Enter SLC election Two-horse races on the cards »SEE PAGE 10 PROTECT YOURSELF FROM COVID-19

ACTIVE CASES FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2020 TOTAL CASES

RS. 551 B WE NEED 46,780 ASSISTANCE FROM STRONG LEADERS DEATHS RECOVERED BOC IN 6 MONTHS AND HEALERS 6,897 THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE CONFIRMED UP 222 39,661 »SEE PAGE 4 »SEE PAGE 7 UNTIL 10.00 P.M. ON 7 JANUARY 2020 SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU Covid-positive Hejaaz Hizbullah raises eyebrows

BY THE MORNING NEWS DESK The news about Hizbullah’s health in court today, has tested positive for to The Morning yesterday, lamented Hizbullah was symptomatic condition was informed to the Colombo Covid-19. He is now being kept under Hizbullah’s health situation and expressed of a trend concerning the legal Attorney-at-Law (AAL) Hejaaz Hizbullah, Fort Magistrate’s Court by the CID when quarantine." concerns about the fact that Hizbullah was proceedings into the said bombings. who was in the custody of the Criminal the case was taken up yesterday (7), which Hizbullah was arrested in April 2020, reported to be Covid-19 positive just before Firstly, this is involving former Investigations Department (CID) over his was also the date he was scheduled to be and his lawyers had, on 10 December being produced before court. CID Director Shani Abeysekara alleged connection to the Easter Sunday produced before court. 2020, filed a writ petition before the Court Meanwhile, commenting on the state (who she claimed also handled bombings of 21 April 2019, is reported to The “Justice for Hejaaz” campaign of Appeal seeking access to Hizbullah. of affairs, human rights activist Shreen cases which were connected to the have contracted Covid-19, raising eyebrows had tweeted yesterday: "The CID claims Sources close to Hizbullah’s family, who Abdul Saroor, speaking to The Morning, said terror attacks). Hejaaz among certain sections of society. that Hizbullah who was to be produced wished to remain anonymous, speaking opined that the situation pertaining to Contd. on page 2 Hizbullah

Huge crowds lined HEALTH MINISTER’S COMMITTEE up overnight to get a free sample of Covid potion Pavithra’s committee disregarding virologists? z latter is only a subcommittee under Currently, the Government Dr. Channa the Technical Committee. practices a mandatory cremation Perera’s committee Responding to concerns raised policy on the disposal of all bodies supreme: Minister by the Opposition in Parliament of those infected with Covid-19. yesterday (7) regarding the The 11-member Technical Government’s stance on the Covid Committee, appointed earlier in z Refuses to deceased cremation issue, Minister 2020 and led by Dr. Channa Perera, confirm a date of Health Pavithra Wanniarachchi includes consultant physician Dr. said that she has referred the revised Ananda Wijewickrama; consultant VACCINE DISTRIBUTION for the decision of recommendations from the Expert Government Medical Officer (GMO) committee Panel to the Technical Committee, Dr. Rohan Ruwanpura; consultant since it would have the final say in microbiologists Dr. Shirani Chandrasiri BY PAMODI WARAVITA the decision. and Dr. Mallika Karunarathne; Wanniarachchi added that a date consultant Judicial Medical Officers CAMPAIGN The “Technical Committee on on when the final decision by the (JMOs) Dr. Prabath Senasinghe, Dr. the Disposal of Covid-19 Infected Technical Committee would be Sriyantha Amararatne, and Dr. P.B. Bodies” led by Dr. Channa Perera is reached, is not yet confirmed. Dasanayake; Professor of Natural due to study the recommendations When contacted by The Morning Resources Metthika Vithanage; TO PREVENT of the Expert Panel headed by Prof. yesterday, Dr. Channa Perera refused consultant epidemiologist Dr. Hasitha Jennier Perera, which states that to comment on whether they had Thisera; and consultant virologist Dr. disposal of bodies by both burial received or reviewed the report put Dulmini Kumarasinghe. DHAMMIKA-LIKE or cremation is possible, since the forth by the Expert Panel. Contd. on page 2 REVISED TOURIST HEALTH GUIDELINES ISSUED CROWDS Biz travellers to be excluded z Masses to be educated through media z Business visas to be treated case by case

BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE However, special cases where BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI in Kegalle, ignoring all social visits are done only for the distancing guidelines, displayed The revised health guidelines signing of a project or a one- With the aim of ensuring the peaceful distribution the public’s eagerness to access that are set to come into effect day visit is made for a specific of vaccines and avoiding “Dhammika Paniya”- anti-Covid medication. with the reopening of tourism reason, would be treated as style crowds, the Ministry of Health will carry out Ministry of Health Epidemiology on 23 January will not apply exceptions, where the travellers an islandwide public awareness campaign on the Unit Chief Epidemiologist Dr. to those travelling on business would be allowed to come to Sri importance of prioritising recognised target groups Sudath Samaraweera told The visas, with these travellers being Lanka and return to their country for initial vaccination. Morning yesterday that this considered on a case-by-case with limited interactions when campaign would include public basis, The Morning learnt. in the island. “If we educate people on why Epidemiologist Dr. Deepa Gamage addresses made by responsible Ministry of Health Chief Overall, tourist arrivals will we are prioritising these categories told The Morning yesterday (7). officials through electronic media, Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath be decided on the basis of the and build awareness, there Recent scenes of crowds and grassroots-level awareness Samaraweera told The Morning testing capacity of private won’t be any conflicts or tense flocking to collect a locally conducted by health clinics and that the health guidelines for laboratories, the latter of which situations,” Ministry of Health manufactured concoction made advertisements. business visas can change on a will in turn be determined jointly Epidemiology Unit Consultant by one Dhammika Bandara Contd. on page 2 case-by-case basis, but that even by the Ministry of Health, which people who come under business formulated the revised guidelines, visas would have to stay for a and the Ministry of Tourism. 14-day quarantine period. Contd. on page 2 BURIAL OF COVID DECEASED SRILANKAN AIRLINES Group mulls ECSTATIC CUSTOMS! Management complaining to UN blasts ‘selfish’

BY RUWAN LAKNATH JAYAKODY where United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) ALPG pilots A small group of activists and sessions are also held, is a body The SriLankan Airlines management has victims aggrieved by not being of independent experts that accused the Executive Committee of the allowed to bury their kin is presently monitors the implementation of Airline Pilots Guild (ALPG) of launching contemplating complaining to the the International Covenant on Civil trade union action, thereby causing severe United Nations Human Rights and Political Rights (ICCPR) by its disruptions, jeopardising the airline, and Committee (OHCHR) over the State Parties, of which Sri Lanka putting the development efforts of the issue, as they feel all possibilities is one. country at risk. of obtaining any redress locally for All State Parties are obliged “Jointly, the Board, management, the contentious matter have been to submit regular reports to the and dedicated employees of the airline exhausted, The Morning learnt. Committee on how rights are being vehemently condemn these untimely and The Committee, which holds its implemented. selfish actions of the ALPG,” SriLankan sessions in Geneva, Switzerland, Contd. on page 2 said in a media release yesterday (7). SriLankan claimed that the “self-centred” NEW CONSTITUTION Executive Committee of the ALPG is forcing its members to refrain from consenting to Drafting committee report to work on rostered off-days by refusing the duty-call or by remaining unresponsive. The airline’s management went on to to meet parties say that the grievance of the ALPG is the The nine-member expert committee draft and three months have provision of a dedicated treatment facility appointed to draft the new constitution passed since. We have collected for those who test positive for Covid-19, is to meet political parties to obtain the opinions of the public and we which the airline has already requested their views, with the preliminary draft will meet with political parties from the relevant authorities. SriLankan preparation set to conclude in April, soon,” a member of the expert further states, in the statement, that they Sri Lanka Customs yesterday (7) seized over 18,000 pills of MDMA, a narcotics substance known as ‘Ecstasy’, worth over Rs. 130 The Morning learnt. committee told The Morning on million, which had been sent to the Colombo Central Mail Exchange from Belgium. Here, Deputy Director of Customs Premalal are “hopeful that a facility would be made “We were given a period of six Wednesday (6). Alwis is showing a pill to our camera available soon”. months to submit the preliminary Contd. on page 2 PHOTO SAMAN ABESIRIWARDANA Contd. on page 2 2 the morning NEWS Friday , January 8, 2020 Prez appoints 18-member commission to simplify laws President Gotabaya Rajapaksa licensing and permit arrangements, the State, compliance cost to the In addition to Weeratunga and 6. Dr. Harsha Cabral – company law construction sector has appointed an 18-member investments, approvals and people, and potential for corruption Balendra, the Commission comprises expert 14. M. Anselm Perera – Managing De-Regulation Commission for the building permits, etc.; how those and irregular practices associated of the following: 7. Dr. Nihal Jayawardana – President’s Director, Mlesna Tea Simplification of the Existing Laws regulations and circular instructions with complex and over regulatory 1. S.D.A.B. Boralessa – Secretary, Counsel 15. Nissanka Wijeratna – Secretary and Regulations in the interest of have evolved; and circumstances systems State Ministry of Land 8. Thishan Subashinghe – Chartered General/Chief Executive Officer, the people, co-chaired by former influencing such regulations 5. Identify areas where simplifications Management, State Enterprises Accountant of Sri Lanka Chamber of Construction Industry Secretary to the President and current 2. Assess as to whether the issuance of and rationalisation could be made Land and Property Development 9. Ranjith Gunathilake – Chief 16. Chandra Wickremasinghe – Principal Advisor to the President regulations and circular instructions to existing regulations and circular 2. M.M.C. Ferdinando – Retired Executive Officer, Sanken Chairman/Director General, Theme Lalith Weeratunga and John Keells has resulted in overregulation instructions and issue directions to Ministry Secretary, power sector Constructions (Pvt.) Ltd. Resorts and Spas Group Chairman Krishan Balendra, and deviated from the scope and do away, modify if required, and 3. Suresh de Mel – Chairman, Export 10. Renuka Weerakoon – Executive the President’s Media Division (PMD) objectives of original legislations simplify all such regulations Development Board Director, Board of Investments Retired Ministry Secretary G.S. announced yesterday (7). 3. Assess the relevance of them in 6. Study if repetition occurs due to 4. C. Weligamage – Director General, of Sri Lanka Vithanage has been appointed as The tasks of the Commission cover the context of global standards issuing various approvals, permits, Department of Public Finance 11. Gerard Ondaatjie – Board of Secretary to the Commission. The the following: and applicability of them in the and licenses through the national 5. Chandana Kumarasinghe – Director, Mercantile Investments Commission has been given a 90-day 1. Review all laws, regulations ,and Sri Lankan context to identify new level, provincial councils, and Director General of Establishments, and Finance PLC period to fulfill this task and issue circular instructions pertaining rooms to adopt to make the most local authorities and take necessary Ministry of Public Services, 12. Arjun Fernando – Non-Executive instructions to relevant agencies as to government finance, revenue effective modern regulatory systems measures to amend such processes Provincial Councils and Local Director, Nations Trust Bank required for the purpose of executing laws and circular instructions, 4. Assess the cost of enforcement to appropriately Government 13. S.P. Liyanarachchi – SME the task entrusted.

