highlights wednesday Community 17 june 2020 Latest Edition Bondage and Vol: 09/167 Price : Rs 30.00 Communal Spirit Vital In Sports Head Coach page A9 Amir Alagic gets additional post NZ confirms two Football Federation of Sri Lanka new cases (FFSL) has appointed Head Coach and expert Amir Alagic as their new Technical Director (T.D) for the men’s page A10 National team. A16 ETI Finance fraud President makes scathing CID grills CBSL’s Nandalal attack on CBSL officials Monetary and Fiscal Policy should be in and Karunaratne keeping with Presidential requirements CBSL economic specialists draw ETI owes Rs. 20 B to huge salaries but nothing is done 2,500 depositors to revitalise economy Their responsibility is CBSL to sell ETI Finance’s to regularise and monitor assets to pay depositors finance companies In a scathing attack on the hierarchy of the Two top officials of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), President (CBSL) were questioned extensively by the Criminal Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday reprimanded Investigation Department (CID) last evening, on the them of miserably failing in carrying out misappropriation of funds and the collapse of their duties in reviving the economy and Edirisinghe Trust Investments Finance Ltd. regulating finance institutions despite According to informed sources, Senior Deputy earning handsome salaries. Governor Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe and Deputy “The Government had put forward its Governor H.A. Karunaratne were called in to be proposals for economic revival. questioned on the matter. They were also being The Central Bank has not extended its questioned by the CID until late night as to why the support towards it thus far,” the President CBSL had failed to regulate the ETI Finance noted while asking them to give Company, putting hundreds of depositors in peril. reasons for their failure.

Story Continued on page 6 Story Continued on page 6 ETI misappropriation case Attempt to mislead Officials aiding drug mafia Arrest warrants out Commission for four directors Prisons loaded with corrupt PCoI Chairman officials– Maj Gen Gunaratne reprimands

By Thameenah are corrupt when prisons as all illegal witness Razeek compared to other public activities and gang mafia institutions and we need operations continue within By Buddhika Samaraweera Secretary to the Ministry strong people to manage prisons,” he said. of Defence, Major General The Presidential Commission of By Kavindya Perera (Rtd) Kamal Gunaratne Inquiry probing the Easter Sunday revealed yesterday that not bomb attacks reprimanded a specialist Colombo Additional Magistrate Priyantha even one of the 79 CCTV doctor attached to the National Hospital Liyanage yesterday (16) issued warrants on four cameras fixed at the of Sri Lanka (NHSL), who allegedly had Directors of the Edirisinghe Trust Investments (ETI) Angunakolapelassa Prison links with the attack mastermind Holdings, for failure to appear before Court on that has been equipped Zahran Hashim. charges of misappropriation of funds belonging to with modern and The doctor (name withheld) was found ETI Holdings. sophisticated facilities, was giving contradictory evidence before the functioning last week. Commission yesterday(16). Story Continued on page 6 “When I first visited the Zahran’s brother Rilwan Hashim, who Prison earlier this year only was injured in a blast in Katthankudi 26 out of the 79 CCTV area in August 2018, had been taken to Swiss Embassy staffer case cameras, were functioning. the NHSL on the instructions of this By last week none of those doctor. It was revealed at the 79 was working. This is Commission that a friend of this... GA ordered to why we are sadly compelled to say that a considerable Story Continued on page 6 submit report on number of prison officials journalist’s laptop Story Continued on page 6 Mahendran’s name change By Kavindya Perera Suspension of 99 Postal voting from DSG confirms Colombo Chief Magistrate Lanka Jayaratna UNP memberships yesterday (16) ordered the Government Analyst (GA) 14 to 17 July CT exposé to submit a report to Court after analysing the laptop Those unable, can vote on 20, 21 July taken into custody, by the Criminal Investigation Injunction By Hansi Nanayakkara Department (CID), from the residence of former By J.T. de Silva Sunday Observer Editor Dharisha Bastians. Deputy Solicitor decision on The Election Commission (EC) yesterday General Parinda Story Continued on page 6 decided to grant a period of six days, from 14 Ranasingha to 17 July as well as 20 and 21 July, for the... yesterday (16) 22 June informed the ‘Port City Open for Business’ Story Continued on Special High Court page 10 that former By Kavindya Perera Governor of the SL needs to send Mahinda begins Poll Central Bank of Sri Colombo Lanka (CBSL), District Court Arjuna Mahendran, out clear signals Judge Amali campaign 21 June who has been By Sulochana Ramiah Mohan Ranaweera named as the first yesterday (16) said By W.K. Prasad Manju accused in the The Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) should that the decision CBSL Treasury make certain that the soft infrastructure of the on whether or not Propaganda activities of Bond scam, had changed his name to Colombo Port City is in place before entering the to issue an Prime Minister Mahinda Arjan Alexander and this had been market, noted Head of Strategy and Business injunction on the Rajapaksa, who is set to informed to the Attorney General’s (AG) Development – CHEC Port City Colombo, Thulci United National contest the 5 August Department by INTERPOL. Aluvihare, during a webinar forum hosted by the Party (UNP) Working Committee’s General Election from the He made this disclosure when the said PricewaterhouseCoopers recently. decision to suspend the Party Kurunegala District under case was taken up before a 3-Judge He noted that there have been delays from membership of 99 members, including the Sri Lanka Podujana Bench comprising Justices Sampath GoSL in getting the soft infrastructure former Minister Ranjith Madduma Peramuna (SLPP) ticket, is Abayakoon, Sampath Wijeratna and implemented. Bandara, will be announced on 22 June. set to kick off on 21 June. Champa Rajaratna.

Story Continued on page 6 Story Continued on page 6 Story Continued on page 10 Story Continued on page 6 A2 Wednesday 17 june 2020 news

Ven. Gnanasara Thera reveals to PCoI probing Easter Sunday Attacks Abdul Razik still carrying out extremist activities By Buddhika Samaraweera supporting Sri Lanka. A former but with extremist ideologies. He Minister, who is also responsible was speaking about organisations Abdul Razik of the Ceylon for the Wilpattu deforestation, at such as the International Islamic Tawheed Jamaath (CTJ) that time informed the Government Relief Organization (IIRO) and the organisation, who previously that the Middle Eastern countries' World Association of Muslim Youth founded the Sri Lanka Tawheed assistance was mandatorily needed (WAMY). He said that although Jamaath (SLTJ) along with for the country. Through such these organisations were mastermind of the 21 April 2019 activities, political protection functioning in the manner of social Easter Sunday Bombings, Zahran needed for various extremist welfare, they were adhering to Hashim, is still carrying out activities was obtained," he also several extremist ideologies. He also extremist activities, said Bodu Bala said. said that the person who served as Sena (BBS) General Secretary, Ven. According to him, various the Director of the Sri Lankan branch Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera. organisations and individuals have of WAMY has been named a terrorist He said so on 15 June while worked to promote extremist ideas by the well-known WikiLeaks testifying before the Presidential under the guise of carrying out website. Activities of the WAMY Commission of Inquiry appointed various social welfare activities. organisation have largely taken place to probe the bombings on Easter He informed of several extremist in a leading school in Colombo, he Sunday. organisations operating in the added. The monk said that Razik had country and said that there are "A person named Ishaq, a brother influenced Pulasthini Mahendran about six Jamath organisations of Nilham from Galagedara, who had (Pulasthini Sara), wife of Atchchi operating in the country and that joined the Islamic State (IS) Muhammadu Muhammadu an organisation named Jamaath organisation and died in Syria, has Hastun, who detonated the suicide Ansariya Sunnath Mohamadiyya held various positions in the Sri bomb at the St. Sebastian’s Church had transformed a Sinhala village Lanka branch of the WAMY. Ishaq in Katuwapitiya, to convert to in Mawathagama into a Muslim and two brothers-in-law of Nilham Islam. village. have later held positions in the IS "Razik, giving an interview to a He also noted that an institution organisation too. It was also learned national newspaper in 2016 had Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera belonging to son of former Governor that the two of them had died," he said that there were nine leaders, of the Eastern Province, M.L.A.M. said. 90 branches, 10,000 registered and issue, he added. the Middle East have been Hizbullah, operates on such Members of the Commission 50,000 unregistered members of When queried by Senior State converted to Islam. The Tablighi ideologies. Members of the queried about a statement made by the SLTJ which is now called the Counsel, Suharshi Herath, as to Jamaath organisation is totally Commission then questioned him him regarding former Minister Rishad CTJ." whether he had any understanding against traditional Muslims,” he as to whether Hizbullah too was a Bathiudeen and he said that The monk also presented a video of the time when such extremist said. fanatic of such extremist Bathiudeen had a huge stake in consisting of some racist speeches ideologies came into the Lankan Recalling that in February this ideologies. Ven. Gnanasara Thera Batticaloa, Vavuniya, Puttalam and made by Razik regarding the society, he said that the spread of year he had been informed that said that Hizbullah was a follower Ampara based on his assets. removal of special Muslim laws in such began with the establishment certain extremist ideologies were of the Jamaat-e-Islami ideology. Bathiudeen is also a supporter of Sri Lanka. of the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in being taught in a school in Also, he presented a number of Wahhabism, he alleged. Ven. Gnanasara Thera further Sri Lanka in the 1980s. He said Weligama with the participation of books to the Commission in which He also claimed that the World said that views of the traditional that this was also mainly due to Sri a teacher from a particular certain extremist ideologies are Muslim League was funding such Muslim community are not Lankans taking up Middle East madrasa institution in Beruwala, included. Some of them were extremist organisations. In 2014, accepted by the All Ceylon jobs. he stated that the Muslim scholar among what have been several discussions were held under Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU) He also noted that those who who informed him regarding it, has recommended for GCE Advanced the patronage of then Defence organisation. He alleged that even hold the Tablighi Jamaath ideology informed other relevant agencies Level students and the Commission Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa on the Leader of the ACJU was in Sri Lanka were going from house such as the Police and the Criminal observed that some of those books these matters. However, after 2015, incorporating various extremist to house to convert other religious Investigation Department (CID). clearly state that non-Muslims no attention was paid to them and ideologies. Though extremists such people to Islam. “About 8,000 non- "Some time ago, most European should be killed. there were no discussions, he said. as Zahran had resorted to various Muslims have been converted to countries adopted a policy against In addition, Ven. Gnanasara Politicians created religious issues for forms of harassment to traditional Islam within the last five years. In Sri Lanka. At that time, a large Thera also testified about several their survival and Teldeniya and Muslims during the past few years, addition, nearly 80,000 Sri number of Middle Eastern organisations which are Digana incidents were the result of the ACJU has been silent on this Lankans who have left for jobs in countries came forward to functioning as civil organisations, that, he added. news wednesday 17 june 2020 A3 To discuss several issues Ragging and other forms of violence in educational institutions Party Leaders Penalties too harsh – Verite Research

By Ranmini Gunasekara restraint, or causing damage to institutional property, the and Secretaries to The relevant authorities consider punishment is different. For the penalties imposed under the ragging, the punishment is Prohibition of Ragging and Other rigorous imprisonment up to two Forms of Violence in Educational years and compensation for the Institutions Act to be too harsh victim. For ragging with sexual meet EC – Dayasiri and therefore tend not to use the harassment, the punishment is law in prosecutions, said Deputy rigorous imprisonment up to 10 Head of Legal Research at the years.” By Dilanthi Jayamanne destroyed the environment. think-tank Verite Research, She further added that since this Even President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Malsirini de Silva. Act is hardly used owing to various Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) was against carrying out a poster She said this at a webinar perceptions regarding penalties General Secretary Dayasiri campaign during his Presidential organised on 15 June by the under the Act, the latter law Jayasekara said that Party Leaders campaign, he said, pointing out that Coalition against Violence and cannot be easily amended. and Secretaries would be meeting the as candidates who were contesting Harassment in Universities and “Since people have decided this Election Commission (EC) tomorrow, under his flagship, they too would the Advocata Institute. Act to be too harsh, this law has to discuss several issues, including refrain from carrying out poster “This Act lists offences which are taken a backseat. This indicates the number of supporters who would campaigns. also contained in the Penal Code, the level of willingness of all the be allowed per meeting. He urged other parties also to refrain but the Act identified them stakeholders involved to utilise Jayasekara said that there was a from poster campaigns which destroy specifically as ragging. In addition this piece of legislation. If the Act is need for clarifications regarding the the environment. It would be better to to the punishments meted out not working, it should be amended. number of supporters who would be go house-to-house canvassing, upon conviction for ragging, if one But even to amend it, it needs to be permitted to participate in the main Jayasekara said. is found guilty of committing acts enforced and implemented so that Party rallies as well as the ones He appealed to the Electronic Media such as sexual harassment, we can identify any loopholes or organised at village level. The EC and the newspapers to give them a fair criminal intimidation, unlawful issues in the Act.” would also debrief them on the ground on which they could conditions that would prevail at campaign. “We cannot conduct polling stations, and the situation that election rallies on a large-scale owing would prevail during voting and the hostility that builds between to the COVID-19 situation.” rules and regulations which would supporters of candidates and the Jayasekara also said that the United Once arrivals resume have to be followed. unnecessary assaults and killings that National Party and the Samagi Jana There were also issues regarding the it would lead to owing to the Balawegaya were trying to strike deals counting and opening of election competition, have all been taken into with the President, claiming that they Only healthy people will offices for candidates. SLFP account, which had led the SLFP to would be able to work with him if candidates have refrained from poster withdraw from the poster battle, he either of the parties came into power campaigns completely, he said. The said, pointing out that it also at the Election. be allowed in – AASL

By Shiran Ranasingha largely controlled and effectively managed the spread of COVID- Vice President of Airport and 19, the AASL was looking to bring Aviation Services Limited (AASL), many tourists to Colombo from Hotline for public complaints Rajeev Sooriyaarachchi, said that European destinations after 1 once the arrival area is opened to August. passengers at the BIA with effect He added that allowing tourists on prisoners and prison officers from 1 August, all arrivals will be to visit in droves to the country subjected to polymerase chain will also be a boost to Sri Lanka’s By Thameenah Razeek Headquarters, yesterday (16), he noted received a sentence of seven years in reaction (PCR) tests and opined flagging tourism industry, but that they have received information prison or have been sentenced to that only those who are 100 per asserted that before allowing The Department of Prisons regarding these type of influencers death, Commissioner in charge of cent healthy will be allowed to them to step into the country; introduced a hotline for the public to who are disturbing the public. “There Rehabilitation, Chandana Ekanayake enter the country. they will be checked thoroughly lodge complaints regarding prisoners are many irregularities taking place said that 122 prisoners at the He said that as Sri Lanka had at the BIA. and other corrupt officers working in in prisons and the innocent public is Welikada Prison were enrolled in a prisons who are exerting undue being affected by them,” he said. private company recently. influence upon the public through As an initial step, the Department “Prisoners will be able to earn a various communication channels. has changed the senior management small amount of money and if they Members of the public can lodge of Prisons, Upuldeniya stressed, want, they could contribute it to their MCC Agreement complaints by dialing 011-267-8600. adding that they will not give a family members or keep it for Commissioner General of Prisons, second chance to corrupt staffers for themselves to be taken after they get Thushara Upuldeniya assured to being disobedient and not released,” he noted. Govt and U.S. have struck protect the identity of the persons who transparent in performing their However, a jammer system will be lodge complaints, adding that they will duties. placed in high risk prisons such as take action regarding prisoners. Meanwhile, speaking about the the Boossa Prison which was named secret deal – Anura Kumara Speaking to the Media at Prison rehabilitation of prisoners who have a high security prison. By Anuradha August General Herath Election is concluded, both JVP Leader Anura Washington and Threatening phone calls To prevent spread of COVID-19 Kumara Dissanayake Colombo, would alleged yesterday (16) press ahead with the FPRP National that there was a signing of the much Govt blocks sea routes secret pact between maligned Agreement. the present caretaker He further stated Organiser lodges By Shiran Ranasingha a way of preventing the COVID-19 Government and the that it was also clear pandemic spreading here. US, concerning the that both the present complaint Minister of Industrial Exports, He said that all arrivals at the controversial Government and the Investment Promotions, Tourism BIA will also be subjected to Millennium Challenge US were conducting and Aviation Prasanna Ranatunga polymerase chain reaction (PCR) Corporation their affairs By Nabiya Vaffoor said that a programme has been tests and affirmed that not a Agreement. concerning the initiated by the Government, to single person will be allowed to He alleged that the Agreement with a Foundation for People’s Right Protection prevent people from entering the step into the country sans US Embassy in conclusively said that clear understanding (FPRP) National Organiser Asela Sampath country through its sea routes, as undergoing the tests. Colombo had already once the country’s 5 of each other. said that he had lodged a complaint regarding threatening calls he received on 22 May from the ‘0112414535’ number, which he alleges is from an individual named Thushara Perera, who is a Servo lubricants for Sapugaskanda Station henchman of Municipal Councillor Dehiwala Zoo reopened Mahinda Kahandagama. Lanka IOC signs agreement with CEB “The Police haven’t taken any action By Niduwara Abeysingha issued to the public daily from against it. This is what happened to my (Boralesgamuwa) 8:30 a.m. up to 3:30 p.m. and Lanka IOC, Sri Lanka’s No. 1 been at the forefront to offer best friend Sunil Jayawardana,” he further explained that all visitors would listed energy company secures the quality lubricants at competitive claimed. Deputy Director of the Dehiwala have to leave the Zoo premises by prestigious business of Ceylon prices. As per directives of the He further added that since he is a social Zoological Gardens, Anoma 4:00 p.m. Electricity Board, for supplying newly-elected Government, the worker who operates six non- Priyadarshani, said that on the Priyadarshani added that all Servo – World Class Lubricants to company instantly passed on the governmental organisations to help the advice from Director General of those who enter the Zoo would Sapugaskanda Plant. This tax benefits on account of VAT, society in various ways, the Police and the the Zoo, Ishini Wickremasinghe, have to strictly follow the business was secured through NBT to its esteemed customers. President should look into this problem. the Zoo has been opened for the guidelines formulated by the competitive bidding by Lanka IOC Besides this, Lanka IOC will be the public after a lapse of three Director General of Health for the first time. The CEB has only company to set up a grease months, when it had been shut Services, such as wearing immensely benefited due to manufacturing plant in Sri Lanka. down due to the spread of COVID- facemasks, washing hands, procurement through competitive In terms of market share in the 19. cleaning shoes, and maintaining bidding. lubricants segment, Servo is Assault incident of Bimal Shiyamen She said that tickets will be social distancing. Lanka IOC manufactures currently at No. 2 in Sri Lanka and automotive, industrial and marine this new business is a major step WP South Police Servo lubricants at its state-of-the- towards being a market leader. For art plant in Trincomalee. In a decades, Servo has been in the CIU takes over statement, the company affirmed forefront of introducing its commitment to development technologically advanced products. Nawagamuwa Police and the economy of Sri Lanka. The Servo has also made inroads into investigation entire range of Servo Lubricants is the highly competitive global By Chamara Amarasuriya locally manufactured, thus saving markets. Today, it has established arrest 8 gangsters precious foreign exchange on its footprint in more than 30 global The investigations into the alleged imports. The company has always destinations. accosting and assault incident of regional By Champa Jeewanthi Police said that the members correspondent Bimal Shiyamen has been (Panagoda) of the gang led by the Dubai- handed over to the Western Province based gangster had demanded a South Police Crime Investigation Unit. Nawagamuwa Police said they sum of Rs 1 million as ransom Shiyamen, who had visited Atalugama, had apprehended eight members money from a businessman in Bandaragama to report on how Muslims of an underworld gang which Nawagamuwa on the telephone. were adhering to quarantine laws on had been led by a gangster According to the Police, as the Ramazan Day, had been allegedly accosted based in Dubai, United Arab businessman had disconnected and assaulted by an unknown group in Emirates, who is said to be an the phone, the members of the the area. accomplice of noted gangster gang had gone to his residence The probe had been handed over to the Samayan, who was bumped off armed with weapons and Unit on the advice of Senior Deputy due to internecine warfare damaged his house. LIOC Managing Director Manoj Gupta (4th from Right), along with CEB Inspector General of Police of the Western among gangsters in the recent Following investigations, eight Chairman Vijitha Herath (5th from Right) and senior officials of CEB and LIOC Province, Deshabandu Tennakoon. past. suspects were apprehended. during the signing of the agreement A4 wednesday 17 june 2020 News

