If public act responsibly Travel restrictions Thursday may be lifted 10 JUNE 2021 after 14 June By Keerthi Mendis

Police Media Spokesman, DIG Ajith Rohana, said if the public are willing to strictly follow the ongoing travel restrictions by remaining indoors till 14 June, E-Paper there is a strong chance of reopening the country afterwards, with certain restrictions in place. However, he warned that if the public are careless and are unwilling to follow the travel restrictions, President’s request for vaccines then the Government would be forced to extend travel restrictions indefinitely. But, DIG Rohana expressed optimism the masses Japan to send would abide by the quarantine regulations that have been imposed to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus. He added a final decision on whether to further 600,000 extend the ongoing travel restrictions imposed after next Monday would depend entirely on the behaviour of the people as well as the vital input AstraZeneca doses received from medical experts concerning the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s request to Prime Minister of number of infections and deaths due to the virus. Japan, Yoshihide Suga, for 600,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine has been met with positive responses. This was disclosed during a meeting held between the President and Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Sugiyama Akira at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday morning (09). The Japanese Government has also agreed to the President’s Parliamentary request to provide medical supplies and healthcare equipment needed to contain the spread of COVID-19 virus. The President also drew the attention of the Japanese Ambassador on obtaining Council technical assistance required for expeditiously responding to maritime accidents. Deputy Ambassador at the Japanese Embassy Kitamura approves judicial Toshihiro, First Secretary Imamura Kayo, Secretary to the President P.B. Jayasundera, Principal Advisor to the President Lalith Weeratunga and Foreign Secretary Admiral Jayanath appointments Colombage were also present at the meeting. The Parliamentary Council (PC) concurred with the proposal of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to appoint Justice Arjuna Obeysekera, President of the Court of Appeal as a Judge of the SC, the post which Anuradhapura Liquor Heist fell vacant following the retirement of Justice Sisira de Abrew. This decision was taken at the PC meeting held on 8 May in Parliament, chaired by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena. The PC concurred with the proposal to appoint K.P. Fernando, Judge of the Court of Appeal to the Interdict post of President of the Court of Appeal, which will fall vacant with the appointment of the incumbent President of the Court of Appeal as a Judge of the SC. Meanwhile, the PC also agreed to appoint Sasi Mahendran, High Court Judge as a Judge of the Coping with surging COVID-19 cases Court of Appeal, the post which will fall vacant with Sathosa the appointment of K.P. Fernando, Judge of the Court of Appeal as the President of the Court of Govt mulls getting Appeal. In addition, the PC has agreed to appoint SC Judge L.T.B Dehideniya as a member of the Judicial retired nurses back Service Commission (JSC) to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of former Supreme Court Judge de Abrew. Staff in service Minister of Health Pavithra Wanniarachchi has been instructed to form a plan to re-employ retired nurses on contract basis due to the increase in COVID-19 cases islandwide, the Prime Minister’s Media Division said. – Bandula The possibility of re-employing retired nurses on contract basis Amending CPC Act due to the increase in COVID-19 patients across the country was discussed by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees By Thameenah Razeek was broken into and a large quantity yesterday (9). Govt selling of liquor was stolen. According to He made these suggestions after a meeting was held at the Minister of Trade Dr. Bandula authorities, the theft occurred when request of the President of the Public Service United Nurses’ Gunawardena has ordered to the Sathosa outlet was closed on 8 Association, Venerable Murutthettuwe Ananda Thera. country’s interdict the employees at the June. Minister Wanniarachchi was informed by PM Rajapaksa to Lanka Sathosa outlet in A Police investigation is underway. ensure that the plan to hire retired nurses to cope with the Anuradhapura, who were on duty Dr. Gunawardena said the Trade growing demand for nursing care, is implemented soon. resources – JVP when a large stock of liquor was Ministry has also launched an Secretary to the Ministry of Health, S.H. Munasinghe said the stolen. investigation to track down the memorandum to extend the tenure of nurses to 63 years has By Treshan Fernando A liquor storage facility of a thieves and condemned their been submitted for Cabinet approval and added that the majority Sathosa outlet in Anuradhapura actions. of health sector workers and their families have been vaccinated. The Government is attempting to amend the There are 34,000 nurses currently employed islandwide. Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) Act in a Ven. Murutthettuwe Ananda Thera suggested increasing bid to sell the country’s resources to private allowances and facilities provided to nurses and criticised the use companies and foreign countries, alleged JVP of untrained nurses in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) in the Propaganda Secretary Vijitha Herath. Kotelawala Defence University and Neville Fernando Hospital. Herath claimed the new amendment, which Minister Wanniarachchi explained that the situation has arisen was produced by Minister of Energy Udaya because less than 2,000 nurses are being enrolled in training Gammanpila on 21 April, will give the Minister Oil situation in programmes each year. the powers to issue licences to import, The PM called for accelerated training programmes for nurses in distribute, store, refine and sell oil to private ICUs and also instructed Wanniarachchi to take necessary steps companies. wrecked ship closely to expedite the process of graduating nursing students. (ST) He explained the CPC Act No. 28 of 1961 took the power of importing, distributing, storing, refining and sale of oil in Sri Lanka away from private companies and gave these monitored – SLPA COVID jab fiasco in Galle powers exclusively to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation. By Sulochana Ramiah Under the UNP Government in 2002, an Mohan Regional DHS, amendment was made to form a temporary committee to issue licence for private The Sri Lanka Ports companies to import, distribute, store, refine Authority (SLPA) said they and sell oil which was previously only given to were awaiting confirmation as Epidemiologist the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, Herath to whether the bunker oil of added. the wrecked feeder ship This temporary committee gave a 20-year X-Press Pearl that sank 9.5 licence to the Indian Oil Corporation which nautical miles off Colombo transferred would last till December 2023. The Harbour on 2 June has burnt Government is pushing this amendment in an out during the distress period By Kumudu Upul Shantha attempt to extend this licence, Herath went on or whether it is intact in the to say. deck of the ship. The Regional Director of Health Services and the Regional The JVP Propaganda Secretary asserted that According to the SLPA Epidemiologist of the Galle District have been transferred over the Gammanpila’s claims that this amendment is spokesperson, nothing has According to the operators of the incident of illegally vaccinating many people from the Western being submitted because of incoming U.S. been officially confirmed however, ship, the salvors remain on the scene Province. investments was entirely untrue. there is a major suspicion the ship fuel to deal with any possible debris The decision was taken after preliminary inquiries carried out by Herath added that a feasibility report for of 322MT is burnt along with the ship supported by the Sri Lankan Navy and the Health Ministry following the exposé by the Media, which the U.S. investment has not been submitted yet during the 11 days of fire on board the the Indian Coast Guard, who have oil Ministry says is being further probed. and that it will take a year, at least, to finalise. ship. spill response capabilities on standby. The Ministry of Health had launched an investigation into the He questioned why the Government was in Meanwhile, the X-Press Feeders, Ashore representatives of ITOPF and irregularities at a COVID vaccination programme held recently at such a rush to pass this amendment. operators of the wrecked ship said the Oil Spill Response are monitoring Unawatuna in Galle, after the matter was exposed by the Media on The aim is to sell national resources to situation on the scene remains under updates from the scene and remain on 7 June. private companies, Herath further stated. He observation with no signs of debris or standby to be deployed in case of any Several politicians and trade unions had highlighted the incident claimed that this is a serious national security of fuel oil pollution and the marine reported spill. They are coordinating after it was uncovered by the Media while the State Minister of threat. “If these are sold entirely to private chemist continues to take readings of with MEPA and the Sri Lankan Navy on Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals, Prof. companies, they can decide to cut power to the the air around the vessel and test water an established plan to deal with any Channa Jayasumana also brought the matter to attention during country causing serious harm,” added Herath. samples to ensure the site’s safety. possible spill of oil and other the Parliamentary session held on 8 June. He also express concerns that this decision They are currently being interviewed pollutants. A group of individuals from the Western Province had arrived for would destroy the CPC as it would not be able by local police on the continued “The shoreline cleanup is ongoing, the vaccination programme in Galle to receive the second dose of to compete with private companies in the investigations on the disaster. and we remain committed to Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine, despite the islandwide future. The Corporation is currently in a debt In their official statement, they added contributing earth movers to assist. We travel restrictions in place. worth billions of rupees due to that the ship’s aft portion remains on thank MEPA and the Sri Lankan Navy State Minister Prof. Jayasumana had said a team from the mismanagement, corruption and frauds of the seabed at a depth of about 21 for their efforts during this lockdown in Health Ministry has been deployed in Galle to look into the matter leaders in the past, Herath alleged. metres, and the forward section Sri Lanka, and they will further guide and that legal and disciplinary action will be sought against those remains afloat and is reported as us on what assistance is needed and individuals who attended the vaccination programme violating stable. how we can provide it,” they added. protocols. A2 thursday 10 june 2021 news CYMBA writes to Indian Action Plan to Rejuvenate HC for more vaccines

