EUROPE VIRUS TOLL TOPS 100,000 GOVT. BANS A WIDE AN INSIDER CALLS MONDAY AS ONLINE MEGA-CONCERT RANGE OF IMPORTS AMID FOR HELP APRIL 20, 2020 RAISES SPIRITS CORONAVIRUS CRISIS VOL: 4 - ISSUE 346 HOT TOPICS PAGE 04 COMMENTARY 30. PAGE 02 PAGE 03 GLOCAL

Registered in the Department of Posts of Sri Lanka under No: QD/146/News/2020 COVID-19 and curfew in Sri Lanka • 15 more patients were confirmed as COVID-19 positive yesterday (19), taking Sri Lanka’s tally of the novel coro- navirus infection to 269. One hundred and fifty six indi- viduals are receiving treatment, 122 are under observation, 91 have been deemed completely recovered and seven have succumbed to the virus. • The 24-hour indefinite curfew in 19 out of the 25 districts will be removed at dawn today (20), replaced by a nine- hour night curfew (8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.). -Six districts, including Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Put- talam, Ampara and Kandy will see lockdown measures re- laxed from Wednesday (22), but night curfews will be im- posed until further notice. • A ban on public meetings, religious gatherings and pro- cessions will remain, with schools and universities closed until further notice. • Those with suspected COVID-19 symptoms are urged to call 1390 - emergency hotline- set up for free medical ad- vice and assistance, and to facilitate hospital admissions. • Sri Lanka College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has set up a 24-hours hotline – 0710301225- for pregnant women to address issues faced by them including COV- ID-19 infection and pregnancy related complications. • Other areas declared as ‘isolated’ in the districts of Co- lombo, Kalutara and Kandy remain under lockdown with no one allowed to enter or leave. • The Dedicated Economic Centre in Dambulla recom- menced its operation yesterday after being shut down for 15 days. • The Department of Excise announces licenced liquor stores will be permitted open during the non-curfew hours, but they must strictly adhere to COVID-19 prevention guidelines and social distancing rules.

- Glyn KIRK / AFP Coronavirus toll Rainbow pictures, offering messages of hope to the suggestion to re-use personal protective equipment, containing personal protective equipment, including public and support for the NHS (National Health Ser- or PPE. A spokesman for the Department of Health 400,000 protective gowns. A British foreign office vice) seen in the windows of The DLD College close said the guidance was to ensure that staff knew what spokesperson cited “clearance and paperwork” for 160,685 deaths at to St Thomas' Hospital in central London yesterday to do to minimize risk if shortages did occur, and the delay. Britain is at or near the peak of a health (19). The British government has admitted a short- that the rules remained in line with international crisis in which more than 16,000 people have died age of crucial masks and gowns for healthcare staff as standards. Meanwhile, a delivery of protective equip- in hospitals alone - the fifth highest national death 1100 GMT yesterday it faces mounting criticism from doctors and medi- ment that was due from Turkey yesterday has been toll of a pandemic linked to at least 150,000 deaths PARIS- The worldwide death toll from the novel coronavi- cal workers amid the coronavirus outbreak. Medical delayed, a British government official said. Minis- worldwide. The true toll is likely to be substantially rus pandemic rose to 160,685 yesterday (19), according to workers treating patients who have the highly conta- ters had on Saturday (18) highlighted an 84-tonne higher as data on deaths in the community, such as in a tally from official sources compiled by AFP at 1100 GMT. gious COVID-19 disease have criticized a government consignment that was due to arrive from Turkey care homes, takes much longer to trickle in More than 2,334,130 declared cases have been registered in 193 countries and territories since the epidemic first emerged in China in December. Of these cases, at least 518,900 are now considered re- covered. US and Russia blocking UN plans for a global The tallies, using data collected by AFP from national au- thorities and information from the World Health Organiza- tion (WHO), probably reflect only a fraction of the actual number of infections. ceasefire amid crisis Many countries are testing only the most serious cases. In the United States, now the worst-hit country, the death NEW YORK - The Trump admin- Germany, as well as human rights member states. The US objections based Foreign Policy website, “both toll stood at 39,090 with 735,287 infections. At least 66,819 istration and Russia are blocking groups, charities and the pope, the arise from White House, Pentagon governments fear that a universal patients have recovered. efforts to win binding UN Security Trump administration is refusing to and State Department concerns that ceasefire could potentially constrain Italy is the next most-affected country with 23,227 deaths Council backing for a global cease- be bound by the measure. an all-encompassing measure could their own efforts to mount what and 175,925 confirmed infections. fire to help fight the coronavirus In an attempt to break the im- hinder their ability to prosecute they consider legitimate counter- It is followed by Spain with 20,453 fatalities and 195,944 pandemic, which has claimed more passe, Emmanuel Macron, the military operations against terror- terrorism operations overseas. confirmed infections, France with 19,323 deaths and 151,793 than 160,000 lives worldwide. French president, has proposed a ist groups, for example ISIS in Iraq, In addition, analysts say, presi- infections and Britain with 15,464 deaths and 114,217 cases. The UN secretary-general, draft security council resolution and other targets that are deemed dent Donald Trump and his advis- China - excluding Hong Kong and Macau - has to date AntónioGuterres, called for an im- which attempts to overcome US hostile to US interests. ers want to retain the freedom to declared 4,632 deaths and 82,735 cases. mediate end to fighting involving and Russian objections by, in effect, Russia’s president, Vladimir Pu- launch attacks on pro-Iranian mi- Europe has listed 1,153,148 cases and 101,493 deaths to governments and armed groups in making it impossible to enforce. tin, is believed to have similar res- litia in Iraq, as happened recently, date, the US and Canada together have 768,670 cases with all conflict areas almost one month The resolution, as drafted, is un- ervations regarding the impact on or carry out opportunistic strikes 40,619 deaths, Asia 162,256 cases with 6,951 deaths, the ago. “The fury of the virus illustrates derstood to welcome the UN secre- Russian military operations in Syria against Iran’s military leaders, Middle East 122,819 cases with 5,559 deaths, Latin America the folly of war,” he said. tary-general’s appeal and express and on Moscow’s unacknowledged similar to the US drone strike in and the Caribbean 98,202 cases with 4,915 deaths, Africa Yet despite strong support for support for his efforts. But it does support for proxy groups and non- January that killed the Revolution- 21,165 cases with 1,058 deaths and Oceania 7,879 cases a universal truce from dozens of not insist on a binding, universal state militias in war-torn countries ary Guards Corps general, Qassem- with 90 deaths. countries, including leading US al- ceasefire, allowing exceptions to be such as Libya. According to a spe- Suleimani. -AFP lies such as Britain, France and made at the discretion of individual cial report published by the US- -The Guardian

44 suspected Boko Haram fighters Indian police order ‘cave-dwelling' Wuhan lab denies virus link, rejects found dead in Chad prison foreign tourists into quarantine US allegations N'DJAMENA – At least 44 sus- of Boko Haram had been taken RISHIKESH - Six foreign tourists who tried to sit out the cor- pected members of Boko Haram prisoner and sent to N’djamena BERLIN - The head of the Insti- "But its bad when some are de- onavirus pandemic in an Indian cave have been sent to quaran- tute of Virology in the Chinese city liberately trying to mislead people," who were arrested during a recent for the purposes of the investiga- tine at an ashram near a town made famous by the Beatles after operation against the group have tion," Tom said, referencing the of Wuhan has rejected allegations said Zhiming. "I know it's impos- running out of money, police said yesterday (19). in the United States that the novel sible," he added. "This is entirely been found dead in their prison central African country's capital. The four men and two women - from France, the United cell in Chad after apparently be- "On Thursday morning, their jail- coronavirus could have originated in based on speculation." States, Ukraine, Turkey and Nepal - had been living in the cave his laboratory. The lab director also contested the ing poisoned, the country's chief ers told us that 44 prisoners had near Rishikesh in Uttarakhand state since March 24, police in- prosecutor has announced. been found dead in their cell." "There's no way this virus came thesis, already rejected by scientists, spector Rajendra Singh Kathait told AFP. out from us," said Yuan Zhiming in that the virus could have been origi- The prisoners were found dead "We have buried 40 bodies and They have now been moved to Swarg Ashram, where they will an interview with state television, nally generated in the laboratory. on Thursday (16), Youssouf Tom sent four bodies to the medical be quarantined for 14 days - although none have shown corona- said on television, and an autopsy examiner for autopsy," he added. virus symptoms. the English language transcript of "There is no evidence to prove that carried out on four of the dead An investigation was continu- "Before