LECO case CID begins probe on Further hearing fixed for13 October Rs 480M in drug dealer’s By Kavindya Perera effect till 15 September. Taking the submission into Colombo Chief Magistrate consideration, Jayaratna Lanka Jayaratna yesterday fixed further hearing of the accomplice’s account (16) fixed further hearing of case to the said date. the case filed against The Commission has Former Chief Justice and charged that the trio had Attorney General Mohan failed to take punitive action By Chamara Amarasuriya transaction carried out by the accomplice They further said that the drug dealer Peiris, Former Additional against wrongdoings of the well -known heroin dealer and who had once maintained links with Solicitor General and allegedly committed by a few The CID has commenced a probe into gangster. another noted gangster Makandure present Court of Appeal members of the Director the transaction of Rs 480 million which According to the CID, the account of Madush, is presently hiding in the President, Justice A.H.M.D. Board of LECO from 1 to 30 had been in the Bank account of an the gangster’s accomplice had been UAE, while carrying out his criminal Nawaz and Former December 10 years ago and accomplice of a noted heroin dealer and maintained at a private Bank in the and drug rackets through his Secretary of LECO, M.M.C. after the wrongdoers had gangster based in Dubai, United Arab Minuwangoda area and said that accomplice here. Ferdinandez by the been identified in a report Emirates (UAE). inquiries had revealed that sums of According to the CID, they had also Commission to Investigate compiled by a Committee CID sources said their investigation Rs 28 million, Rs 17 million and Rs learnt of the incident following a drug Allegations of Bribery or headed by Siripala Gamlath would look into how the sum had been 18 million had been transacted bust carried out in the Yatiyana area in Corruption to 13 October. in October 2009. deposited and the person involved in the from it. Minuwangoda. When the case was taken The Commission has up, the Commission further charged that the appearing for the prosecution actions of Peiris, Nawaz and told Court that already the Ferdinandez, had flouted Supreme Court had issued provisions contained in Colombo Port City Project an interim injunction against Sections of the Penal Code as Daycare centres the case being heard before well as provisions contained Third EIA for vertical the Chief Magistrate and that in Sections of the Bribery reopen from 1 July the injunction would be in Act. development completed Daycare centres will be Ministry when they resume reopened from 1 July, the activities. – Aluwihare Ministry of Women and Child These guidelines are Maha production for 2019/2020 Affairs announced yesterday already directed to all day- By Sulochana Ramiah protocols needed to be (16). Secretary to the care centres across the Mohan followed. Ministry, Neil Bandara country, he said further. The Port City was issued Agriculture Department Hapuhinna said daycare However, the decision on Head of Strategy and an EIA licence to proceed centres have been instructed the reopening of preschools Business Development – with conditions. He added forecasts 3.04 mts to follow health guidelines, is yet to be taken, Hapuhinna CHEC Port City Colombo, that the first EIA for introduced by the Health added. Thulci Aluwihare, in a reclamation stipulated over By Paneetha would be 3.04 million webinar forum hosted by 70 conditions which were Ameresekere metric tons (mts). PricewaterhouseCoopers addressed based on the This 3.04 million mts of recently, said the third Environment Management The Agriculture paddy is enough to feed Sri Environmental Impact Plan. Department on 15 June Lanka for more than nine Assessment (EIA) was He also added that the (Monday) forecast that the months, it added. completed on the Colombo Department of Conservation country’s 2019/2020 Maha Meanwhile, the previous SJB vows to set price Port City project in Colombo and Recreation (DCR) which production, excluding Maha harvest, that is, Maha for vertical development practises the international paddy production from the 2018/19, yielded a total and that the licence was standard guideline where Kilinochchi and paddy production of 3.07 controls on essentials issued based on 53 each developer needs to Polonnaruwa Districts million mts. conditions that were adhere to was followed in By Saundarya random prices, specified in the licence. developing the land plots of Wellaboda sometimes even at an He further said there are the Port City. extremely high price. 26 Government agencies “It’s an extensive The Samagi Jana Meanwhile, he also currently monitoring the document which includes State sector contributions Balawegaya, yesterday, opined that the project and that he can the guidelines and pledged that they would guidelines issued by the assure that all framework for urban to COVID-19 Fund take immediate action to relevant authorities for environmental protocols design, utility, landscaping set price controls on the election should have and international standards and more importantly, Obtain workers’ consent essential items, to been finalised only after have been met. sustainability.” provide people with a notifying the contesting He pointed out that the The impact from the rise better livelihood. political parties. Port City had completed of the sea level due to – HRCSL Former He claimed that under three Environmental Impact climate change and other The Human Rights carried out either covertly or Parliamentarian the current guidelines, at Assessments (EIA) - two environmental factors, have Commission of Sri Lanka, forcibly and only with the Lakshman Kiriella, least 40 per cent of the were conducted on the been studied using submitting letters to the direct consent of the workers addressing the Media public will refuse to vote reclamation stage, which analytical models and Minister of Public concerned. yesterday (16), said that and added that therefore was made available for necessary steps are taken Administration, Home They have pointed out in because the Government it was unfair for the public scrutiny because to address them, he added. Affairs, Provincial Councils this letter that a spate of has failed to set price relevant authorities to and Local Government, the complaints had been received controls on essential issue such guidelines, Chief Ministers of by them regarding attempts items such as sugar, dhal without discussing the Provincial Councils, and to made by certain Provincial and chilli, most sellers details with political the President’s Secretary, Ministries to forcibly cut off tend to sell such items at parties. has stated that the monthly salaries to be Vehicles seized from curfew obtainment of the monthly deposited to the COVID-19 salary from State sector Fund and sans the consent violators to be returned workers to the COVID-19 and against the wishes of the Fund should only be workers. By Pahan Wijesekara shortly. carried out with the Hence, they have urged the The Presidential consent of the workers officials to look into this The Presidential Secretariat Secretariat added that the concerned. issue and ensure that the Commuters could noted that all vehicles that Government has already The Commission has salaries of the State sector had been seized by the Police advised Acting Inspector pointed out that the workers are not forcibly cut complain regarding excess from curfew violators during General of Police Chandana obtainment of such salaries off under the pretext of the COVID-19 enforced Wickremaratna to take or part of the monthly depositing it to the Fund passengers in buses lockdown period, will be necessary measures in this salaries from Government sans the consent of State returned to their owners regard. workers should never be employees. Commuters could now of seats available due to the make complaints regarding spread of COVID-19 buses that transport pandemic. passengers exceeding the However, many reports of number of available seats, buses violating this To help stabilise local Banks noted the National Transport regulation have been received Commission (NTC), yesterday by the NTC, said Miranda. (16). Meanwhile, a special Director-General of the meeting was held yesterday CBSL compelled to release NTC, Nilan Miranda stated with regard to the resumption that the relevant complaints of school transport services can be made to the once schools reopen. Minister Rs 200B from reserves – Dayasiri Commission’s hotline: 1955. of Transport Mahinda The Government has Amaraweera and Minister of By Dilanthi Jayamanne during the short period that He said that if money had to give its approval to the Vote on imposed a new rule that Education Dullas the Police curfew was lifted be printed, it should have Account in Parliament on 2 buses may not transport Alahapperuma had chaired The Central Bank of Sri and prior to re-implementing been in 2015 with the CBSL March.” passengers above the number the meeting. Lanka (CBSL) was compelled the Police curfew. “There was Treasury Bond scam when the Jayasekara said that the to release Rs 200 billion panic among them that they CBSL had to pay large country had to pay US$ 4.8 from its reserves to local would run short of money if amounts of money as a result billion as loan interest and Banks to help stabilise them Banks remained closed. They from the Government’s premiums. “We have already as a result of the COVID-19 even pawned their jewellery to reserves. “It reduced been able to pay US$ 2.4 - SB crisis situation in the the Banks to obtain money Government reserves from billion and have another US$ Lankan Banks sluggish country, General Secretary during that time. According to US$ 8 billion to US$ 6 billion. 2.4 billion more to pay from By Ranmini Estimate to pay all our of the Sri Lanka Freedom information we have, people The nine per cent interest rate the loans that have been Gunasekara people. The Government had Party (SLFP), Dayasiri had over Rs 140 million in increased to 12 per cent as a obtained.” to pay money to contractors Jayasekara said. their keep. For three months, result. It had to even utilise its He said that the Most Banks in Sri Lanka who built roads, to the Army, Addressing the Media at they could not even go out to foreign reserves in a bid to Government also had to pay operate in a very sluggish and even to the State SLFP Headquarters, purchase goods and services maintain the dollar.” bills worth Rs 152 million manner, claimed Former Pharmaceutical Corporation Jayasekara said yesterday (16) and therefore public Responding to the UNP’s till October 2019, as the Parliamentarian S.B. and many more. But we were that the Opposition had expenditure was minimised,” accusations that the previous Government had Dissanayake yesterday at a unable to get this money in levelled allegations against the he said. Government had obtained a left a large amount of Sri Lanka Freedom People’s circulation because our Government, claiming that it He explained that the CBSL foreign loan worth US$ 950 unsettled bills in its wake. Alliance press conference. banks are so slow,” he had printed money during the was tasked with limiting the million, Jayasekara said that it They included drug bills “On 15 June, we saw how claimed. COVID-19 crisis. purchasing power of Banks or had only received a short-term worth Rs 26,000 million and our President told the He further claimed that “If that was the case, then stabilising them. Therefore, loan of US$ 500 million. “There Rs 10 million for fertiliser. Central Bank as well as this method of increasing the the Bank notes should carry the CBSL at this juncture was also a programme However, under special commercial banks to provide circulation of funds within an the signatures of the Prime decided to release a sum of Rs underway to sanction a US$ powers vested with the relief on loans. We noticed economy was also correct Minister as the Minister of 200 billion to local Banks. It 400 million loan from India. President, from 2 March to that there was a shortage of and aligns with the theories Finance and the Governor of was given from the money There were ongoing 31 May, the Government was funds which has led to the of economist John Maynard the CBSL, Professor W.D. which the CBSL had, he said. negotiations to obtain further able to meet some of those stagnation of our economy. Keynes which have been Lakshman,” he said. Jayasekara said that the foreign loans as well. But, payments. Therefore by 31 This is why in the final tried and tested in many Explaining, he said that move had helped to bring down unfortunately the Government May, a total of Rs 182 Parliamentary session we countries shortly after the people had made large-scale the US Dollar rate from Rs 200 is unable to obtain a US$ 950 million bill payments were presented a Supplementary Second World War. withdrawals from local Banks to Rs 180 at the time. million loan as the UNP did not made. news wednesday 17 june 2020 A5

Resuming duties at Welisara Navy Camp GMOF calls on DGHS to crack down on quacks Clearance from health By Dilanthi Jayamanne even the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) The Government Medical have failed to take the Officers’ Forum (GMOF) necessary action to overcome called on the Director the issue. Other than the authorities anticipated General of Health Services local medical degree, those (DGHS) and the Ministry of who held foreign medical By Thameenah Razeek procedures. Defence to take necessary degrees from universities Pointing out that 96 per – Defence Secy action against a large approved by the SLMC were Secretary to the Ministry of cent of the affected Navy number of quacks in the given a provisional Defence, (Retired) Major personnel did not show Navy cluster, we invited all repatriates, there will not be country. According to them, registration. But you cannot General Kamal Gunaratne symptoms of COVID-19 and other former officers who had another cluster or spreading the majority of such quacks practice medicine with it. said they are awaiting the that all them were identified retired and other officers who at the community level. He serve in the Western First, they have to sit for the green light from the health following Polymerase Chain were on leave. So right now, also noted that it is a must to Province. ERPM examination and then authorities to resume duties Reaction (PCR) tests, he the Navy cluster is under protect Sri Lankans who are Responding to questions, a go though the internship to at the Welisara Navy Camp, stated that Navy personal are control as soon as the others living abroad even though spokesman of the GMOF be even eligible for SLMC since many that were affected easy to handle as they strictly recover,” he added. they may or may not have claimed that more than 50 registration. But there have by COVID-19 have almost adhere to the health Meanwhile, fielding a contracted COVID-19. per cent practicing in the been instances where recovered. guidelines, which is the only question posed by the Media “It is clear that Sri Lanka private sector were those who prescriptions written by Speaking to the Media reason that they hope that all regarding whether the did not identify any COVID- had only a provisional quacks have gone seriously yesterday (16) at the Defence the personnel will recover as repatriation of Sri Lankan 19 patient from the medical registration from the wrong, leaving the patient in Ministry, Major General soon as possible. expatriates can create community since 30 April. Sri Lanka Medical Council critical condition.” Gunaratne stated the About 4,000 Navy another COVID-19 cluster, But treating and the (SLMC). The GMOF spokesman said Welisara Navy Camp personnel are on duty at the Army Commander, repatriation of Sri Lankan “There were more than that some of those possesses all the facilities Welisara Navy Camp, and Lieutenant General expatriates should go on 40,000 quacks in Sri Lanka. provisional degree holders, required to maintain social currently there are only about Shavendra Silva assured that since those who are returning While quacks had no legal especially those with foreign distancing while continuing 140 personnel who are yet to since they are strictly are still Sri Lankans and they right to practice medicine at degrees served even in other sanitisation recover. “After identifying the conducting PCR tests on the should be protected,” he said. all, those with provisional private sector hospitals. degrees depending on the “Quacks have their clinics medical degree they opened for patients from 8:00 possessed had to do their a.m.” internship (if they were local The Deputy Director Hot water in the domestic setting medical graduates) or sit for General (Medical Services-II) the Examination for when contacted for comment Registration to Practice said that the DGHS who was Children most vulnerable LPSU opposes Medicine (ERPM) to qualify the chairing the Private for a local internship, failing Healthcare Regulatory which they cannot practice in Council (PHRC) should be to sustain burns – Study slashing benefits Sri Lanka. But unfortunately, contacted for the details By Ruwan Laknath Jayakody records of 90 victims (34 children The Lanka Postal Services Union (LPSU), the authorities including the regarding the actions taken and 56 adults, while 54 per cent submitting a letter to the Minister of SLMC, the DGHS, the by the Ministry of Health on Children are most vulnerable to were males and 46 per cent were Information and Communication Technology, Medical Officers of Health the issue. However, efforts to sustain burns especially with hot females ranging from one month to has expressed their opposition to a decision (MOHs), the Defence Ministry contact the Deputy Director water in the domestic setting and 80 years) who sustained burns and taken by the Government to cut off the benefits under which the Police General (Medical Services-II) therefore parents/guardians must were admitted (two per cent of all accorded to postal workers on Saturdays and Department functions and failed. be made aware regarding trauma cases reported during this the payment of 20 per cent from overtime precautions and the safe handling period) during 2017. A majority (52 payment to its employees. of hot water. per cent) had an education level They have informed subject Minister, These observations were made in below the General Certificate of Bandula Gunawardane that since 7 June they the abstract of an oral presentation Education Ordinary Level and the had engaged in trade union action to express under clinical forensic medicine same percentage were married. their vehement protest at the decision taken by SL witnessing eclipse titled ‘The magnitude, clinical The results included that: burns the present Administration over the cutting off presentation and outcomes of was highest among males between of benefits and overtime payments to its patients with burn injuries the ages of 0-11 years (20 per workers. season – Prof. Jayaratne admitted to the Teaching Hospital, cent); scalding was seen in 52 per The LPSU has informed the Minister that they Sri Lanka is currently the partial eclipse can be Kurunegala: A prospective cent; flame burns were seen in 28 had refused to sign an agreement with the witnessing an eclipse season, observed from 10:34 a.m., analysis’ which was authored by per cent; most (92 per cent) of the Postmaster General, enabling the latter to cut where three eclipses will while the maximum eclipse U.D.G. Dissanayaka and A.N. incidents had taken place at home off benefits accorded to postal workers on occur within a span of 30 will be at 11:53 a.m. and the Vadysinghe attached to the followed by at the workplace; Saturdays and 20 per cent of overtime days, stated Professor in end of the eclipse at 1:17 Department of Forensic Medicine of frequently reported burn injuries payments. Physics and Director of the p.m. the Faculty of Medicine of the were distributed on the trunk in 39 Hence, they have urged Gunawardane to Astronomy and Space For Jaffna, the partial University of Peradeniya, and per cent and the majority was first issue an order to the Postmaster General to Science Unit at the eclipse may commence at Y.M.G.I. Banda and T.H.I. degree in nature; almost half of the withdraw the proposal enabling the latter to University of Colombo, 10:24 a.m., a maximum Gayathree attached to the Office of patients had spent 30 minutes to cut off benefits for workers who report for duty Professor Chandana eclipse at 11:54 a.m. and the the Judicial Medical Officer of the one hour to seek medical attention; on Saturdays and 20 per cent of overtime Jayaratne. end of the eclipse at 1:30 Kurunegala Teaching Hospital, and a majority (80 per cent) of the payment. On 21 June, an annular p.m. published in supplement one of injuries were non-intentional; a solar eclipse will take place Professor Jayaratne volume seven of the Medico-Legal majority (57 per cent) recovered while another penumbral warned that direct eye Journal of Sri Lanka in November without any complications; a lunar eclipse could be contact with the sun without 2019. minority (36 per cent) experienced witnessed on 4 and 5 July. proper eye protection can A prospective descriptive study scarring or disfigurement; and two The annular solar eclipse cause blindness or other was conducted based on the per cent succumbed mainly due to on 21 June, which is a permanent eye damage. medicolegal and clinical case extensive burns. Batticaloa GA partial eclipse, will be the Special protective last solar eclipse Sri Lanka spectacles, eclipse glasses, will be able to view for homemade pinhole cameras, Promises Rs 50 another 24 months. welders’ glasses (with gauge Sri Lankans across the 14 or higher dark filters), or country will have the solar filters may be used to Gang wielding swords per kg for paddy opportunity to witness the watch the eclipse. Batticaloa District Secretary Kalamathy annular solar eclipse on 21 It is advised to use special Pathmarajah assured farmers in the District on June from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 solar filters if taking pictures attack five in Vavuniya 15 June that steps will be taken to purchase 1 p.m. of the eclipse with a kilogramme of paddy at Rs 50. The eclipse will last for photographic device. Vandalise motorcycle Pathmarajah also said that poor farmers nearly two hours and 50 Normal glasses (even with Five persons, including a woman Later, the injured persons were should be protected from buyers who purchase minutes, with about 30 per ultraviolet radiation who were critically injured in a rushed to hospital by ambulance paddy from farmers at the lowest price, after cent of the solar disk covered absorption), sunglasses, sword attack on 14 June night in with the help of neighbours and are providing seed paddy and insecticides on a loan by the moon at the time of telescopes, cameras, Maharambaikulam, Vavuniya, have undergoing treatment. basis. the maximum eclipse. binoculars are not to be used been admitted to the District General After the incident was brought to She made these observations while speaking to Residents in Colombo may for the viewing of the eclipse. Hospital Vavuniya. the attention of the Vavuniya Police, representatives of agrarian societies in the sight the beginning of the It should also be noted that An unidentified gang entered a two suspects have been taken into District, who met her at the District Secretariat, eclipse at 10:29 a.m. and the the sun should not be looked house and attacked the victims with custody in this connection and a Batticaloa. Representatives of 13 agrarian maximum eclipse will occur at directly for more than swords while they were asleep and search operation was launched to societies in the District, led by Gnanamutthu at 11:51 a.m. The eclipse will three minutes continuously, vandalised a motorcycle parked in nab the remaining suspects. Perinbam, met her. end at 1:19 p.m. even with the aforementioned the porch before leaving the house. (NJ) (NJ) From the city of Matara, filters.

