Wednesday 16 JUNE 2021

From Conflict to Coexistence

See on page 4

TV at its Blindsiding Best

See on page 3

This is Going Channel the to Upset Some of You By Aunty D Ceylon Today Features

Have you ever stood in a room and had to explain why your dad’s name is saved Cake-Doctress as his name and not dad, or why you don’t By Priyangwada Perera really talk much to your parents or why Ceylon Today Features your relationship with them is strained. Or any of the other million things people “Amma, you don’t need to make my birthday ask you when you make any sort of cake this year. We are having a tough time inclination that you just don’t like your looking after grandma. There is no point spending parents. all that time and energy making the cake. Let us buy,” I tell my mother. “Oh no, no way. How can I And why is that? skip making your birthday cake? I have done so I suppose we are to be grateful to them for all these years. Plus, who wants to cut a shop- for giving us life, and in some occasions bought cake for a birthday?” she replies, giving us an education and a place to live devastated. That is how it is, with traditional and keeping us alive for as long as they mothers. For them, cooking or baking is all about did. But hear me out; as much as we need love. Even with the money to spend, even if they to be grateful for that, we also need to know the best place to buy a cake, it hurts their understand that it is what they signed up pride. The thought does not agree with their for. image of motherhood. None of us were pressuring our parents Vidushi Gunasekara is someone who knows to give birth to us from the ‘great beyond’ this very well. With a mother who excels in or wherever you believe you are from, it cookery, Vidushi herself is a lover of baking and was a conscious (hopefully) decision made cooking. But she will tell you how lazy she is to conceive a child and to give the child a when it comes to weighing and measuring basic upbringing and a good life. Every and the calculations. “I am too lazy to child is born deserving of this; let’s get do the math,” Vidushi laughed that clear. out loud. Whether you credit Bill Gates or Why would a child dislike Frank B. their parents? Gliberth Snr, the Well, in my experience the only people I statement ,“I know who stay away from their parents will always have reason to. Some parents do choose a lazy difference in her cakes is that unspeakable things to their children and person to do a they are super moist. then sweep it under the carpet or don’t difficult job because “Someone seeing me pouring acknowledge the damage that has done. a lazy person will the batter would question They refuse to talk about it and society find an easy way to do whether the final cake would and the pressure put on children to it,” the same worked for ever be possible to be cut ‘always respect their parents no matter Vidushi. To make it with a knife. Of course, the what’ leaves children who went through easier for many of us who cakes with a glaze you have absolute abuse in the hands of their want to get the hard part to eat with a spoon,” the Cake parents having to ‘show respect’ to them. done, and make the cake Doctress explained. The best Why should you keep your ourselves, she now provides part is that all these cakes can the magic – the cake be made in mere 5 minutes, mouth shut? ingredients. without the baking time. You need It was her sister’s aunt-in-law just one bowl. On her Facebook Besides the obvious reason that you who gave her a book on cake Page, as the Cake Doctress, she shouldn’t force your opinions on others, recipes long ago. There, Vidushi explains everything in detail. The videos there’s also the fact that some people have discovers that the secret is in the of herself making the very cake are freely been through things because of their cake mix. “Whatever the cake is, there is a base. available. No secrets not mysteries. Vidushi is parents that they can’t really talk openly It is either white cake mix for vanilla, devil’s food not the kind of chef who would want you to mess about. We unfortunately live in a world mix for chocolate cake. White cake mix has no up the process. She takes great delight in where parents physically, emotionally and egg yolk and the yellow cake mix is with egg yolk. making others happy. sexually abuse their own children. The Every recipe book has these bases. Every cake in A lot of great chefs who cook commercially statistics are crazy and most of these the book more or less depends on these three hardly have time to be cooking for their loved things go unreported, especially in the cake bases. What I have done is, for each base I ones. She does not fall into this trap. Vidushi is ‘middle class’; the chances of us moving provide five recipes of cakes you can make.” the aunt to call a nephew and ask what kind of a with people who have been through But if you think you are going to get the cake he would like on a random day, because she similar experiences are really high. ingredients of just a normal butter cake or a missed his birthday. When the kid says he wants So just because you strongly believe that chocolate cake, you are mistaken. Her cakes are a pink heart shaped cake that tastes like ‘disrespecting or disconnecting’ from your exotic. There is a Jelly Cake made with simple strawberry, this aunt goes in search of such a parents is a sin or unethical, in some ingredients. You would be amazed at what three cake tray. Instead of just putting on some instances it may be absolutely necessary eggs, oil or margarine and a cup of curdled flavours, she buys the best strawberries, comes for a person’s emotional well-being. buttermilk can do. The specialty of Vidushi’s cake home to make the strawberry puree and makes Moving forward mixes is that you need not make the same old the biggest, strawberry cake in the shape of a cake repeatedly, even if you become a fan of it. heart, all for her nephew. She is one of those rare I think society should come to a place of Monotony is not Vidushi’s way and that is why human beings who spread love and cheer. If you being willing to see things for what they for each base, you also get five different recipes are struggling taking care of a sick family really are. The current generation is finally Vidushi is the Cake Doctress on Facebook. member and having a tough time, you might get a starting to put an end to the redundant Creativity is her plus point and her imagination, call from Vidushi. She would inform you that she system of respecting undeserving people endless. Experimenting is something Vidushi is Vidushi Gunasekara is going to drop in for 10 minutes and when she simply because they are older than us. always ready for. She is known for her love of does, she has a unique home-made cake for you. And no, the opposite of respect shouldn’t cooking mostly because she is one who makes all time to do all this. That is because cooking is That is why Cake Doctress is such an apt name be disrespect in this instance but the kinds of dishes and cakes and feeds her family something she is passionate about. for her. She also delivers her cake mixes and the ability to politely avoid people and and . In spite of being a teacher of English According to Vidushi, all the cakes in the credit is all yours when you make the cake situations that disturb a person’s inner and Science, teacher and examiner of Speech and stores are with a 520g base. It is with this base yourself. Cake Doctress is definitely your butter- peace; whatever or whoever that may be. Drama and an IELTS coach, she still finds her that one experiments with. The biggest half, alive and caking. Just think about it. c2 wednesday 16 june 2021 Sneak Peeks LOOK But First… Harrison Spotted! Grab your cosmos. And Just Like That, the new series, kicked off production. But first, Sarah Jessica Parker paid a visit to Carrie Bradshaw’s famous apartment. “Pure coincidence AND JUST LIKE THAT, we find ourselves on this street called Perry the night before it all begins again,” the actress, 56, wrote via Instagram. “MPK, here we go. And I’m thrilled and terrified. X, SJ.” Harrison Ford has been pictured The yet-to-be titled film is also set to Kristin Davis, who is set to filming close to the Scottish border as star former Bond villain Mads reprise her role as Charlotte York he reprises his role as Indiana Jones. Mikkelsen and Fleabag’s Phoebe Waller in the new show, commented on Ford, 78, will play the famous Bridge. the photo, “Hahaha- ME Too adventurer for a fifth time, in a Ford has said the film, which is to be xoxo.” Willie Garson, who will blockbuster film set for release next directed by James Mangold and return as Carrie’s BFF, Stanford summer. produced by Steven Spielberg, will be Blatch, added, “Let’s go!!!!” The star has been filming in the U.K. his last as the archaeologist and Parker, who also serves as an over the past week, and has been adventurer. executive producer on the pictured out and about in Newcastle, Filming has also taken place at North series with Davis, 56, and Cynthia where part of the movie has been shot. Yorkshire Moors Railway in Pickering Nixon, shared a photo of the cast’s It is thought Northumberland’s and Grosmont. first table read. Bamburgh Castle has also been used Few details have been released about “1st Table Read. Got here way too as a location for the production. the film’s plot, but it is set to hit early,” she captioned the Instagram And recently, Ford was pictured in cinemas in July 2022. post, which showed her script, as his famous hat and jacket close to the It has been 13 years since the release well as the place settings for Nixon, Leaderfoot viaduct near Melrose, with of the last film in the Indiana Jones 55, Davis, Garson, 57, Mario a production crew in tow. franchise, with Indiana Jones and the Cantone, Chris Noth and new cast Social media users had speculated Kingdom of the Crystal Skull in 2008. member Sara Ramirez. “Nerves all the production was coming to the Ford first played Jones in a wonderful jumble.” Scottish border earlier in the week, 1981’s Raiders of the Lost Ark, which is One day prior, Garson opened up episodes,” the White Collar alum don’t believe it’s either of those when signs started to appear close to celebrating its 40th anniversary this to Us Weekly exclusively about said. “These are And Just Like things. It’s new episodes about the area to warn of closures of public year. what to expect from the new series That episodes. … It’s an easy thing people that we know and their places. (thenational) — and why it’s not a “reboot” or to talk about, you know — lives now, which has nothing to do “revival,” in his eyes. remake, reboot, they use all these possibly with their lives 10 years “These are not Sex and the City horrible words — and for us, I ago.” OTH Alert Gone, But Not Forgotten!

