in Yangon, Myanmar The US has imposed a series of new Myanmar, South Korea and India have sanctions against the Junta, including Kyi. Under international pressure, Aung San Suu Kyi continued that the Myanmar daily Irrawaddy. invested in this project. freezing US$ 1 billion in reserves that elections were held. The NLD swept it. repressing the minorities, especially India turns a blind eye to the doings In 2013, another natural gas Myanmar’s Central Bank was holding But the Junta refused to recognize the the Muslim Rohingyas, when she was of the powers-that-be in Myanmar (no pipeline that connected the Shwe field at the New York Fed. result and Suu Kyi was put under in power as State Counselor till 1 matter who they are) as it needs complex, on the Bay of Bengal, to Under pressure, the Junta had house arrest. No elections were held April. Myanmar to control rebel groups in its Yunnan province, southwest China recently released 2200 out of the 6421 for the next 18 years. North-Eastern region. India supported was completed at a cost of US$ 2 political detainees. But there is no Again, under Western pressure, the Tolerance of other the crackdown against the Muslim billion. In 2013, there were 560 coal sign of remorse about seizing power Tatmadaw drafted a new constitution countries Rohingyas fearing influx of Islamic mines in Myanmar, and the annual illegally and unleashing violence on in 2008, but without consulting the radicals in the guise of refugees. India yield of coal was about 700,000 metric protesters. NLD. The Tatmadaw followed this up To resist Western pressure, the also needs the Junta’s blessings to tonnes. In the 2015-2016 fiscal year, The military’s stubbornness is based with a “fraudulent” referendum. The Junta turned to Russia which is the secure a share of Myanmar’s FDI peaked at nearly US$ 9.5 billion. on three support planks: (1) its direct new constitution preserved the second-largest arms supplier to resources. or indirect dominance over Myanmar military’s control over the government Myanmar after China. Recently, New Delhi did not vote on a Democracy for Whom? politics since 1962; by reserving 25% of all seats in during a visit to Moscow, the head of resolution in the UN General All in all, the prospect of the world (2)the full backing it gives to the national and local parliaments for the Junta Senior Gen. Min Aung Assembly in June condemning the doing something concrete to restore majority Bamar community’s serving military officials. This gave the Hlaing was made a Professor in the military coup and calling for a ban on democracy in Myanmar is dim. The dominance over ethnic and religious Tatmadaw de facto power to veto any Russian Ministry of Defense. arms sales to Myanmar. India sought other worrying issue is: Will minorities; and (3) the support it gets constitutional reforms. Eying Myanmar’s rich natural a “consultative and constructive restoration of democracy in Myanmar from China, Russia, and other The military retained control over resources, and needing access to the approach involving the neighboring ensure the rights of the ethnic and regional powers such as ASEAN and the country’s mining, oil and gas Bay of Bengal, China has been cozying countries” and pointed out that such religious minorities there? India. industries. The constitution also gave up to the Junta. Chinese Foreign support was lacking. The ASEAN Past experience shows that the Tatmadaw complete financial Minister Wang Yi visited Myanmar countries had also abstained from democracy in Myanmar will be meant Entrenched Military independence. According to Amnesty just weeks before the coup and after voting. only for the majority Buddhist Bamar The military, called the “Tatmadaw”, International the Tatmadaw-run meeting Gen. Aung Hlaing, declared ASEAN was trying to get the Junta community and not the minorities. has been the most powerful institution Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited that “China will continue to back to restore democracy by sending a When there was some kind of in Myanmar since independence in (MEHL) had made US$ 18 billion Myanmar in safeguarding its mission to Myanmar. But its envoys democracy between 1948 and 1962 1948. Myanmar’s first national leader between 1990 and 2010. sovereignty, national dignity and enjoyed the hospitality of the Junta and also under the rule of the NLD led was a military man, Gen. Aung San, With support from the Buddhist legitimate rights and interests.” and returned empty handed. ASEAN by Aung San Suu Kyi, democracy was father of Aung San Suu Kyi. After a Bamar majority, the Tatmadaw Myanmar was completely under as an economic body, does not not extended to the Muslim Rohingyas brief period of democracy, Gen. Ne ruthlessly went after the ethnic military rule from 1962 to 2010, and interfere in the internal affairs of its and the tribal communities. Military Win when he staged a military coup in religious minorities like the Muslim experienced another coup in February members. action did not cease under her. Suu 1962. But miIitary-rule proved to be Rohingyas, and the Christian tribes in this year. But Beijing has never Kyi went to the International Court of economically disastrous and in 1988, the North. Since the Tatmadaw was condemned the coups. Instead it has Primary Consideration Justice at The Hague to defend the there was a student revolt which was resisting Western pressure firmly, it backed the repressive military regimes This leads us to the primary war against the Rohingyas, although suppressed by killing an estimated got, and still gets, plaudits from whenever they were threatened at the consideration of the world – how to lakhs of them had to flee to 5,000 civilians. hardcore nationalists among the United Nations. “Xi seems to ignore access Myanmar’s natural resources. Bangladesh to live in refugee camps. The agitation, however, led to the majority Bamar community. The the fact that supporting repressive In 2016, the US Department of State No “friendly country” has helped founding of the National League for power of the Bamar’s ideology is so regimes in Myanmar amounts to estimated a total export value of Bangladesh repatriate the Rohingyas Democracy (NLD) by Aung San Suu great that even an avowed democrat indirectly bullying its people,” said mined resources at US$ 15.7 billion. to their homes in Myanmar. Column MONDAY 12 JULY 2021 A5 Neutral Foreign Policy in Practice By Sugeeswara Senadhira

Sri Lanka, under its neutral foreign policy maintains friendly relations with the outside world. The Sri Lanka defence services continue to Sri Lanka and participate and conduct joint Military, Naval and Air Force exercises with Japan held a other countries on a regular basis. As an island-nation in the Indian Ocean, high-level Sri Lanka holds joint naval exercises with visiting naval forces, big or small, review on ranging from India, Maldives, China, Russia and Japan. bilateral Sri Lanka and Japan held a high- level review on bilateral defense defense cooperation and exchanges and welcomed the steady progress made in a broad range of areas, including cooperation naval and aerial cooperation. In this context, both sides welcomed the and exchanges bilateral exercise “JA-LAN EX” which was successfully conducted last year. and welcomed This was stressed during video teleconference between President the steady Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Japanese Defence Minister Kishi Nobua last progress made week. They made a special reference to Maritime Self-Defense Force vessel in a broad JA-LAN Ex’s first participation in Cooperation Afloat Readiness and range of areas, Training (CARAT) exercise hosted by Sri Lanka and the United States. Izumo, Japans biggest war ship including During the discussion the two countries confirmed that they will for its extensive support extended to This MOU facilitates mutual exchange training and capacity building. The naval and share knowledge and lessons learned Sri Lanka to overcome the challenges at all levels and cooperation in non- two countries could also collaborate from infectious disease control posed by the pandemic. The traditional security areas, education in anti-piracy operations and aerial measures taken by the defense Government of Japan has provided & research, and cooperation in maritime crime prevention. Another authorities. Furthermore, both sides grant aid worth nearly US$ 16 Million. multilateral fora. potential area of cooperation was the cooperation concurred that Sri Lanka and Japan The maritime cooperation between intelligence sharing with regard to will further promote bilateral defense 70th anniversary Japan and Sri Lanka is manifested violent extremism, terrorist/extremist cooperation and exchanges based on Sri Lanka and Japan will mark the through the ‘Sri Lanka Japan financing networks, dissemination of the Memorandum on Defense 70th anniversary of the establishment Dialogue on Maritime Security, Safety extremist propaganda, weapons Cooperation and Exchanges signed in of diplomatic relations in 2022, and and Oceanic Issues’. At the 4 round of smuggling and human/drug also be further explored. 2019. the Government of Japan has talks in October 2020, both countries trafficking. Increased training assistance President Rajapaksa and Minister announced the year 2022 as “South pledged commitments for meaningful, through cooperation in Humanitarian Kishi Nobua also exchanged views on West Asia 2022” and announced a result-oriented partnerships. Key Maritime cooperation Assistance and Disaster Relief and in the recent regional security issues, series of commemorative events. Sri areas of cooperation include Port In the sphere of maritime ‘Search and Rescue’ exercises another including the East China Sea and the Lanka and Japan continue to Development, facilitating regular Port cooperation, the two countries possible area of cooperation. That South China Sea. While Minister strengthen cooperation under the calls, joint exercises, search and continue to conduct bi-lateral training would include capacity building Kishi expressed Japan’s strong “Framework of Comprehensive rescue operations, maritime safety exercises. They are being conducted assistance and combined exercises to opposition to any unilateral attempts Partnership” and three bilateral and security, marine protection and with the Japanese Self Defence Force augment operational capacity in to change the status quo by coercion platforms that are in place to advance conservation, oil spill management, in the areas of Surveillance/ Search Disaster Management and in the East and South China Seas, cooperation in multifaceted fields. The prevention of maritime crime and and Rescue (SAR) in a Maritime Humanitarian Assistance and both sides affirmed that they will send selected arms are the Japan Sri Lanka piracy, narcotics and people Domain. Disaster Relief. The provision of a clear message about the importance Policy Dialogue, the Japan Sri Lanka smuggling, and marine scientific Sri Lanka will also require Japanese satellite based natural disaster of free, open, and rules-based Maritime Dialogue and the Japan Sri research. assistance in improving the Sri Lanka warning capabilities and related data maritime order. Lanka Economic Policy Dialogue. The ‘Ja-Lan Ex Bilateral Naval Coast Guard. Another area identified study training capabilities may also Sri Lanka and Japan also concurred Defence Cooperation between Sri Exercise’ was successfully conducted is assistance for ship salvage and be considered. in maintaining close communication Lanka and Japan was further between the Japanese Maritime Self maritime disaster prevention It was reported that Japan will send between respective defense strengthened through a Defence Force and Sri Lanka Navy in capability development for Sri Lanka 600,000 doses of AstraZeneca COVID- authorities and proactively promoting ‘Memorandum of Understanding on September 2020. Ports Authority, Sri Lanka Coast 19 vaccine shortly to Sri Lanka. The defense cooperation and exchanges to Defence Cooperation and Exchanges’ Japan and Sri Lanka have agreed to Guard and Sri Lanka Navy. Japanese Government has also uphold and reinforce a free and open signed on 26 July 2019 during the extend defence and security cooperate Conducting bilateral exercises to agreed to provide medical supplies Indo-Pacific. visit of the State Minister of Defence of through strengthening information enhance the disaster response and healthcare equipment needed to President Rajapaksa thanked Japan Japan, Kenji Harada, to Sri Lanka. exchange, exchange of personnel, and capabilities of Armed Services will contain the spread of COVID-19. Three cheers for the Lumiere brothers! By R.S. Karunaratne they married two sisters: Marguerite people gathered to see the moving and Rose Winckler. Before long the pictures, the organizers had to screen Today it is not an exciting event to factory started producing rolled films the film 18 times a day. The police go to a cinema and see a film with in cartridge form. At the same time, were called in to control the crowd. moving pictures and listen to music Louis was fascinated by Edison’s When ‘The Train a La Ciotat Station’ and songs. The film industry has Kinetoscope. He found certain flaws in was projected, panic stricken expanded by leaps and bounds and it and decided to produce a better spectators jumped from their seats for Hollywood, Bollywood and Kollywood machine that would unreel the film fear of being crushed by the films are competing among smoothly. He got the novel idea while locomotive! themselves to attract more and more watching a sewing machine at work. Lumiere brothers soon became a filmgoers. While the United States is Louis refined his new projector with household word throughout the world. leading as a film-producing country, the help of a chief mechanic in the London newspapers hailed the new India remains the biggest producer of factory. The perforated 35 millimeter product as a landmark in the film films in Asia. Sri Lanka too has film unwound at 16 frames per second industry. People in New York took to produced a large number of films, but and the lens magnified the projected the streets chanting, “Three cheers for the local film industry has not images. Another advantage of the new the Lumiere brothers!” Wherever the expanded as in other countries. machine was that it could be used for film was screened the spectators were Even some film-buffs may not have shooting and projecting the film. On 13 given a reassurance that the horses heard of Lumiere brothers – Auguste February 1895, a patent was and locomotives would not leave the Lumiere and Louis Lumiere – who registered in their names. Louis and screen! invented a projector which Auguste screened their first film ‘Day The most incredible event took place revolutionised our way of looking at shift at the Lumiere factory’ to the in Russia. Charles Moisson had filmed the world. In the summer of 1895, Society for the Promotion of National the coronation of Czar Nicholas II. Auguste, 33, Louis, 31, and Industry in Paris. After the When the “Black Virgin and Czar Edouards, 11, the three sons of the presentation, Jules Carpentier offered Nicholas II” was creened, spectators Poster advertising Auguste and Louis Lumière’s film, Larrosseur industrialist Antoine Lumiere, to produce the cinematograph began to shout “Witchcraft!” Two days brought a strange-looking box to the machine on a large scale. later, some people who saw the film set lawn. The box which had a glass lens Kinetoscope opened a photography Lateral Magician fire to the theatre to exorcise the devil! and a handle was placed on a tripod. store in Lyon. Cinematograph When the film ‘The waterer gets thinking Another significant event took place watered’ was screened before a limited Dry plate in December 1895. Antoine Lumiere In 1900 Lumiere brothers decided to audience, the Lumiere brothers In 1880 a Belgian photographer It did not take much time for Louis met a magician known as George make the cinematograph the star became the first directors of a new art Desire van Monckhoven produced a to produce a better plate than that of Melies. Antoine invited him to come to attraction of the Universal Exhibition form which came to be known as the new photo-development process Desire van Monckhoven. As there was the Grand Café to show him something in Paris. They put up a 70 feet wide and motion picture. known as the dry plate. Antoine found a big demand for it, the plate was wonderful. When the lights went out, 60 feet high screen in a big movie Antoine Lumiere who always had the dry plate too expensive and tried to produced on a large scale. What is Antoine projected a still shot of the theatre. More than eight million novel ideas brought a large crate on improve it without much success. It more, Antoine decided to sell his Place des Cordeliers in Lyon. The spectators saw about 150 films in the his return from a trip to Paris. Louis was at that time his son Louis, 15, photography store and market the new magician who was not impressed said theatre. The Lumiere invention was was curious to know what it found a solution. Louis and his brother plates. He built a large factory and he had been projecting such pictures followed by several others. Louis simply contained. When he peered through Auguste were attending a technical Louis was appointed as joint manager. for more than ten years. He did not said, “We’ve sown the seeds, others will the binoculars he was amazed to see school where they taught physics and The factory prospered producing more know that there was something more harvest the crop. That’s life!” some moving figures. For the first chemistry. They learnt the art of than 50,000 plates on a daily basis. to be seen. Suddenly, a horse-drawn While watching films in air- time he saw the novel invention photography from their father. After Soon the Lumieres became one of the carriage began to move on the screen. conditioned comfort, let’s give three Kinetoscope. Later Kinetoscopes were doing many experiments, the two wealthiest families in the region. After The spectators, numbering about 30, cheers for Lumiere brothers for their commercially produced and sold at brothers set up their photographic some time, however, Antoine handed were awestruck. The news of the spirit of enthusiasm and giving us a exorbitant prices. Antoine who library. They also decided to remain over the management of the factory to moving pictures on the screen spread great source of education and understood the significance of the together. his sons Louis and Auguste. In 1883 far and wide. When more than 2,000 entertainment. A6 monday 12 july 2021 editorial