the lockdown began, they were living in a hotel in the which was published by Chinese me- the virus has artificial or synthetic prisoner’s revealed traces of a ing to determine exactly how the Muni Ki Reti region but they moved to the cave after they ran dia yesterday (19). traces," he said. lethal substance that had caused prisoners had died, he said. out of money," Kathait said. "We clearly know what kind of vi- His comments came the day after heart attacks in some of the vic- A security source said "the 58 "However, they had saved some money to buy food and other rus research is going on in the insti- US President Donald Trump said tims and severe asphyxiation in prisoners were placed in a single supplies." tute and how the institute manages the US was investigating whether the others, he said. cell and were given nothing to eat The Nepali man had been helping the group buy essential viruses and samples," he added. the virus could have originated in The dead men were among a or drink for two days". items, Kathait added. None of the laboratory staff had the Wuhan lab. "It seems to make group of 58 suspects captured MahamatNour Ahmed Ibedou, India has been under a nationwide lockdown since late been infected with coronavirus, the sense," he told reporters. The first during a major army operation secretary-general of the Chadian March, with residents permitted to leave their homes only for director said, adding that he under- infections with the coronavirus were around Lake Chad launched by Convention for the Protection essential services such as buying groceries or medicine. stood why people had jumped to linked with an animal market in Wu- President IdrissDeby at the end of Human Rights (CTDDH), has The lockdown was due to be lifted on April 15, but has been conclusions about his institute in han. Experts believe the virus comes of March. "Following the fighting made similar accusations. extended to at least May 3. Wuhan, the city where the pandemic from bats and might also have been around Lake Chad, 58 members originated. spread via another host animal. Al Jazeera/Agencies -Agencies -dpa Trending News Quote for Today USA: The White House and con- virus crisis under full control and any exit from an ongoing lock- Greece: A fire rips through one No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the of the country’s largest migrant gressional Democrats say they that everything would work out down to forestall the spread of world. -Robin Williams could reach agreement soon on with God’s help, even as the coun- coronavirus. camps leaving widespread dam- expanding funds to small busi- try registered a record daily rise in age and many people homeless Word for Today nesses devastated by the corona- cases of the new virus. Canada: Official data posted by after the death of an Iraqi woman the public health agency show the sparked unrest. Breviloquent [breviluhkwuhnt] –adjective –speaking or virus. expressed in a concise or terse style; using brevity of speech Israel: Orthodox Christians cel- total number of people killed by UAE: Abu Dhabi says it had sold Vatican: Pope Francis calls for ebrate Easter in Jerusalem, bring- the coronavirus had risen by just $7 billion of bonds in the third Today in History an all-embracing vision of the ing to a close a holiday season under 12% to 1,506 in a day. major sale this month by Gulf sov- world after the COVID-19 crisis, uniquely devoid of the colourful 1946 - The League of Nations officially dissolves, giving most of France: City officials says "Mi- ereigns seeking to counter slump- saying moving on without global ceremonies that would normally ing oil prices. its power to the United Nations. solidarity or excluding sectors of have echoed around the Old City’s nuscule traces" of the new coro- society from the recovery would Christian Quarter. navirus have been found in Paris's Italy: Italians debate their first Today is... non-potable water -- such as the result in “an even worse virus.” - The government begins eas- cautious steps out of a coronavi- supply used for cleaning streets -- rus lockdown that has left an esti- Volunteer Recognition Day Russia: President Vladimir Putin ing movement restrictions while but drinking water is at no risk of A day to show your appreciation to all the reallife saints and pointedly avoiding announcing mated half of the working popula- says authorities have the corona- contamination. tion seeking government support. superheroes of this world 2 021'$<$35,/ '$,/<(;35(66 HOT TOPICS

%\$EKD\D6ULYDVWDYD %\7KRPDV/)ULHGPDQ Stuck in pandemic camps Trump is asking Indian labourers Americans to play long to go home Russian roulette

NEW DELHI - Tens of thousands of stranded with their lives labourers have been herded into camps and shel- “LIBERATE MINNESOTA!” “LIBERATE ters across India like the Yamuna sports complex MICHIGAN!” “LIBERATE VIRGINIA.” in Delhi where their suffering has been forgotten With these three short tweets last week, amid the world's biggest coronavirus lockdown. President Donald Trump attempted to kick Once used for the 2010 Commonwealth Games, off the post-lockdown phase of America’s cor- the air is now rank with urine in the stadium halls onavirus crisis. It should be called: “American that house 900 men and women rounded up after Russian roulette: The COVID-19 version.” the government ordered everyone off the streets What Trump was saying with those tweets on March 24. was: Everybody, just go back to work. From India's estimated 45 million migrant workers, now on, each of us individually, and our so- existing on a paltry and precarious daily wage, ciety collectively, is going to play Russian have not been a priority in the rush to halt the roulette. We’re going to bet that we can spin spread of COVID-19. through our daily lives — work, shopping, Millions of migrants lost their jobs overnight school, travel — without the coronavirus in big cities like Delhi and Mumbai. Many walked landing on us. And if it does, we’ll also bet hundreds of kilometres (miles) to reach their that it won’t kill us. home villages and at least 12 died on the way, ac- More specifically: As a society, we will be cording to media reports. betting that as large numbers of people stop The downbeat, fearful faces of Yamuna resi- sheltering in place, the number of people dents highlight how unhappy they are with their - Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP who will still get infected with COVID-19 and treatment. And the government has said the lock- People with protective masks look from their windows at artistes performing in the courtyard of a popular apartment require hospitalization will be less than the down will go on until at least May 3. building for the show Sotto lo Stesso Cielo tour (Under the Same Sky tour) in San Basilio suburbs of Rome on Saturday number of hospital beds, intensive care units, Picked up on the streets or at bus stations, they (18), during the country's lockdown aimed at stopping the spread of the COVID-19 (new coronavirus) pandemic respirators, doctors, nurses and protective now sleep on thin mats in the halls, are banned gear needed to take care of them. from leaving the complex, and life in the stifling %\&KULV/HINRZZLWK$)3EXUHDXV Because it is clear that millions of Ameri- heat is strictly regimented. cans are going to stop sheltering in place — their own president is now urging them to lib- Take me home erate themselves — before we have a proper Three meals a day are prepared in open kitch- Europe virus toll tops 100,000 as testing, tracking and tracing system set up. ens, with flies hovering around. And each day Until we have a vaccine, that kind of system hundreds of men are forced into physical exercise is the only path to dramatically lowering the led by an instructor dressed in ninja-style black online mega-concert raises spirits risk of infection while partially opening soci- overalls and a bandana. ety — while also protecting the elderly and in- "Keep straight or I will hit hard," barked the WASHINGTON - Coronavirus Progress was marked in some fatalities. As governments around the firm — as Germany has demonstrated. man while rolling a baton in his hands, as neat deaths surged past 100,000 in Europe places, with New York State reporting world grapple with when and how to And as individuals, every person will be rows of dishevelled labourers nervously per- as the world's top musicians joined the lowest number of deaths in weeks, ease lockdowns, Spain on Saturday playing Russian roulette every minute of formed star jumps. forces for a virtual concert, hoping to which Governor Andrew Cuomo extended its nationwide shutdown to every day: Do I get on this crowded bus to Migrants in Mumbai and other cities have spread cheer to billions stuck at home attributed largely to social distancing. May 9. go to work or not? What if I get on the sub- staged demonstrations demanding to go home. under lockdown. But as Americans and others around Japan, Britain and Mexico have way, and the person next to me is not wear- That was also the desperate wish of many in the A-listers including the Rolling the world chafe after weeks under all expanded their movement ing gloves and a mask? What if they sneeze? Delhi stadium. Stones, Taylor Swift, Stevie Wonder stay-at-home orders, resentment is restrictions. Do I get in the elevator at the office if there One woman sat with a half-naked sick infant and teen superstar Billie Eilish rising. Yet elsewhere, signs that the is another person on it? Do I go into the of- in her lap as she gestured wildly at passing police entertained fans with a six-hour Anti-lockdown protests on outbreak could be easing prompted fice lunchroom or not? Do I stop for a drink and said she wanted to be with her husband at an- online extravaganza celebrating Saturday drew hundreds of people at Switzerland, Denmark