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For verified information on the Quarantine Unit COVID-19 TOTAL CASES TOTAL CASES coronavirus (Covid-19) contact any 0112 112 705 ACTIVE CASES of the following authorities CASES IN Epidemiology Unit Health THE WORLD 20,070,964 Suwasariya 0112 695 112 PROTECT YOURSELF FROM 2,844 Promotion Ambulance DEATHS CASES DEATHS Bureau Service Govt. coronavirus hotline USA 5,201,064 165,620 COVID-19 DEATHS RECOVERED 1999 1990 0113071073 734,779 BRAZIL 3,035,582 101,136 INDIA 2,226,229 44,597 PRESIDENTIAL SPECIAL TASK FORCE FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES RECOVERD RUSSIA 892,654 15,001 11 2,593 Telephone 0114354854, 0114733600 Fax 0112333066, 0114354882 Hotline 0113456200-4 Email [email protected] 12,929,925 S. AFRICA 559,859 10,408 THE ABOVE STATISTICS240 ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 7.15 P.M. ON 10 AUGUST 2020 SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU

SWEARING IN OF NEW CABINET TOMORROW Gazette on ministries, state ministries released z 28 ministries and 40 state ministries listed through extraordinary gazette notification The new Cabinet of Ministers and tomorrow (12). Hall (Magul Maduwa) of the Temple President Gotabaya Rajapaksa structure consisting 28 ministries and under the purview of the President and the new state ministers will be sworn in The swearing-in ceremony will take of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, through an extraordinary gazette 40 state ministries. the Prime Minister. before President Gotabaya Rajapaksa place at the historic Royal Audience the President’s Media Division said. notification announced the ministerial This includes ministries that come Contd. on page 2

NATIONAL LIST UNP LEADERSHIP SJB still undecided BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA RW to step down The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is likely to finalise its z Meetings with leadership z Akila, Ravi, Daya, and z Ruwan and Navin to z Final decision by the National List tomorrow (12), contenders from today Vajira enter leadership race also present proposals Working Committee The Morning reliably learnt. SJB Spokesperson Harin BY OUR POLITICAL EDITOR from today onwards with their said that he wanted the names Harin Fernando told The Morning proposals for the restructuring of contenders for the post of Fernando United National Party (UNP) Leader Ranil that the party leadership was of the party. UNP leader. still deliberating the National List allocations. Wickremesinghe had yesterday (10) announced Speaking to The Morning, a “Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, “I think it will most likely be finalised his intention of stepping down from the party senior UNP source explained that Ravi Karunanayake, tomorrow as there are still allotments to be leadership and is to meet with party members Wickremesinghe had yesterday Daya Gamage, and Vajira done.” interested in coming forward for the leadership race met with a group of party Abeywardena raised their hands Contd. on page 2 from today (11) onwards. members and during the meeting and said they wanted to contest had expressed his desire to step for the party leadership,” the Wickremesinghe has interested in entering the down from the party leadership. source said. Akila Viraj Ravi Daya Gamage Vajira SJB NATIONAL LIST CONTROVERSY requested party members leadership race to meet him Wickremesinghe had then Contd. on page 2 Kariyawasam Karunanayake Abeywardena Will remain Preparations underway FORMING A TWO-THIRDS MAJORITY regardless of issues: ACMC 3 parties The All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) will remain in alliance with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), regardless of National List to support seat distribution. ACMC Secretary M. Suhaibdeen told The Morning that they had no intention of challenging the decisions taken by the SJB leadership. SLPP Contd. on page 2 z TMVP, EPDP, NCSL to join SLPP in P’ment

BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) to PCOI ON POLITICAL VICTIMISATION form a two-thirds majority in Three political parties which the new Parliament scheduled to Former ministers contested the freshly concluded meet next week, SLPP Secretary parliamentary election separately Sagara Kariyawasam said. appear before will be joining the Sri Lanka Contd. on page 2 Commission Former Ministers Ranjith Gamini Senarath Madduma Bandara, Dr. Rajitha Senaratne, Ajith P. Perera, and Secretary to the Prime Minister Gamini Senarath, Senior Advisor to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Army Cmdr. Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva, Police Media Spokesperson SSP Jaliya Senaratne, Central Province Senior DIG Sanjeewa Dharmaratne, re-appointed Ranjan Ramanayake had yesterday Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela, and others arrived at the Royal Audience Hall of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth (10) appeared before the Presidential Relic yesterday (10) to oversee preparations for the swearing-in ceremony of the Cabinet of Ministers to be held tomorrow (12) Former Secretary to the Prime Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) on PHOTO KAMAL SURAWEERA Minister, Gamini Senarath was political victimisation by the former yesterday (10) re-appointed to ‘WHITE VAN’ PRESS CONFERENCE Government. VEN. GNANASARA THERA NOMINATION the same post by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. SJB NATIONAL LIST CONTROVERSY HC summons Prior to the general election, Rajitha and Senarath served as the Secretary No division in EC to make to Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. He was also the Chief Gamini Senarath was re-appointed former SPC Chief of Staff to Rajapaksa when the to the post of Secretary to the PM by alliance: TPA The Colombo High Court (HC) yesterday latter held the office of President. President Rajapaksa yesterday (10) (10) issued summons on former Minister final decision DEMOLITION OF HISTORIC BUILDING IN K’GALA Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) Dr. Rajitha Senaratne and former State z Rejection of nominations cause legal concerns Leader Mano Ganesan said that there Pharmaceutical Corporation (SPC) Chairman would be no division in the Samagi Mohamed Rumi in connection with the The Election Speaking to The Morning, Jana Balawegaya (SJB) over the controversial “white van” press conference. Commission (EC) will Election Secretariat Warrants re-issued on allocation of National List seats. Contd. on page 2 decide on the Our Power Director General Saman Sri of People Party (Ape Ratnayake said that since mayor and four others SCHOOLS REOPEN PARTY ORGANISED THROUGH FB Jana Bala Pakshaya/ Ven. Gnanasara Thera’s zTravel ban imposed on K’gala Mayor, 4 others OPPP) nomination of nomination was earlier Ven. Galagoda Aththe Ven. Gnanasara rejected, he is not legally The Kurunegala Magistrate four others in the case filed over Hotel owner Thera 80-85% Gnanasara Thera to entitled to enter Parliament. yesterday (10) re-issued warrants the demolition of a building of and participants Parliament, The Morning learnt. Contd. on page 2 for the arrest of Kurunegala historical value in Kurunegala. attendance arrested Mayor Thushara Sanjeewa and Contd. on page 2 An owner of a hotel and 19 other persons recorded including five females have been arrested Coastal inundation in the South With all grades required to attend while allegedly being in possession of drugs school since yesterday (10), positive during a raid on a party organised through BY SARAH HANNAN Road as beach sand gets washed General B.K.P. Chandrakeerthi Akurala. This time the swell was so attendance had been marked from Facebook at a hotel in Bellantudawa in onto the main road which can be said: “Comparatively, this time, the high that it even topped our retention schools across the island at 80-85%, Millaniya. The ongoing coastal inundation potentially dangerous to motorists inundation has been going on for too walls that are built in Akurala.” the Department of Education noted. The arrests were made on Sunday (9) and caused by the swell waves in the that are riding in light vehicles. long and the sand that