RS. 70.00 PAGES 72 / SECTIONS 6 VOL. 03 – NO. 13 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020 NO RESPITE FOR ENDING A YEAR COCONUT OIL STOP UNWANTED FARMERS AND CONFUSION OVER IMPORTS: PPE OF POLITICAL CONSUMERS TAX CONCESSIONS IMPORTERS POTPOURRI »SEE PAGE 4 »SEE PAGE 5 »SEE PAGE 13 »SEE PAGE 8 & 9 GENERAL PREVENTIVE GUIDELINES For verified information on the coronavirus (Covid-19) contact any of the following authorities Suwasariya Ambulance Service 1999 Health Promotion Bureau Quarantine Unit 0112 112 705 1990 Epidemiology Unit 0112 695 112 Govt. coronavirus hotline 0113071073 PRESIDENTIAL SPECIAL TASK FORCE FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES Telephone 0114354854, 0114733600 Wash hands with soap for 40-60 Wear a commercially available mask/ Maintain a minimum distance Use gloves when shopping, using Use traditional Sri Lankan greeting Always wear a mask, avoid crowded Hotline 0113456200-4 seconds, or rub hands with alcohol- cloth mask or a surgical mask at all of 1 metre from others, especially public transport, etc. and discard into at all times instead of handshaking, vehicles, maintain distance, and wash Fax 0112333066, 0114354882 based handrub for 20-30 seconds times in public places in public places a lidded bin lined with a bag hugging, and/or kissing hands before and after travelling Email [email protected] Exploring ilmenite illegally? local company which had signed a zAustralian company not licensed to operate in SL zNo local partner confirmed MoU with TSL. BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA The investigations have revealed in mineral activities have informed with a local component which owns “If a local company is going that the company was neither offered the bureau in writing that they have more than 50% of the shares in the to explore minerals jointly with The controversial Australian company Titanium Sands Ltd. a license to engage in mineral not entered any agreement with TSL, joint venture. a foreign company, that has to (TSL), which was reported to be exploring Sri Lanka’s ilmenite exploration activities in Sri Lanka, it is learnt. GSMB Director (Minerals) Hema be communicated to the GSMB reserves, is operating in the island illegally according to nor had it entered a joint venture with a According to GSMB, foreign Liyanarachchi told The Sunday when applying for licenses,” she investigations conducted by the Geological Surveys and Mines local license. The local companies that companies are not allowed to explore Morning that the bureau had not explained. Bureau (GSMB), The Sunday Morning learnt. have been issued licenses to engage minerals in Sri Lanka alone but jointly granted a license to TSL or any other Contd. on page 2 NO AUDIT SINCE 2016 A quiet Christmas ESTATE WORKER WAGES Plantation companies Focus on fishy unlikely to budge zMoot productivity model instead deals at CFC Plantation companies a final decision on increasing the z Evidence gathered z Complaint to be are unlikely to abide by the minimum daily wage of estate instructions given by Labour workers to Rs. 1,000, The Sunday on allegations lodged with CID Minister Nimal Siripala de Morning learnt. BY LAHIRU POTHMULLA has commenced a full audit for the Silva last week to come up with Contd. on page 2 The Ceylon Fisheries years from 2016, State Minister Corporation (CFC), which has Kanchana Wijesekera said. not conducted auditing since 2016, Contd. on page 2 CLAIMING EPF BASED ON RETIREMENT AGE Special provision to Parliament in 2021 Christian and Catholic worshippers took part in a Christmas Mass at the All Saints’ Church in Borella on A special provision on the to Parliament when sittings Christmas Eve. Security was also beefed up in churches across the island and worshippers were urged age of retirement and claiming commence in 2021, Ministry to wear facemasks and maintain social distance the Employees Provident of Labour stated. PHOTO LALITH PERERA Fund (EPF) is to be presented Contd. on page 2 COVID-19 TREATMENT Power purchasing to PERMITTING COVID-19 VACCINES Ayurvedic meds Registered under review depend on Covid vaccines allowed A total of 37 ayurvedic supplementary medicines are recommended for research BY PAMODI WARAVITA year will depend on the prevailing after which they would be issued for clinical The renewal of power Covid-19 situation, The Sunday by early 2021 trials before they are recommended to the purchasing agreements to make up Morning learnt. The Covid-19 vaccines, which would general public, State Minister for Indigenous for a 300 MW power shortfall next Contd. on page 2 be registered with the National Medicines Medicine Promotion, Rural and Ayurvedic Regulatory Authority (NMRA), would be Hospitals Development, and Community CAPITAL HEIGHTS permitted into the country by early next Health informed. year, according to State Minister of Primary Contd. on page 2 CAPITALRS. 34 MILLION HEIGHTS Health Care, Epidemics, and Covid Disease RS. 34 MILLION Control Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle. UPWARDS She told The Sunday Morning that a final Chinese pipeline UPWARDS decision has not been taken as to which vaccines would be brought down. still in limbo “Discussions are still going on. We are No decision has been taken regarding the CAPITAL HEIGHTSstudying the vaccines that are available at controversial and expensive Chinese oil RS. 34 MILLION present,” she added. pipeline renovation project submitted and VISITUPWARDS OUR Contd. on page 2 approved by the previous Cabinet last year, WEBSITE which is still under evaluation. CAPITALVISIT HEIGHTS+94 OUR 763112233 Contd. on page 2 RS.35SHOW APARTMENT MILLIONWEBSITE UPWARDSRS. 34 MILLION KELANI RIVER POLLUTERS READY FOR INSPECTION UPWARDS PROJECT NEARING+94 763112233 COMPLETION VISIT OURReport to COPE in February SHOW APARTMENT WEBSITEBY SARAH HANNAN the end of February, it is learnt. action is to be taken. VISIT OUR The committee that was Given the extent of the Speaking to The Sunday +94 763112233WEBSITE to look into preparing a pollution of the river, the Morning, Ministry of READY FOR INSPECTION SHOW APARTMENT www.capitalheights.lk SHOW APARTMENT +94 763112233 mechanism to reduce the Ministry of Environment is Environment Secretary Dr. READY FOR INSPECTION pollution in the Kelani River, said to have taken the lead on Anil Jasinghe stated: “We are PROJECT NEARING COMPLETIONREADY FOR INSPECTION is to present a detailed study the investigations, as there are looking into the matter at a PROJECT NEARINGPROJECT NEARING COMPLETION COMPLETION report to the Committee on several factors that are to be macro level now. Public Enterprises (COPE) by taken into consideration before Contd. on page 2 2 the sunday morning PICTORIAL/NEWS Sunday, December 27, 2020

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MPs and Muslim groups staged a protest in front of the Borella General Cemetery against the Government’s decision to cremate bodies of all victims An individual racing through the heavy showers in Colombo who die of Covid-19

Contd. from page 1

Allowing them to retire at 55, claim the EPF, ultimately wholly-owned subsidiaries of He also told the employers that the to cover all the major rivers in Sri Lanka, we Focus on... and then offering them work on contract TSL, and all activities are properly reported Government is ready to maintain the estates have included all stakeholders from various The last audit of the CFC had been basis for the next five years, is a decision that to the GSMB under the requirements of each or hand over the management to another ministries and government institutions and completed in 2015 and it was revealed that no the employer will have to make,” De Silva exploration licence. company. appointed committees on a national level, audit has been done since 2016. elaborated. Further, it was reported that the company “Most companies are not available, as they district level, and divisional secretariat level State Minister of Ornamental Fish, Therefore, the age of retirement and the is not mining on Mannar island and does not go on vacation, and therefore, they would to conduct studies on river water pollution.” Freshwater Fish and Shrimp Farming EPF claims will have to be decided on a have the equipment or regulatory approvals meet the Minister after the discussion is held According to Dr. Jasinghe, in the case Development, Multi-day Fishing and Fish combination of personal preference and the to do so. Activities are currently limited to on 4 January,” Bulumulla said. of the Kelani River, the committee that is Export Wijesekera told The Sunday Morning employer’s agreement, De Silva noted. exploration. When asked about the warnings given by appointed to look into the perpetrators and that the newly appointed Deputy General – Sarah Hannan Meanwhile, when contacted by The the Minister that the plantations would be take action, had discussed the feasibility Manager (DGM) – Finance will look into the Sunday Morning, Environment Ministry acquired by the Government, he stressed of imposing penalties to these industries matter. Power... Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe stressed that he that all companies would be taking the same and illegal residents as well for releasing “No audit has been done at the CFC for Ministry of Power Director of would look into the matter and see who has decision and therefore, if the Government is pollutants. 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. We are auditing Development Sulakshana Jayawardena said issued the license. going to acquire the plantations, it will have “We need to also look at giving these it now. Apart from that, we are preparing that the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) “I will conduct an inquiry into the alleged to acquire them all. people a solution to the problem as well. documents to lodge complaints with the has predicted a power shortfall of 300 MW illegal mining conducted by this Australian However, there is no hindrance for For instance, the people that live in the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for next year, of which 170 MW will be company,” he said. anybody who wishes to obtain shares in the embankments of the Kelani River need to over the allegations and irregularities,” he obtained from private sources through power Sri Lanka is well-endowed with industrial companies. be allocated suitable dwellings and are to be said. purchasing agreements. minerals including graphite, ilmenite, rutile, - Maheesha Muudugamuwa relocated. While the industries need to be When asked about the nature of allegations, He added that this year, the demand zircon, quartz, feldspar, clay, kaolin, apatite given a penalty, we will have to also look the State Minister said: “Several concerns for power reduced due to the Covid-19 (phosphate rock), silica sand, garnet sand, Ayurvedic... at advising them on installing purification have been put forward through the Finance pandemic. If the demand normalises next mica, calcite, and dolomite. State Minister Sisira Jayakody, speaking to plants, as we cannot just shut these Manager over irregularities. We will lodge year, the power purchasing agreements would The Pulmoddai beach sand deposit is the The Sunday Morning, said: “At the moment, industries down, affecting the jobs of many complaints over irregularities in relation to have to be renewed. most important non-ferrous mineral reserve there are about 37 ayurvedic supplementary employees,” Dr. Jasinghe pointed out. some constructions and the utilisation of “The remaining power will be obtained in Sri Lanka to date and this deposit contains medicines that have currently been The national committee has already allocated funds. Evidence is being gathered at either through supplementary power or a minerals including one of the most expensive recommended to be researched and trialled. initiated the discussions into reducing the moment.” self-generating power scheme,” Jayawardena and sought-after metals in the world – So far, we have been able to introduce an pollution in rivers, and as Dr. Jasinghe noted, Meanwhile, CFC Chairman Maj. Gen. said. titanium. Ilmenite (FeTiO2) and rutile (TiO2) immunity booster drink, a preparation that the district development committees and the (Retd.) S.W.L. Daulagala said the new DGM However, he mentioned that the are also found in enormous concentrations in is to be used for steam inhalation, and a divisional secretariat committees that are to Finance was appointed only three months ago Government has not yet decided on a tariff the Pulmoddai beach sand deposit area and mouthwash under the Suwa Dharani brand, look into river conservation are to be briefed but that they expect to complete the auditing hike to cover the cost of purchasing power several other beach mineral-sand deposits which was produced specifically for Covid- early next year. giving priority to the task. from private sources. He further mentioned of monazite, zircon, garnet, and ilmenite are 19 treatments.” Meanwhile, COPE Chairman Dr. Charitha He said the Covid-19 pandemic also made that the Government’s ultimate aim is to found in various parts of the island and are The State Minister also confirmed that Herath, when contacted by The Sunday an impact in the delay of completing the bring down the cost of the supply through the now being exported. once the ayurvedic medications are approved Morning, said: “We gave instructions to the backlog of audits. utilisation of renewable power sources. by the research teams, they are trialled Secretaries of the Ministry of Environment, “Everything is being done now. The last Public Utilities Commission of Sri through the tri-forces and are then given to the Ministry of Industry, and the Ministry of audit submitted was the one for 2015, and the Lanka (PUCSL) Director of Corporate Plantation... persons that are in government quarantine Water Supply to appoint a committee to look one for the year 2016 is being done. Since Communications Jayanat Herat also agreed Instead, the companies are discussing facilities. into these unlicensed factories and present we have a backlog of four years, it is difficult that a power purchasing agreement may have a radical proposal which they say would In addition to that, the State Ministry has COPE with a detailed report on the actions to complete them immediately in two to to be implemented to serve the increased increase both the salaries of the workers as sought assistance from the University of Sri that were taken and the extent of the pollution three months. We couldn’t perform at full demand next year, despite disagreements well as the work hours. Jayewardenepura to test an ayurvedic tonic the factories had caused to the Kelani River.” capacity due to Covid restrictions, resulting with the CEB on other issues. Last Monday (21), Minister de Silva on its effectiveness against the virus. According to Dr. Herath, the ministries in lack of staff members. However, it is our Meanwhile, Minister of Mass Media instructed the relevant authorities to take the Earlier last week, National Research have been given a period of three months to responsibility to get the audit completed,” he Keheliya Rambukwella said the Government final decision on increasing the minimum Council Chairman Prof. Senani Hemantha submit a report on the findings. said. is expecting an increase in demand for power daily wage of estate workers to Rs. 1,000, as Dodampahala too had confirmed that two of COPE, in November, inquired about the The Chairman, who was appointed 11 from 2020 in 2021. As such, all measures per the 2021 Budget proposals, by Monday the ayurvedic medications were under study. 205 factories that were continuing to operate months ago, further said the CFC is facing would be taken to prevent power supply (tomorrow). However, both institutions denied that the even after their environment protection the issue of taking the institution forward shortages, he stated. The instructions have been given by the recently popularised curative tonic, which the licences (EPLs) were suspended along without making losses due to previous issues. When contacted by The Sunday Morning Minister after considering the submissions public flocked to obtain, was not included in with the 17 factories that were discovered “We have to pay for fish purchased as far regarding the renewal, CEB Chairman Eng. made by both parties during the discussions these trials and studies. to be established without any of the local back as 2011 and 2012 as well. We have Vijitha Herath was reluctant to speak over the with the Estate Workers’ Leaders and – Sarah Hannan authorities’ or the Central Environmental assets of Rs. 362 million but our liabilities phone and requested an in-person meeting. Employers’ Federation representatives Authority’s (CEA) knowledge. are about Rs. 1.2-1.3 billion. Signs of In the meantime, all attempts to contact regarding the increase in wages. Chinese... The status of EPLs relating to 2,946 mismanagement can be seen since 2010. Minister of Power Dullas Alahapperuma on However, the Planters Association of Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila said factories operating under the A and B At times, freezer rooms have been sold for Thursday (24) proved futile. Ceylon (PA) stressed that the planters would the project has not been scrapped by the categories, situated near the Kelani River, scrap metal. We don’t have a place to store not meet the Minister tomorrow (28). Instead, President although some media has reported was reviewed. 41 category A factories that fish now. Our priority will be to invest in they would seek a meeting early next month. that such a decision has been taken. were audited were identified as high polluters infrastructure development,” he said. Exploring... “We have already planned to hold a critical “The President did not speak with me that were causing more environmental risk, He said the Government should intervene There was no mention made with regard discussion with all plantation companies on regarding the project and no such decision which operated with no EPLs. Meanwhile, to find a solution to old issues at the CFC. to the controversial company, according to 4 January and following the discussions, the has been taken. It’s an utter lie,” he told The 205 factories were still operating even after “The debt at the CFC is about Rs. 900 Liyanarachchi. companies would come up with a solution,” Sunday Morning. their EPLs were suspended. In addition million and we cannot settle it on our own. When the bureau queried the license PA President Bathiya Bulumulla told The The proposal was submitted to the Cabinet to that, there were 17 factories that were Therefore, the Government’s involvement holders, they had informed the bureau Sunday Morning. by former Petroleum Industries Minister not even listed under the CEA or the local is needed. Even when we make the CFC in writing that TSL had not entered into When asked whether they would agree Kabir Hashim last October to renovate the government councils. profitable, we can’t allow old loans to weigh agreements with any of the local licensees, to increase the minimum wage, he said the dilapidated oil pipeline at a cost of Rs. 15 us down,” he said. Liyanarachchi said. proposal they make would pave the way for billion by China Petroleum Pipeline Bureau According to her, she has also given details the estate workers to earn Rs. 1,000, or even (CPPB), The Sunday Morning learnt. Registered... to an inquiry which is being conducted by the more than that, per day. However, with the vehement opposition by Meanwhile, the Government will hold Special... Ministry of Industries. Yet, the PA President did not disclose the trade unions (TUs) last year, the project a discussion this week with the Russian As the Labour Act undergoes amendments An Australian media report published last whether the Rs. 1,000, as promised by the had not proceeded. Yet, the project has Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives to include several recommendations that week stated that the Perth-based company Government, would be given to the workers cabinet approval, as the previous Minister or to take the final decision over bringing down were proposed in the 2021 Budget, it was had entered into an agreement with Srinel or not. the current Minister did not take any action to the Sputnik V vaccine to prevent Covid-19, also suggested that the age of retirement be Holdings Ltd. to explore the extent of the However, at the meeting held with the terminate the project. according to State Minister of Production, increased to 60 years for all. island’s ilmenite reserves. Minister last week, the plantation companies The TUs attached to the Ceylon Petroleum Supply, and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals This seems to have created confusion on The media reported that Titanium Sands were of the opinion that plantation workers Corporation (CPC) raised concerns over Prof. Channa Jayasumana. whether a person deciding to retire at the age Managing Director James Searle had said that should be given an additional daily quota of 2 the delay by the Minister to terminate The discussion is scheduled to take place of 55 would have to wait till they turned 60 to the company is looking to mine an area of the kg of leaves and that these employees had not the expensive project and handover the between State Minister Prof. Jayasumana and withdraw their EPF monies. island that is 2 km wide and about 8 km long. done enough daily duties to justify paying the renovation work to local engineers at the Russian Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the When The Sunday Morning contacted the “That’s probably over a 30-plus year gratuity at the end of their service. CPC and Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminal Maldives Yury Materiy. Minister of Labour Nimal Siripala De Silva lifespan,” he told ABC RN’s Science Accordingly, they proposed that every Ltd. (CPSTL) at a total cost of Rs. 1,900 Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Prof. to clarify the matter, he said: “We have been Friction. “On an annualised basis that’s employee should be required to work 180 million for the renovation of both 12 and Jayasumana said if the meeting proved having discussions with company owners, probably…in the region of between 10 and days a year. 18-inch pipelines instead. successful, the Russian vaccine would be especially in the private sector, who have 16 hectares,” it is stated in the report. However, the Minister proposed to add an Jathika Sevaka Sangamaya (JSS) CPC available to the state sector even before the requested that employees should be allowed Nevertheless, according to the TSL extra kg of leaves to the per day quota, and branch President Ananda Palitha said vaccines promised by the World Health to work till they are 60 years, as some company projects mentioned on its official stated that the 180-day proposal could be however that the decision taken by the Organisation (WHO). companies have a requirement to keep senior website, it holds five exploration licences accepted. President to cancel the project is welcomed It is learnt that the country at present does employees in employment. However, when it for heavy mineral sands located in North However, the workers’ representatives also by the TUs. not have enough infrastructure facilities comes to certain sectors, they have said that West Sri Lanka on Mannar and the adjacent pointed out that it was not fair to exclude “Earlier, for the renovation of a 6-inch to store the new vaccines, like the Pfizer they do not want to keep a person above the mainland coast. the number of leaves plucked by plantation single line, it cost only Rs. 350 million by Covid-19 vaccine that was found to be 90% age of 55 in employment.” As it was reported, the TSL is to continue workers that are assigned as crate weight and the local engineers but considering the rupee effective, as it needs to be refrigerated at Considering these requests, the Ministry of to carry out mineral sands exploration on factory waste. depreciation, as estimated by the engineers -70 to -80℃. However, earlier it was stated Labour in conversation with the Department Mannar under its granted exploration licences Taking all these factors into consideration, attached to the CPC and CPSTL, it would that the Government is eyeing the vaccine of Labour had decided to include these and with the support of the GSMB within the Minister stated that the Government’s cost only around Rs. 1,900 million to developed by the University of Cambridge, conditions under special provisions of the guidelines already in place. decision that the minimum wage for renovate the dual pipeline system,” Palitha as it did not need low temperatures compared Labour Act. The company has reaffirmed this plantation workers should be Rs. 1,000 could stressed. with the Pfizer vaccine. “However, the withdrawal of EPF monies commitment and outlined responses to not be changed under any circumstances. – Maheesha Mudugamuwa According to Health Minister Pavithra will only be allowed at the time of retirement. incorrect media reporting in Sri Lanka with The Minister also instructed that if any Wanniarachchi, Sri Lanka would receive 4.2 So, if one person decides to retire at 55, they regard to TSL and its Mannar project. company is unable to pay the minimum wage Report to... million doses of a Covid-19 vaccine under can claim their EPF at that time and if they As it explained, the TSL’s tenure is owned of Rs. 1,000, they were to handover the estate Since we have also launched the ‘Surakimu the WHO’s COVAX programme. retire at 60, they can claim at the age of 60. and operated by local companies that are company to the Government. Ganga’ river conservation programme that is – Maheesha Mudugamuwa the sunday morning 3 Sunday, December 27, 2020 SPOTLIGHT

TRINCOMALEE OIL TANK FARM Marathon talks continue z Indian and SL Governments yet to reach agreement z Auditor General notes risk of oil shortage due to storage issues

BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA unchanged and the benefits which were import of CPC for 2019 stood at $ 3,359 said to be passed on to the consumers million, accounting for about 17% of the It’s been months since the indirectly do not exist, as the essentials are total imports of the country. Since the cost incumbent Government initiated a not available at controlled prices gazetted of imports accounts for about 95% of the new round of talks with the Indian by the Government. It also said that the total expenditure of the CPC, its financial Government and the Lanka Indian benefit of the price reduction would be used performance is directly affected by the Oil Company (LIOC) to acquire a to minimise the losses incurred by the CPC, dynamics of the global oil price movements majority of the Trincomalee oil tanks which, as told by the petroleum industry and the exchange rate. which were leased out to the LIOC TUs, is not fulfilled either. With sales to the transport sector of Rs. many years ago. But the country is At its lowest 430 billion, which accounts for 65% of the yet to receive a final word from India total revenue of the CPC, it recorded a loss As per international media reports, of Rs. 26 billion in 2019. The balance 35% on its request, The Sunday Morning oil prices fell, as a continued surge in represents other sectors including aviation, learnt. coronavirus globally forced a series of domestic, industry, and power generation, It was in July this year that the then An aerial view of the renewed lockdowns, including strict new recording a profit of Rs. 14 billion leading Petroleum Industries Minister Mahinda Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm measures in southern California. Brent crude to an overall loss of Rs. 12 billion for PHOTO © EXPLORE SRI LANKA Amaraweera said that the Government had oil futures were down 16 cents, or 0.3%, at the CPC, it stated. The continuous losses initiated the discussions with India; again $ 49.09 a barrel by 0117 GMT, while West accumulated by the CPC over the years in October, the present Energy Minister oil tanks were futile. the year, as the domestic oil prices remain Texas Intermediate oil futures fell 19 cents, stood at Rs. 337 billion at the end of 2019 Udaya Gammanpila told Parliament that The previous Government signed the unchanged. or 0.4%, to $ 46.07 a barrel. and has had a significant impact on the the Government had commenced talks with Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Initially, the Government adopted the The TUs said that the price of a barrel operations, thereby weakening its balance LIOC and Indian Government to acquire on Co-operation of Economic Projects and wait-and-see approach, as they insisted of oil stood at around $ 40 in the world sheet in the absence of equity infusion. some tanks which remained unutilised by the decided to set up a joint venture between the that the prices would go up. But due to the market but the domestic prices have not been Trade receivables stood at Rs. 95 billion LIOC, 18 years after they were acquired for LIOC and the CPC. Covid-19 pandemic, the prices fell down changed since its final revision when the at the end of 2018 and increased to Rs. its use. According to this agreement signed in the drastically since February while recording price of a barrel of oil was at $ 68. 164 billion by the end of 2019, resulting Nevertheless, a final decision was yet to presence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra the lowest rates in April. The TUs also alleged that the Government in the CPC’s exposure to the Bank of be communicated by India to Sri Lanka. Modi and then Sri Lankan Prime Minister Instead of reducing the prices in par with has failed to pass the benefit to the Ceylon and the People’s Bank to close at The topic of oil tank farms came back into Ranil Wickremesinghe in 2017, India the world prices, the Government then consumers and urged the President to Rs. 566 billion. CPC has been financing the limelight with the plummeting of world has agreed to the Sri Lankan proposal to promised the benefits would be passed to the immediately take necessary steps to provide the operations of the electricity sector oil prices due to demand reduction that came refurbish and use the 84 giant oil tanks in the consumers indirectly by reducing the prices fuel at a reasonable cost to the public. in particular with about Rs. 102 billion with the coronavirus pandemic. Energy Upper Tank Farm as a “joint venture”. of essentials rather than reducing the oil remaining unpaid at the end of 2019. experts urged the Government to import The then Sri Lankan Government prices and also said that the prices would be CPC losses remain Treasury guarantees amounting to $ 1.8 as much as it can store when the prices are proposed the idea of developing and running reviewed in a year. Meanwhile, in the Final Budget Position billion have been issued to cover the dropping, so the country could save billions the tanks as a joint venture in 2016 to store It’s been a year since the new Government Report of the Ministry of Finance, it is exposure to these two banks, according to of rupees spent on importing crude oil and fuel for power generation in an emergency came into power – the prices remain stated that the total cost of the fuel-based the report. refined petroleum products at expensive situation. rates. However, by abandoning the measures However, due to the lack of infrastructure taken by the previous Government, the facilities, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation present Government initiated fresh rounds (CPC) can only import a limited amount that of talks with India and the LIOC which are can be stored at available storage facilities in currently going on for months. Kolonnawa and Muthurajawela. Completely legal Never-ending talks It is the present Government’s politicians, Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Jathika while in the Opposition a year ago, Sevaka Sangamaya (JSS) CPC Branch that claimed that the leasing out of the President Ananda Palitha alleged that the Trincomalee oil tank farm was illegal. Government was taking too much time to Meanwhile, the TUs also alleged that cancel an illegal lease agreement signed the agreement is illegal while urging the between India and Sri Lanka to hand over Government to abolish the agreement and the Trincomalee oil tank farm. take back the tanks. Urging the Government to reveal the Meanwhile, the LIOC Managing Director current status of the discussions and the Manoj Gupta told The Sunday Morning reason why it cannot reduce the fuel prices, that the discussions were still ongoing at a he said: “This Government, while in the higher level between Sri Lanka and India Opposition, claimed that the agreement and the LIOC would abide by the decisions signed between India and Sri Lanka is illegal taken between the two Governments. and now they are struggling to cancel such Denying the allegations levelled against an illegal agreement. the LIOC by the petroleum industry TUs, “As per our knowledge, the LIOC he said the tripartite lease agreement signed has refused to handover the oil tank between Sri Lanka, India, and LIOC is not farm and that’s why the Government illegal. began to construct a new oil tank farm in The LIOC MD said: “Energy Minister Hambantota,” he alleged. Gammanpila, Indian High Commissioner Palitha however highlighted that the public to Sri Lanka, and the Government of India are yet to feel the benefit of the plummeting are taking up the discussions in a very price of oil in the world market. positive line and we are very hopeful that they will come down to a very conclusive Refuse to divulge stage. The LIOC would be completely Despite allegations levelled against the compliant to the decisions between the Government by the trade unions (TUs), two governments. The discussions would Energy Minister Gammanpila said the enhance the energy scenario of our discussions between Sri Lanka and India are country.” heading in a positive direction. He, however, told The Sunday Morning At high risk that details of the discussions should not be In the meantime, highly informed sources divulged to the public until a final decision at the Indian High Commission in Sri has being taken. Lanka confirmed to The Sunday Morning Meanwhile, Gammanpila said in that the discussions are still going on Parliament a few months ago: “The UNP between the two Governments and no final Government in 2003 leased all 99 oil tanks decision has been made by India. to the LIOC for 35 years, a company in A special audit report released by the which India has 75% shares and Sri Lanka Auditor General’s Department recently 25% shares. Eighteen years later, the LIOC said that at present, there exists in the uses only 15 of the tanks. We hope to get country a high risk of fuel storage due to back the unused tanks for our needs.” lack of storage facilities, and this should be He said once an agreement was reached, overcome and the storage capacity should all the details would be tabled in Parliament. be increased so that the fuel requirement “I do not want to disclose the status of the of the country can be stored for several ongoing talks given the delicate nature of months. amending a bilateral agreement, which At present, the entire capacity of fuel would be jeopardised if made public before a storage facilities in the country is adequate final decision is reached,” he said. for the requirement of diesel for 27 days, The Minister said he was hopeful that the petrol for 24 days, kerosene for 29 days, unused tanks could be revived. and aviation fuel for 40 days. The audit report said that adequate fuel The tale of 99 tanks storage facilities in the country should be The Trincomalee oil tank farm has maintained to do away with economic and been leased out to the LIOC by way of other disadvantages resulting from the an agreement in 2003 on a 30-year lease, unnecessary emergency purchases. which expires in 2033. Altogether, 99 tanks A study on the fluctuations in world have been leased out. The farm initially had market oil prices should be conducted in a 101 tanks built within an area of 850 acres. systematic and timely manner and adequate However, two of the tanks were destroyed quantities of fuel should be obtained and by aircraft in 1960. The initial construction stored in the event of falling prices such as of the oil tanks commenced in 1924 and the recent experience of a significant drop ended in 1930. Following Independence, in world market oil prices during the Covid- the tanks fell into disuse. The LIOC has 19 pandemic. refurbished 15 of them in the Lower Tank Farm, which are now in use. Collectively, Yet to feel the benefits all tanks were able to hold up to 1.2 million In such a backdrop, concerns have tonnes of fuel. Several previous attempts that also been raised over the oil prices that have been made by Sri Lanka to reclaim the have fallen significantly with the demand oil tank farm or at least to use the remaining reduction due to the coronavirus throughout 4 the sunday morning FOCUS Sunday, December 27, 2020