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most vaccines are still in clinical trial stages applications, including bail applications, were In terms of transport, domestic flights are made appeals to the same effect. Campaign to... and that the Ministry has not decided on which using technology such as Skype to conduct also permitted, subject to strict health protocols. The parents of an infant, who was Covid- Speaking to The Morning on 6 January vaccine to procure. judicial proceedings including trial hearings However, the travel agents and the hotels are 19-positive and was thus hastily cremated, about the Health Ministry’s vaccination plan, “We are still getting ready,” she said. in Court, and therefore the same should be advised to follow the health guidelines and to have filed a lawsuit citing, among others, Dr. Gamage said that persons above the age This procurement process, which moves Sri followed concerning Hizbullah. notify the nearest Medical Officer of Health alleged torture and other cruel, inhuman, or of 60, frontline health and non-health workers, Lanka beyond the initial 20%, will allow the “At least now, he and others like him (MOH), the Covid-19 Task Force, and the degrading treatment or punishment on the part persons with co-morbidities between 40-60 target groups to be expanded to cover other including children should be afforded proper SLTDA Director General of the travel plans. of the authorities, including those at the Lady years of age, seaport and airport employees, persons facing higher possibilities of being care”. Unless attending in full personal protective Ridgeway Hospital for Children. and Army and Police officials will receive exposed to Covid-19. Members of Hizbullah’s team of lawyers, equipment (PPE), all personnel involved Most recently, several Christian groups, who vaccinations in the initial stage. “Persons from areas facing an outbreak, namely President’s Counsel Romesh de Silva in transportation-related activities will be previously showed solidarity to the agitations of In addition to the desire to prevent large persons working in factories and companies, and AAL Hafeel Farisz, when contacted by quarantined for 14 days. the Muslim community in this regard, largely crowds and related chaos, the Ministry is also and university and school students will be The Morning in this connection, refused to The maximum space used in a hotel will from the sidelines as petitioners, legal counsel, concerned about reports of irregularities that in this group that is of economic and social comment. Although The Morning got in touch be 75% while the rest would be reserved for and peaceful protesters, have also come out occurred during the Government’s distribution importance,” Dr. Gamage said, adding that a with Hizbullah’s spouse, she was not available isolation purposes where a designated medical vociferously in public support of the cause. of Rs. 5,000 as Covid-19 relief to families that plan to move towards this step has not been for immediate comment. officer will be in charge of the health of the were economically affected by the quarantine prepared yet since the amount of vaccines that guests and the staff. Domestic guests are not lockdowns. Many complained that those who will be procured by the Government beyond welcome in hotels in the Level One category if Drafting... deserved the relief did not receive it, and the the 20% has not been decided so far. Pavithra’s... there are tourists being accommodated in them. The preliminary draft will be handed over Ministry is keen on avoiding similar problems “The procurement of necessary vaccines The Expert Panel, which was appointed on According to the SLTDA, guests showing to the relevant authorities once prepared, the with the vaccination programme. can only be done once vaccines are produced 24 December 2020 and chaired by Prof. Jennier symptoms of Covid-19 are advised to get said member noted. Dr. Gamage said that the vaccines that Sri in abundance.” Perera, includes Professor in Microbiology admitted to a private hospital approved by The deadline for the invitation of public Lanka is set to receive through the Global When questioned about whether vaccines Neelika Malavige, consultant microbiologist Dr. the Ministry of Health and the area MOH is proposals concluded on 31 December 2020, Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI) will be available in the market for private Malika Karunaratne, consultant immunologist to be informed. and the expert committee member added COVAX Facility, which supports low and purchase, Dr. Gamage explained that this won’t Dr. Rajeeva De Silva, consultant vaccinologist that the committee had received a number of middle-income countries to obtain vaccines happen soon since they cannot allow Covid-19 Dr. Kanthi Nanayakkara, and consultant proposals from the public. for 20% of their population, is sufficient to vaccination to become a trade during a time virologists Dr. Geethani Galagoda, Dr. Janaki Group mulls... The committee consists of Chairperson vaccinate the identified priority groups. of limited availability, and that vaccines will Abeynayake, Dr. Saranga Sumathipala, Dr. The Committee in turn examines such, Romesh De Silva PC, retired Judge Justice According to Dr. Gamage, Sri Lanka may get be available for private purchase only when Nadeeka Janage, Dr. Rohitha Muthugala, and and addresses its concerns and gives A.W.A. Salam, Navin Marapana PC, Manohara the COVAX Facility vaccine by late February. it is produced in abundance. Dr. Dulmini Kumarasinghe. recommendations to the State Party in question De Silva PC, Sanjeeva Jayawardena PC, She said that the Ministry of Health is prepared Speaking to The Morning yesterday, Secretary in the form of concluding observations. The Samantha Ratwatte PC, Prof. G.H. Peiris, Prof. to vaccinate as soon as vaccines are received. to the State Ministry of Primary Healthcare, First Optional Protocol to the ICCPR gives the Wasantha Seneviratne, and Dr. A. Sarveswaran. “Persons above 60 amount to 14% of the Covid-positive... Epidemics, and Covid-19 Disease Control Dr. Committee competence to examine individual The committee is to prepare a preliminary population, while health sector workers, and Secondly, the wife of Easter Sunday bomber Amal Harsha de Silva said that when State complaints with regard to alleged violations draft for a new constitution for Sri Lanka to the Army and Police forces will amount to Zahran Hashim (who testified before the Minister Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle had of the Covenant by States that are party to replace the 1978 Constitution. 1%, so we can accommodate the target groups Presidential Commission of Inquiry [PCOI] met with the team of virologists regarding the protocol. The 20th Amendment to the Constitution within the targeted 20%,” Dr. Gamage said, appointed to probe the bombings), with the another matter, they had mentioned that the Speaking to The Morning yesterday (7) on was passed in Parliament on 22 October 2020 noting that the Ministry’s current target is to latest victim being Hizbullah.. safe disposal of bodies could be done either the Government’s decision to continue with the with a two-thirds majority. It has increased protect the people that need to be protected. “How does this happen? Every time by burial or cremation. cremation of the Covid-19-positive deceased the powers of the Executive and restored “We saw that lots of elderly persons died from someone important, who is connected to the “Although we have not officially received – as elucidated by Minister of Health Pavithra powers that were stripped from it under the Covid-19, so they are a risk category. They will investigations into the bombings, is to be the report, we understand that the Expert Panel Wanniarachchi in Parliament, despite the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. The be identified through the data available with the produced before court or set to testify, they recommends both burial or cremation for the College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka United National Front (UNF)-led Government Department for the Registration of Persons.” get infected by Covid-19. Law enforcement disposal of bodies of those infected due to (CCPSL) and the Sri Lanka Medical Association that came to power in 2015 was also in the Vaccination for these individuals would be authorities and various others don’t want the Covid-19,” said de Silva. (SLMA) recommending that burial too could process of drafting a new constitution for distributed through the Medical Officers of real truth of the bombings to come out so they However, Dr. de Silva said that they have be allowed under strict health guidelines on Sri Lanka. Health (MOH) network, the grama niladhari are making Covid-19 an excuse, along with not received the official report compiled by the basis of the available scientific evidence – Meanwhile, The Morning also learnt that (GN) network, and the midwife network, every other excuse, for the truth to not come the Expert Panel. human rights activist Shreen Abdul Saroor, who two persons whose names were nominated as they possess the relevant data on the GN out,” she alleged. He further said that the issue of safe disposal was among the petitioners who challenged the as appointees to the nine-member expert divisions that individuals have been assigned, Speaking to The Morning in this regard, of bodies had gone beyond being a medical Government’s decision in Supreme Court (the committee, who had received the approval of Dr. Gamage elaborated. human rights activist Ruki Fernando also issue, and now encompasses various other social petitions were not granted leave to proceed), the Cabinet of Ministers on 2 September 2020 Persons above 60 can be vaccinated through queried yesterday as to how Hizbullah, someone elements as well. Thus, the final decision lies noted that the Muslim community was being to draft a new constitution for Sri Lanka, have hospitals or MOH networks while persons with who is in detention within an extremely with the Cabinet Minister, he added. pushed to look for a solution internationally. since been replaced by two others. co-morbidities between the ages of 40 and 60 constricted and restricted space and with very The Ministry of Health Provisional Clinical “We have gone before court. We have Gamini Marapana PC and Prof. Naazima will be vaccinated through data obtained from limited access to others in the custody of the Practice Guidelines on Covid-19 Suspected gone to the Parliament. We have written Kamardeen attached to the Department of their health clinics, she said. State, contracted Covid-19. and Confirmed Patients dated 27 March 2020 to the President and the Government, and Commercial Law of the Faculty of Law at the “Diabetes clinics, clinics for non- “Something is radically wrong. It is not like allowed for burial under certain conditions. The so too have sections of the international University of Colombo, whose names were communicable diseases, and heart disease he went shopping or attended a funeral or a Ministry of Health revised these guidelines community. In this regard, locally, nothing on the cabinet release that listed the names of clinics have lists of patients who fall within party, which is where people could generally on 31 March 2020 to make cremation the can be done anymore. Due to the Covid-19 the members of the expert committee, are no the co-morbidities category. We will assign the contract Covid-19. This means that the people mandatory policy regarding the disposal of pandemic situation, we cannot go in person longer a part of the committee. Justice Salam hospitals to vaccinate these persons between in charge have not taken proper care. The State bodies. to Geneva, so we have to push people outside and Navin Marapana have been appointed to the ages of 40-60.” is responsible in this regard and clearly it has The World Health Organisation (WHO) has Sri Lanka to take action. The Organisation the committee in their place. According to Dr. Gamage, vaccinating been negligent.” allowed both burial and cremation, with over of Islamic Co-operation countries which When contacted by The Morning on frontline workers including all health sector Speaking about the rights afforded to 190 countries around the world following the have supported the Sri Lankan State are also Wednesday, Prof. Kamardeen noted that she workers is essential to ensuring that their someone in Hizbullah’s situation, Fernando WHO recommendations. being antagonised because of this decision of was never a part of the committee. “I did services are not interrupted. also emphasised that Covid-19 should not the Government of Sri Lanka. Invoking the not accept my appointment as I am not a “We ask for the health sector to be vaccinated be used as an excuse to hamper the process international process is being contemplated constitutional lawyer,” she said. so that the people who treat the ill will be of meting out justice, which involves him Biz travellers... now, in a context where Sri Lanka is already Navin Marapana told The Morning on the protected and their service could continue.” being produced before the Magistrate and According to the new health guidelines, which nailed down for other matters, such as the same day that Cabinet approval was amended When queried about Sri Lanka’s own process having access to lawyers. He pointed out were seen by The Morning yesterday (7), in atrocities allegedly committed during the tail and Gamini Marapana is no longer a part of of vaccine procurement, Dr. Gamage said that that at present, local Courts hearing various addition to charter flights and scheduled flights end of the war,” she explained. the committee. “I have absolutely no idea to the airports in Katunayake and Mattala, In recent times, virologists such as Prof. when it happened, but Cabinet approval got tourists are allowed to travel on private jets. Malik Peiris and MP Prof. Tissa Vitharana as amended,” he noted. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will well as medical bodies such as the CCPSL – Hiranyada Dewasiri Cartoon of the day also have the responsibility of informing all and the SLMA have publicly announced that flights bringing in tourists to abide by the health based on the available science, the burial of the protocols. The arrangements for the crew also Covid-19 deceased can be permitted. Management... have to be agreed upon in advance with the The CCPSL issued a statement explaining SriLankan further states, in the statement, CAA and the Airport and Aviation Services that out of approximately 85,000 scientific that they are “hopeful that a facility would be (Sri Lanka) Ltd. (AASL). papers published on Covid-19, not a single made available soon”. All travellers should stay for the initial 14 case of the virus spreading through a dead body Citing the difficulties faced by the airline as days in a safe and secure hotel certified as a has been recorded. In their position paper, the well as it’s staff during the Covid-19 pandemic Level One category hotel. However, the tourists College had further stated that the claims that and airport closures, and the support provided would be permitted to stay in more than one it spreads directly through groundwater have to them by the Government during these Level One category hotel, whilst being within not been scientifically substantiated, noting difficulties, the Sri Lankan management has their bio-secure travel bubble, if the on-arrival that there is no indication that the virus could expressed that it is the utmost duty of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result is be transmitted through drinking water. The employees to support the Government in its negative. After the lapse of 14 days, the tourists SLMA issued a similar statement, asserting efforts to rebuild the country. are permitted to interact with the community that the Covid-19 deceased could be buried When contacted by The Morning, the ALPG if the subsequent PCR tests give negative as the virus is unlikely to remain infectious stated that any comment on the matter must results again. within a dead body. come from either its President or Secretary, On-arrival PCR tests should be arranged by All these views challenge the Government’s and assured us that one of those officials would the approved private hotel the tourist is staying position on mandatory cremation (gazetted contact us to provide a comment. However, at, with a private sector laboratory approved by the Ministry of Health after a previous all attempts to contact the relevant officials by the Ministry of Health. According to the gazette issued by the Minister of Health proved futile. Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority permitted both burial and cremation) and All airports in the country closed down on (SLTDA), Nawaloka Hospitals PLC, Lanka argue in support of permitting safe burials. 17 March 2020 and are scheduled to reopen Hospitals, Asiri Hospitals PLC, Durdans International actors, including the United for commercial flights on 23 January 2021. Hospital, and Hemas Hospitals are the selected Nations Resident Co-ordinator in Sri Lanka, Flights to repatriate Sri Lankans are currently hospitals to facilitate such laboratories. and several local religious leaders too have in operation. the morning 3 Friday , January 8, 2021 news Falling short in managing our dead in disasters z Researchers find knowledge and attitudinal issues among first responders