starting One Tree Hill over again, really For anyone who’s ever pondered kind of hit me,” she tells PEOPLE. “I whether they’re a Brooke, a Peyton or a was like, this show has something Haley, the stars of One Tree Hill are magic about it. It feels really evergreen here to provide a new weekly to so many people.” obsession. The announcement comes after Sophia Bush, Hilarie Burton-Morgan Bush, Burton and other cast and Bethany Joy Lenz have reunited to members have opened up over the Ellen Pompeo is still hanging out for dinner?” he asks, as Ellen an even more heartbreaking way in relive and ‘reclaim’ nine seasons of years about the inappropriate with two of Grey Sloan Memorial laughs. 2020. His character, Dr. Alex their beloved CW teen soap with a new behaviour they say they experienced Hospital›s most beloved doctors. As fans will recall, Eric portrayed Karev, unexpectedly left iHeartRadio podcast Drama Queens, while filming the hit series, most Recently, the Grey’s Anatomy Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey’s Seattle and his wife Jo (Camilla PEOPLE can exclusively reveal. notably from show creator Mark star took to her Instagram Story to Anatomy for six seasons, before the Luddington) in order to reunite After finding joy in her own Work in Schwann. (Schwahn has never spoken share a video of her new dinner so-called ‘McSteamy’ died in a with his former spouse, Dr. Izzie Progress podcast, Bush, 38, says she about any of the allegations.) companions, Eric Dane and Justin tragic plane accident in 2012’s Stevens (Katherine Heigl), and the figured it was the perfect time to “So let’s be very clear that it feels Chambers. In the video, Eric and season nine alongside Chyler twins he did not know he had. All revisit One Tree Hill for a new podcast. great to be executive producing this Ellen pose for a pic as Justin—who Leigh’s Lexie Grey. Jo got was a letter, and all fans got “Quarantine hit and I was doom podcast together,” Bush raves. “We’re is sporting a bleached-blonde While Grey’s Anatomy is was a voiceover-only performance scrolling like everyone else. And the like, ‘Oh, who’s in charge? We’re in hairstyle these days—comes up notorious for killing off a lot of its from Justin in his final episode. number of people who were posting charge.’ Yeah. We’re in charge and it’s behind them and pretends to be medical professionals, Justin’s (But we’re not bitter or anything!) about how in this really scary time at great. I love it. I love a reclamation.” their waiter. “What would you like time on the show ended in perhaps (usweekly) the start of the pandemic, they were (people)