and Finland at this bar, where the stools are six feet apart, other shelter. healthcare workers. the capitols of states including Texas, to begin reopening shops and schools or that crowded one my friends chose? Do I Mukesh Yadav, a handcart puller, said he was The event, set up by advocacy group Maryland, New Hampshire and this week. use this toilet or that drinking fountain? Do I picked up by police as he started a trip to the east- Global Citizen with the World Health Ohio. Many demonstrators waved Germany has declared the virus send my kid back to school or not? Do I stay ern state of Bihar to be with his ailing father. Organization (WHO) aimed to American flags and some carried "under control" after 3,400 deaths, in a hotel? Ride an airplane? Let the plumber He was not allowed to return to his wife and cultivate a sense of community during arms. and is beginning the delicate task in? Do I go to the doctor to check that strange three children in Old Delhi. "I am worried that the pandemic, which has ravaged The small but spreading of lifting some restrictions without lump or not? their rations will run out soon. Who will look after the global economy with nearly 2.3 movement demanding a quick end triggering a secondary outbreak -- What will be so cruel about this American them?" he said. million confirmed infections in total. to state-ordered confinement drew with some shops allowed to reopen version of Russian roulette is how unfair it Ramesh Lal, an HIV-positive patient with pre- At least 157,000 people have been encouragement from Trump, who Monday, and some children returning will be. Some people will have no choice but scriptions and other documents to prove it, said killed by COVID-19 with two-thirds tweeted that three states should to school within weeks. to take the subway or the bus to work. Some he was scooped up when he went out to get a of the deaths in Europe, according be "liberated" from the stay-home Iran also allowed some Tehran people will have to send their kids back to blood test. to an AFP tally, and nearly a quarter orders. businesses to reopen Saturday despite school because they can’t afford to stay home Veer Singh, a 23-year-old with no family, fought of fatalities in the United States, the The president has called for a rapid the Middle East's deadliest outbreak. from work. Some bosses will demand that back tears as he told of his desire to get back to the worst-hit country. return to normality to limit damage "How can I keep staying their employees show up to reopen their Sikh temple where he worked. The highly contagious disease first to the US economy - while largely home? My family is hungry," said workplace, but some of those employees may Police and other security forces set up the emer- emerged late last year in the city leaving the final decision on easing HamdollahMahmoudi, 45, a shop be afraid to come back. Do you fire them? Do gency shelters after the Supreme Court ordered of Wuhan in central China. It was lockdowns to state officials. worker in Tehran's Grand Bazaar. they bring a lawsuit against you if you do, or the government take action to deal with the mi- likely transmitted to humans at a At a White House briefing, Trump Meanwhile, many of the world's do they go on Twitter and post a picture of grant labourers and homeless. market where exotic animals were also warned that China could face 260 million Orthodox Christians are how closely together you forced them to work Lalit Goyal, a police official in charge of the Ya- slaughtered, Chinese scientists have consequences if it was "knowingly preparing to mark Easter without — 6 inches apart, not 6 feet? muna shelter, said his staff were trying to find a said. responsible" for the coronavirus attending church services. This is the state of play when you have a way to release those who live nearby. Conspiracy theories that the virus outbreak. In Zimbabwe, mass rallies and president who one minute is responsibly issu- He said it was "challenging" looking after the came from a maximum-security "It could have been stopped in military parades to mark the country's ing sober guidelines for when and how people migrants but insisted most were "happy" because laboratory have been brought into China before it started and it wasn't," 40th anniversary of independence should go back to work; and the next minute they were fed. He also justified the mandatory the mainstream in recent days by US Trump said. "And now the whole from British colonial rule were is telling states that they are responsible for daily exercise. government officials. world is suffering." cancelled. getting the testing, tracking and tracing units "They are so used to hard manual labour that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo "If it was a mistake, a mistake is a And Buckingham Palace announced that we need in place; and then, in the third if we don't make them do some rigorous exercise said an investigation was underway mistake," he said. "But if they were that Queen Elizabeth II will not mark minute, is inciting people on Twitter to “lib- they are unable to sleep at night," he said. into how the virus "got out into the knowingly responsible, yeah, then her birthday on Tuesday with a erate” their workplaces, cities and beaches YaminiAiyar, who heads the Delhi-based Centre world." there should be consequences." traditional gun salute. — even though none of the conditions are in for Policy Research, said the problems of migrant But the director of the virology Mounting evidence suggests that Australia has called for an place to do so safely. labourers rarely figure in policy debates or India's institute in Wuhan rejected the social distancing slowed the pandemic independent investigation into the “Liberate”? Think about the use of that collective consciousness. claims on Saturday (18), saying it was after more than half of humanity - 4.5 global response to the pandemic, word. We were not in jail! We were not doing "They are always treated as nowhere people. "impossible" that the disease could billion people - were confined to their including the Worl Health something wrong! We were doing what our Even now they just want to go back home," Aiyar have come from his lab. homes. Organization's handling of the crisis. president, governor, mayor and national epi- told AFP. The US has the highest caseload Stay-at-home orders have been Its foreign minister said the country demic experts told us to do: behave responsi- "It is absolutely wrong to deny people their ba- of any country, with more than enforced in Italy and Spain, both would "insist" on a review that would bly and shelter in place to break the transmis- sic right to go back home." 735,000 confirmed infections, and by still the hardest-hit countries probe, in part, China's response to the sion of this virus. yesterday (19) had lost 38,910 people in Europe, with death tolls over outbreak. Trump was cynically trying to curry favour to the virus, according to a tally from 20,000, followed by France, which with his base by implying that the Demo- -Agence France-Presse Johns Hopkins University. has recorded more than 19,000 -Agence France-Presse cratic governors, following his own national guidelines, were unfairly locking people up, depriving them of their livelihoods. Is there anything more irresponsible that this presi- dent could do, after weeks of complimenting Amid coronvirus criticism During coronavirus the American people for how they pulled to- Ramadan amid gether and sacrificed to shelter in place — pa- lockdown triotically doing their part to bend the curve UK admits PPE shortage coronavirus of this virus? So, folks, forget about all those White LONDON- The British government has onavirus death toll, a pandemic that has Saudi top religious authority New Yorkers House briefings. You don’t have to tune in admitted a shortage of crucial masks killed at least 150,000 worldwide. another day. When the president is calling on and gowns for healthcare staff as it fac- At least 27 NHS staff have died during recommends home prayers can wed via governors to “let their people go” before com- es mounting criticism from doctors and the pandemic, according to the govern- prehensive testing facilities are in place, he is medical workers amid the coronavirus ment figures. Media reports, however, RIYADH - Saudi Arabia’s highest religious body, basically saying that, until there is a vaccine, outbreak. say the toll could be much higher. the Council of Senior Scholars, urged Muslims video link we are betting on herd immunity. Achieving Medical workers treating patients who Data published on Saturday (18) worldwide to pray at home during Ramadan if NEW YORK - New Yor- herd immunity requires that more than two- have the highly contagious COVID-19 showed 15,464 people have died in Brit- their countries require social distancing to curb kers will be able to hold thirds of a community be immune, a process disease have a criticized a government ish hospitals after testing positive for the spread of the coronavirus, state news agency their weddings via video that could involve many more deaths, if prop- suggestion to re-use personal protective coronavirus - an increase of 888 in the 24 SPA reported yesterday (19). link while the city's mar- er preparations are not in place. equipment, or PPE. hours to 16:00 GMT on Friday (17). The holy fasting month of Ramadan begins riage office is closed due to That may work out for some places and A Department of Health spokesman That increase is higher than recent later this week. During the month, believers usu- the coronavirus outbreak, people. It may not. I do not know. Every said the guidance was to ensure that days, but below the highest daily death ally break their fast with families and friends and State Governor Andrew choice in dealing with this virus is fraught staff knew what to