Gemmell appointed UK Citing split in UNP Trade Commissioner for UNP Batticaloa District Organiser resigns By Sulochana Ramiah the UNP. He said his to the Party and that he the public to vote wisely for Mohan decision was entirely had been working diligently those who can work for the South Asia personal and was not since his appointment. people. UNP Batticaloa District influenced by any other He also stated that at the “I will not partake in any Alan Gemmell has Sri Lanka. He brings a Organiser, Veluppillai party. upcoming General political activities in the been appointed as the rich experience in Maheswaran resigned from Maheswaran, who was Election, he will not future, but certainly I will new UK Trade promoting UK his post yesterday (16), appointed as the UNP support any of the political contribute to the society in Commissioner for businesses together citing the split and District Organiser in 2016, parties that would be many other ways,” he said. South Asia to bolster with a strong affiliation confrontations seen within said that he was committed contesting, and requested trade and investment to arts and culture, relations with the UK’s which we hope will economic partners in contribute to driving the region, including growth and prosperity Sri Lanka. for both countries”. Each traveller can be accompanied by three guests He is based in Speaking after his Mumbai and will be a appointment, Alan Suspect with six Gaja Departure terminal at BIA opened frequent visitor to Sri Gemmell said: “I am Muthu apprehended The departure terminal of the accompanied by three other Lanka. delighted to be back in Bandaranaike International individuals at the departure British High the region as the UK’s A suspect with six Gaja Muthu (elephant Airport (BIA) has been terminal from here on. Commissioner to Sri Trade Commissioner pearls) was apprehended by the re-opened for guests, Guests entering the terminal Lanka, Sarah Hulton with a remit to support Parasangaswewa Police Division on 15 June. accompanying passengers from must wear a face mask and said: “I am delighted that Alan greater trade and investment The 29-year-old suspect who is a resident 15 June. strictly follow health guidelines Gemmell will be joining the UK team between Sri Lanka and the UK. Our of Anuradhapura, was apprehended during a Chairman of the Airport and that have been issued, said in the region as our new Trade countries share strong business and search operation where the Police had Aviation Services, Retired Major Chandrasiri. Commissioner. We hope he will be cultural links and I look forward to stopped his motorbike and checked. General G.A. Chandrasiri said Those who arrive at the BIA able to visit Sri Lanka soon, in order working with our High The suspect was produced before the that the terminal was open departure terminal must to help our drive to increase trade Commissioner and her team in Anuradhapura Magistrate yesterday (16). since 12 noon. Any passenger purchase a ticket worth Rs 300 and investment between the UK and Colombo to deepen these ties.” holding a valid air ticket can be to enter the departure terminal. A6 Wednesday 17 june 2020 news Continued from page 1 CID grills... DSG confirms... Ranasingha said that according to information name to Alexander, to Sri Lanka. the case, Ajahan Gardiya Punchihewa, who is Around 2,500 depositors who are owed around Rs 20 conveyed to them by the INTERPOL, Mahendran, Ranasingha said that the Attorney General’s presently in Singapore, to appear in Court, as he billion have sued the Company. CBSL, which has taken over who has been absconding Court, had changed his Department of Singapore had informed them that had failed to be present in Court after summons ETI Finance arranged a sale of the company’s assets to an name to Arjan Alexander. He then said that the it was not necessary to effect any amendment to had been issued to him previously. Taking the investor that was expected to raise the cash. Attorney General, Dappula de Livera, had already the extradition papers. He further said that if any submissions into consideration, the Bench Last year the CBSL said the assets of the directors of ETI inquired from his Singaporean counterpart, as to amendments are needed to be made to the case, reissued summons to Punchihewa to appear in Finance were being sold to repay the depositors with 20 per whether any amendment has to be effected to the then the prosecution would seek to make such Court and fixed further hearing for 17 November. cent of deposits paid at that time by selling the failed finance extradition papers to deport the first accused in submissions at a future date. He also urged the Meanwhile, Ceylon Today recently exposed company’s subsidiaries and investment properties. (GW) the case, Mahendran, who has now changed his Court to reissue summons to the 10th accused in Mahendran’s name change.

President makes... Arrest warrants... He made these observations at a meeting not monitor. Look at the status of finance officials. The people of this country have When the case filed by ETI depositors was taken up, Magistrate held at the Presidential Secretariat where companies. bestowed a great power on me to build this issued arrest warrants on ETI Directors Jeewaka Edirisinghe, Governor of the Central Bank Prof. W.D. “It is your responsibility to regularise and country. I request all of you to allow me to Nalaka Edirisinghe, Asanka Edirisinghe and Deepa Edirisinghe. Lakshman and officials of the Central monitor these companies. However, you build this country. The Court ordered the Police to arrest the four Directors and Bank, Secretary to the Treasury S.R. have failed in your task. Leasing companies “COVID-19 has spread throughout the produce them before Court immediately. Attygalle, Secretary to the President P.B. too evade their responsibilities. The ETI is world. Now it has become a global Two depositors of the ETI Holdings had filed a case against Jayasundera and Principal Advisor to the not in a position to repay the people. The economic crisis. Due to the firm these four ETI Directors at the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court, President Lalith Weeratunga were present. Finance has closed down without commitment of our works in the health charging them with misappropriation of funds amounting to Rs 1 Central Banks in leading countries such informing. How are we going to pay for sector, Army, Intelligence and the Police we million belonging to them (plaintiffs). as the United States, Japan and Australia, that? There is no management there. All at were able to return to normalcy before as well as in small countries have put in the Central Bank are economic specialists many other countries in the world. The place required mechanisms to revive drawing very high salaries. You have a restructuring of the country’s economy economies in their respective countries, he responsibility. I have presented you a before it further collapses lies in your pointed out. mechanism. If you are unable to follow it, hands. Lend your support to me to achieve Prisons loaded... “What is the tool we have used? We have present me your version of the mechanism success in this endeavour. Either accept Asked whether the Special Task Force (STF) is engaged in used nothing. Our Central Bank has not by tomorrow morning. my suggestions in this regard or reveal search operations inside the prisons, Gunaratne said that the STF done anything towards this. Monetary and “Look at what governments of other your strategies. is not engaged in those operations. Fiscal Policy has been formulated by the countries have implemented to save their “In this context, a place like the Central “STF is deployed only in Boossa and Angunakolapelassa Prisons Central Bank. That should be done in small-scale and medium-scale businesses. Bank where the top economic experts are and that too only to protect outer peripheries. If wanted, the heads accordance with the economic policy of the Do we see the same efforts over here? It rendering their service, isn’t it your of prisons can get the STF engaged in such operations,” he noted. President of the country. looks as if you are here to hinder the responsibility to present a proposal to He also said that even though the armed forces have apprehend “You have several tools that can be used. government effort and are trying to impede conquer this situation. What have you a considerable quantity of illicit narcotics in the recent past, the Those tools have to be utilised. However, my duties. I do not have to assume this submitted in this regard. What is the prices of these illicit drugs have not decreased because major drug our Central Bank does not use a single tone if you stood by your duties. It has guidance you have given me? There is dealers in prisons are still active and engaged in major dealings, tool. It just remains idle. We asked to been eight months since my appointment nothing and you have not come forward to both locally and internationally. release Rs 150 billion to Banks. This is not to office, and I have been requesting you to support me. While insisting that these drug lords are easily communicating a fault of the business. The Government revive this collapsed economy ever since. “If you are not on the same page with my with dealers both inside and outside the country, he said the owes a huge sum of money to companies “I do not want to talk about mistakes of suggestions please give me your strategies Department of Prisons has the most corrupt officers in charge. He due to mismanagement in the past. Let this the previous government. As all of you to revive our economy by tomorrow noted that these corrupt officers are the only reason that the money be kept as a security for Banks to know, you were there when the Central morning. Give me your suggestions on how Government has failed to eradicate illicit drugs. release loans to them. Then they can run Bank Bonds scam was executed. If you to strengthen the economy, how to assist He said at a Media briefing yesterday at the Defence Ministry the economy. This is a money circulation supported them to commit this crime, there Banks under these dire circumstances, that all the facilities to communicate with outsiders are given to process. This is a very simple tactic and is no reason for all of you to not to join how to categorically assist small-scale and imprisoned drug lords by corrupt officers who are in charge of this is a basic economic principle. But, hands with me to deliver justice. The medium-scale businesses. If what I say is prisoners. what are you doing? Governments have to public must be made aware of the issue of wrong, do not hesitate to let me know,” the “Each and every State institution has corrupt officers and we take the blame for your conduct. You do how we move forward with these types of President insisted. (GW) discovered that the corrupt staff in prisons are working according to the drug lords and not as the Ministry advises. It is a shame to note that people who should stop corruption are the ones who are initiating them,” he added. After the recent search operations conducted in prisons, 61 SL needs... mobile phones, 72 subscription identification module cards and Aluvihare also highlighted that the Port City operator. Another RFP is for the investment in a activity but with the country getting back to 53 phone chargers which were being used by prisoners were could be actually built within 10 years but only mixed-use development project which consists normalcy; the project can also commence taken into custody. if there is adequate demand. of offices, residential and retail space on a three- construction activities to get back on schedule. Meanwhile, Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) Senior Deputy “Depending on the demand, the project can hectare land extent. Executive Director – Lakshman Kadiragamar Inspector General of Police Sajeewa Medawatte said that due to take 10 years, 20 years or if the demand is The project company, who had already Institute of International Relations and travel restrictions and the curfew, the transportation of drugs was subdued, it can even take 30 years because invested USD 1.4 billion on the reclamation Strategic Studies, Dr. Wignaraja Ganeshan at reduced and the prices remained static. “ The amount of pure investors need to have confidence to come and works, have come forward to invest another the online forum pointed out that their research heroin per gram of heroin seized, shows it is comparably low in build on it. In terms of development, the first billion dollars on the vertical development. showed that investors require a law that’s clear comparison with the drugs that were apprehended during the phase (first 10 years) will cover predominantly However, based on their market sounding and transparent with regard to the property curfew period,” he added. (GW) commercial offices. The second phase is more exercise, he further said that investor reactions rights of investors, tax concessions and also driven by residential requirements. The have been mixed. This was mainly due to the market access to large economies in India and rationale is that trade and commerce has to Easter Sunday attacks of last year and then East Asia. “The negotiations with India on the commence for the Port City to generate demand obviously the recent pandemic. Some investors upgraded trade agreement will be crucial for for the residential space,” he added. are adopting a wait and see approach on how attracting investments from Indian investors”. GA ordered... He also said that the Port City was structured the current situation transpires, while some are Likewise, he further said that Sri Lanka needs This was in connection with the probe conducted into the case as hard infrastructure and soft infrastructure quite confident that given the long-term nature to have a trade agreement with China and make where Colombo Swiss Embassy official Ganier Banister Francis, and that the Port City project is a public private of the project, the COVID-19 impact will only be the Sri Lanka-Singapore trade agreement active has been charged with making bogus statements aimed at partnership where the project company has short-term. to bolster investor confidence from wealthy exciting disaffection against the Government. come forward to make the investment to have He pointed out that it is important to Southeast Asian economies including Chief Magistrate Jayaratna issued the order, following a request the required hard infrastructure. recognise that there is intense competition in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. made to her by the CID, when the case was taken up at the He added that he was aware that the three- the region and for the Port City to be positioned He also underlined that Sri Lanka needs to Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court. member Cabinet committee appointed to review as an attractive proposition; the Project needs to tackle long-term bottlenecks in human capital, The prosecution was represented by State Counsel Janaka the draft of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) be competitive to attract foreign capital flow. infrastructure and financial markets. Bandara along with the CID. law has concluded its review and hopes that the Aluvihare also highlighted that the proposed A clear signal that Sri Lanka is open for The accused, Francis, who is currently out on bail, was present Port City SEZ Law could be implemented before SEZ Law is crucial for the Port City to be able to business, needs to be articulated, not just by in Court, and was represented by a group of lawyers, headed by the end of 2020. market and position it competitively. statements but also by concrete actions on the Upul Kumarapperuma. He also emphasised that the project has He reiterated that the reclamation work was ground such as laws, infrastructure, and The CID, submitting a progress report, said that following a floated10 requests for proposals (RFPs) for 10 completed during 2019 and now the project education, he said. Adding that potential search warrant obtained from the Court on 9 June, their officers land slots. The Memorandum of Understanding company has commenced the construction of investors pay careful attention to Sri Lanka’s had, on the following day visited the residence of Bastians, (MoU) was signed on the marina with a local infrastructure such as utilities, the road annual ranking in cross-country benchmarking situated at 20, Avarihena, Narahenpita, from where they took into party as a temporary arrangement for two years network, and the landscaping of public spaces. exercises of investment climates like the World custody the laptop used by her. to create the footfall that is required until the He further noted that due to the COVID-19 Bank’s Doing Business Index and the World The CID, after having named the laptop as a production in the Port City signs with an international marina pandemic, there has been some slowdown in Economic Forum’s Competitiveness Index. case, urged the Magistrate to issue an order to the Government Analyst to analyse it and submit a report to Court. Attorney-at-Law Shiraz Noordeen, who appeared for Bastians, said that on 4 June, a few officers from the CID had arrived at his client’s residence and had sought to inspect her house and Injunction decision... asserted that they want to take into custody the laptop used by She announced this when the complaint filed Election under a different party, Perera said. He writing, he said. SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa her and had taken it away. He further said that on 9 June, the by Madduma Bandara in this connection was said that if the injunction order requested by is among the members whose Party CID had arrived again at his client’s house armed with a search taken up for consideration yesterday, the the plaintiff is granted, there is a risk of them membership has been suspended. The others warrant and explained that the laptop that had been taken away second day. acting as UNP members to garner voter support include Kabir Hashim, Lakshman Kiriella, from his client’s house had been brought back and had sealed it President’s Counsel Ronald Perera (PC), ahead of the 5 August General Election and Gayantha Karunatileka, Mangala in the presence of Bastians’ father-in-law, Upali Indraguptha, representing respondent UNP General Secretary requested the Court to therefore not grant an Samaraweera, Thalatha Atukorale, Field before taking it into custody. Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, claimed that the injunction order on the decision of the UNP Marshal Sarath Fonseka, Harin Fernando, Noordeen further said that Bastians’ laptop had been taken into plaintiff has made a grave legal error by not Working Committee. Ajith P. Perera, Nalin Bandara, Dr, Harsha de custody by the CID before they obtained a search warrant to naming the members of the UNP Working Considering the submissions, Judge Silva, Eran Wickramaratne, S.M. Marikkar, inspect his client’s residence. He told the Court that as his client is Committee as defendants. As the party Ranaweera said that the relevant Court decision Sujeewa Senasinghe, Mujibur Rahuman, Ajith a journalist and requested the Court that since the laptop memberships had been suspended by the UNP will be declared on 22 June. Mannapperuma, Harshana Rajakaruna, contains sensitive data, to issue another order to the Government Working Committee, the injunction order On 29 May, the UNP Working Committee Kavinda Jayawardana, Ranjan Ramanayake, Analyst to analyse if any data in Bastians’ laptop had either been should be imposed against this Committee as cancelled the membership of 99 members, Ranjith Aluwihare, Wasantha Aluwihare, altered or tampered with or any new data had been added to it well, he pointed out. He said that the point including several top-brass members, who had Rohini Kaviratne, Wijepala Hettiarachchi, and to call for a report as it has been in the possession of the CID made by the plaintiff that the UNP Working handed over nominations from the SJB. Bandula Lal Bandarigoda, Buddhika since 4 June. Committee had given its consent to establish Kariyawasam said that the Party’s Pathirana, Dilip Wedarachchi, Thushara The CID, rejecting the submissions made by Noordeen, said that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is constitution deems that if any member is to Indunil, Ashok Abeysinghe, Hector Appuhamy, they had searched the residence of Bastians, following a warrant completely false. The UNP Working Committee submit nominations from another political Niroshan Perera, Chandima Gamage, sought from the Court on 9 June and had taken the laptop used had not permitted the forming of the said SJB party, they should seek the approval of the Chandrani Bandara, Ravindra Samaraweera, by Bastians into custody 24 hours later, after having inspected alliance at any time and the relevant members Working Committee before proceeding with Chaminda Wijesiri, Hesha Withanage, her house. cannot be deemed as UNP members as they their conduct. However, none of the members Mayantha Dissanayake, Hirunika Taking the submissions made by both the prosecution and the had submitted nominations for the General in question had obtained prior approval in Premachandra and Abdul Haleem. defence into consideration, the Magistrate said that the person named Bastians was presently out of the country and the prosecution had informed her that the laptop had been taken into custody by the CID, after it had been in possession of Indraguptha. PCoI Chairman... The Magistrate then issued an order to Indraguptha to appear ...doctor named Rilar had coordinated with photographs, the Doctor said that he had the witness to tell the Commission what he in Court at a future date, to seek his views, as he was not present him. The witness stated that at about 1:38 a.m. received some photos through a local phone knew. in Court, yesterday. on 27 August 2018, Rilar telephoned him and number via WhatsApp shortly after 2 a.m. on The Commission also asked him how many The Court also issued an order to the Government Analyst to said there was someone who was injured in a 27 August. “Later, I advised Rilar that the times he had met Zahran. In response, he said analyse and submit a report to Court on whether any new data gas cylinder explosion and asked what kind of patient could be referred to Kandy, Batticaloa or that one day in December 2018, Rilar and has been added or any data had been deleted from the laptop treatment could be offered to such a patient. Colombo National Hospital,” he added. Zahran, with three others, came to the witness’ used by Bastians during the period of 4 to 10 June. “Rilar had studied with me in the same class When the Senior State Counsel questioned house. He also said that he had inquired about Further hearing of the case was fixed for 21 July. upto the GCE Ordinary Level examination. By the witness regarding the telephone calls, he Rilwan’s health. “Rilar introduced Zahran to me Francis was arrested on 16 December last year by the CID and August 2018, Rilar was working as an Engineer replied in a manner that would mislead the saying he was a Moulavi. Zahran also asked me produced before the Court as per the directions of the Attorney in Saudi Arabia,” the witness said. Commission and the Chairman of the about additional treatment that could be given General, had advised the Director of the CID to arrest and to The witness also stated that he at that time Commission, Court of Appeal Judge, Justice to Rilwan. He didn’t talk much.” When the produce Francis in Court on two charges. Francis was named a told Rilar to send some photos of the patient. Janak de Silva, strongly advised him against it. members of the Commission inquired about the suspect in a case of exciting disaffection against the Government When the Senior State Counsel (SSC) Referring to the witness’ contradictory other three persons who accompanied them, he and fabricating false evidence to be used in a future judicial questioned whether he had received the said statement, the Commission Chairman warned said he knew nothing about them. proceeding. column wednesday 17 june 2020 A7 Social Distancing and Social Media

By Padraig Colman family and within my good self to occupy me. There is no point in me It is essential in these diseased being depressed by the misfortunes of times to keep a healthy distance others and I can do little to help between oneself and one’s fellow man anyone on FB. and woman (the UK’s chief People with thousands of FB epidemiologist had to resign because friends: If they are that popular, they his married lover visited him in don’t need to be bothering me. Large violation of the lockdown guidelines numbers increase the risk of infection he had himself helped to devise). I find and do not bestow herd immunity. it quite easy to stay away from other People who post inordinate numbers people and consider travel overrated. I of pictures of themselves: This may be am lucky enough not to be plagued by OK for their real-life family and the toad, work, so I do not have to friends (let them judge) but include interact with colleagues or endure the me out. commute to the office. The thought did occur to me, Consenting adults however, that some social distancing People who never interact. on social media would be worth People who interact too much. considering. One’s mental health is People without filters. constantly under threat from People who deposit gnomic posts Facebook. One is constantly and abstruse comments which I don’t distracted from important tasks (such understand: I haven’t got the time to as scratching one’s head and going for solve riddles. another biscuit) to check every few People who get angry and abusive to minutes what is going on over in FB me and my friends: I used to like a land. Are there any new fights that good fight from time to time to get the one can join in? What has X had for juices going but now I am too old and lunch today? Has Trump or his Mini- tired. Me Johnson said anything sensible People who post pictures of their today? dinner. The best way to free oneself of the People who are obsessive about their addiction completely is by the cold hobbies: That’s OK if you keep it to turkey method – close the FB account yourself but leave me out of it. or, as Miles Davis so eloquently put it, People who correct errors of “Try taking the m*********g horn out of grammar and punctuation publicly. I your mouth”. Closing the account discovered that many of the identities embarrassingly unpleasant to my wife have been accused myself of this but would be too drastic for me as FB is a on the friends’ lists of friends are and myself. A real-life friend who now I only do it to Brexiteers and good way of keeping in touch with spurious bots or are prostitutes in rarely uses FB but for some reason supporters of Trump and Johnson and family abroad and friends I have Manila. has 5,000 FB friends has as one of Ranil Wickremesinghe. No court would known for 60 years. When I first joined FB, I was very those friends my real life next-door convict me. My methods to control the flow of careful about accepting friend neighbour whom, in real life, I do my People who say “I detest Johnson, incoming posts is by controlling my requests from people who lived near best to avoid. More recently, I was Trump, Brexit, Dominic Cummings, friends list.The culling fields. I have me, well, basically anyone living in Sri horrified to see the face of my ex-wife Jimmy Savile, child abuse, Adolf been doing a lot of unfriending. Very Lanka. I was afraid they might try to People who ask (whom I have avoided since 1992) Hitler, Attila the Hun and sin in often people do not realise they have get in touch with me in real life. looming from my PC screen and me general as much as you because I am been unfriended. Sometimes people Friends of friends can be a big for money: I am with not a drop of drink in the house. one of the good guys like you I really do notice and get hurt. I don’t get hurt problem. Some people have up to generous with Her partner had recently joined FB am just as nice as you are but don’t when it happens to me. I think of it as 5,000 FB friends. This means that and friended one of my friends. It’s a you think this witch hunt has gone too time-management rather than you might be comfortable with the my funds to jungle out there. I set myself a far and a hypocritical storm has been punishment. individual whose friend request you number of guidelines for unfriending stirred up by the leftie press and isn’t When I receive a friend request, I do have accepted but who knows what those in need but people. Like my guru Dominic it time to move on?” not accept it unless I have a good idea might be lurking in the undergrowth? there are enough Cummings, I will feel free to ignore I will think of more later but this of what I am taking on. I can’t A couple of expatriate Sri Lankans these guidelines when it suits me. I should be enough to be going on with. understand why anyone would accept who became good FB friends invited close at hand to am likely to prune the following: I explained recently that I did not a friend request from an entity that me to a real-life social function. I was bankrupt me People who ask for money: I am regard participating in FB as a job with shows no photo and reveals no unable to attend and was so relieved generous with my funds to those in duties and obligations. I did it mainly information. It is no good looking at that I didn’t when I discovered that several times need but there are enough close at for pleasure and sometimes culling ‘mutuals’ because if one checks a someone who was constantly abusing hand to bankrupt me several times one’s friends list was necessary for the little further one finds that one’s own me on FB and was notorious for his over over. People who are ill: I am not sake of one’s own comfort, convenience friends are quite promiscuous in drunken rowdiness had attended the lacking in compassion but there are and peace of mind. I was accused of accepting friend requests. I have party and would, no doubt, have been plenty of health issues within the treating people like wallpaper. Outdated Cultural Depictions