BY DINITHI GUNASEKERA AND BLAZING VEGETABLE PRICES refrigeration and the cool room method, to PUJANEE GALAPPATHTHI minimise the vast post-harvest food waste. Other methods such as drying, chemical Following the constantly recurring processing using sugar, salt, vinegar, and pattern of vegetable price inflation, chemical preservatives such as sodium the Government has proposed meta-bisulphite, creating alternative foods several steps to resolve the issue, such as jams, jellies, fruit cheeses, fruit though a long wait may be at hand drink concentrates, and pickles, or alternate to see their results. No respite for heat treatments, are not utilised in the least, making Sri Lanka’s assortment industry The current plan deployed by the highly problematic and lacking. Ministry of Agriculture was to make direct Intermediary buyers, operating under this purchases from the farmers, eliminating the preconception of 40% of product going to involvement of an additional third party – waste, pay farmers only 60% of the value of whose doings are accepted to be the root what they acquire. This generally-accepted cause of these massive price contrasts. 40% waste estimate does not apply to all Minister of Agriculture Mahindananda scenarios, but it affects pricing far more Aluthgamage, who visited economic farmers and severely than expected – oftentimes it is used centres in the Western Province, as per the to justify injustices and blunders on the part of President’s instruction, analysed the drastic certain intermediaries. Thus, the shortcomings disparity of prices in the market in contrast in the country’s post-harvest food assortment to the prices charged by the farmer. and preservation industry lead to gross Aluthgamage explained to The Sunday exploitation, calling for prompt action to Morning that the price differences are remedy the issue. sometimes over 100% – 1 kg of potatoes, The AIFF, backed by Karunarathna, has which originally costs Rs. 140, may cost consumers been voicing this need for a considerable around Rs. 280 per kg in Colombo, while period of time, dating back to Mahinda one unit of leeks, which would originally Amaraweera’s time as the Minister of be around Rs. 25, could cost Rs. 70. We directly bought it from the farmers, Agriculture, when promises were made to “Officers of our Ministry are deployed keeping only a Rs. 5 profit, and on adopt these technologies in Bandarawela and in Nuwara Eliya to conduct a pilot project Dambulla, according to Karunarathna. as a test run. The trial was to be observed Tuesday (22) the price of every kilo “They did start adopting them in Dambulla, at the economic centre in Narahenpita on of goods in Narahenpita was reduced but this came to a halt due to certain problems Tuesday (22), and it is a test project of two by Rs. 50. Usually, the 200,000 kg that arose midway. Most of these ambitious weeks. On 24 December, the second load harvest brought to the centre takes up to proposals are stopped midway due to of vegetables will be deployed in the same two to three days to be sold. Yesterday, unfortunate clashes and personal agendas manner,” explained the Minister. everything was sold within the day of the parties involved,” Karunarathna because of the fair prices explained. Weeding out the industry mafia Minister of Agriculture Noting that he has spoken to a long list “It has to be noted that there is a huge Mahindananda Aluthgamage of current and former Ministers in charge mafia within the industry, and through our of relevant verticals, such as Irrigation, pilot projects, it was even more apparent,” Agriculture, Youth Affairs and Skills stated Aluthgamage. Development, and Social Empowerment and Pointing to the Narahenpita Economic Skills Development, among others, he pointed Centre, the Minister shared that it was out that the problem requires a long-term, assigned to 30 farmers in Nuwara Eliya, coordinated approach if a solution is to be who were renting the shops at Rs. 30,000 found. Meanwhile, Minister Aluthgamage, each, amounting to a total of Rs. 150,000 when asked about Karunarathna’s proposal per month. to adopt cooling technology to reduce post- He explained that these shops were harvest wastage, instead assured that wastage assigned to the companies Araliya (Dudley could be controlled with current technology Sirisena), Nipuna (Siripala Gamlath), PHOTO HASITHA RANASINGHE During the first wave of Covid, – the pilot project deployed in Narahenpita and New Ratna (L.J. Mithrapala), who there was some sort of Government kept wastage even below 2%, as produce similarly rent out the shops to the farmers. intervention surrounding vegetable was transported in crates. Usually, vegetables “The final market prices calculated fertiliser, which comes in 9 kg units and is prices, with a set Government regulatory are transported in gunny bags from Badulla, include transportation between all the Commodity prices a prerequisite for purchasing other types of to Keppetipola, to Dambulla, and then to According to the daily price report of the Central price. However, within just six days of intermediaries involved, calculated fertiliser, even when non-essential – which Narahenpita– leaving ample room for wastage Bank of Sri Lanka, there has been a whopping increase implementation, the regulation price wastage, commission, and rent for the shop induces an unnecessary out-of-pocket to happen. in wholesale and retail prices of goods this week. was altered and amended four times owner. So there are an additional four or expenditure for farmers, according to The Minister was quick to point out The price of beans in the Dambulla market, which over. A Government regulation clearly more gatekeepers involved.” Karunarathna. that Karunarathna’s recommendation to was Rs. 145 on Monday (21), jumped to Rs. 175 the The Minister stated that they plan to “We do appreciate the Government’s cannot be imposed with this level of adopt cooling technologies was also highly next day, due to low supply from Nuwara Eliya and cancel out all the licenses of the rented- efforts,” affirmed Karunarathna, as the instability impractical within the Sri Lankan context, due Mandaramnuwara. out shops, and give it to the four farmers’ chairperson for the federation body he All-Island Farmers Federation National to the need for a continuous cold chain for Similarly, the price of carrots, which was Rs. 125 on associations in Nuwara Eliya, which are represents. However, he added that if this Organiser Namal Karunarathna preservation. Monday (21), climbed to Rs. 145 the next day due to their vegetable-collecting centres. Farmers proposal stagnates in the conceptual stage “The Government has to make a policy low supply from Pussellawa and Bandarawela. will thereby be directly bringing the – as has been the case with many other decision, as there is no policy for agriculture,” Although the price of coconut decreased from Rs. vegetables to the economic centre with no declarations in the past – it will be useless. Aluthgamage stated. “I have appointed 79 to Rs. 75 over the same period, due to favourable third-party intervention. For example, amidst major concerns a committee to put up a national policy supply from the Melsiripura and Kurunegala areas, the “We bought it directly from the farmers, around rice, regulations were gazetted a for agriculture, and we are working on price of red onions increased to Rs. 380, while the price keeping only a Rs. 5 profit, and yesterday total of five times within this year alone, it.” However, Karunarathna opined that of fish increased by Rs. 50 daily in the past week. (22) the price of every kilo of goods yet the real issue remained untouched, he all ministers are very good at appointing Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) Chairman Maj. in Narahenpita was reduced by Rs. 50. claimed. committees to look into issues – but not Gen. Shantha Dissanayake, when asked about steps Usually, the 200,000 kg harvest brought “During the first wave of Covid, there at devising a detailed action plan for taken to control the commodity prices, stated that, An environment that to the centre takes up to two to three days was some sort of Government intervention implementation. while the CAA continues to carry out raids on traders fosters exploitation? to be sold. Yesterday, everything was sold surrounding vegetable prices, with a set violating the stipulated prices of commodities, the within the day because of the fair prices,” Government regulatory price. However, The very basis of the current constant Nurturing local production CAA has no further information it wishes to share with claimed Aluthgamage, assuring that within just six days of implementation, the increase in prices of agricultural goods Minister of Trade Bandula Gunawardena the media regarding the situation. the deployed pilot project was a “100% regulation price was altered and amended is not exactly due to the lack of control has noted the local economy’s dependence success”. four times over. A Government regulation of intermediary parties, according to on imports, despite local production What the intermediary does is provide Federation (AIFF) National Organiser clearly cannot be imposed with this level Karunarathna. capabilities. “With the situation in the farmers with a year’s worth of fertiliser, Namal Karunarathna revealed that in of instability. If it is such an intervention By now, the cost of production is at an world right now, the international supply or give out loan benefits to fill his own cultivation, farmers face issues surrounding that the Government talks of bringing back all-time high. The prices of commodities in chain has been damaged. Most ports are pockets at the end of the day, he alleged. fertiliser – specifically, Triple Super again, we are put in a position where we general are skyrocketing and inflation rates closed, and with sudden discoveries of “Now we hear tales of the mafia Phosphate (TSP) fertiliser (mada pohora), cannot accept it,” he said. are surging, with currency notes being printed Covid-19 cases, ships are diverted into threatening farmers in Badulla to prevent which is either scarce or overpriced. The All-Island Farmers Federation, at an alarming rate, and the value of the rupee other countries. By the time they come them from directly selling their vegetables According to him, the general set price, as according to Karunarathna, is fully increasingly depreciating, he explained. back, perishable goods would already be to us, the Government.” per Government regulation, of a unit portion prepared to extend its complete support There is also the generally accepted fact destroyed. At this time, only impractical (50 kg) of fertiliser is Rs. 1,000. In reality, a to the Government – if and when they are that 40% of the country’s total crop is wasted, politicians will talk about controlling The need for definitive action unit is sold at least at Rs. 1,500-1,600. truly earnest about following through on he added. There are no cooling and storage- commodity prices,” he said. Former MP and All-Island Farmers There is also the issue of the Yara Mila such actions. based methodologies in the country, such as Contd. on page 10 Heading for SRIa LANKA’S strong ECONOMY rebound BY SARAH HANNAN Budget 2021 with regard to deficit financing Sunday Morning contacted the state-owned led by the exporters.” import substitutions that could be in the period ahead. investment entity and the institution in The EDB has been tasked to strengthen produced locally Amid the international rating downgrades As announced by the Ministry of Finance charge of developing the exports on how the 2021-2023 medium-term programme of yy Enable enhancement of the contribution and the scepticism that is thrown towards recently, the Sri Lankan economy is they are expected to contribute towards it. poverty alleviation and economic revival, of the technology sector for exports the 2021 Budget, the Government and the expected to have recovered strongly during and the following proposals have been made and its contribution for knowledge and Ministry of Finance have a positive outlook the third quarter of 2020, when the second Poverty alleviation and through the 2021 Budget: professional services of the national towards the country’s economy rebounding wave hit economic activity. Earlier than economic revival yy Increase investments and create business economy strongly in 2021 and sustaining its growth expected returns of merchandise exports to As the country moves towards a opportunities while focusing on a more yy Increase facilitation for exports momentum over the medium term. pre-Covid monthly averages of $ 1 billion manufacturing economy, promoting locally dynamic business ecosystem yy Develop the local garment industry This is in a backdrop of the country’s and the curtailment of non-essential imports produced goods, the export sector too is to yy Optimise the opportunities for exports, as a local and international garment ratings being downgraded, as the rating have reduced the trade deficit notably for the be improved. The 2021 Budget therefore tourism, foreign employment, and manufacturing hub with high quality agency Fitch Ratings expressed concerns sixth consecutive month in October 2020, has a special focus on developing export- investment in our country under the garment and leather products demanded about Sri Lanka’s external debt repayment saving $ 3.3 billion in import expenditure so oriented industries and opening up and dynamic world economic conditions by foreigners and tourists capacity over the medium-term, financing far during the year. exploring opportunities globally to market options, and debt sustainability risks. The recently introduced measures to goods that are made in Sri Lanka. yy Expanding the market for exports of our yy Create extensive employment Fitch Ratings projected a government debt attract foreign investors to the government Export Development Board (EDB) country’s specific agricultural products opportunities for Sri Lankans and to GDP ratio of 100% at the end of 2020 securities market and the real economy Chairman Suresh De Mel said: “We are such as tea, cinnamon, pepper, traditional increase foreign exchange earnings for and 116% at the end of 2024, while grossly through an attractive foreign exchange swap pleased to see an export focused budget ornaments, and consumer goods, as well the country by establishing an economic overestimating the budget deficit at around arrangement, is a step taken to enhance which would support strong export as toxic free vegetables, grains, and fruits zone at Colombo Port City 11.5% of GDP in 2021 and 2022. foreign currency inflows, the Ministry of growth led by investment, value addition, yy Formulation of a balanced trade policy yy Enhance domestic production and The Ministry of Finance noted that Fitch Finance announced. and maximising our Sri Lankan natural yielding long-term returns to increase increase export potential of domestic Ratings’ assessment ignored several key As the Government lays its plans and resources. We view this as a pivotal change export earnings of our industrial products agriculture products proposals presented in the Government proposals to improve the economy, The in Sri Lanka’s growth strategy which will be and to save foreign exchange through Contd. on page 10 the sunday morning 5 Sunday, December 27, 2020 SPOTLIGHT

BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA COCONUT OIL Concerns have been raised over the confusion created by the Ministry of Finance while amending the Special Commodity Levy imposed on imported coconut oil. Confusion over It is alleged that the Government had created the confusion in order to give benefits to a private company importing coconut oil into the country, while causing a huge loss to the Government. tax concessions Earlier, allegations had also been levelled against the Government for letting a private The Treasury account already has a bank maximum retail price of white sugar to Roughly Rs. 10 billion in tax revenue will Customs is applying the Rs. 125 tax on company, which was importing sugar to overdraft of Rs. 541 billion, he said. Rs. 85. But what happens now is that the be lost, he added. each kilogramme of coconut oil imported the country, obtain undue concessions, Commenting on the sugar tax, the JVP Government has no taxes and the people When contacted by The Sunday to the country.” as the Government was not monitoring Leader stressed that on 13 October, tax have no cheap sugar. Morning, Customs Media Spokesman and The present market price on one litre of whether the public benefitted from the tax on sugar was reduced to 25 cents and the By the end of this year, approximately Director Sunil Jayaratne said: “The tax purified coconut oil (cooking coconut oil) reduction. Chairman of the CAA had increased the 100,000 MT of sugar will be imported. on coconut oil is Rs. 125, and Sri Lanka is around Rs. 600. Although Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardana has passed the responsibility of monitoring the prices gazetted by the Government in the local markets, to the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA), the CAA openly told The Sunday Morning that they are not monitoring or controlling the sugar prices. Nevertheless, consumer rights’ activists raised questions as to why the Government issued a gazette fixing a maximum retail price on sugar if the goods were not available at that price in the market. Likewise, the importing of coconut oil has also created tax turmoil, as allegations have been made by Opposition political parties that the Government has let private companies obtain undue advantages while causing billions in losses to the State. According to the Extraordinary Gazette Notification 2181/23 signed by the Minister of Finance on 26 June, the amount of tax on purified coconut oil was stated as Rs. 150 per kg. The company, which also supplies cooking oil to the market, has been given the benefit of the import tax via the Special Gazette Notification No. 2206/3 issued by the Minister of Finance under the Special Excise Act for a period of six months from 15 December. Subsequently, in another Special Gazette Notification issued on 10 July, the Minister of Finance stated that the Special Commodity Levy on coconut oil will be reduced by Rs. 25 per kg. It is stated that it should be valid for a period of six months from 11 July. Despite this, issuing another Extraordinary Gazette, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Mahinda Rajapaksa, on 14 December, stated that the Special Commodity Levy on imported coconut oil will be Rs. 125 per kg of coconut oil. According to the Gazette issued on 10 July, the reduction of Rs. 25 per kg and the imposition of the new levy of Rs. 125 via the notice issued on 14 December means that a tax of Rs. 100 per kg of coconut oil is currently in effect. The applicable levies have been reduced as follows – on the imports of coconut oil, from Rs. 150 per kg to Rs. 125 per kg; on other coconut oil, from Rs. 175 per kg to Rs. 150 per kg. The amended rates are applicable from 11 July 2020 for a period of six months. The levy on coconut oil was earlier increased on 26 June 2020. However, while large-scale import companies enjoy this benefit, consumers do not benefit from lower coconut oil prices. In the notice issued by the Finance Minister, it is also stated that the previous Gazettes issued under 2183/44 and 2181/23 will be abolished and the new tax on coconut oil would be Rs. 125. The gazette game Meanwhile, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) has accused Sri Lanka Customs of levying a low tax on a 7,000 MT oil consignment imported by a company named Wilmar last month. JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake pointed out that the stocks had reached the country on 14 December when the Government had issued a gazette fixing the Special Commodity Levy on the product at Rs. 125. “On 14 December, Wilmar imported 7,000 MT of coconut oil to the Port of Colombo. Taxes were paid at Rs. 100 per kg. This institution earns Rs. 175 million as a result of the tax reduction. Again, on 15 December, the tax was increased by Rs. 25. On 14 December, three persons imported coconut oil. Two are small-scale ones. The Government has allowed Wilmar to import 7,000 MT of coconut oil and earn an additional profit of Rs. 175 million through the gazette game,” he alleged. Dissanayake also alleged that Government revenue is being lost due to the actions of the present Government. According to the statistics given by Dissanayake, total government revenue estimated for 2020 is Rs. 1,555 billion. But the loan and interest instalments alone cost Rs. 1,854 billion. The year 2021 is even worse, he said, as estimated total revenue was Rs. 1,919 billion, and Rs. 2,117 billion will be spent to pay the loan instalments and interest. This shows that the total revenue of the Government is not enough to pay the loans and interest instalments. 6 the sunday morning FOCUS Sunday, December 27, 2020

BY SARAH HANNAN Schoolchildren flocked in front of their school to go home Despite grades six to 11 in PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE government schools commencing The Government has already their third academic term on allocated up to Rs. 105 million 23 November and ending on 23 to all state schools to equip the December in most parts of the premises with the necessary country, it is still unclear whether handwashing facilities and to the syllabus was covered in such a short span of time. supply other material that is required to Earlier last week, the Ministry of Education announced that grades one to follow the Covid-19 five in state schools, except in the Western preventive health Province and isolated areas, are to reopen on guidelines 11 January 2021. Minister of It was then noted that schools will reopen Education for the academic year of 2021 for the rest of Prof. the grades from 11 January as well. G.L. With the education sector yet again being Peiris burdened with these confusing and unclear announcements given by the Ministry of Education, The Sunday Morning spoke to difficulties due to these methods of some of the stakeholders to clarify how they education, as they are not able to focus on interpret these announcements and whether a small screen for a longer period, which is the alternative methods of studies have been causing them to strain their attention as well successful so far for all children who are as their eyesight. confined to their homes due to Covid-19. “For children, it is difficult to Minister of Education Prof. G.L. Peiris continuously stare at a screen for long said: “We are currently in discussions with hours, especially if it requires them to stay the Minister of Health, the Secretary to the focused. In a physical classroom, we can Ministry of Health, and the Director General BATTLING COVID-19 break the monotony that builds up and find of Health Services in this regard. It is not out whether a child is losing focus. Even possible to open all schools in the country the online lessons need to be tailor-made so at once, but it should be done gradually. that it is interesting for the child to follow,” The right to education of our children Stalin reiterated. must be guaranteed. We will discuss the gradual opening of schools; the health No third term exams guidelines given to schools, principals, Gradual steps The Ministry of Education has also and committees; and the authority given decided to forgo the traditional promotion to schools to act in accordance with each examination for the year 2020, given that guideline.” students and teachers had to undergo a quick adaptation to the pandemic education WP and isolated areas system. under review to guarantee Accordingly, students in grades one to Prof. Peiris also stated that the Ministry 10 for 2020 will be promoted to their next of Education is reviewing the situation in grade. the Western Province and other isolated Stalin raised concerns over this method areas every 10 days and looking at the and said: “There are some students who possibility of reopening schools in these had no access to alternative educational areas. He noted that the education sector right to education methods, which essentially means they is awaiting the advice of the Ministry of missed lessons for a near-nine-month Health to assure a safe environment is z period. Once they are promoted to the next available for children to attend school amid Rs. 105 m allocated to all schools for health protocols grade, their ability to understand the lessons the pandemic. is going to become another challenge.” “The Government has already allocated z TUs point to inequalities and failed education system up to Rs. 105 million to all state schools Guidelines to follow to equip the premises with the necessary not been 100% successful. explained. understanding that the pandemic would last The Ministry of Education stated that handwashing facilities and to supply other “We are not telling the Government to He added that not every child has access longer. In our case, no such thing took place, school health promotion activities should be material that is required to follow the keep the schools closed; we are only asking to a TV, radio, smartphone, or computer and we have to still follow the old method carried out in accordance with Circular No. Covid-19 preventive health guidelines that them to do it in a methodical manner. Even fitted with an internet service provider to of education,” Stalin noted. 15/2020 dated 11 May 2020, School Health are implemented for schools,” Prof. Peiris when schools reopened for the third term follow online lessons. Although a study Stalin also pointed out that a paediatrician Promotion Circular No. 2019/2, and the added. on 23 November, it was not well received, pack was to be introduced, that too had not from the Southern Province had alleged instruction letter dated 19 November 2020. The United Nations Children’s Fund as parents were reluctant to send their happened. that children are now developing learning Contd. on page 10 (UNICEF) has donated 1,393 handheld children to school. Some areas had to close “All these have now contributed towards thermometers to the Ministry of Education the schools just days into reopening, as a failed education system. In other countries, Schools term table for 2021 (Muslim schools) to provide to schools. In addition to that, these areas went under isolation,” Stalin they restructured their education system, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Sri Lanka Representative’s Office also donated School term table for 2021 (Sinhala and Tamil schools) TERM DATES another 1,000 handheld thermometers to be First term – stage I 11 January 2021-26 February 2021 given to schools. TERM DATES Prof. Peiris also pointed out that parents GCE Ordinary Level examination 2020 1 March 2021-11 March 2021 too have a responsibility in ensuring that First term – stage I 11 January 2021-26 February 2021 children take the necessary precautions and First term – stage II 15 March 2021-9 April 2021 in the event they have a cold or a fever, they GCE Ordinary Level examination 2020 1 March 2021-11 March 2021 are to be kept at home and be taken to a School holidays to observe 10 April 2021-16 May 2021 doctor for medical assistance. First term – stage II 15 March 2021-9 April 2021 Ramadan fasting Instructions unclear Meanwhile, Ceylon Teachers’ Union Sinhala-Tamil New Year holidays 10 April 2021-16 April 2021 Second term 17 May 2021-25 August 2021 (CTU) General Secretary Joseph Stalin, speaking to The Sunday Morning, said that Second term 19 April 2021-30 July 2021 Short holiday 26 and 27 August 2021 the way the lessons were conducted online, using some extent of electronic media, has Third term 30 August 2021-3 December 2021 Third term 30 August 2021-3 December 2021 Celebrating the new year amidst Covid-19 BY RAVINI PERERA industry would be felt on New Year’s Eve assisted us with coping with this difficult The hospitality industry of Sri Lanka earns as the annual New Year’s Eve celebrations, period, for which the industry is grateful. approximately Rs. 15 million to Rs. 20 million Sri Lanka’s hospitality sector is one of the which are held on a grand scale by hotels, We hope for the continued support of the in revenue from New Year’s Eve celebrations key contributors to the national economy are to be celebrated prioritising the health Government in the upcoming year where we As health officials, it is our held at hotels. However, a similar loss is to and therefore an indispensable component restrictions imposed by the authorities. rebuild the hospitality industry, which is one primary duty to inform the public be expected with the restrictions placed on of its GDP. However, with the Covid-19 of the most affected industries, to regain an of the risks and benefits of their dance parties and buffets this time around, pandemic taking reins this year, the country Facing challenges even better position.” chosen actions. This is a deadly The Sunday Morning learnt. has suffered a tremendous blow to its travel The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka Ukwatte also expressed his strong Moreover, 31 December is recorded to and tourism industries, which experts (THASL) President and Mount Lavinia belief in the future and the ability of the virus with immense complications be the busiest day in a hotel calendar, with believe would take months, if not years, to Hotel Chairman Sanath Ukwatte, speaking industry to recover rapidly in the months and the public must act accommodation and restaurants (F&B) being rebuild. to The Sunday Morning, sharing his views to come. “The future looks promising with with caution completely occupied. However, this December, Despite small groups of travellers from on the challenges the industry has faced thus the vaccines being developed. We can Secretary to the State Ministry of Covid in addition to the aforementioned loss which selected countries being considered for far and of the future of the travel industry. look forward to the year 2021 as a year of Prevention Dr. Amal Harsha de Silva is to be expected from the lack of dances, inbound tourism scheduled to start in the recovery for all sectors of the economy, hotels are also expecting low revenue from very end of the year, the hospitality industry especially the hospitality industry,” he its restaurants and accommodation services, continues to struggle. added. aims at prioritising the health regulations totalling an estimated loss of Rs. 50 million Moreover, while the cessation of air travel Referring to various mechanisms issued by the authorities. We have been to Rs. 60 million. for international tourists has prompted Hotels will not cater to large adopted by hotels to cope with the given strict guidance which indicates that the hospitality industry to redirect their gatherings this season...We have pandemic during the past months, he said the maximum number of guests hotels No approval for functions efforts to servicing local tourists, the travel been given strict guidance which that hotels have initiated various services are allowed to host is 50. Thus, guests in December restrictions being imposed between districts indicates that the maximum such as delivering to the doorstep of the considering visiting any hotel to celebrate Public Health Inspectors’ Union (PHIU) have complicated matters for the industry consumers that was carried out mainly during this season must do so following President M.G. Upul Rohana shared with even further. number of guests hotels are with the expectation of continuing the a reservation or purchase of a ticket as The Sunday Morning the details on the Many hospitality service providers have allowed to host is 50 longstanding relationships with their organised by the specific hotel. current law and the monitoring mechanisms strived to adopt innovative solutions to THASL President and Mount Lavinia clientele, to occupy the staff, and to “The New Year’s Eve celebration is the in place for the festive season. cope with the fresh challenges during these Hotel Chairman Sanath Ukwatte maintain the brand of the hotel. However, most extravagant and anticipated event for Rohana stated that as per the Quarantine trying times to keep their brands alive, with he said that it was evidently not a all hotels and contributes significantly to and Prevention of Diseases Ordinance No. delivery and digitisation of services being sustainable method of carrying out a the revenue. However, this year will entail 3 of 1897, the circulars and orders issued by their most prominent points of progression “This year by far has been the most business. a tremendous loss as hotels are limiting the Director General of Health Services are as of late. extreme and devastating one the travel Commenting on the preparations for the celebrations to lunch or dinner buffets, final and have been followed throughout the However, as the year draws to a close, industry has encountered in the recent past. new year, Ukwatte stated: “Hotels will not with no dance parties being allowed by country since March 2020. the final and most hard-hitting blow to the However, the Government of Sri Lanka has cater to large gatherings this season, as it the health authorities as of present.” Contd. on page 10 the sunday morning 7 Sunday, December 27, 2020 OPINION