Cover Girl Christine Quinn hit the magazine stands in Los Angeles

White Hot Cheetahlicious Girls’ Day Hi, Goldie! Anne Hathaway braced the Nicky Hilton stood out in Duchess Kate and Jill Goldie Hawn waved to NYC heat in a white long-sleeve animal print in New York Biden both rocked pink for onlookers in Manhattan blouse on the set of We Crashed City an outing in West Cornwall LOOK tv wednesday 16 june 2021 c3 TV at its Blindsiding Best Review: Mare of Easttown By Rebecca Nicholson to ramp up the stress. The Silence been a wonder to witness, as she track. of the Lambs creepiness that digs down in the dirt to play There are two episodes to go, *Spoiler alert* radiated from Potts, in his characters roughed up by life. which will, presumably, reveal The thriller starring Kate crumbling old bar, the banging Mare is a terrible mother, who killed Erin, a mystery that Winslet as a small-town sleuth pipes, the realisation that Mare, according to her daughter, she is now sees even more suspects in has ramped up the stress levels suspended from duty, did not mean and cold to her dates (poor the frame. I knew James McArdle’s from tense to horrific. have a weapon, the loud music, Zabel!) and her ex-husband, she is deacon was a villain, because you I get through so much television suddenly cut, the chase through fixated on work, to the extent that don’t cast McArdle to hang about that my twist-spotting abilities are the house, the tray to the head … she accidentally rugby-tackles a in the background dispensing now at full fitness. I am a spoiler it was a fitting way to end what man with dementia after communion wafers. But he denies athlete, trained and ready for the appears to have been a red herring mistaking him for a prowler, and the murder, while admitting viewing olympics. I roll my eyes at in the Erin McMenamin murder she does bad things, like planting everything else that makes him any ‘sudden’ reveal, groan that it case, and it all came together as a drugs on the mother of her look very suspicious. The twist had been so obviously signposted result of Mare’s dogged detective grandson, in the hope that she that Erin’s friend Jess and short- from episode one. work. won’t get custody of him. fused ex-boyfriend Dylan are But episode of Mare of It became obvious that this is a Yet despite Winslet’s deeply involved in a cover-up Easttown, Illusions, blindsided story of grief and how people live magnificent performance, and the came as another surprise. And me. The Kate Winslet-led thriller with it, of families being torn intricacies of the whodunnits at now Billy, Erin’s cousin (I had to took a turn for the even darker by apart, not just by kidnappings and hand, Mare of Easttown almost look that up; I was slightly lost in killing off (I assume – he looked murder, but by prescription lost me at episode four. I had been the Billy/John/Kenny family tree) pretty dead to me) the puppy-like drugs, illegal drugs, affairs and wary since the first episode ended is acting suspiciously about the Colin Zabel (Evan Peters), just as suicide. As a portrait of modern with a slow, lingering shot on time Erin came to stay with him. he and Mare found the man who America, it is not flattering, and Erin’s naked body – a screen What are the odds that his had kidnapped Katie Bailey and the series is rarely a light watch. cliché that should have been abandoned bottle of Rolling Rock Missy Sager. After Line of Duty, a But it does carry itself with a abandoned long ago, and seemed ends up in a bag, to be sent off by short break from painfully tense, sense of humour, and occasionally at odds with the show’s overall Mare for DNA testing? edge-of-the-sofa, scream-at-the- tips into the farcical: Mare’s ethos. When episode four closed This week’s episode revealed a screen TV was necessary. But mother, Helen, is knocked over by with the reveal that Katie and less predictable beast. Whether it from the moment the detectives a screaming teenage lesbian, a cop Missy had been kidnapped by a fulfils this late burst of promise in knocked on the door, and the is scared of blood, Helen (again) then-mysterious man, I thought, its final two episodes remains to camera moved slowly towards the finds herself the unwilling subject oh, it’s this kind of show. But be seen, but I assume now that I Bennie’s Tavern sign, I was of an unfortunate eulogy given for somehow, wrapping it up as will be gripped, and surprised, terrified. This was horrific and her neighbour. quickly as it did, and saving the until the very end. riveting, choreographed perfectly The Winslet renaissance has young women, got it back on (theguardian) It Almost Made the Cut! The second episode of Arrowverse show ‘intentional reason,’ “It got cut out for time, Superman & Lois nearly featured a reference but when Lois quits [The Daily Planet] and to Clark's cousin Supergirl via one of Lois' she’s walking down the hall towards the pictures. elevator and she grabs some things from her Superman & Lois attempted to include an desk, one of the things she’s holding is a Easter egg for fellow Arrowverse show picture with her, Kara and Clark. There’s been Supergirl, but it sadly ended up being cut. The this weird set of circumstances where, newest series to enter The CW's expansive because of production or timing or COVID, Arrowverse, Superman & Lois, has almost everything in the show that was related to the been a long time coming. Tyler Hoechlin's Arrowverse has gotten pulled out. It’s just iteration of Clark Kent, aka Superman, first another one of those things.” debuted in the second season premiere of Since much of Clark's early adventures in Supergirl all the way back in 2016. Over the the Arrowverse surrounded his relationship years, he would continue to make guest with Kara, it's a shame Superman & Lois was appearances on the show and in various unable to include this little reference to her. Arrowverse crossover events. The most recent, It's a subtle way of showing that just because Crisis on Infinite Earths, laid the groundwork Supergirl can't fly into Smallville doesn't mean for Superman & Lois. Clark and Lois have forgotten about her. In The series premiered in February and future seasons, this could've been rectified by plunged viewers into a new kind of Superman actually including some kind of crossover. show. Thanks to the lasting effects of Crisis on However, it's unclear if that will ever happen. Infinite Earths, Clark and his wife Lois Just as Superman & Lois kicked off, Supergirl (Elizabeth Tulloch) are the proud parents of entered its final season. Depending on how two teenage boys. As a result, Superman & Supergirl ends, Kara could perhaps make Lois is part superhero adventure, part appearances on Superman & Lois further domestic drama. down the line. The first five episodes of the series have The Arrowverse has been forced to endure a dealt with topics such as son Jordan's (Alex lot of changes this season, and not only Godzilla Singular Garfin) budding superpowers to Clark facing a because of the ongoing pandemic. The cut strange new enemy, Captain Luthor (Wolé Supergirl Easter egg on Superman & Lois just Parks), not to mention the general struggles goes to show how much gets altered in baked within Smallville. television, even when it's for something as Superman & Lois can feel very contained, simple as time. Luckily, even if it isn't always Point to Release but there was an attempt to connect to the apparent on screen, fans can rest assured broader Arrowverse. As showrunner Todd that the Arrowverse is all connected. Plus, Helbing told TVLine, the second episode of the maybe another Supergirl reference will wiggle series actually included a reference to Kara its way into Superman & Lois later this Danvers (Melissa Benoist) in the form of a season! Anything can happen when it comes picture. Fans could've gotten a quick glimpse to superheroes. on Netflix of Supergirl, but it ended up being cut for no (screenrant)

Netflix has unveiled a new image for Godzilla: Geeked account on Twitter to share with fans a Singular Point, showing the titular monster's look at the new design of the iconic kaiju and his powerful design and announcing the anime series memorable atomic breath. Netflix also announced will hit the streaming platform globally on 24 that the anime series would finally reach global June. Written by Toh EnJoe and directed by audiences on 24 June after initially debuting in Atsushi Takahashi, the series centres on a grad Japan in March. student and an engineer whose separate The news of the anime series' debut comes a investigations lead them to hear the same song. little over a month after the first subtitled trailer They realise they must come together to lead the dropped for it but also in a month in which anime fight against an unimaginable force that may fans won't have many new titles to look forward to spell doom for the world. The series comes on the on Netflix. While King of the Monsters couldn't heels of Netflix's successful-yet-divisive anime reach the same heights as fans were hoping with film trilogy, though it will not have any the inclusion of various Titans, Singular Point connections to them. could very well fix that by balancing the action Singular Point first debuted on Netflix in March out with a gripping human story at the heart of it. and on various Japanese television networks in Plus, by keeping things closer to the modern-day, April, but global fans have been left waiting on the diverse character roster could be far easier for bated breath for the series' arrival. With a story viewers to connect to than that of the anime film bringing things back to a nearer future and trilogy. featuring iconic characters including Jet Jaguar Whether one was a fan of Polygon's trilogy or and Rodan, international viewers who have been not, there's no denying that the anime format is eager for more kaiju action with various foes. prime territory for the King of the Monsters to Especially as the genre is left with a void on the reign. Godzilla: Singular Point undoubtedly heels of Godzilla vs. Kong becoming a significant points towards a genre adaptation fans deserve, success for both Warner Bros. and HBO Max in thanks to the intriguing character and creature March. designs and the awe-inspiring trailers. The streaming platform took to their Netflix (screenrant) c4 Wednesday 16 June 2021 Environment LOOK