remains on Chandrakeerthi also noted that the the Police had also recovered 2.4 g of heroin, southern coastal region from Speaking to The Morning, the main road is routinely cleared so sea sand that is being cleared from SEE FULL STORIES 13 g of cannabis, and five narcotic pills in Beruwala to Hambantota via Galle, Department of Coastal that it will not cause any accidents Galle Road is stocked on several ON PAGE 2 the suspects’ possession. has been causing inconvenience Conservation and Coastal to motorists driving down the Galle sand piles in Akurala. Contd. on page 2 to motorists driving along Galle Resources Management Director Road stretch from Kahawa to Contd. on page 2 2 the morning OPINION/NEWS Tuesday, August 11, 2020 Model structure for government ministries The role played by the Cabinet of Ministers is critical to ensure that the 2. Justice government functions efficiently and effectively. Verité Research has 3. Defence A CABINET found that the way in which cabinet portfolios are designed in Sri Lanka 4. Education and Research 5. Health impedes the ability of government to be effective. A forum held on 25 June THAT Foreign focused on three problems associated with past cabinets: 1) the irrational 6. Agriculture Affairs assignment of subjects under ministry portfolios; 2) the proliferation of 7. Labour WORKS 8. Public Utilities ministries; and 3) the instability of ministry portfolios. In the past, these 9. Ports, Shipping, and Civil Aviation Public Economic three problems created delays in decision-making and implementation, 10. Economic Affairs Defense Justice Utilities Affairs reduced government accountability, and increased costs. 11. Home Affairs and Public Administration Creating a cabinet that works yy Cabinet under President Maithripala 12. Foreign Affairs Ports, Home & Sirisena in November 2019: 58% of all Shipping, Finance & Verité Research presented a methodology 13. Family and Community Development Agriculture Health Public ministries were misaligned and 84% Civil Planning that critically evaluates how rational the 14. Society and Culture Aviation Admin. past three cabinets have been. It found were fragmented 15. Environment that the problem of irrational, larger-than- yy Cabinet under President Gotabaya Verité Research will be releasing a Family & necessary, unstable cabinet ministries Rajapaksa in January 2020: 17% of the white paper providing an expanded model 15 MODEL Education & Environment Labour Community Research has been common across successive ministries were misaligned and 79% of structure for government. Dev. governments during the 2010-2020 period. ministries were fragmented. The online discussion, hosted by Sri MINISTRIES yy Cabinet under President Mahinda Therefore, fixing these problems is Lanka’s pioneering parliamentary platform, to minimise Rajapaksa in December 2014: 5% of critical to have a government that functions Manthri.lk, was joined by Ceylon Chamber irrationality in Society & efficiently and effectively. Based on its of Commerce Chief Executive Officer ministries combined subjects that were government Culture unrelated to each other (misaligned) and research, Verité Research provides a model (CEO) Manjula de Silva, LIRNEasia 95% of the ministries had subjects that sample of 15 ministries that can minimise Senior Research Fellow Dr. Sujatha could have easily been grouped together irrationality and fragmentation: Gamage, and Advocata Institute Chief (fragmented) 1. Finance and Planning Operating Officer Dhananath Fernando.

Contd. from page 1

Ministry of Labour tomorrow morning before President of Galle stated that our department should RW to... Ministry of Environment Gotabaya Rajapaksa. take action against these groups. However, Will remain... Gamage however, had said that Ministry of Wildlife Resources we are unable to keep a person to guard “We will not leave the alliance no although he would put forward his name Conservation the sand that is cleared from the road,” matter how the National List seats are for the party leadership, he did not want Ministry of Agriculture 3 parties... Chandrakeerthi noted. allocated amongst its members. We are to contest against any party member and Ministry of Irrigation He told The Morning that The Department of Meteorology not interested in any confrontation.” would accept the UNP leadership if it is Ministry of Land Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan’s (alias has forecasted that today (11), the sea He said their Party Leader Rishard offered to him with a consensus. Ministry of Fisheries Pillaiyan) Tamil Makkal Viduthalai areas extending from Kankesanthurai to Bathiudeen had requested a seat in Karunanayake had meanwhile said that Ministry of Plantation Industries Pulikal (TMVP), Douglas Devananda’s Colombo via Mannar and from Matara Parliament. there were several other members who Ministry of Water Supply Eelam People’s Democratic Party (EPDP), to Pottuvil will be rough, with other sea “Our leader has requested (a seat) from should also present their proposals for Ministry of Power and A.L.M. Athaullah’s National Congress areas around the island being fairly rough the SJB Leader. We are still waiting for the party, including former MPs Ruwan Ministry of Energy Sri Lanka (NCSL) have already come to at times. the list to be finalised and announced.” Wijewardene and Navin Dissanayake. Ministry of Ports and Shipping an understanding with the SLPP and will Nearshore sea areas off the coast – Skandha Gunasekara Finally, Wickremesinghe had requested Ministry of Highways be joining them in Parliament to form the extending from Beruwala to Hambantota all party members interested in putting Ministry of Transport two-thirds majority. via Galle might experience surges due Former... forward their names for the party Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports In addition, the Sri Lanka Freedom to the effect of swell waves, having a leadership to personally meet with him Ministry of Tourism Party (SLFP) had obtained one additional height of 2.0-2.5 m (this is not the height The four former Ministers had appeared from today onwards with their proposals Ministry of Trade seat from Jaffna which will also join the of nearshore waves). Naval and fishing before the PCoI over a complaint lodged for restructuring the party. Ministry of Industry and Commerce SLPP, he explained. communities and those living in coastal by Rear Admiral D.K.P. Dassanayake, “The proposals will then be put forward Ministry of Mass Media SLPP obtained 145 seats in Parliament, areas are requested to be vigilant. alleging that he was politically victimised to the party’s Working Committee for a The gazette notification giving details of while SLFP, TMVP, and All Ceylon The Department of Coastal in the case filed in the High Court final decision,” the UNP source said. ministerial structure, relevant institutions, Makkal Congress (ACMC) obtained one Conservation and Coastal Resources regarding the alleged abduction and Meanwhile, UNP General Secretary and rules and regulations was issued last seat each and EPDP secured two seats. Management has estimated that at least disappearance of 11 youths that had taken Kariyawasam told the media yesterday evening (10). Rs. 150 million will be spent to erect place between 2008 and 2009. that Wickremesinghe had informed the “National priorities, policy retention walls in areas where there is party seniors that he would be stepping responsibilities, and functions have been Warrants... severe coastal inundation and erosion. A down from the party leadership. taken into consideration in formulating Due to the failure by the Kurunegala continuous study is also being carried out No division... According to Kariyawasam, names of ministries. State ministries have been Police to execute the warrants previously to identify the critical areas that would Taking to social media platform several individuals have been shortlisted structured to facilitate the achievement of issued for their arrests, the Magistrate need to be looked into to conserve the Twitter, Ganesan said that the SJB for the post of UNP leader. special priorities and the implementation had re-issued the warrants through the beaches around Sri Lanka, Chandrakeerthi alliance