By Ruwan Laknath Jayakody dead bodies, Chaminda and Warushahennadi observed, and therefore they recommended First responders to mass disasters, the improvement of training opportunities namely Army soldiers, were found afforded to Army soldiers to enhance to display considerable knowledge their knowledge and experience on the gaps and deficiencies regarding management of the dead in disasters, as well certain important aspects in the as for increased consideration to be given management of dead bodies during during training programmes to offer specific such disaster situations, according instructions on different aspects of the to a research article published management of dead bodies. recently in the Sri Lanka Journal of The way human remains are managed in a disaster situation has a significant impact Forensic Medicine, Science, and Law. on the wellbeing of survivors. The improper The research article states that knowledge management of the dead in such situations was poor in certain aspects such as wearing can lead to the loss of forensic evidence, face masks by personnel involved in the delay in the identification of the deceased, recovery of bodies, taking photographs, and preclude dignified burial. Thus, the spraying disinfectant on bodies, and using inappropriate management of the dead has ambulances for their transport. social, psychological, economic, and legal The article, titled “Management of the dead consequences on the survivors, which in in disasters: Knowledge, attitudes, and self- turn exacerbates the damage caused by the reported practices among a group of Army disaster itself. soldiers in Sri Lanka”, is authored by U.G.G. Chaminda, who is attached to the Southern Learning from disaster Province Department of Health Services, Experience from natural disasters such as and J. Warushahennadi, who is attached to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami has shown the Department of Forensic Medicine at the that first responders play an important University of Ruhuna. Sri Lanka Army soldiers role in managing the dead in disasters, as A majority of first-responder Army managing the bodies of the they can do a lot to give the best possible personnel had more favourable attitudes dead during a disaster situation opportunity to investigators to identify the to many aspects of the management of the remains of those deceased, and to clarify dead in disasters, although there were some urgent task in a disaster’; they knew that knew that ambulances should not be used to not be given priority”; “there is no need the fate of missing persons. The early work negative attitudes to a certain extent, such as the establishment of a scene management transport bodies. to respect dead bodies, as they are dead”; of first responders in a disaster determines where a minority of first responders believed team is necessary; were aware that a body In relation to the storage of bodies, the “identification of the dead is not important the success of much of the work done by that funeral rites are not important in the receiving point has to be determined, and a majority were aware that refrigeration in disasters, as there are large numbers of medico-legal experts later. management of the dead in disasters. body recovery register should be maintained between 2 and 4 degrees Celsius is the best casualties”; “funeral rites are unimportant”; Among the stakeholders involved in a However, the level of overall knowledge before dispatching the bodies from the option, while a lesser number of participants “mistaken identity is not a big issue to be disaster response, the Army and its soldiers, was found to be satisfactory, with the scene; knew that a unique reference number were aware that temporary burial is also worried about”; “pre-planning for disasters is who are among the first responders in majority (93.6% of the study population) should be given to each body, and that the a good option when no other method is a waste of money and time, as disasters are disasters, play a key role. Their role in having either a moderate (115 subjects – number tags should be attached to the wrist available. Furthermore, in this regard, while unpredictable”; “the necessity of members disaster response has increased due to the 61.2%) or good (61 subjects – 32.4%) level or ankle of a complete body; agreed that the the majority knew that laying bodies on top of the affected families to know the fate of incidence and magnitude of natural disasters of overall knowledge on the management of bodies should be released after confirming of each other with an intervening layer of their loved ones should not be a priority”; and the interest of military institutions in the dead during disasters. identification; and responded correctly to the soil in temporal burial is wrong, only a lesser “following guidelines is impractical”; the disaster response. In the Sri Lankan The level of education – in this case, where false statements that every attempt should number of participants knew that using iced “unidentified bodies should be buried in setting, Army soldiers play a vital role in the majority has passed the GCE Ordinary be made to identify the bodies, and that water is not useful. common graves to save time and money”; the process of the management of dead Level examination (122 subjects – 64.9%) – all attached personal belongings should be Concerning the possibility of infection, and “the management of bodies of foreign bodies in disasters, because they act as either was significantly associated with the overall removed at the scene itself.” the majority knew that handling dead bodies nationals should be treated better than the responsible persons or supporting persons knowledge on the management of the dead carries only a small risk of infection through locals”. in almost all activities in the management in disasters. On the level of work experience, Misbeliefs among first responders contact with blood and faeces, but only a few Discussing further, the authors, Chaminda of dead bodies in disasters – as evident even though the same number as the latter However, with regard to photographing knew that wearing a face mask and spraying and Warushahennadi, explained that face during the recovery of human remains in had over 10 years or more in the military bodies, only a lesser number of participants disinfectants to dead bodies is not essential masks do not filter or provide protection disaster situations in the recent past, such service and the majority had experience in responded correctly to the false statement during body recovery. for a considerable period of time, and can as the collapse of the garbage dump at the management of dead bodies, there was that obtaining a single photograph of a body slow down some tasks of the users, such Meethotamulla as well as the landslides in insufficient evidence to suggest a significant is adequate. Administrative and as moving, storing, and preparing corpses. Meeriyabedda and Aranayake. association between service duration in the Regarding fragmented bodies, it stated: “A management issues Moreover, the danger of contamination via When contacted by The Morning yesterday Army and the overall knowledge level. lesser number of participants stated that every The study also dealt with administrative respiratory tract is minimal, since there is no (7), Col. V.M.N. Hettiarachchi attached to The study was carried out in two Army body part should be considered as a separate issues commonly faced by first responders respiratory function in dead bodies. the Army Headquarters Media Directorate camps in the Galle District, with a sample of individual, while the majority thought that to the scene of mass disasters. The According to the authors, a noteworthy said that in addition to the human technology 188 male soldiers. The majority (97 subjects all fragmented pieces in a particular area majority were aware that legal problems finding was the attitude of more than aspect, in the wake of the Meethotamulla – 51.6%) were between 31 and 40 years of could be collected into a single container. arise to relatives as a consequence of the half (52.1%) of the study subjects that garbage mound disaster, where the urgent age, while 59 subjects (31.4%) were of 30 Furthermore, the majority have responded mismanagement of the dead. Although the the management of the bodies of foreign circumstances forced a haphazard search years of age or below. correctly to the false statements that the majority also correctly responded to the false nationals should be treated better than those and made it challenging to identify precise Data was collected through a self- recovery team should attempt to match body statement that “politicians can participate”, of locals. In this regard, guidelines laid down locations of victims, commandos, with administered questionnaire, a section of parts at the scene, and that the personal the flipside was true with regard to the by the College of Forensic Pathologists of assistance from the University of Colombo, which contained 33 true/false-type questions, belongings separated from the body belong false statement that “direct communication Sri Lanka state that “every victim, foreign or had trained canines (caddy dogs) to aid each of which was given one mark that in to the closest body. with outsiders/media should be done”. The Sri Lankan, would be treated equally”, while the search in a targeted manner using their turn was converted into a percentage (a “The majority also stated correctly that majority, however, knew that journalists the field manual for first responders notes: olfactory sense. score over 70% being categorised as “good”, the bodies should be placed in separate should not be allowed on the scene “Pressure to prioritise the finding of foreign Furthermore, he noted that apart from between 50% and 70% as “moderate”, and body bags with personal belongings, immediately after the disaster. nationals must not be allowed to distort the the Army, quick response teams engaging below 50% as “poor”). sealed, and that plastic sheets, bedsheets, or Attitudes on the management of the dead priorities of a systematic local approach to in combination training, including in water The article states: “The majority have other available material may be used as an in disasters were also considered in this identifying all the dead.” bodies, and troops were provided with answered correctly to the false statement alternative, if body bags were not available.” study, specifically through statements such as There is space for improvement in certain postgraduate and master’s degree study that ‘dead body recovery is the most Only a lesser number of participants “whether the dead bodies of children should practices pertaining to the management of courses in disaster management. East Container Terminal Archaic colonial terms in laws updated Independence. We will retain 51%: According to the Ministry, under the said amendments, “waging war against the Queen” has been replaced with “waging war against the Republic”, while the term “the Queen” has been Gen. Daya Ratnayake replaced with “the Republic”. In addition, the term “Lanka” has By Sumudu Chamara operations. companies despite opposition been changed to “Sri Lanka”; Gen. Ratnayake, agreeing with raised by the public. “Sri Lanka Government” to The Sri Lankan Government a statement made earlier by Prime He added that in a context “Sri Lanka’s Government”; will retain 51% ownership of Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa that where the SLPA has been Minister of Justice Ali Sabry “Governor” to “the President”; Colombo Port’s East Container the Government has not decided declared an essential service, A Bill tabled by Minister of and “Charter” to “Regulations Terminal (ECT), regardless of the to hand over the management selling it to India is a Justice M.U.M. Ali Sabry PC on and Orders”. number of external parties coming or ownership of the ECT to a questionable move and that 6 January, regarding updating Furthermore, the terms “civil forward to invest in the ECT, the foreign country, noted that the the Government must not sell certain terms in the Penal Code service”, “police vidane”, “of Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) Government has not entered into resources that will help Sri Lanka and the Evidence Ordinance, has wife”, and “Senator” have stressed. any agreement with any foreign generate a considerable income. been passed in Parliament. been replaced with “Sri Lanka SLPA Chairman Gen. entity, and that only discussions Responding to allegations The Bill seeks to replace Administrative Service”, “grama (Retd.) Daya Ratnayake told are underway. against the Government’s certain terms in the said laws, sewa niladhari”, “of spouse”, The Morning that all external Meanwhile, Janatha Vimukthi stance on ECT’s ownership and which were used in the colonial and “Member of Parliament”, investors, irrespective of the Peramuna (JVP) General management, Gen. Ratnayake era and are no longer in use due respectively. number, will only be allocated Secretary Tilvin Silva, speaking added that the Government is to their archaic nature, with more The amendments proposed to 49% of shares in the ECT, about the ECT at a press briefing planning to take the best decision apt and modern ones. The Justice the Bail Act, which were also ensuring that the Sri Lankan yesterday (7), alleged that the for the benefit of the country, Ministry claimed that this is the passed in Parliament, sought to SLPA Chairman Gen. Government will always be incumbent Government plans the Colombo Port, and port first time such amendments were increase the fines imposed for the (Retd.) Daya Ratnayake in charge of management and to sell the ECT to foreign employees. made after Sri Lanka gained violation of bail orders. 4 the morning Friday , January 8, 2021