By Michael Gregson TV police shows to be yanked from air. They argued that the The Black Lives Matter genre portrays Police Officers movement has made as action-heroes and Hollywood and TV companies stigmatises African-American confront their racist past. The communities. biggest impact has been felt in Meanwhile in Britain, the American and British television platforms have entertainment industries, removed “vintage” which have been forced to self- entertainment shows, including censor racist movies and “Little Britain”, “The Mighty programmes. The list includes Boosh” and “The League of the world’s biggest grossing Gentlemen”. movie, a long-standing reality Offending shows have been TV show and comedy dropped from archive streaming favourites from the past. services including Netflix, One of the biggest casualties UKTV, Britbox and BBC iPlayer, is the 1939 Oscar-winner due to their use of “blackface” “Gone With the Wind”, which for comedic effect or because of has been pulled from the racist attitudes ascribed to the library of HBO Max. The characters. broadcaster cited the need for But writer Sathnam Sanghera “an explanation and a has argued on social media that denouncement” of the movie’s the “panic-erasing” of depictions of race relations embarrassing programmes is before it can be shown again. not a solution. “This stuff is A spokesperson for HBO idiotic, and it will make the deep Max noted in a statement that concern behind Black Lives the film's “racist depictions Matter seem like political were wrong then and are correctness,” wrote Sanghera, wrong today, and we felt that author of a new book about the to keep this title up without an British imperial legacy, “Empire explanation and a Land”, out next year. denouncement of those The writers were responding depictions would be to a UKTV decision, since irresponsible.” The film Vivien Leigh and Hattie McDaniel from Gone with the Wind reversed, to remove a well- romanticises slavery as a known episode of the John benign and benevolent known for the song “Zip-a-dee- amid protests against Police Cleese comedy “Fawlty Towers” institution. Still the highest- doo-dah” - has never been brutality over George Floyd’s that features racist scenes and grossing film in history when shown on the studio’s cable death.Cable network characters. adjusted for inflation, “Gone and satellite platforms. Disney Paramount said it had no For Lemn Sissay, the British with the Wind” won 10 Oscars chairman Bob Iger said earlier plans for Cops, which first poet and writer, the removal of – including the first awarded to this year: “It was just not The show was temporarily aired more than three decades offending TV shows has been a black actor, Hattie McDaniel, appropriate in today's world.” ago, to return. Cops ran for 25 welcome because he believes for her role as the dutiful There is now a campaign to re pulled from air late last month years after first being that, like the statues now servant Mammy. McDaniel theme a Disneyland ride based broadcast on Fox in 1989, toppled or under threat around was not allowed to attend the on the movie. as protests gathered pace over before it was taken up by Britain, they still shore up racist film’s premiere because of her Other Disney films criticised Paramount's predecessor, values that should not be race and was forced to sit in a for racist characters, like the death of Floyd, an unarmed Spike TV, in 2013. tolerated. segregated “coloured section” “Dumbo,” now feature content The show was temporarily “I spent my childhood at the Oscar’s ceremony itself. warnings on the Disney+ black man who died on 25 May pulled from air late last month grimacing through shows like The sassy, cantankerous, streaming service that say the in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as protests gathered pace over “It Ain’t Half Hot Mum” and asexual Mammy was a films “may contain outdated the death of Floyd, an “Love Thy Neighbour” and even caricature of black cultural depictions.” Old after a Police officer knelt on unarmed black man who died “Rising Damp”. Yes, all those womanhood and McDaniel was Warner Brothers cartoons, on 25 May in Minneapolis, nation-uniting, ‘event television’ made to endure the such as Tom and Jerry, his neck. He was heard saying: Minnesota, after a Police comedies. Then I would go to implications of this caricature already air with a warning officer knelt on his neck. He school and hear those exact in the racist treatment she about cultural sensitivity. I can’t breathe was heard saying: “I can't phrases spat at me with the received on and off screen. For One of America's longest breathe.” justification that they ‘were on similar reasons, Disney’s running reality TV police Since Floyd’s death, some telly last night’,” Sissay told the “Song of the South”– best shows has been cancelled activists have called for reality London Observer newspaper. A8 wednesday 17 june 2020 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]

Throwing out Ranil, Embracing new Friends? Perhaps someday in the future there will be a few passing references to Ranil Wickremesinghe, the UNP‘s washed-up leadership failure of the century and of decades, as someone of available use to the USA, and India to an extent, as someone whose only viable role was that of a ‘yes’ man in the massively important role of the uniquely complex issue of Indian and INDOPACIFIC multicultural geopolitical affairs. One fails to see any role of contributive action he has played in this issue that all political writers know is in true effect the formation of a mammoth global/regional economy that the Chinese have their eyes on. We might cut that down to just one person in whom the idea was birthed and festered as a huge Chinese adage to its economy that has already Donald Trump’s Deadly extended China’s very own cultural landscape and identified the INDOPACIFIC as perhaps the world’s hottest hot spots. As a leader of Sri Lanka for so many decades, not once has Wickremesinghe been anything more than Crowd Addiction a US fetch-boy or what they call a Range Fetcher in golf. The fetcher has done nothing else as such while By Uwe Bott Great Leader (and then travel China plans and executes and the US and India have back to where they live). But been ‘intervening’ through their fetch boy. The US is Donald Trump claims that he does not care. actively looking elsewhere in Colombo today. he never consumed a beer in As he has done throughout But the Chinese still have hold of who dominates his life. His ostensible purpose his professional life, Trump the INDOPAC futures and solicits a deeper response. has been to avoid the fate of does not really care about Obviously the US and India have had a stomach full his older brother Freddy, who other people. He only cares of garbage from Wickremesinghe whose one and only died from alcoholism in 1981. that he cannot be held pursuit has been the holding of rural thinking (or ‘ While it is hard to believe the accountable or legally liable unthinking ?) hordes of the former UNP webbed into current U.S. President on that for any infectious spread his contrivances to enable him to keep hold of the issue as on almost any other caused by his rallies. UNP leadership. one, let us give him the benefit And so, the Trump That leadership has been the curse of the UNP. It of the doubt on this particular campaign makes every is bettered not an inch by Wickremesinghe’s point, even given his excessive participant sign a legal waiver ‘leadership’ that has been the most rotten of all partying in the 1980s and that would hold Donald political leaderships this Nation has ever had. It’s 1990s. Trump harmless in the event dragged the UNP through the morass of moral Trump’s adoration should his adorable “red hats” political rottenness and political failures which have get infected in Tulsa. addiction reduced all UNPers to public laughing stocks. The unfixable loophole One remembers his brand of political stupidity But Donald Trump suffers when he tried to ensnare the LTTE via the Oslo from a very special form of There is only one problem round of peace talks, ending with the fool’s addiction — the chronic need with that legal waiver of a Declaration which made the stupidest in the LTTE for popular adoration, lawsuit against Trump. It only known that they were being tethered into a trap. adulation and mass approval. binds the people who signed it Trapped into it when the LTTE challenged the That is why he licensed his from suing Trump’s campaign. Governent into an Interim Self Governing Authority. name to adorn dozens of But it doesn’t bind people who But among commentators we saw the naked effort to buildings around the world didn’t attend and therefore weaken the LTTE instead of strengthening the armed with his name in gaudy golden didn’t sign any waiver, but got forces and coming up with a military victory as letters (Donald Trump exposed to the virus via Mahinda Rajapaksa did later… and won it. actually has not “developed” campaign rally attendees. Wickremesinghe perhaps played about too much or “built” much). This is no theoretical with an inner sense of fear of violence. Even when he And that is why he created matter. The top Tulsa health got UNP leadership it was handed to him on a platter the now-defunct Trump official has pointed out that by a lost electorate that knew not what to do after University (not much of a No mass chanting of his the pandemic is still spiking Gamini Dissanayake and Lalith Athulathmudali university), the now slogans, no joyful cheering of in Oklahoma. In large parts of were killed at a stretch and no one else was there to discontinued Trump steak his supremacist or misogynist the nation, an extensive web stretch out even weakly to accept that leadership. (not good enough a steak) or remarks means no energy. No of testing and tracing has Since that day onwards, the UNP had been dragged the long-defaulted Trump laughing and approving been put in place (without the through the dirt and grime of a political subculture Shuttle. applause for his most President’s help, to be sure). that has made the party and electorate run around And it is surely why he discriminatory remarks or for This web might very well on a leadership that knows nothing about leading found it so fulfilling to be the But just as belittling his growing number lead to lay the groundwork for anyone except into bank robberies and back- host of a reality TV show and of opponents translates into civil and criminal suits stabbing as Sajith Premadasa has come to know ultimately a presidential many addicts, deep inner distress for Trump. against Donald Trump, if non- even if it’s about late in his life. candidate. Donald Trump is Even Trump can’t live on attendees fall ill or die from We can soon be looking at a new-look UNP. When an addict goes dry COVID-19 because they were Meanwhile, read this well : I quote from a website aware of the his tweets alone infected by sick or sickened that “Agreements were signed with the US which But as every addict knows, possibly deadly To be sure, President Trump attendees of the rally. allowed Sri Lanka get assistance in terms of military with each fix the craving for has been trying very hard for The sad truth about an training, military technology, intelligence, special the next buzz only grows consequences of over two months to get the training in counter-terrorism and direct monetary bigger. It is an awful and most out of his Twitter feed. addict assistance for military development. During the vicious cycle. his rallies as It’s his cheap fix — kinda his But just as many addicts, ceasefire period the United States conducted a study With each campaign event crack. Donald Trump is aware of the from 12 September to 24 October 2002 which made during the 2016 presidential well as his But even he simply cannot possibly deadly consequences several recommendations to strengthen the race, where tens of thousands potential legal live on tweets alone, especially of his rallies as well as his capabilities of the Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka admiring fans chanted and since Twitter seems to now potential legal culpability for Navy and Sri Lanka Air Force in case of the peace cheered their leader, his culpability for occasionally fact-check him these consequences. And as is process failing. hunger for more grew and these and call out his racism. sadly true for most addicts, The Rajapaksa Government was to take up fully grew. This is one of the Trump’s rally cure Trump’s addiction to his with these offers. Note this that several Sri Lankan reasons why Donald consequences. followers’ worship overrides Army intelligence operatives were killed by the LTTE Trump filed for re-election on And so, Trump has all rational thinking even in during this period when Wickremesinghe played the very day of his presidential And as is sadly scheduled his first rally since the face of death. around with leadership. inauguration on 20 January true for most the pandemic broke out. It will Bunker Boy may need all Ultimately the CFA and its consequences threw 2017. take place in Tulsa, Oklahoma the help he can get to extract him out of power. Trump desperately needs addicts, Trump’s next Saturday. himself from this and other Though he wrangled things around with some the constant re-affirmation of Trump is ignoring the advice legal nightmares at the end of cunning political turns and twists to finally rise up his presumed greatness from addiction to his of all credible health experts, his term. to the premiership under Sirisena, his record in the his fan base. Only campaign followers’ virologists and epidemiologists And yet, none of that really channels of crime and lack of action by the UNP rallies give him the fill. In alike. matters. His crowd addiction under his premiership against the worst reign of contrast, the actual work of worship He needs his fix — and reigns supreme. If that means crime in the Nation, he forgot that the larger group of governing bores him to no overrides all Trump rallies, directly and second round emerging leaders were made of a end. nobody will stop him indirectly, end up killing different moral structure. They wanted change. The pandemic is sucking rational thinking Trump being Trump, he has people via spreading of the That’s the change we now see in the anti-Ranil SJB thought of the eventuality that coronavirus, the current U.S. led by Sajith Premadasa, whose enemies have not a the air out of Trump’s lungs even in the face his rally may indeed lead to a President isn’t worried about finger of accusation to point at him. And this is finally where the of death large increase in infections, that at all. Wickremesinghe’s total incapability to lead the UNP recent pandemic comes in. It not just in Oklahoma, but also If push comes to shove, he’ll to even an LG victory was seen three years ago. has literally starved the across other parts of the just have his campaign That’s yet perhaps the lesser of worse failures just President of much needed country. organisation declare about to fall into history along with him. doses of mass-induced The reason for that is that bankruptcy. Trump knows all oxygen. No crowds, no his fans usually travel long about that. adoration equals no fun. distances to be with their (www.theglobalist.com) Column Wednesday 17 JUNE 2020 A9

Buddhism Secularisation NGO Strategy Community Bondage and Communal Spirit Vital Part II analytically categorized. (1) The his/her individual life. The beautiful By Dr. C.G. Ilangakoon Sinhala Buddhists are the majority community bondage, the powerful of Sri Lanka (2) Buddhists never and communal spiritual attachment, the Sri Lanka is a democratic society. neither invaded any country nor majority Sinhala Buddhists ever Hence, it is the State that has the visited first as tourists or traders and possessed of, in relation to ultimate responsibility for ushering then settled and became a civil and Buddhism, right up to this moment, development to its citizens. religious rights-demanding will be destructively shattered and Subsequent to the democratic community (3) Their religion, the the people will be free to be formation of the Sri Lanka Podujana Dharma of Buddha, enlightened and chaotically guided by their own Peramuna (SLPP), the incumbent enriched the loved motherland for a minds, based on greed, hatred and Government, through the progressive period of more than 2,500 years delusion. Namely, this and here is implementation of the SLPP (4) They embraced other the short-sightedness of the NGO, manifesto policies, the scope of communities with stretched out the Buddhism secularisation development has been significantly hands, nourished by beautiful conspiracy, its clandestine design to broadened, to include, not just Buddhist ethical principles of ignite eternal and scorching flames economic progress for citizens, but mutual understanding, sharing and into the foundation of Sinhala, also promotion of social justice, respect to each other Tamil, Muslim and other community gender equity, inclusion, citizen’s (5) The list is endless and the space harmony, its empirical possibility to awareness, empowerment and allocated is limited. convert this beautiful country into a improved quality of life. Now, the crux of the matter is, that bleeding pool of Sinhala, Tamil and To achieve this holistic vision of the above-mentioned beautiful Muslim battlefield, its inception of development, the Rajapaksa virtues of Sinhala Buddhists, is a conspired schedule, to initiate governance requires a constructive sine qua non of the community mutual mistrust, disturbing distrust, and collaborative engagement of civil discipline, discernibly required for vacillating doubt and frustrating society, in its various developmental the island’s peace, community suspicion. The sentiment of sharing activities and programmes. harmony and religious tolerance. will be irrevocably impaired. The The democracy-based, with no These wonderful qualities are well greed and avarice will be the abuse of human rights, the rule of set in the blood and veins of Sinhala dominating factors. The wish and the law-abiding, transparent, non- Buddhists and that was made capacity to forget and forgive will be interfering into internal affairs of the orientation was commendable (2) Human rights (3) The Nation possible by the continuous protective crushed. The power of Buddhist receiving country, Non- (2) The action transparency was castrating family planning patronage, granted to Buddhism, by insightful awareness, which, up to Governmental Organisations (NGOs) discernible (3) The accountability (4) Religion secularisation (5) The kings of the antiquity and then by now, powered the Sinhala Buddhist are well capable to be one of the was not only in words, but also in paralysing of religious rites and the Central Governments, which mind, to comprehend, know and operational arms of the civil society the deeds (4) The agendas were rituals (6) Ethnic reconciliation ruled Sri Lanka in the realise things and events, not as they of Sri Lanka. country-commensurate and their (7) Electricity and water management contemporaneous political appear to be, but, for what they truly Therefore, NGOs have an execution was only after obtaining (8) Education and composition of administration era. are, will be quashed. Again, the list important role in the development the prior government approvals school text books (9) Governance This is a huge longstanding and will be endless. processes. However, the problem (5) No space was available for the (10) Institutional development difficult-to-resist spiritual bondage, The whole concept of Buddhism begins when the NGOs structure discourses of human right homilies (11) Personality destroying capacity tied down, right to the very roots of secularism, it seems and is reported, clandestine agendas, apart from the and (6) The interference in internal building (12) Finance management the Sinhala Buddhists hearts, is going to be introduced on the officially-approved working affairs of Sri Lanka was not a (13) Leadership development which, whatever the initial incidents pretext that it grants true democracy schedules by the Government. It constituent of their agenda. Hence, (14) Resource mobilization may be, at the final count, lead them and pragmatic equality to all becomes even worse, when such those days, the NGOs were a peace (15) Development thinking and to the state of right thought, right Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim and other secret designs are directed towards: and prosperity promoting factor. Yet, development practice (16) Policy word and right deed, that is strongly communities. It is not only extremely (1) Communally-divisive politics with time in space, things not only planning (17) Juvenile justice thought and taught to be the right sad, but also atrociously cruel that (2) Creating ethnic hatred (3) Abuse developed, but also changed. (18) Rehabilitation and resettlement path of and to, true peace, pragmatic the founders of the concepts of this of majority community human rights Particularly, with the formation of of ethnic groups prosperity and authentic happiness sort, in their innocent or intentional on the pretext of guarding minority LTTE terrorism, the above said Tolerable spheres of all. ignorance, do not understand or community rights (4) Oriented in the agendas of economic development, Secularisational consciously pretend to be not direction of destroying the historical promotion of democracy, Now the question arises: what are understanding the final result of this and cultural identity of the receiving improvement of the life standards of the permissible domains for the destruction crafty Buddhism secularisation country (5) Engaged in interfering in pauperised communities, etc., NGOs in Sri Lanka?: (1) Poverty design. the internal affairs of the receiving acquired a new turn and began to be alleviation (2) Corporate social The State patronage is the root of The secularism concept is being country (6) Using false and degraded, from positivity into responsibility generation in the areas the power, which unifies the Sinhala pushed and pressed into peaceful concocted human rights issues to negativity. The NGO operational of commerce and industry (3) Buddhist community into a majestic domains of Sri Lanka, as if, it mislead the international community schedules, designed for Sri Lanka, Community health (4) Housing (5) oneness within itself and with other represents an experiential possibility against the receiving country, were de-domesticated and Sanitation (6) Cast discrimination communities as well. of universal application. particularly, against the war heroes re-localised in the Order Paper of the eradication in the North (7) Support The depatronisation of that It must be asserted that there are who defeated a gang of bloodthirsty international community of the West. in natural calamities (8) Schools with religious oneness would disperse the countries in the contemporary globe, terrorists (7) Having recourse to the Hundreds of NGOs are functional Differently-able children (9) Elders’ community into isolated individuals wherein the religion: (1) Constrains dirty strategy of creating artificial in Sri Lanka. Logically, should one homes (10) Health and (11) Digging to dwell in a domain of dogmatism people’s liberties (2) Compels ethnicity based crises, to be abused consider the NGO number and their water wells. and anarchy. At the outset, it will be innocent public into blind belief for the very existence of the NGO in action plans, it must seem that Sri Radicalized issues a slow process. However, with time, (3) Exploits the Governments and the line of getting more and more Lanka should be the most the rapidity of moral depreciation corrupt men to misappropriate tax, funds and others. And namely, this prosperous and peaceful country in Now, coming back to our original shall be high and along with this, the paid by people, to their own benefit is the very reason that the many the world. Nonetheless, the result is problem, it must be stressed that whole community shall fall into a (4) Teach that the reward they get: NGOs in the globe create more the other way round. Among these Tamils and Muslims too have issues. moral descendence. Then, the (a) For paralysing the individuality problems than granting solutions. NGOs, some go on creating troubles Such issues erupted, not without a proselytisation of Buddhists into by means of spiritual techniques one after the other, both intrinsically cause. Hence, it is unintelligent to other religions will begin with (b) For teaching to hate other Taming must domains of and extrinsically. The NGO shoot the issue, with no nexus of it monetary bribes, with the crafty help communities (c) For promoting the NGO operation opposition to the Presidential Task to their real cause. Emergence of in the need of the hour, with the idea of not purchasing goods from Forces, appointed by the President some issues, among spiritually surface smile and many more. Now, the shops of other communities and Expertly-textualised provisions in serves as one of the best recent uninstructed ordinary human in the name of a false democracy and not making them rich (d) For statutes, enriched with punishment examples of it. Thus, the mutual beings, is a natural phenomenon. an impossible absolute equality, a proliferating the strategy to destroy for the infraction of law, to execute interaction between the State and Buddhas and Christs are not many, beautiful Nation, nourished with a the fertility of other communities by the effective and legalised control, the NGOs has become a matter of but a few, to be counted with and on wonderful Doctrine of Buddha is secret administration of infertility over the careful observation and the cooperative conflict of contradiction, fingers. Now, these issues are not destroyed into the land of never- chemicals into food and clothes and implementation of required legal whereas, it truly could have been a communally racial. They are being never. many more, is heaven and oneness measures on the NGO agendas has beautiful affair of peaceful radicalised into communally and Then, what will happen, if with their God. already culminated into the peak of cooperation. religiously racial, by the majority of Buddhism, as the religion, followed Now, if these Buddhism the need. When such legal statutes Hence, an empirical operational power-hungry and wealth-thirsty by the majority of Sri Lanka, will be secularisation proponents can prove are present, the NGOs won’t be able constraint, in respect of the NGO separatists and some and certain secularised into the state of that Buddhists are engaged in such to contravene them. The currently execution domains, has become not religious priests of vested interest, depatronisation? This, so-called, heinous and inhuman practices, at operative NGO regulating legal only a must, but also an inevitable based on so-called God-commanded appearing-to-be-democratic act, will least there may be some sort of framework is perceived to be imperative to cushion and guard the scriptural texts. What are these sever the traditionally powerful, justification for the implementation insufficient, compared with the Motherland from the ruinous impact, scriptural texts and who are such generationally linked and ancestrally of secularism. This is totally absent portrayed operational cantankerous being dashed against, by certain Gods matters, left to the intelligence nourished strong nexus of Buddhism in Sinhala Buddhist practice and crotchety of some NGOs. vested interests. of the readers. with the State and its stately hence, no commonsensical and It was after 1977, subsequent to The present writer, as the Let’s have a glance, how does the patronage. In the risky and justifiable argument is available for the UNP introduction of liberalised minimum, is pleased to propose suggested Buddhism secularisation dangerous State of secularised the secularism initiation in this open market economy, the alien President Rajapaksa, the following NGO trap becomes a threat to Buddhism, the Government has beautiful country. NGOs began be operative in Sri domains, the action within the orbit Hinduism and Islam? nothing to do with Buddhism. The About the writer: Lanka. Like everywhere, at the of which must be prohibited to the Right here, couple of simple yet observation of the religion, Dr. Gamini Ilangakoon is a inception of the implementation of operative NGOs in Sri Lanka: centrally significant truths, have to Buddhism, for each and every Lawyer, specialising in their projects: (1) The result (1) Participation in legislation be powerfully stressed and Buddhist, becomes a private affair of International Treaty Laws WHO’s Tedros calls for any COVID-19 vaccine to be shared as a public good A vial made with Vaccines for the new coronavirus “More leaders should join the boat, the treatments they need. borosilicate should be made available as a global and we need to have a truly global The current situation in Brazil, now glass, the public good, the World Health political commitment and global one of the global hot-spots for the material which Organisation (WHO) said on Friday, to consensus before we even have the virus, was of increasing concern will be used in ensure everyone had fair access to any product,” he said. “That is what we are especially in cities, the WHO’s top vials or syringes life-saving products that are developed. pushing.” emergency expert Mike Ryan said. to hold the eventual COVID- “Many leaders have promoted the Tedros was speaking after concerns Brazil’s health system was ‘still 19 vaccine, is idea of making any vaccine a global have been raised that some countries coping,’ although some intensive care pictured with a public good, but that should continue including the United States could units were at a critical stage and under syringe at an to be promoted,” WHO Director- hoard any vaccines or drugs they heavy pressure, with more than 90 per undisclosed General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus develop to combat COVID-19, with cent bed occupancy rates, Ryan said. location told a press conference. poorer countries not getting access to (Reuters) (Reuters) A10 wednesday 17 june 2020 world