was working to ensure there was According to Kariyawasam, the names of relevant programmes according to Acting IGP, the DIG, and SP in charge of concluded. no split pertaining to the National List shortlisted are Karunanayake, Gamage, the broad scope of each ministry,” the Kurunegala. distribution. Abeywardena, and himself. statement said. The court has also issued an order “We will make sure that discussions Further, it noted: “Special attention preventing the suspects from leaving the HC summons... between the leaders of SJB and partner was paid to the areas of national security, country. They have been issued summons to parties on the subject of sharing the SJB Gazette on... economic development, infrastructure The Kurunegala Magistrate last appear before the court on 28 August. National List nominations will not lead The 28 Cabinet portfolios are as facilities, education, health, and sports in Friday (7) had issued arrest warrants The Attorney General (AG) had last to any division within the SJB,” Ganesan follows: the process of formulating the ministerial on Kurunegala Mayor Sanjeewa, week filed indictments in the HC against tweeted. Ministry of Defence structure.” the Municipal Commissioner of the former Minister and former SPC His statement comes in the midst of Ministry of Finance The formulated structure covers a number Kurunegala, the engineer, and two Chairman. a tussle among SJB members and its Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious, and of aspects of rural and agricultural others, on the application of the AG Dappula de Livera had also filed alliance party leaders over the allotment Cultural Affairs development as well as the field of Attorney General (AG). Discharge Orders with the Colombo of their seven National List seats in Ministry of Urban Development and education, the statement said. The AG had earlier directed the Acting Magistrate’s Court on the other two Parliament. Housing The scopes, priorities, affiliated IGP to obtain warrants from the court suspects in the press conference, listing It was earlier reported that Ganesan Ministry of Justice institutions, and legal frameworks of and arrest the five individuals on charges them as witnesses in the case. had issued an ultimatum to the SJB that Ministry of Foreign Affairs each ministry have been explained under under the Antiquities Ordinance and In the run-up to last year’s presidential his alliance would split from the alliance Ministry of Public Administration, several subheadings. Offences Against Public Property Act election, Dr. Senaratne had called and sit independently in Parliament if Provincial Councils, and Local The subject ministers and state ministers and had also directed the Acting IGP to two persons named Anthony Douglas the agreement signed when forming the Government are scheduled to be sworn in at the Royal produce them before court without delay. Fernando and Athula Sanjeewa alliance is violated. Ministry of Education Audience Hall of the Temple of the According to reports, the building in Madanayake for a press conference, – Skandha Gunasekara Ministry of Health Sacred Tooth Relic premises in Kandy question, also known as the Buwaneka where they had made controversial Hotel, dates back to the 13th Century and statements regarding alleged “white is presumed to be the assembly hall used vans” and purported incidents of certain 80-85%... by the contemporary rulers. abductions, assassinations, robberies, “The schools have been issued specific and forced disappearances during the timings to conduct lessons for segments Cartoon of the day administration of former President and of grades, with secondary schools that EC to... incumbent Prime Minister Mahinda have over 200 students in total having to However, a final decision will be taken Rajapaksa. conduct lessons for grades 6 through 9 by the Commission, he said. from 7.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m., and grades The OPPP was not able to secure a seat 10 through 13 from 7.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. at the 2020 general election, but obtained Hotel owner... Primary schools from grades 1 through 5 one National List allocation. The arrested are aged between 17 and will conduct lessons at the regular school According to Party Chairman Saman 60 have been identified as residents of times,” Ministry of Education Secretary Perera, it has been decided that Ven. Bandaragama, Mellamulla, Dehiwala, N.H.M. Chithrananda told The Morning. Gnanasara Thera will represent the party Panadura, Dodangoda, Yatiyana, Chithrananda also noted that the reason at Parliament. Kaduwela, Horana, and Boralesgamuwa. behind student attendance being 80-85% Attempts made by The Morning to contact The suspects were to be produced is the Advanced Level students not EC Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya were before the Horana Magistrate’s Court physically being in class, given that this is futile. yesterday (10). their study leave period. – Maheesha Mudugamuwa Meanwhile, grades 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, and 8 are only required to be in class just SJB still... one day per week, with grades 4 and 9 Coastal... He said that four National List seats required to attend school two days a week. But in the night, a group has been had been confirmed, including Ranjith Grades 5, 10, 11, 12, and 13 will have loading the sand into trucks and stealing Madduma Bandara, but were yet classes on all five days of the week. it. undecided on minority parties. Although classes were to be held over “We were to gather this sea sand and, once “Four seats have been decided. Now the weekend, the new timetable that is set the inundation receded, we were to put we’re in discussion on whether we will out only indicates that school will be held it back to the beach. But now there is no assign the remaining three seats to the during the week, from Monday to Friday. sand left for us to do that. The Magistrate minority parties or not,” Fernando said. – Sarah Hannan the morning Tuesday , August 11, 2020 3 business Ceylon Chamber welcomes Government’s strong mandate The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce access. It also remains fundamental that in legislation in order to ensure congratulated Prime Minister Mahinda a second wave of Covid-19 is prevented continuity in government policy and Rajapaksa and the newly elected at all cost. implementation. Government on its victory at the 2020 The Chamber welcomes the decision Accelerated economic revival will be General Election and the clear majority of the President to limit the size of the predicated on the effective execution mandate received from the voting Cabinet of Ministers, thereby signalling of a Public-Private Shared Vision SLIM Executive Committee citizenry. a headline commitment towards driving for Economic Revival and Social The Chamber said the mandate productivity and performance in the Sustenance. The Chamber accordingly received reflects among other factors the public sector, as well as the management sought from the Government a SLIM appoints President confidence earned by the President and of fiscal deficits. On the backdrop of progressive dialogue inclusive of the the Government through the exemplary this directional signal, the Chamber timely consultation of business chambers outcomes delivered with respect to is optimistic of the commitment with respect to policy formulation the control of the Covid-19 pandemic, of government focus towards the and legislation, so as to ensure that and ExCo for its 50th year cumulating to the protection of life and recalibration of public sector expenditure, Sri Lanka’s large, medium, and small- The Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing consists of 10 experienced marketing livelihoods. Equally, the Chamber is of the empowerment and upskilling of the scale enterprise sectors garner superior (SLIM) held its 50th Annual General Meeting professionals: Kapruka.com Head of the view that the mandate also represents civil service, a concerted effort towards competitiveness, thereby forming a on 26 June 2020 at the Marino Beach Hotel, Business Development (Global Shopping) aggressive expectations with respect state-owned enterprise (SOE) reform, cornerstone of the nation’s economic while adhering to the health and safety Manthika Ranasinghe, Fonterra Brands to accelerated and inclusive economic and the spawning of public-private revival. The strengthening of growth guidelines given by the Government. Roshan Lanka Category Manager Insights and revival and national development in the partnerships as modalities of capital enablers encompassing digitisation, Fernando was officially elected as the new Velocity Sathika Wickramasinghe, Arogya post-Covid-19 context. mobilisation. health, education, food security, and President and will spearhead the institute Life Systems Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd. Head of The Chamber is optimistic that the The Chamber said it looks forward to energy sufficiency should also remain as as its 42nd President in the 50th year. A Business Development and Marketing Government will lever its mandate the establishment of a fresh paradigm shared priorities of the private and public new Council of Management as well as an and Softlidz Solutions (Pvt.) Ltd. General to exercise exceptional, bold, and with respect to governance, policy sectors. Executive Committee were also elected at the Manager – Business Development, innovative measures which will formulation, and implementation The Ceylon Chamber, in its capacity as meeting. Marketing, and Corporate Strategy Dr. Dilhan accelerate economic revival. The multi- management, featuring the streamlining the premier representative of the private Roshan Fernando currently holds the S. Jayatilleke, Fuchsia Retail S.A. (Pvt.) faceted challenge ahead will also call of ministries with clear and synergised sector, said it looks forward to ongoing position of General Manager – Marketing at Ltd. Executive Director Charaka Perera, upon the Government to double down assignment of subjects, alongside engagement with the Government of Sri the renowned media station Derana. During Union Bank Marketing Manager Nuwan on the fundamental tenets of domestic the delineation of policy, regulatory, Lanka with respect to the national agenda his illustrious career in the media industry, Thilakawardhana, Arugambay Beachwear production, narrowing of the trade public enterprise, and performance of driving accelerated economic revival Roshan Fernando has held several key (Pvt.) Ltd. Chief Executive Officer Asanka deficit, and the strengthening of fiscal management functions. The Chamber alongside the delivery of inclusive positions at some of the most sought-after Perera, Fentons Ltd. Assistant General and monetary disciplines, alongside a further recommends that the optimised benefits to all segments of citizens and media stations in the country. He is a member Manager – Sales and Marketing Niyas progressive approach to global market configuration of ministries be enshrined businesses. of SLIM as well as the Chartered Institute Mohamed Shiraz, Metecno Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd. of Marketing (CIM) UK, and Brand Development Manager holds a Diploma in Business Asela C. Gunasekara, Kelani Management, an Advanced Cables PLC Senior Manager Diploma in Business – Brand Development Channa Management, and an MBA Jayasinghe, and University of from the Institute of Chartered Moratuwa Faculty of Business Sri Lanka receives Financial Analysts of India. Director – Business Research He also holds a Postgraduate Unit and senior lecturer Dr. Diploma in Marketing from Thesara Jayawardane. SLIM. Fernando holds the The newly elected President World Tourism Council’s titles of Certified Professional Roshan Fernando expressed Marketer (Asia) and SLIM President Roshan Fernando his gratitude to the members Practising Marketer conferred and past presidents for the by the Asia Marketing Federation and SLIM, confidence placed in him to lead the institute. respectively. Apart from chairing various He pledged to continue the good work ‘Safe Travels’ stamp project committees at SLIM, he has also held initiated during the past years and to uplift the many honorary positions including Treasurer, marketing fraternity of the country with new Recognising the safety protocols Envisioning a future of travel that is Secretary, and Vice President of the Council initiatives, strategic moves, and activities. introduced by the Government safe, secure, seamless, and authentic, of Management of SLIM. Commenting on his appointment, of Sri Lanka along with standards whilst supporting the livelihood of Fernando has served as a member of the he stated: “With the new Council of mandated by the Sri Lanka millions, thus sustaining economic Export Development Board (EDB) Technical Management and the Executive Committee, Tourism Development Authority growth of countries, the new global Safe Evaluation Committee (TEC) for the Indian SLIM will continue its efforts in enhancing (SLTDA) to ensure the safety Travel protocols issued by the WTTC is market entry study for Sri Lankan businesses the marketing fraternity in the country by of domestic and international helping the sector restart and speed up and he has worked with many small and providing quality education to the future travellers, destination Sri Lanka recovery post Covid-19. The four-pillared medium enterprises, women entrepreneurship marketers of Sri Lanka and by writing a was recently endowed with the protocols, namely operational and staff development programmes, and projects golden chapter in the history of the institute World Travel and Tourism Council’s preparedness, ensuring a safe experience, organised by the Industrial Development during the new year themed ‘Celebrate the rebuilding trust and confidence, and Board. He holds the position of Head of the Past, Create the Future’. The establishment (WTTC) “Safe Travels” stamp, implementing enabling policies, are built Steering Committee of the Derana SME Club of SLIM Business School operations and Sri Lanka Tourism announced to reinstate confidence among travellers established in collaboration with the Industrial paving the way for a research institute will yesterday (10). and initiate a consistent approach to health Development Board, and is a Board Director be key initiatives for SLIM. We aim to reach and hygiene. of the SAARC Business Association of greater heights in terms of broadening the Whilst establishing confidence among Sri Lanka joins the ranks of leading Home-Based Workers (SABAH) Sri Lanka. horizons of the local marketing fraternity tourists looking at the island paradise as destinations to be stamped safe, including He is also a member of the professional and contributing to the economic growth a preferred destination to travel amidst Indonesia, Dubai, Tanzania, Portugal, education team in the Presidential Task Force of the country through the ‘Restart Sri the pandemic, the Safe Travels stamp will Mexican Caribbean, Barcelona, Madrid, on Sri Lanka’s education affairs. He was also Lanka’ national initiative. I firmly believe also allow them to recognise properties Seville, Turkey, Bulgaria, Jamaica, appointed as a member to evaluate Covid-19- that the diverse and dynamic Council of and businesses that diligently follow Mauritius, Ontario, Saudi Arabia, related inventions of the Sri Lanka Inventors’ Management and the Executive Committee, globally streamed health and hygiene Rwanda, and counting, having had its Commission (SLIC). In addition, he has together with a fully dedicated staff, will protocols aligned with the WTTC’s Safe protocols validated by WTTC to be in conducted many programmes on business further raise the bar of SLIM in the 50th Travels protocols. line with those devised by the global planning for micro entrepreneurs at the Small year.” “Having one of the world’s highest organisation. Enterprise Development Division of the He further noted that the national success rates in combating Covid-19 The operational guidelines implemented Ministry of National Policies and Economic campaign “Restart Sri Lanka” initiated positions Sri Lanka as an exemplary by SLTDA, following guidance from the Affairs, Sri Lanka. by SLIM under the direction of the Prime destination for safe travels,” said Sri Ministry of Health and the World Health Microsoft Sri Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd. CMO