Rs.business 551 b assistance Newly appointed BOI Director General Pasan Wanigasekara (seated) with Chairman Sanjaya Mohottala (right) and Executive Director – HR and Administration Manjula Keerthirathna from BOC in 6 months Pasan Wanigasekara By Karen Hapuarachchi Bank of Ceylon (BOC) assumes duties as yesterday (7) stated that from March to September last year, it provided Rs. 551 billion in the BOI DG financial assistance to about Pasan Wanigasekara yesterday accelerate the transformational 350,000 individuals, while (7) assumed duties as Director initiatives of his predecessor working capital loans worth General of the Board of and current Chairman, Sanjaya Rs. 42 billion were given to Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI), Mohottala, in making the BOI a customers in hopes of reviving the investment promotion agency one-stop shop for global investors. of the Government of Sri Lanka. Since his last corporate their business. In his address to the senior staff, engagement as a Director Convening a press conference on its Wanigasekara shared his vision of a Moody’s subsidiary, performance last year and approach for the BOI: A dynamic and robust Wanigasekara has been for this year, the bank noted that in outfit that is armed and competent practising as a consultant to addition, the bank also set up a business to compete internationally with all several Fortune 500 companies revival unit to provide aid and assistance HNB Chief Financial Officer W.P. Russel Fonseka speaking at the press conference other countries that are vying for and Asia-based PE Funds on to their customers. It also offered through BOC, according to the bank’s recorded a turnover of Rs. 181.8 billion to this, the launch of the instant credit a share of the global FDI (foreign investment analysis, M&A and project financing in order to cater to management. while the profit before tax was Rs. 15.4 electronic system for international direct investment) pool. Operations Optimisation, while its large-scale customers in the energy, It was noted during the press billion for the nine months. Compared transfers was also highlighted. He emphasised the importance practising as an Attorney-at-Law. IT, pharmaceutical, and agriculture conference yesterday that the to Rs. 21.96 million in profit before tax The BOC management stated that it of research-based, targeted Wanigasekara holds a industries. moratorium for affected borrowers during the same period the previous brought down the most deposits into the marketing campaigns and BSc from the University of Out of the Rs. 150 billion allocated during the pandemic was initially year, 2020’s profit before tax indicates a country. Furthermore, the decrease of canvassed the support of all staff Moratuwa. He is a qualified by the Central Bank for local banks extended for two months during the first decrease of Rs. 6,476 million or 29.5%. the policy rate by 2% was highlighted members to make the BOI a more chartered management to provide working capital loans to wave and then six months following the Furthermore, the total sum of and it was said that applications for proactive, customer-centric unit accountant, a chartered financial affected individuals and businesses, Rs. second wave. international transfers of BOC was loans rose after the reduction of the that acts with an utmost sense accountant, and a chartered 42 billion has been provided to people As at 30 September 2020, BOC revealed to be Rs. 2.7 billion. In addition policy rates. of urgency. He also vouched to marketer. Acorn Travels partners with Corporate Travel Management Acorn Travels entered Acorn Travels, a leader in into a strategic partnership innovative travel solutions with Corporate Travel will further strengthen Management Ltd. (CTM). our presence and provide Acorn Travels (formerly greater experiential travel Hemas Travels) plans to options for travellers in Sri Kadawatha microfinance customer G.A.A. Niluksha being presented with a cheque by HNB Managing Director/CEO and HNB Sustainability offer customers a wide range Lanka,” CTM Asia Chief Foundation Chairman Jonathan Alles in the presence of HNB Head of SME and Microfinance Kailaivasan Indravasan, Assistant GM – Network of products and services Executive Officer Larry Lo Management Vinodh Fernando, Chief Transformation Officer/DGM and HNB Sustainability Foundation Trustee L. Chiranthi Cooray, and DGM – Retail through its partnership. commented. and SME Banking Sanjay Wijemanne Established in 1994, CTM’s Global Partner CTM has developed into a Network provides global travel management localised service solutions HNB injects Rs. 20 m to support company, combining in Australasia, Europe, personalised service with Americas, the Middle East, technology to deliver a Asia, and Africa. Acorn Travels Managing Director return on investment to Hussain Habeeb “We are delighted to microfinance customers customers. offer our customers with HNB PLC announced the launch of a expectation is that our customers will make provide livelihoods and act as a catalyst in “We are delighted to a myriad of travel benefits Rs. 20 million grant fund to support 200 good use of this grant for working capital, Sri Lanka’s journey towards sustainable partner with one of the and services through our microfinance customers affected by the recapitalising their business and getting development,” commented HNB’s Chief world’s leading travel partnership with CTM. ongoing Covid-19 pandemic across the back on their feet. As we have worked with Transformation Officer/DGM and HNB management companies to Being privy to a global country. the microfinance sector for more than three Sustainability Foundation Trustee L. provide our customers with network gives us the edge in The fund, established by the bank through decades and SME sector since our origins, Chiranthi Cooray. best-in-class innovative providing a greater variety the HNB Sustainability Foundation, will we have come to understand that we need Accolades won by the bank include travel solutions which of options and price points offer microfinance customers up to Rs. to scale up our support by providing them the Best Retail Bank in Sri Lanka award can enhance customer which can cater to the 100,000 to upscale their businesses and with the necessary financial assistance and for 2020 by the Asian Banker Magazine experiences in the most specific needs of corporate work towards achieving SME status. HNB literacy to uplift them from the grassroots and a total of seven awards at the Best cost-effective manner,” said travellers,” said Acorn Group will grant funds in two phases to chosen to become a SME,” HNB CEO Managing Corporate Citizen Sustainability Awards Acorn Travels Managing CEO Malinga Arsakularatne. microfinance customers with a view to Director and HNB Sustainability Foundation 2019 organised by the Ceylon Chamber of Director Hussain Habeeb. Acorn Travels is part of revive and continue businesses impacted by Chairman Jonathan Alles said. Commerce. The bank has been awarded “At CTM, we pride the Acorn Group, an aviation the pandemic. “It has been a long-term goal of the HNB Best Microfinance Bank in Sri Lanka ourselves in going above and CTM Asia Chief Executive and travel conglomerate in “2020 has been extraordinarily challenging Sustainability Foundation to establish an continuously for three years (2017-2019) beyond industry expectations Officer Larry Lo Sri Lanka that encompasses for all and this initiative comes at a most impact fund to create more opportunities by International Finance Magazine. HNB’s and in setting consistently multiple businesses and opportune and appropriate moment when for customers at the grassroots by long-term national rating was revised new standards which reinforce our market leading international brands in the travel and businesses across the island are seeking collaborating with partners locally and upward by two notches to AA+ (lka) leading position. The partnership with aviation industry. the capital necessary to restart work. Our internationally. With this fund we hope to recently by Fitch Ratings (Lanka) Ltd. MAS continues safety measures amidst latest outbreak As the number of Covid-19 infections managed by the Ministry of Health. 28 December after a brief closure, adhering However, the plant continues to operate and safety protocols have been strictly increase across the island, the management to the re-opening procedure advised by the with those employees who are cleared to adhered to at all times at the plant, which of MAS is paying close attention to its Linea Aqua – Hanwella health authorities. During the past week, 35 come into work by the authorities and the has enabled the staff members to clearly manufacturing facilities that have detected a Based on contact tracing and testing that more employees have been detected with management. Ongoing testing is being identify those who had contracted the number of employees with the virus. Each of was conducted, 154 employees have tested the virus, bringing the total infected at the conducted to identify any further infections virus. these facilities are working closely with their positive for Covid-19 since 31 December plant to 120, of which 60 employees have and the mandated preventive measures are All contacts have been asked to self- regional Medical Officers of Health (MOHs) 2020. Following the advice of local since recovered and been discharged from being adhered to diligently. All employees quarantine and the plant continues to and Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) to authorities, the facility was closed from 1-6 their respective care centres. affected were transferred to the MAS Care operate based on the directives of the monitor the situation at the plants and in their January 2021 as a precautionary measure, Centre in Giriulla and as of last week, seven Government and local health authorities. respective communities. and re-opened with a limited number of Thurulie – Thulhiriya individuals have been discharged. MAS has also taken measures to take care Stringent preventative measures employees on-site. Continuous contact As a result of ongoing random testing, of its associates and provide them with recommended by the authorities have been tracing and follow-up testing will take 123 employees have tested positive as of Contourline – Pallakelle the necessary facilities during this time in adhered to as an ongoing policy. Unless place along with sanitising the facility as an last week and over 900 close contacts of Forty-nine associates tested positive quarantine, the management said. Further otherwise directed by the respective PHI, ongoing preventative measure. the infected employees have been placed during testing conducted last week, testing is ongoing based on the analysis infected employees and any other infected in self-quarantine. The plant has ceased resulting in the closure of the plant on 4 and recommendations of the PHIs, MOHs, family members are being admitted to the Unichela – Panadura operations for the shift that was impacted January. All these individuals have been and the Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry MAS Covid-19 Care Centre in Giriulla, The plant re-commenced operations on between 23 December and 4 January. transferred to the Care Centre. Health of Health. the morning 5 Friday, January 8, 2021 INSIGHT/INTERNATIONAL Utilising recyclable PET plastic waste: Towards a circular economy By Dr. Anush Amarasinghe

“Reduce, reuse, and recycle”, a household phrase you’ve probably heard over and over again either through school, from awareness campaigns, or even on TV. This commonly used phrase is one expected to enthusiastically and optimistically drive the mindsets of those listening, to essentially do the right thing and help efforts to save the environment. In Sri Lanka, waste segregation and management is a topic that has been gradually building up notoriety due to inefficiencies and lack of proper implementation. The Western Province alone generates around 7,500 metric tonnes of solid waste every day of which only 3,500 metric tonnes are collected (Central Environmental Authority, 2018). PET bottles collection in process Over the past few years, we’ve seen these poor practices result in overcrowded Their demands and need for these sector at large could be at the risk of losing landfills, environmental deterioration, products will continue. This is why their jobs if a potential ban on all PET and even economic drawbacks. it becomes all the more important to plastics is enforced by the Government. Perfectly recyclable materials go to strategically address the issue of waste waste due to poor disposal, segregation, reduction and recycling in the long What needs to be done? and management practices across all term. Primarily, the Government needs to stakeholders, from homes to municipalities review and refine waste management and local authorities. The problem with our current processes in the country. They should Poor disposal practices often raise alarms waste management system promote an innovative strategy that when waste such as plastic bottles end up Although governments and local ensures that local authorities and clogging waterways and overcrowding authorities have made claims that waste municipalities implement a seamless landfills. This deters the image of a segregation and management procedures waste management system, with stringent material that if properly disposed of and have been implemented, it is clear that protocols and provisions for the collection segregated, can be recycled and potentially there are still inefficiencies at almost all and segregation of waste. This would also benefit the economy. levels. For example, in 2008, the Central help strengthen the recycling sector. As we now know, the Government Environmental Authority (CEA) of Sri For example, Japan maintains a unified will be implementing a ban on single- Lanka initiated the “Pilisaru Programme”, waste management protocol that has been use plastics this year. While this is a a 10-year waste management programme successful in controlling segregation, sustainable step forward, an innovative with the goal of achieving a “Waste Free collection, transportation, and recycling. solution needs to be enforced to make Sri Lanka by 2018”. The lack of a proper The responsibility of the detailed process Plastic waste collection point at Thalawila Church sure that plastics such as PET don’t strategy for this programme made it very that Japan follows is strategically dispersed meet the same fate, as they make an ineffective, and the failure to address across a plethora of stakeholders including collected 4,227 kgs of PET from within recycling sector, but we would also be invaluable contribution to communities this mounting issue led to unsanitary and authorities and consumers, prompting the religious site in 2019. Not only was environmentally conservative, while and the overall economy. overpopulated landfills in Karadiyana, them to maintain standards in separating it a collection drive, we also encouraged recycling and adding value to collected The ability to use plastic in packaging Bloemendhal, and Meethotamulla. recyclable and non-recyclable waste at pilgrims and visitors to be more conscious PET bottles for production and exporting. has opened doors to making products Waste management requires reform from homes, collecting, dumping, incinerating, of their plastic disposal, thereby making With the Government’s upcoming ban for more accessible and affordable to the roots, starting from household waste or recycling (Management and Recycling this more than just an initiative – rather, single-use plastics and a goal to develop communities around the country. Such management. Awareness should be raised Department Policy Planning Division, a movement, inspiring more people to and preserve a sustainable environment, packages are generally cheaper to on the fact that waste collected in homes 2012). contribute by supplying plastic waste the prevailing issues with Sri Lanka’s produce and easy to transport, due to should be properly disposed of separately, Apart from the Government, producers from their own homes, workplaces, and waste management should be addressed minimal breakages, and store. They also so that collectors are able to collect food play a big role in encouraging proper communities. with a proactive approach, ideally by generate a lower carbon footprint in waste, paper, and plastics individually. disposal and segregation of plastic waste Even though households would strengthening waste management and production than most other materials. Improper methods of waste collection and with the Extended Producer Responsibility separate their waste for collection, fully realising the potential of recyclable This cheaper alternative has enabled segregation should also be reformed, as (EPR) policy, where producers take recyclable waste is either collected materials. Just imagine, all we have beverages to be made available to most even though households would separate responsibility for the treatment and/or with other waste and contaminated to do is be cautious and smart with rural communities, for them to enjoy their waste for collection, recyclable waste disposal of post-consumer products. As or made unrecyclable, and separately segregating and managing our waste. That such products otherwise limited to the is either collected with other waste and a start, manufacturers of PET bottles and collected waste would end up would drastically reduce our ecological more affluent areas of the country. A contaminated or made unrecyclable, and large beverage brands can standardise their in the same landfill, making the footprint; which would otherwise be classic example is a milk sachet or a separately collected waste would end up bottles and bottle caps and make all of their whole process of waste segregation enlarged by the use of virgin materials smaller-sized milk product. Data from in the same landfill, making the whole bottles transparent, as this can assist and ineffective to produce products that recycled plastic the Income and Expenditure Survey process of waste segregation ineffective. ease the process of segregation, cleaning, could, instead, produce. A truly policy- (2016) reports that the rural sector in The lack of policy enforcement and and recycling when the bottles come to PET plastic is not waste, driven economic and environmental win Sri Lanka spends an average of 7.8% supervision of the recycling sector has recyclers, post-consumption. it is a valuable commodity for everyone. on milk and milk food expenditure. prompted private small and medium Consumers should be made aware of (The writer is the Managing Director The ability to provide the same product enterprise (SME) plastic waste collectors the correct recycling practices to follow. Sri Lanka’s recycling sector’s potential and Chief Executive Officer of BPPL at economical prices will mean that and segregators to rise. There currently To raise awareness and influence proper is very high, and this has probably Holdings PLC. BPPL Holdings is a products are no longer out of financial exists a network of over 300 registered and disposal practices for recyclable waste, gone unnoticed over the past. One of pioneer in developing and creating eco- reach for certain socioeconomic groups. unregistered plastic collectors and recyclers greater public engagement can be achieved the most economically benefitting and friendly products which sensibly make An innovative solution needs to be in Sri Lanka (Central Environmental through beach or tourist hotspot clean-up environmentally friendly strategies is use of natural resources. Through their enforced to make sure that plastics Authority, 2019). This sector needs to programmes and similar initiatives. For the development of a circular economy, subsidiaries Beira Brush [Pvt.] Ltd. and such as PET don’t meet the same be further strengthened, as these small example, Eco-Spindles has initiated similar which would through recycling remain Eco-Spindles [Pvt.] Ltd. they move forward fate, as they make an invaluable businesses do not have the infrastructure programmes over the years such as the a major drive, promising a seamless and in manufacturing products that help contribution to communities and the or support needed to implement efficient Kataragama Waste Management Project rejuvenating industry lifespan, benefitting create a cleaner and greener Sri Lanka overall economy waste recycling practices. It is important to in partnership with Coca-Cola Sri Lanka’s private SME collectors and segregators. whilst generating value for customers keep in mind that SME recyclers and the “Give Back Life” initiative, where we Not only would this empower the local worldwide) Oil prices steady after US Capitol drama Oil prices were steady on groups the Organisation of the Crude inventories were down by Thursday (7) after supporters of Petroleum Exporting Countries and 8 million barrels in the week to 1 President Donald Trump stormed other producers, including Russia, January to 485.5 million barrels, the US Capitol, with investors met earlier this week. against a Reuters poll, showing focusing on the likelihood of “WTI crude seems poised to rise analysts expected a 2.1 million- tighter supplies after Saudi Arabia higher as the Biden administration barrel decline. unilaterally agreed to cut output. will clamp down on US crude The drop in crude stocks is a Brent crude was up 8 cents at $ production, the Saudis tentatively typical year-end occurrence as 54.38 a barrel by 0125 GMT, after alleviated oversupply concerns energy companies take oil out of gaining 1.3% overnight. US West with their one million bpd cut storage to avoid tax bills. Texas Intermediate (WTI) gained present, and as the dollar’s days Trump supporters swarmed the 11 cents to $ 50.74, having slipped seem numbered,” said Oanda senior US Capitol on Wednesday, sending earlier in the Asian session. The market analyst Edward Moya. it into lockdown, as Vice President contract rose 1.4% on Wednesday A lower dollar makes oil cheaper Mike Pence refused a demand from (6). because the commodity is mostly the President to cancel his loss to Saudi Arabia, the world’s traded using the greenback. Democrat Joe Biden before the biggest oil exporter, said it would US crude stocks dropped and Police declared the situation was voluntarily cut one million barrels fuel inventories rose, the Energy secure and the certification of the per day (bpd) of output in February Information Administration said on election result resumed. and March, after OPEC+, which Wednesday. (Reuters) 6 the morning RECOGNITION/CORPORATE Friday, January 8, 2021 Fairfirst Insurance introduces cyber insurance segment Fairfirst Insurance has recently exposing us to new risks including arrangements too increase the vulnerability of covers to individuals and corporate launched cyber insurance and unauthorised entities to compromise and for an attack, as most remote work entities across this beautiful island. has already become the market exploit data privacy. 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Fairfirst launched this scheme in insurance provides the perfect safety designed to help large corporates, SMEs Magazine, the cybersecurity market is to be understanding this growing concern. net for corporates and individuals alike (small and medium enterprises), and worth in excess of $ 430 billion by 2027. Fairfirst Insurance Chief Sales Officer to thrive in the new normal whilst individuals. For corporates and SMEs, Fairfirst Insurance Chief Sales Officer Although shifting towards online Sanjay Siriwardena said: “The use of transforming their businesses and Fairfirst Insurance covers losses that Sanjay Siriwardena transactions is the sensible behavioural digital technologies in financial and lifestyles.” would range from network security to a breach of privacy as a result of a change in the new normal, it also exposes economic activities creates significant Fairfirst serves individuals, businesses, breaches, loss of privacy, indemnification cyberattack. individuals as well as organisations to benefits in terms of convenience, and institutions. Fairfirst Insurance is from lawsuits related to data breaches, While the digital transformation of many vulnerabilities arising as a result productivity, and efficiency, but also also part of the Canadian-based Fairfax and even business interruption losses our financial, economic, and even social of data breaches.Meanwhile, as remote leads to significant risks. In order to Group, and has a strong foothold in following a cyberattack. This insurance and education activities has created work arrangements such as “working address these digital security risks, the growing insurance and reinsurance also covers legal liability claims arising significant opportunities for innovation, from home’’ have become a necessity we provide a comprehensive suite of markets of Southeast Asia, Eastern from third parties to the insured due convenience, and efficiency, it is also for modern organisations, these work insurance solutions that offer a range Europe, the Middle East, and Brazil. MAS’s Twinery recognised among region’s most influential innovators Twinery, Innovations by MAS, was recognised at the South and South East Asia Innovation Awards held recently. The awards are organised annually by Clarivate PLC (formerly Thomson Reuters), one of the global leaders in the intellectual property (IP) and innovation fraternity. This year, the top 28 of 235 Kruthagna Nadini Perera receiving her award from MP Nipuna Ranawaka and Sri Lanka Police DIG Ajith Rohana organisations were awarded, and marked the first time a Sri Lankan entity won such an award. MAS Holdings is also the Ceylon Speechie first apparel manufacturing entity to receive this recognition, and joins other Top 100 innovators, Founder awarded including major conglomerates such as General Electric, the and Industrial Research, India; Twinery culture. As a result, “Our silky fabric is made TATA Group, Petronas, Mahindra Petronas, Malaysia; Siam we hire and partner with smart from a mixture of complex & Mahindra Ltd., and ITC Ltd., Cement Group, Thailand; people to create and produce yarns to create a lightweight Young Professional who have been recognised in the Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat innovative, environmentally material that is seamless, past. Heavy Electricals Ltd., and the safe, intelligent clothes for smart breathable, and cool against The awards are based on an Welspun Group, India. consumers and businesses.” the skin. It uses our patented analysis of patent volume, citation “We’ve come a long way in Explaining the portfolio of Anti-Flush Technology™, of the Year 2020 volume, patent success, and level our IP journey, and this is truly innovative products that have which absorbs heat from the Ceylon Speech Perera is the Founding (ARNEC). In the past of globalisation, using patent a proud moment for MAS,” contributed to this recognition, surface of the skin when it gets Pathology Services Director of Ceylon years, her work has data from Derwent World Patents said MAS Holdings Chairman Vitarana said: “Twinery has hot, then releases warmth back (Pvt.) Ltd. Founding Speechie, a brand that extensively been in early Index™ (DWPI) and Derwent Mahesh Amalean. “At Twinery, been working hard since 2014 onto the body during the chill Director and Lead Speech provides medical, intervention practice for Patent Citations Index™ (DPCI). we explore ways to build new to help women manage and that follows.” Pathologist Kruthagna rehabilitative, and children facing speech and This year, 235 organisations textile technologies, and bring support physical changes and Amalean added: “Today, Nadini Perera was educational services communication delays, from academia, government, smarter apparel and soft-goods health concerns through our we have a portfolio of 64 recently recognised as in speech therapy and and with the geriatric and the corporate sector were to the market. Innovation is part FEMTECH pillar. A good patent families and 170 patent “Young Professional other related services to population for elderly identified as the top innovators of the fabric at MAS.” example of this is ‘Become’, applications filed globally, with of the Year 2020” by locals and the Sri Lankan needing intervention to be in South and Southeast Asia. MAS Holdings Chief which is a female-led start-up patents filed in several countries Women in Management diaspora through online productive and functional Among the Top 28 who received Innovation Officer Ranil powered by MAS. ‘Become’ is including the US, UK, Europe, (WIM) and the Youth services. following disabilities. the Innovation Award this year Vitarana explained: focused on helping women China, Japan, and Australia. We Affairs Ministry. The She is a visiting The award ceremony were: the National University of “Environmental sensitivity and control their menopause aim to achieve much more by award ceremony, held by consultant speech was graced by Minister Singapore; Council of Scientific innovation are ingrained in the symptoms naturally. 2025.” WIM and the National pathologist at Asiri Central of Youth Affairs Youth Services Council, Hospital, Healthy Life and Sports Namal recognised 24 exceptional Clinic, and Children’s Rajapaksa, and WIM young leaders in the Discovery House, Founder Dr. Sulochana EFL steps up to rejuvenate rugby in Sri Lanka country under the age of Colombo. She also Segera, alongside 30. serves as the National parliamentarians, A graduate of the Representative for the Asia diplomats, and University of Kelaniya Pacific Regional Network professionals in the public Faculty of Medicine, on Early Childhood and private sector.