Ceylon Newspapers (Pvt) Ltd. No: 101, Rosmead Place, Colombo 07. Editorial Tel: 0117566522, 0117566526, 0117566527 Fax: 0117566545 Marketing Manager: 0117566550, 0117566551 Circulation Manager: 0117566580, 0117566581 E-mail : [email protected] Freedom from Harassment ‘Freedom from harassment’ is as important as ‘freedom of navigation’. While certain major powers may be worried about ‘freedom of navigation’ pertaining to the East and South China seas and the Indo-Pacific, Sri Lanka has its own political worries pertaining to the Indian Ocean which may not be in tandem Economics with those besetting those powers. Apart from fisher poaching taking place in Sri Lanka’s waters, the other is harassment meted out to Sri Lankan fishers sailing/fishing in international waters by some of those selfsame super powers who appear to be more worried about freedom of navigation on the Indian Ocean in particular, whilst turning a blind eye to harassment meted out to Sri Lankan fishers by certain of these selfsame powers on international waters. Such harassment however to a certain extent may be stopped if Sri Lankan fishers are equipped with vessel monitoring systems (VMSs). Therefore, as a quid pro quo arrangement, Sri Lanka should ask those very powers who are keen on getting the island’s support to be ‘vociferous’ about ‘championing’ freedom of navigation on the Indo-Pacific and the East and South China seas, to also aid the country’s fishers to obtain VMSs for their boats as an initial step. The Race to On the issue of harassment, this newspaper, on its 17 March issue carried an article under the heading, ‘Coastguard escorts two SLFVs back home.’ To quote excerpts, it said, “Sri Lanka Coastguard (SLC) ship ‘Suraksha’ facilitated the repatriation of two Sri Lankan fishing vessels (SLFV) along with its crew who Sustainable Abundance were in the custody of the Indian Coastguard (IC) recently. The fishing vessels and fishermen repatriated by the IC were By MICHAEL R. returned at the India-Sri Lanka International Maritime BLOOMBERG, Boundary Line (IMBL) and taken back to the Dikovita Fishery SALEEMUL HUQ, Harbour. AGNES KALIBATA The two fishing vessels returned after a month long fishing trip in deep seas. However they were taken into IC custody on The global race to achieve suspicion of transshipping narcotics in the Arabian Sea, SLC net-zero greenhouse-gas (GHG) said. emissions as soon as possible is Subsequently the fishing vessels released after an also a race to realise a new kind investigation by Indian Authorities were escorted by IC ship of abundance: of public health, ‘Varaha’ (CG41) up to the IMBL and handed over to SLC ship vibrant nature, good jobs, ‘Suraksha’ (CG60) officially. Thereupon the two SLFVs were greater equality, and more escorted up to Dikovita Fishery Harbour by SLC Suraksha and opportunity. To build this world consequently handed over to port health officials for onward of plenty, we must action.” simultaneously speed up our The imputation made by fishers and owners of fishing craft is fight against the causes of that they are harassed by the Indian authorities, more often climate change and build than not under the false charge that Sri Lankan fishers are resilience to its effects. And we involved in illicit activities. need to do it now. This was exemplified by an article carried by this newspaper As three of the nine Global on 16 March under the heading ‘4,200 fishing craft to be Ambassadors for the United equipped with VMSs’. To quote excerpts, it said, “Four Nations’ Race to Zero and Race thousand two hundred fishing craft will be affixed with VMSs to Resilience campaigns, we are by April 2021 through Australian aid, Fisheries Minister working to mobilise cities, is produced, marketed, and Adaptation, investing $1.8 Douglas Devananda said. regions, businesses, investors, sold to how it is disposed of – trillion this decade in projects Speaking to the owners/operators of multiday fishing craft at and the public behind major we can reduce GHG emissions The COVID-19 such as early-warning systems, the Fisheries Ministry in Colombo, he said that not only efforts between now and 2030. from a sector that currently pandemic has mangrove protection, and water multiday fishing craft, but other types of fishing craft too would The aim is to halve GHG accounts for one-third of the management could generate benefit by modern technology. emissions, regenerate nature, global total while creating a laid bare the $7.1 trillion in net benefits. Devananda made this statement when it was brought to his and ensure that the four billion source of employment, health, The COVID-19 pandemic has notice that both local and foreign defence personnel harass people most at risk globally can and carbon sinks dangers of being laid bare the dangers of being them for not equipping their craft with VMSs. Multiday fishing withstand the effects of climate One approach, which the UN unprepared, and unprepared, and the craft operators had told the Minister that when they fish in change and thrive in spite of Food Systems Summit is vulnerabilities in our current international waters in particular, they are harassed by foreign them. driving forward, is the Food and the economic and health systems. security personnel for not having their vessels equipped with We all have different Land Net Zero Country Alliance, vulnerabilities in It has demonstrated how VMSs and that they are falsely accused of being involved in the backgrounds. But we agree that a voluntary coalition of public, economic, and planetary illicit drug trade.” the COVID-19 pandemic’s countries that commit to net- our current health are inextricably linked – Meanwhile, with reference to ‘freedom of navigation, ‘, this devastating health and zero GHG emissions from food and that we must now restore newspaper yesterday carried an article under the heading: economic effects highlight our and land use by 2050. The economic and all three together. And this year ‘President and Japan’s Def Min in teleconference.’ responsibility – and create a alliance seeks to achieve this in health systems. offers three opportunities to To quote excerpts, it said, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and unique opportunity – to imagine a manner that increases advance that agenda. Japanese Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi held a teleconference a more prosperous future for productivity for smallholder It has In September, the first-ever on 7 July, the Japanese Embassy in Sri Lanka said. both people and planet. farmers and enables them to demonstrated UN Food Systems Summit will At this teleconference meeting, Kishi expressed strong Abundance in a zero- produce more nutritious and galvanise governments and the opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo emissions world means no sustainable products. how public, private sector to commit to by coercion in the East and South China Seas. Both sides longer exploiting and wasting Work to cut emissions is well sustainable solutions to some affirmed that they will send a clear message about the finite resources, but rather underway. Although it needs to economic, and of the world’s biggest importance of free, open, and rules-based maritime order. The valuing the nature that accelerate, the solutions are planetary health challenges: poverty, gender Embassy said. sustains and protects us. It’s largely known. Less understood inequality, hunger, and climate “Both sides also concurred in maintaining close about living with an abundance is the Paris agreement’s call to are inextricably change. communication between respective defence authorities and of clean air and water, set out national plans for That will set the stage for proactively promoting defence cooperation and exchanges to biodiversity, jobs, healthy food, enhancing climate adaptation linked – and that October’s UN Biodiversity uphold and reinforce a free and open Indo-Pacific,” it added. equality, and justice. capacity, strengthening we must now Conference (COP15) in They also concurred that Japan and Sri Lanka will further To that end, the 2015 Paris resilience, and reducing Kunming, China, where promote bilateral defence cooperation and exchanges based on climate agreement aims to limit vulnerability to climate change. restore all three governments will create a the ‘memorandum on Defence Cooperation and Exchanges’ global warming to well below But the two goals – mitigating together. And this framework for reversing signed in 2019, the Embassy further said. 2° Celsius relative to pre- climate change and preparing biodiversity loss this decade. The duo also exchanged views on bilateral defence industrial levels, and to strive for its effects – are year offers three Then, at the UN’s COP26 cooperation and exchanges and welcomed the steady progress to keep it to 1.5°C. The science interdependent. climate summit in Glasgow in being made in a broad range of areas, including Naval makes clear that every fraction After all, the rollout of solar opportunities to November, they can leverage cooperation and aerial cooperation. In this context, both sides of a degree of warming results energy and wind farms, electric advance that these new commitments to welcomed the bilateral exercise ‘JA-LAN EX’ which was in many more deaths and transport networks, and other transform food systems and successfully conducted in September 2020, Maritime Self- economic damage around the clean infrastructure is a crucial agenda regenerate nature to develop Defence Force (Japanese Navy) vessel’s first participation in world. The private sector, local part of the transition to a zero- strengthened climate action Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise governments, communities, emissions economy. But we plans that match the Paris hosted by Sri Lanka and the US, which took place last week, as and individuals therefore have need to build that mangroves, and ocean agreement’s goals. well as the successful delivery of the online Air Rescue seminar strong incentives to act on the infrastructure to withstand ecosystems. But the lessons The three summits give in May 2021. Paris goals, even if it means extreme heat and cold, floods, from these locally led projects national governments the “Both sides confirmed that they will share knowledge and stepping out ahead of their droughts, and wildfires. We also must be shared around the opportunity to heed the chorus lessons learned from infectious disease control measures taken national governments. need to develop it in the most world. of businesses, investors, cities, by the defence authorities.” These efforts will address climate-vulnerable countries to Finance will be crucial in this regions, and citizens calling for In as much as Japan is concerned about freedom of factors contributing to major power more resilient and race to abundance, and – as UN a healthier, more resilient navigation, including on the seas bordering Sri Lanka, one of Sri health problems and premature profitable livelihoods, such as Secretary-General António future. We can all be winners in Lanka’s biggest problems is as mentioned aforesaid, however, is deaths – including air pollution sustainable food systems. Guterres has advocated – needs the race to sustainable harassment of its fishers on international waters by certain from fossil fuels, extreme heat, Building resilience starts with to be split evenly between abundance. The starter pistol powers (not Japan) and not ‘freedom of navigation’ per se. and unhealthy diets – while local, community-tailored mitigation and adaptation. has sounded. Therefore, Sri Lanka in turn should get Japan’s support to promoting economic growth solutions, from early-warning Doing so will unlock benefits, stop such harassment of local fishers sailing on international and creating millions of jobs. systems for extreme weather to much like financing clean (Courtesy: www.project- waters. For example, by rethinking the the restoration of natural power does. According to the syndicate.org) food system – from the way food capital such as forests, Global Commission on Column Monday 12 July 2021 A7 Can or Should the President Reverse the Agro Chemical Ban? By Shivanthi Ranasinghe

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa won the 2019 Presidential Election with an overwhelming majority. Under the prevailing Election system it is considered almost an impossibility to win such a majority. Yet, he did. The core teams that spearheaded his meticulous campaign, namely Eliya and Viyathmaga and the host of other civil groups that gathered under the former Defence Secretary, might be attributing his victory to their professionalism and commitment. Sajith’s and Gotabaya’s Walk to Presidency