Minister’s Office, was geared to re-engineer Lanka Tourism Chairperson Kimarli Organisation (WHO), are put in place Lead – South East Asia New Markets and re-invent the businesses and SMEs Fernando, highlighting that the stringent Sri Lanka Tourism Chairperson to minimise the chances of community Thilanka Abeywardena will be the Vice to revive the country from the Covid-19 safety standards imposed, coupled Kimarli Fernando transmission of Covid-19 within Sri President – Projects, while Arinma Holdings experience. with the country’s laudable healthcare the country, and we extend our gratitude Lanka, whilst avoiding unnecessary (Pvt.) Ltd. Head of Corporate Affairs and “Our objectives are aligned with five system, has highlighted the island as a to Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts for inconvenience to travellers. Communications Nuwan Gamage will hold pillars, which are corporate and public travel destination that can offer unique initiating the process that led to Sri Lanka The SLTDA is currently working on the position of Vice President – Education. sector development, driving the youth sector experiences to tourists, whilst prioritising being stamped safe by WTTC,” she providing the stamp of safety to all travel Hemas Pharmaceuticals (Pvt.) Ltd. and towards entrepreneurship through school their health and sanitation. added. and hospitality-related stakeholders in Hemas Surgical and Diagnostics (Pvt.) Ltd. entrepreneurship societies and project RUN, She added that Sri Lanka is now geared The WTTC’s Safe Travels stamp is the the private sector following assessment Director – Sales Chinthaka Perera and Singer creating a knowledge economy, SME and to welcome international leisure travellers first of its kind, specifically designed to of their adherence to SLTDA-imposed Sri Lanka PLC Senior Brand Manager Gayan entrepreneurship development, and building with all aspects of a traveller’s visit being combat the ramifications of Covid-19 Covid-19 safety standards which have Perera were appointed as the Secretary and a marketing-oriented culture through the thoroughly evaluated and necessary and similar outbreaks. Recognised and been validated by WTTC. The safety Assistant Secretary, respectively. HMD ‘Made in Sri Lanka’ concept and nation safety protocols put in place. “Restarting embraced by the United Nations World stamp will have a two-fold benefit, both Global Inc. Head of Field Force Dr. Jayantha brand building. The new activities, strategic operations of the tourism and hospitality Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), the as a value addition to business entities and Dewasiri is the Treasurer for the year initiatives, and events are planned for the year sector for international visitors after the stamp allows travellers to trot the globe an assurance for travellers coming to Sri 2020/2021. particularly to support and restart the nation,” Covid-19 lockdown is a strategic one for whilst ensuring their safety. Lanka in a post-Covid-19 world. The new Executive Committee he added.

Development Finance of the Ministry of Finance, Economy, and Policy NDB lends over Rs. 4 b to Covid-hit businesses Development under the funding The National Development Bank (NDB) working capital requirements. sponsorship of the Asian Development has successfully registered over Rs. 6.5 Accordingly, NDB has currently Bank (ADB). Eligible enterprises can avail billion worth of funds with over 1,000 received approval from the CBSL for a at maximum a Rs. 10 million permanent applications with the Central Bank of total of 1,093 applications to the total value working capital loan facility repayable Sri Lanka (CBSL) under the “Covid-19 of Rs. 6.8 billion. Out of the approved over a three-year period, including a grace Saubhagya loan scheme” at a rate of 4% loans, loans worth over Rs. 4.5 billion have period of six months at a concessionary p.a. in a continuing demonstration of the so far been released among approximately rate of interest of approximately 6%. bank's commitment in supporting the 778 beneficiaries, covering all the districts Further, NDB's “NDB Jayagamu Sri economic recovery of the country during including the North and the East, and the Lanka” initiative, which was introduced this post-pandemic era. arrangements are being finalised to release in order to lend a helping hand to the Having fully exhausted the funding the rest of the approved loans without a country’s exporters and innovators via quota allocated to the bank under Phase delay. Loan registration of the Covid-19 financial and non-financial methods, I, NDB is currently in the process of Saubhagya loan scheme is to be completed is currently in the process of filling a approving facilities both under Phase II – by the 31 August 2020. vacuum that exists in the market today Covid-19 Renaissance Facility and Phase In September 2020, the bank is to in empowering upcoming entrepreneurs, III – Saubhagya Covid-19 Interest Subsidy introduce another refinancing working exporters, and innovators, which is and Credit Guarantee Scheme. capital loan scheme to the Micro, essential to help set the country on a new CBSL implemented the Saubhagya loan Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises growth trajectory. scheme in April 2020 to support businesses be granted at 4% per annum to Covid-19- limit of Rs. 50 million per company “Emergency Response Facility” The bank is the fourth largest listed in their post-pandemic recovery which will impacted companies up to a maximum under the three phases to meet immediate implemented by the Department of commercial bank in Sri Lanka. the morning 4 Tuesday , August 11, 2020 brunch We are dangerously close to permanently damaging our ecosystems WNPS monthly lecture with wildlife and conservation photographer Ami Vitale

BY NAVEED ROZAIS Sri Lanka’s Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) held its monthly lecture on 9 August, holding a live discussion with wildlife and conservation photographer Ami Vitale. The lecture was held amidst the backdrop of a global wildlife conservation crisis with the UK recently announcing that 25% of its native mammals are in imminent danger of extinction. Sri Lanka, a globally recognised hotspot of biodiversity, has also seen alarming increases in human-wildlife conflicts, widespread illegal encroachment into protected areas, and policy proposals to further reduce remaining forest cover. lifelong bonds with the animals they’ve Ami Vitale is an American photojournalist looked after. and documentary filmmaker currently Vitale also recalled the deep sense of based in Montana, US, and has visited Sri sadness felt when she covered the story of Lanka on an assignment. Vitale is a Nikon the dying last male white rhino in existence Ambassador and National Geographic but noted that with conservationists and magazine photographer; she has travelled to It is important for us to scientists working together, anything is more than 100 countries, covering conflict, embrace the stillness and possible. She spoke about the BioRescue nature, and wildlife. She was recently reimagine our lives and Project, a consortium of scientists and named by InStyle magazine as one of 50 rethink the future we are conservationists who collaborated to help conservation organisation in the world, women changing the world, along with Jane heading towards, and bring back white rhinos from extinction by doing their part to protect nature and the Goodall and Ruth Bader Ginsberg, among now more than ever, it’s harvesting eggs from the last few female planet. others. important to nourish one white rhinos left and creating healthy Speaking on what qualifies a Vitale is also a founding member of another and fight for others, embryos using the sperm of deceased photographer to do what she does, Vitale Ripple Effect Images, a collective of our wildlife, and our planet male white rhinos. The embryos are to be explained that it isn’t about degrees and scientists, writers, photographers, and Ami Vitale implanted in a similar species of rhino with qualifications, but the ability to be a good filmmakers who create powerful stories the hope of new white rhinos being born. storyteller that helps you move forward in that