Colombo Young Men’s who got the first dose of the Buddhist Association vaccine are rendered helpless Fisheries Industry, (CYMBA) has written to since it is not possible for Indian High Commissioner them to obtain the second Gopal Baglay requesting the dose. It is necessary that the Government of India to send vaccine be given to them Marine Life – State Minister another consignment of before the prescribed date. Oxford AstraZeneca The Colombo Young Men’s By Faadhila Thassim assessment of damages and the (NARA), National Aquaculture took place under the patronage COVISHIELD vaccines. Buddhist Association, the course of action to rebuild the Development Authority of Wijesekara on 8 Tuesday. The request was penned by foremost Buddhist The Ministry of Fisheries and marine environment and (NAQDA) together with other The main duties vested in this President of the CYMBA organisation in Sri Lanka Aquatic Resources is to prepare resources and the fisheries experts in the field. committee is to assess the Maddumage Ariyarathne and older than 125 years, is in an action plan to rebuild the industry will be prepared by a Furthermore, the initial current and future impact of General Secretary Mahendra collaboration with a large fisheries industry affected by committee of officials and meeting of the committee the fire on the marine Jayasekera. number of Buddhist and the fire that broke out on the scientists from the Department appointed to investigate into the environment and the fisheries The letter says: First and non- Buddhist associations MV X-Press Pearl vessel, State of Fisheries and Aquatic loss and damage caused to the industries and to produce foremost let us very sincerely throughout the island. As an Minister Kanchana Wijesekara Resources, The National marine environment and the findings for Court proceedings thank your Excellency and association, whilst striving to said. Aquatic Resources Research fisheries industries as a result while the estimates will be used the Government of India for propagate the message of He added that the and Development Agency of the MV X-Press vessel fire to claim compensation. your Excellency’s most Gautama Buddha, India’s generous gesture of sending greatest son, we are trying a quota of Oxford our very best to help our AstraZeneca COVISHIELD disadvantaged people with vaccines to the people of Sri the vaccination carried on by Lanka. Presently, while the the Government. Sri Lanka SLAF receives healthcare gear whole world is fighting to In the circumstances, control the COVID-19 considering the dire need of transforming pandemic, the situation in our people who got the first Sri Lanka is seemingly vaccine, we humbly request towards getting worse. your Excellency to use your All are aware of the historic Excellency’s good office to bond of fraternal relationship request the Government of sustainable between India and Sri Lanka, India to consider sending us dating back to the reign of another quota of the vaccine society – Premier emperor Ashoka. Since the enabling us to cover the said Sri Lanka has begun transforming advent of Ven. Mahinda in requirement of around towards a sustainable and resilient society Sri Lanka, the religious and 600,000 vaccines. We that is dedicated to follow the Sustainable cultural bond based on strongly believe that Development agenda that was first Buddhism immensely considering the present proposed in 2015, Prime Minister Mahinda strengthened. It is not situation of our country Rajapaksa said yesterday (9) marking necessary to reiterate the fact which is quite evident, and World Accreditation Day. that the close and amicable considering our humble He added that the Government is taking relationship that exists request, your Excellency concrete efforts to achieve Sustainable between our two countries would take the necessary Development Goals (SDG)under the Policy cannot be matched with the steps to secure and send the Framework of ‘Vistas of Prosperity and relations we have with the required number of vaccines Splendour’ which is a comprehensive and other nations. to our country. holistic development framework that has Giving the Oxford Let us sincerely thank your effectively integrated global SDG AstraZeneca COVISHIELD Excellency in advance and commitments. vaccine made in India to the for kind attention to this “The three core areas: economic growth, needy citizens of our country matter in this fearful hour of social inclusion, and environmental The Ministry of Health donated over to the Commander of the Air was made possible due to the need. May all beings be protection are all addressed in the healthcare equipment, including Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana kind sponsorship of India. healthy and happy and the National Policy Framework and all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Pathirana at Air Force Headquarters But it is regretful to mention blessings of the triple gem be institutions must work towards achieving Pulse Oximeters and Oxygen by Prof. Channa Jayasumana, the that around 600,000 people with your Excellency. these objectives,” Rajapaksa said. Concentrators, to the Sri Lanka Air State Minister of Production, Supply He said Sri Lanka has established an Force (SLAF) yesterday (9). and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals. Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee to In a statement, the Air Force said Prof. Jayasumana also discussed steer and guide the SDG implementation that the donation was made to the COVID-19 situation with Air process in Sri Lanka by mobilising various protect frontline SLAF personnel who Marshal Pathirana. The State Colour-coded stickers government agencies around SDGs whilst are working with the health sector to Minister was given a token of ensuring and facilitating an integrated curb the spread of COVID-19. appreciation by the Air Force for the pasted on 78,000 vehicles approach towards its implementation. The health equipment was handed donation. “Considering the strategic importance of By Keerthi Mendis They said though the SDGs for the uplift of mankind and the pasting of stickers had environment, the two global organisations The Police Department taken place last Monday, it namely, the International Laboratory said colour-coded stickers had not taken place the Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the had been pasted on 78,000 next day. But, the Police International Accreditation Forum (IAF) Record 54 deaths in a day vehicles that had entered said over 90 per cent of have declared the theme of this year’s Colombo during the ongoing vehicles that had entered Accreditation Day as ‘Accreditation: By Paneetha Ameresekere hospitalised as at 10 a.m. yesterday was travel restrictions and that Colombo on Tuesday had supporting the Sustainable Development 28,391. The total number of cases since it amounts to 85 per cent of been those that had stickers Goals (SDGs)’,” Rajapaksa added. The number of COVID-19 deaths hit a the first case was detected on 27 registered vehicles. pasted on them. Rajapaksa said the Development Council record 54 in the 24 hours ended at 10 January, 2020 is 210,661 and the total will enter into a partnership with the Sri a.m. yesterday, Epidemiology Unit (EU) number of recoveries since have been Lanka Accreditation Board (SLAB), the data showed. This increases the COVID- 180,427. apex organisation in the Quality 19 death toll in the island, since the first The first case detected on 27 January Infrastructure of Sri Lanka to assist the case was detected on 27 January 2020, 2020 was that of a Chinese woman Government and private sector to 1,843. tourist. The aforesaid numbers includes Former Galle District organisations to meet sustainability The number of new cases recorded foreigners. EU’s definition of a day is the standards. yesterday was 2,682, while recoveries 24 hours ended as at 10 a.m. on a MP Buddhika (ST) were 2,168. The number of cases particular day. Kurukularatne no more Former Galle Observer. Then District MP and he served from former journalist 1966 to 1970 in 7 DSDs put on weather alert, showers to continue at Lake House the editorial staff By Paneetha Matugama, Palindanuwara, Horana DSDs and surrounding 75mm and if such rains do Publications of the Virakesari Ameresekere Bulathsinhala, Ingiriya and areas in the Kalutara District continue. Buddhika and Janata Agalawatte DSDs and and Pasbage Korale (Kandy) , Meanwhile, the Meteorology Kurukularatne (Sinhala Daily) The National Building surrounding areas in the ‘to be ready to evacuate’ as Department in its weather has passed and was in Research Organisation (NBRO) Kalutara District respectively. rains in those areas have forecast up to 4.00 a.m. away. He was 78 charge of the at 4.30 p.m. yesterday (9) said In their advisory, NBRO said exceeded 100mm in the past tomorrow (11) said that years. foreign news Godakawela and Balangoda that as rains in the aforesaid 24 hours and if the rains so showers will occur at times in He was a page. Divisional Secretariat Divisions areas in the past 24 hours continue. the Western, Sabaragamuwa lawyer and As a free-lance (DSDs) and surrounding areas have exceeded over 150 mm, to NBRO issuing an even milder and North-Western provinces served from columnist, he in the Ratnapura District were avoid the possibility of advisory (‘yellow’ alert) said, to and in the Galle, Matara, 1989 to 1994 as wrote articles in added to the landslide risk landslides, rock falls and earth be ‘watchful’ of landslides, rock Nuwara-Eliya and Kandy a Member of lighter vein on a areas, thereby increasing the slips and such like, if the rains falls, earthslips and such like Districts. Fairly heavy falls Parliament regular basis to number to cover 47 DSDs do continue, to evacuate to in the Elpitiya DSD and above 50mm can be expected representing the UNP. the weekly Sunday English scattered over nine Districts, safe locations. surrounding areas (Galle at some places in the Buddhika Kurukularatne and Sinhala newspapers on including Colombo. Issuing a milder advisory District); Divulapitiya DSD and Sabaragamuwa Province and was born on 19 June 1943 to his experience as a They include 21 ‘red’ alert (‘amber’ alert), NBRO advised surrounding areas (Gampaha); in the Nuwara-Eliya District. a well-known family in parliamentarian. These were DSDs and their surrounding people living in the Thunpane, Udunuwara and Showers or thundershowers Ambalangoda. He had his widely read and acclaimed by areas encompassing the Seethawaka and Padukka Yatinuwara DSDs and may occur at a few places in early education at Maha both government and Kegalle, Derinayagala, DSDs and surrounding areas surrounding areas (Kandy); the Uva Province during the Ambalangoda Methodist opposition parliamentarians. Warakapola, Ruwanwella, in the Colombo District; Kotmale DSD and surrounding evening or night. Wind speed School, Dharmasoka Primary Kurukularatne has also Galigamuwa, Mawanella, Neluwa DSD and surrounding areas (Nuwara Eliya) and can increase up to 30-40 kmph School and St. Thomas’ authored six books, two were Rambukkana, areas (Galle); Mirigama, Kuruwita and Imbulpe DSDs at times in western slope of the College Bandarawela. Later, in English. Bulathkohupitiya, Yatiyantota, Attanagalla and Gampaha and surrounding areas central hills, Northern, North- he received his secondary His remains will lie at Dehiowita and Aranayaka DSDs and surrounding areas (Ratnapura) and at Pallepola, Central and North-Western education in Dharmasoka Jayaratne Respect Funeral DSDs in the the Kegalle (Gampaha District); Aban Ganga Korale and provinces and in the College and St. Thomas’ Parlour, Borella today (10) District; Ambagamuwa Godakawala, Balangoda Yatawatta DSDs and Hambantota and Trincomalee College, Guruthalawa. from 9 am – 3 pm. Cortege (Nuwara-Eliya); Eheliyagoda, Ratnapura, Elapatha and surrounding areas in the Districts. Temporary localised In 1965 Kurukularatne will leave the parlour at 3.30 Kalawana, Ayagama and Nivithigala DSDs and Matale District respectively; as strong winds and lightning was a journalist in in the now pm for the new crematorium Kiriella(Ratnapura) DSDs and surrounding areas the rains in those areas in the during thunderstorms will defunct Sun (English Daily) in Kanatte, Borella for surrounding areas and (Ratnapura); Wallalawita; past 24 hours had exceeded occur. and in 1966, he joined The cremation at 4.00 pm.

By Paneetha Ameresekere Inclement Weather flood level if the rains continue and Attanagalu Oya in the Gampaha Thirty-seven families, comprising District had reached minor flood level 133 individuals, were impacted due 133 Impacted in Colombo, Ratnapura with its waters too rising. to strong winds, rains, floods and Due to the prevailing inclement comprising 1,764 individuals, comprising 91 individuals and Kandy The Department further said that landslides and the threat of weather, 458 families, comprising Puttalam 721 families comprising 11 families comprising 31 the Kalu Ganga and the Nilwala landslides in the Colombo and 1,808 individuals are in Government 2,344 individuals, Ratnapura 359 individuals. Ganga, which were at the ‘alert’ , Ratnapura Districts yesterday, The shelters and another displaced 1,171 families comprising 1,356 Meanwhile, the Irrigation however have seen their water levels Disaster Management Centre (DMC) families comprising 4,190 individuals individuals, Gampaha 273 families Department, issuing an advisory at receding, while Kuda Ganga in the said. Additionally seven houses were are living with relatives and friends. comprising 1,176 individuals, 12.30 p.m. yesterday alerted that the Kalutara District which has reached damaged, six in Colombo and one in The breakdown of the total Kegalle60 families comprising 257 Kelani Ganga waters were rising, minor flood level, has also seen its Ratnapura, it said. displaced is: Colombo 743 families individuals, Kalutara 29 families meaning that it may reach minor waters receding. news thursday 10 june 2021 A3

Prohibiting second list of polythene and plastic Amaraweera Orders CEA to Expedite Process

By Thameenah Razeek immediate action to ban 500 mm, are recommended to be Officials from the CEA notified polythene and plastic products banned. The use of plastic for the Minister that efforts had been The Central Environmental from the list, as many of the incense and lantern wrapping is made to provide environmentally Authority (CEA) has been asked items on this list can be also planned to be outlawed, as appropriate alternatives for the by Environment Minister manufactured utilising is the use of food wrappers to manufacturing of all of these Mahinda Amaraweera to expedite perishable alternatives in an preserve fruits and vegetables products. the banning of the proposed environmentally friendly manner. from being crushed. String hopper trays made of second list of polythene and The second list includes Microplastics or microplastic plastic, for example, can be plastic. banning shirt clips, disposable beads in personal healthcare substituted with canes and The Ministry of Environment plastic spoons, forks, knives, products are prohibited, as is the string leaves, which can open up took steps to ban five types of food boxes, yoghurt/ice cream use of hot meal items such as new options for the processing environmentally harmful spoons, posters, ads, cut-outs, string hopper trays, plastic industry. commodities as of 31 March. The and various sorts of utensils, and cups. In this He highlighted that before the second list of prohibited advertisements. second list, the Ministry of the use of plastic, cane and date polythene and plastic goods is Disposable straws and stirrers, Environment is considering leaves were widely used in the also being compiled. as well as small-scale plastic and including a ban on bottles with a country, and that the local Minister Amaraweera also polythene grocery bags and capacity of fewer than 750 industry had died out as a result ordered the CEA to take bottles with a diameter of 400- millilitres. of the usage of plastic.

To evaluate credit risks in COVID-19 vaccination drive technology businesses ICTA and PwC Douglas seeks more develop ‘Credit jabs for North Evaluation Framework’ By Naalir Jamaldeen Jaffna District have been By Eunice Ruth growth cycle of a particular vaccinated with COVID-19 jabs on business before taking any Fisheries Minister Douglas priority basis and added that at The Information and decision. “The credit scoring Devananda said the COVID-19 least 150,000 vaccines must be Communication Technology evaluation model has been vaccination programme should be sent to Jaffna District. Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA), in built with four main pillars, extended to Jaffna, Mullaitivu, Minister Devananda said he partnership with such as quality of the Kilinochchi, Vavuniya and Mannar requested the President to send PricewaterhouseCoopers leadership or the management Districts in the Northern Province. 100,000 COVID-19 vaccines to (PwC), has developed a team, market landscape, Devananda added that he raised Vavuniya District and 50,000 framework called ‘Credit potential of the service or this matter during the District vaccines to Kilinochchi, Mannar Evaluation Framework’ for product offered, and financial Development Coordination and and Mullaitivu Districts each. financial institutions to projections. When comparing Monitoring Committee Meeting The Minister said the President evaluate the credit risks the old models in the chaired by President Gotabaya accepted his request and had told involved in technology industry, this model has Rajapaksa, recently. him that vaccines will be sent soon businesses, said the Director similar parameters. He said 50,000 individuals in the to Jaffna District. of PwC, Kavinda Weerakoon. However, while He said the framework will differentiating it from the old be used by banks and other models, this model will financial institutions to encourage the lending generate the credit score of institutions to have a deeper To treat COVID-19 patients technology companies who understanding of the request for debt financing. dynamics of the borrower’s This model can also help business and industry,” Port City MD donates banks to understand the Weerakoon said. Rs 5M worth HFOTM The Health Ministry received a Ministry received 1,200 pulse donation of five high flow oxygen oximeters. Deputy Chief of Mission Moonshine distillers’ therapy machines (HFOTM) worth at the US Embassy Martin Kelly Rs 5 million to treat COVID-19 and Director of the USAID Office, patients, from the Colombo Port Reed J. Aeschliman made the luck run out City Project. The machines were donation to the Minister. By Naalir Jamaldeen process of distilling moonshine handed over to Health Minister Another eight HFOTM worth Rs were arrested by Police and the Pavithra Wanniarachchi by Project 10 million was donated by Rhino A person who had been equipment used to distil Managing Director, Houliang Jiang, Group. The machines were handed allegedly engaged in moonshine was also seized. a Health Ministry official said. over to Minister Wanniarachchi by moonshine distilling in a house The Oorkavathurai Police are The Official said that in addition, the Group’s Managing Director E.J. in Karainagar in Jaffna was conducting further inquiries in USAID donated equipment worth Gnanam, he said. arrested by Oorkavathurai connection with the moonshine US$ 6 million to the Health Health Secretary, Major General Police. The house was raided distillation. Meanwhile, Ministry. It included 240,000 (Retired) Dr. Sanjeewa Munasinghe, following a tip-off received by another suspect who had been personal protective equipment (PPE Director General of Health Services, the Grama Niladhari of engaged in moonshine kits) and KN95 masks, 40,000 Dr. Asela Gunawardana, and Karainagar. Two suspects who distilling in Sankanai was goggles, and 600 gloves to treat several officials were also present. had been engaged in the arrested by Manipay Police. COVID-19 patients. Also, the (DJ)