Even before the dust from President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s ouster in 2015 could settle, loyalists and professionals gathered around Gotabaya Rajapaksa Detrimental use of pesticides is common in developing countries causing rashes while thousands die from pesticide and agro chemical poisoning and together, they took measured and timely steps to educate the people about policy formulation. A man obsessed with Any change, radical or not, will have organic fertiliser long before the for and against the ban, continue to the dangers the country faces under the numbers than quality, he exhausted repercussions. It is the moral duty of Government directive. “We are now move within their tight circle. There is Yahapalana Government and the socio- himself by embarking on a marathon of those with knowledge and/or experience reaping the benefits of this conversion,” yet be a fresh perspective to this economic relevance of the plans that pocket meetings and public gatherings. to share their views at the onset. Even he said. They not only get a good harvest subject. We do not speak of the were in action during President Mahinda His speeches were a comic relief to the the most negative view then becomes a but also the people in the area are now ancient practices that worked. Rajapaksa’s time. Well before the 2019 days leading up to the Presidential contribution. Protests now is not helpful enjoying healthier lives than before, he Legumes are good sources of Presidential Elections rolled in, Elections. The opening remarks of the as it only serves as a hindrance. stated. nitrogen. The National Fertiliser Presidential Candidate Gotabaya very first speech he made upon finally Viyathmaga was a forum that took all Therefore, he asked the Government Tree - the Mee Gaha - is an Rajapaksa released his manifesto. In it, receiving nominations from the UNP was those contributed views on board before to continue with this new policy. excellent source of nitrogen. So he pledged to continue the Mahinda to apologise for equating his mouth to formulating the agrarian policies of the However, he requested for the fertiliser much so, the British forced Chinthanaya and outlined the key Lord Buddha’s. Gotabaya Rajapaksa Administration. and compatible seeds to be provided at occupiers had these trees cut into a objectives he will deliver during his five Against Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s well There can be many who might be, for the right time to the right place. He also stump to destroy our agricultural years in office. thought out policies, articulated in an various reasons, averse to contributing noted that the ground level officers practices. This is a stark contrast from the even tone, Sajith Premadasa cut a very to the Viyathmaga forum. However, they suffer from lacunae of practical Nor do we hear of new haphazard and messy approach of his pathetic figure. Almost every time he could have just as easily used the same knowledge. methodologies like hydroponic and main opponent Sajith Premadasa. Even opened his mouth, he only revealed just forums they are using today to offer their At this meeting, the President aquaponics. Countries from the on the day of commencement of the how little time and effort he had spent differing opinions. observed that the country spends about Netherlands to Bangladesh to postal votes, Premadasa was struggling on understanding on this serious matter Had these concerns and suggestions Rs 80 billion per annum on agro Singapore are looking at floating to get his policy statements out. of governing the country. such as to start this program as a pilot fertilisers. Instead of agro fertiliser the farms as a serious venture. These Once it finally emerged political However, given the rising crescendo of project than a Nationwide initiative were Administration will utilise this money to new technologies are using the analysts were aghast to find that his protests over the ban on agrochemicals, made then, the voter would have had an pay the farmers a pension as well as an organic matter including waste from plans for the country were identical to the interesting question before us is educated choice before them. After all, insurance scheme explained the fish and other marine creatures as the new draft constitution that TNA whether President Gotabaya won the according to these experts the Agriculture Minister Mahindananda a viable source of plant nutrients. spokesman MA Sumanthiran tried to presidential elections because of his consequences of this absolute ban on Aluthgamage. These are expected to reduce push into the hands of the Yahapalana manifesto or due to a protest vote agrochemicals can be so severe that we This is a very good move on the part of carbon emissions whilst increasing Government. Then Prime Minister Ranil against the most unpopular Yahapalana might face a food scarcity in the near the Government. As outlined by the food production. Wickremesinghe was shrewd enough to Government. Did those who are now future. The voter had a right to this side Ampara representative, even with a At the very least, we are not know that this new draft constitution howling their protests not read his of the debate before the Elections. This guaranteed price of Rs 50 per kilogram discussing the remedies at hand if will gain neither the support from the manifesto? would have also given the opportunity of paddy, the farmer earns a paltry sum. the new policy on banning a practice majority or minority communities Dictator or Democrat? for the authors of Vistas of Prosperity From a two and half acre paddy field the that we are now familiar with will outside the North and East Tamils. Yet, and Splendor to factor these also on harvest is about 5,000 kg. If this was lead to food scarcity. If there is a this was basically what the Yahapalana One of the main contentions of those board. sold at the guaranteed price of Rs 50 per danger of scarcity, then the two Government promised to engineer when siding with agro chemicals is President Yet, until the day that President kilo, the farmer’s total earnings would be aspects we should be mindful would they co-sponsored the UNHRC Gotabaya’s refusal to reverse or Gotabaya took the decision to ban agro Rs 250,000. The farmer must set aside be: Resolution 30/1 against Sri Lanka. He reconsider the ban. They thus accuse chemicals, all these concerned experts about Rs 100,000 for the next season’s 1.) preserving what we have at hand thus very craftily tabled the draft him of being inflexible and not giving and land owners stayed silent. Now that cultivation. Then, the farmer is only left 2.) reducing waste constitution without taking any them space for their concerns or the decision has been taken and with Rs 150,000, which must last him Especially the second point is a vital ownership to it. Thereby he appeased suggestions. In other words, they are implemented, this group wants for the next six months, which amounts one. We regularly hear of the wastage his western handlers who hoisted him to accusing President Gotabaya of being President to reconsider or reverse it. This to less than Rs 25,000 per month. that occurred whilst transporting and power whilst minimising the damage dictatorial. brings us to the second question on this The President acknowledging the storing food. However, there is not against him from it on the domestic In response, President Gotabaya has matter. difficulties faced by the farmers, enough awareness of the wastage that political front. pointed out that he is simply fulfilling an 2.) Can the President reverse the ban explained that the Government will happens in the kitchen and at our home There were also accusations from the Election pledge that is clearly outlined in on chemical fertiliser? introduce a system for the farmers to fronts. Awareness alone is obviously not Gotabaya camp that Premadasa had his manifesto. Then, comes the The ban on agro chemicals is an benefit directly from savings from the enough. The nation must be inspired to simply repeated certain points directly questions: election pledge. The pledge was made agro chemicals. save what we have and make the most of from their candidate’s manifesto. It 1.) why did these protestors comprised months ahead of the presidential This is the Government’s plan in a it. This is a task before the Government, appears that Premadasa did not have agro experts and farmers not air their elections. The obvious understanding nutshell. As far as the Administration is all leaders of the society, relevant subject time actually to sit and plan how he will concerns at the time this policy was first and expectation would be that those concerned, they have got the mandate to experts, schools and parents. govern the country if he won and so made public? who voted for Gotabaya Rajapaksa to proceed. No one, especially those who Whether we like it or not, the collaged other people’s work as his own. Especially the agro experts, many with have read and understood his plans for held their tongue during the formation Government has banned agro It is true that he had to first wrestle doctorates, had a duty to do so before the country and supported it. or publication of these policies, can now chemicals. Judging by the election the candidature from his party. the Elections took place. This kind of At a recent meeting with the farmers’ accuse the President of being arrogant results, it can be presumed that the However, this is not an acceptable debate is an essential component in societies that represent 1.1 million or dictatorial. If there is a breakdown in majority supports the Government’s excuse. He should have had his policy democracy. Whether these experts were farmers from every district through democratic norms on this matter, then decision. Then, a minority should not try statements at least in the making before or against the Pohottuwa candidate is about 17,000 associations and around the responsible party is not the to move against a majority by making he demanded to be the UNP’s immaterial. Once this came out as a 350 Agrarian Services Centres held at president but those protesting experts late presentations against the policy. presidential nominee. He, like Gotabaya policy statement of a candidate with the the Presidential Secretariat the views and other stakeholders who did not This ban may not be the best decision, Rajapaksa, should have spent the potential to be the next President of the exchanged between the Administration speak on time. or the best way to implement it. previous four years speaking with country, those with concerns should and the farming community were quite Tunnel Vision However, the worst thing now would be subject experts and working together to have come forth with it - irrespective of different to the concerns aired in to divided on the issue and pull from the identify the policies needed for the their political affiliations. especially the English media. The most contentious aspect of this sides. As citizens our duty is to now country and how to enact and sustain it. This would have broadened the A representative from Kilinochchi argument is not the debate itself, but the make this decision work. His focus however was not on the collective understanding on the subject. claimed that their district converted to narrowness of our vision. Both sides, [email protected] We are Winning By Umberto Bacchi supportive of LGBT+ rights but now see while he was leaving the United Nations it’s a common challenge. I think this is a building in central Tbilisi after a Although he was “nearly killed” by a positive outcome of the whole week,” he meeting. violent mob last week, the organiser of told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. The interior ministry said it had Tbilisi Pride said he felt upbeat after Georgia has witnessed a cultural warned LGBT+ activists of the dangers Georgians responded with an clash between liberal forces and and that the police were mobilised, with outpouring of support for LGBT+ rights. religious conservatives over the past about 3,200 officers on standby to While a “March for Dignity” was decade as it has modernised and safeguard march. disrupted by protesters before it began introduced progressive reforms, though Police said 15 people were arrested and Tbilisi Pride’s offices were it remains mostly conservative on social over Monday’s violence and a further ransacked last Monday, Giorgi Tabagari issues. 100 were detained for attempting to described a pro-LGBT+ rally on Tuesday Georgia’s second-ever Pride event attack the pro-LGBT+ rally on Tuesday. as “truly historic” for the former Soviet drew condemnation from the outset “Intensive investigative and search republic. from the Orthodox Church and activities are in progress,” the interior Thousands of people gathered outside conservatives who said the event had no ministry said in a statement. parliament in an unprecedented show of place in the country, which has pursued Georgia has passed laws against solidarity, denouncing the previous democratic and economic reforms in a discrimination and hate crimes, but day’s violence as LGBT+ campaigners bid to join the European Union. LGBT+ rights groups say there is a lack unfurled a rainbow flag and set off Opposition parties and rights groups of adequate protection by law coloured smoke bombs to chants of this week accused the government of enforcement officials and homophobia we still have to fight for survival and to “Lots of people from the queer “Georgia, Georgia”. failing to prevent or even stoking the remains widespread. have our place in society,” he said, community went out on the streets, “We are winning the information war,” violence as Prime Minister Irakli Tabagari began his career as adding that the dramatic events of the despite facing serious life-threatening Tabagari said, adding that last Monday’s Garibashvili said in the run-up that the co-founder of the Georgian branch of the week had left a “bittersweet taste”. challenges,” he said. “The community is (5) violence - in which 55 people, mostly march was “not reasonable” and risked European Youth Parliament - whose “I am really exhausted. I want to getting empowered. More and more journalists, were injured - forced many causing confrontation. mission is to bring young people escape somewhere, hide for some time people are speaking out for their rights Georgians to pick sides, shoring up “We saw the state system failing to together as open-minded, active citizens and not think about anything, just rest,” and for their liberties - and this is support for the LGBT+ community. provide an adequate response,” said - before working to promote fair he said. exactly what is going to bring changes in “It was an important eye-opening for a Tabagari, who on Monday narrowly elections and LGBT+ rights. Tabagari then plans to try organise the end.” lot of people who were not previously so escaped a mob that surrounded his car “Our Pride is more of a resistance and another Tbilisi Pride for 2022. Thomson Reuters Foundation A8 Monday 12 JULY 2021 Asia Taliban Captures Key Afghanistan Border Crossings

The Taliban have captured major UK Chief of Defence Staff General border crossings with Iran and Sir Nick Carter told the BBC’s Today Turkmenistan in a sweeping offensive programme that one of three across northern Afghanistan, officials scenarios would likely unfold in say. Afghanistan. The militants say they seized two Firstly, the Afghan Government key border towns - Islam Qala near could “hold the ring, as it’s Iran, and Torghundi bordering demonstrating through holding all the Turkmenistan. provincial capitals at the moment”, he Video footage appeared to show said. Taliban forces taking down the Afghan “The second scenario I think is a flag from the roof of a border customs very sad scenario, where the country office. fractures and you see the Government The Taliban are rapidly retaking collapse. You see the Taliban perhaps land across Afghanistan as the US-led controlling part of the country, and mission removes the last of its troops. the other nationalities and ethnicities Taliban officials say their fighters controlling other parts of the country, have taken control of 85 per cent of like we saw in the 1990s,” he said. territory in Afghanistan - a claim “A third, more hopeful, scenario, is impossible to independently verify where you actually see a political and disputed by the Government. compromise and talks occurring. U.S. Other estimates have put the operations in Afghanistan will amount of territory the Taliban officially end on 31 August, but the controls at more than a third of the vast majority of foreign troops have country’s 400 districts, including an already left.” arc of land from the Iranian border in Peace talks between the the west to the frontier with China on Government and the Taliban the other side of the country. continue, but the talks have regularly The Americans earlier this week stalled and failed to progress quietly departed from Bagram airfield, Afghan soldiers search a man at a checkpoint in Herat province. The Army has lost ground to the Taliban. (BBC) significantly. a sprawling base that was the centre (BBC) of U.S. operations in Afghanistan and once held tens of thousands of troops. crossing was “under our full control”. of Americans to war in Afghanistan Afghan officials acknowledged the Reports said Taliban fighters had with no reasonable expectation of loss of the Islam Qala and Torghundi seized five districts in Herat without a achieving a different outcome,” Biden border crossings, both in Herat fight. said. province. Earlier this week, more than 1,000 He admitted it was “highly unlikely” The Islam Qala crossing is one of members of the Afghan security forces the Afghan Government would be able the biggest trade gateways into Iran, fled into Tajikistan, which lies north- to control the entire country. generating an estimated USD 20 east of Afghanistan, as the Taliban Some U.S. intelligence analysts fear million in monthly revenue for the advanced around them. the Taliban could seize control of the Government. The Torghundi border Russia on Friday (9) said the country within six months, according town is one of two trade gateways into Taliban had taken control of about to an assessment distributed to Turkmenistan. two-thirds of the Afghan-Tajik border officials in June. Afghan forces are trying to in a swift advance. Russian Foreign Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has recapture the two border crossings, a Ministry spokeswoman Maria insisted that Afghan security forces Government spokesperson said. Zakharova said Moscow was urging are capable of keeping the Taliban at “All Afghan security forces including all sides in Afghanistan to “show bay, and Afghan forces appear to have the border units are present in the restraint”. retaken lost ground in some areas. area, and efforts are under way to The reports came hours after U.S. According to officials, troops on recapture the site,” Interior Ministry President Joe Biden defended his Wednesday (7) recaptured spokesman Tareq Arian told the AFP administration’s decision to withdraw Government buildings in the western news agency. from Afghanistan after 20 years of city of Qala-e-Naw - the first major Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman war. provincial capital entered by the for the Taliban, said the Islam Qala “I will not send another generation Taliban in their latest offensive.