BY DR. GEHAN GUNATILLEKE the proper parameters of the justiciability of ESC rights. First, This article is an adaptation the constitutional text with respect of a previous piece published to each ESC right should include during the previous a minimum core, and a general constitution-making process Socioeconomic obligation to progressively realise it. in Sri Lanka. It is the second Second, the judiciary, when called of a two-part series that upon to enforce a specific ESC deals with the question of right, should pay particular attention constitutionalising economic, to what aspect of the right is being social, and cultural (ESC) violated. It should be willing to make strong pronouncements when rights in Sri Lanka. The first rights in Sri Lanka the minimum core of an individual’s part presented a case for rights has been violated. It also recognising the obligations Guruparan. A copy of this proposal Part II should be vigilant if there is of the State towards ESC was published in The Sunday arbitrariness, unreasonableness, or rights. It argued that these Morning on 6 December. According another may demand a new road. discrimination in the realisation of obligations are reinforced to our proposal, “the State shall These claims involve complex rights even outside the minimum by the aspirations of the Sri take all reasonable legislative and trade-offs in resource allocation, as core. For instance, if an individual Lankan people, as reflected other measures, within its available more money for road development is denied tertiary education on the in the report of the 2015 resources, to guarantee the highest means less for health. Courts should basis of ethnicity, the judiciary Public Representations attainable standard of healthcare not dictate the policy choices of should be willing to direct the Committee (PRC) on and to achieve the progressive the Government, as such choices Government to provide equal access realisation of (the right to access are better determined through a to tertiary education. Constitutional Reform. The healthcare services)”. democratic political process. The judiciary must be relatively report confirmed that the This right is clearly subject to the The judiciary still has a role to more cautious in other cases, people demand not only that availability of resources, and must play in fulfilling ESC rights where where the policy choices of ESC rights be enumerated be “progressively realised”. We then the political process is inadequate. the Government with respect in the Constitution, but recommended the inclusion of the The principles of “arbitrariness”, to resource allocation for the also that judicial remedies clause: “No person shall be refused “reasonableness”, and “non- progressive realisation of an ESC be made available for their emergency medical treatment.” discrimination” are useful in this right is being challenged. Such enforcement. Emergency medical treatment, context, as they help determine a framework and practice would by contrast, should be recognised the parameters of the justiciability provide for the justiciability of This article focuses on the as part of the “minimum core are other Lanka need of ESC rights. On the one hand, a ESC rights while confining the parameters within which courts obligations” of the State, and cannot aspects of the electricity; yet court may have to determine how scope of justiciability to instances should enforce ESC rights. It argues be denied on the basis that resources right that the State has its provision depends on “reasonable” a resource allocation where the political process has been that the role of judges in enforcing are scarce. To be clear, there are some leeway in realising because the availability of resources. The is, particularly when it involves inadequate. ESC rights should be defined aspects of the right to health, such resources are scarce. Similarly, basic executive branch of a democratically a minimum core obligation. For precisely and cautiously. as emergency medical treatment, education should be made available elected government may be best example, it could assess whether Conclusion that the State should make freely immediately, as it is part of the suited to determine how to allocate adequate resources have been ESC rights should certainly be Defining the scope of available immediately because it is minimum core obligations of the scarce resources to progressively allocated for primary education in enumerated in a new Sri Lankan justiciability part of the “minimum core” of the State, whereas the right to tertiary ensure that all communities receive a particular district. On the other constitution to reflect both the At the outset, the constitutional right to health. By contrast, there education may be progressively electricity. Hence, litigating the issue hand, a court may intervene when a State’s obligations and the people’s framework on ESC rights must realised. This distinction has a vital on behalf of one community could person has faced discrimination in aspirations. Yet the role of courts differentiate between the State’s First, the constitutional text bearing on the justiciability of ESC result in that community unfairly – the State’s allocation of resources. in enforcing different aspects of “minimum core obligations” with respect to each ESC right rights in practice. and undemocratically – jumping to For example, it may intervene if these rights must be carefully and and its general obligations to should include a minimum Such differentiation is also the head of the queue. a particular individual has been sensibly defined. The constitutional “progressively realise” each core, and a general obligation essential in light of two concerns The second is the issue of trade- denied healthcare on the basis of text should differentiate between the ESC right. This differentiation to progressively realise it. relating to resource constraints. offs. Unlike queue jumping, where their ethnicity or religion. State’s minimum core obligations is reflected in the PRC’s Second, the judiciary, when The first is what some scholars individuals or groups compete for and its general obligations to recommendations and in a proposal called upon to enforce a call “queue jumping”, which is the the same interests, trade-offs involve The constitutional progressively realise ESC rights. that I had the privilege of compiling specific ESC right, should pay strategic use of litigation to jump competition for the allocation of framework and practice The judiciary must meanwhile with Dr. Asanga Welikala, Dr. particular attention to what to the head of a queue in accessing resources towards different interests. Sri Lanka’s constitutional ensure that it exercises its Dinesha Samararatne, Dr. Kalana aspect of the right is being scarce resources. For example, For example, one group may want framework and practice should jurisdiction over the enforcement of Senaratne, and Dr. Kumaravadivel violated a number of communities in Sri a hospital in their area, whereas include two elements that reflect ESC rights with precision. the sunday morning Sunday, December 27, 2020 EDITORIAL/POLITICS

The year that wasn’t Around this time last year, no one in his or her right mind would have ever imagined what 2020 would turn out to be. Partying and merry making were in full swing with zero indication of what was to Ending a year of political potpourri come. Now a full 365 days later, the world is still trying to come to terms with the health and economic carnage that has been wrought upon it by a raging pandemic that has made 2020 a year from hell. z RW uses UNP reforms process z SJB Constitution unanimously About this time last year, we had not heard of a virus by the name Covid-19. It was only China that had reported a few cases to remain in party leadership approved; alliance work commences but no deaths had been reported. It was only in January 2020, the 11th to be exact, that China officially reported the very first death due to the Covid-19 virus. Today, nearly 80 million people have The alliance woes between the governing Sri Lanka Podujana contracted the virus globally and 1.73 million have died from it. Peramuna (SLPP) and its main coalition partner, the Sri Lanka Interestingly however, while the rest of the world grapples with Freedom Party (SLFP), that recently became public with the the Chinese origin virus, the only news we seem to be hearing actions of the SLFP local government members and the party from China these days is of an economic revival and how life there General Secretary’s statement, are now being addressed has more or less returned to normal. No cases reported, no deaths by President Gotabaya reported, all seems hunky dory where it all began in Wuhan, China. Rajapaksa. Is there something that China knows about the virus that the rest of the world does not know? SLFP General Secretary Going back to January, all it took were a couple of months for Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara all hell to break loose. China had by then run up a death toll in recently made a public excess of 3,000 and Europe was beginning to see red with Italy statement on the issues faced being the hardest hit. A month later it was America’s turn to face by the SLFP members due to the brunt of the virus and that battle continues to date with an even being sidelined by the SLPP. greater intensity. Jayasekara stated that It was in March that Sri Lanka reported its first case and the several attempts to secure an Government acted swiftly to impose a nationwide lockdown that appointment with the President was eased only in late May. The lockdown ensured that the spread to discuss these issues were of the virus was halted in its tracks and that paved the way for life unsuccessful while discussions A senior SLFP Minister to return to near normalcy by June, which then enabled the delayed with the SLPP’s National said that the President seemed general election to be held in August. Organiser Basil Rajapaksa genuinely interested in resolving With the incumbent Government securing a near two-thirds victory, failed to yield any resolution. the issues and that the party had it was only natural that post-election complacency set in and by However, Jayasekara along faith that their grievances would end September, warning signals began to appear of a potentially with several other SLFP now be addressed. dangerous second wave. The second wave soon became a tidal wave ministers finally received the Meanwhile, several media with case numbers rocketing in October. Up until end September, Sri opportunity of explaining their outlets supportive of the SLPP Lanka had less than 15 deaths and 3,000-something cases. However, woes during a recent meeting published news items that in the three months since then, the number of deaths has shot up to between the President and state indicated the SLFP was looking 185 and the number of cases to nearly 40,000. For all intents and ministers. at parting ways with the SLPP. purposes, the health authorities are struggling to contain this second During the discussion, According to the news reports wave while insisting that there is no community transmission and Jayasekara had said that despite published in the Sinhala media, pinning all known cases to three identified clusters. being coalition partners, the talks are underway within With another new year within striking distance, the public health SLFP has been sidelined from the SLFP to break away from inspectors are now talking of a third wave if adequate precautions all decision-making processes. the Government and remain are not taken during the peak festive period. Be that as it may, the Citing an example, he independent. Government has resisted the temptation of imposing a lockdown had said that appointing a The report had also stated and only time will tell how effective this strategy will be. trade union representative that the party had delayed its The reason to resist a lockdown is not due to the fact that it is safe on behalf of the alliance had decision on splitting from the to do so, but due to sheer economic compulsions, with the struggling been unilaterally carried out Government due to the delay economy unable to sustain itself any longer should economic activity by Minister Gamini Lokuge in wrapping up the proceedings come to another halt. The extent of the crisis is exemplified by the without consulting the SLFP. of the Presidential Commission Government seeking a loan of Rs. 10 billion from the World Bank The President had responded of Inquiry probing the Easter President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and SLFP General Secretary State Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara for the purpose of purchasing Covid-19 vaccines. To put this in by saying he will discuss the Sunday attacks and that a final context, it is about the same amount of funds the State is alleged matter with Minister Lokuge decision would be made once to have lost owing to a corrupt sugar import deal spanning the last when Minister Chamal the Commission submits its and UK increasing its interest Asia and the Commonwealth for few weeks, according to JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Rajapaksa, who was also at the final report. in Sri Lanka’s human rights the Foreign, Commonwealth, The main reason for the embarrassment of Sri Lanka having to go meeting, had spoken in favour However, several senior record and pledges made to the and Development Office before the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, European Union, of the SLFP cause. SLFPers rubbished the reports Council. (FCDO) Lord Ahmad in a etc., seeking funds in order to provide vaccines for its citizens, is the Chamal had said that the saying they seemed to have It is in this backdrop that a written response to a query economic mismanagement of the country over an extended period SLFP had not been consulted in been planted by some governing senior UK Minister was quoted by Baroness Ritchie of of time by various elected governments. Consecutive governments many of the decision-making party members who are trying to as saying in the media that Downpatrick, about what from the post-independence era have to take the blame for the processes. split the SLPP-SLFP alliance. Sri Lanka remains a “human discussions the UK Government country’s lack of wealth even though those who have ruled this Jayasekara had further noted “We have faith that the rights priority for the United have had with the Government country in more recent times show no lack of it. that even the SLFP members President will resolve the issues Kingdom”. of Sri Lanka about human rights It is nothing but political opportunism, short sightedness, and in the local government bodies raised by us,” a senior SLFPer The Minister had highlighted in that country. a tendency to play to the gallery that have combined to create a are not being included in the said. increased harassment of civil Lord Ahmad’s written toxic formula that has ruined the economic prospects of a nation Government’s development Meanwhile, the 2021 budget society, the militarisation of response follows: blessed with an abundance of natural resources. Rather than programme. proposals of the Mirigama civilian functions, and the “Sri Lanka is a human prioritising sustainable exploitation of these resources towards President Rajapaksa had Pradeshiya Sabha headed by Government’s withdrawal rights priority country for national accumulation of wealth, the top of the agenda has been explained that he was not aware the SLPP were passed with a of support for the UNHRC the Foreign, Commonwealth, exploitation of a self-destructive formula which in turn has led to of such a situation and noted majority of 21 votes. While 31 Resolution as issues of concern. and Development Office, periodic riots, civil commotion, dissention, etc., culminating in a that it needed to be remedied votes were cast in support of the This has been revealed by and we regularly raise our three-decade war that virtually bled the country to its own grave. immediately. proposals, 20 votes had been Britain’s Minister for South concerns about the human Besides the economic crisis that has been brought about by the Realising that the SLFP cast against. rights situation with the pandemic, it has also led to another subset of crises among which is had genuine concerns over its Interestingly, the council Several media outlets Government of Sri Lanka. These the issue of arbitrarily cremating the bodies of Covid-19 fatalities. position in the SLPP alliance, member representing the supportive of the SLPP concerns include the increased Muslims in accordance with their faith do not cremate the dead the President had observed that Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna published news items that harassment of civil society, similar to their Christian and Catholic brethren. For reasons best he would ensure that the SLFP (JVP) had voted in favour of the indicated the SLFP was the militarisation of civilian known to the latter, they have chosen to keep mum while the Muslims would be stakeholders in all budget along with the SLPP. looking at parting ways functions, and the Government’s continue to assert their fundamental right to practice their faith in decision-making processes. with the SLPP. According to withdrawal of support for death. A visit to any burial ground will show that even Buddhists President Rajapaksa had also Back on HR agenda the news reports published the UN Human Rights and Hindus have chosen to be buried and not cremated. Now they made it a point to sit with the Meanwhile, Sri Lanka once in the Sinhala media, talks Council Resolution on post- too have been deprived of this choice. To make matters worse, the SLFP ministers during the lunch again seems to be making its are underway within the conflict truth, accountability, World Health Organisation is on record that burial of victims does that followed the meeting and way back to the human rights SLFP to break away from and reconciliation. I have not pose any danger of spreading the virus, as alluded to by the further discussed the issues that agenda of the UN Human Rights the Government and remain raised concerns on several local authorities in denying this fundamental right. needed to be addressed. Council (UNHRC) with the US independent occasions with the Sri Lankan Unfortunately, memories are short in this land and history tends to High Commissioner and Sri repeat with embarrassing regularity. Today, the same toxic formula Lankan Foreign Minister that gave birth to so much bloodshed and ethnic division in the recent Dinesh Gunawardena, most past is turning out to be the foundation for religious division this recently during calls on 4 and time around. Whatever belief one may hold, Sri Lanka has been a 5 November. The UK’s High melting pot of religious and ethnic diversity for millennia, going Commissioner to Sri Lanka also back to the famed expeditions of Rama as depicted in the epic saga regularly raises human rights of the Ramayana. The people by and large have grown accustomed issues in her discussions with to celebrate and cherish this diversity that has formed the bedrock the Government of Sri Lanka.” of modern Sri Lankan society. The query and the response Bankrupt politicians across the political spectrum with little to have come as the 46th Session offer on the intellectual front have over the years exploited this of the UNHRC is set to be held diversity to carve out their own support bases which has inevitably in March 2021. led to the alienation of people based on ethnic and now religious Meanwhile, Britain’s Shadow lines. The Muslim burial issue is a serious case in point. The straw Minister for Asia Stephen that broke the camel’s back was the forced cremation of a 20-day- Kinnock has reportedly called old toddler born to Muslim parents and the issue has now attracted on the UK Government to international attention. “show international leadership” Besides the unwanted negative international publicity which on Sri Lanka. In a letter, he has resulted from Muslim diaspora groups organising protests notes “deep concern about in various countries, much the same way that Tamil groups did alarming threats to democratic not so long ago, Sri Lanka is being dragged down the gutter once governance, the rule of law, and again, purely due to political reasons. As a new year dawns, we human rights” in Sri Lanka. can only hope that saner counsel will prevail and that every effort Sri Lanka in February this will be taken by those in power to prevent history from repeating. year formally notified the Covid-19 has created a monster of a problem and there is no need UNHRC that it was withdrawing to produce offspring from it. from the UN Resolution on No 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7. post-war accountability and Fax - 011 2 673 441 reconciliation that was entered General - 011 5 200 900 into by the former Government. Director Sales & Marketing - 077 3 866 143 “I wish to place on record Sri Circulation Manager - 011 5 978 987 / 076 1 367620 Lanka’s decision to withdraw E-mail - [email protected] from co-sponsorship of Resolution 40/1 on promoting 9 EDITORIAL/POLITICS Ending a year of political potpourri z SJB Constitution unanimously z SLFP explains woes to President; z US and UK continue focus on approved; alliance work commences receives assurance on solutions Sri Lanka’s human rights situation

within the party framework. Addressing the Executive Committee, Premadasa had said that the party would commence work according to the party’s PC POLLS STILL Constitution in the new year. Accordingly, steps are being taken to make the necessary arrangements to recruit party ON THE BOOKS members for 2021 and to appoint organisers. As for forming a political JANAKA BANDARA TENNAKOON alliance headed by the SJB, it is learnt that the SJB would BY SARAH HANNAN Anyway, I hope that we should arrive any time soon, given the existing organise a discussion with party Provincial Councils have at a collective decision, as this is a complications? leaders who have expressed crucial matter for the ruling party We are to take the cabinet paper willingness to join this alliance completed their terms for a and its allies. up for discussion; we are looking where the discussion would focus near two-year period, and at upholding the PC elections at on the formulation of the alliance there have been various The nationalist organisations the earliest convenience, given the constitution. administrative issues that have called for the proposed circumstances. have cropped up due to the new constitution before holding The Minister refrained from Rathana vs. Gnanasara lack of authority in these PC elections. What is the answering the following questions: The long-drawn dispute over institutions, presenting Government’s response to it? the vacant National List slot various challenges to the We will decide after we hold a The 13th Amendment was of Our People’s Power Party Government. discussion with the party leaders. brought following the Indo- (OPPP) or the Ape Jana Bala Lanka Accord. Before abolishing Pakshaya ended recently with Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa If the objections increase, will the 13A or the PCs, will the Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thera recently had issued directives to the the Government withdraw the Government discuss it with being named to the seat and newly-appointed Commissioner of holding of PC elections? India? the Commissioner General of Elections and his team that provincial I am unable to give you an answer Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake council (PC) elections should be held without completing discussions with What alternative will the issuing the Gazette Notification at the earliest. the party leaders. Government propose to resolve naming Ven. Rathana Thera as This week, Minister of Public the national issue and the the OPPP MP. Services, Provincial Councils, and If PCs are to be abolished in minority calls for the devolution Nevertheless, the cold Local Government Janaka Bandara a new constitution, why hold of powers to provinces? war between Ven. Rathana Tennakoon was on The Sunday elections to the councils? Thera and the outspoken Ven. Morning Hot Seat as we inquired Until a new constitution is Galagodaththe Gnanasara Thera about the renewed attention that PC enacted, the provincial seems to continue despite the elections have garnered. councils are part resolution of the controversy Following are excerpts of the and parcel of the over the National List. interview: present system of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and SLFP General Secretary State Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara Addressing the media last governance in Sri week, Ven. Rathana Thera said The Government is discussing Lanka. Therefore, that the parliamentary seat the holding of PC elections. Is it at this juncture, we It is learnt that the intended He has further noted that the occupied by him would be a a sincere effort to hold elections? should conduct PC party reforms are now on economic development achieved common slot for the Buddhist Certainly. You may know that elections. hold, with UNP Leader Ranil by the Western Province was clergy. I have submitted a cabinet paper Wickremesinghe once again key in determining the economic “Regardless of whether I sit to initiate the proposal to amend Will the consolidating his leadership growth of the other districts. on the Government side or the legislation in order to create the Government with the support of a few During the discussion, Basil Opposition side, I will stand for environment to hold PC elections, retain the of his allies led by former also issued directives to the what is right. I would like to say as there are no legal provisions to provisions of the Minister Sagala Ratnayake relevant officials to achieve this parliamentary slot is one hold the same at present. 13th Amendment the targets outlined in the 2021 obtained by the Buddhist clergy. that brought about reconciliation, accountability, budget proposals. We have been given this power When will the Government the PCs? and human rights in Sri Lanka,” The meeting was attended by to act independently. We are a discuss the holding of PC polls It has to be Minister of Foreign Relations the government ministers and separate party with a separate and setting up the electoral decided by the Dinesh Gunawardena said in parliamentarians representing force backing us. I’m going to process? Cabinet of Ministers Geneva at the time. All the same, the Western Province. However, Parliament to represent this force We have already started the after considering the Sri Lanka was “committed” to there were two notable absentees and strengthen it, not to give discussions. recommendation that achieving “sustainable peace – Ministers Wimal Weerawansa strength to someone else’s force,” Some governing party allies, would be presented through and reconciliation”, through a and Udaya Gammanpila. he had said. especially the nationalist the new constitution. process designed and executed The Thera had further said organisations, have objected to the domestically, the Minister had SJB Constitution that he was supportive of the holding of PC elections. How will the Would it be correct to assured. Meanwhile, the main President’s programme, but not Government get them on board with say that PC polls Opposition Samagi Jana the President as an individual. plans to hold the election? are not going to Wimal and Udaya absent Balawegaya (SJB) is engaged “I will work with conviction to We have to discuss with them. take place The Government meanwhile in finalising the party’s further promote that programme. is continuing with the Constitution while Party We still have hopes for the programme launched on the Leader and Opposition Leader President. Unfortunately, it seems Maithri on democracy Sri Lanka once again seems kept a low profile with regard to 14th of this month to ensure Sajith Premadasa is engaged like he does not have people to Amidst the political activities to be making its way back to engaging in active politics since the implementation of the 2021 in strengthening the party by give him the required strength.” that took place last week was the human rights agenda of the last general election, to take budget proposals at district expanding its support base. Meanwhile, a recent the keynote speech delivered by the UN Human Rights Council part in this new movement. level. The programme headed by The SJB’s newly formulated conversation between Ven. former President Maithripala (UNHRC) with the US and UK Political sources say that a former Nation Building Minister party Constitution was Gnanasara Thera and pro-SLPP Sirisena at an international increasing its interest in Sri number of activists, including Basil Rajapaksa has already been unanimously approved by the Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda summit. Lanka’s human rights record Shiral Lakthilaka, a well-known held in several districts. party’s Executive Committee last Thera focused on the current Sirisena last Monday (21) and pledges made to the political activist and senior The discussion based on the weekend. political climate in the country. addressed the Shared Values and Council. It is in this backdrop lawyer, have also joined the new Western Province was held last The meeting took place in Ven. Ananda Thera had Democracy in Asia Symposium, that a senior UK Minister was movement. Monday (21) at Temple Trees Bandarawela and when the draft questioned the issue over the organised by Nikkei and quoted as saying in the media Dr. C.W.W. Kannangara, the under Basil’s patronage. constitution was submitted to the National List slot of the OPPP. co-organised by New Delhi- that Sri Lanka remains a first Minister of Education in Addressing the gathering, Basil committee by General Secretary A disgruntled Ven. Gnanasara based think tank Vivekananda “human rights priority for the British Ceylon, introduced the had said that focus would have MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara, Thera had said: “I heard that the International Foundation. United Kingdom” Free Education Bill in the State to be placed on manufacturing MPs Buddhika Pathirana and National List slot which was Sirisena noted that the Council in 1943 (on 1 October and services exports, foreign Harshana Rajakaruna had ratified for me will be given to Ven. hurdles created by Covid- the symposium, had outlined the 1945, the Free Education Policy direct investments, as well as it. Around 45 members of the Rathana Thera and that even 19 cannot be dealt with in role Japan has been playing in Asia came into effect), granting the the tourism industry to uplift the party had attended the meeting Basil Rajapaksa had supported isolation. “The economic to promote democracy. He said this right to a free education for national economy. and the draft constitution was it. The Election Commission issues created, especially comes with a desire to “cherish and all children from grade one to unanimously approved. now has people supportive of the by forcible encroachment of respect diversity and tolerance”, university. According to the party Government, so whatever they borders by Covid-19, have based on the region's traditional Constitution, the SJB will be wish could now be done. But we confirmed the fear of economic beliefs. Mangala’s salvo managed by a management also played a key role in building destabilisation...We require Former Minister Mangala committee consisting of 15 the ideology that enabled this the integrated co-operation of Champika’s brigade Samaraweera, who has been out members including office Government to come to power. democratic countries,” Sirisena SJB MP Patali Champika of the political arena for a few bearers. All I wanted was to create a said in an online keynote speech. Ranawaka, who recently resigned months, returned last week with The SJB’s Working Committee space for the Sinhala-Buddhist Citing US President-Elect Joe from the Jathika Hela Urumaya a bang. is to consist of 75 members that voice in Parliament. I have no Biden, Sirisena said the pandemic (JHU), is set to launch a new Addressing a public gathering would include parliamentarians, issues over the National List slot has aggravated inequalities political movement titled the “43 in Matara, his constituency, former parliamentarians, being given to Rathana Thera. I brought by globalisation, as Brigade”. Samaraweera as usual made and members of affiliated will not clash with it. Well, let’s technological innovation is Structured under the theme of several outspoken remarks and organisations. The Party Leader wait and see.” prompting labour retrenchment in “not a number but a generation”, key among them were what he has been given provision to It is therefore evident that developed countries and reducing the political movement is based said on the current political appoint 19 members to the the former General Secretary their purchasing power. “As the on the generations of students ideology. Working Committee. of the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) new American President, we who had benefited from the free Samaraweera said that despite It is learnt that the Working that created quite a stir several look to him and other developed education policy in 1943. certain people trying to portray Committee could be convened by years back with its hardline nations in Asia to escape from Ranawaka has managed President Rajapaksa as a “failure” a motion signed by 16 members. Sinhala-Buddhist agenda, is now globalisation impacts and the to mobilise a large number a year into his presidency, what had The SJB’s Constitution disappointed with the manner in stresses of Covid-19,” he said. of political activists and truly failed is the political ideology has been formulated with the which the political arena seems Japanese Prime Minister organisations on both sides of the that brought him to power. SJB and Opposition Leader intention of building democracy to be unfolding. Yoshihide Suga, who had addressed divide, including those who had Contd. on page 10 Sajith Premadasa 10 the sunday morning VIEWS/POLITICS Sunday, December 27, 2020