Kelaniya University launches first-ever DBA Alumni in SL

The first-ever Doctor of Business theory into productive practice, Administration (DBA) Alumni in Sri especially focusing on knowledge Lanka was established on 29 May designed to solve problems likely to 2021 by the doctorate holders of the be produced in the workplace. The DBA programme conducted by the key objectives of this programme University of Kelaniya since 2016. therefore are to develop personal, Due to the prevailing situation in consultancy, and research skills in the country, the inaugural meeting the context of the relevant field of was held online with the research. In accordance with the participation of university staff Sri Lanka Qualification Framework including the Dean of the Faculty of (SLQF), the DBA is a SLQF 12 Graduate Studies, Senior Professor qualification, which is the highest Ariyarathna Jayamaha, the Dean of level of qualification awarded in Sri the Faculty of Commerce and Lanka. It is an internationally- Management Studies, Dr. Narada recognised qualification that was Fernando, the Coordinator of the first introduced in the USA, UK, DBA programme, Professor C. and Australia. Despite being Pathirawasam, Heads of the relatively new, the DBA programme Departments, and Senior Lecturers at the University of Kelaniya is in as well as former graduates and high demand. current students of the DBA The establishment of DBAAKU programme. The Alumni is named appointed as the Vice President, approach to business. also turned a new page in the ‘DBA Alumni of Kelaniya while Dr. Tharaka Punchibandara, The DBA is a 'professional majestic history of the University of University,’ abbreviated to Head of Commercial Operations, doctorate' with a focus on business Kelaniya, launching the first-ever DBAAKU. While all formerly SAARC Region, Mylan practice alongside a deep DBA Alumni in Sri Lanka and graduated doctorate holders are Pharmaceuticals and Dr. Ranjan understanding of related theoretical setting the standards by which to absorbed as Fellow Members of the Dissabandara, Managing Director, underpinnings. The DBA follow. DBAAKU aims to establish Alumni, the students are offered Finex Engineering (Pvt) Limited programme and its candidates pivot itself as the first and foremost DBA the opportunity to become were appointed as the Secretary on making a seminal contribution Alumni among the business Associate Members. and the Treasurer of the Alumni to their chosen profession and fraternity in Sri Lanka. It also Dr. Nuwan Wimalana, who has respectively. The DBA programme industry. The DBA is developed in intends to formulate a knowledge served in directorial positions in offered by the University of Kelaniya the context of practice and is hub with various educational multiple organisations and is an exclusive business followed by practitioners, managers disciplines to provide expert advice currently works as a Management qualification that is endorsed by a and industry professionals. It is to any industry, public or private. Consultant in many large State university of Sri Lanka. designed to enhance executive and Furthermore, DBAAKU plans to act organisations in Sri Lanka, was Realising that the current economy professional practice through the as a link among university appointed as the first president. is based on skills and productivity, application of sound theory and administration, learning partners, From the other fellow members of the DBA programme seeks to rigorous research into real and and former graduates, whilst acting the Alumni, Dr. Dinesh address the demand for strong complex issues in business and as ambassadors for the University Hamangoda, General Manager – corporate leaders who are management. It enhances the of Kelaniya to recruit potential Sales, Hemas Consumer was resourceful and original in their capability to develop knowledge and candidates. A4 thursday 10 june 2021 column

By Uditha Devapriya very forces they tried to oppose, including majoritarian chauvinism. As One of the most curious things about Dayan Jayatilleka has correctly pointed this pandemic is how, and how much, out, Ranasinghe Premadasa’s co-option it’s impacted the myth of the strongman. of the nationalist clergy kept the latter I don’t mean to say the virus has away from the path of militant politics. deflated the myth; merely that it has Marginalised and unrepresented, this reinforced it for its supporters and Sri Lanka’s clergy, and the intelligentsia supporting undermined it for its detractors. them, took to that path during the Populism is a double-edged sword: it Kumaratunga years. Thus if the peak of cuts one way and blunts the other. nationalist debates in the 1980s was the Depending on which side you are, you publication of Gunadasa Amarasekara’s either champion or demean it. It’s one of Anagarika Dharmapala Marxvadida and the oldest political philosophies out Nalin de Silva’s Mage Lokaya, their peak there, antedating capitalism and Populist in the Kumaratunga years was the Marxism by centuries. Shakespeare establishment of parties rooted in the may have introduced it to the English worldview of those texts and their theatre with Mark Antony’s funeral authors: the Sihala Urumaya and oration for Caesar, but it preceded Jathika Hela Urumaya. Caesar’s and Antony’s Athens; the Commentators distinguish between Demagogues may even have perfected right populism and left populism on the an art borrowed from elsewhere, though grounds that while the latter pits the we will never know. Whatever its origins, Paradox people against elites, the former in its present form it’s taken root in East mobilises them against elites by and West. Pandemic or no pandemic, it demonising other outsiders, in continues to thrive, undeterred, particular ethnic minorities. Such undiminished. distinctions do not help one delve into The costs have been enormous. the roots of populism per se, but taking Electorates that voted in populists have them into consideration here, it becomes turned the other way; the US is an clear that since 1993, the year of obvious example. In India, Modi’s halo Premadasa’s assassination, populism in continues to slip by the day, though Sri Lanka has taken a more rightward recent Election results don’t reflect the turn. From the neoliberal liberalisation depths to which his party has sunk. of the Kumaratunga administration to Contrary to liberal opinion, it’s not just the centre-left first administration of in presidential systems where these Mahinda Rajapaksa (2005-2010), to backlashes have taken place: India is a Rajapaksa’s tilt to the right in his second case in point, but examples abound administration (2010-2015), to the across Europe, from Boris’s Britain to yahapalana regime’s doctrine of Victor’s Hungary. While it’s a little hard ‘globalising and liberalising’ (2015- to say how these strongmen will fare at 2019), we have come full circle to centre- an Election, it’s a no-brainer that their right Bonapartism. We seem to be man-of-the-people moment has passed, closing in on a maelstrom from which or is passing through its twilight. we cannot escape. What’s our escape Of course, the farther to the right plan? these strongmen are, the more assured Essentially, what we’ve been seeing they can be about their electoral since the Jayewardene years of prospects: in Brazil, for instance, neoliberal authoritarianism is a thousands have been protesting bifurcation in our intellectual trajectory Bolsonaro’s mismanagement of the The populist entices or daunts a double-edged sword: it cuts one way and blunts the other between what Rajan Phillips, in a series pandemic for weeks, some even calling of insightful essays, describes as an for his impeachment. Yet so far, these preferred the continuation of those Electoral success in Sri Lanka has Such a state of affairs came about ‘NGO formation’ and a ‘Jathika Chintana protests have failed to get adequate policies to a reversal to what life had generally not drawn from the working owing to an absence of a working class formation.’ Dr. Jayatilleka, in a lengthy coverage from the Western press. But been before their establishment. Under class. While successive Governments element in populist politics. The populist piece on the Opposition, accepts this then Brazil is not the world; elsewhere, Jayewardene, in other words, this have worked in tandem with the radical moment in Sri Lanka died with distinction, yet points out that the path particularly in left populist (pink middle bourgeoisie both embraced a Left, this has not lead those Ranasinghe Premadasa, and was should not bifurcate, but trifurcate – populist) regimes, the pressures of market economy and tilted to a welfarist Governments to accept, still less revived more than a decade later by with the third road taking us out into a electoral democracy have posed a threat conception of it. It is the latter paradox incorporate, the political programme of Mahinda Rajapaksa. Throughout this Populist Path. to left populism. The future of populist that defines populism here today. the radical Left. What that means is that period, the shift to the right of both SLFP Given the state of populism today, I politics seems a tad uncertain, though it populism in Sri Lanka has never been a and UNP ensured the erosion of working wonder what the prospects of those who remains as formidable as it always was. Easy to define than grasp populism of the working class; it has class participation in politics. take to its path are. Given how In Sri Lanka, populism’s had its day The paradox is easy to define, less so almost always been a populism of the neoliberal market fundamentalism has for over three decades. Unlike in India, to comprehend. Unlike many countries Kelani Valley middle bourgeoisie: a Working class mobilisation dovetailed with and fed into the forces of where the tumults of a parliamentary that underwent a neoliberal revolution, populism rooted in the one hand on Authoritarian neoliberalism, which nationalist fundamentalism, though, I system run on federal lines could Jayewardene’s opening up of the exclusivist nationalism and on the other peaked during the Jayewardene find my belief in such a path unshaken. intensify polarities and push to the economy did not squeeze the middle- in market fundamentalism. presidency and softened under Perhaps what we need is not a centre a nationalist-populist within that class out of existence; on the contrary, it Now the paradox of our populism is Premadasa’s, faced a resurgence during strongman to set things right, but a system, over here the transition to propped up a new rich entrapped in the that while it remains rooted in anger at the Kumaratunga years, even if not to populist capable of bringing together as populism accompanied a shift from consumerist trappings of a market economic elites, it accepts many of the the same lengths to which Jayewardene many classes as possible. We don’t need Westminster to Gaullism. Although economy. With the erosion of the Old principles those elites follow, including took it. What little working class a Modi, still less a Bolsonaro; instead we Ranasinghe Premadasa is considered Left, and the migration to the NGO the neoliberal doctrine of market-led involvement or mobilisation we saw in need a reversal to a populism that our first populist, it was actually his sector of activists associated with the growth. In other words, populism in Sri these years was limited largely to the empowers, not an entrenched Sinhala predecessor’s combination of neoliberal Old Left, this middle-class ‘moved out’ of Lanka has become synonymous with centre-left rear guard of the SLFP, led by middle bourgeoisie, but Partha economics and chauvinist cosmetics radical politics. Ensconced in a new opposition not to economic elites, but to Mahinda Rajapaksa; that the latter’s Chatterjee’s ‘dangerous classes.’ In other that made his brand of populism class setting, it came to dominate the public sector. A corollary of this Workers’ Charter, in my view the most words, what we need is not a Left possible. Premadasa won by a wafer- establishment politics, determining the distrust with that sector has been a progressive piece of labour legislation Populism, but a Working Class Left thin margin in 1988; the poll could have course of mainstream parties and voting desire to carve alternative non-political mooted since 1977, never saw the light Populism. Just where are the populists easily gone the other way. The final for Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2019 and his intellectual spaces: Viyath Maga and of day, and was shot down by members to see this revolution through? result confirmed that despite the party in 2020: the political expression of Eliya (the SLPP), 43 Senankaya of his own party, speaks volumes about backlash against J. R. Jayewardene’s what some call the Kelani Valley (Champika Ranawaka), and Buddhi the fate of the Left. (The writer can be reached at policies, our middle bourgeoisie bourgeoisie. Mandapaya (the SJB). These processes ironically fed into the [email protected]) India Regulates Social Media By Sugeeswara Senadhira However, large digital platforms out that certain controls are essential to people’s accounts are suspended and ensure that it is combating illegal Facebook and Google on announced protect individual privacy. The tweets deleted arbitrarily without content in an effective and fair way, India warned the Social Media to they are working towards meeting the requirement to appoint designated recourse, the MEIT said. and to comply with local laws in the strictly adhere to new Information compliance requirements underlined officers to deal with grievances and The Ministry asked Twitter to stop jurisdictions it operates in. Technology rules, which came into by the Government. compliance apart from having a beating around the bush and comply "We realise that our work in keeping effect last week or face closure. In Indian Media reported that the mechanism to pull down content where with the laws of the land. Law-making our platforms secure is never done February this year, the Ministry of Government asked Twitter to pull down individuals are maligned or there is and policy formulation is the sole and we will continue to refine our Electronics & Information Technology tweets related to farmer protests, some sexually explicit matter has been hailed prerogative of the sovereign existing approaches, and evolve our (MEIT) of Prime Minister Narendra of which the Modi administration by everybody. Government and Twitter is just a policies and be as transparent as Modi-led Government had given a believed peddled anti-India sentiment, On the other hand, there are social Media platform, and it has no possible about how we make three-month time to the social as well as some that were critical of the apprehensions over possible misuse of locus in dictating what should India’s decisions,” the spokesperson said. platforms to comply with the new IT handling of the current second wave of new laws. Twitter said there were legal policy framework should be, A Facebook spokesperson noted that rules. COVID-19 pandemic. concerns over intimidation tactics by infuriated MEIT spokesman pointed the company is working to implement The new Information Technology The Twitter statement said, "We Police and was critical of the new IT out. operational processes and aims to (Inter Mediary Guidelines and Digital maintain that the content reported in rules. The company said it is Indian Government accused Twitter comply with the provisions of the IT Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021, which the original order constitutes protected, particularly worried over the of remaining silent on fake and rules. The social Media giant – which was released by Prime Minister legitimate free speech, under Indian requirement to make the compliance harmful content against India and also owns photo-sharing platform Narendra Modi-led Government in and international law, and we have officer criminally liable for content on Indians, including posts related to Instagram – said it continues to discuss February 2021, come into effect from formally communicated this to the the platform, the mandate for proactive vaccine hesitancy or those that spoke a few of the issues which need more 26 May. As per the new Indian IT Rules Government. Yet, due to the law’s monitoring, and the blanket authority of an Indian variant of the engagement with the Indian 2021, large social Media platforms are limited scope under Section 69A (of the to seek information about customers. coronavirus. Government. defined as those having more than 50 IT Act) which gives limited room to an "This represents dangerous overreach The Government ordered Twitter to Several organisations including the lakh registered users. intermediary to defend the content, we that is inconsistent with open, block more than 1,400 users who Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) The new rules were imposed after have been compelled to withhold in democratic principles," Twitter were accused of using inflammatory and the US-India Business Council years of complaints from the victims of response to a noncompliance notice. spokesman said. and unlawful language in the wake of (USIBC) tried to Mediate to resolve the social Media of defamation, slander and Not doing so poses penal consequences Displeasure over new rules the farmers’ protests. Twitter was also issue. They made a joint appeal to the violations of privacy. The new rules with many risks for Twitter employees." accused of manipulating Media tag to Government seeking up to a one-year make it mandatory for large social The MEIT warned that non- The company also expressed its certain tweets of BJP functionaries extension for compliance, particularly Media companies to appoint a resident compliance with rules would result in displeasure over the new rules taking which claimed to show a ‘toolkit’ in the view of the pandemic. grievance officer as part of a larger these social Media companies losing away the immunity of social Media allegedly prepared by Congress The new rules state that users who grievance redressal mechanism, active their intermediary status that provides platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, functionaries to defame the voluntarily want to verify their accounts monitoring of content shared on their them exemptions and specified YouTube and Instagram over third- Government’s Covid-19 relief efforts. should be given an appropriate platform and monthly compliance immunity from liabilities for any third- party content, and makes them liable Modi Government blasted the mechanism to do so, and be accorded a reports for Indian users and self- party information and data hosted by for criminal and civil action. Twitter stating that protecting free visible mark of verification. It also regulation mechanisms. them. In other words, they could be While Twitter accused the Indian speech in India is not the prerogative requires generation of monthly The moment new regulations were liable for action. Government of using force and fear to of only a private, for-profit, foreign compliance reports, a compliance announced, they came in for heavy A spokesman for Twitter said the block legitimate free speech, the entity like Twitter. The MEIT added officer, nodal contact person and criticism from social Media and social Media platform did not take any Electronics & IT Ministry shot back, that Twitter’s statement was an resident grievance officer being organisations for freedom of expression. action on verified accounts that consist charging the American company with attempt to dictate its terms to the appointed by the social Media platform Twitter accused the Modi Government of news Media entities, journalists, deliberately subverting the law of India world’s largest democracy. Through its companies. The Government said these of dangerous overreach that is activists, and politicians "in keeping and trying to dictate its terms even actions and deliberate defiance, rules were introduced to make social inconsistent with open, democratic with our principles of defending while using opaque policies to Twitter seeks to undermine India’s Media platforms like Facebook, principles, and alleged that it has been protected speech and freedom of arbitrarily suspend user accounts and legal system, the MEIT statement said. WhatsApp, Twitter and Instagram - forced to withhold portions of legitimate expression". delete tweets. Meanwhile, a Google spokesperson which have seen a phenomenal surge free speech on its platform over fears Although a section of Media try to The only instance of scuttling free said the company has consistently in usage over the past few years in India around the safety of its employees and project new regulations as a ‘draconian speech on Twitter is Twitter itself and invested in significant product - more accountable and responsible for threats of financial penalties. law’ many impartial analysts pointed its opaque policies, as a result of which changes, resources and personnel to the content hosted on their platform. ASIA THURSDAY 10 JUNE 2021 A5 Malaysia King Meets Politicians as Discontent Rumbles Over Virus Crisis Malaysia’s king started a series of meetings “It does not help with the handling of COVID with leaders of political parties on Wednesday and it effects the economy, especially those in (9), amid public discontent over the the lower rungs of society.” Government’s handling of a coronavirus crisis Muhyiddin was the first to meet with the king that has forced the nation into a third lockdown. on Wednesday, ahead of his weekly Cabinet Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s meeting. Other political leaders are expected at administration imposed strict COVID-19 the palace over the next few days, including measures from 1-14 June to address a surge in ex-Premier Mahathir Mohamad. infections and deaths, on top of an ongoing In a statement, the national palace said the national emergency to curb the spread of the king has convened a special meeting of the disease. council of rulers on Wednesday to discuss But those have led to public frustration over a efforts to battle the epidemic during the perceived slow rollout of vaccinations, emergency. haphazard policymaking and uneven King Al-Sultan Abdullah heeded Muhyiddin’s enforcement of coronavirus curbs that critics request in January to declare a national say royalty and elites have been allowed to skirt. emergency to curb the spread of COVID-19, a Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, who spent move the opposition said was an attempt by the an hour on Wednesday with King Al-Sultan Premier to shore up his position amid a power Abdullah, said the national emergency has done struggle. more harm than good. With nearly 634,000 cases among its 32 “We presented our view that allowing this million people, Malaysia has the highest number emergency to continue will lead to losses to the of infections per capita in Southeast Asia. Malaysia’s King, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, inspects an honour guard during the country,” Anwar told reporters. (Reuters) 62nd Merdeka Day (Independence Day) celebrations in Putrajaya, Malaysia, 31 August 2019 (Reuters)