illustrate how women in developing Another enriching story Vitale covered the field. Vitale explained that all her stories countries are affected by climate change. was the formation of the Reteti Elephant have already been told, but what sets her She is also a five-time winner of the World focusing on wildlife was taking a break our ecosystems. Vitale went on to describe Sanctuary, the first-ever indigenous apart is that she finds a unique perspective Press Photo Awards. from covering conflict and the realisation her first major wildlife story, sharing how community-owned and run elephant and something that people aren’t talking Vitale’s focus on wildlife and that every single story about humanity is she heard about a rare northern white rhino sanctuary. Vitale explained how the about to highlight in her work. conservation photography began in 2009 also connected to the natural world; that all being moved from a Czech zoo back to community realised elephants were Vitale also spoke on the power of after shooting a powerful story on the stories are connected in some ways. Africa in a last-ditch effort to repopulate the engineers of the surrounding ecosystem, social media for aspiring photographers, transport and release of one the world’s Vitale noted that as a whole, humanity species (at the time there were only eight of promoting the growth of grass by ripping commenting: “Social media has empowered last white rhinos. Vitale explained that her is in a very unique place, at this moment, these rhinos in existence). She investigated up trees and subtly helping other species me in so many ways. In the past, this field work before that was covering the conflict commenting: “It is important for us to and found that the rhinos had been poached to thrive. The community then went on to was a network that was hard to penetrate. in war-torn areas, and part of the shift to embrace the stillness and reimagine our almost entirely out of existence because of form Reteti, creating a place where weak Social media has given me so many lives and rethink the future we are heading their valuable horns. The few rhinos left elephants can recover. The Reteti Elephant more opportunities, not just for myself, towards, and now more than ever, it’s alive were under militarised guard. Sanctuary is also the first sanctuary to hire but it is such a powerful way to help the important to nourish one another and fight When pitching this story to editors, female elephant keepers, a job previously organisations I support. I have raised so for others, our wildlife, and our planet.” she was told that the story sounded more done exclusively by men because of its much money for organisations through my Vitale explained that wildlife plays an radio friendly than visual. Not letting potentially dangerous nature. talks and through my social media. important part in human life because of this deter her, Vitale kept researching and Vitale also touched on Sri Lanka, “It’s important to do it for the greater the effect on ecosystems that humans came across truly remarkable stories of explaining how Sri Lanka is a unique good, to tap into that energy, and use themselves are dependent on. She then unsung heroes and human experiences, like hotspot of biodiversity with predators your social media for good, not for you. went on to stress the importance of passionate natives who guard these animals, and prey co-existing harmoniously, and Particularly in our field of conservation, it’s understanding the unsustainable trajectory spending almost all their time with them, a great community of conservationists about shining light and amplifying all these humanity is currently on, and that we are even sleeping with them. She discovered and organisations like the WNPS, which unsung heroes. Good things always seem to dangerously close to permanently damaging caretakers of orphaned animals who form happens to be the third oldest wildlife come back to you.”

moisturisers and lip balms. In partnership with JKL Milagros Ceylon, which handles the brand’s marketing, product Lakshari Ceylon development, and brand image, Lakshari Ceylon is a concept more than two years in the making, with Karunarathna, who was previously a z When beauty and wellness go hand in hand teacher, focusing on extensively researching and testing theories and products for the ethically conscious modern woman. BY NAVEED ROZAIS Lakshari Ceylon uses 95% Lakshari Ceylon employs a certified organic grade coconut team of three manufacturers from The days of looking good by any means oil and beeswax in its products rural communities who have necessary are for the most part long gone. and does not test on animals in been hired and trained with Looking good while feeling good is the any way. the support of JKL Milagros Outgoing semi-finalists of The Voice Teens Sri Lanka new order of the day and one that the newly The natural products offered Ceylon. JKL Milagros Ceylon minted brand Lakshari Ceylon takes very by Lakshari Ceylon provide (Holdings) is an organisation seriously. modern women with a natural initially founded by Director Formed in early 2020 by entrepreneur guilt-free alternative to keep their Kalana Merenipitya to uplift Samsung inspires Lakshari Karunarathna, Lakshari Ceylon is skin glowing and radiant thanks to sustainable farmers by bringing a new proposition to beauty and wellness the healing and hydrating materials Lakshari Karunarathna their products to the international that gives its customers to luxuriate in the used in Lakshari Ceylon’s natural market through the World Fair Trade youth to dream big natural, organic goodness of painstakingly Organisation, Control Union, and FDA (US Food Deepening its relationship Samsung values. Samsung researched and tested haircare and skincare and Drug Administration)-certified brand True with the younger generation in remains committed to products. Organico. Sri Lanka, Samsung recently promoting youth talent in Sri Lakshari Ceylon’s range of all-natural Lakshari Ceylon sells through various partner gifted Galaxy A71 smartphones Lanka to pursue their dreams moisturisers, natural face packs, face scrubs, salons in Sri Lanka including Capello Salons to the outgoing semi-finalists and keep believing in their body scrubs, and natural lip balms are 100% as well as through online international retailers, of The Voice Teens Sri Lanka potential. natural and made in Sri Lanka, combining which stock Lakshari Ceylon’s range for the held on 25 and 26 July 2020. The talented outgoing semi- organic, natural bases like coconut oil North American and European markets. The purpose behind gifting finalists on the first day were and beeswax and tried and tested research Lakshari Ceylon’s products are also available Galaxy smartphones to the Shakya Nethmi, Siyumini to create unique, guilt-free haircare and on their social media, along with helpful tips on eight incredibly talented Opayangi, Lihini Minoda, skincare products. how to use natural skincare and haircare items teenagers was to help them and Oluka Dinel; while on the In her research, Karunarathna mostly to their best advantage. realise their dreams through second day, Dilmi Sachinika, referred to investigation and analyses Merenipitiya explained that Lakshari Ceylon education, imagination, and Ayesh Perera, Veenath done by the Research Department of had received very encouraging success with determination, while making Sathsara, and Yugendran the University of Colombo on coconut its offerings in the foreign market prior to them proud to have reached Paniyarthnam were eliminated products and its effects and uses in the Covid-19 pandemic which has halted all the semi-final stage of the from the competition. personal care, particularly in terms of international operations for the time being. competition. Nevertheless, all eight moisturising and hydrating hair and skin. Lakshari Ceylon is slowly expanding its These outgoing semifinalists contestants went home full Karunarathna also consulted numerous product range, hoping to launch a range of demonstrated passion for of hope and encouragement international medical journals in her natural and organic lipstick in the near future, creativity and innovation – and with their Galaxy A71 research to develop the perfect range of and with the larger goal of eventually expanding which are qualities that smartphones. personal care products. to brick and mortar locations. 