do to minimize risk if toll of 980, seen just over a week ago. perform an evening prayer, known as Taraweeh, Cuomo said Saturday (18). with huge trade-offs between saving lives and shortages did occur, and that the rules re- The government issued new guidance in large gatherings at mosques. "I am issuing an Execu- saving the economy that sustains lives. I just mained in line with international stand- to hospitals on Friday setting out that “Muslims shall avoid gatherings, because they tive Order allowing New know three things: ards. alternatives to fluid-repellent full-length are the main cause of the spread of infection...and Yorkers to obtain a mar- First, this is the bet Trump is urging you "We've got to do more to get the PPE gowns may need to be used, including re- shall remember that preserving the lives of people riage licence remotely and to make in his “liberate” tweets — when he that people need to the front line," Com- usable gowns or even long-sleeved labo- is a great act that brings them closer to God,” it allowing clerks to perform should be ordering out the National Guard munities Secretary Robert Jenrick said ratory coats. said in a statement. ceremonies via video con- and mobilizing American industry to get test- when asked about the situation during "This guidance is a further admission The kingdom’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz ference," Cuomo wrote. ing everywhere. the government's daily news conference of the dire situation that some doctors Al al-Sheikh on Friday expressed the same senti- Usually at least one of Second, this bet will fall very unfairly and on Saturday. and healthcare workers continue to find ment, saying that Muslim prayers during Rama- the engaged pair is re- unevenly in our society when so little testing He acknowledged the shortages but themselves in because of government dan and for the subsequent Eid al-Fitr feast quired to attend the mar- and tracing is in place. added that a consignment was due to ar- failings," said Rob Harwood, chairman of should be performed at home if the coronavirus riage bureau in person And third, if this is the future, every busi- rive from Turkey yesterday (19) contain- the consultants' committee at the British outbreak continues. to obtain the marriage li- ness, restaurant, hotel, theatre, sporting facil- ing equipment including 400,000 pro- Medical Association. Saudi Arabia has reported 8,274 cases of COV- cence. ity, factory, nonprofit and government office tective gowns. "If it's being proposed that staff reuse ID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the new Strict measures that needs to ask itself: What does my business "We are trying to do everything we can equipment, this must be demonstrably coronavirus, and 92 deaths so far, the highest limit movement will stay look like when, on the best days, the respon- to get the equipment we need," he said driven by science and the best evidence - among the six Gulf Arab states where the total has in place until mid-May in sible people coming to my door will be wear- during the televised briefing. rather than availability." reached 24,374 with 156 deaths. New York, the US epicen- ing a mask, gloves, distancing 6 feet apart and "We are trying to source more inter- The trade union Unite said it had told The Saudi government in mid-March stopped tre of the coronavirus out- volunteering to have their temperature taken national, that is difficult at times, there its members they could lawfully refuse people performing their five daily prayers and the break. before they enter, and the irresponsible ones is a great deal of demand for it, and the to work to avoid risk of injury, describ- weekly Friday prayer inside mosques as part of ef- More than 13,000 have won’t be? How do I handle that? security of that supply can prove very ing the situation over PPE as a "national forts to limit the spread of the coronavirus. died in New York City Bottom line, my fellow Americans: Your challenging, but we are making progress scandal". Last week, the Prophet’s Mosque in the holy from the Covid-19 dis- president is telling you that you’re on your there." The Royal College of Nursing said it city of Medina said it was banning events that ease caused by the virus, own to make these decisions. And if this strat- Britain is nearing the peak of a health had written "in the strongest terms" to ex- dispense evening meals in the mosque to those in according to a tally from egy works, you can be sure that he will take crisis in which more than 15,000 people press its concerns over the rules change. need during Ramadan to break their daily fast. Johns Hopkins University. credit. have died - the fifth-highest national cor- -Al Jazeera -Agencies -dpa -New York Times '$,/<(;35(66 021'$<$35,/ 3 GLOCAL

([SUHVV1HZVSDSHUV &H\ 3YW/WG *UDQGSDVV5RDG&RORPER6UL/DQND 7HOHSKRQH (GLWRULDO  $GYHUWLVLQJ  &LUFXODWLRQ (PDLO±HGLWRUGDLO\H[SUHVV#HQFOONZHHNHQGH[SUHVV#HQFOON (SDSHUKWWSHSDSHUQHZVH[SUHVVON )DFHERRN±1HZV([SUHVV6UL/DQND Colombo port hit by Govt. bans a wide range of imports amid India, Bangladesh coronavirus crisis lockdowns COLOMBO – The government yesterday The Sri Lanka rupee has lost nearly 10% of vehicles and equipment to a standstill like red lentils (07.13), wheat (10.01), palm oil, (19) banned a wide range of imports until July its value against the US dollar in the past two the 1970s, observers say. Rice, fish, ornamen- sunflower oil (15.11, 15.12), cane or beet sugar COLOMBO - Container transhipment 2020, as the local currency is hammered by a months as tourism - a key foreign exchange tal fish, grains, maize, black gram, vegetable (17.01), cement 25.23, coal (27.01), iron and business at the Colombo port has been month-long lockdown caused by the coronavi- earner for the country - has collapsed, and a oil, mall, pasta, communion wafers (used by steel, rolled iot (72.01-29), alloy wires (72.29) hit by lockdowns in India and Bangladesh rus pandemic. sharp fall in expatriate worker remittances. churches), alcohol, vinegar, cement, paints, and sheet piling iron 73.01. over the novel coronavirus and vessel calls The three-month ban on imports, under ex- In March, the government banned the import essential oil, asbestos washes, granite, marble, Sri Lanka’s central bank cut rates from Janu- are expected to decline as lines try to bal- port and import control law of 1960, which was of cars and luxury vehicles for three months ceramic tiles, sanitary ware, have been banned. ary 30 and started printing money from the last ance demand. used in the control economy period of 1970s, as part of efforts to save foreign reserves, as Wrist watches, beauty products, wigs ap- week of February and sharply ratcheted liquid- “About 55 to 60% of our total volumes will apply to essential raw materials used by lo- authorities urged international lenders for a parel, some building materials, wood items, ity injections in March, putting pressure on the come from India and Bangladesh,” Ro- cal industries, as well as luxury goods includ- debt repayment moratorium. Among the most footwear, festive or carnival items and brushes rupee and breaking the credibility of the soft- mesh David, Chief Executive of South Asia ing cosmetics, chocolates and foreign liquor. problematic items that have been restricted in- have also been banned. A series of other items peg. Gateway Terminals told an online forum However, the government notice announcing clude screws, nuts and bolts, asbestos washers, are allowed on three months credit. These in- At least Rs 140 billion of the money however organized by Advocata Institute, a Colom- the ban allows for some items to be imported batteries, small motors and batteries, which clude milk and cream in powder with sugar, had been drawn down from the system. bo based think tank last week, adding, that on three months credit. can bring the country’s industrial machinery, yoghurt (HScode 4.02, 4.03), Mysore dhal, -ENCL/AFP/economynext.com with the closure of the ports there was only the trickle through in both ways. Imports have fallen off as have exports, he said. Though ports have been functioning 15 COVID-19 patients identified, total throughout the coronavirus lockdowns and curfews, the industry has been hit by de- infected increased to 269 mand drops and transport issues. “This is COLOMBO- Fifteen more people tested for foreign arrivals on March 19. A day ear- also reflected now in vessel calls, as lines positive for the coronavirus yesterday (19), lier Sri Lanka also found additional contacts try to balance the demand drop by match- the highest in recent days, taking total num- from a person in Suduwella,Ja-Ela. ing the supply through blanking out sail- ber of confirmed cases in the country to 269. Sri Lanka slapped curfews to stop any ings,” David said. Director General of Health Services, Dr. infected persons who were outside of the “We see an approximate 20% of sail- Anil Jasinghe said the confirmed cases were districts to cluster to develop the disease or ings blanked out on a rolling basis. I think those who had been placed in quarantine recover. we will see more of that happening in the from the Colombo area due to closely asso- Meanwhile, five more COVID-19 positive months ahead as well,” he said, sounding a ciating with an infected person. patients were deemed completely recovered note of caution that if the lines are unable The new confirmations raised the total and discharged from hospital yesterday. to match the supply in order to keep rates number testing positive to 17 by 5:00 p.m. The Ministry of Health said 91 patients, reasonably stable, they would be look- yesterday. including 90 Sri Lankans and a Chinese ing at about a US$ 23 billion, loss which Sri Lanka found a new patient in Kotahe- Woman, have recovered so far and have effectively takes away about eight to nine na last week, who had returned from India been discharged from hospital. years of their earnings in one shot this year on March 12, long before the island closed ENCL/economynext.com alone. “From a lines’ perspective, the forecast is indicative that over the next 12 weeks Public urged to act responsibly we will see a reduction in demand, which – J. Sujeewakumar/ENCL the lines will correspondingly try to match Health officials disinfect the newest batch of COVID-19 confirmed cases and their belongings with supply on anything in the order of 20 when curfew is relaxed in Colombo yesterday (19) prior to transferring them to hospital via ambulance. In the second to 30,” of historic capacity,” he said. COLOMBO - The public have been urged ginning Wednesday (22). Curfew will also be David noted that volumes were largely largest spike in confirmed cases, 15 persons from a locked-down and isolated area in Colombo flat in the first quarter, with a minor drop to act responsibly when the curfew is relaxed lifted in most areas in the districts of Gampa- 12 tested positive for COVID-19 yesterday increasing the number of COVID positive cases in Sri beginning today (20). ha, Puttalam, Kalutara and Ampara at 5:00 of 2%, but within the first 15 days of April, Lanka to 269. The individuals confirmed yesterday are said to have maintained close contacts it had gone down to 20% across the board. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in a twit- a.m. and reimposed at 8:00 p.m. beginning with another COVID-19 infected patient ter message said the objective of relaxing the Wednesday. These areas include Ja-ela, As of last week, Colombo port held over curfew was to reactivate the economy, while Kochchikade and Seeduwa in the Gampaha 40,000 TEUs (twenty foot equivalent measures to contain the coronavirus will District; Puttalam, Marawila and Wennap- As coronavirus curfews relaxed units), creating massive operational issues. continue in parallel. puwa in the Puttalam District; Bandaraga- David said in the local context, Sri Lanka “It is imperative to adhere to health guide- ma, Payagala, Beruwala, and Aluthgama in will face difficulties in moving goods in and lines and act responsibly for the safety of so- the Kalutara District and Akkaraipattu in the 113 students to be repatriated from Pakistan out of the port despite continuous opera- ciety at large,” he said. Ampara District. The President’s Media Di- COLOMBO - Sri Lanka will on Tuesday (21) citizens to stay until epidemiological detectives tions. The President’s Media Division said in vision also said no one can enter or leave the fly back 113 students stranded in Pakistan, in from intelligence and health services tracked “Looking forward, one of the things that a statement that beginning today, curfew areas where the curfew will be continuing. the first stage of an attempt to bring back citi- contacts of foreign returnees and any locals. we will see is a certain tightness of space will be lifted in all districts, except Colom- Limited number of employees have been zens from coronavirus struck countries, in the Sri Lanka has been aggressively contacting for exporters because frequency West- bo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Puttalam, Kandy, instructed to report to work at government wake of the relaxation of tight curfews slapped and tracing infected persons and all have been bound will undoubtedly be tempered.” Kegalle and Ampara at 5:00 a.m. and re- institutions in areas where the curfew will to contain COVID-19. index cases with identified links to foreign re- -economynext.com imposed at 8:00 p.m. It said the curfew in be temporarily lifted. Private establishments At least 215 Sri Lankan students are stuck in turnees, though perhaps two clusters are index Kotahena, Grandpass, Bambalapitiya, Kes- have been instructed to open office at 10:00 India and Pakistan due to lockdowns in the re- cases which are problematic including some elwatte, Maradana, Gotatuwa, Muleriyawa, a.m. and also decide on the number of staff gion. who have been confirmed in the last two days. Wellampitiya, Mount Lavinia, Dehiwela and they require. They have also been advised to “The initial phase of Sri Lankan students to On Saturday (18) the government said cur- Amnesty International warns Kokuwrla will continue until further notice, strictly follow the health advice issued in this be brought down will start from Tuesday,” said fews will be relaxed in most areas from 5:00 Gotabaya but will be lifted in other areas in the district regard. Sri Lanka Airport and Aviation Director Opera- a.m. to 8:00 p.m. except in some police areas at 5:00 p.m. and re-imposed at 8:00 p.m. be- CG/ENCL tions ShehanSumanasekera. in Colombo, Kandy, Gampaha, Puttalam, Kalu- Sri Lankan Airlines flight UL 1206 will fly the tara and Amparai. ‘We’re watching you’ 113 students from Pakistan. Director General of Health Service, Dr. Anil SriLankan had suspended scheduled flights Jasinghe said the spread of coronavirus has COLOMBO - “We’re watching you,” Am- COVID-19 under control, but risks not as airports closed around the world and many been controlled but the risk of spread had not nesty International has warned Sri Lankan countries barred entry to foreigners. fully gone away. president, Gotabaya Rajapaksa and other over warns Jasinghe Sri Lanka also barred all entry and asked -economynext.com leaders around the world, who are using COLOMBO – Sri Lanka is controlling the fence ministry would continue,” Dr.Jasinghe the coronavirus outbreak to crack down on spread of Coronavirus through several meas- said. “At a future date we will be able to say civil liberties. ures but the risks of the disease spreading is that the risk has gone away.” However, there In a video message the world human not fully over, and contact tracing will con- may be asymptomatic cases on the loose. Sri In Brief rights body said, “Leaders who threaten tinue even if curfews are relaxed, Director Lanka however does not yet have a random human rights are using a pandemic to ex- General Health Services, Dr. Anil Jasinghe or voluntary testing program. Wine stores to open be fixed until health authorities, local and in- pand and abuse their powers instead of fo- said. This week a new coronavirus index patient Wine stores with authorized licences by the ternational, declare Sri Lanka to be safe from cusing on helping doctors and nurses. To Sri Lanka quarantined then blocked for- turned up, who had landed in Sri Lanka from Department of Excise have been permitted to the coronavirus. SJB members, former par- those leaders: we’re watching you.” eign arrivals and then traced contacts of all India on March 12, raising questions about sell liquor during non- curfew hours, begin- liamentarians Ajith P. Perera, HarshanaRaja- Commenting on the president’s recent infected cases that had come before quaran- the incubation period. The fellow passenger ning today (20). The decision to open liquor karuna and Mano Ganesan have also voiced pardon of Sunil Rathnayake, a Sri Lankan tine whenever they were found. in her plane has had a cough and she had stores had been decided on advice of the Sec- their objections on holding the elections. soldier, the rights group said “releasing retary to the Ministry of Finance, Economy war criminals won’t solve a health crisis.” “There is no wide community transmis- requested for different seat. Jasinghe said A second attack planned? sion in the country,” Jasinghe said in a the woman had had a cough since March and Policy Development. The stores will be Rathnayake was sentenced to death in expected to follow COVID-19 safety regula- Police Media Spokesman SP JaliyaSena- 2015 for the murder of eight Tamils, in- video statement. “At the moment the dis- 27, but since she is an asthma patient, the ratne said investigations have revealed that a tions of social distancing. cluding three children, in the town of Mi- ease is limited to clusters, through various family had not suspected coronavirus. Late second attack had been planned following the measures we have taken.” “We cannot say last week she had got worse and was admit- Concerns over holding elections Easter Sunday terror attack last year. rusuvil. The Tamils had been arrested by the risks of the disease had gone away.” Sri ted to hospital. Her husband and child had The Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) and the Sri Lankan security forces on December 10, Lanka will be relaxing curfews, at least out- also contracted the disease. Sri Lanka does Tamil National Alliance (TNA) raised con- Settling the water bills 2000. The following day their bodies were side high-risk areas effective today (20). not have a voluntary testing program yet for cerns over attempts to hold parliamentary The National Water Supply and Drainage found in a mass grave with their throats Sri Lanka closed the country for arrivals on foreign returnees to get a test if they do not election in the midst of the coronavirus cri- Board (NWSDB) has introduced an online slashed, according to the District Medical March 19. Epidemiological sleuths in Sri have symptoms as the State has controlled sis. The General Election was set to be held payment system and has urged consumers to Officer’s post-mortem report. All but two Lanka health and defence ministry had been the testing system. Sri Lanka is also ready- on April 25, but was put on hold due to the settle the bill early citing hardships in provid- of the bodies had been stripped naked. aggressively tracing contacts of all discov- ing quarantine centres to bring back citizens coronavirus outbreak, while a new date to ing a continuous water supply amidst the cur- The youngest to have been murdered was ered patients. “Even if we open the country, abroad, who are trapped in foreign coun- hold the election is yet to be decided. The rent situation and the lack of income. a 5-year-old. the