Singapore Manila, Philippines COVID-19 death toll tops Military Chief visits island casualties in SARS outbreak in disputed waters

The head of the Philippine Armed Forces visited a coral-fringed island his country occupies in the South China Sea this week, a move that could stoke already heightened tensions between Manila and Beijing in disputed waters claimed by both countries. During Monday’s (7), visit, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Cirilito Sobejana commended the soldiers for the role they played in protecting the island’s residents and ‘guarding the country’s territories’ in the strategic waterway. The visit comes after recent diplomatic protests made by the Healthcare workers wait to assist residents for their mandatory COVID-19 swab tests Philippines over what it says is the after some residents were tested positive for the virus, at a public housing estate in illegal presence of hundreds of Singapore, 21 May 2021 (Reuters) ‘Chinese maritime militia’ vessels inside its exclusive economic zone Singapore has reported its 34th from the SARS outbreak, the city-state and near its occupied islands. death due to COVID-19, taking its toll still has one of the world’s lowest Chinese diplomats have said the from the pandemic beyond the 33 COVID-19 fatality rates. boats were just sheltering from casualties recorded during the 2003 Singapore authorities had said at the rough seas and no militia were Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome start of the COVID-19 pandemic that aboard. (SARS) outbreak. the experience dealing with SARS Sobejana’s trip to Thitu, known The City-State was one of the worst- meant they were more prepared for the to Filipinos as Pagasa, happened Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Cirilito Sobejana (L) addresses hit countries by SARS outside COVID-19 outbreak. on Monday, but information was soldiers during a visit to the Philippines-claimed Thitu Island in the South mainland China, based on numbers of So far, Singapore has reported only made public by the AFP on China Sea on 7 June 2021 (Armed Forces of the Philippines/Handout via Reuters) infection and death, according to the 62,219 COVID-19 infections since Wednesday. World Health Organisation’s data. January last year, while it recorded Thitu is the biggest of the nine SARS, a previously unknown 238 SARS cases between March and reefs, shoals and islands the inspect the island to oversee plans sovereignty in the South China infectious disease, is believed to have May 2003. Philippines occupies in the Spratly to convert it into a logistics hub to Sea, a conduit for goods in excess emerged from the wet markets of The 34th COVID-19 death in archipelago, and is home to a make it easier for naval assets of USD 3 trillion every year. China’s Guangdong province before Singapore was an 86-year-old woman small number of military conducting patrols to refuel. The Foreign Ministers of spreading into major cities. Globally, who had not been vaccinated against personnel and civilians. The Chinese Embassy in Manila Southeast Asia and China agreed as many as 774 people died in the COVID-19 and had a history of “(The troops) are in very high did not immediately respond to a during a meeting on Monday to epidemic that reached nearly 30 comorbidities including diabetes and spirit, their level of moral is high request for comment. exercise restraint in the South countries. hypertension, Singapore’s health especially after our visit,” Sobejana The Philippines, Brunei, China, China Sea and avoid actions that While the current pandemic death ministry said. told reporters on Tuesday (8), Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam could escalate tensions. toll has exceeded Singapore’s death toll (Reuters) evening, adding he also wanted to have competing claims of (Reuters)