5 the morning sports Tuesday , August 11, 2020 Kusal strikes IPL gets Govt. green light Who is ICC’s new boss? Yesterday (10), on the “post-pandemic” opening day of The Indian Premier League (IPL) got The Board of Directors of the International Cricket the SLC Super 8 Major League Tier “A” Cricket, Kusal Mendis the Indo Government nod yesterday Council (ICC) was to decide on the process to elect struck 132 n.o. for CCC against Ragama CC at Katunayake. (10) to have the event in the UAE. Also, its new Chairman yesterday (10). They couldn’t CCC were 353/4 at stumps. Angelo Mathews was 80 n.o. a week after Chinese company Vivo’s come to a conclusion for the past three months, for Colts against Saracens in a total of 256/2 at P. Sara. exit, the Indian cricket board yesterday even after its former Head Shashank Manohar Army, batting first at SSC, were 236/9 against NCC while advertised for its replacement as the stepped down on 1 July. Is it simple or a two- Chilaw Marians (195) and BRC (67/5) both struggled in league’s title sponsors for the season, thirds majority? But the bigger question is: “Will their batting at CCC, also yesterday. (Ishani Upatharitha) beginning next Tuesday (18). Sourav Ganguly throw his hat in the ring?”

BY REVATHA S. SILVA Extraordinary Gazette Notification (No. 2187/27 of 9 August 2020) describing the composition and subject areas of the 24 ministries and 40 state ministries of the newly elected Government was issued yesterday (10). It thus specified the various subjects Timez to work of the Ministry of Youth Affairs Sports Ministry subject areas gazetted and Sports, which is most likely to come under Hambantota From ‘Chapter 4’ of GR’s 2019 election manifesto District MP Namal Rajapaksa. The following is Chapter 4 of the election sports at district and provincial levels will The gazette also enlists the various manifesto (Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour) be enrolled for diploma programmes. departments, state institutions, and statutory presented by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in (iii) Such diploma holders as well as those bodies that are to come under the purview of his victorious presidential election campaign who pass the GCE Advanced Level and the Ministry and the Sate Ministry of Sports. last year. excel at the national or international level The new Cabinet of Sri Lanka is to be sworn will be enlisted by the sports university for in tomorrow (12) at the revered Temple of the A Productive Citizen and a Happy Family – degree programmes. Sports for a Vibrant Youth Sacred Tooth Relic premises in Kandy. 4. Each provincial sports university college Sport is the language of youth. Our aim is will have an international-level stadium Expectation of 6,900,000 voters to create a generation of youth who are which could be used by all sportsmen and According to yesterday’s (10) extraordinary energetic, healthy, and disciplined. sportswomen in the province. gazette notification, the Ministry of Youth 1. The first period of two school days per 5. A special programme will be introduced Affairs and Sports is listed in the 24th position, week will be allocated for physical exercise. to develop the professions of coaches, along with the adjoining State Ministry. 2. A programme will be launched to identify trainers, and physiotherapists required for The contents of the gazette includes people- schoolchildren who excel in sports and to the development of sports. centred programmes and specific priorities provide them with nutrition, training, and 6. Sportsmen and sportswomen are to obtain that need to comply with the “Saubhagyaye other facilities. Dekma” or “Vision of Prosperity”, presented foreign education and training. Foreign 3. A sports university of international standard by President Rajapaksa in his triumphant trainers will be provided to those who will be established: election campaign last November which was perform at an international standard. endorsed by over 6,900,000 voters. (i) This university will have affiliated sports 7. Tax concessions will be provided for university colleges established in each of imported sports goods, technical equipment, Gotabaya’s vision on sport the nine provinces. and nutritional supplements. In his election manifesto titled “Vistas of (ii) Students who have sat the GCE Ordinary 8. The Sports Ministry will sponsor Prosperity and Splendour” which explains or Advanced Level and have excelled in international sports events in Sri Lanka. “10 principles of inclusive governance”, the President requests people to “fulfil their Responsibilities of the State responsibilities while pledging he would Minister of Sports Youth Services Council, National Youth fulfil his”, so as to create “a secure and Corps, Sri Lanka National Youth Services prosperous nation”. The designation of the State Minister of Co-operative Society Ltd., National Centre In that, the fourth principle titled “A Sports, who is enlisted as the 34th State Minister for Leadership Development, Department of Productive Citizen and a Happy Family” in the gazette, has been named as “the State Manpower and Employment, and Smart Sri includes a section (page 26) titled “Sports for Minister of Developing Infrastructure of Rural Lanka Career Guidance Centre. a Vibrant Youth” (see box). It details out his and Schools Sports”. The certain acts and laws binding those vision and, particularly, his plan pertaining His/her priority areas include more social- will include the National Youth Services Act for the field of sport in general. oriented ones, including obstructing youth (No. 69 of 1979), the Children and Young It is widely believed that President from turning to socially harmful practices by Persons Ordinance (No. 48 of 1939), Sports Gotabaya Rajapaksa is a man of action and encouraging them to involve in sports activities. Law (No. 25 of 1973), and the Prevention his five-year term will be dedicated to put They also include encouraging kids to take of Offences Relating to Sports Act (No. 24 into action what he has promised to deliver part in sports, talent identification from early of 2019). in his manifesto. stages, and driving them up to an international The somewhat unexpected two-thirds level; developing resource persons such as sports The State Minister’s institutions majority given to his Parliament in last instructors, coaches, and physios; standardising Meanwhile, the following departments, Wednesday’s (5) general election is also grounds and stadiums; developing indigenous statutory bodies, and state corporations have considered a further trust the people have sports; and expanding sports education to suit been gazetted under the State Minister of Sports: placed upon his plan of work. international standards. National Institute of Sports Science, National The November 2019 election manifesto of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Sports Council, Sugathadasa National Sports Subjects under Sports Ministry Bodies coming under the Complex Authority, National Institute of Sports In yesterday’s gazette, the subject areas for envisages a sports culture that grooms “a also briefed in the gazette before an eight-point Sports Minister Science, and Sri Lanka Anti-Doping Agency. the Sports Ministry have been described as sports-loving society, urban development, section explaining special priority areas. The The following bodies have been gazetted to The acts binding them will be the Sugathadasa follows: “To create a sports culture that builds tourism, and commercial and international departments, statutory institutions, and state come under the purview of the Youth Affairs National Sports Complex Authority Act (No. 17 a young generation with dignity, a balanced relations through sports”. corporations have also been described along and Sports Minister: Department of Sports of 1999) and the Convention against Doping personality, and an energetic youth”. It also The responsibilities of the Sports Ministry are with the laws that are binding them. Development, Sri Lanka Cricket, National in Sport Act (No. 33 of 2013).