From left: Sri Lanka Rugby Consultant Kevin Herft, EFL Global Head of Air Freight Irshad Razack, Sri Lanka Rugby President Rizly Illyas, Sri Lanka Rugby People’s Bank Chairman Sujeewa Rajapaksa (left) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)/General Vice President and Women’s Development and High Performance Chairman Rear Admiral H.A.U.D. Hettiarachchi, EFL Managing Director Saif Yusoof, Sri Manager (GM) Ranjith Kodituwakku addressing the gathering Lanka Rugby Secretary Jude Pillai, EFL 3PL Director Sammy Akbar, and EFL 3PL Chief Growth officer Leroy Ebert, commemorating the partnership between EFL and Sri Lanka Rugby Supply chain and having previously for a number of years. Illyas said: “This is a help Sri Lanka Rugby People’s Bank begins logistics management forged ties and helping Commenting on the significant partnership by airfreighting Kids’ firm EFL stated that it with the revival of the new sporting alliance, for the development of Rugby balls from reaffirmed its support Havelock Sports Club. EFL Managing Director women’s rugby, and Mumbai.” to the sport of rugby by Furthermore, they have Saif Yusoof said: “We a pathway to nurture Sri Lanka Rugby Vice work in New Year stepping forward as a supported the Sri Lanka are hopeful that this young talent. This President and Women’s A ceremony was held recently to usher well as multi-religious observances. main sponsor for both Referee’s Association support will set the partnership is a testament Development and High in the New Year at the People’s Bank The event at the Head Office was the Sri Lanka Rugby along with Schools paving stone to build a of Sri Lanka Rugby’s Performance Chairman Head Office. Bank staff assumed duties attended by the corporate and executive National Women’s Rugby over the past valuable talent pool for commitment to support Rear Admiral H.A.U.D. ceremoniously by pledging the public management, representatives of trade Sevens and Under-24 years. EFL also owns and Rugby, all the way up to the vision and mission of Hettiarachchi said: service oath. unions, religious organisations, and other Men’s teams. manages the Colombo the national level, so that Sports Minister Namal “This year we will have The gathering was addressed by voluntary organisations along with the Accordingly, players Football Club, which Sri Lanka can compete Rajapaksa to raise the a special drive through People’s Bank Chairman Sujeewa bank’s team members. Simultaneously, will sport the EFL logo incidentally went on to on the world stage with standards of all sports. the Provincial Unions Rajapaksa and Chief Executive Officer in branches all over the country, where on their jerseys and win the President’s Cup a strong and skilled Our partnership with to double our numbers, (CEO)/General Manager (GM) Ranjith similar events took place, with staff other rugby gear. EFL in 2020, whilst having team.” EFL began when EFL identify talent, and Kodituwakku, and was followed by a members pledging the public service oath is already associated sponsored the Mercantile Sri Lanka Rugby stepped forward during increase competitiveness ceremonial chanting of Seth Pirith as to commence work in the New Year. with the sport of rugby, Volleyball Association President Rizly times of uncertainty to in our national side.” 7 the morning Friday , January 8, 2021

Divorce on the cards? Thought for the day Kim Kardashian West and Kanye West are “You can make more friends in two figuring out their future and whether they months by becoming interested in are going to stay married, according to two other people than you can in two sources close to Kardashian West who years by trying to get other people spoke to CNN. The sources confirmed interested in you.” that West has been living at their – Dale Carnegie home in Wyoming in recent months, while his wife stayed in California with their children.

By Venessa Anthony sisters are laying their lives down.” She noted that she understands that even Youthbrunch for Justice Sri Lanka is a though other religions have the option to coalition formed by youth-led choose between cremations or burials, organisations and youth activists it goes against the fundamentals of their faith. She continued that when they to create a constructive discourse request for burials, they are labelled around matters that directly affect We need as unreasonable, fussy, or angry. “The young people and their future. In We need only emotion we’re actually feeling is order to share the youth perspective an intense amount of pain,” she further and to make a request to the expressed. Government, Youth of Justice Sri She shared that they organised Lanka hosted a press conference an event a few months ago where the yesterday (7) at the Sri Lanka community came together and expressed Foundation Institute (SLF). strong leaders how difficult it was, and then the very strong leaders next day they heard about the 20-day- Authoritative voices from the scientific old baby who was cremated. The silent, community have suggested that cremations peaceful protest against the forceful are not mandatory in the case of Covid-19 cremations of Covid-19 victims by tying deaths. The Sri Lanka Medical Association white handkerchiefs to the entrance to (SLMA), the College of Community the Borella Cemetery crematorium was Physicians of Sri Lanka (CCPSL), as well also disrupted by the removal of these as one of world’s leading pathologist and handkerchiefs that were tied in a direct virologist Prof. Malik Peiris and MP Prof. and healers and healers curtailment of Freedom of Expression. Tissa Vitharana have publicly announced She added that it is important to that based on available scientific evidence, Youth for Justice SL speaks out on understand that if any aspect of her cremation is not necessary. religion was harming anyone, she would It was also said that the recent stay away from it, “but we’re at a very report by the expert panel of virologists, unique time right now, where all the microbiologists, and immunologists led by mandatory cremations evidence points to the fact that cremations Prof. Jennifer Perera has recommended both are not required. 185 countries are cremation and burial of the deceased by allowing burials, so why can’t we?” adhering to safety precautions. As much as our country needs strong The panel consisted of members of leaders, we also need strong healers, different youth organisations that have and it’s time that Sri Lanka realises that been working with young people in Sri forced cremations are a serious issue. Lanka in a post-war context to bring “We cannot talk about human rights when communities together to heal and bring the Covid-19-diseased bodies are being about peace – Nethmini Medawela, Suchith cremated against their personal beliefs, Abeywickreme, Benislos Thushan, Nabeela without any scientific evidence, and Iqbal, and Senel Wanniarachchi. we urge the Government to reverse this Wanniarachchi explained that they mandatory cremations policy.” don’t usually comment on issues that As the generation that was brought up are ongoing in the country, but this is Benislos Thushan Nethmini Medawela Nabeela Iqbal Senel Wanniarachchi Suchith Abeywickreme amidst a brutal civil war and suffered its an important issue. “There seems to be governments that have been in power for Covid-19 deaths, which is causing on whether burying Covid-19-deceased consequences, the members of Youth for a consensus in the scientific community have used religion to create suspicion and tremendous hurt and distress to many Sri bodies is harmful, and all evidence suggests Justice Sri Lanka believe that if necessary that both burials and cremations can be disharmony so they can use that in their Lankans. This distress is experienced by the otherwise. steps aren’t taken to rectify the situation allowed within regulations. So, if there’s no favour, Wanniarachchi stated. Muslim and Christian communities in Sri Speaking at the event, Sisterhood and allow the Muslim and Christian scientific reason that the Government isn’t Commenting on why this event was Lanka, with Muslims being more affected Initiative Founder Nabeela Iqbal said: communities to perform their last rites in allowing burials, then on what basis are they organised, Medawela said that they want as their beliefs outright prohibit them from “The mandatory cremations taking place line with their religious beliefs, the youth mandating cremations?” he questioned. to call on the Government to revise its cremating their deceased. She also added in Sri Lanka right now is affecting how will have to suffer the repurcussions of the In Sri Lanka, historically, most ongoing policy of mandatory cremations that there has been a lot of research done Muslim and Christian brothers and shortsighted decisions of the state.