Myanmar Beijing, China Risk of famine in Myanmar’s Kayah State Parliament opposes - UN Rights Envoy Myanmar’s Kayah State could suffer U.S. Bill on tech threat a ‘massive’ loss of life beyond anything seen since the military seized power, Human Rights in Myanmar, said in a desperately needed, said the activist, with more than 100,000 people fleeing statement. who also called for urgent their homes to escape conflict, a UN “Let me blunt. Mass deaths from international help. human rights investigator warned on starvation, disease, and exposure, on A spokesman for the junta did not Wednesday (9). a scale we have not yet seen since the immediately respond to calls Myanmar’s military has been 1 February coup, could occur in requesting comment. battling on multiple fronts to impose Kayah State absent immediate action,” Thailand, which fears a flood of order since its 1 February coup he said. refugees, has expressed its concern against Aung San Suu Kyi and her An activist in Kayah State said many about the fighting in Myanmar and elected government sparked displaced people could not be reached urged the junta to take steps agreed nationwide protests. including in an area east of Demoso with other Southeast Asian countries Kayah State, which borders town, about 15 km (9 miles) from the aimed at setting a course out of the Chinese and U.S. flags flutter outside a company building in Shanghai, China, Thailand, is one of several regions State capital, Loikaw. conflict. 14 April 2021 (Reuters) where volunteer People’s Defence “Some people to the east of Demoso The junta has paid little heed to Forces have clashed with Myanmar’s have to survive on rice broth as we demands from the Association of China’s Parliament expressed mentality, smearing China’s well-equipped army, which has cannot deliver rice bags to them,” said Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to indignation and opposition on domestic and foreign policies and responded with artillery and air the activist, who asked not to be respect a ‘consensus’ agreed in late Wednesday (9), to a U.S. bill aimed interfering in its internal affairs, strikes, triggering an exodus into identified. She said that military April to end violence and hold political at countering a technology threat the agency said. The U.S. Senate nearby forests. authorities had arrested three people talks with its opponents. from the Asian giant, the official voted 68-32 on Tuesday (8), to “The junta’s brutal, indiscriminate trying to deliver aid in the last two A rights group says Myanmar Xinhua news agency said. approve a sweeping package of attacks are threatening the lives of weeks. Security Forces have killed at least In a statement, the foreign legislation intended to boost the many thousands of men, women and Power had also been cut in many 857 protesters since the coup, though affairs committee of the National country’s ability to compete with children in Kayah State,” Thomas areas and, along with food, materials the army disputes that figure. People’s Congress (NPC) said the Chinese technology. Andrews, UN Special Rapporteur on for shelter and petrol were also (Reuters) bill displayed a Cold War (Reuters) A6 THURSDAY 10 JUNE 2021 WORLD Samoa's Disputed Leader Promises Chinese-backed Port at Third of the Cost Samoa's disputed leader is required, compared with the ADB promising to build a port with Chinese plan, thereby lowering costs. But one help for USD 100 million, about a of the sources said that it was not third of the cost proposed earlier, said clear how the new projected price sources with knowledge of the initial could be reduced by two-thirds. plan, as he bids to stay in power The Vaiusu port would cater for despite losing a parliamentary container vessels, cruise ships and majority in a tight election. shipping fleets, and is in the final The Asian Development Bank (ADB) stages of negotiation with China with deemed that the port project at work set to begin when coronavirus Vaiusu, west of the capital Apia, was restrictions on international borders not economically viable after it was are lifted, according to a January estimated it would cost more than report in the Samoa Observer, citing USD 300 million, sources told Tuilaepa. Reuters. China's Foreign Ministry But the project's chief supporter, spokesman, Zhao Lijian, told a long-serving Leader Tuilaepa Sailele regular briefing in Beijing in May that Malielegaoi, told Parliament recently a Samoa had asked China to conduct a reworked version of the ‘China-funded feasibility study for the port, and that project’ would cost 250 million tala any help would come "without any (USD 96.9 million) to build. political strings". Tuilaepa, a long-term ally of China, China's Foreign Ministry did not said the new port would create much- immediately respond to additional needed jobs and boost trade and questions on Wednesday (9). tourism, while overcoming China is the single largest creditor weaknesses at the main port in Apia, in Samoa, a country of 200,000 which is vulnerable to ocean swell. people, accounting for about 40 per Opposition leader Fiame Naomi cent, or some USD 160 million, of its Mataafa, who was sworn-in as Prime external debts. Minister at an ad-hoc ceremony in Samoa, meanwhile, has been at a May, told Reuters she would shelve political impasse since its April the port development, calling it election. excessive for a small country already While a series of judicial rulings A container ship unloads at the Matautu Port, which has been expanded through support from Japan, in the Samoan capital of Apia, heavily indebted to China. 12 July 2019 (Reuters) back Fiame's claim to be Prime China has in recent years become a Minister, Tuilaepa retains the support more assertive competitor for discussed with China and which the existing Apia port, where work has concern it could tip Samoa into of the Head of State, who has influence in the Pacific with the contractors may be involved. A been done with aid from Japan. unsustainable debt should it go suspended parliamentary hearings United States and its allies, which are spokesman for Tuilaepa did not The ADB declined to disclose ahead. and frustrated plans to confirm a new wary of Chinese-backed respond to questions. costing data for the Vaiusu option. One of the sources said Samoa had Government. infrastructure projects that could The ADB said in a statement to Three sources with direct knowledge sought help from China after the ADB The United Nations has urged support military activity in hostile Reuters that it found in a 2015 study of the ADB study, including one declined to support the project. Samoa's leaders to resolve the crisis times in the strategic waters. that the Vaiusu plan was ‘not diplomatic official, told Reuters the The China-backed plan has a through dialogue. Tuilaepa has not disclosed what economically and financially viable’. Vaiusu project was projected to cost different wharf location, which (Reuters) financing arrangements have been It instead recommended upgrading more than USD 300 million, raising reduces the amount of dredging

Wellington, New Zealand Paris, France Thousands of nurses Macron slapped in the go on strike face during walkabout About 30,000 nurses in New to address rising inequality, with conditions worsening with Zealand walked off their jobs on despite the economy bouncing the arrival of the COVID-19 Wednesday (9), in a nationwide back from the COVID-19 pandemic. eight-hour strike after pandemic more swiftly than Current pay rates do not negotiations with the expected. Thousands of nurses attract people into the Government for better pay and marched on the streets holding profession or retain the people, working conditions failed. placards, while others gathered and staffing levels have The strike action came after at parks and outside hospitals stretched them to breaking the New Zealand Nurses around the country. point, putting them and their Organisation (NZNO) rejected a "Nurses are the glue who hold patients at risk, NZNO has said 1.4 per cent pay hike proposed care services together," Dr in a statement. by the District Health Board Julian Vyas, president of ""We stood during the earlier this week. The Association of Salaried Medical pandemic. The nurses have put Government says the nurses' Specialists said, according to their lives at risk, and that of demands amounted to a 17 per online news portal Newshub. their families. And this is the cent increase that it can't "If they are on strike, you can thanks that we are given," afford, but pledged to continue be sure there's a big problem Diane McCulloch, Clinical negotiations. which needs to be fixed," he Nurse Specialist told Newshub. The stand-off comes as Prime added. All non-urgent surgeries and Minister Jacinda Ardern faces Nurses have complained of outpatient clinics were criticism for not doing enough being underpaid and burnt out, cancelled. (Reuters)

French President Emmanuel Macron is slapped in the face by a member of the public during a visit to New York, United States Tain-l’Hermitage, France, 8 June 2021 (BFMTV via Reuters TV) A man slapped President posted on Twitter showed election next year. He later Helping run drug cartel… Emmanuel Macron in the that the President, a few continued his visit to the face on Tuesday (8), during a seconds later, returned to region. walkabout in southern the line of onlookers and Footage at the start of France. resumed shaking hands. Tuesday's slapping incident Macron later said he had The local Mayor, Xavier showed Macron jogging over Wife of ‘El Chapo’ to not feared for his safety, and Angeli, told franceinfo radio to the barrier where the that nothing would stop him that Macron urged his onlookers were waiting, carrying on with his job. security to ‘leave him, leave leaving his security detail plead guilty – NYT In a video circulating on him’ as the offender was struggling to keep up. When social media, Macron being held to the ground. the slap happened, two of reached out his hand to Two people were arrested, the security detail were at Emma Coronel Aispuro, the respond to requests for greet a man in a small crowd a Police source told Reuters. his side, but two others had wife of Mexican narcotics comment. of onlookers standing behind The identity of the man who only just caught up. kingpin Joaquin ‘El Chapo’ Coronel, a 31-year-old former a metal barrier as he visited slapped Macron, and his In an interview with the Guzman, is expected to plead beauty queen, was arrested at a professional training motives, were unclear. Dauphine Libere newspaper guilty this week to federal Washington's Dulles college for the hospitality The slogan the man after the attack, Macron charges of helping him run the International Airport in industry. shouted has been co-opted said: "You cannot have notorious Sinaloa drug cartel, February. The man, who was dressed in the past few years by violence, or hate, either in the New York Times (NYT) Prosecutors accused her of in a khaki T-shirt, then royalists and people on the speech or actions. reported on Tuesday (8). working with her husband in shouted ‘Down with far-right in France, Fiametta Otherwise, it's democracy The Times, citing an running the drug cartel and Macronia’ (‘A Bas La Venner, a political scientist itself that is threatened." unnamed person familiar with conspiring in his infamous July Macronie’) and slapped who studies French "Let us not allow isolated the case, reported that Coronel 2015 escape from Mexico's Macron on the left side of his extremists, told broadcaster events, ultraviolent would appear in Federal Altiplano prison through a face. BFMTV. individuals... to take over the District Court in Washington Emma Coronel Aispuro, the wife mile-long tunnel dug from his He could also be heard Macron was on a visit to public debate: they don't on Thursday (10), morning to of Joaquin Guzman, the Mexican cell. shouting ‘Montjoie Saint the Drome region to meet deserve it." enter her plea. drug lord known as ‘El Chapo’, After a high-profile trial in a Denis’, the battle cry of the restaurateurs and students Macron said he had not Her plea agreement will not exits the Brooklyn Federal federal court in Brooklyn, New French army when the and talk about returning to a feared for his safety, and had require her to cooperate with Courthouse, following the sen- York, Guzman, 63, was country was still a normal life after the COVID- continued shaking hands U.S. authorities or provide tencing of Guzman in the convicted in February 2019 of Brooklyn borough of New York, monarchy. 19 pandemic. with members of the public information about her U.S., 17 July 2019 (Reuters) masterminding a multibillion Two of Macron's security It was one of a series of after he was struck. "I kept husband's allies, business dollar drug enterprise. He was detail tackled the man in the visits he is making, his aides going, and I will keep going. partners or relatives, the NYT Department of Justice declined sentenced to life in prison plus T-shirt, and another ushered say, to take the nation's Nothing will stop me," he reports. to comment, and the Drug 30 years and incarcerated in Macron away. Another video pulse before a presidential said. (Reuters) Reuters could not Enforcement Administration the federal Supermax prison in immediately confirm the report. had no immediate comment. Florence, Colorado. A spokesman for the U.S. Lawyers for Coronel did not (Reuters) thursday 10 june 2021 B7 Over the Next Five Years IFC to Inject US$ 875 M in Sri Lanka A Greater Focus on the Private Sector Required to Pivot Sri Lanka’s Development Trajectory