By Sanuj Hathurusinghe Ceylon Today Features

Elephants are a treasured wildlife in Sri Lanka. On one hand they are the reason why the majority of tourists arrive at our shores, generating much- appreciated foreign revenue, and they are also an integral part in our cultural heritage. From elephant- headed gods to Buddhist literature and carrying the sacred Tooth relic in the country’s annual cultural and religious pageantry Dalada To counter HEC Perahera, elephants’ it is vital to involvement in our constantly study society is a deep-rooted one. the subject and However, as of late, the human – elephant conflict (HEC) has seen an therefore, the exponential growth to a point where DWC is working humans have now begun to loathe the giants once venerated. While it is From Conflict together with certain that it is us who have invaded different other their homes and created this conflict for both of us, it is also not fair to ask institutes who people who are living in HEC-prone areas to be more compassionate contribute to towards elephants who constantly raid to Coexistence HEC mitigation their crops and at times, kill their breadwinners. via inventions Human – elephant conflict Work of DWC in mitigation of human-elephant and knowledge in Sri Lanka conflict in Sri Lanka sharing. Elephants are found in eight out of the nine provinces in the country, and dumping of garbage by municipal 18 out of 25 administrative districts of councils near elephant habitats have Sri Lanka, making them one of the also resulted in quite a few elephant most wide-spread animals in Sri deaths. Lanka. With such a population distribution, it is almost impossible to Mitigation methods completely avoid HEC. According to Over the years DWC and other the data gathered by the Department responsible Government agencies The main HEC of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) have taken numerous different between the years 2011 and 2020 a methods of HEC mitigation with mitigation gradual increase is observed in HEC. varying success. The immediate method in In 2011, the number of elephant methods include DWC officials deaths were around 250 – 255 but reporting to a scene and chasing practice is the gradually increased to peak in 2019. elephants away and trans-locating In 2020, the number read 322 – a elephants, although the latter has elephant fence slight drop from the 2019 number and proven to be less successful since for its efficiency it is believed the COVID-19 travel most of the times elephants have restrictions have resulted in this drop. found their way back to their original but if not Conversely, in 2011, 60 human habitat. Since the DWC lacks deaths were reported due to elephant manpower the farers in HEC-prone properly placed attacks and this also peaked in 2019 areas are given explosives (ali wedi) to and maintained, elephant fence project wherein instead incense sticks, and angular electric to reach 122. scare the elephants away. In an event of fencing the forest, the fence is fences have been successfully Although 322 elephant deaths were of a property and life damage, the the effectiveness placed encircling the village. Another experimented in different parts of the reported in 2020, only 77 of them were DWC compensates for the losses and of the fence may ‘seasonal fence’ where a temporary country. reported illegal killings. Approximately there is also a programme to electric fence is built around paddy The DWC is also implementing a 50 per cent of all elephant deaths are compensate for the crops destroyed, drop fields and other crops is also practiced rather expensive measure called due to natural causes and accidents although this is not done by the DWC. in Galgamuwa which also is a prove habitat enrichment where areas in and the rest is due to human activities Elephant transit homes and elephant success. The temporary fence protects national parks are enriched by – sometimes deliberate – such as holding grounds run by the DWC are the crops until harvesting after which removing invasive flora, creating gunshots, electrocution, poisoning, also contributing towards HEC the farmer removes the fence, allowing grassy and bushy landscapes and explosives (hakka pattas). mitigation, although the latter has elephants to enter and eat the residue. elephants prefer, and creating Reasons for HEC increase come under much scrutiny. This way both parties are satisfied and waterholes. Awareness is the key coexistence is also ensured. There are plenty of other mitigation Some natural causes such as The ‘killer’ elephants are almost methods currently being entertained climate changes causing prolonged The main HEC mitigation always bull elephants and they by the DWC but above all these droughts and the spread of invasive method in practice is the are mostly nocturnal so, methods it is vital to understand that flora in national parks in turn cause elephant fence for its avoiding night time travels there is no way we can separate HEC but the majority of HEC causes efficiency but if not in HEC-prone areas is a elephant from us. Both needs to live are human-made. The main culprit is properly placed and must to reduce human and the best way forward is loss of habitat. Elephants love to roam maintained, the deaths due to elephants. coexistence, Rather than demanding and forest clearance that has been effectiveness of the To counter HEC it is for quick fixes or being quick to point going on for eons has obviously fence may drop. vital to constantly study fingers at the DWC when something resulted in HEC increase. The Elephants are the subject and goes awry, the best way is to be unsustainable land use in intelligent animals therefore, the DWC is educated about the new mitigation development projects happening in and they quickly working together with methods and render our support to the the dry zone has forced elephants out adapt to new changes different other institutes officers who are working tirelessly for of their habitats and the demarcation and therefore, it is who contribute to HEC the betterment of both humans and of nature reserves has blocked imperative that the mitigation via inventions elephants. elephant corridors, restricting their techniques of elephant and knowledge sharing. (These thoughts were shared movement among national parks. fence too should be Lots of innovative methods during Mobitel Webinar on Human Dairy farmers entering national parks updated accordingly. In such as hanging electric elephant conflict which was held in search of fodder for their cattle has Galgamuwa there is a certain fences, elephant-repelling recently) also resulted in HEC, especially in the Flood Plains National Park, Polonnaruwa. Apart from these, the LOOK lifestyle wednesday 16 june 2021 c5 It’s Not a Must Athletes have good reason to want to skip press conferences By Nicole Kraft provides that 10 minutes after each And then you grab it with two hands, game, each club will make key players and you come down with it. And that’s LeBron James had enough. and the head coach available. considered a rebound. So they got During the press conference after The NFL agreement states, more of those than we did.” Game 1 of the 2018 NBA finals, “Reasonable cooperation with the Few sports fans can forget Allen James was questioned repeatedly by news media is essential to the Iverson refuting that he did not ESPN’s Mark Schwartz about the continuing popularity of our game practice as hard as the Philadelphia mental state of teammate J.R. Smith, and its players and coaches.” 76ers deserved. whose final-seconds rebounding What happens in a press conference Allen Iverson tells reporters, “We’re blunder contributed to a Cleveland is another issue. talking about practice…not the game Cavaliers overtime loss. that I go out there and die for and play Over 70 seconds and four Not great questions every game like it’s my last.” questions, Schwartz probed for the Taurean Prince schools the reporter To quote sports publication inner workings of Smith’s mind, who asked how his team, Baylor, Bleacher Report, “Sometimes, a before James finally stood up, put on could have been outrebounded by question is just so poorly researched, sunglasses, grabbed his briefcase and Yale: ‘They got more of those than we poorly timed or just plain poor that it walked out through the gathered did.’ makes you wonder what on Earth the press corps. Press conference interaction is more reporter was thinking. Better yet, how He uttered a single sentence: “Be transactional than conversational. does this reporter still have a job?” better tomorrow.” Team reps call on reporters. Reporters It was not the first verbal tangle ask questions. Athletes do their best Ask questions to get between reporter and sports star, and to answer questions – whether they answers it will not be the last. Recently tennis won a midseason game or lost Game 7 star Naomi Osaka left the French of the Stanley Cup playoffs. The press conference goal for media Open for mental health issues But those questions. is to get insights to feed the fans’ exacerbated, she said, by facing A Toronto TV reporter asked Bryce insatiable appetite to be in the know questions at the tournament-required Harper, a nondrinking Mormon, about their favourite competitor or press conferences. whether he planned to celebrate a team. These examples represent a homer with a beer. Harper’s response: Some athletes, like tennis star fundamental struggle between “I’m not answering that. That’s a Rafael Nadal, acknowledge the role athletes and those who cover them: clown question, bro.” the media can play in building brand interviews contested in a press room A reporter asked Serena Williams and reputation. After Osaka refused forum that feel more like a mixed- interviewers and get comfortable relationships. Writers got to know the why she was not smiling after her to speak at the press conference, martial arts octagon than Oprah’s asking questions in front of other rhythm of athlete and coach moods quarterfinal win in the 2015 U.S. Nadal told reporters, “Without the couch. writers in the press conference and balance them with coverage Open, a question rarely – if ever – press … we (aren’t) going to have the On one side are reporters who need setting. deadlines. asked of men. recognition that we have around the quotes to flesh out stories they hope As an Associated Press sportswriter, The arrival of broadcast After noting it was 11:30 p.m., and world, and we will not be that will stand out from their competitors. I also feel uncomfortable in nearly news brought greater demand for she’d rather be in bed, Williams popular, no?” On the other are athletes, who often every press conference I cover, access, and the press conference was added, “I don’t want to answer any of In truth, athletes no longer need the want to be anywhere but in that press worried I will ask a question others born. But the exclusive coverage club these questions. And you guys keep press to communicate with their fans. room. perceive as superfluous or that once required a printing press asking me the same questions. You’re They can do that directly through LeBron James: ‘Be better tomorrow.’ uninformed, and sometimes cringing and mainstream publication for team not making this super enjoyable.” social media channels. at questions I hear from others. access has more recently expanded in Taurean Prince was asked after an Sports journalists have Birth of the press Sports writing has included post- the digital world to self-proclaimed upset in the first round of the 2016 extraordinary access that can inform conference game interviews since publishers publishers with a mobile device and NCAA Tournament to explain how fans’ understanding of the athletes realised covering sports would sell an internet connection. Yale could have possibly and their performances, but they I am a professor of sports newspapers in the early 20th century. The requirements are established outrebounded his Baylor team. must do better if they are to remain journalism at Ohio State. Every In those days, the conversations were between the league and the media. His response: “You go up and grab relevant. semester I teach students to be good up close, face-to-face, building The NHL agreement, for example, the ball off the rim when it comes off. (mic)