NEW YEAR AROUND THE CORNER Lessons learnt and ready BY PUJANEE GALAPPATHTHI These are certain things to deeply more time with ourselves and get away from PHOTO LALITH PERERA contemplate about. These are valuable our busy lives, we were rendered important. While celebrating the festival lessons, our friend, the Coronavirus, has It was a year of learning and I hope we take commemorating the birth of taught us. Happiness and satisfaction lies in everything we learnt to the coming year and Jesus Christ, this year the world is simplicity.” face what 2021 has to offer without fear.” forced to strip down the superficial wonders of the holiday season Stay humble Try to keep moving and cherish the true meaning Timothy Alles Karen Hapuarachchi, student of the holidays. While we are all “Life’s fragile. It’s important to always “Even through times when you feel contemplating what the new year stay humble and curious to learn and adapt dormant, try to make a move. As long as you will have in its agenda, there are to what’s going on around your various keep working, things will take time but will clearly a heavy set of lessons 2020 social circles or settings. It put things into come through. Never take things for granted. has taught us to last a lifetime. perspective, pushed us closer to our family or Always save money. friends and apart from the daily grind we’ve I think it has definitely been a tough year We spoke to some members of the been immersing our minds in.” with the pandemic. What I really want to public, about what lessons they learnt from mention is that ‘the rich will always get 2020 and how they are ready to face the Don’t take anything richer’ but the poor have become poorer. New Year. Here’s what we found out: For those that could manage this pandemic for granted without going through a financial crisis, good Mother and daughter shopping for new clothes to ring in the New Year Realising the Hosni Imtiaz, Director of Imtiaz job. But what has to be mentioned is that there the world, it’s up to us to navigate through understanding, an analysis of the current Designers are people who go on days without meals instability of life them and find contentment.” modern society. and the media never shows that side. People Nimasha Dias, receptionist We live in a capitalist society where “2020 has presented us with many always want to distract themselves. Also to “This was a very challenging year for Incredibly stupid and our lives are governed by consumerism. unforeseen challenges. The most important the people who have lost their jobs because of all of us. We realized the instability of life. ‘Consuming’ is defined as recklessly wasting lesson is that we should not be taking this pandemic, it has been very tough for them The futility of holding on to things and incredibly resilient something. The life of modern man has been anything for granted. Another important and I hope they find a better opportunity.” making plans. I believe moving forward, Yasodara Pathanjali, artist characterized by his incessant obsession to aspect is adaptability. Most of us went from we should learn to appreciate the present “For me the biggest lesson is that we are acquire goods to satisfy himself, to please working in an office based environment to the Be patient when life and make the best of our time.” a species that is both incredibly stupid and himself, to gratify himself. concept of ‘work from home’ which was new incredibly resilient. I take great comfort and In fact, the person with the highest to all of us. throws us curveballs Be resilient and deal joy in the resilient part, because it means number of goods is assumed to be a socially In general people take time to adapt to any S. Udayasiri, Marketing Manager that whatever we face as individuals and as a higher person. This suggests that the root of situation, however this year we learned to “With everything that happened this year, with the challenges species we can overcome. And there’s such happiness, satisfaction, and gratification is adapt within a few days. Given the situation it feels impossible to hope that there is a light Priyanka Perera, housewife hope in that. I think 2020 is the year that as in acquiring (not using) goods which means everyone was facing, learning to be more at the end of the tunnel. The biggest lesson to “Usually the New Year comes with a lot a world, we didn’t want, but needed. With modern man has to continuously spend patient with myself and others is another take into the New Year is to be patient when of anticipation and hope. Home repairs, all the awful difficulties there have also been money which commands him to regularly lesson. It has been a very difficult time period life throws us curve balls.” shopping all of this is part of the process, some retrospect and change in perspective.” earn money. for everyone, be they individuals, families, however due to everything that has been on Simply put, happiness and pleasure or organizations. People lost their jobs, Adapt ourselves to this year, there is no anticipation, no hope Calmness is essential is necessarily a matter of the future that small businesses were facing issues, and the for the better. The only thing to do is be is unreachable and therefore something economy was not doing well. This year has future challenges resilient and deal with the challenges we M.F.M Fiham, student of forbidden to man. This also demands the taught all of us to become more and more Amalani Perera, Fashion designer put forward.” University of Peradeniya, Science acquired goods to be discarded and thrown humble in life.” and entrepreneur faculty away as quickly as possible because new Impermanence is the “This year has been the host of many ones are coming to replace it. Things are “As a fashion business owner, leading my significant and important events, but two Prior to the pandemic, man was busy company and my team through this uncertain only constant important events stand out with significant consuming, and therefore in a state of anxiety, unpredictable time has been a challenge. However, it’s Mirthula Skandarajah, consequences: the parliamentary election fear, depression and stress. The lockdown K. Senarath, Marketing important to take a moment to think about the Attorney-at-law and obviously the impact of COVID-19 gave hardworking people an opportunity to Representative highs and the lows and what we’ve learnt this pandemic. relax and enjoy peace and calmness. year, taking those lessons into 2021. “Impermanence is the only constant. Parliamentary election is important not only Calmness is something essential and “I believe the best lesson to learn from 2020 Especially, adapt ourselves to any unknown Being set in your ways, making iron clad because it decides the course of this country, certainly logging out of the busyness of the was the unpredictability of things. Most of us challenges we may face in future. And plans and basically thinking that ‘this is as but it provides a good example of how world to remain in isolation with your family had jobs at the beginning of the year and had remodel the brand accordingly. For example good/bad as it gets’, is very detrimental to politics work in a modern society. is very valuable and is a sure way to give plans to travel, celebrate special occasions innovation and investing in technology can one’s personal growth. Stay open minded. The second issue on hand is COVID-19. guaranteed happiness unlike consumerism. etc but the events that unfolded within the make all the difference. The definition of resilience shouldn’t stop Despite being a mass murderer there is an Although online activities have tried to year made it so that most of us were restricted Further in 2020, people have had to lean on at ‘bouncing back’. We bounce back and important hidden blessing and a message reconnect us back to the consumer society, from movement, rendered unemployed and one another for support. This not only means we must ‘advance forward’. We know the in the pandemic. We should be intelligent getting rid of your phone for a month would was unsure of the future. supporting one another at the workplace but issues going on in the country and around enough to decrypt it, but that requires an not be such a bad idea. While we were given opportunities to spend supporting our larger communities, as well.”

Contd. from page 4 Contd. from page 9

economies collapse. The world is facing an stopped importing products that can be No respite... economic crisis even worse than the Second homegrown, such as cashews, certain spices, Ending a year... World War right now, and we cannot take peppers, etc. Others, such as dhal, will have When asked what steps the Government Sri Lanka as one country and try to address to be imported. We are already taking steps “The majority of the people in is taking to control and manage commodity the pricing problem. to strengthen these local productions. This is the country wanted to form a solely prices to regularise the standard of living, “The only solution to overcome this is the only thing the Government can do in this Sinhala-Buddhist Government. They Gunawardana responded: “The liberalised to build a national economy – this is what situation.” ensured that by giving a massive economy Sri Lanka followed since 1977, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is trying He further added this is a long-term mandate. However, the failure of that while giving us access to global resources, to achieve through the Saubagya Dakma process that is unavoidable, as we are amidst ideological vision has been proven is also doomed to collapse when other initiative. Under this policy, we have now a global crisis. beyond a shadow of a doubt within a year,” Samaraweera said in his speech at the “Matara Hamuwa”. The meeting was organised by the UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe Heading... United National Party (UNP) Organiser for Matara and former Mayor Upul for the post at the party’s Working Facilitating supply chain flexibility Nishantha on behalf of the “Matara Committee. Board of Investment (BOI) Chairman Sanjaya Samajaya”. It was then announced that the Mohottala shared his views, stating that Covid-19 has Attending the event as its chief Deputy Leader would carry out the presented many opportunities for Sri Lanka in terms guest representing the “True Patriot” UNP reforms and eventually take over of facilitating companies that are looking to make their organisation, the former Matara District the party leadership. supply chains more flexible. MP had further stated: “Four months However, it is learnt that the intended “Take the example of why we’re building have passed since the general election. party reforms are now on hold with pharmaceuticals. It’s because countries realise that India The entire country is in utter chaos. We UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and China account for 70% of active pharmaceutical are facing an unprecedented economic once again consolidating his leadership ingredient (API) production, and it’s too concentrated. crisis that didn’t even exist in the 1970s. with the support of a few of his In case another pandemic or similar situation occurs, Corruption and fraud have soared, the allies led by former Minister Sagala we need a more diverse set of locations from which to rule of law has crumbled, investors have Ratnayake. Ratnayake’s intervention in produce from. Our geographical location, soft assets, and ventured out to other countries, and we the functions of the party headquarters, structural advantages make us more attractive than a lot are being isolated from the international Sirikotha, and the reforms process has of regional peers in this regard. So, companies like HCL community. Everywhere you go, people resulted in UNP General Secretary Tech have approached us.” say ‘sir fail’. People who voted for the Akila Viraj Kariyawasam also Mohottala stated that Colombo Port City is an ‘Pohottuwa’ are also saying ‘sir fail’. The submitting his letter of resignation. investment opportunity worth at least $ 15-20 billion voice cut faction of monks are also saying Wijewardena meanwhile is engaged in investment, with the urbanisation of the greater ‘sir fail’, with some of them stating this in a programme to visit the districts and Colombo area showing potential for another $ 10-15 covertly. Some in the Opposition are meet with religious leaders in the areas billion in investment. already getting ready to form a solely along with the party activists to discuss It is expected that the Hambantota Industrial Sinhala government by trying to eclipse the reforms programme. Zone, Colombo Port City, and the hotel and mixed ‘sir’. But I say that ‘sir hasn't failed’. It is Meanwhile, Wickremesinghe last development sector will attract significant inflows in the the ideology that represents ‘sir’ that has week had noted that he will remain the coming years. Most of Sri Lanka’s FDI was received by failed yet again.” Leader of the UNP until the party’s projects in port infrastructure, property development and reforms are completed and new office hotels, and the telecommunication sector. RW stays on bearers are appointed. “However, to attract FDI into export-oriented The leadership of the UNP is to Earlier, Wickremesinghe said his manufacturing and the service sector, the country’s remain unchanged despite claims being leadership would come to an end on 31 energy infrastructure needs to be developed. This is made of a change in leadership and December. where investment in power and energy will come into complete party overhaul following the Interestingly, a senior UNPer said play, because our current levels of infrastructure are humiliating defeat of the party at the last that while Wickremesinghe had said he just not there yet. There are plans for another $ 2-3 general election. would step down on 31 December, he billion worth of investment in this sector, with plans As the first step in the party’s had not mentioned the year. to add 1.5-2 gigawatts of electricity to the grid in the so-called reforms, former MP Ruwan “It could therefore mean 31 next five to 10 years, with 70% of power coming from Wijewardene was appointed as the UNP December of any year,” the UNPer said renewable sources,” Mohottala explained. Deputy Leader following an election in jest. the sunday morning 11 Sunday, December 27, 2020 SPORTS

for Terry Alderman. Test series vs. India 2020-21 Melbourne didn’t host a Boxing Day Test in Australia Test squad: that 1989-90 summer, with a one-day World Tim Paine (Captain), Joe Burns, Pat Series Cricket tournament featuring Pakistan Cummins, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh and Sri Lanka played over the Christmas and Hazlewood, Travis Head, Moises Henriques, MCG on standby New Year period instead. Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael It’s not since 1981 that the Melbourne venue Neser, James Pattinson, Will Pucovski, Steve has hosted two Test matches in the one season, Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, when Pakistan beat Greg Chappell’s Australia Matthew Wade, and David Warner in mid-December before backing up 11 days India Test squad: later for the Boxing Day Test against the West Virat Kohli (Captain) (first Test only), Ajinkya to host third Test Indies, which Australia won. Rahane (Vice Captain and Captain for the last The SCG has not missed out on hosting an three Tests), Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, z Australia vs. India Boxing Day Test begins at MCG today Australia Test match for an entire summer since Prithvi Shaw, K.L. Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, the 1966-67 season, when no international Hanuma Vihari, Shubman Gill, Wriddhiman cricket was played at home with Australia Saha (wk), Rishabh Pant (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, The Melbourne Cricket Ground pandemic would require agility, problem- Australia Coach Justin Langer on Thursday touring South Africa under Bob Simpson, losing Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Navdeep (MCG) is in line to host back-to- solving, and teamwork like never before,” praised the work being done behind the scenes to a five-match series 3-1 that was played between Saini, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, back Test matches this summer, CA’s Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) continue the series under Covid-safe conditions. 23 December 1966 and 28 February 1967. Ravichandran Ashwin, and Mohammed Siraj but Cricket Australia (CA) is giving Nick Hockley said in a statement. “I know there’s a lot of work being done. Sydney’s New Year’s Test has become known Sydney every opportunity to get the “We continue to place the safety and I know that is incredibly complex,” he said. as the “Pink Test” in recent times and is a major Results Covid-19 outbreak under control wellbeing of everyone involved as our number “It’s not just a matter of saying, ‘oh, that fundraiser for the McGrath Foundation, a breast First Test: Australia won by eight wickets before making a final decision on one priority. The record testing numbers and the sounds like a good idea’; there’s broadcasters, cancer support and education charity set up by in Adelaide the venue for the third Vodafone- drop in new community transmissions in New so many stakeholders who are part of the former Australia fast bowler Glenn McGrath, Second Test: 26-30 December at MCG, from sponsored Test match. South Wales (NSW) have provided cause for decision.” whose first wife Jane died of the disease. 10.30 a.m. local time optimism, however if the situation in Sydney The MCG has not hosted a January Test Last summer, the Pink Test in its 12th year Third Test: 7-11 January at SCG, from 10.30 An outbreak of coronavirus in Sydney’s deteriorates, we have strong contingency plans since 1990 when Allan Border’s Australia beat raised more than AUS $ 1.2 million (Rs. 173 a.m. local time northern beaches has put CA officials on high in place.” Pakistan by 92 runs off the back of a century million) for the charity. Fourth Test: 15-19 January, Gabba, from 11 alert with an emergency meeting of CA’s Board Complicating matters for the Australia and by Mark Taylor and five fourth-innings wickets a.m. local time and a steering committee of administrators India teams and associated events, broadcast, working to plan for contingencies, said cricket. and media contingents are state border closures, com.au on Thursday (24). with the Queensland border now shut to anyone It added CA on Thursday (24) had announced coming from the greater Sydney area. the MCG as the back-up venue if the SCG Keeping the SCG Test as scheduled would (Sydney Cricket Grounds) is unable to host put the Gabba Test, scheduled from 15 January, the third Test against India from 7 January, in jeopardy, but moving between Melbourne while the intention is for the Gabba (Brisbane) and Brisbane would not – as things stood on to remain the venue for the series finale from Thursday – require any quarantine period. 15 January. Hockley stated the governing body was A final decision on the venue for the third “working constructively” with the Queensland Test will be made during the Boxing Day Test. Government to secure the necessary travel “We have always maintained that scheduling exemptions to allow key personnel to travel a full summer of cricket during a global into the state when required.

Sydney Cricket Ground played host to big crowds less than a month ago

Melbourne Cricket Club grounds, from outside

THE HOW TO PLAY SERIES continues… An introduction specific types of players. Whilst the should be devised with the strengths of A major drawback among young Sri points mentioned here are by no means the player devising them being at the Lankan tennis players is the fact that exhaustive, it is hoped that these points forefront of the mind at all times. For their tactical knowledge and nous is would form the basis of foundation the purposes of this discussion, it will not up to the required standard. The for the players to flesh out their own be assumed that the player devising Against faster players only tactic that most of the players tactics when confronted against such the tactics is proficient in playing have is the fact that they need to put opponents. In deciding on tactics all the shots. Also for purposes of TODAY’S DISCUSSION WOULD CENTRE ON HOW back into the court, the player should be mentally geared one more ball over the net. In this against any opponent, the first and this article, the player against whom TO PLAY AGAINST FASTER PLAYERS for longer rallies. And unless the player is working on a multi-part series, it is hoped to discuss the most important thing that needs the tactics are being devised against What are the “normal” (general) strengths of a faster specific tactic, the balls should be kept in the middle of the tactics which can be used against to be understood is the fact that tactics will be referred to as the “opponent”. tennis player? They can be listed as given below: the court when in “neutral” positions in the rally. This will achieve two things at once. One is that it will make sure yy Because the player is fast on the feet, the player likes that the opponent is being denied the chance to run as well this is a high risk strategy which is not to run as denying the opponent the chance to frustrate the player. very easy to execute. Unless the player yy Is faster side-to-side on the court When this happens, the opponent tends to start to get is feeling on top form and playing well, yy frustrated themselves as they cannot use their weapon this is not a strategy that should be tried Will get more balls back into the court (speed) and they cannot frustrate the other player in return. as often as the others. But on the other yy Tends to frustrate the other player When the player is able to win this mental battle, then the hand this could be the player’s Plan B or, y player is able to get on top of the match gradually as the even Plan C or Plan D, for that matter. y What would be the general weaknesses of a faster opponent will start to run out of options. In other words, this should be the last tennis player? They can be listed as given below: strategy to go for. yy Players who are quicker do not necessarily like balls Shorter rallies But of course specific opponents will going behind them Finally, shorter rallies do work with faster opponents have specific strengths and weaknesses. as long as the player is really on top of the opponent It is up to the player to decide the best yy Sometimes one side (forehand or backhand) is and dominating him/her, either by following the shots possible tactics against the specific weaker than the other up to the net or by hitting behind the opponent. But opponent and execute them properly. yy If unable to use the speed, gets frustrated on court yy Does not like shorter rallies With the above in mind, tactics need to be devised against this kind of an opponent. Dinith Pathiraja Tactics against faster players The most important thing that the player needs to do is ON COURT that he/she needs to make sure that the opponent is not in a position to use his/her most potent weapon, namely speed. The player needs to make sure that the opponent is unable to run on the court or, in tennis parlance, the opponent’s “feet are put to sleep”. This can be achieved by making sure that the balls are hit down the middle of the court and that the angles are not used much. By using this tactic the player is making sure that the opponent is unable to use speed to defeat the player but that the opponent has to have the shots to do so. This becomes more important because most times faster opponents would have one weaker side which they try to mask by their speed. Therefore the player can then target the weaker side of the opponent. When targeting the weaker side, the player must keep in mind that if possible, they have to do that with a ball that the player is hitting behind the opponent as well. For example, if the backhand is the weaker side, the opponent should be made to run side-to-side and the ball that the player is really looking to attack should come as a ball which is going behind the opponent. (Side- Hasali Gajaba who won an Asian Tennis Federation (ATF) to-side and then followed by two consecutive backhands). junior event in Colombo in October 2019 Frustrating the opponent PHOTO KAMAL WANNIARACHCHI Since this kind of opponent is also likely to get more balls Australia unchanged SL’s new Test jersey revealed Coach Justin Langer has all but confirmed Australia Sri Lanka is currently on will take an unchanged tour in South Africa for XI into the Boxing Day a two-match Test series. Test, saying he’d have to Ahead of the first be ‘pretty courageous’ to Test, Sri Lankan change a team that won so Captain Dimuth convincingly in Adelaide. Karunaratne Two days out from the revealed his second Test, Langer said side’s new Test Australia would take the jersey. The same side into the match jersey included a at the MCG unless there’s sponsor in front an unexpected injury in as well. the next two days.

Sunday, December 27, 2020

Vijayakanth BY RAVI VARMAN IN JAFFNA Viyaskanth sportscelebrates Vijayakanth Viyaskanth said: “It was his first truly great to be there (with the Jaffna “international” Stallions team) and it was (Shoaib) wicket – that of Angelo Mathews Malik who gave me the gloves the at the LPL day before the match. I am very thankful to my school and others who supported me throughout this journey. I had really good support from all the other players and our Captain (Thisara Perera). From Vaadaa day one onwards, we as a family had a desire to win. Since I have already represented Sri Lanka in U19 matches, my next goal is to play first-class cricket and to play for the national team.”

Undoubtedly, all the five boys who came from the North enjoyed the atmosphere there, Macha especially the seniors like Suranga Lakmal and Binura Fernando who were always spending Jaffna makes cricketing time with them. These scenes may have felt hard for the racists out there to witness. But the truth is, history – part II sports is a path for reconciliation, and it will always play a big role in reconciliation because sportsmen never consider other matters other Will it be the turning point? than playing and winning the game.

From last week In the first part of this article published last Sunday (20), the writer described how interest in cricket has been sparking in the Jaffna Peninsula over the last couple of years. In 2018, Selvarasa Mathusan and Vijayakanth Viyaskanth of Jaffna Central College were called up for the Sri Lanka Youth pool. Furthermore, the writer explained how the forming of the Jaffna Stallions franchise of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) and Viyaskanth playing in it created unprecedented euphoria in Jaffna – a huge boost for the game of cricket in the island. The Jaffna boys who played in the LPL posing with Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa (centre)

a very good account of himself. We are sure we will focus on the available resources here Ananthan Arnold ecstatic that this will inspire more kids in many rural in Jaffna and what is lacking. Also, some Ananthan Arnold, the Co-owner of Jaffna areas to have hope and faith that they too could views expressed by the fans and the cricket Stallions, expressed his views thus: “We are one day play at the highest levels.” enthusiasts of Jaffna. ecstatic and overjoyed in winning the LPL While many are celebrating the victory of the 2020. It was great to be able to add kids from Stallions and the performance of Viyaskanth, No Chess Column today Jaffna, Kilinochchi, and Batticaloa into our many other players from the North and East will Our weekly chess column written by wider squad which gave them great opportunity be ready to come out. But do they all have the Dulan Edirisinghe is not published today due Jaffna Stallions Co-owner Ananthan to watch top players in close quarters and facilities and resources to reach the top levels? to unavoidable circumstances. We regret the Arnold congratulates Skipper Thisara improve their own games. inconvenience caused. It will appear from Perera after they won the title on 16 “One player, Viyaskanth managed to get To be continued next Sunday (3 January) as usual December 2020 in Hambantota selected (to the playing XI) by merit and gave In the third part of this article next week, Dialog continues to power Sri Lanka Cricket z A decade-long partnership with SLC as the largest investor supporting the passion of the nation Committed to empowering the home-grown broadband, fixed, and digital television an unequalled world record feat of 800 test talent of sportsmen and sportswomen at national services, and it is a singular privilege to wickets; one of the most destructive batsman and international levels, Dialog Axiata PLC will join our customers and fellow Sri Lankans the world has ever seen, Sanath Jayasuriya; continue its longstanding partnership with Sri in their passion for cricket and the quest for World Cup-winning skipper Arjuna Ranatunga; Lanka Cricket (SLC) till 2023 as the official continued excellence in the international batting maestro Aravinda de Silva; masterful national team sponsor of Sri Lanka Cricket’. arena,” said Dialog Axiata PLC Group Chief technician Mahela Jayawardene; and elegant Dialog announced on Thursday (24) that it Executive Supun Weerasinghe. stroke player Kumar Sangakkara, who has the will help enable the growth of both men’s “Having Dialog Axiata, as the ‘official distinction of being named Wisden Cricketer and women’s national cricket teams across national team sponsor of Sri Lanka Cricket’, of the Year for the 2012 and 2015 editions all forms of the game. augurs well for the game of cricket and for the of the almanack. Dialog Axiata was voted by Sri Lankan Sri Lanka cricketing brand, as both entities Sangakkara is also the first non-British consumers as the “Telecommunication Brand share the same value of looking at the future and current sitting Chair of the prestigious of the Year” for a record ninth year running, and enhancing the value to our audiences,” Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) which “Service Brand of the Year”, and “Youth Choice stated SLC President Shammi Silva. “Sri pens the laws of cricket and is also the – Service Brand of the Year” at the prestigious Lanka Cricket is looking forward to working owner of the world-famous Lord’s Cricket SLIM-Nielsen Peoples Awards 2020, in addition together with Dialog in order to provide greater Ground in London, widely regarded as the to cementing its status as Sri Lanka’s “Most From left: Dialog Axiata Group Chief Marketing Officer Amali Nanayakkara, Secretary to the Ministry value to our sponsors whilst delivering on our “Mecca” of cricket. Valuable Consumer Brand 2019” for the second of Sports and Youth Affairs Anuradha Wijekoon, SLC President Shammi Silva, Minister Namal reputation for excellence on and off the field.” Dialog Axiata is proud to sponsor Sri year and the “Top Telecommunications Brand” Rajapaksa, Dialog Group Chief Executive Supun Weerasinghe, SLC CEO Ashley de Silva, and SLC The Sri Lanka cricket team holds the Lanka national cricket, rugby, volleyball, for the 13th year in the Brand Finance league Assistant Secretary Chryshantha Kapuwatte distinction of winning the International and netball teams. The company also has table, they said in a media communiqué. Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Namal shine in the national and international arena.” Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup in 1996 a close association with the President’s Fittingly, Dialog Axiata took on the mantle Rajapaksa stated: “I would like to take this “As the ‘official national team sponsor and the ICC T20 World Cup in 2014, whilst Gold Cup volleyball, National Junior of powering cricket, the national sporting opportunity to thank Dialog Axiata, who has of Sri Lanka Cricket’, it is with great pride also having the honour of being titled the and Senior Netball Tourneys, club rugby, passion of Sri Lankans, on 1 June 2013. This been a strong, encouraging, and long-term that we extend this decade-long commitment joint winners of the ICC Champions Trophy premier football, schools’ cricket, junior partnership will extend till September 2023, partner of Sri Lanka sports and whose tireless with Sri Lanka Cricket. Our customers have in 2002 and five-time Asia Cup Champs in volleyball, and Paralympic sports, whilst forging a decade-long alliance with SLC and efforts have enabled the development of Sri honoured us by establishing Dialog as Sri 1986, 1997, 2004, 2008, and 2014. SLC has also powering the Army Para Games, the sporting team that is close to the hearts of Lanka sports over the years. We truly believe Lanka’s premier connectivity provider, produced many of the world’s cricketing National Para Games, and the Sri Lankan all Sri Lankans. this partnership will enable more opportunities serving over 15 million consumers, homes, greats, including bowling sensation Muttiah contingent to the Olympic and World Speaking at this monumental occasion, in the future for talented youth in Sri Lanka to and enterprises with our portfolio of mobile, Muralitharan who hung up his boots with Paralympic Games. A PATRIOTIC VICTORY OR AN ECONOMIC DEFEAT? »SEE PAGE 15