work carried out by the health and de- tries. -economynext.com TNA says the date of the election should not Following his release, Biraj Patnaik, Am- nesty International's Regional Director for South Asia said: "Where accountability is %\$UMXQD5DQDZDQD so rare for serious human rights violations in Sri Lanka, the government’s arbitrary decision to release Sergeant Rathnayake ‘Operation stopgap’ sends an extremely worrying message. It means that military perpetrators of horrific Helping thousands ride the COVID storm crimes, even if convicted through a court of COLOMBO – V. Udayaraj, a projects officer through Facebook held a fundraiser and had urdhi, payments, usually given to the poor- until now, although they have received those law, will be pardoned and released.” at a private company based in Peliyagoda is sent her money. De Silva said she had been est of the poor, have received some money. from local organizations. The Parish of Our -TG/ENCL surrounded by people in his neighbourhood “swamped by appeals over the last week and “They have got Rs 5,000 per family, but that Lady of Fatima in Maradana, which usually every time he steps out of his home. About has been trying to help as many communities does not last them more than a few days.” The helps hundreds of people in need, has spent 1,500 families in his neighbourhood are hard- as possible.” The focus has been the daily wage people Udayaraj worries about are families more than Rs 1.2 million providing groceries pressed to put food on the table because they earners. “They range from plantation workers, who earn above the threshold that qualifies for the poor as well as many others who are have no work. street vendors, sex workers, workers in the them for Samurdhi but have had no income daily-wage earners. Their work has been sup- “Of them, around 500 families are in a really factories in the Free Trade Zone and members for more than a month owing to the curfews ported by the Buddhist and Hindu temples in bad situation, and are living precariously,” he of the Transgender community,” she said. The and shut-downs enforced to stop the spread of the area as well as Muslim charitable organi- said, elaborating that most of them are daily donations cover a wide range needs of varying COVID-19. He said “it is the people who usual- zations. The Oblate Missions has also spent wage earners… three-wheeler drivers, casual communities. Most of the time they have been ly have a fairly comfortable life with their daily around Rs. 800,000 helping families across workers in the Pettah market, cleaners or part- dry rations; rice, flour, milk powder, dhal and earnings who are feeling the pinch at present the country, a spokesperson said. time drivers of heavy vehicles. Udayaraj has tinned fish. Sometimes the needs have been because for nearly 30 days they haven’t had “This time around we are helping the poor been a focal point in the area for many years, more specific. A group of women resident in any work.” Former Minister KabirHashim as well as middle-class people whose salaries as every time there is a disaster he manages to the Northern Province, disabled during the told reporters last week that most of those have been cut or have lost their source of in- gets aid from various sources. “But this time it war, were provided with sanitary napkins. persons are employed in Small and Medium come,” he said. Prof.CharithaHerath who is very different,” he said. Udayaraj is part of a “There are at least 2.5 million people who Enterprises which have not been able to carry speaks for the government’s Special Task network of neighbourhood and regional work- are working in the so-called “informal sector” out their businesses in the high-risk, heav- Force headed by former Minister Basil Ra- ers across Sri Lanka who have benefited from outside of the Agricultural sector, government ily populated districts of Colombo, Gampa- japaksa providing essential services said the donations received by social activist Marisa de statistics show. ha, Kalutara, Kandy and Jaffna because of government was spending Rs 7.7 billion on Silva, who put out an appeal as the COVID-19 De Silva said there are hundreds of thou- the indefinite curfew. Hashim called on the the relief effort. He rejected allegations that crisis broke. The network has disbursed more sands of daily wage workers who are not en- government “to recognize these people and the relief was going only to supporters of the than Rs 6 million worth of food stuff covering titled to formal government economic support help them.” Government Ministers including governing Sri Lanka PodujanaPeramuna. the whole island since the outbreak and the programs and are struggling to survive. “We Health Minister PavithraWanniarachchi have “There is also help going to Samurdhi recipi- restrictions of movement began, with the cash are acting as an informal stop-gap initiative, also realized the plight of these people. “We ents registered during the last government,” reaching the needy through community lead- until the government mechanisms kick in, are hoping to open up and get the economy he said. Opposition politicians including the ers and activists. which by the looks of it, might take a while, moving again to help the daily wage earners,” General Secretary of the Samagi Jana Balave- “I had an amazing response from people particularly by the time it makes its way to the she told reporters on Friday (17). However, gaya, RanjithMaddumaBandara have accused I know as well as those I never knew,” she informal sector workers,” she notes. Udayaraj Udayaraj said there has been no distribution the government of “politicizing” aid. said. One group in Canada who contacted her agreed, noting that those who qualify for Sam- of dry rations or essentials by the government -economynext.com 4 021'$<$35,/ '$,/<(;35(66 COMMENTARY

%\6RKDLE50DOLN South Asia’s worsening woes IT has been widely noted that viruses do not distinguish between the rich and the poor. Granted, when exposed to it, a virus, being a natural being, is indifferent to our income levels, but the socioeconomic divisions we humans have cultivated over time nonetheless ensure that epidemics will affect the underprivileged populations disproportionally. This is precisely why, in today’s South Asia, most worrisome are the growing signs that the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic fallout will cause the scourge of widespread poverty and inequal- ity to fester. For those who have the economic means to - fibre2fashion.com sustain themselves over an extended period, the %\&KDPLOD6DPDUDNNRGL epidemic is primarily a health emergency, which has confined them to their homes and stripped them of the freedom to visit friends and family. As coronavirus tears Sri Lanka’s apparel sector apart But for a vast majority employed chiefly in the informal sectors of the economy, it set off an eco- nomic crisis. When many governments brought — rather belatedly — the wheels of commerce to a grinding halt in their attempt to curb the virus, An insider calls for help it deprived millions of workers of their liveli- The clothing industry has consistently faced unprecedented situation plays out – due to needs for the children of our staff, medical 2. Statutory Payments hoods. They are now left with no choice but to instability over the past few years after its the non-availability of funds. For a group of insurance and employee counselling, provi- 2.1. As we face difficulty paying core sala- await handouts from their government. slow recovery from the last global financial key players that have persevered through sion of visual and hearing aids, a death do- ries alone, we request abolishing statutory Within a few weeks of the lockdowns, the pan- crisis. Economic headwinds have eroded numerous challenges when apparels first nation fund, free meals and transport, and payments – i.e. EPF and ETF – for the next demic has put governments on a war footing even the mightiest industry participants kicked off in the country, there is an over- many direct/indirect emoluments to the lo- six to nine months. across the globe. Decision-makers find them- globally. arching sense of uncertainty around if there cal citizenry. 2.2. Rescheduling ongoing non-payments selves in uncharted territory where they are re- The UK’s most recent shockwave, Brexit, is even a future for the industry post-COV- This is not possible without a few sacrifices of EPF to be paid back in 24 months, with at lying on imperfect information to match their thrust both retailers and suppliers into new ID-19 if adequate buffers aren’t put in place up front though, for which we need the sup- least a six to nine-month grace period and no people’s expectations of impeccable combat and uncharted territory – decreasing the and support provided – and these leaders are port and approval of the government and its penalties enforced. This is due to no trading strategies to counter the multifaceted risks to buying power of clients and creating a ‘price- certain ramping back up to merely the same institutions. For instance, we really want to taking place over the next six months, and an public health and the economy. One can argue war’ situation for manufacturers in Sri Lan- scale and health their organisations used to protect all of our employees and have them unclear landscape of how the business and that poor and rich countries alike face the chal- ka. be at will be a slow and tedious process, even with us once business resumes – but we can’t the situation will progress during and after lenge of uncertainty, but that’s about it. A macro- But no event in modern history has caused after normalcy is restored. do that unless we are allowed temporary lay- this period. level overview of South Asia and advanced econ- implications as severe as that of the COV- For context, the apparel industry accounts