Self-help messages promoting through negative emotions as they positive thinking have never been happen strikes the ideal balance. more omnipresent. They are coming Kritzas suggests we strive to be at us via audiobooks and podcasts, What is Toxic Positivity? “realistic optimists”. She gratitude journals, affirmation apps, summarises this as “someone who is guided meditations and TED Talks. in a dark tunnel and can admit they Even slogan tees and interior wall are in a dark tunnel, but ultimately hangings are singing the has hope there is light at the end of commandments of the positive it”. thinking movement. The first step is recognising if For the most part, it is magnificent. you’re a culprit of toxic positivity, Mainstreaming the notion that our relying on pithy phrases such as mental health requires the same kind ‘look on the bright side’ and of active approach as our physical ‘everything happens for a health not only transforms lives, but reason’. Whether convincing yourself can also save them. But is there a or others, pushing down genuine dark side to good vibes only? emotion in place of such phrases can be a clue. When positivity becomes Feelings of guilt and shame toxic towards negative emotions – especially feelings of being In a nutshell, toxic positivity is “the ungrateful – can also be a sign, as assumption that despite our can shaming or guilt-tripping others emotional pain or challenges in life, for expressing anything less than we should only have a positive good vibes. Even withdrawing from mindset”, explains Christine friends and loved ones when you feel Kritzas, counselling psychologist like you’re not living your best and education director at The life can be an indication you’ve fallen LightHouse Arabia Centre for Well- victim to the toxic positivity trap. being in Dubai. Oddly enough, at a time when we’re How to accept the bombarded with so much global pain negative and suffering – lives lost and health scares, unemployment and financial Acknowledge and validate strain, social isolation and domestic negative feelings suffering – excessive positivity is Rather than the clichéd response becoming more damaging than ever we all recognise, try a more open before. approach, suggests Kritzas. “The pandemic has amplified toxic Responses to difficult situations positivity,” says Soniyaa Kiran How negativity became Louise Lawlor, 31, has followed The Steam ahead to 2017, and research might sound more like: ‘I am feeling Punjabi, hypnotherapist, blasphemous Secret’s ideology on-off for years. She conducted by the University of angry because I received a speeding holistic wellness coach and founder of explains, “you instantly feel guilty if California – Berkeley, found that ticket’; ‘I can see how that may have Illuminations Well-Being Centre in But how did we get here – a universe you moan or complain about pressure to feel upbeat can actually made you feel sad, can you tell me the UAE. “Many people are trying to where we’re not allowed to think anything, and then a sort of panic make people feel downbeat while more?’; or ‘That sounds really hard, deal with a situation they’ve never negative thoughts, let alone express sets in that even worse things will “people who habitually accept their how are you feeling about this?’. experienced before ... platitudes such them? “The ‘positive vibes’ movement happen now you’ve ‘put it out to the negative emotions experience fewer Adopt a growth mindset as ‘it could be worse’ do a disservice to entered pop culture with the book The universe’. It can be exhausting.” negative emotions, which adds up to Experience the hardships in your people who are genuinely feeling Secret that essentially promised that better psychological health”. A study life as they happen, but keep in upset or fearful.” you could manifest things you wanted The dark side of the bright published in the Journal of mind that they won’t last forever, Rebecca Jones, 30, recalls how she if you felt positive emotions,” says side Personality and Social Psychology the and are not character-defining. became a culprit of toxic positivity Punjabi. following year, meanwhile, linked “Instead of viewing setbacks and without even realising. “When news of Author Rhonda Byrne was not the But why exactly is this kind of toxic emotion suppression to anxiety and failures as the opposite of success, more restrictions was announced a first person to preach the powers of positivity so bad for us? “When depression, and concluded, start viewing them as part of while back, I was trying to cheer some attraction, but she can be held positivity is used to invalidate, deny “Individuals who accept rather than success,” says Kritzas. “When we of my friends up over WhatsApp chat accountable for bringing them into or silence the human experience, it judge their mental experiences may view failures as lessons that we can by saying, ‘Well, at least we have a the mainstream. Mention the 2006 becomes toxic,” says Kritzas. attain better psychological health, in learn from, we start experiencing roof over our heads.’ One woman book at your next dinner party and “Not only does it deny us an part because acceptance helps them personal growth at a rapid rate.” snapped back that she was sick of become privy to just how embedded it authentic human experience, but it experience less negative emotion in Develop a gratitude ritual being told how to feel. I was initially is within the millennial experience; also increases our chances of response to stressors.” “Every evening at bedtime, upon upset by the remark, but after looking everyone has a story to tell. experiencing a secondary emotion Posing under the guise of good reflecting on your day, try to train into the term ‘toxic positivity’. I Byrne’s follow-up book The Greatest such as shame ... And ongoing mental health practice, forced your mind to think about the tiny understood where she was coming Secret was released last year, suppression of our emotions can lead positivity and denial of more moments where you experienced joy from.” propelling the author – and her school to more serious mental health unpleasant emotions can actually be or felt a sense of gratitude for Jones is not the only one who’s been of thought – into the self-help zeitgeist illnesses,” she says. detrimental to our health in the long something small that happened,” exposed to the concept amid the once again. It’s a claim that’s backed up by term. says Kritzas. Use this time to ongoing pandemic. Google Trends The flipside to her manifesting numerous studies. A 1997 study practise gratitude rather than shows that searches around the term mantra? Negative thoughts and published in the Journal of Abnormal Staying positive about projecting sweeping statements of soared worldwide in the summer of emotions will attract more negative Psychology demonstrated that hiding positivity gratitude on to others. Remember, 2020, and it’s still tapped into the events into your life. And for those one’s true feelings – especially “when gratitude is used to replace search bar at a much more frequent who live by the so-called law negative ones – produces While a positive mindset is still the pain, it moves into the toxic rate than in the years before COVID. of attraction, negativity becomes physiological effects in subjects that ideal option for a happier and positivity zone”. practically sacrilegious. can be linked to illness. healthier life, making room to work (thenational) C6 WEDNESDAY 16 JUNE 2021 FEATURE/PUZZLES