HOW COVID INCREASED WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN SL »SEE PAGE 14 Sunday,business December 27, 2020 2019 tea Chambers to jointly target set oppose Budget for 2021 z Several proposals worry trade sector z Over Rs. 200 b z 2020 tea export BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR this year, requesting to reconsider and to have two different ages for compulsory 2021, this insurance fund is intended to be amend the proposals suitably. retirement for men and women. used for those who are employed at retail tea exports earnings lower Trade-related chambers in Sri He stated that while a response is yet “Life expectancy for females is 76.6 and wholesale shops with more than five in 2020 than last year Lanka, including the Ceylon to be received by the Ministry of Finance years and life expectancy for males is employees as well as at hotels. Chamber of Commerce, are to the letter, Prime Minister Mahinda 72 years. Therefore, based on the life Furthermore, it was proposed to BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR is estimated to be around 290 expected to jointly oppose the Rajapaksa, who is also the Minister expectancy, it is proposed to amend the implement an insurance scheme through million kg. implementation of a number of of Finance, had advised the relevant Employees’ Provident Fund Act to expand the Sri Lanka Export Credit Insurance With the tea export earnings The industry aims to achieve budget proposals, The Sunday authorities two weeks ago to move forward the retirement age for both men and women Corporation (SLECIC) with the for this year wrapping up close to an export target of $ 3.5 billion with the budget proposals and gazette them. up to 60 years,” Rajapaksa announced. contribution of an insurance premium of its initial target despite pandemic- by 2030. Tea is the top export Morning Business learns. “As this indicates that the Ministry (of Marikar added that at the moment, 1% of export revenue in order to accelerate related disruptions, the Sri Lanka agriculture product in the The joint opposition has come about as a Finance) is not worried over the concerns private sector companies enter into an financing facilities through export receipt Tea Board (SLTB) has set an country’s export basket. Export result of the Government taking measures of the exporters, all trade chambers in Sri agreement with female employees to confirmation. increased target for next year, earnings from tea in September to implement these proposals disregarding Lanka, including the Ceylon Chamber retire when they are 50 years and for Speaking on these two proposals, which is similar to that of 2019. 2020, which made up 12% of requests from the industry to reconsider of Commerce, are jointly opposing the male employees to retire at 55 years. The Marikar stated that imposing such SLTB Chairman Jayampathy merchandise exports, increased them, according to National Chamber of move,” he added. agreement of employees who are efficient additional taxes when the export industry Molligoda told The Sunday by 3.3% year-on-year (YoY) to Exporters (NCE) Secretary General and The first proposal that has concerned even beyond their retirement age will is operating with a very thin profit margin Morning Business that the Board $ 113.99 million, but the export Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shiham the exporters was increasing the retirement be extended, whereas low-productivity amidst disruptions caused by the pandemic has set a target of Rs. 300 billion volume was decreased by 2.82% Marikar. age for both the public and private sectors employees will be replaced after their puts the sustainability of the export industry (about $ 1.58 billion) of tea export in September 2020 compared The decision comes following a to 60 years. Marikar stated that the private retirement age in order to increase the at risk. earnings for 2021 which is close to September 2019. In addition, letter sent to the Ministry of Finance sector retirement age was 55 years for productivity of the company. However, “With regard to the 1% tax for an to the target of $ 1.5 billion which export earnings from tea recorded by the NCE expressing their concerns males and it was a few years less than this proposal is expected to increase the insurance premium through Sri Lanka was set for 2019. a 10.7% increase in September on several budget proposals pertaining that for females. number of lower-productivity individuals Insurance Corporation for those who He stated that the Board is 2020 in comparison to August to the export industry not receiving a “Increasing the retirement age to 60 in a company, according to him. export to risky markets, most of them do optimistic that next year’s target 2020. The expansion was mainly response from the Ministry even after years for the private sector is definitely The second proposal that has been raised not make use of insurance schemes offered could be easily met. due to higher demand for tea from a month. going to bring down the private sector’s by the NCE in the letter was on charging a by the SLECIC already. Taxing those Speaking on this year’s target Turkey, Russia, and Chile. Speaking to The Sunday Morning productivity and efficiency. We are worried tax of 0.25% of the turnover of businesses who export to well-established markets and achievement, Molligoda In October, according to the Business, Marikar stated that the letter about this proposal,” Marikar stated. and factories with more than 50 employees, just to create another insurance premium stated that the initial target set data from the Central Bank of Sri was sent a week after the announcement Announcing the Budget 2021, Premier which is to be accrued to the proposed is an additional burden on exporters,” for this year was about Rs. 230 Lanka, earnings from tea exports of the Budget 2021 on 17 November Rajapaksa stated that it cannot be justified insurance fund. According to the Budget Marikar stated. billion ($ 1.24 billion) and export declined by 1.4% YoY due to the earnings achieved so far this year decline in volume of tea exports, is over Rs. 200 billion. although unit value increased. However, this year’s By October, tea export earnings Dry December achievement is a decline compared for the year at the time stood at to the previous year. Sri Lanka’s $ 1.03 billion. tea exports were recorded as Rs. During the initial lockdown with empty 240.6 billion in 2019, a slight period, the Colombo Tea Auction increase of Rs. 9 billion compared was conducted online for the first to a year ago time since establishment, which wallets “Tea export earnings for this turned out better than anticipated. year will fall a little short of the Despite the impact of Covid- Stop unwanted z Alcohol sales plummet without initial target mainly because 19 that affected almost all the of two reasons. One is that the countries in the world, the buyers tourists and low incomes quantity of tea production was of Ceylon Tea in Russia, Turkey, Amidst the absence of “Due to the pandemic and comparatively lower this year, Ukraine, the European Union tourism in the country and subsequent job cuts, salary and we had about a six-month (EU), and Middle East helped to imports: PPE decreased levels of purchasing cuts, and cancellation of year- long drought season beginning keep the tea auction buoyant and by local consumers, alcohol end bonuses, people have no from end last year to mid-April,” the depreciation of the rupee by sales during the festive season money to splurge on liquor this Molligoda stated. about 8% against the US dollar, have dropped considerably, as year,” an alcohol manufacturer As of August 2020, the SLTB compared to the rate that prevailed confirmed by several leading stated. recorded revenue of $ 805.57 during the manual tea auction importers industry players. Sri Lanka’s liquor industry million in tea exports, an export held on 18-19 March 2020, also Industry players, on the is one of the top contributors revenue of just over $ 100 million contributed to a significant gain BY UWIN LUGODA into the local market, The imports of PPE from State condition of anonymity, told to the country’s tax revenue. a month, making the realisation in prices. Sunday Morning Business Minister of Production, The Sunday Morning Business It lost its annual Sinhala and of $ 400 million in the last four Sri Lanka is the world’s Sri Lankan personal learns. Supply, and Regulation of that compared to the same Tamil New Year and Easter months of 2020 likely. For third-largest tea exporter with protective equipment (PPE) Speaking to us, PPE Pharmaceuticals Prof. Channa month in the previous year, sales this year, owing to the the last five to six years, there 19% market share. Sri Lanka importers have made a Importers Lanka President Jayasumana in order to ensure the volume of sales witnessed ongoing curfew imposed to has been a decline in the total exports green tea to more than collective request from the Janaka Vithanage stated smooth business continuity in a significant drop during the mitigate the spread of Covid- production of tea in Sri Lanka, 40 countries. The major buyers Government to halt the that the local PPE importers the local market. otherwise soaring festive 19 within the country. with tea production in 2015 being are the United Arab Emirates, the unnecessary import of PPE requested restrictions on the Contd. on page 2 season. As noted by industry players, 326 million kg while in 2020 it Russian Federation, and Jordan. The drop was firstly the losses are in billions of attributed to the absence of rupees, as Easter and New NEW SAPUGASKANDA REFINERY tourism due to the closure of Year sales collectively bring the Bandaranaike International in significant revenue, similar Airport (BIA) until yesterday to that of Christmas any given (26). According to the industry, year. Accordingly, sales are the period from October to usually at 150% during this Bids after feasibility study February annually witnesses festive season compared to a higher number of tourists other months. BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR exclusively for export purposes barrels per month, which coming into Sri Lanka According to a study done while the other one is to fully caters to less than 20% of the than during the rest of the by LOLC Securities, Sri After the completion of the cater to the local oil demand. national oil requirement. Upon months. This period covers Lanka has recorded high per proposed feasibility study for Hambantota was confirmed the construction of the new Christmas and New Year, and capita alcohol consumption the planned new refinery in as the location of the refinery refinery on the same premises, tourists travel to Sri Lanka to when compared to the South Sapugaskanda, the Ministry of that would be built for export the country could refine about celebrate them and consume Asian region. The significant Energy is expected to call for purposes. To cater to the local 100,000 barrels per day and a considerable amount of loss in seasonal liquor bids for an investor to launch the demand, a refinery has been successfully accommodate the alcohol. sales is expected to reduce project, according to the Ministry. planned to be built on the national requirement 100%. The second reason the the Government’s revenue Ministry Secretary K.D.R. premises of the Sapugaskanda The Sapugaskanda Oil industry noted was the lack of considerably. Olga told The Sunday Morning Oil Refinery. This new refinery Refinery is the single largest purchasing by local consumers. (MT) Business last week that is expected to be larger than the refinery in Sri Lanka, built competitive bids will be called existing Sapugaskanda refinery. by Iran under the guidance of under the build-operate-transfer Following the general election the CPC in August 1969. The (BOT) basis for the selection of in August this year, the Ministry refinery was initially designed to The existing Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery a suitable investor for the new advised state-owned Ceylon process 38,000 barrels per stream refinery. The investment could be she did not disclose when proposed project. Petroleum Corporation (CPC) per day of Iranian Upper Zakum made either by a local or a foreign the feasibility study will be The proposal was submitted to find potential investors to crude oil and Arabian light crude investor, and the project would completed. by Minister of Energy Udaya undertake these projects as a oil. Only these oils match the be a public-private partnership In November, the Cabinet of Gammanpila. PPP. The estimated cost of the technical specifications of the (PPP). Ministers approved a proposal In September, Olga told us Hambantota project is $ 2.5 refinery, and processing other The amount of the investment to conduct a feasibility study that the Government is looking billion. types of oils requires modern is yet to be decided, and Olga to determine the scope as well for investors to construct two oil According to the Ministry of technology which the refinery stated that it would be a result as technical, operational, and refineries in Sri Lanka, with one Energy, the Sapugaskanda Oil lacks. of the feasibility study. However, financial feasibility of this of them being expected to be built Refinery refines about 65,000 Contd. on page 2 14 the sunday morning business EDITORIAL/INSIGHT Sunday, December 27, 2020

A year like no other draws to a slow end, as our generation continues to endure disruption at a scale we’ve never seen before. The social and economic catastrophe triggered by this global Boom after the storm? public health emergency was access to education – with only a delivery of which has been spotty sentiment, which continues to be in blind to the gravity of Sri Lanka’s a jolt to a world so focused on handful of state schools together at best. Lately, they’ve worn that short supply. situation, it may help stimulate the the good kind of disruption with the private and international majority almost with discomfort, The Government has been trying economy. – radical change brought schools managing to suitably failing to speak with one voice, its best to downplay the magnitude If we are to find hope, we about by new technology and transition students to online reflecting policy ambiguity and a of its debt problem, a strategy that could look to the Spanish Flu learning. Successful working from tenuous union of political forces. has its merits as well as its flaws. that ran its course from 1918 knowledge. home too has been a privilege of But there’s no one to challenge It may help keep businesses and to 1920. Perhaps it isn’t a fair The sheer scale of the pandemic class and often of gender. With less the status quo – we go into the consumers from panicking, which comparison – 50 million lost has meant that second and third than 10% of Sri Lanka’s workforce new year with a splintered and could otherwise exacerbate the their lives then compared to 1.7 waves have been inevitable, even THE employed in roles that even have weakened Opposition that, with economic crisis. However, in the million now, thanks mainly to in countries that successfully the option of remote work, it must the exception of a few lone voices, absence of an actual strategy to better science and literacy. But in contained the first. So it’s no HEADLIGHT be remembered that those that fails to play its part in sustaining a avoid defaulting on its debt for its aftermath, those countries that surprise that Sri Lanka finds did were already at an economic vibrant democracy. the first time in history, which were worst affected ushered in the itself in its current predicament. The pandemic has exacerbated advantage. For many businesses and may require the involvement of roaring 20s and a generation that This pandemic has been a great extreme poverty, and the protracted It was a year that delivered a professions, this has been their the International Monetary Fund enjoyed newer freedoms, more equaliser for the West, which is economic slump will only widen new Government with a two- toughest ever year. But what hope (IMF), this optimism appears engagement, vibrant culture, and now scrambling to restore order by the growing gaps. The most thirds majority that strengthened does 2021 offer? Sri Lanka is unenlightened and ill advised. But greater wealth that established claiming for itself the early stocks obvious inequality has been that the hand of President Gotabaya facing a looming debt crisis, and then, that’s a debate for a different today’s consumerism. Experts have of vaccine, preventing The Other of digital access and readiness. Rajapaksa, elected last year with desperately needs the economy day. In any sense, well-placed suggested a similar boom awaits from equal access. Nowhere has this disparity been high expectations of sweeping, to kickstart and get going. But optimism is good for an economy, our post-Covid years. 2021 will tell It has been a year of injustice. more dramatic this year than in radical, fast-tracked change, the that stimulus is linked to positive and as long as that optimism is not how this Great Reset will pan out. How Covid EDB completes increased women capacity-development webinars to exporters entrepreneurs in SL Lanka Export Development exporters on selected topics. Millennium Goals, Ports Board (EDB) last week Well-known resource persons facilitation for exporters and BY UWIN LUGODA successfully completed its and experts on exports-related importers, Globalization of Sri 30 th capacity-development topics conducted these online Lanka’s IT services, Financial Women currently make webinar session to the exporter sessions, sharing their expertise literacy for exporters during up approximately 57% of community and SMEs. Due and experience with the an economic recession, Japan Sri Lanka’s total estimated to the current COVID-19 participants. GSP Scheme – opportunities population of 21 million, pandemic situation of the Considering the importance and prospects, Developing an with only a mere 33.4% of country, the EDB could not of updating Sri Lanka’s export export business plan, Finding them making up the total carry out its conventional community on the latest trends overseas buyers, Creating a economically active population capacity development in business and commerce, brand to go International -a of 8.5 million persons. programmes such as workshops webinars were conducted on practical approach, Thinking This makes women one of and seminars, due to the health several topics such as Global out of the box : the definite way regulations imposed on people- brand dominance- leveraging to add value to your product, the largest under-tapped gathering activities. As an branding for longstanding Workplace preparedness and economic resources. alternative method, online growth, The sport of business- response to reduce the spread Today 29% of the Gross Domestic sessions were conducted to lessons from the world of of Covid-19, How to sell online Product (GDP) of Sri Lanka is enhance the capacity and sports that can be applied and e-commerce tips, etc. contributed directly by women, knowledge of exporters and to organizations, Profits Around 60,000 participants against 11% in Pakistan, 18% in SMEs in Sri Lanka. or values - a discussion on took part in the webinar India, and 19% in Bangladesh, During this programme, inculcating the right culture and sessions organized by the which puts us generally ahead in the the EDB organized weekly enhancing the spirit of doing EDB. Furthermore, participants South Asian region. But room for an webinars to continuously business, The Importance of joined these online sessions increase in women entrepreneurs in educate the Sri Lankan adhering to the principles in via Facebook and You tube COSMI Founder President Nawaz Rajabdeen Sri Lanka remains vast. exporters and potential organic agriculture for reaching channels as well. However, Sri Lanka is now entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka. Moreover, advertising their businesses through showing improvement in women the event also saw the FEMpower social media platforms like FaceBook participation in one segment, Founder Chamari Gunawardana join and Instagram, and e-marketing Contd. from page 1 the Micro, Small, and Medium the COSMI Board, creating a closer platforms. He explained that they use Enterprises (MSME), despite the alliance to serve Sri Lankan women these platforms to sell the likes of dry Vithanage stated that 95% of refined about 50,000 barrels ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. entrepreneurs. rations, vegetables, fruits, and even Stop... the sellers in the local market per day, producing a mix of Speaking to The Sunday Morning Rajabdeen explained that it was cooked meals with delivery. “The industry is in a crisis; are not authorised to be selling diesel, kerosene, gasoline, Business, the Confederation of COSMI’s mission to revive the “We saw most women we have 20 importers on these PPE. Seeing the need furnace oil, and naphtha. The Micro, Small, and Medium Industries industrial sector in Sri Lanka through entrepreneurs go into selling prepared board who are currently facing for better regulations, PPE complex has five oil tanks of (COSMI) Founder President Nawaz MSMEs, with a vision to transform meals during the last few months, the same kind of issues. Our Importers Lanka, which was 40,000 MT in a 165-acre land Rajabdeen revealed that the current Sri Lankan MSMEs into world-class which was a smart move considering national requirement for PPE, only initiated two months ago, in Sapugaskanda. pandemic has encouraged over 3,500 ventures. Therefore, the organisation most of us were locked in our homes, such as masks, is around 1.5 held their first forum in order According to the CPC trade women entrepreneurs to start their linking with MSMEs from all 25 and this provided us the opportunity million pieces per day while to take steps to avoid too many union, in 2002, the estimated own businesses, a stark contrast from districts and women and youth to get home-cooked, cost-effective we ourselves have around parties taking undue advantage cost to refurbish the refinery the numbers pre Covid. empowerment are a key priority for meals right to our doorstep. The 12 million pieces, so this has of the current situation. The was $ 18 million, but now “We currently have over 3,500 COSMI. other segment we saw them go into created a surplus in PPE.” event was set to provide a it would cost around $ 69 women entrepreneurs who have “A quarter of all registered Sri was baked goods, since most of This decision to make the proper marketplace for buyers, million. Nevertheless, the registered with us post the first Lankan MSMEs are women-owned. us, especially children, wanted to request was taken by PPE importers, and distributors Ministry is looking at ways to lockdown. This is a massive increase Women-owned micro enterprises celebrate birthdays and other special Importers Lanka, following that were not looking to cheat revive the old Sapugaskanda from the 150-170 members we had alone are around 246,000, which is occasions with baked goods, and our an exhibition/forum held consumers. refinery too. before Covid entered the economic 26.3% of all registered MSMEs. This women entrepreneurs provided them on 17 December. Vithanage Sri Lanka saw an increase Last year, the then environment.” MoU will create a host of benefits that opportunity.” blamed the Government for the in demand for PPE following Government announced plans According to the Department of and opportunities for them, starting He stated that they witnessed unnecessary levels of imports the first lockdown in March, as to construct an oil refinery Census and Statistics, Sri Lanka has from supporting the members of the women entrepreneurs come and when it comes to PPE, resulting frontline workers were required complex in the Mirijjawila more than one million registered FEMpower network, which exceeds register with them from across the in the import of over 20 times to carry PPE like masks. Export Processing Zone via Small and Medium Enterprises 2,500 women entrepreneurs”. island, including districts of the the national requirement. He Following this demand, there a foreign direct investment (SMEs), of which 24.8% are women- COSMI will also be providing Sabaragamuwa, Central, North explained that this has left was also an uptick in local PPE (FDI) of $ 3.85 billion from owned and have more women these women entrepreneurs with the Central, and Eastern Provinces. importers unable to sell their manufacturers, importers, and Oman and Singapore. The engaged in MSMEs in other roles. necessary knowledge and know-how However, Rajabdeen stated that stocks, causing the prices of distributors. Bigger apparel Singaporean investor was Rajabdeen attributed this increase through marketing and technical they lacked the support of the public PPE like masks which were companies like Brandix, a local Silver Park International (Pvt.) to the recent Memorandum of input, such as the ability for these sector when it came to this initiative. over Rs. 100 before December, apparel group with operations Ltd. and from Oman, it was the Understanding (MoU) the MSME entrepreneurs to link with international He explained that they had hoped to drop down to around Rs. in India and Bangladesh, Sultanate of the Oman Ministry sector signed with local women markets. Gunawardana also shared to make this a private-public sector 40-50. also made their move to PPE of Oil and Gas. entrepreneurs. The MoU which was similar thoughts during the event partnership, but unfortunately did He stated that while the following the initial outbreak in The project created signed on 15 September between and said that this new collaboration not see any kind of support extended Government has placed the country. controversies on the legitimacy COSMI and the FEMpower Women will boost the keen and striving from the public sector. import restrictions on other By May, the apparel company of the investor. At that point, Entrepreneurs Network, is set to entrepreneurial community in her “Even if we look at the state industries such as electronics had already utilised 9,000 out Transparency International Sri benefit the women in the local MSME network. banks which were giving out funds and automobiles, in order to of over 30,000 workers in Sri Lanka (TISL) stated that Silver segment, which makes up around a “As a female entrepreneur, these for local startups, we could see keep money in the country, they Lanka, in order to manufacture Park International is a company quarter of the segment. days there is an opportunity to connect that this support was not reaching waste billions of rupees on this PPE. At the time, these numbers controlled by the family of “The FEMpower Women with other women in business; women the grassroot levels in many of the surplus of PPE. He went on to were expected to surpass 16,000 Tamil Nadu politician and Entrepreneurs Network plays a are escaping from their corporate jobs districts. We wanted state banks state that this lack of restrictions in the months that followed. former Indian Union Minister commendable role in supporting to go out on their own, stay-at-home and insurance companies to get on PPE imports has also led to a In a knee-jerk reaction, Sri Dr. S. Jagathrakshakan, Sri Lankan women entrepreneurs. moms are looking for ways to make involved and support our women rise in lesser quality PPE, which Lanka’s National Medical whose business interests have Therefore COSMI is pleased money, and in general, women seem to entrepreneurs through bank and are not up to the requested Regulatory Authority previously been implicated to join with them to support be very attracted to entrepreneurship. insurance packages, but we did standards and are without any banned the export of masks by Indian authorities and Sri Lankan women to achieve More women-owned businesses are not see that either, despite us certification of quality. and also slammed price the media in several alleged their entrepreneurial goals. This in Sri Lanka now than 20 years ago. sending them letters and getting the “The consumers are getting controls, triggering shortages corruption scandals. collaboration will open the door for Linking up in this way also stimulates blessing of Prime Minister Mahinda tricked by these low-quality islandwide and blocking Even though then Prime women entrepreneurs to acquire the creativity and innovative thinking Rajapaksa.” items, and they will not protect domestic manufacturers also Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe necessary knowledge and know- through interaction with a community As of 23 December, Rajabdeen anyone from the Covid-19 from producing masks. These laid the foundation stone to how,” said Rajabdeen. of entrepreneurs with diverse business estimated the number of women pandemic. This has also led to controls have since been lifted. construct the first oil refinery During the press event to mark backgrounds.” entrepreneurs registered with the supply of KN95/N95 masks in Mirijjawila, Hambantota on the occasion, he stated that this Rajabdeen stated that seeing these COSMI to be over 4,000 and going into the hands of many 24 March last year, without MoU will solidify their commitment women entrepreneurs conduct their announced their plans to separate unwanted and fake dealers, Bids... signing a land lease agreement, to providing knowledge, skills, businesses in the last four months has each of these entrepreneurs based on coming in between more The over-50-years-old the project was ultimately information, and linkages to women shown him that they are more adept in their respective sectors. legitimate deals.” refinery, in its early years, abandoned. the sunday morning business 15 Sunday, December27, 2020 INSIGHT MCC WITHDRAWAL FROM SL A patriotic victory or an economic defeat? BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR Resources Development, the Secretary to the Ministry of It was once the centre of Women and Children’s Affairs and heated political debates Development of Dry Zone, one and a topic for after-class private sector representative, and TED Talks of Advanced Level two civil society representatives. tuition teachers. It was The agreement clearly states approved by the Cabinet that the Sri Lankan Government of Ministers and yet was has principal responsibility for refused to be approved overseeing and managing the by a President before the implementation of this programme. Against this context, lack of end of his tenure. It was engagement from the Sri Lankan hated bitterly by patriots side and subsequent withdrawal and faced protests and of the grant by MCC, according even petitions. If you have to reports and research done not guessed what it is by on extensive MCC grants, is a now, it is the widely known significant loss for Sri Lanka. Millenium Challenge MCC’s land project in Corporation (MCC) grant to Mozambique, which ended in Sri Lanka. 2013, strengthened government capacity for land administration After all these events, the $ and provided titles for some 480 million grant was withdrawn 160,000 plus citizens and their from Sri Lanka by the Corporation families. In Madagascar, the two weeks ago due to the lack MCC compact, which ended in of engagement from the Sri 2009, enabled national, regional, Lankan Government. The Sunday and municipal governments to Morning Business is this week implement new land legislation that taking a look at whether this the Government of Madagascar withdrawal is an achievement adopted, including issuance of land of nationalists or a missed certificates to legally recognise opportunity for the country and its traditionally held rights. Likewise, economy. MCC’s Sri Lankan project could MCC – Sri Lanka: The truth MCC Managing Director for Europe, Asia, Pacific, and Latin America Caroline Nguyen visiting then Treasury Secretary R.H.S. Samaratunga in 2018 have benefitted over half of the The MCC is an independent population. US foreign assistance agency logistics facilities, establishing a MCC had not faced civil unrest The land was transferred from the This includes the claim that the Sri Lanka did not have to repay established in 2004. It provides national land information system, from any grant countries as much management by the “Office du Millenium Challenge Account the Corporation and this grant economic assistance through a and enhancing mapping, surveying, as it did with Sri Lanka. Niger” to the control of the Office (MCA) – Sri Lanka, a company was set to address key issues in competitive selection process to and titling of land. The $ 350 However, nowhere in the of the President of Mali to expedite that will be set up under the grant, the country’s infrastructure. Since developing nations. According million transport project has an publicly available information on reforms. is an American company, while the Sri Lankan Government is to a report, prepared on “MCC: estimated economic rate of return this grant has it been stated that The next point most Sri Lankans in fact it is a company limited financially incapable of addressing Overview and Issues” by the of 19% while the $ 67 million land ownership of the lands involved were focused on with a strong by guarantee under Sri Lanka’s these infrastructure concerns on its Congressional Research Service project has an estimated economic in this project has to be transferred view of not wanting the MCC was Companies Act No. 7 of 2007. own, it has to once again depend (CRS), a public policy research rate of return of 26%. Together, to the US Government. The US that the MCC might withdraw or According to the MCC on lending countries for financial institute of the US Congress, from the two projects were projected to Embassy in Sri Lanka and the terminate the grant given to Sri agreement, the MCA – Sri assistance to undertake such 2004 to 2019, MCC has signed benefit 11.3 million people, which Corporation already clarified that Lanka halfway, forcing them to Lanka Board will consist projects. This leads to mounting 37 grant agreements, known as accounts for 54% of Sri Lanka’s when partner governments must borrow money and finish the rest. of representatives from the debt and further increases the compacts, with 29 countries, population. acquire land, it is in order to build They pointed out what happened President’s Office, the Prime percentage of debt to the national targeting poor but well-governed Although many out there do roads or other infrastructure funded to the Madagascar and Honduras Minister’s Office, the Secretary GDP. Or else, given that the states with good prospects not know the exact contents of by the MCC. In fact, the MCC had MCC grants, conveniently letting to the Ministry of Finance, the Government now has no-borrowing for poverty reduction through the grant, they know one thing; if never acquired lands for itself or go of the fact that Madagascar’s Secretary to the Ministry of policies to implement its economic growth. signed, ownership of Sri Lankan for the US Government. MCC compact was terminated in Transport and Civil Aviation, infrastructure projects, initiatives Sri Lanka was one amongst the lands involved in this project will For example, even in the Mali the third year due to a political the Secretary to the Ministry of like significantly improving the three countries that were selected go to the US Government and this compact, which ended in 2012, coup, and part of the Honduras Land and Parliamentary Reforms, country’s public transport sector to be eligible for the MCC grant will pose a threat to Sri Lanka’s the Government requested that the compact was likewise terminated the Secretary to the Ministry could even be unreachable fruits in 2019. Sri Lanka’s $ 450 million national security, thanks to random MCC work on 20,000 hectares of due to an undemocratic transition of Megapolis and Western for a long term. One can see that compact was targeted at traffic videos, round-table discussions, land as part of the compact; MCC in power back in 2009. Development, the Secretary to the MCC withdrawal is a missed management, modernisation of and hundreds of social media posts. did not initiate this activity nor In addition to this, there were the Ministry of Highways and opportunity for Sri Lanka rather the bus system, development of It has to be highlighted that the did it take over any of this land. many concerns regarding the grant. Road Development and Petroleum than a victory of patriots.