elephants have become a show of money Scope Cinemas reopens today and power because of the costs associated Is it time for a change? with maintaining them. RARE also shared that contrary to popular belief, elephants in said: “We’re just preparing for the By Venessa Anthony peraheras are often in distress and that the reopening with the pandemic, because shaking of their heads that is commonly this is something new for everyone.” Captive elephants in focus With the pandemic, a lot of our regarded by humans as enjoyment of the He added that with the time he had usual entertainment spots shut down. perahera is actually a sign of “stereotyping” due to the pandemic, he used that By Naveed Rozais Here’s some good news: Scope and a way of elephants showing they are in Cinemas is reopening today (8). opportunity to focus on their upcoming Sri Lanka’s relationship with elephants mental distress or “zoochosis”. Speaking to The Morning Brunch, projects and ventures as well. “We are is nuanced, to say the least. They are at once Moreover, RARE explained that elephants Scope Cinemas CEO Naveed Cader looking to give the Sri Lankan public revered in our culture and are a symbol for in captivity are treated very badly, regardless of expressed that their customers’ safety a safe and secure cinematic experience what Sri Lanka has to offer on the global how their needs are provided for, stressing that will be promised and that they will as we have done in the past.” stage, but they are also condemned by the elephants are wild animals and “domesticated” be abiding by Sri Lanka’s current Cader is also planning on bringing communities who come into conflict with them elephants are in fact elephants who have health and safety regulations, as well in a variety of new content so their in the wild. been mentally broken through the process of as imposing some of their own. He consumers have a range of choices to A video being circulated on social media “crushing”, which is mahouts and trainers explained that customers will not be choose from. Scope Cinemas launched recently has once again put a spotlight on crushing the animals’ spirit and asserting asked to socially distance if they arrive Wonder Woman 1984 on their screens temple elephants and elephants in captivity. dominance, making elephants obey them with a group, but all customers must today, and plan on bringing in some The video showed the shocking treatment of an through fear. wear masks at all times. well-known Tamil movies next week, elephant in captivity, named “Myan Kumara”, The individuals in the group are along with some Hollywood hits as at the Bellanwila Raja Maha Viharaya, a So what’s the alternative? permitted to sit next to each other well, catering to every audience. prestigious temple near Colombo with its own How can we fix the issue of elephants in while maintaining a seated distance Scope has gone above and famous perahera featuring elephants. captivity? RARE shared that elephants over the between the next group. He informed beyond to ensure the wellbeing of PHOTO ESHAN DASANAYAKA age of five cannot be successfully reintroduced us that the cinemas will be operating their customers, without hindering The Myan Kumara story into the wild; they have spent too much time only at 75% of its usual occupancy. their cinematic experience. It’s still is that these elephants serve no other role than in captivity and will struggle, especially if they the ideal chill spot for anyone looking Myan Kumara is a young tusker who was prestige,” Gunawardena said. Gunawardena “From the introduction of Scope gifted to the Bellanwila Raja Maha Viharaya have to interact with wild elephants. Cinemas, we have had multiple for a social meet up, with minimum shared that temples are not the only place where There is an alternative, however, in risk of contracting the virus. in 2013 by the Myanmar Government at the elephants play ceremonial roles, explaining that showtimes due to the fact that we have request of then Chief Prelate Ven. Bellanwila elephant sanctuaries, which have proven many screens, so we are available to Scope Cinemas has some the Sri Lanka Police and the Gajaba Regiment successful internationally with rehabilitating exciting news to announce. Cader Wimalarathana Thera, who handpicked Myan of the Sri Lankan Army also allegedly have cater to many people, even though we Kumara as a baby to be taken care of and captive elephants. These sanctuaries, like the are only allowed to operate at 75% revealed that they are embarking their own elephants. Global Sanctuary for Elephants in Brazil and on one of their largest projects yet, trained to one day carry the sacred Perahera capacity,” explained Cader. Karanduwa during the Bellanwila perahera. the Elephant Nature Park in Thailand, for “During the first wave, we a multiplex which will be situated Time for a change? example, are large blocks of land where captive Myan Kumara caused controversy in 2018 Though elephants play a respected role invested in cleaning and sanitising at the Havelock City real estate elephants can live in an environment similar to when he was believed to have been involved in traditions like the perahera, is it now time equipment that even America is project. “We’re looking at bringing the wild with minimal human interaction. in the death of Ven. Wimalarathana Thera who to consider if this is something that needs to currently using. We maintain the our customers something novel and “In Sri Lanka, we have the Ridiyagama died after sustaining injuries in a fall that took change? A spokesperson from the Rally for same standards as they do,” Cader different. We plan on initiating some Safari Park,” the RARE spokesperson place while he was feeding Myan Kumara, Animal Rights and Environment (RARE) said, adding that their staff will also unique features and screens that shared, adding: “But this is basically a although this has not been proven. Following shared that the role of elephants in cultural and be working in smaller teams. “They haven’t been done before. We want zoo. It’s built for humans and has animals this, Myan Kumara was moved from the religious events stems from practices that began will also be made to go through to give our customers the ultimate in a free-roaming environment, but they Bellanwila Raja Maha Viharaya for a time a few centuries ago. temperature checks and a sanitisation cinematic experience here at Scope.” also use negative reinforcement techniques before returning to temple property recently. “As far as we know, 500 or 600 years process in order to enter the building Cader hopes to launch the multiplex and sometimes use chains as well. It is Environmental Foundation Ltd. (EFL) ago, tuskers were used to take relics because as a general protocol, as will all by the end of this year. relatively the best place in Sri Lanka for Director and wildlife biologist Manori they were the highest and noblest form of customers.” The cinemas will be open captive elephants, although it doesn’t meet Gunawardena commented that elephants like transportation at the time. Kings used to travel Talking about what Scope as usual, operating at its regular the global standards of sanctuaries like Myan Kumara are sometimes sourced from on tuskers, but this was rare. Even in the Cinemas is up to currently, he screening times starting today. Global Wildlife SOS in India because it is a abroad because of laws in place locally that Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa Kingdoms, zoo.” On the subject of Myan Kumara and mean that elephants from the wild, at any age, even if elephants were used, it was maybe one his treatment at the Bellanwila Raja Maha cannot be captured for training in temples. elephant. The tradition of using elephants in Viharaya, RARE shared that they have This said elephants can be gifted to temples peraheras started when the Nayakar family been involved with other parties in putting by the State, who technically own elephants in came to Sri Lanka and Sri Lankan kings together a petition to the President, asking state care like those at the Pinnawala Elephant married Keralite queens,” the spokesperson him to address the situation, though they Orphanage. said. have not yet received a response. They are “The point is for these elephants to be used RARE also shared that the number of hopeful for some intervention to ease the in peraheras. These temples have always had a elephants in peraheras has grown over the plight of this majestic creature. tusker, it’s a prestige thing. My personal view last 15 years, largely due to the fact that 8 the morning ARTS Friday, January 8, 2021

A passion for animals Like we mentioned before, Melissa has many interests, and there is one that is near and dear to her heart that we cannot not discuss – her passion for animal welfare, particularly in helping people cultivate Melissa Stephen better relationships with their dogs. With her initiative “Dogtime”, she has gone on on keeping the creativity socials where she shares about her life and to create content which educates people snippets from all of her music. about their dogs, and she hopes to be a If you take a look at her repertoire, you voice that opposes the animal cruelty that will see versatility in the music she creates. persists in Sri Lanka to this day. alive during difficult times Speaking about her original music and whether it is possible to categorise what What’s next? BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE genre she belongs to, Melissa said that Finally, we asked Melissa the what she can say about that is she loves inevitable “what’s next” question, as we Melissa Stephen is a woman of many faces – a rapper, singer, songwriter, different types of music, but when it comes must, and also a little bit about how she social media personality, and also an animal rights activist. She’s literally to what she wants to create, what she does has maintained her exuberant attitude got no chill when it comes to the pursuit of her passions. However, as an is make music that makes people feel good during these difficult and most taxing all-round personality, Melissa has all the chill; one of the most optimistic whilst sharing with them her personal stories times. and bubbly personalities we’ve ever come across, she took us through how, along the way. “I hope to create music that is She said that while the pandemic like her, we too can all stay positive in the face of adversity and radiate true to me, and continue to do so for the rest has affected everybody, and she too optimism in bouts as we do it. of my life. I want people to get to know me misses performing, which is her absolute Amongst the many things that she Sound Sri Lanka Tour and the Colombo through my music,” she said. favourite thing to do; it is her “favourite does, Melissa is predominantly a musician; Music Festival, where she shared the This is reflected in her most recent high”, she understands that it would not be being a female rapper in Sri Lanka, she has stage with global superstars Shaggy, Big original track “What You Got Though”, a reality for a long while. In the meantime, definitely carved out a niche in the industry Mountain, Diana King, and Maxi Priest. for which she penned the lyrics, as her friends at Moving Pictures LK and Viral what she can do is look at the benefits and for herself. In the recent past, Melissa has been it chronicles strength and the artist’s Media LK. Speaking about the projects she is keep creating good content, good music, growing a considerable social media perseverance most proud of, Melissa referred to the music and hope for a better day. The musical journey following, thanks to her YouTube channel through tough video she shot for the aforementioned single Her musical journey began in a where she posts her original music, mash- times in a “What You Got Though”. About the process most extraordinary fashion, a whole saga ups, and cover songs, and all of her other pleasantly of putting it together, she said: “It was an involving an online competition and a packaged upbeat amazing experience and I got to learn so Grammy Award-winning producer, Scott track. much thanks to my friends at Viral Media,” If you Matthews to be exact, resulting in Melissa, adding also that she takes great pride in some at the time just only a student completing are to take of the other videos like her cover of Gangsta her Bachelor’s degree in Creative Arts in I hope to create music that is a look at Zone By Daddy Yankee ft. Snoop Dogg, Australia, working with Matthews on her true to me, and continue the other where she seamlessly included a fantastic very first rap single “Believe”. In what to do so for the rest of my end of Sinhala verse. almost sounds like a fairy tale, Melissa the what Melissa She said that the video was a result artist was born and since then, she hasn’t life. I want people to get to has to offer of collective effort and support from her slowed down. know me through my music as an artist, closest friends, and that special thanks it is the nicely Since her debut single, she has had a Melissa Stephen must be given to Kasun Sandarage whirlwind of a career where she has seen produced music who did the music, Danuka Kasun who some truly incredible opportunities come videos, the quality directed and edited the video, and a her way – when she opened for DJ Yella of of which she number of others. NWA and for UK singer-songwriter Tara credits to Melissa shared that working with McDonald, when she performed alongside creatives and talented people has really Apache Indian, and of course we cannot helped her become a better artist while at forget when she was given the opportunity the same time she was also having a great to perform her own set at the Ministry of time creating. “The first proper music video that I shot was for my single ‘What You Got Though’, and I am still learning and growing with every new piece that I create; She said as for future plans, what she with every new effort hopes to do is to keep travelling when it I am growing as an is eventually allowed, and make people artist,” she said. happy with her music. “I would like to In addition to all perform as much as I can, for as long as of the creative work I can,” she said, adding also that new that she does, there music is definitely on the horizon. is an administrative Melissa describes herself as a element to maintaining confident person and said she doesn’t a public presence, and think that anything is impossible. “I have when asked about how always sort of been this way,” she said, important it is to cultivate sharing with us that she believes that and maintain an online if you love something, while it may be following and audience, she candidly shared hard, you will achieve it if you put the that she believes that people do not tend to work in, and 5-10 years down the line, understand nor realise how much work goes she knows where she wants to be and into it. However, she also said that she too that she will get there somehow. is still trying to be better at it and that she loves her supporters. “They are constantly so positive, and they remind me that I should keep creating. They are genuine and loving and above all else really supportive, and I really just want to keep growing with them.”