Dhaka, Bangladesh Tokyo, Japan Body of missing English teacher found

The body of an English The Foreign Office said teacher who went missing it was “supporting her in Japan has been found. family at this difficult Alice Hodgkinson, from time” and was “in contact Nottingham, was reported with local authorities in missing by her manager Japan”. on 1 July after she failed Hodgkinson taught at to arrive at work in Tokyo. Shane English School and Nottinghamshire Police lived in the neighbouring said there were not Kanagawa prefecture. believed to be any Her family paid tribute suspicious circumstances to friends and family in surrounding her death. the UK and Japan who The 28-year-old’s family helped with efforts to find said she was “an her. intelligent, adventurous, “Their support at this confident, caring, young difficult time has been woman with a truly humbling,” they tremendous sense of said. Alice Hodgkinson was reported missing after humour”. (BBC) failing to turn up for work. (BBC) Firefighters work at the site of a fire that broke out on Thursday (8) at Hashem Foods Ltd factory in Rupganj, Narayanganj District, on the outskirts of Dhaka, Bangladesh, 10 July 2021. (Reuters) Factory owner Mumbai, India Twitter appoints grievance arrested over fire that officer to comply with new rules Twitter Inc’s India unit killed 52 workers appointed a resident grievance officer, days after designating a The owner of a food-processing factory in Four of the factory owner’s sons and three chief compliance officer, to meet Bangladesh was arrested for murder on company officials were also arrested over the new IT rules in the country, Saturday (10) over a fire that killed 52 people fire at the factory, where chemicals and amid tensions with the who were trapped inside the building, Police inflammable materials were stored. Firefighters Government. said. were unable to put out the blaze until late on The website of the U.S. social The six-storey factory outside the capital Friday (9), and the cause of the fire is still media firm on Sunday (11) Dhaka was built without permission, being investigated. showed Vinay Prakash as the according to Police who said it had no District police chief Jayedul Alam said a new grievance officer along with emergency fire exits and lacked adequate separate investigation had been launched into his contact details and safety measures. allegations that the factory employed children procedures for users to report Some workers managed to reach the roof and as young as 11. potential violations of its rules were rescued after the building caught ablaze Fires kill hundreds of people a year in and terms. on Thursday, but many could not escape, said Bangladesh, where some buildings have poor On Thursday (8), Twitter had Police, adding that one of the doors leading safety standards, according to safety experts told an Indian court it would regulating content on social as WhatsApp and Amazon, has from the stairs to the roof was locked. and rights groups. appoint an interim grievance media and making firms act ratcheted up friction between The arrested man owned private firm Government officials promised better safety officer to comply with the new more swiftly on legal requests to the U.S. tech firms and Prime Hashem Food and Beverage, a unit of Sajeeb standards after the 2013 collapse of the Rana rules. It had also said it planned remove posts and sharing Minister Narendra Modi’s Group, which he also owned, according to Plaza garment factory building in Dhaka that to have a final appointment for details on the originators of Government and upset the police. killed more than 1,000 workers and injured the job in eight weeks. messages. business environment in a key Hashem and Sajeeb did not respond to hundreds. The IT rules, which became But the regulatory scrutiny of growth market. requests for comment. (Reuters) effective end-May, are aimed at Twitter, along with others such (Reuters) World monday 12 July 2021 A9 Assassinated Haiti President’s Widow Speaks for First Time

The injured widow of Haiti’s Americas, since 2017. His time in Haitian Police have said the majority president has described the moment office was rocky as he faced of the mercenaries was Colombian, assassins “riddled” her husband with accusations of corruption and there while two were joint U.S. nationals. bullets after bursting into their home were widespread demonstrations in Seventeen of the group were in the middle of the night. the capital and other cities earlier this detained in the capital Port-au-Prince Martine Moïse said the attack year. after a gun battle. Three suspects were happened so quickly, her husband Parliamentary elections should have killed by Police, and eight others are Jovenel was unable to “say a single been held in October 2019 but still being sought. word”. disputes have delayed them, meaning Colombia’s Government has pledged President Moïse was killed on 7 July, Moïse had been ruling by decree. He to assist Haiti with its investigation allegedly by 28 foreign mercenaries. had planned to hold a referendum on efforts. Mrs Moïse was also injured in the the proposed constitutional changes Colombian Police director, Gen attack, and was flown to Miami for this September. Jorge Luis Vargas, said 17 former treatment. In February this year, on the day the Colombian soldiers were thought to be On Saturday (10), she posted a voice opposition wanted him to leave office, involved. The U.S. State Department, message to her Twitter page vowing to Moïse said an attempt to kill him and meanwhile, said it could not confirm if continue his work. A number of people overthrow the Government had been any of its citizens had been detained. have confirmed it is the president’s foiled. However, U.S. and Canadian Media wife. It is still unclear who organised are reporting that one of the dual “In the blink of an eye, the Wednesday’s attack and with what citizens arrested, James Solages, 35, mercenaries entered my house and motive. A number of questions remain is from Florida and was a former riddled my husband with bullets,” Mrs unanswered, including how the bodyguard at the Canadian embassy Moïse says in the recording, describing Martine Moïse said her tears would “never dry” following her husband Jovenel’s alleged assassins were able to enter in Haiti. the moment the attackers killed her assassination (pictured in 2017). (BBC) the property. Moïse’s bodyguards are An investigating judge told local husband. due to be questioned next week. media that Solages and the other U.S. “This act has no name because you in particular, mentioning a cannot let the country lose its way,” One prominent opposition figure has citizen, named as Joseph Vincent, had have to be a limitless criminal to referendum on changes to the she added. “We cannot let the blood of openly expressed scepticism over the said they were there as translators for assassinate a President like Jovenel constitution which could have given President Jovenel Moïse, my husband, current version of events. Former the mercenaries. Moïse, without even giving him the the President more power. our president whom we love so much Haitian senator Steven Benoit told “The mission was to arrest President chance to say a single word,” she The unnamed people, she said, and who loved us in return, flow in local station Magik9 radio on Friday Jovenel Moïse... and not to kill him,” continued. “want to assassinate the President’s vain.” (9) it was “not Colombians who killed Judge Clément Noël told Le She suggested her husband was dream”. Moïse, 53, had been President of him”, but did not provide evidence to Nouvelliste. targeted because for political reasons - “I am crying, it is true, but we Haiti, the poorest nation in the back up his claims. (BBC)

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Charlottesville, United States Majority of Brazilians support impeaching Bolsonaro - Poll For the first time, a majority of Brazilians support impeaching President Jair Bolsonaro, according to a poll released on Saturday (10), as serious graft allegations related to vaccine procurement hit the right-wing leader’s already battered image. According to the survey by Datafolha, 54 per cent of Brazilians support a proposed move by the country’s lower house to open impeachment proceedings against Bolsonaro, while 42 per cent oppose it. In the last Datafolha survey on the issue, released in May, supporters and opponents of impeachment were essentially tied. In a separate Datafolha poll, Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro looks on during a ceremony at the Planalto released on Thursday (8), 51 per Palace in Brasilia, Brazil, 29 June 2021. (Reuters) cent of Brazilians said they disapproved of Bolsonaro, the action appeared to have been taken. uncovered amid an ongoing Senate highest figure since he took office in Last week, a Supreme Court judge investigation, a pair of deadly January 2019. authorised an investigation into the coronavirus waves this year have In recent weeks, Brasilia has been President for dereliction of duty. chipped away at the popularity of rocked by allegations that federal In a radio interview on Saturday, the former army captain, who has officials solicited bribes to fast-track Bolsonaro said he had taken consistently downplayed the and overpay for the Covaxin vaccine measures after the officials shared pandemic’s severity and sown A statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee is removed after years of a legal battle developed by India’s Bharat Biotech. their concerns about the Covaxin doubts about the safety of vaccines. over the contentious monument, in Charlottesville, Virginia, the U.S, 10 July 2021. In late June, Brazil’s Health Ministry deal, but he did not elaborate further. Datafolha surveyed 2,074 (Reuters) suspended the 1.6 billion-real (USD “I meet with 100 people per month Brazilians face-to-face on 7 and 8 304 million) procurement deal. about the most varied topics July. The poll has a margin of error A Health Ministry official and a imaginable,” he told Radio Gaucha of two percentage points, meaning congressman have said they shared in southern Brazil. “I took measures results could vary by that much Confederate statue that their concerns about the Covaxin in this case.” either way. deal with Bolsonaro, but that no In addition to the vaccine scandal, (Reuters) sparked rally taken down

A statue of an American Confederate tensions were further inflamed by general at the centre of a violent rally in former President Donald Trump’s Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Charlottesville nearly four years ago insistence that there was “blame on has been taken down. both sides”. Onlookers cheered as the statue of Charlottesville had continued to PM Abiy’s party wins landslide victory in election General Robert E Lee was put onto a push for the removal of the Lee statue truck and driven away for storage. after the protests, but was prevented Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s to open up one of Africa’s last Plans to remove the statue prompted from acting by legal action and changes Prosperity Party won the most seats untapped markets. a white nationalist rally in August to the law. in Ethiopia’s Parliamentary Election, He now faces international 2017. Then in April, Virginia’s highest court the election board said on Saturday pressure over the war in Tigray and An anti-racism protester, Heather ruled the statue could be taken down. (10), a victory that assures him accusations from rights groups that Heyer, was murdered by a neo-Nazi Charlottesville had welcomed viewers another term in office. his government is rolling back some who drove into her at a counter- to watch the statues come down early Abiy hailed the 21 June vote as new freedoms, which it denies. protest. on Saturday (10) morning. the country’s first free and fair Abiy’s newly formed Prosperity Party Her killer was later sentenced to life As a crane neared the monument, election after decades of repressive faced a fragmented opposition of in prison. Charlottesville’s mayor Nikuyah Walker rule. However, an opposition dozens of mostly ethnically-based Another statue of General Thomas said its removal was an important boycott, war in the northern region parties. The opposition parties Ezema “Stonewall” Jackson has also been signal to the whole country. of Tigray, ethnic violence and and the National Movement of Amhara removed. “Taking down this statue is one small logistical challenges in some areas (NAMA) each won less than 10 seats. Memorials to the pro-slavery step closer to the goal of helping overshadowed the election. Voting Voting in the Harar and Somali Confederacy - the southern states Charlottesville, Virginia and America did not take place in three of regions was delayed until September which revolted against the Federal grapple with its sin of being willing to Ethiopia’s 10 regions. over security concerns and Government during the U.S. Civil War - destroy black people for economic Abiy’s party won 410 of 436 problems with ballot papers. have long stirred controversy. gains,” she said. parliamentary seats, Election Board No date has been set for voting in Hundreds of statues of Lee, Jackson Take ‘Em Down CVille, a group which Deputy Chairperson Woubshet Tigray, where the military has been and other famous Confederate figures has campaigned for the statues’ Ayele announced in the capital battling forces loyal to the Tigray exist throughout the U.S. removal, applauded news of the Addis Ababa. Chairperson Birtukan People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), the Some see them as markers of U.S. removal. Mideksa said the board had region’s former ruling party, since history and southern culture. But to “No one believes that removing the delivered a credible election. November. The fighting has displaced others, they serve as an offensive statues will end white supremacy but Opposition leader Berhanu Nega two million people, and the United reminder of America’s history of slavery this is an important step - and one long said his Ethiopian Citizens for Nations has warned of famine and racial oppression. past due,” it said. Social Justice party (Ezema) had Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed conditions in parts of the region. The “Unite the Right” march held in City officials say the statues will be filed 207 complaints after local At the end of June, the TPLF Charlottesville, Virginia, was one of the held in a secure location until the officials and militiamen blocked reforms when he was appointed seized control of most of Tigray and largest such gatherings in decades, and council decides where to relocate them. observers in the Amhara region and prime minister by the governing the regional capital Mekelle, eight drew hundreds of neo-Nazis, white Local officials have said they plan to Southern Nations, Nationalities and coalition in 2018. months after the conflict erupted. nationalist and Ku Klux Klan members. redesign the park spaces where the Peoples’ region. Within months of taking office, The Government announced a Dozens were injured in the violence statues are located “in a way that The election was the first test of Abiy lifted a ban on opposition unilateral ceasefire after days of that erupted between the marchers and promotes healing and that tells a more voter support for Abiy, who parties, released tens of thousands TPLF advances. counter-protesters. complete history of Charlottesville”. promised political and economic of political prisoners and took steps (Reuters) The events stunned the U.S. and (BBC) B10 Monday 12 July 2021

To meet demands of int’l shipping industry ECT, WCT to be Completed by 2025 By Mario Andree industries such as bunkering, provision of container throughput of 700,000 TEUs, a 35 warehouse and storage facilities, per cent increase in the first four months of The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) hopes shipbuilding and repairing, insurance, 2021. to complement the East Container Terminal banking and other services. Revenue generated by the SLPA increased (ECT) and develop the West Container According to them, these developments will by 23 per cent to Rs 17,024 million in the Terminal (WCT) parallelly during the next five yield high dividends both financially and first four months of 2021, compared to the years and be fully operational in 2025 to cater socially over the medium term through direct same period of 2020, while total expenditure to the increasing demand of services in the and indirect employment, transfer of increased by 10 per cent to Rs 10,549 Email: [email protected] international shipping industry. technology which will add value to the million. The Government of Sri Lanka embarked on economy and increase productivity. As such, SLPA’s profits before tax (PBT) an aggressive port-related infrastructure During the first four months of the year increased by 7 per cent to Rs 4,993 million in Friday Markets development drive in the first quarter of 2021. 2021, 1,303 cargo and other ships and the first four months of 2021, compared to The SLPA commenced the development of vessels have called at SLPA operated ports of the PBT of Rs 4,675 million recorded in the ECT and WCT with private sector participation. Colombo, Trincomalee and Galle, which is a same period of 2020. The foreign and local According to the Government of Sri Lanka, 35 per cent increase compared to the same debt of the entity reached Rs 55,096 million Shares hit near the SLPA’s expansion programme will result in period of 2020. and Rs 8,795 million, respectively as at end 2-week high the introduction and growth of ancillary Accordingly, SLPA handled the total April 2021. By Mario Andree