possible to fiddle with selections if decisions are sport, you better join our academy”. Conflict fact, he was virtually arm-twisted to be in made on performance in a selection tournament of interest. That’s smack in the middle of things. the committee. Having been a member of Conflict of interest or are based on national ratings, but there are the particular club and knowing the difficulty who has his/her private academy. If there are many ways in which “an errant” student can Coaches who are officials in finding people to be in the committee, he any students in his/her academy who also attend be harassed into giving up the sport. There’s When people wear more than a single hat, agreed. Now it so happened that his two sons INTERCEPTION the school, then the coach is immediately also the possibility that a coach does some things can get messy. For example, we could played that sport. The appointers didn’t know, by Malinda and automatically in a tough spot. It could cursory work in the school and puts greater have a coach who doubles up as an arbiter. didn’t ask. His fellow committee members be that the particular student is deserving to effort in his/her private class, so naturally those Now it is in the coach’s professional interest didn’t know, didn’t ask. It slipped everyone’s Seneviratne be selected to a team, for example, but such a students get better. to see that his/her student does well. Such a mind. decision will be called into question because coach, if he’s an arbiter who happens to be the coach has an additional relationship with Hey, join OUR academy! covering an event in which one of his/her Now, this is an exception Kalhara Raddalgoda. Remember that name. the student. Of course, it’s made even worse It’s easier for those who don’t care about students is taking part, can easily facilitate It slipped everyone’s mind, but not Kalhara’s. Now let’s talk about the matter at hand, conflict because it involves money. conflict of interest when selection is a subjective cheating or in the event of a dispute, decide He didn’t send the boys for practices. Now no of interest. Here’s the definition: “A situation matter, say in cricket, rugger, or other team in favour of his/her student. The student does one would have raised any questions because in which the concerns or aims of two different They can be harassed into giving sports. Justifications can be found, especially well, consequently, and the success is in in this particular sport, he would have had parties are incompatible”. up sport in borderline cases where, say, there are two turn marketed. Business grows. Time-tested absolutely no say in the selection process. This is either understood or not understood. Ideally, if someone is appointed as a coach players with roughly equal skills. method. Erroneous. Corrupt. Happens all the For him, that was not reason enough. He Understanding doesn’t necessarily mean that in a school, let’s say in chess, and he/she has It could happen in sports where performance time. It’s called conflict of interest. understood what conflict of interest meant. the principle is adhered to. In other words, a private academy, then those students from is rated by judges as opposed to strictly objective It is the duty of the relevant sports body to His boys suffered as a result. They took a hit. both those who know and those who don’t the school attending the academy should be criteria. Take synchronised swimming, for ensure that such situations do not arise. This is He took a hit. It was only when his fellow frequently disregard or openly violate it. What’s told that they cannot be coached privately any example. Now suppose there’s an academy why areas are kept separate. Coaches, coach. committee members realised this that things worse is that they do this with impunity. Those longer. If a coach has a private academy, he/ which coaches kids in the relevant disciplines. Officials, officiate. Players, play. If you have were sorted out. He was persuaded to leave tasked to ensure that the principle is upheld she should not admit students who attend the Now how “above board” would things be if, coaches who are also officials, decisions (yes, the committee because it would be unfair on turn a blind eye or are themselves ignorant particular school he/she happens to be coaching say, coaches in that academy sit in a committee even correct decisions) could be called into his boys in the event that they were inclined of what it means. at the time. tasked to select people to represent the country? question. Justice must not only be done, but to pursue the particular sport. Now there are coaches in schools who Let’s suppose that many of those selected also must also appear to be done, as they say. Conflict of interest is a massive problem It involves money encourage students to attend their private classes. happen to attend the academy. Now perhaps in sports that the Sports Ministry has largely In sports it is essentially about relationships. Parents, worrying that if they ignored such it’s an excellent academy with great coaches. His two sons played that sport ignored. It kills the spirit of competition. It An individual who has a son or daughter or suggestions their children would be treated Maybe those who are selected are in fact the best Players know. Parents know. Coaches know. demoralises sportsmen and sportswomen, a close relative engaged in a particular sport unfairly, are railroaded into sending them among the candidates. However, it is possible Officials know. They all know what hanky- especially kids. Kalhara Raddalgoda is an should not hold a decision-making position to these classes. There have been instances that they may not be. What is clear is that if panky is possible and what hanky-panky has exception. And that is what is sad and troubling. in that sport or else should excuse him/herself where the children of parents who refused to more people from the academy get selected it taken place. Some benefit, many suffer. Money (Kalhara Raddalgoda is my first cousin. from taking part in any discussion that could do so (for lack of money or because they were naturally enhances the profile of the academy. exchanges hands. There! That’s full disclosure!) have any bearing on the particular relative. already sending their kids to some other private It’s in effect an advertisement at best. At worst Kalhara Raddalgoda. Remember the name. (The writer can be reached at Full disclosure of relationships is important. coach) have been victimised when the school it is a message that depicts: “If you want to He was appointed to an advisory committee [email protected] or www. For example, there could be a coach in a school team was selected. Of course, it’s not always have even half a chance of succeeding in this pertaining to a sport in his alma mater. In malindawords.blogspot.com)