offs and other short-term measures. omies reveals how these nation states are poles 3. Employment Contracts apart in their ability to fight the virus and reduce ID-19 outbreak, which is in danger of tear- for about half of our country’s total exports My organization alone works with six oth- 3.1. We request laying off a fraction of our ing the very seams of the fashion trade. For and employs over 15% of the local workforce. er outsourced manufacturing partners with a the ensuing economic loss. Let’s start with the staff for the next 6 to 9 months unpaid, i.e. health crisis. In the pre-pandemic world, Italy the first time in memory, we have witnessed In fact, this is the only case in Sri Lanka of a cumulative workforce of an additional 3500 on furlough. the effective cancellation of an entire fashion single industry providing mass employment employees – a demonstration of just how and Spain rightfully took pride in their univer- season: Spring/Summer 2020 is no more. to its citizens (990,000+ skilled workers), many lives could be changed forever, if we A small price to pay sal healthcare systems. Although State-funded As a result, there are unavoidable financial in addition to being the country’s second don’t take action. If you are wondering if these concessions and highly regulated, their healthcare sector was that are sought after will be a tough call for functioning very well. On the contrary, consider blows to every supplier involved. Finished largest FOREX earner for over 8 years with Government bailout garments have been cancelled, gathering a 2025 target of $8 bn that is at risk – this the authorities to make, to me, it’s a no- India and Pakistan that couldn’t cater to even the It’s been a month since the more serious brainer. Real jobs of real people who need basic healthcare needs of their massive popu- dust in warehouses and retiring as dead is what’s at stake and why the government implications of COVID-19 kicked in, and af- stock. should be worried. In speaking to many of them the most, are at stake here – and we lations. Despite excellent healthcare facilities, ter having really put in both individual and cannot look after them and protect their em- Italy and Spain have been overwhelmed by the Hard losses my colleagues and peers in the industry, I concerted efforts to try remediate the pitfall have understood that the gravity of COV- ployment if we aren’t allowed to make some epidemic. Imagine a South Asian country fac- Our clients are all closing down stores and we are headed towards – if not already are drastic changes in the interim to cushion the ing the ferocity of the outbreak that the south ID-19’s implications to our organisations are in –it’s become apparent that the businesses cancelling all orders indefinitely, including shock waves we are facing today. We need to European duo is battling. Bear in mind that the far severe to what we make it out to be in our can’t do this alone. While appreciating all those that are already in progress in our fac- be cautious of this fact. availability of the vaccine or the introduction of tories, as the UK goes into a lockdown state. communications to the authorities, includ- the prompt, hard work the government is There are a number of best practices my more effective prophylactic treatment will help Cessation of all trading operations until the ing the Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Associa- putting in to control the spread of the virus tion (SLAEA) and Joint Apparel Association partners abroad and their governments have the health crisis subside. But what almost every- health crisis situation is resolved – includ- – an inspiration to the rest of the world – the taken up, as well as plenty of examples of in- ing the cancellation of all future contracts as Forum (JAAF-SL) leadership. post-COVID situation too deserves equal at- one is clueless about is the intensity with which Numerous manufacturers – majority be- centives similar to what I am proposing be- the virus-suppression measures will ultimately our clients attempt to safeguard their busi- tention. Industries need to be safeguarded ing implemented in other countries where ness continuity, sustainability and resilience ing BOI-approved ventures – have already via a plan of action, or the country will col- rock regional and global economies. Why clue- written to the Department of Labour, banks, the apparel industry is dominant, as illus- less despite innumerable economics PhDs? For – puts all of us manufacturers in a period of lapse post-COVID despite having been saved trated. great uncertainty over the next six months. creditors and so on but believes the urgency from the virus. the simple reason that today’s assessments of and severity of the situation has not been Sri Lanka is already knee-deep in increas- the magnitude of the subsequent recession must And there is no mercy from the desperate By bringing together all the conversations ingly fierce competition with suppliers in Vi- buyers either – a recent article off Drapers, fully appreciated yet. This is an exceptional I’ve partaken in recently, I have laid out the assume a timescale for when the pandemic will situation where the government must inter- etnam, Cambodia and Indonesia. This is no wane, and commerce is scaled back to normal the fashion retail sector’s premier magazine, following straightforward requests and pro- time to experiment, test your confidence and evidenced the plight the local industry faces vene to safeguard the continuity of one of its posed solutions which my colleagues and I (only if we knew what would be normal in the largest revenue and employment generators pride, or do nothing. post-COVID-19 world). Everyone knows such as- as follows: hope will ensure the industry has a future in To end on a (potentially) positive note, “Industry-wide, suppliers are forced to who are already at the point of bankruptcy. the aftermath of the coronavirus crisis: sumptions don’t hold ground amidst epidemics, however, I am sure the industry as a whole reducing such estimates to mere guesses. absorb direct losses and accrued liabilities. 1. Salaries would be sincerely grateful if the above prop- Even the most trusted retailers are simply Priorities Whatever the future holds, the COVID-19 pan- Traditionally, many organizations are in 1.1. All manufacturers have paid salaries ositions are actioned. We are confident that, demic has dealt an unprecedented blow to the unable and unwilling to foot any part of for the month of March, due on April 10, by with the support of the right parties and if the bill. … The devastating effects of these the habit of painting a strong and stable im- global economy. On this front, developed coun- age of themselves – particularly true in our way of collecting all available cash-in-hand we work together to take the right approach, tries have enormous firepower, ignited by very cancellations are being further amplified at their disposal. Even this required certain we will survive through this period and come by forced extended payment terms – non- culture – but there’s nothing traditional cheap sovereign debt, to protect the livelihoods about the challenges we are all collectively pay-cuts to have been made. out as preferred suppliers of choice once of their citizens and stimulate economic activity. negotiable, of course. There is little concern 1.2. Manufacturers have no means to global trading resumes – and more impor- for the suppliers that have been – and post- faced with today. Now’s the time for trans- Many are firmly committed to the ‘whatever-it- parency and to be upfront on this evolving provide for the remaining timeframe of six tantly, enable all of our employees to resume takes’ approach to drag their markets away from pandemic will continue to be – the mechan- months at minimum until trading resumes working with us with minimal disruption to ics of billion-pound retail businesses.” situation. the verge of collapse. The industrialized world For my companies, right now our priori- and we are all back in business. their livelihoods. has announced stimulus packages of over $8 Nation-wide impact ties are the well-being of our 2500+ people 1.3. As such, we request the Government trillion to date– far more than South Asia’s com- In an internal survey I set up, that was car- – our greatest asset – many of whom are to join hands with us and make arrange- -Chamila Samarakkodi has been bined annual economic output of $3.5tr. Even if ried out among the members of the Sri Lan- the sole breadwinners of their family; and ments to provide some form of allowance for in fashion and apparel manufacturing these efforts do not make up the economic loss ka Apparel Exporters Association (SLAEA) to keep our business alive until BAU can be our employees during this period. industry for over 30 year. His firm Design and fail to lower the risk of a global recession, the representing the island’s premier apparel resumed. We provide extensive vocational 1.4. We require permission to initially Studio has plants in Anuradhapura and scale and structure of the rich world’s measures manufacturers and exporters, it was made training and upskilling, employee benefits work on a pro-rata basis for less than the full Kurunegala employing over 2500 rural demonstrate their wide-ranging choices. Some evident that there is already a struggle to ser- and other forms of social responsibility to work week, once we are back in business and employees exporting to UK high street re- are printing money to fund their relief efforts — vice salaries and other statutory payments our people, their families and the localities are still ramping up to full capacity. This is tailers including Primark, ASDA, Topshop, an unthinkable measure in normal circumstanc- over the next six months at minimum – or our factories operate in – including annual