What Secrets Lurk Within a Human-Sized Dome of Bat Guano? Geologists know that you can The cave’s humidity approaches Since different species of bats eat during those periods, or insect- learn a lot about the past from rocks 100 per cent, and it’s so suffused various types of food, from insects eating bats expanded their palates or cores of ice or sediment: Every with ammonia that researchers and tiny mammals to nectar, fruits, and were also gobbling fruit. “There layer is a chapter of Earth’s story. In must wear a breathing apparatus and blood, Gallant’s team suspected is evidence that those periods were an outcrop, eruptions, coolings, and when venturing inside. Because the that the guano could help them suss warm and dry, favouring fruits over collisions can all be memorialised, in bats have long used the cave as a out the diets of bats that had insects,” Gallant says. the order they happened. Ice cores cesspit—and no night soil men have occupied the cave over the last 4,300 Given that there isn’t much other reveal clues about past climates, and unburdened it—heaps of guano have years. They also collected samples research about Jamaica’s loads of hold evidence of the rise of accumulated over several millennia. from living creatures that flew into guano, this paper will be useful, industrialisation and the nuclear Even getting close to these deposits mist nets they had hung in Belize, according to Alexandra Tsalickis, a age. The fossils entombed in these is a feat: Researchers must rappel little brown pellets or colourful fruity graduate student at Clemson time capsules point to some of the into the cave, tools in hand. Gallant deuces, with seeds suspended in a University who has also studied creatures that trundled, slithered, or didn’t make the trip down, but she clear, mucusy gel. The samples from guano cores but wasn’t involved in swam across it, and what they ate has heard some unsavoury stories. living species were “our check and this research. The carbon and along the way. This process of tracing The faeces-filled cave is ‘warm and balance, really,” Gallant says. nitrogen data can also be harvested deposits over time is known as sticky,’ she says. “I can’t imagine it The researchers studied the old by scientists pursuing paleoclimate stratigraphy. And it turns out it’s a was much fun.” The scientists who Jamaican pile in narrow slivers, research, Tsalickis writes in an great way to study big mounds of journeyed in set up at the tallest analysing it for stable carbon and email. “Fresh guano should be poop. deposit and used trays to carve thin nitrogen isotopes and compounds collected in Jamaica to compare to That’s what Lauren Gallant, a slabs out of the mound, resulting in known as sterols and stanols, found the Jamaican core,” Tsalickis adds. biologist at the University of Ottawa samples representing more than in animals and plants. All offer clues Getting more specific might entail in Canada, found when she and a four feet of the faeces mountain. The about diets: The poop dropped by looking for DNA in the guano—if any handful of colleagues sliced up a core was striped with various hues bats that feed on fruit has different survived—or looking for dietary deposit of bat poop piled high in a of orange and brown, lighter at the old human latrines to study historic concentrations of these isotopes and markers such as fatty acids or even Jamaican cave. top and darker at the bottom. The diets and micro biomes, and during compounds than the faeces from insect parts. “I think it would involve Humans dubbed this crevice, in the top layers were liquidy, but when the COVID-19 pandemic have bats that hoover up insects. The just kind of throwing even more parish of Trelawny, Home Away From Gallant’s team freeze dried the surveilled sewage to look for team concluded that fruit-eating variables at it to see if you can infer Home, but bats have claimed it as sample back at the lab, they turned outbreaks. Faeces, especially from bats were the cave’s primary poopers any more information about theirs for thousands of years. Five fluffy. The bottom layers—the oldest animals, can also help scientists between 1000 BCE and 500 BCE, composition,” Gallant says. Tsalickis thousand or so of the creatures, ones—were denser and stickier. reconstruct long-gone landscapes. and then again between 700 and encourages the team to look at spanning several species, roost there Dried, they recalled a “finer-grain In April, researchers writing in the 1900. deuterium, a hydrogen isotope, to now, zooming in and out to feed and sand, as opposed to fluffy guano journal Nature Plants described how In a paper about their research, learn more about how moisture urinate on researchers camped close dust that static-clings to everything the fossilized, pollen-studded poop recently published in the journal fluctuated over time. “One guano to the rocky mouth. There’s no way to while you’re moving it around,” from a prehistoric beetle, Pelretes JGR Biogeosciences, Gallant and core can lead to many other know exactly how many bats ever Gallant says. vivificus, helped sketch out the company lay out two possible scientific questions and research took wing inside the cave, but it’s a The work was a smelly hassle, but relationships between ancient explanations for those spikes in opportunities,” says Tsalickis. “This lot, and the smell is proof of how long well worth it. Scientists can learn a insects and the early flowering fruity poop. Either the cave was is the beauty of bat guano research.” it has been their domain—and toilet. lot from poop. Researchers excavate plants of the Cretaceous. home to more fruit-eating bats (atlasobscura) 1773 1772 SOLUTION