Wellington, New Zealand Paris, France Police called in after violence flares in Dijon NZ confirms French Police said they in a statement late on had intervened overnight Monday (15) on Twitter. to restore calm and order Local French Media in the city of Dijon after said clashes had broken youths set fire to vehicles out over the weekend two new cases and dustbins over the between rival gangs of New Zealand said on and the United States continue last three days, and youths, and that Deputy Tuesday (16) that it has two Ending COVID-free run to grapple with spread of the added they were Interior Minister Laurent new cases of the coronavirus, virus. This was largely due to prepared to bring in more Nunez was due to go to both related to recent travel Ardern had warned that new and were in an isolation facility strict restrictions in which Police forces if needed. Dijon later on Tuesday to from the UK, ending a 24-day cases may come up in the in Auckland. They were given most businesses were shut “The events of the last monitor the situation. streak of no new infections in future as New Zealanders special permission to leave the and everyone except essential few days in the Gresilles Clashes have broken the country. return home, and some others facility to visit the dying parent workers had to stay home. district of Dijon, where out in recent months The new infections are a set were allowed in under special in Wellington. Both are self- Ardern has been wary of there had been amid some of the high- back to New Zealand, which conditions. isolating now, Ashley saying the country was gatherings of youths rise, low-income housing lifted all social and economic The two new cases were Bloomfield said. ‘COVID-free’ as the global which had led to vehicles estates across France, restrictions except border women aged in their 30s and This takes the total number pandemic raged around the and dustbins set on fire, where the strict controls last week, declaring it 40s who visited a dying parent of cases recorded in the world and new cases were only leads to more lockdown rules imposed had no new or active cases of in Wellington, the director country to 1,506 cases, deaths likely to come to the country. insecurity and worries earlier to tackle the the coronavirus, one of the first general of health said in a from the disease remain at 22. “I don’t want New Zealanders for the local population, coronavirus had countries in the world to news conference. New Zealand’s five million to believe that the battle is over following on from the exacerbated social return to pre-pandemic Both women arrived in New people emerged from the when it is not,” she said earlier events of the weekend,” tensions. normality. Zealand on 7 June from the pandemic while big economies this week. the local Police force said (Reuters) Prime Minister Jacinda UK, via Doha and Brisbane such as Brazil, Britain, India (Reuters)

Brussels, Belgium “Giddy up” Albuquerque, United States Man shot in New Mexico protest

A man was shot and wounded on Monday (15) during a protest near a museum in downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico, Police said, where demonstrators were reported to U.S. President Donald Trump stands among other be trying to tear down a sculpture of a leaders at a NATO summit in Watford, near London, United Kingdom, 4 December 2019. (Reuters) 16th-century Spanish conquistador. “The victim is reported to be in critical but stable condition,” the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) said in a tweet, adding No details yet that the incident had ended. The Albuquerque Journal newspaper reported that the shooting erupted during a on Trump’s clash between protesters trying to pull down a statue of Juan de Onate and several heavily armed members of a civilian militia Germany group called the New Mexico Civil Guard. Police chief of Albuquerque, Michael Geier, said in a statement that Police were pull-out receiving reports about vigilante groups possibly instigating the violence. The confrontation occurred outside the - NATO chief Albuquerque Museum in the heart of the NATO is seeking details on U.S. President city’s Old Town district. Donald Trump’s decision to cut U.S. troops According to the Journal’s account, one numbers in Germany, NATO Secretary-General Ascot Racecourse, racing resumes behind closed doors after the outbreak of the COVID-19, in man involved in a physical altercation with Jens Stoltenberg said on Tuesday (16), after the Ascot, United Kingdom (Reuters) the protesters appeared to draw a gun and proposed reduction caught allies off guard. fire five shots after he was pushed onto the Trump, who has criticised Germany for not street, sending members of the crowd spending more on defence, on Monday (15) scurrying for cover as one person yelled, confirmed last week’s reports of a cut of 9,500 “Somebody got shot.” troops in what may be the first time the U.S. Seattle, Unites States The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) President carries through on threats to reduce is currently assisting APD violent crime support in Europe. investigators as they interview individuals “It’s not yet decided how and when this Amazon deploys AI-based tech who were involved in the shooting, the tweet decision will be implemented,” Stoltenberg told To maintain social distancing at its facilities said. a video news conference. “Police used chemical irritants and flash Stoltenberg said he had spoken to Trump, as Amazon.com Inc said on Tuesday (16) it uses camera footage in Amazon’s buildings bangs to protect officers and detain well as other U.S. officials, and was also has launched a new system using artificial to help identify high-traffic areas and relay individuals involved in the shooting. The consulting with German Defence Minister intelligence to enforce social distancing at live video with visual overlays to show if individuals were disarmed and taken into Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, who said last its offices and warehouses, in its latest individuals are within six feet of one custody for questioning.” week she had not been informed of the decision. move to reduce the risk of coronavirus another, the company said. Green circles Video footage posted to social media from “It’s a bilateral arrangement between the U.S. transmission among its workers. on monitors will highlight people keeping a the scene appeared to show one man lying and Germany but of course it matters for the The e-commerce giant has faced labour safe distance, while red circles will appear on the ground as several other people tried whole alliance,” Stoltenberg said. He said he risks after workers at dozens of its locations around workers who are closer, it said. to render assistance. A separate clip showed told Trump that U.S. troops in Europe were not were infected with COVID-19, igniting small Amazon earlier implemented mask- three men lying face down and spread eagle only protecting territory but allowing the United protests and prompting labour organisers wearing and temperature checks at all its on the pavement as Police in riot gear stood States to project power beyond the continent. to demand site closures. U.S. and European warehouses. over them, apparently making arrests. Last week, a U.S. official said the decision The system, called Distance Assistant, (Reuters) Another officer appeared to be on the had stemmed from months of work and had ground as well. nothing to do with tensions between Trump and Anti-racism protesters venting anger over German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who last month’s death of George Floyd, a black thwarted his plan to host an in-person Group of man who died in Police custody in Seven summit. Minneapolis, have taken to destroying The United States has yet to brief its NATO statutes honouring the U.S. Civil War’s allies on the decision but may use a NATO Confederacy, as well as sculptures of Defence Ministers’ meeting on Wednesday (17) imperialists, conquistadors and other and Thursday (18), via video link, two NATO historical figures associated with diplomats said. subjugation of indigenous populations While the United States will retain some around the world. 50,000 military personnel in Europe, retired The statue at the centre of Monday’s U.S. General Ben Hodges, who commanded protest in Albuquerque is part of a American Army forces in Europe, described it controversial sculpture called “La Jornada,” as a “colossal mistake.” which depicts Onate, known for the 1599 “If they go through with it, the damage to the massacre of a Pueblo tribe, leading a group relationship between Germany and the United of Spanish settlers into what is now New States would be significant,” he told Reuters. Mexico. (Reuters) Amazon logistics center in Lauwin-Planque, France. (Reuters) (Reuters)

Continued from page 1 Postal voting... Mahinda begins...... casting of postal votes, ahead Armed Forces, the Civil Defence According to the EC, the posting The Election activities of the Party all Party contestants to desist from of the 5 August General Election Force and health services will be of official poll cards to voters will would be launched after the opening exchanging charges against each and to grant a three-day period for undertaken on 14 and 15 July. be carried out on 11, 12 and 13 of the SLPP Kurunegala District office other and to carry out their election the posting of poll cards to voters. The marking of postal votes of July while this process is slated to by Premier Rajapaksa, said a work in a coherent and peaceful The listing of postal voters is set those serving in these institutions conclude on 29 July. The EC representative of the SLPP. manner. to be undertaken tomorrow, 18 will be conducted till 12 p.m. on sources said that if there are any He said that the Premier has given Several political party leaders in June, while the posting of official 16 and 17 July. Furthermore, the voters who do not receive their poll instructions to all SLPP candidates the SLPP alliance will also be present postal vote cards to voters will be EC has made facilities for those cards even after 29 July, they contesting the coming Poll to carry at the opening of the SLPP election carried out on 30 June and 1 and who are unable to mark postal could visit the post offices related out their respective campaigns, office in the Kurunegala District on 2 July. votes on the said dates to do so at to the registered address of last adhering to the guidelines put forth 21 June. Seventeen other candidates The marking of postal votes District Election offices where year’s Electoral Registry and by the Director General of Health will contest the election in the other than those at District their service institutions are obtain their polling cards Services as well the existing election Kurunegala District under the SLPP Secretariats, EC offices, the Police, located. accordingly. laws. The Premier had also advised ticket. WednesDAY 17 june 2020 Ceylon FT b11 Bitter import controls help strengthen Rupee Importers expect relaxed restrictions after Elections By Ishara Gamage after the upcoming General Election. Even though the Sri Lankan “There are issues with Sri rupee has appreciated 7.3 per Lanka’s current high external cent as at 15 June 2020 to Rs debt position and weak revenue 186.02 per US$, from its peak of situation. Therefore, IMF might Rs 199 per US$ reported on 9 expect a proper Government plan April 2020, top essential goods to address those issues. Until and raw material importers are then (i.e. until the next Budget), expecting a significant relaxation the IMF might delay its COVID-19 Email: [email protected] of import controls immediately assistance to Sri Lanka,” top after the upcoming Election. economists said. “Prevailing import controls (ISB) market, given the severely impacted, while demand According to CBSL officials, Sri might hinder our export growth, anticipated negative impact from for related intermediate goods Lanka’s current IMF-supported President halts handloom, as most export goods COVID-19 on the global imports will also see a decline. three-year Extended Fund Facility components, such as garments, economy. The curtailment of investments (EFF) has automatically lapsed as Batik imports are largely backed by the import “With the GoSL having to goods imports, as well as imports of this month, as there were no of raw materials. Therefore, it is a honour an estimated US$ 4 of non-essentials, would also formal discussions held with the must to further loosen the billion in debt settlement during impact external trade, CBSL said. IMF. Long-term strategy existing import controls, as these April to December 2020, around Due to foreign loan settlements, “When considering the worst- go against the conditions Sri 70 per cent of the funding needed Sri Lanka’s forex reserves were case scenario, the GoSL may have vital for Handloom Lanka has agreed to under IMF for pending debt settlements down by at least US$ 686 million to let its Gross Official Foreign Article VIII, and international were secured by obtaining funds to US$ 6.5 billion by end-May Reserves (GOFR) to be adjusted trade laws,” a top import sector from neighbouring India and the 2020, from US$ 7.2 billion in when it comes to the settlement of and Batik Sector activist told Ceylon FT. Republic of China,” CT Clsa April, stated the CBSL. However, the US$ 1 billion International Stopping imports is a great Most of our import basket Securities (Pvt) Limited stated in CBSL has maintained minimal Sovereign Bond that is expected consists of consumer goods, so its latest economic update. forex market interventions to to mature on 4 October 2020,” CT short-term relief – Selyn Sri Lanka prevailing controls result in larger The Central Bank of Sri Lanka safeguard the rupee. Clsa Securities (Pvt) Limited shortages and price hikes in the (CBSL) also stated that moving Given the above positive stated. By Rajiesh Seetharam consumer market. forward, the economy might face developments, and the The Government has already Importers of brand-new vehicles several challenges on the assumption that importers will secured around US$ 2.8 billion A top handloom said their business has mostly external front stemming from not be allowed to import similar to (out of the above US$ 4 billion manufacturer collapsed at the moment, and various factors, including the 2019 to preserve the rupee during near-term requirement) as welcomed President expect the Government to relax need for foreign financing, bleak 2020, CT Clsa Securities (Pvt) bilateral debt via China and India. Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s import restrictions to protect the global economic developments Limited revised its LKR/USD The CBSL indicated that a US$ decision to stop industry. and other trade-related controls. forecast to Rs 195/US$ as at 31 400 million swap line was import of handlooms Mainly due to the significant The CBSL also stated that Sri December 2020, from its previous negotiated with the Indian into the country, but currency depreciation witnessed Lanka’s existing trade deficit Rs 210.7/US$ estimate). Government (which is the quota called for a long-term since the onset of COVID-19 in could widen further in 2020, as To strengthen its current for SAARC countries provided strategy for developing Sri Lanka, the Government demand for Sri Lankan exports deteriorating reserves position, from India under normal that sector if the banned imports on 16 April 2020 would be affected despite the Sri Lanka is currently attempting circumstances) during the week country is to benefit. by limiting imports to essential various import controls imposed to acquire a Rapid Credit Facility ending 17 April 2020, following Selyna Pieris, goods, such as fuels, medicines and lower global crude oil prices from the International Monetary which the Sri Lankan President Business and a few others. But now, GoSL – which however have gathered Fund (IMF) to the tune of at least negotiated an additional US$ 1.1 Development Director is gradually relaxing the controls momentum over the past few US$ 800 million, depending on billion from the Indian PM during of Selyn Sri Lanka, after considering stakeholder weeks. the country’s IMF quota, in lieu of the latter part of May 2020 as one of the largest manufacturers and exporters of grievances and economic CBSL said that both key the economic impact of the further bilateral debt. In addition handloom in the country, told Ceylon FT that they priorities. exports as well as associated COVID-19 pandemic. to the Indian debt lines, the currently face stiff competition from Indian products in According to economic intermediate goods imports However, economists said that Chinese Government has offered the local market. analysts, these limitations were would witness a drop in the the IMF might delay fulfilling Sri bilateral debt worth US$ 1.3 She welcomed the President’s move to stop imports at imposed owing to the muted period ahead. Exports of textiles Lanka’s request until a proper billion during 2020 for Sri Lanka, a time when the private sector is badly affected by the International Sovereign Bond and garments are likely to be Budget is presented to Parliament via the China Development Bank. impact of COVID-19. “The decision will boost the sale of locally-manufactured handloom, handicraft and batik products, and will be a great interim relief,” she said. “However, in the long-term, stopping importation can make our people complacent. Sri Lanka also faces tough competition from India, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Reserves fall Commercial-oriented SOEs Thailand in the export business. “Thus, It would be great if a long-term strategy is formulated for this sector under the President’s by $85.14M make losses of Rs 2.4B in 2019 leadership with inputs from industry stakeholders. Attempts by players within the industry to form an 52 operators reduced cumulative losses association or come up with a long-term starategy FVMP debt increases haven’t materialised thus far,” she explained. to Rs 357.36B by over 91 per cent from 2018 “Competing with mass-producing countries would be difficult. We need to look at niche markets. Thus, we By Paneetha Ameresekere By Mario Andree from Rs 6.76 billion The Commuter should focus on getting certified for fair trade, organic, recorded a year earlier. Transportation Business saw vegan, ethical production, where we showcase to the The country’s foreign reserves fell by US$ The 52 State-owned The three businesses in profits increase by 17 per world that our products are manufactured by treating 85.14 million (Rs 15,782 million) on enterprises (SOE) in Construction made a loss of cent to Rs 1.56 billion, from the labourers well, not harming the environment or Tuesday (16) due to the Government of Sri commercial business have Rs 0.6 billion, down 24 per Rs 1.3 billion a year ago. animals. Lanka’s (GoSL’s) foreign debt servicing managed to reduce their cent compared to Rs 0.79 The seven businesses in She noted that integration with the tourism industry commitments. cumulative losses by more billion recorded a year Banking and Finance, Bank would allow better marketing of high-quality products to To aid GoSL to meet this commitment, the than 91 per cent during earlier. of Ceylon, Peoples’ Bank, tourists, paying off in the long-term. Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) uplifted 2019 to Rs 2.4 billion, from The two companies in etc., saw profits shrink by 5 “Raw materials for this sector like yarns and dyes are GoSL’s non-demand-pull inflationary face Rs 27.96 billion recorded a livestock business saw per cent to Rs 82.97 billion, mostly imported. We need to make agreements and value money printing (FVMP) debt by Rs year earlier. losses decline by 6 per cent from Rs 87.27 billion a year FTA’s with countries manufacturing these raw materials 1,083 million, on the whole increasing According to the financials to Rs 1.13 billion, from Rs earlier. to source them at concessionary rates,” she said. GoSL’s FVMP debt by 0.30 per cent to Rs released by the Ministry of 1.2 billion a year earlier. The four insurance-related Peiris further noted that hiring staff for this industry 357, 356.39 million (Rs 357.36 billion) by Finance, the two SOEs The six entities in the businesses saw profits has become very difficult, saying, “People view this 16 June. engaged in energy plantation business saw increase by 28 per cent to Rs industry as unfashionable. Some people prefer driving Led by this external commitment of businesses, Ceylon losses increase by 133 per 22.67 billion, from Rs 17.72 three-wheelers over working in handloom and GoSL’s, net excess liquidity fell by 22.54 Electricity Board and Lanka cent to Rs 0.49 billion, from billion a year earlier. handicraft product manufacturing factories. per cent (Rs 14,699 million) to Rs 50,521 Electricity Company, made Rs 0.21 billion a year ago. The two involved in “But this industry has enormous benefits, like giving million by 16 June. Nonetheless, GoSL’s a loss of Rs 97.25 billion in The three institutions in lotteries, National Lotteries employment to women. Women from rural areas MP borrowing costs (BCs) sharply 2019, down 29 per cent media saw losses increase Board and Development typically look for foreign employment, which results in decreased by 2 per cent (Rs 123.08 from Rs 136.6 billion by 148 per cent to Rs 1.19 Lotteries Board, saw profits various social issues. But when employed in this sector, million) to Rs 6,023.35 million by 16 June, recorded a year earlier. billion, from Rs 0.48 billion increase by 12 per cent to Rs they can earn reasonable salaries while looking after despite a nominal increase in GoSL’s The National Water Supply a year earlier. 4.22 billion, from Rs 3.77 their families, and they also have a chance to become FVMP debt, due to market demand for and Drainage Board saw its The 11 entities in billion a year ago. future entrepreneurs,” she noted. risk-free Treasury (T) Bonds and T Bills in losses increase by 127 per Marketing and Distribution The four engaged in non- Thus, to boost sales both locally and in the export secondary market trading because of cent to Rs 1.18 billion, from saw losses increase by 127 renewable resources saw market, integrate the sector with the tourism industry uncertainty. Rs 0.52 billion a year per cent to Rs 4 billion, from profits increase by 253 per and overcome issues with recruitment, Peiris proposes a GoSL’s FVMP debt is equal to the FV of earlier. Rs 1.76 billion a year earlier. cent to Rs 2.33 billion, from strong prestigious brand for Sri Lankan handloom, CBSL’s T Bills and T Bond holdings. MP is The two businesses in On a positive note, the Sri Rs 0.6 billion a year ago. batik and handicraft products, similar Ceylon Tea. CBSL’s sole and mandated authority. MP is aviation – SriLankan Lanka Port Authority saw its The four in health business She pointed out that such a long-term strategy exercised to meet GoSL’s monetary Airlines, and Airports and profits increased by 110 per saw profits increase by 28 per implemented at institutional level would result in commitments in the absence of adequate Aviation Services – made a cent to Rs 15.78 billion, from cent to Rs 2.68 billion, from multiple benefits for Sri Lanka. revenue and increased GoSL expenditure. loss of Rs 28.79 billion, up Rs 7.53 billion a year earlier. Rs 2.09 billion a year earlier.