BY DR. JANAKA RATNASIRI

The Minister serving as the Spokesman of the Cabinet, addressing a press briefing held on 22 December 2020 to announce Allegations against PUCSL: the decisions taken at the Cabinet meeting held on 21 December 2020, said in response to a query by a journalist on the course of action taken against the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), that Specificity necessary the Government waited for one year for the Chairman to tender his resignation, the Cabinet makes such open allegations misbehaviour, Article 7 of the PUCSL Act the Government does, has to be done private sector because of appointment of allowing the President to appoint a person and makes them public, every commission spells out the procedure to be followed to impartially. But here, it has not been so, for persons with political affiliations to their of his choice, which has been the tradition member is deemed guilty, which would remove that member, which requires the whatever reasons. Even this Government, boards of management. in the country. But that was not done. He reflect badly on their reputation. concurrence of the Parliament. like its predecessor, has demonstrated that This writer believes that professionals further said that during the past year the The least the Minister could do now is It is doubtful whether any of the cabinet it is scared of CEB unions, simply because appointed to statutory bodies should work Commission has created many problems divulge details of these allegations; what members are aware of the fact that under they possess the switch to the country’s with the organisation’s and country’s in the sector and appeared to deliberately are the sections in the Saubhagya Dekma Article 2 of the Sri Lanka Electricity Act power supply, which they can turn off at interests in mind, irrespective of who work against the Saubhagya Dekma framework that the PUCSL has not been No. 20 of 2009, the administration of the any time unless their demands are met. is ruling the country. It is unfortunate (Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour) policy working for, what are the instances when the provisions of the Electricity Act is vested Naturally, any government would like to that such persons are expected to resign framework. He also noted that they have PUCSL blocked the CEB’s developmental in the PUCSL, and that a holder of a avoid such a situation at any cost. before their tenure is over when a new received information beyond reasonable activities, including any power projects, generation or transmission or distribution According to the PUCSL Act, “the minister is appointed, even within the same doubt that the Commission caused delays in and what are the problems the PUCSL licence will have to get the approval of the members of the Commission shall be government. This practice should stop the developmental activities of the Ceylon created during the last year as alleged by PUCSL for every activity he proposes to persons with ability and integrity and have forthwith. Electricity Board (CEB). To say the least, all the Minister? Then the public will be able undertake. The PUCSL is then required to shown capacity in addressing problems (The writer possesses a BSc. (Hons.) in this is fictitious. to decide what the truth is and whether the verify whether such activities are conducted relating to engineering, law, economics, Physics from the University of Ceylon and Although a cabinet paper has been PUCSL was at fault. Here, natural justice while conforming to the Cabinet-approved business management, accountancy, or a PhD in Electrical Engineering from the submitted by the Minister of Finance has not been exercised, which requires that Guidelines for the Electricity Industry administration”. When such professionals University of Illinois, USA. He is a Fellow proposing that the PUCSL Act be a person or an institute be given adequate and other provisions in the Act, before with no political affiliation are appointed of the Institute of Physics, Sri Lanka. amended to fall in line with the country’s notice and receive a fair and unbiased such approval is granted. Thus, with the to a commission or any statutory board, He has worked for 30 years as Research requirements as reported in the media, hearing before a decision is made against establishment of the PUCSL, the CEB lost there is no necessity or obligation for the Officer in Applied Physics and Electronics apparently no decision has been taken to the person/institute. the freedom it enjoyed hitherto to carry on Chairman or other members to resign when at the Ceylon Institute of Scientific and approve the proposal, as it is not among the If the Government felt that the PUCSL its business the way it liked without any the regime changes, as mentioned by the Industrial Research [present Industrial approved list of decisions appearing in the was indeed responsible for the alleged intervention of a regulator. Minister. Technology Institute]. He has served in the Cabinet’s website. It appears that the matter delays in building power plants and Naturally, when the PUCSL pointed out to Unfortunately, this has been the bane Ministry of Environment for seven years has only been subject to discussion where implementing generation plans, the logical the CEB that it is acting in violation of these in the country. A minister cannot assume as Senior Technical Advisor, handling the above allegations were levelled against action the Government should have taken guidelines and when the CEB is adamant that a statutory body is something he environment-related matters in the energy, the PUCSL. The Minster had the audacity was appoint a competent and unbiased not to follow the directives of the PUCSL, has inherited and that he has the right transport, and industrial sectors. He has to come out with these allegations in public, committee to examine the allegations and there will be situations of conflict. But the to appoint only persons of his choice to represented the country in many meetings which were supposed to be discussed in make recommendations, after having a PUCSL cannot be held responsible for such manage it. It is no secret that in the past of the UN Framework Convention on confidence, when there is no one present to hearing for the PUCSL’s explanations. If an conflicts. many of the public sector organisations Climate Change during his tenure at the defend the position of the PUCSL. When individual member is found guilty of any In a situation like this, whatever failed, leading to their closure or sale to the Ministry) 16 the sunday morning business CORPORATE/ADVERTORIAL Sunday, December27, 2020

BY UWIN LUGODA what these leisure and entertainment venues offer, adding that it also Large-scale events with tens offers an online solution for their of thousands of attendees UK’s ‘Most Innovative Event end-customers. A total and well- can be logistical nightmares rounded solution like no other out in for the organisers and could the world today, the software takes potentially cause massive full advantage of innovative new inconveniences for attendees technologies to add new modules to Management Solution’s the platform, enabling end-users and if not managed well. As every invention is presented as a venues to do even more than before. “The beauty of OPTIMO’s solution to a problem, it is not brilliance lies in its ability to surprising that these issues Sri Lankan connection integrate everything into one have spawned an industry system. There are few things valued at around $ 900 billion, more frustrating or annoying than the event management having to keep tabs on multiple software solutions industry. different systems and platforms when managing a booking for a Over the years, the industry has venue space. OPTIMO solves this become increasingly competitive by having everything in one easily with several companies trying to accessible place. As seamless as come up with software that could it is innovative, OPTIMO will be streamline the process of event the pinnacle of venue and event management. A leading contender management today.” in this event management rat race It is not just corporates and is UK-based Programus, which companies that can take advantage plans to become the world’s number of this either; the software offers the one event management software general public the same availability company in the near future. Programus Optimo Chief Technical Programus Director of Solution in terms of venues and spaces, Programus has created some of the officer Jon Gustafsson and marketing Shivanth Alexander giving them the chance to build a world’s leading software to handle Gnanaskandan booking around their individual telecommunications and event “Over the years, the firm has commonly found in world-leading needs. These events could range and venue management – Salestar worked to innovate and develop software solutions, but also works from birthday parties to the Connect and OPTIMO, respectively. leading technologies that can be used to recognise market trends and investment meetings of some of the Sri Lanka has been one of the to make life better for those involved deliver cutting-edge solutions that world’s biggest organisations. company’s premier international in the telecommunications, events, meet the demands of those trends for It can be as simple or as complex centres for the past 21 years, starting and venue management industries. tomorrow’s customers. as the client needs, but according from only three developers and one Having invested over £ 3 million The software provides multiple to Programus officials, OPTIMO office manager to growing steadily in innovation and development, optional business solutions that really excels in giving the client Programus CEO and Founder Shantha Ruban opening the new office and amassing a staff mounting to OPTIMO today stands tall and are integrated on a single platform total control, which is something over 100, and opening the doors Lanka as well. OPTIMO has now been recognised proud as a cutting-edge cloud and and optimised for multiple devices. they consider radical and new to the of a new office in Colombo on 4 The latter venture would not have for its digital excellence as the browser-based software that is used Venues can host a myriad of events industry in a graphical sense. September just last year. anything to do with venues and “Most Innovative Venue and Event for managing venues and events of and therefore often use multiple “Ultimately, OPTIMO is the The company has clients from all the event marketplace; instead, the Management Solution for the Year all kinds,” said Ruban. systems to manage these different epitome of innovation; it works over the world and has handled some company was looking at diversifying 2020” at the UK Corporate Vision OPTIMO currently manages over events or bookings. Whether it is tirelessly to deliver an exceptional of the biggest events in the world, and investing in different Awards. 3,000 venues and has processed over for ticketing purposes, corporate experience in venue and event including the London Olympics, technologies. The software is at the forefront of £ 1.5 billion worth of transactions. hospitality, venue and space management, going above FIFA World Cup, and Formula One By this time, Programus had innovating technology that is relevant They have delivered solutions to the management, or leisure and activity and beyond in delivering new races from around the world. already invested over Rs. 1 billion to almost everybody, according to London Olympics in 2012, FIFA management, OPTIMO provides technology that is capable of doing In conversation with The Sunday in Sri Lanka and planned on giving company officials. They explained World Cup, 20 local government a wealth of outstanding, end-to- everything the end-user wants, and Morning Business during the something more back to the country. that making the key decisions at organisations including the City of end solutions on a single software more. Innovation is a term that is unveiling of the office in 2019, Ruban pointed out that this is due to OPTIMO is a unique blend of Melbourne, Liverpool City Council, platform. bandied around a lot in the world Programus CEO and Founder the fact that four out of 10 directors software specialists who each Horse Racecourses like Ascot, and Speaking to the press, Programus today, but OPTIMO truly embodies Shantha Ruban spoke about their of the company are Sri Lankan, and brings with them a vast wealth of five Formula One circuits including Chief Technology Officer Jon what it means to be innovative, expansion plans in Sri Lanka and also because of the potential Sri experience, working in harmony with Silverstone and Yas Marina. Gustafsson stated that OPTIMO is leading the world with firsts in stated that the group is looking to Lanka has in the software industry. high-profile industry experts and key Ruban stated that not only does the world’s first software that works venue and event management invest in other tech companies in Sri Fast-forwarding to the present day, backbone providers. the software offer features that are to deliver success in all aspects of software and platforms.”

National Savings Bank (NSB) bagged four awards for its 2019 Annual Report, themed “A NSB wins four awards BoC set to momentous journey to the future: Inspired by an unfolding digital era”, at various national, regional, and international competitions, the bank for 2019 Annual Report end year on announced last week. The competitions were the International ARC Awards Competition, CMA Excellence in positive note Integrated Reporting Awards, and Winding up the year on banking needs. SAFA (South Asian Federation a healthy note despite the “The recent downgrade of of Accountants) Best Presented economic downturn due the sovereign and banking Accounts Awards. to the Covid-19 pandemic, institutions in Sri Lanka had “NSB has been continuously the Bank of Ceylon (BoC) a minimal impact on the recognised and awarded for Members of the NSB management team accepting the accolade at the CMA Excellence in Integrated Reporting Awards noted that it recorded the soundness of the bank, and commitment towards best practices highest asset base of Rs. its international operations in annual reporting among various governance in a timely, reliable, and Banks: Savings and Loan yy Among “Ten Best Integrated Reports” 2.9 trillion, highest deposit continue uninterrupted. aving corporations, small companies, transparent manner,” the bank said. yy Gold Award - Infographics: Banks: base of Rs. 2.3 trillion, and maintained an international government agencies, non-profit The specific awards NDB secured Savings and Loan yy Best Integrated Report – State- has maintained its market presence for over eight organisations, and associations as at the three mentioned competitions owned Enterprises/Companies leadership in trade finance decades, BoC’s foreign well as agencies from different are listed below. yy Silver Award - Interior Design: and Treasury operations – correspondent relationships sectors and industries that took part Banks: Savings and Loan yy Best Disclosure on Value Creation including its over-40% market have never been questioned, in the competitions. The bank’s 34th International ARC Awards Competition yy Silver Award - Illustrations: Banks: yy Accordingly, the bank becomes the share of inward remittances and have been growing from success is reflected in our annual Savings and Loan first state bank to win an overall ($ 2.5 billion) – and most of strength to strength. BoC has report, and it is heartening to see our yy Gold Award – Specialised AR/ award at a CMA ceremony. the spheres in the banking and been attracting many local hard work recognised and rewarded Integrated AR and CSR: Non- CMA Excellence in finance arena. The bank stated and foreign accolades for its through these awards that endorse our Traditional Format Integrated Reporting SAFA Best Presented that all its customers can banking excellence along its commitment towards creating value Awards Accounts Awards confidently rely on its strength way and looks at 2021 on a for all our stakeholders, improved yy Gold Award - Written Text: and the stability for all their positive note,” the bank said. communication on our performance, Banks: Savings and Loan yy “Bronze” award – also adjudged yy Winner of the Public Sector Banks the overall second runner-up* Category strategy, prospects, and corporate yy Gold Award - Financial Data: President launches 2nd phase People’s Bank Homagama Service Centre relocated of Covid insurance for workers People’s Bank’s Homagama City Service In line with President Gotabaya insurance cover launched in March, Centre was moved to a new Rajapaksa’s “Vistas of Prosperity and designed an exclusive life insurance cover location on 21 December. Splendour” national policy framework for state and private sector employees. The opening ceremony and the concept of “Insurance for All”, The Government plans to offer the of the new premises was the second phase of “Viru Abhiman” – proposed group life insurance free of charge attended by People’s an exclusive Covid-19 insurance cover to all public servants, including officers in Bank Chairman Sujeewa – was launched by Sri Lanka Insurance the central government, provincial councils, Rajapakse and Chief Corporation (SLIC) on 22 December by the local government, and tri-forces. Executive Officer (CEO)/ President. Furthermore, the insurance cover is General Manager (GM) The policy proposal was handed over extended to the private sector too at a Ranjith Kodituwakku. to the President by Sri Lanka Insurance special, subsidised rate. The employers “The new spacious Sri Lanka Insurance Chairman Jagath Wellawatta Chairman Jagath Wellawatta. The insurance handing over the insurance cover policy proposal of the private sector are encouraged to service centre is located at People’s Bank Chairman Sujeewa Rajapakse (left) and CEO/GM cover proposal was then handed over to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa obtain this cover for their employees. As a No. 366, Katuwana Road, Ranjith Kodituwakku cutting the ceremonial ribbon to mark the to the Minister of Health; Minister of symbolic gesture, a proposal was handed Homagama, offering added opening of the new service centre Public Services, Provincial Councils, tri-forces, the Sri Lanka Police, Public over by the President to Joint Apparel convenience to customers (Enterprise Banking) Homagama Branch and Local Government; Minister of Health Inspectors (PHIs), Samurdhi Association Forum Sri Lanka Deputy along with a range of Krishani Narangoda, Manager W.G.P Industries; Secretary of Defence; and officers, other related state staff members, Chairman Mahesh Hirdaramani. services backed by the Head of Marketing Damayanthi, and Deputy Chairman and Secretary of the Joint and private sector staff members are Through the exclusive Covid-19 latest technology,” the bank Nalaka Wijewardana, Homagama City Service Apparel Association Forum, by President working tirelessly to control the pandemic insurance cover, policyholders will receive said. Assistant General Manager Centre Manager C.L Rajapaksa. situation within the country and sustain the financial benefits of Rs. 100,000 for death Deputy General Manager (Commercial Banking) Nawarathne along with a Despite the Covid-19 pandemic country’s economic front. due to Covid-19, Rs. 1,000 per day for (Channel Management) Thushari large number of customers, spreading globally and locally at an The insurance giant Sri Lanka Insurance, hospitalisation, and Rs. 2,000 per day for Mahinda Premanath, Hewawasam, assistant also participated at the alarming rate, doctors, healthcare workers, as a sequel to the “Viru Abhiman” ICU cover (up to a maximum of 90 days). Deputy General Manager regional managers, event.

Printed by the Kalukodayawa, Malwana Press & Published by Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 A TRANQUIL SECOND HOME DOUBLETREE BY HILTON WEERAWILA RAJAWARNA RESORT »SEE PAGE 3

HOW DID SL RACK UP THE HIGHEST ANNUAL ELEPHANT DEATHS IN THE WORLD? »SEE PAGE 6 Sunday,brunch December 27, 2020 THE POWER OF USING YOUR VOICE Three of the women leading change with British Council’s ‘Voices and Choices’

Paba Deshapriya Sulochana Dissanayake Ashanthi de Alwis PHOTO CHAMILA KARUNARATHNE BY NAVEED ROZAIS Following WOW Colombo, British Council Sri Lanka initiated a grant scheme to build capacity and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is an important empower artists, gender activists, issue that just doesn’t get enough attention. and development organisations who want to raise awareness, broker December 2017 saw Sri Lanka host its own conversation, and address issues edition of the UK Southbank Centre’s Women relating to gender equality and empowerment. of the World (WOW) Festival. WOW Colombo This programme took place celebrated and empowered women from all over under the platform “Voices and Choices”, with eight change agents Sri Lanka, while highlighting the struggles women being seed-funded to implement and girls face daily, and providing inspiration and their proposals. tools to make change. ││Contd. on page 2 Looking forward to a prettier picture in 2021 The beauty industry shares its thoughts on New Year’s Eve celebrations and the dawn of the new year BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE In pandemic-ridden 2020, we wondered how much energy people The year is coming to an end. were putting into their year-end Having spent the majority of the celebrations – especially how far they year in pyjamas and barely taking are going to get their glam on. We the time to even brush one's hair, the reached out to a number of leading holiday season has presented itself makeup artists, beauticians, and as the perfect petri dish to observe beauty industry veterans on how this how people are going to go about the holiday season is treating them and festivities this time around – will it if they see any major changes in the be a whole lot of Zoom calls while frequency of the Lankan population being 50% dressed up, or all-out seeking beauty. PHOTO POWER OF PLAY glam for going out? ││Contd. on page 2

THE FRUITY KING OF THE Wipe away your Covid tears and ring in the new year? TROPICS GOES ORGANIC BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE There’s just something about ‘Mango Friends’, an initiative by Dushyanth Weeraman New Year’s Eve functions that The holidays are upon are just over the top that makes us and the new year is fast people want to really double approaching. The global down and enjoy themselves, population, drunk with Covid not to mention the big year- exhaustion, is gearing up end bashes that happen, to face 2021 with anything advertised within an inch of other than a frown. Any other their life. year, people would have been However, understandably, rushing around, hopping from 2020 has proven to be the one party to the next, smoothly exception to the infallible transitioning from Christmas consistency of the New Year’s cheer to New Year madness Eve bash, a tradition many and getting ready to attend the experience in their own way. Dushyanth Weeraman and Mrs. World Caroline Jurie at the Mango This time around, we are Friends launch at Home Bargains PHOTOS ESHAN DASANAYAKA numerous functions that pop up everywhere you turn. However, seeing far fewer celebrations – BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE Mango Friends is an initiative organic fruit needs, it now has a 2020 has proven to be different considering how nearly all of providing organic fruits to their physical outlet in addition to their – but not too different. Colombo’s major hotels have Sunday, 20 December, customers, working predominantly cosy Kotte Road venue; they have While Christmas certainly chosen not to hold their annual marked the soft launch of the with organically produced now collaborated with Home brings about endless parties Year end parties – and people brand new exclusive organic food mangoes. Bargains and are available at its and gatherings, there’s really have opted for private functions venture “Mango Friends”, co- Available as Sri Lanka's Mohideen Terrace location. nothing quite as grandiose and closer-knit celebrations. founded by Dushyanth Weeraman. premier online shop for your ││Contd. on page 2 as New Year celebrations. ││Contd. on page 2 2 the sunday morning brunch PEOPLE/EVENTS Sunday, December 27, 2020