Yesterday’s

Crossword Puzzle 1873 CLUES

Across Down 7 Anil (6) 1 Of the colour of black ink (4) 8 Beefeater (6) 2 Stop from happening or developing (6) 9 Trainee (4) 3 Top of a (usually at) roof (7) 10 Completed (8) 4 Binding (5) 11 Mode (7) 5 Dishevel (6) 13 Famous person (5) 6 Take careful note; follow advice (4,4) 15 Booth (5) 12 A woman aviator (8) 17 Act as president (7) 14 Complainer (7) 20 Nuclear weapon (4-4) 16 Taste (6) 21 Exclamation of annoyance (4) 18 Aligning (6) 23 Column (6) 19 Collect (5) 24 Exactly right (4,2) 22 Speck (4)

SOLUTION C WORD 1872 LOOK Events wednesday 16 june 2021 c7 Father’s Day Home Delivery by Hilton

Special preparations are underway to offers innovative interpretations of new colors as “Bright & Dramatic” delight all dads this Father’s Day. The classic with a contemporary twist namely Blue, Red, Orange, Yellow, kitchen brigade at Hilton Colombo have Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine Maroon and Gold, are the main come up with some heart-warming that is rich and diversified in colour, features in the specially designed dishes to feast on. Family packages, aromatic flavor and tastes that vary fabric used for the Emperor’s Wok novelty cakes, chocolates and gift packs from mild to spicy, creating a uniforms. can be ordered online or by calling Café harmonious meal prepared by an Further to the type of cuisine, Kai from 14-20 June. experienced team of chefs led by Emperor’s Wok brings you the finest The family sharing menus for four Chinese Head Chef Ming. Cantonese delicacies and intricate persons offer grub that’s well-suited to The vibrant setting of the dim sums crafted by the team of the tastes of dad: whether that means restaurant inspired by the ancient Master Chefs. The carefully curated meat or a hearty seafood option. “My Han civilization features seating for menu comprises a selection of favourite is the Hunter’s Pork” says 98 guests, an open Wok show appetizers, soups, dim sums, BBQ Executive Chef Robert Mujagic. “It’s kitchen concept, noodle station and combinations and platters, seafood roasted pork belly brined in liquid with an interactive bar. In addition, with choices of cooking styles, devilled wings and Bratwurst sausages Emperor’s Wok offers intimate Cantonese and Szechuan delicacies accompanied with a classic coleslaw private dining rooms for business or amidst poultry and meats, rice, and kochchi roast paan. Its first class!” social gatherings. The elegant noodles and desserts. Loved by comments Mujagic. “There are chicken interior and the warm atmosphere many, its signature Peking-Duck, and fish options as well on our special with the strong and effective use of served with pancake, duck sauce, Father’s Day delivery menu”. natural lights and colours add to the cucumber and leek, Hot & Sour crab Furthermore, a range of special vibrant extended space. A variety of soup, Siew Mai with scallop dim sum, Father’s Day themed whole cakes, Chinese pottery and antique ceramic Cantonese BBQ platter, black pepper cupcakes, Hilton liqueur chocolates adorn the restaurant whilst the lobster and the chilled avocado and special gift packages inclusive of a contemporary artwork, impressive cream with milk pudding and vanilla Café Kai cake paired with a premium hand carvings and Chinese ice cream are not to be missed. gift from Mont Blanc will be an extra- calligraphy displayed on the walls Open daily for lunch and dinner, ordinary treat for Dad this year. That’s along with the noodle station and tea Emperor’s Wok not only boasts not all, order online and be entitled to bar on either side, enrich the hallway exquisite taste in cuisine but creates the raffle draw; first prize - Gift voucher with the impression of a night-time unique dining experiences with a worth Rs15,000 from Finebrandz, Asian street market. “Kung-Fu” Tea Master who welcomes second prize - Family meal package The inspiration in the creation of diners with his talent, pouring out a from Café Kai and the third prize – High the uniform derives from the Chinese welcome drink to all his guests made Tea latter for two plus avail yourself to Peony Flower pattern combined with with a combination of 8 treasured the Early Bird offer; the first 100 orders the ancient technique of local Ceylon teas believed to enhance one’s will receive a gift voucher worth Rs batik. The Peony Flower symbolizing complexion and rejuvenate the “chi” 10,000 courtesy Turret. wealth, happiness and prosperity, is (energy). Furthermore, a selection of Free delivery is available to Colombo a flower deeply loved by the Chinese unique healthy teas are available to 1- 15 and limited suburbs. To order people and found in abundance in be enjoyed with the meal and the online, visit their website. the Emperor’s garden. Together with interactive bar showcases talented Hilton Colombo re-opened its new the Chinese Daffodil that symbolises mixologists concocting innovative signature Chinese restaurant, restaurant offers diners a gourmet Szechuan flavours. rebirth and new beginnings, the two cocktails and mocktails for the Emperor’s Wok, on XX XX 2021. The journey with authentic Cantonese and The new Emperor’s Wok restaurant motifs in local batik incorporating discerning diners.