The Colombo Stock Exchange ended the Amidst Inflationary pressure, uncertainty week, on Friday (9), on a high note as the benchmark index gained for the third consecutive session on a higher turnover to record a near two-week high despite CBSL to hold largest T Bill auction continued foreign exits from the Colombo Bourse. By Paneetha Ameresekere Meanwhile, the split for splits of the T Bills maturing on an auction held on 29 June The benchmark All Share Price Index Wednesday’s T Bill issuance Friday are 91-day maturities 2021.. (ASPI), which started the day at 7,811.61 Central Bank of Sri Lanka comprises Rs 15,000 million 91- (Rs 24,643 million), 182-day Pressure on rates is due to a points, peaked to 7,864.30 points during (CBSL) will be holding its largest day (three month) T Bills, Rs 23, maturities (Rs 5,000 million) and mix of uncertainty and inflation. the day before slowing down to settle at ever Treasury (T) Bill auction, an 500 million 182-day (six month) 364 day maturities (Rs 21,500 Nonetheless, CBSL and the 7,852.19 points, gaining 40.58 points auction for the issue of Rs 56,000 and Rs 17,500 million 364 day million), respectively. Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) (0.52 per cent) compared to the previous million T Bills on Wednesday (14 (one year) T Bills, where the 364 Additionally, tomorrow want to artificially maintain a low days. This is the highest index value since July) to meet a total of Rs 51,143 day is being issued at a maximum (Tuesday, 13 July), CBSL will be rate regime to boost growth, 29 June this year. million T Bill maturities due on administered yield of 5.25 per holdings a Rs 50,000 million T where growth last year shrank/ Commercial Leasing and Finance, LOLC Friday (16 July) amidst cent, a week on week (WoW) Bond auction, the split being contracted by a historically high Holdings, Expolanka Holdings, John Keells inflationary pressure and increase of two bps (bps). 2023 maturities Rs 27,500 figure of 3.6 per cent (negative (-) Holdings and LOLC Finance pushed the uncertainty, CBSL data of last Though the MAYs of the 91-day million at a MAY of 6.40 per cent 3.6 per cent growth). `However, benchmark index up, while Kotmale Friday (9 July) showed. and the 182-day maturities have and 2028 maturities of Rs 22,500 the economy grew by 4.3 per cent Holdings, Distilleries Company, Carson Settlement is on Friday (16 July). not been specified, their weighted million for a MAY of 8.06 per cent, in the first quarter (1Q) of this Cumberbatch, HNB Finance and Nestle Previously, the highest T Bill average yields (WAYs) are not respectively. CBSL last sold 2023 year (2021), albeit from a low Lanka dragged the index down. offering was for the issuance for a allowed to go beyond the MAY maturities at an auction held on 1 base, where the economy The more liquid S&P SL20, which started sum of Rs 51,000 million; where specified for the 364-day June 2021 at a MAY of 6.40 per contracted/shrank by 1.8 per the day at 2,955.88 points, peaked to an auction for such a value was maturity. cent and that of 2028 maturities cent (negative (-) 1.8 per cent 2,984.66 points during the day before last held on 9 June 2021. In related developments, the at a MAY of eight per cent, i.e., at growth) in the 1Q of last year. slowing down to settle at 2,979.01 points, gaining 23.13 points (0.78 per cent) compared to the previous day’s close. The day’s turnover neared Rs 3.44 billion, higher than the Rs 1.24 billion recorded during the Market’s previous JAT Holding day’s trading. Panic Treasury sales Shares of 261 listed companies were traded during the day of which 104 were By Paneetha 165 consecutive market depreciative pressure. revenue hits winners ahead of 79 losers. Ameresekere days to Friday. If, however, trades were More than 446.9 million shares changed Liquidity increased by Rs executed even at the hands during the 17,357 trades that took Government of Sri 21,849.06 million (US$ administered selling rate of Rs 1.4B place. Lanka’s (GoSL’s) money 109.30 million) led by the Rs 203 to the dollar, the Foreigners continued to exit the CSE. printing borrowing costs settlement/s market exchange rate (MER) Amidst adverse The net foreign outflow (NFOs) during the (MPBCs) increased by 0.61 of GoSL’s swaps with in the interbank FX market economic conditions, day amounted to Rs 783 million as per cent (Rs 133.74 million) Central Bank of Sri Lanka will have had depreciated by compounded by a foreigners sold shares worth Rs 935 to Rs 21,941.39 million on (CBSL) and/or CBSL’s Rs 14.50 (7.69 per cent) in month-long island- million as against purchases worth Rs 152 Friday led by selling swaps with the market the calendar year to Friday wide lockdown, JAT million. pressure of riskless during Friday’s trading. Net and year on year by Rs17.10 Holdings recorded a The top ten winners during the day were: Treasury (T) Bills and T excess liquidity increased (9.20 per cent), thereby revenue of Rs 1.4 York Arcade, Commercial Development Bonds in secondary market by 0.20 per cent (Rs 169 causing cost-push billion during the Company, Samson International, Lake trading due to investor million) to Rs 85,167 inflationary pressure as Sri first quarter of FY22 House Printers, Mullers and Phipps, panic led by political million at the end of Lanka is an import Consolidated Profit Commercial Leasing and Finance, uncertainty. Friday’s trading. dependent economy. After Tax (PAT) for Tangerine Beach Hotels, CM Holdings, GoSL’s face value (FV) The interbank foreign Conversions are based on the quarter ended 30 Trans Asia Hotels and Renuka Holdings. MP debt decreased by 2.20 exchange market (FX) CBSL’s administered ‘spot’ June, 2021 was Rs The top ten losers were: Nation Lanka per cent (Rs 21,680.06 market was ‘dead’ for the price on Wednesday which 161 million, against Aelian Gunawardene, Finance, Renuka Foods (non-voting), million) to Rs 965,272.89 49th consecutive market was Rs 199.90 to the dollar. losses of Rs 107 Founder & Managing ACME Printing and Packaging, Kotmale million, thereby also day to Friday due to CBSL/ Transactions between GoSL million and Rs 7 Director – JAT Holdings Holdings, Arpico Insurance, Associated relieving demand-pull (GoSL) continuing to fix the and CBSL are foreign million for the same Motor Fiance, HNB Finance, Cargo Boat, inflationary pressure as benchmark ‘spot’ price at reserves neutral. CBSL quarter in FY21 and Asia Asset and Colombo Land. well on Friday. GoSL’s an unrealistic rate Rs lacks transparency in its FY20, respectively. FVMP debt has been over 202/203 to the US dollar in daily ‘open market Speaking about the Rs 0.5 trillion for a record two way quotes amidst operations’ statements. Company’s Q1 performance, as it stands on the threshold of a public listing, Aelian Gunawardene, Minister invites Founder and Managing Director of JAT Holdings, said “Through agile, investors to strategic decisions Nishal Ferdinando, and the expertise of Chief Executive Officer our diverse corporate – JAT Holdings Eastern Province management team, we have been able to take the necessary steps By Naalir Jamaldeen to deftly adapt to the post-pandemic environment. Our excellent business acumen, Backward Rural Areas Department State Minister, Sathasivam outstanding resource management and agile Viyalendiran said he invited frontline local investors to invest in manoeuvring are attested to by the incredible the Eastern Province to address the unemployment issue as well performance we have achieved during what as to develop the Eastern Province on par with other Districts. can only be described as a very tough Viyalendiran said he extended the invitation during a recent quarter. As the year progresses, we anticipate inspection tour to Aussee Oats Milling (Pvt) Ltd functioning in the further temperance of the pandemic and a Mirigama Investment Zone in Gampaha. wider recovery of economic activity. We “This factory which functions as an Indian investment has intend to use these improving conditions, and generated jobs for locals and a large number were employed the lessons we have learned, to continue to here,” he said. deliver stellar performance for our Viyalendiran said by starting an industrial park, in shareholders.” collaboration with such an internationally recognised company, Strong local market sales witnessed in the in the Eastern Province, skilled young men and women would get second half of FY21 continued during the a chance to obtain a knowledge of international industrial period, with the Sri Lankan market techniques as well as technological knowhow while making use of contributing 71% of total consolidated revenue their talent. for the period, followed by the international He said he invited officials of the company to visit the Batticaloa market segment which contributed 29% of District and start a factory in a suitable location in the district consolidated revenue during the quarter. after exploring the possibilities of making investments there. Consolidated gross profit margins were The State Minister expressed confidence that a large number of recorded at 27%, in line with the budget for employment opportunities could be generated for unemployed the quarter ended June 2021, whilst also youth in the district. demonstrating a margin expansion of around Viyalendiran said the Management of Aussee Oats Milling (Pvt) 4%, when compared to Q1 of FY21 and FY20. Ltd accepted his invitation and agreed to visit on an inspection The consolidated PAT of Rs 161 million tour of the Batticaloa District when travel restrictions between the accounted for 14% of the planned and targeted provinces were lifted. profit objective of Rs 1.2 billion for FY22. focus/news Monday 12 July 2021 CEYLON FT B11 Public Debt to Rise to 115% of GDP - WB By Paneetha Ameresekere rising foreign exchange refinancing requirements, a shortening of The fiscal deficit is projected to reach maturities and an increase in 9.4 per cent of GDP in 2021 and to borrowing costs, as well as elevated remain high in 2022 and 2023 despite exchange rate risks, the WB said. tightly controlled expenditures. A simple simulation of the impacts This is because revenue collection is of two scenarios on the global expected to remain weak due to recovery, a more positive and a more sluggish economic activity and the adverse international recovery revenue measures enacted in 2019, compared to the baseline (3.4per cent the World Bank (WB) in a report growth forecast for 2021), show a released recently in April, said. significant impact of global The report released four days prior developments on Sri Lanka’s growth to COVID-19’s third wave, i.e., on 13 path, with growth projected at 4.6 per April, focused on the effects COVID- cent in the former case, compared to 19’s first and second waves had on the only 2.0 per cent in the latter, the WB economy. Subsequently the WB said. released an update of their 9 April report on 20 June 2021. The update 15% GDP Budget Deficit however has not taken into account Meanwhile, a simple simulation of the impact of the current 3rd wave on an adverse fiscal scenario shows that the economy. The new update vis-à-vis the economy could contract further in the 9 April report at first glance has 2021, closer to 15per cent of GDP, the marginal differences if any and hence WB warned. Thus, striking a balance may be ignored in relation to these between supporting the economy amid series of articles which are based on COVID-19 and ensuring fiscal the WB’s latest report. Given high debt service obligations, to access financial markets sustainability is key, it said. A reform The COVID-19 pandemic made a the ratio of official reserves to short- frequently,’ the WB further said. programme to provide a fiscal anchor challenging situation worse, term external liabilities is expected to Constrained market access amid could help reduce debt vulnerabilities aggravating fiscal sustainability deteriorate further. In the medium- rating downgrades remains a key and lower sovereign risk, the WB said. concerns, it said. “As a result, public term, mobilising more non-debt challenge given the large refinancing But a longer downturn could push and publicly guaranteed (PPG) debt is creating sources of finance, for requirements. The COVID-19 shock many small and medium enterprises expected to reach 115.0 per cent of example, foreign direct investment came against the backdrop of pre- (SMEs) from illiquidity to insolvency, it GDP in 2021 and to rise further in (FDI), will be important, it said. existing weaknesses. Growth averaged warned. 2022 and 2023,’ the WB said. A higher than expected deficit or Continued import only 3.1 per cent between 2017 and Continued import restrictions and Due to the economic contraction and lower than expected GDP growth could 2019, the WB report said. the high debt burden will adversely the elevated fiscal deficit amid COVID- further affect market sentiments, the restrictions and Structural reforms to shift the affect growth and poverty reduction 19, public and publicly guaranteed WB warned. the high debt growth model towards wider private over the medium-term. Inflationary debt is estimated to have increased to sector participation, export- pressure is expected to materialise in 109.7 per cent of GDP in 2020, the Bank Lending burden will orientation, and integration into global 2021-2023 due to the partial report further said. Bank lending to the real estate value chains progressed slowly and, in monetisation of large fiscal deficits, While public expenditure increased, sector also remained low in 2020, the adversely affect addition, frequent macroeconomic the WB report warned. revenues declined, resulting in a WB added. growth and shocks disrupted economic activity. A longer downturn could push many widening of the fiscal deficit in 2020 to ‘Private credit from banks grew by Before the COVID-19 outbreak, the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) 12.6 per cent of GDP, up from 6.8 per only 6.4 per cent year on year (y-o-y) poverty reduction economy started recovering from the from illiquidity to insolvency. The cent in 2019, the report said. by end-December 2020. However, over over the medium- Easter Sunday Attacks that caused amount of debt and its composition Approximately two thirds of the the same period credit growth to the GDP growth to decelerate to 2.3 per imply significant fiscal risks. Sri Lanka deficit is estimated to have been Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) and term. Inflationary cent in 2019, the lowest in nearly two is highly susceptible to market financed by non-bank sources such as State-owned enterprises (SOEs) decades. sentiments as its debt repayment the Employees’ Provident Fund and reached 53.0 and 22.5 per cent y-o-y, pressure is COVID-19 manifested a new profile requires the country to access the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation, respectively. Of the total credit expected to economic shock with unparalleled financial markets frequently. while the remaining third was disbursed by the banking sector in economic consequences, the WB said. Constrained market access amid financed by domestic banks and the 2020, the private sector absorbed 20.3 materialise in Meanwhile, the current account rating downgrades remains a key Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). per cent while the Government and deficit is projected to remain low in challenge given the large refinancing Holdings of Treasury Bills by the public corporations received 69.6 per 2021-2023 due to 2021, with strict import restrictions requirements. A higher than expected CBSL, partly reflecting monetisation of cent and 10.1 per cent, respectively. the partial largely offsetting relatively low deficit or lower than expected GDP the deficit, reached unprecedented State-owned banks (SOBs) played an garment exports and tourism receipts, growth could further affect market levels in 2020 (4.8 per cent of GDP at important part in this as well. monetisation of the WB Report said. The ratio of public sentiments. the end of the year. Based on preliminary estimates, large fiscal and publicly guaranteed debt to GDP Thus, striking a balance between High fiscal deficits over the last private credit provided by all six State has increased substantially and supporting the economy amid COVID- years have resulted in mounting debt. Banks (Bank of Ceylon, HDFC Bank deficits, the WB external debt service will continue to 19 and ensuring fiscal sustainability is As a share of GDP, Public and Publicly of Sri Lanka, People's Bank, Regional be a major challenge going forward. key, the WB said. A reform programme Guaranteed (PPG) debt rose from 78.5 Development Bank, National Savings report warned The high primary deficit and the to provide a fiscal anchor could help per cent in 2015 to 94.3 per cent in Bank and State Mortgage and slow growth drove an estimated 15 reduce debt vulnerabilities and lower 2019, the Study added. Investment Bank) increased by nearly percentage points increase in the sovereign risk. Meanwhile, the currency swap with 20 per cent in the first nine months of public and publicly guaranteed debt- Prior to the pandemic, Sri Lanka’s the People’s Bank of China 2020 as compared to a meagre 2.4 to-GDP ratio to 109.7 per cent in 2020 economy was projected to grow at 3.3 (US$1.5billion) and a remaining per cent credit growth by private (up from 94.3 per cent in 2019). per cent in 2020. Instead, the COVID- tranche of US$ 700 million from the banks during the same period, the Approximately half of the 19 containment measures, especially China Development Bank will support WB said. Government’s debt is denominated in in the second and fourth quarter of Sri Lanka’s reserves in 2021, the WB foreign currency. Between 2021- 2020 and a standstill of tourism said. NPLs expiration of the debt moratorium 2023, around one third of the foreign activity impacted the economy Meanwhile, rising non performing which ended in April, the WB further currency debt is falling due, including significantly, it said. Beyond 2021 loans (NPLs) will weaken the lenders’ warned. four Eurobonds: (i) US$ 1.0 billion in Real GDP is estimated to have However, beyond 2021, significant risk appetite and eventually constrain Higher NPLs and financial losses will July 2021; (ii) US$ 500 million in contracted by 3.6 per cent in 2020, the additional borrowing will be required credit growth to the private sector, the place increasing pressure on the January 2022; (iii) USD 1.0 billion in worst performance on record, leading to close the external financing gap, WB warned. This is confirmed by the profitability and capital of banks in the July 2022 and (iii) US$ 1.25 billion in to widespread jobs and earnings with external public debt service CBSL credit supply and demand medium-term. April 2023. losses. requirements estimated at above US$ survey: banks forecasted a contraction ‘Sri Lanka is highly susceptible to The rising debt level and past (Next Monday: Amidst COVID-19 4.0 billion each year between 2021 of credit supply in fourth quarter 2020 market sentiments as its debt reliance on foreign-currency Pandemic: Tele-Working Widens and 2023, it said. in the face of rising NPLs after the repayment profile requires the country denominated commercial debt led to Inequalities-WB)