Language We Speak” has reached an audience of over 313,800. The project also built the capacity of a group of 10 THE POWER... female writers from Kurunegala, with an increased understanding of gender, PHOTO POWER OF PLAY sexuality, and violence, who are running a bi-monthly magazine to educate rural women. Their magazine “Athwela” will be on Bakamoono for a wider reach. The Power of Song Ashanthi de Alwis is a household name. The singer, who curated music for WOW Colombo in 2017, applied for Voices and Choices because she felt who shared she personally does not go there were certain causes concerning Wipe away... all-out for New Year’s Eve – which women and girls that could be Contd. from page 1 for her is reserved for her family and campaigned through creativity, music, and therefore they would often have a quiet entertainment. The country went into a second lunch or dinner on the 31st. She said “It created a calling for me to delve lockdown not too long ago, just as the they had made some late Christmas further into areas I hadn’t looked at festivities set in, and the timing has made plans for her extended family to go out before but that I knew I needed to be it so that there was certainly a for dinner together, which championing as an artist – issues that Christmas high for everyone has been a yearly tradition affect youth mentality and how they with cabin fever to sweat it for them; however, they are think,” said de Alwis. “We have a great out, but a general lull is fast concerned whether they will responsibility when it comes to our approaching as we near the be able to follow through youths, to show them the kind of direction 31st. on these plans, despite they can take with issues like depression, having made a majority of mental health, and GBV. These are Roadblocks to the party the relevant payments. She Contd. from page 1 worries about there being a issues our youths are not exposed to in a Especially in Colombo, contemporary manner.” when we spoke to a few lockdown, much like what is The Sunday Morning Brunch spoke I looked at the root cause of why we Nivedha Hariharan happening in some countries feel gender roles have to subsist, why Through Voices and Choices, people who have made it a to three of these change agents about their de Alwis first worked on a song that tradition to attend the New in Europe. projects, and how they are driving change we still shame our boys and girls It would seem that many using gender, and why still don’t focused on suicide prevention and Year’s Eve parties that happen at one of and fighting for women and girls. raising awareness about depression. A the major hotels, they shared that what are concerned with the possibility of allow boys to express vulnerable a late lockdown, with the majority emotion, or girls to follow their strategic partnership with Mobitel, and a they had hoped to do was go Down ‘Why? Saama’ collaboration with Sri Lankan musicians South to rent a villa and have a party on acknowledging that while it would be Conceptualised by performance art passion Randhir Witana and Manasick, added extra a smaller scale. prudent of the Government to issue a company Power of Play, “Why? Saama” Power of Play Founder and Artistic weight to the project. Working with Leo Ashwini DeMel, a marketing lockdown, they hope that this would not is a play about a little Sri Lankan girl who Director Sulochana Dissanayake Burnett on public relations (PR), de Alwis consultant working at a reputed be the case – but the uncertainty leaves refuses to adhere to gender stereotypes. launched “Hitha Danne Mithuranne” on Colombo-based advertising firm, shared them unable to make any solid plans. Power of Play Founder and Artistic World Suicide Prevention Day 2018. that usually around this time, she and Nivedha Hariharan, an attorney Director Sulochana Dissanayake explained Symbolically, once Saama overcomes “The song creates a space for kids and many of her colleagues would be gearing practising in the Colombo Courts, the process of “Why? Saama” began the fears ingrained into her by society and youths to talk about their problems and up to attend a New Year’s Eve party shared that from what she has heard, when she collaborated with Swedish artist gender roles, she grows, becoming larger create conversations. Mobitel also created and to pretty much “party into the new due to this uncertainty, the people Felix Norgren and the Merrill J. Fernando and transforming from a table-top puppet a special social media campaign on year”. However, she said that this year, that she knows – and she herself – has Charitable Foundation on building a giant into the 14-foot tall giant puppet, showing suicide prevention and depression, what they might travel out of town, but they chosen to not really go out this year, puppet – the first of its kind to be built in the powerful visual of a little girl towering it is, how conversations about it can help, have concerns with regard to the random but to have a muted celebration with the Sri Lanka. over everyone else by overcoming her and how, if you need to speak about it, testing that is to be carried out for family – something home-based. Having been involved with WOW fears and defying stereotypes. psychologists and counselling can help,” those who will be leaving the Western Colombo – and with this collaboration To date, “Why? Saama” has engaged de Alwis said. Province. New year, new norms taking place against the backdrop of with 8,870 students and teachers across “It helped break stigma. Our society Police Media Spokesman DIG Ajith A number of others also shared Sri Lanka’s 2019 provincial elections, the country. In 2019, “Why? Saama” can be very closed to talking about mental Rohana stated earlier in the week that they that “for once it looks like we will where Dissanayake had noticed female entered the State Children’s Drama health, viewing it as taboo. If songs will be carrying out random rapid antigen be welcoming the new year with our councillors being subjected to a lot of Festival winning second place in the “Best talking about mental health can break that testing procedures on people leaving sobriety intact”, with others noting that intimidation and hate speech – she realised Play of the Year” category, and winning taboo and give youths, especially girls, the Western Province, with the aim of it may be a good thing for everyone to there was only one character that this giant the awards for Best Stage Management, the freedom to reach out and solve their controlling the spread of Covid-19 outside experience something other than the puppet could be. It had to be a girl, and she Best Costumes, Best Music Composition, problems, then the healthier society will the province. He said these random rapid norm, and possibly set the one for 2021. had to convey the message that every girl and Special Jury Award for Best get. One of the most serious things about antigen tests are carried out in the areas The majority of the people we spoke to can be a giant if raised to be so. Choreography mental health is that it is one of the least of Kochchikade on the Colombo-Chilaw all expressed that they only hope to be “I looked at the root cause of why The Language We Speak recognised health issues, because it is Main Road, Nittambuwa on the Colombo- rid of the pandemic, and for everyone we feel gender roles have to subsist, why The Grassrooted Trust is no silent and not a visual or physical illness.” Kandy Main Road, Kosgama and Salawa who has been affected to make a quick we still shame our boys and girls using stranger to GBV. Their website platform The proceeds of “Hitha Danne on the Colombo-Ratnapura Main Road, recovery. gender, and why still don’t allow boys to Bakamoono aims to educate and build Mithuranne”, over Mobitel downloads, and Beruwala on the Colombo-Matara They added that while there is express vulnerable emotion, or girls to awareness on GBV, intimate partner raised over Rs. 1 million, which was Main Road. not much to be expected from the follow their passion,” Dissanayake said. violence, and sexual violence. The donated to a suicide prevention hotline to possibility of a vaccine reaching the “My mentor, psychologist Seema Omar, Grassrooted Trust Director and sexual, enhance their infrastructure and services. Year-end lockdown in the cards? common folk in our country, they are once talked about roots and wings, and reproductive health, and gender specialist The success of “Hitha Danne Mithuranne” We spoke to Naomi Jacobs, an hopeful that a solution will soon be how to truly prosper, you need both. You Paba Deshapriya shared that the Voices led to a second phase and a second grant, associate at a Colombo-based law firm, made public and accessible. need roots tying you to your community, and Choices grant scheme allowed which de Alwis used to compose the and wings to be adventurous and take risks. Bakamoono to grow their creative writing song “Rajiniye”, with a special music Traditionally, we focus on wings for boys content as a young platform. video focusing on the harassment that Sri and roots for girls, but now we know both “We focused on creating content in Lankan women face in public transport of those approaches are wrong.” THE FRUITY KING... Sinhala and Tamil, because information and at work. on these topics is available in English “Rajiniye” focused on bystander Contd. from page 1 zones of the island, mainly available already. But our local languages have a intervention, and how it can help prevent in the Anuradhapura, Kekirawa, and real dearth of information,” Deshapriya situations and open the public’s eyes to We spoke to Co-Founder of the Monaragala areas. He said – and we too It was a very positive experience said, explaining that “The Language We what women experience. “Sometimes, venture Dushyanth, who shared his can confirm – that it is a very tasty mango where participants could come up Speak” saw the training of 32 people in we’re socially incapable of dealing with thoughts on initiating an agriculture- often mistaken for the Alfonso mango with interesting areas. Our main content creation in Sinhala and Tamil. these situations and we tend to run away dominant project during a pandemic. made in India. The TJC mango is miles information is very centred around Taking place from May 2018 to from them, because we don’t know Speaking about Mango Friends and how it better than its Indian counterpart and was Colombo, but now we have people March 2019, Deshapriya held an open what to do,” said de Alwis. “‘Rajiniye’ came about, he said that as a Sri Lankan, created by Sri Lankan Tom Ellawala and writing from Jaffna, Vavuniya, call for content creators, and after careful explores the psychology behind that, and he has always felt we have something Filipino Dr. Juan Carlos. Ratnapura, and so on, who can interviews and testing, selected writers gives people an idea on how to handle very unique in our food, especially our He shared that during the pandemic, produce localised content and and videographers who had a wide-based these situations, as a victim and as a Lankan fruits. he has found that agriculture is a good Bakamoono worked as an amplifier approach to essential topics like sexual bystander. It also shows how men can However, he said that when it comes place to be, adding that as a Buddhist, he for their voices and reproductive health, virginity, and support women and help them by calling to mangoes, despite them being tropical believes in the Buddhist saying “arōgyā The Grassrooted Trust Director menstruation, in order to gauge their this out.” fruits, the mangoes that one would often paramā lābhā santuṭṭhiparamaṃ dhanaṃ”, come across and eat every day in Sri Paba Deshapirya understanding and approach to these In the long term, de Alwis shared which simply means that health is the best matters, before training them on topics that she hopes to do more music on social Lanka are not necessarily the best or profit you can have and happiness is the like gender identity, HIV, creative writing, causes and dive further into GBV in her organic. In his search for good mangoes is greatest wealth in life. He said he finds Dissanayake applied to the Voices and investigative journalism. work, explaining that music is a powerful how he met his collaborators. that food gives you happiness, and good and Choices grant scheme with the idea “Participants exceeded our tool to drive behavioural change. “If we “I found my partners at Mango and healthy living is the best way to go of teaching gender equality to children expectations by providing great content,” can stop one person, or change the mindset Friends when they were running a mango forward, adding that there has never been through puppetry. With the giant puppet Deshapriya said. “It made us realise that of one person on GBV, or help one person shop where they concentrate very much a better time to consider going organic. complete, Dissanayake then set out to gain you just need to find the right people and realise that their life is worth something on selling organic mangoes. This really We also spoke very briefly about Ministry approval for “Why? Saama” to build the right capacity. The project ended and prevent a suicide from taking place, intrigued my interest because they are how the pandemic has been treating perform in schools – a task much easier in 2018, but we still have some of this then that is a huge victory.” doing a business with so much purity and Dushyanth, to which he responded said than done. After much shuffling group with us, writing.” selling a product in its pure form,” said saying: “Honestly, the pandemic has from pillar to post, Dissanayake found For Deshapriya, the immediate Dushyanth, adding that he felt a sense of been good to me.” He also shared that it herself (then heavily pregnant) being outcome of “The Language We Speak” responsibility to promote this venture. has given him a lot of “me time”, a lot of summarily dismissed by the Western was that the group was able to provide “I felt as a Sri Lankan that this is time to think as well as to spend with his Province Education Department because Our society can be very closed to talking content in the local languages, while also what we need to nurture in a country family, his parents, and his friends. He she was wearing a knee-length skirt and about mental health, viewing it as having a group of young people who are where there is so much corruption and said this is a time where we can look at the Director “doesn’t like knees showing”. taboo. If songs talking about mental understanding of these concepts, and are backstabbing. If there is someone trying to life in a different way – to come to terms A social media post on the injustice of health can break that taboo and give open-minded. One writer, Deshapriya do some good, we need to cultivate it and with the fact that we have been living in the matter led to Dissanayake being youths, especially girls, the freedom to noted, works for the Sri Lanka Guardian, help take it out to the world.” a competitive world chasing success; this approached by schools individually to reach out and solve their problems, and has also used the Sri Lanka Guardian Dushyanth further explained what is a time for self-realisation, and the new perform “Why? Saama” to their students. then the healthier society will get as a platform to speak about issues like Mango Friends offers its patrons, sharing venture “Mango Friends” is something “Why? Saama” was then also eventually transgender and LGBTQ+ rights. Ashanthi de Alwis that they offer a particular mango named he believes to be something that echoes approved by the Ministry of Education, “It was a very positive experience “TJC mango” which grows in the dry that ethos. giving it acceptance at a national level. where participants could come up with “Why? Saama” takes place as a Looking to the future interesting areas. Our main information table-top puppet performance, following Dealing with GBV and gender bias is very centred around Colombo, but a day in the life of Saama, a little girl is very much a long game, and one that now we have people writing from Jaffna, from a normal family. Throughout the must be played on a variety of fronts, from Vavuniya, Ratnapura, and so on, who can performance, stereotypical questions social attitudes, to educational reform, to produce localised content and Bakamoono on gender are cleverly intertwined and freedom of information. Change, though worked as an amplifier for their voices,” addressed, with Saama questioning constant, cannot happen overnight, and Deshapirya said, adding, “Every story is stereotypes and looking to the audience these remarkable women are helping move newsworthy, and every story should be for their views, creating a safe, inclusive this change along through innovations heard, so it was very refreshing for me to space for children to enjoy, learn, and that inform the next generation, and in so see local content on Bakamoono.” engage in the presence of their teachers. doing, building the base for a new, more The content created by “The equal world. Mango drinks launched by Mango Friends PHOTO ESHAN DASANAYAKA

the sunday morning brunch editorial [email protected] 011 5200900 the sunday morning brunch 3 Sunday, December 27, 2020 LIFESTYLE

Private rooftop PHOTOS KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM with jacuzzi in the presidential suite

BY NAVEED ROZAIS The peaceful surroundings of Weerawila in the Southern Province now have a new claim to fame – the DoubleTree by Hilton Weerawila Rajawarna Resort. The 78-room property on Weerawila Lake (the first DoubleTree by Hilton resort in Sri Lanka) gives guests a tranquil escape located in the heart of the Weerawila Bird Sanctuary. The Sunday Morning Brunch was invited to take in the sights, sounds, and experiences of the DoubleTree by Hilton A TRANQUIL Weerawila Rajawarna Resort. The resort Exceptionally located, the DoubleTree by Hilton Weerawila Rajawarna Resort is located 25 km from the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA), just over half an hour away from the Hambantota SECOND HOME Port, and short distances away from several major national parks as well as the Kataragama Sacred City. DoubleTree by Hilton Weerawila Rajawarna Resort The resort itself is expansive, spread across 10 acres, and aims undiscovered haven for spotting to be one with nature. Built in birds and crocodiles and blocks, the hotel is designed to enjoying the experience of a create minimal disruption to the national park without the crowds. flight patterns of birds, especially If visiting a national park isn’t the migratory birds who fly really your thing, the resort is through Weerawila at certain times located near the Kataragama of the year. The buildings are Sacred City, the burial place also covered with lush creepers of one of Sri Lanka’s most to create a more hospitable beloved court jesters Andare, environment for the birds within monastic archaeological site the sanctuary. It is not uncommon Wedihiti Kanda, and the village to spot rare birds in the main areas Tissamaharama which is of the or on the way to your room. renowned for its pure buffalo The resort is built to be a curd. Guests can experience cooling environment with ponds Deluxe suite bedroom Karaoke lounge at Turnstone village life with citizens from strategically placed to cool the Ballroom foyer nearby villages through tours, building and features an energy- DoubleTree by Hilton Deluxe suite bathroom learning how to make curd and efficient management system that minimises Weerawila Rajawarna cooking traditional Sri Lankan food. wasted electricity and air conditioning. No Resort experience, with the with cutting-edge audio-visual equipment, trees were cut down during the construction resort offering exceptional dining Other amenities at the resort include the Pelican Boardroom for intimate business The experience of the resort, with all trees being relocated experiences through its two restaurants and a 24-hour fitness centre with Precor meetings, and the Lapwing Terrace for Staying at the DoubleTree by Hilton to other areas on the property and woven three bars, all named after unique birds that equipment (a DoubleTree by Hilton outdoor cocktails. Weerawila Rajawarna Resort was an into the design of the hotel where possible. frequent the Weerawila Bird Sanctuary. brand standard), a 49” HDTV with an absolute pleasure from start to finish. The resort heavily features the motif of the The all-day dining restaurant Spoonbill entertainment hub in each deluxe room, a The activities From the exquisitely appointed rooms Rajawarna tree which is unique to the area. features a wide variety of cuisines and dedicated yoga terrace, a rooftop wellness The DoubleTree by Hilton Weerawila to the outstanding food prepared by Sri The resort offers 78 guest rooms and international wines to suit any palace. spa that is one of the longest spas in the Rajawarna Resort is conveniently located Lanka’s only locally based Michelin-star suites, with each suite featuring a separate The exclusive rooftop seafood restaurant country, and a tea experience centre; close to Bundala National Park, Yala chef Nisanka Alawatta, to the cookie living and dining space complete with its Redshank offers guests delectable seafood Tea Jar by the Lake. The DoubleTree by National Park, Udawalawe National we received on arrival (it has been a own pantry. The presidential suite boasts with a stunning vista overlooking Weerawila Hilton Weerawila Rajawarna Resort is Park, Lunugamvehera National Park, DoubleTree brand standard since 1986 four bedrooms, its own elevator, a plunge Lake. The rooftop bar Nightjar allows guests also designed to be a modern meeting and Ussangoda National Park, Kirindi Oya that each and every guest is welcomed pool, a private gym, steam room, and deck to have a drink while looking east to west, entertaining space that can accommodate Estuary, and the Hambantota Dry Zone with a signature cookie baked in-house to with a jacuzzi. It is the only suite in the across Sri Lanka. The pool bar Hornbill an over 10,000-strong soiree. The Grand Botanic Gardens. The resort is surrounded a very specific recipe), to the warm and country that can be accessed independently allows guests a refreshing respite by the Rajawarna, the resort’s main ballroom, can by an abundance of nature and is nirvana welcoming staff, the DoubleTree by Hilton by guests, with vehicles being able to come pool, drink in hand, and the resort’s main bar accommodate up to 600 people (in a non- for nature-lovers. Weerawila Rajawarna Resort accomplishes right to the entrance of the suite. Turnstone offers indoor and outdoor seating, pandemic setting); other meeting and event The Bundala National Park, that most elusive feat that most hotels fail Food plays a huge part in the eight-ball pool, and karaoke. spaces include the Weaver Meeting room in particular, is something of an at. It becomes a second home.

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time of the year, usually his clients She did say that the reason why concerned about hygiene than they pretty much free on the 31st.” tend to be the younger demographic; we cannot compare previous years would otherwise. However, as a Johann Peiris, owner of The Looking forward... mostly those ranging from 18 to 24 to 2020 is the lack of functions that makeup artist, there really is no Cutting Station, also shared that who prefer to get seasonally themed are happening; people don’t really following social distancing rules, at timing has not been on their side, Beauty during Covid-19 when I’m booked for bigger events nails done like Santa Clause nails have that many events to go to. least not with her client, as they are stating that “as soon as the season Nadiya Fernando, pro-certified like shows and weddings, I hire and other festive themed nails. However, she said that weddings in extremely close proximity when kicked in, we had to go into a makeup artist and owner of The freelancers per event as necessary. I However this year, he has seen a have been happening a lot. “Our applying makeup. However, she lockdown which took a toll on the Wax Museum, shared with us how also moved my permanent makeup less walk-ins. Nevertheless, overall, people like to prepare when going to said that she at least would leave her industry”. He said that around 1 2020 has been for her business practice to the Ninewells Hospital he said that he has been blessed to a function like a wedding; they get mask on at all times when working. December, things did begin to pick and how she has approached this Beauty Centre and Skin Clinic. As have roots that have allowed him to their nails done, facials, etc.” She We asked her about the frequency up as people felt the need to get out. unprecedented turn of events. an entrepreneur, it’s important to continue with his work. added that hair colouring is quite of customers and whether it appears However, with New Year’s right She said that during the first know when to scale up and when to Ramani Fernando of Ramani popular this time of year as well. as though people are staying home around the corner, he said that what curfew lockdown, she researched cut back and work smart,” she said. Fernando Salons, who needs no She said that they’ve come across out of fear or because they are is happening is that most of the pandemics in the past, stating that A veteran in the industry, introduction, shared her thoughts on many weddings with three to four sticking to the Covid-19 guidelines, bigger events are all cancelled and history is a great teacher and there professional nail technician and the matter when asked how things functions where the bride has she quite frankly said that people it is only smaller private gatherings is much to learn from it. From her beautician Lucky Susil of Nails are different compared to last year, several changes, which, from their seem to want to go out a normal that are still happening. findings, she said that she soon by Lucky Susil said that it has and she said that we cannot compare point of view, has been positive. amount, but the only difference He said that due to the major realised that this situation was going been a difficult time for everyone, this year and any of the past years With regards to the future and is that there really aren’t a lot of hotels not holding their New Year’s to affect the industry for at least a particularly for those in the beauty that have come and gone, as what what’s to come, she said: “We can’t things happening for them to attend. Eve parties, there will be quite year and most likely even longer. industry, as Sri Lankans often don’t we are experiencing right now is really plan too much, we have to She added that, regardless, she a lull right after Christmas, and Especially considering that salon view beauty as an essential thing. truly unprecedented. However, she take things one day at a time.” personally does not book clients while there will still be a few who services require therapists and He said that the pandemic has made said that despite the safety concerns, on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s come and get their prep done going clients to be in very close proximity, it so that some industries have been with a lot of the newer clients who New Year celebrations Day as those are her days off, into the new year, it won’t be a their industry is one of the most made obsolete. However, he shared come to her calling and inquiring We also spoke to makeup artist but she would often come across considerable number. gravely affected. “With weddings that he is most grateful that having about the safety measures and the and hairstylist Dominique Sedra people wanting to make bookings He also shared his thoughts on – our big-ticket service – cancelled, been in the industry for nearly 20 risks involved, she said that her who shared her experience in nevertheless. This time however, whether the beauty industry can and also because of government years now, he has a loyal client base regulars have the confidence in her 2020 with regard to the people’s there have not been such requests. be considered an essential service, regulations that only allow limited who has followed him in his life’s to feel safe in coming to the salon. approach to beauty, especially in Nadiya Fernando too spoke of considering that he has a couple of salon services, I decided that I milestones and continues to come to She shared that thankfully, her relation to New Year preparations. the New Year celebrations for this salons in Australia, where it is in needed to cut my overheads. I him, pandemic or not. regulars are quite confident in She said that compared to the past year, stating that the frequency fact considered an essential service. decided for the moment to close He said that the important thing coming to her knowing that she is years, it is considered very slow. of customers coming in for New However, he said that while he the physical salon and find ways to about having a long-term client very stringent with all the safety “Usually during this time of the Year-related prep has certainly been personally believes it to be, as it work differently,” she said. base is the trust you build. He said measures, insisting that everyone year I am completely booked. low. She said: “I don’t expect many is a part of hygiene, the mindset is Since then, Fernando has adopted that his clients know that he is including the clients wear masks Starting December all the way parties to happen this New Year and different here, but there is genuine some fundamental changes. “I have responsible and that he would take the right way. Even if they do through January there are bookings. therefore, I expect a large decline concern with the fear psychosis a studio in my house to attend to my all necessary precautions and so, fuss a little, she insists that they However, this year, understandably in clients wanting processional that has set in due to the rise in clients. I also visit clients’ homes they can relax and come to him follow protocol as there are others things are very different,” she said. assistance in getting dressed up. In the second wave and he cannot for hair and makeup because some without worry. who come in who would feel She said that while it is a good the past, by 1 December, my 31st begrudge people who worry for clients are afraid to visit salons. And Lucky Susil said that during this uncomfortable otherwise. thing, people have been far more was fully booked. This year I’m their safety. 4 the sunday morning brunch LIFESTYLE Sunday, December 27, 2020 In the light of

A roundup of some of Colombo’s 2020 Christmas decor BY NAVEED ROZAIS As in all crises, the first things to go were entertainment. Cinemas are mainly While this year has been uncertain, closed, events cancelled, and gatherings to say the least, Christmas has discouraged or banned completely. And all prevailed through it all. The of this happened so close to Christmas in a year when all major holidays have had to pandemic reached Sri Lanka’s shores be celebrated in lockdown or at a minimal in March, the three-month lockdown scale. sent many industries reeling, then So what does Christmas look like in came a quiet period of recovery, and this new normal? The Sunday Morning then a second wave of infections Brunch visited a few more places in broke out, through which we are still Colombo to capture mid-pandemic fighting our way. Christmas decor.

Majestic City As always, Majestic City’s Christmas decor is inviting, with a large, traditional Christmas tree PHOTO ESHAN DASANAYAKA holding court in the main atrium with smaller trees dotted around the complex. There’s something Colombo City Centre nostalgic about the Christmas Colombo City Centre (CCC), ever committed to providing decorations at Majestic City, and a unique shopping experience, has wowed the public this year they can always be counted on with the largest Christmas tree in the country, measuring at 42 to give customers a traditional feet. Christmas experience. The theme this Christmas at CCC revolves around 3Cs: create, care, and celebrate. Care comes in with fostering small entrepreneurs, with CCC hosting the CAN Market Christmas Experience, a collection of small and micro-businesses selling goods during the festive season. Create comes in with the CCC creating activities each day for kids and adults alike. Celebrate comes in with the offers and variety on hand for customers to enjoy this year.

One Galle Face One Galle Face takes some cues from its sister establishment – Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo – in its Christmas decorations, following the same colour scheme of warm, welcoming reds and holly to create the concept of an enchanting festive season and project feelings of warmth, happiness, and togetherness. Decorations include a Christmas mill (a first in Sri Lankan Christmas decor), classic imagery of painted horses in the style Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct of The Nutcracker, and on the day The Sunday Morning Brunch 2020 has been a rough year for the Dutch Hospital Shopping dropped in, there was a very jolly Santa helping spread cheer and Precinct. Heavily reliant on tourists and offices in Fort for merriment. footfall, this year has seen the precinct struggle with the closing of international borders and the lockdown keeping people working from home for much of the year. Decorations at Dutch Hospital this year were subdued with a discreet row of reindeer and stars lining the facade of the complex with a touch of blue that lent an air of whimsy to the mood. Christmas trees at the main entrance highlighted the Christmas spirit, creating a charming, albeit lonely, picture. Colombo Christmas 2020 Colombo itself has seen many of its roundabouts and streets adorned with lights spreading the cheer beyond venues alone to the city at large. Christmas is a time when hardship is always overcome, and even the hardest of hearts soften. This year’s Christmas has shown that even in uncertain times, one thing that can’t be dampened is spirit, which we as Sri Lankans have a lot of. We have prevailed through this low-key Christmas and now we will move onto the next with hope in our hearts. And at the end of the day, that is what Christmas is all about. Hope. PHOTOS SAMAN ABESIRIWARDANA Chokolaate Magazine hosts finals of Voice It Voice It, an online debating of their homes. Universal College Lanka (UCL) CEO euthanasia for terminal patients” was competition organised by Chokolaate The young contestants at the grand Gihan Silva, accomplished trainer and debated upon by the two teams, with Magazine, concluded its grand finale on finale exhibited an extraordinary battle an international award-winning speaker differences of opinions being battled out 12 December, with Royal College and of opinions, which impressed organisers, Bernadine Jayasinghe, and professional poignantly. After an intense debate, Royal Wesley College featured as finalists. spectators, and judges alike. debating coach with three decades of College emerged champions of the first- The competition was held to provide The judging panel consisted of debating experience Zainul Mahas ever edition of “Voice It: In Pursuit of a platform for youth to explore an renowned personalities with experience Murshid. Dispute”. Janul De Silva was named the extracurricular activity from the comfort and skill in the debating field, namely, The topic “This house would legalise tournament’s Best Speaker. the sunday morning brunch 5 Sunday, December 27, 2020 Health

BY DR. DINESHANI HETTIARACHCHI SIRISENA Covid-19 cases are expected to rise with the holiday season. Many countries are now considering restricting movement to contain the virus. Alarm has spread yet again in the UK with the rapid spread of a new coronavirus variant. This new variant is said to transmit faster than the previous strains. We in Sri Lanka also need to be cautious as people are more likely to socialise during the holiday season, making it a hotbed of infection. Colombo has witnessed a rise in cases following the second wave and has started to plateau; by 20 December, it’s expected to rise again, Healthcare Collected and with people travelling outside Colombo, personnel samples carrying to test for numbers are increasing in other districts out rapid Covid-19 as well. In this backdrop, we spoke to Dr. antigen tests Dinu Guruge from the Epidemiology and Therefore, a testing strategy that includes Statistics Unit of the Colombo Municipal the use of rapid antigen tests to complement Council (CMC), who is working at the the current capacity for PCR testing will ground level implementing community lead to the more efficient management of testing. the current cluster and beyond,” it added. The journey thus far How to avoid becoming By 19 December, the number of a super-spreader reported cases in the city of Colombo In most countries thus far, the number of reached 10,000 (calculated since October deaths is lower than in the first wave; we now 2020). She stated that her team has been know more about the virus and know that working for two-and-a-half months without the second/third waves are usually driven by a break and has conducted over 57,000 younger people who have a lower death rate. PCR tests and over 10,000 rapid antigen Nevertheless, the long-term effects of this tests. This has resulted in them conducting ‘Tis the season not to be a wave are yet to be seen. the immediate transfer of more than 9,000 A super-spreader event is when a patients to hospitals and intermediate significantly large number of reported treatment centres. They have had to face Covid-19 cases can be traced back to a many challenges, including their staff particular event. There is a high risk of testing positive and the staff of the entire such events happening during festivities northern Colombo Medical Health Office in which a single individual can directly (MOH) areas being quarantined, resulting infect several contacts. Hence, we should in massive reductions in human resources. be cautious to take all precautions. They have had to restructure the workforce Although a super-spreader is an individual to overcome some of these deficiencies. super who undergoes more viral shedding and As such, the Public Health Department of transmission than others, it appears likely CMC has completely converted itself into a that environmental factors have a substantial Covid-19 taskforce to face the pandemic. role to play. Many studies have now claimed Dr. Guruge said that as a result, nursing that presymptomatic or asymptomatic officers of maternity and child welfare transmission is the main mode of spread centres are now “swabbers”, ambulance in these circumstances. The use of contact cleaners are now assisting PCR work, tracing and testing could be beneficial in and office staff have now become field detecting these individuals to prevent a data entry personnel. Amidst all these further lockdown. challenges, however, they have managed spreader There are a few factors we can be and still manage to test and serve the all council members of CMC who have gatherings, maintaining personal distancing, in the upcoming weeks. Detecting the mindful of this season. We know the people in the Colombo city. She also been supporting the efforts of the public and hand hygiene, all of which are evidence- antigen level has a place in the diagnosis disease is driven by aerosols, which are mentioned the enormous efforts and tireless health personnel in various ways. based approaches to minimise the spread, of respiratory illnesses such as the SARS- small particles made of saliva or respiratory contributions of healthcare workers such With such magnanimous efforts, can put thousands of lives at risk. Hence, CoV-2 virus. It detects the protein particles fluid. Hence, avoid close contact and as doctors, nursing officers, public health it’s prudent that people are aware of the during the holiday season, it is essential to produced by the virus, which are called touching contaminated surfaces (known as inspectors (PHIs), and all other support staff disease and how rapidly it can spread, as avoid more infections, complications, and antigens, which means they identify people fomites), which is a less common form of who are guided by the “man of steel and seen with the new strain that resulted in the the possibility of another wave. who currently have the viral infection. spread. Numerous studies have shown that strategy”, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. second wave of infections. We should also Rapid antigen tests are categorised transmission during indoor events is much Ruwan Wijayamuni who checks up on the arm the public with correct information Rapid antigen test as immunoassays and are viable higher than outdoors events. Hence, ideally, wellbeing of his staff and the city dwellers. so that they are well informed to reject In a news release in early November, complementary tests to nucleic acid we should conduct most activities outdoors, She also wished to personally false claims, especially when it comes to published by the World Health Organisation amplification tests (NAAT or PCR tests), but when not possible, air quality and proper thank Dr. Chandima Jeewandara, Prof. claims made regarding finding cures, as (WHO) Sri Lanka, it was stated that the which look for viral RNA in the sample, ventilation should be optimal. This should Neelika Malavige, and the Department such information can lead to mass hysteria, WHO Southeast Asia Regional Office and especially to identify high infectivity in undoubtedly go hand in hand with the use of of Immunology and Molecular Medicine making the spread even worse. It should be WHO Sri Lanka supplied 100,000 rapid a cluster or an outbreak, or when urgent masks and good hand hygiene. for providing PCR reports in 18 hours noted that behaviours that deviate from the antigen detection tests to support Covid-19 medical interventions are needed. It can aid and doing nearly 70% of all tests in the recommended guidelines such as wearing surveillance activities in Sri Lanka. An in epidemiological surveillance measures city; Dr. Anver Hamdani and Dr. Charith a facemask properly, avoiding unnecessary additional 100,000 was to be provided in the community and among healthcare About the writer Jayasinghe for helping with allocating workers or other exposed cohorts. These are The writer, Dr. Dineshani Hettiarachchi hospitals and treatment centres even for typically used outside of laboratories at the Sirisena, is a family physician with a the most complicated cases as well as for point of care and their turnaround time is special interest in attending to them promptly; Sohan De Silva short – between 10 and 30 minutes. rare genetic diseases and the 1990 Suwa Seriya ambulance crew “In the current context, Sri Lanka plans for their transportation services and for and regenerative to use this as a fast and efficient contact medicine currently transporting patients day and night; Induka tracing test to manage the current cluster Gannoruwa and all the medical laboratory working as a lecturer and for screening high-risk groups beyond at the Department of technicians (MLTs) and support staff; Dr. the cluster. The use of rapid antigen tests is Samitha Ginige, Dr. Thiraj Haputhanthri, Anatomy, Faculty of in line with the WHO technical guidance Medicine, University of and everyone at the Epidemiology Unit who and will allow the country to detect supported to streamline the containment Dr. Dinu Guruge with her Colombo, field staff, carrying out individuals with Covid-19 early and take Sri Lanka. efforts; and the Mayor, Commissioner, and tests in the city of Colombo the necessary steps to reduce transmission.