Recognition for Provision of Medical Putting Out the Spark Dr. Palitha Abeykoon honoured at Equipment for SAER’s World No Tobacco Day Awards COVID-19 Response

In recognition of his extraordinary immeasurable; however, some of the contribution to combatting harmful outcomes of his work through NATA tobacco use, Former Chairman of are as follows: National Authority on Tobacco and • Tobacco-Free zones. Scaled up Alcohol in Sri Lanka, International initiatives in communities where Public Health Expert, and World traders voluntarily stopped cigarette health Organisation (WHO) Director- sales, resulting in 120 towns in Sri General Special Envoy for COVID-19 Lanka where cigarettes are not sold. Preparedness and Response for • Taxation. Advocated to increase South-East Asia Region (SEAR) Dr. the tobacco tax in 2016 following a Palitha Abeykoon was named one of modelling study that showed the SEAR’s WHO, World No Tobacco cigarettes are more affordable than UNOPS Sri Lanka has been Day 2021, awardees. 30 years ago. procuring emergency medical Sri Lanka was one of the first • FCTC Project. Sri Lanka was one equipment for the Ministry of Health countries in the world to ratify the of 15 countries selected for the WHO (MoH) in accordance with the Framework Convention on Tobacco FCTC Project, leading to several requirements outlined by the Ministry Control (FCTC). Sri Lanka was also significant activities and policy to combat COVID-19. Recent one of the first countries in the changes. procurement has contributed towards region to adopt a tobacco control law • Ban on smokeless tobacco. oxygen therapy to combat the ongoing in line with the Articles of the FCTC, NATA issued a Gazette notification third wave of COVID-19 in the the National Tobacco and Alcohol banning the import, distribution, country. The COVID-19 Emergency Act of 2006, which led to the and sale of all forms of smokeless Response and Health System establishment of the National tobacco in Sri Lanka in 2016, Preparedness Project (ERHSP) Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol including ENDS. procurement is funded by the World (NATA). This law also banned all Through the achievements listed Bank. forms of tobacco advertising and above, and countless others, Dr. The Ministry of Health (MOH) sponsorships, prohibited sales to Abeykoon’s efforts significantly organised a ceremony with the World those under 21 and sales through contributed to the drop in cigarette Bank and UNOPS to hand over 100 vending machines, and declared sales in Sri Lanka by Oxygen Concentrators at the value of most public places smoke-free. approximately 15 per cent during US$110,000 recently. This is the When Dr. Abeykoon was his tenure at NATA. Dr. Abeykoon initial consignment out of a total of appointed as the Chairperson of was instrumental in obtaining 2100 oxygen concentrators to be NATA in 2014, he formed crucial support from the WHO to establish provided to the Ministry of Health. partnerships with the Government the Centre for Combatting The event was presided over by the public health network and Tobacco, the WHO-affiliated Minister of Health, Pavithra enforcement agencies such as the tobacco industry observatory in Wanniarachchi in the presence of Health and the World Bank which has against the virus. Sri Lanka Police, Customs, and the the University of Colombo, Sri World Bank Country Manager Chiyo accredited the relevant and timely Kanda noted that supporting short Department of Excise to strengthen Lanka. Dr. Abeykoon also Kanda, World Bank Senior Health delivery of critical healthcare term emergency needs to build Sri enforcement of tobacco control laws. successfully advocated for pictorial Specialist, Dr. Deepika Attygalle, procurement in the current COVID- Lanka’s health system capacity is a He also formed a close relationship health warnings in 2015, resulting Secretary, Ministry of Health Dr. S.H. 19 pandemic. Health equipment was priority for the World Bank while with civil society and Non- in Sri Lanka’s recognition as the Munasinghe, Project Director (Primary procured using UNOPS’ Emergency continuing to support the government Government Organisations (NGOs) first country in the WHO South- Health Care System Strengthening Procurement Procedures and long- to strengthen the health sector to boost advocacy and conduct East Asia Region to agree to the Project) Dr. Jayasundara Bandara and term agreements with global capacity to manage future health community-level programmes and Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade Country Manager UNOPS Sri Lanka & suppliers to facilitate swift, challenges. interventions related to tobacco in Tobacco Products. The WHO Sri Maldives, Sudhir Muralidharan. transparent and accountable UNOPS will continue to procure reduction. Lanka Country Office looks Muralidharan underlined the procurement and delivery thereby lifesaving equipment to support the Dr. Abeykoon’s contribution to forward to continuing work with significance of the partnership enabling life-saving solutions to the emergency response during these reducing the harmful use of tobacco Dr. Abeykoon on crucial public between UNOPS, the Ministry of Sri Lanka health sector in their fight challenging times. and alcohol in Sri Lanka is health issues. C8 WEDNESDAY 16 JUNE 2021 CLICK LOOK

Restricted Pettah in Pictures The announcement of authorities lifting the current travel restrictions has now become like the ‘wolf’ cries of a certain boy in folklore. First, the restrictions which were supposed to be lifted last month, were extended until 7 June and they were again extended until 14 June. Safe to say, the public had little hope of the restrictions actually being lifted on Monday (14) considering the alarming numbers of daily COVID-positive cases and ever-increasing COVID deaths. However, when the announcement came that the restrictions will not be extended and will in fact be lifted on as planned, media organisations were quick to report the breaking news and newspapers were quick to adorn their front pages with the same. However, in a dramatic turn of events, another announcement from the authorities came (perhaps after the country’s daily death toll due to COVID-19 exceeded 100 for the first time) that the restrictions in fact, will not be lifted and will again be extended until 21 June. Considering how Poson Full Moon Poya falls on 24 June, it is not entirely unthinkable that the restrictions will again be extended until after Poson Poya. At this rate, the authorities might have to be a bit more convincing when they eventually announce the lifting of restrictions for real since the public might have a hard time believing it. Despite all the financial troubles the restrictions bring to all walks of the society, it is tolerated by the masses since the restrictions are vital to keep the COVID-19 from uncontrollably spreading futher. However, the sheer number of vehicles on roads makes many question the practicality of restrictions while the ever-increasing numbers of daily positive cases and deaths suggest that perhaps, the restrictions are not having the desired effect. Remember how Pettah looked during last year’s lockdown? It was virtually a ghost town with not a living soul in sight. Granted much have changed during the year but considering how alarming the numbers actually are it is only logical if a bit sterner actions were taken to ensure restrictions are respected. Pictured here is how Pettah is looking these days. Despite shops being closed for the public, they are however open for wholesale buyers and quite a few vehicles and pedestrians too can be witnessed on famous cross streets of Pettah. The flip side of the coin is that the country can’t survive without goods circulation and some amount of action in economy but the arrogant COVID-19 numbers refusing to go down suggest that perhaps extending travel restrictions time to time while allowing almost everyone to hit roads might not be the solution. (SH) (Pix by Amitha Thennakoon)

Another One Gets the Jab Staff of Ja Ela Urban Council given the second dose of Sinopharm

Another successful second-dose vaccination programme for COVID-19 was recently held at the Ja Ela Urban Council. The staff of the urban council were given the second jab of the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine during the vaccination drive which was attended by the chairman and the secretary of Ja Ela Urban Council. Despite travel restrictions vaccinations programmes are being carried out in full swing in many parts of the country. According to the Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health 2,285,572 have been given the first dose and 544,898 have been given the second dose of various COVID-19 vaccines by Monday (14). Apart from China’s Sinopharm vaccine, Russias Sputnik V vaccine and Covishield AstraZeneca are being used in the vaccination programmes in Sri Lanka while the Government is expecting a consignment of Pfizer BionTech vaccine in July to strengthen the public vaccination process. (SH) (Pix by Laksiri Rukman)

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