FMO extends fresh US contributes US$150 M for SMEs The United States is contributing to Sri Lanka’s economic resilience US$ 10M funding line to AFC through the provision of a financial facility of US$D 150 million. Alliance Finance Co PLC (AFC) has business philosophy of our Company The facility awarded by the United renewed its partnership with FMO; and our commitment to Sustainable States International Development the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development. It is also an indication Finance Corporation (DFC) to DFCC Development Bank, by receiving a of FMO’s commitment to supporting Bank as a Bilateral loan will go fresh funding line of USD 10 million rural communities in Sri Lanka towards the local Micro, Small and in June 2021 to financially empower during these tough and challenging Medium Enterprise (MSME)sector, and facilitate the development of the times amidst the Covid-19 as well as women-led enterprises in Micro, Small and Medium enterprise pandemic. We are very grateful to Sri Lanka. sector in Sri Lanka. FMO for coming forward to assist our This facility from the U.S. The AFC – FMO partnership began MSME customers who need our International Development Finance in 2018 and AFC was successful in support now more than ever.” Corporation to DFCC Bank is the obtaining USD 10 million, which The MSME sector is a significant largest loan disbursement by it to enabled AFC to finance over 15,000 contributor that can fuel the Sri Lanka to date. This loan also MSME entrepreneurs in building up anticipated economic development of contributes to DFC’s wider goals of their livelihoods. In addition to FMO, the country. However, the challenges empowering communities across the AFC also has partnerships with and constraints hindering their globe, as well as tackling gender Ambassador Alaina Teplitz Lakshman Silva reputed institutions such as Triodos, ability to reach their true potential inequality, and improving economic United States Ambassador to Sri Director/ CEO DFCC Bank PLC Symbiotics, DWM and IFC and has has remained more or less equity, both of which were Lanka & The Maldives successfully raised over USD 40Mn unchanged throughout. Finance, exacerbated by the COVID-19 Bank’s multi-faceted, multi- to date. AFC’s sustainable business being one of the key inputs for pandemic. the on-lending will be primarily thematic long-term vision 2030 philosophy, focused on sustainable development has always been Through this partnership, DFCC focused on women-led SMEs, with under its ‘Resilient Business’ development, was the key to insufficient for this sector given that Bank is geared to provide the overarching goal of driving strategic pillar. DFCC Bank will attracting these development finance 48% of borrowers in Sri Lanka yet comprehensive and varied women entrepreneurship. This continue to aid the development of institutions and impact investors. borrow from family, friends and on-lending solutions to priority initiative tackles one of the biggest the nation, aligned with their triple- Commenting on this important unregulated sources. Thus, the need sectors and support its commitment issues faced by women bottom line value creation milestone, Romani de Silva, Deputy to close the funding gap in this sector to achieve the United Nations entrepreneurs – limited access to framework for the years to come, Chairman and Managing Director of remains a key development priority in Sustainable Development Goals, finance, leading to a lack of capital with similar inclusivity-focused AFC stated, “This is a reflection of the the country and a key focus area of particularly enhancing the country’s and thereby low business initiatives that stand to benefit all confidence that FMO has in the the providers of financial services. efforts to achieve Goal 5: Gender capacities. stake-holders. Alpen Capital (ME) Equality. To achieve this, DFCC This funding provided by the Limited acted as the financial Bank will ensure that a portion of United States will support the advisor to the transaction. B12 Ceylon FT monday 12 july 2021 Corporate Colombo Stock Market Begins Second Phase of Digitalisation The Securities and Exchange Secretariat. is expected to be completed in three total local individual accounts digitalization of the stock market Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) along Following the COVID-19 outbreak phases. opened were through the app and with the third phase due to be with the Colombo Stock Exchange in Sri Lanka in March 2020, the Since the completion of the first 84% of the total accounts opened completed by the 4th quarter of (CSE) continue to drive digital need to further digitise the phase of digitalisation and the were by those aged between 18 - 40. 2021, remains a key agenda for the advancement in Sri Lanka’s capital operations of the stock market to launch of the Mobile Application, The second phase of the SEC and the CSE in order to market with the launch of the second ensure uninterrupted access, total app downloads exceeded digitalization initiative is expected to establish a more innovative, efficient phase of the digitalisation of the increase investor participation, 65,000 and approximately 17,000 cater to the needs of more and inclusive securities market with Stock Market on 7 July 2021 under enhance operational efficiencies and new Central Depository System stakeholders, including investors, a well secured vanguard the patronage of President Gotabaya service standards became a top (CDS) accounts were opened via the issuers and stockbrokers. technological framework which is in Rajapaksa at the Presidential priority. The digitalization initiative mobile app. Moreover, 97% of the Going forward, further line with the government’s agenda.

World Finance Banking Awards Dialog Axiata establishes 5G Innovation Sampath Bank marks Centres at leading universities In collaboration with the connectivity and many of its Lankan University ecosystem and University Grants Commission cutting-edge use cases. This be at the vanguard of national 8th consecutive win (UGC), Dialog Axiata PLC recently includes artificial intelligence, innovation that leverages established ‘5G Innovation Centres’ machine learning, computer vision, technology for positive societal at the Engineering Faculties of blockchain, robotics, the internet of impact. This initiative by Dialog to leading universities to create and things (IoT) and related emerging establish a network of innovation incubate interest-driven learning, technologies that will fuel national centres joins academic expertise innovation and entrepreneurship innovation and economic and industry partners to define and for future leaders. diversification. develop the 5G infrastructure that These Innovation Centres aim to Commenting on the initiative will underpin the way we live our empower students to be Supun Weerasinghe, Group Chief lives and reflects a bold vision for a interdisciplinary, computational, Executive of Dialog Axiata PLC said, transformational future for Sri and entrepreneurial by giving them “We are pleased to extend these 5G Lanka by supporting industries first-hand experience with 5G Innovation Centres to the Sri that will drive the country forward.”

Colombo City Holdings appoints Dr. Narangoda as Executive Director/CEO

In a strategic move to create a been serving since 2012 and then robust governance structure, as its country representative for Sri transform and steer the Company Lanka since July 2019. into the next phase of Dr. Narangoda holds a Bachelor development, Ambeon Holdings of Dental Surgery degree from the PLC announced the appointment University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka Sampath Bank PLC has been awards that recognize banks’ of Dr. Sajeeva Narangoda as and an MSc (Finance and recognised as Sri Lanka’s ‘Best Retail excellence across several criteria. Executive Director/CEO of its real Management) from Keele University Bank’ and ‘Best Commercial Bank’, for “It is our honour and privilege to be estate subsidiary – Colombo City UK. In addition, he is a Fellow the eighth consecutive year, at the rated amongst the best banking and Holdings PLC. Member of the Chartered Institute esteemed World Finance Banking financial service providers in the world, Dr Sajeeva Narangoda is of Management Accountants (CIMA) Awards organised by the World and emerge as the ‘Best Retail Bank’ currently the Group Vice President - UK, Chartered Global Finance magazine based in the UK. and ‘Best Commercial Bank’ in Sri of Ambeon Holdings PLC and has Management Accountant (CGMA) Flying the Sri Lankan flag high at Lanka for the eighth consecutive year been serving the Group since and a Certified Practicing this prestigious global forum where the at the World Finance Banking Awards,” January 2017. In addition to his Accountant (CPA),Australia. Bank has been receiving both these said Nanda Fernando, Managing corporate role, Dr Narangoda has Dr. Sajeeva Narangoda Some of his professional awards every year since 2014, Director, Sampath Bank PLC. “We served its various subsidiaries - contributions include serving as a Sampath Bank is the only bank from could not have achieved this without Dankotuwa Porcelain PLC as Chief as Melsta Hospitals) as Director/ director at the Centre for the country to be recognised here this the trust and support of our Executive Officer and Millennium Chief Executive Officer and Hemas Excellence in Ceramic Technology year too. customers, investors and business IT ESP as Executive Director/Chief Hospitals group as the Chief (CINTEC),Sri Lanka, Director at The World Finance Banking Award is partners and the ingenuity and Operating Officer. Operating Officer. He was also Ceramic and Glass Council, one of the most respected accolades in commitment of our team members. A seasoned professional with appointed to the Australian SriLanka, Council Member of the the banking and financial services Awards such as this give us added over two decades of experience, Dr Council on Healthcare Standards National Chamber of Exporters Sri sector, globally. The renowned World impetus to recommit ourselves to Narangoda has served Browns (ACHSI) as an International Lanka and Advisor Kothalawela Finance magazine has been celebrating delivering greater value to our Hospitals Limited (currently known Hospital Assessor, a role he has Defense University Hospital. achievement, innovation and brilliance customers and all other stakeholders, since 2007, through these annual as we continue to present their future.” Seylan partners DIMO and Innovation Emerald Sri Lanka Fund exits CCC to revive SMEs ThreeSixty launch investment in Panasian Power PLC Azend Technologies COVID-19 has affected small and medium enterprises (SMEs), with widespread adverse effects across multiple sectors and regions. The bank understood the challenges in reopening the country, and the necessity for designing appropriate policies, to help SMEs address these issues and navigate through tough times. As a part of the programme of reviving the SME sector, Seylan Bank will work alongside the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) to offer a comprehensive range of business development services through a dedicated hotline at the CCC Centre for SMEs. The centre will act as an intermediary unit to assist new start-ups, and existing SME customers of the bank to connect with the CCC centre for SMEs to resolve any issues pertaining to their business and obtain consultation from experts. With the Bank coming onboard, the centre will be able to increase its outreach of business development services and facilitate an active dialogue on constraints, challenges, and operational The management representatives of DIMO and issues faced by SMEs. Azend Technologies “SMEs contribute to almost half of the economy and provide employment to millions of people. These businesses are an DIMO, together with Innovation ThreeSixty, important part of our ecosystem, and it is imperative that we recently announced the launch of Azend help them grow and remain resilient,” said Ramesh Jayasekara, Technologies; a digital transformation, Emerald Sri Lanka Fund, a the company doubled its energy Chief Operating Officer, Seylan Bank. “Our partnership with the product, and solutions development company. pioneering private equity fund that generation capacity to 22 megawatts. Ceylon Chamber of Commerce will allow us to offer a This denotes DIMO’s entry into the digital supports small and mid-sized The expansion was mainly led by solar comprehensive range of business development services to our solutions sphere further expanding DIMO’s businesses in Sri Lanka, has projects. Despite COVID related SME customers. We strive to ensure our customers’ financial diversification efforts. announced its divestment in Panasian disruptions to the Sri Lankan well-being, while working towards upholding the productivity of Prominent digital innovations challenge the Power PLC (PAP), one of Sri Lanka’s economy, Panasian Power recorded our nation.” existence of dominant firms and businesses, leading renewable energy solution 63% increase in net profit in the fiscal The CCC Centre for SMEs will conduct seminars, webinars, and cause serious systemic effects in providers and suppliers of clean energy year ending March 2021. workshops, and training programs, in addition to providing industries and markets. Such radical digital to the national grid. Emerald Sri Lanka The Emerald Sri Lanka Fund is the business advisory services and business counselling. These innovation and its wider systemic effects Fund, along with other major first institutional private equity fund webinars are designed to uplift and encourage SMEs, and to referred to as digital disruption are attracting shareholders, sold a 62% stake of PAP dedicated to Sri Lanka. It was help them consider the most relevant/ appropriate methods of substantial attention. Azend Technologies to RIL Property PLC (RIL), a Sri Lankan launched by NDB Zephyr Partners revising their business structures, to maximize profits post- views digital disruption as a major cause of conglomerate, for a total sale value of Limited (NDB Zephyr), to provide pandemic. In addition, consultants from Seylan Bank will also fundamental creative destruction processes LKR 1.7 billion. NDB Investment Bank growth capital and management host coaching sessions to stimulate new business ideas, and and is geared to go beyond the general acted as the exclusive financial advisor support to SMEs led by promising enhance customer knowledge via the partnership. standard designs and solutions. to the consortium of divesting entrepreneurs. After investment, the Taking into consideration the present situation within the Since 1939, DIMO has been partnering with shareholders and carried out a Fund assists its portfolio companies country, the chamber has facilitated online consultation the world’s best to provide the most advanced competitve M&A process to select R I L via active participation in areas such facilities, omitting the need to commute to the centre for state-of-the-art solutions to the doorstep of Property PLC as the successful as strategic planning, management services. The Bank has also taken steps to support the SME every Sri Lankan. As a cohesive diversified investor. development, financial management, sector by providing debt moratoriums in accordance with the conglomerate, DIMO is using its expertise and The exit comes on the heels of strong corporate governance, environment Central Bank. The Bank will also offer SMEs working capital experience in various businesses to help Azend growth by Panasian Power in the last and social compliance and operational loans at low interest rates for business expansion and growth, in Technologies to provide transformative two years. Since Emerald Sri Lanka efficiencies. In July 2019, the Fund a bid to aid business owners affected by the present economic solutions, that enable clients to lead in any Fund’s investment in Panasian Power, invested LKR 400 million in PAP. situation. dynamic environment. focus monday 12 july 2021 CEYLON FT B13