CURRENCY Shares recover from three-day retreat RATES

Foreigners leave CSE for tenth straight day USD B 183.32 S 188.22 ...... By Mario Andree SL20 representing the top 20 actively traded, of which 79 Leasing (n0n-voting), Lee Hedges, shares gained 1.56 per cent (31.90 emerged as winners ahead of 62 Palm Garden Hotel, York Arcade, GBP B 231.30 S 239.51 The Colombo Stock Exchange points) to close at 2,079.12 points. losers. Anilana Hotels, Ceylinco Insurance ...... recovered from a three-day retreat The daily turnover at the Foreigners were net sellers for (non-voting), Sigiriya Village, on Tuesday (16) as the benchmark Colombo Stock Exchange stood at the tenth consecutive session on Millennium Housing and ODEL. EUR B 206.88 S 214.79 index rose on a higher turnover Rs 1 billion on Tuesday (16), lower Tuesday (16). Net foreign outflow Top lossers during the day were ...... despite continued foreign exits than Rs 1.68 billion recorded during the day amounted to Rs 218 Beruwela Resorts, Commercial JPY B 1.6910 S 1.7672 from the Colombo Bourse. during the previous market day. million as foreigners sold shares Leasing and Finance, Singhe ...... The benchmark All Share Price More than 25.5 million shares worth Rs 543 million as against Hospital, Eastern Merchant, AUD B 126.18 S 132.55 Index (ASPI) gained 0.10 per cent changed hands on Tuesday (16) purchases worth Rs 325 million. Ceylon Cold Stores, Cargo Boat, ...... (04.73 points) to close at 4,915.56 during 6,936 trades taking place. The top gainers during the day CW Mackie, Autodrome, Unisyst points, while the more liquid S&P Shares of 238 companies were were Industrial Asphalts, SMB Engineering and Print Care. 16.06.2020 Central Bank of Sri Lanka B12 Ceylon FT Wednesday 17 june 2020 Advertorial MEN Brush Cutter receives Pan Asia Bank recognised FMRC excellence certification at Client Innovation Awards 2020 by Infosys Finacle

Pan Asia Bank was recently Finacle which reflects how Pan recognised as the Runner-up in Asia Bank partners with the the ‘Product Innovation’ best in business to deliver category of the Client world-class solutions to its Innovation Awards 2020, customers. As a truly Sri conducted by Infosys Finacle. Lankan Bank, we are proud to This accolade is a testimony drive the digital transformation to the bank’s commitment to of the local banking industry.” drive innovation and The Infosys Finacle Client continuously enhance Innovation Awards programme MEN Brush Cutter, imported and distributed by Mans Lanka customer engagement and recognises and celebrates the (Pvt) Ltd, has been awarded the FMRC Excellence Certificate. experience. best of such innovations by The Farming Machinery Research Centres (FMRC) at Finacle is a leading digital clients around the world. These Mahailluppallama is the only State body authorised to evaluate banking solution suite from innovations have been carefully and certify farming machinery in Sri Lanka. MEN Brush Cutter EdgeVerve Systems, a wholly- chosen for their impact on was certified after evaluating the unique features it possesses. owned subsidiary of Infosys. banking products and services, Having a very sharp blade is one such speciality of the MEN Commenting on the accolade, customer journeys, processes, Brush Cutter. In addition it has a high fuel efficient engine with Gerald Wanigaratne, DGM-IT of distribution channels, and a 1.2L tank. Pan Asia Bank said: “We are business models leading to Mans Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, which is the sole importer of MEN proud to receive this additional revenue and profit Brush Cutter, is a subsidiary of the Macksons Group. acknowledgement from Infosys for their respective banks. The ‘Chillington Crocodile’ brand mammoty is yet another well known import of Mans Lanka that has been certified by FMRC previously. Member companies of Macksons Group have earned a name and won the customers’ trust as importers of quality machinery from world renowned brands. Mans Lanka is specially known as a one stop shop for high quality equipments DTW Intl, UPL Limited donate ULV ranging from nuts and bolts to heavy machinery. The company imports all building materials needed for construction. In addition, Mans Lanka imports and distributes agricultural, fogging equipment to IDH electrical and electronic equipment. DTW International (Pvt) medical facilities in the Ltd (DTW) in partnership forefront of the country’s with UPL Limited (UPL) battle against the pandemic. donated a high tech ULV Therefore, DTW together Euro Spirit vehicle carrier fogging equipment to with UPL came forward to combat COVID-19 to fulfil perform their duty by the arrives at Colombo Port an immediate need at the country, equipping the Infectious Disease Hospital hospital with high tech ULV (IDH), the main nerve centre equipment especially of treating COVID-19 designed for indoor ultra- patients in Sri Lanka. low volume applications. The companies responded The companies intend to to a request for high tech equip the IDH Hospital with ULV equipment for the IDH the best available ULV by former Army Commander technology to further General Daya Ratnayake strengthen their heroic task (Retd.), the Chairperson of of protecting Sri Lanka from the Sri Lanka Ports this invisible enemy. These Authority (SLPA) and a From left: Dr. Malika Karunaratne - IDH Consultant Microbiologist, units are presently being former Army Commander General Daya Ratnayake (Retd.) – member of the Presidential Chairperson of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Daham Weerasinghe - used globally in the battle Task Force on COVID-19. As Director (Business Development) for DTW International (Pvt) Ltd, against COVID-19 enabling the primary treatment Irwin Weerasinghe – Chairman of DTW International (Pvt) Ltd and public health workers to centre for the Coronavirus Dr. Hasitha Attanayake, Director of the Infectious Disease Hospital undertake disinfection in Vehicle carrier Euro Spirit had docked at the Port of Colombo pandemic in Sri Lanka, the (IDH) of Sri Lanka hotels, hospitals, office on Sunday (14), the Sri Lanka Port Authority said. medical personnel and staff spaces, malls, and public Euro Spirit is a vehicle carrier that was built in 1998 and is of the IDH, and the above and beyond the call of effectively. The hospital has transport spaces in the most sailing under the flag of Liberia. The vessel departed from the members of the tri-force duty to ensure that all also extended assistance efficient way possible. Port of Colombo after completing its cargo operation and is assisting them; have gone patients are treated and guidance to other headed towards Singapore. DFCC Bank introduces Omni channel Chatbot

In yet another step towards respond to customer inquiries using Speaking on the initiative, CEO of improving customer convenience in its improvisation and adaptability, and DFCC Bank Thimal Perera says, “We aim to be the ‘Bank for Everyone’, can be availed in all three languages live in a world with constantly evolving DFCC Bank launched DFCC Chatz, an during interaction. technologies and we at DFCC Bank see interactive, multi-channel chatbot to DFCC Chatz will be available across it as our responsibility to adapt to assist customers with any inquiries multiple platforms, including the them, bringing the latest in innovation that can be fulfilled in a seamless DFCC Bank website, Facebook, to our stakeholders that will ensure manner. Messenger and Viber while complex superior service and the highest level One of the first chatbots in the queries are routed to a live agent of customer satisfaction. DFCC Chatz country that will serve on multiple integrated with DFCC’s 24-hour will not only guarantee expedited channels such as the DFCC Bank contact centre. With a smooth customer care but will ensure that website, Facebook, Messenger and customer experience being of utmost customers are instantly facilitated with Viber, DFCC Chatz has been developed importance to DFCC Bank, DFCC their queries. The Omni channel using wit/ai, one of the most advanced Chatz facilitates inquiries in the user’s chatbot also gives our customers artificial intelligence tools with natural preferred language to guide them convenient access to information and language capabilities. This new-age through customised processes in a the freedom to use their platform of technology will allow DFCC Chatz to warm and friendly manner. choice to interact with DFCC Bank.”

LAUGFS Supermarkets opens 38th outlet at KDU Hospital

LAUGFS Supermarkets opened a LAUGFS SuperMart outlet within the premises of the Kotelawala Defence University Hospital. The outlet caters to many needs with customers comprising of medical staff, patients, and defence forces personnel as well as the general public. The outlet was designed as a miniature supermarket, located within the hospital premises with a compact and easily accessible storefront. The opening of this outlet marks LAUGFS Supermarkets’ 38th LAUGFS SuperMart UHKDU outlet Senior officials at the opening ceremony outlet across its nation-wide as possible. LAUGFS Super supermarket, the outlet will retail chain. operating theatres, a hybrid and SuperMart outlets across operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. its clientele. In addition, “We are proud to announce the Established in 2017, the Cath lab, multiple laboratories the nation rose to the challenge and has been stocked with a LAUGFS SuperMart staff has opening of our newest outlet at KDU Hospital is a fully fledged and five ultra-modern intensive during lock-down by amplifying full range of daily essentials been trained with an extensive the UHKDU. As a trusted Sri hospital complex built to be care units and an Oncology their operations further and groceries such as fresh range of hygienic precautions Lankan brand, we at LAUGFS completely eco-friendly, unit on par with international through establishing extensive produce, a wide variety of tea, and are equipped with Supermarkets wanted to bring extending across 56 acres in standards. hygienic and sanitary coffee and soft drinks, dairy & protective gear in order to the premium retail experience Werahera, Boralesgamuwa. LAUGFS Supermarkets has protocols, enhancing the scale frozen products, snacks, ensure the safety of customers and convenience of LAUGFS The UHKDU also serves as a been consistently expanding of its online & phone deliveries sweets, personal care and child at all times. SuperMart to our clientele Teaching Hospital and has a and improving their operations and greatly expanding their care products as well as Chief Executive Officer of around the vicinity along with diverse range of facilities island-wide in order to meet the network of deliveries. household items to specifically LAUGFS Supermarkets the new outlet being well- consisting of over 800 beds, 20 needs of as many households Though being a mini- cater to the everyday needs of Lilanthi Herath, commented, equipped to accomplish this.” News WednesDAY 17 june 2020 Ceylon FT b13 BOC named top Banking Brand in Sri Lanka for 12th consecutive year Bank of Ceylon (BOC) stated it has applications that seamlessly replaced approach that comes with inherent emerged as the No 1 Banking brand in cash usage, enabling bank customers commitment towards country’s social the country for the 12th consecutive to carry out payments to merchants and economic development, BOC has year, according to Brand Finance for the services they have obtained. enabled banking services successfully Lanka in its 12th publication of ‘The It also enabled customers to build to a very diverse customer base from Brand Annual published by Media assurance and confidence by keeping individuals to businesses and Services (Private) Limited. track of their account balances and organisations of different geographic Living up to its promise of ‘Bankers transactions. Therefore, it may not be and economic strata,” stated Acting to the Nation’, BOC derives its necessary for customers to visit a General Manager, D.P.K. sustainable growth from branch for fund transfers, cash Gunasekera. incorporating its vision together with deposits or withdrawals, utility bill “BOC offers the flexibility and the socio-economic growth objectives payments, and similar transactions. convenience of a whole gamut of of Sri Lanka. It stated it has To reach customers who were not banking services under one roof for repeatedly proven itself worthy of very familiar with technology, BOC everyone from newborn to senior calling itself the No. 1 Bank in the further stretched its service by citizen and from Micro entrepreneur country, not only because of its reach combining traditional banking with to corporate business. Aligning its and financial strength, but also from digital technology through its ‘mobile strategies with the Government’s being a committed and a trusted D. P. K. Gunasekara Kanchana Ratwatte banking vehicle’ and deployed socio-economic objective to revive the financial partner for all Sri Lankans. dedicated teams who would deliver economy from impact caused by the The Brand Finance Lanka which towards all stakeholders through its all stakeholders which allows the cash to the customers’ COVID pandemic, BOC also has was established in 2004 as a joint responsible business practices. As a Bank to drive successfully across the neighbourhoods. brought forward measures to address venture of Brand Finance, originated bank with an inherent responsibility country.” BOC’s agile nature to respond to financial needs of SMEs and Micro in London in 1996 as a leading towards socio-economic enhancement Genuinely binding with the customer requirements and infuse entrepreneurs to relieve them of their independent brand valuation of the country, we have always been community, BOC has been generating synergy into the Sri Lankan banking financial burden due to adversities of consulting agency in the world. Brand there with our fellow citizens in both value towards the country throughout industry has paved way for many new COVID-19.” Finance Lanka, which has been good and bad times the country has its existence. Understanding the technologies to penetrate the local In recognition of this achievement, operating as the Sri Lankan partner to gone through.” stated BOC Chairman, needs which arose with the pandemic market. Currently the brand can be BOC was also awarded The No.1 the international company, has been Kanchana Ratwatte. situation, BOC responded by aligning accessed both physically and virtually Brand title in Sri Lanka by identifying brands annually since “The brand has been able to relate its strategies and resources to face the by anyone through its local and InterBrand at its very first convention 2009. to its customers by adopting its situation with confidence and foreign branch network that works held in Sri Lanka. This indigenous “The strength of our brand has strategies to be more empathetic continued to provide an both as a traditional brick-and- brand was yet again recognised always been rooted with it being towards the needs of the Sri Lankan uninterrupted service whilst mortar network and as a modern-day internationally as a MasterBrand for together with our community. BOC community. I am also thankful for the extending its digital technology to digital channel-based facility. the year 2017-2018 by the CMO has been able to build itself as a continued trust and loyalty that has reach customers who were eagerly “BOC caters to over 12 million Council Asia and was named as one household banking brand through been placed on the Bank by its valued waiting to fulfil their banking needs. It customers today. With its massive of the ‘Top 1,000 Banks in the World’ sheer commitment and trust shown customers, loyal staff members and improvised mobile banking financial capacity and adaptable by the The Banker UK Magazine. Sri Lanka Insurance LSEG donates additional Rs 9.1M to fight COVID recognised for brand value Three UNICEF-facilitated projects to benefit Named Most Valuable General Insurance Brand by Brand Finance