because securing adequate work from clients Sainsbury’s, ASOS, River Island, Oasis and es. South Asian countries, on the other hand, even longer, depending on how the current sponsorship of school stationary and other will take time. Urban Outfitters face the unenviable trade-off of saving lives or the livelihoods of their massive populations. Governments in the region, such as Pakistan, are %\0XKDPPDG6DDG.KDWWDN striving to reinforce their social safety nets and support businesses, but their fiscal resources are slim with fewer, and costly policy choices. And Kashmir, the unfinished agenda of partition then there are the unknown knowns. First, the world is bracing itself for a deep recession in the next few months, which will And why South Asian countries can’t afford to remain silent dampen prospects for South Asia’s garments Kashmir is one of the longest unresolved passed asking India and Pakistan to agree in the country targeting Muslims and bring- is not only illegal but unacceptable to the and textiles industry that employs tens of mil- disputes on the UN Charter in over seven and facilitate the execution of a plebiscite un- ing their anti-Muslim hate and violence to Kashmiri people and Pakistan. Furthermore, lions of semi- and unskilled workers. Second, the decades. Well before the independence of der UN as agreed to by both. India however, the streets of mainland India. The worst Kashmir undoubtedly is an unfinished agen- region relies heavily on workers’ remittances to the Sub Continent, the Pakistan Resolution thwarted all these efforts on one pretext or spate of violence in the capital New Delhi saw da of partition and any change in its territo- finance imports (India) and foreign debt repay- was passed on March 23, 1940 on the basis the other. During the last seven decades, the 52 Muslims killed and over 500 injured. rial status and its demographic manipulation ments (Pakistan and Bangladesh). On this front of ‘Two Nations Theory’ that is proving right two countries fought full-fledged wars, went The New Delhi riots were clearly a po- is in violation of the UNSC`s resolutions and too, low-skilled South Asians, mainly construc- as evidenced in today`s India. through numerous skirmishes and stand offs grom in which Muslims were singled out just the Indian Constitution. It is now evidently tion workers, drivers etc, are most vulnerable to As per the subsequent Partition Plan the mainly on this very issue. Till this day there as they had been brutally killed in Gujarat clear to every South Asian member country economic shocks in their host countries — take majority Muslims areas were to join Paki- is perpetual violation of the `Line of Control` in 2002 when Prime Minster Modi was the and its people why the region inhabited by the Arabian Gulf where commercial shutdowns, stan. On July 19, 1947, a convention of All by India killing innocent civilians on the Pa- Chief Minister of that state. Besides the kill- teeming millions below poverty line continue coupled with the recent oil price slump, may Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference, kistani side of the Line of Control (LOC) be- ings and injuries, women were raped, houses to languish in that state despite tremendous render several thousand workers jobless in the adopted the ‘Accession to Pakistan Resolu- sides provoking a conflict that can plunge the and properties along with inhabitants looted, human and natural resource potential? Why coming months. In short, a prolonged global tion' demanding accession of the Kashmir entire region into a nuclear showdown. gutted and burnt. Not even the places of wor- a regional organization like SAARC formed economic meltdown will compound the woes of state to Pakistan. The rules of Partition Plan The situation took an ugly turn when on ship were spared by the extremists of mobs with complete consensus has not taken off South Asian nations in multiple ways. Against dictated the `Princely States` could decide August 5, 2019, India unconstitutionally, il- duly assisted by the state police force (clearly true to its conception and strength? this backdrop, it is unfortunate to note the lack of either to join India or Pakistan. legally and unilaterally abrogated Article 370 seen on media) whereby scores of mosques Despite their sizes and potential and while economic and political integration in the region The Maharaja of Kashmir offered a `Stand and Article 35A of its Constitution through a were torched with those inside lynched by staying on a moral high ground, member owing to hawks inhabiting the power corridors of Still Agreement` to both India and Pakistan presidential decree and moved to bifurcate extremist Hindu mobs. While Kashmir issue countries of South Asia need to raise their the region’s two nuclear powers. An earlier effort at the time of partition, ensuring Kashmir Jammu and Kashmir into two ‘Union Terri- has gained at least substantial international voices to pressurize both India and Pakistan for a ‘joint regional response’ yielded the usual would have complete internal autonomy. tories.’ The curfew imposed thereafter (that verbal attention during past seven months, to address this long standing issue as per brawl between the two governments. It leaves Pakistan accepted the agreement while India has completed its 7th month) has converted India has consistently though unsuccessfully their earlier commitments to the UNSC and the region critically exposed to the dual challenge rejected it. So, it was not only the people of the entire Kashmir valley into an open prison tried to show normalcy in the Indian Occu- the Kashmiri people in the larger interest of of the pandemic and the subsequent crippling of Kashmir through Muslim Conference Reso- guarded by over 900,000 armed forces per- pied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJ&K) region. the region and its poverty stricken people. the economy. lution but the then Hindu ruler too had de- sonnel with instructions to kill anything that Guided tours are arranged for the repre- Simultaneously the international commu- The grim reality, as usual, is that those who cided to join Pakistan. Kashmir thence legally moves outside the four walls of every house. sentatives of diplomatic community driving nity and international organizations like UN, perpetuate disharmony and deprive the region of became part of Pakistan. On August 16, 1947 From 1989 to date, over 95,500 Kashmiris them through empty and well-guarded roads OIC, EU and UNHRC need to move beyond a joint response are least vulnerable to this crisis. the Pakistani flag was raised on all govern- have been martyred. Since July 2016, more and streets with no permission to interact verbal rhetoric and exercise meaningful pres- SAARC, the regional cooperation organization, is ment buildings and all government function- than 27,739 Kashmiris have been wounded. freely with local population. Repeated offers sure over all stake holders especially India to riddled with such divisions that it cannot engage ing was done in the name of Pakistan. On Oc- Over 10,298 young men and teenagers have by President Trump to mediate on the long- cease its perpetual lockdown of the valley, to effectively with multilateral organizations, such tober 27, 1947, India occupied a majority area received pellet gun injuries, blinding some standing issue, has been consistently rejected undo its illegal, immoral and unconstitution- as the IMF or EU to carve out a mitigation frame- of the state of Jammu and Kashmir through completely, during the recent spate of vio- by India through its malicious and run of the al moves of the recent past and act respon- work for the regional economy. While national illegal military intervention. The Kashmiri lence in the valley. The people have been cut mill arguments calling it a bilateral issue de- sibly true to its once cherished position of governments scramble to allay the adverse im- people revolted, and took up arms, duly sup- off from all forms of communication net- spite of the fact that it has been very recently world`s biggest democracy. Ignoring these pacts of the pandemic with their awfully limited ported by tribal people from North West works and with only rudimentary facilities brought on the UNSC table and discussed in warning signs and ground realities, the inter- resources, millions of South Asians will be forced Frontier Province of the new born Pakistan. available in the valley elderly men, women many western Parliaments, Congresses and nal implosion of India seems written on the into extreme poverty. It is agonizing to imagine When India was well on the way to los- and children are dying of food and medicine regional organizations like, EU and OIC. wall for which history and the proud people that the gains of poverty alleviation programs ing Kashmir to the local uprising supported shortages. As if this was not enough, the Pakistan holds a principled position on the of India will hold the current Modi led dis- of the past many years will be reversed in a few by Pakistani tribal fighters, it took the is- Modi led government took yet another desta- issue and believes that Kashmir is a disputed pensation accountable. weeks and the gulf of socioeconomic inequali- sue to the United Nations Security Council bilizing step when it introduced the discrimi- territory and that under the UNSC Resolu- - Muhammad Saad Khattak is the ties that has plagued the region since forever will (UNSC) and promised a plebiscite. Multiple natory Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) tions, its people shall be given the right to High Commissioner of Pakistan to widen further. UNSC resolutions (which are on record) were and National Register of Citizens (NRC) bills self-determination. Any unilateral action Sri Lanka -dawn.com 38%/,6+('%<(;35(661(:63$3(56 &(< 397/7'125$-$0$:$7+$(.$/$-$(/$