BY VENESSA ANTHONY a green screen, so the DJs were playing in front of a background Kiran Hameed is a music to make it look all the more producer and curator, with an authentic.” affinity for many instruments like Hameed got into the music the guitar and drums. He used to industry after higher studies in Sri Lanka, and record labels can’t work as a music curator at Pulse and on engineering. “Like most Asian claim rights. Especially in the metal he currently works at Banger.lk as parents, mine too wanted me to and rap scene, this is a common a music curator, where he lists out become a doctor or an engineer. I problem.” Additionally, he noted the music that plays on their radio. studied engineering for one year that the rap and metal industry in Sri Hameed started up Banger.lk, along before I realised I had no interest in Lanka are doing quite well these days. with a friend because of the notable the field.” Music has always been Our local artists are out there killing lack of a proper electronic music part of his personality; he started it and making a name for themselves radio station where electronic music off as a drummer and eventually and the country. He also highlighted was given the spotlight. ventured into the electronic music the biggest challenge when creating “Even though I had the idea to field. Later on, he decided on music as affording the gear. “You start Banger.lk as a virtual concert pursuing sound engineering as his need a lot of equipment to afford gear, space and online electronic radio field of study, which helped him and these items don’t come at a cheap platform, it was my friend Omesh immensely with the technical side of price. If you’re a producer, you need Yapa who helped me initiate it, music. proper software like Adobe to record who then later introduced me to a and mix and master.” He observed genius of a web developer by the that here, many people just pirate name of Ishan Marikar.” the software, adding that he and Kiran most others wished to avoid that Hameed He informed us that Banger.lk streams electronic music but unfortunately, when starting exclusively, for 24 hours a day. up, there’s a chance you simply The platform also allows users to won’t be able to afford the premium add songs that they like that were software. streamed on Banger.lk, directly to Talking about his hopes for Discover the wonders of 2021, Hameed plans on doing a their Apple Music playlist for the users’ convenience. He enrolled in Music Oven series of DJs playing at interesting Hameed talked to us about a virtual Institute, an institute where one can locations, like on a boat. He also music festival that was hosted by learn audio technology. That’s around wants to focus more on Banger. Banger.lk on 14 December. “We got the time he saw a job opportunity at lk’s YouTube content to really two DJs from India; we did the show Pulse, for their radio station Island spice up the platform and bring in ELECTRONIC Pulse, which he took up. He stated: a wider audience. His goal is to with Culture X, Pulse, and with support from Decibel.lk.” He noted “That was the point where I realised bring Banger.lk to its peak and help that it was a bit tough to organise my path in life. It’s what set off my everyone discover the wonders of because of the pandemic, but a lot desire to be part of this industry electronic music. of people attended as the tickets because I found that it was something MUSIC were not that expensive either. He I enjoyed doing a lot.” www.banger.lk credits the amazing visuals to Sun In Sri Lanka, many artists Burn, which came on board for this struggle with copyright issues. “For festival. “We recorded everything on instance, we don’t have Spotify yet @banger.lk the morning 9 Friday, January 8, 2021 LIFESTYLE

workforce and/or the community. yy Stay informed through reliable However, common and recurring sources; indicators are apparent and yy Manage your information intake from undisputable: social and/or traditional media; yy Fear and anxiety about contracting or visibl spreading the virus, shortage of food/ yy Prioritise your mental and physical self- n e medical care; care through work-life balance – set daily i goals, a routine, and strict guidelines to w yy Depression and boredom during avoid burnout (i.e., you work more hours lockdown periods; e a when working from home) in a yy Feelings of social isolation for people yy Less caffeine, more water; h v who live alone and are forced to socially distance; yy Less junk food, more vegetables and greens; T e yy Anger, frustration, and/or irritability due pandemic to lack of control over personal and social yy Maintain strong communications with situations; your loved ones; yy Restless/disturbed yy Prepare an “emergency stock” with dry sleep and/or un(healthy) in/ rations and medical supplies which will decreased eating patterns be sufficient for a prolonged emergency due to elevated anxiety, lockdown period; stress, restricted yy movements, and Do not make definite plans too far boredom; into the future due to rapidly changing circumstances; yy Deteriorated yy (existing) mental health Make new leisure activities to explore difficulties due to increased your interests and develop more skills. anxiety regarding the virus In saying so, we shall not disregard and/or symptoms triggered by the silver lining of this pandemic for loneliness and isolation; some – positive outcomes such as yy Increased use of substances (e.g., alcohol, healthy coping mechanisms that emerged tobacco, and/or drugs) as a temporary in the form of creatives (e.g., art, music, coping mechanism to manage stress, cooking), strengthened familial relations, anxiety, and depression; and enhanced quality of life (e.g., physical exercise, meditation, reading). yy Neglect general health and/or delay This too shall pass. Until such time, life-saving treatment due to fear of be mindful of your mental health needs. contracting the virus at treating facilities Do not deny the psychological wellbeing which may in turn worsen their overall of yourself and your loved ones. wellbeing including mental health. Failing which, we may have to endure consequences of a pandemic within a Not everyone is in a similar status pandemic, in the time to come. of mental stability during a pandemic. 1) By have to learn and adapt to the ongoing part of their national Covid-19 response People are affected gradually; 2) some only References Raneesha and/or post-coronavirus world, whilst plans, only 17% of these countries have require psychological first aid; 3) some have Takieddine, H., & AL Tabbah, S. De Silva prioritising the health and safety of ourselves full additional funding to cover these never experienced mental health difficulties (2020). Coronavirus Pandemic: Coping and our loved ones. activities”. before and are unexpectedly affected by the with the Psychological Outcomes, Mental In addition to aforesaid existing pandemic; and 4) existing mental health Good riddance, 2020! What a year Changes, and the “New Normal” During How does the ‘new normal’ affect mental health difficulties in the difficulties are aggravated by the pandemic. and After COVID-19. Open Journal of it has been – it felt more like a your psychological wellbeing? community, the impact of the Covid-19 How can you protect your Depression and Anxiety, 07-19. https://doi. Monday after Christmas. The World Health Organisation pandemic on an individual’s emotional org/10.36811/ojda.2020.110005 Last year has been a year of many (WHO) strongly recommends that wellbeing as a result of altered routine psychological wellbeing in 2021 World Health Organisation. (2020). leanings, across many domains. With essential services for Covid-19 should lifestyle (i.e., isolation and/or social amidst a pandemic? COVID-19 Disrupting Mental Health limited free will, we had little to no choice include “mental health” as an “integral distancing, curfew, remote working/ Despite our liking, the psychological Services in Most Countries, WHO Survey. but to slow down, reflect on our thoughts component of their response and recovery studying), mental status (i.e., stigma and impact of this global pandemic is “wide- (The writer is the Research Lead and actions, and above all, appreciate plans”. discrimination if infected, insecurity ranging, substantial, and long lasting”, [QR-GCRF], Post-Crisis Disaster our blessings. With the continuing According to the WHO, “the and fear over uncontrollable future), and independent of if you were directly affected Management in Sri Lanka) circumstances, we cannot (rather should not) Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted or unemployment, are not yet largely known. or not. May it be due to rational fear, lack expect our living conditions to differ much halted critical mental health services in Research findings are still emerging and of knowledge, or misinformation, resources therefore, academics and practitioners are https://www.linkedin.com/in/ in 2021 than 2020. As experts have coined 93% of countries worldwide while the should be utilised to overcome coronavirus- raneesha-de-silva/ it, this is the “new normal”. In order for our demand for mental health is increasing. unable to assess distinctive and significant related mental health difficulties, as a mental health-related consequences of a personal and professional lives to thrive (as Although 89% of countries report that collective effort of professionals and the https://www.researchgate.net/ much as a pandemic would allow it), we mental health and psychosocial support is global pandemic, amongst the frontline community: profile/Raneesha_De_Silva2

Anantara Resorts Getting back to business ‘MICE’ly An ideal coastal retreat for meetings, incentives, and conferences in SL The winning teams from SLTC Whether a conference, seminar, business SLTC students win big at at retreat, or incentive group, Anantara Resort Anantara Resort Anantara Peace Haven Kalutara and Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Kalutara General Tangalle General Manager offer total exclusivity, adhering to the Manager Darren Darwin Stephan Moonen Covid-19 protocol for health and safety. The Anantara Kalutara Ballroom World Invention and Trade Expo trained in Anantara’s ‘Stay with Peace of Anantara Resorts are dedicated to events grand ballroom, four meeting rooms, and The Sri Lanka Technological Mind’ programme, ensuring that safety is of extraordinary with a range of conference expansive indoor and outdoor pre-function Campus (SLTC) recently organised an paramount importance for all of our clients’ and event options in a picturesque coastal areas. The complex boasts dual views of the award ceremony to felicitate students that meetings and events.” environment. Indian Ocean and Kalu Ganga River, while performed exceptionally at the International As a setting for conferences and Anantara Kalutara Resort welcomes floor-to-ceiling windows maximise natural Paper Competition – World Invention and events, the ballroom can accommodate corporate events, large or intimate, at its light and give way to stunning sunsets. Trade Expo (WINTEX) held in Indonesia. 400 guests for a reception, or 350 guests luxury retreat located an hour from Colombo. “At Anantara Kalutara, we are delighted The felicitation ceremony, held at Waters for banquets and meetings in theatre style. With manicured grounds and gardens, and a to offer guests an authentic experience for Edge, Battaramulla was graced by Minister Designed for maximum flexibility, the large convention centre, Anantara aims for meetings and events, while being able to of Skills Development, Vocational pillar-free ballroom can be divided into two Minister of Skills Development, Vocational perfection under the “new normal” Covid design a bespoke setup that can immerse you Education, Research, and Innovation Dr. Education, Research, and Innovation Dr. Seetha equal soundproof spaces, both equipped Arambepola handing over the gold award to protocols. The resort can accommodate in your surroundings. With a dedicated team Seetha Arambepola. with mood lighting and audio-visual Fathima Minza Ifrath and team social distancing without any disruption or on hand to provide personalised planning, Five teams from the SLTC School of systems. “A selection of VIP welcome discomfort to a MICE (meetings, incentives, you are assured of flawless delivery and Engineering secured three gold awards, two gifts, themed décor, and entertainment, conferences, and exhibitions) event. a tailor-made experience,” said Anantara silver awards, and a special award for Best teamed with catering options, are on offer The purpose-built two-storey meeting Resort Kalutara General Manager Darren Application of Technology in the “Best of for all events at the resort,” added Darwin. complex comprises the 618 square metre Darwin. He continued: “Our team is highly the Best” award category at WINTEX. The five SLTC teams were adjudged winners out of over 345 submissions made by 2,200 participants across 25 countries. The Emirates is reintroducing “My Emirates My Emirates Pass gives customers up five teams comprised undergraduate and Minister of Skills Development, Vocational Pass”, an offer that turns the Emirates to 50% off in over 300 restaurants across the postgraduate students at SLTC. Education, Research, and Innovation Dr. Seetha Emirates boarding pass into a membership card that country, and in over 35 spas in world-class Sadev Kalubowila and his team, Arambepola handing over the silver award to Sadev Kalubowila and team gives flyers access to deals in over 450 hotels. The Emirates boarding pass also mentored by SLTC lecturer Upeksha restaurants, leisure destinations and retail unlocks offers at many tourist attractions, Chathurani, won a silver award for Ayu+, Commission Sri Lanka (PUCSL) Director brings outlets in the UAE. including Atlantis a symptom-analysing application to assess – Inspectorate Division Dr. Nilantha The pass has been extended this year, Aquaventure and health via visible physical signs, while Sapumanage. Fathima Minza Ifrath and allowing Emirates’ customers flying through At The Top Burj another silver award was bagged by Hassan team not only won a gold award, but also back ‘MY and to Dubai from 1 January to 30 September Khalifa. The full Hydher and his team for a project to provide the “Best Application of Technology” award 2021 to avail these offers by presenting their list of participating uninterrupted cellular coverage via UAV for their proposed cost-effective, real-time Emirates boarding pass and a valid form outlets is available in the event of dysfunction of terrestrial smart logistics solution based on narrow- EMIRATES of identification at any of the participating on the Emirates towers. This project was supervised by band IoT, which was commended for outlets. website. SLTC’s School of Postgraduate Studies and contextual relevance during the pandemic. Research Head Prof. Dush Nalin Jayakody. This project was supervised by Dialog PASS’ Lakdinu Ekanayake and Ben Roshnan Axiata Lead Engineer (Assistant Manager) won the gold award for their solution for Amila Saputhanthri. Conducted virtually, optimising signal quality, strength, and WINTEX was held in conjunction with usability, notwithstanding proximity, based Indonesia Inventors’ Day (IID), organised on the Norma concept under 5G, while by the Indonesia Inventions and Innovation Vishalya Sooriyarachchi and team won Promotion Association (INNOPA) under another gold award for their “Charging the theme “Ideas meet people”. SLTC’s Centres” utilising excess energy in the participation in WINTEX was co-ordinated power grid. They were supervised by by the Technology and Innovation Support My Emirates Pass turns the Emirates boarding pass SLTC’s Prof. Dush Nalin Jayakody, Dr. Centre, while student preparation for the into a membership card, giving customers deals Nikhil Sharma from India, Senior Lecturer competition was handled by the School of and discounts at over 450 restaurants, leisure Postgraduate Studies and Research. destinations, and retail outlets across the UAE Dr. Amila Vayangani, and Public Utilities 10 the morning SPORTS Friday, January 8, 2021