International Finance of Commerce and the Colombo as well as private entrepreneurs Corporation (IFC), the private Stock Exchange. must look towards increasing sector lending arm of the World “Sri Lanka has been a regional engagement to overcome Bank Group is looking at an development success story,” the constraints imposed by the investment pipeline of about $ 875 Garcia Mora told the forum. “But market size. million, including a focus on what the outbreak of COVID-19 has “Sri Lanka can attract more FDI Email: [email protected] it calls the islands of excellence, exacerbated an already if the country is seen as an entry over the next five years, IFC›s Vice challenging environment of low point to the larger economies in President for Asia and Pacific, growth and fiscal pressures. As Sri the region,” Vice President Garcia Wednesday Markets Alfonso Garcia Mora said Lanka moves on the road to Mora said. “Therefore, pivoting yesterday. recovery, challenges remain. Now, country’s growth trajectory He also believed that Sri Lanka more than ever, Sri Lanka needs to requires strong linkages between can realise its development focus on a growth model that Alfonso Garcia Mora public policies and the private 0.32% of 364 aspirations by promoting a private provides for a much greater role for for Sri Lanka. sector, with a more diverse array of sector-led growth model — one the private sector.” Leaders in these sectors have incentivising schemes and publicly that spurs further growth and A bigger role of the private sector already shown their high level of funded facilities to provide space creates jobs for its people through is crucial to boost growth and sophistication — offering a glimpse for innovation, as well as better Days Sold innovation and agility. enhance productivity, at a time of the country›s potential to build a links between university research “In Sri Lanka, we have learned when the Government does not knowledge intensive industry. and commercial use.” By Paneetha Ameresekere through experience that straight have the resources to make the “These pioneers offer a solid base Supporting growth-enabling jacketed investments are not investments necessary to propel on which Sri Lanka’s industry sustainable infrastructure is a key Yesterday’s weekly Treasury (T) Bill primary necessarily an effective solution. Sri Lanka to an Upper Middle- could flourish, targeting regional element of IFC’s country strategy auction for the issue of a record Rs 51,000million Instead, we needed to be Income country. A greater and new international markets,” for Sri Lanka by 2026. IFC’s track Treasuries for the second consecutive week, saw only innovative and respond to the contribution of the private sector Garcia Mora said. “These islands record in Sri Lanka goes back over 0.32per cent (Rs57Mn) of the ‘long term’ 364 day (one needs of people and times.” can also be a source of much of excellence sector have the 50 years. year) T Bills sold to the market from a total of He also called for a greater focus needed fiscal revenue that would potential to grow further and IFC’s first investment of $ 3.25 Rs18,000 million originally on offer due to the market on the private sector to support Sri allay some of the current fiscal contribute to export earnings and million in the country’s textile asking for higher yields led by uncertainty and Lanka›s aspiration to return to pressures. offset some of the challenges posed sector came at a time when private inflation. upper middle-income status in the Garcia Mora said a new wave of by a stagnant tourism sector.” sector financing was not readily Central Bank of Sri Lanka/Government of Sri medium-term and fully develop growth could be fuelled by sectors Building and sustaining a available. IFC remains a key Lanka (CBSL/GoSL) wants to maintain an artificially islands of excellence in the long- such as ICT, resource based and knowledge intensive economy private sector development partner low interest rate regime to minimize GoSL’s term. He was delivering a keynote light specialised manufacturing requires significant inflows of having invested $1.6 billion in borrowing costs and to spur growth. session via a video link at the Sri industries — as recommended by foreign direct investments. But some 30 projects across the In the last 14 weekly T Bill auctions to yesterday, of Lanka Investment Forum, an upcoming report by IFC and given that Sri Lanka›s small country. IFC’s portfolio today the parcels on offer, in particular the one year and organised by the Board of the World Bank, the Country market size and limited resource stands at $486 million. the six months (182 day) maturities; those have not Investment, the Ceylon Chamber Private Sector Diagnostic (CPSD) base, Government policy makers (IG) been allowed to be fully subscribed because the market was asking for higher yields. However, the 91day maturity once more uplift sales, where 280.76per cent (Rs28,076Mn), compared to the original parcel of Rs10,000 million ICTA and PwC promotes on offer, was finally sold to the market at an unwritten maximum administered yield (MAY) of 5.16per cent, up, one basis point (bp) week on week Fast and Flexible Credit for Tech Companies (WoW) to yesterday, leading to the continuance of a distortion in the market where GoSL borrows ‘short’ By Ishara Gamage evaluation officers from several the tech startup ecosystem Furthermore, technology to repay maturing ‘long term’ (182 and 364 day) debt. banks in order to streamline the started to revive the country›s companies are evaluated using The 182 day maturity, that saw only 14.95per cent A new Credit Evaluation mechanism further. Seylan Bank, economy; it is vital to extend existing generic credit evaluation (Rs3,439Mn) of the original parcel of Rs 23,000 Framework has been launched to DFCC Bank, Union Bank, and financial support for the growth of frameworks, which have inherent million sold to the market. provide credit facilities to Tech NDB bank have already expressed these tech companies, also shortcomings in evaluating the Yesterday’s low returns riskless T Bill auction saw companies in the country under their willingness to consider the considering their huge export merits and demerits of a CBSL selling only 61.91per cent (Rs31,572Mn) of the minimal collateral and conditions, new framework when assessing capacity. This alternative credit technology company. total Rs 51,000million worth of Treasuries offered. Chairman of the Information and technology companies for debt evaluation process will enable Against this backdrop, the The written MAY fixed for the 364 day tenure Communication Technology financing. tech companies to access funding launched framework becomes an yesterday was 5.21per cent, unchanged WoW, Agency (ICTA), Prof. Lalith Commenting on the new without the need to rely on alternative mechanism for the synchronizing with its weighted average yield, data, Gamage, said in a press framework, ICTA Chairman Prof. personal collateral». traditional framework. The new showed. The unwritten MAY for the 182day tenure at conference yesterday. Lalith Gamage said, «ICTA, as the Expansion of a tech company is framework has been built around yesterday’s auction was 5.17 per cent, also PwC Sri Lanka has provided apex body for IT industry, is proud a daunting process due to four pillars, namely: Founder, unchanged WoW. technical assistance for this. In to launch this novel credit challenges in obtaining debt Market, Product, and Financials addition, it has received the advice evaluation method, which is a facilities, as traditional credit and has thus provided technology Pyrrhic NFI of a panel of experts. timely approach to support evaluation methods require companies to be evaluated on Bourse ‘enjoyed’ a parsimonious net foreign inflow According to him this framework emerging tech startups and borrowers to provide tangible quantitative and qualitative (NFI) of Rs19.38million after a lapse of 13 market has been designed with the existing tech companies to expand collateral in order to be eligible for factors that are most relevant to days yesterday. recommendations of credit their businesses at a time when a business loan. them. Bourse’s net foreign outflows (NFOs) in the calendar year to yesterday amounted to Rs 25.86 billion, a year on year increase of 89.43per cent due to sustained uncertainty. Of the 101 market days that have transpired in the calendar year to date, the bourse has suffered NFOs in 92 of those days, translating to the fact that the Recent Vaccination Rise May bourse has suffered NFOs in 91.09per cent of the market days that have transpired in the calendar year to date. Nonetheless, the benchmark ASPI made a pyrrhic gain of 0.29 per cent to 7,564.26 points and the more Ease Pandemic Risks in Asia sensitive S&PSL20 Index by 0.31per cent to 3,042.47points on a Rs1.48billion turnover and on a The recent acceleration of (BBB+/Stable), Taiwan (AA-/ share volume of 84million yesterday. vaccinations in parts of Asia Stable) and Vietnam (BB/ could reduce the risk of Positive) all tightened Rs13.43B Liquidity Fall setbacks to economic recoveries restrictions on activity in Liquidity fell by Rs13,434 million ( US$67.27Mn) and public finances associated response to new infections. led by the settlement/s of GoSL’s foreign debt with further waves of the Covid- There have also been recent servicing commitments and/or CBSL’s swaps with 19 pandemic, provided that it is outbreaks, albeit relatively small the market and/or CBSL’s US dollar sales to and/or sustained, says Fitch Ratings. in terms of case numbers, in swaps with GoSL during trading yesterday. They stated that there is a China’s Guangdong province Transactions between GoSL and CBSL are foreign high degree of uncertainty over and the Australian state of reserves neutral. Conversions are based on CBSL’s how fast governments and Victoria. administered ‘spot’ rate on Monday which was Rs societies will revert towards pre- The low rates of vaccination 199.69 to the dollar. pandemic policies and and outbreaks of new infections GoSL’s none-demand pull inflationary face value behaviour as vaccination levels pose near-term downside risks money printing (FVMP) debt increased by Rs 7,658 rise. The pace of recovery in to our economic growth million and its FVMP debt as a whole by 0.88 per cent travel will be particularly forecasts, and could delay to Rs 876,434.17million yesterday. GoSL’s FVMP important where tourism was an recoveries from the pandemic debt has been over Rs 0.5trillion for a record 144 important component of GDP shock of 2020. However, consecutive market days to yesterday due to a lack of prior to 2020, such as in relatively narrow applications of revenue. Thailand and Sri Lanka (CCC), lockdowns, coupled with GoSL’s MP borrowing costs (BCs) increased by or the Maldives (CCC) where adjustments in societal and 0.32per cent (Rs63.03Mn) to Rs 19,841.25million tourist inflows have recently business behaviour, should help and net excess liquidity decreased by 5.18per cent picked up. Pandemic setback to cushion the economic impact. (Rs5,776Mn) to Rs105,643million at the end of risks may also linger even with Weaker economic outlooks yesterday’s trading. relatively high rates of may add to pressures on public The benchmark administered ‘spot’ was unchanged vaccination, given uncertainties finances, particularly where at Rs199.75/200.25 to the dollar for the 16th about the efficacy against future governments seek to offset the consecutive market day to yesterday in the interbank new strains of Covid-19. remains low, compared with several Fitch-rated sovereigns in adverse effects of restrictions on FX market, with no trades done, led by moral Nonetheless, Fitch anticipate both the US and with that Asia, including China (A+/ the economy and households suasion. jurisdictions with higher levels necessary to achieve “herd Stable), South Korea (AA-/ through fiscal stimulus 28 Days… ‘Dead’ of vaccination will be better immunity”. Reasons for this Stable), Japan (A/Negative), and packages. Thailand, Malaysia positioned for near-term vary. Some jurisdictions that Australia (AAA/Negative). and Taiwan have all announced Yesterday was also the 28th consecutive market recoveries than those where had done well in containing the Vaccination rates remain very additional spending plans in the day than no trades were executed in the interbank vaccination rates remain low. virus were slow to move on low in many other Fitch-rated wake of their latest infection FX market. Nonetheless, the unsaid market exchange The Asia-Pacific region’s vaccine approvals and rollouts. Asian sovereigns, which could waves. Medium-term public rate (MER) has theoretically depreciated by between Covid-19-containment response Others have had difficulty leave them exposed to pandemic debt dynamics are a key Rs 12.25-11.75 (6.53-6.23 per cent) in two way was a relative global procuring vaccine supplies, setback risks. These were consideration in our ratings quotes in the calendar year to yesterday and year on outperformer in 2020, but in particularly where authorities highlighted by an escalation of assessments, particularly in year by between Rs14.65-15.10 (7. 91-8.16 per cent), 2021 its vaccine rollout has in did not prioritise this at an early Covid-19 infections in a number sovereigns such as Malaysia and thereby causing cost-push inflationary pressure in aggregate lagged that of other stage. of locations in April-May. India where government debt/ the event trades were executed. regions, apart from Africa. The Nevertheless, the pace of Governments in India (BBB-/ GDP levels are significantly number of doses delivered vaccination has begun to Negative), Japan, Malaysia higher than the ‘BBB’ peer relative to total populations accelerate in recent weeks in (BBB+/Stable), Thailand medians. B8 CEYLON FT THURSDAY 10 JUNE 2021 FOCUS/NEWS