Urgent Action Needed to Address a Worsening ‘Two-Track’ Recovery By Kristalina Georgieva spikes in food price inflation. world has taken extraordinary countries have to deploy some address their emergency The world is also keeping a and synchronized measures, USD 200 billion over five years needs, including vaccines. Our When G-20 Finance close eye on the recent pickup including about USD 16 just to fight the pandemic. And Executive Board recently Ministers and Central Bank in inflation, particularly in the trillion in fiscal action. Now is then another USD 250 billion discussed the proposal, and Governors gather in Venice U.S. We know that accelerated the time to build on these to have the fiscal space for we expect the allocation this week, they can take recovery in the U.S. will benefit efforts with measures that are transformative reforms, so process to be completed by the inspiration from the city’s many countries through tailored to countries’ they can return to the path of end of August. unbreakable spirit. increased trade; and inflation pandemic exposure and policy catching up to higher income In addition, we are working As the world’s first expectations have been stable space. levels. They can cover only a towards magnifying the impact international financial center, so far. Yet there is a risk of a In countries where portion of that on their own. It of the new SDR allocation—by Venice has faced the vagaries more sustained rise in infections are rapidly rising, it is therefore vital that wealthier encouraging voluntary of economic fortunes over inflation or inflation is critical that healthcare and nations redouble their efforts, channelling of some of the centuries, while being directly expectations, which could vulnerable households and especially on concessional SDRs, together with budget affected by climate change. potentially require an earlier- firms continue to receive financing and dealing with loans, to reach a total global This extraordinary resilience is than-expected tightening of support. This requires debt. ambition of USD 100 billion for needed more than ever as U.S. monetary policy. Other targeted fiscal measures, The G20 Debt Service the poorest and most policymakers continue to face countries face similar within credible medium-term Suspension Initiative has vulnerable countries. We are extraordinary challenges. challenges from higher frameworks. provided fiscal breathing exploring with our The good news is that the commodity and food prices. Once improvements in space. But given the need to membership ways to get this global recovery is progressing Higher interest rates in the health metrics allow for a provide permanent debt relief, done, including through our broadly in line with the IMF’s U.S. could lead to a sharp normalisation of activity, we must make the new Poverty Reduction and Growth April projections of six per cent tightening of global financial governments should gradually Common Framework fully Trust (PRGT) and possibly a growth this year. After a crisis conditions and significant scale back support operational. Chad, for new Resilience and like no other, we are seeing in capital outflows from emerging programs—while scaling up example, received financing Sustainability Trust (RST). some countries a recovery like and developing economies. It kristalina Georgieva social spending and training assurances from its G20 This week’s G20 meeting is no other, propelled by a would pose major challenges programs to cushion the bilateral creditors, and we now an opportunity to advance the combination of strong fiscal especially to countries with and to mobilize policymakers impact on workers. This would need speedy commitments, on plan for a new RST, which and monetary policy support large external financing needs to remove critical roadblocks. help heal the scars of the comparable terms, by private would support low-income and rapid vaccinations. or elevated debt levels. Support from the G20 and crisis, which hit young people, creditors. nations as well as poorer and For the United States, for It bears repeating that this is other economies will make all women, and the low-skilled We also strongly encourage vulnerable middle-income example, we project seven per a critical moment for the the difference by endorsing the especially hard. the timely formation of the countries ravaged by the cent growth this year, the world. If we are to address this vaccination target of at least Securing the recovery also creditor committee to enable pandemic. It would help them highest since 1984. The worsening two-track recovery, 40 per cent of the population requires continued monetary the delivery of the debt with structural recovery is similarly gaining we must take urgent policy in every country by the end of accommodation in most operation that Ethiopia is transformation, including momentum in China, the euro action now. 2021, and at least 60 per cent countries. This has to be requesting. Success in the first confronting climate-related area, and a handful of other by the first half of 2022. coupled with closely Common Framework cases is challenges. advanced and emerging First, step up To reach these targets, monitoring inflation and critical for other countries with To further step up action on economies. international critical actions would include financial stability risks. In unsustainable debt burdens or climate change, IMF staff But incoming data also more dose sharing with the countries where the recovery protracted financing needs. recently proposed an confirm a deepening cooperation to end developing world; supporting is accelerating, including the They should also seek early international carbon price divergence in economic the pandemic. grant and concessional U.S., it will be essential to action for debt resolution or floor. Such a floor could help fortunes, with a large number financing to increase and avoid overreacting to re-profiling. accelerate the transition to of countries falling further The economic benefits would diversify vaccine production, transitory increases in low-carbon growth over the behind. be extraordinary, and and bolster in-country inflation. The IMF’s role course of this decade, and we The world is facing a potentially saving hundreds of delivery, diagnostics, and In order to keep inflation For its part, the IMF has intend to make a strong case worsening two-track recovery, thousands of lives in the next therapeutics; and removing all expectations well anchored, stepped up in an for it at this week’s G20 Venice driven by dramatic differences few months is a moral barriers to exports of inputs major central banks have to unprecedented manner by Conference on Climate. in vaccine availability, imperative. The costs are and finished vaccines, and carefully communicate their providing USD 114 billion in On taxation, we strongly infection rates, and the ability relatively small. other barriers to supply chain policy plans. This would also new financing to 85 countries welcome the historic to provide policy support. It is IMF staff recently outlined a operations. help prevent excess financial and debt service relief for our agreement reached by 130 a critical moment that calls for USD 50 billion plan that could Adapting rapidly to changing volatility at home and abroad. poorest members. We have countries in the context of the urgent action by the G20 and lead to trillions of dollars circumstances, such as the The key is to prevent the types received support to increase OECD/G20 Inclusive policymakers across the globe. gained from faster vaccine surge in infections in sub- of spillovers we saw earlier access limits, so we can scale Framework. Under this accord, As our note to the G20 rollout and accelerated Saharan Africa, is also this year. up our zero-interest lending a minimum corporate tax rate meeting points out, speed is of recovery. This would be the essential. Swift provision of capacity. And we are exploring will help ensure that highly the essence. We estimate that best public investment of our emergency packages, Third, step up a new ‘vaccine window’ under profitable companies pay their faster access to vaccinations lives and a global game- including oxygen, testing support to vulnerable our emergency financing fair share everywhere. We for high-risk populations could changer. material, personal protective facilities, which would support know from our own research potentially save more than half To accelerate the equipment, and therapeutics, economies. countries in financing that minimum tax regimes can a million lives in the next six implementation of actions to developing countries in sub- Poorer nations are facing a vaccination programs if help countries preserve their months alone. outlined in this plan, the IMF, Saharan Africa and other devastating double-blow: they needed. corporate tax base and Dangers of World Bank, WHO, and WTO affected regions is key to are at risk of losing the race Our membership also backs mobilize revenue. This is now have formed a ‘war room ’. At protecting lives. against the virus; and they a new allocation of Special more important than ever. divergence our first meeting last week, could lose the opportunity to Drawing Rights of USD 650 Decades of tax competition convened by the World Bank, Second, step up join a historic transformation billion, the largest issuance in fuelled a race to the bottom— Low vaccination rates mean we agreed to work together to efforts to secure the to a new global economy built the IMF’s history. It will thus starving many countries that poorer nations are more help track, coordinate, and on green and digital supplement reserves and help of the resources needed to exposed to the virus and its advance delivery of vital health recovery. foundations. all our member countries, make vital investments in variants. While the Delta tools to developing countries Led by G-20 economies, the We estimate that low-income especially the most vulnerable, health, education, variant is raising concerns infrastructure, and social everywhere, including in G20 policies. Fiscal policies came nations, it is now driving a under further strain during the brutal surge in infections in pandemic, which makes it sub-Saharan Africa. In that more difficult to invest in green region, less than one adult in a and digital transformations. hundred is fully vaccinated, So, let’s seize this crucial compared to an average of over moment to build a fairer and 30 per cent in more advanced more effective international tax economies. Unvaccinated system that is fit for the 21st populations anywhere raise century. the risk of even deadlier When future generations variants emerging, look back on this moment, I undermining progress hope they will see the everywhere and inflicting unbreakable spirt of Venice in further harm on the global our partnership. We can end economy. the pandemic and turn this Shrinking fiscal resources two-track recovery into will make it even harder for synchronised and sustainable poorer nations to boost growth—by acting decisively vaccinations and support their and acting together. economies. This will leave Kristalina Georgieva millions of people unprotected currently serves as and exposed to rising poverty, Managing Director of the homelessness, and hunger. International Monetary The crisis has already caused Fund, a position she was rising food insecurity, and selected for on 25 September concerns are now growing in 2019 and has served as many countries over further since 1 October 2019.

Facility Date of Expiration Amount Amount Amount Arrangement Dare 4/ Agreed Drawn Outstanding

Facility Date of Expiration Amount Amount Amount Arrangement Dare 4/ Agreed Drawn Outstanding A14 MONDAY 12 JULY 2021 SPORTS Argentina Beat Brazil 1-0 to Win Copa America First major title in 28 yrs

Argentina players celebrate winning the Copa America with the trophy

Argentina won their first the Maracanazo and giving major title in 28 years on the title to the best in the Saturday and Lionel Messi world and fulfilling his finally won his first medal in a dream.” blue-and-white shirt when an Messi finished the Angel Di Maria goal gave them tournament’s joint top a 1-0 win over Brazil and a goalscorer with four goals and record-equalling 15th Copa was elected joint best player America. along with Neymar. Di Maria, starting for just But he was quiet the second time in the throughout the game at the Copa, justified his selection Maracana stadium and by scoring the opener uncharacteristically missed a midway through the first golden opportunity to wrap half. the game up with two minutes Renan Lodi failed to remaining. cut out a long ball When the final whistle went, forward from Rodrigo Argentina TV declared De Paul and Di Maria “Argentina Champions, Lionel lobbed the stranded Messi Champion!” Ederson with The match itself was a aplomb. disappointing one, with Brazil piled Argentina the better side in a on the cagey first half that featured Brazil’s Neymar in action with Argentina’s Marcos Acuna pressure in an 21 fouls. exciting However, Brazil came out second half more aggressively in the but even with second period and as the time five strikers on ticked on they threw more the field they could not people forward - and at one get an equaliser against an point having five recognised Argentine defence protected strikers on the field. by the outstanding Rodrigo De Richarlison had a goal Paul. chalked off for offside seven “First we have to minutes into the second half congratulate our opponents and then forced Emiliano especially for the first half Martinez into a good stop two when they neutralised us,” minutes later. said Brazilian defender Thiago But as Brazil poured Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates winning the Silva. forward gaps, opened up and Copa America with the trophy “In the second half there Argentina missed two clear was no contest - only one chances to score in the dying team tried to play football, the moments of the match. Argentina’s Angel Di Maria celebrates other just wasted time as we The victory was Argentina’s Brazil’s Roberto Firmino in action scoring their first goal knew they would. It’s not an 15th Copa America triumph excuse, we didn’t do what we and means they draw level had to, principally in the first with Uruguay as the all-time half.” leading winners. Argentina’s win was a “This is a very big title,” said particular triumph for Argentine coach Lionel Barcelona striker Messi, who Scaloni. “I hope that picked up his first ever title in Argentines can enjoy it. The a blue-and-white shirt after fans love the team more than a decade of club unconditionally and I think and individual honours. they identify with this side The Argentine players that never drops its guard.” surrounded their captain at Their win extended their the final whistle. Goalkeeper sequence of undefeated Emilian Martinez celebrated matches to 20 under Scaloni what he called a Maracanazo, and handed Brazil their first a remarkable win at the competitive defeat since they famous Rio stadium. lost to Belgium in the quarter- “I’m speechless,” he said. “I finals of the 2018 World Cup. Brazil’s Lucas Paqueta in action with knew my dream would come (Reuters) Brazil’s Neymar looks dejected Argentina’s Angel Di Maria and Giovani Lo true, and where better than after the match Brazil’s Casemiro in action with Argentina’s Leandro Paredes Celso sports monday 12 july 2021 A15

Hetmyer helps WI thump Australia Take 2-0 lead in T20 series Barty emulates Shimron Hetmyer’s 61 off 36 balls and Dwayne Bravo’s unbeaten 47 helped the West Indies seal a comprehensive 56-run victory over Australia in the second Twenty20 international in St Lucia on Saturday, to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. Australia’s Mitchell Marsh struck his second half- century in as many matches with a steady 54, but a batting collapse similar to the one they suffered in idol Goolagong the opening game meant the visitors were bowled out for 140 in 19.2 overs chasing 197 for a win. It marked the first time since 2010 that the team lost all 10 wickets in consecutive T20 matches. Claims first Wimbledon title “We just said we were going to do the same things we did last night, even a little better. It was fantastic to see how Hetmyer responded,” said West Indies’ stand-in skipper Nicholas Pooran. Ash Barty joined an Wimbledon had been in doubt fight,» four-time Wimbledon Asked to bat first by Australia skipper Aaron illustrious list of Australian after she withdrew from the champion Laver said on Finch, the hosts got off to a solid start with 46 runs names etched on Wimbledon French Open last month with a Twitter. in the Powerplay overs as opening batsman Lendl silverware as she beat Karolina hip injury, said on court after Not since 1977 had two first- Simmons blasted three sixes in his knock of 30 Pliskova in a nerve-shredding receiving the Venus Rosewater time Wimbledon finalists gone before man-of-the-match Hetmyer took over. final, to become the first Dish from the Duchess of head-to-head in the women›s The left-hander was the aggressor with four sixes woman from Down Under to Cambridge. championship match. and two boundaries as he stitched together a 103- win the singles title for 41 «Kaja (Karolina) brought out But for the first set only one run partnership with Bravo, who had three hits over years on Saturday. the very best of me today. It showed up. the fence as the Australian bowlers struggled to The 25-year-old world took me a long time to (Reuters) contain the flow of runs. number one looked on course verbalise that I wanted to win “I think it was one of my best T20 innings. I think I for an embarrassingly easy this incredible tournament. paced it quite well. It really worked out well for me triumph as Pliskova suffered Being able to live out my with the guys backing me to be the guy to just take one of the worst starts ever dream right now is better it as deep as possible,” Hetmyer said. seen in a Wimbledon final, but than I ever could have Andre Russell added 24 off eight balls after eventually needed her best to imagined. Hetmyer was run out, as the West Indies added 123 claim a 6-3 6-7(4) 6-3 victory. «I didn›t sleep a lot runs in last 10 overs to reach 196-4 on a good After Pliskova struck a last night and as I batting wicket. backhand into the net was thinking of Australia lost both openers inside four overs and following one hour and 55 all the what ifs, barring Marsh, failed to rise to the occasion, as West minutes of see-sawing action, but I felt at Indies leg-spinner Hayden Walsh claimed 3-29 from Barty sank to her knees in home out his four overs while paceman Sheldon Cottrell realisation of fulfilling a on the returned figures of 2-22. childhood dream. court. I “Chasing 190 you have to get off to a good start,” With tears running down her hope I Finch said. “When both your openers get out cheeks she then climbed into made cheaply, it puts pressure on a reasonably the stands towards her team, a inexperienced middle order. The 100-plus tradition started by compatriot Evonne partnership, that’s the difference in the game.” Pat Cash when he won the proud.» The third T20 will be held at the same venue men›s singles in 1987. Barty on Monday. When she returned to the won her Brief scores: lush grass, she spoke of her joy maiden West Indies: of emulating her idol Evonne Grand Slam 196/4 in 20 Goolagong who won the first of at the 2019 overs (Shimron her two Wimbledon titles 50 French Open, Hetmyer 61, years ago, before adding her but joining the Dwayne Bravo second in 1980. Since then, no likes of 47*) beat Australian woman had won the Goolagong, Australia singles. Margaret Court, 140 in 19.2 Barty, like Goolagong, takes Rod Laver, Roy overs great pride in her indigenous Emerson and John (Mitchell heritage and has worn a Newcombe as a Marsh scalloped-edged retro outfit in Wimbledon champion 54; honour of the Australian cements her name amongst Hayden trailblazer. Australian sporting greats. Australia›s Ashleigh Barty poses Walsh Jr «I said just keep fighting,» «So happy for you, our as she celebrates with the 3-29) by 56 runs Barty, whose participation at dreams come true, what a trophy after winning her final (Agencies) match against Czech Republic’s Karolina Pliskova Shimron Hetmyer