SCORECARD AUSTRALIA 1ST INNINGS Will Pucovski lbw b Saini 62 David Warner c Pujara b Siraj 5 Marnus Labuschagne not out 67 Steve Smith not out 31 Extras (nb 1) 1 Total (for 2 wickets in 55 overs) 166 Did not bat: Matthew Wade, Cameron Green, Tim Paine (Captain/wk), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Josh Hazlewood Fall of wickets: 1-6 (Warner, 3.3 ov), 2-106 (Pucovski, 34.2 ov) Bowling: Jasprit Bumrah 14-3-30-0, Mohammed Siraj 14-3-46-1, Ravichandran Ashwin 17-1-56-0, Navdeep Saini 7-0-32-1 (nb1), Ravindra Jadeja 3-2-2-0

INDIA Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (Captain), Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Navdeep Saini, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj

Toss: Australia, who elected to bat first Series: Four-match series level at 1-1 Test debuts: Navdeep Saini (India) and Will Pucovski (Australia) Umpires: Paul Reiffel (Aus) and Paul Wilson (Aus) TV Umpire: Bruce Oxenford (Aus) Reserve Umpire: Claire Polosak (Aus) Match Referee: David Boon (Aus)

Debutant Will Pucovski reached his 50 in 97 balls AUS ON TOP z Debutant Pucovski impressive, Labuschagne unbeaten on 67 Australia were on top at the stumps on the first day of their overs later, and the players had to race and drift to induce a faint edge, but they desperately needed, breaking a as was Smith, who at one point came third Test against India in Sydney yesterday (7). Half-centuries back to the dressing room. Pant couldn’t pouch it. Pucovski was 100-run second-wicket stand. down the track and lofted Ashwin for from debutant Will Pucovski and Marnus Labuschagne put on 26 at the time. A couple of overs However, in came Smith, looking a four down the ground. What really Consolidating after rain later, when the 22-year-old Victoria determined to start the New Year with troubled India, however, was the fact them in total control of the significant Test, with the series They wouldn’t emerge again until gloved a short one from Siraj, Pant a bang, having struggled so far in that Labuschagne, at the other end, squared at one-all. after lunch. The Australians walked put in the dive as it looped over him, this series. He was typically nervous was looking the best he had in this out determined and composed, and but grassed the effort despite having in front of stumps, but seemed to be series – he brought up his own half- Only 7.1 overs were possible in Siraj strikes before rain Pucovski and Labuschagne proceeded two grabs at it. timing the ball a lot better, and was century with a lovely cover-drive the first session due to rain, before to numb the Indian attack, particularly intent on putting the Indians off their off Siraj. Australia posted 166/2 in 55 overs The day had begun promisingly paying attention to running quick Saini removes Pucovski lengths with early hits to the fence. Smith and Labuschagne blunted at stumps. for India, despite Tim Paine opting singles and keeping the scoreboard Pucovski went on to score his maiden It didn’t take long for India Captain India’s efforts and denied them the In its match report of the first day’s to bat. In the fourth over of the ticking. Test half-century, just before tea, getting Ajinkya Rahane to turn to his off- late wicket they craved, putting on play yesterday, icc-cricket.com day, Mohammed Siraj, who had an It didn’t help India’s cause that to the mark with consecutive fours off spinner Ravichandra Ashwin. an unbroken 60 by the time stumps said the Australian batsmen impressive Test debut in Melbourne, Rishabh Pant dropped two chances India debutant Navdeep Saini. Shortly were drawn. Australia will hope to accelerated the scoring in the final had the dangerous David Warner caught behind the stumps, both off Pucovski, after the interval, when there was Ashwin vs. Smith extend that partnership a great deal session of the day to ensure India at first slip for just five runs. who had looked somewhat nervy early another brief spell of rain, Saini had There was an engaging battle on the second day, which will start returned to the dressing room a tad India looked primed for more at the on in his maiden Test knock. Ashwin his revenge, nailing Pucovski plumb between the two. Ashwin was at half an hour earlier to make up for frustrated. time, but rain arrived just a couple of set him up beautifully with a loop in front. India had the breakthrough relentless in his positive approach, the lost time.

KANDY MUSINGS BY Asoka Jayasena’s rugby heroics HAFIZ MARIKAR z SLR appoints new National Selection Committee Former national ruggerite Asoka First Anandian to win Leading Sri Lanka Jayasena has been named by Sri national rugby colours Soon after school, he joined the Police as Lanka Rugby (SLR) as Chairman Our focus in the column a Sub-Inspector and gave his of the National Rugby Selection today is Asoka Jayasena, who best for its rugby. There, he was Committee. Minister of Sports and was the first to emerge from coached by Daya Jayasundra and Youth Affairs Namal Rajapaksa Ananda College to play for Sri Ibrahim Hamid. ratified the new panel this week. Lanka. Former member of the Later, Jayasena led Kandy SC Police Department, Jayasena in 1998, when their coach was The rest of the committee comprises top has contributed immensely to Priyantha Ekanayake. Then he ruggerites Rohan Gemanu Abayakoon, Yalahalage the game of rugby, both as a helped Kandy take second place Leslie de Silva, Lt. Col. Derrick Kapila Sri player and an official. in the Sevens League as well as Knowlton, and Illangan Mudiyanselage Hemantha Jayasena represented Police Knockout tournaments. Kumara Yatawara. at rugby from 1989-96. In 1990, Jayasena also played for Up The committee was recommended by SLR, though, the Police withdrew from Country as well as the Sri Lanka which is now headed by Rizly Illyas. They rugby due to the second Eelam team during 1998-2001. He also know what they are doing. Their knowledge war. Jayasena then moved to Asoka Jayasena represented the Asian Barbarians. and love for the game are undisputed. So is Havelock Sports Club to play He also led Sri Lanka when they Minister Rajapaksa, a former Sri Lanka Captain under renowned coach Nimal won the Asian Quadrangular in this sport. Lewke. He later represented Kandy Sports Tournament in 2000, being ably coached by Club, from 1996-2004. Nimal Lewke. Action to begin soon? At World Schools Sevens IRB Level II Coach Jayasena is a product of the Minuwangoda After hanging up his boots, Jayasena helped “Sports and fitness training area. He started his schooling at St. Joseph Vaz St. Anthony’s College, Katugastota in their in all age categories is to College, Wennappuwa and later crossed over coaching. He also coached Dharmaraja College, commence mid-January, to Ananda, mainly to play cricket. He was also Kandy as their Head Coach. He was in fact a top athlete. At Ananda, Jayasena started his instrumental in guiding the “Rajans” to become adhering to all the rugby under the guidance of G.B. Gunadasa. a fighting outfit. Covid-19 guidelines In his last year in school, Jayasena played for Then he coached his alma mater, Ananda, issued by the Ministry the Sri Lanka School Sevens team at the World and later assisted in coaching the Sri Lankan Asoka Jayasena was the first to emerge from Ananda College to play for Sri Lanka of Health.” Schools Sevens Tournament held at Roslyn team. Notably, all his coaching stints spanned Park, UK. His teammates then were Lasitha short periods. Jayasena is also an International also encouraging his players to play with Some of Jayasena’s understudies in coaching – Sports Minister Gunaratne, Bindu Dandeniya, Rohan Ranaraja, Rugby Board (IRB) Level II Coach. a lot of enthusiasm and enjoy the game. were Daya Jayasundara, Ibrahim Hamid, Nimal Namal Rajapaksa Sudesh Abeysinghe, Ruwan Ranasinghe, Jayasena subsequently left the country Lewke, Anton Benedict, Ana Saranapala, Thakshila Hettiarachchi, Mohamed Intikhab, Understudies seeking greener pastures. Upon coming George Simpkin, Tony Amith, and Priyantha and Hilmy Shaeed. Their coach was Alex Jayasena is known for maintaining strict back, he helped Kandy SC in coaching and Ekanyake. Jayasena has also handled the Lazarus. discipline all the while as a coach, while their rugby academy. whistle as an IRB-qualified referee. Sudharshana, Covid-19 and new SL U-19 Coach English football Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) this week Aston Villa have experienced a appointed a new coach for the significant coronavirus outbreak at the national Under-19 team. Dhammika club on the eve of their FA Cup third- Sudharshana, the 44-year-old round tie with Liverpool, British media former Richmondite who hammered said yesterday (7). The Premier League a century at the 1995 Richmond- side said a large number of first-team Mahinda Big Match in Galle, now has players and staff are in isolation after the major responsibility of preparing returning positive tests on Monday. the national U-19 side for the The club’s training ground was closed 2022 U-19 World Cup yesterday after a second round of in West Indies. testing produced more positive results. Friday,sports January 8, 2021

Sri Lanka Cricket will be hot soon, as its election time is nearing. Pictured is SLC President Shammi Silva cutting a cake after assuming duties in February 2021, under the auspices of former administrative stalwart Thilanga Sumathipala (centre)

Enterz SLC election Two-horse races on the cards; does incumbent Shammi Silva have the edge? he can’t be “directly” involved in cricket board in this race is another interesting proposition administration now due to legal restrictions), to observe. BY REVATHA S. SILVA SLC Election Committee the members of the election committee, who Shammi Silva, Jayantha Dharmadasa, and appointed will now be tasked to conduct the election of Nishantha Ranatunga et al, are divided in a very Sports Minister’s stance Sri Lanka’s cricket depends on During an extraordinary general meeting office bearers at the forthcoming annual general strange fashion this time around. The Sports Minister has no direct role to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). SLC is (EGM) held yesterday (7), SLC appointed meeting (AGM) of the SLC,” SLC notified in play in SLC elections. But the way he behaves always hot and, at the onset of this members to its Election Committee in accordance a communiqué yesterday. Number of votes to be reduced (overtly or covertly) with regard to his relations new year, is becoming hotter. with the current Sports Law of the country, which There are about 147 votes at SLC elections. with the two main parties this time will also be include Justice Malani Gunaratne (a retired Strange power lines The number is awkwardly too much for a small extremely exciting. Its election is to be held before the end of May. Judge of the Court of Appeal), Justice Shiromi As mentioned above, two parties are now island nation, even though her cricketing prowess Whatever said and done, sooner rather than Two parties are currently preparing themselves Perera (a retired Judge of the High Court), and gearing up for the SLC AGM. The power lines is very large. later, Sri Lanka’s cricket administration will be for the acquisition of the SLC hot seat. Can the Dr. D.M.R.B. Dissanayake (former Secretary of those factions are very strange this time. It’s understood that this number is most likely hot. The heat will be felt on the field as well, incumbent Shammi Silva retain his place for to several government ministries). The “historically” key players of local cricket to be reduced to about 50 this time. How such a in a year where nonstop international cricket is another time? “The SLC membership unanimously elected board politics, Thilanga Sumathipala (though situation is going to affect the two main camps very much on the cards. I don’t have a point to prove in Sri Lanka: Bairstow England batsman Jonny Bairstow said a specialist batsman, with Jos Buttler Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Sam yesterday (7), in a virtually conducted having established himself as first-choice Curran, Olly Stone, Stuart Broad, James Anderson (left) and Mark Wood media briefing from Hambantota, that he wicketkeeper. Saqib Mahmood, Mason Crane, training in Hambantota yesterday does “not have a point to prove” on the The most recent of Bairstow’s six Test and Amar Virdi. PHOTO ECB tour of Sri Lanka. hundreds came in Sri Lanka in 2018, when Bairstow, 31, has not played a Test in he was employed at No. 3, the role he is Officials for Tests announced over a year, but could be recalled for next most likely to fill this time around. The following officials have been Thursday’s first Test in Galle in the absence appointed to officiate at the upcoming of Rory Burns, Ben Stokes, and Ollie Pope. Intra-squad warm-up two-match Test series between Sri Lanka “I genuinely think that my game is in matches begin and England. Under the “new normal”, all the best place it has been,” Bairstow said. Meanwhile, England will begin the first officials are provided by the home country “I believe I can make a huge contribution of their two intra-squad warm-up matches and no neutral officials are assigned in an to England in the Test arena. I’ve proved in Hambantota today (8). The next game international series. it in the past.” is scheduled for tomorrow (9). Due to yy Match Referee: Ranjan Madugalle The first match of the two-Test series Covid-19 restrictions, warm-up games between England and Sri Lanka gets against any home side are not played. yy On-field Umpires: underway in Galle on 14 January. Kumar Dharmasena and The two squads Ruchira Palliyaguruge Returning as a are as below: specialist batsman yy TV Umpire: Lyndon Hannibal Team Root: Bairstow has played 70 Tests for yy Fourth Umpire: England, scoring 4,030 runs at an average Zak Crawley, James Bracey, Joe Raveendra Wimalasiri of 34.74. However, he averaged only 18.55 Root, Dan Lawrence, Ben Foakes, y in 2019 and was dropped for the tour of Craig Overton, Ollie Robinson, Jack y Reserve Match Referee: New Zealand. Leach, Mark Wood, James Anderson, Graeme Labrooy He returned to play one Test in South and Matt Parkinson. yy Reserve Umpire: Africa in December 2019 but has not Prageeth Rambukwella featured in Test cricket since then. His Team Buttler: return in Sri Lanka is likely to be as Dom Sibley, Ollie Pope, (With inputs from BBC)