To help people comply Colombo: Stock Exchange with travel restrictions ComBank redeploys – Towards a Quantum Leap Mobile Cash services Following are excerpts from a speech made by aspiration, take a quantum leap – towards a Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) Chairman much more comprehensive and multi-product Dumith Fernando addressing the three-day Sri securities exchange. Lanka Investment Virtual Summit in Colombo. This exchange was one of the earliest in the The objective of my speech is four-fold. First to world to embrace technology and was in select introduce the Colombo Stock Exchange and its company when it launched the automated investment opportunities to those who are less clearing house in 1991. familiar with the Sri Lankan capital market. Then in 2020, we took very deliberate steps Secondly reassure investors of the CSE’s to advance and transform this market.In operating resilience, thirdly to briefly outline the addition to various efforts to support these exciting ongoing action plan of the CSE to strategic goals, we know that solving many become a regionally important, comprehensive strategic challenges of users of the CSE (ie, financing and risk management product market Dumith Fernando both issuers and investors) will only come place and finally I will Reflect briefly on the very from establishing a wider, more attractive investment opportunities at the CSE Dividend Tax imposed on Foreign Investors. comprehensive suite of products and solutions First let me give you an overview of CSE. The It is also important to note that strict but at the exchange. We are currently working CSE’s Market Capitalization stands at about suitable corporate governance rules have been very closely with the capital markets regulator, USD 18B, that’s about 23.2% of GDP. So part of listing rules since 2008. This is an area the Securities & Exchange Commission of Sri The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has announced it has significant upside there. Of this, about USD where we constantly coordinate with the Lanka (SEC) as well as other policy redeployed its ‘Bank-on-Wheels’ service with mobile Cash 16.7B [21.6% of GDP] is Equity and about USD regulator - the Securities & Exchange institutions such as the Ministry of Finance Recycler Machines (CRMs), following the extension of the 1.3B [1.6 % of GDP] belongs to debt. Commission of Sri Lanka(SEC), to ensure that (MOF), Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) as travel restrictions necessitated by the third wave of the CSE has 284 Listed Companies, classified governance and investor protection are well as key related financial sector pandemic. using Global Industry Classification Standard paramount within our listed company participants like the banking system, to as The CRMs they are equipped with, can accept deposits, (GICS) into 19 Industry groups and 10 sectors. framework. Among other matters, our Corporate well as many strategic partners on the process the notes, and then deploy them for withdrawals. Among these we have 279 Equity Listed Governance framework focuses on timely technology and exchange space to accelerate This enables residents in the areas visited by these units Companies, five (5) Debt-only Listed Companies disclosures, Corporate Governance rules and and achieve our objectives. to both deposit and withdraw money. Other bank and 29 Debt and Equity listed Companies. adherence to International Accounting customers also can withdraw cash from these ATMs We have three (3) Trading Boards namely, Main standards. In addition, the CSE is very focused Attractive valuations through LankaPay, Visa, MasterCard and UnionPay Board [82.1% of Market Cap] for the largest on encouraging and driving sustainability goals & outlook in equity market networks. companies, the Dirisavi Board [17.0% of Market and has been a part of the United Nations The Mobile Units visit several locations in a single day Cap] and the Empower Board which is for SME Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative. As the final segment of my speech, I would and soon, more of them will be deployed in other parts of and start-up companies. The CSE has 2 Indices, like to reflect briefly on the current the country to offer services to a larger segment of the the All Share Price Index (ASPI) [Up 8.3 % YTD] Market Closure in 2020 opportunity available on the CSE namely the populace, the Bank said. A schedule containing details of and the S&P SL20 [Up 12.0% YTD]. I might add a word something that very attractive valuations and outlook in the the locations to be visited by the Mobile Banking Units Now Let’s have a look at the performance of the experienced investors on the CSE may be equity market. There are four (4) Key points to and the times, will be announced through the Bank’s Colombo Stock Exchange wondering about – which is the Market Closure be established in this regard. First valuations website as well as on its Facebook and Instagram pages a The CSE All Share Price Index has continued to in 2020.While I don’t want to dwell on this as it are very low relative to earnings capacity of day in advance, to facilitate awareness. perform well relative to the emerging and frontier is a past issue, it is important to say the listed companies. Relative to other markets it market world and CSE has rebounded strongly following. We were challenged by an operating is cheap. Even in historical context, the since the depths of the pandemic. The Policy scenario that market participants were not fully difference, or as is the case currently, the environment is conducive to strong valuations prepared for. But the good news is that we were discount to relevant market indices shows a with low interest rates. We see active local market quick to learn some important lessons from it, wider discount than seen in the recent past. In participation and we are reinforcing proactive swift to move towards Digitalization of not only addition, this may be a result of significant FII Dialog Powers efforts to educate and promote the market while the CSE’s operations but its interactions with outflows since the onset of the pandemic and managing the risks locally by CSE and SEC. market participants and investors as well. In this implies that even if there are any specific If we consider what sectors of the economy are addition, following a tremendous effort which risks that investors have worried about, risk represented on the CSE you see a good was a very compelling display of the dynamism adjusted pricing in the market look very low Sayuru representation of sectors. Some sectors such as of the market operator and regulator, rules and and very attractive. Logistics & Transportation, Real Estate, Retailing operating procedures were established to enable Secondly, earnings momentum in recent To safeguard fisherfolk with weather and IT are underrepresented. But they are CSE to operate under any circumstance during quarters has far outpaced that of benchmark forecasts and emergency alerts captured within conglomerates and we also have which the banking system was operating. Proof indices asthe local policy environment – a good pipeline of IPOs of companies representing for this success includes having had multiple including low interest rates and incentives for With a keen focus on these sectors. situations since the Digitalization where domestic manufacturing - created the impetus Empowering & through multiple curfews, lockdowns and travel for many listed companies to outperform. Enriching Sri Lankan Foreign investor friendly restrictions required to mitigate the impact of Thirdly, price movement in the CSE’s ASPI Lives, Dialog Axiata Investor participation at the CSE has changed the pandemic, the CSE and its member firms has also had little correlation with other major PLC, Sri Lanka’s since the pandemic and not unlike many other have operated seamlessly. indices. This provides a great opportunity to premier connectivity emerging markets. Foreign investor participation What I really want to talk about today is also add some diversificationto you equity provider launched has fallen from 44% of trading turnover in 2018 why I am extremely excited to be a part of this portfolios and this is particularly interesting Sayuru, a free, to 8% this year. At the same time, domestic organization at this time. CSE has provided a at a time when there seems to be deep value trilingual service that individuals which represented 22% of turnover in strong foundation for equity and corporate debt and a strong earnings outlook. offers day-boat 2018 have grown its share to 56% this year. The financing and trading over its 35 -year history. Fourth and last point is that traditional fishermen daily weather market trading characteristics however have While economic winds have shifted, even concern about the CSE has been Liquidity and forecasts and shown the depth of the local investor base given through the extended civil war that ended 12 this has also changed. While average daily emergency alerts, focused on keeping them safe while at the right environment such as low interest rates years ago, the CSE continued to be the primary trading turnover on the CSE stood around the sea. and easier access to the exchange due to recent venue for channeling funds to private companies US$4-5M/day, 3 or 4 years ago, last year this This innovative and future-fit communication solution digitalization efforts. while offering an attractive investment venue to was over US$10M/day and this year that has is a collaboration with the Department of Meteorology and When we speak of how foreign investor investors. doubled to US$23M/day. Interestingly, the the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources as friendly the CSE is, the process of investing in However, this market in regional or global number of stocks trading large volumes daily as Sayuru enables users to receive daily forecasts tailored to the Sri Lankan stock market is very easy for a context, has been somewhat more limited in its also risen. In the years before 2020, between 8 their locations along the coast of the island. Available free foreign investor. Foreigners have been able to number and diversity of product offerings. Why and 14 companies traded over US$100,000/day of charge for all Dialog subscribers, Sayuru was freely trade in the CSE since 1992. You can it is the right time for you all to engage with the on the CSE. This year we have seen that number specifically created for the coastal community who are open a securities account in the CDS through a CSE, is the ambitious transformation program go up to 37 stocks. This provides many more encouraged to take full advantage of the service as their participant organization (Stockbroker or currently underway at the CSE which is investment options on the CSE especially to livelihoods depend on the temperament of the skies and Custodian Bank), then submit duly completed expected to move it significantly – and in our foreign investors. seas. Through Interactive Voice Response (IVR) and daily Client Account Opening Forms, together with SMS alerts, subscribers will receive the weather forecast the relevant supporting documents. After at a regular time each day, alerts on unforeseen weather/ scrutinizing the account opening documents, disasters, and informative messages from the Department inclusive of the supporting documents, the CDS of Fisheries and Aquatic Department in Sinhala, Tamil or will register the applicant in the CDS system English, as selected. Emergency messages, which are and inform the CDS participant of the account dispatched directly as Outbound Dialing calls to each opening within days. subscriber, and SMSs are customised by the language With regards to Funds movement, we have and location of each coastal zone corresponding to major Inward Investment Account (IIA) at CSE. IIA is a fishery harbours. special account designated for eligible investors Within six months of its launch, Sayuru has resident in or outside Sri Lanka to route funds safeguarded and bettered the lives of fishermen around to invest in the permitted investments. Licensed the island with its daily weather bulletins. Building on Commercial Banks and Licensed Specialized this, ‘Sayuru TV’ was recently launched as a Banks (as permitted) are permitted to open and supplementary service where forecasts and emergency maintain IIA in the Domestic Banking. If weather alerts are broadcasted on digital screens at major investment funds are brought in through the harbours along the coast, to raise awareness about the IIA, then all returns to the investor including weather, safety, pollution and sustainable fishing among dividends or sale proceeds will be remittable via those going out to sea. same IIA with no further currency approvals. There are three simple ways to register for the Sayuru The IIA and its predecessor mechanism has service to receive free daily weather alerts and emergency existed since 1992 and operated without weather warnings. Dialog subscribers can register for the exception. service by dialing 828 and following the prompts; by We have a viable Tax regime for Foreign sending an SMS with the text ‘ACT’ to 828 or the service Investors including No Capital Gains Tax and No can be activated via the MyDialog App.

Amidst challenging economic conditions Pan Asia Bank gains trust and confidence of global institutions Cementing its reputation as a commendable as it comes amidst a These partnerships were facilitated by valued partner for global Foreign global pandemic when the TSW Capital Services, a leading Financial Institutions (FFIs), Pan Asia competition for funding is intense financial advisory institution based in Bank was successful in finalising globally. India. Pan Asia Bank has performed approximately USD 25 million Commenting on the exceptionally well in the year 2020 by (equivalent to LKR 5B) senior debt accomplishment, Richie Dias, Deputy surpassing the LKR 2 billion lines from reputed European-based General Manager – Treasury, at Pan milestone in Profit After Tax. In 2021, FFIs recently. Further, USD 35 Asia Bank explains: “We are privileged the Bank has already recorded the million funding lines, equal to to be one of the few Sri Lankan banks best-ever first quarter results amidst approximately LKR 6.8 billion will be to be chosen by the globally respected challenging times with Profit After Tax long and medium-term tenures. in us by FFIs worldwide.” extended by few other leading FFIs in FFIs to extend medium-term funding soaring by 81% to post LKR 750 Securing the new funding lines at Forging ahead on its green journey, the coming months to drive growth lines closer to USD 25 million and this million. Before this new funding such a challenging time is a PABC became the first Sri Lankan amongst the Bank’s Micro, Small and reflects the financial strength, arrangement, Pan Asia Bank had testimonial to Pan Asia Bank’s bank to partner with the Switzerland- Medium Enterprise (MSME) clientele. stability, good governance and the already raised USD100 million worth growing respect in regional and global based Symbiotics for its first green This achievement is all the more Bank’s prudent futuristic strategies. of funding lines from reputed FFIs for banking circles and the trust placed bond issuance in 2020. sports thursday 10 june 2021 A9 Brazil defeat Paraguay 2-0 An early goal from Neymar and even when they did they and a late second from Lucas found Ederson, a surprise Paqueta gave Brazil a 2-0 win choice to replace Alisson against Paraguay in a World Becker in goal, equal to their Cup qualifier in Asuncion on efforts, with one flying save Tuesday, giving them a sixth from Omar Alderete right out straight victory in South the top drawer. America's preliminaries. The clean sheet was Brazil had not beaten Brazil’s fifth in their six Paraguay away from home games and they are off to Greece's since 1985, but that record their best start to a World Stefanos looked in danger as early as Cup qualifying campaign Tsitsipas cele- the third minute when since 1969, when they also brates Neymar controlled an won their first six games. after win- awkward cross from Gabriel The result leaves them top ning his Jesus and side-footed home of the South American quarter from eight meters out. qualifying group for Qatar final The Paris St Germain 2022 with a maximum 18 match against striker came into the match points. The top four teams Russia's with four goals and three qualify automatically for Daniil assists in their five qualifying Qatar and the fifth-place side Medvedev games so far, the best haul in go into an intercontinental the tournament, and the goal play-off. was his 66th in 105 games “We knew how hard it is to for Brazil. come here,” Marquinhos “It was a game where we said. “We’re delighted to open scored early in the first half up a gap with the second Tsitsipas and that really settled us placed team in the table.” down and allowed us to play Chile draw with Bolivia the ball about, and Paraguay In the last of the day’s five had to chase the game and games, Chile drew 1-1 with we killed it right at the end,” Bolivia in Santiago. said defender Marquinhos. The home side went 1-0 up Wearing their change blue thanks to a 69th minute goal strips, Brazil were on top from Erick Pulgar, but ends throughout and should have Marcelo Martins scored from added to their total before the the penalty spot, his third fourth minute of injury time goal in two games, to when Paqueta scored with a equalise with eight minutes splendid left-foot shot into remaining. the bottom corner. The result leaves Chile Paraguay were unbeaten in seventh in the table, one spot five games in the South above Bolivia. Venezuela and Medvedev American qualifiers, but Peru are joint bottom. run in Paris rarely threatened the visitors, (Reuters)

Fifth seed Stefanos well," Tsitsipas said. "It was has had a superb clay season launched a comeback, Tsitsipas beat world number intense. so far. Tsitsipas, a winner in bagging his own first break en two Daniil Medvedev in "I was playing against one Lyon and Monte Carlo on clay route to a three-game run. straight sets on Tuesday to of the best guys on the tour. I this year, wrongfooted the Medvedev improved his advance to the French Open had to keep up the intensity Russian to convert his first first-serve percentage and semi-finals for the second and elevate my game break point for 3-1 lead as he even carved out two set straight year and end the throughout the entire match. comfortably held serve in the points, but his opponent Russian's surprise run on the I am happy to keep repeating, first set. saved them to hold and force Parisian clay. trying to go further." Medvedev, who made 44 a tiebreak. The Greek got revenge for Medvedev, who squandered unforced errors in the match, Tsitsipas survived his his Australian Open semi- two set points in the second almost twice as many as the second set wobble to clinch it final loss to the Russian this set and only converted two of Greek, saved a Tsitsipas set with a volley on his first set year and improved his Grand his eight break points, had point at 5-2 but the fifth seed point. Slam quarter-final record to not won a single match at the wrapped it up a game later The pair traded breaks in 4-0 with a 6-3 7-6(3) 7-5 win French Open prior to his run with a volley. the third before Tsitsipas that teed up a last-four clash to the last eight this year. Tsitsipas then won 11 broke again, winning on his against Germany's Alexander Yet having finally found his straight points to break the first match point following an Zverev. feet on the red dirt, he had Russian again early in the underarm serve from "It was a very close match few chances against the second set and cruise to a 3-1 Medvedev. and we both served pretty 22-year-old Tsitsipas, who lead. Yet his opponent (Reuters)