Sri Lanka Insurance stated it was centric innovative insurance solutions, named the ‘Most Valuable General convenience driven processes and Insurance Brand’ for the third dynamic service support. consecutive year by Brand Finance’s The unstinted support to the people list of Sri Lanka’s most valuable and of the nation in any national calamity strongest brands for 2020. Further, Sri has earned Sri Lanka Insurance the Lanka Insurance was awarded the title title of ‘Most Loved Insurance Brand’. ‘Most Loved Insurance Brand’ in Sri The many initiatives taken by Sri Lanka, competing with giant retails Lanka Insurance to pledge support to brands. the government initiatives in the These fitting accolades reflect the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 From left: Sara Sadoon (Associate Manager – Corporate Social Responsibility prowess of Sri Lanka Insurance in the bear witness to this triumph. & Sustainability), Shanaka Abeywickrama (Head of Marketing and Corporate insurance arena of Sri Lanka Among the many initiatives are, Communications – Sri Lanka and Group Technology), Arjuna Nanayakkara accomplished through trust and donation of 10,000 number of 200 ml (Head of Shared Services Centre, Sri Lanka), Pavithra Wanniarachchi (Minister of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine), Feroz Cader (Co-Head of LSEG excellence over generations. sanitiser bottles to the Special Task Technology, Sri Lanka), Kanchana Jayarathna (Coordinating Secretary to the Sri Lanka Insurance stated that, insurance solutions to customers Force who carry out necessary Minister) and Janaka Sri Chandraguptha (Additional Secretary - Development) under the General Insurance category, inclusive of Motor Plus Loyalty pandemic control measures, Rs 5 it is the leader in Sri Lanka’s Insurance Rewards, which provides value added million donation to the COVID-19 The London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) announced that it has sector, pioneering many projects to services to the customers. Motor Plus Health and Social Security Fund; Viru donated an additional Rs 9.1 million to a series of projects around the ensure comprehensive protection and Rewards, was one of the largest Abhiman, the Rs 1.5 million-worth free country to strengthen the healthcare system in the fight against COVID- customer convenience. Among the consumer promotions in Sri Lanka life cover granted to State sector 19.It donated Rs 3.0 million to a project to convert the Kattankudy Base many initiatives are exclusive tie-ups which gave away prizes worth of Rs employees who are in the frontline Hospital into a COVID-19 isolation and treatment hospital. The project with service providers of the motor 15.8 million. battling the pandemic; and the is being facilitated by UNICEF. The Kattankudy Base Hospital was trade, easy payment tie-ups with Sri Lanka Insurance achieving the donation of facemasks, hand sanitisers selected on the recommendation of the Ministry of Health (MoH), as it is leading banks and financial service Most Loved Insurance Brand in the and 10,000 litres of surface centrally located between the three districts in the Eastern Province, providers, multiple payment options, country bears testament to the disinfectants to be distributed among namely Ampara, Batticaloa, and Trincomalee, and also due to its close online purchasing facility for strengths of the Company for the Municipal Councils, Provincial proximity to the Batticaloa Teaching Hospital and its existing customers, simplified, fast track claim largest assets base of Rs 211 billion, Councils and Town Councils and infrastructure. The refurbishment project was successfully completed settlement processes and accurate largest life fund in the insurance necessary Government entities. and handed over to the MoH on 28 May 2020. To minimise the risk of assessments. industry of Rs 116 billion, strong The AAA(lka) rated insurer has stood cross-contamination from coronavirus (COVID-19) for emergency front The flagship brand in the general Government ownership, extensive the test of time moving over the line health workers, LSEG additionally donated insurance category, Sri Lanka branch network consist of 158 service trajectory of challenges and Rs 2.8 million for the purchase of 10,000 hand sanitisers and 10,000 Insurance Motor Plus vehicle insurance points, a claim-paying ability that confronting obstacles to become one of surgical face masks. Procured by UNICEF, these items have been has introduced many innovative motor spans over five decades, customer- the most iconic brands in Sri Lanka. handed over to the Family Health Bureau (FHB). In addition, LSEG also announced the donation of Rs 3.3 million to UNICEF supporting the purchase of an ICU ventilator for adult and paediatric use in support of Sri Lanka’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Sri Lanka. This was in response to an urgent requirement outlined in the Government of Sri Lanka’s emergency plan. LSEG Head of Group Technology and Marketing and Communications, Maximising returns on Shanaka Abeywickrama said, “At LSEG, one of our core values is partnership, and we believe that this proactive approach to collaboration is the best way to ensure that we move forward together as one global community. As such, we are proud to have partnered with UNICEF and the Ministry of Health to continuously support its emergency response efforts solar PV investment to the COVID-19 pandemic.” UNICEF Sri Lanka Representative, Tim Sutton commented: “COVID-19 By Eng. Channa Silva could lead to delays and untimely the most prolonged stage in a solar PV presents an unprecedented challenge for Sri Lanka making the knowledge executions resulting in additional project life cycle – lasting up to about 20 and partnership of leading businesses even more critical. UNICEF thanks Solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants financial burdens. Harnessing energy years. Many tend to miscalculate the the London Stock Exchange Group for once again taking the lead and have become a popular investment due from the sunlight by a PV module might importance and impact of O&M on committing further critical funding for Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 response. to their financial security and sound simple, but multiple complex system performance. O&M is not merely Their timely and continued support will help to ensure that the most profitability. However, a key issue in PV aspects contribute in order for a PV cleaning panels, as it includes vulnerable communities including children and young people – wherever project development is that many project to be technically and financially predictive, preventive and corrective they are in the country – are better protected and prepared.” project stakeholders seem to only successful. This can only be achieved measures which are all equally In April 2020, LSEG donated Rs 5 million (US$ 27,624.30) towards consider short-term implications, by implementing a high-level strategic important in minimising operational purchasing essential medical supplies and materials, working closely with leading to financial failure. Such project management plan. However, issues and maximising performance. A the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services, UNICEF and WHO. oversight can occur due to lack of experience, skill, extensive knowledge, well-structured maintenance approach Additionally, the Group also conducted an internal fundraising programme project experience and poor project and a proven track record are vital for will ensure the system performs as with the support of staff donations and partnered with World Vision Lanka execution, as it must be ensured that successful project management. expected throughout its lifetime to provide essential items to 1,872 families in the areas of Mullaitivu, the system performs as expected to A well-executed risk assessment can generating the expected financial Muttur, Kiran, Wattala, Bibile, Koralaipattu, Meegahakivula and Mannar. achieve the financial numbers in the also help minimise financial losses by returns. Beneficiaries included women-headed households, people with disabilities, long run. effectively managing unforeseen risks. For a successful project execution, daily wage families and those fighting malnutrition and facing other Component and technology selection Performing a failure mode and effect well experienced and proficient vulnerabilities. in the feasibility stage is a key phase in analysis for the entire system will help personnel must oversee the project – project execution. Many internationally- for better risk management by being very mindful and attentive acclaimed PV brands have a range of preparing for unexpected throughout project development and products, components, and circumstances, and allow for rapid operation. From a financial point of technologies to be used for different response to the issue, without incurring view, the success of the project relies on purposes. However, the most any financial losses. the returns earned on investment compatible component for the project Furthermore, we must also ensure through electricity generation. must be selected to satisfy the project the safety of everyone involved in the Therefore, a successful project requirements and perform efficiently, project as human life is invaluable. execution and operation is critical as it maximising production and the Therefore, safety measures, determines the system performance, From left: Feroz Cader (Co-Head of LSEG Technology, Sri Lanka), Arjuna expected financial returns. Selecting precautions, guides and practices must ergo financial performance. Nanayakkara (Head of Shared Services Centre, Sri Lanka), Dr. Anil Jasinghe quality-assured, robust components be strictly followed and be included to The writer holds an MEngSc(Solar (Director General of Health Services), Shanaka Abeywickrama (Head of will also be reliable, ensuring better provide protection for the entire project Energy), MEng(EM), BSc.Eng(Hons), Marketing and Corporate Communications – Sri Lanka and Group financial performance and security. lifetime. and CEng and is an accredited Solar PV Technology), and Sara Sadoon (Associate Manager – Corporate Social Unplanned tasks during the project Operation and maintenance (O&M) is Consultant and Trainer. Responsibility and Sustainability) B14 wednesday 17 june 2020 Advertorial

Peramaga Initiative establishes outdoor COVID-19 screening centres The Aitken Spence Team Aitken Spence among Top Three Best Conglomerate Brands 2020 Aitken Spence stated it was ranked among expected to commence operations during made a mark of raising the bar for the the top three Best Conglomerate Brands 2020 2020-2021, solving two national crises with country’s corporate sector. Continuing compiled in a special edition by LMD. In the one solution. ongoing work and initiating new efforts, we The Peramaga initiative has established purpose-built previous rankings, Aitken Spence was ranked Aitken Spence also introduced LEED certified invested Rs 70 million towards sustainability outdoor COVID-19 screening centres at the Colombo among the top 10 conglomerates and moved architecture to Maldives with the launch of processes and action plans in the financial North Teaching Hospital in Ragama and the Panadura up six positions in 2020. The 17th annual Heritance Aarah, the first property in the year,” stated Aitken Spence Deputy Base Hospital. review of Sri Lanka’s most valuable brands is Maldives to receive the Leadership in Energy and Chairman/MD, Dr. Parakrama Dissanayake. Peramaga is a joint effort of professionals led by produced through an in-depth analysis Environmental Design (LEED) Gold status. “We have been the winner of the Best pharmaceutical and healthcare specialist Dr. Sanjay conducted by Brand Finance Lanka, a brand Elpitiya Plantations PLC signed a Corporate Citizen Sustainability Award for three Perera, infectious diseases specialist Dr. Changa valuation and strategy firm. memorandum of understanding (MoU) with successive years, while being the only company Kurukularatne, former Sri Lankan cricketers Kumar The organisation was rated based on the Sim Leisure Group Ltd, a leading theme park in Sri Lanka to be ranked among the Top 10 Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene and the Esufally following attributes: corporate vision, developer and operator based in Penang, Best Corporate Citizens for an unprecedented 14 family, founders of the now public-quoted Hemas reputation or image, degree of innovation and Malaysia, to set up a world-class theme park consecutive years. Aitken Spence PLC has Holdings PLC, together with the Ministry of Health and quality consciousness. Aitken Spence in the Galle District. consistently ranked among the Top 10 Most Indigenous Medical Services and the Sri Lanka Air achieved a competitive score of 82.58 from “We have been at the forefront of pioneering Respected Entities in Sri Lanka by LMD. Force. The two centres make up the first phase of the 100. sustainable investments in the country; using “These recognitions reflect our commitment initiative’s mission to help 33 Government hospitals During the financial year 2019-2020, our expertise, investment capacity, access to and efforts to sustain the triple bottom line, mitigate the risk of virus transmission by using outdoor Aitken Spence reached several milestones, technology and strong partnerships to be a with emphasis on the fourth P, which is screening centres and natural ventilation strategies, an most notable being the company’s investment catalyst for socio-economic progress. processes. We are committed to contributing idea proposed by Dr. Kurukularatne. Such centres have in Sri Lanka’s first waste-to-energy project. Moreover, having interwoven sustainability positively towards the sustainable been used effectively internationally during epidemics The plant is 88 per cent complete and is into our strategy for over a decade, we have development of Sri Lanka.” such as SARS to identify high-risk outpatients before they enter the hospital, thus, minimising the risk of disease transmission to healthcare workers and other in-house patients. Treatment centres using natural ventilation strategies to manage severe respiratory infections is a concept ACCA partners with Wisdom Business Academy endorsed by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Director General of Health Services stated, “The COVID- for world class qualification 19 pandemic is an unprecedented crisis that requires ACCA, having registered in Sri Lanka since and world prize winners, and also their innovative ideas to fight against. Dr. Kurukularatne is 2002, has had an exponential growth rate of supportive culture which empowers students an expert in the field, and it is heartening that nation- its students year-on-year, over the last 18 to aspire to deliver world class performances, minded Sri Lankans are coming together to bring his years. we are confident that they are the type of idea to life. We are most grateful that the Esufally family With a further recent spike in demand for learning provider who is well suited to meet came forward to sponsor this pilot phase.” the qualification, ACCA Sri Lanka is now and keep up with the high-quality standards Alongside the financial backing of the Esufally family, gearing themselves for an even larger market expected from our learning providers and will the Sri Lanka Air Force, led by Air Commodore Udula share across the country. An important part of help to maintain our brand vision of being a Wijesinghe, provided the engineering expertise and this venture is in expanding their portfolio of “forward-thinking professional body.” labour to build the structures, and a Hemas team led by quality tuition providers to deliver the Endorsing these comments Chinthaka Sanath Dassanayake contributed additional project qualification in keeping with the ACCA global Wijayaratne, Group General Manager of management support. standards. Wisdom Business Academy affirmed, “Today, Murtaza and Avanti Esufally said in a joint statement, Explaining the uniqueness of the businesses are demanding more from people “As a family, we have always believed in the necessity of qualification that has led to its popularity, The ACCA Silver learning partner status certifi- than they have ever had before. It is a fact that, equal access to a better quality of life for all Sri Lankans. Nilusha Ranasinghe, Head of ACCA Sri Lanka cate being handed over to Malik De Silva employers are searching to recruit professionals In this respect, we believe it is vital to work toward the and Maldives, stated that ACCA is a fully- Director Wisdom Business Academy by Nilusha who could help drive their businesses forward safety of the nation’s healthcare workers and the fledged finance and accounting qualification Ranasinghe, Head of ACCA Sri Lanka. Also in the in highly volatile markets. We believe that the efficient identification of COVID-19 patients. We are which is not sector driven. “The strength lies in picture are Chinthaka Wijayaratne, Group ACCA qualification is constantly evolving to truly humbled to be able to serve our country through General Manager of Wisdom Business Academy its members and global network that is well and Suren Rajakarier, Chairman, Member include a mix of real-world focus and theory in this initiative. We thank the Ministry of Health and the recognised by both the industry and Network Panel, ACCA Sri Lanka every element, so that the next generation of Sri Lanka Air Force, in particular Dr. Lal Panapitiya, Dr. employers. The qualification gives a complete finance professionals will be prepared to handle Anver Hamdani and Air Marshal Sumangala Dias, for overview of finance management, covering of professionally qualified personnel with proven the challenges successfully in their workplace supporting Peramaga, and for making the speedy strategic business reporting, taxation, years of experience of preparing students for as well as the market at large. Wisdom, over the implementation of the project a possibility.” financial management and reporting, audit professional examinations, as well as the ability past 18 years has built a reputation The ceremonial handing over of the Ragama Outdoor and assurance, performance management, to deliver high pass rates each year. This is the for developing and delivering tailored Screening Centre by members of the Peramaga initiative risk, ethics, corporate governance, analysis kind of high calibre institutes that ACCA will be professional education programmes in close took place on 9 June 2020 in Ragama with the and digitisation. With a qualification suited to partnering with to expand the reach within Sri collaborations with our partners to ensure they participation of Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Director General of any employment sector and our strong global Lanka this year. are relevant to the future needs of Health Services, Dr. Lal Panapitiya, Deputy Director footprint, we have been focusing on In keeping with this mission, ACCA organisations. In doing this Wisdom has General of Health Services and Air Vice Marshal Ruchira strengthening our proposition in being partnered with Wisdom Institute for introduced latest cutting-edge online learning Samarasinghe. “These outdoor screening centres will go accessible to students across the country to International Studies, a subsidiary of Wisdom solutions to its students which results in a high a long way to protect the hospital staff and patients from gain our qualification and to support their Business Academy, which is a well reputed level of convenience and learning satisfaction. infection, and we are fully geared to have the centres conversion to membership.” professional education institute in Sri Lanka. Hence, we are confident that this partnership operational at the hospital to combat the pandemic in She also pointed out that current tuition Further, Wisdom Business Academy is with ACCA will be an important step towards the most effective manner,” Dr. W.A.M. Shelton Perera, providers have high pass rates which are above affiliated with many highly ranked UK and broadening our ambition of being a foremost Director, Colombo North Teaching Hospital stated. the global average pass rates as well as Australian Universities such as the renowned learning provider in professional education.” The COVID-19 outbreak can only be controlled producing many national and global prize Robert Gordon University and the University of Both ACCA and Wisdom Business Academy, with the collective effort of all stakeholders in the winners. “These results are not only due to the South Australia. hope to utilise their partnership to take country. The Peramaga initiative thanks Orange commitment of the relevant institutes but also Speaking of the partnership Nilusha added, forward their mutual vision of supporting Sri Electric, Celogen Lanka and Cool Power Holdings for due to the stringent standards that ACCA deems “With Wisdom’s history of delivering superior Lankan students in their learning journey and their contributions and invites likeminded them to maintain. These include having the right level academic and professional qualifications work together to produce talent that is a first individuals and organisations to join its cause in environment, systems and processes to monitor with their current partnerships mentioned choice with employers both locally and strengthening our healthcare services to defeat this student performance, a lecturer team consisting above, and having produced many country globally. pandemic.