Private hospitals consolidate stringent new health and safety protocols The Association of Private Hospitals safety and precautionary measures aimed at best practices, and we’re proud of the lengths role in ensuring that all Sri Lankans continue patients and directing them to assigned and Nursing Homes (APHNH), the apex controlling the risk and spread of Covid-19 to which private hospitals have gone to ensure to receive quality and timely access to government hospitals; providing personal body representing all private hospitals and in hospital premises. a safe and healthy experience for patients and essential health services and routine checks. protective equipment (PPE) of the highest nursing homes in the country, reassured “Our association and its members staff. Healthcare workers really are frontline Some services private hospitals continue to standards as recommended by the Ministry patients and the general public that member are fully prepared and have enforced heroes, and hospitals are doing their best to provide include elective surgeries, mobile of Health, College of Microbiologists, hospitals remain committed to providing precautionary and safety measures keep them safe,” said APHNH Secretary Dr. laboratory services, and online medicine Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, access to safe healthcare services, despite recommended by local authorities and the Sunil Ratnapriya. delivery.” as well as the WHO to hospital staff; and challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic. World Health Organisation (WHO) to control “While the country’s national health Measures taken by private hospitals adhering to stringent infection control The association lauded the efforts taken and prevent the spread of the pandemic within services are geared towards fighting the include triaging patients efficiently with protocols and guidelines to ensure the safety by private member hospitals to strengthen hospital premises. We’ve replicated global pandemic, private hospitals play a critical rapid identification of Covid-19-suspected of all patients, visitors, and staff. 6 the sunday morning brunch CAUSE Sunday, December 27, 2020 How did SL rack up the highest annual ELEPHANT DEATHS IN THE WORLD? BY DINITHI GUNASEKERA put in numbers, in reality we are almost losing an Minneriya/Kaudulla (300-400 elephants), and elephant a day. Udawalawe (1,000 elephants). Over the past 12 months, the number “Unfortunately, there isn’t a quick fix to the “So if we are calculating ‘x’ amount of of elephants killed due to the Human- problem. The solution has to be multifaceted and elephants, how much money are we losing out Elephant Conflict (HEC) in Sri Lanka holistic,” said Miththapala. “The people have to as a developing country?” he questioned. “I’m understand what kind of animal the elephant is, focusing on the monetary aspect, because many was uncovered to be 407, as opposed firstly.” groups and activists have tried to show the to the previous annual average of 272. “The elephant is highly intelligent, policymakers all other aspects. My intention Environmental scientist and independent they move in herds and they move is to show what we’re losing out, in elephant researcher Dr. Sumith Pilapitiya in time-honoured paths and very a language they will hopefully told The Sunday Morning Brunch that specific corridors (alimankada),” understand.” despite this marking Sri Lanka as the explained the elephant expert. country with the highest number “They are not going to change Tough calls and the need of deaths, this is not news – this has their movements merely due to inculcate studies into been the case for the last decade. to the introduction of a human settlement in the midst of policy It only made headlines because Dr. Both Miththapala and Prithiviraj Fernando was asked to make their habitat, and you can’t make new corridors for them. Perera, echoing the sentiments a presentation on the HEC to the These are proven time and of many activists, affirmed Committee on Public Accounts time again by ample research that fences cannot be used as (COPA) in Parliament. conducted by Dr. Prithiviraj,” he the backup plan for each and every given scenario involving There are an estimated said. an elephant. “It has to be a carefully 7,500 wild elephants Dr. Prithiviraj is known for going Justice to Animals planned national effort,” Miththapala in Sri Lanka. as far as putting collars on elephants to and Nature Director Dominic Perera said. A majority track their movement patterns. Another As pointed out by the COPA, of these unsuccessful tactic used is to translocate 4,211 km of elephant fence had been deaths are “stray” elephants. They are used to constructed by 2016 to control the attributed certain comfort zones, and they are HEC, but had become inactive to the not going to move from them, in a short period of time. A rampant according to experts. whopping Rs. 86 million HEC “It’s an important thing is spent annually for the in the to realise and remember that maintenance of the electric country, which elephants are creatures that, fences, for bare minimum indeed, has been in the by nature, do not adapt. They results. news time and time again. will imply, figuratively, that “Once you have that According to other media reports, ‘this is my land, this is where information in hand, you COPA Committee Chairman my ancestors walked. I’m here have to realise, understand, Tissa Vitarana had stated that the and I will not leave’,” claimed and think about how you can number of people killed as result Miththapala. make development possible, while of the conflict has also increased Dr. Prithiviraj’s research evidently Environmentalist safeguarding elephants – one of the from an average of 85 humans shows that most elephants who are and wildlife biggest assets that the country truly has,” to 122 per year in the country. captured and translocated to the outskirts enthusiast Srilal Miththapala stated Miththapala. Animal rights advocate of their respective corridors will He shared that in certain instances, and activist Dominic Perera, somehow find their way back and on the you might even have to move certain human who is also the Director of way, they would get shot or hunted, and die. settlements to alternate lands. To make decisions Justice to Animals and Nature, to move people out when a population has a larger which is headed by the Bodhiraja An elephant’s worth elephant population density than humans, or vice Foundation, too noted the colossal It’s a very unfortunate situation in which versa, is extremely possible if the policymakers disparity between the number of we have this magnificent animal in Sri Lanka take heed of the ample research people are elephants being killed and the number where no other nation has such a high density of doing privately, he noted. “It will have to be a of calves being born. elephants such as ours. continuous step-by-step process of at least five “The pregnancy of an Asian Miththapala shared with The Sunday Morning years to understand and work towards a better elephant lasts nearly two years. At this Brunch that he is currently working on a study solution.” rate, in two years, there will be close to that calculates the economic value of an elephant 750-800 or more killings committed. If for tourism (only), and the initial findings denote What we can do now this continues for the next 10-12 years, that each elephant is worth Rs. 3-4 million, based off research in the areas of Yala (100 elephants), Activist Dominic Perera revealed that a major there is no question of a possibility of an part of his research undertakes studies on the extinction within our lifetime.” railway elephant conflict and the highway elephant The human-elephant conflict conflict. Moving into 2021 He identifies the human-elephant conflict As observed most commonly in the to be “one of the most difficult crises we are yet agricultural sector, and due to encroachment What we need to focus on to address”, as this requires a massive amount of habitats by humans as a result of unplanned  Pass the Animal Welfare Bill and of supportive infrastructure: the involvement urbanisation, Perera’s studies have shown that appoint a committee to oversee animal of a lot of ground personnel, many institutions, there are also remarkably high numbers of groups health, stray animals, livestock, technology, and most importantly, funds. that intentionally feed elephants to lure them into and wildlife in conjunction with the “If we can cut down 50% of these deaths, their areas, as spotted abundantly among owners appropriate departments: The Bill, it’s a big step forward. These numbers are much of small boutique hotels or guest houses. which was approved by the Cabinet earlier higher, as opposed to the numbers from 15- “They take photos of these wild elephants this year, is yet to be tabled in Parliament. 20 years ago,” he said. “There’s always going at their premises and then they advertise them. It According to other media reports, the Bill to be conflict, as the humans will never stop has become a money-making marketing tactic. I will be presented in Parliament early next encroaching on their homelands, but we can start believe that this is absolutely wrong,” expressed year). from lesser complicated issues.” Perera. “It also causes the unnecessary migration  Unregulated pet shops: Save animals Perera shared that electric fences are of elephants into areas which they would from the long hours they are kept under the something that did not work in the past, and otherwise not normally come into.” sun with little to no water and no proper would not work in the future. “You have to find As a habit, elephants would roam areas where medication. Dominic Perera shared that he a solution around the elephant, and not exclude they expect food to be, but when they do not get has seen a drastic increase in abandoned it. All solutions can involve an electric fence and what they are looking for, they would roam the street pups in contrast to incidents of some sort of a division.” surrounding areas to find a plantation of sorts and the past two years, which gives him fair feed on that crop, because that is what they came suspicion of a possible illegal meat trade; Tackling the elephant railway conflict: looking for, he elaborated. thereby, looking into the avenues of The ECHO Project “Once you teach an elephant a habit – it such a trade and eliminating it should be may be good or bad – it would last for extensive Perera shared with us an ambitious yet prioritised. highly promising project he is currently working periods of time. That’s how the elephant’s system  Protection of endangered species: works. If you are used to feeding elephants that are on: the ECHO project (Elephant Crossing Help Safeguarding the Sri Lankan elephant Operation), for which he is the inventor, designer, part of a herd, you would suddenly attract a whole and its wellbeing, securing the leopard group of elephants,” he explained. and manufacturer. population currently under threat – not He stated that taking the last five years into Perera also noted the wide circulation of only for teeth and skin but also meat – and media of elephants walking through hotel lobbies account, an estimated average of 20 elephants die following strict regulations under existing annually due to the elephant railway conflict – a on social media. “Mind you, that is not something no-kill policies, and imposing new policies that is normal, unless your hotel is in the middle of considerable amount of preventable deaths. where necessary. Furthermore, Perera is also concerned on the an elephant corridor – which it should not be – or  Protecting forestry religiously: As of the if they are intentionally feeding them.” domino effect behind the elephant railway conflict. year 2000, 60% of Sri Lanka was natural “If the night tankers carrying fuel and petroleum Where there is forestry, outside is a buffer forest cover. From 2001-2019, Sri Lanka zone, and you are ideally not supposed to topple over after colliding with an elephant, a lost 177 hectares of tree cover, equivalent larger environmental issue would be caused. It encroach into the buffer zones, let alone the to a 4.5% decrease in tree cover since the forestry, he explained. “The purpose of the buffer thereby has the potential to have an impact on the year 2000, according to the Global Forest vegetation and other species of flora and fauna, zone is to protect the wildlife, but they either build Watch. Post-independence, Sri Lanka had their facilities there, or use these zones as garbage and subsequently, to mankind.” 67% forest coverage, shared Perera. His plan is to resolve the issue through an dumps, attracting elephants.”  Look into local bodies and authorities early warning system that could be later deployed Need for a change in perspective that enact policies: The presence of into tackling the highway elephant conflict in qualified personnel is paramount, as well Environmentalist and wildlife enthusiast Srilal equal measure. “Sri Lankans have the right as the need for followup and leadership for PHOTO KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM Miththapala, adding that the current number is part to protect these animals, who are enlisted as the mission to align with a vision. of “dubious statistics”, stated that when roughly endangered, however they can,” he concluded. the sunday morning brunch 7 Sunday, December 27, 2020 GAMES/TOONS

SOLUTION FOR 13 DECEMBER withdrawals 63 “All That Jazz” 10 Proposal choreographer CROSSWORD CLUES Crossword 11 “__ had known ... “ 64 Suspension bridge support Across 50 Côte d’__ 91 Arrest 12 Standouts in a field 65 Surveillance plane acronym 1 Bend in pointe shoes 51 Court game word 92 “Which one will it be?” 13 One with net income? 66 Investigation 5 Style 52 Actress Lupino 94 Cheater’s device 14 Charity 67 Like much of Nebraska 9 Dark film genre 53 List of PGA players with 96 Emulate Earhart 15 Weather-monitoring gp. 68 Form of security 13 __ Sticks: drain-cleaning pictorial links to their bios? 99 “Silent Night” et al. 16 “Devil Inside” band 69 Balaban of “Definitely, aid 57 Fist bumps 100 The NFL had two of 19 African capital once known Maybe” 17 Sweet-talk 58 Action movie staple them in 2018 as Salisbury 70 Trunk 18 Barn-raising group 60 Worked with a crew, maybe 104 Brew with a hint of 20 Island east of Sumatra 71 Lebanese port 20 Worth a rave review, in 61 Utah range chocolate? 25 Alleviated 73 Dad’s and Mug show biz 62 Upper class 106 Gets a ride, but not a Lyft 27 It may be an X or an O 74 Much 21 University near Durham, NC 63 Graceful 108 Jazz club group 29 Seed pod 75 Chopin work 22 Half-off sale acronym 64 Checked out in advance 109 Cleveland’s lake 32 Conductor Zubin 80 Holey Italian bread 23 Destination for aficionados 66 Trojan king 110 Dorm diet staple 34 “M*A*S*H” figure 82 Reluctant 24 Workplace movie screen? 68 Some steaks 111 Puerto Rico’s 35 Vitamin spec 83 Loyal servant 26 Small Kia SUV 69 Contentious filings third-largest city 36 Perfect one of three meals? 84 Press 28 Street show 72 Swimsuit designer 112 U. of Maryland athlete 37 Bitcoin, e.g. 85 50-50 chance 30 “Dust in the Wind” rockers Gernreich 113 Like Span. o-ending nouns 38 Twirled 88 “Hang on ... “ 31 Tampico abode 73 Order to a construction 114 Nor. neighbor 39 Kauai breakfast restaurants? 90 It may be up, with “the” 32 Silas with a loom worker? 115 Test for jrs. 40 Vaulted 92 Opine, with “in” 33 Chicago-to-Indianapolis dir. 76 __ polloi 116 Summer quaffs 41 Donovan of “Clueless” 93 Promoted to excess 43 Title Kazakh in a 2006 spoof 94 Around 34 Good news, in a metaphor 77 Utah Valley University city Down 37 Chill-inducing 78 Corrida cries 44 Win by __ 95 Trip odometer function 1 EPA-banned toxins 45 Beat anxiously 96 Throaty attention-getter 38 Prepared for surgery, 79 Diamond’s opposite, on the 2 Chicago district, with “the” in a way Mohs scale 46 Brand that once sported 97 Aloe __ 3 “Othello” villain a crocodile 98 Flower from the Greek 42 Titles for attys. 80 Parachute necessity 4 Event in a classic William 43 Apple product for 81 Ovine cry 51 Bye that’s bid for “rainbow” Peter Blatty novel 53 Stiffly proper 100 Second place? unmarried men? 82 Apple media player for 5 Half a ‘60s quartet 47 Frites seasoning silly songs? 54 “True dat!” 101 “A horse is a horse” horse 6 Last of 24 55 Intimidate 102 Cork’s home 48 Generate, with “up” 86 __ facto 7 Cut into cubes 49 “I Left Something 87 E.T.’s Earth pal 56 Type of whiskey 103 Absorbs, with “up” 8 Upper left key 59 Assert 105 Deviate from a course Turned __ Home”: 1997 89 Eat away 9 Like some ATM Trace Adkins hit 90 Day of the PGA 61 Cold War enemy 107 Conk NOTE WE HAVE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED SELECTING WINNERS FOR THE CROSSWORD OWING TO THE CURRENT SITUATION. WE WILL RESUME SELECTING WINNERS WHEN POSTAL SERVICES RESUME FULL OPERATIONS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING. STAY SAFE.

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

Agency. All (Answers next week) rights reserved. (Last week’s) 8 the sunday morning brunch EVENTS/PEOPLE Sunday, December 27, 2020 INIVOS and UK’s Muzulu partner PHOTOS SAMAN ABESIRIWARDANA to offer enterprise solutions INIVOS Consulting, a Sri Lankan Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions provider, announced its partnership with Muzulu, a UK-based provider of ERP business solutions. The partnership aims to support a wider base of customers globally, with an initial focus on Sri Lanka and Europe. Both INIVOS – a channel partner for IFS and also an end-to-end corporate From left: INIVOS Managing Director business solutions provider – and Muzulu Asanga Marasinghe and Muzulu – both a channel and services partner for Partner/CTO Ravi Edirisinghe IFS in the UK – share a unified vision to Our implementation teams have a track provide quality, focused ERP solutions record of delivering successful global What to expect at and consultancies to empower business ERP projects. Working with INIVOS, processes. we see a huge opportunity to use our This partnership, in the form of a successful, solution-focused approach joint venture, opens new avenues for the to deliver even greater success for both two value providers to expand market Muzulu’s and INIVOS’s current and Hilton’s new all-day club opportunities in each other’s regions. future customers.” Having demonstrated its determination Muzulu Partner/Chief Technological BY VENESSA ANTHONY to enter the Sri Lankan market, Muzulu Officer Ravi Edirisinghe said: “When has chosen INIVOS as its collaborative, we look at Sri Lanka’s software and Sunset Blu, Hilton Colombo’s go-to market partner in Sri Lanka. ICT sector, we can see a shift in how latest venture, was launched on 17 Sunset Blu Sharing his thoughts on the knowledge and skills are valued in the December. Situated at the Hilton partnership, INIVOS Managing Director industry. Traditionally, it had a big poolside, it’s the ideal location for Asanga Marasinghe said: “We are focus on the software development and looking forward to working with Muzulu, programming aspects. However, with this club, with the view of high-rise a company that has vast experience in most of the pioneering ICT companies buildings, the waterfront, and the various industries. This venture is a win- reaching their maturity levels, the gorgeous sunset that paints the sky win for both companies, as we are able to industry has started to give much more in magnificent hues. mutually expand our services across both prominence to consultancy-based This new all-day club, with the tagline Asia and Europe. services. “Eat, Drink, Play”, will be open from 11 Dominic Kellar Manesh Fernando “We always choose the right “This is equally true for both a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunset Blue features an partnerships at the right time, which technical resources and business exquisite menu, where you can choose is why we are fast becoming the knowledge-oriented resources. And this from a range of oven-fresh pizzas, soups, preferred choice among world’s leading is why Muzulu believes this is the right grills, etc. and the drinks menu is no organisations. Key pillars such as time to venture into Sri Lanka. INIVOS simple affair either. Sunset Blu’s very flexibility, fast and real-time access to has a great track record of acquiring the own mixologist has curated a variety of market insights, and a customer-centric best talent available in the industry. They cocktails using local spirits to suit the local approach, have propelled us to where we have proven that they have gotten the taste buds. are today, and we will continue to uphold formula right when it comes to building The club also boasts a snooker table, them in our new journey with Muzulu.” skilled professional teams. We believe foosball table, dartboard, and many more Muzulu Ltd. Partner/Chief with this industry background in place, games, so you stay entertained while you’re Executive Officer Hamish Johnson said: and the ‘perfect business partner’ match, served food and drinks. The massive TVs Jade Jiggens Tehani Chandrasena “Forming this venture with INIVOS is both Muzulu and INIVOS can go a long lining the walls of the establishment allow an extremely exciting move for Muzulu. way together.” you to catch current games happening live while enjoying the night with friends and family. spicy chicken burger, devilled wings coated The club is constructed in a way that in devil’s sauce and nai miris, and fish shows off a 360-degree concept. On one balls. The cheese and kochchi sticks were side, you get the lounge by the entrance, a hit amongst everyone, a definite must- and there’s also the beds and deck chairs try – while they do have chillies in them, by the pool. If you want more of a relaxed they’re mildly spicy, so anyone with a low atmosphere, you can choose to sit by the tolerance for spice can enjoy them. game room. Wherever you choose, you are The spicy chicken burger was promised comfort and amicable service. incredibly filling, with a large portion of Dinushka Chandrasena Asanka Sahabandu The Morning Brunch spoke to Hilton chicken sandwiched between two soft it’s a great representation of our tropical Food and Beverage Manager Kapila brioche buns. I would say the fish balls island. SunsetBlu, their signature drink, is Mohotti on their concept for Sunset Blu. were the most unique dish of the night: Soft a beautiful blue glass of heaven, made with “There is a huge demand for live music and fish in a crispy-fried wrap, with a dollop of gin, apple juice, sour mix, and a hint of an entertainment space these days where kochchi lime sauce on top. vanilla and blue curacao – it’s exquisite in people can come and enjoy some good food We also indulged in their signature every way. DWC Director – Veterinary Dr. Tharaka Prasad, WNPS General Secretary Jehan CanagaRetna. in a relaxed setting, and thus, Sunset Blu range of cocktails: SunsetBlu, Colombo DWC Director – Administration Gamini Mahagamage, DWC Director – PA Management Manjula was born. Amararatne, and DWC Director – Operations, Planning, and ICT Ranjan Marasinghe Colada, and Kopi Kade Story. Hands down, Bid 2020 goodbye at Sunset Blu “This is a beach club concept. the Kopi Kade Story was a crowd-pleaser; There will be five renowned DJs Unfortunately, with the situation with the made with vodka and paired with coffee playing on New Year’s Eve to kick off pandemic and the restrictions, we can’t liquor, treacle, and a shot of espresso, no the year with a bang. We were also told Insurance scheme covering make a big noise asking people to come coffee lover can go wrong with this drink. that if guests wish to host a small party, and party. But we aim to have at least 200 Next up, the Colombo Colada is arrangements can be made in terms of 2,500 DWC employees people attending on weekends.” exactly what the name sounds like – a twist seating and food. We had the opportunity to sample on a pina colada. Made with pineapple Pop on over to Sunset Blu for some some of the chef’s recommendations off churned with vanilla, cinnamon, a hint of chill vibes, good music, and even better food Life insurance facilitated by the WNPS the food menu: kochchi and cheese sticks, coriander, and a dark rum float, served iced, and drinks. With 62 sanctuaries, 26 national parks, nine nature reserves, and three strict nature reserves under their purview, employees of the Department DHL starts international Covid-19 vaccine distribution of Wildlife and Conservation (DWC) have their work cut out for them. First batches of vaccine More flights to various countries Ready with 9,000 specialists Human population expansion and growing development goals have dispatched to Israel scheduled for 2020 and beyond and logistics network brought on an inevitable conflict DHL, the leading global pandemic history. That’s the between people and wildlife, and the brand in the logistics industry, purpose of Deutsche Post DHL DWC is tasked with solving the much has commenced the international Group – connecting people talked-about human-elephant conflict distribution of the Covid-19 and improving lives,” stated (HEC), human-leopard conflict, and vaccine. For the provision of DHL Global Forwarding Head human-crocodile conflict, to name a WNPS General Secretary Jehan CanagaRetna its citizens, the Government of of Global Airfreight Thomas few. For some field officers, a workday sharing the policy document with DWC Director of Administration Gamini Mahagamage Israel received the first batch of Mack. may drag on for 24 hours and they the vaccine with flights operated In addition to the first flights may be required to put their lives at WNPS hopes to continue the policy in by DHL Express and DHL to Israel, DHL is preparing risk while tackling illegal activities the following years. The cover is Rs. Global Forwarding last week. to carry out further flights in such as poaching raids. Tragically, 500,000 per incident and in order for “After numerous months December with vaccines from eight departmental officers have died an employee to be covered, the incident of preparation, we are happy its worldwide operating hubs. and 54 have been involved in various would have to occur during the active that our mission of vaccine have the necessary personal “The development of a More than 9,000 specialists accidents during the last five years of duty of the DWC employee. Up to 10 distribution has now started and protective equipment and test coronavirus vaccine is a silver work across DHL’s dedicated service. incidents per year will be covered by we could contribute our logistics kits to secure their health. lining, and we are proud to play global network so that In light of this, the Wildlife and the programme. expertise and capabilities to Now we are embarking on the an active role as the most global pharmaceutical, medical devices, Nature Protection Society (WNPS) is WNPS wishes to thank Wealth make the vaccine accessible next step in our common fight logistics provider in bringing clinical trials and research proud to initiate Sri Lanka’s first-ever Trust Securities Ltd., Capital Alliance worldwide,” said DHL Express against the coronavirus. Our this silver lining to people. organisations, wholesalers and life insurance policy for the employees Group, Mercantile Investments Ltd., Head of Global Network teams across 220 countries With our extensive logistics distributors, as well as hospitals of the DWC. The much-anticipated Eco Maximus, Chena Huts – Yala, Operations and Aviation Travis and territories and our global expertise in the life sciences and and healthcare providers are programme offers life, permanent, Tharindu Wijeyesena, and Roshaan Cobb. “The current crisis has network as the backbone of healthcare sector paired with connected across the value chain and partially disability cover to all Hettiaratchi, all of whom were shown how indispensable cross-border Express logistics the commitment and passion and through digitalisation, from DWC employees from 1 November instrumental in donating towards the international logistics networks are ready to deliver anytime and of our people, we want to play clinical trials to point of care and 2020 until 31 October 2021, and the insurance premium. are for ensuring that societies anywhere.” our part in making the corona every step in between.

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