England players' tweets IFS to ECB to take partner Brazil's Neymar in action 'appropriate action' SLC during Ahead of Tokyo Games The England and Wales Cricket Board England tour (ECB) has vowed to India drop take ‘relevant and IFS, the global cloud Cricket, and this appropriate action’ enterprise software partnership, which is after questions were company has in a format where raised publicly about partnered with Sri speed and agility Chinese historical tweets from Lanka Cricket (SLC) plays a critical role in several England as the National T20 winning, will provide players. Team’s ‘Back of Jersey greater visibility for Fast bowler Ollie Branding’ partner for the enterprise kit sponsor Robinson has been the T20i series with solutions provider.” ruled out of England's England. IFS is making its The Indian Olympic emotions of our fans and we second Test against Under the entry at a time when Association (IOA) has have decided that we will New Zealand starting agreement, IFS will Sri Lanka, the former dropped Chinese withdraw from our existing at Edgbaston on social media posts by England players have partner with SLC with ICC Men’s T20 World sportswear maker Li Ning contract with an apparel Thursday after other individuals have accepted Robinson's effect from 8 to 27 Cup winner, is gearing as its official kit partner sponsor," IOA President historical tweets came been questioned apology for the racist June, during which up to compete in the citing public sentiment in Narinder Batra and to light last week when publicly as well," an and sexist comments the National T20 team T20i World Cup, the country, saying its Secretary General Rajeev he made his Test debut ECB spokesperson was he posted on social will play three T20i scheduled to take athletes will wear Mehta said in a statement. at Lord's. quoted as saying by media as a teenager, matches. place later this year. unbranded apparel at the "Our athletes, coaches and The ECB is also the BBC on Tuesday. fast bowler James The matches will be Commenting on the Tokyo Games instead. support staff will wear investigating a second "There is no place for Anderson said earlier played on 23, 24 and love and passion for Chinese companies have unbranded apparel." England cricketer for discrimination in our on Tuesday. 26 June. The first two the game by staff, faced a backlash in India Li Ning's India historical ‘offensive’ sport, and we are The 27-year-old games will be played partners, and since 20 Indian soldiers representatives were not social media posts, committed to taking Robinson apologised at the Sophia customers in Sri were killed in a clash with immediately available for cricket website Wisden. relevant and ‘unreservedly’ in the Gardens, Cardiff, and Lanka and some of Chinese forces in a comments. com reported on appropriate action dressing room for the the final match at the IFS’s key markets, Himalayan border dispute The IOA said it did not Monday. where required. 2012-13 Twitter posts Ageas Bowl, Ranil Rajapakse, last year. want the issue of who made Wisden said it had "Given the concerns and Anderson told Southampton. Executive Vice The IOA at that time the uniforms to be a uncovered a racist which have been raised reporters that had The series is part of President & Chief decided to review its tie-up distraction. tweet, but had chosen are clearly now broader been accepted. Sri Lanka's white-ball Operating Officer of with Li Ning, which was due "We would like our not to disclose the than a single case, the "The language and tour to England, IFS Sri Lanka to expire after the Tokyo athletes to be able to train identity of the player ECB Board will discuss things talked about are which will also see operations said: “We Games. and compete without because he was under- how we deal with obviously not both teams playing a are happy to partner It unveiled an Olympic kit having to answer questions 16 when it was posted. issues over historical acceptable," he added. three match ODI with Sri Lanka made by the Chinese about the apparel brand," it Since then, tweets by social media material "He stood up in front of series. Ashley De Cricket, and take company just six days ago, added. other England players in a timely and the group and Silva, CEO of SLC pride in being a but said late on Tuesday it "As it is, they have all have come to light. appropriate manner. apologised, and you commenting on the sponsor of the Sri had ended the association been challenged by the "Since we were "Each case will be could see how sincere partnership said: “We Lanka National T20 out of respect for the pandemic over the past year alerted to offensive considered on an he was and how upset are happy to see IFS team. We wish the ‘sentiments of the people of and a quarter and we want tweets last week, a individual basis, he was. coming on board to team every success in the country’. them to be not distracted." number of historical looking at all the facts." (Reuters) partner Sri Lanka the upcoming series.” "We are aware of the (Reuters) Sports Thursday 10 June 2021 A10 South Korea too good for 10-man Sri Lanka Coach Amir Alagic pleased with performance despite 5-0 loss By Mustaq Sydeen partnership from the kick-off, and The result saw South Korea top Group ‘H’ frequently pierced the Sri Lankan defense standings with 13 points, while Lebanon South Korea ran rings around a 10-man to cause them more headaches. are in second place with 10 points. Sri Sri Lankan team to register a comfortable A demoralized Sri Lankan side faded Lanka signed off from the World Qualifiers 5-0 win and remain top of Group ‘H’ in the further in the second half after the torrid in fourth spot with 0 points from 6 games. 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers at time they had in the first half, and their “Overall, we were quite competitive. If you the Goyang Stadium, South Korea frustrations deepened further in the remember the first leg, we lost 8-0, and that yesterday. 53rd minute when Hwang Heechan took too thanks to Sujan’s brilliant goalkeeping. The hosts decided to keep their star a superb curling kick off a rebound to If we look at it in that perspective, God player Son Heung-min on the bench, and add another goal to the tally. knows how many goals we would have took a three-goal lead into the break Adding salt to the wound, given away if we hadn’t a such goalkeeper. after Kim Shin-wook netted a brace, defender Asikoor Rahuman received his But what I see now from my perspective is combined with a goal from Lee second yellow card of the night for a we have definitely advanced; definitely we Donggyeong on the hour mark to put their deliberate handball and was sent off. have started to be more competitive, not team on top at the half time whistle. With one man down, Sri Lanka changed just because of the result. We played 35 The visitors were seen to be a bit under their strategy and brought the entire team minutes with 10 players on the field. Who pressure from the kick off, which saw a back into their own penalty area to prevent can stand up to Korea and play like that? lack of edge to their play, and lost the rampaging South Korean’s from So, I am happy with our performance, but a possession on numerous occasions, which scoring further, but their strategy failed bit disappointed on how some players led South Korea to counter attack and as Jeong Sangbin diverted a long-range played in the middle today,” commented Sri easily find the back of the net. Kim Shin- Lee Dong-gyeong effort past the Sri Lanka Lanka’s tactician Amir Alagic on the boys’ wook and Hwang Heechan formed a deadly custodian, to register a comfortable win. performance. Action from the match

KJP confident young team will put up good show in England Kusal Janith Perera led Sri Lanka “At the moment, England is a top team took wing to England in the ranked team and we will never early hours of Tuesday. The islanders underestimate them because they got are touring after suffering a 1-2 series few experienced players in their defeat at the hands of Bangladesh in camp. Looking forward to give them a the three-match ODI series. tough competition during this series”, The skipper believes his young team is he further added. fit and confident of putting up an Earlier, amid the tussle between improved performance during the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the England series, which includes three national players, the cricketers Ushan Thiwanka Perera ODI’s and three T20s commencing 23 agreed to tour England June. uncontracted. This came after the After Kazakhstan competition “We had a good preparation for the governing body promised players to England series. We are touring after make their evaluation marks public the Bangladesh series and we had a when they returned after the SLA to send 12 lot of positives to take during that England tour. The cricketers showed series. Players are confident and resistance towards the contracts, excited to put up a good show in which they felt lacked transparency England,” said the skipper prior to and did not adequately compensate Athletes to India departure. senior players. By Anjana Kaluarachchi runner Nilani Rathnayaka, who is within Olympic ranking at the Upon an invitation extended by moment. the Athletics Federation of India “We are awaiting confirmation of Asian Zonal Hybrid Chess (AFI), Sri Lanka Athletics (SLA) the Kazakhstan visa first, which C’ship - Day 8 Court prevents SLHF hopes to send a 12-member athletic we should get by today. All five team to India later this month to athletes have been given the first compete at the 60th National dose of COVID vaccine, including Ranindu wins election till 11 June Interstate Senior Championship to US based Ushan,” said Fernando. be held in Patiala from 25 to 29 “Once we get visas, we have to By Hansi Nanayakkara June, said SLA President Maj. Gen figure out our travel plans, as there and reaches joint (Rtd) Palitha Fernando. are airports in which Sri Lankans Colombo Additional District Judge Purnima Paranagama Prior to this competition, a five- are banned, and a lack of flights. recently extended the injunction imposed on the Election member athletic team is set to tour Since there are no flights to India 3rd position Committee (EC) of the Sri Lanka Hockey Federation (SLHF), Kazakhstan to compete at the from Sri Lanka at the moment, we National Chess Champion Ranindu Dilshan Liyanage preventing it from electing the office bearers for 2021, till 11 XXXI Qosanov Memorial will have to go through some other had a good day winning his game against Mehdi Hasan June. When the case was previously taken up, the Colombo Championship on 19 and 20, country and it will be costly, but we Parag of Bangladesh in the penultimate round to reach District Court had dismissed the objections raised against which is classified as a World have given them the opportunity to 5 ½ points out of 8 games. He started with the Caro- the injunction by the respondent. Athletics bronze level competition. try and achieve qualification,” Kann Defense, advance variation. He got a very good After consideration of a petition filed by the head of the The team includes 800m runner added Fernando. play in the Queen’s side, while his opponent was trying SLHF, Malith Liyanage, an injunction had been slapped Nimali Liyanarachchi, High Lack of competition was a major to go for Ranindu’s short Castle King. Parag resigned in preventing the conduct of the SLHF AGM through zoom Jumper Ushan Thiwanka, Javelin blow for the athletes, as a number the 37th move. technology on 31 May. Thrower Sumedha Ranasinghe, of them were just few points away Starting the game after having a short birthday The plaintiff had previously told the Court, through his 400m runner Nadeesha from world ranking positions for celebration online by Arbiters, FIDE Master Susal de Silva petition, that one of its members D.S.K. Pushpakumara, who Ramanayaka - all of whom are few Olympic qualification, but did not lost a Bishop for two pawns and managed to salvage a draw was slated to contest the presidency of the SLHF had allegedly points away from making the have the opportunity to compete in after a hard-fought game. Susal now has five points and is conspired with its General Secretary Darshana Wijesinghe. Olympic cut through world ranking higher ranked competitions due to tied with A.A.C.B. Amarasinghe, who received a walk-over Hence, the plaintiff had charged that Pushpakumara had position - and 400m runner COVID-19. They are in a do-or-die from Nepali player Kushatha Niken. Susal was 5th and colluded with Wijesinghe to contest the said post at its AGM Kalinga Kumarage, who can break situation now, but almost at the Amarasinghe 11th after day 8. sans the approval of the SLHF and he had moved the Court to into this list with two good eleventh-hour SLA has arranged Bangladesh Grandmaster Ziaur Rahman (2434) impose an injunction against the staging of its AGM. performances. The injured Dilshi for them to get a maximum of two maintained his top form and is leading with 7 ½ out of 8 Raising objections through his lawyers, respondent Kumarasinghe withdrew from the chances before the Olympic games, just giving a draw to the other Grandmaster in Pushpakumara had informed Judge Paranagama that the team. qualification deadline of 29 June. the event Enamul Hussain. Enamul is in 2nd place with injunction had been obtained having deceived the Court and These five athletes will be joined Apart from Sri Lanka, AFI has 7 points, while Ranindu and Manon Reja (Bangladesh) urged it be lifted. by seven others who have been invited athletes from Bangladesh, are in joint 3rd place with 5 ½ points. However, the Court rejected the objections and extended selected to compete in India, Chinese Taipei, Malaysia and The event is in progress from 1 to 9 June and is the injunction till 11 June. including 3000m steeplechase Kazakhstan for the competition. conducted by the Bangladesh Chess Federation from Dhaka. Results of 8th Round: Ranindu Dilshan Liyanage (2203) beat Hasan Parag Mehdi (2187) Susal de Silva (2085) drew Tahsin Tajwar Zia (2178) A.A.C.B. Amarasinghe (1873) received a walk-over from Kushatha Niken (1984) Nadal overcomes tough Schwartzman test (IR) Reaches 14th French Open semi-final

Rafa Nadal dropped a set a crucial break point. at Roland Garros for the Schwartzman ran out of first time in two years but energy in the fourth roared back to beat 10th as Nadal dispatched him seed Diego Schwartzman with a clinical 6-3 4-6 6-4 6-0 on performance, the Wednesday and storm into defending champion the French Open semi- sending a flurry of finals. winners past the tiring Schwartzman Argentine. ended Nadal’s run of 36 Nadal, 13-times consecutive sets won at champion at Roland Roland Garros, dominating Garros, will next play the longer rallies with well- either top seed Novak constructed points and the Djokovic or Matteo match was evenly poised Berrettini who meet in the at 4-4 in the third set when last quarter-final later on third seed Nadal converted Wednesday. Ranindu Dilshan Liyanage