SLID Forum discusses challenges to Independent Directors by COVID-19

The COVID-19 outbreak and the INED. Their experience and specialised economic shutdown it precipitated have skills can add immense value in created immensely challenging balancing the interests of all circumstances for many companies. stakeholders in the company”. The INED (Independent Non- Taking a different view, Richard Ebell Executive Directors) Forum of the Sri said, “Crisis situations such as COVID- Lanka Institute of Directors (SLID), 19 could expose shortcomings of which has consistently focused on the Boards, particularly in their role and responsibilities of INEDs and composition. Common INED traits the skills required of them, recently such as a lack of understanding of the held a webinar to discuss their roles Moderator and panelists dynamics of the Company could cause and responsibilities during the present inertia, whose effects could be crisis and how they could help steer COVID-19 present heightened risks of responses needed. specialised skills”. Taking a practical compounded by the existence of companies through it. fraud” said Nick Robinson who went on Against this extraordinary backdrop approach, he added that it is of crucial ‘Boards within Boards’, ”. The panelists for this session were to highlight the fact that of events Richard Ebell maintained, importance for companies to map the On the issue of the size and scope of Rose Cooray-- Former Deputy Governor misappropriation of assets and “Organisations in the midst of a crisis risks and opportunities apparent, and cost cutting versus investing for the of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and fraudulent financial reporting were are faced with many urgent issues, act to mitigate risks and leverage new future, moderator Salieh asked what current Chairperson of a listed areas requiring high levels of attention some common and some industry- opportunities available. the contribution of INEDs should be to company, Nick Robinson - Partner, EY from Boards and INEDs. specific, but it was not all gloom.” He “Governance cannot be compromised this difficult Board conversation. (Hong Kong), Richard Ebell - On strategy in responding to these encouraged company management to and required the same or higher levels Considering recent statements made by Independent Executive Director and exceptional circumstances, two aspects focus on these, establishing priority of attention from the Board under these Sri Lankan companies on reduction of Eardley Perera – Independent Executive – opportunity and resilience – will be areas and opportunities that can be crisis conditions. A company’s cadre and salary cuts, Rose Cooray said Director moderated by Faizal Salieh, crucial. Often consideration of these built on. commitment to Governance depended these measures were right at the Senior Vice Chairman of SLID. While must be simultaneous, with resilient Salieh noted that the leadership on its culture. A crisis will not deter bottom of the agenda of the company the pandemic has eclipsed other recent leadership enabling companies to response from executive management companies with the right culture from she headed. She said expansion and crises in size and scope, Board emerge stronger. could be different from that of the ensuring good governance practices,” investment proposals were being Directors have been called on to act “It is up to the Chairperson to provide Board, and INEDs should help build he added, reiterating the importance of evaluated instead. promptly as part of the company’s leadership to the Board for steering a congruence between the two. Governance. In the current crisis, many leadership “Leadership Response”. company through this difficult time and Recognising that companies are in In the face of challenges and risks, teams may engage in survival thinking “Considering the implications of ensuring business continuity and long different phases of dealing with the companies have set up Emergency only. A few may try to identify a landing COVID-19 from a strategic perspective, term success. Full understanding of the outbreak, panelist Eardley Perera Response Teams including Non- zone providing the opportunity to take it is important for organisations (and ground situation, including the evolving expressed his views on the role of Executive and Executive Directors to off effectively again. In that context, INEDs) to understand the many needs of the company on processes and INEDs in reimagining and reinventing provide insight and direction when how Boards react to the present crisis dangers posed. These range from cyber- human resources is crucial, while the company’s future saying, “INEDs taking action. Commenting on the role is very telling. Agility is indeed being attacks and data loss to INEDs continue to be watchdogs for complemented the Board in mapping of an INED in such a team, Nick tested, as are the abilities of Directors, misappropriation of assets and money good governance” said Rose Cooray overall strategic direction and Robinson said, “A crisis will not reduce who face unprecedented challenges not laundering. The challenges posed by sharing her insights on the leadership supplemented the Board with the level of responsibility required of an seen before. SPORTS WEdnesday 17 JUNE 2020 A15 Rugby scrapbook While retaining Provincial Unions Rugby Clubs want a bigger say WPRFU would affirm the proposal By Vimal Perera and deliberated without delay and implemented, and club rights With COVID-19 decimating sports restored. schedules grass has grown tall on the Sources from the Army confirmed rugby paddocks as boots have not their position is arising from a need to touched them close to ninety days. be heard, as it is they who play the The pandemic hit rugby across the game. They do not have a voice in the length and breadth of the country. Union. Provincial Unions that may However, CORONA did not stop board not even have a club playing in the ‘B’ rooms of Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) and division league determine how and its constituents being active; who manages rugby in Sri Lanka. intriguing if not exciting. Army plays in ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ The talk that mattered most was the Divisions and also has a women’s amendment to the Constitution, team. They have three teams playing which is to give the founder clubs a in the ‘B’ Division and five teams in more significant say in the affairs of the ‘C’ Division. These include units SLR. That is to recognise founder from the regions. The structure does clubs as members and have a not provide them to be involved in the representation for voting and eligibility Provincial Unions other than playing. to attend meetings. SLR President Lasitha Nazeem Mohamed, President Lasantha Wijesuriya Sriyan Cooray Therefore, the need is for an overhaul The grouse of the club is that they Gunaratna of the WPRFU of the whole present structure. form the core of local rugby and spend Army feel the need that all clubs a lot, but in the present context, they reconsider the timing of the SGM and proposed amendment need to be for one to two years he can be easily playing ‘A’ division rugby need to be have little or no say in SLR as the amendments as it was unethical. studied by a committee of the frustrated and lost to the game. represented and heard in the SLR. mandate has been given to the Some praise or cry foul only when it Province. There are many aspects to Wijesuriya says with the suggestion The amendment should look at the Provincial Union despite them funding suits them and not the game as a consider to determine what is best. for clubs to be part of the main body overall impact. themselves while producing players whole. What is important is to decide whether rugby should be directed to that end. Christo Jodache, former President for the National squad. Need for attention has to consider we still need to maintain the provincial Sriyan Cooray, President of CR and of CR, National Player and National Speaking to a cross-section of those issues of conflict that arise by the structure. If not, what will be the best FC, cautioned that the support of the Team Manager and council member, affected, their views form the core of multiple roles played, which conflict course to follow to allow the clubs to club is not to any individual but for believes without the Eight Clubs there this column today. Some thought with the sports law and/or ethics. expand the game and seek the progress of the game. He said the will be no rugby. These are the change and calling for an SGM was According to SLR President Lasitha development through the provinces? eight clubs provide the material for founder clubs that have to be involved done hurriedly. The Province that has Gunaratna, six of the seven Provincial Nazim also believes that the system is rugby. That includes the tournament, in managing the game. The provincial seven of the eight clubs too are in Unions who are the current acceptable, but it is the structure that as well as players for the national structure must be to develop rugby agreement. The point that most stakeholders had submitted a written matters. Whatever we do today must team. Clubs spend an average of and not a vote base. express is the need to deliberate and request to amend the Constitution. last long and not be a stitch which Rs 30-40 million a year. The current That leads to a need for careful discuss the lasting change proposed. The consent of six is a clear two-third patches a tear for a year or two. The structure he said does not support the deliberation before making changes. This was the consensus of four ‘A’ majority. The council at its last changes, therefore, needs more clubs to be heard and to contribute to Jordache believes those in the game Division Clubs, two former rugby meeting discussed the proposal to deliberation. Objectives for the change the chartering of policy and strategy to have neglected to send people of their stalwarts, as well as the WPRFU recognise founder clubs currently have to be discussed and positioned keep the game moving forward. He hierarchy to SLR. They mark the President who supported this line of playing ‘A’ Division rugby as accordingly. It should encompass a said that while there is a need to attendance with those at a level of thinking. stakeholders. The board decided to broader vision and not be myopic. follow protocol, the clubs need a place functional foreman to whom what Opinions suggest there is a need for call for a Special General Meeting to Therefore, the SLR too should at the table. matters are the operational nuts and change. SLR has been like a ship pass the required amendment. deliberate and debate issues and He stressed on the need for a bolts. We need to address these crossing a calm sea. The ship’s The Secretary, Ministry of Sports, structure change. process for the eight clubs to be heard. issues too, and change deliberated. captain and crew know where they are instructed Sports Federations to stop The WPRFU stands firmly behind Cooray agrees that the changes need Former National player M.H. Marso, going because they have made the trip making any constitutional the amendment which should be after thought and deliberation. He who led Police to be triple champs and many times before. Interpolating, it amendments if an Election Committee a debate, research and environmental emphasised that while the top eight served in the council, agrees that the means SLR have run year after year was appointed. Gunaratne confirmed scanning done. The process will help clubs need a place at the table, the amendment is needed. The provinces and completed tournaments. Like a the appointment of an Election the gathering of information about provincial system must continue. If carry the mandate of the top clubs ship meeting an occasional storm, Committee and the receipt of the letter events and their relationships within not, there will not be development and who have no say at the SLR. It is the there have been brief distractions in dated 3 June 2020. an organisation’s internal and expansion of the game as the future is eight clubs that carry the weight of an otherwise calm and predictable Respecting the directive of the external environments. The not concentrating on a few. Rugby. The structure needs to be environment. Ministry, holding the SGM before the environmental scanning will help to Romesh Abeywickrema President overhauled and has to go beyond the The observation is to manage the AGM will not happen. Gunaratne determine the future direction of SLR Havelocks Sports Club says Rugby at voting system. There cannot be any asked for change which requires thinks since there was no AGM held, and shape changes to suit the need. the national level is exclusively doubt on voting as Gazzette 1990/23 unfreezing the status – which is there is no bar to have the SGM after Secretary WPRFU has informed all sustained by the eight ‘A’ Division of 27 October 2016 specifies the through deliberation and discussion. the AGM on the same day. Gunaratne clubs that the Executive Committee clubs. All national players are from casting of votes are individual. The Then changing to a new state, and much supports the ‘A’ Division clubs has viewed the subject favourably. these clubs. Yet to maintain the teams problem arises on a question of refreezing to make the change and the provinces who propose to The WPRFU appointed a three- and take part in tournaments the whether the Provincial Unions are permanent. At this point, you need to recognise the local rugby lifeblood. member committee to review the clubs have to find resources taking the mandate of the clubs. reassure. It is like changing the form He said the council had accepted the changes, and a request has been themselves. They are the actual Provincial Unions must concentrate of a cube of ice. You got to unfreeze proposal to amend the Constitution. made to the clubs to provide stakeholders of the game in this on development, which should be and pour to the new mould and Therefore, the SGM has to be held. It recommendations and other changes country but does not have any control their primary purpose and need to refreeze. is only a shift of the date and time. that may be required. over managing. continue. The structure needs The current status can be SGM could then take place after the Lasantha Wijesuriya, Rugby They receive no support whatsoever re-engineering to meet the changing considered an equilibrium state. Most Annual General Meeting – even on the Chairman of Kandy Sports Club from the Province nor SLR. They demands. Clubs which are central to people are comfortable and would same day. The main intention of the agrees with the suggestion to provide cannot even present a simple Sri Lanka Rugby must be represented resist change. To move from this change is to allow a more significant further representation to the ‘A’ resolution at SLR as it must come and heard. Having been in the equilibrium, unfreezing is necessary. say for the top eight rugby playing Division clubs. He was of the view that through the Provincial Unions. As a council, he is supporting a more Unfreezing should be preparing for the clubs in the Union. there is a need to carefully study the result, when it comes to governance of significant say for clubs. He qualified needed change. The distraction is I tried to get the opinion of the proposals and implement changes rugby, the eight leading clubs have the support by saying club because probably there has not been Deputy President of the SLR, who is that will help the overall development little say. The Provincial Unions were representatives at the SLR should be adequate preparation. probably a contestant for the post of of the game. The role of the SLR set up to develop the game and spread from the hierarchy and not an The forces pushing for change are President. Rizly Ilyas declined to should be more than organising a it across the provinces. Even after operational staff. The amendments the leading contenders – the ‘A’ comment as he believed this is more tournament and troubleshooting as nearly thirty years, this has not need discussion and debate. It has to Division clubs, which means other relevant to the Western Province and when required. The structure happened. The twelve active clubs look at how the participation of than those of schools Rugby, there will Rugby Football Union (WPRFU), which should be to develop players for clubs when the Provincial system was higher-ups can be incorporated. be less driving forces to convince. The Province has seven of the eight clubs and provide the input for the national introduced, has come down to eight. Mainly in the case of the Tri Forces/ approach should be to convince those playing premier league rugby. team. Also, these clubs are struggling to Police rugby, the chairman may not resisting the change. To push their Nazeem Mohamed, the President of Wijesuriya explained that there is a survive. The Provincial Unions have have played in the ‘A’ Division, or as behaviour to achieve the status quo, the WPRFU, said that as the Province need to develop a structure that builds not bothered about the well-being of in the case of CH, which is not solely the three clubs I spoke to and two hosting seven of the ‘A’ Division clubs a relationship with school rugby so clubs. They have not inquired about a rugby club. former rugby stalwarts seem to agree. the WP supports the need of clubs to that the youngsters can be groomed. the issues clubs face although it is SLR should consider being an active Once the need for a change of status be represented and heard. He noted At present other than an incredibly their responsibility. partner of schools rugby, and guide is accepted, it is easy to implement that the WPRFU would be affirmative talented few, most when introduced to Addressing this requires an the top schools’ divisions, while the change. However, merely introducing of the proposal to amend the club rugby take around two years to adaptation of a structure where the Provincial Unions, together with change does not ensure that it will Constitution. improve their skills. Building a top eight clubs have a greater say on Zonal Education Directors, could take hold. It is crucial to sustain the If the suggestion gets the nod of the structure, in turn, will help national policy, direction and strategy. During develop and organise Rugby in the situation over time. Unless done, there WP, and since all Provinces have Rugby. Otherwise, there is a need to the period of COVID -19, the clubs schools. is a strong chance that stakeholders agreed, there can be no fuss in mould again. When clubs invest in had a hard time with no revenue. Marso also suggested that as a will revert to the old ways of doing passing the amendment. players, they need to maximise player Unlike in cricket, the Province nor the prelude till provinces advance to the things. The objective is to stabilise the Mohamed, however, took up the use. While the club wants to win, it is Governing body helped the clubs desired state, the lesser privileged new situation by reinforcing the new position that while the WP accepts not about pushing players to perform financially. While developing rugby, should be allowed to amalgamate and behaviour. and is supportive of the constitutional beyond their level of ‘fit to play’. While the SLR and/or the provinces must promote school and/or club rugby in As a prelude, till Provinces advance change, it cannot be a patchwork; it representing the school players will be have a system to help clubs with or the Province. He shared the view that to the desired state the lesser cannot be done almost overnight. He pushed beyond his limits because the without CORONA. the timing of the SGM and privileged should be allowed to said they were taken by surprise at intention is to win, and a player may Abeywickrema maintains that the amendments was unethical. In the amalgamate and promote school and/ the council as the proposal was be in school for a few years. Provincial system must continue but other hand, some praise or cry foul or club rugby in the Province. The presented and rushed through. On the other hand, if a schoolboy needs a structure to help the game. only when it suits them and not the view surfaced that there is a need to Mohamed was of the view that the hero has to spend time on the bench The amendments must be studied game as a whole. Late own goal gives Levante 1-1 draw A late own goal by defender Diego Carlos visitors and Carlos thought he had netted Vaclik and Carlos got their wires crossed cancelled out Luuk de Jong’s opener to a second for Sevilla with a powerful as the latter turned Jorge Miramon’s cross give Levante a scarcely-deserved 1-1 draw header nine minutes later, only for the into his own net in the 87th minute, and at home to Sevilla in La Liga on Monday. goal to be chalked off for a push on a having previously looked well beaten, After dominating during a goalless first defender. Levante somehow escaped with a point. half, Dutch forward De Jong struck in the Sevilla controlled the game throughout, Unbeaten in six games, the draw leaves first minute of the second period, but Levante managed a late surge and third-placed Sevilla on 51 points, four slamming home Munir’s perfect pass to almost equalised through substitute ahead of Real Sociedad and five ahead of finish a lightning counterattack and give Hernani, but his shot was cleared off the both Getafe and Atletico Madrid, while his side the lead. line by centre back Jules Kounde. Levante are 12th on 35 points. De Jong’s goal settled the nerves of the Moments later Sevilla goalkeeper Tomas (Reuters) A16 wednesday 17 june 2020 sports Head Coach Amir Alagic gets additional post Appointed as Technical Director By Mustaq Sydeen He also coached the Brunei National Team and Bosnia Football Federation of Sri National U-19 Team. Among Lanka (FFSL) has appointed elite clubs, he was the Head Coach and expert Amir assistant coach of Germany’s Alagic as their new Technical Werder Bremen in 2007 when Director (T.D) for the men’s the club played in the UEFA National team. This was Champions League. confirmed by President Anura There is a fresh air of de Silva on Tuesday. excitement and anticipation “We have confirmed the surrounding the Men’s Wahab Riaz ready to appointment of Amir Alagic as National Soccer Team as it the Technical Director. We are heads towards resuming the confident he will guide us in sport on 22 June. return to Test cricket the desired direction,” the With the appointment of Pakistan fast bowler, “The priority was not FFSL President told Ceylon Bosnian specialist Amir Alagic Wahab Riaz, has agreed to different last year. I haven’t Today. and FFSL’s attempts to induce return to Test cricket for the been playing Test cricket Alagic is also the current foreign-based Sri Lankan series against England regularly in the last three, Head Coach of the Men’s players to join the National should the need arise. Riaz four years before this National team and is expected Amir Alagic squad, fans hope the drooping was named alongside 28 management arrived, so the to commence work in his new image of the island’s team will other players in an extended priority was to focus on white post on resumption of the Alagic is a UEFA Pro licensed Australian citizenships, Alagic be uplifted. squad for the tour of England ball cricket.” sport once the health situation coach with vast experience, has a rich coaching career The real threat, however, to that includes three Tests and Riaz had earlier lost (Covid-19) stabilises. His having served the popular spanning 25 years, having make soccer one of Sri Lanka’s three T20Is. his central contract with mission will not just be as a game in many European and coached clubs in countries pre-eminent sports is here at Riaz, who had played just Pakistan cricket, but he consultant for FFSL, but also Asian elite clubs. such as Australia, Bosnia, home, with youth players four Tests in three years prior stressed on the fact that formulating a plan to develop Holding Bosnia & Germany, USA, Brunei, India, abandoning the game in to taking an indefinite break playing for Pakistan mattered football in the long run. Herzegovina, as well as Oman and Sweden. alarming numbers. from the longest format of the more to him. “Of course, game last year, said that central contract gives playing for Pakistan was security to a player. But always his ‘priority’. playing for Pakistan is more “The Pakistan Cricket important to me and I have Board communicated with got this opportunity once Americans ‘selfish’ to go ahead me to play Test cricket (in again by being selected in the England), if required, and to team,» he said. Riaz, 34, also with U.S. Open – Kyrgios play for Pakistan is always a spoke about how, as a senior priority; so I said yes without player, he wanted to set an even thinking,” Riaz conveyed example in putting the team’s in a video teleconference needs first. organised by the PCB. (ICC)

After positive COVID-19 test Serie B side Venezia U.S. Open halt training will go ahead Italian second tier side to await further indications Venezia have suspended from the authorities,” said the training after one of their club. Serie B is due to restart Nick Kyrgios without fans players tested positive for on Wednesday with a match COVID-19, the club said in a between Ascoli and Cremonese The United States Tennis Association Australian Nick Kyrgios says the Simona Halep have all indicated they statement. The Serie B side, which was postponed on 22 will hold the US Open this year without United States Tennis Association is would have concerns about playing the who were due to visit Feb. after the first Italian fans amid the COVID-19 outbreak, even being ‘selfish’ by pressing ahead with the tournament under the health protocols Pordenone on Saturday in coronavirus cases were though some top players have expressed US Open on its original dates from 31 designed to keep them safe. their first match since the detected in the Lombardy concerns about attending the Aug. to 13 Sept. Multiple media reports Kyrgios, who has been in lockdown in three-month coronavirus region, where Cremonese are tournament due to the virus, according on Monday said the USTA would confirm Australia since the pandemic brought a stoppage, said the case was based. to multiple reports. the Grand Slam tournament would go halt to the ATP Tour, appeared more detected in the fifth round of The Italian season resumed The New York Times, which cited ahead without fans despite New York concerned about having to undergo 14 testing of the squad on Friday. on Friday with a Coppa Italia unnamed sources, said the USTA City still recording hundreds of new days of self-isolation upon his return “The team has gone into match between Juventus and announced this week that it will hold the COVID-19 cases everyday. home from Flushing Meadows. isolation pending the results of Napoli. 31 Aug.-13 Sept. event in New York with Novak Djokovic, Ash Barty and (Reuters) a new round of swab tests and (Reuters) the support of the men’s ATP Tour and the WTA, which runs the women’s circuit. The USTA’s agreements with the men’s and women’s tours are ‘happening or almost there,’ one source told Forbes. Men’s T20 WC ‘unlikely’ to take place this year ESPN, which cited a source familiar with the plan, said the USTA is waiting for a Cricket Australia Chairman Earl green light from local and State health Eddings believes it is ‘unlikely’ and officials. ‘unrealistic’ that the Men’s T20 “We’re following each step in the World Cup will take place in procedure that we need to with the great Australia as scheduled this year. hope that we can announce that the The fate of the tournament, 2020 US Open will be played in its scheduled between 18 October and regularly scheduled date,” USTA 15 November, is being deliberated spokesman Chris Widmaier said in an fiercely by the ICC Board which last email to Reuters. week deferred to take the final call. “We hope to make an announcement The ICC has continued to remain regarding the status of the 2020 US optimistic despite the growing Open in the very near future.” likelihood of the tournament being No professional tennis tournaments postponed in the wake of the have been held since March due to the Covid-19 pandemic. After the ICC COVID-19 pandemic, which has left the Board meeting convened to discuss sport’s calendar in tatters, and the contingency planning last week , shutdown will extend until August. ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney Wimbledon was cancelled altogether, had said that there was only ‘one while the French Open has been moved chance’ to make the decision and it to September and is due to start one needed to be the ‘right one’ which week after the scheduled US Open men’s he said would be arrived at after final. consulting all stakeholders, from World number one Novak Djokovic and the broadcaster to the players. reigning US Open men’s champion Rafa Eddings, who sits on the ICC Nadal are among the players who have Board, though, felt time was expressed concerns about attending the running out. He pointed out that month Eddings has asked the ICC 2022. would help the ICC and CA retain New York tournament. with many of the 16 participating to consider postponing the T20 Last month Kevin Roberts, who the local organising committee for Nadal said earlier this month he would countries still under the grip of the World Cup. Last month, he was sacked by CA as Chief the Men’s T20 World Cup to not travel to the US Open in present pandemic it was ‘very, very difficult’ addressed an email to the ICC’s Executive on Monday, had pointed continue and smoothen the circumstances, while Djokovic said to stage the tournament, and said Finance & Commercial Affairs out that there was a ‘very high risk’ logistics and costs. playing the event this year would be that CA had presented different Committee, proposing Australia of the T20 World Cup taking place Nick Hockley, CEO of the T20 impossible given ‘extreme’ protocols that options to the ICC Board for the and India swap hosting the in October-November. Roberts, World Cup local organising would be in place. tournament to be moved. tournament over the next two though, had indicated the committee, and appointed as In mid-April the USTA said its decision “I sit on the ICC and we’re having years. Contents of Eddings’ ‘implications’ of postponing the Roberts’ temporary replacement, on whether to hold the Grand Slam this meetings as we speak,” Eddings correspondence to the ICC were tournament were not said CA would be ready for any year will be made in June, and playing it said on Tuesday. “It’s a bit of a reported by the Times of straightforward and the ICC was eventuality including the without fans is on the table but highly moving feast at the moment. I’d say India recently. ‘juggling a lot of balls’ as it was tournament being postponed. unlikely. it’s unlikely, while it hasn’t been Eddings suggested that Australia ‘looking at the windows that are “There’s a huge amount of work The US Open is held annually in New formally called off this year or host the event in October-November possible over the coming year.’ going on around [T20 World Cup] York City, which has been hit hard by postponed, trying to get 16 2021 and India stage the One of those windows, as contingency planning,” Hockley the pandemic. The USTA Billie Jean countries into Australia in the tournament a year later in 2022. ESPNcricinfo reported could be said on Tuesday. “I think there are King National Tennis Center was even current world where most countries Doing that, Eddings said, would moving the Men’s T20 World Cup at meetings coming up next month at turned into a temporary hospital to help are still going through Covid-19 financially help all the member the back of the Women’s ODI World ICC level where some decisions will in the battle against the virus. spiking. I think it’s unrealistic or countries. If not, Eddings said it Cup which is scheduled in New be made and we’ve got a fantastic Last year’s edition drew an all-time would be very, very difficult. We’ve would be ‘detrimental to cricket’ in Zealand for February-March 2021. local organising committee who are attendance record of nearly 740,000 put forward a number of different case the ‘cancellation’ of the World In case that happens, the women’s busy preparing for every eventuality fans, and the event is the engine that options to the ICC we’re working Cup in Australia this year was tournament would need to be and the decision that will come drives the governing USTA. through at the moment.” ‘replaced by award of’ the advanced to January in order to fit forth.” (Reuters) This is the second time in the last tournament in October-November in the men’s edition. Doing that (Agencies)

Published by Ceylon Newspapers (Pvt) Limited, 101, Rosmead Place, Colombo 7 and printed at its press at No. 302/1A, Minuwangoda Road, Ja-Ela.