Down memory lane SLB National Pool receives Li Ning equipment and apparel As many as 100 the tournaments Championships in October Badminton players who are sanctioned by SLB and the Commonwealth in the National Pool were including the epic Games in 2022. invited to the Sri Lanka Nationals. VP Palitha Hettiarachchi Badminton (SLB) Sanjeewa Akuratiya who heads the National Headquarters on Saturday representing Li Ning was at Players Training Committee to receive a full complement hand to join SLB President (NPTC) remarked that now of Li Ning gear, which Rohan de Silva to present all our National Badminton comprises of high-end the players with the gear. aspirants have what it rackets, shoes and training, The players comprise Elite, takes to perform on the Then and Now plus competition dress Senior, Intermediate and world stage. Apart from the ensemble, as they await the Junior Groups. SLB attractive Li Ning call for national training no Secretary Mohan equipment, integrated sooner COVID restrictions Wijesinghe, Treasurer training on-court, physical are lifted. The Elite Squad Mangala Gamage and VP and nutrition aspects go on have been in training in a Palitha Hettiarachchi were relentlessly, with his limited programme associated with the event. committee assigned to conforming to health Selection Committee overlook each of the guidelines. Chairman, Niroshan groups. The Li Ning package is a Wijekoon was also a keen Players sign a Code of boon to SLB, as it is a long- participant, as he overlooks Conduct to signify their term commitment that the trials and selections agreement to the SLB covers all of its national that will take place training and development pool players, as well as thereafter to pick the process and their long-term annual activities, mainly Teams for the World Junior commitment to the sport.

40-years ago, on a day like London on a six-week tour. The Sumithra Warnakulasuriya, today, the first ever Sri Lanka team comprised players such as Ravin Wickramaratne, Ken de Schools Cricket team captained Arjuna Ranatunga, Aravinda de Alwis, Kamal Dharmasiri, just to by Wesley College all-rounder Silva, Graham Labrooy, Romesh name a few. The team was Navin de Silva, boarded a British Ratnayake, Charith managed by the legendary Airways 747 flight en route to Senanayake, Ashley de Silva, Michael Tissera.

Sports Ministry grants Rs 3,500,000 to TTASL The Sports Ministry Company Estate Reforms The funds will be granted a sum of Rs. State Minister in the allocated to put up a High 3,500,000 to the Table presence of Sports Minister Performance Centre in Tennis Association of Sri Namal Rajapaksa, during a Bandaragama, including a Lanka (TTASL)last Friday for ceremony held at the gymnasium, swimming the construction of a Sports National Sports Council pool, and a stadium with Complex in Bandaragama. Auditorium. The Sports all modern technology. The Amal Edirisooriya, Ministry is hoping to Sports Ministry also plans Director General (DG) of allocate more infrastructure to set up a dormitory for Sports Ministry handed over facilities for Table Tennis in the purpose of national the agreement documents to an attempt to obtain players for training and Kanaka Herath, the successful results in the accommodation. Sports Ministry DG Amal Edirisooriya handing over the agreement documents to TTASL President and Company Estate President of TTASL and future. (IR) Reforms State Minister Kanaka Herath in the presence of Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa and other officials A16 monday 12 July 2021 Sports

Djokovic triumphs at Wimbledon Secures record-equaling 20th major World number one Novak Djokovic beat Italian completed the third leg towards achieving the a 4-0 lead in the second set before going on to level seventh seed Matteo Berrettini 6-7(4) 6-4 6-4 6-3 Golden Slam. No man has ever won the four slams the match. on Sunday to win his sixth title at Wimbledon. and an Olympic gold in the same year. A single break of serve in the third and two more His third straight triumph at the All England The 34-year-old, who came into the title clash breaks in the fourth were enough for Djokovic to Club also earned the Serbian a 20th Grand Slam having beaten Berrettini in both of their previous close out the contest in front of a raucous Centre title, equalling the men›s record haul held by meetings, opened a 5-2 lead in the first set with an Court crowd, who kept on chanting the Italian Switzerland›s Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal of early break but the Italian fought back to force a underdog’s name. Spain. tiebreak which he clinched to draw first blood. Djokovic sealed his place in the record books on Having also won the Australian Open and the It was only the second set the Serbian had lost in his third match point when Berrettini›s backhand French Open titles in 2021, Djokovic has now this year›s championships. He reacted by racing to slice landed in the net. SL players come

out of isolation Tokyo Olympics Return negative tests Badminton star Sri Lanka’s men’s cricketers facilities at Khettarama Niluka determined were allowed to come out of Stadium, while the Indian team isolation on Sunday, after trains at the Sinhalese Sports everyone remaining in the Club (SSC). The teams are also to bring glory to SL national squad returned in separate hotels. negative PCR results. This only Flower and Niroshan, By: Wichithra applies to the players, as meanwhile, were described as Weerasinghe coaches and support staff will being in a ‘stable’ condition after have to remain in isolation until having been moved to an Sri Lankan badminton Wednesday, as they are intermediate healthcare facility. star Niluka Karunaratne, considered first contacts of Niroshan›s infection is who is part of the nine- batting coach Grant Flower and understood to be asymptomatic member Sri Lankan team analyst GT Niroshan, who at present. Doctors believe they contingent which is set to tested positive for the virus on had picked up the infections take part at the 32nd Tokyo their return from England. during the recently-concluded Olympics from 23 July to 8 Players will gradually begin tour of England, though the August, will be representing training over the next few days - team was supposed to be in a the island nation at the with outdoor practices likely to bio-bubble through the last greatest sporting showpiece start on Tuesday – which is good stages of that tour. on earth for the third time. news for the series against India. Seven members of the England Karunaratne first The series has already been squad - including four support represented Sri Lanka at postponed by five days due to staff - tested positive for the the 2012 London Olympics, infections in the Lankan camp. virus. and went on to create an Provided no one else tests India›s preparation in Sri upset as well by beating positive, team doctors are Lanka has been free of COVID- then world number 6 Niluka Karunaratne optimistic the first ODI can go 19 scares. They have been in a Kenechi Thago of Japan 2-0 ahead on 18 July as per the bio-bubble since their arrival. (21-18, 21-16). third time in his career, revised schedule. The teams are set to play three In the second round Karunaratne aired his views When training resumes, Sri ODIs, followed by three T20 Karunaratne lost to Indian in this manner: “This is a Lanka will likely be using the internationals. Parupaly Kashyap 2-1. dream come true for me Afterwards Karunaratne being able to represent my took part at the 2016 Rio de country at three Olympic Janeiro Olympics held in Games. However, I intend to Brazil and was beaten by do my very best at these Chinese Cheng Long who Games and bring glory to PCB to form England seal ODI series had won the world my motherland. I also need championship twice. to thank three institutions In the second game his for having made this dream consortium with SLC opponent conceded a walk come true for me. Firstly, over. In the third round the Olympic Committee, and BCB for hosting Karunaratne got the better then the Sri Lanka of Adrian Shoko 2-0. Badminton Federation and Niluka Karunaratne who is last but not least, the World Cups widely considered to be the Ministry of Sports has to be Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) wants to form a best badminton player commended for having consortium of sorts with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and produced by this country supported the Sri Lankan Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to jointly host two had become the national contingent to feature at the World Cups. It also intends to stage two Twenty20 badminton champion on 17 upcoming Games. A lot of World Cup together with Emirates Cricket Board occasions, and he called it a people are asking me (ECB) in United Arab Emirates besides going solo for day from the domestic circuit whether I intend to retire two Champions Trophies in the next world cricket in February this year. from badminton after the cycle. Speaking of the Olympics. I will be doing so The PCB recently stated that it has provided bids for opportunity he had received after the next year’s six global events and on Saturday (10 July), it to represent Sri Lanka at Commonwealth Games and confirmed to Cricbuzz that two of its bids have been the Olympic Games for a the Asian Games.” proposed to be collaborative efforts with South Asian boards. «We have made bids before the ICC and proposed to form consortiums with the Bangladesh and Sri Lanka boards,» PCB chairman Ehsan Mani told this website. «Similarly we want to have collaboration with the UAE Bangladesh win board too.» It is learnt that the PCB wants to stage 2027 and 2031 World Cups jointly with the SLC and the BCB, England’s Phil Salt in action and stage two Twenty20 World Cups in association rare away Test with the UAE board. It intends to go solo for the 2025 England’s second-string side beat to claim his fourth five-for in ODIs and 2029 Champions Trophies. Pakistan by 52 runs in the second (5-51) to earn a spot on the Lord›s Taskin, Mehidy take four wickets each In their bid to host, the PCB will obviously face one-day international at Lord’s on ODI honours board. competition from, among other boards, the Board of Saturday to take an unassailable England had a horror start when Seamer Taskin Ahmed and matches, and their first since Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) which wants to host 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Dawid Malan and Zak Crawley, who off-spinner Mehidy Hasan beating Sri Lanka in the 2025 Champions Trophy, 2028 Twenty20 World Chasing 248 for victory in a match hit fifties in the first ODI, were both Miraz took four wickets each Colombo in 2017. Cup and the 2031 World Cup. reduced to 47 overs a side after rain dismissed for ducks, but opener Phil as Bangladesh bowled It is their second victory in Pakistan has not hosted a global championship for delayed the start, Pakistan were Salt (60) and James Vince (56) Zimbabwe out for 256 to Zimbabwe, with the other 25 years, for several reasons. The last ICC event there bowled out for 195 in 41 overs after steadied the ship with a flurry of claim victory by 220 runs two away wins both coming was 1996 World Cup, which was staged in all five England bowlers picked up boundaries in their 97-run just before tea on the fifth in the West Indies in 2009. collaboration with the BCCI and the SLC. It was then wickets. Pakistan failed to build partnership. day of the only Test at the The teams will now contest called PILCOM (Pakistan India Lanka committee). partnerships and lost wickets at Salt scored his maiden ODI half- Harare Sports Club on a three-match One-Day Pakistan was initially part of the South Asian group of regular intervals, with their top four century in 41 balls, while Vince Sunday. International series starting BCCI, BCB and SLC for the 2011 World Cup, but its batsmen combining for only 35 reached his fifty in 36 balls before Zimbabwe had been set an on Friday, which will be matches were withdrawn for security reasons. runs. they were bowled by Shakeel and imposing target of 477 for the followed by three Twenty20 The ICC recently confirmed that 17 boards have England›s Saqib Mahmood - who Shadab Khan, respectively. win, and made a good start matches. expressed interest to stage events from 2024 to 2031, picked up four wickets in the first Ali dismissed captain Ben Stokes by reaching 110 for one, Brief scores: and revealed that submissions have been received ODI - was the pick of the bowlers (22), John Simpson (17) and Overton before the wicket of the from Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Ireland, once again. He had Pakistan skipper - England›s third batsman out for a experienced Brendan Taylor Bangladesh: 468 Malaysia, Namibia, New Zealand, Oman, Pakistan, Babar Azam trapped leg before and duck - in quick succession, but (92 from 73 balls) started (Mahmudullah 150, Liton Scotland, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies, UAE, Mohammad Rizwan caught behind, Gregory (40) and Brydon Carse (31) their slide. Das 95; Blessing Muzarabani USA and Zimbabwe. The deadline for placing the bids while Lewis Gregory finished with frustrated the tourists with a 69-run They resumed on the fifth 4-94) & 284/1 decl. (Najmul was 30 June. The ICC will look into the detailed 3-44. stand to post a competitive total. morning on 140 for three, Hossain Shanto 117*, proposals and will make a decision towards the end of Saud Shakeel was the lone warrior England won the first ODI by nine but lost four quick wickets Shadman Islam 115*) the year, an independent Board-appointed committee for Pakistan offering resistance with wickets. The third ODI will be played when Mehidy (4-66) and Zimbabwe: 276 taking the final call. Several factors will be taken into his maiden ODI fifty (56), while fast on Tuesday at Edgbaston. Taskin (4-82) ripped through (Takudzwanashe Kaitano 87, consideration before the decision is made. Sources bowler Hasan Ali also scored a Brief scores: England 247 in 45.2 the middle-order. Brendan Taylor 81, Mehidy have said among the factors in consideration are quick-fire 31 - which included 22 overs (Philip Salt 60, James Vince Donald Tiripano (52) held Hasan 5-82, Shakib Al infrastructure, organisation, experience in hosting runs in one over - before he holed 56; Hasan Ali 5-51) beat Pakistan up the Bangladeshi charge, Hasan 4-82) & 256 (Brendon global events, the development of the game, out to Craig Overton in the deep. 195 in 41 overs (Saud Shakeel 56; but when he was the ninth Taylor 92, Donald Tiripano sustainability, security, the vision for the event and Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and Lewis Gregory 3-44, Saqib 2-21) by wicket to fall, the tourists 52; Mehidy Hasan 4-66, commercial dynamics. elected to bowl first as Ali took full 52 runs. were able to record just their Taskin Ahmed 4-82) (Cricbuzz) advantage of the overcast conditions (Agencies) fifth ever away Test win in 59 (Agencies)

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